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MORRIS'S
MEMORTAI. HISTORY

STATEN ISLAND

NEW YORK

VOLUME I
IRA K. MORRIS ^

MEMORIAL PUBLISHING COMPANY

132 Nassau Street
NEW YORK

The WlNTIIlUIJ' PnEss

3i-34 LAfAYExrE Place
New VdtiK

TABLE OF C^ONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 ,.,,iK

Aquehonga Man-ack-xong. ........ 1

Staten Island Before Its Diseovery — Glaoial Period — Hunting fJrouiids of
Various Tribes of Indians — Key to the Western Continent — Toi>oj;rai>liy of tlie

Island — Grand Scenery — Length and Width of the Ishuid — The Narrows The

Kills — Springs, Koeks, etc. — The Climate — Indian Stone-head — Resources.

CHAPTER n

The Native Indians. . . . . . . . . .10

Origin of Various Tribes — Opinions of Karly Writers — Tlie Indian Languages —
Traditions — Accepted Theory — Savages Oceujiied the Island — Subject to Slohawks
— Tlie Karitans — The Brainards — Burial Places — Billopp Buryingtiround — -Vrticles
of Cultivation — Dress — Implements — Indian Year — \Vani]ium — Hurials — Last of
the Aquehongas.

CHAPTER HI
Discovery of the Island. . . . . . . . .20

Christopher Columbus — The Northmen — Geographical Boundaries — Sebastian
Cabot — First Expedition — Sir Thomas Pert — Jean de Verrazano — Hudson An-
chored Near Staten Island — His Return to Sea — Expedition Into the Kills — .At-
tacked by Indians — John Coleman — Half-Moon at Anchor in the Kills — First
Indian Shot — Hudson in the North River — Trading With Indians — Indian Attacks
— Dutch East India Company — Signal Stations.

CHAPTER IV
Settle.ment of Staten Island. ....... '25

Fur Ship Here, 1610 — Anchored in the Narrows — .\n Attempt to Laud Ilen-
drick Cortiansen — Successful Expedition — Other Enterprises — Grant Kxpired, 1617
— Trade of New Netherlands — Intentions of First Settlers — Province Organ-
ized — Peter Minuet — Walloons Arrive, 1624 — George Jansen de Rapel jc — Kapsie —
First Child Born — Indian Traffic — The Patroons — Michael Pauw — Extinguishing In-
dian Titles — David Pietersen de Vries — Block Fort — Huts — Wonter Van Twillcr —
Ship Eyckenboom — Cornells Melyn — Other Attempts at Settlement — Island Again
Piu'chased — Original Deed.

CHAPTER V
The Dutch at Ocde Dorp. ........ ;}2

First Settlement — Seven Holland Huts — Farming and Fur Tra<ling — The Dutch
Character — Siege of Harlem — Superb Soldiers— Conflict of Races — Director Van
Twiller's Maladministration — Stealing Hogs Leads to War — Indians Taxed — Kicft's
Distiller}' — Indians Given Rum — Murder Common — The Island Invadeil — Oudc
Dorp Destroyed — Roger Williams — Onde Dorp Kcbnilt and Destroyed— Race
War — Mohawks Lay Tribute — Indians Murdered — Indiiin Villages Burned— (Judo
Dorp Again Built and Destroyed — The Peach War.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER VI PAGE

The Waldenses at Stony Bkook. ...... 40

Block Fort — Better Understaiuliiig Between Natives — Stony Brook, 1058 — First
Connty iSeiit — Waldensian Chureli — Old Dwellings — Religion of the Waldenses —
Story of Their Persecution — Old Cemetery — Waldensian Indnstries — Peter Waldo
— Romanee Language — Ancient Description — Chief Lo-lia-taet-tali — Old Families —
Rose and Crown — First Marriage — First Natural Death — First Court House and
County Jail.

CHAPTER VII
Stoky of the Huguenots 46

Persecutions and Struggles — Moaning of the Term — Gaul — Clovis and Clotilda
— French Converted — The Reformation — Church Polity — The Bihle, 1224 —
Charles VIII — Burning the Martyrs — Duke of Orleans — Period of Terror — Gate
of Fonrgon — Hugh Capet — Exiled Settlers — JIassacre of St. Bartholomew — Paris
Ravished — Louis XIV — Edict of Nantes — Henry XIV — Religious Worship — Wal-
densian Church — Early Record — Old French Cliurch — Seaman Estate — Historic
Bridge — French Gravejard — Huguenot Sahbath.

CHAPTER VIII
Under Dutch Rule 54

New Netherlands — Dutch Aggressiveness — New Amsterdam — Trading Posts —
Discoveries — Ca]>taiu Ilendrickson — Five Nations — The Puritans — War — Dutch
West India Company — -Peter Minuet — Sehout Fiscal — Exports, 1(>2() — Killian Van
Rensselaer — Michael Pauw — Pavonia — Minuet Recalled — Dominie Evamdus Bo-
gardus — English Colonies — Restrictions Taken Otf — Dutch Owners Assaulted —
Emigrants from Lynn — Peter Stuyvesant — New Amsterdam Incorporated — Con-
spiracies — (irant to Duke of York — Arrival of Colonel Nichols.

CHAPTER IX
English Colonial Government 67

Nichols Governor of the Province — Indian Deeds — Johauuas de Decker — Eliza-
bethtown Settled — Colonel Francis Lovelace — The Surrender — New Orange, 1670
— New Patent — Governor Edmund Andros — Lt.-Ciovernor Brockholst — Governor
Thomas Dongan — Duke of York — Printing Press — Jesuit Priests — William of
Orange — Jacob Leister — Free (Joverument — French Annoyance — Governor In-
goldsliy — Suppressicm of Piracy — Colonel Schuyler — The Iroquois — (ieorge
Clintiui - (itn. Roliert Monckton.

CHAPTER X

Estahlishment of the Courts. .......

Original Dutch Settlers — Directors and Council — Sehout Fiscal's Powers —
Stalcu Island I'atroons — Court of Appeal — Religion a Law — Susjiicious Sects —
Persecutions — Political Divisiini — Ridings — Justices of the IVaee — Court of Ses-
sions — Court of Assize — Twelve Jurors — .Vrbitrary Laws — Finances — Animal Ear-
marks — Early Court Records — Intoxicating Liciuors — riohn Palmer — First Court —
Colonel Aug. (traham's Court — Crimes — Siuu>n Van Name — Documents — Connty
Justices — Execution — Martial Law.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XI PACE

Staten Island Separated from New Jersey 85

Divided by a Slight River — Our Indians Came from that State — Arctur KuU —
Commiinipaw — Staten Island Dutchmen — Primitive Haunts — Indiilenoe — Hav of
New York — Dutch Negroes — Astrologers — Idea of Holland — Ccmvivial Scenes —
Taxes — Three Elements — Plantations — Rn^itures — Militia- — Duke of York's De-
cision — Christopher Billopp's Services — Dutch Claims — Dongan's l'"riendship — The
Quakers — Border Troidjles — Sectional Hatred — Old Ferries — Hand of Progress.

CHAPTER XII
Staten Island in 1676 93

Labadists — The Hoofden — Exploring Staten Island- — "Size" of the Island — Sur-
roundings — A Prophecy — Game — One Hundred Families — \o Church — Watering
Place — Oude Dorp — Lost in the Woods — Cross W^oman — Nienwe Dorp — Kindly
Received — Bad Road — On the Plantations — Pierre (iardinier — Mill Creek.

CHAPTER XIII
The Story of the Dongans. . . ..... 09

Governor Thomas Dongan — First Assembly — Richmond County — Duke of York
King — Persecution of Huguenots — Runu)r of a Massacre — Mob — Militia — Fear on
Staten Island — Dongan's Ship — Old Mill — Palmer's Run — Manor of Cassiltowne —
Old Manor House — Manor Road — Old Mill — The Causeway — Dongan's Heir.s —
His Liberality — His Retirement — Death — Family Name — The Family To-day —
Destruction of the Manor Hou,se.

CHAPTER XIV
Richmond County. . . . . . • • • .11^5

Changes in Government — Two Hundred Families, 1683 — County Tax — Chief
Settlement— Court House and County Jail — The C<mrts— Traditions— Towns
Formed, 1688 — Three Precincts — People Unre.stful — Captain Jacob Milborni''s
Company — Riots — Arrests — Tax on " Negers " — Property Confiscated — A " Peti-
con" — Legal Business— Court House Abandoned, 1720— Old Red Jail, 1710—
British Troops at Richmond— County Documents— Church and Court House
Burned— Quarrels — Lotteries— Population — New Offices— Progress Since.

CHAPTER XV

Officlvl List of Office-holders. . • • • • . \-i

Members of Provincial Congress — Representatives in Congress— Presidcnl la 1
Electors — State Senators— JIend)ers of State Constitutional Conventions— Regents
of the Universitv — fudges of the County Court— District Attorneys— Surrogates

Under Colonial" Government— Surrogates Under Federal ({oveniment- Sel I

Commissioners— Sheriffs— Members of the Colonial Assembly— Members of A.s-
sembly Under State Government — Supervisors in tlic Early Colonial 'I'nncs— Su-
pervisors in the Several Towns in Richmond Comity Since the Beginning of the
Y'ear 1766 — County Treasurers.

COXTENTS.

CHAPTER XVI PAGE

The Billopps and Their Home 135

Barnard Billopp, of Coventry — A Race of Soldiers — Close to the Crown for Gen-
erations — Christopher the First on Stateu Island — Decided the Island's Location —
The Bentley— Billopp Honse— Grant ol" Land — Billopp's Marriage— His Commis-
sions — His Troubles — Lost at Sea — Eugenia — Thomas Farmer — Old Headstones —
Colonel Christopher Billopp — Jane Seaman — Judge Seaman — In the War of the
Revolution — Farewell to the Old Home — Manor of Bentley Sold — Life in Nova
Scotia.

CHAPTEK XVII

The Billopps and Theik Home (ConrhicJcd). .... 144

Once the Scene of Splendor — Old-time Hospitality — Distinguished (inests — The
Famotis Interview — Military Barrack — " Repentant Rebels " — Old Kitchen — Fire-
place — The Parlor — The Garret — Slave Quarters — Monument of History — All
Sacrificed for Royaltv — Colonel Billopp's Death — His Family — Tlie Last Visitor of
the Family— Coionei Simcoe's Letter— The Old Manor To-day — An Historical
Commission Endeavoring to Preserve It.

CHAPTER XVIII
The French and Indian War 15"2

Wars Following Closely — Staten Islanders Bearing a Part — (4()od Soldiers —
Sympathy for tlie Indians — Sufferings of the Colonies — Great Britain and France,
175G — Cause of the \\:u- — Colonel George Washington — General Braddock — The
People Aroused — Eurojjean Wars — General Andjcreromby — Britisli Army Rest
UponStaten Island — Sir .leffrey Amherst Knighted at Xew Dorp — Otway's Regu-
lars — Governor Monckton — Staten Island Farmers — The Fleet — Two Staten Island
Companies — War Funds — Thanksgiving.

CHAPTER XIX
Approaching the Revolution. ....... 100

Tlie Stamp Act — Sons of Liberty — New York Congress — Colonists Pledged —
Ccdlision and Bloodshed— Lexington — Tax on Tea — A Scene in the Lower Bay —
Congress in Philadelphia — Provincial Committee — Governor Tryon — Tlie American
Character — Spirit of Liberty — Formal Kicpiisition Upon the Colonics — The Tax
List — Tlie Crisis— Arrival ('>f Man-of-A\ar— Britisli Troops Land in Boston — The
People Preparing for War.

CHAPTER XX
Phepakin(; I'oR thk Struggle. ....... 172

Angry Debate in England — Excitement Here — Boston Massacre — People In-
sulted— Apjjcal to Have Troops Witliilrawn — The News on Staten Island — Excite-
ment in Richmond — Formal Meeting— Three Factions — Conflicts— (ieographical
I'ositiiin— Friend and Fot — Perilous Situation of Our Peopli — General (iage —
Eminent Men ^-Patrick Henry — Wert's Tribute— " Life. Liberty, and Fortune" —
Parliament Taking Action — The Provinces in Anns.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXI PAGE

Commencement of the Revolution. ...... 180

Lexington — .Active Preparations — Excitement by Loyalists — Adams and Han-
cock — People Flockinn- Together — Grenadiers Embaiked — The Provincials —
Battle of Concord — Wrongs of America — Practical Results — Army Organized —
The King's Troops — Bunker Hill — W arren Killed — Howe's Bold Attack — Ameri-
cans Retreat — Critical .Situation — (ieorge Washington Appointed (leneral — An
" Appeal to Heaven."

CHAPTER XXn
The Ckisi8 on Staten Island i;t-2

(treat Excitement — Arrival of the Mail Coach — I'hree Thousaud Residents —
Organization of Troops — Meeting at .Smoking Point — Dutch Descendents Wanted
Independence — Colonel Billopp's Lifluence — Staten Islanders Watched — Committee
of Observation — Intercourse Stopped — Provincial Delegates — Paul iMicheau —
Congress Censures Richmond County — Colonel Herd's Raid — Staten Islanders Ar-
rested — Billopp's Militia — Lord Stirling — Peter Poillon.

CHAPTER XXni
Hostilities on Staten Island. ....... 203

Dawn of a New Era — Declaration of Independence — A Nation ]5orn — Every
Man Friend or Foe — Sir William Howe's Army Lands on Staten Island — Head-
quarters at New Dorp — Lord Howe's Arrival — Awaiting General Clinton — Build-
ing of Redoubts — Fourth of .Inly, 177(5 — General Howe Read the Declaration in
the Rose and Crown — Council of War — Proclamation — The British Army — A
Great Fleet — Elizabethtown Aroused — Hessians and Waldeckers — Battle of Long
Island — The Highlanders — List of Troops.

CHAPTER XXIV

Hostilities on Staten Island {Continued). . • .210

Spirit of Gloom— Washington's Loss — Military Movenu-nts— Continentals Re-
treating — Hessians Taken Aw.ay — Aaron Burr's Plans— Kuyphausen's Exi)editions
— General Mercer's Raid — Tory Spies— Battles in Richmond Village— Retreat to
Blazing Star— Surprised at Green Ridge— Bedell Homestead— Anu-ricans Crossed
the Kills — Staten Islanders Rewarded — Howe Starts for I'hiladelphia— Fight on
Morning St.ar Road — A General Skirmish — Trenches at Prince's Bay— (ieneral
Campbell's March — Both Sides Active.

CHAPTER XXV

Hostilities on Staten Island (^Concluded). ....

Raids on Staten Island— Scenes at Holland's Hook— Dickenson's Brigade—Ships
of War- Orders to Farmers— Prisoners— Governor Livingston— Smuggling— Cole h
Ferry— Expedition to Great Kills— Royal Artillery— Hard Winter of 1778-7!)—
General Stirling's Raid— Decker's House Burned— Minister Caldwell— Springlndd
—Coldstream Guards— Church Burned- Mrs. Caldwell MurderccU-Bntish R.^treat
—Fight at Prince's Bay— Sir (iuy Carleton— General Bruce— W ar Ended.

228

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXVI page

SiMCOE AND THE QuEEN's RaNGERS. ...... 243

Notorious Organization — All Loyalists — Its Officers — Active Services — The
Disaffected — Marcliing to Billopp's Point — Raids — Simcoe Wounded — Taken to
Prison — Regiment at Richmond — Letter from ALijor Andr^ — Lord liawdon — Re-
douhts — The Gun-boat — The Flag-staff — Billopp's Men — Winter Campaign — British
Deserters.

CHAPTER XXVII
Simcoe and the Queen's Rangeks {C'onrhided). .... 253

Xo Deserters — Simooe's Orders — Plan to Cajiture Washington — Fight in Xew
Jersey — Lee's F^xeellent Troops — Small Force Left on the Island — Simcoe's Opinion
of Andr^ — American Raid — Lafayette's "Designs" — The Highlanders — Benedict
Arnold — Queen's Rangers at Yorktown — .Simcoe's .Subsequent Career — The Men
Went to Nova .Scotia.

CHAPTER XXVIII
Skinner's Brigade of American Loyalists. .... 261

General Howe Pleased — Great Expectations — General Cortland Skiuner — The
Krnzer [ Peltou ] House — The Six Battalions — General Skinner's Personal .Service
— Official List of Officers — " .Skinner's Greens " — In the South — Foraging — Many
Captured — Captain Cornelius Hatfield — The Tories — At Monmouth — '• Moodie,
the Terror" — In Many Battles— Fourth Battalion With Anudd — Roster, 178:{ —
Brigade Disbanded.

CHAPTER XXIX
The Jersey Prison Ship. ........ 271

Effect on Public Mind — Stories Not F^xaggerated — Howe's Order — Prisoners
Distributed from .Stateu Island — Sugar House Prison — The Jersey Off New Dorp
Lane — Contagion on Board — Over Ten Thousand Victims — Imi)risonment F^ipial to
Death — David Sproat — Dring's Descrijrtion — Hospital Ships — The F'irst Niglit —
Messes — Burying the Dead — Ship Rotted and Sank — Tammany's Appeal — Walla-
bout Committee — A Great Procession — No Moininieut Yet — Old Brooklynites —
Daughters of the American Revolution.

CHAPTER XXX
Margaret Moncrieffe on Staten Island 280

British Officers' F'amilies — Their Position among the Colonies — Margaret at
Fjlizabethtown — Related to Governor Liviugstiui — In Gem lal Putnam's Family —
Meets Major Burr — .Sent to Staten Island — Memoirs — Sir William Howe's (iiiest —
A Father's Cruelty — ^^lrried Captain Coghlin — Both Lead Sad Lives — Was Mar-
garet a Spy V — She Shone in European Society — Both Died in S(pialid Poverty.

[[CHAPTER XXXI
The New Doki- Duelling Ground. 287

Camp Hill — The Famous Hollow — A (Janibliug Hisort — Howe's Fruitless Exor-
tion.s — Officers Dismissed Sad Suicide — Whcie Many Officers iMuiglit -Y'oung
Hamilton — A Romantic Du(d — Unmarkeil Graves — Love Lane — New D<u]) Escapes
One Dishonor — William Culleu Bryant's Story — Coleman's Death — Duel an Affair
of Hoiu)r — The Scene To-day — A Revcry.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXXII ,.^e.K

Incidents of the Revolution. ... .... 293

All Old Patriot Murdered — Skirmishes — Lurking of .Sinu-oc's M.mi— Houses
Plundered — A Famous Tree Destroyed — Xathaniel Hritton— .Sad Plijiht of a Girl

— British Officer Whipped — Notorious Young Tory — The Ravine — Foot-iiath Xn

Avenger — Was Washijigton Ever on Staten Island"?— Concerned .\l)out the Place
— Governor Tryou's Letter — Koyal Proclamation — Cucklestown Inn — Major Andre's
Will — Captain James Stuart — Hatfield's Exploits — Bay Frozen Over.

CHAPTER XXXIII
Incidents of the Revolution {Concluded) 303

Visit from "Cowboys" — An Ambush — A Deserter — Flag of Truce Boat^ Hes-
sian Paymaster Robbed — Major William Crane — Xathaniel Rohbins — Abraham and
Peter Prall — Foiled Robbers — Old Mr. Housman—Officers Quartering— Punishing
a Soldier — Brave Boy — Captain ,Iolm Voke — A Tory Hanged — Money Found — Old
Moravian Church — Signal Tree — Old People Interviewed — Dutch Church — Judge
Mersereau — School House — Bull's Head Tavern.

CHAPTER XXXIV
The American Loyalists. ........ 318

Two Flags — Common Interests — A Matter of History — Staten Islanders Sul>-
jeets of Great Britain — Between Two Fires — A .Sudden Change — I^iheral Subscrip-
tion — Headquarters of Tories — The Hatfields — Entering British Service — Whigs
Xot Always Fair — Office-holders — Churches Recruiting .Stations — How the M.-usscs
Served — Testimony of Prominent Men — The Xumljcr Killed — How the Loyalists
Suffered — Twelve Thousand Emliarked — An Historic Controversy.

CHAPTER XXXV
The AiiERiCAN Loyalists {Continued) 331

Alston, David — Aiken, Moses — Ansley, Ozias — Armstrong, Richard — Barbaric,
John — Barnes, George — Barnes, .Joshua — Baiton, Thomas — Bayley, Richard —
Beardsley, Rev. .John — Be Bow, James — Bedell, Cornelius — Bedell, Freeman —
Bedell, .John — Billopp. Christopher — Blake, Isaac — Bleau, Waldron — Bodine, John
— Bounell, Isaac — Bonsell, Richard — Bowden, Thomas — Brcwerton, George — Bril-
tain, .Joseph — Brittain, Xathaniel — Burger, James L. — Child, Joseph — Cliipman,
Ward — C^hristopher, Richard — Clark, William— Cooke, Rev.Sainuel — Corson. Enoch
— Crocheron, Ann — Cortelyou, Aaron — Cunningham, James — Decker, Isaac —
Decker, Benjamin — De Lancey, Oliver — Dongan, Edward Vaughan — Dongan, Henry
—Drake, Jeremiah— Dunn, John— Du Pay, William— Earle, Dr. Cliarles— Fainiing,
Edward — Ford, Johii — Frost, John— Garrison, Harmon — Giiyon, Peter — Haggerty,
Patrick — Harris, Richard — Hatfield, Cornelius— Hatfield, John Smith.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXXVI page

The American Loyalists {Concluded). ...... 342

Haycdok, Morris — Hillyerd, Aslit-r — Housmau, (iarret — Hoiisman, George —
Housmaii, .rosepli — Insley, Christojiher — lusley, Ozias — Jarvis, William — Jones,
Aljraham — Latourette, Hiehartl — Lakeniaii, William — LawTence, Richard — Lisk,
John — Loiio-street, John — ]\IaeCoy, Kohert — Manee, Ahrahani — jManee, David —
Manee, William — Mi'(4ill, John — Monorieffe, James — Moore, David — Miindy, Na-
thaniel — Nicholson, Artiinr — Packard, Benjamin — Phair, William Parry — Poillon.
Oscar — Powell, Enoch — Purcell, John — Randall, Bornt (i. — Kohbins, John —
Ryers, Daniel (i. — Rycrson, Martin — Sayre, James — Seaman, Benjamin — Seamans,
Thomas — Seaton, \\'illiam — Skinner, Cortland — Skinner, Philij) Kearney — Simon-
son, John — Sjiragg, Thomas — VanBuskirk, Abraham — Van Pelt, Sarah — Wogliim,
Abraham — Wynant, Abraham.

CHAPTER XXXVn

Old Locations — Names and Nicknames 354

Topographical Appearance — Many Names Forgotten — Creeks — Old Maps — En-
virons of New York — Chronology — Redonbts — Rivers — Bay.s — Points — Coves —
Brooks — Necks — Islands — Vallevs — Lakes.

CHAPTER XXXVHI

Old Locations — Names and Nicknames {Co/Uimied). 372

Rifts or Reefs — Shoals — Flats — Bars — Hills — Knolls — Terraces — Heights —
Springs — Ponds — Islands — Swamps — Plains — Meadows — Fields.

CHAPTER XXXIX

Old Locations — Names and Nicknames (Concluded). . . . 391

Old Ferries — Landings — Roads — Lanes — Street.s — Avennes — Basins — Wells —
Flag Staff— The Telegraph— Elm Tree— The Shores— Manors— Dikes— Mines-
Clay Beds — Woods — Camps — Towns — Corners — Parks — Views — Groves —
Nooks, etc.

FULL-PAGE ILLUSTKATIOAS.
Ira K. Morris Froutis])i(H'e

FACK PAGE

Daniel D. Tompkins 9(i

Cornelins Vauderbilt 2()S

Erastus Brooks 8(14

ILLUSTRATIONS IN TEXT.

PACK

Heury Uudson 2

Tlie Half Moon leaving- Amsterdam (i

Indian Stone Head lit

The Half Moon II

King James 1 1 ^

First ^'iew of Xew Amsterdam -'-i

The Flag of Holland -'7

King Charles I •{-

Flag of the West India Company •!»;

Waldensian Chnrch 40

Peter Stuyvesant • • 44

King Charles II 48

Seal of New Amsterdam •'>-

King James II ■"> '

Seal of Ne\y Xetherland ••'

DeVries ''•'•

Original Crocheron Homestead *''••

Arms of DeVries ' -j

King William III '"

A Dntch Windmill ^l

(^ueeu Mary ''^•'

( )riginal Corson Homestead ^''

First County Court House "^

Queen Anne ' '

King ( reorge II ' -

Dongan House ""'

Richard Loyelace ' "_'

King ( xeorge III

1 1 <i

Lieut. -Colonel Christopher Billopp ' ' •'

LIST OF ILLUSTRATION'S.

PAGE

Interview iu Old Billopp House 124

Billopj) Family Burying Ground 1-8

Old Billopp House 132

Old Billopp House, as it a^jpeared in 1811 188

Boom in Old Billopp House Ill

Sir Edmund Audros 118

Seal of New Jersey 152

Gov. Thomas Dongan 156

The Dongan Arms 1<>0

Britton Homestead 104

Walter Dongan 168

1 )ongan Mansion 1T2

\'is('ount Cornbury l"*'

( )ld Ued Jail " 180

Third County Court House 184

House in Prohibition Park ... 188

Present County Court House 192

( leueral Thomas Gage 15^*"

Old Christopher Homestead 201

Lord Bellomont 204

General William Howe 207

(>ld ivose and ('rowu Farm House 212

Old Black Horse Tavern 216

< )riginal Sign of the Black Horse 220

Ijord Cornwallis 224

Old Bedell Homestead, erected about 1670 228

Lord Stirling 232

James Fenimore Cooper 236

Old Latourette Homestead, for a time Lieut. Col. Simcoe's Head-
quarters 241

Lieut. -Col. John (iraves Simcoe, of the Queen's Kangers 243

Major Andre -1 '

BciK'dict Arnold 251

( )l(l ( 'ucklestowne Inn, where ^Lijor Andn'- wrolc liis \\ill 2.55

British Bedoubt (Fort BichnKtud) 2.5<1

P>rigadier-Gen. Cortlandt Skinner 261

Old Kruzer Homestead, headipiai'ters of Gen. Siciiiner 2(;5

The Old Jer.sey Prison-Shi]) 260

iJliiuelander Sugar-House 273

Fountain Homestead, New Dor]) -> '

Perrine Homestead, Garretsons, erected 1668 281

Bull's Head Tavern, Headquarters of Tories 285

Tory Headquarters at Woodrow, during Bevolntioii 288

Old" Barton Homestead at New Dor]) 293

Sir ( ; uy Carlet on 295

The Factory Pond, >Vest New Brighton 300

Departure of British Trooi^s 303

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

I'ACK

( iiave of Jane. Wife of Christopher Billopp 807

( hiyou Homestead, New Dorp, erected Kill ;Ul2

( Ud ^'au Duzer Homestead, Tompkiusville oUi

( )ld Austin Mausion at Clifton 819

I3arne Tysen Homestead, Karles Xeclc, erected 1080 82:5

(_)ld Vanderbilt Homestead, Stapleton 827

Brittain Mill, Clove Lake, demolished several years since 381

Daniel Lake Homestead, New Dorp. IGOO 88.")

Old Blake Homestead, near New Springfield 88!)

Marine Hospital. Stapleton, formerly Seamen's lietreat 843

Fort Lafayette in 1861 347

Pavilion Hotel, as it appeared in 1830 8r)l

Pavilion Hotel, as it appears to-day 355

Belmont Hall, New Brighton, formerly Duffy's Military Academy 8.V.t

St. Mark's Hotel, New Brighton, recently demolished 8(18

Quarantine Hospital, Tompkinsville, destroyed by fire in 1858. . . 3()«

St. Andrew's Church. Richmond, originally erected in 1713 370

Fountain House. West New Brighton, originally erected 1750. . . 374

Old Place Mill, recently destroyed by fire 378

Vreeland Homestead. Biitcherville, erected in 1074 8S2

Daniel D. Tompkins ^^^

Fort Piichmond in Fort Wadsworth. on the Narrows 389

Old Moravian Church, and Parsonage, at New Dorp 307

The " Edwards " or " Scott " Homestead, West New Brighton. . . 402
Bodine's Inn. Castleton Corners, erected about 1785 40 <

PREFACE.

HE writing of history is ii sacred trust. Unless the worlc is
performed conscientiously and consistently, it is far better
that it be not done at all; for withoiit these essential prin-
ciples the mission of the historian fails.
Witli this aim constantly in mind. I have s])ent fully tifteen busy
years in collecting and compiling such material as I deemed neces-
sary to form a faithful history of Staten Island.

Others have explored this field before me. and I liave only credit
to bestow npon th<-ir efforts. To such faithful compilers of local
history as Mr. Kaymond Tysen, Kev. I. P. ^'au Pelt, D.D., Prof.
Charles Anthon, Mr. John J. Clute, Hon. Gabriel P. Disosway, ilr.
William '\\ Davis and .Mr. IMchard ^\. Bayles. the jjublic, as well as
myself, owes a debt of gratitude that cannot easily be paid. Each
has .served his day honestly and intelligently, and I have profited by
their labors, just as I may reasonably expect the hist(U'iau of the
future will jirotit by the lai>or winch I have given to this work.

When I recall some of the unnumbered obstacles, however, which
I have been compelled to encounter — such as the tedious searching
for lost or often mutilated documents; the supi'eme indifference of
some of the representatives of old families, who ap]>ear to possess
little or no pride in ancestry or place of birth; and the glittering
])romises of assistance so frequently uttered with insincerity — I feel
that there is no room for ajiologies on my ])ai't for any shoi'tcomings in
this \\(U-k.

'I'liere are those, 1 believe. \\lm will fully aiiprcciaie llie labor. p(>r-
scv(-rauce and |)ali('nce re(|uircd to write a work of this class, though
it uiay be that they are comparatively few. But it is to the reading,
lliiiiking ]Mihlic that these volumes go out. as a <-andidate for faxoi-.
ili( \\rii( r askiug that they be received aud considered upon their

merits :!lone.

1 desire to acknowledge my indebtedness to .Mr. William T. Davis,
of New Prightou. t(»s])ecially for his liberality in the chajtters l)(>aring
uiion I he "Old Locations"); the late Dr. Epiiraim Clark, of New

PREFACE.

Dorp; Captain Richard Christopher, of West New Brighton; Adju-
tant-General William S. Stryker, of New Jersey; Hon. Joseph 1\ W-.n-
nard. of Ponghkeepsie; County Clerk .John H. Elsworth, of Kiohnioud;
Mr. M. J. Collins, Deputy City Clerk. Eichmond Hovou.uli; Mv. Jonas
Howe, Secretary of the New Brunswick (Canada) Historical Society;
Mr. Robert H. Kilby, of the New York Historical Society; (icucinl .1.
Madison Drake, of Elizabeth, N. J.; ex-Sheriff John L. 1 )aih'\ . of Kidi-
mond, and a great number of other kind friends, wliosc iiaincs I ,iin
compelled to omit at this time.

I am also indebted to the following works, the jcigcs of which I
have frequently perused in order to secure material for my own : IJny-
mond Tysen's Historical Sketches of Staten Island. Kcv. Dr. 1. P. \';m
Pelt's History of Staten Island. Clute's Annals of Staten Island. IMcs-
ton's History of Richmond County, (Richard M. Bayles, editor); lion,
(iabricl P. Disosway's Historical Writings. l''orc<''s Aniciiciiii
Archives, Hatfield's History of Elizabeth, Simcoe's Military J(Miiii:il.
Lossing's Field-Book of the Revolution, Sir Henry Clinton's Narra-
tive, Barber iS; Howe's New Jersey Historical Collections, IJivington's
Gazette, Sabine's American l>oyalists. Sir ^Villialil Howe's Xai-ra-
tive, Moore's Diary of the American Revolution. Dawson's Ilisioi-ica!
ilagazine. Whitehead's History of Perth Amboy, 3Iinutes of I he I'ro-
vincial Congress, Sjiarks's Life of Washington, Green's Life of Ceii-
eral Greene. Pennsylvania Archives, Tarleton's Soiiihein Cam])aigiis,
Albany Records, Broadhead's History of New '^dik. New N'oik (Ohni-
ial Documents, Memorial History of New York, l-ossing's Eiiii)ire
State, Bancroft's History of the United States. Collins' I'ecrage,
Thompson's History of Long Island, Smith's History of New .Jersey.
East Jersey Records, New Haven Colonial Records, Boiion's llisiinv
of Westchester, Journal ol' ("ongress, the jniltlic r<M-or<ls <<( L'ji'IiiiioihI
County, and many other sources.

Many an old garret and secluded nook, too, where had iieen cul
lected the papers, letters, books and documents of succM-edlnu gener.i-
tions of Staten Islaiiders, have become rainili;ir hniiiils to ilie wi-Iiit.
for among the dust-covered timbers, long woin-oiii liii iiiime :incl odd
collection of ancient bric-a-brac, which in some instances had lieen
left an ordinary life-time in the undisturbed jKissession of spider iind
wasp. — in these odd haunts 1 have picked u|i nmiiy a hisioric;il link
in the inevitable chain of circumstances, Ih.-il ha\c' ni;Mle ii possilile
for me to tell the story of the fading past.

Numbered, too, among tlie pleasant i-ecollectiiuis of the.se busy

PREFACE.

years, will be the interviews with old citizens whom I have met nnder
the most varied circumstances; who have welcomed me with charac-
teristic hospitality into their homes, or seated themselves beside me
on the ferryboats, along the road-side hedges, in the fields and shops,
or wherever, perchance, it was my good fortune to meet them. Some
have passed on to their etcn-nal slumber; and while their eyes will
never rest upon these pages, their stories of the past will live on for
future generations.

Others, still living, have in every conceivable manner aided in luak-
iug tlie work a success. Aside from giving useful information they
have cheerfully rendered that material support without which my
labors would have been in vain. Rut to one and all, on belialf of tlic
Publishers, as well as myself, our imstinted thanks are given.

I. K. M.

West New Brighton, S. I.,
June 15th, 1898.

CHAPTER I.

AQUEHONGA MAN-ACK-NONG.

HE readers of Stateii Island history can jjo back but three
centuries fur authentic iufurniatiun relative to this particu-
lar part of the New World. Beyond that period there is
no record, save that which has come down to us lln'ouiih
the dim vista of time in uncertain legend and tradition.

But it requires no particular effort of the mind to ] picture ihese
scenes even at that remote period. We can easily contemplate the
rude -wilderness that here existed before the vanguard of civilization
made its advent — a period which, according to our knowledge, was
tinmarked by human progress, was uneventful by histoiir ciicmIis, and
was unhonored by acts that elevate, purify and eniiohic the cliildrcn
of God.

We can believe that 8taten Island was ever beautiful, and i iiai t lie
same Supreme Power which so graciously guides us and jiroiecis our
homes to-day, also watched over with intinite mercy the rude beings
that roamed through these primeval forests, amid tlie countless cen-
turies that came in their appointed turn, and faded away into the
dark mysteries of the past. We can believe that the magniticeiit hills
and valleys, and plains and brooklets, that have become a sunrce of

nnending pride to ns in our day and generation, must have I n

equally as beautiful to the eye and as dear to the heart nf i he savage,
untutored native, in those far-aAvay, pre-historic days. W <• <aii ln--
lieve that the tiowers that budded and bloomed, and shed ih<ir wild
fragrance along tlie narrow tiails that wound their way over moun-
tain and valley, were appreciated and loved none the less because sav-
age eyes beheld them, and savage hands ])lucked tliciii fniiii their rest-
ing places on twig, and bougli, and vine.

We can believe that the birds came here in springtime, and iiiiill
their little home-nests among the giant trees and in Die ciitaiigjed
thickets and hedges, and that with the sunrise they made the welkin
ring with their melodious praises to the king of day. We < an li.'lii've
that the sun shone as brightly then, over this rude home of tin- savage,
as it does over ours to-day; that the moon shed its silvery sheen as
grandly then as now, and that the stai-s looked down upon the scene
from the blue dome of heaven, with that same suiierl) beauty wliirh at
this time attracts our attention, and rivets to them our nnh ded

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

admiration. We can believe, too, that the seasons came at the com-
mand of the Great Architect of the universe, just as they do to-day;
that spring, and summer, and autumn, and winter, brought in their
appointed lurn all that Avas necessary for the preservation, the happi-
ness, and the existence of all that God had made and loved.

The formation of the Island, or its separation from the main laud, is
said to have occurred during the Glacial period, and scientists claim
to have positive proof of this theory. To accept this as a full settle-
ment of the question will be a much
easier method of decision than to attempt
to furnish proof to the contrary. TN'e
know, however, that it " belonged to the
main land " — that is, that it was consid-
ered a part of what we now call New
Jersey. Its geographical position ren-
ders this point absolute. And beyond
this we know that its mountains, valleys
and plains were all here in the fax*, pre-
historic days, " grand in their wildness,
and Avild in their grandeur." For how
many centuries it had been the home of
tlie aborigines, is a question far beyond
the comprehension of writers of even this
enlightened day. It may never be
known.
Events of a later date prove beyond question that the Island had
long been the natural haunt of beasts of prey and reptiles, and that
portions of it were regarded with considerable dread and fear by those
who occupied it either as an abiding place, or for hunting purposes.
Hence the first name we are able to discover that it bore — " The Place
of the Bad Woods." ^ These wild woodlands contained giant trees
that had withstood the storms of centuries, and served a purpose
known to-day by Him only who made them and gave them life. The
creeks and brooklets, too, served their mission by refreshing the rude
inhabitants, the animals, and the birds and llowers, and giving moist-
ure to the earth for Nature's own.

If it be remarkable that the Western Continent should have re-
mained uidvuown for so many centuries to civilized man, it is, per-
haps, slill more remarkable that since its discovery and settlement it
should have become the theatre of so many signal transactions, and
have advanced so ra]>idly to its present civil, religious and political

HKXKY iiri

1 .\t the- lime c,f Uir (ILsooviTV nf llic Ishni.l
by Ilonry Hudson, it w.TS oallod by tbi'
;\brirls;iiios " Aquohoug.i Man-acl;-noiig," ^vbic•b
Bclmob'iaft Interprets, " as far as the pbico of
bad woods." In some of tbe oUl documonts,
however, it is ealied " Kgliqualions," wliicli is

n\-> lull r|M<'li d "llie piaic of bad woods."
Ttiidson oailcd it " Staaten Eylandt." as a me-
nioriai to llie Slates Oonoral of Holland, under
whose flaf? lie was saillnjx. Us present form Is
an ICiijrlisli rendering of the name given by
the Duleh.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 3

impurtaucL'. The bisturv of L-vci-y purtiou of it is iiiiciL'siim; juid in-
structive; btit mure especiallv that portion oecuipied \>\ the pt.n[ilc of
tlie United States.

A great worlc is in progress tlirougliout tlie entire rnntineni; but
tlie importance of tlie American liepublic, with wliicli mir fortunes
are mure immediately connected, is becoming apparciu wiiii each
revulving year. If from her present popukitiou, wliicii. tliuiigii in-
creasing by a wonderful progression, is still, in point of numbers, in-
ferior to many other nations; yet from her wealth, her enterprise, her
commercial and political relations, she is entitled to rank among the
miost powerful and intluential nations of the globe. The eyes of the
civilized world are upon her; and with wonder, if not witii jeah)usy, do
they mark her rapid and surprising advancement.

And still, this Island — this once rude, uncultivated A(|uciii>nga
Man-ack-nong — is a part of the ke^- that materially aided i<i unlock
this treasure-hotise of the globe; has helped to open for i liis gicai con-
tinent everything that centres in the social, financial and commercial
interests of our i^eoi^le. From the earliest hotir of civilization in tliese
jjarts, the millions uf peux)le who have come here from all over the
world, have beheld with admiration and pleasure the magnilicont
scenery presented along these plains and hilltops. What inspiration
they have given to the tired traveler, after a lung, leni[)estuuus voy-
age across the ocean; what noble thoughts they have awakened in i In-
breasts of the victims of tyranny and oppression, at first bchulding
a land of freedom and prosperity, can be realized only by l hose who
have experienced such sacred emotions.

It is clearly evident that the Great Architect, in Ilis wonderful
providence, ordained for i^taten Island a career of usefulness. Fa-
vored by location, as a part of the metropolis of the New AVorld; beau-
tified with lavish hand, its mountains, and dales, and brooks form an
Eden equally as fair and enticing as that of holy writ. Its story. (u«>,
filled with events that have helped to form the character and niunld
our great nation, is full of interest and importance to those wlio arr
here to-day, as well as those who shall come to these scenes in ilie
veiled hereafter.

The topography of the Island, in the nurlliern part, is liilly and
stony, while in the southern part it is flat and sandy. In detail, how-
ever, the surface is more diversified. The beauty of its landscapes
is justly claimed for it, for they present inany mutations in character,
"through high, boldly ])recipitous Middletuwn. divci'silicd CasHetoii.
gently undulating Westfield, rolling Northfield. and Inw. flat and
marsiiy S^outhfield." There are two prominent ranges of hills wliich
extend partially across the Island, but in different directions, one
being near the eastern shore and touching it at botli ends. This ex-
tends from the village of New Brighton, on the northeastern extrem-
ity, with an elevation of three hundred and ten feet, and swee[iing

4 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

inlaud behind T()iiii)kiu!sville aud Htaplctou, appears again uiwn the
.shore at the Narrows, with sueh precipitous form as to suggest the
name of Clifton.

The second may be described as commencing to the south aud in the
rear of West New Brighton, extending soutlnvard, rising gradually as
it advances, till it almost reaches Zs'ew Dorp, when it swervei> away
to the -westward and settles down again on the shores of the Fresh
Kill. This range reaches its greatest height in Todt Hill, which has
an elevation of three hundred and seventy feet above tide. Htill far-
ther west, it makes a prominent elevation in Richmond Hill. At La-
tourette's, (a part of the latter hill but still farther), it overlooks the
village of Kichmond, and the scenery, stretching away (jver a great
expanse of green, wooded, rolling country, is grandly superb.

This hilly region may be described as covering the northeast quar-
ter of the Island, and to the southeast of it is a level, and probably
alluvial, tract of country, composed of upland and salt meadow, ex-
tending down to the ocean, where it is designated as the soutli shore.
Off to the northwest of this hill country the surface is unduhiting, aud
gradually declines to level upland and salt meadows. Many of the old
farms of the Island have several acres of this meadow land connected
with them, from which large (]uantities of grass are annually taken.

The Island is upon the Bay of Is'ew York, aud in close proximity to
the shore of New Jersey. It is se])arated from the latter by Newark
Bay and the Kill van KuU on tlie north, and on the west by the t^taten
Island Hound. Un the south side are Baritan Bay, Prince's Bay aud
the Atlantic ocean; while on the east are the Narrows, which separate
it from Long Island. It lies centrally in latitude 40° 34', and longi-
tude '2° 52' east from Washington, or 74° 8' west from Greenwich.
The center of the Island, l/'.r., a point near Bichmond), is eleven miles
southwest of the Battei-y in N(M\' York City. It is also one hundred
and forty-three miles soulli nf tlie Stale capital at Albany, and one
linndred and ninety miles from W'asjiington.

'i'lie sliape of tlie Island is about that of an irregular triangle; the
longest line tliat lan be drawn through it from the extreme north-
eastern end, at St. (Jeorge, to the extreme southwestern ]ioint. below
Totlemille. is a few feet more than thirteen and a-lialf miles; while
the longest line that can be drawn across it, from the shore of the
sound near r.uckwlieat Island to the shore at the light-house near the
Narrows, is two hundred feet ovcv sexcii and threefourllis miles. It
contains about se\<'nty-se\cn s(|iiai-e miles, or 4I»,l!S() acres.

Till' inipoi-l,-iiice of ilie siirroMiiding waters'- can not be over-esti-

2 JaiiU'S Fonlnun'i' (^oopoi* lot-ates a scene in of the Ilmlsnn. (lie llaelvensaek, the Tassaic.
his "Water Witeh " on Stiiten Island, and the Uarilan. and a multitude of smaller
saya this of the snrroiindint; waters: " The streams; all of which pour their tribute into

fine estuary whi<-h jiiMietrates the American the iii-ean within the space named. The Island

const lietwiM 11 (he fortieth mid forly-tlrst dc- of Nassau [Lonjr Island] and Siatcn Island are

groes of iMliiudc Is r..iiiiod by ihc coiitliicnci' happily placed to exclude the tempests of the

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND. 5

mated. The cliauuel kuowu as the Narrows is tlu- j;reat "gateway
tbrougli which is constantly passing the commerce of our own nation
and that of all other nations of the globe. The waters rimiiiiig along
the north and \\est shores,-' which separate the Island from the main
land, are a great highway for all the local commerce of the several
jiorts and sti-eams in that direction, as well as tiie inter-state com-
merce passing sontli and west through the Delaware iind Karitan
canal, which connects the Karitan river at New Brunswick wiili the
Delaware river at Bordentown. about seven miles b(dow Trenton.
This canal is one of the principal links in the chain of infernal naviga-
tion of the Atlantic seaboard, and has a tonnage amount iiig in aliniii
two millions aninially passing through it. while tin- luiiuagc of tlie
kills exceeds that of tlie >^uez canal.

At various periods in the history of the Island 1 in- names of iiii]inr-
tant localities have undergone material (dianges — a subject which
will be given thorough attention in a subse(|uent chapter. During the
jiast half century or so, however, the shores have been thus designated
with r(^s]iect to the com]>ass: Tlie region from I'ort \\'a<lswortli to
Billopp's point is called the South Shore; friuii the latter i)oint to the
junction of the sound with the kills is known as the West Si.lc; fi-oiii
the latter ])oint (to which the name TTolland's Hook has been applied,
and Dellart's point on the knoll of upland which overlooks it), to
where the Kills meet the waters of Xew York l)ay. is callcil i lie Ninih
Shore; and thence to Fort Wadsworth is the P^ast Shore.

The Island is watered with an abundance of springs of excel lent
quality, some of them being fed by veins leading all I he way from i he
<'atskill and Orange mountains, and which will be treated more fully
in a subsecpient chapter. On this subject, however, the following
extract from the report of investigations nia<le in ISTH. by .Mr. Chir-
ence Delafield. C.E., in regard to the available sources of water siipjily
for the Xortli Shore, is of interest:

" West of Port Bichmond and (Iraniteville lies sandy surface soil;
under this is an impervious clay of considerable dei)th. under which
again is a stratum of gravel that extends westward under the sound
into New Jersey for a long distance. This gravel is the storage reser-
voir for the drainage of an immense district. Siirings break out at er

open sea. wliilf tlif ilfpp and broad arms of tUe b.v tlio Dut.-li, meant tlio " Hack hny." Tlic

latter offer everv desirable faeiliry for foreign narrow bod.v of water known as Slateii IH-

trade and internal intereourse." land Sound, to whl<d. the nam.' Arlli.ir K II

3 The water now l;nown as the kills was first Is also attached, was perhaps renanliMl ns only

called br the Dntel, •• Het Kill van Cul," mean- a part of the " back bay." and w. Hie name

Ing thi- EiU of the Cul. The Dutch word of the larger l)ody. sllchtiy corniple.l w.i«

••Kill" meant a .stream or creek, while the appropriated to the smaller arm. A reef In the

word "Cul," perhaps borrowed from the bay at the mouth of the Kill van Kul was

French, meant a bar. Hence Kill van Kull once frequented by seals, to which the l).i cli

was •• the stream of the bay," the appropriate- gave the name Uobyn; hence the name uo-

ness of which name is .seen in the fact that it byiis Kift." which has by .arele.ss iisatfe l.e-

connects the two bays of New York and New- come " Kohhhw R»l."-Prc„lo« * IIMoru of

ark. •• Achter Cul." as Newark bay was called Richmond Counly.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

near tide water in large numbers in Mariners' Harbor. At Singer's
factory in Elizabetliport, the well that fvirnishes tlie factory is sunk
througli Ihis clav stratum to the gravel, and furnislies a large volume
of water. I feel confident that an ample supply can be found in this
region for ])uni])ing.

" The geological formation is peculiar. From the Palisades on the
Hudson Kiver, the traj) rock is seen running in a southwesterly direc-
tion, generally depressed as it passes under Bergen hill, thence pass-
ing undi'i- I'.crgcn Point and tlic Kill van Kull, emerging at the water
side of .Tcwctfs residence. Poil Kichmond, passing thence to the quar-

i-ies at Grnuiteville, and from there
dipping under the I'resh Kill, is lost
sight tif until discovered on the Eari-
tan river, between Perth Amlioy and
New Brunswick. AVest of this line lies
tiie white and bhu' clays of various
deptlis. forming impervious sti-ata.
covering tlie water bearing gravel.*

" East of the line of trap described
is another step of the same rock, no-
ticed at Bergen Point, at Guuther's
residence; but only found on the Is-
land, in digging wells just east of the
Pond road.

" Between the Pond and 31 ill roads
tiiere is a depression of the rock, and
wells forty feet in depth pass through
a stratum of water-proof clay into a
stratum of gravel, the reservoir of
drainage of the surface above of limited area, the water rising and
falling with the rains, and often chalybeate in taste from the deposits
of hematite iron in the hills above.

" East of this line and at many points the serpentine rock comes to
the surface, and on Todt Hill rises to an altitude of about three hun-

THE HALF-MOOX LEAVING AMSTERDAM.

4 Deposits of raatori.Tl brought from tlio
north by the ice of the ghicial epoch, are
found distributed over the greater part of
the Islaud from the Narrows to Tottenville,
and Is disiinctl.v niarl;od by a continuous line
of liills. Tliese hilis mark tlie farthest south-
i'ru extension of tlie iep-.sheet, and the line
along which the glacier deposited much of its
burden of bowlders, iiehbles. sand and clay,
which it had lorn fr<un the rocks in its south-
ward .iourney. In many places those hills
have the peculiar form wliieh the.v assume
on Long Island and in the Eastern States.
The moraine has been partiall.v removed by
the wash of the waves from Prince's Bay
northward to near the Great Kills, leaving a
blulT of variable height. The glacier moved

across tlio Island in a south southwesterly
direction. This is proved by the markings on
the trap-rock near Port Kichmond, which have
about that bearing. The surface of this rock
is also smoothed like porlions of the Pali-
sades and Newark mountains. There are no
such markings on the serpentine rocks, be-
cause they are too soft to retain them. The
ice extended over their whole area, however,
Willi the exception of a small area on Todt
Hill, wliich is east of the nioraiue. North
and west of the nioraiual hills the drift is not
so abundant, and rarely forms hills of any
considerable size, lint bowlders are to be
found over all this area, except when it is
covered b.v newer formations and the soil is
often very clayey.— Dc. r\'. /,. Britloii.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 7

dred aud seventy I'ect above tide-water. Below the sei-]>eii line rock
should occur the carboniferous strata aud old red sandstone, also the
Silui-ian rock overlaying the gneiss and granite. I believe that llie
serpentine rock rests upon the gneiss rock, the usual iutei-iiiediate
rock being absent, and the reason for this belief is that t lie gneiss rock
of New York City is observed dipping under the bay, rising to lunu
Kobin's Keef, and extending west to the beacon opposite New IJrigh-
tou, possibly passing under iStaten Island at the same rale of dip.

" As the result of observation of American and ICuropean engineers,
the niagnesian limestones are prolitic water bearing rocks, and the
primitive gneiss liable to fissures and stratitication leading from
great distances and bearing water of great purity. The granite from
its freedom from fissures or strata, and irregular contour may lorm
good basins, l)ut rarely carries water far. (ieology is by no nic;iiis
an exact science, as lar as det<'rmining without experinieniai exami-
nation the probable strata or tlieir Avater bearing conditions; but the
above mentioned conditions are an assistance in an inlelligcni con-
sideration of the subject now under investigation.

'* I find by observation that there is a series of admirable springs.
commencing at the famous Hessian springs, near Lalayeiic and
Brighton avenues, below Silver Lake; also, the llemeni boiling
springs, then various lesser springs to the large s])rings at I'oiir Cor-
ners, and so on to the Willow brook and down to Springvillc. 1 have
estimated, and find the amount of water discharged is vast ly in excess
of any surface drainage on the higher grounds of the island adjacent,
and am thus led to the belief that these springs arise from i lie ruck be-
low, and have their source on hills far distant."

The climate of the Island is noted for sudden and rivipn'iii changes
of temperature. It is generally milder, however, than iliai of oilier
localities in the same latitude farther away from th(> seashor<'. 1 Mir-
ing the year the mercury varies betAveeu ninety degrees and zero, sel-
dom passing either of these extremes. In winter, the prevailing w in<ls
are from the northwest, and in summer the south shore receives a
breeze from the ocean almost daily, and sotithwest winds ])revail
throughout. The Island is surrounded by salt water, and is mit nrally
subject to fogs, which seldom penetrate far into the interior. They
are prevalent toward spring, and continue to occur at times until
June or July, and occasionally at oilier seasons. SnmiiK'r I lnind-r
showers suddenly arise in the north, and heavy gusts of wind waft
them over the Island, sometimes accompanied by a fall of liailstoiies.

Staten Island has always been celebrated lor ilic s:iliilnii\ of its
climate, and has been classed by the State lioard of llenlth. as - the
healthiest county in the State." A wriler on this subject, as far back
as 17SS. said: "The healthy ami (dear westerly breezes on ilie one
side, and the thick southerly atmosphere, obstructeil by a ridge of
hills on the other side, make it so healtliv that it must iii.lii<-e gentle-

8 . HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

men of fortuue to i)urchase wlio wish to leugtlieu out their days and
enjoy all the temporal happiness this life can afford."

There are still many traces of savage occupants of the Island.
These are quite common along the shores from Prince's Bay around
Totteuville to Watchogue. In various places shell heaps are found
indicating that the worJc of wampum manufacture and the pre[)ara-
tiou of clams and oysters for food had been carried on thei'e. Totten-
\ille, Watchogue and the farm lands east of New Sitringvillc have
jjroved very fruitful in gathering relics of pre-historic days. Indian
net-sinkers, hammer-stones, axes, ai-row-lieads, mortars, pestles,
beads, anvils, etc.. liave been found in shell lieaps and scattered
abroad.

Evidences of tire-places have been noticed in several of the shell
mounds, s])eciments of cracked and ])artly >ised stone having been
found. In some of the stones the surface was entirely fused into
a glass-like slag. (Mie of the most sti-iking curiosities of this iire-his-
toric age, is a stone head, found near Clifton in 188-1. Its simple story
is as follows:

" It was unearllied by ^Ir. .Tames Clark, in the latter jtart of Febru-
ary, while digging up the loot of a bhu' huckleberry bush, whicdi he
intended to use in the manufacture of I'ustic basket-woi-k. It lay
about eighteen inclies under tlie soil at a ])oint two or three hundi'ed
feet east of the railroad track, and near the Fingerboard road, at the
edge of a low, dense s\\am]). In digging with a ]iiclc, that instrument
struck tlie stoiu' and tnrned it up. The material is a brown sandstone,
ap]iarently more coniiiact than the coinuum New Jersey sandstone,
ami cnniiiKsed almost entirely of grains of (puirtz \\ith an occasional
small pebble.

" The head is seven inches high, four inches through the cheeks and
six inches from the tip of the nose through to Hie back of the head,
and its weight is abotit eight pounds. The nostrils are one and seven-
eighths inches across tlu^ir base, and the eyes are one ami a (pnu'ter
inches long an<l tive-eightlis wide. They are raised in the centres and
have a grooNc running around close to the lids. A round hole one-
fifth inch dee]) had been drilled in the lower ])art of the nose, in the
s]iace between tlie two nostrils, evidently for the pui'ixise of fastening
an ornament, and both nostrils were hollowed out to some depth. The
cheeks, in their lower ]iart, are suidcen in a very cnrious manner,
causing I he cheek bones to stand uii very high.

''The I'oi-eliead is low and reli-e.-its at an .-mgle of sixty degrees. .V
ti'ace of what had been or was to be the eai- was noticeable on the
right side. The back and u]ii)er jiarls of the head are almost I'litirely
rongliand nn worked, as thottgli I he image had never been linislied or
else was oidy a jiart of some larger ligure. The sniface is roiighly or
slightly weatlu'red. the cheeks, forehead and chin having single grains
of sand apparently iaise<l above the surface as if by age and exposure.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 9

" The features are too well cut for a comiiiou oll-haud pieci' of work
by a stone worker. The style is not Egyptian nor Eastern, so it does
not appear that it could have been thrown out here by any sailor or
other i>erson who had ever brought it from across the ocean. It is
said to bear some resemblance to the Mexican, and still more to the
Aztec style of work. The spot where it was found is and has been
within the memory of man an unfreqiieuted wild, remoie fnmi any
habitation, and the soil in which it lay is a compact sandy clay of light
brown color, in which a stone like tliis niiglit lie hiiiitd tin- ((iii iniis
without much disintegration."

Nature has always dealt most liberally with this bcauliful island —
whether in the remote days of Aquehonga-^Ian-ack iinng m- «>t' modern
Staten Island. From its hills unnumbered ions of iidii (nc liave
been exhumed; from its quarries the finest granite has been iiii ; I'lnm
among its pits the most useful species of clay, sand and kaulin lia\c
been gathered; while over thirteen hundred specimens »\' lldwciing
plants with ferns and their allies have here been gathered by hiral
botanists. The State of New York having prod n ceil eighleen humlred
specimens, this proves that Staten Island has (Minli-ibnled I'nlly iwn-
thirds of that number. Indeed about fifty of the sjiecies were not
known in the State until discovered and reported from Staten Island.
Many notable forest trees also add a charm to the ])lace, and the va-
riety has been a source of pride to the busy natui-alists who have
spent unnumbered hours in seeking them out. IJirds. too, all the sjie-
cies that inliabit this particular clime, abound on Sl;i1en ishind.

CHAPTER II.

THE NATIA'E INDIANS.

TIIO various theories advaueed in relation to tlie origiu of the
Jndian tribes existiuj^- at tlie time of the discovery of this
(•(iiintry, will always contiune to be of the deepest interest
to Americans. These theories have been various, indeed,
according' to the whims or predilections of the authors. Some have
seen in them an original species of the human race, unconnected with
any of the nations or tribes of the Old World. Others have fancied
their resemblance to this or the other people, ancient or modern, of

the eastern continent — as Hebrews, Trojans.
Tartars, and the like.

\'oltaire, and other skeptical writers, have
accounted for their origiu, according to the
tirst-named theory. They have considered the
Indian placed in America by the hand of the
Creator, or by nature — just as the buffalo, or
the tortoise, or any other aninml was placed
here — or just as trees and other products of
vegetation, that are indigenous to the soil.
Thus they make no account of the apparent
scrijjtural doctrine of the unity of the human
race — the common descent from Adam.

The identity of the Indian with the Hebrew
iNi.iAN STONE HEAi., FouNi.,,^. ^j^, Israelite has been conjectured bv manv.

NKAK GRASMKRE STATION. ' ^, ' « j.,"

llev. Thomas Thorowgood. an author of the
seventeenth century, held that opinion, and endeavored to prove that
the Indians were the Jews, avIuj had been lost in the world for the
space of near two thousand years. ^Vdair, wlio claims to have re-
sided forty years among the southern Indians, wrote considerable
rehilive to Ihi'ir origin, and endeavored to ](n)\e their identity with
the Jews, liy sliowing the simiiarily of (hcii- customs, usages, and lan-
guage to lliosc of llic lalter. The aullioi' of I lie Star in tlie West. Dr.
r.oiidinol, has followed the same theoi-y. ;nid thinks assuredly that
the Indians arc I he long- lost ten tribes of Israel.

Iiogci- W'illiaiiis a( one liiuc expresst-d ilic sam(> oiiinion. He
writes, in a letter to friends in Salem. Ilial the Indians did not come
into .\incrica I'l-oni the noi-l li-east. as some had iiiia^iiied. I'oi' the fol-

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND. H

lo-wiug reasous: 1. Tiicir aucestors allinii iliat tlu-y laiiic Irom iIk'
soxitb-west, and return thence when they die. 11. Bocausc i lic.\ sepa-
rate their women, in a little wijiwani by themselves, at oertaiu sea-
sons. III. Beside their i>ud Kuttaud. to Hie sontli-wcst. tlicy Imld
that Xanawitnawit, (a <iod overhead), mailc ilic lira\ciis ami \\\v
earth; and he avers, also, that he, (the Avritcr). li.id riMiiid ■• sonic lasie
of athuity Avith the Hebrew."

The similarity of practices, or even of a nuinbcr til' imiis in a lan-
guage, can, however, be no conclusive proof of sameness of origin.
It may be merely incidental, or in respect to customs more i>arlicu-
larly, may be owing to similarity of circumstances. " \\ Imi will pre-
tend that different people, Avhen placed under similar cirnniistaiu-es,
will not have simikir wants, and hence similar aciiims'.' that like
wants will not prompt like exertions? and like causes jn iHlncr imi like
effects?" The slight resemblances existing, or fancieil in cNisi, be-
tween the Indians and the Israelites, may be owing to a caiise like t he
one pointed out. As to the language of the Indians, William Wood,
an old writer upcm this subject, says: " Some have thought i hai they
might be of the dispersed Jews, because some of their words be near
unto the Hebrew; but, by tlie same rule, they may conclude them to be
of the gleanings of all nations, because they have weids al'tei- the
Greek, Latin, French, and other tongues."

Hubbard, an American historian, who wrote abnut Hisd. has this
among other passages on the subject: " If any observation lie made
of their manners and dispositions, it is easier to say frnm what na-
tions they did not, than from whom they did derive their (iriglual.
Doubtless their conjecture, who fancy them to be descended fi'om
the ten tribes of the Israelites, carried captive by Salamaneser and
Esarhaddon, hath the least show of reason of any other. ther<' being
no footsteps to be observed of their ])ropinquity to them nieie t han tn
any other of the tribes of the earth, either as to their lan-nage ur
manners."

Thomas ^Morton, an early New P^ngland historian, refers ih.ir ori-
gin to the scattered Trojans, observing. " for after thai r.iuiiis. who
was the fourth from jMieas, left Latiiini. upon the conlliei held with
the Latins, wliere. although he gave tliem a great overthrow to the
slaughter of their grand captain, and many others of iln- heroes <if
Latiuni,yet beheld it more safely to depart unto s(une other phiee ;Mid
people, than by staying to run the liazard ef an iinf|niet life or d(.iilit-
fnl conquest; which, as history maketli mention, lie perfornu'd. This
peo]de was dispersed tlieic is no (ineslioii; l)ut the ])eople that lived
with hini. by reason of their conversation with the Grecians and [>at-
ins. had a mixed language that participaf<'d .d' both." :Morton main-
tains the great similarity of the langnages (d' the Indians to the fireek
andlJoman, as an instance of whicli. he faneied he heurd among thi-ir

words Pasco-pan. and hence Ihinks will t doiibt iheir ain-estors

wei'e acquainted with the god Pan.

12 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

John Josselin. who resided some time in New England, toward the
mid<lle part of the seveuteeuth oeutury, prououuces the speech of the
Mohawlcs to be a dialect of the Tartars. He says " the uorth-east
people of America — that is. New P^n^laud, etc., are judged to be Tar-
tars, called 8amoades, being alike in complexion, shape, habit and
manners."

That the Indians were Scythians, is an opinion expressed in a de-
cided manner by Cotton ^Mather. He was contirmed iu it, on meeting
with this i)assage of Julius (V'sar: " Diftlcilis inveuire quam interfi-
cere," rendered by him. '• It is harder to find them than to foil tliem."
Cipsar was speaking of the Scytliians, and the aptness of tlie language,
as expressing one peculiarity of the Indians in their warfare — their
sudden attacks and retreats — is noticeable.

]>r. 8. L. Mitchell, of New York, a voluminous writer iu hi.s day,
thought that he had settled the question of the origin of the Indians.
They came, in his ojiininn, from the north-east of Asia, and that is now
the more common belief. lie thinks that they possessed originally the
same color as that of the north-eastern nations of Asia.

Dr. Swinton, author of many parts of the Fniversal History, after
stating the different opinions of varions authors, who have advocated
in favor of " the dispersed i)eoi)le," the riuenicians and other east-
ern nations, observes, " that, therefore, the Americans in general
were descended from a iieojih- wlio inhabited a country not far distant
fi-oni them as Egypt an<l I'lio'iiicia, one will, as we apprehend, readily
admit. Now, no country can be pitched upon so proper and conveni-
ent for this pur]i(ise, as tlie north-eastern ])art of Asia, particularly
Great Tartary, Siberia, and more especially tlie iicninsnla of Kam-
schatka. That probably was the tract through which many Tartarian
colonies jtassed into Anu'rica, and ](e(>]ded Ihe most considerable part
of the New World."

At the period of the settlement of the Dutch and English colonies iu
America, savage tribes of Indians were scattered over the country.
In many respects they possessed similar character, usages and insti-
tutions — a bond of attinity running through their several C(unmunities
and tribes. As a race of men, they were distinct from all the races
fouml in the Old World. Tiieir history was unknown, and to ns, in
these times, dates no farllicr back than to the European discovery
hei-e. Tliev had. indeed, I licir traditions; but these, like the traditions
of all other nations, aii' no farther enti11e<l to credit than they are
conliniicd Ity ai)])earanc(' or |)robabl(' conjecture. 1 1' I lie hypothesis be
correct of the Asiatic origin of the .Vborigines of America, by way of
the Hehi-ing straits, ther<' woiihl seem to be a probability in the gen-
eral account gi\-en of llicir migration toward the cast, and of their
contpiesf of a more ci\ili/,e(l race, (hen occn]iying I he connt ry. Sudi a
race seems to have been oiicc in existence, judging from the nionu-
nieiils and relics llial lia\e been occasionalU" I'onnd anions' us. They

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND. 13

were called the Allegewi, and their more nuh- coiKiucrui-s si vied i licm-
selves the Leuape and the Meugwe, or the Iroquois. Tiiese sccni t hirily
to have divided the coniitry between theui. after they liad expcUcd tiie
Allegewi. The general name of the Delawares has since hcni given to
the former, and their language, called by the French, the Miiominin.
The Iroquois inhabited more the upper jiarts of tlie country, aionii the
lakes and the St. Lawrence. The henape, or Delawares, cxlcnded
themselves to the south and east.

When our fathers came to these shores, they found here tlie de-
scendants of these savage coucpierors. They were entirely unci\ili/,ed,
having, probably, undergone no process of civilization, from ilie linie
of the migration of their ancestors to the ^Iississi]i])i and the At hi n lie
slojje. As distributed Through the various ])arts of tlie ihirleen origi-
nal States, they may be mentioned, as to their confederacii's m- tribes,
in the following order:

In the central and southern jiarts of Xew Englaihl iliere wcie li\c
principal tribes: the Wampanoags or Tokanokets. ilie I'awincUets,
the ^Massachusetts, the Xarragansets, and tlie Pe(|iio(ls. 'i'lie I'nkano-
kets were the first known to tlie civilized settlers. The lerritory in-
habited by this tribe, was that which now constitutes ilie soiii h-easi-
ern jiart of Massachusetts and tlie (^astern ])art of Kliode Island. To
the chief of this tribe, who was ^lassasoit, at the time of ilie l-jiglish
emigration, other smaller tribes were subject, dwelling principally on
the adjac(Mit ishmds. His residence, as was also that of I*liili]>, his
son, was at Montaui), now Mount Hope, in IJristol. Klntde Island.

The tribe (d' I'awtuckets occii]>ied tlie lands ii]iiiii liie .Mcniinack.
near its nioiilh, as their ])riiici])al seat, tliougii they e.xleiided i hem-
selves south until they came in contact witli the .Massaclinsei is.

The Massachusetts were found about the bay winch ln-ai-s ihe name
of the tribe. They were bound by the Pawtiickels on liie norih, and
the Pokauokets on the south. Their head sachem held under his nih-
several smaller tribes, some of which were known by i he name nt i he
Xeponsetts, the Xashuas, and the rocumtucks. The acknowleilged
sovereign of the confederacy, at the time of the Kiiglisii sel llenieni,
was the widow of a powerful chief, styled sometimes tlie " .Massachu-
setts qtieen." They were situated in a deliglilfiii re^jun. where now
stands the metropolis of New England.

The tribe of the Xarragausets held their chief seal on ihe island nf
the ranonicut. in the bay called after their name. Here, also. I heir
grand sachem resided. They extended west to ihe I'awcalni'k river,
where they came into the neighborhood (d' the Pequods. The I'nkann
kets bordered them on the east. Tliey occiii>ied a l>eaiilifiil coiinlry,
and ha])pily adapted to their mode oi life, which was lishiiig ami iiniil-
ing. Their disposition was more mild and jieacealde than usually
appeared in the Indian character. When the English arrived in that
region, they found tliere ("anonicas. tlie grand sachem of the tribe,
who proved a benefactor of Rhode Island.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

_ ,-iU.

The tribes of Tequods were situated in the eastern part of Cou-
uecticut, having the Narragansets on their eastern border. They were
a fierce and warlilce race. Their grand sachem, Sassacus, resided on
the heights of Groton. near tlie river called by their name, now the
Thames. Sassacus held the Moliegans subject to his authority. The.se
were a tribe occupying the place where Norwich now stands. Uncas,
the leader of the latter, joined the whites in their war with the Pe-
quods. These several tribes, at the period referred to, were singularly
diminished in number and power, on account of a wasting sickness,
which had been sent among them a few years before.

In the northern portion of New England, roved the Indians whose
general name was that of Tarenteens, or Abenakis. They inhabited
the coast of [Maine throughout and extended into New Hampshire.

Their character was ferocious,
and the settlers suffered severely
from their wars, murders and
depredations. Stealing in, at the
dead of night, upon the villages
or dwellings, they burned or
'''f"'{.,L 13 1 u n d e r e d, indiscriminately,
-^™^ whatever came in their way —
butchering men, women and chil-
dren, willidut mercy.

The five tribes, or nations, that
spread out east of Lake Erie, and
south of Lake (Ontario, were the Iroquois, or Mengwe, Avho had liecome
thus divided, in consequence of being pressed by the Ilurons, and one
or two uther tribes, inhabiting Ihe St. Lawrence. They were called
the Senecas, Cayugas, Onoiidagas, Oneidas, and Mohawks. They at
length became a powerful race in their new abodes, and not only over-
came the nurons, but made war upon the T)ela wares, and were objects
of dread far and near. The most warlike community of the whole
was said to be the Mohawks. Their power and exactions reached east
and south to a great distance.

The Indians, in the southerly porliiui of the country, were of course
earlier known to the Dutch and English than those already men-
tioned; this Avas true of the tribes at least that inhabited Virginia, in
1G07. The nucleus of aii entire confederacy, inhabiting the territory
from the sea-coast to the falls of the rivers, was the Powhatan nation.
This confederacy in<'lude(l no less than lliii'ty trilx's. and the number
of warriors was estimated at eigiit thousand. Tlie chief of the same
name, wlio tigures so mucli in fiie history of Virginia, was the great
sachem of tlie confederacy. The seat of the hereditary dominions was
near the present site of the city of Kichnioud. Here the noble Poca-
hontas was born, and passed lier eai'ly, uncultivated life.

The Indians who dwell on llic luLihlnnds, between ihe falls of the

— *^e

THE HALF-MOON.

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND. 15

rivers aud the mountains, were divided into Iwn conlcdcracics, not.
long after the arrival of the English. One division eonsisted of the
Mouahoaks, in eight tribes, on the north. The other consisted of the
Mouacans, in five tribes, stretching on the south in Carolina. 'I'he
latter went under the name of Tuscaroras, and cmuiecicd wiih ihc
Iroquois.

Of the Indians in the southern extremity of tlie country, tiie princi-
pal confederacies were the Creeks, whose locality was mostly in Geor-
gia — the Cherokees, who inhabited the mountainous back country —
and the Choctaws, and Chickasaws, who dwelt in the region between
the mountains and the Mississippi. Two or three other iiihrs (icriiiiicil
particular localities, which need not be indicated.

At the time of the discovery the Karitan Indians wcir in possession
of the Island; but they held it subject to the will of the powerful .Mci-
hawk tribes. The Earitans were a branch of the Delaware's or Leiii-
Lenapes. How long they had been here is not known; there is a tra-
dition that the Island was taken away from one of the soul hern I libes,
mentioned in this chapter, aud then ceded to the Delawares in consid-
eration of services rendered in the war. The Ifaritans of St a ten Is-
land, (now generally called Aquehongas), were not a strong and war-
like nation. Generally speaking, they were shiftless and cowariliy;
yet among them, as is generally the case where large numbers are
assembled, there were those who were honorable and really noble.
They were often driven off of the Island by the iloliawks, as a source
of punishment for offences given, and their villages were (h^stroyed.
At such times they would make pilgrimages into Monmoulli County,
Xew Jersey, where they would join their friends and become suffi-
ciently strong to resist the advances of their t-neniies. It was among
the Indian villages of Old Monmouth that the Brainards, of blessed
memory, labored, and indeed broke through the cruel superstitions of
our own Staten Island Indians. The story of the Christ was told f hem
by those brave missionaries, and many believed it.

There are various indications of Indian villages on the Island, sncli
as collections of skulls and bones. Some are near the shores. wher('
fish were easily procured. A number of burial places are also located.
One of these was in the great sand liaidc that stood in fi-ont of tiie Don-
gan manor house at West New Brighton. Hundreds of skeletons were
exhumed as, from time to time, the earth was removed. At the foot of
this embankment was a once-famous spring of water, arouiul which
the harvest festivals were celebrated in the old days, and where treat-
ies of peace were arranged after many a bloody conflict among tlie
tribes. The family burial ground of the ISillopps. l)e1ow Toltenville.

contained the remains of many an Indian, foi- each genemii I' ili;il

noted family was on friendly terms with their uncivilized iieigidmrs.
The Corson" farm, near Xew Si)ringville, also contains llie dust of
many a warrior, while at Holland's Hook, Great Kill and Green Itidge
also rest all that was mortal of hundreds of a by-gone race.

16 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

ludiau relics, of every couceivable shape, are found even at this day
throughout the Island. 8ome rare collections have been made both
b.y the Natural Science Association and individuals, and the Stateu
Island " finds " are scattered among the collections of the country.

It is generally believed that the interior of the Island was the In-
dian hunting ground, and that deer, bear and other animals roamed in
great numbers there. All these long ago became entirely extinct.
Nature indeed was liberal with its supplies and furnished to those
rude people all the necessaries of their life. Besides animals and fowl
there were berries and fruit, and maize, corn, beans and tobacco were
among the articles of their own cultivation.

The clothing of the Indians was the skins of the beaver, fox and
otiici' animals, and consisted of but little more than a covering of the
thighs and loins. Their weapons were bows and arrows, the latter
sharpened with flint stones or the bones of fishes. They made their
boats from a single piece of wood, hollowed out by tire. Some that
lived here years after the advent of civilization, had fixed abodes built
with rafters, oven-formed, covered with tree-bark, and were large
enough to accommodate several families. ^lats, wooden dishes, stone
hatchets, etc., composed their furniture. Fire for cooking and heat-
ing was kindled in the middle of these dwellings, from one end to the
other, and the smoke let out at an op<'ning in the crown of the roof.
Some of the number led a wandering life to the end.

All the agricultural work was performed by the women, and their
universal grain was maize, or turkey corn, of which they made bread
and " sapraen " or mush. The old men, who had become too feeble to
go to war, made wooden bowls, ladles and baskets. Many of their
hatchets are still preserved by our peoi)le. They were made of stone,
wedge-shaped, a foot in length, and broad in proportion. Around the
thick end was a notch, which received the two parts of a stick split
at one end which formed the handle. The " jaws " of the handle were
firmly bound with thongs to the hatchet. The chief use of these in-
struments was to make good fields for maize plantations, by girdling
the trees nii<l thus clearing the ground by taking advantage of tlic
natural couisc of decay and time in removing the wood growth.

The Indians cmiiloyed fire when they wished to fell a tree. They
heaped a quantity of wood about the trunk, which they set on fire, and
continued this ])rocess until the tree fell. They made a '* swab '' which
they fastened to a jxile, and a]i])lied water to the part they did not
wish to burn, ("anoes were made by tlie same process, some of wliicli
measured forty feet in length. Little ])ieces of shar]) flint or shells
were used in ]i]ace of knives. They had ])estles about a foot in length,
made of (hirl< stone, wliicli they used for itoundiiig llieii- maize, their
chief art i(le of food, (ienerally they had wooden moi-tars, made from
tree stnnips. Their water boilers were made of clay or different
kinds of sloiie. l'i]M's were iiuoh' of clay, oi' ]ioI-slone or seriK'utine

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAXD. 17

stoue, and were about the same shape as those used to-day. Vnv lish-
ing they used hooks made of bone of the claws of birds. Tlicv kimllccl
fire by rubbing one end of a hard piece of wood against another dry
one till in the course of time the friction became so great thai the
wood began to burn.

Staten Island Indians were in personal character and ai)iH'arance
healthy, strong, robust and well proportioned. In their social life
they were polj'gamous, their chiefs owning several wives; yet they
were faithful to their marriage relations, the wouumi ]ii-efcrring death
to dishonor. Men, women and children paid strict attention to the
sun, moon and stars in connection with their seasons.' They paid
special honor to the first moon following the one at the end of I'^'bru-
ary, and as it rose they had a festival, feasting on fisii and wild game,
their only beverage being clear, cold water. Tlie Indian ycai' now
began, and the moon was joyously hailed as the liarbiiigcr of s]ni!ig.
and the women began to prepare for planting.

The Raritans seemed to have no knowledge of <iod or religion iiniil
after they had come under the influence of the Brainards. Some of
them, according to tradition, paid homage to evil s]»irits. In fact.
they believed in both good and evil spirits, and their spiritual alTaiis
were entrusted, after a fashion, to Kitzinacka, a weather jirirsi. lie
held the jiositiou " by succession," the oldest son succeeding his father
at the latters death. He visited the sick and dying, "and sat beside
them bawling, crying and roaring like a demon." He had no abode
of his own. lodged where he liked, and never ate food ])rei)ared by a
married woman.

The universal money among the Indians was wami)um, and was
made of the thick and blue part of sea clam-shells and oyster-shells.
The thin covering of this part was split off and a hole drilled through
it, and then the outward shape was given to it by means of a stone
upon which it was ground. The pieces were sometimes eight -sided,
but generally round, and in size resembling the cyiindiicai glass
heads commonly called bugles. They were about an eight ii ol;in imli
in diaiueter. They were strung upon cords, and these sliinus of wam-
pum were measured by the foot, yard or fathom. In making ilirm.
from six to ten feet in length was considered a day's work. There
were two kinds, white and purple or black. The black were made of
mussel shells."

1 W.issenapr. of Amsterdam, who -n-i-ote In value to om- pciiii.v. This ciirn-no.v was iiHi'.l
1621-33, savs that the Indian women "are the by the Kmopeans for man.v .vnnrs nfter their
most experienced star-gazers: there is scarcely settlement hero. The Indians made "»-l"« "'
one of them but can name all the stars- wampum by weaving the strl.iRS Into wldlli«
their rising and setting, the position of the of several Inches, and they were two feet or
Arctos-tbnt is, the wagon, is as well known more in length. It was some. Imes called 8ee-
to them as to us, and they name them by wan. Both (he Dutch and IvngllHli recnR-
other names " o'^o<i 't "» currency for a long time. In 1083.

2 With the Dutch governors six beads of the the schoolmastiT at I'lalbush. L. I.. wiiH paid
white or four of the purple were ciumI in his salary in wheat at " wampum value.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Ou Stateu Island, Luiio' Island and the neighboring shores of New
Jersey are still I'unud nunierons beds of clam-shells, broken into very
line i^iece.s, and these are without doubt the scenes of wampum manu-
facture. Indian tribes even far inland used the wampum currency
and were com^jelled to depend upon the shores of the ocean exclusive-
ly for the material with which to make it.

The Delawares. and tribes subject to them, had burial rites of their
own. Their dead were placed in the earth without a coftin; they were
placed in a sitting posture, ujjon a stone or block of wood; they were

clothed in all their garments of animal
skins. Close by the body were placed a
[lOt, kettle, platter and spoon, with some
wam]>um and provisions, " for their invis-
ible journey to the Spirit Land." A pile
of wood, stone or earth was placed over
the grave. i\Iauy an odd trinket has been
taken out of the earth with Indian bones.
The last relic of particular value Avas that
of an arrow-head, which was found fas-
tened between the ribs of an Indian, the
skeleton of which was exhumed in the
shade of the old liillo])]! House a few
months since.
Indians, as will be shown later ou. lived a most
miserable life from the time of the arrival of the Dutch settlers. War
and bloodshed followed almost constantly. At times the whites were
murdered or driven away, at others the Indians perished. They grad-
ually decreased in niimber and power; but unlike any other tribe with
whose history we have an actiuaintance, they remained among the
scenes of their birth, and their dust to the very last mingled with the
eartli where their feet had trod.

There are those still living who remember the last of the " Aque-
houga Iiulians "" on Stateu Island. They made their home at what is
now Green Kidge, in a small stone house on the Seaman estate. They
were known as " Sam " and " Hannah " and their daughter '' Xance."
They were ])ure-blo()ded Karitans and were dark copper-colored, and
physically w<'re tine specimens of manhood and womanhood. Hannah
disaii]M'ared very mysteriously, and no one seemed to know what
beciime of her. It was jiiiited that " Sam " had killed her. because he
always gi-e\v angry when asked about her. " Sam " died in lS2t). over
ninet v veai's of age. and was buried in I he old l-"'rench grax'e yard, near

KIX(; .T.\MES I.

The Staten Island

Amonc oIluT fees lie rcocivi'il for sn|i|il,vliiK
w.iter for baplisms. Iwch't- sly\'tM-s, in \v;nii-
pum, for ovor.v luiptisiii. In \(VX\, tho forri.'i^ro
fnr pjissicngci's fi-oiii Now York to Itrooklyn
w:is olslit st.vvors in i\;nnpnnt o;ioli. Ii \v:is

niso nsoil for ornnmcntlns the person .nnd as
,in onililoni of nfirocniont in troatios. The belt
of wninpnni roinoN'cd the renienihranoe of in-
inrios .Mini bloodshed. — i'rc.<i/oii"s Flixlorii of
liithiii'iiiil C'mnlu.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

1!)

the road in front of the large dairy building on the Heaniau estate. It
is said " ]S'auce " left the Island after her father's death; but this is
contradicted. We have it on good authority that she was an inmate of
the Alms House, where she died, and was buried beside her father in
the old French grave yard. Thus passed away the last of the Acjue-
honga Indians.^ \

3 The Delaware ludians were the original
owners of New Jerse.v, which State is the
onjy one that purchased their land from the
aborigines without bloodshed and dissatisfac-
tion. The following paragraph, relative to this
tribe, is copied from the Xfic Orlraiis Picni/inir
of a recent date: " The little tribe of Dela-
ware Indians, in the Indian Territory, the
remnant of a ouce powerful and dominant
race in the East, have just come into great
luck. In a couple of weeks they will receive
about $220,000 cash, in consequence of a judg-
ment of the Court of Claims at Washington

In their favor. And this piece of good fortune
Is onl.v the continual inn of a series of wind-
falls that have dropped Into their pockets dur-
ing the past five or six years. A little over
a year ago they received from the Govern-
ment nearly a million dollars in cash, frotii
trust funds lying in the Treasury, and short-
ly before? tlu\v received other large sums, and
these, together witli the property they al-
ready had. and other big lumps of ready mon-
ey in hand, will make ever.v man, woman and
pappoosc of them worth full.v §0,000 per cap-
ita.''

CHAPTER III.

THE DISCOVERY OF STATEN ISLAND.

(_) eveiit, in tlie history of moderii aj^es, surpasses iu iuterest
tlie discovery of the American continent. It has scarcely
any paralh'l, in(h'(Ml, in the annals of the world; whether we
consider the difliculties of the undertaking' or the magni-
tude of its consequences. Without any serious question, the honor of
the discovery belongs solely to Christopher Columbus. Mankind,
hitherto, have so awarded it, and posterit}' will doubtless conhrm the
judgment. As, however, a claim to a prior discovery by the Northmen
has been brought forward in recent times, it becomes the partiality of
history to notice it, and to give such an account of the circumstances
on W'hich the claim is founded, as they may ai^pear to deserve.
Whether or not, at the distance of live centuries, the trans- Atlantic
continent had been discovered by the Scandinavian voyagers, the
merits of the great Italian are far from being affected by the fact.

The prominent incidents in this alleged ante-Columbian discovery,
it seems, are given on the authority of certain Icelandic manuscripts,
the genuineness, and even the existence of which, there is reason now
to suppose, are entitled to credence. The general story may be re-
ceived as probable. In the details, there is often something too vague,
if not too extraordinary, to entitle it to any historical importance.
The adventurous spirit, and even the naval skill of the Northmen, are
not a matter of doubt with any who are acquainted with tlie liistory of
the times in which they lived.

Although the evidence of history establishes the claim of Columbus,
as the first discoverer of the New World, yet there were other meri-
torious voyagers, about whose services there is no room for doubt, and
Avho extended the knowledge of these new regions, thus laid ()i)en to
maidcind. Of hers there were, avIio, stimulated by his success, and fol-
lowing his stejis, enlarged tlu* geograjiliical boundaries beyond the
actual discoveries of Columbus. .Aiuoug these voyagers was admiral
Sel)astian Cabol, whose merits have never been fully ackuo\\iedged as
they deserved to be. lia\ing l)eeii o\'er]ooked, in a measure, tlirough
the greater a<luiiiali(iu bestowed on his predecessor. lie belonged to
a family disliugiiislied for their si)irit of adventure, as his father be-
fore liim was an <'unneiit na\igatoi-, and he was associated with two
brolliei's, a]iiiareiii \y possessing I he same loxc of a sea-fai'ing life. The

(

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 21

father of Sebastian was au Italiau, but Ibr suu was boru iu lUisiul,
England, iu 1477.'

Cabot's first expedition left Bristol in tlie sprinti' of 1497. and. not-
withstanding he desired to go to India, he arrived on the coasl of
America on the 24th of June of that year. He conducted a second
exijeditiou, Avhich left Bristol in 1498, and after reaching th(> ('ape of
Florida, re-crossed the ocean to his home. In 1517 he was again em-
ployed, in an expedition from England; but though he penetrated to
about the sixty-seventh degree of north latitude, lie entered ll\idson's
bay, giving names to various places iu the vicinity, he was compelled
to return, through the cowardice of an officer high in command. Sir
Thomas Pert, and the disaffection of the crew.

The bay of New York, together with Staten Island, Avas lirst dis-
covered in 1524, by Jean de Verrazzani, a Floi'entine iu the service of
France. It does not appear, however, that Francis I., the iiiiiii;nili
under whom this discovery was made, ever took advantage of it. in-
laid claim to the territory adjacent, in consequence of Verra/./.;iiii's
exploration. Henry Hudson was ignorant of this fact, and wli«ii.
on the third day of September, 1009, he entered the Narrows- and
anchored in precisely the same place as did Verrazzani. in ir)24. he
believed that he was the first to discover the region.

Verrazzani. it is believed, made no exploration whatever. .\ vio-
lent gale came up while his vessel was anchored here, and lie |hii out
to sea again, never to return. Though not the first to behol<l, lliul-
son ^ was nevei'theless the first to j)enetrate the mystei-ies of t In- laud

1 Tbe f.imily was fitted out with five ships, and grew largor ami lMr«iT. uiiill ii had as-
for the purpose of discovery, by the Engli.sh sumed proportimis far cxcecdia!; that of any
government, who granted a patent, under moving object wliicli liad ever l)i'forc met their
date of March 6th, 1469, to John Cabot, the vision. What could it be? Was It some srcnt
father, as leader of the expedition. He was, bird, which had flown over the great sea from
however, rather the overseer or adviser of the some distant islands? Or, was It the Great
concern, than the leader. The real conductor Spirit who had descended to earth to visit niiJ
of it was Sebastian, who, through his mod- to bless his children? Slowly and niajesllcally
esty, failed to secure for himself that consid- the object swept past, turned around tlM>
eration from the world which was duo him.— sandy point of land beyond them, and stopped.
Orcat Encnts in History. It was the " Jlalf-.Moon," and bore Ilendrick

2 Bright and calm, over the heights of Hudson and his fellow-voyagers.— C'lu^'a .lii-
Navesiuk, broke the dawn of the third day rials ot Slatrn Islund.

of September, 1609. The early breeze rippled 3 Henry Hudson was a native of England,

the surface of tbe slumbering ocean, and rus- born at about the middle of the sixleenlli cen-

tied through the leaves of the forest trees, tury. Of his early life nothing Is known. He

awakening the songsters which nestled be- appears, however, to have been an expert nnv-

neath them to pour forth their matin hymn igator, and employed by both English and

to greet the king of day. The world seemed Dutch merchants In searching for a norlh-easl

glad that light bad once more dispelled the passage to the East Indies. Falling In this

darkness. But all this beauty and harmony effort, he sailed westward to America, and

were lost upon the human denizens of the after anchoring olT Staten Island, which he

woods and mountains, who stood in groups up- q.,„,j.(J .. gtaatcn Eylandl." In honr.r of llie

on the strand, gesticulating eagerly, and gaz- g',,,,.. General of Hollaml, he then penetniled

ing intently, over the vast expanse of water '—^ Hudson river to a point below the present

which stretched out inimitably before them. ^ j,_^. ,.. ,,|^„ „,„.rwMrd

Far off toward the southeast, the unttsual ^te of . ^__^__^^^_^^ ^___^ ^^^_^

sight of a mere speck upo.t the surface of the l^TuL vessel was called the " Half Moon."

ocean excited their wonder. Long and pa- miles. His ^< ssei « as can

tiently they watched it as it slowly approached a yacht of ninety tons, and he had a .elect

22 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

and water which extended tu au uiikuowu distance before him. From
hi.s aeeouuts of the event it is Icnown that in one boat he visited Coney
Island, and that in another lie sent live men on an exploring expedi-
tion Northward. These men passed through the Narrows, coasted
along Staten Island, and penetrated some distance into tlie Kills, pre-
sumably as far as Newark bay. Un their return, probably at the Cove,
the most likely hiding place along the North Shore, they suddenly
encountered two large canoes, containing twenty-six Indians. The
latter were alarmed and discharged a shower of arrows at the intru-
ders. John Coleman, an Englishman, was killed by being shot in the
ueck. Both parties became frightened by the encounter, and pulled
away from each other with all their might. Coleman's body was tak-
en to Sandy Hook, where it was buried, and the place has ever after-
wards been called " Coleman's Point."

Hudson was delighted with what he had seen on this day, his Urst
view of the New World. A beautiful, fragrant, verdure-crowned Is-
land lay before him, and evidently populous, for the inhabitants were
seen darting, in considerable numbers, through the woods, to the
shore. The beautiful appearance, which the Island assumed on that
early Autumn day, together with the purity and blandness of the at-
mosphere, struck the senses of the voyagers, as though it had been
Eden itself. The " Half Moon " lay at anchor for a day or so in the
Narrows, before penetrating the North river. It is a matter of inter-
est to here note that several Indians attempted to board the vessel
while opposite Manhattan Island, and, one of them, more reckless
than his companions, succeeding, was shot. His body fell into the
river. This was the first American Indian slain by a white man.

During the voyage up the North river Hudson detained two of the
Staten Island Indians as hostages; at West Point they escaped by
jumping overboard and swimming ashore. One of the ship's boats
was attacked while descending the river, when an Indian, trying to
upset it had his hands cut off by the sword of a sailor. Subsequent
events indicated that the two Staten Island Indians, who escaped at
West Point, had alarmed the tribes on their way down to Manhattan
Island. At the upper part of that point they were met by large num-
bers of savages in canoes, and showers of arrows flew over the vessel,
doing no danuige. A cannon was discharged at them, aud a number
were killed, besides having their canoes destroyed. Nine Indians were
known to be killed, and a large number were wounded. Hudson spent
a month liere in his explorations, of which the chronicler of the voy-
age, Robert Juet, says :

" 1009, Sept. C>. Our master sent John Coleman with four men to
sound Ihe river four leagues distant, whicli they did, but in their re-
turn to the sliiji lliey were set uiion by Indians in two canoes, to the

crew. After v.nrious tribulations lio iiiaai' a tors, di-sceiidod the Rroat bay that bears his
fourtli voyage iu lUlO, toward the Polar wa- iianio, and there perished.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

ggpy^gs^^i^^^

i' Tiirtnituw ^m/lerMm fjTSc ItdrJiaSia. «««<«»S»a^Maa^^^

number of 2G; iu whioli affair John Coleman Avas killed by an arrow
shot into his throat, and two others were wounded. The next day
Coleman was buried on a point of laud wliicli to I ins day bears his
name.

" Sept. S. The people came on board us, and bidni^lit tnhaciti and
Indian wheat to exchange for knives and beads, and offered us no
violence. So we, fitting \\\) our boat, did mark them to s(>(> if tliey
would make any show of the death of our man, but Ihey did iioi.

" Sept. 9. In the mornino; two great canoes came on Imai-d lull of
men; one with bows and arrows, and the other in show i)f buying
knives, to betray \is, but we perceived their intention. We took two

of them, to have kept
them, and put red coats
on them, and would not
suffer the others to
lonie near us, and soon
jifter the canoes leave
lliciii. Iniuicilialcly I wo
other natives came on
boai'd us; one we took
and let the other go. liut
he so(ui escaiM'ij by
juni[)ing overboard.

FIRST VIEW OF NKW AMSTERDAM. " SC'pt. 11. Tln' slllp

had now anchored a c(msiderable distance uji llie I'ivcr. Tlir |ico]»le
of the country came on board, making show of love, and ga\i- us to-
bacco and Indian wheat.

" Sept. 12. This morning there came eight and Iweidy canoes full
of men, women and children to betray us, but we saw their intent and
suffered none of them to come on board. They gave great tobacco
pipes of yellow copper and pots of earth to dress theii' meat in.

" Sept. 15. Sailed twenty leagues further up the river, jtassing by
high mountains. This morning the two captive savages got out of n
part of the ship and made their escape.

" Sept. IS. The master's mate went on shore with an old ln(li:iii. a
sachem of the country, who took him to his house ami tr.-ai.d him
kindly.

" Oct. 1. The ship having fallen down the river seven miles below
the mountains, comes to anchor. One man iu a canoe kept banging
under the stern of the ship, and would not be <lriven off. 1I<' soon
contrived to climb up by the rudder, and got into the cabin win. low,
which had been left open, from which he stole a pillow, two shirts and
two bandoleers. The mate sliot him in the bn^ast, ami kilh-d him.
Manv others were in canoes about the ship, who immediat.'ly tied, and
some jumped overboard. A boat manned from the ship i)uisn.d i hmu.
and coming up witli one in the water, he laid ludd on the side <d i he

24 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

boat and eudeavored to overset it ; at which oue iu the boat cut off his
hauds with a sword, aud he was drowned.

" Oct. 2. Fell down seven leagues further, aud anchored again.
Then came oue of the savages that swam away from us at (jur going
up the river, with many others, thinking to betray us, but we suffered
none of them to enter our ship. Whereupon two canoes of men with
their bows and arrows shot at us after our stern; in a recompense
whereof, Ave discharged six muskets and killed two or three of them.
Then above an hundred of them came to a point of land to shoot at us.
There I shot a falcon at them, and killed two of them; whereupon the
rest fled into the woods. Yet they manned off another canoe with
nine or ten men, which came to meet us; so I shot at it also a falcon,
and shot it through and killed one of them. Then our men with their
muskets killed two or three more of them."

No actual landing Avas made on Staten Island at this time, however
much the voyagers may have desired so to do. Hudson spent a month
in explorations, and gained a great deal of valuable knoAvledge about
the region and the natives, without further collision or calamity. On
the fourth day of October he Aveighed anchor and again crossed the
Atlantic ocean. The Indians in great numbers assembled along the
south shore of the Island and Avatched the vessel as it gradually re-
ceded, and finally sank doAvn beyond the distant rim of the blue ocean.
Landing in England on his return, Hudson despatched an occount
of his adventures to the Dutch East India Company, with the request
that they Avould furnish him Avith the means of making another voy-
age. The English Government, however, determining to secure his
services, forbade his sailing again iu the serA'ice of Holland.

The Indians at once became apprehensive of danger. They Avere
never again at peace. They established signal stations on the high
points of the Island, and day and night the Earitans Avatched out over
the ocean for the coming of their natural enemies. One of these
" alarm posts," as tliey Avere called, was on Todt Hill, where the resi-
dence of Mr. David J. Tysen noAV stands, and another was on the
heights of Fort Wadsworth. Patrols Avere also on duty along the
South Sliore. For years this vigilance knew no rest — not until the
aggressive feet of Avhite settlers pressed the soil Avhich they adopted
for their home.

CHAPTER IV.

THE SETTLEMENT OF STATEN ISLAND.

X 1010, :i ship was seut by some merchants in Amsterdam, to
trade with the Indians of this locality, for fnrs, etc. The
climate of Holland, as well as of other countries of Europe,
rendered furs indispensable to the people. Theretofore
the}- had obtained them, at great expense, chiefly from Kussia. Dur-
ing the brief stay of Henry Hudson here, it was discovered tliat there
were furs in the uewly-discovered country, and that tliey were pro-
curable in exchange for articles of comparatively slight value. The ad-
vantages of at once engaging in the fur traffic, were very phiin lo tlie
Dutch. The vessel alluded to anchored in the Narrows, ami an at-
tempt was made to land .some of its men on Staten Island. An alarm
was given, and the Earitan Indians, in considerable force, gathered
on the shore, and showed manifestations of displeasure. AH attempts
to negotiate were met in an unfriendly sjiirit, and after a protracted
Xjarley the enterprise was abandoned and the Dutch sailors an<l sol-
diers returned to their ship. It moved for some distance up tlie Hud-
son river, there procured a load of furs from the ^lohawks. ami in a
few days recrossed the ocean for home.

In 1611. another vessel was dispatched to these shores, under Dutch
authority, to trade with the Indians, and, notwithstanding those iu
authority landed on the Island, none manifested a disposition to settle
here unil the spring of 1613. Several Dutch vessels were in the bay at
that time, and the business was under the superintendency of llen-
drick Cortiansen, and with his craft he penetrated every bay or streain
where Indians were to be found, in pursuit of furs. These expedit inns
were very successful and created intense interest in the fur tradi'
among the countries of Europe. The result was that when I Ik- inirlli
gence of these discoveries reached the projectors of the several voy-
ages at home, steps were at once taken by them to secure to them-
selves the benefits of their enterprise and perseveran<-e.

All the country lying between the 40th and 45th degrees of nortli
latitude was called " New Netlierland." and exclusive privileges to
trade in these countries for a limited period was given to them. A
trading house was at once established on an island in the Hudson,
below the present site of Albany, and the surrounding country ex-
plored in quest of furs. The time of this grant expired at the close of

20 HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND.

1G17, aud some of the fur mercliants liacl become immensely wealthy.
At tliis time the trade of New Xetherlaud was thrown opeu, aud ad-
veutuiers from ilollaud came here iu yreat numbers. \'arious com-
mercial associations were formed, aud it was not long before there
Avas a conflict of interests. Contentions and disputes were finally
adjusted by the consolidation of the various interests iu the organiza-
tion and charter of the " Dutch West India Company." ^

The first Europeans who visited this part of the continent, came
for the express purjjose of trading, not of settling; but, it is evident,
they became favorably impressed with the soil and climate, aud final-
ly decided to make the place their permanent abode, with the double
object of farming and dealing in furs. The country was organized in-
to a province, and at once there was an influx of settlers. A provi-
sional government was established, with Peter Minuit at its head as
director, in the year W2i.

In that year a number of Walloons arrived and settled on Staten
Island — the first settlement of wliicli we have any knowledge. His-
torians difl'er considerably iu their accounts of these people, one of
which we quote :

" These people came from the country bordering on the river
Scheldt and Flanders. They professed the Keformed religion, and
spoke the old French, or Gallic, language. They were good soldiers,
and had done efticient service in the Thirty Years' war. Two years
before their arrival here, they had applied to Sir Dudley Carlotou for
permission to emigrate to some part of Virginia, upon condition that
they miglit build a town of their own, and be governed by officers
chosen by and amongst themselves. This application was referred to
the Virginia Company, and met with a favorable response, so far as
the mere settlement was concerned; but the privilege to elect their
own officers was too long a step toward popular freedom, and could
not be conceded. The permission to settle upon the company's land
was fettered with so many conditions affecting their civil and relig-
ious liberty, that they declined to entertain it. and turned their atten-
tion to the New Netherlands, where so many arbitrary conditions
were not insisted upon.

" On tlieir avi-iva! hovo. tliev rt]iiioar to liave abandoned tlic iilnu of

1 The powers and privileges witli wliicli this pany to Improve tlie privileges granted to

company was invested were not confined to tiie tiieni, attracted, in Engiand. tlie attention of

narrow limits of tbe New Netherlands: tliey the Government, aud a strong remonstrance

embraced the whole range of the American "as sent to Holland, insisting that all the

coast, from the Horn to the .Arctic sea, and territory claimed by the nuleh was embraced

on the west coast of Africa from the Hope t.i '" 'l"^' fl'.i''t'^i- "f Virginia, and therefore was

the Tropic of (Mncer, not previot.sly occupied '""'" """ .lurisdiction of England. Tbe matter

^, ^. ^ ^, . , ^ . was from tinu.^ to time brought bcft^rc the

by other nations. On the American coasts set- ,, ,,• » ., . , , ,, ,,

nnlhorltics of both countries, and the dlscus-

tlen.ents had been made by the French at ^,„„ p,,„,„^,„i |,j. ,„e Dutch for the purpose

Canada, by the Englisli at Virginia, and by the „{ j;„i„i„g time, that the preparations of the

Spaniards at Florida. The preparations made new company might be completed.— Prcsfon's

by the directors of the newly chartered com- Ilisiory of Richmond Coiinti/.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 27

settling in a colouy or single commuuity, aud separated, going in dif-
ferent directions, a few families taliiug up tlidr abodf upon 8iaion
Island. It was supposed that among these was a family by the name
of Eapelje, among whom AAas one George Jansen de Kapelje. Sur-
rounded by the savages, aud separated from tht-ir friends at .Manhat-
tan, they did not long remain here. Yielding to the necessities of their
condition, lacking both food aud clothing, they returned to ]vii])sie.
the southern extremity of Manhattan Island, where they found not
much relief; but were subjected with the other colonists to extremes
of privation and suffering. But relief soon after canio l)y tlic nrrival
of a shi^j from the mother country.

" The Kapelje family soon after removed to Wallalinui. on Long Is-
land, and are recorded as the first European settlers upon i hat Ishind.
Their child. Sarah, has down to the present time borne the honor of
having been the first child of European jiarentage born in i ho rolnny.
Her birth is dated June 9th. 1G25, and it is claimed that it occurred
while her parents were upon Staten Island. She lived to be the wife

of tAvo husbands and the nioi liei- of i wel ve cliil-
dren. from whom has desceiHJed ;i large and
highly respectable lineage."

The traffic with the Indians for ])ellries liad
been exceedingly profitable for many years,
and great fortunes had been secui'cd by many
of the traders. In the course of tinu>. however,
as the articles of the Indians' traffic became
scarcer, and Dutch commodities depreciateil in

THE FLAG OF HOLLAND. , ,, ,_ in i l .'l

value, the trade gradually decreased, until
finally the expense of sustaining the colony was far greater tlian its
revenues, aud the Dutch West India Company discovered itself to be
rapidly approaching bankruptcy.

At the commencement the great landed proprietors in New Nether-
lauds were known as " patroons." They were Samuel < lodyn. Samuel
Bloemart, Killian Van Rensselaer and Michael Pauw. The two for-
mer settled in Delaware; Van Rensselaer seemed ,1 paleni tor a large
tract on the Hudson, in the vicinity of Albany and Troy, while I'auw
became the owner of all the country extending from Hobokeii soutli-
ward along the bav and Staten Island Sound, including Staten Island.
The directors made this grant to him in lti30.

The country was purchased from the Indians at the same linie |,,r
"certain cargoes or parcels of goods," and called Pavonia. The name
of this proprietor still attaches to a part of his possessions in 1 lie local-
ity known as Communipaw. It was exacted by the company, in the
patents which they granted, that the recipients should extinguish the
Indian title by direct purchase, in every instance. It was claimed by
some that the director general and council had purchased Staten Is-

28 HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND.

land ui llie iudians in JUliG,- buL we are uot able tu liud authority for
such a statement. The cousideratiou jjaid to the natives was cloths of
various kiuds, culinary uteusils, oruameuts, etc.; the meutiou of tire-
arms was wisely omitted.

Whatever the purchasers may have beeu it is certain that the In-
dians were dishonest in their sales of t^taten Island, for there is proof
that they repeatedly sold il, and that the value of the articles paid
varied considerably. It does not appear that Pauw's acquisition was
of much beiielit to liim. Indeed it is not known that he made any
elToi-l to coloi]iy.c il. »v that he ever made any improvements upon it.
Soon after acijiiirini; it dilliculties arose between Mm and the direc-
tors, and he disjiosed of his territorial rights on the Island, as well as
on the continent, to his associate directors for the sum of twenty-six
thousand guilders. Pauw was a man of considerable consequence in
his native country. He was one of the lord directors of the company,
and among their names his is mentioned as the Lord of Achtienhoven.

David Pietersen de Tries ^ obtained a grant for a part of Staten
Island in 10:30. when he began to make settlements upon it. His first
enterprise on the Island was the building of a block fort and signal
station on the heights now known as Fort Wadsworth. This, all his-
torians agree. Avas the first signal station built by white men on the
North American continent. Huts were also built near the fort for the
accommodation of oflicials and soldiers, and for a time a trading sta-
tion, to which the Indians hi-(Uight furs and where they received arti-
cles in ]iaynient therefor, was established there. Excavations were
niadenn I he iiiilside for the temporary accommodation of settlers, and
were made comparatively comfoilabli' by the use of roughly hewn
logs, planks, brush and bark.

August IStli, ](;3(i, was tho date of the grant which had been ob-
tained by (Ic ^'^i('s from Wouii-r \'an Twiller, and de Tries set sail for
Holland two days al'lcrward i'nv the ])urpose of gathering a colony to
conic licic and occupy the land. Near the end of the year 1038, de
Tries returned witli his settlers, and thus completed his third trip
across tiie Atlantic ocean to the New Netherlands. When the ship
nonred the entrance at Samly Hook lie was called upon to pilot it in,
as the following extracts from his joninnl will ])rov(>:

"Si'pt. i*."). l(i:!S. On board the shij) of the A\'est India Conii)aiiy,
sailed I'lnni Ijolla nil.

"Hit. 'JO. (inl right nIT Saiiilv Hook. Tlie captain * * * at

•2 III UVM. Sliilcii IsliiiHl WHS iHiri'Iiii.siHl cif liuilidi- liavi- bei'ii proscrved uiorp or loss per-

n... nidlnns: 1111(1 111 the siimr^ ypiir, llio IsliiiKl tt-My. Staton Island is called In the deed to

or Manliallni. was bou^lit for the snm of ^"^ ^''■l'"'- '" 1«^'«- Mona<ki.ong: in the deed

, ., „, » . ,, , .. to Capelh'n, in If..-."). Eliquaous, and in tliat to

twenl.v-fo«r dollars. The fort npon the latter y„,.^,.„,^ Lovelace, in 1070. Aqnehonga-Man-

Islaii.l. received the title of Fort .\nislerdain. „ek.,„.„s. ,i,i,.s which are presumed to have

and the colony that of New Amsterdam.- cover.-d the portions owned by the Raritans

Miilhrr'H (livflidiihinil lllstorn of Xrw York. .,iid tlic Hacl;eiisacl;s respeelively.- Iff iiiorial

3 The aboriginal uaiiies of the Islands In the History of Xi'tc York.

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND. 29

the request of the passengers, who all had their homes iu the New
Netherlands, solicited me to pilot the ship iu, which I did. and an-
chored the same evening before Staten Island, which was my prop-
erty, and put my jjeople on shore."

There was considerable other memoranda made by de \'ries. at dif-
ferent dates, which tell in his own language about his connection with
Staten Island. August 13th, 1030, he says: " I requested Wouter Van
Twiller to put Staten Island down iu my name, intending to form a
colony there, which was granted." January oth, 103!), he write-s:
" Sent my people to Staten Island, to commence the colony and build-
ings.'' His possession of the Island, however, was disturbed, as is
seen by the entry in his journal on August 20lh, 1011: •• Arrived, the
ship Eyckenboom, and had on board a person named Melyu, who said
he was the owner of Staten Island; that it was given to liim and to
Mr. Van Der Horst by the directors of the company. I could not
believe this, having left the country in 1038, to take possession of this
Island, and in that time have settled there. I could not think that tin-
directors of the company would act in this way. it being graul<'d by
the sixth article, and we being the first occupants, and of cciiirsc it
could not be taken from us."

It is said that de Vries was a literary man and ilic author of an
historical work. There is nothing to prove that he resided on Staten
Island. The settlers, brought here by him. prospered for a time, until
their farms were desolated by savages. De \'ries remained iu Die
colony for a number of years, and for some time maintained his Imld
on the '■ bouwerie " on Staten Island; but the relations existing lie-
tAveen the Dutch and the Indians were not at all favorable to the
growth of a settlement here. Though we have evidence to support
this statement, in the fact that de Vries" bouwei-ie was excepted from
the grant to Melyn; also, that the fact that an Euglishniau I'esidiug
here in the service of de Vries was killed in 1042; yet ii is junhabjc
that he soon afterward abandoned tlie attempt to mainiain a seiije
ment here.

Cornells Melyn, a Dutch merchant, inaile the iliit-.l .iitempt to found
a settlement on Staten Island. lie came from Auiwerji. and his first
visit was made here in 1039. lie obtained an order from t lie directors
on July 3d. 1610. authorizing him to take possession of Staten Island.
and "erect it into a colonic." On his passage liither. iu Feliruary.
IGll, the vessel in which he sailed Avas cai)tured by tiie " i>urdiirk-
ers." losing all he had on board, and after great trials and tribulations
reached his native shores in safety. lie then ai.iili«-d to the .li rectors
for a passage to the New Netherlands, which In- obtained, and em-
barked again, with his family and some goods for trade wiiii the In-
dians, to the value of about one thousand guilders. The voyage was
made in the ship "•Eyckenboom" (meaning "Oak tree"), and he
reached New Amsterdam on August 20th. 1041. The directors gave

30 HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND.

him letters pateut, beariug date June lUtb, lGi2, fur tlie whole of
Stateu Islaiid, (excepting the bouwerie of Captain de Yries). and ap-
pointing- him patroon of the Island, thus investing him with all the
power, jurisdiction and pre-eminences.

Staten Island was again purchased from the Indians on April 13th,
1G70. and is noted in history as " one of the most prominent acts in the
administration of Governor Lovelace, because it was the final extinc-
tion of the Indian claim to the Island." This act has been termed, too,
" the most memorable " of his administration, and the Island was de-
scribed as " the most commodiousest seate and richestland " in Amer-
ica. The year previous the principal sachem had confirmed the former
bargains made Avith the English; but several other inferior sachems
now in-esented their claims, insisting that they were the owners. To
(juict them, a new bargain was made; they executed another deed and
possession Avas given by " turf and twigg." This was the very last sale
made by the Indians. They reserved two sorts of wood, however, and
even in this century, small parties of Indians have visited the Island
to exercise their rights in cultiiig tlic wood for tlic jmriMise of making
ba skets.

Tlie original Indian deed is slill prcscrxcd in the State Library at
Albany. Its preamldc cites that it was made " between Francis Love-
lace, riovernor-iicneral imder James. Duke of York and Albany, etc.,
and tlie Indians Aquopo. ^^■arri^es. ^Nliufiua. Sachemack. Terman-
towes. (^)iicrvc(|\iccn, ^^'('\^•;nl(■(•a, Oneck and Mataris, on behalf of
tlu'irselves, as the true owners and lawful Indians, propriotcn-s of
Staten Tshmd." Tlie conveyance was executed by the attixing of the
hands and seals of all the jiarlies and the attesting witnesses as fol-
lows: Conns. Sicenwick. .Mai.jor Tho. Lovelace, C. V. TJeinjven. Oliif
Steven V. Cortland. AUard Anthony, .Tohannes A'aniburgh. C.errit
Van Tright, J. I'.edlow, Warn WCssids. Constapel. William Nicolls,
ITnmjdry Davenport. Cornelis Itedloo. Nicholas Antony.

I'ii\ilege was given to tlic Indians to remain until the following
May, wlicn. accoi'ding to agrcciiicnl, ilicy were to sni-rcndcf the Island
to such jiei'sons as the (iovernor should ajiiioinl to receive it. This
Avas done, and on the tirst day of May. ICiTd. Tlionias Lovelace and
Matthias Niccdls "having ln'cn dc|Miicd by ilie (iovciiior to receive
the transfer of ](ossession from llic Indians." The conveyance also
contained llie following ]iaragraiilis:

"I'lic |payniciil agreed tijion for ye jinrcliasc of Staten Island, con-
veyed iliis day liy ye Indian Saclienis. proitriet"s is ivizt.): 1. Foure
hundred Fathoms of Waniinnn ; 2. Tliirty Match lioots; .3, Eight
Coates of Ihireiis. made u]<: I. Tliiily Sliirts; .">. Tliirty Kettles; 6,
Twenty (inns; 7. .\ I'irkin of I'owdcr: S. Sixty 15arres of Li'ad; 9. Thir-
ty Axes; 10. Tliirly Howes; 11. I'ifty Fiiives."

" II was rniilnr covciia iii ed that two or three of the said Sachems,
their heirs ami successors, or jicrsons cni]ilo\e(l by them, should once

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 31

in every year, the first day of ^lay, after their surrender, repair to the
fort, and acknowledge their sale to the Governor, and continue [in nui-
tiial friendship."

The second paragrai^h apjiears as an endorsed nienioranduiii, with
the signature of Governor Lovelace attached to it.

Several of the younger Indians were not preseiii at tlir liinr at
which this conveyance was made; and, in order to secure their full
understanding and approval, it was again delivered on tli(> l2."th of
April, in their presence. Each one made his or lier mark ii|>iin the
document as a witness. The names of those who thus subscribed were
" Pewowahone, about 5 yeares old, a boy; Pokoques, about 8 years
old, a girle; Shirjuirneho, about 12 yeares old. a girle; Kauarekante.
about 12 yeares old, a girle; Mahquadus, about 15 yeares oM. a ynung
man; Ashehanewes, about 20 yeares old, a young man." *

■i This was the fin.Tl sale of the Island by tlie Lovelace. To this last sale they were obliged

Indians, and we have no knowledge of any to adhere; there was probably more ceremony

claim ever being made by them to its soil from abont it, whieli rendered the transaction more

that time forward to the present. The In- i,„|,i.pssive. In delivering possession, thev prc-

dians were always ready to sell the Island. ^,^_^^^^ ^ ^^^ ^^^^^^ .^ ^,__.^^,^^ ^^ ^^^^^,^^ ^, ^^,.^y

In 163G, they sold it to Jlichael Panw; shortly , . , . ^ , . , ., . i .,i

' , , , ,. i Ti 1 Ti- * -„., ,i„ k nd of tree which grew npon the Island, cl-
atter they sold a part to David Tietersen de . , , , .,
Vries; in 1G41, to Cornells Melyn; in 16.57, to '^^I't ^^'^ a^h and elder (some say nsh and
Baron Van Cappelan, and in 1670 to Governor hickory).

CHAPTER V.

THE DUTCH AT OUDE DOBP.

T'DK DOIU*. (tbo Dutch words for Old Town), was the uame
(if the first setth'iiicnt by Europeans on Staten Island. As
nearly as can be ascertained, it was located north-west of
the itrcsenf site of Fort Wadsworth. lu'obably in close prox-
imity to tlic bhick fort which stood on the heights. It was certainly
nui fniilicr ;i\\ay frmn iliat jioint than the location now known as
Ai'rocliar.

'flic suiiiiiicr of KUl wiincsscd the commencement of the building
of ( »n<ic 1 »oiii. We take it for lifautcd that the ground in the vicinity
was covered w iili liuizc trees, some of them probably havinii' withstood

the storms of a century or moi'e. From
these ijie sturdy Dutchmen hewed the logs
with which they built their houses, being
aide to gather stone for foundation pur-
])oses all aliout tlieiii. and sliells with
wliicli to make tlu'ir mortar along the
sliore. During the first year, it is esti-
niaied. I liere were about seven of these low,
iolhuid cottages. They were a story and a
half in lieiglit. witli long roofs reaching al-
niosi lo I he gi'duinl. Tliey were rude in ap-
Itearaiici'. but comfortable for the inmates.
Acres of land ^\-ere cleared near b.v, and
iriiiili niai imisniis wei'c at once com-
incnccil. at tiic same time trading in furs
was ]<c|ii ii|i and I'niiiiil to he very |iroiii aiile.

'I'n mncc-ive wliai lliis rnde liiile hamlet apiieared like, renders it
(|uite necessaiy \<< siudy the Dutcli clnn-acler. We know, both from
tradition and Ian. ihai they were a religious ])eop]e, and that they
cauH' Ifoiii I he- i|iicei-esi liii ofeaiili that t he sun e\er shone upon, or
till' lidi' e\er waslied. 'i'lieiis was the oddest and fuiiiuest country
that c\ 1 r raised its head from i he w a \ is. wiili a toiisy-iurvy landscape
that aids In rciiilri- it I he iiiosi a III ] ill i I lious spot in the universe. In-
deed it has 111 -I n 1 he rlmsiMi Iml i i if 1 he element s, and good-naturedly
tile iaugliiiii; sinrk ul' niankiiiil. 'I'lie jieople are tlie queerest and
drollest of all I he na t ions, a lid yet so plnclcy, so wise and resolute and

y '^^

KINO CHAHIKS I.

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND. 33

sti'ouii, that " beatiug the Dutch " has beconu- a familiai- hvw.ir.l t'.n-
expirsf^ing the limits of mortal performance. And vt-i. llollaml, be-
sides holding its own place, has managed to gain a fooiludd on almosl
every quarter of the globe. Au account of its colonies is. indccil, a
history in itself. In the East Indies alono it has under its aniiinrity
to-day more than thirty millions of people. It is iiu wnndcr the I Mitch
have always been -wise, aud plucky, aud strong, for ilicy liaxc liail ic>
struggle for a foothold upon the very land of their lurili. Tliey lia\e
had to push back the oceau to prevent it from rolling in uiiun llieni;
they have had to wall in the rivers aud lakes to kec|i iliem wiilnn
bounds, and they have been forced to decide which shonld he hind and
which should be water, forever digging, bnihling, i-miiankiiig and
pumping for very existence!

There is no more terrible, heart-rending story in all history tiian
that of the siege of Harlem by the S[)aniards in tlie sixieenili cenlnry,
from whose successful Dutch rivals came the liisi seiileis :ii •• i)nil.'
Dorp, on Btaaten Eylaudt." The hrst possessors of Knich snil. like
those who settled here, were a branch of the great (ierman race.
Driven by circumstances from their home, tliey settled npun an empi.x
island in the Ifiver Ivhine. called IJetanin. or (IimuI .\b-ad<p\\. TIk'v
were tierce, staunch aud defiant, aud taught their cliibh-eii nnly ilie
hiw of might, aud their children grew up to be mightier i lian i liey.

History informs us that '• their votes in cotincil were given by the

clashing of arms, and ofteu their wives aud mothers st 1 by witii

shouts and cries of encouragement wherever the liglii was iliickesl."
" Others go to battle, but these go to war," said the historian Tacitus.
It is said of them, too, that even the all-comim-ring ilomans. with
Julius Cipsar at their head, were glad to compromise with.tlieni. Their
cavalry could swim across wide and deep rivers withoni breaking
ranks, and their infantry was the best drilled of the wurhl. S..nie
times defeated, never subdued, they were jpatieni iindi-r suhjeciiun
only until they were again ready to rise as one man and lliniw ulT ilie
yoke. Treachery, oppression, and breach of failli were sure, snuner or
later, to arouse Dutch pluck, and Dutch i.hick. in i lie cud. li.is always
won.

And now. let us return to Onde Dorp, lint in ihiing s... we must
recall the heroism, the majestic patience, and the trust in Cod. ihai
shine forth resplendeut from Hie darkest pages of I>nlcli history. I'.e-
sides risking the perils in crossing a wide and almost unknown ocean,
theirs was the lot to face the savage Indians; to hear their yells, and
in the best possible manner conciliate their favor ami purchase their
lands; to clear and cultivate a wilderness; to make lh<' ceiilurian oaks
bend and fall before them; to build houses and pinviile sustenance; to
endure the changes of a rigorous climate; to guard lliemse|v.-s frnm
beasts of prev and reptiles; to spend their Sabbath willionl the jirivi-
lege of public worship in their wonted temples; and in lonely solitude

;J4 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

to <-(jullict with I lie tt'iidt'i-L'ist fecliugs of the heart, iu the loud lecol-
Icctious of dear and distant friends and comfortable homes.

Ill tlic litiht of events, it seems but natural to those who study hu-
man naiiiic. in connection with history, that the two separate and
distinct races should have become common enemies. The aggressive-
uess of tlic Dutch, iu connection with the characteristic suspicious-
ness and a self-conscious feeling of undeserved injury, on the part of
the Indians, soon led to trouble. Each failed to understand the other;
each sought to auuoy and wrong. Neither had common rights that the
ol her felt iu the least bound to respect.

in K;;??, the mal-adiiiinistration of Director \'an Twiller having
come to the ears of the l>iii(li West India Company, William Kieft
was a]ipointed in Ids place. J)irector Kieft arrived in New Amster-
dam in -March, 1():5S, and found the fort greatly dilapidated; the com-
jtaiiy's ]n<)|.('ity wretchedly managed, and everything betokening the
l>r('valcnc<> of disorder. Director Van Twiller, however, had not suf-
fered liis own interests to be neglected; his farms were well stocked
and liis lioiises in good older. The new director began, with a strong
hand, to reform ai)uses. and to ini]Udve his colony; but he was a man
of lieadslrong teiiijier, wIk) would not brook control or advice, and pos-
sessed, at tlie same time, a weak and ill-balanced mind. Like his
predecessor, lie was addicted to intenijierate habits.

During the spring (d' lt>40, some tra\elers. on their way from New
Amsterdam to South lliver. in 1 >elaware, stopped on the East JShore of
Staten Island to take water on board their ship, and while there stole
some liogs from tlie settlers on de \'ries' bouweries. The Karitan In-
dians, especially 1 liose who were residing upon the river by that name,
who had shown an unfriendly disjiosition towards the Dutch, were
at once charged with the crime, which was regarded as very seriotis,
and (1()\( iiior Kieft sent a company of about seventy men. under the
conimaiid <d' his secretary. Van Tienhoven, with positive orders to in-
vade tlie Indian coujitry, cai)ture all the natives he could, and destroy
I heir crops.

When the raiding ])ariy reached (heir destination, they at once be-
came insubnrdinaie. and the secretary lost all conirol over them. The
S(ddieis di'ilaicd ilicir iiiieiiiidn to murder every Indian they could
(ind. and, reminded as they were, that such a course Motild exceed
their insi riicl ions, they jtersisted. and the secrelary, tinding that e.\-
jMisi iihiiinii was in \aiii, Ictl his men tue.\eciite their wanloii deter-
miiialioii. (^Miite a iiunilier i<( linliaiis were killed, and the chief's
bfot liei- was brutally niurdcred, after he had been made a ]>risoner, by
(rovert Lookeniians. one uf the soldiers. The ciups of the Indians
\MTc all destroyed, iliiii- wigwams btirned. and \arious other wicked
(111 I rages perpet raini. .\ I'ler having sat islied t lieii- lien dish s])irit, the
iMiirlimcn retired, h'axiiii; nne nf ihcir iinmlier, named Koss, super-
caiL;ii III' I he shi|i •• Xepi iine." deail mh I hi' gininnl.

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND. 35

A must saugiiiuiuy cimtest had uuw Lummeuced, with tho lutliaus,
which toutiuued to disturb the colouy fur tive years, and well iiijih
dt'jiupiihited it. The causes of war were uiauy. The Indians saw,
with daily increasiug euvy aud dislike, the heritai;f uf their lat Iters
uecupied by strangers. Tlie settlers, often aifogani and sellisii. tie-
prived them of their real or imagined rights, in addition to this Gov-
ernor Kieft, acting, as he alleged, under iustruotious received from
Holland, proceeded to lay a tax on the Indian tribes for the siippurt of
the colony. This naturally aroused their indignation. Tlie feeling
of hostility was deep rooted, and they determined upon revenge.

t^ome time prior to tiiis. (ioveruor Kieft had established a distillery
on 8taten Island,- and he sold, traded and gave ruin to the Indiatis.
and after making them drunk, he and his soldiers im]>osed upon i iiein
in a manner that created an everlasting disgrace to his inennuy. Kveii
after getting the poor wretches drunk, Kielt made no allowance for
the outraged feelings of the Indians, and, heeding not their remon-
strances, demanded "blood for blood," and he got it. lb- nlTered a
reward for each and every head of an Indian, and murder was a daily
occurrence.

The time had now come to seek revenge for the murders committed
by Kieft's soldiers, and one of the first acts of the Indians was to in-
vade Btaten Island. In the summer of 1(541, five tribes having banded
together, they surrounded the settlement of Otide Doip. nm une of
whose inhabitants had sinned against them, and they began i In- work
of murder and devastation. Men, women and (diildren were Iniiiliciid
in the most savage manner, but few indeed escaping death. livery
house in the settlement was burned to the ground, and when the sun
went down behind the green hills of btaten Island that night, not a
Avhite face, save those of the dead, was to be found upon its crimson
soil. The block fort on the heights, for s(mie reason unexplainable,
was left standing, but deserted. The soldiers, with such of tin- set-
tlers as were able to join them after the attack, crossed iln' Xaifnws
and found reftige on the Long Island shore.

Ifoger Williams interfered in behalf of the Ihiirli. and a IVw wlm
were so fortunate as to escape, returned to the Island and ai oiire set
to work to rebuild Oude Dorp. Half a dozen log huts were rivct.-d
upon the foundations of those burned by the Imliaiis, and an elTorl
was made to cultivate the land. Peace was of sliort duration. The
Indians were goaded to desi>eration by the destruction of their crr.ps.
the slaughter of their brethren, and the long-conlinued course (»f
frauds practiced upon them by unscrupulous men. wlio first got tlieni
intoxicated and then cheated them in all their transac(ions.

In 1G12, eleven tribes banded together and declared war against

2 There are various accounts relative to tlie atiounded In the locallt.v now Itnown in " llio

location of this distillerv. Some claim that It Duck Pond," at New Brlfihton. It wn*. Imw-

was locafrrt near Oude Dorp, and others that ever, the fir.st distillery In which mm wnn

it was among the excellent springs which made on the Norlh American continent.

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND.

FLAG OF TIIK WE»T INDIA CO

tlic Dutch. Everybody that liappciicd to be in tlieir ])iithway was
murdered, aud Oude Durp was again hiid iu a.shes. Early in tlie year
a jounji; Indian had committed murder and Governor Kieft at once de-
termined to avenge it. lie accordingly called a council of twelve
men, from amoTig the citizens of New Amsterdam and Uude Dorp, to
aid him. in decidiug upon the proper course to be pursued. This coun-
cil adxised ]iatience and foi-bearance, and then proceeded to take up
tlie abuses of the government, and to ask for reforms. Kieft soon
dismissed them, forbade their meeting again, and disregarding their
advice sent a company of soldiei-s to attack the Indians. Kieft "s anger
was cliietly directed to tlie Ifaritans. aud he entered into an agreement
w il li some (d' tlie river Indians to assist him in annihilating that tribe.

and to excite their blood-thirsty dispositions,
" he offered ten fathoms of wampum for the
Iiead of a Raritan. and twenty fathoms for the
head of every Indian engaged in the murders
u])on Staten Island." At this time Kieft built
:i redoubt on the Island, the location of which
is not known. Some writers claim that it sur-
rounded the block fort on the heights of the
Narrows, and others that it was on the heights
overlooking the bay, above St. George, in the
vicinity of his distillery.
At this juncture. (I(i4;{). the .Mohawks, the most itowerful tribe iu
the territory bordering on the Hudson and the Lakes, descended the
river foi- the purpose of levying tribute from the weaker tribes, in the
neigld>or]iood of New Amsterdam. These, terror-stricken, tied to the
l»i]|cii foi' protection, aud might have been won to sincere friendship,
by kindness; but having been received kindly for a few days only, they
left the colony and scattered themsehes among the adjacent tribes.
It was at I his period tlial Kieft. forgetful of the dictates of humanity,
suffered iumself to authorize a transaction which stains, most foully,
his whole ailministraliou. At a drunken revel on the '2'2d of February,
1G43, a peiiiioti was presented to liim by some of the most blood-
thirsty of tlie iidialdtauts, reijuesting him to order the extermination
of these Indians, t iius depi'iNcd of a shelter and a houie. Kieft ri^'udily
complied, iiud when I he season nC debauchery was past. refuse<l to
recall his oidei-. Two paities of soldiei-s ^\•ere sent out at night to sur-
pi'ise ami desli-oy the unsus]iectiug red men. One hundred and ten
were kil led a nd lliirly wci'claken prisoners. Nor were these all war-
riors, who wert' thus bulchei-ed in their sleep. Women aud chihlren
were cut to pieces, by the swords of these ruthless exlei iniuators. and
neither age nor sex were sjiared.

This onli'age led to fatal conse(pieuces. as might have been ex-
pected. The farms ami buildings nf the Dutch were desti'oyed by tlu^
exasperaied Indians, and llicir callh' were killed. The war-whoo]i

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND.

was beard from the Karitau to the Coiinerticiit. At h-ast tifteeu
hundred Indiaus of the bauded tribes wi-re on the war-pal h, and to
oppose these there were not more than three hundred settlers and
about sixty poorly-equipped soldiers. Destructiou prevailed every-
where, with but one exception. An early chriuiicle says: " Stalfii
Island, where Cornells Melyu established himself (1043) is uuattacked
yet, but stands expecting an assault every hour."

Early in 1G44, the Dutch oriianizcd an expe<Iition aiiaiiisi the Staten
Island Indians, consisting of forty burglicrs. under .Joachim I'icicrscn
Kuyter. They were accompanied by thirty-live EnglisiiiiKii ninlci-
Lieutenant Baxter, and several soldiers friuu Eoit Amsterdam under
Sergeant I'eter Cock, and the whole being umler comiuaml nf Coaii-
selor La Montague. They landed at a late hour ou Stateu Island, ami
marched the remainder of the inght. .Vt early dawn they arrived al
the place where they expected to timl the Indians; bnl they Imd been
secretly informed of their coining and tied. The soldiers burned Hie
village and carried away tive humlred schepels of corn.

Dominie Bogardus and de Vries, the patroon of Sinien Island,
strongly opposed the course pursued by the directors in i ln-ir dealings
with the Indians, and subsequent events iiroved ilieii- wisdnni. " So
persi.stent were they in pressing their views upon the aul lidiilies. ilial
they excited their anger, and Avere charged with a design of ingraliat-
ing themselves into the favor of the Indians for seltisli inirpitses. ami
to the prejudice of the interests of the colony at large." Tiie Imlians
understood these men, however, and recognized them as friends, and

when, later, they made a raid upon Staieii Island, they killed s tf

de Vries' cattle, not knowing to whom they belonged, they e.xpresseil
their regret for the act, calling him " the friend of the Indians."

(»nde Ifofp was for the third lime the habitation n( the iMiicJi. and
was the home of de ^'ries. He became the most inllnenl iail )iiielinian
in the colony. When a difticnlty occurred with soim- nf liie I - is-
land Indians, an.l Kieft foiiml himself in a dilemma,'' he was very de-
sirous of making peace with them; but he could find no one who would

3 111 tlir m.'nnwliilc. ilio ludi.ins upon I...11S llio viciiiil.v of Ncwai-k li:i.v. mcl llw Kiiiiic f.ilo.

Lsland licRnii to manifest a hostile disposition,
aurt Kieft found Iiiiiiself involved In new
troubles. It was evident from some of liis
measures tliat lie liegaii to regret liis preeipi-
tanc.v, and if notliins else had ooeurred to
irritate him anew, he minht have consenied to
forget the past, and to " bnr.v the haliliet";
but just at this juneturc some trappers hap-
pened to meet an Indian of the Hai-kensael;
tribe, who was clothed in a dress of valuable
beaver skins, whom the.v made drunk and then
robbed. On recoverinj; his senses, the savaire
vowed to kill the first Snannakin (while inani
whiini he should meet. jUc did that, and more;
an Englishman who was a servant of de
Vries on Staten Island, was met h.v him and
killed, and sliortl.v after a man named Van
Vorst, wliili- engaged in repairing a house in

.■\ppieliensive of further trouble, a depulaUoM
of chiefs of some of the nelgliliorliig IpMh-h.
wailed upon the direelor. wlnuii llie.v foiiiid
great l.v exeited. and not disposid lo reawin
Willi ihein. He informed lliein thai Ihe only
way lo keep peaee was lo sum-mler Ihe niiir-
deier. ■We ean not do llial,' llie.v replied.
•• beeause he has lied, and Is oiil of our reneli."
Tlie.v offered lo make eompenHatloii for the
iriiiie. aeeording lo the eusloiiw of their peo-
pie: nolliiiig. however, eould propllliili' Kbfl
but the po.ssesslon of Ihe murdi-rer. The lii-
ilians represented to lilm llial II was nol lliey
who had commilled llie murderB. bill the while
men's riini. •■Keep Ihat nway from Ihe In-
rliaiis.'- thev said, "and there will be no more
niiirdirs." - I'mlnirn IHmIwu of lti<lwm«t
County.

38 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

serve as ambassador but de Vries, to whom he entrusted full power.
Ik was very hosjiitably received by the ludiaus. and they were re-
quested to visit t he director at the fort in New Amsterdam. This they
refused to do until dc N'ries pledged himself for their safety.

Durinji- the eleven years that followed there was nothing of special
ini])nrlance occurring on Staten Island, lint during the year Ki.jo,
aiiollier serious calanuty befell the place. There had been considera-
ble accessiiins to the population in the meantime, and there were
strong assurances of ])eace. In tiie early autumn of this year, how-
ever, Hendrick \:iu l>y(k. the former attorney general at New Am-
sterdam, a i-esideiit of < )ude l)(U']i. on rising one morning, discovered a
s(|u;i\v in his garden stealing peaches, and in a moment of anger he
sliot her. I<illing her instantly.

The authorities took little notice of this rash act; but the Indians
did not overlook it. Immediate measures were taken by them to
avenge the outrage, and llien began tlie bloody siege known in history
as the famous " I'each war." Several of tlie neighboring tribes
united, and early on the nn>rning of the ir)th of September, sixty-four
canoes, containing nineteen hundred savages, some of whom were
Mcdncans, and others from P^sojius, llackingsack. Ta]>])an and Stam-
ford, suddenly appeared before New Amsterdam. They landed and
dispersed through the various streets, while many of the people were
still asleej). Then they broke into several houses on pretense of look-
ing for " Indians from the Nttrth," but in reality to avenge the death
of the scpuiw that Van Dyck had shot at Oude Dorp.

InimiMliately ujion their discovery an alarm was given. The officers
of tlie cohiny and city, and many of the principal inhabitants, as-
sembled, and the leaders of the Indians were recpiested to meet with
Ihi'iii, wiiich they did. They arconnted for their sudden appearance
under tlie pretext of seai-ching for some hostile nortliern Indians, who,
they ]ireteiide<l they had been informed, were either in the city or its
vicinity. Aftei' miirli jicTsiiasion they w<'re induced to promise to go
away from .Manhattan Island at sunset; but when evening came they
still manifi'stcd no dis]>osition to lea\c. They became so unruly as to
excite tlie ](co]iie, and violent acts were committed by both i»arties.
I'aulus Leinderstein \'an I >er ( Jt'IsI. one of the city olliciais. was killed
by a blow wit li an axe.

The soldifis in I lie fort and the city guard wei'e called out. and the
invaders were (lri\cn back to liicir canoes. The savages then crossed
tlie I'iver ;inii at laiked the set t ieineiits t here, killing or capturing most
of I lie jicoplc. They then came to Staten Island, which at that time
had a po| nihil ion of niiiely souls, a ml elc\ en llonrishing bouweries, all
of which are supposed to have been at or near ()ude Dorji. Twenty-
i w o were killed, including \ an Dyck. the thoughtless author of the
trouble, and all I lie reiiia i iiiler w lio did noi escape were carried away

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

captive, and <lesolation reigned everywhere on the Ishiml. Thus, fur
the third time. Onde Dorp was hiid in ashes, never to be re-bullt.'

The Indians eoutinued their ravages for three days, during wldch
time they Ivilled one hundred whites, toolv one hundred and lifty pris-
oners, and ruined three liundred more in their estates. Ahirni spreatl
throughout tlie entire region, and there was no safety anywhere, for
the hostile Indians were prowling about daV'and night, and killed all
who came within their reach.

4 Adii.Tii Post, till' oversfpr for Baron Van
de Cappclau. was one of the sixty-seven who
escaped massacre and was taken captive. He
affirms, with reference to Staten Island, " that
all the dwelling houses were burned. In the
known conflict with the savages in 16.55. and
that no other effects were then left than a
few be.ists, which he. after his imprisonment
by them, collected together, and of which the
greatest part died, while the few remaining
were sold by him for the maintenance of his

wife and children." In relation to the afTair
we also quote from the reminiscences of Attle
Widclar. wife of Thomas P.urbaiik. who set-
tled at '■ V : Duses " : *' She sd. there was 2 or
S houses at Old Town [Oude Dorp] and at
Carlsneck & the Indians run off the Island and
murdered, at Old Town all Except a little
fiirl who run into the woods— the Indian put on
her fathers ("loths and Uecoyd. the (ilrl sup-
posing it to he hi'r father her they savd.— The
Indians Came principally from Itergaln."

CHAPTEK VI.

THE WALDENSES AT STONY BROOK.

l(»T\\'lTllt?TAXl)IN<i the Duteli sokliei's vetlaimcd tlu- block
fort on the heights at the Narrows, there was no attempt
inatle to effect au iiiiniediate settlement of a colony on
Statcn Island. The few that had escaped with their lives
remained with friends near the fort at New Amsterdam. Repeatedly
liair-hearle(l allenipts were made by the IJaritan Indians alone to
suriirise and caijtnre the fort, but witlKtut success; and. there is rea-
son to Ixdieve. in a short lime a better nnderstandinn' prevailed be-
tween the two distinct i-aces. It is said tli;il the Island liad ]irobably
a^ain been purchased from the Indians.'

About Kl.'iS. another attemjit was nnuh' to found a village, this time
iiearlv I wo miles west (tf the ili-fale(l location of Glide Dorp. The new
seltlenient was called Stony r.ro(d<,and its location is now included in
what is commonly called " the New Dor]) neijihborhood." The exact

location of the little villan'e was at tli<'
shar]) bend in the Amboy road, about mid-
way between N(n\' Dor]) and Oakwood sta-
liou. Slouv Itrook was the first county seat,
aud also the site of the hrst AValdeusian
('lnii(li on the North American continent,
as Weil as I lie tirst organized church of any
denomination on Staten Island. As this
chajiler is de\oted to the settlement of the
W'aldenses. nialtei's relative lo the tirst
coiiidy seat ^\'ill be set aside for ( he ])resent.

this little W'aldeiisian ('liur(di i;i-ew n|i 1 he
r.i-ool<. The sliuciure was built of lot^s and
but one slory in heij;hl. It was the scene

\V.\LDKNSIAN CHCRCIl, STONY

linoDii, niTn.

.\round

(d' Stony
and was

d sorrow lor man\' a

jcnei-at ion.

TIm'

jirer-ent

villa-e
St ones,
i>[' joy
U'euera-

tinn is familiar with a number id' old dwclliniis that were erected

1 Dimldp lins sol fnrlli tlial Uio Isliiml was
IHircliiisod of llio nullnns In Kiril. liy Anfus-
line llcnnmi, liul wi' l':iil t.i liml niilliorlly
siillli'lcnt to sustain iIji- mss.ii i.ui. A iMirclinsc
was iiiaile of tlif Uicllaiis Di'ci-ihIht C.lli of that
.year, liy " AiiKiisliiic ncininans." ai'lln;; tor
(•(■niclls van Win-Kliovcn. a Srlu'piMi of
ririM-lii. wlilih c.viivil a larj-'i- trai-l lylnK
lii'lvvcfii llir Aillnir Kill ami liic Itarilan river;
ami frnni llic inrlil.Mital nn'iilioli of Stali-n Is-

l:uul in Ejivinff tlio bonmlarii'S. the iilea may
liave been saineil tliat the convpyani'e in-
clmleil I his Island. Hut as Melyn was In un-
disputed possession hero at the time, had been
for several years previous, and continued to
be for several years after, it Is fair to presume
tliat no sm-h purchase was luade or intended
to be made. — I'lrnloii's Ilialoin of IHrlinwiid
Voinilif.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 4]

at Stonj- Brook iu the earliest days of the famous \\ aldcnsian lliii;uc-
uot settlemeut. The (.iuyon-Chirk aud the Tyseii lioniesteads. south
of the village prosier, the old Fountain house, back of the Black Iloi-se
Tavern, all still standing, were dwellings of that period; aud the old
Rose aud Crown, Avhich stood at the head of New Dorp lane uui il isr)4,
and the Brittou house, near Oakwood station, whieh was (hMuolishcd
about live years ago, were built amid scenes that made up the curliest
history of Staten Island. There was also a block fort neur l In- ( 'hurch
and Court House.

The brave Waldenses who built the little cliurcii at Sinny Itniok,
came from a Christian community who inhabited a mountuiu tract on
the Italian side of the Cothian Alps, south-west of Turin. The region
is divided into three valleys, which lie between France and Italy. The
inhabitants are thus brought into communicatimi wiili Imili coun-
tries; indeed they speak a dialect more clearly allied lo ilic Kaupiiiui'
than to those of I'iedmont; and they have used l'i( ik li as well as Ital-
ian as the language (d' t iicir liturgy.

The religious doctrines of the Waldenses are now similar to those
of the Dutch Keformed Church. Their own historians assert that the
country has remained from apostolic times independent of the Church
of Eome, aud boast that they can now show a regtilar apostidic suc-
cession of bishops from the earliest period of Cliristiainty till liiai nf
the Reformation. This, however, is disputed. Historians also dilfer
as to the origin of tlieir name. Some claim tliat they do not take it
from that of a valley, but fr(un Deter Waldo, a merchaul of Lyons,
who. in the Twelfth ceuttiiy. was the founder cif a sect which strug-
gled aizainst the C(U-ruplioiis of the clergy. He had the I'.iur gosjxds
translated, and maintained that laymen had a right in read tliein to
the people. He exi)Osed in this way the ])fevaleiii iguniance and im-
morality of the clergy, anil brought down their wratii upon hiinseir.

Waldo's opinions were condemned bv a general coniicil in 1 IT'.i. and
he returned to the valley of the Cothiau Ali>s. .\ hnig series (.r perse-
ctitious followed; but Waldo's fcdlowers could m.t he forced to aban-
don their opinions. They continued to be known as the Lrmilsli. from
the place of their origin— the poor people of Lynns. Ir..ni i heir x ..Inn-
tary penury— N'//yo/r///. frcmi the wooden slmes thev wni-e and Ihnml-
itati. on account of their humility.

It was natural that a body cruelly persecuted shmdd stand aln-.f
from the church, aud even offer armed resistance; y<-t we have im e\ i
dence of the manner in which the Waldenses tirst iM-came a sei.arale
communitv. Thev are now known to have been identified Willi llif>
followers of Waldo; but they must not be conf(.und<Ml with the .\lbie-
oenses. who were persectit(Hl at the same ])erio<l. The i)rotest of the
Waldenses against the ChuiMh nfRomeoidv relale.l in prarCral .|nes-
tions; that of the Albiegenses related to nuit ter of <loct rinc

The Waldenses were subject to persecutions in l."'-".:^. 14<Mt. and in

42 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

147S. and driven into many parts of Europe, wliere tlieir industry and
integrity were universally remarked. So widely bad the sect been
scattered, that it was said a traveler from Antwerp to Rome couhl
sleep every night in the home of one of the brethren. The story of
their persecutions covers many years, and forms some of the darkest
pages in the criminal history of the world. People generally acted as
if they not oidy thought it a jirivilege, but a blessed duty, to injure
them by every means in their power. They were rejjeatedly attacked
by troops and overpowered, and their survivors could mak<' no condi-
tions. They were imprisoned in Turin, where large numbers died,
while others managed to eniigratt-.

It is no wonder those tired, but brav<'. souls sought tlie comparative
solitude of little Stony F.rook. even amid all its dangers, and there to
rear a house wherein to worship the Father in heaven. Those who
reverence the past can scarcely recall the rude little structure with an
unqiiickened ])u]se, nor recite its sim]ile history with an unnioisteiu'd
eye. It is clearly evident that those who caused it to be erected must
have had some poetry in their imagination and love for the beautiful
in their souls. Indet'd. how far moi'e beautiful to look ui)on the rude
but pure sini])licity of the early Christian, than the gorgeous pile of
modern i)ride and ostentation. ^Ve tind these simple, ancient relics,
at odd intervals among the grandeur of the age; but they speak to us
more plainly of man's decay, renund us more forcibly of the immortal
day at hand, and tell us more earnestly of (lod.

^fore tlian once the torch of the wicked savage — still smarting un-
der the wrongs perpetrated upon his jieople by Governor Kieft — was
applied, witJi the evident hope of burning the (diurch to the ground;
and more than once the brave Waldenses rallied *' for the love of
Christ " and " in His name " and saved the sacred structure from de-
struction. Scores, aye, hundreds of times, for aught we know, it was
a source of refuge for the ])eoph' of the little hamlet, when attacked
by ruiu-cra/.ed savages. And lliere, too, in the very shadow of the (d<l
cliurch, is wliere they laid tlieir dead to rest; there is where the
mother of two ct'uturies ago kiieli ,iiid wept over the new-niade graves
of her lovec] ones wiio had g(Uie home. The ravages of time have left
little to tell us of this aucieiil chuich .iiid burial i)lace; but sufficient is
Icuowii to enable us to jioiui mil i licii- exact location.

The Waldenses- who settled on Slaten Island were a noble people,
and were closely identified with the Huguenots, witli whom they are

*J To miiciiilicr uiir fiMlicrs Ilir \t';irs ulirii irnrilcil with |M-riili:'r jnltM-t-st niiil plrasuro b.v

prst llioy came liorc— tho pi-lvntloiis llic.v en- i,s |i,li:il>lt;uils. • • < The Island was known

duroil; and to cherish and robearso thrlr vli-tu- ,„ ,,,„„„„, „.„„ ,.x,.,.||,.nt spi-inss of wat.-r.

ous ontiM'piises, is both landablo to the pros- , w i .1 ,v » i ,. . j , ,,

,, , ... from which the Dutch shinpin;; rci^civcii ihcir

ont, and profltablc to fntnrc (jcncialions, • • ,, ... . . .

.» , ., 1 .1 " , 1 ,,1 supplies of this essential article, and was Iheu

• of the numerous locations unuie. and settle- '■

m.-nls elTect,-(l In the new wildeniess cnunlr.v. '"''-■'I iil'-<'ii<l.v l<nown and distinguished as a

as II was then empliatieally slyb'd. The sctllc watcrhi); place.— A'ir. Dr. Tail I'tlfs History 0/

Micril of Slaten Island will il.mlitless be ri'- Sniltil IiIiiikI.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 43

cumiuoiil y coufoiindecl by the average writer of i lie |ircscni i\:\\ . Sniiic
were Italians and others were French. It was no (hmlu ilic roiiiinnii
cause for which tliey A\-ere persecuted, \\iuch lias so easily and natu-
rally placed them in histi)ry as one couiuu)u jx-oph'. 'I'hey were au
industrious people, and were, in their native laud cxiiciis as spiuiiers,
weavers, dyers, fullers and charcoal luiruers. and their \aliani deeds
will never be forgotten while history shall proudly retain the uaiues
of Eichard, the lion-hearted, and the bloody fields ol' i he Crusades.
The \yaldenses were a hosjiitable jjeojde. and there is a wellfonnded
tradition that they prevented many a cruel outbreak by the Indians at
Stony Brook by the performance of kind acts, in their homes.

Among' the tirst settlers at Stony Brook, the clergy were also the
physicians, and they were also expectetl to know a great deal about
the arts and sciences. Over the door of the church, ami in every
house and workshop of those early Christians, was always to be found
the cross of Malta, while underneath it were the never-ilying legends.
" For the Love of Christ," and " In His Name."

In every house the story of Peter Waldo was as familiar as it was
sacred. Every one knew how the prosperous merchant of Lyons was
first awakened to the value of the Gospel for all men around liiin. and
then gave himself and his means not only to feeding the Iningiy. and
finding homes for the homeless, but to wayside in.struciion in tiie
words of Christ. Indeed, he found one and another version of pniis of
the Old and New Testaments, in the Komance language, w iiich lie
translated. The very oldest specimen of that language whicii we have
to-day is a paraphrase, of a generation or two before l'<'ier Waldo's
time, of the Bible history.

Stony Brook continued to be a distinct settleiueiit, or village, for
nearly two hundred years. Indeed, long after it ceased to be the
county seat (1727) the various interests of the people of Staten Ishiinl
centered there. Perhaps traditions and hallowed associations were
responsible for the foiuluess displayed for the old i)lace by l lie |M'o|.le.
The Waldensian Cliurch was demolished near the midille of i lie lagiii-
eenth century; but a considerable portion of its foniHhiiinn reniMins
where our forefatliers j.laced it. The block fori was desitov.d by
fire, about the same time, how and by whom no record is left to tell.
Fiftv houses, or more, built principally in the Holland style of archi-
tecture, at one time were included in the settleiueiil. .\ considerable
majoritv of these were built of stone, gathered in the neighborhood,
and were constructed in a manner calculated to withstund the storms
of centuries. Neglect, however, caused many of Hmmii Io n iMMbh- and
decay, and like their builders, they have, long ago. pnssed from si-hi

and memorv.

About the close of the Seventeenth (■.•ntury, an eHoii w;is made l.y
a London publisher to locate the establishment of clniici,..s of various
denominations in the American colonies. Ftotu Hie mntihited 'in.!

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

faded pages of a publication bcaiing upon Stonj- Brook, we are jter-
uiitted to quote:

■' * * * Ye settlemeut is located on a brook from whioli it de-
rives its name. Ye tbu'' is small and built of stone, * * erected
when ye village was founded in 1(J5S. * * * y^ preacher dis-
courses in both French antl English languages. ZS'ative Indians live
near ye village, on friendlj^ terms with ye ^^'aldenses, when unscru-
pulous traders do not give them rum. * * * Ye people cultivate
ye land for a considciable distance about ye settlement, but not so far
as to be unable to give alarm to ye fort.

" Alongside of ye church Is a burying ground, in one corner of wldch
ye nathe Indians also dcjiosit tjicir dead. This was ye result of a
treaty between ye settlers and Indians, and was thus so mutually
sacred as to prevent (lest iiicl ion. * * * There is a smith slio]i in
ye settlement. * * W- inhabitants number a hundred and a

half. * * * -V disti-ibuling house |grocery| ]n-o\i(les ye settlers
with ye necessaries of life; these are first secured at New Amsterdam,
and bro't to ye laudg. in a vessel. * * » Ye Indians bring their
furs to ye (list ribntiug house and disjinse of I lieni for pro\isions. They
take I)laid<ets. and are fond of gay colonis. ^Vrticles of food are of less
consideiation than tJiose which tJiey A\-eai-. * * « Ve Icing's court-
house aud goal is locati-d in iliis setlleuieul; it is a small alTair and
contains criminal jirisouers w ho lia\-e committed acts against ye jteace
of ye community; Ihey are impiison'd here for ti-ial. » * * ]t i^
ye ird(|uaiters of ye military.''

There is (ncry reason to belie\e that the settlemeut of i^tony lirook
was consi(l(>i-ed of much im|)(Mtauce. aud. according to tradition, was

I he abiding pl.-ice of Lo-ha-tact-tah, an In-
dian chief whom the I)ela\\;ife tribes had
seh'cteil to rnle o\'ef the Kilfitails of
Stateii Islaud. It is snid of this chief that
he was always desirous of living on fiieud-
ly terms with the while settlers; but his
weal<uess for ■• lire water" often pr<'-
\ente(l his good iuleulious from ])re\ail-
iiiL;. The story c(uues down to us that this
ciiiel' WHS once \ ery ill, and his peojile
ga\ e him up lo die; but, I h rough t he kind-
ly elTorts of the W'aldeuses, he was fe-
stofed to health and lived lor man\ years,

II is a noteworlhy lad thai no white set-
tler was disturbed during I he i^'iiinindi'i'

of his lil'e. if ii wer<' in his powci- to pre\cnt.

We tr.K-e back some (d' our (ddesi families, whose names are fa-
miliar lo ns today, lo ihe settlemeut of .^toliy I'.rook. The l>ed(dls
first set I led I liei-e, I iidecd. I hi' old " Kese and ( 'rown," whi<di was in

I'Kii-i; s[ rvNi'SAxr.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND, 45

the 8touy ijruuk UL-iyliborliuud, wa.s the birlhphuc of I'.isliDji lU-ilcll.
one of the most emiueut divines of the colonies in his day. The
Guyons located there, and the oriiiiiial homestead sijimls in icil tUf
ever- wonderful story of a great and noble people. Tlie i.atuiiri'ites
helped to build Stony Brook; but succeeding general ions wamiiTcd
off tu northern and western parts of the Island and sell led. 'riic Si
monsons were among the very tirst to help erect liie sen Irnioni. ami
they spread throughout the Island, there being scaiccly a iioriion oi
it to-day where the name can not be found. The Amh-ov ri is icididccl
their name among the builders of Stony Brook, as also did ilie I'.o-
diues, the Colons, the Corsons, the Crugers, the Deckers, the Egbi'rls,
the Fountains, the Garrisons, the Ilonsmans. the .lohusons, the Jour-
neays, the Lafarges, the Lockmaus, the Merrills, the ^Mersereaus. (he
Perrines. the Poillons, the Posts, the Van Pelts, and others.

The first marriage on Staten Island, of wliicli niciiiion is madr.
occurred at Stony Brook, the first birtli. no doubi. Iia\iiig lici-n at
Oude Dorp. The story of the niari-iage. however, is by ira<lilioii. and
not by authentic record. It was tliat of Cornelius itiiiion aini Cliai-
lotte Colon. We are informed that the record was made in a Kildc
which was destroyed by fire very many years ago. and I hat I lie eveiil
was kept fresh in memory by being repeated to eaili siiccciiling gm
eration. It is probable that the lirst death fnmi naiin-al causfs was
that of Francis Corsen. a soldier, stationed ai ihc block fort in Slony
Brook, and that the first grave in the Waldensian cemetery was ids.

But Stony Brook long ago ceased to be a habitation by tiiat nanii'.
and the graves of its early settlers are this many a year leveled and
forgotten. We have bad the exact spot wlieretlie ^^ aldensian Cliun-li
and the County Court House stood iiointed out to us. liy a icsiiliMit wlio
was so fortunate as to accompany a centenarian lo ihe s<-eiie. wlio
had seen and entered both buildings.

A grand story would be that of Stony Bro(d^ and its people, could it
be writen in full. Tln-re were the trium]ilis and defeats. I lie iileasnres
and sorrows, the happiness and heartaches — for all iliese cjine amid
the sunshine and shadow of vanished years.

CHAPTER VII.

STORY OF THE HUGUENOTS.

HE story of the llugueuuts — their persucutiuus aud strug-
gles — is oue of the saddest iueidents iu the sable-studded
page of ecclesiastical history.^ The term Hugueuots was
an ai)pel!atioii giveu by way of contempt to the IJeformed
or i'rotcslant Calviuists of France. The name had its rise in 1050; but
historians differ as to its origin.

Gaul, which is now called France, in the time of Christ, was a prov-
ince in the Itonian empire, and some of the apostles planted Chris-
tianity iu it. In the tirst centuries, Christianity e.\teuded and sup-
ported itself without the help and against the persecutions of the
l\oman emperors. Numbers were converted from paganism, several
Christian societies Avere formed, and many eminent men having spent
their lives in preaching and writing for the advancement of the Gos-
pel, sealed their doctrine witli their blood.

In the Fifth century. Clovis I., a pagan king of P'rance, fell in love
with Clotilda, a Christian jiriucess of the house of Burgundy. wh(t
agreed to mari-y him only on condition iti' his becoming a Christian, to
which he consented in the ycai- 4!ll. The king, however, delayed the
](crformauce of this condition until tive years after the marriage,
when, euiiagcd in a desjicratc battle, and having reason to fear the
total defeat of his army, he lifted u]> his eyes to heaven, and uttered
this prayer: '• God of (jneen Clotilda! grant me the victory, and I vow
to be baptised, aud thenceforth to worslii]i no other God but thee!"
He obtained the victory, and, mi his icinvn. was baiitised. at Uheims.
I)eceml)er 2.">th. AW). His sislci-, and more than three tlionsand id' his
subjects followed his e.xam])le. and Christianity became the professed
religion of France.

Conversion ini])lies the cool exercise of reason, ami wh<>n<>v<M' pas-
sion takes its place, and does the oflice of reason, conversion is
nothing but a ii.iiiic. I'.aiilisni did uol wash away the sins of Cloxis.
F.cfoic it he was vile; after it he was infamous, practicing all kinds

1 As I.I 111.- iliiUMctor of llii' lirsi s.iil.rs nf gctlici- willi a dai-ini;, hardy, aavpnturiniis spir-

Statcn Island, as woU as tlip i-diiiilr.v jioiipral- it iif ontcrprisp. So that the Staton Islander

l.v. it is manifest, from tlie indnlillahle evi- i.f the present dn.v. who ean trace liis lineaae

donees wliieli they hayo left behind, that Ihey had; (o the Ilngiienots, will find nothing i" the

were men iinitinK yigorous bodies with llriii history of his anepstry to crimson his eheeli. or

and enercetic minds; possessed. In no ordinary malie iilm feel abashiMl.Tiiii I'lll's: llinlnrii iif

degree, of Inborn wisdom and industry, to- fttiilni Islimtl.

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND. 47

of treachery aud cruelty. The court, the army, and the comuiuii peo-
ple, who were payau wheu the kiug was pagan, ami Christian wlicn
he was Christiau, continued the same iu their morals after tlie con-
version as before. The acts which followed rendered the reformat mn
of the t?ixteeuth century essential to the interests of all manUind.
The state of religion at that time was truly deplorable. lOcciesiastical
government, instead of that evangelical simplicity and fraternal free-
dom, which Christ and his apostles had taught, was become a spirit-
ual domination under the form of a temporal empire.

The irregular church polity was attended with ((iiarrcls, intrigues
aud wars, lleligion itself was made to consist of the ]icrforniancc of
numerous ceremonies of pagan. Jewish ami monkisli cxlradinii. nil
of whicdi might be itcrformed without either faitii in (!od nr love for
mankind. The church ritual was an address, not to tlu- reason, but to
the senses of men. Blind obedience was first allowed by courtesy, and
then establishe<l by law. For at least one humlred and fifty y<'ars
complaints were made of the excesses of the church, and the cry for
reformation made France tremble!

The French had a translation of the Bible, which had bcm made in
1224. It had been revised, corrected, and printed in i'aris in 1 IsT. iiy
order of Charles VIII., and the study of it began to lucvaii. .Ml Inm-li
in 1535. he went in procession to burn the first martyrs of the lie-
formed Church, yet, in the same year, he sent .M(daucthon to France
to reconcile religions differences; and although he perseciUed liis own
Protestant subjects with infinite inhumanity, yet. wlien he was afraid
that the (Jerman I'rotestants would strengthen the hands nf Charles
v., he made an alliance with the Protestant lu-inces of c.einiany. ami
allowed the Duke of Orleans to offer them the free exenisi^ n( Hieir
religion in the Dukedom of Luxemburg.

And now began that period of terror that ran i hioiighnni i he reign
of many crowned murderers. Years and years of persecution and
murde/foUowed. After many negotiations a peace was concluded in
1570. whi( h lasted for a short time, and then began scenes that shook
the civilized world.

One of the gates of the City of Tours is calh-d i he gaie nf |-oiirgon—
being a corruption from fcii //rH//o»— signifying " liie late Iliigon."
According to Eginhardus. the historian of Charles the Orea). this
Hugon was Count of Tours, and by the concurrent testinu>ny of o( liers.
it appears that he was a wicked, fierce and cruel man, who made him-
self so dreaded while living that after his death, according to the su-
perstition of the a-e. his ghost was supposed to stalk abmit at nigiil.
punishing all tliose with whom he met. In conseqin-nce of this tradi-
tion Davila and other historians aver that the appellation of Iltigm-
nots was first given to the French Protestants because ..f their fn-
quent nocturnal assemblings in vaults, and in the vi.-inity of frf,
HetigoH.

"AS HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Others credit it to a French corruption of the (ierman word " edig-
nossen " — or confech-rates — as originally given to tliat valiant portion
of the (Jeneviaus who entered into a confederation with the Swiss
cantons in order to make united resistance to the lawless encroach-
ments of ( 'liarles 1 1 1., Duke of Savoy. < )tliers assign it to a more inti-
mately illustrious origin, and ascribe to those who bore it, a design
for keeping the crown upon the bead of the third race of the French

monar<diy. descen(b'd fi'uiii Hugh Capet; finm wli they derive the

term iiugueuots.

But whatever may liave been tlie origin of this a|i]iellation. those
who are here to-day will recount with interest the story of those un-
precedented persecutions which drove those early Huguenot (Chris-
tians of France into exile on Staten Island. During the reign of
Charles IX., on the 24th day of August. ir)72, was enacted the direful
tragedy of the massacre of St. I'.arthohmiew. wlieu seventy tliousand
Iiugueuots were butchered ilnoughout France.

Many of tlu^ priucij.a] Troiestants were invited to Paris under a
solemn oalhjif safety, upon tlie occasion of the marriage of the King

of Navarre, with the I'reiich king's sister.
The queen dowager of Navarre, a zealou.-;
IM'otestant, however. Avas poisoned by a
pair of gloves before the marriage was
solemnized. Coligni, admiral of I'rance,
was murdered in his own house, and
ihrown out of the window to gratify the
malice of the Diike of (luise. His head
was afterwards cut off. and sent to the
king and (lueen-mother; and his body,
after a tliousand indignities offered to it.
hung by the feet to a gibbet. After this
I lie mui-derers ravished ilie wlmle ciiy of
I'aris. and butchered in three days above
ten llionsa ud lords, gentlemen. i)residents.
'I'lie very streets and passages resounded
with the noise of t liose who met togetlier bir murder and plunder.

The groans of those who wei-e dying, and Hie shrieks of those who
were going to be bulcjiered. w<'re heard on e\-ery liaiid; the bodies
of Hie slain thrown out of Hie windows; i he coiii-is and chambers of
the houses filled with Hiem; I he dead bodies of others di-agged through
the streets, Iheir lilood I'uiiiiing through Hie chanuels in such i)lentv,
that torrents seeuK'd lo cmpiy Hiemselves inio ihe neighboring river.
In a word. ;in inininiernble nnillihide of nien. wnnieii and childi-ru
wereall in\(>l\('d in one loninioii desi nici ion. I'loni lh(> cii\ of I'aris
the massacre s|n-e;id l hronghoni i he w hole kingdom. The same criiel-
lies were |)raclire(l e\cry where. Some hislorians claim iliai ai least
one hundred Ihoiisaiid w<>re murdered.

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAXU. 45)

But all these perseeutious were far exceeded in enielt.v liy iliose
Avhicli took place iu the time of Louis Xl\'. It cau uot be ideasanl.
however, to any one's feelings, who hits the least humanity, to reconui
these dreadful scenes of horror, cruelry and (le\ asiaticni, and so we
will pass them by at this time.

In 1598, Henry IV. passed the celelnalcd IMici of Xanles. which
secured certain rights and privileges to tiie I'rotestanls, with the free
prosecution of their religious rites. This edict, founded in the true
spirit of Christian benevolence, was revoked by Louis XI \'., and the
scenes of their former persecution were revived witii a vigor that had
gained strength with its short respite. Their chui-ches were destroyed,
thousands were put to the sword, and those who survived, lieing
about fifty thousand, after bearing every indignity from ihi- suMii'iy.
were driven into exile.

They retreated into Holland, wiieie they erected sc\cral places of
W(U-shii). and had among them a number of eiuiiic-ni incachers.
among whom were i^uperville, Dumont. Diibosc. and tlie elo(|uent
Saiirin. who, in one of his sermons, descanting at length tijion Ihi-ir
liersecutions, concludes witli the following lim- ap()stfo])he to Louis
XIV.. the tyrant monar( h. wlio had torn o]ieii their old wounds, and
by Avhose cruel policy they were driven into exile. The calm, forgixing.
philosophical spirit of Cliristianity with wliicii it aboniHls. stamps its
author as a man of t he n(d>Iest and most exalted cliaractei':

" And thou, dreadful ]irince." said Saurin. " whom I once liuimii'd
as my king, and whom I yet respect as a scomge in ilie liaml i>t Al-
mighty God. thou shalt hav<' a jiart in my good wisliesl 'I'liese prov-
inces, which thou threatenest. but whicli the arm of the Lord ].rcitects;
this country, which thou fillest with reftigees. hut Ingitives .inimaied
with love; these walls, whi(di contain a thousand martyrs of thy mak-
ing, but whom religion renders victorious, all these yet resound bene-
dictions in thv favor. Cod grant the fatal baiHlage that hides the
truth from thine eyes may fall off! 'S\:\y <iod forget the rivers n( hh.nd
with which thou hast deluged the earth, and which thy reign hath
caused to be shed! May God blot out (d' his honk the injnsiices whicii
thou hast done us; and while he rewards the sntrerers. may he jiardon

those who exposed us to suffer! O. may God. who hath maile il to

us, and the whole church, a minister of His judgments, make il a

dispenser of His favors — an administrator (d' Ills mercy! "

It is generally believed that tlie Huguenots worshiped with the
Waldenses at Stony Brook for some time. They came to tliis country
in considerable numbers from the middle to llie close of the Seven-
teenth century.2 It is not exactly known at what date they estab-

2 Wf. iH.w rnnK. to .1 pfi-io,! i„ U„- .-ivil n.„I I..ihl. frun, ll,.lln.Hl. I>u. now tl.-y Inn.l.-l "i.

religious liistorv of Staten Ishuwl of great ami those shores In eonsl.lerable nnmlxTH. \,r\nt

«ven lomantic' interest: the arrival of the ing with them ns,-fnl arlH. a Know|...lKe of

French Tiotestants or Htiguenots. Y.ars be- gardening an.l hnsl.an.lry. nii.l above nil. Ili-ir

fore, it is true, some had emigrated with the own well-known virlii.H. with a p.ire. .Im|.le.

50 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

lished their t-liurcli at Marssblauds,'' (now (iiven Kidge); but lueiitiuu
is made in the records of a " meeting house " at that phice in 1095.
It is claimed by some that the edifice, in which the Huguenots wor-
shiped as a separate congregation, was standing as early as 1080.
The proof of this theory is the inscription from an old brown grave-
stone, Avhich stood in its appointed ]dace up to about tweuty-five years
ago. and was then carried away in the night evidently by a relic
seeker: •' Atil * * nette Colon, * * er 21, 1G78; .lil Ol!"

The following interesting document is of a later period, but certain-
ly relates to the same church property. It is taken from one of the
earliest records of l he county :

" This following deed (d' (lifte was recorded for the french Congrey-
gashone Jlesiding with In the (/ountey of Kichmond on statone Island
the 22 day of may Annoque dom: 1098.

•' To all Cliristaiuc jieopcll To whome Theas jjreseut wrighting shall
Come John Ix'valle Scanior of the Countey <d' lliclnuond and ]>ro\('nc<'
of new ytirke w<'aver and hester his wife sendeth (ireeting In our
Lord (lod Ea\er Lasting now know yee that wheare as Townas Ibbo-
sone of The < "ountey of Licliniond yeoman did by his certen \\rigliting
or deed |M(le uiidei- liis hand iV; sealle Ix-aring date The seaventli day of
felierary and in the Third yeare of the Keign of our souvring Lord Will-
iam the third by the Grace of God of England Scotland fiance \- Ir-
laml King annoque dom 169^ Grant bargone sell and con\ay unto
John belvealle of the Countey of iJichmond \- provence of new yorke
wea\'er his heirs Exekitors Admsi'"' .Vnd asignes A serten trakt or
jiarcell of Land sittiate Lying and being on the west side of statones
Island neare the fresh killes beginiug by the medow and strechig in
to the wooil l>y the Lyne of fransis oseltoue dyrekt south three liun-
dred Rood from thence west six degrees i^ northerly thirtey six Kood
tlience dyrekt north by the Lyne of Abraliam Lacmone three hundred
Kood thence East thirtey six Kood Containing In all sixtey acres as by
the Kecited deed pole Kelashone theareunto being had doth and may
more fully and aft Large Ai)peare Now Know yee that tlie said .lohn
belvealle of Statone Island And provence of New Yorke and hester his
wife Testified by lier being A iiartey to the Ensaling and delivery of
tliease presents Keaell Loiil'e and Afeccmie lliat I Iiey beaic In t lie niin-

miile faith. Many of llii' dL'sri-iulaiits fnnii Iluyiwiiot i-iiiijjninl.s. Itrsull.s |iii>vc. lunvuver.

tliLs iiobk" stock now icinaiii to honor tlio tliat tho.v were of a more ailvi-nturoiis nature

Ishmd of their birth witli tlio stcrliiit; cliar- llian tlic W:ilili-nsos; licni'o tlio Hni;niMioi ,wt-

actfr wlilcli thoy havo inlicrilod from lliclr lli'incnls at I.onK Ncok (now .Now S|>rini;villiO,

ancM'Stors. - Prrston'a llinlnri/ ftf Hii-hmnntl ami Marshland, and oilier parts of the Isl-

Coiintii. ami. While it is true tliat the llnguenots are

;i Tile IIiiK'iieiiots. I lieliive. r.inie In stateii fonnii lo have settled in various parts of the

Island, if not at the saim- fiiin'. eertainly not Island, the Waldenses de mil sei^m to have

more than a deeade later, ili.'iii Ihe Waldenses. developed hiwond Stony lironk. It is possilile

ami Ihey heeaiiH' elosely Idelltilied with each IIimI Ihe I wo heeaine hlended into one. and

iiilier hecanse iif iheir perseeulions, their Ian- Ih.ii lli.' llnsuenots were (rrealer In nnniher,

Buane and I heir reliiiion. The faet is elearly and so Ihe Walden.si's in lino' hisi iheir dis-

estahlished tliat tlie .. aldeiisian settlenu'nt at linel Identity.- /i'ii/;i"om/ 7.i/.v<»'.« llixlDi-itnl

.'^loiiy I'.riiiik eoiitailied iinlle a nniiilier nf SI,-' li-Uis uf SInlni luliniil.

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND. 51

istrey of Gods word aud the savashone of yeare soules do tirinly by
thear presents firmley fieeley i^ absolewtly (iive Uraiite Kattilie iV
Coutiruue un to the freuoh Cougreygayshoue or Church upon Statoncs
Ishind within the Countey of liichmoud wone Arccr (if ii]i hmd 111
being parte and pareell of the afore llecited Trackt or parcdl nf Land
Containing sixtey arcers sowld by the said Townes Ibbosoiic un lu i In-
said John belvealle which arcer of Land being Laid mii (in ihe south
& by East side of the brige Imlfe an acer of tlie fore lieciled Arcer
Lvinti on the south side of the higlnvav and tlu^ other halfe of tlie
fore Kecited arcer of Land now Given by the said John belveaUe and
hester his wife Lying and being on the north side the liighway opesctt
against the otlier lialfe arcer To have and to liold tin- fore Kcciicd
trackt and parcell of upland containing won arcer to ihc trciK li Ccni-
greygashone now Iiesiding with in the Countey of Kiclinioiid 'I'o
Ereckt and buihl A <'hurch upon the same Utv llic iinuisiicy of ilu-
Gosjiell and tlie maintenence of Gods holy word and onlin:inisics and
for no otlier yowse nor pur])ose unto The frcucli Congicygasliouc ilicir
heirs Exiekitors Admin"' f(n- Eaver and the said John hclvcallc and
hester his wife doth covinantc i>romise aud < liantc to i^*: wiili ilioovcr
seers of the frensh Cougrcygashone that f licy llic said .lolin hclvcallc
and hester his wife their licirs ICxckitors Admin'"' and asigncs shall
and will for Eaver warend and defend the fore said ficnsii (dngrcv-
gashone Their heirs and sucksessors for Eaver in tlic (|uicit and jicacc-
bell poseshone of the afore IJecited wone arcer of Land aforesaid
against the said John belvealle and hester his wife or from any oIIkt
])ersone or persones what soe eaver Lawfullcy Clayming ancy i;siaie
Kight titell or interest of in or to the same. In testinioncy of the same
wee the said John Belvealle and hester his wife have liearc iinio sell
their hands and fixed their seales this twelfth day of Apidl and in ilie
tenth yeare of the Keighen of our Souvriug Lord williamc The iliiid
by the Grace of God of England scotlaml fnince and liland King de-
fender of the faith Anrnxiue dom: KiltS.

'I'lie inarke of

.|(din 1 r. l.eh-ealle (I
The uiarke of

hester G J I belvealle G."

" In the presents of
Jacob Corbett
D. Lucas
Jeyn la Tourritte
Joseph bastidoe
Samuel Grasset "

ThesiteoftheFrencl, lingnenol CImiicIi a. Marshald ma.v now m-
described as being directlv in front of the large dairy buihling of -Mr.
Georo-eW White, the ].remises being familiarly known as tlu- s<-aiiian
estate. There is a tradition that the .dd <lMirch was burned by tlie

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND.

Indians in the early part of llic Eigliteentli century, and tliat it was
rebuilt a few years later. Al the eoinineneenient of the present cen-
tury a portion of the stonework of the rude structure Avas still stand-
in<;'. It was finally removed for building purposes, and thus the sacred
landmark vanished. The old graveyard Avas ii part of a common field
on the Seaman estate, up to 1S81, when, the property having b(n-n
purchased by a gentleman who had no j)articular interest in its pres-
ervation, caused the last of the old brown headstones to be removed.
Several families I'csiding on the Island to-day can trace their ances-
tors back to their silcnl homes in that old gi-aveyard.

The location of this site was described, years ago. as " being in the
third field of the Seaman residence." This cannot (hr-scribe it to-<lay,
as there lunc been many changes; one of these is the main road, the
direction of which was changed in ISol, so that it no longer serves to
mark the jiosition of the acre of ujiland referred to in I?(dville"s deed.
The bridge, too. there mentioned, was icnio\c(l by Mr. Seaman in
1S40; bnt he jdaced another on the same site. •' which was in the
northwest corner of thi' same tield, and from whicli the old road, after
crossing the bridge, i-in southeast diagonally partly across the held,
and then I'eturned joining the present i-oad again near the northeast
corner of the h(dd. The church stood on the half acre which lay on the
south sid<' of the highway." The dimensions of the church were about
32 by 4.") feet, and it stood due noi'th ami south. A small stone Dutch
dwelling house, probably occupied as a i)arsonage, stood to the east
of it. South of the church was the graveyard. Many of the grave-
stones were without inscrijitions.of which writers of othi'r days say at
least two hundred at a time conld be counted. Tlie last inscri])tions.
(but not the only ones, as has ei-i'oneoiisly been written), were tiic fol-
lowing: "Tennis Van Pelt, died ITO"). aged O.j years""; also, " .Mary,
his wife, died ITtil', aged 59 years." There was another, from whidi

the part bearing the name uas lirokeii off; bnt
the date of whicli was 17S4; and annilicr still
bearing the initials .1. I., and date ITS). The
scene, as it a|i])ears to-dav. is one uf i-are
beauty, and \\c lei a Tiot iier ] pen describe it :

"This interesting s|)ot conuuands a |)ros])ect
(if a soli and peaceful chai-ai-ter. I'roni its
gently swelling knoll the spires of llichniond
are seen upon the right, and glimpses of the
white edilices of the (|uiet \illage may be
caught Ihrougli the trees. Directly in I'l-oiit the
meadow of I'resh Kill s]u-eads its le\cl surface, backed by the
woods and the rising grounds of ("arks neck, while ils meanderings
may be traceil. glistening in t he sunbeams (U' indic.-iled ii\ i he mast of
tiny craft, till llie mounlains of New -leisey bound the scen<'. Smii
is the spot where I hose noble e.xiles, the Huguenots of Slaten Island,

SKAI. OK NK.W .\.MSTKItI>.\M.

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND. 53

erected their tirst ediHoe f^r tlic free iuid untraiiniiclrd cxcnisc of
their worship.

" Should pilgrims be attracted td the sacred phice by this ndiirc of
it — Staten Islauders perchance, \vht( can trace their tamilics in ilijs
illustrious source — let them, as their footsteits jjrt-ss tlic lialln\vc(l
soil, recall a Huguenot Sabbath of a century and three-quarters ag<i.
Let imagination i)icture that humble house of <Jod. ruslic in its ajt-
pearaiice, but sublime in all its associations, ^[ark those groups of
devout and honest men, of high souled wonicii. tlic il;ifk-eye(l sons and
daughters of Francel List to the foreign accents of llie ]ii-earlier"s
voice, and as it dies away, and their solemn anthem swells upon llie
air, then give them their meed of praise! We grudge noi ili<- I'uriians
their share of honor. Break relics, if you will, from the mcU of Ply-
mouth; but let not the Huguenots of France, tlie lliigiienots of Staten
Island, be forgotten! By their own cliihlren. if by no oijieis. sliould
the great and good be remembered and revered." ^

4 Within a few yards of the present County and tlic last nt live generations

Court House at Klr-hniond, is located a small interred in this hurjinji-k'nnind.

graveyard. It was evidently a part of the old They were Huguenots

Dutch Reformed graveyard, the site of the who left France when

church of which was directly in front of the persecuted for their religion;

Court House, where there is now a street lead- settled In this neighborhood:

ing down to the Kichmond road. In this little I'^^J" s<-'"e<-l<>d this s|..,i

. ^ , »,. ii»ii„ for their last resting place

graveyard stands a tombstone which tells a .,

. , , ,, o>i earth.

valuable historical story. It bears the follow- j,^^^^,j ,,p ,,,,,,^ ,„,^j_

ing inscription: Susannah van IVIt

Susannah van Pelt reached the advanced age

was of 99 years, 5 months, 25 days.

The Grand Daughter of This monument is erected liy her only survlv-
Jacob Regean, Scur ing relative.

CHAPTER YIII.

UNDER DUTCH RULE.

HE tii'8t <;oveninH'tit of New Xetlierland was established by
the Dutch, under the direetiou of the authorities invested
with power from Holland. They began at once to exercise
that aggressiveness that has always characterized the peo-
ple of that country. While such a course may have done a great deal
for them in the long run, it nevertheless at times proved a serious det-
riment to their general liap]iiness and success.

The seat of government was at New Amsterdam, in the little Dutch
fort bearing that name, on ^lanhattan Island. It was there the sturdy
Dutch martinets made laws for the government not only of the civil-
ized settlers, but also endeavored to include such of the savage tribes
of natives as haiipened to be found within their disputed jurisdic-
tion. Between thirty and forty of these tribes occupied Staten and
Long Islands, and th<' countries watered by the ITudson and Delaware
rivers and thcii- branches. As has already been stated, the mercliants
of Amsterdam, through their agents, established trading forts along
the rivers, and four houses were built on Manhattan Island in KIIS,
under the sujierintendence of liendricU ("orstiaensen.

On the 29th of March, 1614, the States General of the United Netb-
<'rlands jiassed an ordinance, gi-niting to all original (lisco\-erers of
lands in Xorlli America, the ex(lusi\(' iiri\ilege of making four voy-
ages to such hinds as tliey liad discovered, for the purposes of trade.
Undei- this ordinance, live ships were despatched by a comjiany of
mercliants I lie same year. The command of these vessels was given to
Adriaen Blok. llendricl; ( 'oisliaenseii and ("oinelis Jacobseu Mey.
They ex])lored extensively the coast near New \dil;.

Jilok discovered and named Block Island, sontli of Kliode
Island, and also the East River, to which he gave the name
of Ilellegal, from the llellegat IJis'er in lOast Flanders. ("a]>-
tain Mey. in-oceeding sonthward. discovered and named Ca])es
May and llenlo|M'ii. or iIindlo]>eii. On the return of these
shi])S a Captain llendrickson was lel'i on the coast, to i)rosecute
discoveries. The tract <d' country extending from the ConiU'cticut to
the Delaware ]{iver received the name of New Netherlands; and the
exclusive right to trade t here for t lii'ce vears fi'om t hat date. ( )ctober

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND. 55

11th, Kill, \va>< yraiited to the discoverers by the Siaics (ifiicral.
Shortly afterward a treaty was made with the Five Naiiuus.'

The charter grauted to the New Xetherhiuds Coiupany by the Elates
General, haviug ex^jired iu 1018, they petitioned lor its renewal. Iiiit in
vain. Private traders, principally the former partners of ihat cnm-
pauy, coutinned, however, to visit the country for ilic |iiii|iiisc nt
traffic.

At this period the attention of the Puritans, wliu afterwards sci i !< il
at Plymouth, was attracted to this fertile and beaut iliil couniry.
Having in vain applied to England for grants of territory in the New
World, they intimated iu the beginning of the year 1620, to t hr piiiuii-
ueut individuals concerned in the trade to tlie New Netherlands, their
desire to emigrate thither. This intimation was readily and will-
ingly received by these traders, and a petition presented by tlhui m
the States General, for their approval of tlie project. War existing.
however, between the States General and Spain, that bmly thought
best not to approve this proposition.

In June, lOUl, was passed tne charter of the Dutch West Imlia
Company, an armed Mercantile Association, which was desigm'd ii>
extend the fame and power of the Netherlands; and tn imdii- iIhiu
formidable upon the seas to Spain, their old and sanguinary enemy.
This charter, though not particularly favorable to freedom, was as
liberal in its provisions as that of any other commercial association <d'
that period.

The West India Company having been fully orgainzed sent nnt a
ship called the New Netherlands, on the 2(ltli of June. Hi2:!. to tln-ii-
newly acquired possessions, under the direction of Captain .Mey. al-
ready noticed, and Adriaen Joriszen Tienpont. The former nf tlu-s.'
proceeded immediately to the Delaware, then called tiir Snutii. or
Prince Hendrick's Kiver. and there established a fofi. nmr tlie jjreseiit

town of Gloucester, which he named Fort Nassau. Tin- sa ye.ar. a

fortified post, called {''ort Orange, was ei-ected within the lindts of the
present city of Albany, a few miles ;ibnvc tiiat cicrt.d in inis, mi the

Normanskill.

In 1(;21. I'eter Minuit. of Wesel, in Westphalia, having Initi ap-
pointed director of New Netherlands. aiiiv.Ml in tlir <nuutry. bringing
with him several families of Walloons, iidiabitanls of the frontier lie-
tween Belgium and France. These settled at Ond-- l>..ri.. Sial<-ii
Island, and Wahlebocht, Long Is!an<l (simc c.urnpt.'d inf Walla
bout), while a number remained on :\ranhattan island.

1 Aliout tUe mouth of the Hudson, on the n-...iu.,is. iind ...oro i,.irt|pnlni-l.v Ihiil piirl ..f

islands and the main land, dwelt tribes l)o- llieni which was known iiM llie "Hve Mr

longing to the numerous Algonquin niitlon. tlons,- a confederar.v .•oni|.rl«lMK llie Irll.e. nr

But when the Dutch erected their forts in the the Mohawks, the Oneidas, llie Onon.l.ien». Mi-

vicinity of its junction with the Mohawk river, Ca.vugas. and the SenecaM. tor a •'■""r.v r.r

thev had penetrated to the border-line between more this confederacy had llo.irl»l..d. and nn.l-

this and another great Indian family, not i„g strcnglh in their union, they hndfiiMue.

quite so populous, perhaps, but much more , he surroundlUK tribes. n» ninci, by llie .lren.l

formidable by reason of their political organi- of their name as by the force of nTmn-ntmo-

zation and warlike prowess. These were the rial llixloni "f ^x-'f i'"''-

56 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

The jioveriinieur of This uewly-establishcd colony was vested in the
director, and a council of Hve, who jjussessed supreme executive, legis-
lative and judicial authority in the colony. The only other important
otticer of the Government was the .Sellout Fiscal, who tilled both the
ottices of Sheriff and Attorney General. Under the superin-
tendence of these authorities, the trade of the colony prospered. Then
fdllowcd I he tirst purcdiase of Staten Ishiud from tlie Indians, in l(i2(i.
The e.xports of the colony this year amounted to ."jflD.OUU.

In the ensuin>j;' year. lt)2T, amicable correspondence was opfuiMl be-
tween the Dutch athorities at New Amsterdam and the riltirim set-
tlers at riymouth. In this correspondence the English authority was
set u\) by the Plymouth colonists over the region watered by the Con-
necticut, and denied by the Dutch. The Council of XIX, of the Dutch
West India Company began siieculations, the result of which is still
felt in the State. It granted land to individuals and made restric-
tions and limitations to those who wauled to establish coloiiii-s in
New Xetherlands.

Under this grant Samuel (!odyn and Samuel Bloemmaert pur-
chased, soon after, a tract on the southwest side of Delaware Bay; and
on the ISth of April. KloO, Kiliaen ^'an liensselaer, a pearl merchant
from Amsterdam, secured a trai-t on the west side of the North lliver,
embracing the site of the present city of Albany. By subsequent pur-
chase, in this year and in l(i37, Mr. Van ilensselaer became proprietor
of a tract of land now composing the conulies of Albany, Ivensselaer
and a part id' Colinnbia. In l(i:!(l. (iodyn and Bloemmaert also se-
cured a tract, on the opposite side of the Delaware Bay. Another of
the company's directois, ^lichael I'auw, ])nrcliased Staten Island. Jer-
sey City and Ashinius (afterward called I larsimus). with the lands ad-
jacent. This colony was called I'avonia; that on the Delaware. Zwan-
endal (or the valley of swans), and Mr. \'an Kenss<daer"s, llensselaer-
wj'ck.

Active exertions were forthwith made to coloni/.i" these vast <'states.
Colonies were sent to Kensselaeiwyck and Zwaneudai. and fortitica-
tions were erected. Anxious, however, to particijiale in the very
jirotitable trade in furs and ]ielliies, the I'atroons, in the opinion of
the other directors, soon transcended the limits prescribed, in the bill
of I'l'cedoms and Exceptions. Hence dilliculties arose between the
two parties, which nuiterially embarrassed the ])rosiH'rity of the in-
fant colonies. ]\Iinuit. the director, was recalled, partly ]iiMd)ably from
the machinations of Wouler \'au Twiller, who. in the capai-iiy of
agent of (he com])auy, had visited the colony two years before.

On his way home, in ^larch. l<i:>2. l>irector ^Miiniit was forced, by
stress of Aveat her. in |iiii iiiie i lie |ioi-i of riyiiioiil h. lOiiglaiid. The
vessel was immediaiely seized, on lier arrival, on a (diarge of having
traded .-iiid oblained her cargo in countries subji'd to Ilei- I'.rilannic
-Majesty. < "onsiderable diplomatic correspondence ensued be( ween

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND.

the State officers of Eiiglnud and the ^S'etbcilaiuls; ami linallv. ilic ob-
ject of the English Goveiuiueiit, (the assertion of their liilii. Iiavinj;
been attained, the vessel was released. Dnrini; Ibis |(cri(id ilie dis-
})nte between the I'atrooiis and the colony conliimcd. in ilic biiicr
part of the year, the Indians in the ueighborbood of ilie Delaware
Bay, considering tbeinsehcs injured, came suddenly u]pnn tlie colony
of Zwaneudal, and butchered in cold blood all the colonists, tliirly-
four persons in number. The next year, Captain de A'ries. the founder
of the colony, returned from Holland, and tindiiig liimself unable to
punish the treachery of the Indians, made jpcace w it li t hem.

In April, 1033, Wonter Van Twiller. a relative of the Patroon \'an
Kensselaer, having been a])pointed director of the settlemenl. arrived
at New Amsterdam. About this time also Hev. l'>verMrdns P.og;irdus.

1 he first minister, and .\ihun Kuelamlsen. liie
tirst schoolmaster, arrived in i he colony. \'an
Twiller seems to have been ill calculated to
govern the colony, at so siDrmy a period as
this. Addicted to the use of into.xicaiiiig
li(|Uors. he only resorted to heavier potations,
when the emergency called for sober and vig-
orous action. In the early pari of his admin-
istration, the Dutch settleun'uts. on the Con-
necticut, were established.

In 1032, Hans Encluys, one of Die servants
of the West India ('om))any. had set tip the
arms of the States (JetHM-al at Kievits lloecU.
(now Saybrook Point I. thus formally taking
possession of the river, lb- had also pur-
chased a tract of land at ihai |Miiiit. for the
company from the Indians. On the Nth ef June. HWW, Jacob Van
Curler, under the direction of Van Twiller. ])ur<hased territory along
the Connecticut Kiver, embracing most of the site <,f the presi-iit city
of Hartford, and several of the adjacent towns of Tat i.h pan. Clin-f of
Lickenaen (Little) River. On this territory he .•reeled a bni ,,r trading
post, which he fortified Avitli two pieces of canmin.

On the IGth of September following, a vessel commanded by Cap-
tain William Holmes. Avas sent by the I'lym.nitli Colony, who had
settled about Massachusetts Bay, ascended the Connecticut. (»n pass

ing the fort. Captain H.dmes was ordered to stop: '>"• '•''"'t: '" >«'""^:
er force than the I)ut<-h, he persisted, and pro.-eede.l. (though not
witlH.ut repeated protests from the Dutch authorities at Nevy .\nister.
,1a n,). to erect, a little above, the frame of a house wbidi lie ha.l
brought round on his vessel. Trouble between the Patroons and the
company followed during the succeeding year to the serious disadvan

tage of both. , ,, „ ...

But in 1635, the English at Plymottth a.id Massachusetts Ba> sent

KING -J-^.MEf

58 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

several new colonies to the Connecticut l\iver, one of whicli. under the
conmiainl of Governor Winthrop, landing at Saybrook Pdiiit, tore
down the arms of the States General, and carved a buffoon's face in
its stead. They also refused to let the Dutch land on the tract they
had purchased in 1032, and erected on the very same tract Saybrook
fort. At the present site of Springfield, Mass.. Mr. Pyuchon estab-
lished a trading house and a plantation; and the next year, 1636,
Hooker and his followers located themselves in Hartford.

In 1638, Peter Minuit, the first Director of the New Netherlands,
who had, after his dismission from that station, gone to Sweden, ar-
rived ou the coast with a Swedish colony, and settled upon the banks
of the Delaware, within the limits of the territory claimed by the
Dutch. Having erected a fort there, which he named Fort Christina,
after the Swedish queen, Kieft protested against his course, as an in-
vasion of his territory; but from the weakness of his own colony, he
was obliged to content himself with protesting.

In the latter part of the year 1638, the restrictions which had hither-
to been placed, by the company. u])on the trade of the New Nether-
lands, were taken off, and free traffic encouraged. The measui-e gave
a new impulse to trade and emigration; new farms were taken up, and
a number of gentlemen of wealth and distinction removed to the col-
ony. I'l'i'secution. too, drove many from New England and Mrginia
to settle among the more toh^ratit Dutch of New Amsterdam and
Staten Island, who, though ffrm in tlieir adherence to their own creed,
(lid not deem it necessary to i^iersecute those who differed from them
in religious tenets.

In tin* meantime the aggressive dis])osition of the English settlers
still continued. They founded a colony at New Haven, notwithstand-
ing Director Kieft's protests; and even went so far as to plough and
sow the company's lands around the Fort of Good Hope at Hartford,
assaulting and severely wounding some of the men in charge of that
post, whom they found at work in the fields. The commander of the
fort, Gysbert <)]) Dyke, promptly remonstrated against the unwar-
rantable procedure; but the English justified themselves on the
ground that, as the lands were tmcultivated, and the Dutch did noth-
ing to improve them, " it was a sin to let stich fine lands lie waste."

Not satisfied with these aggressions, the IMyniouth Conqtany
grant(vl the whole of Long Island to the Earl of Stirling, and a scttle-
iiicnt was soon afterwards effected by Lyon Gardiner, at (Jardiuer's
Island. The Dtttcli. in the meantime, were active in establishments
al the westiMii e\li-eiiiily of Long Island. L.inds wer(> granted to
settlers in IJiooklyii, llieii called I'.reiickeleii; al Gowiiinis. and at
Gra\'eii7,ande, now called (iravesend.

hi .M;iy, 1(140. a coniitany of emigranl s IVoiii Lynn. Mass.. claiming
ant lioiily iinder I lie lOarl of St i fling's patent, coniiiieiiced a settlement
near <'o\v Neck. Eiei't li.-ning learned this fad, despatched the

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 59

JScliuut, or iSlR'riff, with a baud uf soldiers, to iuvestigate tlio iiialU-r-
and, if tliey liad artualiy commeuced a settlement, to take iliciii pris-
oners. This was aec-uinplisiied, and, after e.xamiiiation. Ilicy wnc dis-
missed, on condition that they should leave the terrilorv of i lieir lli"h
Mightinesses, the (States General. In the same year they ret nrued aud
founded the towu of Southampton. They were uever again disiiirlnd
by the Dutch.

Encroachments upon the rights of the Indians were carried <im in
such an extent, that a most sanguinary contest commencfd in Kilii.
which lasted for live years, and the colony was almost entirely iiiinrd.
All the time Kieft claimed that he was acting under instruct ions rrnni
Holland. The indignation of the Indians knew no bounds \\ Inn Kiil'i
attempted to lay a tax upon them for the support of the colony. Si a ten
Island, as well as the surrounding country, was a battle gronnd for
many years.

Kieft's advisors counselled patience and forbearance; liut lie heeded
not. It so enraged him that he dismissed his counsel. Tiie lini-i-iliie
scenes that followed have been described in a preceding clnipiei-. The
conseijueuces, as might have been expected, were that the larnis and
buildings of the Dutch were burned by the exasjieraled Indians; nnni-
bers of the settlers were killed, and in a few weeks Kieli was cniii-
pelled to receive the inhabitants into the fort, as the oidy |)lace w hich
afforded jjrotection against the assaults of the savages. His cunrse
aroused the prejudices of the people against liiin; ami emleav (m ing to
throw the blame of it upon others, he was threatened with assassina-
tion. Murders were daily occurrences and the years that followed
were filled Avith horror.

During this whoh^ period, from KJIO to Kii"), the English cnlonisls
were constantly pursuing a course of aggression, upon the territories
claimed by the Dutch. On the southern frontier, too, the Swedes were
depriving them of their trade with the Indians, and secnriiig tin-
fairest lands, notwithstanding these had been previously inircliasecl uf
the native proprietors by the Dutch. The "("oloiue" <>{ Kensselaei'
wyck, meanwhile, removed from these troubles, .ind cnllivating a
friendly relation with the Indians, was peaceful ami luosiieinns.

The Assembly of XIX., finding their colony ai New .\ msi.idam ile-
creasing in numbers and wealth, and verging towards destruction. un-
der themanagement of Director Kieft. resolved to recall liim: and in
1045, appointed in his place General J'eter Stuyvesani. lormeily Hi
rector of the Island of Curacoa and adjacent islands. He liad re(juiie.l
a high reputation for military prowess. Having been wounded in the
siege of St. Martins, in 1(U4. he returned to Holland for surgical aid.

Changes, however, made at his suggestion, in the organi/.iilion of
the colony, and the difference of o])inion wliich exisled between Hie
various chambers of the company, relative to Hie proj.n.-ly of tliese
changes, prevented him from proceeding immediately to take charge

60 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

of liis iKi!?;!; and it was not till the I'Ttli of ,May, l(i47, tliat lie euteriHl
iipou the duties of his office. .Meanwhile, the colony continued under
the misi-nle of Director Kieft.

Though jjossessed of stern integrity and honesty of purpose, yet
the strict military education which he had received, had impressed
Governor Stnyvesant with ideas of the necessity of risiid discipline,
which soon invid\ed him in contentions with the citizens. Tlu'se,
having tasted in their own country some of the blessings of freedom,
and witnessing daily the liberty enjoyed by their Engiisji neighbors,
were desirous of making trial of a liberal form of goxernment. His
first controversy was with the guardians of Johannes Van Kensselaer,
son of the lirst I'atroon, Kiliaen ^'an IJensselaer. who had died in
l()4(i, lea\ing his son, then a minor, to the guardianshii) of W'outer
^'an Twiller, (the second Dircctorl. and one \'an Sleightenhorst. This
controversy was kejit tip for a long period, and finally terminated by
a reference to the States (ieneral.

While this was pending, in ItU'.i and 1050, the Gemeente, or Com-
moualty of New Netherlands, instigated by Adriaen Van der l>onk.
the first Attorney General of Ivensselaerwyck, sent repeated remon-
strances to the States General, concerning the administration of Stuy-
vesant, and earnestly s(dicited his recall. The States General, unwill-
ing to act hastily, in a matter of so much importance, repeatedly ap-
pointed committees to investigate the charges made against him; and
on the 27th day of April, 1()52, passed an order for his recall. Just at
this juncture a war with England commenced, and the States (ieneral,
esteeming it highly important that their interests in the New A^'orld
should be protected by an officer of courage and ability, on the IGth
of i\[ay rescinded the i-esolution of the 27th of .V]iril, and Stnyvesant
retained his station.

In order to comijensate, as far as possible, for thus slighting the
wishes of the peojile, the States General, in 1653, granted to the city
of New Amsterdam a charter of incori)oration, making the city officers
elective, and giving them jurisdiction except in capital cases. During
this period the English, against Avhom Kieft had so often protested,
encroached still further u]ion the b(Uinds of the Dutch. They estab-
lished settlements ujmui the Housatonic River and at Greenwich. u]>on
the luaiidand; and, crossing over to Long Island, organized several
coloines there. (^»tiite a number came to Staten Island, where they
\y(-vv kindly received.

in vain Stnyvesant remonstrated against the encroachments of the
English colonies; in vain he at teni]>l<'d to renio\'e their si'tt leinents by
foi'ce, or coiupel I hi' i ii ha bit ant s to swear allegiance 1o Holland. I'or
every remonstrance they had a rei>ly; and against the eni])loyment of
force they mad<' threats, which the more nourishing state of their col-
onies, he well knew, would enable Iheiu to rultill. They seemed as
much olTeuded at his resislaiu'e. as the Dutch were b\' their aiiufes-

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAXD,

;ui ii-lrs (il
'. iiimI .'ill
(I h\ iIk'

sious; aud frt'(iueiiTl\ . in ilu-ir cuulrowi-sics. laid chiiiii i.. ih,. whole
teiTitoi-y luider tin- Kin,ii"s patent, or ou accMMini „f Cabot's discovci-v.

^Veal•ied with these protracted dis])iites. (;ovei-n(.r Stnvvesaiii iv-
paired to Hartford, iu September. KmII. w!„.,v i\u- (•..inuiissioii,.i-s ..r
the colonies were in session, to adjust tlicir dillicnliirs. In ,i |„is,,ii,il
interview. Unsuccessful iu this, he left (he seiihMiieni in ihr hands n(
four deputies, two to be chosen by eacli i)arty; and. secuiv in iIk' jus-
tice <if liis cause, appointed as liis connnissidnci-s iw,, i:nulislinicn
Willet and Baxter.

On the 29th of September, the ((ininiissionfrs iviiuii.d
ajireemeut. relinquishing to the Kniilisli Imlf uf l.i.ni: islnin
the lands ou the Connecticut. exce])t those actually (iccnpif
l>ut(di. and prohibiting the ConiU'cticut colon-
ists from settling within ten miles of the liiid
son. Hard as were thescM'onditions, Stnyvcsant,
having once agreed to them, determined to f
maintain them in good faith, and obiaiued
tiller ratification fvinn the States (ieneral. in
February. ](i.")(;. The English <iovernnient
never ratitied them, mu' did the English colon-
ists ])ay much regard to them, in their subse-
(|uent treatment of the Dutch, for in 1055 they
seized, (under Cromwell's orders), the fort at
Hartford. Avith all its effects, thus terminating, by force
of that colony.

In 1()53, a charge of conspirac,\ between (lo\ciiior Sniy\csa(i( and
the Indians, to massacre the inhabitants of all the New Knglami colo-
nies, was falsely preferred by the Connec(icn( and .New Haven colo-
nies; and but for the tirm resistance of ilassachusetts to so ini(|ni(ons
a transaction, they would have jiroceeded immediately to destroy New
Amsterdam. When this foul cjiarge reached (lie ears of (!o\-ernoi-
Stuyvesant. it met with an indignant denial — a denial, (o iIh' irnlli of
which his whole life gave the fullest evidence.

In KioO. ^Massachusetts. ])ret(»nding that (he agreement ma(b' at
Hartford did not extend further than twenty miles fi-oni (lie coas(.
claimed the land on the Muds(Ui. above tin' painllil of il' de'^n-es. and
demanded the right of free navigation of i h:ii ii\ er. < in i he soii(iiei'?i
frontier, too. the Swedes were not idle. 'I'o |ii-e\eiji iheir eiicroadi-
ments. Stuyvesant had. in 1(>54. creeled and garrisoiii'd i'nri f'asimer.
<ni tlie Delaware, at the site of the |)resen( town of New Casile. Ills-
ingli. tlie Swedish governor, soon visilecl it; and having, under ilu-
guise of friendslup, obtained admission. trea<lieidiisly pos.sessed him-
self of the fort.

The West India Company, indignant at this jieilidioiis act. sen! or
ders to Stuyvesant to reduce the Swedisli se( i lements on (he l>ebi-
ware. Accordingly, in September. Ifi55. he l.fi New .\inslerilani. at

SK.\L lit SKU SH I llh l;l AM

( he exis(ence

62 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

tlR' head of a force of nearly seveu hundred men, and on the KJth, Fort
Casimir, and on the 25th of September, Fort Christina, the headquar-
ters of the Swedish governor, capitulated, without bloodshed. The
terms offered by the Dutch, to the conquered, were so favorable that
most of them remained in the colony.

L)uring<iovernorHtuyvesant's abseuce,upon this expedition. a large
body of Indians, deeming it a favorable opportunity to jduudcr, came
upon the defenceless plantations on Staten and Long Islands, mur-
dered a number of inhabitants and robbed several farms. The re-
turn of the (rovernor. however, put an end to their incursions.

Fort Casimir, after its recapture, became the nuc leus of a colony,
founded by the city of Amsterdam, and called Xew Amstel. The
terms offered to emigrants were so favorable that it soon becanu.' a
place of importance, and in 1G57, one Alricks was appointed Lieuten-
ant Governor of that an<l other Dutch ]iossessious on th<' Delaware.

In l(i.")(i. (loveiiior Stuyvesaut, who was a zealous and somewhat
bigoted suiqKU'ter <if Die Keformed Dutch Church, imprisoned some
Lutherans, who Jiad come into the colony, and jiersisted in the observ-
ance of tlieii- own forms of worship. In 1G58, lie banished from the
colony a Lutheran preacher, who attempted to establish a church of
liis own ])ersuasion. At Vlissingcii, (now Flushing), where the doc-
trines of the (^»uakers had made some progress, he attempted, but un-
successfully, to eradicate them by fines, imprisonment and banish-
ment. Their number increased with their jiersecution.

In lti(i3, a body of Indians attacked Fort Esojjus, (now Kingston),
and killed sixty-fiv<' ]»ersons. Susjiecting that several tribes w(^re
leagued together in these host ilities against the colonists. Btuyvesant
assembled the magistrates of the adjacent towns, to confer on the
measures necessary for the defence of the colony. Having recom-
mended such measures as they thought advisable, the magistrates
turned their attention to the civil condition of the colony and urged
in forcil)le language, upon the (iovernor .iiid I lie West India Com-
pany, tlie right of the ] pie to a share in tlie aduiinistratioii of the

government.

I?ut then, in Kl.")."'., a convention of delegates finm the dilTerenl towns
had met in New Amsterdam, and in similar terms had remonstrated
witli the Ciovernor and (■om|>any, against the abridgment of their
rights as citizens of Holland. Stuyvesant. however, true to his mili-
tai'v education, regai'ded sncli veniojistraiices or ]ielitions A\itli little
favor.

On th.'.-'.Otli (.f .March. ICC. I, Charles TI.. King of England. regardless
of the claims of Holland, gr.inted |o his brotliei- James. Duke of Al-
bany and N'ork, the whole of the New Netherlands, and the Duke
foi-thwit li des])atclied Colonel Xicolls, witli three ships of war, and a
sul1i<-ient force to coii(|uer Ills pro\iiice.

<io\ciiioi- Sln\\csant. lieaiing of their aiqn'oach. atti'mjited to ]int

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. g3

tbu fort and towu in a .state of defeuce; but the .stiinlv liur-lu-rs, tin-d
of au ai-bitraiy aud despotic goveruiueut, refused to second liis exer-
tions. When, therefore, the fleet appeared before tlie city, and (dlered
favorable terms, they insisted upon a capituhition. (Jovcrnoi- Siuy-
vesaut, anyry at their want of spirit, tore the h'tter of ( cildiicl Nicolls
in pieces before them; nor could he be induced to si.nii (he ariicU's of
capitulation till the Gth of September, [U\i\i), two days after they were
prepared.

These terms were, perhaps, the most favorable ever offereil to a
captured city. The inhabitants Avere i)ermitled to remain in I lie col-
ony, if they chose, upon takinji' the oath of allciiiance to il:c i:nulisli
crown; to retain or disjiose of their proi>erty; to elect their own local
magistrates, and to enjoy their own forms of religious worship. The
name of the colony and city was changed to New York.

Governor Stuyvesant, soon after the capitulation, went to Holland,
but returned to Xew York in a few years, and spent the n-mainder of
his life there.

In this connection it may l)e interesting to note the lii-si gianls of
land upon Staten Island:

Charles the Second, by the grace of (lud King of Knglaml. Scdi hmd.
ffrance and Ireland, defender of the tt'aith etc.. having on the 2;}rd day
of April KKiS appointed Col. IJichard Nicolls, Sir Eobert Crane, ( Jeorge
Cartwright Esqre. aud Samuel [Maverick commissioners to visit Mas-
sachusetts and to reduce the Dutch in New Netheiland into subjec-
tion to the English, (1 Coloniel Documents 142.) and having duly in-
strticted them to jiroceed with the execution of their connnission. diil.
by his royal patent, bearing date the 12th day of March. ICiiil, give and
gratint unto his dearest brother James. Duke of Yorke, liis heires and
Assigns, a vast domain, including all the land from the west side of
Conuectecutte Kiver to the East side of De La \Yare liay. together
with full ami absolute jiowerand authority to cori-ect. punish. I'ardon.
(^ioverne and Kule all such Subjects id' the King, his heirs and success-
firs, as shotild from time to time a(henturc t henis<'l\(s inin :niv ol' i he
parts or places so granted. (1 I'at. l^O.)

The Duke of York lost no time in giving cfU-i-i in ihis ]i:iieiii. ,\s
Lord High Admiral he directed a fleet of foiii- ships, the Cnine;!. of
thirty-six guns; the Elias. of thirty; the Martin, of sixte<-n. and the
William ami Nicholas, of ten, to be detached for service against New
Netherland. and about four hundred and fifty regular soldiers, with
their officers, were embarke(l. Tin- command of the exiu'dition was en-
trusted to Col. Richard Nicolls. one of the commissioneis. who was
also appointed to be the Duke's deputy governor, after i he I Mitch pos-
sessions should have been reduc(-d. (Umdliead's Histoiy ol' the State
of New York, I., 735.)

The fleet sailed in April. Kitil; arrived in r.oston late in duly; i-e-
nmined there nearlv a nmnth; sailed th.-nce for New ^'ork. iiassing

64 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAXD.

uutsidc nf Louii Ishind. ami dropped aiK Imr in Nvacl^. now ( iravosi-nd
Bay, in the latter part of August. (Bryanf.s Hist, of U. S.. 11.. 2(i0.)

Tlie first offensive act of the ex])edition was the rapture of a block
house ou t^tateu Island. (KSee Clute's Annals. 254, 255.) (Ju Mouday,
September Sth, 1004, New Amsterdam was formally surrendered, and
the Dutch Governor. Peter Stnyvesant, stumped out of Fort Amster-
dam, which the English (iovernor, Ivichard ^'icolls, entered and re-
named Fort James.

That the various commissioned and warrant officers of the good ship
Ellas were well pleased with the sh(jres, the plains and the wooded
hills of Aquebonga ilanacknong, appears from various ancient docu-
ments recorded in the office of the Secretary of the State of New York,
at Albany. The tirst is here given verbatim:

" Colonele Niccdls. his I'l'omise of a
Grant to ('apt. William Hill.

" Whereas, ('apl. William Hill, ('ommander of his Ma""" Ship, the
Elias came w"' me into tliese Parts in his Ma"'"'* Service and bath re-
quested of me ti\(' liiimh-ed Acres of Land in Staten I,sland, within my
Governm' not Inhabited or Planted, I doe hereby Promise unto the
said William Hill tive hundred Acres of Land on tlie South ])oint of
the said Island which when Surveyed sball be allotted unto him or his
.Vssignes he or they I'lanting it w"' in the usual time and rendering
and paying therefore to his Koyall Highness the Duke of Yorke the
accustomed Kent of New Planlacons in this Country. In witnesse
whereof I have hereunto set my han<l and Scale at ffort James in New
York(^ on ^lanliatans Island this 4th day of October l(!(i4.

"Richard Nicidls [Sealed]

" Sealed and delivered in |
the ])i-esence of Thomas • (1 I'at. (•)
Bredon .Math. Xicoles." )

< Ml t he same day a similar |)iomise of three hundred acres adjoining
ra]>t. Hill's, was made to Lieutenant Humphrey Fo.\ of the Elias.
(1 Pat. 7.) Six days later ( iovernor Xicolls promised and granted, un-
der like conditions two huudicd and fifty acres each to Janu's Cole-
man, master's mate ami master of the Elias. and to Andrew Dennis,
the jmiser tl l*at. S), and two linmlred aci-es each to Bradbury Clarke,
chirurgeon; Nicholas Pengelly, gunner; Thomas Comes. car]»('nter;
Henry Miller, lioatswain; Ambros<' AVinne. cajitaiu's steward, and
Simon ^fan and .T(dni Hughes, gnntier's males. In each case the land
promised was to he near, or to adjoin, Captain Hills. (1 Pat. 0.)

The 10 lias sailed aw ay w ii li her ollicers and (^rew; none of the iirom-
isees named seems e\ cr to have reliiined to ]ierlonii t he conditions (»f
])lanting his land. 'I'lieii- lights \\'ere regarded as waived or foi'feited,
as the same land was giaiiled by subsequent go\cniors to actual or
constrnci i\c set i leis.

1 1 ma v be added I hat I he lent of iie\\ nla nl a I ions on Staten Island

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

was subsequently tixed at uue bushel ot i;oud wiiiirr w licai I'm- cjicli
vigbty acres. (3 Cul. 1 )oc. 304, 310.)

Eighty acres, ur one-eighth of a s(|uare mile, seems to liave been the
unit of grant, as lung subsequently the " quarter-section " became tlie
limit of United States Government grants.

Governor XicoUs made two more graids of Staten Islam) Iniid mi
October 13, KJtJl. The tirst, to Jacques Giiyoii. a merrliani :iii<l a
Frenchman, of two hundred acres of laud "over against ilir (hrai
Kell," (1 Patents 10) was subsequently made the suiijeci of a survey
(1 Land Papers 75) and of a confirmatory patent
from Governor Audros (4 Pat. 122).

The second, to Jacques Baudouen, also a mer-
chant and a Frenchman, of two hundred acres
of land upon Staten Island " on that side next to
the maine Sea over against the greate Kell," (1
Pat. 10).

Captain James l^oilen, commissary of ammu
nition at Fort James, |1 Brod. 4!)) who had cnmc
with the (ioveriior into these parts in his Ma" "^
Service, jointly with John l*ain. Charles Bulleu
and other associates, received, on December 24,
1664, a grant of a neck of land upon Stateu
Island, " beginning at the watering place on the east.
w-est southwest to the other side of the island over -ai
sans, and l)ounded on the north by Mndsons lli\er and tin- creek
called Kell van Cull, with liberty to acipiirc Indian or otln-r jiro-
priety." This grant seems never to hav<' been in any way a\ nilnl ni' ur
confirmed.

This completes the first group of (iovernor Nicojls' Sumn Island
grants, or such as were made prior to the general cnniiscai inn to the
use of the Duke of York of the estate of the Dnidi W csi hnlia <'Min
pauy on Staten Island, in 1605.

A patent granted May 1, 1668, to Hedger and W ali.m is immedi-
ately followed by a confirmatory instrument of \\\>- fnljuwing tenor:
"A confirmation granted to Henry Hedger and Thomas Walton for

two Lotts of Land upon Staten Islam).

Richard Nicolls Esq"''^ &c Whereas there arc fnnrc Lotis of Land
upon Staten Island lying and being upon y' II ill lo y" East of y"
Towne w''' said Lotts were heretofore lay<l out I'roportionably w"'
y^ rest of j" Towne Lotts but have layne voyd iV: undisposed of Now to
y^ end some good Improvement may be made thereupon Know yea
that by vertue of y'' Com" & .\uthority unto me given Ity his L'oyall
Highuesse I have given am) Graunted & by theise jn-sents doe Give
Ratifve Coiifirme & Graiuit unto Henry Hedger & Thomas Wallon
who came over into theise I'artes w"' me in his Ma"'" Sr-rvice \- iintill
this present tyme have continnc<l mid' my command ^: to tlieir FfeireH

Vl;[| >.

Ill run liircci |\-
linsi 1 lie .\avi-

66 HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND.

i^ AssiiiiH's two of tlic afoivsiiid I.otts of I.aud that is to say y'' two
licaicist y" 'l'o\\ii(' the one adjoyiiiiii: to Nathan \\'liitiu()i-fs ^v;: y' next
adjoiuiug- (oi liai i lie front of \v'' ^s'' Lotts Ij'etli to y*" South & y"' Keare
to y'' Nortli an Kasi and West lync innninu atliwart them To have and
to lionid \'' afoiciccitcd two l.otts of Land i^ pr misses togeth'' w"'
IO(|uall l'rn|i()iiiiiii of .Mi-:ii|n\\ ('iniinid iiaiige of Cattle & all such
other Jligliis ^; l']l\ili-(lm's as belon;:,e to y' JJest of y'' Towue Lotts
unto the said lleiiiy llcdj^icr iK: Thomas Walton their Heires ^^ As-
signes &c The raimi is dalcd y' 1 si .May H'lCtS.

I do lierei)y Certify tiie aforcLioiiiii, to be a true coi)y of the
original IJeeoril Compared tlierewith by me.

Lewis A. Scott Secretary." (1 I'at. U.)

IJicliard Doddimaii and .T(din Kingdom also came over with the
( iovenior.a nd on .May (ith, 1()G8. received from him a grant of two lots,
" y'' one iic.xi adjoining to y'' East of those two granted to Henry
lledgcr iV Thomas Walton \- in lieu of the other remaining Lott u]ion
y' Hill a Lott to be layd out on y' West syde of y'' Towne Pro]Mir-
tionable i^- E(|uall to y'' rest tin- front of y' said Lotts lye to y"' South
iV' y'' Kcai-e lo y" Xnri li an I'.ast and West lync rnnning alliwai-t
them." I.". I'al. i:;.)

" < oivcnior Xicolls likewise granleil nniniprn\eil lands to any that
were willing to setih- and inipiove tlic same, and these first grants
were made witlioni any pre\ions snrvey. or without reciting any cer-
tain Bonndaries. but oidy In coniain for example 100. 200 or ."'.(Ml
Acres adjoining to sikIi aiioilier maiis Lan<l or to a certain Hill or
TJiver, or K'ixnlei.'" i( 'adw allader ('(ddeii. surxcyor geui'ral, to C(d.
Cosby. 17;!:.'. 1 1 »oc. Mist. I (Documents Relating to tlieC(donial His-
tory of 1 lie Stale of New N'nrki IMO I'. S. .\. minntes.

CHAPTEK IX.

EXGLISH COLONIAL GOVERNMENT.

OLOXKL N1COLL8 Laving accjuired the peaceable pesses-
sion ef the Xew Xetherhiiids. was appointed by the Duke
<if ^'nik (i()\-ern()r of the proNiiice. in the autumn of l*)tJ4.
He appears to ha\"e been a man of prudence, moderation
and justice, and though vested with almost absolute authority, used
it in promoting the good of the pro\ince. Ihiring his administration
an effort was made, but unsuccessfully, to determine the boundary
line between iS'e\A' York and Connecticut.

In January, Kid."), a law was passed, reciuiring the approval and sig-
nature of the Governor, to all deeds of lands purchased from the In-
dians, in order to i*endei* the titles valid. This was necessary, as the
Indians frequently s(dd the same tract of land to different individ-
uals. On the 12th of June, Kiljt), (Tovern(U' Nicolls granted a charter
to the city of New York.

When the demand to surrender was first made to Governor !^tuy-
vesant. he absolutely refused to take any notice of it; but finally,
when it became clear to him that he could not hold the fort, appointed
six commissioners, among whom were Dom. Megapolenis and Johan-
nas de Decker, to meet a like number on the jiart of the Engiisli, to
arrange the terms of the capitulation. These were just and reasona-
ble, under the circumstances, as they exacted no clianges in tlie con-
dition of the ]ieo])l('. nor were their individual riglils and privileges to
be molested.

Notwithstanding de Decker had been one of tin' commissioners who
liad agreed to and signed the articles of surrendei-. when tlie Engiisli
began to change the names of places, and a|i)i<iiiit new officers in place
of those who had become obnoxious to tlirm. jud when almost every-
thing began to assume an English nsjtect. his patriotism began to
revolt, and he earnestly endeavored, \\hen the o]i]ii)rl unity aff'orded,
to oppose the work of reform which the English had initiated. This
brought de Decker prominently to the notice of Governor Nicolls,
who. to prevent further trouble, ordered him to leave the colony with-
in ten days.

Everything became quiet, however, in the course of a few months,
and tlie peo])le generally seemed to be content with the new order of
things. T.anils that had l;iin uiia]i])ii>])riated now began to be ])ai-
celled out to I^iiglisji proprict oi's. by l'>iiglisli authority and Statcri

gy HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

l.shuul. lung si'ttk'd by the DiiUli aud Fix-ucb. was now to receive au
acquisitiou of another nationality. (Jaytaiu James Bollen received
a grant ot land on the Island; the country between the Karitun aud
Newark bay was pure based anew from the ludians. and was settled
by people from Long Island, chietly along the Aehter Cull, aud four
families from Jamaica began the settlemeut of Klizabethtown. Be-
sides Captain Bollen. Captain William Ilill, Lieutenant Fox aud oue
("oleman. ail olticers of the lleet. received grants of laud on iStateu
Island; liul as the vessels to w iii<ii they were attached were uo longer
needed here, and were sent f)ack to England, they had no op])ortuuity
of enjoying their acijuisitions.

In 1G07, Governor Mcoils was succeeded by Colonel Francis Love-
lace, who held the reins of governmenl until 1()73. when it Avas re-
captured by the J>utch. Tiiough somewhat arbitrary, and disposed to
burden liie people with taxes, the nibanily of his manners, aud his
manifest desire for the welfare of the ((dony. caused Governor Love-
lace to be regarded as a good governor. In ir.TO. on the ])etition of the
Dutch iuhabitauts of the colony, he granted tlieni peruiission to send
to Holland for a minister, and guaraiileed his suiM""' I'l'"'" ''"' pn^'li*'
treasury.

Ou the 7th of August. Caplains iMcrtsen and Itiucker. the com-
manders of a Dutch s(|uadi-on. which had been cr\iising (df the Ameri-
can coast, entered the Harbor (d' New York. Governor Lovelace was
absent in New England; and the fori and city were nndei- the com-
mand of Captain .Maninng. The fori appears io ha\c been much
dilaiiidated and scantily sui>i>lied with ammunilion.

The Dutch commander demandeil its inimediate surrender. Cap-
tain Manning asked for delay; but the invaders replied that he should
have but half an hour. At the end of that period they opem-d tire
ui)ou the f(u-t. which Captain Manuiug returned, as well as he was
able, until his ammunition was exhausted. The Dutch, nn-antime,
had succeeded in effecting a landing ujion .Manhattan Island, in the
rear of the fort; and. ])erceiving that furilK'r resistance was useless.
Captain jNIanuing surrendered, wilhuui formal terms of ca])ilulation.'
|M)rtunately for the city, the Dnldi commamlers were men of liberal
feelings; and mindful of the conrleoiis Ireainienl ilicir couiilrymen
|i;mI received in Kidl. tliev granted cveiy i(ri\ilegi' of citizens to the
inhabilanls.

The name of New N'oik was llien changed to New Orange, that of
Albany lo W illianisladi . and I he fori previously called Fort .lanu^s.
Io Wiiliam llendrick. Ca])tain .\nl liony Colve was apiiointed (Jov-

1 Th.> nl>ovi' ncT.iiiiit of Ilic ciipliiri. c.f New .■nwnnl " and Inillni-." which Ikivc br,.n so

Vuik flilTcrs mntcriallv frnin that of Smilh. frrvl.v bestowed upon him. The afliilavits of the

which has been copied bv all succeedins bisto- witnesses in his trial prove that his pnnish-

rlans- bnt Is fnllv subslani iated bv the docu- inent Ithe breaklnsr of his sword over his head,

nients obtained i'n lOnsiland. Captain jranins and Incapacitation to hold oftieel. was suffi-

was not. perliaps. a very .•lli.-ieni ollieer. bnt cienll.v severe for his olTense.
he certainly did nol neiil Hie epithets of

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

eruor. Uv the treaty of February tttb, 1(;74, New York was restored to
the Euglisli. It was not, however, i-iveu up by the Dutch until the
folloAvinii- Autumn. Some doubts existing, rehitive to the validity
of the Duke of York's patent, both on account of the Dutch occupa-
tion, and the fact that it was wrested from that nation in time of
peace, he deemed it advisable to obtain a new ]iatent, from his brother,
in Uui.

In the Autumn of this year, Major Edmond Andross. afterwards so
w-ell known as the tyrant of New Entilaud. arrived in New Y'ork. and
assumed the ohice of Governor. His administration in New York

seems to have been
marked by few strikius;'
events. He won neither
tlie love nor the hatred
of the citizens; and be-
iuf;' absent a part of the
time, attending to the
nine refractory New
ICugland colonies. he diil
not manifest, in liis own
si ate. the tyranny which
siibse(iuently rendered
liini so odious. During
(iovernor Andross' fre-
quent absences, Mr.
Brockholst, the Lieut ('nant-( Iovernor, officiated.

In August, 1(;83, Colonel Thomas Dougan succeeded Andross in
the government of the colony, and among his hrst acts was one grant-
ing permission to the people to elect an assembly, consisting of a
council of ten persons, named by the proprietor or his deputy, and a
house of representatives, eighteen in number, elected by the free-
holders, to aid in the administration of government. In this year the
ten original counties were organized. Richnunid, wliich includes all
of Rtaten Island, being the fourth on the list.

In February. HiS.~>, the Duke of Y'ork, on llie dealli of his biollicr,
Charles 11.. ascended the throne, under the title of James II. Ainong
the first acts of this bigoted and short-sighted monarch, were his in-
structions to (Iovernor Dongan to allow no i)rin(ing i)ress to be estab;
lished in tlie colony.

Governor Dongan. mindful of the necessity of keeping up friendly
relations witli Hie jiowerful confedei-alion of the Iroquois, visited
them in person, and by jiresents and addresses, won llieir friendship
and alliance. The Jesuit ])ri(-sts. sent by the I'rencli among the In-
dians, were, however, a formidable obstacle to his coniiilete success
in his negotiations with the savage tribes; for. i-esiding among them,
and conforming to tlieir liabits. they exerd'd a powerful inthience in

ORRilNAL CKOCUERON HOME.STKAli, AT NKNV
SPRINGVILLE ; ERECTED 1070

70 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

favor of the Freucli, \\lio 1i;h1 been the hereditary enemies of the eou-
federated tribes. Tiiou_nh himself a IJoman CatlKdic. (luveruur Doii-
gan was too slirewd a statesman not to perceive the injurious influ-
ence exerted by tlie j)riests upon these Indians, and accordinjily at-
tempted to ](revent tiieir continuinii among the tribes. But James,
more zeahms tlian wise, forbach' iiini to molest them, and ordered that
he should ratlier aid ilieni. in tiieir efforts to convert the Indians to
tlie Catliolic faith, in vain Dongan remonstrated; he only irritateil
liis royal mastei-. and in ItiSS was recalled.

(lo\('rnor Andross, wlio liad ])receded Dongan, was designated as
Ills siiccessoi', and New England was added to his jtirisdictioii. I'lc-
reriiiig to locate liimself where he could more easily inspect the con-
duct of Ills New England subjects, (ioveiiior Andross made Boston
his residence, connnitting tlie care of tlie colony of New York to liis
Lieutenant-Governor. Colonel Nicliolson. Tlie latter seems to have
lieeu mncdi more nnld in his adnnnistration than his chief, whose enor-
mities so exas])erated the jierijile of Massachusetts that, on the arrival
of tlie news, at Boston, of the accession of William, Brince of Orange,
to the llii-one, tlii'v inniiedialcly iiiipiisoiied Andross and sent him to
England for trial.

In New York, the intelligence of the accession of the I'rince of
Orange did not. at first, produce a ci\il commotion. Aflei- a short
time, liowever, a jiortion of the po|iidace selected Jacob Leisler, a
mer(diant of New York, of 1 Miich extraction, and the senior caiitain u\'
I lie militia, as their leader, and proclaiiiied William and Mary. Tlie
moNemeut, tliough jiopiilar with the masses, was discountenanced
liy most of tlie prominent citizens, wlio were unwilling to acknowl-
edge keislei-, as a leader. Coloin I Nicholson, apprehending po]iular
\i(deiice, escajieil on boanl a \cssel in the harbor and sailed to l^ng-
land.

(»ii the :)d of June, KiS'.t, keislei' round himself surrounded by a
large numl>er id' adherents, and assumed tlie reins (d' goxcrniiient,
associating with himself in the cares of state, liis son-in-law, Jacob
.M 11 borne. In t he spring of I ti'.Kt. .Milboi-ne. a I I he he,-id id' a considera-
ble I'orce. went to Alliany, to reduce ihai town, (wliiidi had hillierto
renijiined refractory), to allegiance lo the governnieiil (d' his father-
in-law. lb' was nnsnccessfiil al lirsl; bn) al a subsei|Uenl pei-jod the
fears of an Indian i ma sion led I he people lo sn limit to liis jurisdiction.
His confiscation of the estates of some of i hose who o]iposed him, ex-
cited iirejndices whii'li lerminaled in tin iiiin of bni h .Milborne .-iiid
Leisler.

.\ Idler Irom i he l^ni^lish minisiix ;irii\ed in New Ndrk, dining
.Milboine's aliseiice ill .\lb,in\. a<hlressed lo '•fraiices Nicliidsoli,
IOsi|.; or, ill his abseiiie. to such ,is. lor 1 he lime being tal<e care for tlie
preserving of the |)e;ice. and adminisleriiig of the laws, in his majes-
ty's proNJnceol' New \drk. in .\merica." This let ter empowered the

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 71

person addivssi-d to take charge of the ••■ovciiiiiicnt, calliug iu the aid
of such of the inhabitants as he sliould think pidpei', until ftirtlier
orders.

Leisler, being bv i)opiilar election acting governor, very properly
assumed that this letter was addressed to himself, and consequently,
by advice of the citizens, who constituted a c(»niniittee of safety,
selected a council from each of the counties, (including Kichmond and
excepting Ulster and Albany); the two latter not having submitted
to his authority, lie also summoned a convention of deputies from
the various portions of the province over which his intluence extended.
This convention hiid some taxes and adopted otlicr measures for the
temporary government of the colony; and thus, for the first time in its
existence, was the colony of New Voi'k under a fr<'e government. The
sti'ong prejudices, however, wliidi had been awakened by Leisler's
measures, soon produced in the minds of his adversaries a rancor and
bitterness, which was perhaps never surpassed in the annals of any
political controversy.

This condition of things existed for nearly two years. To the hor-
rors of civil commotion were added the miseries of foreign war and
hostile invasion. The French Court, being at war with England, liad
placed over its colonies in Canada the aged but enterprising Count d<'
Frontenac, the ablest and most formidable governor of their Anu-ri-
can possessions. This wily veteran at once determined to annoy his
English neighbors, and accordingly despatched a force against Sche-
nectady in mid winter, which, after endnring extreme hardships,
reached that place in the dead of night, and with the utmost bar-
barity butchered its sleeping inhabitants iu cold blood. Attempts
were made to avenge this barbarous invasion, by an expedition
against (2u<'bec, of which Sir William lMiii)ps and Fitz-John Win-
tliro]>. afterward governor of Connecticut, were the commanders; but
through mismanagement and the sickness of the troo^is, the expedi-
tion was unsuccessful.

Colonel Henry Sloughter, who had been appointed governor of
New York, by King William in ItiSO. arrived in K'.Ol. His coming ha<l
been heralded a few weeks before by one Ingoldsby, a captain of foot,
who. witliotit credentials of any kind, demanded lliat the fort be sur-
rendered to him. This demaiul. l.eisler. refused to obey; and when
Colonel Sloughter, on his arrival, sent the same Ingoldsby to demand
the surrender of the fort, Leisler asked a personal interview with him.
His enemies, who had di^ermined uixm his ruin, seized u]»on this im-
prudent hesitation as evidence of treason, and filling the ears of the
weak-minded Sloughter with charges against him, they demanded his
arrest. The next day he surrendered the fort, and was immediately
arrested, and with his son-in-law. after a mock trial, condemned to
death for high treason.

Sloiiulitei-. !io\\i-vei-. lii-sitated to execute tlic sentence, and wi-ote

72 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

to tlie P^ujilisli iniiiistry for directions Low to dispose of them. Tii<-ii'
enemies, tliiistiuy for their blood, were determiued not to be tiius
foiled, aud, persuasions having failed, thej* availed themselves of the
known intemperate habits of the Governor, invited him to a bau(Hiet,
and when he was completely intoxicated, induced him to sign the
death warrant. Ere he was recovered from his debauch the uufortu-
iiatc jtrisoners Avere executed. They met death with heroic fortitude,
and i.cislcr exhibited a martyr's spirit. Their estates w<'re contis-
caicd ; hut their adherents were soon after pardoned, by an ad of gen-
eral incUMunity. The rircumstan<cs of Leisler's execution roused the
indignaticm of those who liad alladicd themselves to his liarty, aud
for many years after the citizens of the Htate were divided into Leis-
lerians and auti-Leislerians.

In June, 1091, Colonel Sloughter went to Albany, to hold a confer-
ence with the Indians. (_)n his return he died very suddenly, in July,
IGitl : and, until the English Government could appoint a successor,
Iug(ddsby. the Lieutenant-( iovernor, assumed the government. The
only event of importance, iluring his administration, was a conference
w ii li I he Indians, with whom lie concluded a treaty.

In Angust, 1092. Colonel JJenjamin IMetclier was aii])ointed (lOV-
eiiior. and soon exhibited some uiiamiable traits of character, in liis
intercourse with the Indians, he rnriunately suffered himself to be ad-
vised by iMajor Peter Schuylei', whose influence over them was un-
bounded, and who, in his inlerviews with them, caused a favorable
ini|iressioii of the English. Dining most of Fletcher's adniinisiration
he was engaged in controversies with the assembly. ]iriiici]>ally in
regard to appropriations for his expenses. He was eniiiow<'red by his
coiiimission, to take command of the militia of New England, as well
as X(M\' York; lint proceeding to Hartford for this purpose, he found
himself thwarted by the stubborn resistance of the people of Con-
necticut.

Tliihard. Earl of Bellomont, ap])ointed in KiO.". arrived as Fletcher's
successor in Ajiril. Kl'.tS. He w;is a man of great dignity, resolution
and moral worth; and was seiil (Hil by the king to take measures for
the sii]ipression of ])iracy. wliicli had. at that ]>eriod. reached ,i fi'.-n-
fill heigh I . For this pnr]msc I h'' ea rl. be lore leaxing I'^n gland. ;it I he
recoiinnciidal ion of Mr. I ,i\iiigsl(iii. comiiiissioiicd Captain Williiiii
Kidd lo s:iil in jMirsuit of the ])irales and endea\or lo rid the sen of
theiii. ( ';i |il;i i II Kidd accordingly sailed foi- Xe\\' ^'tl^l^ in .Vpril. Ki'.Mi;
bill al'icr rniisiiig fur a while, liiinseH' liirned pir,-ile. and bcc-nin' the
most rei-ocions and daring *'( all iln' ocenii iiini-aiidefs. Kd iiniing
to America in 17(11. Ih' sold his slii|). and boldl,\ appeared in Uoston,
where he A\'as arrested and sent to l^ngland for trial and ex<'cution.

1-oid r.clhiiiiDiil died ill l7tM, iiiid -luliii X;iiifan. who had been liis
Liciiiciiaiit ■< iovernor in New N nik, siicceeiled him in the go\ <Mnment.
The adniinisiration (d' l.did Itellomonl is stained bv the enactment

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

of one law. which, for its bigotry and intolerance, is deserving of
notice. In 170(1 a law was passed. <lirecting that every Catholic priest
who came into the colony should be hanged. The design of this law
was alleged to be to prevent the Catholic priests from exerting an in-
fluence upon the Indians, hostile to the English.

On the 3d of 3[ay, 1702, Lord Cornbury, grandson of the Earl of
Clarendon, and first cousin to the queen, arrived as (lovernor. of all
the governors of the colony under the English crown. Lord Cornbury
received the unenviable distinction of being the worst. IJapacious
without a parallel, he hesitated not to apply the i^ublic money to his
own ]irivate iiurposes; and though notoriously vicious, yet lie was so
intolerant, that he sought to establish the E])iscopacy at all hazards,
imprisoning and prohibiting ministers of other denominations from
exercising their functions witliout Jiis special license. lie was. more-
over, as destitute of gratitude as of courtesy,
injuring those most from whom he had re-
ceived the greatest benefits. His manners
were as ignoble an<l undignified as his con-
duct was base, and when this hopeful scion of
royalty wandered about the streets, clothed
as a woman, (which was a common practice |
with him), the people thought that he had
taken Caligula for a model.

So urgent were the com])laints against
Cornbury. that the queen, in December, 170S.
felt herself compelled to revoke his commis-
sion. No sooner was he deposed from office
than his creditors put him in jail, where he re-
mained till the death of his father, by elevating him to the jx-erage,
|)i-o(in-ed his liberation. He liad attached himself to the Anti-Leis-
lerian party.

Lord C(U-nbury was succeeded, in December. 170S. by Joliii. Lord
Lov(dace. Baron of Hurley. The cheering hopes, to which the ai)|)oiiit-
ment of this excellent man gave rise, were doomed to sudden disa]i-
pointment, as he died on the r)t]i of ^lay, 1709. He was succeeded by
the Lieutenant-Governor, Ingoldsby, whose administiatiou, after
eleven months, is oidy remarkable for another unsuccessful atlenijit
upon the French possessions in Canada, under the direction of Cohmel
Nicholson, in 1709.

In April, 1710, Lieutenant-Covernor Tugoldsliy was removed fr(mi
office, and (lerardus Beekmau, the senior Conncihu-. ofliciate<l as gov-
ernor, till the arrival of General Hunter, in June, 1710. Three thou-
sand Palatines, from Germany, flying from religious ])ersecution in
their own country, came over with Governor Hunter. The ensuing
year there was another expedition against Canada, but it proved a
failure. The assemblv. too, did not feel inclined in all cases to ])ay

ARMS (JF DE VRIES.

74 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

implicit (Icfei-eiice to the (ioveruor'ts in;iii(l;ites, and there were j<everal
di.sastroiis colliMiuiis. Measures were adopted, duriug Hunter's ad-
ministration, to adjust the botmdaries between the colony and the
adjacent cohmies (d' New Jei-sey and Connecticut; but no detiuite set-
tlement was made.

l'\'\\ (d' the colonial nd\'ern<ns i-esii;ne(l tiieir office more generally
beloved, or more ardently attached to the interests of the colony, than
Governor Hunter. The address of the assembly to him, at his de-
parture, in ITli), in its lone of alTcclion and regard, stands forth alone,
in tJiosc limes i<f distraction. During tlie period, (a little more than
a year), which ela](sed bet\\-een tlie dejiarlure of (xovernor Hunter
and I lie anival of Jiis successor, ('oionel Schuyler, as senior member
(d' I lie council. <dticiale(l. I'ndei- his administration, a treaty, offen-
sive ami tlefensi\e, was again concluded with the Iroquois.

Governor Burnet arrived in Se]dember, 1720, and continued in
office till his death, in Ajiril. 1 T2S. One of the first acts of his ad-
ministralion was one ]u-ohibiling the sale of goods, suitable for the
Indian trade, to the I'l-emdi from (^neljec and Montreal. The I'icnch
in ( 'anada were designing to erect a chain of military posts to the < >liio
ri\'ei'. and along its banks, thus confining the p]nglish to the coast
east of the Alleganies. In jiursuance of this (h^sign, they ]u-oceeded,
in 1725. even with the serious o|i|)osition ni' Goveiauu- liuruet and ('oi-
onel S(dinyler, to erect a fort on the Niagara river. The next yeai'.
with equal opi)ositiiui on the ])art of the f^rench, Governoi- Burnet
erected fort ( »sw(-go. at the ]prcsent site of the village of ()s\\cgd.
Contentions arose between the Governoi- and the assembly, which
cnn\-ened in 1727, and continued to the iieriod of his death. His
tine talents, iirofound leaiiiing. and unaU'ecied kindness of heart,
liowex'er. caused him to be esteemed e\cn by his (»uemies. and his
faults wei-e entombed with him.

Colonel .Montgomery succeeded Governoi' Burnet in 1 72S. and re-
mained in office till his death, whi(di occurred in 1731. Tlu' good will
of the Iroquois was regained to great ad\aiitage; but the king, in
1729, coiilr,-iry lo the wishes ami representations of the best citizens
in the colony, repealed the law ])roliibiting the sale of Imliau goods
lo llie I'iciicli. In .Tuly. 17.".1. Itiji \'an Ham. the senior councibu'.
began to administer the goxcriimeiii , ami continued to hold the office
till August 1st. I7:!2. lie was succeeded on that dale by ('ohuiel
CosliN, who remained in (illicc till .March. ]l'.'>f>. the |iciiod oC his
de.-ilh.-

•^ I lisluii.iMs li;ivi' hciMi imu'li (liviih'il in tln'tr \ ;il. shouh! dlvidt' wilh him Iho I'liiohiiiu'ius of
^i^'\vs nf <;n\ cninr Cosby. Sfniic represent liim Ills ollire. Mr. Van Dam offored to do this,
as ;ni arliitrary. tyrannieal ami unjust ruIiT. [truvided Govornor Cnsliy would also divide
Others rcfiard him as a man of mild manui-rs. what he liad rocoived from the colonies be-
but necessarily driven to harsh measures hy ftu'c eomint: to this eountry. Govornor Cosby,
the lurbulent sidrits with whom lie lijid to who .-ippenrs to have been somewliat avari-
de;i|. The act whh-b caused the nmsl serious el(>us. refust-d lo do this, and oommonood a
dlllleullies ill his aiJ ministration, was his do- suit apiinst Van Ham for llic half of his sal-
luand thai Kip \'nn I>am. who had oflielated ary. \'an Ham attempted to brlnff a counter
as l.iiut cn;ini G<t\ criHtr. inevions to his nrri- suit: b\it the judges, who wore in the Cover-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

But ;i lew (lays iircxidus in his (Icccasc. ( ioxcnim- ("osliy suspended
Kip Vau Dam fi-uiii the council, thereby iireveuting his actiug as Lieu-
teuaut-Governor iu the eveut of his death. This act had well niiili
prodiu-ed serious troubles iu the colony, lor .Mr. Clark, who was next
in order of seniority, having' assumed the government. \'an Dam
opposed iiim. and liiniself a])pointed various oificers. The two parties
came into collision, and a civil war seemed inevitable. Each party
prepared for such a result, when, on the very eve of a contlict, a com-
mission arrived from England, confirming Mr. Clark in the office of
Lieutenant-dovernor and President of the council. This, of course,
left the other party no alternative but submission. Covernor Clark
exerted himself to remove all just ground of complaint, from the peo-
ple, lie sought every occasion to conciliate those who were hostile to
him. and during the seven years he was in power, rendered himself
liighl\' ])()])nlar. The memorable " Negro plot "" occurred in 1741."

In September, 174:!. (ieorge Clinton, son of the Earl of Lincoln, ar-
rived in the colony with a cimimission as ( iovernor. The ensuing year
v\-ar was declared between England and I'rance. and the colonists
prepared to carry it on with vigor. In 1745. the coloines of New Eng-
land and New York united in an attack upon the French fortress, at
Louisburg. and New York furnished ten pieces of cannon and £S.()<lO
towards the expedition. It was surrendered in June of that year. The
colonies were seriously molested, during the year 174(>. l)y the In-
dians, in pay of the Fremdi. New York raised £40.0(10 to carry on the
war. and captured the I'rench forts at Niagara. Crown Point and
Quebec, in Canada, and elicited aid from England, which Avas i>r<ini-
ised. but not furnished.

Governor Clinton resigned iu 1703. and in October of that vear. Sir
Danvers Osborne arrived, as his successor Deeply afflicted at the loss
of an excellent and amiable wife, the cares of the government seemed,
to this unfortunate gentleman, an intolerable burden; and on the 12th
of October. 17."')8. five days after his arrival, he put an end to his own
existence. Mr. DeLancy. the chief justice, was a]ipointed Lieutenant-
Governor a short time i)revious to Governor Clinton's resignation.

3 III 1741. ...•.iini.l I he XcRl-o pint," sir fn-
nious in llii' annuls of Xcw Vmk. Tlic cvi-
deiici-' of the existpiifo of surli a plot scorns to
l)p mc.Tger ami insuflicipnt. U is not inipi-olia-
lile tliat a fpw pi-oflifrate wretches, wliites as
well as blacks, liarl iiiprlitated .irson; but the
only proof of a plot to burn the city was the
tpslimouy of a siiiRle abandonpd woman, whose
statpiuputs oftpn pontradictpd each othpr. and

nnr's intprpst. dpclincd pntPrtainiiif; it. The
newspapers took up thp coutrovprsy, and onp.
conducted by one ZeuRer. defended Van Dam.
The attacks of this .lournal against the Gov-
ernor, provoked the latter and his council to
such a degree that they directed copies of the
paper to bp l)urnpd b.v thp hangTuan. and in-
dicted Zpnger for libel. At the trial. Messrs.
Alexander and Smith, disputed thp .jurisdiction
of the court, and wcrp stricken from the roll of
attorneys in consequence. Andrew Hamilton,
of rhiladelphia. was then pmployed to dpfend
Zenger. and the .lur.v. witliout leaving tlieir
seats, gave a verdict of acquittal. Hamilton
was presented with the freedom of the cit.v. in
a gold box. as an acknowledgment of his ser-
vices, in upliolding the liberties nf the people,
against a gM\prnnr appoiuti'd t)> the r'ro\\-n.

wprp not porroboraled by any of her asso-
ciates. Yet such was the alarm and infatua-
tion of the citizens, tliai on this woman's tes-
timony one hundred .and fifty-four negroes and
twenty whites were imprisoned, thirteen ne-
groes were burni'd at the stake, eighteen per-
sons lianged. sevi'uty transported to foreign
countries. Miul lifly discliarged.

7(3 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

and uow assumed the reins of mdvcinincut Govcinoi- DeLancv had
a difficult task to perform; but the skill with which he conciliated the
two jiarlics did honor to his ability as a statesman.

In S(|iirmber, 1755, Sir Charles Hardy, an admiral in the British
navy, arrived in Xew York as its (joveruor; but beiuy una((|uaiiited
with civil alfairs he ^Liave the manaucnicul of these to .Mr. DeLancy.
The latter died suddcidy in duly. ITCO. and Dr. Cadwallader Golden,
President n\' Tlie Council, was aiipniuted Lieutenant-Governor. In
October of the same year. General JtolK-rl .Monckton arrived, with a
Goveruiir"s comuiissieu ; but left on the ir)th of the ensuing moul li. to
command an e.\]ie(lilion anaiust Martini(|ne, and the government
again devolved u]iou Dr. Golden. It was during his administration
that the difficulties between New Hanix)shire and New York com-
menced, i'(dative to the territory now known as the State of Vermont.

Sir Henry Moore ari-ived in this country in July. 1705. and acted as
Governor until 1769. when be died. His course, during the ]Kiio(l in
which he had served, had been ]iindeut, mild ami digniti<'d. His
death was mu(di lamented.

Governor Dunmore assumed Ibe Government in XoNcmbei', 1770;
but his aduuinstration continued only a few months and was marked
by no im])ortant event. Having been appointed Governor of Virginia,
Governor Dunmore was succeeded by Govern(U' Tryon on July Sth,
1771. In 1772, 1he New Hampshire grants became a renewed source
of serious dis(|uietude to the colony; and various other rpiestions
which ](■(! up to the Kevoliition Mere now agitating tlie minds of rhe
people. Governor Tryon sailed for i:ngland in A])ril. 1774. and re-
turned in June. 1775. His admiuislration was the last one under the
coloinal government of New York.

CHAPTER X.

ESTABLISHMEXT OF THE COURTS.

!NDE1I the ui-iyiual Dutcli settlers, the goverumeiit uf New
Xetherlauds was committed to the Director and his Couu-
(11, of which at tirst there were live members. This body
possessed supreme executive aud legislative authority
throughout the colony. It had full power, too, to try all criminal
cases, and all the prosecutions before it were conducted by a " Schout
Fiscaal," whose services were similar to those of a sheriff and prose-
cuting attorney at the present time.

The " Schout Fiscaal " had power to arrest all persons; btit not
without a complaint made previously to him. unless he detected an
offender committing a criuie. It was also his duty to examine into
the merits of each and every case within his jurisdiction, aud to lay
them before the court, without fear or favor to either party. He was
obliged to report to the Directors in lldUand the nature of every case
prosecuted by him, as well as the judgment obtained. It also de-
volved upon him to examine th(^ pap(^rs of all vessids arriving or de-
parting; to superintend the lading aud
discharging of cargoes, and to prevent
smuggling. It was his right to attend
the meetings of the < "ouncil. and give his
his (ipiuidu when asked; but he could not
vote on any question.

.Some of the pat^-oons claimed to be
measurably independent of the Director
and his Council, 'ind they organized
courts and appointed magistrates for
their own territories. Xotable in this
particular were the patroons of Staten
Island and Rensselaerwyck; but they
were constantly at variance with the
authorities of New Amsterdam. There was a court of appeal, how-
ever, for those who felt tliemselves aggrieved by the judgment of the
Director and his council. They had a chartered right to appeal to the
XIX at home — that is, the West India Company. But the directors of
the Xew Xetherlands were generally despotic, during their brief terms
of authority, and if auy une manifested an intention to appeal, he was
instantly charged with a contempt with tlie supreme power in the

KING WILLIAM III.

78 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

oolouy aud iiiosT st'Ncicly iiuiiislicd. iiulesw lie luauaged tu keep (uit of
the Director's reach until his case had been lieard and deciih'd in
Holland. A notable instance of this was tliat of .Melyn, the patroon
of Stateu Island, wlm ajtpears to jiave been a thorn in the sides of both
Kieft and Stu\A-esant.

Jfeliuion was rei;ulated by law at that period, it may be a milder
way to put it to say that it was recognized by the government of the
province according to the established rules of the iiefiU'nied Dutch
Chnrch, or the Church of Holland. Other sects were regarded with a
certain degree of suspicion; but were tolerated so long as tliey did not
interfere with the i-ights and jirivileges of others.

When (Jovernor Stuyvesant was coniiielled to surrender the coun-
try to the English, he carefully stipulated for the preservation and
continuance of all the political and religious rights and privileges of
the ]>eo])le of the province as then enjoyed, allegiance alone excepted,
wliicli was conceded by Colonel NicoUs as representative of his gov-
ernment. After the con(|uest, however, this stipulation was generally
held in\iolate; but tlu' civil institutions of the country were moditied
to nialve them accord w ith English ideas of government. There are
records of instances of persecution for opinion's sake on religious sub-
jects under Dutch rule: but all su<di matters were instantly rectified
when brought to the notice of the government in Holland. The Eng-
iisii go\<'rniiient also coidinued this practice.

.V }M)litical dixision was formed, in wliich Staten Island. Long
Island and \\'estchester were united, and i-alled ^'orksllire. This was
sub-divided into three parts, called " Kidings," and were resiK'ctively
known as East. AVest and North ridings. The ^^'est riding was coni-
])osed of Staten Island, together with the towns now of Kings County
and Xewtewii, on i>nug Island. The term " IJiding " is ;i ((uruittion
of the word " Trithing," the name of a di\ision of \'(ukshire in I'ug-
land. after which tlie American " ^'orksllire " must lia\c been fash-
ioned. Tiiese ridings were establislied rhielly for the acconiniodation
of I he courts and conx'enience in apiKUtioning ta.xi's.

It was arranged under the l)id<e"s govei'iinient so that each town-
ship had a justice of the ]ieace, who was appoiiite(l by the ( '.oNcrmu';
and at lirst eight, but after\\ar(l four oxciseers and a constable, who
were elected by the |)eo|)le. There Were three (dlicers who were
cliaiged with the duty of assessing ta.xes. holding town courts, and
regulating such mailers of minor im|i(U'lauce as were not otherwise
juoNided for by the laws or orders of the (iovermu'. The jurisdiction
<d' the town court was limited to cases not exceeding live ]ionuds in
\a I ue.

In each riding, a court of sessions was eslablished. conijiosed of the
just ices of I he |ie,-ice. This con li w ;is held I wice in each year, a nd was
eni]ioM(M-ed to decide all criunual cases, as well as all civil ones where
the.'imount of (lilTerence excee<le(l li\e pounds. .Tudgiueuts were reu-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 79

dered iu this court fur sums uuder tweuty pounds, aud were tiiial; but
iu cases exceeding tluit amouut au appeal to tlie court of assize was
allowed. In criniiual cases, in which cajiital punishment was in-
volved, there was required the unanimous concurrence of twelve
jurors; all other cases were decided by the majority of seven jurors.
The high sheriff, members of the council, aud the secretary of the
colony were authorized to sit with the justices in this court.

The court of assize was held but once a year, iu the City of New
York, and it was com])osed of the Governor, his c(juucil, and au in-
definite number of the justices. Appeals from the inferior courts were
entertained by it, and it had original jurisdiction in cases where the
demand exceeded twenty pounds. The Governor appointed the high
sheriff for the " shire," and a deputy sheriff for each riding. This
court was the nominal head of the government — legislative as well
as judicial. This court grew to be looked upon as in reality the gov-
ernor's " cloak," under the cover of which he issued whatever regu-
lations his jiidgment or fancy dictated. Indeed, all its members held
their positions at his pleasure, and they were virtually obliged to
sanction his views and endorse his opinions. Very many of the laws,
amendments and orders enacted through the name of this court
were exceedingly arbitrary, obnoxious and oppi^essive to the people.
Petitions for redress of grievances had but little effect witli this
court.

The early governors under English rule imposed duties on im-
ported and exported goods, disposed of the jiublic lands, and levied
taxes on the people, for the support of the gov<*rumeiit. They had con-
trol also of tlie finances of the colony, in common with every other de-
partment; and it is believed that tliis powt^i' over the treasury was
often used for their own individual benefit.

In orders made at the general court of assize, from the Gth to the
13th of October, 1075. the following appears:

" That by reason of the t>eparacon by water, ^^taten Island shall
have Jurisdiction of it Self and to have noe further dependance on
the Courts of Long Island ncu* on their Militia."

From this time forward Staten Island lias been an independent
judicial district, and the first record, which very soon after began to
be kept, is still in existence at the County Clerk's office at Richmond.
It is a small, square volume. bf)und in vellum, and besides many
quaint records of '' sewts," contains the descriptions of the ear-marks
of domestic animals, in order that the ownershi]i might be distin-
guished, as the animals were allowed to run at large through the
woods and on uua]i]iroiniated lands of tli(^ Island. Among the very
earliest Court i-ecords are the following:
" Jacob -Teyoung (Guyon) Ptf ) In A Action of the Cans
" Isaac See ( ?) Deft j At A Court held on Staten Island

by the Cousiable ami oversears of the seam on this iH'esent Munday

80 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Being the 7 day of febraery 1()80 wharas the caus depending Between
the I'tf and the deft liath Bin heard the Court ordereth deft to ('leer
his tiax forthwith and his Corn out of the Barn witldn ten days from
the deat hearof and to clear up his other A Counts at the next ('ourt.

" At A Court held on Staton Island By the Constahl and ovcrscars
of the kSeani on this presont Munday IJeing the 5 day of Si'iitcniber
1680 Sarali \Vliittnian Ptf William Britton Deft, in A Action of the
Case to the valew of £4. 10. (id. The Cans di'ix-nding Betwixt the Ptf
and Deft hath Bin heard and for want of farther proof the Caus is
Keferrcd fill rlic next ('ourt.
" Siiiali W'liirtman Ptf
" William I'.ritcn Deft.

"At A Couii held on Staton Island by the Constabll and over-
scars of I he scam on this pres<'nt Mund;iy Being the 3 day of October
KiSO the (^ourt ordereth that the Deft shall seat up and geett forty
]t;ni('ll of soefisiont fence for the yous of Sarah Whitman at or Be foor
the tii-st of novembrr next in sewing with Cost of sewt."

The regulation of the sale of intoxicating liquors received the early
attentinn of the Court, and the following rates were established
throngliout the province, which "tapsters" were allowed to charge:
French wines. Is. 3d. ])er (piart; Fayal wines and St. (George's, Is. (5d.;
Madeira wines and Portaport, Is. lOd.; Canaryes and ^Falaga, 2s. per
quart; brandy, (id. iier gill; rum, 3d. per gill; syder. 4d. ])<m- <]nart;
double beere, 3d. pei' quart; meals at winediouses. Is.; at beerediouses,
8d.; lodgings at winediouses, 4d. per night; at betn-ediouses, 3d.

At the time of the arrival of Governor Thomas Dougan, John Palm-
er, a gentlenmn, ami by profession a lawyer, resided in New York
city. At the time of the separation of Staten Island from the Lcmg
Island towns. Palmer was appointed " ranger "" for Staten Island. In
1(!83 he lived on the Island, and was a]ipointed by (jov«'rnoi- Dongau
one of the two first judges of the New York Court of (Jyer and Ter-
miner. He was also a member of the ( iovernor's Council.^

The Courts were first lield in various jiarts of the Island, wherever
convenii'uce indicated. It is not definitely known at what time they
were first held at Simiy P.rook. as a regular place for them. We find
the custom. li()we\er. jirevailing during the early years of the eight-
eenth cent my; :in<l in conseijuence of the County Jail being removed
to " Cucknidsidw ne." I he early mime fnr Kiclimond, "ye ("ourts were
held at ye ( 'uckoldstowne Inn." Tliei-e ;iie several records in exist-
ence of ( 'oiiil held at Stony Brook.

The earliest meiilion of the Court of sessions being held in Kicli-

mniid, is (hlled Se|ileniber 2, 172!). Pre\icills to I he erection of ;l ( 'nurt

1 Tliiiinns Luvuliiif. whose nilk'inl signalurc to the yovenior, aud a member of hl.s oouucil.

is appeuded to so mauy of (he old documciils Thcro was also anolhcr hiother. named Dud-

ivinneeted wUh the oonveyaiice of properly oo ley. likewise a member of llie eoiiiieil.— Pits-

Slutoii Island, and otherwise, and who at one Inn's Tiistori/ of Rirhnwiul iimiilii.
time was sheriff of the eonnty. was a brother

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

House at that jtlace the Coiuts were heUl iu private houses and tav-
erns, as the following entry will prove:

" March 2, 1713 — Court a journed till to moroAv at Ten of the Cloek
in the forenoon to the North Si(h' To Coll tlrahanis Court opened, and
ajourned Till ye list Ttiesday on Tber [September] next. — <iod Save
the (Jueen."

Colonel Au^. (irahani. mentioned in the above paragraph, was (me
of the judi^es of the Court of ('(uunuin pleas and sessions. In those
days debtors were arrested and oblii;e<l to furnisli bail or go to priscm.
The return of the precept of arrest by the sh(^ritf or constable was
" Cepi Corpus." It appears that iu almost every instance where a
prisoner was acquitted by the jury, he was discharged by the court
tipon payment of costs. The Cotirts of general sessions were fre-
quently conducted by an overliowing bench, as for example, on the
22d of September, 17(»1, "there were present the first, second and
third judges, and nine justices," making in all a bench of twelve. It
was a common thing, too, for a court to be constituted with eight, nine
or ten judges. The following extracts from court reccu'ds are of con-
siderable interest:

" At a Court of Sessions held for the County of Kichmoud IMarch 3,
1712.

"Jos. Arrowsmith. Lambert Carrison. XathI I'.ritton. Abni. Coole,
Peter Eezeau, Esqs.

"March ye Ith. Court opened and Crand Jury calld. The pre-
sentmts of the <irand Jury brouglit iu; the Court orders prosess to be
issued out against those presented — viz. Peter
Bibout for beating Mr. Mony [Manee] and his
wiife. Barnt ^larling, Andrew Bowman. Will-
iam Foord & The Taylor peter peryne & Vn.
Butt](^r, Peter Catherick and Nath' Brittin
Junr all for fighting. John r>o\'(^ and John
Bilew for carrying of Syder upon the Sabbath
Day. Abraham ^'an Tyle for allowing his
negro to Cary Irone to the Smiths on the Sab-
bath day, and Mark Disosway for being drunk
on the Sabbath day."

.\t a court of sessions held ilarch oth, 171(i,
" it was ordered by the court that Nicholas
Brittin pay TAvelve Shillings tiliue for his misbehavicu- to Natli' I'.rit-
ton Esq. and also ordered that he beg Justice Brittius pardon and
promise to doe so no more, and also to pay all tlie charges of this
action."

September 3d, 1717. all the retailers of strong liquors were sum-
moned to ap])ear before the court of general sessions to show by what
authority they retailed; thereupon appeared " Maui'is Williams. Jean
Brown. Anthony Wright, Barnt Symerson, Daniel Lane. John Garrea,

A DUTCH WINDMILL.

82 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Diivid Bisset, Cornelius Eyiiiau, Lamb* Garrittsou Juii' Benj" Bill,
Jacob Joliiisdii. Isaac h^ymersou. Joseph Bastido," — tliirteeu in the
whole county.

t^imon Van Xanie was a justice of the peace and a prominent man in
liis (lay. \\'e cojjy several legal (lociniicnts issued by him:
" Ifichmond County

" To the Constable of the north division where as Complaind is
made by Euert van name unto me 8imon van name one of his ilagis-
tices Justice of the peace that Hennery day owith him the Sum of
Seueu Shillings and neglect to Pay the same this is theair for to
recjuire you to somins the same hennery day to apear before me at
my dweling house on Thursday next at one of the aclock in the after-
noon which will be the 13 day of this iustient month els Jugment shall
go against him by The fault giuen from under my liand this the tenth
of March Ano domiui 1T2S-9

" SlJIE VAX NAME "

" Richmond to the Constable of

County the North devision

" \Vhere as there is an action depending between Tommas Morgan
plaiitif & Isaac < larrison Defended Both of the Cotmty Abousd [above
said] and the Defendant Desires a Jury upon the sd Action These are
tlierefore in his .Maiestyes Name to liequire iV: (L'ommand you to Svm-
mons TAvelve StitBcient Men to Appear Before me on Wensday lu^.xt at
Twelve of the Clock in the afternoon of the Sameday at my Dwelling
llous to Serve as Jvrers upon the sd Action Depending Whereof fail
not Given under my hand Thee twenty seventh day of July Aiiiio<i.
Dom. 1730.

" SiME VAX XAME "

Names attached: "1 Abraham corshon, 2 richard crips. 3 .loliu
mengalroll, 4 garret cruse, 5 philip merel. Ci lionas deker, 7 barnt
sweme, 8 ranses bodine, 9 nieholes stilwell. 10 nichles depne. 11
John boker, 12 tunas tebout, nickles busli. nir couauouer. art simau-
son, Jacob beiiet. lambart garisou. tlioiiias lisk. alexander lislv. ben
goman ayrs."

On the reverse of the \-eiiire are t lie follow ing endorsements:

" liicliniond ( "unnly Jnly the l".l I lie .iiiry tiinls lor I lie sd dcreiidanl.

venire 0. 1. (i.

to the conslabel 0. 0.

swaring t lie Jnry 2. 0.

swaring y'' evdens 1. <*>.

swaring the ConsrI <>.

Eiilering \'erderk 1.

(). fi.

Tlie following is a eopy ol' dociinieiils found among llie jiapers of
Simon \'an Name:

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 83

"■ Kimw all iiicii liv tlicsc pi-csciits tluit 1 Joliaiiis S\\niu(.' ol' the
Couuty of Iiiilid in the innviiuc of N«nv Y'i)rk yeoman am holden and
firmly hound niito ma,n(h\h'na t^waine and mary Swanic and petcrnal
and Elizaheth of the same place in the kSiuu of two hundred and fourty
pounds Current mouy of New York to be paid to the Said aboA'e men-
tioned or to there certain Attorneys Exers admrs; or assigns to the
which payment well and truly to be made I do here by bind my self,
my heirs; Exers: and admrs; and every and every of them firmly by
these presents, Sealed with my Seal dated this 7th Day of September
in the 6th year of the IJeign of oui- Soveraign Lord George, by the
Grace of God of Great Britain, francc and Irehind king defender of
the faith Anno Domini 1710

" This Condition of this Obligation is Such that if the above
bounden Johanis Swame. or his heirs Exers: adnirs or assigns shall
well and truly pay or cause to be paid to the above named Magdalena
Swame and ^Mary Swame; peterual Depuy and Elizabeth Garrison;
and I am obliged to pay Magdalena Swame Fifty pounds after the

Death of Barent Swame her leathers 1 rshon [portion] and Mary

Swame the Like Sum of Fifty jionnds. Current niony of New York of
their fathars po(U-slion and I th(^ said .lolianis Swame am obliged to
pay to peternal De puy and Elizabeth Garrison Each of them then
(ten) pound. Like Current niony for there Fathers ])o(U'shun next en-
suing the date here of without fraud or further Delay tlien this pres-
ent Obligation to be void and of none effect or else to Stand and lle-
main in full force and virtue

" Sealed and delivered in
the presence of us

fransoy bodain
Peter Praal

" June y'" 13th 1 722 Johanis f S Swame "

mark

" Then received of Sinu)n van Ame iV: Aron ju-all executors of
Johanes Swam deceased y' sum of twenty pounds ('urraut money of
New York & upon this within written bond we say Received by us for
our wiefes Peternal iS: Elizabeth Granted to them by bond as within
mentioned.

"Son de puy
" Lambart Garison."
" Anno 1723 r>en sesde my r)an ontvange van syme van nam Extor
van yohannes sweni overled de som van vyftegh pout op dese enge
schreve bant wy out vange.

" Jolumnes decker "
" anno 1723 Den IS actober

"Dan ontvange van Syme van ikhiic ILxetor van yoliannes swem
overlede De som van vyftyge pout op dese cngcschi-eve bant en vol

84 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

vuor iHvii part ii-k (HitNaiigc luadeleu sweiii uomv wyf van cbarles
dedecker \\\" outvauge.

syn

Chaeles C dedeckek

merk

MADALBN DEDECKKER "

Accdiiliiiii to tlic records the last Court of Coninioii I'k'as and (Jen-
eral Sessions in liiclnnond ("onnty, nnder the colonial goverunieut,
was held on Septenilier I'Citli, 1 717}.'-

Tlie I'oiiowini; names ajipear as justices of the peace in this county:
KUis J)uxl>u]-y, Klil^; -lohn Sliotwell. IC.'.li:; Abraham Lackmau. 1G'J3;
Cornelis Corsen. 1(;«)-!M); .Tosejiii JJillop. 17(i2-3.

Thei-e ai>i)ears to have been only one case of capital punishment
executetl undei- a decree of the colonial courts, and that occurred but a
short time prior to the lJ<'voluliou. A negro, named Anthony Neal,
was accused of breaking into and robbing the store kept by Colonel
Aaron Cortelyou. The goods stolen were valued at about twenty dol-
lars, and they were all found secreted in a wheat field near by. The
accused, after being imitrisoned about two months, was trif^l. con-
victed and hung. The scene (d' the ex(M-ution was the site of tlie jiub-
lic s(diool-house in Kichmond. 'I'lie negio claimed witli his dying
breath that lie was innocent ; iind. it is said, that on the day following
the exei-ulion his wife confessed that siie liad committed tjie tliid't her-
self.

The Island was in jiart under martial law during tlie ])eriod of the
Revolution, and the nati\c militia jx-rformed what was practically
])olice duty. .\s soon as ciicnmstauces would ](erniit. after the ])eace
was declai-ed. Ilie courts wci'e i-e-established in accordance witli the
lte]iublican spii-il of the times, and ]ia\c continue(l uniiilerrn]p|e(l to
the i)resent day.

2 This m.ny rcasoiialily 1ii' :illi-il)\iliMl In lln' simi i.ii ilic moruins of the Fourth of July,

fact that vi-ry many of the couuty records ITTfl. .TiulLre Benjamiu Seaman presidiiifr. He

were destroyed at the time of tlie l>nrninK of lield tlie ofhoe uutil ITSo. neoordiuj; to the

the Court House, by tlie British, duriu;; the i niiuly records at Riehiuoud.
Revolutiuii. It is kuown that court was iu ses-

CHAPTER XI.

STATEJf ISLAND SEPARATED FROM NEW JERSEY.

^T'liIXO ill! the years of Dutch foloiiial govei'iimeut " Staaton
Islaiult " was a(lju<lij,v(l to bcloiiy (o Nova Ca'sarea, or New
Jersey. (Jeograpbieally eousidered, it was a very natural
rouclusiou. Divided by a sliiibt river for many unles, from
the maiidaud of lliat ((doiiy. Stateu Ishiiid was half surrounded by it,
and the two were practi<-a]ly under one government, witli every in-
terest in eonimon. The Indians that inhabited the Island were a
branch of the great Delaware tribe, who were natives of New Jersey,
and, wheneA-er iu trouble here Avith rival bauds,
turned to the New Jersey Indians for refug<^
and protection. IJepeatedly the Aciuehongas,
(an adopted name), Avhen persecuted by their
enemies, found a haven of rest beyond the blue
hills of Old ilonmouth. And when at last they
departed from ;^>taten Island, as a tribe, they
went back to NeAV Jersey and united in com-
mon with the Delawares.

AVhen, in IGSO, one of the Dutch i)a1roons,
Michael I'auw, "became the proi>rietor of all
the country extendinji' from Iloboken south
ward along the bay and ^^taten Island Sound,
then called Achter Kull. (now corrupted into
Arthur Kill), including Stateu Island, the
country Avas purchased from the natives for
' certain cargoes or ])arcels of goods," and called PaA'onia." The name
of this itroprietor still atta(dies to a part of his possessions in the lo-
cality knoAvn as Coninmnipaw — the Commune of I'auw — which has
usually been sui)posed to be a name of Indian origin. The Staten
Island Dutchmen Avere related, to a considerable extent, to those of
Communi]jaAV, and lived on the most intimate terms. They visited
and enjoyed each other's hospitality, and traded the products of their
plantations; and when in troulde and dangi-r. fre(iuently lent aid and
protection to lighten each other's burdens. After the second mas-
sacre by the Indians at Oude Dorp, some of the Dutch families who
escaped, joined their friends at C'ommuni])aAV. and. after (hiding their
days at that secluded handet, Avere still represented by many suc-
ceeding generations. The folloAviug description of CommunipaAV is

QUEEN MARA'.

80 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

taken from )lic l'liila<lcl])liia (l<r.ith. and was published near the
comuieuceineut of the jtreseut century:

" We h)ve, when visiting New Ycnic, to explore the antiquated by-
places in the environs; haunts where the primeval traits of the New
Netherlands still flourish in immortal youth. Among these, Coinmu-
nipaw is pre-eminent. Looking from the ('astle (larden. you observe
on the Jersey margin of i lie bay a group of low-lying houses, on which
the beams of the sun, or the shadows of a cloud, rest with tranquility.
In summer, a sleepy haze lies over that region, and it nestles lovingly
in the midst, much like the imaginary realm where the bard of the
' Seasons ' fixed t lie site of his Castle of Indolence:

" 'A pleasing laiid of drowsy-lieail it was —

Of dreams that wave liefore tlie lialf-shiit eye;
And of gay eastles in the elouds that pass,
Forever flushing 'round a suininer sky;
There eke tlie soft delights that witchingly
Instill a wanton sweetness through the breast.
And the ealin pleasures hovered ever nigh:
And whate'er smack'd of 'noyanee or unrest,
Was far, far oil' expelled from this delieious nest."

" To reach this little hamlet, you must cross to Jersey City, (city by
courtesy, like the vast metropolis of Camden), and walk a mile or two
southward on foot. When there, you may behold a scene of noiseless
ease and security, which has been undisturbed for ages. The great
Capital, [New York], Brooklyn, Staten Island, the splendid bay
Mecked with shipping — the Narrows, ending in the aerial hues of the
distant Atlantic, and the Iludson, rolling from the north, are all com-
manded here. To describe Communipaw deliberately would be to
iterate tlu' colors of a picture which a master lias drawn in Kiiichrr-
hijclccr, and of whicli we avail ourselves with no less admir;ition for its
raciness than its tidelity.

" ' As all the world is doubtless i)ei-f<'ctly acquainted witii Commu-
nipaw, it may seem somewhat su]M-rflnous to treat of it in the i)resent
\\()rk; but my reaih'rs \\ill ple;ise recolleci. th;it notwithstanding it is
my chief desire to satisfy the |)resent age, yet 1 write likewise for ]ios-
terity. and iiave to consnlt the understanding iind curiosity of some
half a score of cent inies yel to come; i)y which time, peiha|is. wei-e it
not foi- tills in\aluable history, the great Coiiiniuni]ia w, like I'.abylon,
Carthage. Nini'\('h, and other gi-eat citit's, miglit be perfectly ex-
tinct — sniik ami forgotten in its own mud — its iiihabilaiils l mned to
oysters, and (Men its situ;ition a fertile subject of controversy and
liai'd lieiided in\('st iga I ion among iiidefatigaiile hisioiijins. Let me
then |(ioMsly i-escue from oblivion the hniiible relics of a place which
was the egg fi'om ^\•llicil was hiitched the mighty city of New ^'oi'kl

"'Communipaw is at present lint ;i small village, ideasantly situ-
ated among riii;il scenery on thai beauteous part of th(^ Jersey shore
which \\:is known in ;iii(ienl legends by I he name of l';i\'o!n;i, ;ind

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 87

comiiuiiids a graud prospect of the bay of 2\ew York. It is witliiu but
half an hour's sail from the latter place, provided you have a fair
wiud, aud uiay be distinctly seen from the city, ^'ay, it is a well-
known fact, which 1 can testify from my own experience, that on a
clear, still summer evening you may hear, from the Battery of New
York, the obstreperous peals of broad-mouthed laughter of the Dutch
negroes at Commuuipaw, who, like most otlier negroes, are famous
for their risible powers. This is peculiarly the case on Sunday even-
ings, when, it is remarked by an ingenious and observant philosopher,
who has made great discoveries in the neighborhood of this city, that
they always laugh loudest — which he attributes to the circumstance
of their having their hcdiday clothes on.

" ' These negroes, in fact, like the monks in the dark ages, engross
all the knowledge of the place, and being infinitely more knowing
than their masters, carry on all the foreign trade, making frequent
voyages to town in canoes loaded with oysters, buttermilk, and cab-
bages. They are great astrologers, predicting the different changes
of weather almost as certainly as an almanac — they are, moreover,
exqiiisite performers on three-stringed fiddles; in whistling, they al-
most boast the far-famed powers of Orpheus' lyre, for not a horse or
an ox in the place, when at the plough, or before the wagon, will
budge a foot until he hears the well-known whistle of his bhick
driver and companion. And from their amazing skill at casting up
accounts upon their lingers, they are regarded with as much venera-
tion as were the disciples of Pythagoras of yore, when initiated into
the sacred quarternary of numbers.

" ' As to the honest burghers of Commuuipaw, like wise men and
sound philosophers, they never look beyond their pipes, nor trouble
their heads about any affairs out of their immediate neighborhood;
so that they live in profound aud enviable ignorance of all the
troubles, anxieties aud revolutions of this distracted planet. I am
even told tlint many among them do verily believe that Holland, of
which they have heard so much by tradition, is situated somewhere
on Long Island, that Spiking-devil and tlu' Narrows are the two ends
of the world — that the country is still under the dominion of their
High Mightinesses, and that the city of New Y'ork still goes by the
name of Niew Amsterdam. They meet every Saturday afternoon, at
the only tavern in the place, which bears as a sign, the sqnare-lieaded
likeness of the Prince of Orange, where they smoke a silent i>i]><', l)y
way of promoting social conviviality, and invarialily drink a mug of
cider to the success of Admiral \'an Tromp, who they imagine, is still
sweeping the British channel, with a broom at his mast-head.

" ' Commuuipaw, in short, is one of the numerous little villages in
the vicinity of this most beautiful of cities, which are so many strong-
holds and fastnesses, whither the primitive manners of our Dutch
forefathers have retreated, and where thev are cherished with devout

88 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

and sdupulouis (strictuess. The dn'sw of the original setth_'r(> is liaiid-
ed down iiiviuhite, from father to sou — the i(hMitical broad-biiniiued
hat, broad-skirted coat, and broad-bottomed breeches, cuutiuue from
geueratiou to geueratiou; aud several gigantic knee-buckles of massy
silver, are still in wear, that made gallant display iu the days of the
patriarch of Commuuii>aw. The language likewise continues uu-
adulterat(-d by barbarous inuoAations; aud so critically correct is the
village schoolmaster in his dialect, that his reading of a Low Dutdi
psalm has much the same effect on the ner\es as the tiling of a haud-
saw.' "

Under Dutch rule Staten Island's taxes were always collected by
the New Jersey authorities, aud there is no record of a disi^ute as to
jurisdiction iu those years. It is believed that, after Pauw^ became
the proprietor, whatever collections were made, were by virtue of his
authority and orders. Yet it is evident that he made iiaymeuts of
taxes to the head of the government at New Amsterdam. It is prob-
able that, throughout that period, fc^tateu Island was of so little im-
portance, because of its meagre population and light ciiltivation of
the laud, that the rulers of the provinces deenu^d it a umtter for their
subordinates only to deal with.

The provinces having passed from Dutch to English rule, Charles
II., made his brother, James, Duke of York, the nominal ruler of his
possessions iu .\iiicrica, on the 3()tli of .March, 1('>((4. There w<'re ]irac-
tically three elements on Staten Island at that tinu' — Dutch, French,
aud English. The Dutch and French were united aud ou friendly
terms; hnt from the coiuiiieucement looked upon the English with
susi)icion aud dislike, because of their aggressi\'euess, ami their suc-
cess iu gaiuiug ])ossessiou of the government and tlie conhscation of
the laud A\hi(h the lornier had long claimed for their own.

These rival elements soon created trouble for the rulers at New'
Amsterdam. Several i)lautatious on Staten Island were claimed by
both, and neither Avould pay taxes until the authorities would defi-
nitely settle the (|uestiou of ])roprietorship. There w<'re open rup-
tures among the i>eo])le. and in sexeral instances the militia wen^ or-
dered out to enforce the law and to preserve the peace. Thei'e is a
tradition to the effect that souu' of the Dutch settlers absolutely re-
fust'd to pay their taxes to the English authorities, (pu'siioning their
right to make the levies, and were thrown into jirisou. with their
pi'operly confiscated, for their ]iains.

These troubles continued until HWiS. iiureasing with each year.
Se\eial animated sessions were held by the Council, but to no effect.
Fimilly Ihe Duke took the matter in his own hands, aud decided that
" all islands lying iu the harbor of Ni'w York, which could be circum-
navigated in twenty-four hours, shonld lielong to the Colony of New
York, otherwise it should belong to New Jei-sey."

Ca])tain Cliristo])her P>il]o]»p. the comniaudcr of a little vessel be-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

louying to tlir Eiii;lisli ii;i\y,- wa« at tliu port ul' IV'itli Auibtjy. lie
perfoiuied the task iu accordance with the Duke's proclaniatiou, and,
according- to tradition, had the better part of an lionr to spare. It is
said that he covered the deck of his vessel with empty barrels, thus
gaining considerable sailing power. In consideration of this service,
the Duke pi-esented Captain Billopp with a tract of land containing
eleven hundred and sixty-three acres." There and then he built the
house, (still standing), which he named the " Manor of Bentley,'' in
honor of the vessel which had performed the task. lie did not receive
a deed for the property
until 1GS7. The story
of the Billojijis and
their home is reserve<l
for a later chapter.

The Duke of York
at once decided that
>?taten Island was in
New York. In some
instances the pro])('rty.
which had been con
liscatcd. was restored
to its rightful owners,
and the taxes were
jiaid to the representa-
tives of the English
croAvn.

Many years after \var(
Comnmniiiaw, of tliose

<)HI(.;l.N.\L CUK.SON UU.MKSIKAI), CLOVK
ABOUT 1690.

IIOAD, EKKCTKD

I. liiiwever, some of the DnTcli descendants at
who had emigrated from Staten Island, pre-
sented claims which they insisted w(-re legal, against the uns(4tled
estates of their ancestors here. The matter was before the autliorities
for several generations; but there is no record that tlu^ claimants met
with success.

In 1684, the question of the proprietorshi]* of Staten Island was
again agitated, scune of the landholders becoming ajiprcdiensive of
the validity of their titles, and some of them, among whom was Caj)-
tain Billopp, desired to sell. No purchasers being found, however,
because of a question as to title, the property remained unsold. (4ov-
ernor Dongan was directed, if the Billopp estate should be sold. " to
find a purchaser for it iu New York, and not to suffer it to pass into
the possession of a resident of New Jersey."

2 Some bistori.ins claim that the Tessel barked in it wlien lie attempted to return to

known as the " Bcntle.v," which Captain Bil-
lopp commanded, was in the merchant ser%-ice.
Others insist that it was neither a naval nor
merchant vessel, but was simply a plea.sure
yacht. It is claimed by the latter that it be-
longed to Captain Billopp. personall.v, as he
kept it for private use while he remained a
resident of Staten Island, and that he em-

his native land. It was fitted up, however,
with the appliances of war, which, in those
days of piracy was a necessity to insure safety
on the high seas.

.3 This tract of lainl I'uibraces the lower part
of the Island, upon which the village of Tot-
tenville now stands.

90 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Thei-e is still ^jreserved iu the ullice of the Secretary of Htate at
Albauy, the copy of a letter written by Lioveruor Dougau, who resided
ou ►Stateu Island at the time, to tSir Johu Werdeu, Earl of I'erth, aud
dated February 18, 1GS4-5. We make the followiug extracts:

" The Island has been iu the jjossessiou of his Iv'LL llighss above
20 years, (exeept ye little time ye Dutch had it), purchased by Gov.
Lovelace from ye ludyans in the time of Sir George Carteret without
any pretences till ye agents made claime to it; it is peopled with
above two hundred ffamilyes. . . .

" The (Quakers are making pretended pretences to Stateu Island,
which disturbs the people, and one reason given for holding it is that
if his Jfoyal Highness cannot retrieve East Jersey it will do well to
secure Hudson's Jtiver aud take away all claim to Stateu Island.''

In the meantime the proprietors of New Jersey had complained to
Governor Dongan against his encroachments, aud the Governor him-
self did not seem to be perfectly satisfied with his title, for when he
obtained his patent from the Duke of York for a large tract upon the
Island, he strengtheued it by securing another patent from the East
India jiroprietors, who had beeu the previous owners. This occurred
about the time that the province of Xew York was divided into coun-
ties.

But ]S'ew York claimed jurisdiction, and exercised it over the
waters as far as low water mark on the New Jersey shores, Avhen the
latter province o])posed this exercise of pul)lic authority. The authori-
ties of New Jersey claimed that the oiigiual grant gave that province
jurisdiction 1i> the middle of the Narrows, and therefore it owned
Stateu Island. On the contrary New York pleaded long ijossession,
and the (|uestion was agitated at intervals throughout the colonial
period, and for nearly half a century in the State period.

Goiiimissioners were apijointed from both States in 1807 to settle
the dispute detinitely. New Jersey still insisfiug that Stateu Island
was within its border. A very angry discussion ensued, but uothing
was accom])lisli('d. For many years border troubh'S continued. A
<leputy slieriff from Staten Island, while serving a proci'ss on board a
vessel near the New Jersey shore, was ai'rested and imprisoned for
violating its territory; but the State anthoritics claimed that this
was done only to test the question of jurisdiction.

Commissioners were again selected in 1827, to settle the dispute. but
they a('com])lish('d nothing. A final effort was made in 1833, when
the dispute between the two Stati's was amicably arranged by con-
cession. "New York obtained the :ickiiowledged right to Staten
Island, with the exclusive jurisdiction oxci- a jiortion of the adjacent
waters, by conceding to New Jersey a like privilege to other portions.
New York tlins secured the legal claim to most of the Lower bay,
quite down to Sandy Hook; and in return New Jersey obtained the
same rinhts o\-er the wnters on the west sidi^ of the Islatid. as far ns

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 91

WuodbiidyL' cieck, in Ike ueighborbuud of iiu>>sville." Thus the ques-
tion was settled once and forever.

lu c-oustMiueuce uf this sepanitiuu from New Jersey, Stateu Ishiiid
became practically isolated. The people had very few interests which
they held iu common, and as the years passed by they drifted farther
ajjart. There have been times when the people looked upon each
other as " foreigners," and there have been seasons of strife. People
hailed each other with epithets, and sectional animosities have fre-
quently created great discord. It is no exaggeration to say that there
are jjeople now living who have witnessed overt acts, created for the
simijle purpose of punishing a resident from " over the Kills,"
whether it be on this side, or the other!

And long after this feeling had died away, there was almost a total
lack of interest and sympathy existing between the two sections.
Old ferries, which had tVir a long time connected the Island with the
main land, were closed for want of patronage, and on both sides of
the Kills, in each succeeding generation, scores of peojjle grew to old
age that never attcinpted to cross the water from one side to the
other.

During the past decade or so, the hand of progress has done much
to break down this imreasonable barrier. The building of the great
raih^oad bridge, west of Holland's Hook and Elizabeth]iort, set the
people on both sides to thinking, and with that thinking they began
to discover the utter uselessness of a dividing line in our daily life —
a division in our common interests as a people. The next step was a
decided improvement in the management of the old ferry from Port
Richmond to Bergen Point ;^ and. later, if not still more important,
was the re-opening of the ferry at Holland's Hook by the electric
railroad. The full value of these great connecting links cannot be
estimated at this time.

And so. in tlie princi]ile of true friendliness and progressiveuess.
Staten Island welcomes to her shores the prosperous, loyal people of
a noble sister State. Xew Jersey! the land where rest the far-
famed battle-fi(dds of Trenton, of Princeton, and of Monmouth — the
laud that Iiolds all that is mortal of Stockton, of Kearney, and of
McClellan — to thee, who nestled amid the grand constellation of
struggling colonies that f(n-med the American ITnion, " in the days
that tried men's souls " — may the star of thy destiny never grow
dim!®

4 The Kergen Point fprry is one of the old- 5 After the Duke of York had conve.ved the

est institutions of its cI.tss eonnected with tetritor.v of New .Tersey to Berkle.v and Car-

Staten Island. It is one of the oriffinal Indian teret. a doubt arose whether Staten Island

ferries, and has been kept up to the present „,„, in^i,u\c<} in the grant, bv the terms of the

day without omission. But until within a few . , ,^ » ^ n " . ».,

^ .^ . eharrer. Carteret, the governor, not the pro-
years past Its management was very slack in- . , .,

iinft/i T-i 1 . *i 1 ', • .. prii'tor. laid no claim to the Island; on the

deed. Throughout the dav uncertain trips '

were made in an uncomfortable boat, which •""""••'•••.v- he tacitly admitted that it did not
ceased running shortly after sunset, and in the bdnng to his jurisdiction, by accepting a con-
winter months, when there was ice in the veyance for a tract of land on the Island from
river, there were no ferry accommodations at Xicholls. the Duke of York's agent: this he
all. It now belongs to a syndicate. ^\t>iilil scarcely have done, had he considered

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

his brother the proprietor. In 1668, the Isl-
and was adjudged to belong to Now York, be-
cause one of the outlets of the Hudson river
ran around the Island; while Berkley's and
Carteret's lands, by the terms of their patent,
were bounded by the river and bay. The
Dutch always appear to have regarded the in-
ner baj" or harbor as a mere expansion of the
river, and the Narrows as its mouth. In their
documents, Slaten Island is frequently de-
scribed as lyiug iu the river. If this view

was correct, the Island evidently belonged to
New Jersey, because ic was embraced within
its limits. The Duke of York himself ap-
pears to have had his doubts about the matter,
for it is said that when the questiou of juris-
diction was first agitated, he decided that all
islands l.viug in the river or harbor, which
could be circumnavigated iu twenty-four
hours, should remain in this jurisdiction, other-
wise in New J Qrsej.— Preston's Uisiory of Rich-
mond County.

CHAPTER XII.

STATEN ISLAND IX 1676.

X the Stli day of June, IGKl, two Labadists, .Jasi)er Daiikers
and I'eter Sluyter, sailed from Amsterdam' in a ship called
the "riiailes," Captain Thomas Sinjiletou, and arnved at
^>andy Hook on the l!l.M of September following. In their
account of the trip, they say:

" \\'hen Ave came between the Hoofden,- we saw some Indians on
the beach with a canoe, and others cominii' down the hill. As we
tacked about, we came close to the shore, and called out to them to
come on board the ship. The Indians came on board, and we looked
upon them with wonder. They are dull of comiirehonsion, slow of
speech, bashful, but otherwise bold of person and red of skin. They
wear something in front over the thighs, and a piece of duffels, like
a blanket, around the body, and that is all the clotliing they have.
Their hair hangs down from their head in strings, well smeared with
fat, and sometimes with (piantities of little beads twisted in it, out of
pride. They have thick lips and thick noses, but not fallen in like the
Negroes, heavy eyebrows or eyidids. brown or black eyes, thick
tongues, and all of them black hair. After they had obtained some
biscuit, and had amused themselves a little climbing and looking here
and there, they also received some brandy to taste, of which they
drank excessively, and threw it up again. They then went ashore in
their canoe, and we. having a better breeze, sailed ahead hand-
somely.

"October 0th. Motiday. — We remained at home two days, except T
went out to ascertain whether there was any way of going over to
Staten Island.

" 10. Tuesday. — Finding no o|i|iorl unily of going to Ptaten Island,
we asked our old Friend Symoii. who had come over from Gouanes.
what was the best way for us to go there, when he offered us his ser-
vices to take us over in his skiff, which we acce])ted. and at dusk ac-
companied him in his boat to (louanes, where wr arrived abonf S
o'clock-, ami where he welcome(l us and entertaine(l us well.

"11. "Wednesday. — We emb;nked early this morning in liis boat,
and rowed over to Staten Island, where we arri\"ed about S o'clock.

1 Exlrnct fi-nm a m.nnusonpt found in tlie St.'itru and LonR Islands. These " Hoofden,"
City of Amsterdam, several years since, by the or headlands, were named after Heiidricl\
Hon. H. r. Mnrpby. Hamel. one of the direotors of the West India

2 Hamel's Hoofden— the Narrows, Ijotween Company.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

lie left US there, aud we went nu diir way. This Island is about 32
miles h)iiii and four broad. Its sides are verj- irregular, with pro-
jectinji points aud iudeutiug bays aud creeks ruuuiug deep iuto the
country. It lies for the most part east and west, and is someAvhat tri-
angular; the most prominent jioint is to the west. On the east side is
the narrow passage which they call the chauuel, by which it is separ-
ated from the high point of Long Island. On the south is the great bay,
which is euclosed by Nayag. t'Conijuen island. Rentselaer's Hook,
Xeversink. etc. On tlic west is the Ifaritans. On the north and north-
west is New Jersey, rimii wliich it is separated by a large creek or
arm of the river called Kil \'an Kol. The eastern part is high and
steep, and has few inhabitants. It is the usual place where sliips
I'eady for sea stop to take in water. Tiie whole south side is a large
jdain. with much salt meadow or marsh, and sevei'al creeks.

" The west point is thit. and on or around it is a large crec-k with
niiicli marsh, but to the nortji of this creek it is high and hilly, and
beyond that it begins to be more level, but not so low as on the other
side, and is well itojMilateil. On the north-west it is w<'ll ])rovided

witli creeks and marshes, and the land is
geueraHy better than on the south side,
although there is a good jiarcel of laud
in the middle of the latter. As it is in
the middle or most hilly ])art of the Is-
land, it is uninhabited, although the soil
is better than the laud around it ; but iu
ronse(iiu'nce of its being away from the
water, and lying so high, no one will Wxr
there, the creeks aud rivers being so serviceable to them in enabling
them to go to the city, aud for fisliing aud catching oysters, and for
being near the salt meadow. The woods are used for pasturing horses
and cattle, for, being au island, uoue of them can get off. Each per-
son has marks upon his own by which he can tind them when he
wants them. \\'hen the ])()pulaiion shall increase, these places will
be taken up. (iauie of all kinds is ideiity, and twenty-five or thirty
deer are sometimes seen iu a herd. .\ boy who c iuue iu a house where
we were. t(dd us lu' had slioi leu I he last winter himself, .-ind more
tjian buiy iu his life. -.wmI iu the same uianuei- oilier gaiiu'. We tasted
here I lie best gra|pcs. '{'here are about one liuudre<l families oii the
Island, of which the lOnglisli <-ousiiliile ihc le;isi portion, and llie
Dutch and I'rench divide i)el\\ecii llicm alMUil e(|inilly the grealei-
portion, 'i'hey have iK'illier clnirch iior uiiuisier, aud li\-e rather far
from each other, and iiKouvenieiit ly to meei together. The lOnglish
are less disposed to religion, and iu<|uiie little after it; but in case
there was a minister, would couiiilmte to his sup|iort. The I'reuch
and iMilcli are very ih-sirous aud eager for one. for they sjioke of il
wiierever We weiit. The French an* good Iicformed church-men. and

FIR.ST COUNTY COURT HOUSE AND
.J.\IL, 1C83.

Drawn from description by the autlior

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. ' 95

some of them ;irc' Wallomis. Thu Dutch art- also liom dilTwcnt
(quarters. We reached the Ishiud, as 1 have said, about 'J o'clock, di-
rectly opposite (iouaues, uot far from the watering-place. We pro-
ceeded southwardly aloujj, the shore of the highland ou the east eud,
where it was sometimes stony and rocky, and sometimes sandy, sup-
plied with fine, constantly flowing springs, with which at times we
(quenched our thirst.

" \Ve had now come nearly to the furthest point on the southeast,
behind which I had observed several houses when we came in with the
ship. We had also made inquiry as to the villages through which we
would have to pass, and they told us the ' Oude Dorp ' would be the
tirst one we would come to; but my comrade finding the point very
rocky and difficult, and believing the village was an island, and as we
discovered no path to follow, we determined to clamber to the top of
this steep bluff, thnuigh tlie bushes and thickets, which we accom-
plished with great diificulty and in a perspiration. We found as little
of a road above as below, and nothing but woods, through which no
(ini- could see. There ni)peared to be a little foot-i>ath along the edge,
which I followed a short distance to the side of the point ; l)ut my com-
panion calling me, and saying that he thoiight we had certainly
passed by the road to the Oude Dorp, and observing myself that the
little path led down to the point, I returned again, and we follow<Ml it
the other way, which led us back to the place where we started. We
supposed we ought to go from the shore to find the road to Oude Dorj),
and seeing here these slight tracks into the woods, we followed them
as far as we could, till at last they ran to nothing else than dry
leaves.

" Having wandered an hour or more in the woods, now in the hol-
low and then over a hill, at one time through a swamp, at another
across a brook, without finding any road or path, we entirely lost the
way. We could see nothing but the sky through the thick branches
of the trees over our heads, and we thought it best to break out of
the woods entirely and regain the shore. I had taken an observation
of the shore and ]»oint, having been able to look at the sun. which
shone extraordinarily hot in the thick woods, Avithout the least breath
of air stirring. We made our way at last, as well as we could, out of
the woods, and struck the shore a quarter of an hour's distance from
where we began to climb up. ^Ve were rejoiced, as there was a house
not far from the place where we came out. We went to it to see if we
could find any one Avho would show us the way a little. There was no
master in it, but an English woman with negroes and servants. We
first asked her as to the road, and then for something to drink, and
also for some one to show ns the road, but she refused the last, al-
though we were willing to jiay for it; she was a cross woman. She
said she had never been at the village, and her folks must work, and
wc would ccrtaiiih li.ive to go awav as wise as we came. Slic said.

96 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

liiiwcscr. we must follow tli(^ ssliore. as we did. \\'e weut uow ovt-r
the rockv point, which we were no sooner over thau we saw a pretty
little sand l»ay. and a small creek, and not far from there, cattle and
houses. W'e also saw I he poini Ironi which llie little [lath led from
the hill abo\e, \\ here i was when my comrade called me. We would
not have had nn)re than three hundrc^d steps to go to have been where
we now were, ll was very hot. and we perspired a great deal. We
went on to the little ci-eek to sit down and rest oursehes there, aiul to
cool (Hir feet, and then i)roceeded to the houses which constituted the
<»iid('i>orp. It was now about t wo o'clock. There were seven houses,
but only three in which anybody lived. Tlie others were abandoned,
and their owners gone to live on better ])laces on the Island, becanse
tlu' ground around this village was wdiii out ami barren, and also
too limited for their use. We went into the lirst house, which was in-
habited by English, and there rested ourselves and eat. and in(iuired
furlh(-r after the road; the wiuuaii was cross, and her husband not
much better. Wr had to pav here for what we eat. which we have not
done l)ef(ut'. \\C jiaid three guilders in seewan. although we only
diaiik water. We |u-oceeded bv a tolerable good road to Nieuwe Dorp;
but as the road ran continually in the woods we got astray in them.
It was dark, and we were coni])elled to break our way through the
Avoods and thickets, and we weut a great distance before we sm--
ceeded, when it was almost entirely dark. We saw a house at a dis-
tance to which we directed ours(dves across the bushes; it was the
first house of the Xieuwe Dorji. We found there an Englishman who
could s]ieak I)nt(di, and who received us very cordially into his house,
where we had as good as he and his wife had. She was a Dutch
woman from the Manhattans, who was glad to have us in her house.

" 12th. 'ri'.ursday. — Although we had not slejjf well, we had to re-
sume (uir journey witli the day. The man where we s]e]it s(^t us on the
road. We had no mor<' \illages to go to. but went from one ]ilauta-
tion to another, for the mosi part behniging to Erench. who slioweil
ns every Icindiiess l>ecause we <(iii\ cised with them in Frencii.

"About <iili -I hil d of 1 lie distance ffdiii t he soul ll side to t he west
end is still all woods, and is \-ery little visited. We had to go along
the shore, tindiiig sometimes line cieeks well |iro\ided with wild
turkeys, geese, snipe, and wood hens. Lying rotting on the shore
ANcre iliousaiuls of tish called marsbanckeii, which are almin the si/.e
of a common carji. These lisli swim close together iu large schools,
and are ]Mirsued by other lish so that I he\' are forced ui)on the sliore
iti order to a\(>id the mouths of liii-ir enemies, and when the water
falls they are left to die, food for the eagles and other birds of prey.
Proceeding I bus along, we canu' to 1 he west i)oiul. where an ICnglish-
man lived alone, some distance from the road. We ate something
here, and he gave ns the constdation that we would have a very bad
road for two or ihree hours ahead, which indeed we e.\]ierienci'd, for

DAMKl. I> TOMIMnINS

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND.

there wa.s neither path uor road. Lie showed lis as well as he eoiild.
There was a large creek to cross which rau very far into the laud, aud
when we got ou the other side of it we must, he said, go outward aloug
the shore. After we had goue a piece of the way through the woods,
we came to a valley with a brook ruuuiug through it, which Ave took
to be the creek, or the end of it. We turned around as short as we
could, in order to go back again to the shore, which we reached after
wandering a long time over hill aud dale, when we saw the creek,
which Ave supposed we had crossed, noAv just before us. AVe folloAved
the side of it deep into the Avoods, and Avhen Ave arrived at the end of it
saw no path along the other side to get outwards again; but the road
ran into the woods in order to cut oif a point of the hills and land.
We pursued this road for some time, but saw no mode of getting out,
and that it led further and further from the creek. We therefore left
the road, and Avent across through the bushes, so as to reach the shore
by the nearest route according to our calculation. After continuing
this course about an hour, we saw at a distance a miserably con-
structed tabernacle of pieces of wood covered
with brush, all open in front, and Avhere Ave
thought there Avere Indians; but on coming
up to it we found in it an Englishman sick,
and his wifi' aud child lying upon some bush-
es by a little tire. A\'e asked lum if he was
sick? ' I have been sick for over two months,'
he replied. It made my heart sore, indeed,
for I never, in all my life, saw such poverty,
aud that, too. in the middle of the woods and
wilderness. After we had obtained some in-
formation as to the way, Ave went on, and had
not gone far before we came to another house,
and thus from one farm to another, French,
Dutch, aud a few English, so that we had not '^'"''^ ''''^''•

wandered very far out of the way. We inquired, at each house, the
way to the next one. Shortly before evening we arrived at the planta-
tion of a Frenchman, whom they called La Chandrouuier, who was
formerly a soldier under the I'riuce of Orange, and had served in
Brazil. lie Avas so delighted, and held on to us so hard that we re-
mained and spent the night Avith him.

"• 13th, Friday. — We pursued our journey this morning from planta-
tion to plantation, the same as yesterday, until we came to that of
Pierre riardinier, Avho had been iu the service of the Prince of Orange,
and had known him Avell. He had a large family of children aud
grand-children. He was about seventy years of age, and was still as
fresh and active as a young person. He Avas so glad to see strangers
who conversed Avith him in the French language that he leaped Avith
joy. After we had breakfasted here, thev told us that we had another

()S HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND.

|;i]-o,. ci-cck to pass callid tin- I'l-csh Kill, and theu we could perhaps
he set ari-oss rhc Kill N'au Koll to the point of .Mill Creek, where Ave
mimlit wait lor a boat to convey lis to the .Manhattans. The road was
lon,ii and dit'ticiilt. and we askcil for a uuidc hut lie had no one, in
conseijiK'nce of seA'eral of his children beinn sick. AX last he determ-
ined to li'o himself, and accordini;ly carried us in his canoe over to
the point of ]\Iill ('reek in New Jersey, behind Kol [A( liter Kol],
We learned immediately that there was a l)oat upon this creek load-
inj;- with brick, and would leave that nij^ht for tlu- city. After we had
thanked and ]iaited wiili rieiie le Cardinier, we determined t<i walk
to Elizabethtown. a t^ood half hour's distance inland, Avhere the boat
was. We slept there this nij;ht, and at 3 o'clock in the morning set
sail."

C'JiAPTEIi XIII.

THE STORY OF THE DONGANS.

HEKE Wiis uo GUI', liigli in authority, duriug the interest iiig
period of the early eoioiiial i;((\erniiient, who seemed so
uear, and for wlioni the people of KSlaten Island have had
a kinder regard, than (iovernor Thomas Dongan. His
advent in Ameriea was simultaneous with the organization of county
government on vStaten Island, and througiiout his entire administi-a-
tion he was directly interested in the jjlace.

Colonel Thomas Dougau received his a[iii(iintment as Governor in
1GS3, and assumed the duties <d' the jtosition on the 2Tth of August of
that year. Jle came here with instructions from the Duke of York to
call a general assembly of the representatives of the people. In his
obedience to this order, the first assembly of the colony of Xew York
was convened in the city on the 17th of (October, lUSo. J>y this assem-
bly was adopted a " bill of rights." It also repealed some of the most
obnoxious of the Duke's laws, altered and amended others, and
adopted such new laws as they deemed the circumstances of the col-
ony required. At this session an act was passed abolishing the
'* ridings,'' and organizing in their stead the counties, (one of which
Avas lUchmond), Avith some alterations in the constitution of the
^courts.

The colonial assembly, with Governor Dongan at its head, met
again in October, 1084. Among the acts passed at this time was one
by which the Court of Assize Avas abolished. The election of a ucav
assembly AA'as held in KSeptember, 1085, and in the following October
it was organized. But two or three unim])ortant acts of this assembly
remain on record.

On the death of Charles II., the Duke of York ascended the throne
of Great Britain Avith the title of James II. He instantly abolished
the colonial assembly of New York, and re-established the Governor
as the supreme head of the colony, " subject only to such instructions
as the King himself might from time to time dictate."

It must be remembered that at the time of GoA'ernor Dongan's arri-
val, the persecutions of the Huguenots Avere at their heiglit, and those
noble people Avere landing on the shores of the NeAv AVorld in con-
siderable numbers, " bringing Avith them useful arts, a knowledge of
gardening and husbandry, and, aboA'e all. (lieir oavu well known \ ir-
tui'S. Avith a pure, simple, Bible faitth."

100 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

JiiLportaut political cliauges were mnx taking- place in the province
of New York. The atteni])t of James 11. to restore the (Jatholic chnrch
had made him odions to the British nation. The citizens of New York
were mostly Protestants, and were exceedingly opposed to the Koman
Catholic faith. Governor 1 )ongan had exhibited extreme religions tol-
eration; but this judicious polic}' displeased the King, and he was
recalled.

James 11. did not long wear tlie crown. He was deposed during the
same year, and, deserting his family, became a refugee in France.
In compliance with the popular wish, William was proclaimed King,
and the famous Protestant revolution was effec'ted. Throughout the
f»ro\-ince of New York a rumor was spread to the effect that the
friends of the deposed monarch intended to massacre the disaffected.
There followed a wild, popular excitement. The people of New York
generally recognized William and JIai-y, I'riuce and Princess of
Orange, as their sovereigns; yet a small party remained who insisted
that the colonial government still renin iiicd vested in tlie Lieutenant-
Governor and his council.

Nicholson, the deputy governor, was well known to be an ardent
adherent of the Catholic church, as also were many of his intimate
friends. This fact increased the distrust of the people. A mob
foinied and paraded the streets of New Y^ork. The entire militia
force, consisting of five companies, surrounded the residence of Jacob
Leisler, a merchant of the city and captain of the militia, and de-
manded that he should seize the fort at the Battery, which was ac-
comi)lislied. Nicholson, as soon as he was deprived of his authority,
sailed for England. The distrust of the people continued.

A rumor was then spread that an attack was plotted on the church
in the fort, and that possession of the Government was to be taken
and the standard of King James again set up. The general excite-
ment inci-eased, and a large body of militia Avas sent to New York
from Long Island " to seize the fort and to kec]) away French invasion
and slavery."

On Staten Island the apprehensions of the people culniinated in a
Avild jianic. For a time fear reigned supreme. The people dared not
remain at Tnght in their own dwellings; but in the deepest recesses
of the forest they constructed temjjorai'y shelters, to wliich after dark
they resorted, that Ihey might not be discovered. TJiey could not
trust themselves to their fellowmen. Many look their families in
boats on the bay ami kills, and anchored a short tlistance from th(?
shore, and thus passed the nights, while others resorted to various
exjiedients for concealment and security.

Keporls of vai'ions natures wei-e spr(»ad over Stateii Island, which
added Id I lie cxcilenienl. .\inong llicse, it \\asstate(l that a number
of ])ai)ists, who had been drivrn out of Hoston. had been admitted
into th(> fort at New York, and had I'ulisted ;is S(ddi(M's; that the

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 101

pa])ists on Htateu Islaud had set-ietly tullectcd anas, which Ihi'y
kept concealed and ready for use at a momeut's notice; that Governor
Dongan's brigautine had been armed and equipped for some very
desperate enterprise, and the absolute refusal of the commander of
the vessel to permit it to be searched, was not calculated to allay the
alarm. The captain admitted that the vessel had been armed, but not
for the purpose alleged; but as it was bound on a voyage to Madeira,
it was in danger of being attacked by the Turks, and it was armed
for the defence of its crew and cargo. This plausible story was not
generally credited; but the excitement subsided witliout any one
being hurt.

Popular tradition says that several pieces of cannon were after-
ward found in the cellar of Governor Dongan's mill, which it was be-
lieved had been concealed there, to be in readiness when they might
be required. This mill stood on the south side of the Post avenue
bridge in West New Brighton.

Leaving the scenes which always awaken sad memories of days
when our forefathers knew little else than persecution, we shall now
turn our att<'ntion to the Dongan patent on Staten Island and the
persons that were connected with it fur succeeding generations. In
1683, John Palmer, a lawyer residing in New York, was the ranger
for the 8taten Island and the Long Island towns. lie had emigrated
from Barbadoes. At the time of his tirst meeting with Governor
Dongan he resided on Staten Island, and was a judge of the Court of
Oyer and Terminer. Besides being a member of the council he was
generally an active and prominent man in the affairs of the province.

It was to John Palmer that Governor Dongan executed a patent,
known in Staten Island history as the Palmer or Dongan patent. The
brook which forms a part of the bf>undary between the towns of
Castleton and Northfield, and which runs to the mill pond, is still
known by the name of " Palmer's Itun." because it also formed a part
of the boundary of the land conveyed by the patent. It is thought
that an att<'miit was previously made by Dongan to gain possession
of this large ]ii'n])ci-ly, but without success.

The tirst transaction of which there is any record, is dated January
14th, l(i84-5, when Governor Dongan purchased of John Palmer, of
Staten Island, and Sarah, his wife, for the sum of twelve hundred
pounds:

" All that tlieir Capitall :Messuage or dwelling house with the Ap-
purtenances situate Ij'ing and being on the north side of Staten Island
Aforesaid within Constables hooke neere the :Mill Creeke late in the
Occupation and possession of the said John i'almer, And .1// that
Certaine Parcell or tract of Land thereunto belonging being upon the
north side of Staten Island aforesaid within Constables Ilooke lyeiiig
between the two runnes att the mill creeke beginning with A narrow
point And Bunning up wider into the Island Containing the quantity

102

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

of three liuudred forty aucl two .Veres willi meuduw Gruuud to be laid
out proportiouately."

The conveyance also includes other parcels, the title to which had
been obtained as recited in their specifications in substance as fol-
lows:

" Ninety-six acres to the east of ^lill creek, with tlie mill, which was
granted to I'almer by (ioAernor Andros, in 1(>77. upon which had also
been built l>y Palmer two windmills and a sawmill; eijility acres
which had been conveyed Palmer by Francis Barber, who had a lirant
from Sir Edmund Andros; ninety acres, with eight acres of meadow,
which had been granted by Andros in l(i80 to Jacob Cornells, and by
him conveyed to I'aluier; another like tract of ninety acres with

eight acres of meadow, granted by
James Gyles, by Andros, and by (iyles
conveyed to Palmer; and a tract of four
thousand live hundred acres of land
lying in a body in the middle part of the
Island, with an island of nu^adow near
Fresh Kill, 'All which Said Last men-
tioned tract or ]iarcell of Land And Is-
land of meadow were (Jrauted unto the
said John Pahuer,' by Governor Dougan
by i.ateut dated :\Iay 2, 1(;N4."

Thus it will be seen that the premises
purchased by Governor Dougan had
been obtained in snuill i)ai-ce]s thrnugii
different chann(ds and under gi-ants of
ilifl'erent dates. They were consolidated,
and treated as a unit, in order that some
manorial |irivileges cunld be associated with their |n-o]ifictorslii]).
The early provincial governors liaxing shown siuiu- dis])ositiou to i\\>-
]:ro]iriate loo unicli land to themselves. the\' had been restricted by
an ofder ill council, to evade which I lie ])laii was devised of granting
a ]iatenl to Palmer for this land, and then having a transfer made
from Paliiici- to l>ougau. The ])atent to Palmer was ;iii|u-oved at a
conucil held .\laicli ;il. KiST. at which were present Govcnioi- l>oiigau.
Anlliony Jirockholst. I'rederick Philli])s. Stephanus \'an Corllandt.
and Niclud.-is liayard. The iiislruuient bears the above date and reads
as folloANs:

•• W'licicas .Idliii I'aliiicr nf the City of N<'W York Esqr. as will by
viiluc of Several deeds and I'atteuts to him or tlieiii under wliome
lie claynies made by tln' ruiinei- (loxernors of I his l'ro\iuce as by
virliK' of a certain I'atleiil or ( 'oiilii mat inn iiihler my hand, and
scale of the ]>ro\ince. beaiiiig date the second <lay of May. HiSt:
stands Lawfully and Light fully Seized of & in ail that Tiaci or
I'aicell nf L.-ind iJegiiininu al a cove on Kill \'an ("nil. <in tiie east

KING GKOUGK. II.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. lOo

buuiids of tliL' lauds oi (.iarix-t Cniitsc [Criistn-J aud so rimiiiuj> iu the
woods by the said Kill to a marked tree, and tlieuce by a liue of
marked trees accordiug to the natural position of the poles, south aud
by east two degrees aud thirty minutes southerly according to the
compass south, there being eight degrees aud forty-tive minutes varia-
tion ffrom the north westward, and from thence by the rear of the laud
of (larret Cruise i^ Peter Johnson, east X: by north two degrees and
thirty minutes to the liue of Peter Johnson's wood lott, iK: by his line
south and by east two degrees and thirty minutes south sixtj'-one
chains, and thence by the reare of the aforesaid lott & the lott of
John Muceut northeast iS; by east one degree northerly to the south-
east corner of the land of John ^'inceut thirty-three chains iS: a halfe,
from thence by his line south i^ by west two degrees thirty nunutes
northerly to a white oak tree marked with three notches, bearing
uort hwest from the ffresh i)ond, from thence to a young chestnutt tree
the southwest corner of the land of Pliilli]» Wells, & so hy a line of
marked trees east nine degrei'S iV: tifteen minutes southerly by south
side of a small ffresh meadow to the north \: to the uiu'tli of the ffresh
pond, including the pond t(t the laud of ^Ir. Andrew Norwood i'^- so by
his land as it runs to the reare of the land of Mary Ih-ittaiue iK: so by
the rear of the Old Town lotts to the land of Isaac Bellew & Tliomas
Stillwell, & from thence u])on the Iron Hills, to the laud of William
Stilwell & by his land to the land of (leorge Cummins & ffrom his
northeast corner, to the southeast corner of the land of Mr. James
Hubbard at the head of the ffresh kills & so round by the land to the
reare lotts at Karles neck & so by the lotts to the liigliway left by
Jacob pulliou & the great swamj) to tlie land of Joliii ffitz (Jarrett
including the great swamp, thence by the soldier's lotts and the reare
lots of Cornells Corsen & company to the southwest corner of theire
ffront lotts & so by the runne which is theire bounds to the mill pond
including the mill ikukI to tlie sound or Kill \'au Cull i*t so by the
sound to the cove where ffirst begun. Containing all I he hills, val-
leys, ffresh meadows & swamps within the above specitied bounds live
thousand one hundred acres be the same more or less. — Also a great
island of salt meadow lying near the ffresh kills \- over against long
neck not yet apjiropriated — and all the messuages, tenements, fenc-
ings, orchar<ls, gardens, jiastures, meadows, marshes, woods, under-
woods, trees, timber, (|mirries, rivers, brooks, ponds, lakes, streams,
creeks, harbors, beaches, ffishing, hawking and ffowling, mines, min-
erals (silver and gold mines only excepted), mills, milldams," etc.

By this patent it was also constituted one lordshiji or tnanor " to be
called the Lordship aud [Manor of Cassiltowne." It was subject to an
annual (juit-rent of one lamb and eight buslads of winter wheat, to be
paid if demanded on the 2r)th of March in each year. < )n the IGtli day
of April, 1GS7, John Palmer and Sarah, his wife, conveyed the terri-

104 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

tory, just described to Thomas Dougau " for a competeut siiiiiiiie of
lawfull money," after an ownership of abont a fortnight.^

It is Ivuuwu to a certainty that in the folhjwing year. 1GS8, (iovernor
Dongan erected his manor house, which was left standing until
Christmas Day, 1878. Though externally modernized in some degree,
the old oak frame, which had been hewn out of the adjacent forest,
was the identical one erected by him, the date of its erection having
been marked upon one of the timbers with white paint. The Dongau
manor house stood, in its later years, in the square bounded by lUch-
moud Terrace on the north. Cedar street on the south, Dongan street
on the east, and Bodine street on the west, at West New Brighton —
the spot where the manuscript for this work was prepared. Since the
destruction of the old house by tire the ground has been s(d(l for build-
ing purposes, the last vestige of the dwelling — the cellar excavation —
being removed in the arrangement of the garden for tlie residence of
the late Bev. G. C. C.urr.

When the house was erected there was a large sand embankment
between it and the shore road, which entirely concealed the house
from view in that direction. We have already alluded to it as the
burying ground of the Acquehonga Indians. There is now a gradual
descent of the surface of the land from the site to the shore road.
When the embankment was removed, a large number of Indian skele-
tons and relics wer<' unearthed.

A large barn, which stood on the mill road, was also built during
the early years of the proprietorship of Governor Dongan, and was
burned on the 18th of July, 1862.

Tlirougli this extensive estate a pul)lic highway was opened at an
early period toward the village of Bidimond. and throughout this
long period it lias Imrne tlie name of Manor road. A tide mill, often
mistaken by writers for " Dougnii's mill,"" stood close to the causeway
across Palmer's run, a portion of Avhich is still standing in a lumber
yard near by. It will be remembered that the Dongan mill stood fui--
tlier south at the Post avenue crossing. It is stated that the water iu
Palmer's run, l)etweeu the Kills and the mill, was dee]K'r tlian at any
])oint in the Kills along the north shore, and boats ran u\> to tlie inill
door.

Mill road, now known as Columbia street, originally ran iliroiigh
the grounds now occupied as a lumber yai-d. and, turning to tlie west,
gave an outlet from Castleton into Xorthtield. When the causeway
was built, and Bichmond terrace was straigliteued at that ])oint. the
ground loniierly occupied by the |iublic was a]i]iro]>riated by individ-

1 It is Willi (■onsi<l(Tiiblp (lillicnil.v lliiil llic Kills " i.'i meant the wiitors now l;nown bv that

lines can he Inic-cd, as (Icsrrihed in this patent, „,,„„, „„,, ,,.,,1^,, (,,.<, so frenvientiv alhuled to

as most of the landniai'lis nienllnned thcrehi , ,, ^ . . ,, . . -^ .

, , , ,, ,,..,.,, I'V tliiit name In similar documents, it is evl-

have lonj; .siiu-e dLsappcared. I!nl, if I)v I lie

terms '• great swamp " is meant the low lands ''''"' "'"' *'"' t<^'-'-i<"'T oonve.ved embraced not
extendinc from Oranileviile to New Spring- ""'•'■" "'" Sreater part of the present towns of
villc. and wlilili is so designated in a variety Casllelon and Middietown, but a large pro-
of oilier an. i. -Ill ilociiiiieiils ; and If by " ffn-.li porllon of .Xorlhlicld also.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 105

uals who claimed it fur tla-ir uwu. Many disputes tuulc plaee be-
tween the autliorities and tlie alleged owners, but the question was
never settled in accordjiiKe with law. Possession is all the holder
ever had to prove his claim.

"In a review of the life and acts of one so intimately associated with
the Island as Thomas Dongan was," said his biographer, " it is proper
to give some notice to his antecedents and the stock whence he came.
In a list of the baronets of Ireland, with a list of their creations, we
find the name of Walter Dougan of Castletown, in the County of Kil-
dare. to which is attached the date 1023. Castletown Park is in the
northeast corner of the County of Kildare, about ten miles southwest
of the City of Dublin. Sir Walter Dongan, who was made baronet
October 23, 1(!23, belonged to a family who were pronounced ' valiant,
active, and faithful." They were in 1()4(; and later on connected with
the army, and in recognition of their faithfulness and devotion to
their King, William, a brother, was promoted to the dignity of \'is-
count of Claire, County of Kildare, in llidl. In KiS.l he was made Earl
of Limerick. At the battle of the Boyne he lost an only son, who was
killed by a cannon ball. The son was buried at Castletown, the s(^iit
of his father. Lord Dongan, Earl of Limerick. The estate of Lord
Dongan was forfeited, he being attainted April IG, 1091. but was re-
stored again by act of Piirliament. December 10, lOflD." In " Burke's
Encyclopedia of Heraldry" appears the following description of the
Dongan coat of arms:

" Quarterly first and fourth, gu. three lions jiass. or, holding in the
dexter paw a close helmet argent garnished or the second; second or
third azure six plates on a chief or a demi lion rampant gules. Cir-sf —
A lion passant or, supporting with the dexter foot a close helmet ar-
gent garnished of the first."

" To this noble family," continues the biographer, " Colonel Thonms
Dongan belonged, though what his relation was to the Earl of Lim-
erick we have not the means of determining. Some claim that he was
a brother. Colonel Dongan having a commission as Governor, arrived
in New York August 27, 1083. His commission was dated vSeiitemher
30, 1082. To him the present State is indebted for many of its existing
records and laws. He Avas a firm believer in tl:e religious and politi-
cal faith of James II.. except, perhaps, that Dongan was far nnu'e
tolerant, and hated the French, under whom lie had once served as a
military officer. Though a i>rofessed papist, he was a decided enemy
to the French, whose schemes of aggrandiz<'ment on the nortliern
frontier he persistently opposed, even against the ex])ressed wislics of
his master, the Duke of York, afterward James II. The people ul' i lie
prm'ince. and especially of Staten Island, where he resided, lived in
constant dread of his religion. Later on he was ordered to proclaim
James II. King, to assist at the conference between Lord Effingham
and the Five Nations, and in causing the King's arms to b<- set up
through all their villages, and to place arms in their hands.

106

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

'■ (Juloiifl Duiigan liad I lie Indian alTairs very nindi at heart, aud
liad gained The respert and esteem of th«' Five ZS'atiuus. lie was ih'ep-
ly inteiested in the intercourse of the French and English with tiieni,
and jealous of tlie action of rlie former. In carrying forward tlus
worlv iu wliieli lie was so much interested, lie was obliged to mortgage
his property- to liobert Livingston to secure the payment of the ex-
penses of the expedition to Albany in KiSi). This mortgage is dated
3Iay 1st. IGSl); the sum which was secured by it was £2.172 ()S. 2^(1.,
whi(di Livingston had, by Dougan's order, laid out for eight months'
provisions for the troops and ]ireseuts for the Indians. The term of
t lie mortgage was five years. It covered not only the manor of ( "ast le-
towii. but other parcels which Dongan had bought on the Island.
These were one hundred and eighty acres at Old ToAvn, [Oude Dorp],
bought by Mary Britton; another parcel at Old Town, bought by Peter
None, and another, on the south side, bought by James Largie."

(Jovernor Dongan, besides these possessions on Staten Island, had a
large tract on the Hudson river, "extending from Ilaverstraw to
llurderer's ('reek; a tract of four hundred acres in Queens County,
given him by the people of llenistead town for renewing their patent,"
and another tract in ^Martha's Vineyard, besides considerable iiio]i-
city in the city of New York. On Staten Island, it was claimed, he-
had a ■• hunting lodge "; whether this was the old " .Manor house." on

the north shore, is not exactly known.

The old records in the city contain an
account of " a meeting of the council,
at which (iovernor Dongan was ab-
sent, being enua.iied at his hunting
lodge on Staten Island, killing bears."
Leisler ordered Dongan arrested at
at the time of the papist panic in ItiS'.l.
" \\hen he Avas suspected i>f l)eing in
s\ nipathy with the plot "; but there is
nothing to pr(i\(- that the order was
ever executed.

(ioxcnior Uongan retired ii> his
Slalcii Island estate, aftei- his re-
lease I'l-oni oHice, where li<' remained nnlil Ihe spring id' Killl.
and perh;i|is hmger. .\l a hih-i- dale, now not e\acll\' known, he
relir<'d lo his native connlry, Irehin<l, winTe h<' hiially sn<-eeeded to
Ihe eaihhini of Limerick. In a con\e\ance now nn record in Ihe
Kiciiniond ('onnly ch-rk's ol'lice, bearing dale ITI."!, he is given s\icli
lille. ()n ihe '.l| h id' .M a \ , of llial year, ('ojoiiel Thomas l>ongan, by
the conveyance jnsi nienlioned, iwhiili is in itself a curious and
i-aie specimen of ie^al skill, on aciunni of ils com]deN limilalions and
coiidil ions), •'beiiij^ willing lo presei'N'e and uphold and aihance the
nai r ihe Taniily of l»onL;an, and Inning no issue of his own lo eon-

DONG.\n's IIOUSK, F.KECTKD IN 16(51.
Dpstroyefl by file Cliristuias, 1S7S.

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND. 107

tiiiue the same," oouveyed to his iicjjhews, Thomas. John, and Walter,
and to the male issne of the snr\ivoi- oi- snrvivors of them. " in tail
male for ever," all his manor of Castletown, together with property
sitnated elsewhere. This aet and its final resnlts is a demoustrati«m
of the s(rii)tnre passage whieh we qnote from the XLIX I'salm:

" Their inward thought is. that their houses shall continne for ever,
and their dwelling jdaees to all generations; they call their lands
after their own names. Nevertheless man being in honor abideth not:
he is like the beasts t hat perish."

(iovernor Dongan having thus dis])osed of his estate in this eonntry.
he died, it is generally believed, in l.,ondon, in lTir>, at the age of
ei"htv-one vears. His remains were interred in !^t. I'ancras' church-
yard. Middlesex, just north of London. This venerable burying ground
has long been noted as " the burial place of such lf()nuin Catholics as
die in London and its vicinity." It is considered a desirable resting
place for various reasons, one of which is that St. Pamras' was the
last Church in England where mass was held after the Kefornuitioii.
The sepulchre of the late Governor Dongan bears the following iu-
sciiption:

"The Right Honhle. Thomas Dongan Earl of L\merick, died
lhi<iiil( r 1 he fourteenth. Aged iMghty one years.

1715.

I,'( xqilii seal ill purr. Aiiiril."

Tui iniig fi-om the long and interesting narrative of the founder of
the name and estate of Dongan on Btaten Island, we now follow the
descent of the fannly and title line of the estate. First come the
iie]dic\vs who inherited the estate. John liad l)Ut little to do with
Staten Island. We find his name appearing in a list of subscribers
toward tinishing Trinity Church steeple, in New York, dated May 1st.
1711 ; l)ut there is no further trace of him. It is possible that he was
unmarried, or died without male issue, and therefore, (as provided in
the Avill of (Iovernor Dongan). Iiad no share in the Staten Island
estate.

Thomas, also, is but meagrdy known in the records of Staten
Island. There is a statement to the effect tiiat he sold his shai-e of the
possessions of his nnde. There is reason to believe tliai ho was a man
of high ]>assions and sumptuous living, with very reckh-ss habits. It
is kn((wn of him that he became involved in a duel with Dr. John Liv-
ingston, September 7th. 1713. in Avhich Livingston was killed. Tlie
rrial of Dongan. by the Supreme Coprt. took ])lace 1 wo days later, and
he was convicted of manslaughter. It is evident that he managed to
make his escape from this country immeclialely after the duel, as it is
believed liiat liedie<l in Irelaml in 172L

Waltei- was a man of honor and business ability, lb- o((ni)ieil the
old -Manor house on the north shor<-. and held a laige iinriimi of i lie

108 HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND.

landed estate. He leased cousiderable of the laud t" tenauts. Walter
was Siin-(it;ate of riicliiiHind ("oiiiity in 17;_}.'>. He niai-iied fur his tirst
wife. Knth. daiiiiliter «if IJiehard Floyd, (second), of Hetauket. Long Is-
land. Avliose wife was Margaret, daughter of Colonel Matthias Nieholl,
the sei-rctaiy of tlic colony. Walter and Ruth Hongan had three chil-
dren, Thomas. lii(diard, and Elizabeth. JIulh, who was born August
(Jtli, Ki'Jlt. died July 28th. 1733. Walter Dougan afterward mar-
ried a ]\Iiss Sarah llarrimau, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, by whom he
had a son, Edward N'aughn Dougan. Walter died July 25th, 1741), be-
ing fifty-seven years of age. His estate on Stateu Island descended
maiidy to his son Thomas, and his widow afterward marriecl John
llarrimau. of Elizabeth. The (huighter Elizabeth was born in 1729,
and died July 1st, 1749, aged nineteen years and seven months. Rich-
ard Floyd, her grandfather, remembered her in his will, dated Feb-
ruary 27th, 173.S, as follows: " 1 give also unto my (irand Daughter
Dougan, that is to say the Daughter of my beloved Daughter Iluth
Dougan Deceased, one hundred Pounds Current lawful Mimey of New
York to be paid on her Marriage Day.'' She died unmarried, and this
item in the will was never executed.

Edward ^'auglin Dongan was born January 3d. 1749. Shortly after
his father's death lie Avent ^Aith his mother to reside in Elizabeth.
He was educated as a hnvyer. and established an ottice in New Bruns-
wick, N. J., where he married the daughter of Squire La Grange, a
lawyer of that place. He made himself obnoxious on account of his
ardent adherence to royalty, on the outbreak of the Kevolution. and
was driven from his home some time before the British troops laiuled
in New York. His father-in-law and family were in ])erfect sympathy
with him, and their estate was afterward forfeited. Edward ^'augl^l
Dongan received a commission as Li(Miteiiaut-Colonel, and command-
ed the Third Battalion of Skinner's Biigade. This organization was
formed on Staten Island. It was comjiosed of New Jersey volunteers
and classilied as •'Aiiici-ican Loyalists." At tlie time of (ieuei-al Siilli-
\an's i-aid on Staten Island. August 22(1. 1777. Colonel hongan's bat-
talion was jKisted on the .Morning Star road, in Xml litield. A severe
engagement ensued, in wliidi lie was wnunded. fmni the effects of
w liicli he died in a hospital in New York ( 'ity on the lirst of Septend)er
Cnllowing. His wife and rliild Imd suffered great exixisur*' on tin' day
nf I he bill I le. I he hil liT dying on t he same day and was buried in the
same grave with ils father. The widow afterward went wiih her fam-
ily to reside at Farniington, ICngland.

Richard l*niig;in. the second son <<( \\ alliM-, weni to sea when ipiite
a young man. lie Wiis imiii-essed on board a J>ritish man-of-war dni'-
ing the (•'i-encli war. ami lost an arm in tiie service, lie married .Miss
Cornelia SliaTd<s. of Long Island, by w Imni he had a sun Walter, who
was burn -la nnary 2d. 1 7(i.''>, and anul Ikt sun w ho <lied young. Kidiard
ilied .la nnarv I si , 1 7S0, in I he six! \ -lii-si \ e:ir oi' his a^e; his wife dieil

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND. 109

April I'Sth, 1814, iu the eiglitv-tLiird vi-ar of \njr age. Tliiis Waller re-
sided at Castletou Corners. The old uiauor house which he occupied
for a long time, and in which he died iu 1855, is still standing. It was
a building of considerable pretensions in its time. Walter had a dis-
tillery at the springs near Eckstein brewery; he also possessed a large
farm at that jjlace. It was part of the estate of Governor Dmigau.
He was in the ninety-fourth year of his age at the time of his death;
his wife, Abigail Simousou Dougan. died on March 1st. 1850, in her
eighty-second year. Their graves are located near the south-west cor-
ner of the Church of the Ascension. West Xew Brighton.

^^'alter and Abigail Dougan had live sons — Edward, Tlidiuas. Wal-
ter Kichard and Gilbert; also, six daughters — Elizabeth, wlio married
Peter Laforge; Johanne, Avho married Charles Wood; Cormdia who
married Richard Toombs; Sarah, Abigail and Ruth. Johanne Dougan
Woo(l had live children — John, Ezekiel. Walter Dougan, Joseph and
JoliauiK- Stevenson. Of these, Walter Dougan Wood and Catharine
S., his wife, had four children — Moses V. N., (ileceased), Mrs. A. E.
Pulleu, Mrs. E. Deming and J. Walter Wood. M.D.

Elizabeth Dougan married Peter Laforge. and had nine children.
Anne E., her daughter, married Adam Alston; they had one child,
Sarah, wife of Mulford D. Simonson. Henrietta, the second daughter,
married Abram Brittain; their cliildr<-u were Frank. Jeanette wife
of Jauu'S Crabtree; iMary, wife of Mctor Theband, lleni-y, Helen and
Anne. Amelia married James Egbeii:; their children were Pauline
Walz, Alice and Herbert. Catharine married Jacob Lynn. Jos(-]ih-
ine married Aquilla Christopher; their children were Edith and
Frank, deceased. Gertrude never married. Peter married Jennie
Bodine; their children were George, Vincent. Herbert, and Effie. Ce-
lia, the youngest daughter, married Albert E. Ferre; their children
were Joseph B. and Gertrude I. Byron died unmarried.

Cornelia, daughter of Walter Dougan, married Richard Toombs;
their children were Andrew, William, Richard and :Maria. Their s(m
Andrew's children were Cornelia, who maried Richard Watters; Effie,
who married Edward B. Hutchinson; Maria, who married William
Rogers, Walter and Andrew.

The family is scattered throughout the country, and several blanch-
es of it remain upon Staten Island. None of the original estate is in
possession of the descc-ndants as heirs; but a number reside upon the
old "Dougan patent" in West New Brighton, either as tenants or
owners of the residences which they occupy.

We now return to the old Dougan manor house and take u]) the
direct line in which the estate was held until it passed out of the pos-
session of the family: Thomas Dongan was the eldest son of Walter,
the nephew of Governor Thomas Dongan; his first wife was liacliel,
and she died April 2.5th, 1718, aged twenty-four years. She had one
daughter, who died December 22d, 1749, aged three years. Both wife

110

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

and (laii^litcr arc hiii-icd in ihc old .Moi-axiaii ('ciiictci-y. Tliunias
afterward married Maj^daleii. the eldest dau.ulitcr (if Jlev. Kichard
(Jliarltoii, rector of St. Andrew's Chureli, of Kielniioud. By her lie had
a son, John Charlton Dongan. Thomas Dongan was a A-estryman of
Trinity Churfli, New York, from ITiS to 17.19. In order to adjust the
(daims ii]ioii him to which Ins youni;- lialf-brother. Edward ^'.. was en-
titled, he. ou the 15th of Apiii. IT.")!, gave a mortgage to .l(din Ilarri-
man and Sarah, li's wife, (tlie step-mother of Thomas, she being the
late widow of his father). " on varions tracts of laud lying in the
manor (d' Castletown, adjoining each other, and then being in the pos-
session of tenants, to secnre the payment
of £U) a year till Edward Vanghn should
reach his majority, and tlie payment of
tl.OdO wlien that time ai-rived."

In consideration ol' these ])ayinents,
•' Edward Vanghu should relinquish all
<iaim against the said Thomas or the es-
tate of the late Walter Dongan." The ag-
gregate extent (d' laml cox'ered by this
instrument was about seven hundred
acres. The will of Thomas Dongan bears
date March Sth, ITC)."), and it appointed
jNlagdalen, his wife, sole executrix. It be-
queathed to his sou, John Charlton Don-
gan, all his estate, and in case of his
death, whih' in Ins minority, the estate

'liere is no record

UI(1IA1;I> LOVEI.ACK.

was to go to his mother, and to lier heirs fore\ i-r.
of his death.

John < 'harltou Dongan, son of Thomas, and grandson of Walter, the
nephew (d' the (Jovernor, was educateil for a lawyer, and was ad-
mitted to the bar .May (ith, ITill. lie became a man of i)rominence. lie
represented Casllelon in the Board of Supervisors in 17sr>. and was
in the Stale Assembly in 17S7-SS-S9. He was a ])roiiiinent leader of
the Sclinyler iT'ederal) ]>arty in 17SS-'.l. and served on several ])romi-
neiil Ass( nibly commit lees. His law oriic<' was at 2."> Coniilandt
street. New York City, in 17!)r). lie ])ossessed considerable projierly
on State street. New York City, (in .-idditioii to the estate on Siateii
Island, whicli l hen coni]irised abont six linndred acres), all of which
he iiiheriled from his father.

•Iidin Charlton hongan is said (o have been a \cry honorable man;
but being a free liver '• Ik' fell into cai'cless habits and descended llie
scale (d' respectable standing and linancial advantage nntil he
reaidied the lowest extreme." His wife was I'atiencc .Moore, of \ew-
towii. Long Island, a sister of Henjamin .Moore, of that place. It is
.said thai she was of litth- advantage to him. being herself a partner
in his failiiit^s. Thev had t wo children, Thomas ( 'harli's Uradish, who

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. Ill

(lied November 2.jtli, i78"J, and Juliu Charlluu, Jr., who died Uciohvi'
2;'>d. ITDl, iu the sixth year of his age. Tlie 8tate street property was
sold aud tlie proceeds h)st iu specnlatiou. He theu became involved
aud. about 171)5, sold the old Mauor house on Stateu Islaud, together
with the accompauyiug estate, to his brotheriulaw. Johu McVicker,
whose Avife was a sister to his wife. He theu sold off all the stock aud
movables belougiug to the estate, aud the sale returued about -"^lO.OOO.
He aud his wife, it is said, agreed to put this iu bauk aud live ou the
proceeds. ^>he soou returned to her owu faiuily, the Jloores, at Xew-
towu; but lie coutiuued to siuk still deeper iu iutemperauce, aud
linally accepted the position of a sergeant of umriues aud went to sea
on a man-of-war, in 171)8 or 171)9. He was familiarly kuown as
"Jack" Dougau. When his tiuaucial resources were flually ex-
hausted aud his health was broken down, he became a public charge.
He had a god -mother iu Jamaica . West Indies, aud when slie learned
of his sad condition, sent him money with which to pay his passage,
and he went thither to enjoy her generous hospitality. He died there
a short time afterward.

The lauded estate of the Dougans had becMi constantly growing
smaller. Johu ^McMcker occuiiie(l the famous old house as a country
seat from 1795 to 1S02, when he sold it to Alexander IMcComb. ;\Ic-
"S'icker was a prominent and useful man. He constructed a canal two
miles long, from Fresh pond to the mill, took a personal interest in
many public enterprises ou the Islaud. aud helped Cornelius Yander-
bilt (afterward the famous (dd " foniniodore ") to funds with wlucli
to procure a piragua and dock at Factoryville, (now \\'est Xew lirigh-
tou).

]kIcComb sold the estate to John P.odiue, Jr., and he to his fatliei'.
The latter sold it to Judge Ogden Edwards, (grand sou of the eminent
divine of that name, and cousiu to Colonel Aaron Burr). Judge Ed-
wards belonged to the ^^uprenie (Nnirt bench at the tim(^ "Wliile In-
resided iu the famous old Dougau house he entertained many noted
personages. He beautified the house considerably, and the grounds
surrounding it were delightfully arranged with drives, trees and
shrubbery. It was even more royal in its appointments than when
the royal governor reigned there suitreme. But when the great finan-
cial panic of " tlie thirties" excited the country, it dealt a blow to
the " Lord of the manor," and by force of circumstances the property
reverted to its former owner — John Bodine, Jr. Judge Edwards then
moved into tlie old stone dw«dling. still standing, at the junrtion of
the Clove road and Cojumliia street. West New I'.riglilon. now f.-iniil-
iarly known as the t^cott homestead.

The next occupant of the Dougau house was Jacob Bodine. (son of
John. Jr.), who disposed of it to his brother-in-laAV, Jacob Post, and In-
to C. Willis Windsor, the husband of :\rrs. Post's sister. It tlien ]iassed
to J. H. Williamson, whose widow ni:irried Allx-rt Bodine. in w iiose

112 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

possessiou it was at tlic lime of its destruotiou. on Christmas. 1878.
For many years tiie charred rnius of the historic homestead marlj^ed
the spot; but to-day all that is left to tell its proud story is here and
there a majestic tree that once shaded the favored dwellers in the old
manor. Truly, one who lionois ilic relics of the past — those historic
links that bind the dim i)ast to the busy present — cannot witness their
destruction without regret and sorrow. And so the old house, like the
generations it sheltered in the long ago, lives only in tradition and
story.

CHAPTER XIV.

RICHMOND COUNTY.

AXV changes took place shortly after the anival of Gov-
ernor Thomas Dongan, in 1683. One of these was the es-
lablishineut of four counties — New York, Kings, Qiit'cus
and ilichniond. These were organized to take the place of
the " ridings," as the courts then established were called. The assem-
bly, over which Governor Dongan pi'csided, passed an " Act to divide
this province and dependencies into 8hires and (bounties,"' on Novem-
ber 1st, 1683, and contained the following in reference to Staten
Island:

*' The County of llichnioud to couteyue all Htateii Island, Shutter's
Island, and the islands of meadow on the west side thereof."

There were about two hundred families on Staten Island at that
time, exclusive of Indians, of whom it is thought there were two thou-
sand, luunediately after the organization of the county it was al-
lowed two representatives in the colonial assembly.^ In 1684, one
year later, for the first time, a county tax was imi)osed,wlilch amount-
ed to fifteen pounds.

Stony Brook was selected as the site for the County Seat.- It was
then the chief settlement of Staten Island, and contained beside a
court house and jail a Waldensian church, a fort, a trading depot
where the Indians exchanged furs for food and other articles with the
settlers, and a number of plain cottages, built principally in tlie
Dutch style of architecture.

The Court House and County Jail were located in a small, one-
stoi'v strncturc conlainiiig two rooms. One, built of I'oughly-liewn
logs, tilled in witli clay and shclMimc served as tlic County -Tail. The
only door to it was iMiiJi of roiigli iioards. hung on rawdiiilc hinges,
and opened outward. A window, about a foot scpiare, wliich the
prisoners could regulate for their own comfoi't by lilling in with

1 There is no record tliat the offlpes were tlic Aiilliony .Tnlmson property, between the
filled until 1001. when the fonnty was repre- Aniliny nnd Kii-lirimncl nmds, west of New
sented by .Tolin Dally and Lambert Dorland. Dorp. A sborl dislanee below the pouds the
Ellis Duxbury was elected the same year, two chaitis join, and rnnnlng in a southerly
probably to serve au unexpired term, and re- direction cross the Aniboy road at the sharp
mained in office until 1698. bend, and run thence in a southerly direction

2 The village of Stony Brook derived Its to the lower bay. Here was located the vlllaee
name from a small rivulet, which takes its which was the county seat from 1G83 to ITliO.
source from two chains of ponds, located re- In consequence of the destruction of trees
spcclivcly on the lands of Robert Jones, near alone its course Stony Brook is now dry a
the old P.lack Horse Tavern, and Ibo other on (.'nat portion of the year.

11-1 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

brush, when the raiu, suow or cold crept iu, was the oulj other opeu-
iuj;. The jail contained a ground Hoor, and the furniture consisted of
a bench-like log, which extended along the rear of the room. The
" lock " was made of strips of raw-hide, whicji were tied on the out-
side.

But the dignity of the law was so frecjueutly trampled upon by the
escape of prisoners, through the assistance of outside friends, that
the Presiding Judge directed the county otticials to " forthwith pur-
chase a more substantial lock, and to i»rocure a bell wherewith to
give alarm, in case there should be any further attempt of prisoners
to escajie from ye said jail." After due eonsid<'ration of the matter,
an api)ropriation to meet a portion of the pressing need was made.
The room adjoining the jail was built of stone, and was occupied by
the Sheriff — its first occupant being John I'almer. lie was also the
jailor. In this room, too, the Court business of the County was fre-
quently transacted; but the meagre accommodations it afforded ren-
dered it necessary to hold Court at various other points on the Island.
A portion of the foundation of the old Court House was standing un-
til about 1850.

In Marcli, IGSS, JJiclimond County was divided into four towns —
Castletown, Korthheld, Southfield and ^Vesttield. The town of Jlid-
dletow^n was organized in I860.-' Prior to the legal division of the
county into towns, it Avas divided into three precincts, the North,
South and West. Castleton was not included in any of the precincts,
but was designated " The Jlanor." The limits of the jtrecincts were
about the same as those of the towns as established by laAV on the 7th
of March, ICSS. Castleton derived its name from the Palmer or Don-
gan patent, in which the manor conveyed was called Cassiltown, -if-
terwaixl corrupted into the present name, and the conniption legal-
ized by repeated acts of the Legislature. The otlier towns were named
from their ])ositions in the county. The act of :\Iarch 7th. 17SS. divid-
ing the connfies of 1lic Slate info towns, gives ilie dixisinn of IJicli-
ninnd as follows:

" .\nd all that Pai't of the County of HU-lniioiid. bonniicd niiiili<-rly
by Kill-Van-Cull, easterly by /I iKl.snu's-h'irir. southerly by the Koad

:'. Till' f.-ilisi' whii'li led In tlio cslnblisliiiicnl l.\ mi ihr liiir liilwiiii IIh- Ii.wns iif Nortll-
"f Hi.' town of JUildlclDWii was of Uini: sl.-iiid- li.lil mihI I'nsllctoii to wlicrc saiil line termi-
ini;. mill Ii.nd trivcn a Krc:\t floal of aTiiioyaiicc naics ai Smil liliolil: tlicni-c iioriliwostciiy on
l"oiii,. ,,r Mir r-oiiiil.v. It fivqii.'iillv liap- II,,, 11,1,, i„.iu,.Ti I'lisHrloii anil Somlifii-Ul.

pi'iMii llial lliiiv vv;,s a Mr in llii' I'.oanl of

iloni; IliM Itirlinionil rilankruail to \-aniliM-lillt

Sui.iivisors, and linsinoss was siispViidi^d foi- „vomi.'; tl.<-ii.-i- rasliM-lv alonn tin- si.utUorlv
an iiuli'llnilo porlod. In lS(iO an .tct was passed
by llio Slate J^i';;isl;il nro. rorniinp a new town
onl of parls of Castloton tinil Sontlillidd, wliirli

side of said Vandorbilt aA-onne to the bay of
Xow A'lifk; thi'ni'i' nm-llirrly aloliii Iho shore oi

,,,,,,,,,. . . , , bay of .New York to ih,' point of be;.'lniiiuR."

was ealli-d Middletown. hi point of weallb to- „„ , ,,,,,, . ...

day it stands seeond in the eonnly, Cas.lelon ''"■"'' '""""''* inelnded the eastern portion of

heini; first, U Is l.onnded by a 'line ■• eoni- «""ll'"''l'' ■""! tl"- southerly portion of Castle-

inenelni.' on the b.ay or shot- i the east side '""■ '''I"' "''«' '"""" '"oetinB of the new xown

of Stati'ii Island at Ihe point where the Itieh- "•"* '"'I'' ■'! Naiitilns Ilall on Ihe seeond day

niond (nrnpike strikes stiid bay; thence rnn- "f May follo\y|nK, and the aet appointed Thom-

ninj; westerly alone said Itiehmond Inrnplke as Slanderwiek, Thomas Garret and ("ary Dev-

rnail fo the town of Xort lilli-ld ; Ihenee sonllier- ery In preside at the meelinK.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

115

leadiiii;' I'niui I an Jhiijr'<iiii's Ferry .soulliward lu llie \\ alti-uKj-riucv to
Rlclnnoitd-toiniv. and wessterly by a Lyue begiuuing at the Mouth of
DoiK/an's Mill-creek, aud running thence along the Line of the Manor
of (V/.s//(-Town to the lioad at the iJear of the Patent of Corson and.
Company, thence along the northerly 8ide of the said Road leading to
Hoiif/hiroiifs Mill, and then southerly along the Westerly Side of the
last mentioned Itoad as it runs along by Richard Conner's, to the
Tavern Called the Rose and Crown, on the Road leading to Richmond-
Town, shall be and is liereby erected into a Town by the Name of
Castlc-Toaii.

" Aud that all that Part of the said County of Richmond, bounded
northerly by the North Side of said Road, leading from Van Duerson's
Ferry to Rifhnio)id-Toy\n and the Fresh-Kill, easterly by HiHlson's-
Rircr. southerly by the Ban. and westerly by a Line beginning on the
Fresh -Kill at the North-west Corner of the Land and Meadow late of
James Ef/litiis: and running from thence southerly along the same to
Egbert's Lane, and then along the same Lane to the road called the
New Road and then along the sauu^ New Road westerly to the Land
of Henry I'erine. and then southerly along his easterly Rounds to the
Ban shall be. aud hereby is erected into a Toa\u by the Name of Soitth-
fieid

" And that all that Part of the said County of Richmond, bounded
uorTlierly by the Frrsli-Kill. easterly by Southtield. southerly liy the
Bail, and westerly by the Sound, shall be. and hereby is erected into a
Town l)y the Nanu^ of ^Yrs^fi(■],l.

"And that all the Residue of the County of JHcIiiikjikI. shall be. aud
hereby is erected into a Town by the Name
of Xorihp'chir

Jacob Leisler. a ijrominent character of
that day. exercising both civil and military
authority, was intrusted by the magistrates
with the administration of affairs, after the
departure of Nichols, and one of his first acts
was to cause William and Mary to be pro
clainu'd to the counties of Richmond, West-
chester. Queens. Kings and LTlster. and the
City and County f)f Albany, and East Jersey.
The oi-der to Richmond was dated December
1 7th, 1(580. On the Sfltli of the same month,
he issued an order requiring all ixu'sons who
held commissions, warrants. " or other instruments of power or com-
mand, either civil or military." derived from either Dongan or An-
dros fortliwith to surreudei- t lie same to a justice of the ])eace of the
county wherein they resided. exce]it the counties of New Yorl< and
Richmond. Avho were to surrender at the foit in New ^■orl<.

Shortlv after the burning of Schenectadv. and llie feaifui massacre

rKdUl.h ill.

116 HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND.

of its iuliabitaut.s by the Frt'iuli ami Jiidiaus, iu Ffbruary, 1(JS)0, Leih-
ler issued auutlier order to tlie military aud civil otticers of several
counties, Kiolimoud being one of the number, that " fearing too great
a oorri'spoudency hath been maintained between y'' s^ ffrench ^: dis-
affected Persons among us," to secure all persons reputed papists, or
■\vlio are inimical to the government, or who continue to hold any com-
missions from Dongan or Audros, and bring them before him.

In Iti^'J, Leisler commissioned the following civil and military offi-
cers in liichmoud County:

Ely Crosson, high sheriff, Jaciues I'oullinii, Caplaiii.

Jacob Corbett, clerk, Cornells Corsen,

Obadiah II(dm(^s. justice, Thomas ^lorgan. Lieutenant.

Ja<|ues Poullidu, " John Theunis \'an I'elt, "

'riioiiias .M(U-gaii, " Beger Geritsen, Ensign.

Jacob Gerritse, " Coniclis Xe\ ins. "

■Cornells Corsen, "

The follnwing residents of Staten Island were members of a mili-
tary company, commandt'd by Captain Jacob ^Milborne. A\hich was
ordered to .Vlbany to establish Leisler's authority, the government of
that city having refused to recognize it: " Jean Marlett. Francis Mau-
riss, Hendrick Hendrickson, .lean facfrc, John Kob. .Tolin donlicr and
Peter Ilenkerson."

We have been unable to discover any evidence to prove that the
peo])le of Staten Island took any decided stand relative to Leisler's
administration. Generally, they submitted quietly to the authori-
ties placed over them. In fact, Leisler does not appear in connection
with the Island fnrf lici- than commissioning some otliccrs and issuing
general orders. It is said that he had many friends on the Island,
althotigh they were not very demonstrative. To his credit his ap-
pointments to office were usually from among the best citizens, which
always operated in his favor. Ko decided ste])s w(M'e taken iu his
behalf during his subsequent im])ris(>nin('nt and trial; hnl al'ler his
<-oudemuatio7i ])etitions for his pardon were cxteusixcly signed.
^\ hich had the elTect to bring ujion the signers the dis]deasnre of the
governincnl . w ho regarded tli<' art as disloyal. Farther than the im-
position of fines, which wcic icniitted. and the brief imprisonment
of a few individuals no pniiislinieiit was intlicted u]ion the ol't'enih'rs.

On the I'Slli oC .\|iril, l(i!i|, a leiicr was presented to the i-onncil in
New York. (>\-ef whi(di Henry Sloughter, the new Co'xcrnor. i)resided,
from the SlierilT of i;i(dimoud County. " Giving an .\cconnt of s(n'(U'all
Ikiotts and Tnninlls mi Slateu Island, and that llicy wcic subscribing
of ita])(U-s."' The sliciiir was urdi-red to secure the ring-leaders that
tiiey might be prosecuted, 'riinnias Stillwell. the ShcrilV, was not
dilatory iu obeying the ofdcr. lie arrested sev<'ial oT the citizens of
the Comity, among wlioni were .bdin 'riiciinison. .lolin rclerson and
<;ei-ai-d N'cclilcii. each of whom lie tilled three iionnds. (Mliers were

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 117

obliiit'd to ext'cntc boiuls for tlic payment of that aiuouiit. It is said
tliat one of tlic iniiiilicr rcfusiMl to do eitluT, aud he was imprisoued.

\', hcii iufoiination relative to the Sheriff's proceedings reached his
superiors in New York, orders were sent (h)wn to the Ishmd to liavc
the bonds cancelled, whereui)on the three individuals wlio had jtaid
their money, demanded that it should be refuiide(l. 'i'lie sheriff, no
doubt conscious that he had exceeded his powers, prondsed that it
should be done; but delayed the matter so long that the aggrieved
parties appealed to the council.

At the same time, the same three individuals presented a com-
plaint against the assessors, who exempted themselves and some
others from the payment of the tax on " negers," and that poor peo-
ple who have no "negers'' must pay "as much accordingly like
Them that has many negers. Therefore your petitioners humbly
crave That your Ex"y will be i)leased To signify Them iff s'' negers
should be excluded ffor paying Tax." There is no record as to the
result of these petitions.

The papers which were " subscribed " were petitions in favor of the
two condemned men. The ])eople of Westchester County also sent a
petition for the same i)urpose; but the Governor's Council did not
recognize the right of iieiilion in such cases, therefore some were
cited to apjiear before tliat body, while others were imprisoned as
Ijromoters of " riots aud disturbances."

During the administration of Governor Dongan, Leisler, having
imported a cargo of wine, positively refused to pay the duties there-
on to Matthew Plowman, the Collector of the I'ort, because he was a
papist. Leisler was, however, compelled to do so, and was ever there-
after a bitter enemy of Plowman. He Avas very arbitrary during his
brief administration, and to gratify his spite he charged Plowman
with being a defaulter to the government; then, learning that he was
the owner of a quantity of beef and pork stored at Elizabethtown, he
ordered John Burger, a sergeant at the fort to proceed to Staten
Island and compel such individuals as he might require to go with
him and assist in the removal of the provisions. Burger obeyed the
order implicitly, aud the property was carried to Leisler in New
York, who forwarded it to Albany for the use of the soldiers he had
sent to that place.

After Leisler's execution. Plowman prosecuted all who were con-
cerned in the removal of his property from Elizabetlitown. to recover
its value. Among the number were the following residents of Staten
Island: "John Jeronison, Thomas Morgan, Lawrence Johnson. John
Peterson, Dereck Crews (Cruser). Chauck (Jaques) Poliion and Jolm
Bodine." These men, shortly after the arrival of Major IMchard lu-
goldsby, addressed an " humble Peticon," to him and the council, in
whicli they adnut having assisted in the i-emoval of Plowman's ju-op-
erty; but that they did so under compulsion, believing that they were

118 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

doing service' to tlioir .Miijcsties; that tlioy cousidored it unjust to
couipel tliem to imy for tlie piovi.sious wlieu tlie whole couutr\- had
tlic bouotit of them; they therefore pray that they may be relieved
from the whole respousibility, or if that may uot be doue, that every
persou eugaged in the removal be comixdled " to i)ay their equall
proporceoDS of the same.'' This petition was presented by Plowman
himself, who thereby recognized the justice of their cause; but the
result of the application is unknown.

The legal and general business of llichmond County centered in
Stony Brook until the early years of the Eighteenth century, notwith-
standing the fact that the courts were frequently held at other and
more convenient places. There is a tradition, strengthened some-
what by imperfect records, to the effect that when, in 172'J, it was
decided to " abandon ye Court house and Goal at Stony Brook," and
to establish one more in keeping with the progress of the age at Cuck-
oldstowne, (Kichmond, the present County Seat), those who advocated
the movement urged it upon the ground that " there is a bell by ye
church in Cuckoldstowne which could be rung by ye high sheriff, and
thus add dignity and respectability to ye court of his maj'ty ye King
of Great Britain," etc. So far as we are aware, tliis argument,
coupled with the fact that " Cuckoldstowne is located in ye centre of
ye Island," set aside whatever opposition there might have been to
the movement in favor of reniDving the County Seat.

The County Goal had been removed to Cuckoldstowne several years
prior to the removal of the County Seat. The structure stood at the
north-east side of the terminus of the Richmond road, and was erect-
ed in 1710. It was abandoned for its original puri)ose in 1837. and for
many years was utilized as a store-house. It was built of stone ami
brick, and was destroyed by fire on the night of Friday, April 19th,
IS'.I."), tlirougli the carelessness of a grou]) of boys smoking cigarettes.
The County Seat was transferred to Cuckoldstowu in 17l'9, Avhen
the name of the village was changed to Richmond. A County Court
House was erected sometime between tliat year and 1735. The
structure stood where llie parish house of St. Andrew's Church now
stands, and Avhere Kiclinioml County Hall stood for many years. It
was directly op])osite the County Jail at the jiinction of IJichuK^nd
and I'resh Kill roads. Tradition gives tAVO pictures of the old build-
ing. One is that it was a frame structure, shingle-sided and with
gable end lo Ihe road; I he other that it was built of stone in the
fanuliar llcdland sl,\ le of architecture of that day. The ialt<'r seems
to be the more reasonable, because for many years during (he early
l>arl of llic present century a considerable portion of siudi a building
sto(Ml on the spot indicaled. It was removed al the time (d' the erec-
tion of i;i(dimond County Hall, in ISl'i'.

The ('ourl liouse. I lie ('ouuly .lail. Ilie ( "ucklestowiu' Inn. and an-
other public liouse llial stood on i lie Cresli Kill road. Si. .Vndrew's

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

119

(Episcopal) Cliureli, llii' old J>utch (Kefoiiiu'd) Cliunli. aud a uiiiubcr
of otliei- buildiugs in and around tlie village were at once more or less
occupied by the iSritisli soldiers. In the course of a few days two
brigades of troops were encamped at the County Seat.

The protection of County reco.l'ds was a question that interested
the residents at that time far more than that of the independence of
the colonies, for the presence of siich a large body of British troops
ou Stateu Island — about 25,000 in all — caused the strongest patriotic
hearts to grow faint and to feel that hope was useless. Every day for
weeks citizens repaired to the Court House aud carried away armsful
of public documeuts, that they might be preserved in their homes
until peace Avas re-established.

I'.ritish otticers occupied the Court House — one of whom for a time
was Captain, afterward Major, Andre — aud the documents were by
their orders gathered up and dumped in a rude heai>.

During the war a number of attempts were made to capture the
British forts on Staten Island, and near the close it was thought by
the British commander that Lafayette was arranging, with a large
ft>rce of Continental troops, to make a desperate attack ou Kichmond.
Lieutenant-Colonel Simcoe, temporarily in command of the post, is-
sued an order that every public building should be burned to the
ground "rather than surrender to the French adventurist! "'

One dark winter's night one of the Hatfield Tory band, which had a
rendezvous at Bull's H(-ad, mounted on a
swift horse, dashed down the steep side of
Eichmond Hill into the little village. He l(dd
the British commander that Cenei-al Sullivan
had landed on the North Shove with a large
body of men, and that he was coming to
Riciimond. All was excitement at that i)ost.
and re-enforcements were sent from the head-
quarters of the army at New Dorp. Tory spies
continued to report all through the night aud
until daylight. General Sullivan's movements
being greatly exaggerated. Colonel Simcoe re-
newed his order to" applv the torch, if ncces- mkit.-colonel cHKisToriitu

WLLOPP.

sary.

It is evident that some enthusiastic subordinate thought it quite
necessary, for in a very brief time nothing but the thick stone walls of
the Court House were left standing, and many of the most valuable
records of the County had vanished in the flames. The Dutch Re-
formed Church, which stood directly in front of the site of the present
Court House, was also burned to the ground, excepting a portion of its
stone walls, "because," the British said, " it was a rebel church." This
.hurcli was rebuilt in 180S, on the corner of the street leading from
the jiresent Court House west and the Fresh Kill road, and abandoned
about ten years ago.

r^-5

1m.

120 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Tliruugbout the entire period of the Kevolutiou Supervisors were
eleeled each year; but tliey had comparatively little to do, as the
Islaud was under martial law. It was practicall}- the headquarters
of the British forces iu America throughout the period of hostilities.
Devastatiou aud ruin everywhere marked the Islaud. Kedoubts,
trenches, huts and piles of charred timber and ashes that were once
" rebels' homes," told the story of the long and bitter conflict. The
sudden lull that came after the long storm that had raged iu every
home and every heart, left the people in a dazed and demoralized
condition. Many of tlie leading citizens of the Island still clung to
royaltj', and instead of attempting to reorganize the local govern-
ment, gathered their fanulies togellu'r and migrated to Xova Scotia,
Canada or England. Those that remained behind were still divided
in o])inion, aud the quari-els of tlic Revolution were carried on even
foi- generations!

Considering the meagre population, the burdensome taxes and the
general tinancial depression that pervaded the Island, the building
of another Court House was a (piestiou of serious importance. The
people were divided and very iinicli iu earnest. At first the Super-
visors considered the proixisitiou lo " establish a lottery in ye Bowery
for the ]»m-pose of raising luuds." that being the ])opulai- mode of
financiering at that lime; bni ijie sciieine was never can-ied into ef-
fect, ^fauy ](ublic meelings were held througliont the county, with a
ho]ie (if creating jiublic synqialhy for the mo\-ement to erect a Court
House. Some favore(I ret iii-iiiug t he ( '(Minty Seat to Stony Brook and
enlai'giiig the old Coinl House ;ii id ( 'oiinly Jail, wliicli were one build-
ing.

The (|iieslinn \vas agitated until 1 I'.U. \\iien by a vote of the ])eople,
in a three-days" (dectiou. it was decided to build a Court House. It is
intcM'csting to note the population of the Islaud at that time:

Males. Females, Slaves.

N(iitliti.l<l ..... 474 4:?(i 194

We.stfield - - - - - - 473 47S 2S(J

Castlcton ..... 401 3U8 170

SiMitlifii'ld .-..-. 33-1 Ml 2S!)

1,(J8'2 1,G.J3 '.I3<)

'I'dtal pdiiiiliitidri, 4.'J7-t.

In XoNcnilier. 1 Till . i he Itoa id of Su|iei\ isors, consist iiig of Kirliard
Coilliei-. of ( 'as! ieinn; ( 'ol-llelius Uedeji, of Xnrt litieid ; ( ieoi'ge I'.ariieS,
of Soiitlitield, and ('ornelius C(de, of W'esttieid, met in the Cuckles-
town Inn. and Ity a una niiiioiis vote decided to " jiroceed with the
building n\' t he ( 'oiiil 1 louse, as soon as t he i(>ntia<i ran lie jierferied
;ind the weather ]ieiniit s." To make liie ino\"euieut jiopular. iu lli(»
face of consideiable opjiosil ion. a public meeting \\as lield in Hich-
inond, bv those in its fa\oi-. :ind a slroiig resolution ■was ado|ited. en-
dorsing " I he iiroinpl action of the lioai-d of Su])ervisors."'

There aii])ears to be no further record as to action in the matter

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 121

until midsummei' of the fulluwiug year, when the rulUiwing appeaieil
iu the pi'oceediugs of the Uoai-d of ►Superxisors:

"July T: 171)2 At a meetiug of the supervisoi'S Together wilh the
Judges of the Court of Commou Pleas for the County of Kichuioud
the I'tith of June 17'J2 Lawrence Hillyer and Joseph liarton Jr. were
unanimously api^ointed Couimissiouers to Superintend the Building
of a Court House in the Town of Kiohinoud on the Lott of grouud
given by Doctor Thomas Frost, and Thomas Frost having since been
appointed a Commissioner to be with the said J^awrence Hillyer and
Joseph Barton to i^uperinteud Said Court House aud to Advertise for
Undertakers to receive proposals that may be Consistent with econ-
omy and the Interest of the County.

" Kichard Conner, elk Supervisors.''

In that same year, (1792), a tax of £315, (_|7.S7.r)0), was levied upon
Eichmond County to defray the expenses of building a (_'ourt House,
and the sum of £15 was paid to Dr. Thomas Frost for the "Lott''
which the records state he had given to the cotmty. Late in the same
year another tax of £81 was levied for completing the Court House.
The land in question is located opposite St. Andrew's parish house,
on the north side of the Fresh Kill road. It took two years to com-
plete the btiilding.

In October, 1791, the Board of Supervisors met iu the " new Coiirl
House " for the first time, and accepted the building on behalf of the
people of Iiichmond County. The Board consisted of Abraham Bur-
banck. of Castletou; Cornelius Bedell, of Xorthfield; Cornelius Cole,
of Westfield; and (it'oigc Barnes, of Southfield.

The building differed very materially iu a])pearauce from the pres-
ent. An old resident of Iiichmond. describing it to the writer, said,
•'it was really a beautiful little Court House." It was two stories
high and surmounted by a l)e]fry. Its sides were covered with
shingles, same as at present. It stood close to the street and its lii'st
floor was almost on a level with the ground. The first floor contained
two rooms — a small one at the entrance and a large one whicli was
used for many years as a ])nblic hall, and tlicrc are citizens still liv-
ing in the county who use(l to attend " singing school " there in the
old days. It was also occupied by the Grand and Petit Juries, winle
Court was iu session, and the records saved fi-om the couflagration of
the old Court House duriug the Kevolution found a resting place
there. The Cotirt room occupied all of the second floor, and was ar-
ranged something similar to the one now in use, but was not quite so
large and pretentions! The stairway leading to tlie Court room ran
up from the left side of the entrance.

Near the close of tiie first (puirtei' of flie pres<'ut century, when
the "tax quarrels" had in a measure snl)si(l('(l. and the Island was
comparatively prosperous, it became apparcnl Hint bet lei- provisions
should be made for tlie proti'ction of tlie ((innly rccoi'ds. In fact, the

122 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Coiiuty liiul outiiiow II the little Court House, aud another great ques-
tiou faced the taxpayers. Every interest of the Cuunty demanded
proi^er (quarters for the County ('lerk and t^urrogate. MeeUngs were
held in the County Court room, and the subject was advanced aud op-
posed. The discussions were of a very animated character. Besides
nati\'e talent, paid speakers were brought down from the metropolis
to argue for and against. Some of the taxpayers came to blows. The
result we leave for the original minutes of the Board of Supervisors
to tell:

"1827, May 5th. At a meeting held this day. present liarnninus
Cuyon, John Totten and Niclndas Crocheron, sajx-rvisors. also Ikich-
ard Crocheron, Esq., James Guyon. Es(]., and ^^■alter Betts, Esq.,
commissioners appointed according to law passed April, 1826, an act
to provide for Buihling a Fire proof Clerk and Surrogate's office in
the County of Iiichmond, whereby it is nuide the duty of the Super-
visors at their annual meeting to cause to be levied and collected a
sum not exceeding One Tliousand live liundred Dollars over and
above the expense of Collecting the same, for the purpose of building
a fire proof Clerk and Surrogate's office for said County, to be located
ill such part of said County as the Judges of Sai<l County, or a major-
ity sliall direct, and in whicli all the public Beiords and Papers be-
longing as well to t he ( 'Icrl; as t lie SuiTogate of the said County shall
be kept, and the said Jmlges have fixed I'pon the Cite of the Old
County-house on the East side of the Coal f(n" the locating the same."
The County House was removed to a jioint about half a mile
u]> tlie Iiichmond ro.id and the "fire-proof" building was erected
without delay. The " (ioal " alluded to was the Old Ked Jail, and the
Clerk's and Surrogate's " fire-])roof office " built on the " Cite '' of the
old County house was the two-story brick building recently destroyed
by fire. The exact cost of the " fire-proof " building is not known: but
on the fnllowiug year bills for material and lunilx'r wei'e audited to
the amoniil of .silll.lts.

About is:',.") St a ten Island had a great boom, which continued until
the meniorahle tinancial iianic of is;>!t. But in the uieantiiiie the
promise of pi-osperity was so great lliiil anolii<'r ('oiirl i louse was
built, its (ii-iginal cost being .*i^4.(Mld. When tliis was (•omi)lete(l, tlu'
Boai'(i of Super\ isors, consisting of Nathan Barrett, of Castletini;
Jacob Simonson, of X(U-t lifield: Jose])h Seguine, of Westlield, and
Samuel Coddington, of Soullilield, met in their new room, (now the
Under Sheriff's parlor), on the 18th of ]S'ovember, 1837, and adopted
the following resolution:

■• I'lsiilnil. That the old Court llous<' in the N'illage of Iiichmond,

ami Die lot on w liicii it stands be oflVred at amiion, at tlie Richmond

Counly Hall, in saiil \ illage, on Sal urday, 17lli day of I ><'i'ember next,

;il two o'riock |i. 111., if uot previously disposed of at i)rivate sale."

The pi-cmiscs were ])iirchase(l on the above date by John Totten,

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 123

who sold tliciu t(i Walter Betts, who \\iis at I lial I iiiic one of the iiuist
IH'omineut citizens of the ((nmty and one of ilio leadevs of the Wliiii
party. He had been Under Sheriff, Sheriff. Connty Clerk. Sujier-
visors' Clerk and I'ostmaster of lIi(dimond. and was removed from
the latter office by President Jackson in 1S2S. The (dd bnildin<i- Avas
remodeled and in 18(>0 was purchased by 31r. Isaac ]\I. ^larsli. wlio
occni)ied it nntil his death in lS9(i. It has since been converted into
a restaurant and bakerv.

CHAPTER XV.

OI'^FICIAL LIST OF OFFICE-HOLDERS.

1110 followiiii; citizens of Stalcn Islniul liavc bci'ii members
of importiiiit iKitioiiiil. titate aud county bodies, as indi-
cated:

Mrittlurs (if J'r(irisi<iii(il ('mnircftsi: — Adrain IJancker, 2d
Prov. ("oni;.. 177.")T(>; iJicliard Conner, 1st and od I'rov. Con^., 177.~>-
7G; Aaron ('(U-telyon, 1st and ;>d I'rov. ("onii'., 177.")-7(>; -Tolin .Jonr-
neay 1st and 3d I'rov. Coni;.. 177.">-7(i; Kicliard Lawrence, 1st and 2d
Prov. Coug., 177r)-7(J; Paul .Mi( In-an, 1st and 3d Prov. Conti.. 177.")-7((.
Bcprcsoitathr-^ ill VuiHjn.s.s: — Daniel 1). Tompkins, 'Jth Con.u., 18(».")-
Henry Crocheron, 14tlj ('(uil;., 1S1.')-17; James Onyon, Jr., lOth

Cniiu., ISl'.l-lil; .Tac(di Cnxdieron, 21st
<'onj;., 1S2!)-:U; Saninel Part on, 24tli
('on.ii-.. 1S33-37; Joseph Ejibert, 27tli
Con-., 1S41-43; Henry I. Seaman. 29tli
Conii., 1S43-47; Obadiali Bowne, 32d
("onu., lS.ll-.53; Henry G. Stebbeus,
.".sill Conii., resij^iied; Dwiiiht Town-
send, 3S(h (A>ug., 1S()3-G5: Henry B.
.Metcalfe. 44tli Cong., 1875-77.

I'lrsi'idnilUtl Eh'ctors: — John Garret-
son, ISOS; .losepli I'erine. 1S12; Jacob
Groclieron, l,s3f>; .lolin T. Harrison,
1S4(I; .I(din ('. Thompson. 1844; .Jamen
M. Cross, 1848; [Minthorne Tompkins,
18.")(); Obadiah l?o\vne, 18()4; (Jeorge
Be(dit(d, 1884; Frederick P.achmann,
18!t2.

.S7(//' S( iKilors: — I'aul .M i c h e a u,
1789-92; Jacob Tysen. 1828; Harman
B. (;roi»sey, 1S32-:'.."); .Minthorne Tomid<ins, 1840-41; James K. Cooley,
18r)2-.53; i;(d)e)-t Christie, Jr., 18(i4-U.3; Nicholas Pa I'.an. ISCd-tu ; Sam-
uel TI. Frost, 1870-71.

Mcinhn-s i,f Ihc Stutv Coiis-HhitKniiil f'oiin iitioiis: — Abraham Bancker
and (io/.en K'yerss. 1788; Joseph I'erine, 1801; Danicd D. Tomi>kins,
1821; .lohn T. Harrison, 184."); George William Cn.rlis. ISCS; Willinni
M. .Mullen and Thomas W. l-'il/.gerald, ISlXi.

I't<l<iil.s of llir I ii'inrsUti: — .\braham Bancker and .John C. 1 >ongan,

iNrKi:\ii\\ IN I'll' iiii.i.ori' iiOCSE,
iietwkk.n i. oki) howk .\n1).i()hn adams,
hkn.iamin fkanklin andedwardrut-

I.EIXiE.

From iiii old painting.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 125

tii-(st board, 1784; ilarmauus (JaiTisuii, .sccdiid Ixianl. 17S4; alter
which time Kichmoud County was not represented in the boaid until
April 12, 1861, wlieu (Jleorge William Curtis was ap]iniuted. and eon-
tinned to hold the office to the time of his death

Jiidiji'S of the Votiiiti/ Court: — Ellis Duxbury, KiDl; Daniel Lake,
1710; Joseph Billop, 1711; Thomas Farmar, 1712; Kichard Merrill,
1739; John Le Conte, 1739; William Walton, 17r)(>, also a member of
the council from 1758 to 1708, when he died; Joseph l>edell, 17(11;
Benjamin Seaman, 177.j; Paul Micheau, 1780; dozen Kyerss, 1797;
John J. Murray, 1802; John Garretson, 1803; Jacob fyspn. 1823;
Henry B. 3Ietcalfe, 1810; William Emerson, 1841 ; Albert Ward, 1844;
Henry B. Metcalfe, 1847; Tompkins Westervelt, 187(); Stephen i ).
Stephens. 1882.

District Attonuijs'' : — Georjie Metcalfe. 181S; lleniy B. Metcalfe,
1820; Thorn S. Kingsland, 1833; George Catliii, 1839; Koderick N.
Morrison. 1840; Lot C. Clark, 1841; (Jeorge Catliii. 1849; George
White, 18.'i0; Alfred de (iroot, 1853; Abraham W. \Mnant, 1800; John
H. Ilealey, 1865; Sidney F. Rawson. 1872; John Crook. 1875; George
Gallagher, 1881; Thom.is W. Fitzgerald. 1S90; George :M. Pinney, Jr..
1890.

Siirrdi/d/i s, 1111(1(1- ('(iliiiiidi <l()r( imiicnt : — Walter Doiigan, 173:>; Ben-
jamin Seaman, 1759.

Siirroiiatcs. iiiidcr Fcdvial (lovcnniK iil : — Adrian Bancker. 1787;
Abraham Bancker, 1792; John tlonsnian. I80!l; Cornelius Bedell,
1810; Jonathan Lewis, 1811; Cornelius Bedtdl, 1813; Tunis Egbert.
1815; IJichard Conner, 1820; John Garrison. 1820; Tunis Egbert. 1821;
Kichard Crocheron. 1830; Lewis K. IMarsh, 1843; Henry B. Metcalfe,
1847; Tompkins Westervelt, 1876; Stephen I). Stei)hens, 1882.

Cointtji Clerks: — Francis Williamson. 1082; Samuel Winder. 1084;
Jacob Corbet, 1089; Thonuis Carhart. 1091; Thomas Coen. 1098;
William Tillyer. 170(;; Alexander Stuart. 1708; Adam .Mott.
1728; Daniel Stillwell, 1738; Daniel Corsen, 1739; I'aul Mich-
eau. 1701; Abraham Banckcn-. 1781; John Mersereau. 1784; Jo-
seph Perine. 1798; John A'. D. Jacobson, 1810; Josejih Perine. 1811;
Jonathan Lewis. 1815; \Valter Belts. 1828; .loshna .Mersereau. Jr.,
1843; Israel C. Denyse. 1852; James Cubberlv. 1855; Isra(d C. Denyse,
1858; Abraham V. Conner. 18(11; Michael O'Brien, 1804; Josej)!) Eg-
bert. 1807; J(din II. Vaii-Clief. Jr.. 1870; David 11. Cortelvou. 1873;
Abrani V. Conni-r. 187(!; Cornelius A. Hart, 1879; .[(dm J. K;'nney,
1894'; John H. Elsworth. 1894.

t^chdoJ C(,i,iit)iss<i()ii('rs'^ : — Harman B. Ci-o])sey, 1843,; David A. Ed^ar,
1850; Henry M. Bo(dini, 1800; Isaac Lea. 18(i2; James Brownlee. 1870;

n Tliis was made a. oniinly oilii'i. in ISl.S. ever, .Mr. Kiiiiii'.v siini'iiili'ivd tin- (p|!ii-c In liis

7 .lohn J. Kenney was trivcii tlii' certificate rival aiiiicalily.

fif cicction; hut as tlicrp was a qiicstion as to S 'I'lic liilc nf tlic nilici' in ISi:'. was oouiity

his title to tlie olTice, the matter was carried siipi'riiilc inlcril, and llic incumbent was ap-

to the courts. At the end of six months, how- pinnlcil hy llic r.o.iid ut Supervisors.

12G HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

C. licurv Kiug-, 187!S; Tlicodoie Freau, 1883; John J. Keuney, 1888;
Julia K. West. 18U1.

N/m7(7/s; — John i'ahner, 1083; Thomas Lovelace, 1081; Thomas
►Stilwell, 1085; Eli Crosseu, 108U; TJiomas Stilwell, 1691; Jolin Stil-
well, 10!I2; John De I'ne. 108tl; Jacob Coulsen, 1099; ^hl■i^<tian ( 'oiseu,
1700; John L»e Pue. 1701; Lambert (Janisou, 17U2; \\illiam Tillyer,
1709; Benjamin Bill, 1722; Charles Garrison, 1730; I'aul Micheau,
1730; yicliolas Larzalere, 1739; John Hillyer, 1751; Thomas Frost,
1775; Abraham Baucker, 1781; J^'wis Byerss, 1788; Benjamin Barker,
1792; Isaac Cubberly, 1790; John Hillyer, 1799; Jacob Crocheron,
1802; Jonathan Lewis, 1800; Daniel (inyon, 1810; Jacob Crocheron,
1811; Jacob llillyer, 1813; Uenry Beriue, 1815; John llillycr, 1819;
Jacob Crocberou,"l821; Walter Betts, 1825; Hannan B. Cropsey. 1828;
Lawrence llillyer, 1831; Israel Oakley, 1831; Andrew B. Decker, 1837;
Jacob tSimonson, 1810; Israel O'Disosway, 1813; Jacob Guyon, ISIO;
Israel O. Disosway, 1S19; Abraham Ellis, 1852; Abraham Lockman,
1855; Isaac M. Marsh, 1858; ]\Ioses Alston. 1861; Abraham Winant,
1801; Jacob G. Winant, 1807; :\loses Alston, 1870; William G. Denyse,
1873; Benjamin Brown, 187(»; Abraham Y. Conner, 1880; Benjamin
Brown, 1883; John J. Vaiii^han, Jr., 1880; John H. Elsworth. 1889;
Edward M. Muller. 1892; John L. Dailey. 1895; Augustus Acker. 1898.

Mciiihcr'i of tlie Colonial As.<<ciithij/: — John Dally, 1691; Lambert Dor-
land, 1691; Ellis Duxbury. 1091-9.5-98; Thomas Moroan, 1692-98-1702;
J. T. Van Pelt, 1092-97-98; John Shadwell, 1693-95; Thomas Stilwell,
1093-98; John Tunison, 1691-95-98; John Woglom, 1098-99; Garret
Veghte. 1099. 1702; John Stilwell, 1702,-25; Abraham Lackerman,
1702-20; Bichard :\lerrill. 1725-37; John Le Count, 1720-56; Adam
:\[ott. 1737-39; lUchard Stilwell. 1739-18; Banl :Micheau. 1718-51; Will-
iam T. AValton. 1751-61; Benjamin Seaman. 1756-75; Henry Hollanl.
1761-(;9; Christopher Billopp. 1709-75.

Coinilji 'rridxinrrs: — 1766-7-8-9 — T;ic(di IJczcau. 1770 — John I'.cdcll.
1771 — Lewis Dubois. 1772 to and inchiding "79 — Jacob Beagle. 1780 —
IJicliard Conner. ap])ointed 1o till \acancy caused by death. 1781 —
Chiislian Jacobson. 1782-3 — Bitdiard Conner. 1781-5 — I'(>ter Bezeau.
1780 — I'.eiijaiiiiii ^licheau. 1787 — Bicliard Conner, to till vacamy un-
111 I he ai)]iointment of Bornt Simonson. 1788 — I'oriit Simonson. 1 7S9
— (io/.en Kyerss. 1790-1-2— Kichard Conner. 17it3. to and including
1820- .jnlin \'. D..lacohson. IS27.loaiid including 1842 — Kichard Cro-
cheron. ISI3-1-5 — Slephen D. Slephens. 1810-7-8 — David .M. .Merser-
eaii. ISIO 5(1 1—Ste|dien D. St eidieiis. IS51-5-(') — Webley J. ICdwanls.
1857. loaiid including 1808 iliiiini -1. C(U-sou. 1808 — Edward T. liar-
ton. IS09--\Vebley .1. Fdwards. 1870-1— Abram Winant. 1S731-.5—
Hugh ^l( l>*(d)erls. IS70. lo and iuclmling 1881 — James M. Knbiuson.
1882. to and imlnding 1 880 — Tames TuUv. 1887. to and including
1894— Mallhew Tally. 1895-6-7 — Tames Wheeler.

.lAc//(/<rr.s- of l.KXf ////////. iiiiilcr llic Stotv Corcnniicnf : — Abraham Jones.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 127

1777-78; Joshua ^iersereau, 1777-78; uu uame recorded in 17i8-'J;
Jo.shua Mersereau^ 1779-80, 1780-81, 1781-82, 1782-88; Adraiu Baucker,
1781; Johaunes Vau Wageiieu, 1781; Joshua Merscreau, 1781-80; (A)r-
nelius Corseu, 1781-85; Joshua Merseroau, 178(); John Douyau, 1780;
Johu C. I)oui;au, 1787; Thomas Frost, 1787; Johu ('. Dongau, 1788;
Peter Wiuant, 1788; Abraham Baueker, 1788-81); Johu C. Douyau,
1788-81); Abraham Baucker, 1781)-'J0; Peter Wiuaut, 1781)-1)()-1)I; (iozeu
Kyerss, 171)1-92-93-1)1; Lewis Kyerss, 1795-9(5-97; Paul J. Micheau,
1798-1)9; J(diu P. Pyerss. 1800; Paul J. Micheau, 1801-2-8; Johu llous-
mau, 1801; Johu Duuu, 1801-5-0; David Mersereau, 1807-8-9; Pichard
Couuer, 1812; James Guyon, 1811-12; James Guyou. Jr., 1812-13-11;
Jesse Oakley, 1811-15; Pichard Corseu. 181('>; llichard C. Corseu, 1816-
17-18; Hariuauus Guyou, 181920; Samuel Bartou, 1820-21-22; Isaac
E. Housmau, 1823; Henry Periue, 1821; Harmiuus Garrison, 1825; no
election in 182r>; Abraham Cole, 1827-28; John ^'anderbilt, 1829; John
T. Harrison, 1830-31; JacobMersereau, 1832-33; Paul Mersereau, 1831;
Lawrence Hilly er, 1835; John Garrison, Jr., 1830; Lawrence Hillyer,
1837; Israel Oakley, 1838-39; Bornt P. Wiuant, 1810; Israel Oakley,
1811; Henry Cole, 1812-13; William Xickles, 1811; Peter Mersereau,
1815; George H. Cole, 1810-17; Epraim J. Totten, 1848; Gabriel P.
Disosway, 1819; Benjamin P. Prall, 1850; William H. Anthon, 1851;
Lawrence H. Cortelyou, 1852; Henry De Hnrt, 1853; Nicholas Cro-
cheron, 1851; John F. Paymond, 1855; William J. Shea, 1850; Joshua
Mersereau, 1857; Eben W. Hubbard, 1858; Kobert Christie, Jr., 1859;
Theodore C. Yermilye, 1800; X. Dane Ellinowood, 1801; Smith Ely,
1802; Theodore Frean. 1803; William H. Putan, 1801; James Eidg-
way, 1805; Thomas Child, 1860; Nathaniel J. Wyeth. 1807; John
Decker. 1808-09-70-71; David W. Judd. 1872; JohuB. Hillyer. 1873;
Stephen D. Stei)hens, 1871-75; Kneehmd Townsend, 1870; Samuel P.
Brick. 1877; Erastus Brooks, 1878-79; Oliver Fiske, 1880; Eras-
Tus Brooks. 1881-82-83; Edward A. :\roore. 1881; Michael
S. Tynan, 1885; Edward P. Doyle, 1880; Edward A. Moore, 1887;
George Cromwell. Is88; Hubbard P. Yetman, 1889; Daniel T. Cornell,
1890; John Crook. 1891; Hubbiird P. Yetmau. 1892-3; Michael Mc-
Guire, 1891''; Michael Conklin, 1895; Gustav Barth, 1890; George
Garby, 1897; Charles J. Kullmann. 1898.

>!iiprrris(tr.'< in J'Jarh/ fohiiiinl Timrs. — There is no recoi-d in Hie
County Clerk's office of Supervisors' names earlier than 1700, except
in a few instances. This is no doubt the result of ilie burning of the
Court House during the Pexdlntiou. Those ]iii(ii- (o 1700 are as fol-
lows:

1699— William Tiljeu. North; Anthony Tyson. West; Abm. Lake-
nmu. South. 1703 — Pichard :\lerrill. North; Stotfel Garrison. South;
Anthony Tyson, West. 1701— Itichard :\Ierrill, North; Tunis Egbert,

ii Minhapl MfOnirc was tlio Doinocratio ran- Hcpnlilican oaiirtirtatp. and a few days before
didali'. and roccivcd tlio cortiflratp nf r-lprtion. tlif flcisc of the session, the case was deeldod
A contest was made by Michael Conklin. the in liis favor.

128

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

West. 1705— Aaron Prall, Xorth; Tuuis Egbert, West; Stoffel Van
8aut, f^outli. 170G— Tuuis Egbert, West; Aarou I'rall, North. 1709
— Alex"r Stuart, South; Jacob Corseu, North; Tuuis Egbert, West.

SniK'Tis-ors of ihe several toicns in RiclniiniKl Count i/ since the begiiiniin/
of the i/nii- 11(U>: — 170)0 — IJichard Couuer, Castlctou; Joliu Poillou,
Southlield; Nicliohis Duiju.v, Westtield; John llillyer, Northlield.
1707 — Nifliolas Dupuy, Westtield; llidiard Couner, Castleton; John
ToiHou. Southfield; Joliu Iliilyer, Jr.. Northficld. 17<;S—rii chard
Couuer, Castletou; Nicholas Dupuy, Westtield; Johu llillerd, Jr.,
Northfield; John Poillou, Southtield. 17()9 — Nicholas Dupuy, West-
ti(dd; Iiichard Couner, Castleton; John llillerd, Jr., Nortlifield; An-
thony Eountain, Jr., Southtield. 1770 — llichard Conner, Castleton;
John Hillerd, Jr., Northfield; Nicholas Dupuy, Westtield; Anthony
Fountain, Southtield. 1771 — llichai-d Conner, Castleton; John Hill-
yer, .Tr., Northlield; Adrian Baidcer, Westtield; Christoi)her Jacobson,
Southtield. 1772 — John llillyer, Jr., Northlield; Adrian Banker.

^^'osttield; Eichard Conner, Castleton;
Christophei- Jacobson, Southtield. 1773
—John B. nillyei-. Jr., Northlield;
Adrain Bancker. Westtield; Bichard
Couner, Castleton; Christo]iher Jacob-
sou, Southtield. 1774 — Richard Couner,
Castleton; Cliristiau Jacobson, South-
field; Henry IVrriue, Westtield; Bornt
Siiuonson, Northfield. 177.j — Bichard
Conner, Castleton; Christian Jacobson.
Soiithti.-ld; TTenry Berrine, Westtield;
I'xirut Siuionson, Northfield. 177(i —
llcury Perrine, Westtield; Chris-
tian Jacobson. South-
field; Borut Siuiousou.
Northtii'lil; B i c li a r d
C(UiU('r. ( 'astletou. 1777
— llcuiy I'erriue. West-
tield; ('hristian .lacol)-
son, Soutliticld; Borut
Siuionson, Norlliticld;
Bichard Conner. Castle-
Inii. 177S — Henry Per-
rine. Wi'sttield; Chris-
lian Jacobson. South-
field; Borut Siuiousou.
Norlhtiehl; i; i v h a r d
Conner. ( 'astletou. 1770
— Bichard Conner, Cas-
tleton; Bornt Simon-
sou, Northfield; Christian Jacobson. Southfield; Henry Perrine, West-

BILLOrP FAMILY ULKYIMi-llKOL N i. \1
HKNTLEY.

Mil M \N<1K OK

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 129

tit'kl. 1780 — liicliiird Conner, Castleton; Borut Simonson, [Xorthtield;
Christian .Jacubsun, Soutlilield; Henry IVrriiK'. Wcsttield. 1781 — Kieli-
ai'd Conner, Castleton; liornt Sinionson, Xortliticdd; Henry I'errine,
Westti(dd; Christian Jaeobson, Houthtield." 1782 — Kiehard Conner,
Castleton; Henry rcrrinc. AVesttield; Cornclins Corsen. Xortlititdd;
James Gnyun, ►Sonthtield. 1783 — liiehard Conner, Castleton; Henry
Periine, Westfield; Cornelius Corsen, Northtield; James Guyon, South-
held. 1784 — Hendriek (iarrison, (.'astleton; Cornelius Corsen. North-
held; Anthony Fountain, youthheld; John Totten, Westtield; Ariz
Kyerss, clerk. 1785 — Gozen Kyerss. Northheld; John C. Dongan, Cas-
tleton; Peter Winant, Westheld; James Guyon, Southheld; Ariz Ky-
erss, clerk. 17SU — Gozen IJyerss, Xorthtield; Itiehard Conner, Castle-
ton; James Guyon, Southheld; Peter Winant, Westfield. 1787 — Kieh-
ard Conner, Castleton; John Wandel, Southheld; Gozen Kyerss,Xorth-
field; Peter Winant, \\'estheld; Ariz Kyerss, clerk. 1788 — Joshua
Mersereau, IXorthheld; John Wandel, Southheld; Kichard Conner,
Castleton; Cornelius Cole, Westtield; Kichard Conner, clei'k. 178!) —
John Tysen, Xorthfield; Peter Cortelyou, Southheld; Richard Conner,
Castleton; Benjamin Larzelere, Westheld. 17!t(l — llichard Conner,
Castleton; Peter Cortelyou, Southheld; John Micheau, Westfield; Cor-
nelius Bedell, Xorthfield; IJicliard ('ouner, Jr., Clerk. 1791 — Jolin Ty-
sen, Northfield; Kichai-d Conner, Castleton; Peter Cortelyou, South-
field; Jolui :Mi(lieau, Westfield; Richard Conner, Jr., Clerk. 1792—
Jcdin Tysen, Xorthheld; John Micheau, Westfield; Peter Cortelyou,
Southfield; George Barnes, Castleton. 1793 — Peter Cortelyou. South-
field; Cornelius Cole, Westheld; Abrnliani Burbank, Castleton; Cor-
lius Cole. \A'estheld ; Abi-aliaiii Burbanck, Castleton; ( 'oi'n(dins Bedell,
nelius Bedell, Xort liheld. 1794 — Peter Cortelyoii, Southheld; Corne-
Xorthfield. 1795 — Peter Cortelyou. Southfield; Abraham Burbanck,
Castleton; Cornelius Cole. Westfield; Cornelius Bedell. Xortliheld.
179(i — Benjamin J^arzelere. Westheld; Abraham Itnrbanck, Castleton;
John Tysen, Northfield; Daniel Lake, Southfield. 1797 — John Tysen,
Northheld; Abraham lini-bamk. Castleton; l>aniel Lake, Southfield;
Benjamin Larzelere, Westficdd. 1798 — Benjamin Larzelere, West-
field; Abraham Burbanck, Castleton; John Tysen, Xorthfield; George
Barnes. Southfield. 1799 — Jacob Mersereau, Southfield; John Hous-
man, Castleton; George Barnes, Southfield; Benjanun Larzelere,
Westfield. 1800 — George Barnes, Southfield; Benjamin Larzelere,
"Westfield; John Housman, Castleton; Henry Croclieron, Xorthfield.
1801 — Benjamin l.,arzelere, Westfield; John Housnum, Castleton;

11 " Itiehmond County, ss. Novpiiibcr .vo 19 " Brxj'k Seaman. .Tiidgp.

1782 .It a meeting of the .Tiidge nnd Supervi- .. hexhy rEuuiXE
sora of said county Jolin Miilienn tlic surviv- .

Ing loan offleer came and exliiliited liis ac- " RiniAKD ( oxxEii,

counts and made it apliear tliat tlierc is still ".Tames Guvon.

<liic to the loan otticer which has never came " eoitNEi.irs Cohs!>:n.
Into his hands and yet due on the niorlKaKcs Supervisors.

the sum of four hundred and four pounds six- _/-,or7r,/;»r;« of Ihr Iloanl of ftupcrvixorg. 17.S2."
teen shillings.

130 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Henry ( 'niclirion, Nortliliekl; George Barnes, Soiithtiekl. 1802 — John
Housiiiaii. ( "asrlcton; llenrv Crochcron. Northtield; John \'. 1). Jacob-
son. Sdiitlilit'ld; ( iilbcit Tot ten, WCstticld. 1808 — John < Jarrison. ( 'as-
I Ictnn; Henry ( 'roclicron. Noil liticld ; J(din \'. ] ). Jacobson. Smil hticdd;
Gilbert Totten, Westhebl. 1804— IJichard S. Cary. Casth-tou; Henry
Crcxdieron, Northtield; John V. D. Jacol»son, Sonthticdd; <illbert Tot-
ten, ^\■esttield. 180r> — John Tysen. Ji., Castleton; Nicholas Croch-
ei-on, Northtield; Jcdin \'. ]>. Jacobson, Sontlitield; (iilbert Totten.
W'esttield. ISOt; — John 'fyseii, Ji-.. Castleton; Nicholas Crocherou,
Northtield; John ^'. 1). Jacoltson. Soiitliti(dd; Gilbert Totten, AA'est-
tield. 1807 — Tcdin I'ysen, Jr.. ("astieton; Niclndas Crocherou,
Northtield; John \'. i). Jacobson. Southtield; Gilbert Totten, \Vest-
field. 1808 — John Tysen, Jr.. ( "astieton; Henry Crocherou. Northtield;
John V. I). Jacobson. Sontlitield; Gillx-rt Totten, Westtield. isoit —
John Tysen, Jr., Castleton; Henry ('rocherou, Northtield; J(din \'. 1).
Jacobson, Southtield; Gilbert Totten, Westtield. 1810— John Ilons-
nian, Castleton; lleniy Crochei-on, Northtield; John \'. J). Jac(d)son,
Southtield; Gilbert Totten, \\'estti(dd. 1811 — Jacob Tysen. Castleton;
Henry Crocherou. Nortlitield; .lohn V. D. Jacobson. Southtield; Gil-
bert Totten. Westtield. 1S12 — Jacob Tysen. Castleton; Henry Croch-
erou, Northtield; John \'. I). Jacobson, Southtield; Gilbert Totteu,
Westtield. 1S13 — Jacfdi Tyson, Castleton; Henry Crocherou. North-
tield; John v. I). Jacobson. Southtield; Gilbert Totten. Westtield.
1S14 — Jacob Tyson. Castleton; Henry Crocherou. Northtield; John V.
1). Jacobson. Southtield; Gilbert I'otten. Westtield. 1815— Jacob Ty-
sen, Castleton; David Mersereau. Noil liticld ; Jcdui \'. H. Jac(d)sou.
Southtield; Gilbert Totten. Westtield. 181(i— Jacob Tysen. Castleton;
Kichard Cro(dieron. Northti(dd; Ilarnianus Guyon, Southtield; Gilbert
Totten. \\'estheld. 1S17 — lac(d) Tysen. Castleton; Kidiard Croch-
erou Northtield; Harnianns ( iuyon, Soulhh(dd; (Jilbert Totten, West-
tielil. 1818 — Jacob Tysen, Castleton; Ilichard Cro(dieron. Northtiidd;
llaiiiianus Guyon, Southtield; Gillurl Totten. Westtield. 1810 — Ja-
cob 'l\\seu. Castleton; Kidiard Crocherou. Northti(dd; Ilarnianus Guy-
on, Southtield; Gilbert Totten, Westtield. ISl'tl — Tacob Tysen. Castle-
ton; li'iclianl ( 'i-oiliei-on. Northtield; llaniiaiiiis (iiiyoii. Xoii liticld ;
Gilbert Totten, W(stlield. 1821--Jacob Tysen. Castleton; Uicliard
Crocheidii. Northtidd; Henry i'errine. Southtield; Gilbert Totten.
Westtield. IS22 — Isaac !.'. I lonsin.-in. Cast leloii ; Kichard ( 'roclicron.
Nortlilield; Harnianns Guyon. Soiii liticld ; (iilbei-f Totten. Westtield.
\S'2'.\ Isaac It. lloiisinan. Cast lelon ; Kichard Croidieron. Xortlitield;
llarniaiiiis Ciiiyoii. Sonililicld; ( lilberi Tot ten. Westtield. 1S24 — Isaac
If. II on sill, 111. Castleton; William I'm II. Nort liticld; I lainiaiins Gnyoii.
Son I h field ; ( ;ili)eil Tot tell. Westtield. ISL'.") Is.iac K. I loll sill a 11. Cas-
llcioii; Nicholas < 'loclieron, Ndrl lilield ; Harnianns (iiiyoii. Sontlitield;
Gilbert Totten. Westtield. I S^C. — Isaac Iv. I lousnian. Cast leton; Xidi-
olas Crotdieron. Northtield; llarniainis Guyon. Soulhlield; Josejih Se-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. VM

guiue, Westtield. 1827 — Isaac IJ. Ilousiiian, Cast Icloii; Nicholas Cio-
cheron, Xurtlitield; Harmauus Guyon, Soutliticld; (iilbert Tottfu,
Westfiekl. 1828 — Isaac 1\. Hoiismaii, Castlctoii; Nicliolas Crochcrou,
Xortlitiekl; Haniianus (Jiiyoii. Soiitlitiehl; Kichaid Jackson. \\'cst-
field. 1829 — Isaac K. Housinaii. Castlcton; Nidmlas Cioclici-on. Nortli-
lield; Uaniiaiius (iuyoii, Southticld; Daniel .Mciscrcaii. \\'t'sttii'ld.
1880 — Isaac K. Iloiisnian, ("asTlcton; Xlilmlas Croclicion. Xoil litidd;
Harmaniis <iny(in, Soutlitield; Daniel .Meisei-ean. Westtield. IS'M —
Isaac I\. IltMisnian. ("astletnn; Janu's reriine, N(irthtield; Ilaiiiianns
(.luyou, Southticld; haniel Mevsercau, ^^'estt^eld. 1882 — AlnaJiani
Crocliei'on, Castieton; -lames Perrine, Nortbtield; Ilainianus (iuyon,
Sonthfield; Daniel .Mersereau. Westtield. ^S'.VA — Abialiani Croclieion..
Castieton; Jacob Sinnnisou, Noitlitiebl; llarnianus (iuyon. Soutlitield;
Daniel Mersereau, Westtield. 1834 — Tolin (ianison. Jr.. Castieton;
-Tacob Sinionson. >>'ortliti(d(l; Antliouy Joliiison, Soutlitield; Rornt I*.
\Viuaut. Westtield. 1883 — John (larrison. Jr.. Castieton; Jacob Simon-
son, Xorthfield; Anthony Johnson, Soutlitield; David Latourette,
Westtield. 188(! — John (Jarrison. Jr.. Castieton; Jacob Sinionson.
Xorthtield; Anthony Johnson. Southtield, David Latourette, West-
field. 1837 — Nathan Barrett, Castieton; Jacob Sinionson, Northtield;
Samuel Cod(liuij,tou. Soutlitield; Josei)li Se^iiine, Westtield. 1838 —
Xathan Barrett. Castieton; Jacob Sinionson, Northtield; James LJuy-
on, Southtield; Joseph Sej;uine, Westtield. 188!) — Jacob De Groot, Cas-
tieton; Jacob Sinionson, Northfield; James (Juyon. Southtield; Joseph
Seguine. Westtield. 1810 — John C. Thom]>son. Castieton; Jacob Si-
nionson. Xortlitield; James Guyon. Soutlitield; Israel Oakley. West-
field. 1811 — Petei' Laforye, Castieton; I'eter ^lersereau. Xorthfiekl;
Samuel Coddinjuton. Southtield; Bornt P. Winant. Westtield. 1842 —
Peter Laforge. Castieton; Peter Mersereau. Noi-thtield; Samuel Cod-
dington. Southtield; Bornt P. Winant, Westtield. 1848— Albert
Ward. Castieton; I'eter Mersereau. Northtield; Samuel Coddintiton..
Southtield; Bornt P. Winant. Westtield. 1S44— Kder Vreeland. Cas-
tieton; Peter ilerserean, Xorthlield; Alexander 11. Britton. South-
field; Jacob B. Cropsey. Westtield. 184r)— Eder \'reeland. Castieton;
^lichael Yiui Name. Northfield; (i<'orii(' H- Cole. Southtield; Jac(di K.
Cropsey, Westtield. 1846 — Richard Christopher, Castieton; Nicholas
Crocheron. Northtield; Farnli.ini Hall, Southtield; Andrew Eddy,,
Westhcld. 1S47 — Kobert .M. Hazard. Castieton; Nicholas Crocheron..
Northfield; James Guyon. Southtield; E]>hiaiiii .1. Tdtten. Westtield,
1848— Robert :\r. Dazard. Castlet(m; Oliver K. .Martin. Northtield;
James Guyon. Southtield; P.ornt P. Winant. West Held. 1841)— llich-
ard Christopher. < 'ast letoii ; Jacob Sinionson. Noit htield ; John ( '. Gar-
rison. Southtield; lOiihraini J. Totten. ^Vestfield. IS.IO— Josejih B. IT.
^lartliniLi'. Castieton; ( Janet G. Post. N'oi't htield ; James Guyon, Soul h-
tiel.l: Jesse Oakley. Westtield. 1851— Joseph B. H. IMartlin.o-, Castie-
ton; Lawrence llillxci'. \nit htield ; .Tames Guvon. Soutlifh'ld; Saiiinel

132

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

H. Frost, Westfleld. 1852— Joseph 1!. II. Martliug, Castletou; Garret
1*. Wriiilit, Xortbtield; Saiimcl Hailoii. Soutlitield; Raiiinel II. Frost,
WCslticld. 1853 — (Jeorgv li. Davis, Castletou; Charles \'au Name,
Noiilitield; Jacob W. Mersereau, Soiithlield; Samuel H. Frost, West-
tield. 1851 — Joshua Mersereau, Castletou; Kiehard C. Moore, Xoi-tli-
Held; Jacob W. Mersereau, SoulIiHeld; Sauiuel H. Frost, West field.
1S55 — (iabriel Martiuo, Castletou; James G. Burger, Xorthtield; Jo-
se])]i Eiibert. Soutlield; Sauniel P'rost, Westtield. 185() — Klchai'd
Christo]i]ier, Caslletou; Lawreuce Ilillyer, Xorthtield; Joseph Egbert,
Souililicld; Sauiuel II. I'rost, Westfleld. 1857 — Eicbard Christopher.
Castletou; Garret G. Post, Xortlitidd ; Saumel Rartou, Sonthtield;
Gilbert A. Cole, Westtield. 1858 — Kichard Christopher, Castletou;
Garret G. I'ost, Xorthtield; Johu C. Garrisou, Southfield; Williaui H.
Kutau, A\'estfield. 18511 — Kichard Christo])lier, Castletou; Garret G.
I'ost, Xorthtield; John C. (iarrisou, Southtield; Williaiu II. Kutau,
Westfleld. 18G0— John J. Chile. Castletou; Garret G. Post, Xorth-
fleld; John C. (iarrisou. Soutlitield; Williaiu H. Eutan, Westfleld; Ja-
cob E. Wood, Middletowu. 18(;i--Sinitli Ely. Castletou; Garret G.

Post, Xorthfleld;

I > e u u i s K e e I e y,
I Southfleld; William

II. Eutau, Westfleld;

( ieorge B. D a v i s,

Middletowu. 18(>2—
Castle-

3 Smith Ely,
^ ton; Peter C. La-
f o r g e, X'oi'thfleld ;
Deuuis K e e 1 e y ,
Southfleld; Gilbert
.V. Cole, Westfleld;
Alexander Ihuaiby,
.Aliddletowu. 18G3 —
Da^id L. Gardner,
Castletou; Tlionias
Child. Noi-thlicld; Dennis Keeley. Souililicld; (lilbert A. Cole. \\'est-
lield. isiil -David L. ( iardiner, CasI lelon; ( "harles Van Xame, Xorlli-
field; Dennis Keelcy, Sonlhlichl; Ahiaham II. N\'ood, ^^'estfl<'ld; John
I'.crhirl. .Middlclown. 18(15 — Tames 11. Crabtree, Castletou; Thomas
Chihl, Noil liflcid; James Coci-oll, Soulhfleld; Abraham II. Wood,
^^■est(ield; D. Poit<-r Lord, .Middletowu. 18()(; — loseph Esterbrook,
Castletou; Isr.icl C. Dcnyse, Xorlhliclil; l-ip|iiaiui Clark. Southfleld;
Abraham J. \\'oo<l. Wesllield; Tlicodore I''r<'au. .Middlclown. 1807 —
Xalluin .M. Ural Caslldon; Israel C. Denysc. Xorlhlield; lOphraiiu
Clark. Sonlhlicld; Abrahani .1. Wood, W'esllicid; D. Poller Lord, .Mid-
dlclown. IS(iS Kicliaid ChrisloplM r. Casllelon; John II. N'an Clief,
Xorlhlield; J. S. Kettellas, Souililicld; Samuel E. Erick, iliddletown.

OLD BILLOPP HOUSK, KKKCTED IN 10(J8.

From a sketch by F. W. Kost. in IHS'i.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 133

ISi'A) — lik-liard ('In istdplicr, Castletou; Joliu 11. \'aii Clief, Nortlitickl ;
Edward P. Barton, Sduthtield; Abraham J. Wood, Westfield; Samuel
U. Brlfk, :\liddlct()\vii. 1870— Archie I). Pell, Castletoii; John II. Van
Clief, Northlleld; I'liilip Bradv, Soutlitield; George W. Ellis, West-
field; Samuel R. Brick, Middletowu. 1871— Robert B. Miuturn. Cas-
tletou; John II. Van Clief. Xorthfield; Dennis Keeley. Soutlitield;
George W. Ellis, Westfield; Samuel K. Brick, .Middletowu. 1S72—
John D. Vermule. Castletou; John B. Hillyer, Northfield; George J.
(rreenfield, Sonthticld; Abraham J. Wood, Wcsttield; Alvin C. Brad-
ley, Middletowu. lS7:j — John 1). \'ermule. Castletou; (huret Siiuou-
son, Northfield; Ge(U'ge J. Greenfield, Southfield; Abraham J. ^^'o(ld,
Westfield; Jolin E. Armstrong, Middletowu. 1S71 — Richard
Christopher, Castlettm; Garret Siuumson, Northfield; (ieorge
J. Greenfield, Southfield; Henry H. Seguinc, Westfield; Fred-
erick White, Middletowu. 1S7."') — Richard Christopher, Cas-
tletou; Garrett Simousou, Northfield; William Corry, Southfiidd;
James <4uyou, Westfield; Henry Frost, Middletown. lS7(i —
Richard Christopher, Castletou; Richard Latourette, Xorthfield;
Williaui Corry, Southfield; Jacob M. (Juyon, Westfield; Henry
Frost. Middletowu. 1S77 — Charles A. llerpi(di, Castletou; Rich-
ard Latourette, Xorthfi<d(l; William Coi-ry, Southfield; Henry
II. Guyou, Westfield; Theodore Fi-ean, .Middletowu. 1S78 — Charles
A. Ilerpich, Castletou; Kicliard C. Latourette, Northtfield; William
Corry, Southfield; (iilbcrt C. Deane, Westfield; Theodore Frean,
:\Iiddletown; John .Meehau, clerk. 187!l— Charles A. Ilcri.ich,'- Castle-
tou; Alfred Z. Ross. Xorthfitdd; Timothy 1). O'Rrien. Southfield; Gil-
bert C. Deane, Westtiehl; (ieorge ISechtel, Middletown; Abram Wi-
jiant. clerk. 1880— Edward Kcillcv. Castletou; Cyrus B. W^hite. Xor-tli-
field; Xathanicl .Marsh. Sonthticld; Gilbcrl C. Deane, Westfiehl;
George Bechtel. .Middletown; Ahraiii Winant. (Icrk. 1881 — Robert
.Mooi-e, Castl(4on; Abram Crixdicron. Xoilhh(dd; Nathaniel :Marsli.
Southfield; Gilbert C. Deane. \Vestfi(4d; George I!e(ditel, :\riddletown;
Clarence M. Johnson, ( leidv. 1882 — Robert Moore. Castletou; Abram
Cro(dierou, Xorthhidd; Xathaniid [Marsh, Soiilhlicdd; Jesse Oakley,
AVestfield; George P.e(dit(d, .Aliddh town ; Clarence .M. .Tohnsou,
clerk. 1883 — Robert .Moore, Castletou; Abram ( 'fo< heron. Nortli-
fiidd; Nathaniel :\Iarsh. Southfield; Jesse Oakley. Westfield; George
Bechtel, Middletowu; Clarence .M. Johnson, clerk. 1884— Robert
Moore. Castletou; John II. Van Clief. N(.r1hfi(dd; Nathaniel .Marsh.
Southfield; Jesse Oakley. Westfield; George Beclitel, .Middletowu;

12 In thf s|ii-inK of 1870, tho Bo.iVd of Super- pniil oiU (jf tlic treasury, and llic Inflirlincnt
visors voted to appropriate an amount of mon- was set aside. Cliarles A. Uerpieli. tlie uiem-
ey to aid in defra.viu); tlie expenses of unveil- lier from Castletou. tlie eliairman. was in Eu-
ing a monument ereeted in Bethel Cemetery. rope at the time. On his return home he re-
nt Tottenville. to the memory of the men who sinned as supervisor. ber-MUse of the indiKuily
had enlisted from Staten Island and had died thus plaeed upon liim and his fellow-members,
in till' war. The members of the Board were lOdward Iteilly was appointed by Ihe Castleton
indieted by the Orand .Jury for " misappropri- Town Board to fdi the vaeaney.
atiuf; funds," Tiie nnmey. liowever. was nr»t

134 HISTORY OI' STATEN ISLAND.

( 'l;ii ciicc .M. -Johiisoii, flcrk. 1885 — Kobert Moore, Castleton; ( "yriis li.
Wliitc. >s'oitlitit'lil; Niitliaiiii-l Marsli, Soiithticld; Jesse OiiUley. West-
ticld; (icoi'm' Bi'chtel. Middlclowii; < "hiiciice M. Jolnisoii, clerk. 1880
— KoIxtT .Moore, Castletoii; ("ynis J'.. White, Xortlitield; Natliauiel
Marsh, f^oiitlitield; A. Sylvester .(oliiic Westrtehl; (Jcoriie Hechtel,
Middh'town; Chireiice M. Jolmsoii. cleric. 1887 — llohert .Moore, ("as-
llcldii; Edward I'. l»nyh\ Northtield; Nathaniel .Marsh. Suiithtield; .V.
Sylvester .Joliiie, W'esttield; (ieor^c Rechtel, .Middletowii; ('lai'eiice
M. .Tohlisoll, (lerU. 1S88 — IJohei't .Moore, Castletoii; iOdward I*.
l>oyle. Xorlhtield; Nalliaiiiei .Marsh, Soul litiehl ; .M.raiii Cole. W'est-
ti(dd; <ieor;i(' Jtechtel, .Middletnw II ; ('lareiice .M. -lohiison. clerk.
188!t — Kobert .Mooic. Castletoii; l>;d\vard 1'. Doyle. Xorthheld;
Natliauiel Marsh. Soiithtield ; .Vbraiii <'ole. W'esttield; Julius
Credo. Middlelowu; Clarence .M. Jcdiiisoii. clerk. IS'.IO— Kobert
Moore, Castletou; Edward P. ]>oyle. Northtield; Natliauiel .Marsh,
Southtield; Abram Cole. Westheld; I'eter H. Waudel, Middletowu;
I'^raiikliu C. Mtt. clei-k. IS!tl -Kobert .Moore, Castletou; J. Howard
\'au Name, Northti(dd; Natliaui( 1 .Marsh, Southheld; Abraiii Cole,
Westfield; Julius Credo, Middletowu; Fraukliu C. Vitt, olerk. 1892—
Eobert .Moore. Castletou; J. Howard N'aii Name. Northheld; Nathan-
iel .Marsh, Southtield; Abram Cole, W'esttield; Julius Credo, .Middle
town; Franklin V. Vitt, clerk. 1893— James E. .AIulli<;au, Castletou;
J. Howard N'an Name, Northtield; Nathaniel .Marsh, Southtield;
Abram Cole. W'esttield; John 1.. I'"eeuy. Middletowu; I'^raukliii
C. Vitt, clerk. 181I4— Daniel Campbell. Castletou; J. How-
ard \'au Name. Northtield; Nathaniel .Marsh. Southheld;
Abram Cole. Westheld; John I,. I'eeuy. .Middletowu; I'rankliii
C. \'itt. cleik. \S'.\r} — (Jeorjic .M. I'iuuey. Jr., Castletou; Edward !'.
Do\le. Nortliti(dd; Nathaniel Marsh, Southtield; Abram Cole, ^\'est-
tield; J(diu L. Eeeny. .Middletowu; Franklin <'. Vitt. clerk. 18!m;—
John L. Dobson, Castletou; Edward 1'. Doyle, Northtield; Nathaniel
.Marsh. Soutliti(dd; Abram C(de, Westheld; John L. Feeny, Middle-
town; I'rankliu C. \'itt, clerk. 18!)7 — .^u^ustus Acker, Castletou; VA
Avard I'. Doyle. Northtield; Nathaniel .Marsh. Southheld; Hubbard K.
■^'etiiian, W'esttield; John L. I'eeiiy. .Middletowu; I'laiiklin C. N'itt.
clerk.

CHAPTER XVI.

THE BILLOPPS AND THEIR HOME.

HE liistoi y of t^tiiteu Islaud can not be truthfully aud fully
written witliout telling the long and interesting story of
the Itillupps and tiieir home, for the Island was practically
controlled by that noted family for more than a century.

It is well, at the commencement of th(" slory, to go back to the little
village of Coventry, in the heart of Uld England, in the troublesome
days near the close of the Sixteenth Century. Barnard Billopp was
born in that place, and at the age of seventeen enlisted as a cavalry-
man in the service of the Crowu. He became an t)fficer as a reward of
merit, was repeatedly promoted for bravery, aud finally died from the
effects of a wound received in a duel with a fellow oflicer. It is
known that his parents resided at Coventry, and left him an orphan at
an early age.

Barnard left two sons, Christopher and .James, and the latter is said
to have won the warm friendship of (^ueen Elizabeth by once saving
her precious life at the risk of his own. He was presented with a com-
mission in the English navy, which he declined and accepted a court
appointment as, perhaps, more congenial to his nature. James had a
large family. His eldest child, a daughter, is said to have left her
home mysteriously, after slie had grown to womanhood, and served in
the English army as an officer, her disguise not being detected until
after several years of active service. According to tradition, .James I.
was so pleased with her conduct that he ordered her pay to be con-
tinued after she had been mustered out of the army. Her brother,
Christopher, became a merchant in London, and was a government
contractor under diaries I., who granted him this favor because of
his marriage to a lady belonging to the court circle.

Christopher had one son, whom he also named Christopher, and
who was born in London about 1638. He was educated for a naval
officer, by direction of the King, who held his father and mother in
high regard. He received a commission as captain, and made several
important voyages to distant parts. In one of these he was captured
by Turkish pirates, who wounded him severely and left him lying up-
on the shore for dead. After many weeks of suffering he was picked
up by an English vessel and taken back to his home.

In the Spring of lOGT, Christopher Billojip sailed from lOngland in
the " Bentley," a small vessel carrying two caiiii'in on her deck. She
reached the banks of Newfoundland after several weeks of tossing
about on the ocean, and almost inniiedi;i1ely started to make a cruise

136 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

along tlie coast of New Ketlierlauds. It is uot defiuitely kuown
whether he was iu the service of Charles II., or whether the venture
was of a private nature.

^^'heu it was known iu England that New Netherlaud had been re-
duced, and was now actually iu the possession of the English, Lord
William Berkeley and Sir George Carteret, two of the royal favorites,
induced the Duke of York, probably intluenced by the King, (his
brother), to give them a patent for the territory west of the iludsou
and (he bay, and as far south as Cape May. This was named Nova
L'aesarea, or New Jersey. With thirty emigrants, composed of Eng-
lish and French, Captain I'hilip Carteret, a cousin of vSir George, and
Governor of the new territory, sailed for New York; but by stress of
weather was driven into tlie Chesapeake. While lying there he for-
warded despatches to Bollen, who was commissary at the fort in New
Yoi-k, and also to Nicholls.

Tills was the first intimation tlie Governor had received of the dis-
memberment of tlie extensive territory over wliich he ruled, lie was
both astounded and chagrined. He had already conveyed several
parcels of land within the limits of the new graut, and regarded the
wh(de of it as the best part of the duke's domain. He remonstrated,
but it was too late; the duke evidently thought he had been too pre-
cipitate; l»ut as he could not well retrace his steps, he suffered matters
to remain as they were. Cartel et arrived in New Y'ork about mid-
summer, 1GC5, and immediately took possession of his government.
He chose Eliziibethtown as liis capital.^ It is said that when he first
lauded on the soil of Ne^^• Jersey, he carried a hoe upon his shoulder,
in token of his intention to devote his attention to the promotion of
agriculture.

After the Duke of York had conveyed the territory of New Jersey
to Carteret and Berkeley, a doubt arose whether Staten Island was not
included in the grant, by the terms of the charter. Carteret, the Gov-
ernor, not the proprietor, did not lay a positive claim to the Island;
in a certain way he admitted that it did not belong to his jurisdiction,
and accepted a conveyance for a tract of land on the Island from
Nicliolls, the Duke of York's agent. In 1G68, however, the Island
" was adjudged to belong to New York," and the old stone house on
the beautiful slo])e overlooking the Raritan bay, still stands to remind
the ])resent generation of that important period.

As we cross tlie Hiresliold of this ancient structure, (uir minds wan-
der back througli I lie dim avenues of history, and we recall so much
that has aided nol only to form the early records of Richmond county,
but to lay tlie vei-y foiiiHhition of llie nation. We go back to tliat

1 Aflcr Uio ills:i|ipi':u-Mli f l';ipliiln I'lirls- iiwii Mrccird. In mnsliliTMl Inn of the f.i.'t that

toplicr Billopp, Ills wife, wlm ivm.Tliu'il at the his life was lost at sea, while obeying this or-

Manor of Hentley, leeeived a pension from the der. the widow was compensated from the

King. Some writers l)elleve that lie had boon royal treasury.
ordered back to England, and did not go on his

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 137

memorable Summer day wlu-ii the Island woodlands were clothed in
their richest verdure, aud the wiudhig trails oi the ludiau lay amid
bowers of wild llowers, now aud theu leadiiiy up to an isolated Hol-
land cottage or a rude cluster of wigwams. \\e glance across the
quiet hay, glisteuiug beneath the noonday sun, and we behold a small
sailing vessel, after a tenii)estuous voyage of many weeks, drawing
near to the port at the rude little hamlet of Perth Amboy. We wit-
ness, too, the dissensions and the clashing among men which sectional
strife and personal interests have caused, until at last a half-Hedged
monarch places upon it all the strong hand of authority. We see the
Duke of York, long before he drew near to the fullihnent of his cher-
ished day dream of ascending the throne of England as James the Sec-
ond, deciding the fate of Staten Island; and this old house stands here
to-day as a monument to the memory of that event. As we have be-
fore stated, up to the year IGGS it was a disputed question whether
Staten Island belonged to New' York or New Jersey, aud, tired of the
annoyance that this fact gave, the Duke decided that all islands lying
in the harbor of New York which could be circumnavigated in twenty-
four hours should remain in New York, otherwise to belong to New
Jersey. Captain Christoplier Billopp, as stated, undertook the work
and was successful. In consideration of this service, the Duke of
York presented Captain Billopp with a tract of land containing eleven
hundred and sixty-three acres, on which he built the Manor of Bent-
ley. Most of the material Avas gathered on tlie plantation; but the ce-
ment, which holds the great thick walls together so firmly, came from
England and the bricks from Belgium. Captain Billojjp set to w'ork to
build the house shortly after he got possession of the land, but he did
not receive his deed for the property until IIJST. Slun'tly after his lo-
cation on the Island he married a sister of Thomas Farmar, who was
a Judge of Bichmond County in ITl-l, and afterward removed to Perth
Amboy, and a few years later became a Supreme Court Judge of New
Jersey.

In 1674, the Duke of York, by permission of the Kiug, organized a
company of infantry of one Inindn-d men on Staten Island; of this
Billopp was commissioned second lieutenant. In Km", while residing
on his plantation, he was ap])ointed by Covernor Andros, who had
succeeded Lovelace, " commander and sub-collector of New York, on
Delaware bay and river." While occujued with the duties of these
offices, he " misconducted " himself by making " extravagant speeches
in public "; but of tlie subject of tlit'sc sju'ccIk'S we iwc not informed.
They were probably of a ])olitical character, aud must have been pe-
culiarly offensive, for .\ndros recalh^l liiui tlie next year, and deprived
him of his militarj- commission. This action of the Governor was ap-
proved by the Duke of York, who directed that another should be ap-
pointed to fill the vacant lieutenancy.

Billopp then retired to his ])lantation on Staten Island, there to

138

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

brood over the ingratitude of priuces, or perliaps over bis owu follies
and indiscretions. Nothiuj-' more is lieard of liini for two years, when
be again appears as one of a number mIio preferred complaints or
charges against Andros, to the Duke of York, some of which must
have been of a serious nature, as the Duke thought it necessary to
send an agent over to investigate the matter, and on receiving his
report, Andros was summoned to appear in person in England to
render his accounts. This was probably in ir.SO or lOSil. when Brock-
hoist succeeded Andros.

Here we lose positive histoi-ical trace of Christopher Billopp. Tra-
dition says that in tlie early ].ait of the eighteenth century, he left
Staten Island and sailed for England in his ship, the " Bentley," and
was never heard of afterward. He left ih. male issue; but he' had at
least one daught(>r. She was b(U-n on llic 22d of ^Mardi. 1712, and

OI.li lULLIlI'l' IIOU.SK, AS IT APl'KAitKl) IN 1844.

they calleil her Eugenia. She was tenderly reared by her mother,
who remained at the :Manor of Bentley, and died at au'advanced age
and was buried in the family burying ground, now marked by a tall
cedar tree standing on a knoll in a field east of the old house.

Eugenia lUlIopp was educated in the Berth Amboy academy, (still
standing and occupied as an almshouse). Her cousin. Tliomas l\irm-
ar, Jr., (son of Judge Thomas Farniar, to whom we liave alluded),
attended that school at the same time. Eug<>nia is said to have been
a beauliful and accom])lished Avonian, and Thomas Famiar a young
man of marked abilify. The cousins were married at an cariy age
and inherited the Manor of Bentley. In cn-der to satisfy the ambition
of the A\i(low('(l motlier of Eugenia to perpelua(<' (lir family name.
young l<^•lrmar adojdcd the name of Billoiip.

Thonuis I'^armai- BiHop]) is well known lo the readers of local his-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 139

tory. He beoaiiu' ;i iiiiiu of proiiiiiiciicc, uml was lodked up to by not
only the peoi)le of Statcii Island, but by those of this aud the adjoiu-
inji, States. lie bccauic a Major of the Stateu Ishnid militia and an
associate judyc of the county courts, beside holdinj^ various other
positions of trust. His charming wife made their home one of tiie
centers of colonial society and entertained in a lavisli manner. Their
resilience in those days was surrounded by a deli<:,hlful park, beauti-
fied by shrubbery and flowers, and in and around the venerable struct-
ure all was done to niadden the eye and heart that skill and refine-
ment could dictate. Thomas and Eugenia exercised a great intim'uce
with the Indians and allowed a tribe of the Karitans to settle on tlieii-
estate, and remain there as long as they desired. They encam](ed
about where the centei- of the village of Tottenville is now located.
and relics n{ I he de|)arled i-ace are to this day freipiently found in the
vicinity.

Thomas and lOugenia died comparati\'el\' _\(Ming. he in his thirty-
ninth year and she in her twenty-third. Their remains were laid
away in the family burying ground, sad to say to be desecrated in
later years.- Whi'u the ](ro]ierty tinally fell into the luinds of (ieneral
Lloyd Aspinwall. lie oi'dered the cemetery entirely demolished, the
bones of two gcMierations of Jiillop])s and scores of friendly Indians
and faithful slaves removed to a garden near St. Paul's .M. E. Church
in the village, and the sacred ground to be thi-own into a commons.

Several years ago, the writer, in com])anv with a fi-iend, s])eut inaTiy
days in and around the (dd IJillojjp house. We found the old brown
headstone that had formerly marked Thomas I'.irmar Billopp's grave
leaning against the fence on the highway, in a good state of preser-
vation, and Ave set to work in earnest to discover its mate. We were
successful after a time in finding enough of the ])ieces to make the
record perfect, and we placed them together for the ])urpose of pres-
ervation. The inscri])tions on these two headstones are as follows:

" Here Lyes y" Body of Evjenea y" Wife of Thomas Billopp.
Aged 2;; vears Dec"^ March y'^ 22'^ '7 35-'

" Here Lyes v'' Body of Thomas Billopp Fsq' Son of Thomas
Farmar Esq"" Dec'' August y'^ 2"^ 1750 In y''39th year of his Age."

Thomas and Eugenia had two children — a daughter and a son.
Salley, as the daughter was callecl in the family records, married
Alexander Eoss, of Elizabetbtown, \. J., where she lived for a num-
ber of years. The son, born about 17:U, was named (Miristoplu'r, in
honoi- of his grandfather, the foiinder of the fanuly on Stateu Island.
He, too, was educated at Terth Amboy. and was left an orphan before
he attained matuic manhood. Early in life he took an active interest
in public affairs, and, iidieiiting the rehned tastes of his parents, also

2 Tbp f:ii]]ily liiii-.vilic-Kronncl ..f 111.' Cillupps lli.' |iio|ii-i-l.v fnilii ClirlstiipliiT I'.illi.pp I" Cali'li
can not bf k-gall.v taken for any ..Hut pur- W.'inl. Thai sale was lc(,'al in every respect,
poso, as it was reserved in llie .onveyaiiei- of ami its Iimmis are ennseiincntly liiiMliiiir.

140 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

ruse to social distinction. The following (loscription of Colonel ("liris-
toi)liei- P>ill(ipp is fui'nished by a friend:

•• ("liristopjier Jiillopii was a very tall, soldierly iookinji man. when
in bis prime, lie Mas exceedingly proud, and bis pride at times led
bini to tlie verge of banglitiness. Yet be was kind-bearted, not only
to tbose wbom be considered bis equals, but to bis slaves, as well
as to tbe jioer people of tbe Island. No one went from bis door
at tbe old mannr bungry. It was bis custom to gatber tbe people
of tbe Island once a year on tbe lawn in front of bis bouse and bold a
' barvest liduie.' lie deligbted to talk to tbem and offer advice for
tbeir welfare, lie was po])u]ar witb tbe people. He was fond of
dress, and was scrupulously neat in bis attire. He kept bis coacb
and liveried driver and footmen. Passionately fond of borses,
bis stable was tilled witb tbe liuest-bred animals in tbe land. He
was a maguilicent rider and was very fond of tbe saddle. He was
an expert slujt Avitb a pistol, wbicli once saved bis life, wben be was
attacked by r(dd>ers. Cbristoiiber Hillopp was not a man to take
advice, unless it instantly met witb bis favor. He generally regarded
bis own o|iini<.n sn].erior to tliat of otbers, especially if tbeirs did not
accord witb bis own. Life-long friends i)leaded witb bim to join tbe
cause of independence at tbe commencement of tbe Revolution; but
be cbose to follow tbe fortunes of royalty. He was a good citizen, a
noble man — bis misfortune being tbat be was on tbe losing side of a
cause in wbicb be bad everytbing at stake. He saw. wben too late,
tbe erroi- be bad committed in sacrilicing tbe borne of bis fatbers."

('liristoi)lier r!illo]>p married wben quite a young man a sister of
Alexander lioss, of Elizabetbtown, (tbe busband of bis sister. Salli(-).
Two dangbters were born by tins marriage. Tliey marrie<l lienjamin
and Henry Seaman, of :\Iarsbland. His second wife was Jane, daugli-
ter of Benjamin Seaman, and it would tbus seem tbat bis second wife
was a sister to bis sons-in-law. Tbe old bouse in wbicb (Miristopber
Hillopp and Jane Seaman were man-ied stood near tbe S(uitbern ap-
l>roacb to tbe Fresb Kill bridge, and was demolisbed but a few years
ago. We once conversed witb an aged colored woman, an inmate
of tbe Couiity Almsbouse, wbose motber was a slave in tbe Scnman
family, and witnessed tbe marriage ceremony. A large family was
tbe result of tbis mari'iage, of wbicb we will s])eak later on.

About 1750, Cbristopber Billo])p was aitjiointed •• ( "bief of I'olice of
Picbniond County," and beld tbe office for a number of years. He
was repealedly a member of (lie Colonial Legislat \ire. Immediately
ui)on tbe arrival of Sir William Howe and bis army on Siaten Island,
Cbristopber I'illo]*]) was commissioned a lieutenant -colonel of militia,
and be org;ini/,ed ;i battalion of iiilantry. Colonel r.ilio]ip was i>racti-
cally tile provost niarsbal of Slaleii Island I liroiiglioul llic b'cvoiu-
tion, and bis men did no service beyond I bat of ])i-ovost gnaid. witb
one or two exceptions, wben tbey were forced to figbt to esca])e
capture.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 141

Culoiiel IJilldiip's iuteus*^ loyalty Uj the British Cruwu made him
exceediugly uupupular with those people of iStrtteu Island aud New
Jersey who believed iu the iudepeudeuce of the colonies. Commtmi-
catiou between the Island and New Jersey had been [irohibited by the
British atithorities, and he was very active in enforcing the prohibi-
tion. The colonists of ]S'ew Jersey were very bitter in their hostility
to him. and on two different occasions made him a prisoner of war.
Perth Amboy is jnst across the waters of the Earitan bay, and on
one of these occasions Colonel Billopp was observed going into his
house by some Americans who were stationed in tiie steeple of St.
Peters church in that town. As soon as they saw him enter his
abode, they ran to their boats, rapidly crossed llie river, and he
was soon made their captive. The British, then in possession of
Kew York, had conlined iu irons several Americans who had been
made prisoners, and to retaliate for this measure ('olonel liillopp
was taken to the Burlington (N. J.) Jail. We here copy tlie mittimus,
as a matter of curiosity, and as showing the lui-tliod of doing such
things at that eventful period.

'■ To the Keeper of the (Vmimou Jail of the CouMly of Burlington,
greeting: — Yoti are hereby commanded to receive into your custody
the body of Col. Christojihcr liillopj). prisoner-of-war, herewith deliv-
ered to you, and having put irons on his hands aud feet, you are to
chain him down to the floor in a close room, in said jail, and there
to retain him, giving him bread and water only, for his food, until
you receive ftirther orders from me, or the commissary of prisoners
for the State of New Jersey, for the time being. Given under my
hand, at Elizabethtown, this sixth day of Xov. 177!).

"ELISHA r,()lJ)lX()T,
" Com. I'ri-s. Xcir Jersei/."

Commissary Boudinot at the same time expressed his regrets to
Colonel Billopp that circumstances made such treatment necessary;
"but retaliation is directed, aud it will, I most sincerely hope, be in
your power to relieve yourself from th(^ situation by writing to New
York to procure the relaxation of the sufl'erings of John Leshier aud
Capt'n Nathaniel Bandal." Colonel Billopp's companion while iu
prison was Lieutemiut-Colonel Simcoe, of the "Queen's Itangers."
Colonel Billopp evidently profited by the suggestion of Commissary
Boudinot, as he was shor-tly after released from Die Burlington jiris-
on. His second capture was effected in I In- iiiuiii linic and Colonel
Billopp was taken back to Burlington .lail. Being stricken with
fever a day or so after iiis arrival tlieic, lie was transferred in the
house of a friend, by ]ierniissinn of (Icnci-al Washington, and wiien
able to be removed, was sent to his home on 8taten ishind, by order
of the same general. The insecurity of his home on the i)anl<s of tlie
Raritan was no lunger a ipicsi ion wil li ( "olonel Itillopii, :i rid ga I liering
his f:iinil\- ni-onnd him In- took a fai-ewdl look al llie familial- and

142 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

beloved liaimts, and departed from them forever. Wliat sceuess, wluit
reveries, what hallowed associations must have been reawakened
in the mind of the man at that hour, as he sa< lihced the ancestral
home, witii all its dear and tender recollections, to satisfv his con-
science in remainini!,- loval to the uovenniicnt of his fathers.

During the Avar, liowever. Colonel I'.illopp disposed of some parts
of his estate. On ti.e lOtli of .May, 17S(». he s(dd to Joseph Totten a
tract of twenty acres and another of three and a half acres in the
Manor of Hentley, for £2:i7> currency, and on the I'ilth nf the same
month he sold to Ucnjainin Drake a liact of sixty acres from his
estate, for £(i(l(( currency. On the hrst of .May, 17.S1, he and his Avife
Jane, conveyed to Samuel ^^■ard. of Kicliniond County, for £;>,7;>(l cur-
rent money (tf the city of New \drk. the tract op])osite I'erlh Anibov,
known as the .Manor of Hentley, " Containint;' three humlred and SeV
enty-three Acres of l>aml and salt meadow, be the same in (Quantity
more oi- Less, beini: r>«nni(led lOasterly by Land of said Albert Eick-
man Norlhcrly by the river or sound at Low water nnirk ami westerly
and southerly by the 15ay at Low W'atei- mai-k." In tliis conveyance
houses, barns, ferry iiouse and dock. o\ildiouses and stables are speci-
rted by name. From the tract is reserved for tin- heirs of Colonel
Hillo])]) sixty feet sipiare tor a burial place, the headstone of his
fallier being the centre of such reservation. This ])rovision has been
ci'uelly \iolated.

Aftei- the wai- Colonel Itillojip. wilh tifty-four other fannlies of
Loyalists, in ITs:!. jietitioned Sir Cuy Carleton for extensive grants
of land in Nova Scotia. Colonid liillo])]) soon after wi-uT to
\ew Brunswick, in that ])rovince, where for many years he bore a
promineiil jiart in I Ik- administration of public afl'airs. lie was a
member o! (he House of Assembly, and llie council, and on the death
of (iovernor Smythe. in 1S2:'>. he claimed the presidency of the govern-
ment, and issued his proclamation accordiniily ; but the Honorable
Ward Chi]iman was a coni])elilor for the sann- station, and was sworn
into oflice.

It is icc(M(lcd in the K'ichnioud County Cjerjv's ollice on Jul\ Kith,
17.S4, that Isaac \'an Stoutenburgh and IMiiJi]) \'an Cortland. Com-
nnssioners of l^nfeit tires foi- the Southein District of New ^'ork,
made t lie roilowing sale:

"Sold to Thomas jMcFarreii of t lie City of New ^■ork. .Mercliaui. for
the sum of Tour thousand six hundrecl and ninety-live ]ioun(]s Lawful
.Aloney oC t lie said state — All that certain Tract nv i)arcel i>( Land

situate J.,ying and being in the County of Kich nd and Manor of

Hentley. Ilmnnhd Southerly by I he I!ay or water called l'rinc<-'s l?ay,
westerly by the river that runs between the said Laud and Amboy
X(U-therly partly by the Land of Jac((b Keckhow and |)arlly by the
road and lOasterly partly by the road and ])artly by the Hay. (N>ntain-
ing Eight hundred ami tifty acres and half an acre ami which said

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND. 143

tract is divided into tlie several following Farms and Lots of J^and —
three liundred and seventy-three acres thereof in possession of Samnel
Ward — Two hundred Acres in the possession of Albert liycknian.
Fifty-three acres in the possession of .John .Manner — Fifty-three acres
in the possession of Andrew I'rior — Twenty-hve aci-es in the posses-
sion of James Chnrchward. sixty-seven acres and a half acre in the
possession of Benjamin Drake — Twenty-three acres and a half acre
in the possession of Joseph Tot ten — i^leven acres and a half acre in
the possession of Jacob IJeckhow — Toiivtliei- wirh all the Buildinj^s
and Improvements thereon Erecti^d and made i'orfeited to and
Vested in tlu- I'ectple of this state by the Attainer of Christo])lier
Billopp late of the County of IJichmond Es(|uire.'"

When we compare the contlictinii stateuK^its contained in these
closing paragraphs, both of wliicli were taken from the records, it
wouhl seem that the (lovernmenl had seized and disjtosed of a portion
of the property whicli Colonel Billopp himself had sold. But as the
parties mentioned in the former paragraph held the therein described
])roperty for many years after the war, and i)oi-tions of it are still in
possessh)n of their lieirs, we take it for granted that the fii'st state-
ment is correct. Tlie first record Avas maile under the Colonial gov-
ernment, during the Revolutionary war, and the latter under the
new Federal government. But it is probable that the legality of the
sale was not recognized by the Commissioners.

(CHAPTER XVII.

THE BILLOPPS AND THEIR HOME. CONCLUDED.

E HOW ictmii to the ]K'ii()(l of the Ikevolntidu. Prior to
<'iilinicl ltill()]i])".s (lc])iii-tui-(' from the old Iimusc it was fre-
i|uciiilv, if uol iiliiiost constantly, tlii' .scene of nnich splen-
dor. Colonel J!i]lopi("s social and niilitaiy standinji' nnule
liini a \('iy jnoniincnt tiyiire of the day. and in his home lie enter-
tained with that snjierl) hosjiitality characteristic of Colonial times.
(Jenerals Howe. Clinton. Knyphaiisen. Cleveland, Cornwallis. Unr-
yoyne. and scores of otiier diynitaries were his i)leased and weloume
liuests. And yet there was one otlier incident more important than
all others that transjiired in the (jld Mancn- of Jtentley. Immediately
after the severe battle of Long Island, in 17T<>, Lord Howe sent a
conimnnication to t hi' Continental Conuress. then assembled in Phila-
delphia, by General ►Snllivan, who had been captured, solicitin;;' that
a committee from that body might meet him, to confer on the issues
of the war, with a liojie that peace might be established. For this
l)urpose, Benjamin I'ranklin, of Pennsylvania; John Adams, of ^[ass-
achusetts, and Edward IkUtledge, of South Carolina, were appointed.
The old house having been vacated by the I?illopits, was now used
as a military barrack, and had beconu' ver}' filthy, and the room on
the right of the main li.ill. on entering, was cleansed and prepared

for occupancy during the interview.
Loid Howe desired to dictate terms of
]ieiice. and the Continental Congress
had appointed these men to learn what
he had to say. Along the sloping lawn
in front of the house long lines of troops
thai foi-mcd the \'cry tlowcr of the Eng-
lish aiiiiy were drawn up. between
which the distinguished commander es-
corted his no less distinguished guests.
Lor(l llowc was no doubt sincere in his oft-e\'](ressed desin- for
pc'icc, and he intimated lo the coiiiinissioners that he \\'as clothed
with sulticient ])ower for the ])urp(>se. lint as llowc hail ri'i|uested
that ( 'ongress should send its re])resen1ativ(»s as private citizens, (ien-
eral Sullivan re(ui-ned with the word Ihat it would send non(> save in
I heir olUcial <'apacities. Howe acce](ted these terius, and on the (iHi
ila\ of Seiilcniber, 177<i. fhi'\' c.-iuie.

KOO.M IN 111,1) iiii.i.ori' lloisi-: IN
WHICH THK IXTKK\'IK\V WAS IIKI.D.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 14-5

Lord Howe met the Cuiuiiiissiouei.s in a very courteous nuiuuer, aud
at ouce proceeded to explaiu the nature of the ](()\vei- with wliich
he had been iuvested, whicli was siniplv to extend the royal chMuency
aud full par(h)U to all repentant rebels who would lay down their
anus ;,iid return to their allegiauce. The Commissioners informed
him that they were not authorized to entertain any propositions
which did not recognize the ixilitical independence of the colonies.
Lord Howe replied that he had a great regard for the Americans as
a peojile; but that recognition of their iiide])endence was a matter
beyond his authcuity, and could not f(jr a moment be entertained, aud
that their precipitancy was painful to him aud perilous to them-
selves.

Mr. r'rauklin answered that the jjeople of America would endeavor
to take good care of themselves, and thus alleviate as much as possi-
ble the pain his lordship might feel in conse(iuence of any severities
he might deem it his duty to adopt. This terminated the brief in-
terview, and the committee rose to make their departure. Lord
Howe politely accompanied them to the shore, the party returning
between long lines of grenadiers, which, to use the language of Mr.
Adams, " looked as fierce as ten furies, aud making all the grimaces
and gestures, aud motions of their muskets, with bayonets tixed,
which, I suppose, military etiquette requires, but which we neither
understood nor regarded."

On the way down. Lord Howe again expressed his regret that he
was unable to regard them as public characters, to which Mr. Adams
replied, " Your Lordship may consider me in whatever light you
please, and indeed, I should be willing to consider myself for a few
moments in any character whicdi would be agreeable to your lordship,
except that of a British subject." To this l^ord Howe replied. " :Mr.
Adams appears to be a decided character." The consequence of this
exhibition of Mr. Adams' inde])endence and fearless spirit was subse-
ipiently appareut, when the list of unpardonable rebels was i)ub-
lislied, prominent among which was the name of John Adams. The
■' fortunes of war " were never better exemplified tliau A\hen a year or
so afterward. John Adams was sent to lOugland as tlie first minister
l>lenipotentiary of the new government of the T'nited States of Amer-
ica.'

The old Biliopp House was eularged several years prior to the
Revolutioti by the addition of the rear part with the sloping roof.
Dormer windows ornamented the roof overlooking tlie bay, and there
was a colonial porch in front. The latter changes were made in

1 " Tho momentous iiilcrvicw nt tlic Old Tlici-c was no iiKi'i'i'iiwril. im iciiniciliatinn. In-

Billopp House, between the Olil World .ond dopiMidenee was mainlalni'd. Tlie result w.is

the New. was an event regarded with extreme limned by llie hand of God, and Is seen In the

solieiiude liy the people of both at that day. progre.ss of a enntinent and the aehievements

With ihe devehipnients of time, it rises into of a eentur.v all over the world." — Jlistorirnl

the grandeur of a great battle-point and monu- Ski'trhrs of Hlitliii IhIiiikI, hi/ Hon. OnhrUl P.

nient of history. The interview was brief. [linoKwai/.

146 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

1.S44, wIr-u the windows were lemuved aud the loug piazza ererted.
An (dd-lashioued liall runs through the original building, with its
stairc-ase free of all ornanientatiou.

The old kitchen is a place of interest. Tiiere is the great tire-
place, really large (Miough for half a (htzen ])eoi)le to stand in at a
time, while at its back is the huge oven of wliii-h so much has beeu
written. And there, too, it is remarkable to state, is the original
iron trainmel, and iianging to which are all the hooks and chains
that were |)laced therc^ more than a centui-y and a half ago. Above
this, on tlie thick walls of the cliimney, are the hooks on which, in
days of yore, they used to hang their meat for smoking. The kit( hen
is in the low part, which also contains a sitting and dining room.
There is a unique corner cupboard in the kitchen which formindy
stood in one of the large front rooms. It bears evidence of once hav-
ing been a icceptacle for silver and other valuabh' wares.

A curiosity is the inside stair\\ay to the l)asement. Little and
big stejts lead at right angles down into one of the most unique spots
imaginable. Above ar(^ the great whiteoak beams, so hard that it
seems impossible to penetrate thi'Ui with a l^nife blade, and they
rest on a foundation of huge stones about four feet in thickness, and
held together by a Hint-like cement. In this old basement is hiid
one of the scenes in " Tlie Water Witch,'' one of Fennimore Cooper's
novels. The floor is of brick, and close beside the main entrance is a
fii'e-])lace tliat cori-esjionds with tlie one in the kitchen. This base-
ment, there is every reason to believe, was originally used as a kitch-
en. In the rear of it — oi- ratlier, on tlie Nortli side — is located a
strange, dungeon-like cellar, which, tradition tells us, was used for
im]»risoning many a ]>atriot of tlie TJe\dlution. while the Billopp
House was a British outpost. 'I'lie theory has been advanced for
many years that there was a secret subway from the basement down
to the river, about two Inindred yards distant.

The room on (lie right ol' the entrance to tiie main liall is the old
parlor, and is tlie one in which the famous interview was held. ( >n
tlie opposite side of the hall is the dining room used during the times
of the Billojjps. It was originally a very large room, but several years
ago was divided into two. One can easily ])icture in his mind some
of the gay l»an(iuets tlial lia\e been given in this old room; can imag-
ine I lie powdered A\igs and rich costumes gathered together in tJiose
old days at Benlley. Whal a cliaiiii they add to the willing imagina-
tion as the scenes come back lo us only in the faded gloi-y that serves
to enchant the nicniory of the ]iast.

< Ml the second llooi- thcie have been no material changes during
the I \\(( long centuries. Hut those rooms are a study within tliem-
sel\'es. How iiiaiiy a soul lias " dream pt Ihrongh the cnrtain'd
sleep" in I hose old loouis that now slee|i a dee])(>r slumber in The
groundl I'lain. simple, rich with age and eiubellislKMl with history
— that's all t hat can be said of them here.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 147

The old garret — sliades uf boyhood, what reveries till the miud up
tliere! The stroiiii winte uak bi'ains, mortised and braced in every
direction, hard aud tiriu with age, covered wilh great, long shingles
that were undoubtedly the hrst to form the roof — how many have
they protected from tlie sun, the wind and the raini The old " slave
quarters" on the north end of the floor were tniu away many >ears
ago, ;in<l the garret is now one large room. For at least one hundred
aud tifty years the slaves of the Billopps. the Wards, and other uuis-
ters slept in that old gaiTet. Among the superstitious there is an
ill-founded tradition that a niunh^r was coiuuiitted in this garret some
time prior to the lievolution; but as there is nothing in the (A)urt
records to substantiate the statement, we cau pnt it down as one of
those tlimsy myths that almost always hover over the moss-covered
walls of old buildings of this class.

The Billopp house is the oldest structure standing on Staten Is-
land to-day, and is rapidly going into decay. The old doors and
windows that were in service at the commencement are still there,
but they are greatly worn, aud iu many places about the house thert
are evidences of the devastation aud ruin of moth and rust.

Colonel Christopher Billopp died at St. John, N. B., March 2Sth,
1S2T, being then over niiu'ty yi-ars of age. His wife, Jane, who was
about twenty years younger, died in the same city in 1S02, aged forty-
eight y(^ars. Colonel Billo]ii)'s funeral was an occasion of great solem-
nity throughout the city, ](iaces of business being closed and various
other tokens of respect shown. Beside the attendance of ci\ic bodies,
the local militiiry org;uuzations acciunpaiued the remains of the
(dd soblier to his grave and tired a farcAvell salute. The St. John
DaUji 'r<l(iinijili on .Marcli I'Utli, ihe day after tlie death, contained the
follnwing notice:

•■ Died, last evening, in the ninetieth year of his age," tln' Hon. C.
Billo])p. a member of His Majesty's Council iu this Province. He was
formerly fnnw Stateu Island, N. York, where he oAvned a very valua-
ble property, but from which he was driven by his tirm and inllexible
loyalty; for his intrepid zeal aud indefatigable exertions in the Royal
canse during the American Iiebcllion, brought u])on hiui the \(mi-
geance of the lie\olutionary goxcrument aud idaced him and Ids
possessions in the proscribeil list. Since then he has resided in this
Province, and was an active aud useful re])resentative in its first
House of Asseml)ly; and during a long life he has ever been distin-
guished for the strictest houm- nud integrity, and an undeviating
independence of mind. His funeral will take place from his late resi-
dence in King's street next ^Monday, at two o'clock. AA'lien the fi'iends
of the family are resjjectfully re(|uested to attcTid."

The rejuains were intei-i-ed in ilu' Si. John cemetery, now Incaied

G The age given in the f!t. John Tdiijraph is ;T"."i. wliieh shuws that he was iiinilv-two
an error, as Colonel liillopp's mother ilied in years old when he ilied.

148

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

in the ct'uter of tin- City uf St. .lulm, and liis tomb hcai-s this iu-
.sciiptiou:

'• Saci-cd to the moniory of the Honorable Christopher BiUopp, a
member of His .Majesty's Coiuieil in this i'roviuce, whose uiicompro-
misin"' lovaltv and distintiuished exei'tions as a Lieutenant-Colonel
in the IJoyal cause during;- the Ameriran rebellion, obliiiied him, at the
termination of tliat contest to abandon, withont com])ensation, his
hereditary property on Staten Island, and retire with his family to
this c(dony, wherein he since resided at Saint .T(din. universally re-
spected. He died on the 2Sth day of .Marcii. ISi'T. in tiie ninetieth
year of his age.''

The im]>ression has prevailed tliat Colonel llillojip died a ]»oor man;
btit sucli was not tlie case. His will sliows tliat lie had considerable
land ,111(1 ]tei-soiial ]iro]icity in St .John. X. ]>.. and over .f75,0(l(l worth
of slock invested in London. Tliis lie (li\ided anioni; his children and
grandchildren.

Colonel Billop]) hail a son. born on Staten Island in 17(i".t. named
John Willett, and another, born a few years later, named Thomas.
They setth-d in the City of New York, and had a dry goods store on

l.roadway, in the vicinity of Trinity Church,
.bihn never marrieil. Tiiomas married ^[iss
.Moore, of Xewtown. ivMig Island. When the
yellow fcNcr scotirged the city. -lolin said to his
binliiei-: " Tlumias, it is unnecessary that both
slionid stay here. You have a family, and your
life is of more conseriuence I lian mine. Co into
tiie country until the sickness sulisides."
Thomas did as recpiested. while .T(dni remained
in I lie cily and fell a \i(lim to the disease.
Thomas soon failed in business, and then re-
cei\ing the ap])ointment of caiitain, from the
celebrated ^Miranda, who. in 1S()<;, fitted out an
ex])edition in the TTnited States for South
America, with the view of establishing a republic at Caracas. Thomas
was caiilnred by the Sjianiards and shot. The idd colonel survived
liol li liis sons.

Colonel 15illo])p had four ilanghtc'rs. Louisa married John Wallace,
VjS(].. surveyor of the customs. .Mary became the second wife of the
IJev. .\icli(|eac(>ii Willis. i<mIoi- of Si. Panl's. Ilalifa.x. Nova Scotia,
and died llierein Is.'ll.at i he age (d' foiiy-l hree \ears. .lane became
the wife of I he Moll. \\'illiam Itlack. of St. .Tidin. and died in is:5(i.
.\iin, I lie \-onngesl daiigliler. was a uiaidcii la<l\. and was llie last

of ('oloiiel I'.illopp's inn liale faniilv lo \isii llie anceslral lionie-

stead. She came here in ISLM. and il is said of her ili,-il " she took
SONIC llnwcrs of an old niini|ic| creeper vine llial was growing on llie
house, and some mils and wild cherries from I rees ihal were growing

SIR KI>MUNI> .\NI)ROS.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. IJ.9

ill the burial iilot, and (Pii licr rctiiiii cairicd tliciii to her latiici- in
2sew Bruuswiolv. Jt is said tliat 011 Ixduddiui; tiiciii the heart of the
old colonel melted with emotion, and he wejit lik( a cliild."

The descendants of Colonel ( "hristoidiei- J'.illopp have passed on to
the fourth geueratiou, and are now scattered throughout the domin-
ion of Canada, and in Englaml. Thev are people of whom any com-
munity might well be proud. The four grandsons of Mary Uillopp
Willis are, the Kev. llobert S. Willis, of England; the Rex. Cuthbert
Willis, of Halifax; John Willis, also of Halifax, and William Cliris-
toi)her Willis, of Glasgow, Scotland. The graudchildreu of Jane
Billopp Black are the Hon. John Black, member of the Provincial
Legislature of New Brunswick, and Mrs. Harriet Paddock, wife of
M(UTis \'. Paddock, of 8t. John. This estimable lady visited 1 he old
Billopp House, in company with the writer, in (lie autumn of 1S90.
Ir^he inspected the various rooms with an interest indescribable, and
beheld them with a sacreduess worthy of the honorable memory of her
ancestors. Here and there she gathered a mute trophy to carry to
her far-off home, to keep as treasured mementoes of this most memor-
able day in her life.

That Colonel Christopher Billopp did not submit to the contiscation
of his Stateu Island property, without making an effort to secure pay
ment for it from the English government, is positively proved by the
following letter from Colonel John (iraves Simcoe, the first governor
of Upjier Canada :

" WOI.FOltri LODCJE, XEAH HOUSTON.

•• August nth, ITSo.
" Slit: — I luid the favour of your letter, two ]iosts ago. A very se-
vere illness prevented me fiom immediately answering it. I am per-
fectly well ac(]uainted in common with other ofticers that Col. Billo])])
was uniform in his opposition to the I\ebels against the country and
decidedly attached to her iutei'est; that in the b(-ginning of the dispute
of the House of Assembly of the province of New '^'ork he signalized
himself ])y an o])eii and manly ojtiKJsitiou to the ]u-evailing party; &
that from the imuuent of our arrival at Stateii Jsland, to the hour
when I left America, he acted as Colonel of Militia,' the i)ai-t of a
brave and loyal subject — some incidents I had the fortune to be par-
ticularly acquainted with, that make his charactei- as most strongly
deserving of publick favour. And to the notice of this country in
these disastrous times of a I most a \ owed seltislniess. and |)arl\ mis-
representations, the true character of iriilitary men are onl\ to be
found by the estimation in which they are held by I lie j)ubli<-k enemy.
And this rule is most certaiids ap|ilicaiile and would jnsll\- dis-
criminate the different degrees of merit on which the Loyalist fcuinds
his claims, for the support i^ protection of (iovernmeiit. This test

5 The highest rank hfld by Chrislopher Bll- having been a full oolonpl. We have eopipd
lopp was that of Licutenant-Colonci of mllltla, ihc insrriptlon from his tombstone, In St.
although historians generally credit liini with .[.iliri. N. 1;., wliiih we assnme Is eorreet.

150 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Colo. Hilloj*!) can fully slaiid. \Nlicii he had the misfortuue of beiug
takcu inisoiici', lo piiiiisli him the Uebcl ('hieftaiu Washiiigtou broke
thro" a fiiiKlaiaeiilal rule. AlIiioiii;li lie was taken by a party of the
Coutinental Army, as they term it, received his parole as prisoner to
it, yet he was i;i\('i) up, oi- rather turned over, to the ^^tate of New
Jersey, who also broke thro" another lieneral rule, and under pretence
of retaliation for a miscreant, (who was accused of murder), one of
the foulest drej^s of the peojtle, couHucd Mr. J'.iliopp, a man of ;L;i'eat
projicrty, a colonel in our service, in Iturlinytoii (Jnal, where he was
chained down to the tlom' for several weeks and fed on bread and
water. This 1 was witness of, as 1 was at the same time, for reasons
of state, conhned in the same tioal.

'* I hav'e amonj;- uw papers a copy of his minimus, and of the let-
ter that I wrote to ;\lr. \\ashini;ton in his bidialf, which if tliey can
be of the least service 1 will send for and transmit to you. After
Col. Billopp was releas'd I commanded the outpost of Richmond in
8taten Island, i^: ujxm the Rebels crossiui;- the Ice on the hard winter
was cut off from the main posts of the Island. Col. Jiillopp imme-
diately joined me, & eudeavour'd with myself, but in vain, to pre-
vail on the other inhabitants to throw thems(dves into the post. Ilis
behaviour was most conspicuous, and had it been imitated I had been
enabled to have been of great service, which indeed was of little con-
.sequeuce, as the Enemy acted with their accustomed Cowardice &
Ignorance. Many, if not all, who then refused to come into my re-
doubt must become fugitives from their country, and I doubt not will
rate their claims as high as those of the (iallant Colonel.

" Thus, sir, I have detailed to you what I know of Colonel Billopp,
and if you choose to methodize any certificate or testimonial, I will
most readily sign it, as I am impress'd with the highest respect for his
character, and he is among those on whose calamities my mind dwells
with bleiMJing attention. 1 have the honor to be. sir, your most obedi-
ent iV: most humble servant. " J. Cuavf.s Si.mcoe.

" To :\Iu. Davis."

There is reason to believe thai ("(donel Billopp was compensated by
the English government for the loss of his laud on Staten Island, as it
is well known that the Loyalists were rewarded for their fidelity.
Colonel i'.iiloi»]) was a leadei- of men and measui-es and was at all
times in favnr wilh tlie ("rown. That i)art of tlie estate which was
confiscaled by the (ioverumeiit has been cnt u]> into sites f(M' liun-
dreds of homes, I hi' village <A' Tollenville being located upon it. while
thai known as I he .Manor of ilentiey. in<lnding the old Billopp House,
remains int.-icl .

('aleb Ward, who pniiiiased I he pi'opeTly from Colonel Billo])]).
just afler he \acaled i(, during the war, was succeeded as owner by
his son, A. B. K. Ward. He died in that house. It then became
the property (d' .Mi-, (irimes. .lohn B. Simouson purchased it in 1S44,

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 151

;iiul luiule extensive alterations in the bnilding. Leonard I'arkinson
owned it later, and it was sold to Lloyd Aspinwall, who held it for
many years, and it was for almost half a centnry occnpied by IJichard
Christopher, who died in 18t)(). A number of gentlemen, known as
the Bentley Manor Company, purchased it in 1S87, with the evident
intention of making extensive improvements; but financial depression
destroyed their plans. At a foreclosure sale it was purchased by Mr.
Charles H. Leland, of New York City, who is now the sole owner.

Several attem])ts have been made to secure control of the venera-
ble building- in order that it might be preserved as an historical relic,
but as yet without success. The last effort consisted of the ap])oiut-
ment of a commission of citizens of Staten Island, composeil of the
following gentlemen: Ifead Benedict, Henry 1'. Morrison and Ira K.
Morris, of Castleton; George T. Jones, Paul V. Masters and Frank
Foggin, of Northfield; David J. Tysen, X. J. Ostrandcr and Joseph IT.
Nelson, Jr., of Middletown; Hubbard K. Yetmau, Abram Cole and
Arthur W. Browne, of Westfield, and William Allaire vShortt, Henry
Peguine and Daniel T. Cornell, of Southtidd. The officers of the com-
mission are, Ira K. 3IoiTis, I'resident; (ieorge T. Jones, "N'ice-Presi-
dent; Hubbard K. Yetman, Treasurer; Joseph H. Nelson, Jr., Secre-
tary, and William Allaire Sliortt, Counsel. The object of the commis-
sion is to get control of the old mansion and have it repaired for
preservation, and to make it the historical headquarters of the Island.

CHAPTER XAail.

THE FRENCH AND INDJAN WAII.

K()M the time of the discovci-v of Stateu Islaud uue war fui-
Inwed anotlicr. ami in them all the Indians practiced their
ciuelties either for their own benetit, or for that of such
nations as could secure their friendship. This was geu-
ciallv i)ui(liased. an<l was, conseciueutly, seldom if ever lasting. In
all I lie Indian wars Htaten Islanders bore their part of tin- conHict,
and we doubt that a solitary battle-field can be recalled but that
it was reddened by the blood of those who had made f>taten Island
their home. It matters not where the scene of carnage was located —
whether in New England, or in far-off parts of the great State of
New York, or the Western frontier, or the South — Stateu Islanders
l)roved themselves good soldiers and maintained the dignity and
honor of their home.

It is not uncommon with hisloiians and oTlieis to demmnce and
execrate tlie conduct of those early Indian warricu-s as wanton and
savage. They Averi^ doubtless cruel — they were savage. ^^■(■ would

not become their ]>anegyrist. But let it be
remembered that, if they cannot be excul-
jiated. there aic mitigating circumstances
whi( h should always be mentioned in connec-
I ion with their mo.st inhuman barbarities. The
infiuences of Christianity never bor<» u])on
them. They inflicted no greater tortui-es upon
the l^nglish thati they often inflicted upon
ni III r |)risoners of their own com]dexion. liut
in addition, they were fighting for tln'ir own
8K.M.oKEAST.;i-.Hsi.v. ,.,,„,itry. Tluw ' wcrc [ .a ii! oi s ' and they saw
in the ](rogress and i(ros])erity of the English, the downfall of Indian
])ower — t he annihilation of Imlian title. They were ralhers. Iinsbainls,
and fall well did I hey know that soon llioir lamily relations wnnld
be broken Up and the inheritance of their (dnldren for e\'er fail.
Who can blame llieni for wishing to perjx'tmite their hold on their
nali\c hnni ing gronnds. oi- lea\ing to their jiosierity an inheritance
dear to (hem as ours is to us? We cannot justify I heir treachery —
tlieir imlisci-iminat<' ami wholesale bnlcheries; but surely we may ad-
mire t heir bravery. I licii- endurance, their jtalriotism!

Ihiiinu the three wars of Kim; ^^"illianl, ()neen .\nue, .ind (ieoru'C'

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 15;3.

II., till' snffcriiiiis of the iioithcin ((iluiiit-s \v<n-e seveiv and protracted,
or were intermitted only at sliort interval^,. The hostility of the In
dians was Icept alive, and oft<'n kindled into a fresh Hanie. throni;h
the ajieuoy of Enropeau settlers on their nortliern border. These
took up the quarrel of France and England, and soui^ht oeeasious
to molest the subjects of tlie Eniilish soverei.nn in America. In one
of the wars the French combined with the Indians in briin;inii tire and
sword upon the inhabitants of New En!:>land and New York. Stateu
Island, for the time beinji', became a place of refui^e for many who
were driven from their homes.

After a few years of peace, during which the colonies had somewhat
re])aired their wasted strength and resources, a declaration (d' war
was made between Great Hritain and France, in the spring of 1755.
There had been an actual state of warfare for two previous years,
causing no small grief and annoyance to the colonies, who had fondly
hojied longer to enjoy the blessings of trau(iuility, and prosecute
their schemes of improvement. An invaluable blessing, however,
ultimately flowed from the renewed conflict of arms — as, from this
time, that federation took place among the separated provinces,
which was consummated afterwards in their independence as a na-
tion. The in-ose( iition of a coinmon object, such as was presentt'd in
the French and Indian war, naturally concentrated and united their
energies, and evolved, at length, a better political organization.

The causes of the war grew out of the encroachments of the French
upon the frontier of the English colonists in America. Such, at least,
was the allegation on the part of England. France liad establish-
ments on the St. Lawrence, and at the mouth of the .Mississi])])i. and
commenced the gigantic plan of uniting these points by a chain of
forts, extending across the continent, and designed to conhne the
English colonists to the Eastern slope of the AUeghauies. The Frencdi
possessed considerable military strength in the northern colonies.
They had strongly fortified (Quebec and ^Montreal, and, at other jtoints,
the frontiers were defended by Lonisburg, ('a]M' I'.ielon. and llie foils
of Lake Champlaiu, Niagara. Crown I'oint, Fronlenac. and Ticon-
deroga. And tliey had, also, a foil of some strength at Du Quesne,
now the spot on which Pittsburg is built.

The establishment of Fi'CTich forts on I lie <»liio. .md llie attack on
("olonel George Washington, were declared, by i lie IJi-itish Govern-
ment, as the commencement of hostilities. The I'rendi, however, al-
lege the intrusion of the Ohio rom])any ujioii tlieir territory, as the
immediate cause of their wai'. Genei-al I'raddock. al llie lie;id (t( lif-
teen li and red Irndps. Iiad been di spate I km! io A iiierica. ( )ii liis arri\al
in \'ii-^inia. he re(|uesied a cmncnlion <pl' colonial governors |o meet
him there, to confer on llie jdan of the ensning campaign. Tliey
accoi-dingly met. and three expeditif)ns were resohcd upon one
against l)n (^)nesne. tfi I)e comlnct<'d by (Jeiieral Uraddock; one-

1,)4 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

ii.ujiiiist forts Niagara ami Frouteuac, to be commanded bv Goveruor
Shirley, aud oue against Crowu I'oiut, to be led by General Johnson.
The last-named expedition was a measure proposed by Massachusetts,
and was to be executed by troops raised in New England and New
York, and included those from Staten Island.

It is not necessary to repeat here the ill-successes of the several
campaigns. They, liowcxci-. roused the people, both in the parent
country and in the provinces, to the consideration of more vigorous
measures, under more able men. Accordingly, ^\'illiam Pitt, Earl of
Chatham, the greatest statesman of modern ages, was brought foi*-
ward at the present crisis, and infused his own ardent and decisive
sitirit into the national councils. lie sympathized with his trans-
Atlantic brethren, and assured them, in a circular which he addressed
to the governors of the provinces, that an effectual force should be
sent against the French the next year, to operate both by sea and
land. In connection with such a force they were expected to raise
their full (juota of troops, according to the number of the inhabitants.
Animated by the favorable change in the parent country, the govern-
ment of Massachusetts voted seven thousand men, Connecticut five
thousand, and New Ilampshire three thousand, and the trooyts were
ready for service in the early part of the year (1758). An armament
of twelve thousand troops having been sent out from England, com-
manded by General Amherst, and the British forces already in
America, added to the number of soldiers raised by the colonies, con-
stituted an army far greater than had been before seen on this side
of the ocean.

We turn away here to give a sliglit outline of some important events
in European history as necessary for an introduction to the memorial
of an intei-csting incident, of which Staten Island was the scene in
the autumn of 17(11. Between the years 175t> and 17()3 the seven
years' war raged in Germay. In this remarkable contest Frederick
the (ircat had to defend his recently acquired Silesia and the new
kingly dignity of his house against the combined powers of France,
Austria and Kussia. It was on his ])art a struggle for existence, in
\\hi<'h he would. ](cr]iaps. have surcuuibed but for the aid of England.
In that country i''rc(h'i-ick. whose religious ideas were of the most
unorthodox liberality, came somehow to be regarded as " the Protest-
anl hero." and after igiiomiuously defeating the French he naturally
became the poi)ulai' idol.

The same seven years' war covers. flgurativ<'ly. in American history
a s])ace of nine years — that of our own I'rench aud Indian war. Pitt
was now at the head of alTairs. and the large army was now hard at
work. Ill -Inly. (]7.")S), j.onisbnrg, wliicli at the former peace had
been n'stored to the I'rench. was recaiilured. Fort I^rontenac was
cai>tiired soon after, and the I'l-eiich were compelled to abandon Fort
l»n (^hicsiic. General .\1mm( roiuhy attacked Fort Ticonderoga, but
was nhli^cd In ret ire.

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND. 155

Gi-eatlj' encouraged by these successes, the colony of New York
renewed her exertions with the utmost energy. In IT.");), durinii tiie
short period of five months, the colony of New V(n-k raised !|p(ll'3,UUU
to aid in carrying on the war, and levied a force of 2,680 men. In
that levy the (jnota for Kichmond County was 55 men. Ticonderoya
was captured by Ueneral .Vmherst, early in the season, and Crown
Point surrendered a few days later. In July, General Prideaux in-
vested Fort Niagara, and though he was killed in the attack. Sir Will-
iam Johusou, his successor, in the command, effected its reduction.
On the 13th of September, General Wolfe laid down his own life in
the moment of victory, when the English banners floated over the
towers of Quebec. In 1700, the French nutde an unsuccessful attempt
to recapture Quebec, and on the 8th of September, all the French
possessions in Canada, except the two small islands of St. Pierre and
Miciuelon, at the mouth of the St. Lawrence, were surrendered to the
English.

The provincial forces which had been engaged in the reduction of
Canada, now turned their faces homeward, while a large body of Brit-
ish troops were encamped on the plains of New Dorp, on Staten
Island, where they remained for several months. General Robert
Monckton had command of this army. During the encampment here
an important ceremony, the investment of Sir Jeffery Amherst with
the " Order of the Bath " took place. It is certain that Staten Island
was never honored with being the scene of a more dignified or im])or-
tant royal ceremony.

On the 28th of August, 1701, General Amherst, having rode on
horseback down the west side of the Hudson from Albany, arrived in
camp at Staten Islaml. The Thirty-fifth Kegiment of British regu-
lars, called Otway's regiment, from its commander, had arrived on
Staten Island from Albany about tw(j weeks i)revious. The ceremony
of investing General Amherst with Kidglit liooil took place October
25th, 17G1, in the presence of all the dignitaries of the jn-ovince and a
large concotirse of spectators, assembled at th<' New Dorp camj).

The military order of the Knights of the lialh originated, it is be-
lieved, about the time of Henry IV., of England. At the coronation of
that King, in 1330, a nund)er of es(jnires wci-c made Knights of the
Bath, because they had watched and bathed meanwiule during the
preceding night. From that time it was usual for the Kings of Great
Britain to create Knights of this Order on great an<l joyous occasions,
such as their own coronation (U- the birth or marriage of princes, or
on the eve or following the successful issue of some great foreign ex-
Y>edition.

The investment of (Jeneral Amherst was lirobabiy in iionor of I In-
advantageous conclusion of the struggle with the French on the Can-
adian frontier. The badge of the Order was of pure gold, a sceptre of
thrci- nnited imju-i-ial ci-owns. fi-om which grew the rose, the thistle

156

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

OOV. THOMAS DONOAN,

and the shamrock, aud around which was iuscribcd the ancient motto,
*' Trill jitnctu in iiiki." It was Ininii by a red ribbon from the coUar
obli(inely over tlic iii;ht shoubh-r. Otlier accessories of the insignia
were a massive gold colbir, rich in engraved (h'signs. and a silver star
resembling the badge and with a glory of rays ])roceediug from its
centre. 1o adorn tiie left shonlder. The Order was divided into three
ranks. d('signat('(l in importanci' as tirst. Knights grand crosses; sec-
ond, Kniiibis cnnniiaiiders. and third. Knights companions. The

prdper place for their installation to be cele-
brated Avas in the nave of Henry the Sev-
entli's chapel. Westminster Abbey, which in
this instance was impracticable The war-
rant for the ceremony ou Staten Island was
fonnd in the folloAving letter from tlie i)rime
minister of England:

" Whitehall, July ITth, lUil.
" Sti:: — His Majesty having been gracious-
ly ]>h'ased, as a [Mark of His Koyal Approba-
tion, of the many aii<l eiuiiient Services of
Maj(n- (ieneral Anilierst. to nominate liim to
be one of the Kniglivs Companions of tlie
:MosI Honorable Order (d' the Bath; aud it
Ix'ing necessary that he should be invested
with tlie Ensigns of the said ( (nh-r, wluch are transmitted to him. by
this Opportunity; I am to signify to you the King's Pleasure, that you
should ])erform tliat Ceremony; and it being his [Majesty's Intention,
that the same be don<' in tlie .Most Honorable and Distinguished .Man-
ner that Circumstances will allow of, you will concert, and adjust
with General Amherst such Time and .Manner for Investing him with
tlie Ensigns of the Order of the Bath as shall aiijiear to yon most
proper for shewing all due Uespect to the King's Order, and as may,
at the same Time uiai'k in the most iniblick [Manner. His Majesty's
just sense of the Constant Zeal, and Signal abilities, which (ieneral
Andu'rst has exerted in the Service of His King and Country.

■• I am. .Krc, W. I'lTT.

•• I lonoinalde U'obell .Mollrktoli."

ill the |il-<'Sence of llie large concolllse of |ieo|ile assembled at NeW

Dorp, (ieneral .Moiickton i<sid tlie foregoing letter, anil then iiroceeded
to jilace the ribbon ovei- ( ieneral .\nihersl's shonlder. at the same time
apologizing because rii-cinnstaiires would not admit of more formal
investure. (ieiieial .\mhersl replied as follows:

"Sir: 1 am truly sensible of this distingnishing mark of His .Ma-
jesty's royal approliation of my conduct, and shall ever esteem it as
such. .\imI I musi beg leave to exi.ress to you the iiecidiar satisfac-
tion 1 have, ami the ])l(»asure i( gives me to receive this mark of favor
from your hands."

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND. 157

There were yreat (leiiioiistratiMiis of applauf^e follitwint; the eere-
mouy, aud a few days hiter, wheu Ueuei-al Amherst weut from Htateii
Ishuid to the city, his arrival there was y,reeted by the tiring of seveu-
teeii guns from Fort George. lie was now spoken of as " His Excel-
lency Sir Jeffi-ry Amherst, K. 15., from the army on Staten Island."
FolloAving this ceremony General Monckton was installed (lovernor
of New York, and the city was illuminated.

But Governor Monckton remained but a short time at the seat of
state. He appointed a de])uty, aud when the army ou Staten Island
had rested, went with it on an expedition to the West Indies. The
army encamped at New 1 )iiri( consisted of eleven regiments whicii had
returned from the Canadian frontier, under Generals Monckton, Am-
herst and Otway. Its sojoui-n continued fi'om August to November.
They formed n market at New l»iup. ami invilrd ilic larmers to bring
in stock and piculuce to sell to the army. Wlicu all was in readiness
the army emliarked on board of a tleet of one hundred sail of vessels,
vvhich on the 15th of November ]Mit out to sea with a fair wind, leaving
behind the troops that had enlisted from the Ishind for the war.
There were two c(Mai)anies of tliese, one cnnimanded by Captain
Thomas ArroAVsnuth and the other liy Caiitaiii Anthony Waters.

(tiie of the most imiiortant services in I lie war was tiie capture of
the French Fort Froutenac on the 27th of August, IT.'.S. Witli three
thousand men. mostly provincials. Colonel F>radstreet traversed the
dismal wilderness between Albany and Lake Ontario, carrying with
him eight pieces of cannon, aud three mortars. Among these troojis
was a regiment comnianile<l bv Colonel Corse, of (^tiu'ciis County, and
in that regiment was Caplain Thomas Arrowsniitirs company of
Staten Islanders. The regiment contributed nuitei-ially to the ex-
pedition. Colonel C(U-se volunteered to erect a battery during tlie
night of the 2(;tli, and effected his i.nrj.ose under a continiuMis hre
from the fort. <>n the morning of the ^Tlli, this battery ojx-ned on the
enemy, who at once deserted the fort and tied. Tlie malerial cajUnred
with the fort consisted of forty-six pieces of cannon. si.\teen mortars,
and a xcrv large (|uantitv of military stores, ])rovisions and mer(duin-
dise.

Lotteries were the popular mode of raising funds, when emerg<-ncies
arose in those days, and the following advertisenientjii>]H'ared in con-
ne<-tion with the efforts to raise war funds in April, IT.'li:

" sCHEMr:
"Of a Lottery for raising One Hundred and I'ifty Pounds.

'■ Whereas the l-'re<- holders and Inhabitants of the County nf i;i( h-
numd. are enabled by an Act id" the Govenior, Couiiril and General
Assemldy, of the Ccdony of New York. lo raise by the Way of Lottery
a Sum not exceeding the sum of One Hundred and I'ifty Founds, to
purchase Arms a nd Accoutrements, for the Use of s\h h I'ersons, in liu'
said <'ouiity. as are unable to provide themselves tlierewith, in Cases

158 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

of Necessity. And whereas the said ("ouuty of Kichiuoud is a Frontier
Coiiiity. and liabh-. in ("ase of an Attack, to be the first invaded, it is
liopeii all l..overs of their Country will generously encourage the said
Lottery.

No. of Prizes. I'ieces of Eight. Whole \'a hie.

1 of

375

187

and a half are

375

125

500

250

300

400

300

142 I'rizes.
85S Blanks.

1.000 Tickets at 2 and a Half Pieces of 8 is 2.500

" As soon as the Lottery is finished Drawing, the Prizes will hi' i)ub-
lislied in the New York (i(i.:rll( . and the Money paid to tlu' Possessors
of the fortunate Tickets, fourteen Days after the iMawing of the said
Lottery, Fifteen per Cent, being tii'st deducted out of the Wholi'-,
which several J)ednctions of I'Mfteen pel- Cent, are to be applied for
t he Purposes aforesaid.

" i'rojK'r Notice will lie gi\-en by the Persons a]>]>niuted to manage
the said Lottery, of the jirecise Tiiu<' f>( 1 )rawing t lie same; Avliicli ]ier-
sous are Mr. Sjimuel I>i-ooms and ( 'oloiicl lieujamin Seamaus. w ho are
to give Pond, and be under Oatli. for the fnilhtiil Performance of tlie
Trust reposed in them.

"Tickets are to be sold by the said .Managers at their icspedive
Dwellings, in the said County, and by the Promoters hereof."

As a matter of record we would mention here that on the IStli of
Se|)lember, 17(10. the whole l-'reuch ])ossessious in Canada wei-e sur-
rendered to the I'.ritish power. Put the wai- st ill coutiuued in l']uroiie.
and a few i>ro\incial troo]is were raised in I7<>1 and 17(i2; but New
England i-em allied exein])ted from all border host Hit ies. ( »ii I lie Kit h
of l''ebruary, 17(i3. a general ])eace was signed at Paris, and soon after
rat hied by Croat T>ritaiii and T'^rance. This was an era f)f joy to the
colonies, 'i'liey had e.\](eiien<cd no such relief since the (•ommeiice-
ment of King W'illianrs war. in HIS'.t. A few short intervals of ]teac('
had indeed been <'njoyed; bill during nearly eighty y<'ars, th(\v were
generally doomed in e\ciy ex])osed itoiiil lo ]>illage. captivity and
slaughter. Kelie\('(l Irom l heir miseries and dangers, they reoccnpieil
I heir plantations ami new ones were commciired. and ]io]uilati(iii b<'-
gan to sjiread A\it li raiiidily.

ll may be added, and i I is d lie lo I lie <-olonisl s lo add. 1 hat t hey were
not iinniimiriil of llidr obligalions to llial Peiug by whose fostering

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 159

care they bad been preserved during- so many and so severe trials and
privations. They had put their trust in Him, and He had saved them
from the hands of their foes. ]\Iauy had indeed fallen — many had suf-
fered; but now. relieved from foreign invasion and savage butchery,
they publicly united in giving God thanks on a day set apart for the
purpose, and went on their way rejoicing.

CHAPTER XIX.

APPROACHING THE REVOLUTION.

X 17(i4. I lie news of the passajnc of the Sliiiiip Act. (which
rendered all deeds, houds. uotes. etc., invalid, unless writ-
ten on slanipcd jiaper. which slionld jiay a duty to the
Crown), excited universal indiiination anioni;- the people.
An ori;anizati(tn was soon formed in ihis. as well as in some other of
the adjacent States, called " The Sons <>( IJberty." which offered the
most daring resistance to this a.yt^ression upon the rights of the peo-
ple.

Coveruor Colden attemiited to enfoi-ce the act; but the attemid
called down the hostility of the i)eo]i]e upon him, and but for his age.
he would undoublcdly have suffered in i)erson. As it was, his effigy
was carried about the city, and hung upon a gallows erecti-d for the
pur]K)se. ami his cari-iage and other ])ro])e]-ty destroyed. When the
stami)s arrived, he was ol)liged to surremler them to the city corpora-
tion. ;ind await the action of the (iovei'uor. Sir Henry ^Nloore, who ar-
^^ ri\(d in .Tuly, 17(1."). and by the advice of his council,

'^A"''^^ "as deierreil fi'oin alteni|iting further to enforce the

act.
..-■—, j ^^ \ "ii lli<" 'ii'^l Tuesday in October, IT'i."), a Congress
'^M "^^d^4 '"'"l"'^''l "I' delegates from :Massachusetts, Rhode Is-
"'^'' - -^ land. Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsyl-

Nania. I>ela\\are. Maryland and South Carolina, met
al New ^'ork. to take into consideration the invasion
iif the rights of the coloines, by the Stamp Act. New
I lam](shii-e. \'irginia. Noi-th Carolina and Ceorgia did
not send delegates; but two of them e.\|Pi-essed their
sympathy wilh the Congress, and the others had no
meeting of their Legislatures in lime to a])]ioint delegates. This Con-
gress made a declariition of i he rights and privileges of the coloines.
aTul ](et il ioued lor redress.

The Slaniit .\cl was repe.iled nn the ISih (if .M;ircli. 17(i(i; bnl the
offensive (leclaral ion .-ncdnipa nied I he repeal thai " rarlianieni ]k>s-
sessed the power to bind the cnlnnies in all. w ha I socnci-." In 17t)7,
Charles Townsend. cliancelloi- of i he I'^nglish excliequer. ])roposeil a
new bill, levying dulii-s on glass. |tai>er. paints and tea. This ]>assed.
and I he i nliabit .1 nl s enten-d. as they li;id ]ireviously done, into non-
im]iorlaliun agi-eenienls. by which they ]iledged themselves to use

to O

THK DON(iA.\ ARMS

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 1(J1

iiouc of tlK'8(_- articles, uur. so far as it could be avoided, otluT aiticles
of JU-itisli mauufacture. lu 1709, tive-sixtlis of these duties, and in
177U, all of them, were rejiealed, except the dutv ou tea. The people of
New Yoi'k, as well as of the other colonies, nyidl y abstaiuiun froui the
use of this beverage, uo excitement was produced; and from 1770 to
17(4 a period of calmness ensued, althouuh the Euiiiish yoverumeiit
and the colonists regarded each other with jealousy.

Attempts were made, in 1707, to settle the boundary between Mas-
sachusetts and Xew York. Massachusetts, under her charter, claimed
to the Pacific ocean, and had repeatedly attemiiled to make settle-
ments within the bounds of Xew York. The attempt to establish
these settlements had produced collision, and in several instances
bloodshed. Commissioners from the two colonies met at Xew Haven,
in October, 1707, and determined that the Massachusetts line siiould
run twenty miles east of Hudson river, but could not agree in regard
to the manner of running that line.

Sir Henry Moore dying in 1709, Governor Dnnmore assumed the
,i,o\"ernment in 1770; but his administration continued (uily a few
uuuitlis. He was the tirst (.iovernor supported by the Crown, a meas-
ure against which Xew York protested, as calculated to make the ex-
• cutive independent of the popular branch of the government. Dur-
ing his continuance in oftice a contest took place in the Legislature, in
regard to quartering the King's troops, to wliich the Assembly were
wjiolly averse; but to which, under the thre.its of the British, they
were obliged to submit.

Liberty ijoles had, at this period, been frequently erected in Xew
A'ork City, and as often cut down and destroyed by the British sol-
diery, who entertained the bitterest hostility to the citizens. Afti'r re-
]ieated efforts, the inhabitants erected one upon private grounds, so
tirmly encased in iron, that the soldiers could not destroy it.

In 1772, the X'ew Hampshire grants became a renewed source of
serious disquietude to the colony. Governor Tryon, who had just suc-
ceeded Governor Dnnmore. offered a reward of fifty pounds for the
ai)preliension of Ethan Allen. Seth Warner, and six others of the most
obnoxious of the settlers; and the Xew York Assembly passed an act,
declaring the opposition of these citizens to the government of X"ew^
York, felony. Allen and his coadjutors, in return, hurled their de-
fiance at the Governor, an<l those who were sent to arrest them.

Hi the spring of 177."). uiaiii-rs appeared to be a])proaching a crisis,
in regard to this ti^ri-itory. A collision took place l)etween tlie officers
of Xew York and the citizens of Westminster Couuly. N'ermont, in
^\■lli(■ll one jnan was Iviiied and several \\<)uu(led. lint for the occur-
rence of the battle of J^exiugton at this Juiictnie. luolialdy a serious
civil war would have ensued.

The British goveriiiiiciil ri^solved, in ]77;'>. In accniuplisli by cunning
what it had failed tn attain bv force. It remitted to llie l^ast linlia

162 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Company the customary duties on tea, and pennitted them to ship to
America, Avith ouly a duty of three i^euce per pouud, to be paid, on
laudiuy it, at any Americau port. It was supposed that as this would
make the price of tea lower than iu England, the colonists would not
object to it; but the colonists saw, iu this measure, the same principle
against Avhich they had beeu contending.

The course adopted by the different colonies is well known. In New
York, a meeting of " The 8ons of Liberty '" was called, on the receijit
of the intelligeuce, and resolutions passed that the tea should not be
landed. Accordingly, when, in April, 1774, the tea ship, the Xancy,
commanded by ('aptain Lockyier, arrived off Sandy Hook, the pilots,
who had already received their instructions, refused to bring her any
nearer the city. The captain, however, came up, and was waited upon
by a committee, who informed him that he must return immediately
to England, with his cargo; and for the purpose of preventing his
sailors from deserting, a strong guard was stationed near the ship at
Sand}' llook. Finding it useless to resist, he submitted to their com-
mands.

Meanwhile the news w^as received that Captain Chambers, of the
ship London, a man loud in his professions of i)atriotism. had brought
out eighteen chests of tea, as a private venture. Being questioned by
the committee, he denied it; but upon their assuring him that their
evidence was so strong that they should search the ship, he confessed
it, but attempted to apologize. His apologies did not avail. His tea
was emptied into the harbin* of New York forthwith, and he permitted
to withdraw. Embarking on board of Lockyier's ship, he sailed for
England, to hide his shame and disgrace.

About this period a committee of observation was organized in New
York, consisting of fifty persons, w^ho w'ere invested with discretion-
ary iiowers, with regard to the administration of government. On the
5th of Septemb<'r, 1774, a Congress from the dilferent colonies met at
Philadelphia. It adopted several resolutions, and prepared addresses
to the King and both houses of Parliament, and to the people of Great
Britain and Canada. To these addresses and resolutions, the Assem-
bly of New York refused to give its assent. On the contrary, it ad-
dressed an exceedingly loyal and humble letter to the King, in which
it represented its grievances, but witliout seeming much alllicted by
them. The Assembly was undoubtedly influenced to this course by
Governor Tryou, a man of very po]ui]ar manners and artful, insinuat-
ing address, wlio had Ihe skill to mould the Assembly to his will.

This step of New York exerted a very important influence upon the
futui'c destiny of the colonies, for the Briiisli ministry were upon the
point of yielding to liieir just demands, when the news of the defection
of New York reached iliem. Stimulated by this, they continued that
course of aggression, which ultimately led to the establishment of
our liberties.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 163

Governor Tryon sailed for Euglaud in Apiil, 1774. and returned in
June of the following year. In April, 1775, a provincial convention
was convened at ^'ew York, and elected delegates to the lid Congress,
which assembled at Philadelphia in May following. The news of the
battle of Lexington, (Mass.,) on the lUth of April, the same year,
caused great excitement in the city of New York. At the desire of the
committee of observation, a committee of superintendence was elected
by the citizens, consisting of one hundred of the most respectable citi-
zens, and the arms in the city arsenal, and others about to be shipped
to Boston, were seized. Ticonderoga, Crown Point, and Skenesbor-
ough, (afterwards changed to Whitehall), were captured in May by
Colonels Ethan Alk-n and Benedict Arnold, and the entire command
of Lake Champlain obtained.

Governor Tryon retui-ned in June from England, and was welcomed
by the citizens; but his strenuous exertions to promote the royal cause
soon rendered him unpopular, and in October, considering his per-
sonal safety endangered, he took refuge on board the Asia, a ship of
war lying in the harbor off Staten Island.

On the 22d of May, 1775, a provincial Congress was convened at
New Y'ork, and efficient measures were taken for the military organ-
ization and defence of the country. Two regiments were autliorizcd
to be raised, bounties w'ere offered for the manufacture of gunpowder
and muskets in the province, fortifications were projected at Kings-
bridge and the Highlands, and Philip Schuyler and Richard Mont-
gomer}' were I'ecommended to the Continental Congress for appoint-
ment, the first as a major-general and the second as a brigadier-gen-
eral. Upon the adjournment of this Congress in September, for a
month, it delegated its powers to a committee of safety, composed of
three members from the city and one from each of the counties.

Generals Schuyler and ^lontgomery, at the direction of Congress,
undertook an expedition against Quebec, which, though at first, pi'om-
Ising a favorable result, finally terminated unfoi'tunately, in the death
of Montgomery and the repulse of the army. Many of the inhabitants
of Tryon County espoused the side of the mother country, under the
direction of Sir John Johnson, and made preparations to fight against
the colony. General Schuyler was ordered by Congress to disarm
them, and calling out the Albany militia, who rallied around his
standard to the number of three thousand, he proceeded into that
county and dispersed about six hundred loyalists. The loyalists on
Long Island also entrenched themselves, but were disarmed, and tlieir
leaders secured, by the Jersey militia. These events occurred in the
winter of 1775.

July 9th, 1776, the provincial Congress met at White Plains and
took the title of " The Bepresentatives of the State of New York."
On the first day of their meeting, they received the Declaration of In-
dependence, and iininediately passed a resolution a])proving it. Soon

164

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

after, they enacted a law, that all persous residing in the State, and
enjoying the protection of its laws, who should be found guilty of aid-
ing its enemies, should suffer death.

The revolution of America was an extraordinary event, and at the
time of its occurrence was uulooked for. both by the governiiieiit and
nation of Great Britain. That the colonies had long been dissatisfied

witli the measures adopted towards
them by tlie parent country, and that
this dissatisfaction was gradually in-
creasing, was well known; but the Brit-
ish statesmen at home designed, and
diMibtless supposed, that they should be
able to secure the submission of the col-
onies to whatever line

ISRITTON IIO-MKSTKAI) NEAR STONY liltOuK, ERKCTED
ABOUT ICGd, DEMOLISHKD ISSKj.

of ])(dicy they might
please to adopt.

But they little un-
stood the American
cliMiacter. Had they
retlectcd upon the cii--
cumstances in whicli
the colonies originat-
ed, and their steady
progress in wealth
jiud popuhition. they might well have anticipated the final result.
Certain it was. that o])pressive and coercive measures would (inlv
tend to weaken their artcction for the jtareiit country. Kindness and
i'ouciliation might have preserved tlic bmid of union — indeed, it was
possible to have confirmed the colonies in their regard for the land of
llieir birtii; but the line of policy Avhich could alone have effected that
object, was overlooked or disregaidcd by British statesmen; and
through their infatuated counsels, tliey hastened the very event
wliicli llicy so nuicli dc])l(ired. Let us recall some of the remote and
proxini.itc causes w liicli lirouglit alxiut this rebellion.

First. — Objects jiroposed by tlie colonies in their settlement of
America: At the era of the Bevolution, thirteen colonies had been
planted. These were ^Mrginia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire. Con-
necticut, niiode Isl.iud. New York, New Jersey. Delaware. Bennsyl-
vania, .Maryland. Nortli and South Carolina and Georgia, ^'irginia,
the first, was settled in KiOT. and Georgia, the last, in 1732. Different
objects led to the establishment of the various colonies. The lead-
ing object of some was i)ecuniary profit. They Avere induced, either by
associated or individual proprietoi's, who themselves remained in Eng-
land, to come to America, with the hope of profitable returns for the
advance of their cai)ital. But the more northern colonies came on
their own concern, at their own e.xiiense. and with reference to the

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 1(55

enjoyment of freedom and peace in religion, wliicli they could not liud
at home.

Xow, was it to be expected that those who had left home, and all its
endearments, for the sake of enjoying a larger liberty, would consent
to have that liberty abridged, especially after having tasted the bless-
ing for years? If the Tilgrim Fathers had such motives themselves.
was it to be supposed that their children would cherish less manly
and patriotic sentiments? The spirit of liberty does not easily die,
where there is aliment to keep it alive. The blood of freemen, or of
those who aspire to freedom, instead of becoming weaker, as it Hows
down in successive generations, usually becomes purer and more ex-
citable. This was verified in the history of the colonies, anterior to
the Ifevolution. They were men in whom the principles of liberty
had taken a strong hold. Their distance from the mother-counti*y —
her neglect of them — the exercise of civil and religious freedom for

number of years — all served to excite and strengthen a desire for
independence. Such an event was the natural result of the princi-
ples with which the colonies began their career. It was the natural
result of the physical courage and strength acquired in felling for-
ests, resisting savages, and in carrying t)ut those plans and enter-
prises in which a young, ardent, and ambition people are likely to
engage.

Second. — Their forms of government were conducive to independ-
ence. In the settlement of the colonies three forms of government
were established. These were usually denominated Charter, Pro-
prietary, and Royal governments. The difference arose from the dif-
ferent circumstances under which the colonies were settled, as well as
the different objects of the first emigrants. The Charter govenmients
were confined to New England. The Proprietary governments were
those of Maryland, Pennsylvania, the Carolinas, and New Jersey.
The others were TJoyal governments, or those which were iiiiiiiediately
under the British Crown.

As early as 1619, only twelve years from its settlement, a provincial
legislature, in which the colonists were represented, was introduced
into Mrginia. In Plymouth and in Massachus 'tts the colonists organ-
ized their body, politic and social, upon principles of pei'fect equality.
And, as the Puritans spread themselves over New Englajid, they gave
to the distinct communities which they established, constitutions still
more democratic. In Januai-y, 16.39, three years from the commence-
ment of the Connecticut colony, the planters on Connecticut river
convened at Hartford, and formed a system of government which con-
tinued, with scarcely any alterations, to the year 1818. Of this sys-
tem. Dr. Trumbull observes:

" AMth such wisdom did our venerable ancestors provide for the
freedom and liberties of themselves and their posterity. Thus happily
did they guard against any encroachment on the rights of the subject.

166 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

This, iirobablj, is one of tlie most free and happy constitutions of civil
ii()\('iiuuent ever formed. The formation of it, at so early a period,
wlien the light of liberty was A\holly darkened in most parts of the
world, and the rights of man were so little understood in others, does
great houor to their ability, integrity, and love of freedom."

In Maryland and Pennsylvania, the first assemblies established a
popular representation, and in all their j)olitical regulations proceed-
ed ujxin broad views of civil freedom. The same renmrk uuiy be ex-
tended to the Carolinas and Js\^w York. The very first principles,
then, of the colonists in relation to government were anti-monarchi-
cal. In their incipient colonial state they had the feelings of freemen;
and all their institutions, so far as they were allowed to carry them,
spoke of liberty and equality. This spirit Avas never lost to the col-
onies. In the variety of fortune which they subsequently encountered
— in every change of monarch abroad — in every shift of
rulers at home — through royal smiles and royal frowns —
in times of war and times of i^eace — their love of liberty con-
tinued unabated, and even increased. Thus early began those senti-
ments of freedom and independence which, uniting in their course
with other streams, ended at length in a deep, broad, irresistible cur-
rent against British oppression.

Thiid. — Influence of the expenses incurred by the colonies in tlieir
settlements, and in their several wars and those of the mother-coun-
try. All the thirteen colonies, with the exception of Georgia, were es-
tablished, and had attained to considerable strength, Avithout the
slightest aid from the treasury of the mother-country. Neither the
CroAvn nor the Parliament paid a dollar towai'ds purchasing the soil
of the Indians — the original masters of that soil. Tlu'sc iiurchases
were made by the colonists themselves. The settlement of the prov-
ince of Massachusetts Bay alone cost two hundred thousand pounds —
an enormous sum at an era at which it was etfected. Lord Baltimore
expended forty thousand ])ounds in his establishment of the colony of
ifarybuid. On that of Virginia, immense wealth was lavished by the
first settlers. The first planters of Connecticut consumed great es-
tates in purchasing lands of the Indians and in making settlements.

Tn like manner, when assailed by fierce and warlike tribes, the
mothei--country furnished no aid wliatever — neither troops nor money.
She erected no fortifications; entered into no negotiations, and mani-
fested no syiii])atliy. or even interest, in the fate of her ofl's])ring. Some
of the UKJst considerable Indian wars in which the colonies were in-
volved, were the immediate result of the rashness and cu])iility of the
royal governors. Tlie testimony of Lord Bronghnm on this subject is
Avorthy of special notice. In his work on "Colonial Policy," he ob-
serA'es:

"The old coloTiies of Noi-tli America, besides defraying the whole
expenses of their internal administration, Avere enabled from their

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 167

situation to render very active assistance to tlie mother-country upon
several occasions, not peculiarly interesting to themselves. They uni-
formly asserted that they would never refuse contributions, even for
purposes strictly imperial, provided these were ccjustitutionally de-
manded. Nor did they stop at mere professions of zeal.

" The whole expense of civil government in the British Xorth Amer-
ican colonies, previous to the Eevolution, did not amount to eighty
thousand pounds sterling, which was paid by the produce of their
taxes. The military establishments, the garrisons and the forts in the
old colonies, cost the mother-country nothing."

Fourth. — Measures of oppression. Within little more than a gen-
eration from the commencement of the plantations, the royal govern-
ment began those formal int][uiries into their population and manu-
factures, which were so often I'enewed until the period of the
Revolution. The object or occasion of those inquiries was two-fold — a
jealousy, lest the colonies should grow too fast; and, then, a desire to
monopolize, for the benefit of Great Britain, all their trade and the
proceeds of their luanufacturing industry.

The various acts of monopoly which passed Parliament during a
series of years, it is not necessary to particularize. They uniformly
bore heavily on the commercial and manufacturing enterprises of the
colonies, and were designed " to keep them in a firmer dependence
upon England"; "to render them more beneficial and advanta-
geous"; "to employ and increase the English shipping," and "to
make a vent for English manufactures."

After the peace of 17(i3. a still more grinding policy was proposed —
that of taxing the colonies, with the avowed purpose of drawing a
revenue into the royal exchequer, and on tlie ])lausible, yet unwar-
rantable ground that Great Britain had contracted a debt in their de-
fence. Hithei'to, when money was wanted in the colonies, the Parlia-
ment of England had been content to ask for it by a formal requisi-
tion upon the colonial legislatures, and they had supplied it with a
willing hand. But now, it was thought that a shorter method of ob-
taining it might l>e resorted to with better effect. Measures were
adopted, denominated " writs of assistance," which were orders issued
by the superior court of the province, requiring the sheriffs and otlier
civil oflflcers to assist the person to wliom it was granted, in breaking
open and searching even- place, even private dwellings, if suspected
of containing prohibited goods.

The first application for a writ of this kind wns niiidc by the deputy
collector at Salem in November, IKiO. Doubts being expressed by the
court as to the legality of the writ, or the power of the court to grant
it, the application was deferred to the next term, when the quest icni
was to be argued. At the appointed time, ]\Ir. (jrindley, a distin-
guished lawyer, appeared for the Crown. Mr. Thatcher and ]Mr. Otis
for the merchants. The trial took place in the council chamber of the

168

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

kUI Town-liouse in Bostou. The judges were five iu number, iucludiug
Lieuteuaut-Colonel Hutchinson, wlio presided as cliief justice; and the
room was tilled with all the officers of government and the principal
citizens, to hear the arguments in a cause that inspired the deepest
solicitude.

The case was opened by Mr. Ciriudley, who argued it with much
learning, ingenuity and dignity, making all his reason depend upon
this consideration, " That tlie I'arlianient of Great Britain Avas the
sovereign legislator of the British empire." He was followed by Mr.
Thatcher on the opposite side, whose reasoning was ingenious and
able, and delivered in a tone of great mildness and moderation. Presi-
dent Adams, writing, of the event, said: "Otis was a flame of hre;
with a promptitude of classical allusion, a depth of research, a rapid
summary of histori< al events and dates, a profusion of legal authori-
ties, a prophetic glance into futurity,
and a rapid torrent of impetuous elo-
quence, he hurried away all before
him." " I will to my dying day." said
()tis. " opi)ose, with all my power and
faculties God has given me, all such
instruments of slavery on the on<> hand
and villany on the other. It ai)])i'ars
to me the worst instrument of arbi-
iviwy ])ower, the most destinictive of
English liberty, and the fundamental
l>rinciples of law, that was ever found
ill an English law-book."

Tlic occasion was intensely exciting
— the liberties of the people were in
danger. Their dwellings.though sanct-
uaries where every man should feel
iiimsclf safe, were in jeopardy. And
the vast throng gatliered on the occasion so fhouglit. csiiccially as
their excited feelings became more intense under the thrilling appeals
of the eloquent Otis. "Every man of an immensely crowded audi-
ence," wrote President Adams, " apjieared to me to go away, as I did,
ready to take up arms against writs of assistance. Then and there
was the first scene of the first act of opposition to the arbitrary claims
of (}reat Britain."

The court i)ost])oned a ilecision of tiie (piestion until the foUowing
term; and in the meantime wrote to Great Britain for information on
thr subject. Writs were afterward granted, but were extremely uu-
pojiuhir. In Connecticut writs of assistance, it is said, were never
granted. The passage of the celebrated Stamp Act soon followed this
measure. When the bill Avas ushered into the House of Commons,
petitions from Virginia, ('(.nnecticul and South Carolina, in every way

\V.\I,TEK I)0X(;AN, of C.\STLF,TI)X COU-
NERS.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 169

respectful, but in tuue firm aud decided, were ottered iu opposition to
it. But the House refused even to receive tliem, ou the grouud tliat
the right of Parliameut to tax the colonies was denied; aud. too, that
it was contrary to a rule of the house " to receive any petition against
a money-bill."'

The debate therefore proceeded. The chief advocates of the bill
were the prime minister and Charles Townshend. In the opposition
were Mr. Pitt — who, however, was absent by reason of sickness — Gen-
eral Conway, Alderman Beckford. Colonel Barre, Mr. Jackson, Sir
William Meredith and others, ('onway and Jieckford opposed the bill
on the ground of its injustice; Colonel Barre aud others on the ground
of its inexpediency. The ptirpose of the minist-'r. however, was fixed;
and, rallying his surprised aud half-hesitating followers, he took the
question — a large majority expressed in favor of the bill — two htin-
dred and fifty were for it and fifty against it. On its coming into the
House of Lords, it received the entire couctirreuce of that body, and on
the 22d of Mai'ch obtained the royal assent.

This act, so celebrated in American history, both as an act of flag-
rant injtistice, on the part of the British Parliament, and one of the
proximate causes of the Revolution, consisted of fifty -five specific du-
ties, laid on as many different species of instrtiments, iu which paper
was tised, stich as notes, bonds, mortgages, deeds, university degrees,
licenses, advertisements in newspapers, and even almanacs, varying
from one-half i^enny up to six pounds.

As an illustration of the heavy burdens designed to be jnit upon the
colonies by this act, it may be stated that ijrevious to the passage of
the act, a ream of common printed bail-bonds cost fifteen pounds —
stamped, one htmdred. A ream of stamped policies of instirance
amounted to one hundred and ninety pounds — of common ones, Avith-
out stamps, twenty. A piece of paper, or parchment, used as a diplo-
ma, or certificate of a degree taken in any university, academy or col-
lege, was taxed two pounds. For a piece of pajier for a license for re-
tailing spirituous Ii(|nors, twenty shillings were demanded. For one
for a license for selling wine only, four pounds; for wine and spiritu-
ous licpiors, three pounds. For letters of probate, administration, or
guardianship, ten shillings. For a common deed, conveying not ex-
ceeding one hundred acres of land, one shilling and sixpence. For a
newspaper, containing half a sheet or less, one half-penny; one sheet,
one penny. Pamphlets, one shilling per sheet. Advertisements, two
shillings each. Almanacs, fourpence.

This act was ordered to take effect on the 1st of November. Mean-
while, the people in various parts of the country were anxious to ex-
press their detestation of the measure, which the lapse of a few
months was to bring into operation. One day in the month of August,
the effigy of Andrew^ Oliver, the proposed distributor of stamps in
Massachusetts, was found hanging on a tree, afterwards well known

170 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

by the uame of Libertj-tree, iu the maiu street of Boston. At night it
was taken down and carried to a bier, amidst the accUxniations of an
immense oollection (jf people, throngh the conrt house, down King
street, to a small brick building, supposed to have been ei'ected for
the reception of the detested stamps. This building being soon lev-
elled with the ground, the rioters next attacked Mr. Oliver's house,
and having broken the windows, entered it, and destroyed part of the
furniture.

On the arrival of the 1st of November, on which the stamp act was
to go into effect, the day was ushered in at l>ost(m by the tolling of the
bells. Many shops and stores were shut, and effigies of the authors
and friends of the act were carried about tlie streets, and afterwards
torn in pieces by the populace. This feeling spread throughout the
country, and similar demonstrations of dissatisfaction were made in
numerous other places. The opposition to the Htamp Act was so uni-
versal and so formidable, as to prevent all hope of its successful op-
eration. Had this measure been persisted in, the Kevolution in Amer-
ica would doubtless have dated at an earlier day.

To the new ministry it earh^ became apparent that, in respect to the
colonies, a crisis was now at hand; either existing measures must be
relaxed, or a resort must be had to ai*ms. The former being deemed
the wiser plan, a repeal of the Stamp Act was moved in Parliament,
and, on the ISth of March, passed the House by a majority of two hun-
dred and seventy-tive to one hundred and sixty-seven. In the House
of Lords the majority was one hundred and live to seventy-one.

In America, the intelligence of the repeal was received with accla-
nuitions of the most sincere and heart-felt gratitude by all classes of
people. Public thanksgivings were offered up in all the churches.
The resolutions which had been passed on the subject of importations,
were rescinded, and their trade with the motlier-country was imme-
diately renewed Avith increased vigor. The liome-spun dresses were
given to the poor, and once more the colonists appeared clad in the
produce of British looms.

All this, liowever, was soon changed and the greatest excitement
prevailed in America. Sevi^ral events occurred which served to in-
crease the excitement of thi' colonies. Among these may be men-
tioned the arrival, at P>ost(m, of a man-of-war and transports, from
Halifax, with nine hundred troops on board. Such a proceeding, on
the part of the British ministry, was eminently calculated to excite
the jealousy and IndigTiatiou of the colonists. They felt disgusteil and
injured; and the nuu'e so, from the haughty and imperious bearing of
the officers and troops. In a few weeks this force was augmented by
the arrival of several more trans])orts from Cork, with the Sixty-
foiirth and Sixty-fifth regiments, under Colonels Mackay and Pom-
eroy.

Another measure, adopted about tliis time by the British ministry.

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND. 171

and one which perhaps struck more vitally at the liberty of the colon-
ists than any which preceded, was au order to the provincial gov-
ernors to procure information " touching all acts of treason," etc., and
to transmit the same, with the names of the suspected persons, to Eng-
land, in order that they might be ordered thither for trial. The de-
sign of it was to terrify the patriotic party into submission; but well
might it have been foreseen that such au offensive measure would
only serve to rouse oppositiou, and confirm the whole civilized world
in the righteousness of the common cause.

l'arli;iment again convened, January 'Jth, 1770, soon after which,
(28tli), the Duke of Grafton resigned his office of first lord of the
treasury. J.ord Chatham, having recovered from his illness, had now
returned to Parliament, and, with his wonted vigor, attacked the sys-
tem and measures of the administration. Lord North, chaucellor'of
the exchequer, succeeded the Duke of Grafton; " and from this time
commences an administration which forms a momentous era in the
history of Great Britain. During his administration, which lasted to
the close of the Eevolution, Great Britain lost more territory and ac-
cumulated more debt than at any former period of her history."

The first measure of Lord North's administration was in part con-
ciliatory — being a motion to repeal the port duties of 1767, with the
exception of the duty on tea. This his lordship, in spite of the friends
of the colonies, determined to retain. To this partial repeal. Gov-
ernor I'ownall strongly objected. It would produce nothing but civil
discord and interminable contention. IJepeal all or none! Why re-
tain this single duty, as a pepper-corn rent, to show the tenor by Avhich
the colonists hold their rights, and, by so doing, jeopardize his ma-
jesty's entire interest in the American colonies? " I have lived in
America," he said; " I know the character of the people. Depend up-
on it, with their views, they will never solicit the favor of this house;
never more will they wish to bring before Pai'liamcnt the grievances
under which thev conceive themselves to labor."

CHAPTER XX.

PREPARING FOR THE STRUGGLE.

IIII.E biyli aud auiii-y debate was iu progress on the other
side of the water, ou this side events were transpiring-
which were giving increasing irritation to already excited
feelings, and adding to the force of the gathering storm.

Collisinns aud (jnarrels, between the soldiers and the citizens, were

Hui uiifre(]nent, and at length, on the evening of the oth of :March.

177(1. resulted in an effusion nf hhiod, called, by way of eminence,

" The Boston Massacre."

Three men were killed and two mortally wounded, who died s(tou

after. Mutual exasperations preceded. Neither citizens nor soldiers

1m>.Ni;A,N .MANSKpN,

'lI.VroN CORNERS.

were exempt from the charge of insult and provocation. But a sen-
linel, whn had beeu brought to the ground by a blow, on rising, tired,
as (lid. at I lie same time, a sergeant and six men who were with him.
(ireal e\(i(euieut followed. The murderers were arrested. Caittain
I'restdu, Id whose comiiany the soldiers belonged, and who was pres-
ent, was also aii-ested and con luiitted to prison.

The following nioruiug IJie authorities of Boston, urged on by an
exaspeiateil peo|)le. required the 1i'oo])s to be withdrawn from the
town. The Lieuienant-lioveriKU'. for a lime, resisted the demand; but
ou learning that no oilier course would satisfy or restrain the people.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 173

hv expressed his williuiine.ss that they shoiiUl be withdrawn to tlie
castle, which was accordiiii^ly done.

The funeral of the victims was attended with extraordinary pomp.
Most of the shops were closed, all the bells of the town tolled on the
occasion, and the corpses were followed to the grave by an immense
concourse of people, arranged six abreast, the procession being closed
by a long train of carriages, belonging to the principal gentry of the
town. Captain Preston and the party of soldiers were afterwards
tried. The captain and six of the men were acquitted, and two were
convicted of manslaughter, a result which reflected great honor on
John Adams and Josiah Quiucy, the counsel, and on the jury.

Two days after the massacre, the news reached Btaten Island, and
there was great excitement. Hundreds of people, hailing from every
part of the Island, gathered at Kichmond, eager to learn the latest
and to wonder what would come next. The newspapers gave but
meagre accounts of events in those days, no matter how important
they might be; but each time a story was repeated verbally it grew in
mighty proportions. In every Staten Island home the story of insult
and bloodshed was repeated, and the people, long sectire in peaceful
pursuits, suddenly awakened to the possible realities of war. All
night long people lingered in and around Old Cucklestowue Inn,
awaiting further rumors, and on the following day went to their (juiet
homes to ponder over their fate.^

A week after this event a formal meeting was held in Kichmond.
The people of the Island were divided into three distinct classes. One
was composed of the majority who naturally sympathized with the
Government, and another who were too timid to take a stand pub-
licly, and another still who were outspoken in favor of Eevolutiou.
The leader of the Revolutionists was Colonel Jacob Mersereau, who
afterward distingnislied himself as a patriot and soldier, and his bold
action won not :i few of his timid neighbors. He referred in his speech
to the action of the Virginia Assembly, which, under the leadership of
Patrick Henry, had forcefully declared " tliat the General Assembly
of this colony have the sok^ right and power to levy taxes and imposi-
tions upon the inhabitants of this colony; and that every attempt to
vest such power in any other person or jiersons whatsoever, under the
General Assembly aforesaid, has a manifest tendency to destroy P.iit-
ish as well as American freedom."

From that hour on Colonel :Mersereau was a marked man. :\raiiy
of his neighbors, although thoroughly sympathizing with him. wei-e
afraid to express their sentiments, lest their lives and property should

1 The Island was not in a condition to de- apoount of the arms that was bought for the

fend itself against the incursions of any foe count.v and Benjamin Semans Esq Brought in

who might approach it with respectable force. the account of What quantity Was in his

As an example of the poverty of its material hands, thair was in bis hands £36— Delivered

strength shortly before the war, we submit the to Captain Wright 12 guns and 12 hangers

following extract from the records: "January and guns With Bagnits to Mr. Broons and one

6. 1770 then the Supervisars Exaraini'd into the fliin Witli a bagnit to Cornoral Dougan."

174 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

become endangered. The meeting in que.stiun T^as presided over by
Judge teaman, an ardent supi»orter of tlie English Government
Ihrniigliuut. and he declared that Colonel Mersereau was guilty of
treasonable conduct. The only effect of the meeting was to widen the
breech between neighbors, and to make the existence of those who
desired separation from the parent government one of continual dan-
ger and annoyance. There is no record of any other formal meeting
being held by the citizens of the Island prior to the final outbreak.
Till- people continued, however, to meet at the County Seat day and
night to learn tlic new s. and heated discussions frequently led to con-
flicts, the effects <il' which were felt for generations after hostilities
had ceased.

'I'hc iiidiii li of June, 1772, furnished a new source of disquietude and
auiiiiiisiiy. On the 'Jtli of that month, the Providence packet, while
sailing int<i the harbor of Newport, was required, by the King's rev-
euiic cutrcr. the " Gaspee," Lieutenant Doddington commanding, to
lower iier colors. This tlie captain of the packet deemed repugnant to
his patriotic feelings, and the " Gaspee" fired at the packet, to bring
her to. The American, however, still persisted in holding on her
course, and. by keeping in shoal water, dexterously contrived to run
the schooner aground in the chase. As the tide was upon the ebb, the
" Gaspee " was set fast for the night, and afforded a tempting oppor-
liinily for retaliation; and a number of fishermen, aided and encour-
aged l)y some of tlie most respectable iidialiitants of Providence, being
deterniiiicil in liii i iiciiisci\cs of so uncivil an inspector, in the middle
of llir night iiiaiiMcd several boats, and boarded the " GasiJee." The
iieiiiciiaiit was wounded in the allray; but, with everything belonging
In him. he was carernliy conveyed on shore, as were all his crew. The
\ essel. \\ ith her stores, was the!i burned, and the party returned un-
moh'sted to their homes. When tlie (Governor became acquainted
w ii h I hi' e\cni . he offered a reward of live hundred pounds for the dis-
covery of tlie offenders.

The news had reached Staten Island that there had been a similar
attempt to that at Sandy Hook, to force a cargo of tea into Boston,
and it was jjlainly ajiparent tliat the event would prove another fruit-
ful soui-ce of mutual ill-feeling between the British ministry and the
•■olonists. The tea was tlirown into I lu' harbor, at Boston, the same as
at Sandy Hook, while at Chai'leslon. South Carolina. Avhere a third
cargo was sent . il was stored in ci-llars; but it also perished.

The geograi)lii(al position of Staten Island gave the people of every
fail inn, .11 ih.ii lime, considerable anxiety, and subsequent events
l""\iil ili;ii iheir fears were not unfounded. They believed that,
\N liiih e\ii- :iini\. in I he event of war, should occupy New York City,
woubl n.iinr.illv covet Staten Island for an outpost; and they be-
lieved. Inn. ih.ii. fi'iend or foe, the Island must necessarily suffer by
the oi 1 np.ini \ nl a military force. This led the leaders of the various

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 175

factious to make several attempts to draw the peojjle together aud or-
gauize for mutual interest aud protection. Uut without avail. Uue
faction demanded implicit subjection to the parent-government, while
another proclaimed unconditional independence, aud the third re-
mained silent and neutral.

Something might have been accomplished for the mutual benetit of
the people, had not a majority of the British ministers, when the in-
telligence of the destruction of the tea reached Great Britain, at once
resolved on more energetic measures to compel the colonists to respect
the revenue laws. The ministers found themselves supported by Par-
liament in their plans of coercion, regardless alike of the great prin-
ciples of the constitution, and of the permanent peace and prosperity*
of the Kingdom. Lord North, it is said, declared " that he would not
listen to any complaints or petitions from America, till she was at his
feet!"

This sent terror to the souls of the timid; but it increased the deter-
mination of the brave. Day and night, through sunshine and storm,
our people gathered in little Kichmond, to learn what next was com-
ing; and when the tidings came that a bill was introduced " for the
immediate removal of the officers concerned in the collection of cus-
toms from Boston, and to discontinue the landing aud discharging,
lading aud shipping goods, Avares and merchandise, at Boston, or
within the harbor thereof," aud that the bill also levied a fine upon
the town, as a compensation to the East India Company, for the de-
struction of their teas, and was to continue in force during the pleas-
ure of the King, there was consternation, for it was generally believed
that war would surely come.

The first of June, 1774, was fixed for the Boston port-bill to go iuto
operation, and the blockade was consequently to commence on that
day. On the 13th of May, at a meeting of the iuhabitnnts of Boston,
it was resolved to invite the other colonies to unite iu refusing all im-
portations from Great Britain, and to withhold all commercial inter-
course with her. To secure their co-operation, a special messenger
was dispatched to New York, Philadelphia, and other places, in every
one of which he was received with great cordiality, and resolutions
were immediately adopted, corresponding to the views of the people
of Boston.

Such indeed was the state of affairs in the colonies generally, in
May, when General Gage arrived in Boston, as the successor to Gov-
ernor Ilutchinsou, who had been recalled. At a former period, he had
been, for several years, commander-in-chief of the British military
forces iu America. Notwithstanding the prejudices of the people to
the appointment of a military man, he was received with due honor,
and even great ceremony, by the council and citizens, all of whom ex-
pressed a hope that his administration would conduce to the peace
and welfare of the province. All this was considered by the citizens
of Staten Island.

17(5

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND.

A slidi-i lime. linwcMi-, s(i\i-(l to develop the character of General
Gage. ;iii(l lii« .ser\iliiv lu ;in ;iibitrary ministry in the mother-coun-
try. He tlireatened to remove the general assembly to Salem; gave
liis negative to thirteen of the council chosen by the assembly; refused
lu ;i[)])()int a day for special ])rayer, at the request of that body; and,
tiiinlly. sciil a i)i-ii(lanialii)ii. by liis secretary, to dissolve it.

.\t this |ii'ii(iil nl' iiicicasiiig luniioil and agitation the second gen-
eral congress asseiubled. (Se](teniber .jth, 1774), at Philadelphia, in
■whicli all the coldiiies Avere rei)resented. excepting Georgia. I'eyton
i;aii(liil|ili. nf \iigiiiia. was elected President, and Charles Thompson,
of i'liiladelidiia, secrelai-y.

Tlie most eiuineiit men III' I lie \ari(ius c<iloiii"S were now. for the tirst
time, biiiiiglii icigei her. They were known to each other by fame; but

they were, personally, strangers. The
meeting was solemn. The object which
liad called them togetlier, was of incal-
culable magnitude. The liberties of no
less than three millions of people, with
that of all their posterity, were staked
on the wisdom and energy of their cotin-
cils. Ko wonder, then, at the long and
deep silence, which is said to have fol-
lowed upon their orgaiiizatiim; at the
anxiety with wluch the members looked
aronnd ujjou each other; and at the re-
luctance which every individual felt to
o]ien a business so fearfully momentous!
In ilie midst of this deep and death-like
silence, and just when it was becoming
liainlnlly embarrassing, i'atricl; Henry arose slowly, as if borne down
by I he \\( ight III' the subject. Of this incident, Wirt, in his " Life of
I jell I v." says:

•• .\lier lallering. accnnling lo his habil. through a most exiiressive
exiinlinm, in w liicli li<' meii'ly echoed back llie cnnsciuusuess of every
111 hei- heart, in ilejilnring his inability to do justice to the occasion, he
lanmheil gijulnally inin a recital of the colonial wrongs. Rising, as
he ;ii|\ ;i nceil, wit h 1 he grandeur of his subject, and glowing, at length,
w ii h all I he ma jisiy of I he occasion, his speech s(Mnned more than that
lit mm lal man. .\li'. Henry was followed by Mr. Richard Henry Lee.
in a s|ieei h scarcely less powerfnl. and still more replete with classic
ehM|iiiii( e. ( Mie Spirit of ardciit love of liberty pervaded eA'ery breast.
;inil |iiiidnieil .1 niiaiiiinity. as advantageous to the cause they advo-
1 .1 hi I. as ii w.is niie\|ieiled and ajipalling to their adx'i'rsaries."

'i'lie congress ]iriiceeded with gi'eat deliberation; its debates were
held wiih closed dnnrs. and the honor of each member was solemnly
engaL:iil nui in disclose anv of 1 lie discussions, till such disclosiii'e was

vi^JcnrxT riiHMU'UY.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 177

declared advisable by the majority. On the lith of October, a series
of resolutions, regarding the rights and grievances of the colonies, was
passed and promulgated. They were couched in strong and undis-
guised language, and set forth to the world what were considered, by
this noble body of men. to be the rights and privileges of the people
of Amei-ica, in defence of which they were ready to peril life, liberty
and fortune. Mr. I'itkin, writing on the subject, many years ago, said:

" A majority of the members of this congress had little doubt, that
the measures taken l»y tliem, if supported by the American people,
would i>roduce a redress of grievances.

"Eichard Henry Lee said to Mr. Adams: 'We shall undoubtedly
carry all our points. You will be completely relieved; all the offensive
acts will be repealed, the army and fleet will be recalled, and Britain
will give up her foolish projects.'

" George Washington was of opinion that, with the aid of both the
non-importation and non-exportation system, America would prevail.
Patrick Henry concurred in opinion with Mr. Adams, that the contest
must ultinuitely be decided by force. The proceedings of congress met
with the almost unanimous approbation of the people of America.
The non-importation agreement, entered into by their delegates, was
adopted as their own. Committees of vigilance were appointed in all
the towns and districts, and the names of those who disregarded it,
were published as the enemies of public liberty."

Before the close of the year, the busy note of ])reparation resounded
through almost every colony. The Massaclius"tts committee were in-
defatigabh' in providing for tlie most vigorous defence in the s]>ring.
They had procured all sorts of military supplies for the service of
twelve thousand men, and had engaged tlie assistance of tlie three
neighboring provinces of New Hampshire, Bliode Island and Connecti-
cut.

While tlie notes of warlike ])reiiaration were thus sounding louder
and louder through the country, the British Parliament assembled on
the other side of the waters. In January, 1775, Lord Chatham, having
taken his seat, moved —

" That an humble address be presented his majesty, most humbly
to advise and beseech his majesty, that, in order to open the way to-
wards our happy settlement of the dangerous troubles in America, by
beginning to allay ferments and soften animosities there; and above
all, for preventing, in the meantime, any sudden and fatal catastrophe
at Boston, now suffering under daily irritation of an army before their
eyes, posted in their town; it may graciously please his majesty, that
immediate orders may be dispatched to General Gage, for removing
his majesty's forces from the town of Boston, as soon as the season
and other cii'cumstances, indispensable to the safety and accommoda-
tion of the said troops, may render the same practicable."

This motion was persuasively urged by Lord Chatham, and ably

178 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

supported by Lord CamdeD, Lord Slielburne, and the Marquis of Rock-
iiijihaui. ut'vertheless it was rejected by a large majority. Immedi-
ately following its rejeetiou, the miuistry proposed, iu the House of
Commons, a joint address to the King, on American affairs. In this
address, which was carried by large majorities. Parliament declared
that Massachusetts was in a state of rebellion; and that this colony
had been supported by unlawful combinations, and engagements en-
tered into by several of the other colonies, to the great injury and op-
IJression of his majesty's subjects in Great Britain.

Assuring his majesty of their determination never to relinquish the
sovereign authority of the King and Parliament over the colonies,
they requested him to take the most effectual measures to enforce
obedience to that authority, and promised him their support, at the
hazard of their lives and property. Opposition to the address was
made iu both houses, but in vain. The King, in his answer, declared
his firm deterniination. in com])liance with their request, to enforce
obedience to the laws and authority of the supreme legislature of the
kingdom. Ilis answer was followed by a message requesting an in-
crease of his forces by sea and land.

Thus the determination of King and Parliament was formed. Left
of God to follow the counsels of a proud, overbearing, and obstinate
ministry, they had now made declarations and taken positions, from
which there was no retreat but by concessions, which were not to be
expected. In due time, " the news " — and, such intelligence had not
bclore been boi-ne across the waters of the Atlantic — so exciting — so
appalling — so maddening — " the news arrived of the King's speech at
the opening of Parliament; of the resolutions adopted by that body;
a7i(], finally, of the act by which the inhabitants of Massachusetts were
]H'orl;iiiiic(l icbels. All tile ]irovince liew to aruis; indignation be-
came fury, — obstinacy, desjieratiou.

"'We must look back no more!' said the colonies; 'we must con-
(|iici- or die! Wi- ai-c jilaced between altars smoking with the most
gi-atel'ul incense of glory and gratitude, on the one part, and blocks
and dungeons on tlie other. Let each then rise and gird himself for
the combat. The dearest interests of the world command it; our most
holy religion enjoins it; that (!od. who eternally rewards the virtuous
and iMiiiishes the wicked, ordains it. Let us accept these happy
auguries; foi- nlrcndy the mercenary satellites, sent by wicked miu-
islei-s to reduce this iiinocent people to extremity, are imprisoned
within the walls of ii single city, where hunger emaciates them, rage
(h\ <iurs I iiciii, dc.il h coiisuiues them. Let US banish every fear, every
ahii-iii; t'ortiine smiles upon llie efforts of the bi'ave! ' By similar
discourses, they excited one another, and prepared themselves for
(Icl'cncr." '• The fatal moment is arrived," says Botta's History; *' the
signal of civil war is given! "

Tims was the way jtrejyai'ed for a contest wliicji King and Parlia-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 179

meut might, at oue time, liave easily avoided. Had they listened to the
warniug voice of Chatham, desceudiug to his grave, or had they re-
garded the dictates of common political wisdom, America might have
been retained, and with all her loyalty and affection, as a dependency.
But God designed a better portion for her; and hence He allowed the
monarch and the statesmen of England to adopt measures the most
impolitic and oppressive — the result of which was, as we shall see, the
indei»eudence of the colonies, and the loss to the British crown of its
brightest jewel.

CHAPTER XXI.

COMMENCEMENT OF THE KEVOLUTION.

!•; iiiiiiicdiiitc cause of the battle, or, more properly, rencon-
tre at Lexiniitou. was an attempt of a detaclimeut of Brit-
ish troops to execute au or(h'r of General Gage to destroy
certain military stores, which the provincials had collected
at Concord, a town sitnate(l about eighteen miles from Boston. In
aniicipation of an approacliing contest, the provincial assembly of
:\lassa(l!use1ts had ]>assed a resolution for the purchase of all the
"•un])owder that could be found, and of every sort of arms and ammu-
nition re(iuired f(U' an army of hfteen thousand men.

As these olijects abounded ])rincipally in liostou. the inhabitants
employed all their addi'css to procun- and transport them to places of

safety in the country.
Cannon balls ami other
instruments of war were
11i:-retore collected and
transported in carts, ap-
parently loaded with ma-
nure; powder in the
l)askets and ])anniers of
those who came from
Boston market, and bul-
lets were concealed even
in candle-boxes. By
t h e s e m e a n s, a u d
through other channels,
a considerable (|uantity
(d' arms and ammunition
had been collected at
Concord.
Ri<entiyde»tro.vciii).v «!<•. Bccoming excited by

joxalisis. Ciciieral Gage a1 omc icsdhcd to send a few companies to
Cimcdid. loi- I lie purpose ali-cady slated. It was said. also, that he
had in \ie\\. l)y this sadden expedition, to get i)ossession of John
Hancock and Samuel Adams, (wo of tlii' most ardent patriot chiefs,
and the inimiital directors of the provincial congress, then assembled
in I Im' lowii of ( "oncoi-d.

In pnisuance of this purpose, on the cNcning (d' the IStli of A]iril,

(II. I) Ithh .JAM,. 171(1; COUNTY (M.KKK'.s AND SUHHOGATK's
OFFICK.S, 1S27.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 181

1775, several British officers dispersed themselves here and there iipou
the road and passaj^cs. to intercept the couriers that might have been
dispatched to give notice of the movements (if the troops. The Gov-
ernor gave orders that no person should be allowed to leave the city;
nevertheless. Dr. "Warren, one of the niDst a(ti\e ]>atriots. had timely
intimation of the scheme, and immediately dispatched couhdential
messengers, some of whom found the roads interdicted by the officers
Avho guarded them; but others made tlieir way unperceived to Lex-
ington, a town upon the road leading to Concord.

The intelligence was soon divulged; the people flocked together;
the bells in all i^arts were rung to give the alarm; and the continual
firing of cannon spread the agitation through all the neighboring-
country. In the midst of this tumultuous scene, at eleven in the
evening, a strong detachment of grenadiers and of light infantry was
embarked at Boston, to land at a place called Phipps' Farm, whence
they marched to Concord.

The British troops were under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel
Smith and Major Pitcairn, who led the vanguard. The militia of
Lexington, as the intelligence of the movement of this detachment
was uncertain, had separated in the course of the night. Finally,
at five o'clock in the morning of the 19th, advice was received of the
near approacli of the royal troops. The provincials that happened
to be near, assembled — to the number, however, of only seventy. The
British appeared, and Major Pitcairn, galloping up to the jn'ovin-
cials, commanded, in a loud voice, "Disperse, rebels! lay down your
arms, and disperse! ''

But the provincials did not obey, and ^lajor Pitcairn, advancing
nearer, discharged a pistol, and, brandishing his sword, ordered his
soldiers to fire. Eight Americans were killed, three or four of them
by the first fire of the British; the others aft^r they had been taken
from the scene of action. Several were also wounded. Many years
afterward a handsome monument was erected to the memory of the
killed, on the green where the first of them fell. The soldiers ad-
vanced toward Concord, where the inhabitants assembled; but seeing
the numbei's of the enemy, they fell back, and posted themselves
on a bridge, north of the town. The light infantry assailed them
with fury, routed them, and occupied the bridge, while the others
entered Concord, and proceeded to the execution of their orders.
They disabled two twenty-four pounders, threw five hundred pounds
of ball into the river and wells, and broke in pieces about sixty barrels
of flour.

The militia being reinforced. Major Buttrick, of Concord, who had
gallantly offered to command them, advanced towards the bridge;
but, not knowing of the transaction at Lexington, ordered his men
not to give the first fire, that the provincials might not be the ag-
gressors. As he advanced, the light infantry retired to the Concord

1)^2 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

side of the river, and began to pull up the bridge, and on his nearer
approach, they tired, and killed a captain and one of the privates.
The provincials immediately returned the fire. A skirmish ensued,
and the regulars were forced to retreat, with some loss. They were
soon joined by the main body, which now retreated with precipitancy.
Meanwhile, the people of the adjacent country flocked in, and at-
tacked them in every direction. Some fired from behind stone walls
and other coverts, while others pressed on their rear during their re-
treat to Lexington.

General Gage, becoming ajipn-liensive for the fate of the English,
had dispatched nine hundred men and two field-pieces, under com-
mand of Lord Percy. These troops arrived very opportunely at Lex-
ington, at the moment when those whom th'-y were sent to assist
had entered the town from the other side, pursued with fury by the
provincial militia. It is quite probable that, without this re-inforce-
ment. they would have all been killed or captured. Their strength,
as well as their ammunition, was exhausted.

Looking back through the distance of time, the rencontre at Lexing-
ton was. in itself, an inconsiderable att'air. But. in its relation and
influence can scarcely be estimated. It was the tii"st real outbreak
of indignant feeling, which, for months and years, had been acquiring
.strength; but which, until now. had been suppressed. It was indeed
a solution of the problem, whether the wrongs of America could be
redressed without a resort to amis. It developed the spirit and deter-
mination, as well of the king and parliament, as the Americans them-
selves. It shut the door for further negotiations; it cut ott' hope for
the colonies, but through an appeal to arms. In fact, it was a signal
for war — it was war itself.

The att'air had two practical results. The first was to demonstrate
how false and ridiculous were the vaunts of those who. within Par-
liament, as well as without, had spoken in such unworthy terms of
American courage. From that very moment, the English nation, and
especially its soldiers, persuaded themselves that the struggle would
be far more severe and sanguinary than had been at fli-st believed.
The second effect of the combat was. greatly to increase the confidence
of the colonists, and their resolution to defend their rights. It should
be added, also, that the reports of the cruelties of the British troops
]iroduced an incredible excitement in the minds of the inhabitants,
which was still further increased by the public honors which were
paid to those who had fallen in the opening contest. Their eulogies
were pronounced, and they were styled martyrs of liberty, while their
families were the objects of universal veneration. They were cited
as the models to be imitated in the approaching conflict.

The provincial congress of Massachusetts later went into session
at Watertown. ten miles distant from Boston. On receiving intelli-
gence of the battle, it took immediate measures to raise thirteen

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 183

thousand and six hundred men, and chose for their General Colonel
Artemus ^A'ard, an officer of much reputation. This militia was de-
signed to form the contingent of Massachusetts. The provinces of
New Hamijshire, Connecticut and Khode Island were invited to fur-
nish theirs, in order to complete an army of thirty thousand men, to
be commanded by (Jeneral John Thomas, an officer of great ex-
perience.

Connecticut dispatched, immediately, a considerable corps, under
the command of Colonel Israel Putnam, an old officer, who, in two
late wars, had often given proof of courage and intelligence. New
York and the other provinces were not slow in causing their stand-
ards to mo\e, and, in a short time, an army of thirty thousand men
was found assembled under the walls of Boston. So great and so
universal was tiie ardor produced among the inhabitants by the battle
of Lexington, that the American generals were obliged to send back
to their homes many thousand volunteers.

Putnam took his station at Cambridge, and Thomas at IJoxbury.
upon the right wing of the army, to cut off entirely the communica-
tion of the garrison, by the isthmus, with the adjacent country. In a
few days after the affair of Lexington, the capital of the province
of .Massachusetts was closely besieged. Thus a multitude assembled
in haste, of men, declared rebels and mean-spirited cowards; yet they
h(dd in strict confinement, many thousands of veteran troops, who
were commanded by an able general, and combating under the royal
standard.

As the scenes at Boston and elsewhere, at the commencement of the
Kevolution. were really i>reludes to the events which came later to
8taten Island, the writer deems it necessary to devote considerable
space in this chapter to their pressing importance. Boston, which
for a considerable time liad been the point of greatest interest in
the American colonies, was not less so immediately following the
battle of Lexington. The engagement served to quicken the already
excited i)ulse of thousands. The lires of patriotism burned brighter.
Sires and sous, mothers and daughters, seenu'd to rejoice that the
crisis had come, and were ready to make every needful sacrifice for
tlieir country's good.

The fifteen thousand troops under tieneral Ward awaited events.
Towards the end of May, a considerable royal re-inforcement arrived
at Boston from England, which, with the gari'ison, formed an army
of about twelve thousand men, all veteran troops. At the head of
this re-inforcement were three distinguished and practical generals^
Howe, Clinton and Burgoyne. Tho dift'erence in numbers was on the
American side; not so, however, their military science, arms, or am-
munition. They had, in all, but sixteen field pieces, six of which, at
the vei'y utmost, were in a condition for service. Their brass pieces,
which were few. were of the smallest calibre. They had, however,

184

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

some heav,y iron cauiioii, with three or four iiKntars aud howitzers,
and some scanty provision of balls aud bombs. Rut of ])()wder. thev
were almost totally destitute.

The situation of the English troops was now daily becoming more
jjerplexing and critical, and the necessity was increasingly aiiparcnt,
if they intended to retain their position, of fortifying certain i)oints
in the nrigliboi-jiood. TIic two regarded of greatest imiiortance were
. ^™^T^B^^^^^^^^^^= the heiglits of Dorcln^ster

former presenting su-
perior inducements, it
was determined to occu-
l>y and fortify that first,
and. afterwards, the lat-
<'r.

The Americans having
learned the intentions of
I lie Jiritish general, it be-
came a A'ery serious qiies-
liou wliat course was
most prudeut for them to
adopt. For a time a dif-
ference (d' ojiinion pre-
TiiiKi) ((HM V (onn iiousK, ERECTED IN 1794. valled auioug thc Ameri-
can patriots; but, at
length, the Committee of Safety recommended to the council of war
to occupy and fortify ISunker's hill at once, aud Dorchester heights,
I now South Boston), as early after as practicable. In conformity with
this suggestion, on tiie following day, (June Kith), (General Ward is-
sued orders to Colonel I'rescott to proceed to Charlestown, and occupy
aud fortify liunker's hill.

The trooi)s detached for this service amounted to about one thou-
sand mcTi. They were ordered to take provisions but for a single
(lay. I n I he eaily part of the evening of the Itith, they were mustered
on Cambridge common, near the colleges. They were commended
lot he ])rotection ami guidam-e of Almighty Cod. in a prayer by Presi-
denl Langdou. after wliicli, " led by the \aliant I'rescott. attired in
a calicu liuck. and hiniseir preceded by two sergeants with dark lan-
terns, and acconi](anie(l by Colonel Ciidley and Judge Winthrop. they
took their destiiH'd pal h."

WJK'n they reached the ground .1 (piestion arose ^\ liicii of the two
hills was intended as Runker's hill. The norlberii eniiiuMice was
more gein'raiiy spoken of tinder that name, while the southern, com-
nmnly c,-illed Breed's hill, was evidently the one best fitted for the
pnipiise. Aller long deliberation, it was decided ti> construct tlu^
principal woik on Breed's hill, aud to erect an additional and subsid-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 185

iary oue uu Bunker's hill. Aceui'dingly Cnlonel Uridley proceeded
to lay out the pnueipal work. " Midui.ylit arrived, however, before a
spade eutered the ground; there remained therefore less than four
hours before daylight, when the operations would, of course, be seen
by the British. The men, however, now began, and they worked."

The night, on the part of the American troops, was one of sleepless
vigilance and incessant toil. Shovels, pickaxes and spades were in
incessant motion, and, by four o'clock in the morning, they had
thrown up a redoubt, eight rods square and four feet high. At
this time the captain of a British ship, called the " Lively," discovered
the work, and opened a fire upon it. The alarm was given to the
British in Boston, and to the men-of-war in the river, and a heavy
cannonade was commenced. The tire from a battery of six guns, on
Copp's hill, proved most annoying; but the Americans, regardless of
bombs and balls, continued their labors with uusliakeu constancy.
The hrst nuirtyr who had the honor of shedding his blood, on that
ever-memorable hill, was a private soldier by the name of Asa Pollard,
of Bellerica, and the shot which killed him was the only one which
took fatal effect during the forenoon.

But we shall refrain from giving a detailed account of the battle
of Bunker's hill. Benders of history will readily recall that the Amer-
icans twice repulsed the British; but, when their ammunition was
exhausted they were overi)owered and driven from the works, leaving
General Warren dead upon the ground. The battle was of about two
hours' continuance, having commenced at three o'clock. The Ameri-
cans engaged were estimated at about three thousand five hundred.
The number killed and missing was one hundred and fifteen; tliree
hundred and five were wounded, and thirty taken prisoners.

The British force engaged in this battle was four thousand. Their
loss General Gage, in his official account, acknowledged to be one
thousand and fifty-four — two hundred and twenty-six killed, and
eight hundred and twenty-eight wounded, including nineteen officers
killed and twenty-eight wounded. Their loss, according to the olfi-
cial account of the action by the ^Massachusetts congress, was fifteen
hundred.

Charlestown was entirely destroyed. On the retreat of the Ameri-
cans, the British took possession of Bunker's hill, from which they
kept up a fire of artillery during the night. The Americans occupied
Prospect and Winter hills. It was a bold attempt on the part of
General Howe to carry the American redoubt by an attack in front.
In consequence of this, his troops were exposed to the direct and
galling fire of men who were each able to take deliberate aim. A
censure was indeed cast upon him for so doing; but a too vain confi-
dence in the bravery and discipline of his soldiers, and an equally
mistaken estimate of American valor, led him to reject a plan pro-
posed by General Clinton, and the adoption of one which, had it sue

186 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

ceeded, Avould have secured more liouur, but wliich obviously was so
hazardous aud doubtful in its issue, as might well have gained for the
other the prefereuce.^

If, previous to the battle of Bunker's hill, doubts existed in the
minds of any, whether the contest between Great Britain and the
American colonies would be settled without a struggle, the san-
guinary scene on that hill must have dispelled them. Both parties
had received a wound not likely to be healed. If the British had
won the held, they had gained but little, if any honor; and in the
re])ulse. which the Americans had met with, while they had lost no
honor, they had acquired self-confidence, and added to their already
high-wrought valor and determination.

The battle was fought on Sunday afternoon. Before Sunday night,
the intelligence was spread more than a hundred miles distant from
the scene of action. All were roused to the highest pitch of resent-
ment, aud set about preparing themselves for a long and bloody
struggle. Companies were raised and equipped with the utmost dis-
patcli; all liopes of reconciliation were lost. Squads vf men flocked
to headquarters, some of them liaving traveled eighty miles iu twen-
ty-four hours.

While events of so much importance were occurring iu aud around
I'.ostoii. the more immediate theatre of the war, the second general
congress was in session in Philadelphia, in deep consultation as to
iiicasnrcs whicli the cause aud exigencies of the country reciuired.
'I'licii- session had commenced on the 10th day of May preceding.
\ aiious matters of interest engaged their attention, and recjuired
all llieir wisdom and hrniness. As the war had commenced, it was
essential to kee]) up the zeal of the peojde; to pi'event revolt to the
royal standard; to introduce discijdine into tli'^ army which had been
collccled in haste; to ])ro\ide foi- the growing expenses of a war. the
end of which coiild not be ])redicted; to prevent, in the conduct of
the war. the revivals of jealousies which had existed l)etw<'en the
dilTciciil colonies; and, Anally, to place the army iu the hands of some
coiiiiiiaiKlci- iTi-chief, in whom the country could conttdi-. and whose
comiiiaiids the army would cheerfully obey. Goodrich, in writing of
the e\('ii(s of the time, said:

" The iiii|ioi-lai:ce of t his last duly niagniticd. the more it was con-
templaicd; and dilliciilt ies ])resen(ed themselves which occasioned no
small aiixii'ty and embarrassment. A mistake here might prove

1 Till' iii;;lii "I' ihf 1!illi of June was one of in numbers was srlevnus: but this was small

more sadness In the Hilllsh than to the Ameri- in comparison to the mortification experienced

cans, notivlthslandlnK that the latter had been j„ ,.jp„. „( thdj- repeated repulses. Nor was

driven from their position, and the colors nf |,_^| niortiflcation lessened when it became

the former were waving on Bunker's Hill. To j._^^^^^__ ^^^^^ ^^^ ^.^_j^.^._^^ ^^ ^^^ Americans was

the liritlsh belonged the field— to the .\inen. .,„„:»:„.. un.i fi,o
^ . ,. , _ caused by a want of anununitiou. Had the

ans. ill <lf<rt, the victor.v. What the former
liad gained, was of no use to them, as their
forces were not sumcleull.v numerous to hold 11>e Americans would not have maintained

iinlcrial of battle not failed, who can say that
he Americans would not have mai
possession of so extended a line. Tlielr loss their position ?-S;)aWi"s Lifr of WaiTfii.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 187

fatal to the liberties of the country for au iudefiuite period to come.

" Upon whom, then, shoukl their choice fall? Gates and Lee were
held iu high estimation as military men. The hrst, for his experience;
the second, because to experience he joined a very active genius. But
they were both born in England, and, in case of misfortune, it would
be difficult, however upright and faithful they might have been, to
persuade the people that they had not been guilty of treason, or at
least of negligence in the accomplishment of their duties.

" Besides, Lee had au impetuosity of temper, which, in some hour
of excitement, might spur him to the adoption of measures incon-
sistent with the safety of the army, and prejudicial to the interests of
the patriot cause. There were also ^^'ard and I'utnam, who were
already in the field, and who had demonstrated the most signal valor
and ability in all the actions which had taken place in the vicinity of
Boston. Putnam had seen much service, and, for energy and prompti-
tude, had few equals; but he had declared himself too openly in favor
of independence; this, congress devoutly wished to procure, but with-
al in a ijropitious time.

" As to General Ward. New England, it was well known, enter-
tained an exalted opinion of him, and many were strongly wishing
and anticipating tliat the lot would fall on him. Tc had served in the
Freuch war, in which he had acquired au honorable distinction. In
addition, he was both a scholar and a gentleman, aud the army itself
was uncommonly prepossessed in his favor. But besides that he also
had oi^enly expressed himself iu favor of independence. It was Avell
known tliat the provinces of the middle, and more so of the south,
were in a measure jealous of Xew England, in which the pliysical
force of the country confessedly predominated, and they would uat-
nrjilly be reluctant to have the cause of American freedom confided
to the hands of an individual who miglit allow himself to be influ-
enced by certain local prepossessions, at a time in which all desires
aud all interests ought to be common.

" Xor was it a small desideratum with scmie of the sages of that era,
that the commander-in-chief should himself possess an estate of such
value as to oft'er a guarantee of his fidelity, aud elevate him above the
sordid aud selfish motives of personal gain.

" Surrounded by such difficulties, and embarrassed by such oppo-
site considerations, what was to be doue? One poiut was clear — union
must he preserved, at any sacrifice. Union was strength. If iu harmo-
nious concert the colonies could not proceed, their doom was sealed.
The country, and the whole country, must come iu. The pulsation
must beat through all lieaits. The cause was one, and how many
soever bore a part in sustaining and defending it. they must act
as impelled but by one motive, and using but a single arm.

" To the final question, it had been foreseen for some time, the con-
gress must come. Out of dooi-s. the subject had been considered and

188

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

debated; but, as yet, uo settled opiuiun had beeu formed, and uu de-
cided action had beeu had. lu this anxious and in(iuiring iieriod. the
Father of mercies — the Almighty Being by wiiose care the colonies
had l>eeu planted, and hitherto sustained — whose blessing was daily
sought by thousands of families, morning and evening — whose guid-
ance the public councils, whether provincial, or continental, were
never ashamed to iuiph)re — that good and gracious Benefactor was
not slow in iKiinting to the nmn who should lead the armies of his
American Israeli

" One morning, the elder I'residcut Adams was walking in Congress
hall, apparently absorbed in thought, when Samuel Adams, a kins-
man and a member of Congress. api)roaching him, inquired the sub-
jcci of his deep cogitation. ' The army.' he replied; ' I am determined
what to do about the army at Cambridge.' ' What is that"? ' asked his
kinsman. ' 1 am determined to enter on a full detail of the state of
the colonies, before the house tliis nioining. My object will b<' to
induce Congress to name a day for ado]>tiug the army of the United
Colonies of X<uth America; and. having done this, I shall offer a few
hints on my election of a comumuder-in-chief.' ' I like your plan,
cousin John,' said vSamuel Adams; ' but on whom have you fixed as
tliis commander?' ' (ieorge Washington, of A'irginia, a member of
this house." Tliat will never do. never, n(n-er.' 'It must do,' said
• loliii Adams. ' and for these reasons: The Southi-ru and jMiddle States
aie loath to enter heartily into the cause, and their arguments are
potent; they say that New England holds the physical power in her

hands, and they fear the result.
A New England army, a New
England commander, with New
E u g 1 a n d perseverance, all
united, ajtpall them. I'^ir this
cause, they hang back. The
only way to allay their fears.
:nid silence their com])laints. is
by appointing a southern chief
over the army. This policy will
blend us in one mass, and (hat
mass will be resistless."

" Mr. Adams now went in,
and taking the Hoor, ])ut forth
his sli'englli in the delinealious he had ])re|iared. all aiming at the
:id(>|)lion III' I he niiiiy. II r wjis i-ea dy to own t he army, appoint a com-
iii.inijef. and \(ile su|(]ilies. His speech was ])atriotic. elo(|Uent and
I hiilling; bul some doubted, some objected, souu^ feared. To all these
doiilds andiiesilal ions he rejilied: ' (lenl leineii. if this Congress do not
.iiliipi iliis aiiiiy, before leii moons have set. New Engiaml will have
a ( 'oMgress of her own. w liirii idlt ailo]M it . and she will uiulertake the

IIOUSK IN PKonilUTION PAUK — KKLIC OF TIIK
REVOLUTION.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 189

struggle aloiit — with a wtruug arm and a clear conscience.' This had
the desired effect, and thej' agreed to appoint a day.

" The day was fixed, and came, and the army was adopted. And
now followed the question as to a commander. Mr. Adams again rose.
He proceeded to a minute delineation of the character of General
Ward, according to him merits and honors, which then behiuged to no
one else; but at the end of this eulogy, he said: ' This is not the man
I have chosen.' The peculiar situation of the colonies requires an-
othei- and a different man, and one from a different quarter. These
qualifications were now set forth in strong, bold and eloquent terms;
and, in the sequel, he said: ' Gentlemen, I know these qualifications
are high; but we all know they are needful at this crisis, in this chief.
Does any one say that they are not to be obtained in the country?
I reply, they are; thej' reside in one of our own body, and he is the
person whom I now nominate: George Washington, of Virginia.

" At the moment, Washington was intently gazing, as were otliers,
upon Mr. Adams, wrought up by an eager curiosity for the annun-
ciation of the name, ^^'itll(^ut a suspicion that it would be his own,
as it transpired from llie lijis of the sp(^akcr, lie sprang from the seat
and rushed from the hall. Samuel Adams, already in the secret, im-
mediately moved an adjournment of the house, in order that the
members might liave time to deliberate on a nomination so unex-
pected and so surprising."

Two days after the battle of Bunker's hill, on .lune 15th, Congress
convened to decide the im])ortant question. As individuals, they had
given the subject a deep and solemn deliberation, commensurate with
its vital importance to the country. Until the annunciation of Wash-
ington's name by John Adams, probably no one had even thought
of him; but now, but one sentiment prevailed. He was the man, and
their ballots unanimously confirmed the choice. In a few days, fol-
lowing the appointment of Washington, Congress published a mani-
festo, setting f(n'th to the world the causes which had led them to
take up arms. After enumerating these causes, in a tone of nuinly
assurance, and yet of humble dependence upon Almighty God, they
said :

" Our cause is just — our union is perfect — our internal resmirces
are great — and, if necessary, foreign assistance is undoubtedly attain-
able. We gratefully acknowledge, as signal instances of Divine favor
towards us, that His providence would not permit us to be called
into this severe controversy, until we are grown to our present
strength, had been ]U'eviously exercised in warlike operations, and
possessed of the niejius of defending ourselves. With hearts, f(U'tified
W'ith these animating I'etlecfions, we must most solemnly, before God
and the world, declare, that, exerting tlie utmost energy of those
powers, which the beneficent Creator hath graciously bestowed upon
us, the arms we have been compelled by our enemies to assume, we

190 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

will, in (Ictijiiice of every hazard, with uiiabating firmness aud perse-
verance, eniphjy for the preservation of otir liberties; being, with one
mind, resolved to die freemen, rather than to live slaves." Finally,
they added: " With an humble confidence in the mercies of the su-
l)reme and inij)artial Judge and Kuler of the universe, we most de-
voutly implore Ills divine goodness, to protect us happily through
this great conflict, to dispose our adversaries to reconciliation and
reasonable terms, and thereby relieve the empire from the calamities
of civil war."

The manifesto was sent into every part of the country, and read
from the pulpits by the ministers of religion, w'ith suitable exhor-
tations. In the camps of Boston it w-as read wdth particular so-
lemnity. Major-Geueral Putnam assend)led his division upon the
heights of Prospect hill to hear it. It was followed by a prayer,
analogous to the occasion; the General having given the signal, all
the troops cried, three times, aiiicii ! and. at the same instant, the artil-
lery of the fort fired a general salute. The colors, recently sent to
General Putnam, were seen waving with the usual motto: " An appeal
to Heaven "; and this other, " (^ii'i fran.sitlif .^xsifinetr The same cere-
mony was observed in the other divisions. The joy and enthusiasm
were universal.

It may be added, in this connection, as an evidence of the piety of
our fathers — of the belief of a superintending providence, which char-
acterized tliat generation, that Congress recommended a public fast to
be observed in all the colonies, oji the 20th of .Inly. The soldiers,
they recommended to be " Inimane and merciful," and all classes of
citizens, '' fo humble themselves, to fast, to pray, and to implore the
Divine assistance, in this day of trouble and of peril."

Congress, in a body, attended divine services on that day. in one
of the <liurclies in Philadeljihia. Just as they were about" to enter
the temiile. important intelligence was received from Georgia. It
was. that that province, which had hitherto held itself aloof from
the common cause, had joined the confederation, and had appointed
five delegates for its reiiresentation in Congress.

Having elected a commander-in-chief. Congress proceeded to the
selection of other experienced officers. Artemus Ward, Charles Lee,
ami I'hilip Schuyler Avere appointed :\rajor-Generals, and noratio
Gates adjutant-general. These appointments were followed, a few
days later, by that of eight brigadier-generals: Seth Pomeroy, Will-
iam Heath, and John Thomas, of INIassachusetts; Ricliard ■Montgom-
ery, of New York; David Wooster and Josej)!! Sjiencer, of Coun'ecti-
cut; John Sullivan, of New Hampshire, and Nathaniel Greene, of
Kliode Island.

General Washington, accompanied by General Lee, repaired to the
camp near Boston in July (1775). On their journey they received the
highest honors from the most distinguished citizens, "on makino- a

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 191

review of the army, soou aftei- his anival, Warfliiugtuu fouud au im-
mense multitude, of whom only fourteen thousand live hundred were
in a condition fit for service. But even tliese, in respect to uniform,
equipment, and discipline, exhibited a variety most disheartening
and painful to a commander. As to discipline, it scarcely existed.
The subordinate officers were without emulation, and the privates,
having been unaccustomed to the rules and regulations of a camp,
were impatient of all subordination.

The newly-appointed generals soon arrived, fortunately, and with
great alacrity set to work to reconstruct the army. General Gates,
whti was versed in the details of military organization, exerted a
powerful influence in his work. In a short time the camp presented
an improved aspect. The soldiers became accustomed to obedience;
regulations were observed; each began to know his duty; and, at
length, instead of a mass of irregular militia, the camp presented the
spectacle of a properly disciplined army. It was divided into three
corps — the right under the command of General Ward, the left under
General Lee, and the centre under General Washington, who estab-
lished his headquarters at rambridge.

The providing of guni)ow(lcr had now become au essential consid-
eration. Accordingly, it was recommended, by a resolution of Con-
gress, that all the colonies should put themselves in a state of defence,
and provide themselves with the greatest possible number of men, of
arms, and of munitions; and, especially-, that they should make dili-
gent search for salpetre and sulphur. An exact scrutiny was there-
fore commenced, in the cellars and in the stables, in pursuit of ma-
terials so essential to modern warfare. In every part, manufactories
of gunpowder and foundries of cannon were seen rising; every place
resounded with the prejjarations for war. The provincial assemblies
and conventions seconded admirably the operations of Congress; and
the whole people obeyed, with incredible promptitude, the orders of
these various authorities. In addition to these measures, several
fast-sailing vessels were dispatched to the coast of Guinea, where
they procured immense quantities of powder, having purchased it of
European ships, engaged in the trade.

CHAPTER XXII.

THE CRISIS ON STATEN ISLAND.

UlJIXn the active movemeuts of the British and Colonial
armies in the East, all was excitement on Staten Island.
The arrival of the mail-coach at Richmond Town was each
daj greeted by hundreds of people, and the news from the
seat of Avar created animated controversies that resulted in hand-to-
hand combats.

*5P!^a^^.__^^^

:~¥i

PRKSKNT COUNTY COIUT IIOISK, KUKCTKTi IX l.S;{7: COINIV JAIL IN THE REAR, ERECTED IN

ISCO.

Tlic pnpnlal inn of Ihe Island consisted of about three thousand
people, includinii iin'ii. wdiiien. children and slaves. The men were
about evenly dividid in ihcir support of the English government,

and families soon liccame disiinilcd ;ind at I'nniitv o\"er the vital

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

193

issues of the dny. The tirsl iiutvemeiit, h(»wever, that resulted iu opeu
disloyalty to the Kiuij;' was the partial organization of two military
ooni])anies Avhicli offered their st^rviees to General Was]iinut(tn. Be-
fore the < JeneraTs answer could be received, the British army arrived,
Avith all its pomp and glitter, and the inexperienced natives were so
terrified that they thought it wiser to be on the stronger side, and so
consented to be mustered into the King's service.^

This was a stinging blow to tin* patriots who w<n'e anxious that
Staten Ishind should 1m* iu i>oss<'ssiou of the Cohuiial ai-my. and they
calle<l a secret nu'eting at Smoking I'oint (Kossville) lor the purpose
of recruiting citizen soldiers Avho were <»pposed to the oppression of
the jiai-ent giivernunMit. l>ut the leaders w<'r(* betrayed aud the meet-
ing prohibited.

Before proceeding farther let us review the sorial and ]K>litical
oonditi(»n of Staten Island at tlie commencement of hostilities. The
geographical position of the place gave positive directictn to the
political sentiments of its inhabitants. Commanding the approach
to the metropolis of the province. whoev<^r possessed it took advan-
tage of its natural facilities in a military p(tint of vicAv. The Dutch
liad a fort on the heights of the Narrows, (now Fort Wadsworth),

1 " Tln^re were some, however, who had no
faith ill the protestutious of the British com-
mander, aud too much manhood to conceal
their sentiments; to these the political atmos-
phere of the Ishiud was decidedly unhealthy,
and tbey had to escape for their lives.

" Among those was Colonel Jacob Mersereau.
He was the stm of .loshua Mersen-au :iiid Ma-
rin Corson, bis wife. IJy the records of the
Keforuied Church, Port Kichmond. he was
baptised May i;4tb, 1730, and died iu Septem-
ber, 1804. in the sevonty-tifth year of his am*.
He resided in the old stone-house in North-
field, not far from Graniteville, now [1877] oc-
cuiiied bj' his son, the venerable and Hon. Pe-
ter Mersereau. Soon after the beginning of
the war. he became apprehensive for Ids per-
sonal safety, and fled to New Jersey. During
his protracted residence there, he made occa-
sional stealthy visits to his family by night,
find on one of these occasions had a very nar-
row escape from capture. Having crossed the
Sound, and concealed his boat, he took his
course for home across fields, avoiding the
public roads as much as possible. It was
while crossing a road from one field to another,
that he was met by a young man whom he
liuew well; but as neither spoke, he imagined
the young man did not know him. Ui this,
however, he was mistaken, for he was recog-
nized at once.

■• There was no British post just then nearer
thnu Kiehmond, and thither the young Tory
hastened and informed the commanding offi-
cer, probably Colonel Simcoe. of his discovery.
I'reparations were made immediately to effect
the arrest of Colonel Mersereau, but it was
near daylight in the morning before the party
set out. They were in no hast)-, for tbey sup-

posed he intended to remain concealed at home
during tlie day. The family, as was their cus-
timt. li;id arisen early; but they did not dls-
i-ovcr the soldiers until they were within a few
rods of the house. The alarm was immediate-
ly given, which, being perceived by the ap-
proaching party, a rush was made, and as they
reaelH'd the door, the Colonel sprang out of the
upper northwest window of the house, upon a
shed beneath it. and thence to the gromid.

" A few rods west of the house is a small
I'Icvntion, and it was while crossing this that
lif wns discovered. On the other side of the
hill wfis a hedge row, terminating at a swamp,
along which he ran on all fours, to keep him-
self out of sight, until he reached the swamp,
iu the middle of which he lound a place of
concealment. When he was diseovcred cross-
ing the hill, those who bad Iti'gnn a search
within were called out, and pursuit was made;
but when the top of the hill was reached, the
Colonel wiis nowhere to be seen.[ The swamp
was discovered, and it was at once concluded
that he was there concealed; but as the pur-
suers were ignorant of its intricacies, they
could proceed no further.

" Dogs were then put upon the track, which
they followed to the edge of the swamp, where
they chanced to scent a rabbit, and away they
went in chnse of the new game. Here the
pursuit terminated, and the Colonel, after re-
maining concealed the whole day, escaped dur-
ing the following night to New Jersey. For a
week thereafter a close watch was kept tipon
the house by day and by night. It is some
consolation to know that the treacherous
young Tory did not receive the reward which
bad been offered for the patriot's capture." -
Clitfi'.s Aiiiiiils of statri, Island.

194 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

(liiim<; their control; the English enlarged and strengthened it; the
Stale of New York increased its iniportauce during the war of 1812,
and the National Government, purchasing it in 1801, has from time
to time added to its importance, until it is now one of the strongest
points of defence in the whole country.

\\'hoever, then, jjossessed this important point, before the lievohi-
tion, to a certain extent jtossessed and controlled the Island and the
metropolis. " Whilst the English held the government of the prov-
ince, the pc(i|)l(' naturally imbibed English sentiments; freedom of
opinion on political subjects, so far as the nature and cliarncter of
the government was concerned, was not tolei'ated. It is not to be
wondered at, then, that a ])eople who. for more than a century had
been tauglit to believe that it was little short of treason to doubt the
di\ inc origin of monarchy, and especially of the English monarchy,
should be conscientiously opposed to a change which was calculated
to o\crturu all their most cherished institutions. IMore than half of
the ]io|)iilai ion of the Island, at the dawn of the Revolution, were
<'illicr of lOnglish birlli or descent "; and many entertained the idea
that the rebellion could not by any possibility succeed. Many indeed
w ho lavdicd rebellion hoped against hope.

A great majority of the early Dutch settlers were in favor of inde-
jX'udence. and those of Frt-nch descent were about ecpially divided
on llie (iiiestioii. (^>iiile a number of the French having settled here
before the c<)U(|iiest of the jiroviuce by the iMiglisli, had interniiirrie<l
with the l>ulch. who were then the dominant class, and had imbibed
l>uti-li o](iiiioiis, manners and cnsloins, and had excn i'allen into the
nse of the Dutch language. In some of the families bearing French
name, and of I'rencli descent, at the jiresent day. are to be found
laniily records, sncli as liiey are. "written in the Hntcli language."

In {"ebruary. ITT."!. K'iciiniond Couuly was represented in theCcdou-
ial Assembly by ('hristopher liilhqtii and lienjamiu Seaman, and
wImmi. on the 23d of the same month, a motion was before the house
" that the sense of this House be taken, on the Necessity of a]»]iointing
Delegates for this Colony, to meet the Delegates for the other Colonies
on this Contiiu'iit, in (leneral Congress, on the 10th day of May ne.xt,''
these re]iresenta( i\cs ol' Kiihniond xoti-d in the negative.

The charailer of Slaleii lslan<l was now pretty th(U-ougldy estab-
lished. The peojde (d' l']lizabet lit own had been eagerly watching and

2 TliiTP was. however, iiliollier ;niil inure their reliL'i.m l.i tli:it of the elass with whieh

iiiiM'ked lillTrMeiii'e between lite penple of Uie tlie.v h.nd iimalsiintiiteil. The Whig lor demo-

Hevenil litilioiiiilllies Ihtin mere polltlelll sentl- eriiliet ejtiise 1 liroiij;Iiont lite cMuiiilr.v was cal-

nieiils tiiid n]iiiiloiis. The Dtileh were inihihed etilated lo foster religions entbnsiasni, for,

with a dei'p religions feeling; tlie.v were not Iteing eoiiseioiis of their own wealiiiess as eom-

Kc'iienill.v as well edneiiled as the English, but pnri'd with the mighty power and resourees of

llicy I'ould rend and write, and keep their own (ireat Hrltain, they uatnrally looked to a

neeoiinls. The I'liglish had their religion, too; higher power than that of man to sustain them

but they weri' more fcu'inal and less earnest In whtit they eoiiselentiously believed to be

and devoted than Iheir neighbors. The Freneh the eause of right.— /'its(oh'.< lliilorn uj Ruh-

iti tills, as ill other ri'spi'cts, aeeomtiio.la ted niimd Count!/.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 195

waitiuj; to st-e what movemeut would here be made. The jstaud which
the Islanders would take was uo longer in doubt, and the Committee
of Observation of Elizabethtown on February 13th, 1775, issued the
following interdict:

" Whereas the inhabitants of i^taten Island have manifested an
unfriendly disposition towards the liberties of America, and among
other things have neglected to join in the General Association jiro-
posed by the Continental Congress, and entered into by most of the
Townships in America, and in no instance have acceded thereto. The
Committee of Observation for this ToAvn, taking the same into con-
sideration, are of opinion that the inhabitants of their District ought,
and by the aforesaid Association are bound, to break of all trade,
commerce, dealings, and intercourse wliatsoever with tlie inhabitants
of said Island, until they shall join in the General Association afore-
said; and do Resolve that all trade, commerce, dealings, and inter-
course whatsoever be suspended accordingly, which suspension is
hereby notified and recommended to the inhabitants of this District
to be by them universally observed and adopted.

" GEORGE ROf^S. Clerk."

In the course of a day or two afterwards, an oyster boat, belonging
to James Johnson, of Staten Island, crossed the Kills and went up the
creek to the stone bridge, and the owner endeavored to make sale of
his freight. But a pair of horses were speedily attached to the boat
by the indignant people, and the poor craft was hauled up the street
to the Court House. Johnson was advised by James Arnet to seek
redress from Jonathan Hampton, chairman of the Committee of Ob-
servation, who was also a magistrate. Hampton was found and gave
him protection, and in the evening permitted liini to return to Staten
Island.

This incident, trivial enough, was reported to Rivington in Xew
York, and an account of it appeared in his Roijal Gazetteer of March 2d,
in which the affair was magnified into a disgraceful and turbulent
riot. Mr. Hampton was accused of being " completely drunk," and
Messrs. Blancliard and Dayton, two of the aldermen, were represented
as having "exerted themselves greatly to suppress those violences, but
they were only able to check them." Rivington's informant says of
the mob, (February 18th), that '* aboiit four o'clock, they proceeded
to abuse all the peo]ile in the town who were known to be well affected
to the Constitution [the Tories]; they erected a gallows, and fixed
up a liberty pole in the town." Both, however, were soon taken
down.

The people of Staten Island assembled on the 11th of April follow-
ing, to take action in regard to sending delegates to the Provincial
( 'ongress. which was to convene in New York soon after, and the re-
sult was almost unanimously against sending delegates. It is evi-
dent that those in favor of independence must have improved a later

196 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

opportunity fnr .i;;iiiiiijjj; a representatiou, fur wliou the Cougress oou-
vc'iK'd. on tlie lil'd of May following, Kiclmioud County was repre-
sented by i'aul Micheau, John Jourueay, Col. Aaron Cortelyou, IJich-
ard Conner, and Major Kiohard LaAvreuce.

On the 17th of July following, the Committee of Observation had
reason to change its mind in regard to the i^eople of Staten Island.
It passed the following order, which we copy from the Xew York
Mcrciiri] :

"The Chaii-mau of this Committee liaving received a letter from
Mr. Ifichard Lawrence, a Delegate of IJiciimond County for the Pro-
vincial Congress of the Colony of jS'ew York, informing that the in-
habitants of said county had, in general, signed the Association rec-
ommended by the Committee of New York. This Committee are
therefore of opinion that the inhabitants of said county be restored
to their commercial privileges with the inhabitants of this town."

David iUirger. of New York, on t>eptember 1st. 1775, sent a letter
to the Congress complaining tliat sundry persons in Eichmond County
had sui)i)lied a British transport with live stock, and the matter was
referred to the members of that county to make inquiry on the sub-
ject.

Paul Miclieau. one of the deputies from Ikiclnnond County in the
first I'rovincial Coiigress. in December, 1775, addressed a letter to
the secrelary of the Congress, in which he says that he had reqtiested
the county c(uumitt(^e to convene tlu' ])eople to elect new deputies;
llial a meeting of the conimitte<' had been called, and that only a
minoiity a]i]>eared, who for that reason declined to act, and requests
<"oiigr('ss to write to tliem and learn their reasons for not convening
the ])co|ilc. and concludes by h(q>iug tlie Congress nia^' be able to keep
tran(|iiiliiy and good order in tlie province, and make peace w'ith the
mol liei- count r_\'. He tln-n gave the names of the committee as follows:
Capt. John Kittletas, Capt Clii-istian Jacobson, Capt. Cornelius Dus-
sosway, ITenry Perine, David l.atourette, Esq.. Peter Mersereati, John
I'oillon, .Moses DeiMiy, T.ambeit Mei-rill. -Tolin Tysen, Joseph Cliristo-
plier. (ieorge I'.arrus and Da\i(l Corsen.

Congress rejiliiMl to this communication on the following day, in
a letter a(hlressed to " .lolni I'oillon. John Tysen and Lambert Mer-
rill, of the Committee lor Kicliinond County." urging tlunn to elect
di-|Milies to represent them without dcl.iy, and they added em])hatical-
ly, "rest assured, gentlemen, tliat tlie neighboring colonies will not
remain iuactixc siiectators if you show a disposition to de]>art from
the ( "out iiicntal riiioii." The letter coiichKhMl with these words:
*' ^\'e beg. gentlemen, you will consider this matter with that serious-
m-ss which the ])eace, good onler and liberties of your county re(|uire,"
To I his the Commit lee made I he following reply:

,, ,, ,, ■, , " Kicluuoml Countv, l^ec'r 15th, 1775.

" ]ii\ I nsiili III.

"Sik: ^'onr favour of I'd neeem'r we hereb\- acknow led^c canu^

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

197

GENERAL THOMAS GAGE.

safe to our baud, and with I lie majority of our coniuiittee considered
the couteuts. ^^'e, agreeable to your request, have caused by adver-
tisement the freehoUlers and inhabitants in our county to be convened
on this day, in order tliat tlieir sense miglit be
taken whether they will choose dep\ities to
represent them in a I'l-ovincial Congress or
not. Accordingly, a number of the said free-
holders and iidiabitants did ajipear; a regular
]ioll was opened, and conliniur'd till six
o'clcok; at the conclusion of which it appeared
that a majority was, for the jiresent, for send-
ing no dc])utifs. Our former conduct in send-
ing of deputies to re[>resent us in rroviucial
Congress, was elevated with encouraging
ho]»es of liaving, ere this, obtained th<' so much
desired point in our view, nanudy, a reconcilia-
tion with Great Britain. But, with anxiety we
ex](ress it, that the hopes of obtaining so de-
sirable an event, is now almost vanished out of our sight; and, instead
of which, we behold with horror, evei-y appearance of destruction,
that a war with Great Britain will bring upon us. Under these
apprehensions, and in our jtarticular situation, we hope you will view
us. and when candidly considered, we trust will furnish you with
sufficient reason, for the i^resent, to forbear with us.

'• We wish and pray that if yet any hope of reconciliation is left,
that measures nnght be adoi)ted, if possible, to obtain that desii'able
end, in w isliing of whicdi we consider ourselves
" Your most obt.

"And most humble serv'ts,
" John Tysen, Christian Jacobson,

" Daniel Corsen, Peter Mersereau,

" Joseph Christopher, Lambert Merrill,

John Poillon.
" To Nath'l Woodhull,

'* Brest, of Provl. Congress, New York.

" P.S. — Should the Congi-ess tliink it necessary for further infor-
mation of the state of our county, they will iih-ase to order two of our
committee to appear before them for that i)ur]M)se.""

Congress passed resolutions on the 21st of I ►ecember, censuring
Richmond County for its d(din(iuency, and resolved "• that if within
fifteen days a list of the names of those who oppose a representation
in Congress be not sent to that body, the whole county shall be con-
sidered delinquent, and entirely put out of the protection of Congress,
and that intercourse with them shall be interdicted, and that the
names of delinquents shall be published in all the newspapers of
the colony."

298 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

The Committee of Safety was iu sessit)u during the recess of tlie Con-
gress. On tlie 12th of January, 1770, lUchard Lawrence and Cbris-
topher Jacobsou appeared hcfdri- the committee and represented that
the majority of the peoph' of J Richmond County were not averse, but
friendly to the m(-asures of C(jngress. Lawrence was a member of
the committee for Itichiiioud County. On the 22d of the same month
the following letter was received by the Committee of Safety from the
llicliiiKind ("nunty Coiniiiil tec:

" Kichmond County, Jau'y 19, 1770.
"Gentlemen: — \\'her('as ilic cumiiiittcM' Uiv This county have
caused by advertisement the freeholders to be convened on this day,
in order to elect two meudx-rs to represent this county in I'rovincial
Congress; accordingly a ]ioll was opened for that puri)ose, without
any opposition, at the close of which it appeared by a majority, that
Messrs. Adrian Itaucker and Kidiard Lawrence were duly elected to
represent this county in rrovincial Congress until the second Tues-
day in May next, which we hojie will be agreeable to the rest of that
body.

" \\'e aic. gent leiliell,

" Your mo. obt. and most humble servts.,
" Christian Jacobson Lambert Merrill,

" John Tysen, Peter Mersereau,

" George Barnes Moses Dupuy,

" David Latourtte, Dahiel Corsen,

" Henry Perrine Joseph Christopher.

" To the Committee of Safety on recess of the Provincial Congress iu
New York."
Kichnioiid County's reputation foi' want of sympathy in the Colo-
nial cause was known by the Continental Congress, and that body
also made it the subject of action, as is shown by the following extract
from the minutes:

'• Lx Congress, Feb'y Sth. 1770.
•■ Tlie iuhabitanis of Uichmond County, in the Colony of New York.
ha\iiig refused to send Deputies to rei)resent them in Provincial Con-
\ciitioii. and otherwise manifested their enmity and opposition to
I he system and measures ado]>ted for preserving the liberties of Amer-
ica; and as a jiisl ]miiislimeiil for their inimical condm-t. tlie inhabi-
lauls of that Colony having been ])rohibited by the Convention from
all intercourse and dealings with (lie inhabitants of the said county;
ami t ins Congress being infoiMiicd by I he Connnittee of Safety of that
<'ohiiiy. that the fi-eeholders of tii<' said county did aftei-wards. with-
out any op])osition. elect de])uties to represent them in Provincial
to (he coiisidei-atiou of Congress, it was aiiprehended De])uties would
not be i-ecei\ed until tlie sense of ('ongfess slionld be commitiucated,
('on\ciilion; but as the proceedings against them liad been submitted
'• l\rsiiln<l. That it be referred to the said Provincial Convention to

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 199

take such measures respectiug the admissiou of the Deputies, aud
revoking- the interdict on the inhabitants of the said county, as tliey
shall judge most exiiedient, provided that the said Deputies aud major
part of the inhabitants of said county shall subscribe the association
entered into by that Colony.

" Extract from the minutes.

" CHAS. THOMPSON, Sec'y."

The Provincial Congress then ordered that the resolution of the
Continental Congress be transmitted to the deputies lately elected by
the people of Pichmond County.

Being apprehensive that General Clinton would land upon Staten
Island, for the jyurjjose of making depredations and carrying off live
stock, the Continental Congress requested the Provincial Congress
of New Jersey to detail Colonel Herd, with his regiment, to the Island
to prevent it. and fearing that he might not reach here in time, a
like request was made to the Committee of Safety of Elizabethtown.
The pcnph- of Staten Island became considerably excited at this
measure, aud became suspicious of the errand of Colonel Herd and his
troops.

Accordingly, on I'ebruary I'.tth, the two Deputies, Adrain Baucker
and Pichard Lawrence. Jiastened to inform thi' Congress that they had
subscribed to the association entered into by tlie Colony, and that
■' seven-eights of the people had done so likewise, long since." and
that the coming of Colonel Herd. " with a larg.- body of men. to call
the people to account for their inimitable condact." just at that time.
" when many of the ]»eoi)le were coming into the measures, and the
cause gaining ground dnily, would have an injurious effect." and they
suggested that the stopping of the New Jersey forces would quiet the
minds of the people.

Congress on the same day replied and assured the Deputies that
" Colonel Herd's errand to Staten Island did not in any manner ndate
to the people of the county, except to protect their property, and
that a counter request had been forwarded to New Jersey." At the
snnie time the two Deputies were requested to attend the Congress,
and to bring with them the proof that the majority of the people
hiid subscribed to the association, to enable them to take their
seats.

The Committee of Safety of Elizabethtown had caused tli<- ;ii>iire-
hension and imprisonment at that place of Isaac Decker. Abraliani
Harris and :Miune Burger, and had held Richard Conner under bond
to a]qiear before them, upon charges not specified. The Congress of
New York entered into a correspondence with the committee at that
])lace. and recjuested them to " send the delinquents of the county
where they belonged, to be tried by the County Committee." The
Committee of Pichmond wer<- also informed of the action of the
Conaress. and were instructed to trv the delinquents ;ind mete out to

200 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

tlu'iii iiiipaitial justice, and report to Cougre.ss. Ou February 23d,
Adraiu JJaucker".s uame appears anioug those of the members of the
Congress. Ou February 2Sth, Decker and Burger were returned to
their own county, and the charges against them and l\ichiU'd Conner
were also trausmitted to the Committee of Itichmoud. Xo mention is
made of Harris in this connection. At the time of surrendering them,
the Committee of Elizabetlitown disclaimed all knowledge of their
offences; but intimated that they had been arrested by Colonel Herd,
at the instance of either the NeAV York or the Contiuental Congress.

(leneral Charles Lee originated the proposed expedition of Colonel
ll<'i'd to Stateu Island, the object being the protection of live stock,
(leneral Lee communicated his apprehensions to the Committee of
Hafety, which addressed a letter to the I'rovincial Congress of New
Jersey, ou February 10th, 177(>, in Avhich they say: "The entrance
of (ieul. Clinton into our port on pretence of iiicrvli/ paying a visit to
( io\ r. Tryoii, though he has been followed by a transi)ort with troops,
w hicli we have good reason to believe are only a part of (idO tluit
embarked with him at IJoston, lenders it highly jirobable that some
lodgenuMit of troops Avas intended to be made in or nc^ar tliis city."

As no troops from New York could be spared from its defence, and
;is Colonel Herd's regiment was so near Stateu Island, (ieueral Lee
deemed it pro])er that he sJKiuld be sent over tor its protection. ( )u
t he following i]:i\ the ( 'omniit tee addressed another letter to tlie same
(■ou\'ention, containing information that the " Merc\iry,'" a slii]) of
wai-, with two transports iiudei- lier conx-oy, liad left the port, and
anchored near Stateu Island, and e.xitressed fears that tlu^ colonel
would ari'i\<' too late. TJie New Jersey Congress replied to the Com-
mittee on the 12th tliat Cidoiiel Herd, with seven hundred men. had
been ordered to uiarcli immediately to Staten Island. On the 17th,
<"(>ngress expressed its thanks to Colonel Herd for his alacrity in its
service; but as the danger had now ])assed, (probably by the dei)arture
of t he slii](s), his services would 7iot be required.

llendric (iarrison, of Staten Island, forwarded a comidaint to Con-
gress ou the Sth of .March, that while he was attending as a witness
before the ( "oniiiiittee of Kichmond, ;ind while under examination,
the said Coiiniiittee "]»erniitted tlie defendants, Cornelius Martino,
Kichard <'nniier and .bdin I'.nrbank. to insult and abuse him," and
he aske(l t he ]irolecl ion of ( 'on gross, " ;is lie considered his person and
])r(ii>erty unsafe."

I, Old Slirling. as couiniander nl' the ('ontinental troops in New
Noil;, issued a warrant " to apprelieiid John James Boyd, of Ixicb-
mond ('oniity. and lo have liini brought before the Congress." Cap-
tain .lolin W aiiier. to whom Hie warrant was delivered for execution,
laid it before tiiat body on the lltli of ^larch, when it "was con-
sidered and decided that Boyd was so uinniportant and insigiuticant
a person as not to deserve Hie trouble and expense of apprehending

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

201

i U Hifli'

OLD CHRISTOPHER HOMESTEAD, WILLONV BKOOK.

House in which Committee of Safety met during the Revolution.

Lim." This depreciation of iiiiiMirtaiice Boyd resented, and on the
21st sent a note to the Committee of >?lafety, claiming to be " a steady
and warm friend to his
c o u n t r y." He pro-
nounced any accusa-
tion against him un-
founded.

Ciiristian Jacobsou,
as cliairman of the
County Connuittee, on
tlie tirst of Ajjril, ]77(i.
reported tlie organiza-
tion of four companies
of militia on the Island,
the otliccrs of which
were to be duly commis-
sioned. This Avas the
battalion commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Chi'istopher Billoi)p, and
contained the two companies previously alluded to as being rnised
for the (^Continental service. They were stationed on Staten Island
throughout the war, and served as a provost guard. They were in
two or three skirmishes, but were not very reliable soldiers.

On the 3d of AjjHI, Mr. Lawrence, a member from Kichmond, re-
ported that the county was "already furnished with fourteen good
flats or scows, which was sntticient for the removal of the stock from
the Island, and that the building of two more, as previously ordered,
would be a useless expense." These scows, or flats, were Ixdd in
readiness to remove the cattle to New Jersey, if the English ships
of war on the coast should attempt to seize them, as they iiad done in
several other places.

Lord Stirling informed the Committee of Safety, on April 12th,
that he had Ceneral Putnam's orders to march with a brigade of
troojis for Stateu Island, and that he would be under the necessity
of (juartering the soldiers in the farm-houses for the present. He
requested the people "to be notified of the fact, so that they might
prepare quarters most convenient to thtnnselves. and to be assured
that he would make the residence of the troops as little burdensome
as possible." The Committee of Tfichmond were requested to " pre-
pare empty farm-houses, barns, etc. for tlie reception of the soldiers,
and to use their influence with the iniiabitants to consider the sol-
diers as their countrymen and fellow citizens, employed in the de-
fence of the liberties of their country in general, and of the inhabi-
tants of Eiehmond County in particular, and endeavour to accommo-
date them accordingly."

Hendric Garrison, chairman of the ("ounty Committee, was present
at the meeting of the Committee of Safety, and inquired " whether

202 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

the people would be jjaid for fire-wood furnished to the troops in Rieh-
nioiul Coiintv. ;iH(l f<ii- their lalxir in prejiaring the j^iiard lionsc. at the
re(iii('st of Lord Slirlini;," • and was^ referred to Colonel .Mitllin. This
is proof that Lord Stirling's troops were encamped upon Staten
Island i)riur to the arrival of Sir ^^'illianl Howe, a fact which some
historians deny.

General AVashiniiton Avrote to the Committee of Safety, informing
it that '' Peter Poillon. of IJichmond County, had been arrested for
supiilving the king's ships with provisions." On the 8th, Poillon was
taken before the Committee and exannned. He did not deuy the
charge; but ])l(^aded in extenuation that " the regulations for jire-
venting intercourse with the King's ships had not been published in
Richmond County until the 2d or 3d of that month, and that there-
fore he was ignoiaut of them." He stated further that " he left home
witli a considerable sum of money, to discharge a debt in Kings
County, together Avith some articles of provision for New York mar-
ket, of the value of about three pounds"; that "while jiassing the
warshi]) 'Asia.' al as great a distance as he safely coidd, he was
fired at and could not escajie." He jtroved further, by reputable
witnc^sses, that he " was a res](e(table man. and had always been
esteemed a friend to t lie liberties of his country." I'oillon was dis-
charged, A\itli a caution " hereafter to keep at a safe distance from
the King's ship, and to wai-n his fellow-citizens of Richmond County
to do the same."

( >n .May istli. ITKi. a cerliticate. signed by Christian Jacobson.
chairTuan of the Kichmond County Committee, dated April 22d. 1~~(\.
was ])reseiiieil (o tile Provincial Congress, and attested by Israel D.
r.edell. cleik. and dii'ected to Paul Micheau, Richard Conner, Aaron
Cortelyoii ,111(1 .loiiii Journeay, was read and filed, whereby it appears
tlini these geiii leiiieii had been elected to represent Richmond County
ill lliai lioily. wjih ]iower to any two of them to meet to constitute a
<|iHii-nni. 1 he second 'I'liesday of May. 1 777.

-Iiine .^ili. 177<). ( 'ongi-ess issued an order for the "arrest of a
iiiiniber (d' ]iers<uis in several count ies, who Avere inimical to the cause
of .\inei-ica." Those Iroiii ilichinoiid ('ouiity wei'e Isaac Decker.
.\l>ni. Ilan-is. IO]dim. Tayhu' and .Minne Purger. TIh'v also ordered
that " se\-eial pel-sons wlio lield ottice under the King, should be sum-
iiioiied I n ;i|h|)e;ir bel'oi-e t he ( "oiigress." and ainoii!^ t hem are found the
names of Iteiijaniiii Seaman and Christoidier P.illo]i]i. There is noth-
ing in I he •• .1(111 I'll a I of ( 'ongress " to show that t hese orders and reso-
liit ions were ever ciii-ried into etTect.

;i \\';i>liiiiui">ii. wiiiiiiix i<» Ci-Mi-i-al Livlni;- phircs whoro tlioy niisht ontoi- into a corre-

stoii. siiys: '■ The kiinwii disiilTiMiliiii of the spunclonop with Hip onfiiiy. .inrt niil thpiii in

podiilo of Ainlmy, .mid llic In'm-hory of tliosp their seheines. For this end, Gonei-al Herd,

oil .Stiilen Island. \yho. after the fairest pro- [of Woodliridgel. has direetions to apprehend

fessloiis. iiaye slKiwn themselves our most in- siieli persons, as from their conduet have

veterate eiieiiiles. have indiici'il me to give shown thoniseives iiiiinieai, or whose sitnation.

direetions. that all persons of l;iiu\\ n enmity eonnexions, or (»tliees have given .inst eaiise of

or doiiliirid eharai-ler sh.iiihl he ieiii..v.-cl fnim K\i<ip]r\nn."-f< park's l.ifr nf VTnsliinijt'in.

CHAPTER XXIII.

HOSTILITIES ON STATEN ISLAND.

E have reached the dawn of a uew era. A resolution had been
submitted June 7th, 17TG, to the General Congress, by Rich-
ard Henry Lee, of Virginia, to the effect " Tliat these
United Coloines are, and of right ought to be. Free and
Independent ^^tatks; Tliat they are absolved from all allegiance to
the British Crown; and that all political coiniection between them
and the State of (ircat Britain is, and ouglit to be, totally dissolved."
On the 10th, having been freely and earnestly discussed for three
days, it was adopted in committee of the whole, by a bare majority
of the several delegations. For the sake of greater unanimity, it was
reconsidered and postponed until the 1st of .July.

In tlie meantime, it was warndy debated among the people, and in
several provincial Congresses. The consideration of the question was
resumed in Congress on Monday, July 1st, in committee of the whole,
and passed by the vote of nine colonies. Being reported to the House,
it was deferred until the next day, Tuesday, July 2d, when it was
passed by the vote of twelve colonies, the Delegates from Xew York,
though personally favorable, being restricted by official instructions
from voting. The Declaration of Independence, having been referred
to a special committee, was reported on the 2Stii of June, and, having
been closely scrutinized on the evening of tlie 4tli of .Tuly, was adopt<'d
unanimously.^

"The die was cast. The state of vassalage was terminated. Tlie
House of Hanover was dethroned. Royalty was abolished. All de-
pendence on Britain was abjured. A Republic was inaugurated. A
Nation was born. The struggle ceased to be a civil war. Rebels were

1 It has kiDf; been cl.iiiiifd that the first
declaration of independenee was made by the
people in Charlottetown, Meeliieuburg County,
North Carolina, in May, ITTo. All doul)t on
this subject is now dispelled, and the honor of
such declaration must be accorded to them.
In a letter from Mr. Bancroft, American min-
ister at London, to Governor Swain, of North
Carolina, dated London, July 4th, 184S, he says:
" You may be sure that I have spared no pains
to discover in the Uritisli state paper office a
copy of the resolves of the convention of
Mecklenburg, and with entire success. The
first account of ' the extraordinary resolves of
the people in Charlottetown, Macklenburg
county." was sent over to England by Sir

James Wright, thi-n Oovernor of Georgia, (to
whom they had fouutl their way) in a letter
of the 20th of June. 1775. The newspaper thtis
transmitted is still preserved, and is the num-
ber 498 of the South Carolina flnseltc and
Vouniij Journal. Tuesday, June 1.3th. 177.5."
* * • " It is identically the same with the
paper which you enclosed to me." The letter
of Sir James Wright, referred to by Mr. Ban-
croft, closes as follows: "By the enclosed
paper, your lordship will see the extraordinary
resolves of the people of Charlottetown, in
Mecklenburg County. I should not be sur-
prised if the same should be done everywhere
else."

204

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

now iPiitiiols. The British were foreign foes. The Avar was henceforth
to be \v;ii;ed by rival nations. Loyalists were now traitors, and to be
treated as foes to their conntry. Neutrality conld no longer be tol-
erated. King or Congress mnst rnle. Sides must be taken. Every
man must be a friend or a foe — for or against his country, lie could
not be neither."

Now let us turn our attention to the movements of the British forces
on Staten Island. In January, ITTG, (ienei-al Clinton having been
sent by Sir William Howe (Ui an e.xpedilion along the Atlantic
coast, while on Ids way lioni Itoston to N'irginia, came to anchor at
Sandy Hook and had an interview with (!ove]-nor Ti-yon and other
representatives of the (,'rown who had been obliged to take shelter
in vessels, after which they went on their wa\' soutiiward. (leneral
Howe with his army, numbering about tweh'e thousand, evacuated
ISoston on -March 17th, and falling back to Halifax, awaited for a time
\\'itli the fleet for the arrival of his brother, with re-inforcements from
England. I'.nt beconuug impatient of delay, he sailed from that ])lace
for the expected seat of war at New York on the 12th of June, and
arrived off Sandy Hook on the 2."')th. There he awaited the arrival
of the lleet, which came up on the I'lltli.

Admiral Lord Howe, with a jiortiou of the reinforcements from
England, arrived at ILilifax soon after his brother's departure; but

Avithout dro])i)ing anchor he fcdbiwed
and joined him here. The British gen-
eral, on his a])proach, found every part
of New York Island, and the most ex-
](osed ))arts of Long Island, fortified and
well defended by ai'tillery. Einding
Staten Island but meagerly fortified the
fleet anchored just off our shore, and Sir
A\Mlliam at once determined to make use
of the s|>ot for a rendezvous while await-
ing the arrival of other forces aiul the
com])letion (d' arrangements for jiene-
trating into tlie country and maturing
any other ])lans fo'- action.

The lleet moved u]) to the Narrows on
the ;!d (if .inly, and the greiuidiers and
liglit infantry were landed under cover of the frigates and sloops of
war. (ieneral Howe dedari'd this was done "to the great joy of a
most ioy;il |>( o|)le, long sulTeriug on llial ac<-ouut under ilie op])res-
sion of I lie rebels si al ione(l iiniiuig t liem, who precipitately lied on tlu^
approach of the shipping." - The remainder oi the army were landed

I,<)U1> ItKLI.OMON'T,

2 'I'hr SliiliMi Isl.'indiTS IimiI iikhIi' pi-nfi'ssion
of i»nl I'iol Istn, It hiis bpcii scrii. nnil so wcro
nllowHHl to I'csiiiiH' trade witli thch* neighbors
nl ICIIz:il>cllilo\vii. The vnliii' of tliclr profcs-

sions may bo .soon ft-oin tbo roport of Govornor
Tr.voii, of Now York, to Lord Ooorjio fJoriuain,
(lalcd, " Diitohoss of Gordon, off Staton Island,
8tb .Tnly. 1770." Gonoral Howo disoniharkod

HISTORV OF STATEN ISLAND. 205

ill the course of the day. ami the wiiule were distiibuted about the
Ishuid where they fouud refresliuients. The hnidiug was effected at
the preseut (^uarautiue station at ('liftou, aud the greater portiou of
the army iiuuiediately marched to New Dorp, wliere headquarters
were established by Gemn-al Howe in the old l\ose aud Crowu farm
house, which was ou au elevatiou between New Dorji laue aud the
Black Horse tavern.

According to the writings of a British officer, the landing of the
troops was made in a very orderly manner, uu(h'r the direction of
Ca^jtains llaynor, of the ship "Chatham," aud Curtis, of the shijj
"Senegal," and to the entire satisfaction of (ieneral Howe. As the
Americans were strongly posted and in great fcu'ce, both on Long
Island and at New York, having upwards of a hundred cannon for
defending the city, (ieneral Howe resolved to defer his scheme of
ascending the North lliver, and to remain in his present position
until he should be joined by (Jeneral ("lintou. and the expected re-
inforcements from England. The latter arrived at Staten Island on
the 12tli of July, ami Lord Howe assumed the command of the fleet on
the American station.

The fleet numbered one hundred ami thirteen sail, and they lay
in a line extending from the mouth of the Kill van Kull to Simon-
son's ferry at the Narrows. As they were coming in, the " Asia."
which brought up the rear of the fleet, Avas fired at from a small bat-
tery on Long Island conimanding the Narrows. The fire was returned
by about forty 2J:-pouuders. one- of which lodged in the wall of a pri-
vate house. Another shot stnuk the house of Denyse Denyse, which
stood where Fort Hamilton is now located.* wounding a negro servant
in the foot aud narrowly missing the kitchen, where a number of the
family were assembled. A S(H-ond shot struck the barn on the same
place, and a third destroyed much of the garden fence opposite the
front door of the mansion house. This is said to have been the first
blood shed in this quarter in the war.

The Priiiisi/Iraiiia Joiinial of July lOtli. 177(>, contains the following
news in connection with this event:

"As soon as the troops landed they paraded the North Shore, and

the troops under bis i iim.iiul on Stnten Is- St.Tten Isl.Tnd. and loratcil on the e.ist shore.

land the 2d Instant withont opposition, on His son, Denyse Den.vse. Jr.. iK-caine colonel
which occasion the inhaliitants of the Island of tlie Staten Island militia durinK the first
came down to welcome the arrival of their quarter of the present centur.v. and was pro-
deliverers. & have since afforded the army moted to brigadier-Keneral : his command in-
every supply & accommodation in their pow- eluded both Staten Island and Long Island
er. On Saturday last [6th] I received the militia. He carried on an extensive business
Militia of the Island at Richmond Town, where at Tompkin.sville. His brother was the father

near four hundred appeared, who chearfnllv, ,.f „,. «!,,.:»■ i,-iiii„, r- r, .-n -j-

„ , ; . . „ • • ot ex-Sherift \\ illiam C. Denyse, still residing

on my Recomniendatiou, took the Oath of » -,, i ■.. ,, , ^ .

.,,„„, , r ci 1-. .I- ,r . r., "t Tompkmsville. General Denyse s sister

Allegiance & fidelity to his Majesty. To-
morrow I am to have another muster for the ■"•'■"ed General Van Buren. a prominent
enlistment of Volunteers to form a Provincial resident of Tompkinsville and a particular
Corps for the defence of the Island.— iVcw York friend of Governor Tompkins. His residence
Colonial Dociimitit.i. viii, G81. still stands at Tompkinsville. not far from the
3 Denyse Denyse afterward removed to foot of Pavilion Hill.

206 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

oil Wednesday morning made their appearance near Elizabetli-Town
I'oiiit; bnt the country being soon alarmed, tliey retreated, toolc up the
Hoor in the draw-bridge in the salt meadows,^ and immediately threw
up some works.

'• '{"JK'ir near ai)proacli to Elizabeth-Town Point greatly alarmed
the inhabitants of Essex ("ounty. [Elizabeth, now in Union, at that
time being in Essex County], and particularly the people of Elizabeth-
Town and Newark; but they are now in a condition to receive them
Avheuever they may think i)roper to approach.

" Two young men from Elizabeth-Town crossed the river in a canoe
last Thursday, and tired iii>oii Die Regulars; but a number of them
rushing out of the woods, they Avere oblige^l to retreat and cross the
river again.

"■ A sloop of tAvelve six-pounders, belonging to the fleet from Hali-
fax, lying in the Kills, near Mr. Decker's ferry, [Port Iiichmond],
was almost torn to pieces last Wednesday morning, by a party under
the command of General Herd, from the opposite shore, with two
eighteen-])ounders. The crew soon abandoned the sloop, and we sup-
pose she is rendered entirely unht for any further service.

" We hear two men-of-war now lay near Amboy. in order 'tis sup-
posed, to stop all navigation that way."

The story comes down to us that when, on the morning of the 4th
of July. 177(1. a battalion of grenadiers marched into secluded little
KicliiiKind. the County Court was in session. Benjamin Seaman, the
County .Judge, was an ardent royalist, and " on behalf of His ^fajesty's
Court of the County of Kichmond, he directed the Sheriff, Thomas
Frost, to welcome His ^lajesty's troojis to the County seat."

Slieriff I'rost was not in symjiathy with the cause of 1'higlaiid. and
]iositi\('ly i-efus('(l to obey tlie instructions of the Court; whereupon
Judge Seaman directed that he should be summarily jnmislied for
roiilempt of CourtI The Sheriff was very popular, even among those
wlio diriered \\ilh him on the vital question of the day — rebellion
against the King, for the ])urpose of establishing the iiidepeiulence
of the colonies. Hundreds of citizens had assembled in the village,
and notwithstanding the presence of the King's troops, there Avas a
spontaneous a]i]iea] to Judge Seaman Iliat Sheriff Frost should go un-
punished. "'

Judge Seaman was e\i(hMilly too slircwd a reader of liunian nature

4 Tin- pnliit in 4nn'SiHiii is laiowii :is IIoI- liy llio I'riiisli ou Staten Isljunl, .and wore dc-

ijind's IIiMik. Tlir fcrr.v tlicro w.ts originally nioIislK'd s(K»n after the war.

arrau;:od by tlio Indians, and was jindialiiy Tt Foi- soino reason, nnl^nown to the writer,

the IJrst regular erossiny place establislied on I-'rost elianjjed liis opinion shortl.v afterward,

tlie Arelnr Kill. The "' works," or redonlits, and V>ecaine one of tlic most radical Tories on

built by tiio Ilrlllsli were located on the hi^li Staten Island. He was indicted for cursing

gro\ind eouinianding the nieado\vs, a short dis- the " rebels " and ollierwise acting disloyally,

tance east of (he elevation. It was an iin- wlien the war was over, an<l liis trial for the

piirtant (Uitpttst throughout the Uevointion. same was tlie first one untler tin- ni-w cMinnty

ami was tlie scene of sevi'ral very exciting government. He pleaded gniliy. but there is

Kkirnilshes. The redoubts were the first Iniilt no record of the result.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

207

to ignore the popular demauil, aud lie acquiesced as gracefully as
circumstauees would permit.

Four days later, the 9tli of July, the I'rovineial Congress convened
in the Court House at White Tlaius, Westchester County; but there
were no deputies from Kichmond County in attendance. At this
meeting the Declaration of Independence was received and read. It
was also officially reported that "the British had taken possession
of Stateu Island without opposition, and detachments had advanced
toward Bergen Point and Elizabeth-Town." The Declaration hav-
ing been read, it was unanimously adopted, and the Congress passed
a resolution to suitport the same, " at the risk of our lives and for-
tunes.'' It was ordered to be published. It was then —

" Eesolved and Ordered, that the style or title of this House be
changed from that of the ' Provincial Congress of the Colony of New
York,' to that of • The Convention of the Representatives of tlic ^^tate
of New York.' "

The convention recognized the impracticability of electing senators
and members of assembly in the southern district of the State, West-
chester County excepted; but as it was
reasonable and right that the peo^ile of
the district should be entitled to repre-
sentation in legislation, they jtroceedcd
to appoint these officers. Joshua ^Icr-
sereau and Abraham Jones were aj)-
pointed for Eiclnnond County; but the
latter was subsequently denied his seat,
on account of his sympathy for the en-
emy.

After this the county does luit appear
to have been represented in the Legis-
lature of the Colony or State for a long
time. There were representatives who
were entitled to their seats; but they were not permitted to leave the
Island. Couniiunication with the mainland or with New Y(u-k or
Long Island, was prohibited, forbidden, except by permission, and
consequently in the succeeding sessions of the Legislature the name
of a representative from Eichmoud does not appear.

Sir AVilliam Howe and his generals read the Declaration of Inde-
pendence in the old Bose and Crown farm-house, at New Dorp. A
staff officer, writing of the incident to a friend in England at the time,
said :

" I was sitting beside his Excellency, who was engaged in earnest
conversation about building redoubts at various points on the Island.
General Cleveland, who had, on the day previous, been appointed
the chief engineer of His Maj<'sty's army in America, was designating
certain points which he deemed practicable to defend. Two or three

liEXKRAL WILLIAM HOWE.

208 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Idciitioiis liiid been pointed out, when General Vauglian approached
in a soiiunvhat excited manner, so as to attract the instant attention of
all i>reseiit, and without even stopping to salute his superior oOicer,
handed him a newspaper.

" Sir William at lirst seemed a little amused at General Yaughau's
unusual condirion — for he was one of the coolest of men — and smiled
greatly w lieu lie read the heading in the newspaiicr: ' Declaration of
]ndc|iciidence.' He read a i>aragrnpli or so, and his exjiression
changed to one of marked scn'iousness. Then lianding the paper
over to (ieneral Cleveland, re(inested him to read it aloud, which he
did.

" JSir William lixed his gaze down across the tented fields that
spread out between headquarters and the bay and remained perfectly
silent until fully a moment after the reading was finished.

" Then breaking the deep silence he said in a subdued tone: ' Those
are certainly determined men.'

" A slight wave of the liaud, indicated tluit tlunv were more serious
thoughts in his mind tlian the building of redoubts, at that moment,
and General Cleveland folded the map and laid it on a chair standing
beside him.

" Gur commander took the paper again in his hands and scanned
the list of names carefully — it seemed to me that he must have read
thcnn all over three or four times.

" Ilis face was a subject to study. There was a struggle between
a smile and a frown; but the latter seemed to prevail. Tossing the
]^aper to the chair where the map was lying, he started to speak to
tleneral Vaughan, who was still standing in front of him. ' tieneral,'
lie said, and then hesitated. The sentence was never finished. There
was an aniniated council of war at head(]uarters that evening, every
one present seeming to realize that the situation was beconung more
and more critical."

Ijord Howe arrived at Staten Island on the 12th of July, ITTG, six
days after his brother, Sir William, had read the Declaration. Can-
nons boomed, bands played and there was every other mark of honor
shown I lie distinguished otticer at New Dorp. He at once became
Ilis broth<'r"s guest at tlie IJose and Crown. It was there that he, too,
i-cad t he full text of the famous document. ( »n the following day. the
i:'>lh. I he two comniaiidcrs cnlled their chief officers together, and
ne;irl_\ the whole (l;i^\ ^\as consumed in i>l.iniiiiig foi- the immediate
fntiire.

On the 14tli, lliey issued a iiroclamation, inviting all ]iersons to
return (o Iheii' allegiance to the King. Their combined forces i-eached
nearly thirty-five thousand men. though only about half were en-
camjied on the Island. Tlie first object to engage the alieution
of Genei-iil Howe was the conciliation of the American loyalists, and,
to this end. he had sevei"il interviews with Governor Tryon and other
])romiiienl men in New ^'oik ;ind New Jersey, "all of whom led him

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 209

to belieA'e that larye uumbers of the people were auxious to flock to
his standard the moment it was unfurled."

Delaucey, of iXew York, was appointed a brigadier-j^eneral; Skin-
ner, of Perth Amboy, a colonel, and Billoi)p, of Staten Island, a lieu-
tenant-colonel of the native lo^-alists or tories. Proclamations were
issued ijromising- protection to the people so long as they remained
peaceably at home and manifested no sympathy for the rebels or
their cause. Misled by the specious promises which Howe had pro-
mulgated, a large number of the Avhig inhabitants of Staten Island
remained peaceably at home to reap the fruits of their credulity in
having soldiers quartered upon them — in enduring, submissively, the
insults and outrages committed upon themselves and families, their
houses and barns openly and defiantly plundered, their cattle driven
away or wantonly killed, their churches burned, and, not infre-
quently, some of their o\\ n number barbarously, and without provoca-
tion, murdered.

There were many, liowcver. who had no fait li in t lie protestations of
the British commander, and also had too much manhood to conceal
their sentiments; to these the political atnios])hei-e of the Island was
very uncomfortable, and tln'v liad toescajie with tlieii- lives.

The liuilding of forts, or redoubts, at once attracted the attention of
the British army. As before stated, the hrst were the two at Hol-
land's Hook. Then General Clev^eland, the chief engineer, set to woi*k
in great earnest. The Hessians were enqiloyed chieHy to do the
manual labor. Three redoubts were built at Bichmond — one on Bich-
mond Hill, three hundred yards or so from 8t. Andrew's church;
anotlui', which is still standing." about a third of a mile w'est, and
another on the hill overlooking the meadows, west of Bichmond,
where the Bedell homestead graveyard was afterward established.
Along the shore below New Dorp, for a mile or so, there was a ciiain
of earth-works, calculated to defend the encampment on the plain
back of it.

An important redoubt was built about where the Westfield en-
trance to the Fresh Kill bridge is located, and another at Blazing Star
[Bossville], in the vicinity of Mr. II. II. Decker's residence. On the
elevation at Kreischerville, about where the Kreischer cottages stand,
was a large redoubt. Near the Billo]q) House- was a stone fort and
earth-work; at Prince's Bay. several feet out in front of the Bed P>ank
lighthouse, was a ]ilain cart lien redoubt, cii](;il)le of accommodating
sevei'al guns. Just to the east of Purdy's Hotel, at Prince's Bay. was
a small redoubt.

6 Tlie land on n'liicli this redoubt stands liis riKlit .nnd title." The owner did " go out

belongs to Mr. Joseph Simonson, of Port of siuht " in a very hasty manner, however,

Richmond. He has the deed, given some on the arrival of the British, and thus for-

time prior to the Revolution, in wliioh there is feited his claim. Being a " rebel," it is safe

a proviso that " If the owner of the property to assume that lip recovered title when peace

goes out of sight of the same, he shall forfeit was eslalilislird.

210 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

All along the shore at odd intervals the British threw up breast-
works. CJuite a substantial one was built on the heights of the Nar-
rows, where Fort Wadsworth now stands, and another at the lauding
place, near the present (Juariiutine station. Two were built on Avhat
is now known as Pavilion Hill. They were re-built by the Americans
in 1812, and one still marks the spot, although almost leveled by the
storms of years. Over beside the reservoir on Fort Hill were two
liU'ge redoubts, the last of the embankment being demolished about
eight years ago, when the Water Works ('ompany enlarged its facili-
ties at that point. Another, still standing, is located on the property
of ^Ir. Charles A. Herpich.

Near New Brighton corner, tlie entrance to the kills, there was a
chain of earth-works, which contained, according to othcial reports,
:ib(mt twenty field guns. Fast of tlx' Cove, at West New Brigliton,
was a breast-work about fifty yards in length, and a small redoiibt
where the building lately occupied by the Athletic Club now stands.
Another stood exactly w!ier<' the Church of the Ascension is located.
The last fort erected, of wliich there is any authentic record, stood
where the St. James Hotel in INn-t Bichmond now stands. It was
the site of the residence of Decker, the tory guide, and was de-
stroyed by Lord Stirling. A stone fort was built (Hi the spot, and
was demolished when Judge Mersereau built liis handsome residence,
which was afterward converted into a hotel.

It is remai'kable that but four of tliese structures still stand to tell
the story of the war on Stateu Island. The writer was, however, many
years ago, informed by a venerabh- citizen of the Island who had al-
ways taken a deep interest in the its history, and to whom we are in-
debted beyond measure for valuable information, that " the people
who resided here immediately after the war, generally desired to be
considered on the patriot side, and showed their hatred for the British
by removing everything that would remind them that they once con-
trolled tliis part of the country." The same venerable informant
said that " although he Avas born here in 1789. he had not person-
ally seen more than eight of the redoubts."' His father told him Avhere
the others were located.

The British were not allowed to remain in jteaceable possession of
Staten Island. The first skirmish of any importance occurred on the
25t1i of .July, when the Continental batteries at Perth Amboy opened
fire on tlie British troops on this side of the water. The trouble began
by the Contiiieiitais tiring ujion four or five shallops, as they were
coming (low II the sound. The account of the event continues:

"Capiaiii -Moulder, with his two field pieces, was ordered to the
shore (I'erth Andioy); but being encamju'd at some distance, before
lie could come ui>, the shallops had all nearly past; hoAvever, he began
a well directed lii-e. and though they had got to a considerable dis-
tance, Indled one of them.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 211

" Wlicu the Aessels were past, the firing ceased ou both sides. We
had tlie misfortune of losing one of the Second battalion, and having
another wounded. * * * There was a horse killed which was
standing in a wagon near the General's door. The enemy appear to
have some very heavy field pieces. They sent some 12-pounders among
us. It is surprising tliey did not do more execution, as there wei'e
so many of our people on the bank op^josite to them without the least
covering.

" The enemy appear to be very strong, and are constantly reinforc-
ing, as our troops come in. They are throwing up breast-works along
the shore to prevent our landing."

The American troops in New Jersey had been very busy, and by the
end of July their posts opposite Htaten Island were well secured.
More than five thousand troops were distributed at the dift'erent sta-
tions from Newark bay down the Sound to Amboy. The headquar-
ters were at Perth Amboy, Avhich was considered the strongest point
of the line. The strength of the British on Staten Island was un-
known to them; but was believed to be about ten thousand. It is
also sujtposed " that a considerable encampment was established
behind tlic low bluff at Manor of Bentley. (Tottenville). One account
of the engageniciil on the 25th says that " in less tlian half an hour
after our tire on I lie shallops began, a large Ixidy were seen coming
over tlie hill." The British were evidently as ignorant of the numbers
of the Americjiiis on the opposite shore.

The ca])ture of Xew York City was what General Howe desired
the most at tliis time, and an attack upon some other point, by which
a tlaiik iii(i\('uieiii could be effected, and the city approached by more
accessible means than a direct attack, was (expected. Long Island
and the Jersey shore both stood in suspense, ready to take alarm
at the first movements of the British in either direction. About the
Sth of August deserters from the I'ritish fleet carried the news to the
Americans that Howe was taking his field jiieces on board and pre-
paring for an attack by land and water simultaneously upon Long
Inland and the city. On the other side the people of Elizabethtown
were about the same time aroused by an alarm that the regulars were
aboiit to make an immediate attack iipon that point. Every man
capable of bearing arms was summoned to defend it. These alarms
api:)ear to have been without important results until tlie latter part of
the month.

The forces of General Howe, in the meantime, were strengthened
by the arrival at Staten Island of the fleet which returned from
South Carolina, under Generals Clinton and Cornwaliis, in the early
part of the month, and the first and second divisions of the foreign
troops which arrived in the Lower bay on the 12th. The fleet which
brought the latter nund)ered about one hundred and ten sail of ves-
sels, on boanl (if wliicli were eight thousand Hessians and Waldeck-

"212

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

ers and a few Euylifsh ynanls. All these were seut iuto camp on
Stateu Island. Estimates of the nnmbers on Stateu Island at this
time make them to be abont twenty-two thousand men. The naval
forces were accommodated on board the ships " Asia " and " Eagle,"
■each carrying sixty-four guns, and the " Koebuck " and " Phoenix,"
of forty-four guns each, about twenty frigates and sloops of war and
above three hundred sail of transports, store shii>s and prizes.

The battle of Long Island — the memcu'y of the awful carnage of
which will ever send a thrill of horror and regret to every Amei'ican
heart — was planned in the famous old Eose and Crown farm-house at
New Dorp. The state of affairs on the eve of this decisive battle is
told very effectively in a i)rivate letter, written in New York, August
22d, 1770. From it we (piote:

"This night we have reason to cxi^ect the grand attack from our
barbarous enemies, the reasons why, fellow. The night before last,

a lad went over to
Stafen Island, supjied
there with a friend and
got safe back again un-
discovered; soon after
he went to (ienei'al
AVashington, and ui»on
good authority report-
ed.— that the English
army amounting lo fif-
teen or twenty thou-
san<l, had cmbarlccd.
and were in readiness
tor an engagement, —
That seven ships of the
oLn "RosK AND CROWN " FARM HOUSE, NEW DORP, linc. aud a uumbcr of

ERECTED liY THE HUUl'ENOTS AHOCT 1C65; DEMOLISHED 0|],(i.. yeSSelS Of Wlr
IN l.S.jt.

From a sketch by Mrs. Sarah Roberts Morris. ^\■(■r(' to SUri'OUnd thlS

oity and cover their landing, — That the Hessians being tifteen thou-
sand were lo remain on the Island and attack Perth Aniboy, Eliza-
beth-town point, and Bergen, while the nmiu body were doing their
best here; that the Highlanders expected America was already con-
(luered. .ind I hat they were only to come over and settle on our lands,
foi- wlucli reason llicy had brought their cliunis. plonghs. etc.; being
deceived. I hey liad refused fighting, u})on \\hich account (ieneral
Howe hail sliol one. hung ti\(' oi- six, and iiogged many.

" Last eveinng, in a violent thunder stoiiii. .Mr. , (a very in-
telligent ])erson), ventured over. He brings much the same account
lis Hie altove la<l. willi this addition. — That all the horses on tlie Is-
land, were bv Howe's orders killed, barreled u|) and ])ut on board;
llie wrelclies thiuUliiu thai lliey could get uo landiug here, of any

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 213

consequence and Avoiild be soou out of proviwiou. That the tor-
ies were used cruelly, and with the Hijihlanders were couii)elled to
go on board the ships to tight in the character of common soldiers
against us. The British army are prodigiously incensed against the
tories, and curse them as the instruments of the war now raging.

Mr. further informs thatlast night the fleet was to come up, but

the thunder storm prevented. The truth of this appears, from the
circumstances of iibout three thousand red coats landing at ten
o'clock this morning on Long Island, where by this time it is supposed
our people are hard at it. There is an abundance of smoak to-day
on Long Island, our folks having set fire to stacks of hay, etc., to
prevent the enemy's being benefited in case they get any advantage
against us. All the troops in the city are in high spirits and have
been under arms most of the day, as the fleet have been in motion,
and are now, as is generally thought, only Avaiting for a change of
tide. Forty-eight hours or less, I believe, will determine it as to New
York, one way or the other."

General Howe, having signified to the admiral that it was his in-
tention to make a descent on (Iravesend bay, on Long Island, on the
morning of the 22d of August the necessary dispositions of the fleet
were made, and seventy-five flat boats, with eleven batteaux and two
galleys (built for this service) were prepared for landing the troops.
Howe delegated the direction and superintendence of the embarka-
tion of the army from St;iten Island entirely to Conmiodore Ilotham,
by whom it was conducted with the greatest disjiatili.

The troops who were to compose the second and third embarka-
tions were, on the afternoon of the 21st, put on board transports-
which had been sent up from Sandy Hook to Staten Island for that
purpose. At an early hour in the morning of the 22d, the " Phoenix,"'
" Rose," and " Greyhound." frigates, commanded by Captains Parker,.
Wallace and Dickson, together with the " Thunderer " aud " Car-
cass," bombs, under the direction of Colonel James, were placed ini
Gravesend bay, to cover the lauding of the army.

Immediately after the covering ships had taken their respective
stations, the first embarkation of the troops from Staten Island
commenced. These, consisting of the light infantry and the reserve,
both forming a body of four thousand men, and under the command
of General Clinton, made good their landing without opposition.
The transports with the brigades which composed the second debark-
ation, consisting of about five thousand nu'u, moved at a little dis-
tance after the flat-boats, galleys and batteaux. aud by eight o'clock
were ranged on the outside of the covering ships. The trauspoii:s,
with the remainder of the troops, followed in close Succession, and
befoi'e noon fifteeii tlitnisand men and forty pi(H-es of cannon were
landed on Long Island.

Howe ordered General de Heister with two brigades of Hessions

214 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

from Staten Island, to join the army on the 25tli. leaving one brigade
of his troops, a detachment of the Fourteenth regiment of foot from
Mrginia, and some convalescents and recruits, und^ command of
Lieutenant-Colonel Dalrymple, to take care of Staten Island. The
landing of the troops on Long Island was effected without oppo-
sition.

The story of the awful battle of Long Island need not be repeated
here. Suttice it to say the British succeeded in gaining possession
of New York, which was their main object. But to keep possession
after having obtained it, requir<'d a strong force, and. in conse-
quence, the greater ])art of the British forces on Btaten Island were
withdrawn; enough, however, were left to defend it against any force
the Americans might be able to bring against it. Fpon the wliole. the
result of the battle Avas beneficial to the people of Staten Island, as
it left fewer soldiers here to depredate upon them, and to rob them of
their property'.

From British military records we l(\arn that the state of the army
on Staten Island, prior to the debarkation for Long Island, was as
follows:

(Jomiiiiiitdcr-iii-Chicf. (ieneral the Honourable Sir William Howe;
Second in ('(iiiiiiiaiuJ. Lieuti-nant-* ieneral Henry Clinton; Third in Cum-
mand, Right Honourable Lieutenant-Geueral Earl Percy.

Fir.^t Ihif/iidr. — :Majoi'( ieuei'al IMgot; 4th Begiment, Afajor James
Ogilvie; l.jth Bcgiiiicnt. Lieutenant-Colonel Bird; 27tli Bcgiuicnt,
Lieutenant-Colonel -T. ^Maxwell; 45th Begiment, Major Saxton.

Second Urii/adr. — Brigadii-r-Cii-ncral Agnew; oth Beginiciit. Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Wolcot; 2Stli Kcgiiiicnt, Lieutenant-Colonel Rob I'res-
cott; 35th Eegimeut, Lieutenant -Colonel Bobert Carr; 4!tth Bieginicnt,
Lieutena7it-Colonel Sir HiMiry Caldcr. Bart.

Third Uriijndc. — Major-General Jones; lOtli Begiment, Major Va-
tass; 37th Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Ambercromby; 38th
Itegiment, Lieutenant-Colonel William Butler; 52d Regiment. Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Mungo Campbell.

Fourth Brir/adc. — Major-Geueral James Grant; 17th Begiment.
Lieutenant-Colonel ]Mawliood; 4()th Begiment. Lieutenant-C'olonel
Grant; 4(;th Begiment. Lieutenant-Colonel Enoch Markham; 55th
iiegiment. Captain Luke.

Fifth Brigade. — Brigadier-General Smith; 23d Begiment. Lieuten-
ant-Colonel J. Cami)bell; 43d Begiment, Lieutenant-CNdonel George
Clark; Utli Begiment. Lieutenant-Colonel Alvred Clarke; G3d Regi-
nieiil , .Major Francis Sill.

Si.iih lirigiide. — Brigadier-f ieneral Gou. Bobertson; 23d Begiment.
Lieutenant-Colonel Benj. Bernard; 44th Begiment. :\Iajor Feury
Hope; 571h Begiment. Lieutenant-Colonel John Campbell; (■>4tli Begi-
ment. ^lajor Hugh ^IcLeioch.

Herciilh liriiiade. — Brinadier-Cieneral William Erskine. (|uarternias-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 215

ter-general; ITtli Li<j;lit Draj^oons. Lieutenant-Colonel Birch; 71st
Highlanders, 1st liattalion. Major John McDowell; 2d Battalion, Ma-
jor Norman Lamont.

Brigade of (iuard-s. — Major-General ilatthcw; Light Infantry Brig-
ade, Brigadier-General Honourable Alexander Leslie; 1st Battalion
Light Infantry, Major Thomas Musgrave; 2d Battalion Light Infan-
try, Major Straulx'uzie; 3d Battalion Light Infantry, ^lajor Honour-
able John Maitland; ith Battalion Light Infantry, Major John John-
son.

Rr'^erve. — Eight Ilonouraltle Lieutenant-GcMx^ral Earl of Cornwall-
is; Brigadier-General the Honourable John A'aughan; 3od lieginient,
Lieutenant-Colonel Webster; i2d Regiment, (Royal Highland), Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Thomas Stirling; 1st Battalion Grenadiers, Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Honourable Henry Monckton; 2d Battalion Gi'enadiers,
Lieutenant-Colonel William Meadows; 3d Battalion Grenadiers, Ma-
jor Thomas Marsh; 4t]i IIigh]an<l Grenadiers, Major Charles Stewart;
Royal Artillery and Engineers, Brigadier-General Cleveland.

scarcclv

CHAPTER XXIY.

HOSTILITIES ON STATEX ISLAND CONTINUED.

HE battle of Loug Ishuul, wliit-li resulted so disastrously to
tlie Anu'i'icaus, caused a spirit of glooiu to rest over the
struggling eolouists. The army of ^Vashiugtou had lost
cousiderably over a thousaud, while the British had lost
four hundred. Geuerals Sullivan, Stirling and Woodhull
were jirisouers. The British were greatly elated with victory, and
wniild have followi'd iiii the assault but foi- the i)rudeuce of their coni-
niander.'

Fortunate wouhl il liave been Un- the Americans, had their ill-
Iniiuiie terminated in I lie defeat exi»erieuced on Loug Island. To other
and not much less mortifying reverses they were destined, ere the
deepest point of de]iression should be reached.

It was I lie ardeiii wisli of W'asiiingfon to i-etain possessi(u\ of New
"S^nk; l/iil, linding, as he said, in a commnnication to Congress, the

militia " dismayed ami intractable,"
ami "lea\ing the cami) in some in-
stances almost by reginuuits, by half-
ones, and by (•om])anies at a tinu' ";
he was comiielled to relinquish the
](lace to his enennes, and to abandon,
which lie still uuire regretted, all the
heavy artillery, and a large poi'tiou of
the baggage, provisions, and nnlitary
stores. On leaving the city, the Amer-
ican ainiy took ]iost on Harlem
Heights.

lo ])omh'r upon his situation, and torni
Ills pl.ins. I lis aiiny had becmiie seriously r(Mluced, and from the de-
s|:iiiii|eiicy and disiii;iy w hie li were \ isilde among them, il might be-
come at any time still more reduced. ( »n the other hand, the forces

1 'I'll W.-isliInj;loii mill his ..ilir.rs ilir ■^i-i':n
defect in the Amerieiin army \v:is apiiari'iii.
U was twofold— first, tlie eiiiiiloymeiu n( by
far too Iar;^e a proportion of militia, and.
seeondly, llio ntter Inipraellealiility of inlro-
dncin^ amonK litem that diseiplltie and snh-
unlinallciti wlili-h eonld place tliem on eipial
fMotin;^ with tlu- praetieeil and veteran troops
of tlic enemy. At leijfrtli. e^invineed of the
jnstnoss of the views of Washington on these

(IL1> BL.\CK HORSE TAVKKX, NKW DuRf,

From a sketeli bv F. W. Kost in l-SS."!, prior to
its bfiaK recoustructed.

Ill

Wasliiimlnii had lime

IMihiis. Congress doeidiil tlial a regnlar army
shonM lie formed, in wlileh the soldiers shotdd
lie enlisted to serve during the war; and that
if shonlil consist of eighly-eiglit battalions, to
be raised in till the provinces, according to
tlieir respective' abilities. A bonnty of twenty
dollars and a grant of latid were offered. At a
snlisetpient date siddiers were allo\ved to en-
list for three yettrs; in which case, however,
they were not entitled to the grant of land.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 217

of the eueiuy were uiimeroii^, and withal tousisted of leguhir aud
well-discipliued tioups. It was futile, therefore, to attempt to maiu-
taiu offeusive opeiatiuus agaiust them. Far better iu his judgment
to risk uo general engagement; but by retiring gradually before
them, to lead them as far as possible from their resources; and iu
the mean while to inspire his own troops with courage, by engaging'
them in skirmishes, where success was probable. Uaviug adopted
this cautious system, he prepared to put it in practice.

A few days after the battle of Long Island Lord Howe sent Gen-
eral Sullivan, who was still a prisoner of war, with a verbal mes-
sage to the Continental Congress, re(iuesting tliat body "to ap[»()iut
some of its members iu a private capacity, to meet him for the pur-
pose of adopting such measures as might be agreed upon for the
restoration of peace in the country," intimating that " he was clothed
with sutticient power for that purpose."' On the <)tli of September,
177G, Benjamin Franklin, of I'eunsylvania; John Adams, of Massa-
chusetts, and Edward liutledge, of South Carolina, were appointed
such committee, and on the lith they meet Howe at the old Billopp
House, on Stateu Island. The story of this event is told at some
length in a previous chapter. Xothing, howev(n-, came of the inter-
view.

After this event Lord Howe determined to effect a lauding at
Kipp's bay, aud accordingly sent five frigates from the Stateu Is-
land fleet to that point. On the evening of the 13th they passed up
the East river, where by keeping close to the Long Island shore
they were able to endure without serious damage the constant tire of
the Americans from the fortifications on the New York side. Three
battalions of Hessians, which were encamped at Hessian S]nings
(near Xew Brighton corner), were also detailed to take part in the
expedition.

IMajor Aaron Burr, an aide-de-cam]) on the staff of General Wash-
ington, a short time afterward laid before the General a well-con-
ceived plan for cai>turing the fortifications on Stateu Island, aud
thus seizing the place and ludding it to the advantage of the Ameri-
can army. 3Iajor Burr, who was thoroughly familiar with the Is-
land, offered to hsid tlie expedition; but on accotint of his age, (being
then not more tlian twenty-one years old), he at once became the
subject of jealousy of older officers of higher rank, and Washing-
ton, after hesitating for some time, reftised to grant the request of
his ambitiotis aide, ^lajiu- Burr's ])lans, however, were placed in
other hands; btit were never carried into successful ett'ect.

The British learned of Major Burr's plans, ~.nd extra precautions
were taken at all ])oints where the Americans would be likely to make
a landing. General Knyphausen, the Hessian comnuiuder, frequent-
ly sent out expeditions into New Jersey, where the most horrid atro-
cities were committed. These were usnallv not sent forth on their

218 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

errands uf robbery and nmrder unless thev were known to be much
superior in number to tlic Continentals, who were likely to meet and
oppose them, or had some other important advantage.

These ])re(latory excursions, however, were not confined to the Brit-
ish. The Americans, on their part, sadly annoyed their enemies by
striking at them whenever the opportunity offered. The first of these
hostile demonstrations on the part of the Americans, occurred in
October. 177(i. General Hugh Mercer, who was in command of the
American forces in tiiat part of New Jersey contiguous to Staten Is-
land, allcmpted to carry out a ]iart of the plan of Major Burr.

Crossing to Staten island with part of the troops posted at Perth
Amboy, on the night of October 15th, he advanced to within a few
mih's of Tkichmoud, at which jioint he had been informed three com-
panies — one of British regulars, one of Hessians and another of
Skinner's loyalists — were stationed.- Colonel Griffin was detached
with Colonel Patterson's battalion and IMajor Clarke, at the head of
some rifiemeu, to fall in upon the east end of iiichmond village, while
the remainder of the troops enclosed it on the other quarters.

Both divisions reachi-d Kichmond liy break of day; but the enemy
had learned of their approach through tory spies, and were prepared
to flee, exchanging only a few shots with Colonel Griffin's detach-
ment. Two of the enemy were mortally wounded, and seventeen
taken i)risoners, two of the Americans being killed. Colonel (Jriftin
received a wound in the foot from a musket ball, and Lieutenant-
Colonel Smith was slightly wounded in the arm.

The Americans, feeling secure in their victory, halted for a time
just east of the village; but were surprised by a volley of musketry
from the vicinity of St. Andrew's Church. Major Clark, with his
riflemen, made a dash in that direction, and were met in front of
the church by a detachment of Skinner's men. They fired a second
volley and retreated into the church, which was occupied at the time
as a British hos])ital. :\raj(n' Clark at first refused to follow up the
pursuit and tire upon IIm' building; but Avhen one of his men was shot
down al his side by a musket ixiiutcd IVoni a window, he instantly
dclcrmined to retaliate.

Tlie wlude American force at that time assembled near St. An-
(li'cw's clinrch. and Colonel Griffin, being in command, demanded
the surrender of ilie ti-oo]'^ liuddled inside. This they refused to obey
and again fired upon the Americans. Colonel (iritfiu ordered his
troops to surround ilie Ituililing and to storm it. in a few nionieuTs

■J 'I'lirro arc two tlieories rolatlvp to the Amboy road oast. Anotber thoory Is that the

rcoili' taken by General Mercer's troops. One troops landed at Billopp's ferry (wbieli Is

Is Ibat. after landing on the Island opposite ^^^^^^ unlikely, because of tbe close proximity

A.nboy, they followed tbe sbore road to Old ,^^ j,^^, ^^^,.^.^^^ redoubt), and followed tbe Am-
Itlaxinir Star, (Rossvllle). where the skirniisb , ^ .^ .1,

*" , ' , , ., , , bov road as far as it was necessary to reach

ensued; then, taking a soutlM^asteriy ec.urse. • , , . . , .. . »,

,.„ ,„ „„ ,:„. ni,l l-„sl. or Amlmy n.nd at Kiehn.ond; and that the skirmish ensued in the

c pnlnl ensi •<( llnu-uc and fi.llcw.'d I lie vi.inily nt Ciflorils.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 219

every i)an(' of j^hiss in the biiildiug \v;is pierced by bullets. Not
knowing that the ohureh had been converted into an hospital, the
Americans, to save aninuinition. began throwing rocks into the win-
dows, Avhen suddenly a soldier came out of the door and said all would
surrender, and pleading fiiat they would not injure the sick inmates
of the building.

Colonel Crittin, witli several otticers and men, entered the church,
and ordei-ed all but the sick to march out, which order they obeyed. He
allowed tlie surgeon to return to his post. Then forming the prisoners
in line, the Anu-ricans proceeded to return to Old IJlazing !Star land-
ing, where boats were in waiting for them. They bad gone but a
short distance, when British re-inforcemeuts reached the village and
started in hot pursuit.

Fortunately for the Americans they had secured good headway,
and were permitted to place themselves in ambush. Near the site
of the old Bedell homestead at Fresh Kill, ((Ireen Kidge), was a
dense thicket, so large that the entire Continental force, when di-
vided into three detachments, ready for attack, was safely concealed.
The British were permitted to pass the first and second detachments;
but just as they were approaching the hiding jdace of the third, it
came out suddenly and sent a volley of musket balls into the ranks
of their pursuers. This was followed by a second volley from the
other detachments in the rear. The British outnumbering the ('on-
tineutals, three to one, soon recovered from the sliock and drove their
foes at the point of the bayonet for some distance. In the skirmish
several were woun<led, and three British otticers, including the
colonel in command, were killed. The wounded were carried into the
old Bedell homestead, where they were cared for as circumstances
would best permit."

In the retreat from Fresli Kill the British made three or four at-
tacks upon the fleeing Continentals, and sticceeded in re-capturing
the prisoners and propi'rty which had been secured from St. Andrew's
church. This consisted of about twenty-five men, forty-five muskets
and other implements of war. and one standard of the British Light
Horse. Boats were in waiting just below Old Blazing Star, and it was
with great diftictilty that the Americans crossed the kills, and not,
however, witliout having several killed and wounded and a number
taken prisoners.

Later in the month, (October, ITTC)), tlie British fleet was anchored
partly at the "Watering place," (Tompkinsville), and partly in
Prince's Bay, (near Heguine's Point), fi'om the latt(-r of which ti-oops
were frequently disembarked to the Jersey shore and up the Karitan.

?, Marshland (Grepn Ridge* was an important toRothPi- witli his fellow ofBcors, occupiod the
mliitar.v post during the whole of the occu- old Bedell homestead. They permitted the
pancy of Staten Island by the British, and a family to remain " at home " and care for
redoubt was located near the Old House by the their special wants! That was a very con-
Mill, similar to the one still standing on the venient custom which the liritish adopted
hill back of Richmond. The commandant, throughout the war.

220

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

to make predatory excursions. Bergen had already been abandoned
by the Americans " as a phice too much exposed aud of too little
importance to coutiuue to occupy in the face of the possibilities of the
British falling upon the stores of hay and provision that had been
gathered there.''

A few Aveeks later, a considerable force, under Coruwallis, left
Staten Island and proceeded to New Brunswick, professedly to pro-
tect the magazine there; but probably to provoke an engagement with
\\'ashington. The latter, however, refused to be drawn into an en-
gagement to which he feared his forces were unequal; but spread his
armies over the Jerseys, taking positions at Newark, Elizabeth
and \Voodbridge, thus commanding the coast ()i)]iosite to Staten Is-
land. In these towns he established his army dining the remainder
of the winter. His troops became very alert in the meantime, and
any attempt to dislodge them would have been attended with great
hazard and loss. An English authority relates the position from
their standpoint as follows:

" Of all the great conquests which his Majesty's troops had made in
the Jersies. Brunswick and Amboy were tlie only two places of any
note which they retained after the action at
rriiicetdwii; and hdwever brilliant their success
in I lie beginning of the campaign, they rcajjcd Ut-
ile advantage from them when the winter ad-
vanced, and the contiguity of so vigilant an en-
emy forced them to ])crforni the severest duty."*
General fiercer ])hinnc(i a second invasion of
| Staten Island, in the latter ]iart of October, pur-
posing to cross the Sound from the mouth of
Tlioni](son's Ci'cek, a little below Elizabeth Town
Point, to the New Blazing Star. [Linolenmville].
.Major Knowlton was to head the Continental
troo])s. The first division marched to the creek
by nine o'clock in the evening. The Pennsylvania
trocqis, attaclied to the Flying Camp, Avere to fol-
low; in all about thirteen hundred men. Bttt the
rennsyhanians had marched that day from New
Brunswick. aiLd were comjdetely exliansted on their arrival. A tre-
mendous tiniiider storm also come on, making it impracticable to

ORIGINAL SKiN OF TllK
lil.ACK HOR.SK.

4 Last W(>diu's(i:iy iioim a snklitT beloiifxiiifi
to one of llif vcKiiii''"ts on Stalcn Island, liring
in luinoi-. and having wandorod from ills <'om-
panions, ;;ot iijion the meadows near Eiizabetli
Town I'oint. whi<-li being observed by ('(d<inel
Smitlj, who bad tlie eonimand Ibal day al (lie
I'oint. lie sent o^■er a jtarly of men wlio took
lilni prisoner.

Yesterday nine of our ilitli'inen crossed the
river [sotind] in order to harass some Uegniars
wlio wore throwing tip n idml of breastwork
on a bridge for their elH'mies, who kept tiring

on our men for some time, withont doing any
e.\eeuiion. till one of the brave fellows went
within a few yards of the enemy, and desired
them to .snrreuder. At that instant he re-
eeivi'd a ball throngii his head, which killed
liini <in the spol. The Colonel sent over a flag
of trnce (to Holland's Hook] to the command-
ing ollicer on tlie Island, desiring leave to
bring off liis man. whicli the otlicer very po-
litely agreed to. and let him take the man,
rifle and his accoutrements. — Antrriean Archives,
rih Kcriis.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 221

crows tlu' Sound, aiul the expedition was reluctantly abandoned.
About this time Uovernor Tryon wrote from Staten Island to Lord
Germain:

" The whoh' armament destined for this part of America, except the
last division of the Hessians, being now assembled here, I expect, by
the couraj^e and stren,iith of this noble Army, tyranny will be crushed
and lejial government restored. Yesterday evening S'' Peter Parker
brought into the Hook a I'leet of Twenty-tive Sail from the South-
ward." (N. Y. Col. Hoc.)

During the latter \n\\\ of autumn and the winter (ieneral Howe,
with the ap]iroval and assitance of his brother, L(U'd Howe, was em-
jdoyed in foriuing several provincial corps from the Americans, Brit-
isii and Irish " who liad separated from their countrymen of their
own choice, or had been oblig<'<l to leave their homes because of the
tory sentiments they exjiressed." These new levies strengthened
the British army by several thousand men. A comparatively large
number of Staten Islanders were anumg iliem. They were placed
on the same footing, as to pay. subsistence and clothing, as the regu-
lar troops. As a fui-ther encouragement to the privates and non-
commissioned officers, tliey ^\■l're at the end of the war to receive cer-
tain proportions of land, according to the rank which they might
then hold. Th(-se ]irovincials were placed under command of Gov-
ernor Tryon. who had been ap])ointed a major-general, and part of
them were stationed on Staten Island.

A detachment of British troo])s, under Major Gordon, in February,
1777, marched from Ki<limond to Cole's ferry [in the Narrows] where
they embarked for Sandy Hook, where it was learned a considerable
body of American troops were stationed. After being detained on
board l»y bad weather and violent winds for three days, they, nuni-
beiing about two liuudicd. clTccted a binding on the beach about
two luilcs below the Aiuerican jxists, which they surjtrised before
daylight in tlie morning. The Americans were driven from the
Neversink liills. sustaining a loss of several killed and seventy-four
taken prisoners.

On the 27th of February, Major Tympany crossed from Staten Is-
land to Elizabethtown with about sixty men on a foraging expedition.
He came into collision with a body of Americans, two or three of
wiiom he killed; he then returned to the Island, bringing with him
four or five prisoners and ten head of cattle.

Early in March a detachment of American troops came down the
Jersey shore and fired on some boats that were taking in forag(' at
New Blazing Star, on the Island. ^lajor Tympany thei-eupon crossed
the Kills with about forty men and pursued the Americans about
tlii-ee miles, an his return bringing back ten head of cattle and thirty
sheep.

Ill the ciiily ])art of .Tune. 1777, Howe and a lai'gc jiortion of his

222 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

army AA'ere crossiuj^ New Jersey. The objective poiut was I'liiladel-
pbia. Duriug the early jjart of the precediug winter the ariuy had
reached Trenton; but at the time when it seemed as though nothing
lay in the way of their marching to rhiladelphia and gaining an
easy victory, a sudden and unaccountable apathy seemed to seize
the Kritish commander, and he rested until the army of Washing-
ton Avas in a better position to resist his own progress. By this
time Howe's army had returned to I'erth Amboy. and the project
of reaching I'hiladeljdiia by land seemed to be abandcmed. Another
attempt, hoAvever, was made to draw Washington away from his
fortifications, so that the British army could surround him.

Having retreati'd slowly across the t>tate. Avhile (Jeneral Greene
was harrassing his rear, he prepared to cross from I'erth Amboy to
Stateu Island, liaving iletermined to reach IMiiladcl]iiiia by Avater.
Throwing a jiontoon-bridge. Axliich had be(^n consiructed for cross-
ing the Delaware, across to Stateii Island, he sent the heavy baggage
and all the incumbrances of his army o\cr to the Island under the
escort of some troo])S, Avhile preparations Avere making for the pas-
sage of the rest of the army. Intelligence of this Mas received by
^^'ashington. a\1io sui)i)osed that the Bi-itish army Avas retreating in
earnest, under a misapprelieiision of tlie strength of liis oavu army.
He accordingly desceudeil fiom ihe Jiiliy country avIkm-c he was en-
trenched, and moved forward as thougli pursuing a Hying enemy.

(leneral Howe, evidently tliinlcing lie had gained his jioint, de-
termined to fence his way between \\asliington and the mountains,
and comiM'l him to a general action on his oavu terms, or cut off some
of his troo])s if he should retreat. He accordingly returned to Perth
Amboy, and on the 2()tli of June ])nt his army in motion, advancing
towards the i)ursuing forces of Washington. The f(n"ces came into
collision and the Britisli pursued as far as Westfield [X. J.]; but
finding, as a British chi-onicler states, "that the caution and ]iru-
deuce of General Washington had rendered his scheme abortive,"
General Howe returne(^ Avith his army to Perth Amboy on the second
day after tlie expedition against AVashingtou. ami on the 2itth passed
again o\ci- to Stateii Island. In the nicaiilinie ^\'asllillgtlpn wi-ote
to Goiigress fi-oni the cam]i at ^liddlebi-oojc, June 2Sth, as folloAvs:

"Sii;:- (»n 'i'liiii-sday morning Genei-al Howe advanced with his
wlmlc army in se\ ri;il rdlninns from Amboy. as far as \\'esl tield. \\'e
are ceiiaiiily informed, tiiat I lie troojis sent to Staten Island re-
turned tlie |!i-e<(Mling e\-ening. and it is said Avitli an augmentation
of maiiiies: so ilial caT-rying tliem there was a feint, to deicixc us."''

5 Tlio oinipiilj;!! of Clt'iK'ral Howe in Nfw Lslniul, nud loft lis in ontire possi-ssinn of New

Jersey and its results, were suninied np liy a .Tersey. in a small part of wlileh they had been

writer of the time as follows; '* SInee onr last. peiiM tip for six months, unable to do any

we have eerlain intellicenee. that soon after ;irent matters, exeept stealing a few enttle,

the skinnish wllh Lord Sllrilnc's division, as aii<l maklns AVlilgs of the waveriiiL' and dilli

menlloTied in onr last, the eni'iny lied olT from A' iit."— American Archives.
AVestlleld to Ainbfiy, and from theiiee to Staten

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND. 223

General Howe, baying determined to approach Philadelphia by wa-
ter, began early in July, 1777, the embarkation of his army from
Staten Island. On the 5th he began placing on board of transports
such corps as he wished to take with him, amoiinting to thirty-six
battalions of British and llessians, including the light infantry and
grenadiers, the (Queen's IJangers, considerable artillery, and a regi-
ment of light dragons. The troops that remained in the vicinity of
New York were jjlaced under command of (Jeneral Clinton, while
under him General Knyphausen had command of Staten Island,
with headquarters in the old Kose and Crown farm-house at New-
Dorp. Though preparations began thus early, it was not until the
23d of the month that the fleet, consisting of two hundred and sixty-
seven sail, passed outside of Handy Hook.'' About three thoiisand
troops were left on the Island. The principal part of this number
were two regiuients of Hessians, some Rritisli and ]u-o\iucial troops.

A detachment of Americans, under 31ajoi- Irving, crossed the Kills
early in August, landing at Decker's feiTv. and directed their course
for Eichmond. Near the village they Avere met by a detachmtMit of
British regulars who, after a slight resistance retreated and took
refuge in St. Andrew's church. A second time the Americans riddled
the winilows of the old editice with bullets, and a second time they
were driven away. The Americans retreated down the Fresh Kill
road, the British failing to overtake them until they I'eached the
ravine known as La Forge's Corner. Tlie Americans concealed them-
selves in a cornfield and attacked the British from ambush. At
the first volley the British commander was killed. They had con-
siderable difficulty in crossing the Kills, being fii;ed upon. A number
were killed and wounded. The prisoners they had taken at Bichmond
were driven into a barnyard and allowed to remain there.

Lieutenant-Colonel Dongan and Major Drummond, of the Third
Battalion of Skinner's Brigade, with about sixty men, made a raid
into New Jersey, on the littli of the same month. They marched
about twent^'-seven nules into the interitu'. on tlie Avay capturing
fourteen prisoners, about seventy cattle and horses, and twenty stand

At tbis time there seems to liave been a. s.ime time to prevent supplies lieinsr conveyed

desire on the part of the British to starve out to the " rebels " throiish these channels, he

the rebels." or at least to weaken and per- ordered that no craft of any kind should carry

plex them by preventing their obtaining any from the city to either of these islands, with-

supplies from New York either directly or out special permit from the superintendent's

through Staten Island. To carry this out all office, any larger quantities of rum. spirits,

commerce between here and the Jerseys was sugar, or molasses than one barrel of each, or

prohibited. It was difficult, however, to en- of salt exceeding four bushels. No quantity

force such prohibition. On the 17th of Jul.v, of any other kind of nierehandi.se larger than

Sir William Howe issued a proclamation re- might be considereil sutficient for the use of

lating to the cargoes of vessels arriving at the one family should be taken at one time. The

port of New York. He appointed Andrew El- penally for the violation of the restrictions of

liot, Ksq.. superintendent of all imports and tills proclanjation was forfeiture of the vessel,

exports passing between New York and Long large or small, and the goods found on board,

Island and Staten Island, and in order that and imprisonment of the master in charge,

the inhabitants of the latter Island might be Similar lu-oclaniations were subsequently is-

furnished with necessary supplies, and at the sued.— Prcsfoii's Uisinru of Itirlinioiul I'nunli/.

224

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

of tirni8. besides destroying a quantity of powder, sliot, salt and rum.
The transporting of prisoners and stocli across the sound at Amboy
■was covered by a guard on the Jersey side.

On the 22d of August, 1777, occurred one of the most important
engagements of tlie war on Staten Island. General Sullivan, of the
American forces, being then stationed at Hanover, N. J., about
twenty miles from Elizabeth, determined to make reprisals for the
predatory raids that the British troops on Staten Island liad been
making into New Jersey. He was informed that the British forces
Avere distributed on the Island about as follows: .Major Van Buskirk,'
with the Fourth Battalion. Skinner's Brigade, witii two hundred
and fifty, at Decker's ferry. (I'ort Bichmond); Lieutenant-Colonel
Barton." with the Fifth Battalion of the same Brigade, numbering
about two hundred and tifty, near the Xew 7?laziiig Star f(nrv, ilAuo-
leumville); Lieutenant-Colonel Edward X'augliau Dongan, witii the

Tliird Battalion of the same brigade, on the
:\loriiing Star road, in Norflitield. and Lieu-
t(-nan1-Colonel Allen, of ilie Sixth Hattalion,
neai- the Aml)oy i-oa<l. with about one hun-
dred men eacji. and two regiments of British
regulars, two of Anspacliers and one of Wal-
<le<keis wei-e (Micamited ]>y the fortifications
ucai- I lie " Watering Blace." (Tom])kiiisville),
llieii- iiumbei-s being unknown.

Tlic e.\])ericnce of (Jeneral Sullivan taui;lit
him that any movement of the troo](s by day-
light, in the country near the shoi-e. would
certainly be reported by tories in lime to
allow the encniv an o|iportunity to ju-epare
this a long march by night was the only re-
soui-ce. Atcordiugly the troo])s at Hanover were put in motion at
about thi-ee o'clock in the afternoon of the 21st. These were selected
li-oiiithe biigades of (nMU'rals Siuallwood and 1 >< liorre.and numbered
about one t honsaiKJ men. who were supposed to be most ablv in'epare<l
to endure a long mai'cli. The body reached l^lizabetliTown at about
t<'n o'cloclc in the evening.

I'l Older to iiiiike a siniiillaiieoiis attack on two different jxiints

I.ORI) COR.WVALLIS.

for defense. To a\'oid

7 AbraliMrii Vnn liiiskirk (mUitimI the scrvici.'
Novciiibci- Kith. ITTfi. witli the niiik of major.
nnd in 177S, lie was ooiniiiissioiic(l n Lictitcii.
ant-colonol of tlie Fourth Itatlaliou [Skimii>r's
BriKaiU'l. Ui 1782 and in 17s:! he was in com-
iiiaiKl of the Tiiirii Hattalion. He (ii.stin-
Kiiislii'il Iiimscir. Willi his battalion, at the
attack on Kort (iriswolil. in tlic harbor of New
London. Coiinfctifut, ami in tho tnassacro
whifh followed, and is spoken of in report by
Armiid with apiilan.so for his j;ri'at scn-viees.
llc> did Mot remain in tlie Hnlted States after
thf war: but roinovod iniinedialcl.v to Shol-

biirne. Nov. I Seoiia. ami became mayor of tlie
eily.-(;(/ir/7// Wm. .S'. IStn/krr'.i Ilisliin,/ of
Ski liner's Jlrifiaih-.

8 .Tosepli Ilarlon appears on the rolls of 1778
as in romniand as I.ieuteuaut-coioiiel of tlie
I'il'lh Ciitalion. ISkinner's Brigade], and. in
the foiiowinji year, of the First Battalion.
He was captured b.v the patriots tiixier Gen-
erals Stirlinj; and Sullivan, on Slalen Island,
Anirust L;i;d. 1777. lie left the service in 1781.
Very little is known of his personal history.—
(Iniirnl Wm. S. Stri/ki r'.i llisliirn of skiiiiitr's
liriaaflf.

HISTORt OF STATEN ISLAND. 225

oil I lie Ishiiul, the f(iii-es were divided, ('olouel Ogdeu, witli liis
own and Culinud Davtdn's rciiinicnt. (both of tlie New Jerssey line),
joined bv one hundnnl niililia nndei- Colonel Frelinghuysen, marched
from Elizabethtown in the evening to a point opposite the eu-
tranci' to the Fresh Kill, where thej' were conveyed by boats
across the sound and up the creek, their object being to attack
Lawrence's battalion in the rear. The remainder of the troops
crossed from Elizabethtown point, approaching the Island in the
vicinity of Palmer's IJun. on the North shore. General Smallwood's
brigade was to attack N'an Uuskirk's battalion, and General De
Bone's brigade was to attack Barton's, each leaving one regiment on
the road, (Kichmond terrace), to cover their rear, and to pick up such
as might escape Colonel Ogdeu or the attacking parties. Colonel
Ogdeu was ordered to move forward, should he complete the reduc-
tion of Lawrence's battalion, and attack Dougan and Allen; other-
wise to hold his ground till Gen(nal Sullivan came up from the
north side to join him. Some difficulty was experienced on the water,
on account of a scarcity of boats; btit the whole force was safely
landed (in the Island before dayliglit. without being discovered by the
British.

Ogdeu attacked Lawrence about daybreak, and after an engage-
ment of two or tliiee minutes succeeded in routing him, taking the
colonel himself and about eighty non-commissioned officers and pri-
vates prisoners. He next attacked Dougan, on the Morning Star
road, (about midway between the shore and Ciraniteville). The troops
came together in a hand-to-hand contest, and while Colonel Dougan
Avas encouraging his men he received a bullet in his body, which
incapacitated him from further service. He died in a hospital on the
following day. Major Drummond assumed command, and his troops
were driven back to a point near Giffords, where they were joined
by Lieutenant-Colonel Allen. Another s])irited fight eustied; the
whole were finally driven back to the neighborhood of Prince's Bay,
where they sotight refuge in the intreuchments. Colonel Ogdeu then
fell back toward Old Blazing Star and waited for General Sullivan.
In the meantime the alarm had reached General John Campbell, the
British commander at Fort Hill, (above St. George), and he at once
marched with the Fifty-second British Pegulars and Third battalion
of A\'aldeckers toward Pichmoud, under the supposition that that
point would be approached by the invaders.

Very soon after the attack madt^ by Colonel Ogdeu. General Sulli-
van moved with De Borre's brigade to attack Colonel Barton's bat-
talion that lay at the Xew Blazing Star. He found ihe latter ready
to receive him; but ujiou the main body moving u\> to charge, they
broke ranks and fled. Sullivan had stationed Coloiu-l Price olf to
the right to prevent the escape of the enemy; but many of them
seized the boats that lay at the ferry and crossed to the Jersey shore.

226 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

while others being acquainted with the intricacies of the woods, were
able to evade their pursuers. A considerable number of arms, blank-
ets, hats, etc., was taken, and about forty privates, with Lieutenant-
Colonel Barton himself, were made prisoners. A barn and about
thirty-tive tons of hay were burned. In tlie meantime, a detaclimcnt
of .Sullivan's troops, under command of Major Pearce, which landed
too late to join the nuiiii body mistook their course and moved in an
easterly direction. They found but a few men in the redoubt, (\vlii( h
stood on the site of the Churcji of the Ascension, West New I'.ri.nh-
ton), wliirli tlicy took ])risoii('rs, and jtroceeded in the direction of
Kruzcr's Cove, where they encountered a sui)eri(U' force of (icneral
Skinner's troops, the Kruzer, or Teltou, liouse beinj;' his head(|uartcrs.
Tlic Aiiicricans wcic obliged to make a liasty retreat, leaving at that
place the prisoners lliey had taken.

General Smallwood, witli his brigade, landed at 1 >ecker's ferry.
Near the Dutch church lie attacked Lieutenant-(!'olonel A'an Bus-
kirk's troo]>s. (leneral Smallwood's guide led him to the front of the
battalion, instead of the rear. But there was nothing left to do but
to advance, which the Americans did in solid column. T'i)on the
Hrst tire the Britisli broke and tied to the redoubts along the North
and East shores, where they were rallied by General Skinner, and
there they pursued the retiring Americans with the other regiments
under General Cam))bell. Smallwood's brigade captured Barton's
stand of colors, destroyed his tents and a (juantity of stores. Small-
wood's men also destroyed several vessels belonging to the British,
Avhich lay in the Kills, near the entrance to Palmer's Run.

The forces of General Sullivan and Smallwood now effected a
junction, and moved in the direction of Bichmond to join the de-
tachment under Colonel Ogden. Before reaching the village they
branched off to the right and marched to Old Blazing Star where
they f'ouiid that Ogden. after waiting till longer delay seemed un-
necessarily hazardous, had sent his troops across the river. (Jeneral
Sullivnii had sent a messenger to bring the boats from Elizabethfowu
point down the Kills to ludp transfer his men across; but the mes-
senger was detained on the way, and the boats failed to come.

In this emergency General Sullivan began at once to transport his
men by means of three boats which Ogden had used; but before this
could be accoui]ilishe(l t he accunnilated forces of Campbell. Skiiiuer,
,\llen and Krunimond Avere closing in upon hiui. and cutting otf his
(diances of escajie. " The rear was noA\- co\'ered hy about eighty of
Snia llwoiid's .Marylanders, couniiaiLded by .Majors Stew.irt and Till-
ai-d, who ably maintained tlie Jionorable rejiutation of that brigade
by tlieir nnliinchiug teiuicity against over|iowering odds."

Tlie biaxcry of ijiis liiile parly was highly couimeiided by (leneral
Snlli\aii and others at the tiiiu'. '• By their determination tin' enemy
\\as held back until all the troops except this conii)any were safely

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 227

foUA'eyed across the river. ►So liotlv <li(] tbev contest the approach of
the eueiiiy that the hitter were several times driven baclv witli yreat
coufusiou. Tliey were, liowever, forced to retire ami talce new posi-
tions near the water, until they stood within twenty rods of the
shoi'e.''

The British at last brought uj) several pieces of artillery, which,
with " grape and canister," so commanded the water that the boat-
men refused to face the tire and move after the rear guard. iSeeiug
this, and their ammunition also giving out, this little band of heroes
at last surrendered, though several of them escaped, seven of them
swimming across the cliaunel, and others, perhaps, being drowned
in the attempt. About forty of them were taken prisonei's.-'

In a letter to Congress General Sullivan urged an investigation into
his conduct relating to this affair, in order to clear himself of some
charges wlii<-li he ri^uarded as unjust, gixiug a summary <»f it in the
following language:

" In this expedition we landed on an island jiossessed by the enemy;
])ut to rout six regiments; killed, wounded and made prisoners at
hi-ast four or tivn hundred of the enemy; vanquislied every party that
collected against us; destroyed tlu-re great quantities of stores; took
one vessel, and destroyed six; took a consideralde number of arms,
blankets, many cattle, horses, etc.; marched victorious through the
island, and in the whole course of the day, lost not more than one
hundred and tifty men, most of which were lost by the imprudence
of themselves, and officers. Some few, indeed, were lost by cross-
accidents, which no human foresight could have prevented."

The British on Staten Island rested less easily after this memorable
day. They were far more watchful, and were constantly suspicious of
another attack. Kivingtou's Ga~ctte, of October 25th, contained the
following i)aragraph bearing upon the subject:

" By a Gentleman who has lately escaped from confinement in
New Jersey, we have been favoured with the following particulars:
* * * It is imagined that another expedition is detennined upon
against Stateu-Island under the command of Mr. Philemon Dicken-
son, who has assembled near 400 men about Elizabeth Town; boats
and scows are also prepared, with a floating raft, to cross Bi'idge
creek, and thereby secure a retreat to the point. Gen. Sullivan was,
on his late unsuccessful attempt on this island, highly reprehended
for not using this expedient, and, as he has been again blamed for
his conduct at Brandywine. in Pennsylvania, lu* some time ago re-
signed his commission in disgust, and withdrew liimself from the
rebel army."

'J Various estim.itps werp given as to the wouiulprl. and one Inindred and twenty-seven

losses in tiiis day's engagement on Staten pi-ivates and nine ofticers taljen prisoners. Be-

Island. Tlie total loss to the British was one sides this the British lost arms, baggage, and a

hundred and thirty privates and eleven officers number of cattle carried awa.v and stores and

taken prisoners, and probably twenty-five to vessels destroyed, while the Americans lost a

one hundred killed and wounded: while that few whale boats, which Campbell's command

of the Araericnn.s, was ten killed, fifteen succeeded in captuvlng.— American Archives.

CIIAPTEK XXV.

HOSTILITIES ON STATEN ISLAND. CONCLUDED.

U1{IN<; the uioiilh of 2s' () vein her. ITTT, a luiiulxT of raids
Avciv made by the Ameiicaii troops stationed at Elizabeth-
tow n. Ou the uight of Tuesday, the ISth, just before the
rising of the moon, a detachment crossed over on the mead-
ovvs, west of Holland's Hook, where they concealed themselves until
they could have the advantage of the moonlight, when they surprised
the IJritish pickets near the redoubts, and then engaged in a brisk
skirmish, but were defeateil and coinpelled to retreat back to Eliza-
bethtown.

Ou the following dav llie Ibdland's Hook ledoubts were attacked

%'■"', , ^~- .

"Y"

"t "» -ll ■' ">"»•', '

OI.T) nEDELL IIOMF.STKAI), GRKEN RIDGE; ERECTED ABOUT 1G70.

again, but without success. Early on Thursday, the 20th. the New
Jersey brigade, niidcr eouiiiiand of (ieneral rhilemon Dickenson,
landtHl ou the Island in Hie virinily of St. George, and advanced
upon the encani]>iMeuts of (ieneral ("amiibell. whoso head(|uarters
were on Fort Hill. Immediately after opening tire upon the liritish.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 229

Geueral J >irkciis(iii discovered i-e-iiiforeemeut.s and several ships of
war appi'oacliiug the Island. KnoAving that he wonld be overpowered
by nnmbers, he j;ave orders to retire from the soene, and with the loss
of a few men whom the British captured, the Americans made good
their escape to the Jersey shore. Several other raids were made with-
out material success to the Americans.

General Clinton issued a remarkable pi'oclamation, on December
20th, 1777, regulating the prices of farm products, as follows: ^

■' ^^'III•:IiEAS, it is consonant not only to the common principles of
liumanity, but to the wisdom and policy of all well regulated states,
in certain exigencies to guard against the extortion of individuals,
who raise the necessaries of life, without which other parts of the
commniiity cannot subsist; and whereas the farmers of Long Island
and Sialcn Island are possessed of great (juantities of Wheat. Rye,
and Indian ('nrii, for sale, beyond wliat they want for their own con-
sumjition, and it is highly unreasonable that those who may stand in
need of those articles, should be left at the mercy of the farmer, and
whei-eas it is ecpially just and reasonable that every encourage-
ment sliould be given to the industry of the husbandman; « * *
and whereas the present rates at which A\'heat, Flour. Rye-meal, and
Indian Meal are sold, do vastly exceed in ]iroportion the advanced
price of those articles which the farmer stands in need of purchasing,
" * * do hereby order and direct that the i)riees to be hereafter
demanded for the said articles shall not exceed the following rates:

" A Rusliel of Wheat Weighing Fifty Eight Pounds, Twelve SJiill-
iiK/s. ^\■[t]\ an .Vllowance, or deduction in proportion for a greater or
lesser weight.

" A Bushel of Rye, or Indian Corn, f^even i^liiU'un/s.

"Merchantable Wheat Flour, Th'iriy-fire ^hlUiiKj-^ per Cwt.

"■ Wye Flour, Tirnilij HliiJJinns per Cwt.

" Indian ileal, Sevc)itee)i l^hilJiiins i)er Cwt."'

There was a further stipulation in the proclanuition that the farm-
ers of these tAvo Islands should at once make returns to the com-
manding ofHcers of militia in their respective localities, showing the
(|nantity of each kind of grain They had, and what quantity they
would need for the use of their families during the yv.w. He also
ordered the farmers to thresli onc-t liird of I licir grain at once; another
third l)y the third of Fel)ruary, and the remaining tliird by the first

1 Some ililHciilty socnis at this time to have persons to lie trnslcil witli it. This ropulation

been oxpeiienoPd In enfolding the restrictions soon fell into aViuse. and on the 18th it was

against the exportation of salt from New Yorli amended by a fnrtlier proclamation that all

to Staten Island, by nhich channel that article persons from the Island applying for a permit

of necessity was smnggled into New Jersey. to earr.v salt thither mnst have a certificate

By a proclamation on the 15th of November. from either General Campbell or General

Clinton directed that the Inhabitants of Staten Skinner, and authorit.v was given to anyone

Island should bo allowed to carry salt for their who should intercept any person carrying salt

family use, not exceeding three bushels for a without the reriuisite permit, to seize and ap-

family. on obtaining a certificate from a justice propriate the salt to his own use and pur-

of the peace, attesting that they were proper poses.— Prcstoi's Jlistory of Richmond County.

230 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

of the followiuy May. A refutsal to tdiiiiily with any of the require-
meuts set forth iu the proehimatiou shoiihl be pimi.shable by coutis-
catiou of the eutire crop of grain belouyiug to such offender, and im-
prisonment of his person.

The prisoners talcen in the raid of General Dickenson, in the pre-
ceding jN'ovember, Avere still iu the possession of the Americans at the
commencement of the year 1778, and some had been summarily dealt
with. Ill consecjuciice the following correspoudeuce jjassed between
General Kobertsou. the couuuaudiug oflicer at New York, and Gover-
nor Livingston, of Xew Jersey:

" New York, January 4, 1778.

" Sir: — I am interruiited iu my daily attempts to soften the calami-
ties of prisoners, and rccducilc tlieir care with our security, by a gen-
eral cry of resentiiiciit. arising fnuii an information —

" Tliat officers iu tlie King's scrviie taken ou the 27th of November,
and Air. J(din Brown, a de]>uty-commissary, are to be tried iu Jersey
for liigh treason; and tliat .Mr. Iliff and another iirisouer have been
hanged.

" Thougli 1 am neitlier authorized to threaten (U- to soolli, my wish
to Ill-event an increase of hornu-s, will justify my using the liberty of
an old ac(|iiaiiitance, to desire your interposition to ]iut an end to. or
prevent measures Avliich, if pursued on one side would teud to prevent
every act of humanity on tlie other, and render every person who exer-
cises this to the King's eueuues, odious to his friends.

" I need not point out to you all the cruel conse(juences of such a
proceedure. I am hopeful you'll prevent them, and excuse this trouble
from. Sir.

" ^'oul• most olx'dieiit and humble servant,

"Ja.mios 1i(ihi:ktsox.

" N. 15. At the moment that the cry of mui-der readied my ears, I
was signing orders, tliat Fell's request to have the liberty of the city,
and ('(douel lleyiiohl to b(^ set free on his ])arole, sliould be complied
A\ilh. I lia\'e not recalled tlie (U'der, because tlio" the e\idellce be
strong, i can't belie\"e it possible, a measure so cruel and iiii]iolitic,
could be ado])ted \\liei-i' you bear sway.

"To W'illiaiii lj\iiigstou. I']s(i., vV:c.. iV:c.''

Imiiiedialely u|)ou the receipt of this letter Go\crnor Livingston
rejdied as folloA\s:

" January 7. 1778.

''Sir: — TTaviug I'cceived a letter under your signature, dated the
4tli iuslaut. w liicli I lia\'e some reason to think you intemU'd for me. I
sit (low II to answer youi- im|iiiTies concerning certain officers iu the
service of your King, taken on Staten Island, and one Browne^ who
calls himself a dejiuty commissai'v; and also respecting one Tliff and
another iirisoner, il suppose you must me.in John Alagee. lie Inning
shared the late \(Mi meulion). wlio liaxc iteeii handed.

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND. 231

" Buskirk, Earl and Hammel. wliu are. 1 pretsiiinc. the officer>< iu-
teuded, with the said Browue, were seut to me by General Diclveusou
as prisoners taken on Stateu Island. Finding- them all to be subjects
of this state, and to have committed treason against it, the Council of
Safety committed them to Trenton goal. At the same time I ac-
quainted General Washington, that if he chose to treat the three Urst
who were British officers, as prisoners of war. 1 doubted not the Coun-
cil of Safety would be satisfied. General Washington has since in-
formed me that he intends to consider them as such; and they are
therefore at his service, ^\•henever the Commissary of Prisoners shall
direct concerning them. Browne, 1 am told, committed several rob-
beries in this state before he took sanctuary on Staten Island, and I
sliould scarcely imagine that he has expiated the guilt of his former
crimes by committing the greater one of joining the enemies of his
country. However, if General ^^'asllington chooses to consider liim
also a prisoner of war, 1 shall not interfere in the matter.

" Iliff was executed after a trial by jury for enlisting our subjects,
himself being one, as recruits in the British army, and he was ap]jre-
bended on his way Avith tliem to Staten Island. Uad he never been
subject to this state, he would have forfeited his life as a spy. Magee
was one of his company, and had also procured our subjects to enlist
in the service of the enemy.

" If these transactions. Sir. should induce you to countenance great-
er severities toward our ])eople. whom the fortune of war has thrown
into your power, than they have already suffered, you will pardon me
f(U* thinking that you go farther out of your way to find ])alliatives for
inlinnianity. than necessity seems to require; and if this be tli<' cry of
murder to which you allude as having reached your ears. I sincerely
l)ity your ears for being so fi-equently assaulted with the cries of mur-
der much more audible, because less distant, I mean the cries of your
prisoni'rs who are constantly ])erishing in the goals of Xew York (the
coolest and most deliberate kind of murder) from the rigorous man-
ner of their treatment.

" I am with due res])ect.

" Your must humble servant.

" \VlLI.TAM LtVIXOSTOX.

" James Robertson. Esij., iKic. iVrc

" P. S. You have distinguished me by a title whicli I have neither
authority nor ambition to assume. I know of no man. Sir. who lirars
siroji in this State. It is our jjeculiar felicity, and our su])eriority over
the tyrannical sy.stem we have discarded, that we are not swayed by
men. In New Jersey, Sir. the laws alone hrai' strai/."

A great deal of smuggling Avas carried on during the winter of 1777-
8. which taxed the genius of General Clinton to the utmost to prevent.
He appointed Alexander (Jardiner wharf otticer of Staten Island, and
required all vessels carrying goods to the Island to land them at

232

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Cole's I'cii-y ;iii(l iiuwlicix* else. "iiikI tlii-ii' all oarjiui'S mbuiild be iu-
spectcij l)v ilic saitl officer. \\\\'> wniihl alldw goods to be taken tlieuce
to tlieir jilaces ot desTiiiai imi mi ihc Island." This officer was also
antiiorlzcd " to seize and conllscate all goods not corresponding to the
supi-rintendent's ])erniit accompanying tlnm. and also to seize and
contiscale any vcssej fonnd eni])Ioyed in sncli illicit traffic."

I-'arly in iln- inoi-iiiiig <it' .rnne KiTli. 1 77S. riii-ee boats were loaded
wiili iiii'ii ai !;i i/,a lid III liw II. and ]irnrcc(lcd down the 8onnd to the
nionlli of I he I'll sh Kill, and landing between the Blazing Star and
I'.urnl Isl.iiid. in i In- inniii li id I lie Kill, t liey snr])i'ised the pickets; bnt
lieing II iialilc In (li i\c 1 licni back i licy id i red and waited on the Jersey
^li"ic nniil iM-ar ilaybiiNik. w lien ihey retnrued willi reinforcements
and made aiiol liii- 1 Hoii to land in I lie same place, nnder cover of their

baiierics. 'I'liey inci with such vigorous re-
sisiaiice Iroiii Skinner's Brigade, which was
giiaidin;: llial point, that they were (ddiged
to aba ndiiii I he n ndertaking.

The IJiilish on I lie Island were thoronghly

alarmed in the nR'antime, and a section of

^^W" ' ^'"' ''".^'='1 artillery, which had been posted

al one nf Ihc l-eilollbis belwcen livers" ami

r' .iK^^HMMMj ( ,,|,. s temes. was brought to the scene of ac-
tion. Ihrowing solid shot fi-om two six-pound-
ers, and (he infantry that could be spared
finiii \aii(iiis 111 her posts also received orders
Im- a lurceil mai-cli. The Americans retii'ed
LORD sTiKi.ixi;. in lime III )n-e\eni a serious conflict.

'I'liiTe was \ei\ little t ra ns])iring on the
1 si a Ml I dm iiiLi i he siiiniui-i- of I 77S, "The o|(era lions between hostile
forces were mai nl \ run lined in i he pel ly depredat ions, smuggling and
raiding <>( foragiiig jtarlies on a small scale, which were of too fre-
ipuMil and conlinual occurreme in be wmihy of sjiecial remark." On
September Klili 1 he ( "ommissary oT I'mage rei|uired the farmers to
(liresli out Iheir -rain :ii niire. ■• as I he Sua w is wanted for use of his
.Majesly's d'oops." Ini- whiili ihry were In be paid legal rates ou deliv-
ei'y at the magazine al ('nle"s ferry.

( »n Sepiember ;!(li h. in 1 he e\(uiiig. an e.\pedition having been titted
out wilh lroo|is. ii " embarkiil fimn Sialeii Island, set sail for Little
ICgg Harbor, off whiih pnim ii airi\eil mi ihe .'ii h of October, having
i»een delayed by ad\erse w inds."

'I"li<- ■• haril winter" nf I77'.>s(l caused in-oclamations to be issued,
lixing the prices of varimis rmiiinmi necessities as follows: •' AValntit

I'oniwood, oi' aii\ nihei- kind i>\' w 1. fmii- pmiiids per cord; iiplaml

hay. I'ighl shillings per iw i.; sail li;iy. fmir shillings jier cwt.; straw.

♦I" shillings per cwi.; Imiian emu. nu shillings pei' bushel; oats,

seven shillini:s pi-r bushel."

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 233

Tlic prdchiiiiiitiuu was issued in Xoveiiibci-, and it was well that tlie
Commander thus made early preparation fur the needs of his army.
He reijuired all persons Avho had obtained permission to cut wood " off
certain lands on Long Island and Stateu Island immediately to bring
what wood they have cut to this market," and required all owners of
woodlands on those Islands to cut and cart their wood to the most
contiguous landings in such proportion " as will fully answer the in-
tent and meaning of this proclamation, and prevent the disagreeable
necessity of granting permission for their wood to be cut by others."
At a later period in the winter. General James Itobertson, then acting
(loveruor of the province of :N>w York, issued a proclamation forbid-
ding the cutting of wood on the estates of persons " supposed to be in
rebellion."

Another important attempt was made to invade the Island during
the winter.- (ieneral Stirling was dispatched with a body of the
troops to attack the outposts of the enemy on Staten Island. They
jn'oceeded in sleighs, and crossed the Kills on the ice to a point about
where the long dock at Elm Park is located, and proceeded in an
easterly direction along the shore, (ieneral Stirling's troops num-
bered about two thousand and live hundred men. When the old
Mill road, (Columbia street. West Xew Brighton), was reached. Hie
force was divided, one division, under (ieneral Stirling, continuing
along the shore, and the other, uiidei- (ieneral Dickenson, going out
^lill road as far as Dongan's mill.

The night of the llth, on which the Americans made this long pus-
sage from camp to the designed scene of action, was a starry night,
bright and clear; but so intensely cold that about one-third of the men
were more or less injured by the frost. The plan was to surprise (Gen-
eral Skinner's Brigade; but it was soon discovered that their designs
had been anticipated by the enemy, information having reached them
through tory friends, (ieneral Stirling continued eastward along the
shore to a point near the Cove, at West New I>righton, General Skin-
ner's headquarters, where the British troops were centralized and
]>repared for action.^ On discovering the odds he would have to en-

2 This is remombored .is the hard winter of of tlieir slieiteriiig hovels aiul tents were

1779-80. The Araoric.-in forces were quarterea blown down and torn to pieces, and the sol-

in New Jersey for the winter, but poorly diors became lilie sheep under the snow, which

clothed, provisioned, and armed. General fell to a depth of from four to six feet. So

Washington, iu his quarters at Morristowm, obstructed were tlie roads as to prevent the

planned this expedition, and left its direction usual receipt of supplies, and for ten days each

to General Stirling. From their peculiar ex- man had but two pounds of meat, and some

posure and sufferings at the moment, the com- even were entirely destitute. — American Ar-

mander-in-chief, perhaps, suggested this at- chirrs.

tacli, to divert the minds of his discontented 3 There is a popular tradition to the effect

men from their numerous and fearful forebod- that Lord Stirling, the American commander

ings. The American army was then encamped of this expedition, had a personal encounter

on the hills back of Morristowu, the encamp- with General Skinner on this occasion, and

ment extending several miles into the country. that he shot CJencral Skinner iu front of the

Their canvas tents afforded but a miserable Kruzcr House, (now known as the Pelton

security from the rain, sleet, and snow. On House, still standing); and that General Skin-

the 3d of January came one of the most tre- «er was carried into the house and soon ex-

mendous snow storms ever remembered. Some pircd. There is no truth whatever in the

234 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

tniiiin-i- tlt'iu'ial Stiiliuj: ilci-uicd il uuadvisable lu make an assault.

Till- Americans speut the day of the 15th of January, (1780). ami the
fiilluwinji ni^ht on tlie Island. " in simw waist-deep, protectinii them-
selves as well as they eoidd trom ilic inclement weather by making
hiijie fires of the cordwond wincli liicy found piled up where they
halted." Durini; the day the llrilish sent a boat to Xew York, which
returned at i-veniiiLi with iciiifniccmenls. (leneral ^^tirling withdrew
his troops til ICIizabiiliiiiw II mi ilic ninruiiig of the 10th. His official
icpuri cdiicliidcs with t lie Inlldw iiig staleuienT :

•• TJic- icirc;ii was cITrcicd ill iiuod order, and with very little loss.
.\ party nf 1 lie ciniiiy's Imrsc cjiaiucd our rear guard under Major Ed-
wards, lull was iiiiiiic(li;i ii-ly ri'iHiiscd. The .Major had three men
i<illcd. SiiiiH- few 111' I lie iiii'ii wci-i- lidst-bilten. and though we took all
I 111- jiaiiis ill mil- I low I I- 111 lia\ !• all I liose unable to march transported
in sleighs. \it 1 imaLiiiic a \cry low lia\(' been left behind.

" Immediately alni- cidssiiig. .i parly was detached under Lieuten-
ant* 'cdonej W'jlleit. jo Keeker's house. | Port IJichmoud]. The corps
iheie had b.eii alaniieil and b.ii'ely made its escape. The house as a
garrison place and N or !• small \-essels were burned. A consideralile
<piaiiliiy of blaidvcts and other stores were fouml.

" While t he (loops w eie Upon i he Island, a number of persons from
I his side I l-;iizabei htow n I took ad\aiita^e of the occasit)n to pass upon
the Island, and plundei- the people there in the most shameful and
merciless iiianiier. .Many of iliem were stop])ei! on their return, and
I heir bunt \ taken rriiiii I hem. I II addition to whi(di. I have sent an or-
der Inr |iiililiia I imi. rei| iiiri n^; i hose who had (duded the S(^arch to re-
store t he art icies in t hei r possession, and cnIku-I ing t he good peo|de at
lai-L;c. to assist in det eel i iil: them. .Ml the soldiery on recrossing the
ice were si'a le In 1 1 , ami the liiUe plunder they hail taken from them,
a lid I heir names m it ed. i Im t I hey in i^; lit be bronuht to pu nisi mien t . The
;ii-lii'les recovered are. and will be deposited with the Hev'd ^Ir. Cald-
well, who is e.xertim: himscdr in the .ilTaii-. to be returned to the own-
ers. I am happx to inform \onr Excel lenc\. lliat a \-ery inconsider-
able |>art indeed, ol' i he t loops, dishonored t henisel \ cs. by ](articipat-
iii;,^ in I lii'si- eiiorinit ies."

M mil addii ioiiiil li-ht is i limw n ii|iiiii I he e.xpedit ion by 1 he f(d low-
ing exir.aci riiim ;i hiier writ ten l(\ .-in ollicer on board the I'.ritisli
brit: •• Ilaw k." aiicli.iieil III;' Si a ten Island at the time:

"<'n the l.'iih insi. .-ii |),iv break. iIk' .\larm was given, that the
le lieK weie oil Staieii Isiiiiiil. ;in f'.Npress was sent on board from
'e-ii. .'^leiliiiL; In pie|iar' Inr .\iiinii: We i 11 1 II I ed i a I cly ^oi ;i Sprinu on
"nr ( 'able and cleat e. I Ship, i he I lebels .apjn';! red on t he Hill over \\\o
I'erry, and br<iught a I'iidd i'iece to be.ir upon ns. which we jterceiv-

«iiiliMiM-iil. Ill III! tliiil lias Ihm'ii wi-lltcn iilimil llsi nf ihr I'.iilisli u'.iviriiiinni ns a kimu'I-hI

lii'iiiTiil SkhiniT Ihrii' Is iiiithhiK lo prnvr Hint ntllriT. niiil lii' ili.il :ii Itiisl.il. lEiiKlandl,

111' Willi i-viT wiiiiiiiIimI. All nlllrlal i ml siiys. Maicli l.'tli. 17i>!l."

•' III- timlliiiii'il thiiMiu'li lir.' on ilii. Ii!ilf-|i!i.v

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 235

iug, tired our bow Liiiu twice at tlieiu. the second shot roused them
from a Meal they were making of broiled Beef .Stakes; their Fire from
the Field Piece was well directed, but the Shot fell short of us some
Yards. A large Party of Eebels came down to buru the Houses aud
Forage, we tired ou them, shot one Man's Arm off; he bled to death
and now lays in the snow; our Firing made them retreat as fast as
possible up the llill to the main Body (which by the Information of
two Prisoners and a Deserter that we had on board, consisted of 4.000
Foot. 200 Horse, G Brass Field Pieces ti Potinders and a Number of Ar-
tillery Men) Gen. Skinner sent a Leter on board, thanking us for the
Service we did. "Tis certain that the ' Hawk ' in-evented the Forage,
the Tavern, aud all the Houses in that Neighborhood from being
burnt. A Number of Men, \Vomen and Children came on board for
Eefiige with their Goods and Effects."

General Knyiiliauscii. tlie Hessian coniiiuuidcr on Staten Island,
resolved early in June, ITSO, to make an incursion into New Jersey,
the village of Springtield being the tirst to which his efforts were di-
rected. The 6th of June — " the very day, when, as afterwards ap-
peared, a vast body of rioters were, and during the next day continued
to be, pillaging and burning the metropolis of the Empire, and were
masters of London." Of the inception of the invasion. Governor IJob-
ertson reijorts to Lord (Jermaiu as follows:

" On the 6th of June we sail'd with as many troops as could safely
be spared from the defence of this Province — 6,000 — to Staten Island;
from thence Ave landed our advance guard the same night at Elizabeth
Town, where they waited the landing of a second embarkation by the
rettirn of the boats — these Bodys moved on, with orders to try to sur-
prise ^Maxwell's Brigade of Jersey Troops, stationed near to the road
we marched by, to endeavor to get possession of the strong post at
Short Hills, to await there the arrival of the third embarkation of the
army — from whence if our intelligence should show circumstances
favorable, it was intended to march directly with the whole against
Washington, who had been sending his stores against ^lorristown,
bttt was still encnmbei'cd there Avith a great many."

The Coldstream Guards, under the command of General Edward
Mathew, sailing down the liay. disembarked at Staten Island, where
they were joined by otlier troops, regulars and ])rovincials. Here they
were formed into three divisions; the tirst under command of Briga-
dier-General Sterling; the second, under Brigadier-General Mathew;
the third, comjirising the Coldstream Guards, and others, under IMa-
jor-General Tryon — the Avhole. under the general command of Major
General Knyphausen. As soon as they formed, they marched to the
Holland's Hook landing, ojiposite Elizabetlitown Point, arriving in
the niglit. and unobserviMl. The tirst division crossed the water in
flat-boats, and landed on the meadows, near the Point, where they
halted until, in like manner, the second and tliii-d, witli tlie liulit ar-

•SM

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

lillciv. Ii;i(l iinsscd. ilic (liiv bcfuic. Eiii'lv OH \A'c'dn('sday moriiiug
I lie win ill- t'oi-ce were iu motion. Sterliug. being tlie youngest general,
li-il I 111- ;h1\ ;iuce.

1m I 111- iiicantinie. AA'ord AA^as brought to Colonel Dayton, of the Jer-
sey iirigade. that the ISritish were at the Point, llaving reconnoitred
the position, lie stationed a guard of twelve men at the eastern ter-
iMiiins of Water slrcei. [now I^lizaheth avenue], where the two roads
ifading lo tlie Old :iiiil Niw Points (li\i'rge. with orders to arrest the
advanceof the foe as long as piacticable. and then retire. Colonel 1 >ay-
loii liasteiied l)ack to the town, and mustered his troops as quickly as
pipssildc. Id be ready for t lie emergency, and fall baclv. if outnund)ered.
.\s ilicc-iK my iiiari-lird fm-wai-d. al I lie break (d' >\:\y. (ieiieral Ster-
ling at the head of his division, the guards, at the forks of the road,
allnwed them to a]i|iroach within musket shot, wlieu they fired, and
lied the town. ()iie id' the balls unhorsed Sterling, and fractureil his
iliigli. The wlmle ((ilniiiii was thus brought to a halt, until the
wounded L;eiiei,il rnnhl In- eafid for. (ieiu'ial Knyphausen now
l)iaced liitnself al I he lie;id i d' the di\isi(in. and just as the sun was
rising upon the earth, the siiuadrou in adxance entered The town,
jiassing up \\ater street, and so on inio Itroad. Dtdlart's " History
nf f"di/.ab( I h 'I'liwii " says (d' I his excut :

■• An eye-witness (d' the passage (d' the troo]is througli the vilbige,
^ desciibes it as one of the most beatitiful
sights he e\-er beheld. In the van niar(died
a s(piadron of diagoons, of Simcoe's regi-
menl. known as the ' (^»ueen's Iiaugers.' with
drawn swoids and glittering helms, mount-
ed on very large and beautiftil horses — then
follnwed the itiCautry. ccnniiosed of Hessians
and iMiglish iiiiii|is — the whole body
aiimniii ing lo nearly six thousand men. and
e\iiy man. horseman and foot, clad in new
nniforms. ((uupleie in |ianop|y. and gorge-
ims wiih burnished brass and jiolished

sleel."

.\s soon as it w;is knowti ihat the foe had
lauded, word was seiil in I'rospeci Hill, in the rear of Si)ringfield,
when the IS-pnuiider siLinal i;nn. and the lar barrel dii the signal
piile, w ere lii'ed. ;i nd I he w hi de cnn III ly on bill h sides (d' I lie inoiinlaius
was roused. Inslanllx i he diniiis in I he i;imp a t .Morristown beat to
arms, and Wasliinglon and his irnii](s manheil with all sjieed To the
post of (hing«'r. Tlie mililia. in every direriiun. seized I heir tir(docks,
swords, or whatever weaiioii was at hand, hasliiied to tlu'ir respective

' li'ig idiices, and were soon proceeding by c panics To tlie field of

ai'tinii.

The (ightiiig (III this occasiini tnnk pl.ire mnslly on the rising

.lAMK.H HKNI.MOItK COOl'Klt.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 237

j;i'(Miii(l back of the villaji-e of Coniicclicut Farms, and on the east
side of the llahway rivci'. " In the hope of preserving; [tlie vilhiiie]
the Farms," says " Marshall's Fife of Washington," " Colonel Daytim,
wlio at that time commanded the militia, determined not to halt iu
the settlement, l)nt to take ](ost at a narrow ])ass on the road leading
to Springfield." Uuth parties, therefore, passed throngh the village
without damaging the dwelling houses. Many, if not the most, of
these houses were, at noon and in the afternoon, " hllcd with their
wounded."

Iu the course of the afternoon, the British commander "learned
from prisoners and deserters, that Washington had got time to oc-
cupy with all his force the strong post of Short Hills." This informa-
tion at once put au end to all thoughts of advance. A retrograde
movement was, at the close of the day, determined upon, to l)e ex-
ecuted, however, only after nightfall. As soon as it was determined
to advance no further, the soldiers commenced tlie work of idunder-
iug, which was most effectually ijroseculed, (lovernor llohertson him-
self sharing in the ])lunder.

The village consisted of a house of worship, belonging to the I'res-
byterian Churcli, (a frame building), and eight or ivu dwelling houses,
besides stores, shops and outhouses. The buildings were first given
uit to pillage — thoroughly ransacked, and everything portable carried
off. They were then fired and buint down. The church edifice shared
the same fate.

The parsonage was on the main street. Tlie last pastor of the
churcli, IJev. Benjamin Ilait, had died a year or so before. Tlie Kev.
i\Ir. ( Vildwell, of Flizabethtown, by the advice of friends, had. shortly
after Mr. Halt's decease, rented the vacant parsonage, and occupied
it with his family. Mr. Caldwell had vainly eudeavoi-ed, when the
alarm was given in the morning, to induce his wife to seek, with him
and the elder children, a place of greater security. She concluded to
trust Providence and remain at home, " under the persuasion that her
presence might serve to protect " the house " from ]>illage, and that
her person could uot possibly be endangered."

Thatcher,the historian, who was with Washington, on this occasion,
says, in his Military Journal, that, " on the arrival of the royal troops
Mrs. Caldwell entertained the officers with refreshments, and after
they had retired she and a young woman, liaving Mrs. Caldwell's in-
fant child in hei- arms, seated themselves on the l)ed." The Nric Jrr-
firii .Journal gives another account:

" ]\Irs. Caldwell retired into a back room which was so situated that
she was entirely secured against transient shot from either party,
should they dispute the gi-ound near the house, Avhich happened not
to be the case. The babe was iu the arms of the housekee])er; the
other child tlie mother held by the hand, all sitting upon the side of
the bed, when one of tlie l)arbarians advancing round tlie house, took

238 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

the .•iil\;iiil;ii;<- '<f -i siiiiill s]iacc. 1 liroiiuli wliicli tIk^ loom was access-
ililc. ami lii-fil i \vn halls iiiin iliai amial>lc ladv, so -well directed tliat

I lic\ ciiilcii liiT lifi' ill a mciiiiciit."

( 'niilliciiiiL: staicmciiis. alsti. are made as lo tiie disjiosal of the
coriise. Thatclier says, iliat "a British olticer soon after came, ami
tlirowiiig- his ch)ak over the corpse, carried it into tlie next lionse. A
corresiximh'iiT of I 1m' A"'' -h rs-ci/ (lazcffc. under date of June 13th, says,
•• I saw li'i- coipsc. and was informed by the neiiiiibors. it was witli
iiiHniie |iains they obtained lca\-e to brim: her bo<ly from tlie liouse
before I hey set fire to it."

liarber's " New .lersey ilislori<al Colleetioiis " says. " The liouse to
wliicli I lie lidily was conveyed * * was a small building- on the
oj.posiie si(h' of the stri-(t. one of tlie only two dwcdling houses in the
xillauc tliat escaped the tlanies. There .Mr. Caldwidl found it the next
-nim;. and ilience. the same day. it was. Avitli ajqiropriate cere-
monies, carried lo i lie uni vi\ Three inont lis after he published a most
alTeciinu a]ipeal on I he snhjecl. that made a deep impression on the
piihlii' mind.'"

Tile expediiion pio\cd a miserable failure. " The sireat array of dis-
ciplined troops, hoise and loot, and flying' artillery," says " Hatfield's
llisioiv of I'dizaheth." •' so coutideiit. in the morning, of reaching the
.\iiicii(an cani]iai .Morris Tow n. and lireaking uji the rebellion, were
held ai hay hy a few hastily-gathered militia, driven back. and. after
tin- inuh'iioiis destruclion by fire <d' tlie little hamlet of (^ninecticut
farms, com jie lied. I he same night, in the midst of dreii idling rain, and
ihi-oiigh niiid and iiiaish. lo retreat to the jioint of dei)arture. >\'iit-
iim of I he e\ eni. I ,ieii 1 1 iia 11 1 .Mall lew. (d' the ("oldstream <!uards, said:

•■ Ahoiii tell o'clock ilie whole aiiiiy goi in motion and mOA'ed off.
It was so e.xceedingly dark, and there was such strict silence (di-
ser\ed. ihai one regiineiii could imi peicei \-e the adjoining regiment
going (ilT. Ii was I he darkest iiiglii I can remember in my life,

w il h I he niosi hea \y rain. I linndei- and liglii niiig known in this couu-

II \ t(.i- niaii\ years. Il rained. 1 think, hardei" than 1 ever
knew, ami ihiiiidiTed and liglileiied so severely as to frighten the
horses, and once or iwice i he whole army hailed, being deprixed of
sinht for a linn-, (ieiieial K n\ pliaiisen's horse started soastothiow

I he ( ielleial.

•• \\ !■ iMiiii lined iiiir niaich nniil we reached the bank of the creek
iSoiindl w liich \\i. had crossed in the morning. Xol hing more awful
tiiaii this Id real can lie imagined. The rain, with the terrible thunder
and liglil iiiiig. the darkness of the night, tlie house at Connecticut
farms, which we had sel tire I o. in a iila/.e. I he dead bodies whiidi the
liglil id' I he lire or i he lii^hi ning show ed ymi now and I hen on the road,
and I he dread of the enemy, completed the scene of horror. * * We

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 239

halted at the side of the creek, aud took up our grouud aud the whole
army eucaniped.'"^

The I'ollowiug letter, writtcu by Geueral \Vashiui;tou, was seut to
Captain Judah Aldeu, ((niimandiug officer at Dobb's Ferry, is of .par-
ticular interest at this time:

Ueadhl AUTEiis, 2od Noveiu., ITSO.
" Sir: — I impart to you in confidence that I intend to execute an
enterprise against Htaten Island to-morrow night, for which reason I
am desirous of cutting off all intercourse Avith the enemy on the east
side of the river. You will therefore to-morrow at retreat beating set
a guard upon any boats which may be at the fiat or neck, and not
sutt'er any to go out on any pretence whatever, until next morning.
Toward evening you will send a small party down to the Closter land-
ing, and if they find any boats there you will give orders to have them
scuttled iu such a manner tliat they can not be immediately used, but
to prevent any possibility of it the party may remain there until to-
ward daylight — but are not to make any fires or discover themselves —
and then return to your post. I depend upon the punctual observation
of this order, and tliat you will keep this nu)tive a secret. AcknoAvl-
edse the rec't of this, that I may be sure von have got it.
" I am. Sir. Yr. Most obt. Servt.,

" (ii:o. ^VASlIl^^;TO^^"

Captain Adam llylcr, who is mentioned iu another cliapter, made
many predatory raids on Staten Island, Long Ishmd aud in New Jer-
sey. He resided in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and was an active
I'/atriot. His expeditions against the enemy were chiefiy conducted
by water, and in small boats. In January, 1TS2, a detachment of in-
fantry from Staten Islaud. went uj) tlu' llaiitan to New Brunswick,
and before daylight succei-ded in capturing all liis boats. In less than
a month thereafter Hyler launched a large new boat built for thirty
oars. The following items, taken from h'triiii/ton's (Idziitr. fif July
loth, 1782, is another instance of the enteriirise of tliis man:

" Last Tuesday night .Mr. Hyler took two tisliing boats near the
Narrows, and ransomed tliem for •flOd each. One of them lias been
twice captured."

The same day, " a lillle before sunset, ^Ir. llylei', with three large
24-oared boats, made an attack on the galley stationed at Prince's
Bay, south side of Staten Island. There being little or no wind, he
came up with a good deal of resolution, but Capt. Cashman gave him
an 18-pounder, which went through the stern of one of the boats, and

5 The event, viewed fr»m a milit.Ti-.v stand- nation. He never fully regained his popularity

point, was of but little siynifloance: yet. it is among the troops, and those who knew him

safe to assume, it had an important political best have said that the scenes which tilled his

effect upon the two countries at war. General first day iu the little hamlet of Connecticut

Clinton was greatly disappointed, and did not Farms followed and haunted him to the very

hesitate to make the fact known to General hour in which his eyes closed in their sleep of

Kn.vphausen, who, it is said, felt the htimilia- dcjith. — Statcii Island Magashtc.
tion so keenly that lie actually wrote Jiis resig-

240

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

ublijivil ll\!ij- lo i>ui .•ishnic on I In- Jsl;ni<l. wiicre. after a smart com-
batrii" Wiis nbliiii'il Id leave one of liis boats and make the best of bis
way lionie with the other two.

•' Julni Altiiouse. witli 12 men. was on board a ^uard-boat at anclior
in I'l-ince's Bay. when two whah' boats were descried under Houtb
Ambov sliore. 'it was calm. Tiie cabh- was si)ruii<; and a 24-i)ounder
broufiiit to bear, wiiicli sent a sliot tliron^li llyh'r's boat. The crew
Aveve'^talceu in tlie otiier boat, (Diclcey's). and all made off for New
r.i-nnswiclc with (ieii. Jacob S. Jaclcson. whom tbey liad captured in
t^onl ii r.ay. and kejit ])risoner till he was ransomed.'""

Tiie war was now drawinti to a close, lirst because of the repeated
failni-e or 1 he T.ritish aians. and, second, bei-aiise of its unpopularity in
lOmihiiid. Affairs on St^aten Island remained about the same, how-
e\i-r, lo ihe end. Sir (Iny Carleton had relieved (ieneral Clinton as
the ('(.mmander-in-cldef of the Jtritish forci's in America, and we find
in I lie New York Mni-iihiij I'asl the followin.u, orders issued by liis coni-

"'"""'■ " Ad.jutant-deuerars UlHce, New York. 7th June, 1783.

" All persons who have returned their names to the Adjutant-Gen-
eral I'nr I'assages from this Place, agreeable to this Notice in the Pub-
lic ra|Hrs. are desired to aiiiily to the Gentleman appointed by his Ex-
,.,.|l,.i,,-\ I he Ciimmandei-inHliier. to examine the several claims, who
will al lend for thai pur] pose at the City Hall, from eleven o'clock, until
Two e\-ei-y J>;iy, Snnda\ s exce|iled.

•' iSiiiued) < 'i- I>J> Laxc'KY, Adj. Gen."

" lleadcjuai'ters, New York, June Ki, 17S3.

•• Onhrx. — The ]iroprietors of Ikuuc lands lately evacuated, will ap-
|il\ to Li(Mitenant-( ieneral Camplxdl for ])ossession of land, on Long
Island: lo I'.iJLiadiei-t ieneral I'indi, for those ou New Y'ork Island;
and to I*.rigadier-( ieneral Priice for those on Staten Island. These
uciieral onic(M-s will be jileased to cause all such estates to be immedi-
.-iieh <leli\eicd lip In I he I M. .| iiiet ors or to their attorneys, unless
w heie ihei-e may be sullicient reasons for retaining them some time
longer, w hi(di reasons they will reiiort to the C(nnmander-in-( hief. In
lik<- manner all eslales which shall liereafler be evacuated, are to be
snrrendereil u]) to ihe I'roprielors.

'• iSiiiued) <>i.. l>i: I>AX(i;v. Adt. Genl."

" Ilcadiinarters. New York. Sei)t. 4. 17S8.

"Till- olliceis Commamling Uegiments which are embarked, will

lake care I ha I nicer under I heir command is permitted to fail, who

has nol salistied his <reditors.

Ol. De Laxcey, Adt. Genl."

iKis ulvon a rorcnt insl.Tnoe of his valor aud
eomluct in oaiiOiiiii!; oiio of the euem.v's ves-
sels, aud in cuUins out a vessel I.ving under
the flag-slalT and witliin pistol shot of the
hatter.v of fourteen guns, at the watering
piaee. Stalen Island."

" iSigned),

The nianlii' nf Captain llvl. r appears to
Iinve fallen on nlln'r slinulders after ills d*'ath.
Tile ,Virr Jrrmy (lazrllv, of Noveinlier 13th,
l"sa. na.vB: "The brave Captain Storer, eoin-
niisHloni'd ns n private boatof-war. under the
States, and who promises fair to he the Kenu-
liie sneeessor of liie late valiant Capt. H.vler,

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

241

" By their Excclk'ncics Sir Uiiy Carletoii. K. B.. General and Coiu-
mander-iu-cliief of all his Majesty's forces within the Colonies, lying
on the North Athintie Ocean
from Nova Scotia to West Flor-
ida inolnsive, cV:c., &.C-., &c.;

"And Bobert Digby, Esq.,
Bear Admiral of the Bed and
Commander-in-chief of all his
Majesty's Shijis and vessels in
North America, \-c.. ^;c.. iS;c. :

" A Frorhiiiiiitloii. — Having
received information that an
outrage has been committed ^^^^ j^^^^^,^^^.^^^, j,,,^,^^.^^^^,^^^ j^j^,„j,o^.pj,or
npon an Anu-rican vessel in the a time i.ieut.-col. simcoe's headquarters.
harbour of this city, by seizing

and destroying her colors, in a riotous and (lisorderly manner, which
beliaviour is not only a breach of tlie jieace of I he city, but has a mis-
chievous tendency to prolong animosities, wliich it is the design of the
Provisional Articles to assuage and extinguish:

" This is therefore to warn all persons whatever, from offering any
insult to the colors of any foreign nation within this harbour, under
penalty of being severely punished.

•' And as the persons concerned in this outrage have not yet been
discovered, the officers of the Police, and of His :\Iajesty's Navy and
Army, are hereby strictly charged to cause all persons who have been
guilty of this offense to be apprehende<l. that they may be brought to
trial, and upon conviction, be punished with the severity due the of-
fense.

'* Given under our Hands and Seals, at the City of New York, the 27th
day of October. 1788.

" (J TV ("AULHTUX,

" By command of their Excellencies. " B. Dioby.

" Fredk. Mackkn-zie,

"Thos. :M. Paemeu."
On the 25th day of November, 1783, the British finally evacuated
New York and Staten Ishuid, thus ending eight years of the most
cmiel warfare known to the world at that lime. Not more than a
thousand troops were left on Staten Island at the closing scene. These
embarked at the landing in the Narrows, and rejoined the army as it
passed down from the city. The scene of the departure of the King's
army is said to have been most impressive. " Several days before the
2oth." says an eye witness, " had been occupied in conveying the
troops, cannon, tents, etc., from the land to the vessels, both in New
York and on Staten Island. \Vhen all was ready they passed through
the Narrows silently; not a sound was heard save the rattling of the
cordati'e." The same witiiess continues:

242 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

" We stotul ou the heights at the ^'arrows, aud looked dowu upou
the decks of their ships as they passed. We were very boisterous iu
our demonstrations of Joy; we shouted, we clapped our hands, we
waved our hats, we sprang into the air, and some few, who had
brought muskets with them, lired a fcit-dc joie. A few others, in the
exuberance of their gladness, indulged iu gestures, which, though
very expressive, were neither polite nor judicious. The British could
II. ,t Iduk iii»ni llie scene without making some demonstration of re-
sell iment. A large seventy-four, as she was passing, fired a shot
which struck the bank a few feet beneath the spot upon which we
were standing. If we had had a cannon, we would have returned it;
but as we had none, we ran away as fast as we could. A few rods from
us stood auDther grou]). com]insc(l of men and women, who gazed
silcuily. .111(1 some tearfully, ujton the passing ships, for some of the
fciiialcs liad lovers, and some Jnisbaiids on board of them, who were
leaving tliciii Id'liind, never, iirobably, to see Tliem again. It was long
atler (l:irk w lien ilie 1,-isl sliip passed iliroiigli tlie Narrows."

CHAPTER XXVI.

SIMCOE AND THE " QUEEn's RANGERS."

T is certain that no organizatiou iu the Britisli army, during
tlie Kevoliiiioii, became more familiarly known in this sec-
tion of the ((inutry than the '' (^neen's liangers." which
were commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel -John Graves Sini-
ooe. who may consistently be called " the .Mosby of the IJevolution,"
so strouglj' dill those men I'esemble each otliei' in tlieir service in the
field.

("olonel .Sinicoe was a son of Captain .Tolm Sinicoe, of the English
navy, who served witli distinction in the exjiedition against Quebec,
iu Canada, iu 1759, and in which he bjst his life, at the age of forty-
five years. He was a native of Northamptonshire, England.

Colonel t^inicoe Avas a mere child at the time of his father's death,
and he was liberally educated by his mother. At the age of nineteen
he obtained an ensign's commission in the
3oth regiment of the British line. He did not
embark with his regiment, but landed at Bos-
ton on the day of the battle of Bunker Hill.
He served for a time as adjutant, but soon
purchased a ca]»tain's commission in the
40th regiment, which he commanded at tlie
battle of Brandywine. where he was
wounded, on the 11th of Se])t ember. ITTT.
On the loth of October following Captain
Rimcoe was promoted to .Major of the Queen's
Rangers.

The (2iie«"ii"^ Kangers were originally
raised in Connecticut and the vicinity of New
York, by Colonel Ilogers, and their duties were principally those of
scouts or light cavalry. Tliey were all Americans, and called in those
days, " Loyalists." ^Vllen Major Simcoe joined the regiment it had
by hardships and neglect been reduced in numbers; many gentlemen
of the f>outhern colonies, who had joined Lord Dunmore, were ap-
pointed to supersede those who were not considered competent for
the commissions they had hitherto borne. To these were added some
volunteers from the army, the whole consisting of young men. anxious
to enter the British service.

Tlie Queen's Rangers consisted of two comitanii's of dragoons, one

I,IKUT.-COLt>NF,L .JOHN liRAVES

SIMCOE, OF THE •' QUEEN's

RANGERS."

244 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

of ilijililan(ler.s, a cunipauv nf Vagi'in, iwo troui)s of cavalry, oue
coinpaiiy of artilleiy, aud live coiupauies of light infantry, a large
])aii of (tue company being native iStaten Islanders. Colonel Kogers,
(lie tirst lonimandant, was succeeded by Colonel French, he by
Ciiloiicl .Mawhuixl. he by Major Weys, he by Major Weymess, and he
by Lieut. Colonel Siincoe.

The fallowing served as olticers in this regiment during its ex-
plniis (111 Slateu island and vicinity: '

I jriiiriia iii-( '(ili)iicl — bill 11 Craves Simcoe.

-Majors — Arnislrong. <irynies. Koss, Waymess, Weys.

Ca])tains — Aulthause. Aguew, Beckwith, Blucke, Bronson, Cooke.
Dienu'r, JCwald, IJanson, Ilut(diinsou, Kerr, McCrea, McGill, James,
McKay, .Moncriefl'c, ^IcIJae, Murray, Handford, l?>aunders. Shank,
Sliaw. Siiiylli, Stevenson. Thomas, Whitlock, Wickham and ^^'r('dell.

l.ii-iiiciiauis — Allen. Dunlo]). Fitzpatrick, Holland, hawlci-. .Mc-
Xal). .McLend, .Miiiray. Kyiid. S]iencer and Wilson.

Surgeons — Kellock and McCauley.

.Kdjiilant — Ormond.

• ^naricrmaster — Mc( !ill.

( 'liaidaiii — Agncw.

|]nsigii i'l-ocior.

Scigcanis — Adams. .M(I)oiiald. ^frLanghlin. Mid'hersnn, TJitchie
and Wright.

( 'oiporals — r.iiii and {"ranks.

Coiiicts — lones, .\lerrett, I'icker and \\'idsey.

'riiini|ieters — Barney and I'rencli.

I iiiiiiediately .iftcr ( 'oloncl Siniroc (ook cominand of this regiment,
lie issued the folhiwing ad\ (■i-liscnicni in IHruitjhiii's ly'injul danlft. of
Xew \nv\i City:

.\i.i. .\si'ii;ix(; hi;koi:s

li;ivi' iKiw all ii|i|Mjrtuiiit y "f (listiiii;;uisliiiijj- tliemselves liy joiiiino-

Tilt: (.hkkn's i;ax(;ki;s ihzz.\i;s,

cDiiDiiaiKled l>y
liicMtcniiiit-Coliiiicl Siiiicoe.
Any s])ii-it('d yoiiiiK iiiaii will receive every eneonra^eiiieiit, bi^ iimiiediately mimiiteil on an
(■le;;aiit liiirse. and tnriiislied witli elotliin^, aeeoiitrenients, etc., t(i the amount of Forty (iui-
neas, liy applyini; to Cornet Sjieneer, at his ipiarters. No. 1033 Water street, or his rendez-
vous, Ilewett's Tavern, near the Cott'ee House, and the depot at Brandywiue, on Golden Hill.
2^'' Whoever lirinjis a Kiiriiit shall instantly receive Two (inineas.

Viraiit rex et re//iiiii.

Wr liavc rniii|.ili'd fiiiiii ilic works of ('oloiicl Siiiicnc Ills own ac-
coiiiils of his sci-vicc on Slalcn Island, kee|iiiig si ric) ly to his own lan-
guage. I)clic\iiig Ihal. as an hisloiic.-il record, it wouM be unjust to the
<trigiiial wiiici- as well :is the i-cndn- of loday lo cause a change in
<'i"i''i' ''<||' r phrase. We (iiioic from Siuicai's MUUiirji Joiiniid :

•• Oil Iheiliii of <>ct(d)er. 177S, |lhe (Queen's Iv'angers being at Oyster

1 Tlii'se niiincs were Kleiineil fnini "Sim- County." ami oiIi.t w.irUs h.aiiiiL.' mi I he
eiii-'H Mlllliiiy Jonniiil." " ItlvliDilon's fJa- suli.)('<t.
7elte." lloHoll's " Illsl.iiy iif WesUhester

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 245

Bay, Long Island], it was hinted to Lieut. CoL Simcoe to hold his
coi'iis in readiness for embarkation. < )n the 19th it marched for that
purjjose; the cavalry to Jericho, Avhc^re they were to remain under the
command of Lieut.-Col. Fulton, and the infantry- to Jamaica, which
proceeded to Yellow-luxdc, and embarked on the 2-lth. Earl Corn-
wallis commanded this expedition, consisting of the Tth, 23d, 22d,
33d, 5Tth regiments. Rangers, and Volunteers of Ireland, commanded
by Lord Ifawdon; it was supposed to be intended for Jamaica, at that
time presumed to be threatened with an invasion from M. D'Estaing.
On intelligence being received that his designs were pointed else-
where, the troops were re landed, and were ordered to continue in
readiness to embark at the shortest notice. The Queen's Eangers
marched to Richmond, on Staten Island. They relieved a regiment
which had been very sickly while there. Lieut.-Col. Simcoe imme-
diately ordered tlieir huts to be destroyed, and encamped his corps.
Signals, in case of alarm, were established on the Island by General
Patterson, who commanded there.

" There was a general rumor of an intended attack on Xew York.
Lieut.-Col. Simcoe had information that fifty flatboats. upon car-
riages, capable of holding seventy men each, were on the road from
the Delaware to Washington's army, and that they had been as-
sembled to Van Vactcr's bridge, upon tiie Raritan. He jjroposed to
the Commandcr-iuchicf to burn them. Sir Henry Clinton approved
of his plan, as did Earl Cdrnwallis. and directed it to be put into exe-
cution. Colonel Lee, with his cavalry, had been at Monmouth. Sir
Henry Clinton, upon Lieut. -C(d. Sinicoe's appli< ation to him for intelli-
gence of this corps, told him that by the best information he had,
Lee was gone from that part of the country. There were no other
troops in the vicinity; the Jersey militia only, and those, tumultuous-
ly assembled at the moment of the execution of the enterprise, could
possibly impede it. The coast of Jersey had been the common recep-
tacle of the disaffected from Staten, Long and York Islands, on the
British troops taking possession of them. Of course they were the
most virulent in their principles, and, by the custom they had of at-
tacking, from their coverts, the British foraging parties, in 1776, and
insulting their very outposts, they had acquired a great degree of self-
confidence and activity. Lieut.-Col. Simcoe's plan was to burn the
boats with as much expedition as possible; to retnrn with silence
to the heights beyond the town of Brunswick before day; there to
show himself, to entice all who might follow him into an ambuscade,
and if he found that his remaining in the Jersies could affect any
valuable purpose, the Commander-in-Chief proposed to reinforce him.
To execute this purpose, he was to draw his cavalry- from Jericho,
Long Island, by easy marches to Staten Island. Stuart, an active
and gallant man, a native of New Jersey, commmanded some caval-
ry on that f Staten] Island. These were to be added to him; and

246 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

he requested ten <;iii(les. Three hundred infantry of the Queen's
Kaugers, with their artillery, were also to aeeonipauy him.

" Two days were lost by a misunderstanding of the General's order,
the Hussars of The (Queen's Hangers only being sent to Jericho, with-
out (Jai)taiu vSanford's irooi), which was not merely necessary in re-
gard to numbers, but particularly wished for, as it was known that
Captain Sauford, when (juartermaster of the guards, had frequently
been on foraging parties in the country he was to pass through. On
the 2r)th of October, by eight o'clock at night, the detachment, which
had been detailed, marched to Billopp's I'oint. where they were to
embark. That the enterpiise might be effectually concealed, Lieut.-
Col. Simcoe discribed a man, as a rebel spy, to be on the Island, and
endeavoring to escajK' to New Jersey. A great rewai'd was offered
for taking him. and the militia of the Island Avere watching all the
pliK-es where it was possible for any man to go from, in order to ap-
lirclieiid him. The batteaux and boats, which were appointed to be
ill r.ill(ii»]('s Point, so as to jiass the whole over by twelve o'clock at
night, did not arrive unlil lliree o'clock in the morning. No time was
lost; the infantry of I lie <,»ueen"s Kangers landed; they ambuscaded
every avenue of the town [I'erth Amboy] ; the cavalry followed as
soon as possible. As soon as it was formed, Lieut.-Col. Simcoe called
togetliii' tlie oflicers; he told them of his plan, "that he meant to
burn I he ixtats at Y-aw N'acter's bridge, and crossing the Karitan, at
liillsboi'iiugli. In ictuin liy the road to Brunswick and making a cir-
cnii 1(1 ;i\iiiil ili:ii ]ihicc as soon as he came near it, to discover him-
self wIhii licyoiid il, on the heights where the General Kedoubts
stood whilr the British troops Avere cantoned there, and where the
(Queen's Kangers afterwards had been encamped; and to entice the
militia, if possible, to follow him into an ambuscade in Avhich the
infantry would lay for i liciii at South Biver bridge.

'• .Major Armstrong was Inst lucted to re-embark, as soon as the cav-
alry marclictl, and to land on the opposite side of the Karitan. at
South Amlmy; he was I hen. with the utmost despatch and silence,
to iirocccd to Soulli Kivi-f liiidge, six miles from South Amboy,
where lie was to aiiilnis( adi' himself, ■\vithotit passing the bridge or
laking il ii|i. A siiialief creeU falls into this river on South Amboy
side. Into the peninsula formed by these streams Lieut.-Col. Simcoe
hoped III allure some Jersey militia."

Here follows a detailed account of the raid into New Jersey, in the
\iriiiii\ of Mnirisinw u, iheii till- hi^adquartiu-s of the Continental
arni.w Lieuieiia iii Cnlnnel Simcoe was badly wounded and caiitured.
lie was taken in I lie inililafv ])rison at Uiii liiigton. X. J.. A\iiere he
was aflei-wanl joined liy Colon(d Chrislopher r>illo]i]t. t he eoiumauder
of the Siaten island militia, ^lajor .\rinstrong assumed cominaud
of the <^>ueen"s Kaugefs. The aecouid continues;

" .\i Soiiili i;i\er the caxalry joined ^lajor .\rmstrong: he had ]ier-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

247

fectly succeeded iu aniviuy at his post undiscovered, and, ambus-
cading- himself, had talceu several prisoners. He marched back to
South Ambov, and re-embarked without opposition, exchanging some
of the bad horses of the corps for better ones, which he had taken
with the prisoners. The alarm through the country was general.
Wayne was detached from Washington's cam]i in the liiglilands. with
the light troops, and marched fourteen miles
that night and thirty the next day. Colonel
Lee was in Monmouth County, as it was said,
fell back toward tiie Delaware. The C2ii*'*^ii"*'
Kangers returned to Kiclimoud that evening;
the cavalry had marched upwards of eighty
miles, without halting or refreshment, ami tlie
infantry thirty.

" In the distribution of (juarters for the re-
maining winter, Ikichmoiid was allotted to the
Queen's Eangers. The post was iu the centre '*C^^j
of Staten Island, and consisted of three bad
redoubts, so constructed, at various times and
iu such a manner as to be of little mutual as- major andke.

sistauce. The spaces between tiiese redoubts had been occupieil Ijy
the huts of the troops, wretchedly made of mud. These Lieut. -Colonel
Simcoe had thrown down, and his purpose was to build ranges of
log houses, which niiglit join the redoul)ts, and being loop-luiled,
might become a very defensible curtain. Major Armstrong followed
the plan, and set the regiment about its execution, in parties adapted
to the different purposes of felling the timber, sawing it, and making
shingles for the roofings. In the beginning of December the regi-
ment was ordered to embark; which order was, soon after, counter-
manded.

" On the last day of December Lieut. -Colonel Simcoe returned to
Staten Island from his imprisonment. He was mortified to find the
expedition, under the Commander-in-Chief, had failed; especially, as,
upon his landing at tlie Island, he received a letter from Major Andre,
Adjutant-deneral. saying, 'If this meets you a free man, prepare
vour regiment for embarkation, and hasten to New York vourself.'

" lie joined tlie (■or])s at Kiclimond. Major Armstntng had been
indefatigable in getting the regiment hutted in a manner whicli ren-
dered their post comfortable and defensible, and they soon found
the advantage of their very extraordinary labor. The day wliicli
Lieut.-Col. Simcoe passed the Sound was the last on which it became
navigable for a considerable time, the frost setting in with most un-
usual inclemency, and, by the lOtli of January, the communication
with New York was totally shut up by floating ice; and General Ster-
ling was reduced to the necessity of restraining the troops to half
allowance of provisions, but with every precaution to impress the

24:8 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

iMli;il>ii:iiits and soldiers with the belief that this restriction was
j)i-i-cauti()iiary ai;aiiist the possibility of the commtiuicatiou being
clnsc-d for several weeks; and rare was taken to investigate what
resources t>f fresh provisions might be obtained from the Island.

"The Sound, wlii(h di\i(h'd Stalen Jslanil from the Jersies, being
totally frozen over and eapaiiie of bearing cannon, information was
received that several of the rebel Generals had been openlj^ meas-
urinji' the thickness id' the ice, and it was universally rumored that
an at lack was soon to lake ]»lace upon Staten Island. General Ster-
ling- commanded there, ami he was with the main body at the
watering ]dace. the heights of which [I'aviliou Hill] were occupied
by several redoubts. Colonel Lord JIaMdon, with the Volunteers of
Ireland, was (juartered near a redoubt at the foot of the Narrows;
and l.ient.-Gol. Simcoe. with the (Jueen's I\angers, at Richmond —
till- w Imle liu-ce on the Island being one thousand eight hundred effec-
tive men.

"On llic l.")lli of .laniiary, early in the moruiug, the rebel detacli-
nieni of near three thousand men. under the command of the person
styliMJ Lord Stirling, crossed the ice and entered Staten Islaml. Lord
Slirling marched immediately towards the landing place, and by his
posit inn (111 ulT ( ieiieral Sterling's communication with the Volunteers
id' Ireland and the (^>ueen"s Kangers. ]Jeut.-Col. Simcoe occupied
the high grounds near IJicdnnond with small parties of cavalry, and
the inraniiy were sedulously employed in what might strengthen that
l)ost. There were three pieces of cannon (a nine and two six-pound-
ers), mounted on platforms, without embrasures, in the redoubts.
These were pointed at the eminences, where it was expected tlie en-
emy would tirsl apjiear. ami where the stones were collected in lieaps,
so that a round shot, if it sfruck among them, might have the effect
of gra])e. If battei-ies. or any cannon, sjionld be opened against Rich-
inonil. il was obvious these guns must be dismounted; they were,
tlierelore. not intended to be ex])osed to such accidents; l>ut the re-
doubt on the right | now a burying grcuind on a hill] was meant, on
I lie liisi ap|Ma:aiice of assault, to be abandoned, and its area filled
with ab.itis which wei'c ]U'o\i(led, and its gate left o]ien and exposed
to the lire (d' the catiiion of the other redoubts placed at their respec-
ti\i' gates, (d' llie two regimental licld |)ieces, ami of tlie musketry
from the doiu-s. windows and loop judes of the barracks. The oflicers'
itarracks. which were within the triangular area formed by those of
the- soldiers and the redoubts, were intended to be taken down, and
the logs of which they were composed were to be heaped within a
hut. and to I'lU'in a traverse on a i»art exposed to the enemy. The rear
of the works were secured by ilieir jtosition on the edge of the

•2 Ui ordiT In pivvi'iit n mlsuiKli'rstniirtins. n.iiiic wiili ,nn ■• i." wliilc the General of the
111!' reiHliT will notice Umt Cencial (or Lordl SMine name In the Uritisli arm.v spelled bis
StIrlliiK, of tlie American nrni.v, spelled his Steiling."

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 249

hill iiiiiii Miiy possibility of attack, and soiiie of the huts, which ran
below the surf'aee of it, were iu perfect safety from any shot whatso-
ever, aiul nearly so from shells, ayainst the splinters of which their
logs were very resi)ectable traverses.

" There was a yuii boat, which was frozen up in the creek, at the
foot of iUchmond iiill. This gun was elevated so as to fire a single
round of grape shot; some SAvivels also were brought into the re-
doubts. Si)ike nails, of which there were a (piantity for the barrack
purposes, were driven through boards, ready to be concealed under
the snow in places Avhich were most accessible; all the cattle in the
neighborhood were brought in the precincts of the garrison, as Avere
the sledges, harness and horses, and the most cheerful and deter-
mined appearance of resolution ran through the whole corps. About
midday many deserters came in from the rebel army; by them a per-
fect knowledge of the enemy's force was gained, and one of them af-
firmed that he overheard some of their principal officers say, ' That it
was not worth while to attack lUchmond where they were sure of
obstinate resistance, and which must fall of itself whenever the main
body was taken.'

" Lieut. Col. yimcoe was anxious to communicate with Lord Kaw-
don, and to obtain any intelligence or orders his lordship might have
for him. lie sent his adjutant, Lieut. Urmoud, with directions to
get some of the militia to convey a letter for that purpose by the
sea shore [vSouth Beach]. Some scattering parties of the enemy had
been that way, on which account Lieut. Ormond could get no one
to venture; he therefore Avent himself, and putting on colored clothes
that he might not be distinguished, in case of any small parties lying
in ambuscade, he got safely to the Hag staff, [now Fort WadsworthJ
and returned without discovery. The rebels making no attempt in the
daytime ui)on the redoubts, Avhere General Sterling M'as, led Lieut. -
Col. Simcoe to conclude that they waited for cannon or more forces,
and meant to storm them at night or the next morning; for, though
no person could hold more cheaply than he thought himself author-
ized to do, those men on whom the enemy had conferred the office and
title of Generals, it appeared totally unreasonable that having so
well chosen the moment of invading tlie Island, they had no deter-
mined jioint to carry, or had neglected the proper means to ensure its*
success. < »u these ideas, he desired Colonel Billopp, (who commanded
the militia of Staten Island), to get them to assemble to garrison
Richmond; but neither entreaties, the full explanation of the advan-
tage such a conduct would be of, nor the personal example of Col.
Billopp, had any effect; not a man could be prevailed upon to enter
the garrison. They assembled to drink at various public houses, and
to hear the news, or were busy in providing for the temporary secur-
ity of their cattle and effects; and these were not disaffected persons,
but men who were obJioxious to the rebel governors, many of them

250 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

reluyees i'rum the Jersie«, some -who had every reason to expect
death, if the enemy succeeded, and all the total destruction of their
property.

" Lieut. -Col. tjimcoe was therefore oblij;ed to lay aside his inten-
tions, Avhich were to march with his cavalry, carrying muskets, with
as many infantry as he could justify the taking from Eichmoud, with
his held pieces in sledges, together with the swivels tixed upon
blocks, and to get near the enemy undiscovered, and to make as great
an alarm and as much impression as ](ossible up<in their rear, whenso-
ever they attempted to storm the British redoubts. All tlie roads
between Kichmoud and the headquarters, [New Dorp], led through
n;iri<i\\ passes and below the chain of hills; these, where they had
been beaten only, were passable, the ground being covered with sev-
eral feet of snow, so that no patroles were made during the night,
which would have been useless and dangerous; and the cavalry were
assembled within the redoubts; the night was remarkably cold. A
person from the Jersies brought the report of the country, that Wash-
ington was expected the next day at Elizabethtowu, and that straw,
&c., was sent to Staten Island. He went back again, commissioned
by Lieut. Col. iSimcoe, to observe what stores were in Elizabethtown,
and particularly to remark what air-holes were in the ice on the
Sound between the mouth of Kichmoiid Creek and Elizabethtown,
as it Wiis intended, if nothing material intervened before the next
night, to send Captain Stevenson with a detai-linumt t<i burn J'>liza-
betlitowii. and to give an ahirm in the .Jersit's.

•• 'I'Ik- inlellLgence which this zealous and trustworthy loyalist
iu-onghl was very probable. The making a winter campaign in Amer-
i<a had always ai^peared to Lieut. Col. Simcoe a matter of great facil-
ily. anil by fi'e(|nently ruminating ii])ou it. he was ali^e to the a(l\'an-
tages wliirh wonid allcnd .Mr. Washington in its prosecution. He
would wiliiout hesitation ha\e abandoned the post at Iiichniond. and
Joined ]>or(l IJawdon. or CienernI Sterling, taking on himself all con-
secpiences. had ii not ;i|ipe;n-ed to him that the possession of Rich-
mond Mdnid insnre to .Mr. Washin^ion n safe retreat, even should the
ice become ini | lassable. and wonId probably inculcate on him the
pi-npriciy i>\' his sei-ionsly aiieni|iiing lo keep Staten Island at this
\eiy critical perioil. when the Commander-in-Chief was absent with
I he gi'catest i)ar( of the army, iind the troops in New York, under
<'ienei-,-il I\ny]}|iansen, were piobnldy not in a caiiacity to (piit it and
|.■|l^e I he licld ; paii icnlai-ly as in I hat case the imminal mililiii, whose
nieinlicis wci-c so well displayed, as sullicient to garrison it. must for
the grealei- jiai't have melted away in their attendance on the army.
lo w hose \arions (lepai'tnuMits (hey in geiu'ral belonged.

■■.Ml-. Washington miglil wilhonl dillicnlty have assembled from
I lie sni:illci- ci-ceks, and e\ en IVoin I he I »ela w are ami Hudson's river. ;i
niiiliiinde of iionis, which, while ihi' snow was njion the uronnd.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

251

might be conveyed overland to the Staten Island Sound; and with
these, added to those which attended the army, he might transport
his troops itr form bridges, securing all approaches to them frum the
water by batteries constructed on the Jersey shore, while by other
attacks and jircparations he certainly could have tlirown great diffi-
culties in the way of General Knyphausen and tlie J'.ritish army in the
three Islands.

'' Lieut. -Col. Simcoe, reasoning on the jjossibility of these events,
waited to be guided by circumstances. If < Jeueral Sterling could hold
Gilt, and was neither overwhelmed by num-
ber, or reduced by famine, which was most
to be dreaded, it was obvious Ifichmond
would be safe. If matters happened other-
wise, he was perfectly certain, from Lord
Rawdon's character, that he should receive
some directions from him, who would never
remain in an untenable pose, with the cer-
tainty of being made prisoner; and at all
events Lieut. -Col. Simcoe determined, in case
Genera] Sterling should be defeated, and
that he should receive no orders, he would at-
tempt to escape; for since the rebels had
shown a total defect in every private and hknki.kt arnold.

public ]ninciple of honor, when they violated the convention with
General i!urgoyue"s army, he and the officers of the (Queen's IJang-
ers had determined in no situation to surrender, where by escap-
ing, if it should be but a mile into the country, the corps could
disband itself individually, and separately attempt to rejoin the
British armies; proper inducements being held out to the soldiers,
and great aid being reasonably to be expected from the loyal in-
habitants, scattered throughout every colony, and in Aery great num-
bers.

"This, which had been his common conversation and steady reso-
lution, in case of any fortunate events, was now determined on by
Lieut. -Col. Simcoe; his ideas were to forerun all intelligence and to
atteni])t to surprise Col. Lee. at Burlington, and then to escape to the
back countries. For this purpose he had sledges which could carry a
hundred men, and he had no doubt of soon increasing them in the
Jersies to a number sufficient to convey the whole corps. The at-
tempt was less dangerous in itself and less injurious, if it failed, to
the community than the certainty of being destroyed by heavy artil-
lery, of ultimately stirrendering, of mouldering in prison, and be-
coming lost to all future service to their king and country.

" There was no corps between General Washington's army and
that of Lincoln's hastening into Charlestown but Lee's. When once
in possession of his liorses there was but little doubt in the minds of

252 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

J^ifUl.-Cul. ►Siimof and llie ul'lirfi-s to wliniii lie commuuicatcd his
ideas, but that he should effect his retreat iuto the back parts of
renusylvauia. join his friends there, probably i-elease tlie Convention
army, and not impossibly join the Commander-in-Chief in Carolina.
I'^iil of these ideas, it was with great surprise and pleasure that Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Sinicoe understood the enemy were retreat in j;- fnmi the
Island, lie immediately pursued them with the Hank companies of
the Hussars, and ^^■as overtaken by an order from General Sterling
to ericct ihc same ii.rpose; but the enemy had passed to the Jersey
shore before he could come up with them. While the troops in the
eneniy's front, on their arrival at the heights opposite to the British
icdiHilMs. halted for the rear to close up, they were permitted to make
lircs. which increased the power of the frost, and rendered them
lot ally unable to proceed, and the severity of the night affecting the
whole of them, many lost their limbs and several their lives. There
were vast mounds of snow diifted before the redoubts, which Lord
Stirling gave as his reason loi- not attempting them; and General
Kn.\ ph.nisen. on the first signal of Staten Island being attacked, em-
l»arked troops to support it. The enemy in the dark of the evening
saw there vessels, (whiili. whether the passage could be eifected or
not. were wisely directed to be kei)t plying off and on); but they
did not wait to see if they could reach the Island, which in fact the
drifting ice prevented, but immediately determining to retreat, they
effected it the next morning, losing many men by desertion, and many
Hritish soldiers, who had enlisted Avith them to free themselves from
iniprisonineiit, enibi-aced tlie oi)])ortunity of being in a cotintry they
were ari|nainted with to return to their old companions."

CHAPTER XXVII.

SIMCOB AND THE QUEEN's RANGERS CONCLUDED.

HE (Queen's IJangei's," Lieuteuaut-Culoiu'l 8imcoe goes on
to state, iu his '■.Military .Journal,'" "obtained a great
niauj' recruits, aud it is very remarlcable tliat ueitlier that
corps nor the A'oluuteers of Ireland had a single man AA'ho
deserted from them, wliiU^ tliere were such opportunities aud appar-
ent reasons to do it. Lieut. -Col. vSimcoe, on his return from Eliza-
bet htown Point, where the enemj^ passed, had information that a
party of plunderers had crossed from the -Jersies to the other end of
the Island. He detached the Hussars in ptirsuit of them, but they
fled, on the .Staten Island militia collecting together. The frost still
continuing there were many reports and a general expectation that
the enemy would again adventure upon the Island, with superior
force, witli sutticicnt proxisions to attem])t some greater purpose, and
patroles were constantly made on all the roads l)y which they cotild
possibly approach, by order of (icneral Sterling.

" The (Jueen's Eangers had forniei'ly experienced lioAV ready Gen-
eral Sterling was to rei)resent their services, and they now in com-
mon with the (jther troops, had a further jiroof of his good inclina-
tions, it being inserted in general orders of the 2Ist of .January.
' Brigadier Gen. Sterling is hap])y to inform the troops on this Island
of his Excellency (ien. Knyi)hausen"s fullest api)robation of their
behavior, and the good countenance they showed when the rebels
were upon this Island, which the brigadier had reported to the Com-
mander-in-chief; and his Excellency desires his thanks may be given
to them.'

"On the 2.">tli, Lieut. -Col. Sinieoe gave out the following order:
' That he expects the order relative to officers and soldiers sleeping
in their clothes be strictly complied with, such recruits excepted
wliom the officers commanding companies may judge as yet unequal
to the duties of the regiment; if any half-bred soldier disobeys this
order, the first officer or non-commissioned who meets with him, will
deliver him to the officer on guard to be ]iut on some internal duty.
The Lieut. -Col. has particular satisfaction in seeing the General's
a]>])robation of that good countenance which enabled him, on the
late ini'oad of the enemy, to rest perfectly at ease without augment-
ing tile duty of the regiment. He knows its universal spirit, and
certain from the fidelitv of those on tiunrd. that the "arrison cannot

254 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

be .siiiiiclied away by suipii.se, is coulideut that Kichmond redoubts
will be too dear for the whole rebel army to purchase.'

Colonel Sinicoe formulated a plau to capture " Mr. Wasliiugtou,"
as he called him, by making- a secret march from Staten Island to
Morristowu. AVhile waiting for Sir Henry Clinton's conclusions, the
Hussars were ordered to march to New York, with a convoy, over
the ice. Lieutenant-Colonel Simcoe goes ou to say:

" It would seem that the same negligence in Gen. Washington's
(luartering in front of his army liad attracted the notice of Captain
Kcckwitli. Ceil. Kuyphauseu's aide-de-camp, and he had formed a
])l,iH 111 laiiy off that (icin-ral, for wliicji ]Purpose cayalry were col-
lected at New York, and among others Captain Beckwith o))tained
t lie riussars of the Queen's Kangers. of whom he had a good opinion.
Krig.-Cen. .Sterling communicated to Licnit.-Col. Simcoe the ]iur])Ose
f<ir which the cavalry was withdrawn, as it was intended that a gen-
eral movement from Staten Island should favor the enterprise.

■• Since it did not take place on so large a scale as was at first de-
signed, Lieut. -Ctd. Simcoc i'cc(^i\ cd oi-deis 'to si^nd a party to sur-
)jrise the enemy's post at Woodbridge or Railway, and to give a gen-
eral alarm'; this party was to cross the ice at one o'clock in the
iiioiiiing. and not to rctuiii until nine or ten. Accordingly Lieut. -
('ol. Simcoe passed the ice with t\v(j hundred infantry at one o'clock;
Majoi- Armstrong with some infantry, the cavalry and cannon oc-
cii|iying tlic lii-iglits. at the <»ld Itiazing Star [Kossville], to cover
their return. 'I'lie snow prevented all possibility of marching but in
the lieatcn road; there ■\^'ere no ]iosts in W'oodbridgo."

<'(ihiiii'l Siiiicoc ilicii gi\cs it dctaileil account of his adventures
in New -b'lscy. wlicre they had a waiiii engagement with the Couti-
neidal militia. After that he continues:

'■ 'I'ho jiaily ictufiii'd lo KichiiKiinl without tint her mojostation.
'I'iie (Jiieen's Kangers lost oidy one man.aireadyiucnt ioned ;a few were
wounded, btit they bore no proportion to the number whose cloths
were stincl; by the enemy's bullets, fired at a distance, tlirough in-
tefvcning thickets, or more ])robably by those who had not recollec-
tion enough to ram down tlii'ii- liiafgos. The enemy's loss ^^■as sup-
posed In III- uiorc considci-abh', as many of them W'ere seen to fall ami
the wlioic of llic alTair being between single men. the IJangers were
iiilinitely better marksmen tlian the Jersey militia. Captain Beck-
\\iih hail roiMiil it iiii iiraci liable to carry his attempt into execution,
ri'oiii .'ill II II ion I III I III la 1 1 lit rain w liirli. eiirnist ing the top of the snow,
•■III I lie I'ei links n( his hiii'ses aiiil ieiii|ei-ed it absolutely imjiossible
b'l' him 111 siireeeil. The Ihissais soiin afierward returned to Staten
Island. The iie lloating on the '2'2<] of I^'ebruary. the Sound became
impassable. The snhliei-s were ]iermitted to undress themselves at
night, and in r.ise n\' alarm they were directed to accoutre in their
shirts, and in t'oriii at their ]iosts.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

255

'■5iMfTl#''™'

" Lieut.-Col. Simcoe. on his niTival at (<tateii Island from imiwison-
meut, bad applied to the Coniniander-iu-chief to reqnest that he might
join the army to the sonthward. He had also written iu the strongest
terms to Earl Cornwallis, soliciting his lordship to support his appli-
cation. In case his wishes shonld not take place, he Avas anxions to
be of what service he thonght the present sitnntion of the Qneen's
Kaugers would admit; for tliis purpose he made application through
the proper channel to (ieneral Knyphausen for discretionary ijermis-
sion to beat up the enemy's forts in the Jersii's, and to have boats
sufficient to transport three hundred infantry and sixty cavalry, to
be m;niiie(l by the Hangers, and to be left totally to his own dis](osal.
IJe proposetl by this means to countenance de-
sertion, then so prevalent iu Washington's
army, and to keep the whole coast in contin-
ued alarm. He had the most minttte maps
of the country and the best guides, and the
Loyalists, without doubt, would have tmiver-
sally joined him. The first enterprise he meant -'
to attempt was to surprise Col. Lee at Burling- old "crcKi-ESTowxK i.vn,".\t
ton. * * * Lee's corps wriv oxcelleutiv"'*"^":'^'"- '^" ^^"''^ ''•^■'"•^

'■ AXIHU. WROTE HIS WILL.

mounted and discijilined; he himself Avas

active and enterprising, and had that weight in the Jersies which
capacity and power, Avith a very free use of it, could give to the pos-
sessor. The importance it wotdd have been of to the intended system
of operations to lia\e seized upon Col. Lee and demolished his corps
is best illustrated by remarking that, although Burlington is nearly
s(n'enty miles from Staten Island, he was vinderstood to have his pick-
ets eight or ten miles in his front f<n' his security.

" Lient.-Col. Simcoc's jiroposals were apiu-oved of by Generals
Knyi)hausen, Sterling and Tryon. Some of their boats were sent to
him, and the remainder were iu forwardness Avhen, on the 23d of
IMarch. 1780, the infantry of the corps received orders to embark for
( Miarlestown, which it did on the ith of April. Captain Wickham was
left with the Hussars in the toAvn of IJiclimond, and the duty of the
redoubts was taken by a party of two subaltern officers and sixty
rank and file, from the 82d regiment, under his directions; this de-
tacdiment was iu a few days relieved by the 22d regiment. The Hes-
sian regiment of Ditforth, Queen's Eangers, Volunteers of Ireland,
and Prince of Wales Volunteers, under command of Col. Wester-
hagen, sailed on the 7th. The (^»ueen's Bangers anchored in Stono
inlet on the 18th, and camped before Charlestown, (S. C.) on the 21st.
* * * Captain Wickham, of the Hussars, had by no means been
idle while at Richmond. The post was su(di as nught have been a
tem])tation to an entcriirising enemy; but Ocneral Knyphausen, by
frequent and well-concerted ex]i(-ditions. had kept the rebels fully
employed in their own cantonments, the Jersies. On one of these

256 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

attempts, the Hussars uf the Kauyers were emiueutly distinguished,
as was detailed to Lieut.-Col. Siiueoe by Captain Wiclvham. and by
him read to the Commander-in-chief, who was highly satisfied with
it. The report mentions, ' that on the 15th of April, the cavalry on
Siiiien Island, consisting of Cornet Tucker and twenty of the 17th
regiment, light dragoons, Capt. Wickham with a troop of forty-live
men and Capt. Diemar with his Hussars, forty men, crossed Cole's
IVrry, and marched to English neighborhood, where they joined Major
DuBuy, with three hundred of the regiment DnBose. and fifty of
<'()lonel Ilobinson's corps. At New Bridge Sergeant McLaughlin,
with six of the Kaugers in advance, fell in with and either killed or
took the whole of a small rebel outpost. * « * "

'• On the 21st of June the regiment landed at Staten Island, and
marched to Biclimond redoubts. At midnight Lieut.-Col. Simcoe
received orders to proceed instantly to the Jersies, where General
Knypliansen, having thrown a bridge of boats over the Sound, near
i:ii/al>ct]it()wu I'oiut. was encamped. The Hussars of the regiment
h( ri- juincil ilii' corjis."

Then Collowcd an event that formed one of the very blackest pages
in English military history — the battle of Springville. X. J., the burn-
iui: 111' I Ik' \iilagc. and I lie wanton ninrdei' of the wife of Pastor Cald-
well. The " (2"('''ii's Bangers" took part in it, of course. They
returned to Staten Island in the night. On tlie lOtli of July. |1780),
Lieutenant-Colonel Simcoe joined his regiment and immediately left
St a I en Island, going over to Long Island. He received this message
fruni .Majoi- .\ndr(''. then serving as Adjutant-( Jeneral of the army
on Siiiicn Island: "The General assures you that the Bangers shall
be i)ittcd against a French regiment the first time he can procure a
meeting." ^^'(■ further (piote fi-om Siiiicov'-^ MilHarii Joiinial :

'• 'l"lii' (.Miicn's ll.ingcis crossed from Long to Staten Island and
inai-rlii'd lo Kicjnnond rcdnnbts on the Stli of October. * * *
The < 'cininian(l( r-in-CliicI'. thinking it jiroper, in the (ieneral or-
<lers. to i)ublisli ilic iiigli idr;i wliicli he entertained of ^Maior
.XiMJii'. JMiili .-IS a !4rnl lcni,-in and an ofticcr. and the senst^ he
cniiTi :iiiiiM| nt liic loss his King and cnnnti-y liad met with in
liis dc-iili. kirnl. ( 'oioncl Simcoe, wlin liad cnnsidered his execu-
tion as a liaiharnns .ind nngenerous act of power in the Ameri-
can Ocnrral. and wlio liad certain and satisfactory intelligence
that I lie fieiicli |i:ni\ in i^cni'ial. .nHJ .M. Fayette in particular,
who sal npon liis trinl. urged ■Mr. Washington to the unnecessary
deed. iiKik I lie 1 1| p] p( ui u 11 1 1 \ iu liis Orders to tlie Queen's Bangers, the
oltieers ,ind sehliei-s of w liiili personally knew and esteemed ^lajor
-Viiilie. (<< inriHiii ilieiii ilial. • he liad gixcn directions that the regi-
nieiil shdiihl iiiinieiliiii cly be ]u-(i\iileil wiili bl;i('k and white feathers
as iiKM I riling, fuv I he hi le ^lajor .\ ndn''. an ollicer whose sn])(M'l<ir integ-
ril\ :iih1 iiiicnni iiinii iihilily iliil liimor to his eoiintrv and to liumaTi

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 257

natui-e. The Queen's Kaugers will never sully their glory in the field
of any undue severity; they will, as they have ever done, consider
those to be under their protectiun whu shall be in their power, and
will strike with reluctance at their unhappy fellow subjects who, by a
system of the barest artifices, have been seduced from their alle-
giance, and disciplined to revolt. But it is the Lieut. -Col.'s most
ardent hope that on the close of some decisive victory, it will be the
regiment's fortune to secure the murderers of Major Andre, for the
vengeance due tu an injured nation and an insulted army.'

" It was generally supposed about the latter end of October that
the enemy meditated some attempt on Staten Island. M. de Fayette
was in the neighborhood of Elizabethtown, in force and with boats
on travelling carriages. Lieut.-Col. Simcoe by public conversation,
the means of spies, and b^' marching to Uillopp's Point in the dusk
of the evening, so as to be discovered from the opposite shore, and
then returning by ways which the enemy could not see, had endeav-
ored to attract their notice and possess them with a belief that an
inroad into the Jersies was in contemplation. As M. Fayette arrived
in the vicinity the very day subsequent to this feint, it was reasona-
ble to believe that his march was in consequence, and that the boats
with him were destined to facilitate his passage across the small
creeks with which the Jersies are iutei'sected, in case of the British
troops malcing any incursions into that country. Every proper pre-
caution was taken by the troops in Itichmond to prevent a surprise.
On the 12th of November ofiflcial information was sent by the Adju-
tant General to Lieut.-Col. Bimcoe that his ])ost was the object of
Fayette's design, and that it probably would be attacked on that or
the ensuing night. He immediately declared in orders: ' The Lieut.-
Colonel has received information that ~Sl. Fayette, a Frenchman, at
the head of some of his majesty's deluded subjects, has threatened
to plant French colors <m Eichmond redoubts. The Lieut.-Colonel
believes this report to be a gasconade; but as the evident ruin of the
enemy's affairs may prompt them to some desperate attempt the
Queen's Rangers will lay in their clothes this night, and have their
bayonets in i)erfect good order.'

" The Highlanders immediately assembled and marched to the
redoubt, whicli. in the distribution of posts, was allotted to them to
defend, and displaying their national banner, with which they used
to commemorate their saint's day, fixed it on the ramparts, saying,
' No Frenchman or rebel should ever pull that down.' The Rangers
were prepared if an attack should be made on the Watering Place,
which appeared to be most probable, to march out and attack any
division which might be placed, as had been in Lord Sterling's at-
tempt, to mass the troops in Richmond. Two field pieces, six pound-
ers, and Captain Aulthause's company of riflemen had reinforced
them.

258 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

•• Lieiit.-Cul. JSimcue made liiiu^eir ucqiiaiuted with the lauding
places and the intervening grounds, in the minutest particular, and
he had the Commauder-iu-Chief's directions to abandon his post, ' If
the enemy should land in such force as tu make, in his opinion, the
remaining there attended with risk.' The defects of liichmond were
not sufficiently obvious for such inexperienced men as the rebel gen-
erals to seize upon and profit by at once. How far they might attract
the instantaneous notice of the scientific French officers, supposed to
be acting with them, it was not easy to foresee. Had the enemy been
in a situation to have attacked the place by regular approaches,
Lieut.-Col. Simcoe would have done his best endeavors to have main-
tained it; but had any General, at the head of a very superior force
on the moment of his appearance, placed twenty or thirty field pieces
on two separate eminences which enfiladed the redoubts, and formed
a column to penetrate under cover of the cross fire, he had resolved
to abandon what he considered in case of such a disposition to be un-
tenable.

" A false alarm, which was give by an amied vessel stationed in
Newark Bay. occasioned a considerable movement in the army, and
troops from' New York embarked to reinforce Staten Island; the post
at Richmond was supposed to be the object of an attack. On the
first gun being fired, patrols had been made on all sides by the cav-
alry, and the infantry slept undisturbed, Lieut.-Col. Simcoe appre-
hending the alarm to be false. The Rangers were very alert on guard,
and proud of their regimental character of not giving false alarms,
or being siirjirised; and the sentinel, as Lieut.-Col. Simcoe remarked
in orders upon tin- only omission which ever came under his cogni-
zance. ' fell a manly pleasure in reflecting that the lives and honor
of tlic regiment were entrusted to his care, and that under his protec-
tion his comrades slept in security.'

On tlie 11 til of December. 17S0, the Queen's Rangers embarked
on an expedition to N'irginia, under the command of General [Bene-
dict] Arnold. They were very active in all the movements of the
Brilisli army ami i'oriiied a part of the troops commanded by Earl
("oniwallis at Yorkiown. When it was certain that the entire force
uiidei- Ihal distinguished general must surrender. Colonel Simcoe,
according to liis own writing, " sent Lieut. Spencer to his Lordship to
request Uiat as his corps consisted of Loyalists, the object of the
enemy's civil persecution, and deserters, if the treaty was not finally
(■(iiulnded, iliat he would permit him to endeavor to escape witli them

ill sou f those boats which General Arnold had built; and that

his intention was to cross the Chesapeake and land in Maryland,
where, fi-om his knowledge of the inhabitants of the country and other
favorable circumstances, lie made no doubt of being able to save
the greatest part of the corps and carry them into New York. His
Lordship was ])leased to express himself favorably in regard to the

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

259

scheme; but said lie could uot permit it to be undertaken, for that
the whole of the army must share oue fate. The capitulation was
signed on the IDth of Uotober. Earl Cornwallis, on account of Lieut.-
Col. Simcoe's dangerous state of health, permitted him to sail for New
York on the " Bonetta." which bv an article in the capitulation, was
to be left at his disposal, a sea voyage being the only chance, in the
opinion of the physicians, by which he could save his life. On board
of this vessel sailed as many of the Eangers, and of other corps, de-
serters from the enemy, as she could possibly hold. TLey were to be
exchanged as prisoners of war, and the remainder of Earl Cornwallis'
army were marched prisoners into the countiw. Lieut.-Col. Simcoe,
on his arrival at New York, was permitted by Sir Henry Clinton to
return to England.

" Many of the soldiers, who were prisoners in the country, ' were

BRITISH KEUOUUT (FORT RICHMOND) AT RICHMOND, STILL STANDING.

seized,' says Col. Simcoe, ' as deserters from Mr. Washington's army.
Several enlisted in it to facilitate their escape, and being caught in
the attempt, were executed. A greater number got safe to New York,
and, had the war continued, there was little doubt but the corps
would have been re-assembled in detail. The Hangers were so daring
and active in their attempt to escape that, latterly, they were confined
in a ' goal.' Captain Whitlock, who commanded them while j^rison-
ers in the country, was one of the captains who drew lots with Captain
Asgil to suffer for Huddy's death.'

" Captain Saunders was the last commandant of the Queen's Rang-
ers in this country. They were, afterwards, both cavalry and infan-
try enrolled in the British ai'my; but the corps was disbanded at the
ensuing of peace, and many of the officers, and most of the soldiers,
setth'd on till" lands to which thev had a claim in Nova Scotia.

260 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

" The following- is an extract from ' the general return of officers
and privates surrendered prisoners of war, the 19th of October, 1781,
to the allied army under command of General Washington, taken
from the original muster rolls':

'■ ' (Queen's Kaugers — 1 Lieut.-Colonel, 1 Major, 10 Captains, 15
Lieutenants, 11 cornets, 3 quartermasters, 2 surgeons, 24 sergeants, 5
tniiiipeters, 24S rank and tile— total, 320.' "

It may be useless uow to further recall the character and acts of
Colonel Simcoc" while serving his king on Staten Island. Let the cent-
ury that has iuterveued softeu our feeliugs toward a vanquished foe.
When the war euded he was a prisoner aud went directl}' to Eng-
hiiu! wliere he became a member of Parliament, while holding a com-
uiisslou as Lieutenant-Colonel in the regular anuy. When Canada
was divided into tw(j ]>roviuces, Simcoe was appointed Governor of
Ijqicr Canada. His headquarters were at York, uow called Toronto.
It sccnis that then his chief ambition was to increase the prejudice
(if the Canadians and Indians against the people of the LTuited States,
and I lie iiiiplcasaiit. and frequently bitter, feeling existing in that
])i<iviiicc toward our people to-day. can be traced to the bigotry and
vindictiveness of John Graves Simcoe. In 1790 he was ajipointed
Governor of Saint Domingo, and in 1798 he was commissioned a Lieu-
tenant >iciieral in the P>ritish army. He was sent to join Lord St.
N'incent in the expedition to Portugal, and died a few moments after
lie landed.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

SKINNER S BRIGADE OF AMERICAN LOYALISTS.

S soon as General William Howe arrived at Staten Island,
the first week in July, 177G, so pleased was he with his re-
ception in the liarbor of Xew York, that he wrote these
woi'dsto the liritish government:

'' I have great reason to expect an enormous body of the inhabitants
to join the army from the provinces of Yorlv, the Jerseys and Connecti-
cut, who, in this time of universal oppression, only wait for oppor-
tunities to give proofs of their loyalty and zeal for government. Sixty
men came over two days ago with a few arms from the neighborhood
of Shrewsbury, in Jersey, who were de-
sirous to serve, and I understand there
are five hundred more in that quarter
ready to follow their example."

General Howe soon after this began
to appoint recimiting officers in differ-
ent parts of Xew Jersey, and to organ-
ize detachments of Provincials as fasti
as they presented themselves for ser- 1
vice in the army. ^Ir. Cortlandt Skin-
ner, whose devotion to the interests of
the British King before the war had
made him a prominent man in New Jer-
sey, was selected as the proper officer
to organize and to command the men
who were anxious to enroll themselves
under the standard of Great Britain.
He was commissioned at first a colonel. brigadier-<;ex. cortlandt skinner,

T /., T 1 . T 1 Commander of '^ Skinner's Brigade."

and afterwards a brigadier-general,

with authority to raise five battalions to consist of two thousand and
five hundred soldiers. '' under command of gentlemen of the country
nominated by himself."

General Skinner established his headquarters, while on Staten
Island, in the old Kruzer house, now familiarly known as the Pelton
house, at West New Brighton, and occupied by Mrs. General Dufie.
The two families had long been on intimate terms, and the Kruzers
were in consequence subjected to no hardships. Staten Island at once
became the refuge for all tories of New York and New Jersey, as well
as for desei'ters from the Continental armv.

262 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

(lonpral Skinner lumself seems to have been stationed on Staten
Island and in New York City dniing most of the wai-, and it is very
seldom that we meet him even Avith his soldiers in any other i^art of
the contiu'uous country. We learn from General Howe's Narrative
that at the beginning of the campaign of 1777 General Skinner had
been able to recruit but five hundred and seventeen men of his com-
plement; but in November, 1777, he had eight hundred and fifty-nine
men on his brigade rolls, and in May, 1778, " after several months of
active exertions," he had enlisted one thousand one hundred and one
men.

l?ut at that time the nucleus for six battalions had been made and
the otticers commissioned. During that year five hundred and fifty
additional volunteers, mostly from New Jersey, and a few native
Staten Islanders, were enrolled for service, and afterward sent to
Charleston, South Carolina. It is then apparent that General Skinner
recriiited about two-thirds of the quota first assigned to him. All of
these soldiers immediately on enlistment were placed in active ser-
vice, and llicy began to distinguish themselves at an early day in
their great zeal to annoy, intimidate and injure their former patriot
friends and neighbors.

In a letter written by General Howe to Lord George Germain, dated
N(>w York. December 20tb, 1770, this remark is made: " I cannot close
this letter without making mention of the good service rendered in the
course of the campaign by Courtlandt Skinner, Esq., Attorney-Gen-
<'ral in (he Jerseys, who has been indefatigable and of infinite service
since the army entered those provinces. I therefore humbly recom-
mend him as a gentleman meriting royal favour." Thus early was
<i(meral Skinner showing his devotion to the King. This was just
after Washington's i-etreat through New Jersey, and General Skinner
was ui'ging his own friends to take protection from the British.

In 15raslier's .buiriuij, February. 1777, api^ears the following new
catechism :

" Q. Wlio is tlic iiKist ungrateful man in the world?

"A. Governor Skinner.

" Q. Why do you call him Governor?

" A. IJecause when Lord and General Howe thought that they
lia.I cniMiiHi-iil ilie Jerseys they appointed him Lieutenant Governor
"I' ili:ii Siiiic. SkiiHiei' assumed that title over one-tenth part of
said Slalc and coiiliniicd liis usurpation for six weeks, five days,
thirty-six minutes, ten sccnnds and tliirty-onc liundrctli ])arts of a
second and was tluMi (lci>nscd.

"(J. \\ li_\ is lie c,-illcd niigi'ateful?

" -\. I'lci aiisr ill' ii:iil jiiiiii'ii ( lie iMii'iiiics iif his country and enlisted
men 1(1 liglii against iiis Ticigbbors, ins friends and his kinsf(dk; be-
c.'iuse he Iinil rndca viircd to transfer th(» soil that gave him bread
fruni I lie riLiliil'iil ikissi'ssois In a foreign hand; and because, to gain

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 263

present ease aud transitorj- honours, be would fasten the chains of
slavery on three millions of people and their offspring forever."

The answers to these questions clearly' show the opinion which
patriotic people held of General Skinner and of the efforts which
he had already made to restore them to their allegiance to England.

In Kivington's Army List of 1778, we tiud the hrst complete roster
of the ofiftcers of the six battalions of Skinner's Brigade. This prob-
ably shows the state of tlie organization in the early part of the sum-
mer of that year. The compilation has been carefully made, the spell-
ing of the names corrected, and it is now set forth in proper official
style:

Brigadier-General. Cortlandt Skinner; Chaplain. Edward Winslow.

FirtST Battalion. — Lieutenant-Colonel. Elisha Lawrence; Major,
Thomas Leonard; Adjutant, Patrick Henry; Quartermaster, James
Nelson; Surgeon, William Peterson; Captains, John Barbarie, John
Longstreet, Garret Keating aud Kichard Cay ford; Captain-Lieuten-
ant, James Nelson; Lieutenants, John Taylor, Thomas Oakason, Sam-
uel Leonard, John Throckmorton, John Monro, Patrick Henry and
Robert Peterson; Ensigns, John Bobbins, John Thompson, Eichard
Lipj)incott, William Lawrence and Hector McLean.

Second Battalion. — Lieutenant-Colonel, John Morris; First Ma-
jor, John Antill; Second Major, John Colden; Adjutant, Thomas T.
Pritchard; Quartermaster, Thomas Morrison; Surgeon, Charles Earle;
Surgeon's mate, James Boggs; Chaplain, John Rowland; Captains,
Donald Campbell, George Stanforth, Waldrou Bleau, Noi-man Mc-
Leod, Cornelius McLeod and Uriah McLeod; Lieutenants, John De
Monzes, Thomas T. Pritchard, William Van Dumout, Josiah Parker
and William Stevenson; Ensigns, William K. Hurlet and Thomas
TMorrison.

Third Battalion.^ — First Major, Robert Drummond; Second Ma-
jor, Philip Van Cortlandt; Adjutant, John Jenkins; Quartermaster,
John Falker; Surgeon, Henry Dongan; Captains, John Hatfield, Sam-
uel Hudnut and David Alston; Captain-Lieutenant, John Alston;
Lieutenants. Anthony Hollinshead, John Jenkins. John Troup, Will-
iam Chew, and Francis Frazer; Ensigns, James Brasier Le Grange,
John Camji, John Willis and Jonathan Alston.

Fourth Battalion. — Lieutenant-Colonel, Abraham Van Buskirk;
First Major, Daniel Isaac Browne; Second Major, Robert Timpany;
Adjutant, Arthur Maddox; Quartermaster, William Sorrell; Surgeon,
John Hammell; Captains, William Van Allen, Samuel Heyden, Peter
Ruttan, Patrick Campbell, Daniel Bessonet, Samuel Ryerson and
Arthiir Maddox; Lieutenants, Edward Earle, Martin Ryerson, John
Van Buskirk. Michael Smith, James Servanier, Donald McPherson

1 The Third Battalion had no lieutenant- Staten Island, was appointed lieutenant-colonel

colonel at first, when it was commanded by to command it. and he continued to serve as

Major Drummond. Shortl.v afterward, how- such until his death in 1778.
ever, Edward Vaughan Dongan. formerly of

264 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

and John llvslop; Eusigns. Joliu Simonson, James Cole, Justus P^arle,
Joliu \'aii Xordeii. Culiu McVaue and ( Jeorge Kyerson.

I'li'iu Battalion. — Lieuteuant-Colouel, Joseph Barton; Major,
Thiinias Millidgi-; A<ljutant. Isaac Hedden; Quartermaster. Fleming
Colgan; Surgeou. Izal Jolmsou; Surgeon's mate, Stephen Millidge;
Captains, Joseph Crowell, James Shaw, Benjamin Barton and John
Williams; LiciUciiants. Jolni Cougle, Isaac Hedden. Joseph Waller,
William llutcliiiisou, Christopher Insley, Daniel Shannon and John
Eeid; Eusigns, Patrick Haggerty, Ezekiel Deunis, Peter Anderson
and J(is('])li Bean.

SiNTii ItAiTAi.iON. — Lieutenant-Colonel. Isaac Allen; Major, Rich-
aid \'. Stockton; Captains, Joseph Lee, Peter Campbell and Charles
Hairison; Lieuteuauts, John Vought, John Ilatton and Edward
Steele; Ensigns, Daniel (irandin, Cornelius Thompson and James
Service.

Some mention must be made of the skirmishes of detachments of
the New Jersey .Militia and of the Continental Line with " Skinner's
Greens," as they were called, whenever those loyalists left Staten
Island for a tour of plunder on the rich fields of New Jersey, and
note must also be made of direct attacks on the tory forces on
Staten Island, as well as a brief statement of the conduct of those
loyal battalions in llu'ir campaign in the South.

On the morning of February 18th, 1777, Colonel John Neilson, of the
Second ilegiment. Middlesex county. New Jersey Militia, Mith a
small dctacliment of his command, captured Major IJichnrd ^^
Stockton, of the Sixth Battalion of Skinner's Brigade, with fifty-nine
enlisted men, on LaAvi-ence Island. Four men were killed in the skir-
mish, and their arms and camp equipage taken.

During the Spring and Summer of 1777, Skinner's Brigade made
various excursions into New Jersey for forage for the British army.
This became so annoying that Colonel Matthias Ogden, of the First
Battalion, New Jersey Continental Line, then commanding the post
at lOlizabeth Towti, with Colonel Elias Dayton, of the Third Battalion,
wlin was stationed at New ark. and a party of one hundred militia
from Essex Counl.w dclcrmincd to inflict some severe punishment on
Skinner's tories. On tiie 22d of August they were re-inforced by a
thuiisiiiKl nicii of tlic brigade of Brigadier-General William Small-
wood, of .Maryland, and of Brigadier-General Chevalier Proudhomme
De Borro. and just before midnight they crossed from llalstead's
Point, near I lie iiioiilli of Morse's creek, to Staten Island. Skinnei''s
P.rig;ide was llieii stationed from Decker's Feny [I'ort Bichmond]
to Itilloiip's. now Ward's Point.

Tlie ;ili;i( k liy I lie New Jersey (\intiiientals. before daylight the
next morning, resnlled in caiituiing Lieiitenant^-Colonel Elisha Law-
rcTice. of tlie I'iist I'.atlalioii. and Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Barton,
of tlie I'itili i;:ii i.ilinii 111' Skiniiei-'s l!i-ii;ad('. with one hundred and

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

265

OLD KKUZKR HOMESTEAD, (NOW KNOWS AS THE PELTON
HOUSE), WEST NEW BRIGHTON; AT ONE TIME THE HEAD-
QUARTERS OF GENERAL SKINNER.

thirty enlisted meu of their commauds. and in severely wounding
Mojor John Barnes, of the First Battalion, and Lientenant-Colonel
Edward Vaughan Dongan, of the Third Battalion, from which wounds
they both died. General Sullivan, however, with the other body of
Continentals, endeavored at the same time to surprise Skinner's Brig-
ade; but was deceived by a tory guide, and having come upon the
loyal troops awaiting him, was quite severely punished by them.
Indeed General Skinner
claimed the affair, not-
withstanding his loss, as
a great victory.

On the 2Tth of Novem-
ber, 1777, General Phile-
m n Dickenson, c o m-
manding the New Jersey
Militia, suddenly em-
barked before daylight
from Halstead's Point to
Staten Island, with a
party of about fourteen
hundred militia. He ad-
vanced his men in three different detachments by different roads, to
rendezvous at a central point a few miles distant, undoubtedly Rich-
mond. Unfortunately it was soon found that General Skinner had
been informed of the intended attack, and before three o'clock he had
drawn his troops off the Island. General Dickenson, however, made
a few little attacks on some straggling parties of the tories and on
the detachment of British troops under Major-Geueral John Camp-
bell, and he killed some five or six men and took twenty-four prison-
ers. He lost three men of his command captured, and two wounded.
The main object designed by this affair was not accomplished; but
General Washington was pleased with the disposal made of the forces
by General Dickenson and the manner in which they had been han-
dled.

A considerable body of Skinner's Brigade spent the winter of 1777-
'78 in the gay life which the British soldiery enjoyed during that
season in Philadelphia. The rest of the force remained on Staten Is-
land. From Howe's Narrative we find that during tlieir occupancy
of Philadelphia the British held out special inducements for men to
enlist in the loyal corps; Init they were obliged to report that they
obtained but " three troops of light dragoons, consisting of one hun-
dred and thirty-two troopers and one hundred and seventy-four real
volunteers, from Jersey, under Colonel Van Dyke." The seiwice of this
officer, whether he was a Jerseyman or a resident of Pennsylvania,
has not been ascertained, nor can it be said what became of the " real
volunteers " and what military duty they performed.

266 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Ou April 2d, 1778, a detachment of Skinuer's Brigade left Philadel-
phia for the purpose of garrisoning the fort at Billingsport, New Jer-
sey. A small attack was made by the militia of New Jersey from
Elizabeth Town Tort at one o'clock on the morning of June 9th, and
they effected a landing ou Staten Island and fired upon the Provincial
troops that were still stationed here. Again, just before daylight, they
attempted to land in ten boats, said to contain one hundred men; but
they were greeted with a quick discharge of firearms, and were driven
haclc. It is thus seen that the tories were not left entirely undisturbed
while in possession of Staten Island.

On the evening of June 12th, 1778, Captain Coruelius Hatfield, Jr.,
of Skinner's Brigade, crossed over the sound and plundered the resi-
dence of Lieutenant John Haviland, of tlie First Regiment of Essex
County, New Jersey Jlilitia, and carried him off a prisoner.

Some portion of Skinner's Brigade crossed New Jersey from Coop-
('i''s Point to Sandy FTook, with (Tcneral Sir Henry Clinton, in his mem-
orable march through that State, in June, 1778. After the battle of
Monmouth, June 28th, General Washington posted at Elizabeth Town
the Brigade of Jersey Continentals under General William Maxwell,
to guard and keep in check the armed tories of Staten Island.

On the 1.5th day of October, Captain Patrick Ferguson, of the Sev-
entieth Kegiment, British Foot, with a detachment of the Third Bat-
talion of Skinner's Brigade, made a descent ou Little Neck, New Jer-
sey, on Egg Harbor Inlet, surprised a detachment of Count Pulaski's
troops and killed about fifty of his men. On the 27th day of Novem-
ber, an expedition with two thousand troops sailed from Sandy Hook
for Savannah, Georgia, and six days after landing at Tybee Island off
the harbor of that city, they took part in the fight, December 29th. on
Brewtou Hill. A detachment of Skinner's Brigade, Lieuteuant-Col-
onel Allen commanding, went out with his party and suffered consid-
erably in the battle just mentioned. Captain Peter Campbell, one of
the most gallant officers of the detachment, was killed.

In the year 1779. Skinner's Brigade was so far consolidated as to re-
duce the organization to four battalions. During the year General
Skinner offei'cd a reward of two thousand guineas for the capture of
Govei'uor Liviugstou, of New Jersey, dead <n' alive. This excited the
cujiidity and the i-eckless zeal of many of the Jersey loyalists. A very
spicy coi-responflence ensued in JMarch and April between the Gov-
ernor and Sir Henry ("liiitou in reference to this attempted exploit.
In May, 1780. we find Ensign James Moody, of the First Battalion,
whose very name was a terror to patriots in New Jersey, leading an
exi>c(lili()ii Cor the scizui-e of tlie Governor.

( >ii I hr lOth of May. 1779. about one hundred men of the Third Bat-
talion of Skinner's Mrigade. crossing from New York City by way of
New Dock, allacked their old Bergen County neighbors at Closter.
Tlicy killed Coiurlins DciiiaresI and wounded three other farmers and

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 267

burued the dwelliug liuust'S and barns of seven of the inhabitants of
the village. The militia in that part of the county in the companies of
Captains Abraham J. Blauvelt, Cornelius Harring and John Huyler
immediately gathered and pursued the tory bands. The Loyalists suc-
ceeded, however, in carrying off four of the patriots; but obtained no
cattle, forage, or plunder of any kind.

During the summer of 1779, a considerable detachment of Skinner's
Brigade was sent to reinforce the British army in South Carolina, and
took part in the assault on Savannah, October 9th. A battalion under
command of Lieutenant-Colonel Isaac Allen formed a part of the gar-
rison of one of the large redoubts on the south side of the city, near the
I'iver. Captain Daniel Cozens, of the Third Battalion, lost his life in
this engagement.

On the 9th of January, 1780, Brigadier-General William Irvine re-
ceived orders from General ^Vashing■ton to ascertain the situation and
strength of General Skinner's Brigade on Staten Island. The night of
the 14th of January was selected for the enterprise, and Major-Gen-
eral Lord Stirling was detailed to command the forces, which moved
in three distinct detachments. The party started on the morning of
the 15th, crossed the ice on sleds from De Hart's Point to Staten Is-
land, and one detachment marched towards Dongan's Mills, another
toward what is now Tompkinsville, and the third toward Decker's
Ferry (Port Kichmond). The tories, again apprised of their coming,
were found strongly guarded in their works, and it was with some
difficulty and address that Lord Stirling was able to withdraw his
command in safety, not even daring to attack them in their intrench-
ments. He had learned that a channel had been opened in the ice
from Xew York, and that large reinforcements were on their way
from that city.

One hundred and thirty-one men, selected from the First and Third
Battalions of Skinner's Brigade, under command of Lieutenant Yan
Buskirk, with twelve British dragoons under command of Lieutenant
Stewart, made a raid on Elizabeth Town on the evening of January
2.'itli. 1780. and carried off five officers and forty-seven soldiers. They
also burned the Presbyterian Church, the Court House and the School
House. Captain Cornelius Hatfield, Jr., was the guide of the tory
troops on this occasion, and the incendiarism was ascribed to the dis-
credit of this malicious man. whose father was, at that very time, an
elder in the chiirch destroyed by his wanton conduct.

On the evening of February 10th, the British and tory troops on
Staten Island made another raid on Elizabeth Town, plundering the
residences of many prominent citizens and made active search for
Judge Elisha Boudinot and the Honorable William Peartree Smith,
both noted patriots. On iMarch 24th. they repeated the experiment,
and this time took Major Jlatthias Halsted a prisoner.

Two battalions of Skinner's Brigade having been assigned to the

268 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

divisiou cummaudi-d by the Hessian General Kujpbausen, on June
7tli crossed over to Elizabeth Town, marched as far as Connecticut
Farms, and thence to Springfield, New Jersey. In the battle of
S]jringlield. Avhich was fought on June 23d, (17S0), these two bat-
talions marched on either flank of the division of Major-General Mat-
theAvs, and on the march and during the fight exchanged many shots
with the patriot troops.

In the forces commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Patrick Ferguson,
and generally spoken of as British regulars, a considerable number of
])icked men from l??kinner's Brigade had been assigned for special ser-
vice. Captain Patrick Campbell, of the Second Battalion, commanded
the detachment of light infantry which belonged to the command of
Colonel Alexander Innes. This corps took an active part in the fight
at King's Mountain. South Carolina, on October 7th. Captains Pat-
rick Campbell and Samuel Eyerson were wounded, and Ensign Eich-
ard ^McCiinuis was killed in this fight.

( >n the evening of November 4th, a detachment from Skinner's Bri-
gade went over from Staten Island to Elizabeth Town, and on this
occasion cajiturcd Colonel [Matthias Ogdeu, of the First Eegiment,
Jersey Continental Line, and Cnjitain .Jonathan Dayton, of the Third
Eegiment. Enterprises of this kind were frequent during the winter
of 17S0-'S1.

In the siege of Fort Ninety-six, in South Carolina. May 22d, 1781,
the garrison consisted partly of men of the Second Battalion of Skin-
ner's Brigade. Captain Patrick Campbell commanded a party of
tlarty men, who, at one stage of the siege, made a sally from the rear
of the battery and fell on the flank of the American troops and a des-
perate contest ensued. Captain John Barbaric and Lieutenant John
riattou were badly wounded. Skinner's Brigade took part also in the
fight at Guilford, at Cowpens, at Eutaw Springs, and at the siege of
Charleston. At I lie battle of Eutaw Springs, Captain James Shaw,
of the First Battalion, was mortally wounded and died soon after-
ward and Captain John Barbaric, of the same organization, and Cap-
tain John Van Buskirk and Lieutenant John Troup, of the Third Bat-
talion, received serious wounds.

On September 4th. 17S1. the Fourth Battalion left New^ York with
Arnold's expedition Utv nn .ittack on New London, Connecticut. They
landed near tlie village on September Gth, meditating plunder, not
hallic. Tlic battalion took part in the closing scene of the desperate
defence of Tori ( Iriswold; and I lie murder of Lieutenant-Colonel Will-
iam Lctlyard. after lie had gi\'en u]) his sword, is often in history
given to tlie discredit of Lieutenant-Colonel Van Buskirk. This cer-
tainly, liowevei', is an eiror. General Arnold detached the Fourth
Batlalion under coniniand of laentenanl Colonel .Joshua Upham. of
Massacliusetts. to take a liill which commanded the village. This was
very quickly done, ami (lener.-il Arnold followed the force to the hill,

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

269

TlIK OLD JKK.SKY I'KIS(J>;-SIIir.

which had been takeu. Duriug this tight they were compelled to
storm Grotou Fort, aud they massacred the garrison and burned the
village of Xew London.

Among the " prisoners taken in the garrisons of York and Glouces-
ter, October 19th, 1781 ," we find that tliere was a captain, a lieuten-
ant and two enlisted men of the Third battalion of Skinner's Brigade.
This little party evidently failed to escape on the transport vessels to
New York, on which Lord Cornwallis
had placed all the Loyalists who had
taken part in the siege of Y'orktown.

A roster of officers of Skinner's Bri-
gade, in 1783, the close of the war, is
given in Rivington's Aimy List, in the
collections of the Xew York Historical
Society. The record was made about
the time the Loyalists had abandoned
all hope of sustaining the British power
in the new Republic, and were beginning to think where they should
flee to escape the hatred ot their former friends and neighbors. The
list is here given :

Brigadier-General, Cortlandt Skinner.

FiusT Battalion. — Limtenant-Colonel, Stephen DeLancey; Major,
Thomas Millidge; Adjutant, John Atkinson; Surgeon, Charles Earle;
Chaplain, Charles Inglis; Captains, Joseph Crowell, John Cougle,
John Taylor, Samuel Leonard, Alexander McDonald, Patrick Hag-
gerty and William Hutchinson; Captain-Lieutenant, Joseph Cunliff;
Lieutenants, Isaac Hedden, John Thompson, John Lawrence, William
^'an Dumont, James Moody. John Reid, Andrew Stockton, James
Brittain and Henry Barton; Ensigns, Zenophon Jewett, Ozias Insley,
I'hineas ^lillidge, John Woodward, James Barton, Reuben Hankin-
son, Philip Skinner, John Alkinson and Joseph Brittain.

Second Battalion. — Lieutenant-Colonel Isaac Allen; Major, Rob-
ert Drummond; Adjutant, Cornelius Thompson (resigned); Adjutant,
George Cypher; Quartermaster, William Falker (resigned); Quarter-
master, Daniel Jones; Surgeon, Daniel Bancroft; Chaplain, Charles
.Morgan (removed); Chaplain, James Sayre; Captains, Joseph Lee, Pat-
rick Campbell. Charles Harrison. Bartholomew Thatcher, Daniel Coz-
ens. Thomas Hunlock and John Barbarie; Captain-Lieutenant. Ed-
ward Steele; Lieutenants. John Jenkins, \Mlliam Turner. John Hat-
ton, James Harrison. Jolm Cdombs. Enocli Lyon. John Willis and Cor-
nelius Thompson; Ensigns. Natlianiel Coombs. John Shannon. Will-
iam Banks, John Leonard, Lewis Thompson, George Lee. Ruloff Ru-
loffs and Stephen Millidge.

Third Battalion. — Lieutenant-Colonel Abraham Van Buskirk;
Major Philip Van Cortlandt; Adjutant. John Hyslop; Quartermaster,
William Sdrrell; Surgeon. John Hammell; Chaplain. Daniel Batwell;

270 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

("iipTiiiiis, William \'au Alleu, Samuel Ryerson, Jacob Vau Buskirk,
Edward Eaik-, Waldiou Bleau, Normau McLeod and Douald Camp-
bi-U; Lieutenants, John Van Buskirk, James Servanier, John Hyslop,
John Simouson. William Stevenson, Josiah Parker, George Lambert,
Justus Earle and Kiohard Cooper; Ensigns, Philip Van Cortlandt, Jr.,
^\'illiam Sorrell, John Jewett, Uriah Bleau, Henry Van Allen, Robert

Woochvard, Stephen Eyder, Hendorl'f and Malcom Wilmott.

Shortly after the surrender of Cornwallis, at Yorktown, Skinner's
Brigade was disbanded, and many of those who served in its ranks
took up lauds in ^^ova Scotia and other parts of the British domain.
Some, however, remained at home, and in later years others returned
to their former homes. The parts they had taken in the great conflict
rendered them obnoxious to their former friends and neighbors, and
the effects were keenly felt for succeeding generations. On Staten
Island there are families residing to-day whose ancestors served
throughout the war in Skinner's Brigade; but the distance of time and
the force of circumstances have obliterated the motives and acts
whicli. in those stormy days of war, divided their ancestors and made
I Ill-Ill cnriiiics.

CHAPTER XXIX.

THE JERSEY PRISON SHIP.

MONG the varied eveuts of the lievolutioii, there were few
circumstances which left a deeper impression on the jjublic
mind, than those connected with the cruel and vindictive
treatment which was experienced by those of our unfortu-
nate countrymen, whom the fortunes of war had placed on board the
prison-shi^js of the enemy. Still, among the vague and indistinct nar-
ratives which have been made, (although in almost every instance
falling short of the dreadful realities), but few statements have been
given to the world in an authentic form, which might be relied upon
to go down in history, and perpetuate the story. " After generations,"
says Thomas Dring, one of the survivors of the Jersey Prison Ship,
writing of his experiences in 1827, " used to doubt whether the tales
of the Prison Ships have not been exaggerated beyond the reality.
Certain it is they have not been exaggerated. Much of the truth has
not been told; but not one-half the detail of its horrors has ever been
portrayed."

The Jersey Prison Ship was originally a British ship of the line.
She was rated and registered as a sixty-four gun ship; but had usually
mounted seventy-four guns. At the commencement of the Eevolution,
being an old vessel, and proving to be much decayed, she was entirely
dismantled, and soon after was fitted up for the holding of prisoners
of war, especially seamen in the Continental service. This change was
made by order of Lord Howe, soon after his arrival in the harbor of
New York.

Staten Island, being the headquarters of the British army and navy
in America, from the first days of July, 1776, was naturally the centre
of operations from that date to the close of the war. Consequently,
thousands of prisoners, captured in various parts of the country, were
brought here and detained until other arrangements could be made
for their keeping. An old-fashioned prison-pen, capable of containing
probably ten thousand men, was established between New Dorp and
Richmond, and Continental soldiers and seamen were at frequent in-
tervals coming and going. They were kept there only until other ar-
rangements could be made.

After the battle of Long Island, (which was planned in the old Rose
and Crown farm house at New Dorp), and the fall of New York, shel-
tered prisons were established in that city. The sugar houses and

272 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAXD.

lUlicr lai-'- liiiililiii-s were uiilizcil lur that purpose, and, as soon as
they weic in n adiuess, hundreds uf prisoners who had huddled to-
gether on the yruuud, without roof or bed, in the Staten Island prison-
peu were transferred. The Jersey Prison Ship was not in readiness
until ITSO. and was first moored a short distance oft' the foot of New
]>orp lane, and at once began to till up with her victims. Information
reached Sir Henry Clinton that the Americans were about to attempt
the capture of the prison ship, and he ordered that she be removed at
once to a safer place. Consequently, she anchored near the site of the
Kobyn's Keef. A few months later she w'as removed to a location
known as the Wallabout, at present occupied by the Brooklyn Navy
Yard.

Fears ilicn naiurally arising that the destructive contagion, by
which so many of her unfortunate inmates had been swept away,
might spread to the shore, she was, in consequence, removed again and
niuored. with chain cables, out into the river. Besides being entirely
dismantled, her port-holes had all been closed and strongly fastened,
aiul two tiers of small holes cut through her sides. These holes were
about ten feet apart, each being twenty inches square, and guarded
liv I wo strong bars of iron, crossing at right angles, thus leaving four
(■•ml lacted spaces which admitted light of day and served as breatliing
holes at night.

Tlic iiuiiiher of those who perished on board the prison ships at the
Wallahdui. has never been and never can be known. It has been as-
certained, however, with as much precision as the nattire of the case
will admit, that iiKire than ten thousand died on board the Jersey, and
the iinspita! shijis Sc()ri)i(ni. Strombolo and Hunter. Thousands snf-
fei'cd aud died whose names have never been known by their cotintry-
iiicMi. Tliey (lied where no eye could admire their fortittide and no
tongue cnuid jiraise Ihcir devotion to their country's cause.

l'(U' years, the xcry name of " the old Jersey' " seemed to strike ter-
ror In ilic iiearts of those whose necessities required them to venture
iiiMin t he ocean. The mortality which prevailed on board her was well
kuown throughout tlie country; and, to be confined within her dun-
geons. Avas considered equal to a sentence of death, from which btit
lilth- lio])e of escai)e was entertained. David Sproat, the Commissary
'if i'risoners, under whose personal supervision the prison-ships were
maintained, was an American Iiefugee, who was "detested for the
(■ri'.elty of liis conduct and ihv insoliMice of his manners.''

Thomas 1 )ring. master's mate of the privateer The Chance. avIio was
captured in May, 1TS2. spoke of his life on board the Jersey Prison
Sliip as follows:

" We liad now rcariicd ijie acconiiuodatioii ladder which led to the
L': iiu\\ay on iJic laihoai'd side of the .Icrsey; and u\y station in the
boat as s!ie liauhd .ihnigside, was exactly opposite to one of the alr-
poi'ls ill tlie side of the slii]). l''i'om this a]i(>rtur(». ]n"oceeded a strong

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

273

current of foul vaijor, of a kiud to wliieh 1 had been before acrus-
toraed, while couhned on board the Good Hope, the peculiai-ly dis-
gusting smell of which, I then recollected, after a lapse of three years.
This was, however, far more foul and loathsome than anything which
T had ever met with on board that ship, and produced a sensation of
nausea far beyond any power of description.

" Here, while waiting for orders to ascend on board, we were ad-
dressed by some of the prisoners, from the air-ports. We could not,
however, discern their features, as it had now become so dark that we
could not distinctly see any object in the interior of the ship. After
some questions, whence we came, and respect-
ing the manner of our capture, one of the pris-
oners said to me that it was ' a lamentable
thing to see so many young men in full strength,
with flush of health upon their countenances,
about to enter that infernal abode.' He then
added, in a tone and manner but little fitted to
afford us much consolation: ' Death has no rel-
ish for such skeleton carcases as we are; but he
will now have a feast upon you fresh comers, rhinelaxdersugar-hoi-sk.
" After each man had given his name, and the capacity in which he
had served on board the vessel in which he was captured, and the
same had been duly registered, we were directed to pass through the
other barricado door, on the starboard side, down the ladder leading
to the main hatchway. I was detained for a short time with the ex-
amination, and was permitted to take my bag of clothes with me be-
low; and passing down the hatchway, which was still open, through a
guard of soldiers, I found myself among the wretched and disgusting
multitude, a prisoner on board the Jersey.

" The gratings were soon after placed over the hatchways, and fas-
tened down for the night; and I seated myself on the deck, holding my
bag with a firm grip, fearful of losing it among the crowd. I had now
ample time to reflect on the horrors of the scene, and to consider tlie
prospect before me. It was impossible to find one of my former ship-
mates in the darkness, and I had, of course, no one with whom to
speak during the long hours of tiiat dreadful night. Surrounded by I
knew not whom, except that they were beings as wretched as myself,
with dismal sounds meeting my ears from eveiw direction, a nauseous
and putrid atmosphere filling my lungs, at every breath, and a stifling
and suffocating heat, which almost deprived me of sense, and even of
life. * *

" The thought of sleep did not enter my mind; and at length, dis-
covering a glimmering of light through the iron gratings of one of the
air-ports, I felt that it would indeed be a luxury if I could but obtain
a situation near that place, in order to gain one breath of the exterior
air. Clutching my hand firmly around my bag of clothes, which 1

274: HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND.

dared u"\ liavc. 1 licj:aii tu advauce toward the side of the ship; but
was suuii giL-elL-d with the curses aud imprecations of those who were
lyiug ou the declc, aud whom 1 had disturbed iu attemptiug to pass
over them. I. however, persevered, and at length arrived near the de-
sired spot; but found it already occupied, aud no persuasion could in-
duce a single individual to relintjuish his place for a moment.

" Thus 1 passed the first dreadful night, waiting with sorrowful
forebodings for the coming day. The dawn at length appeared; but
came only to present new scenes of wretchedness, disease and woe. I
found myself surrounded by a crowd of strange and unknown forms,
with the lines of death and famine upon their faces. My former ship-
males were all lost and mingled among the multitude, and it was not
until we were permitted to ascend the deck at eight o'clock, that I
could discei'u a single individual whom I had ever seen before. Pale
and meagi-e, I lie tlirong came upon deck, to view, in a few moments,
tlie m(U*ning sun; and I lien to descend again, to pass another day of
misery and wretchedness."

<)u the day of a prisoner's arrival, it was impossible for him to pr-o-
cure any food; and even on the second day he could not procure any,
in time to have it cooked. No nuatter how long he had fasted, nor how
ar-iilc his sufferings from hunger and privation, his petty tyrants
would un no occasion deviate from their rule of delivering the pris-
oner's morsel at a particular hour. And so, the poor, half-famished
wretch must absolutely wait until the coming day, before his pittance
of food could be boiled with that of his fellow captives.

The cruel tyrants, to whose petty sway the prisoners were subjected
on board this hulk, knew no distinction among their prisoners.
A\'lietlier taken on t he land or on the ocean, in arms or from their own
firesides, il was the same to them. Xo matter in what rank or capac-
ity a prisoner might have been known before his rapture, no distinc-
tion was here made. They were all Kebels!

The prisoners were divided into messes, and one from each collected
the food. On tliis sul)ject ~S\r. Pring said:

" Tcriildc. indeed, was the ccmdilion of most of my fellow captives.
^IciiKny siill luiiigs Ik'Ioic me those emaciated beings, moving from
liie (ialh'y, witii (licir wrehdied pittance of meat; ambling to the spot
wiiere Ills mess wei-e assembled, to divide it with a group of haggard
and sickly cicalincs. tlicir garments hanging in tatters around their
meagre limbs, and I lie hue of death u])on their careworn faces. By
llicsc il was coiisniiicd with tlieir scanty remnants of bread, which
was often niiiiildy and tilled with worms. And even from this vile fare
liiey would rise u]). in lorments from the cravings of unsatisfied hun-
gei- and I hii'st. No vegetables of any description were ever offered us
by our inhuin.in keepers. Good heavens! what a luxury to us w^ould
(hi'ii iiave l)een even a few* potatoes — if but tlie very leavings of the
swine of our countrv."

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 275

The regular crew of the Jersey Prisou 8hip cuusisted of a captaiu,
two mates, a steward, a cook, and about twelve sailors. The crew had
no commuuication whatever with the prisoners. At times, in addi-
tion to the regular officers and seamen of the hulk, there was stationed
on board about a dozen old, invalid marines; but the actual guard was
composed of soldiers from different regiments quartered on Long and
Staten Islands. They were English, Hessians and refugees; and,
strange to say, the Hessians were the most merciful and the refugees
the most cruel.

During the year 1782, the average number of prisoners on board the
Jersey Prison Ship was about one thousand. They were composed
principally of the crews of vessels of all nations with whom the Eng-
lish Avere then at war. By far the greater number, however, had been
captured in American waters. The hospital ships, the Scori)ion,
Strom bolo and Hunter, were used for the reception of the sick from
the principal hulk. The Jersey at length became so crowded and the
mortality on board her increased so rapidly, that sufficient room could
udt be found on board the hospital ships for their reception. Under
these circumstances it was determined to prepare a part of the upper
deck of the -Tersey for the reception of the sick from between the
decks. Bunks were thereupon erected to which the sick were carried
on their tirst symptoms, and to escape being trampled upon on the
dark decks below.

( )ne of the duties of the worldng party, made up exclusively of pris-
oners, was, on each morning, to place the sick in the bunks, and if any
of the i)risoii('rs lind died during the night to carry the dead bodies to
the upper deck and lay them upon the gratings. Any prisoner who
could procure and chose to furnish a blanket, was allowed to sew it
around tlie remains of his dead companion. A boat was signalled
from the hospital ship, into which the working party with the dead
prisoner were taken, and then put off for shore. The prisoners were
always anxious to be engaged in the duty of interment. They were
always accompanied by a guard of soldiers. On reaching shore a
trench was dug in the sand bank, and the corpses Avere laid in it with-
out ceremony, and the sand thrown over them.

At the expiration of the war, in 1783, the prisoners remaining on
board the Jersey Prison Ship were liberated, and the hulk, being con-
sidered unfit for further use, was abandoned where she lay. The dread
of contagion prevented any one from venturing on board, and even
from approaching her polluted frame. But the agencies of destruc-
tion were at work; her planks were soon filled with worms, which, as
if sent to remove this disgrace to the name of common humanity,
ceased not from their labor until they had penetrated through the de-
caying bottom, through which the water rushed in, and she sank.
With her went down the names of many thousands of our country-
men, with which her inner planks and sheathing were literally cov-

270 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

ei-ed, lor bin lew of her iumates had ever neglected to add their own
names to the almost iuuumerable catalogue. Could these have been
counted, some estimate might be made of the whole number who were
there immured; but this record was long ago consigned to eternal ob-
livion. It is supjiosed that more men i^erished on the decks of the Jer-
sey Prison Ship, than ever died in any place of confinement on the
face of the earth, in the same number of years, up to that time.

In the year 1 S03. the bank <)( the Wallabout was secured for the pur-
pose of building a navy yard, and a very great quantity of bones were
collected. A memorial was presented to Congress by the Tammany
Society, re(|nesting an appropriation sufficient to defray the expenses
necessary for the interment, and for the erection of a suitable monu-
ment upon the spot. The memorial, presented by the Hon. Samuel L.
Mitchell, was as folhiws:

" Your memorialists, citizens of the United States, and inhabitants
of the City of Xew York, beg leave to recall to the memory of your
honorable body an event which you cannot but have noticed; an event
famous in liistory; melancholy in its circumstances, and which, while
it awakens the tear of sympathy and regret, seems also, in the opinion
of your memorialists, to claim some attention from the political fa-
thers of our country, the Supreme Legislature of the United States of
America.

" The lapse of years is gradually drawing the veil of oblivion over
the memories of those unfortunate men, our once esteemed fellow
citizens, who, when our country struggled for her rights and liberties,
gal la 111 ly faced the most powerful maritime nation of Europe on her
own element, and were doomed, by the ill fortune of war. to languish
out Iheir lives in extreme miser}- and distress on board the jjrison
ships of oiii' enemies in the harbor of New Y''ork.

" It is. perhaps, necessary to remind your honorable body that thou-
sands I hus i»erishe(l, who, animated by the divine spirit of liberty, suf-
fered all fhe evils of imprisonment, exile and want, rather than join
the standard of their country's enemies; and preferred death itself,
with all its iiorrors, to the abandonment of her cause. We cannot re-
fuse our admiration to patriotism so pure and exalted!

"Adjacent to the mooring places of those floating prisons where
our brave seamen yielded up their lives to the merciless policy, or
native hailiaiity of a I'oi-eign foe, is the site of the present navy yard.
Tti leveling the ground for the improvement, the earthly remains of
tliousands of those gallant men have been, and still are. daily seen,
scarce earthed in the failing banks, or exposed on the naked shores.
These bones- tiiese skeletons — these relics of departed man — the
hand of individnai linnianity lias carefully collected for a decent in-
feiinent. as (lie last sad ceremony of regard and affection which can
now he given to I he memory of those whose constancy and patriotism
had endeared them to their eountrv. Tlie libei'alitv of Mr. John Jack-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

277

son has imhiced the offer to appropriate au eligible piece of land as
the place of this solemn depository.

" If the ancient Grecian Kepublics — if Athens, the noblest of them
all, raised colnmns, temples and pyramids to commemorate those who
fell on the fields of Marathon and Plata^a in defence of their conntry;
can America be backward, and yet just, in paying her tribute of re-
spect to the memories of citizens, who, equally patriotic and meri-
torious, perished less splendidly, in the prisons of unheeded want and
cruel pestilence?

'' Without trespassing further on the time of your honoi'able house,
we would briefly suggest that, after preparing a decent tomb, where
the precious relics of those victims of the nation may rest undisturbed
and sacred, until the Great Spirit has decreed resurrection of the dead,

and the final consummation

of all things; we would wish
to see erected some monu-
ment that ma}' endure the
rage of Time; neither lofty
nor sumptuous, nor magnifi-
cent, but which may, nev-
ertheless, inform future ages
that ' Here lie the remains of
an immense multitude of
men, who, preferring death
to the sacrifice of their hon-
or and the fidelity they owed
to their country, perished in
the prison shi^js at ^ew York."

" If, in the estimation of your honorable body, this be an object
Avorthy of your attention, we woiild solicit such an appropriation
toward the prosecution of this design, as your wisdom may deem
requisite and just.

" New York, July 31st, 1803.
" George J. ^^'Al^^'KK, William Boyd,

" William Mooney, John Jackson,

" Nathan Sandford, Edaa'ard Eoberts,

" Committee of Tammany Society."

Hon. Samuel L. Mitchell replied that, " As to the ultimate success
of your patriotic application, gentlemen, I dare not hold out any
warm encouragement. For I think I discover a disposition among the
majority of this House to let the bill and amendments remain where
they are, and do nothing more about them. Some are of opinion that
Congress ought not to appropriate public money for such purposes.
Others think that the art of Printing has superseded the use and in-
tention of monuments. Mention of your application will be recorded
on the Journals of the House of Representatives, and be a lasting
memorandum of vour zeal and benevolence."

FOUNTAIN HOMESTKAD, NEW DORP.

In which Margaret Mouoriette stopped diiriug the Revolution;

erected about 1608,

278 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

From Congress inucli was expected, as the subject was purely ua-
tii)iial. and uiic wliirli deeply iuterested the public seusibilit}'. ]S'o
measures were takeu, however, by that honorable body, lu the wdu-
ter of 1807, the subject was agaiu brought forward by the Tammany
Society, and a committee, (called the ^\■allabout Committee), appoint-
ed, to take measures in carrying the long-coutemplated design of in-
terment into effect.

The Committee on February 1st, 1808, presented a report Avhich was
adiipicd. It was to the effect " That the Tammany Society, or Colum-
bian Order, from their national structure and organization, being en-
titled to originate measures on this subject, do immediately proceed
to the adopton of a plan for the purpose of interring with suitable
rites and ceremonies the bones of our countrymen who perished on
board the Jersey Prison ship, now lying on the shores of the Walla-
bout."

A circular letter was then issued, containing a general invitation
to everybody to forward information respecting the dead, either to
Benjamin IJoumaine, Grand Sachem, or John Jackson, chairman of
the committee, and ordered printed in the newspapers of the United
States. " And particularlj- that the IJeverend the clergy, and all the
public otticers, military and civil, of the town of Brooklyn, the coi'pora-
lion of the city of New York, the different military corps, and all the
officers of distinction that can conveniently be assembled, together
with the citizens at large, be requested to unite on the occasion."
Also, ''that a monuiuent of Auieiican materials and workmanship,
be erected, with suitable inscriptions, emblematic in a degree and ex-
ecution, and descriptive of the events we are about to commemorate.''
Jacob \'aiulei-\'oort. John Jackson, Issachar (/ozzens, Burdet Stryker,
Bobert 'i'owusend, .Ir.. Benjamin Watson and Samuel Cowdry were
I he A\'allabout ( "onimittee.

The coninnllee liaving [lower to form a jilau " for the interment of
that porlion of I lie remains of our counti-\uieu lying <in the shores of
Long Island." ])rocnred from ^Ir. John Jackson, on whose farm they
were deposited. " a deed for a pi(M-e of ground, conspicuously and ad-
vantageously situated, being near the head of the navy yard, and
wiiich will init be affected by any regulations that may hereafter take
place, lie has already planted sonu' trees of an appropriate descrip-
tion on the spot, and given to I he Society jiermission to inter the bones
in sucli a manner and with such solemnities as they may think
proper."

On \>'ednesday. A]uil K^th, ISIIS. in ]Mirsuance of a resolution of the
Tainnniny Society, the coiMier-stone was laid. A i)rocession was
formed at tlie Bi'ooklvTi ferry. ^Major Aycrigg acting as marshal of the
day. In the line was a <(ini])any of United States marines, under
Lieutenant Johnson; a body of citizens; committees fi'om different
,societi(>s; the Crand Sacln-ni of the Tammany Society, the Father of

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 279

the Cuimcil, aud the orator of the day, Joseph D. Fay; the WaHabout
Committee, headed by the coruer-stoue drawu on a carriage; a de-
tachment of Artillery, under command of Lieutenant Townsend.

The inscription on the corner-stone was as follows: " In the name
of the Spirits of the Departed Free — Sacred to the Memory of that
portion of American Seamen, soldiers and citizens who perished on
board the prison ships of the British at the Wallabout during the
Kevohitiou. This is the corner-stone of the vault erected by the Tam-
many Society, or Columbian Order, which contains their remains. The
ground for which was bestowed by John Jackson — Nassau Island,
season of blossoms. Year of the discovery, the SlGth, of the institu-
tion the 19th, and of American Independence the 32d. April 6, 1808."

The Tomb of the IMartyrs was comph^ted. and the Tammany Society
intended that the bones of the patriots should be consigned there on
the 25th of May, 1808, but a heavy snow storm prevented. On Thurs-
day, the 2(!th. it took place. '• The first ray of twilight was announced
by a morning gun from the Park — the Battery — Fort Columbus — the
Flotilla — and the Wallabout. The thunder of cannon re-echoed from
shore to shore and died away in murmurs along the waters of the East
and Hudson Elvers. It was the dawn of a day glorious to America."

At ten o'clock, " tinder the command of General Morton and Gen-
eral Steddiford. all the military; and the citizen societies, under the
direction of Garrett Sickles, Grand ^Marshal of the day, formed in pro-
cession on Broadway." The grandest procession ever witnessed in the
metropolis in the old days was that which crossed over to Brooklyn
on that day and surrounded the Tomb of the Martyrs. An eloquent
address was delivered by Mr. Williston.

It is a sad reflection that, almost a century later, finds no monument
over the Tomb of the Martyrs. Some years ago. the Society of Old
Brooklynites presented a memorial to Congress; but to no effect. And
now the Datighters of the American Revolution are laboring in the
same i^atriotic cause, hopeful that some day they will succeed in plac-
ing over the hallowed spot a lasting tribute to the memory of those
who suffered and died for the Eepublic.

CHAPTER XXX.

MARGARET MONCRIEFFE ON STATEN ISLAND.

HE breaking out uf the Kevolutionary war found a number of
British officers domesticated among the colonists, and con-
nected with them by marriage. In iS'ew Yorli and the other
garrisoned towns, officers of the army led society, as mili-
tary men still do in every garrisoned town in the world. When hos-
tilities began, and every man was ordered to his post, some of these
officers left their families residing among the people; and it happened,
in a few instances, that the events of war carried a father far away
from his wife and children, never to rejoin them. The future Scott of
America will know how to make all this very familiar to the American
people by the romantic and pathetic fictions which it will suggest to
him.

Margaret Moncrieffe, a girl of fourteen; but a woman in develop-
ment, witty, vivacious, piquant and beautiful, who prior to the war
had lived in Xew York city, and had become well known to the old-
fashioned people of Staten Island, through her frequent visits here,
had been left at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, by her father. Captain
James Moncrieffe,^ who afterward became a Lieutenant-Colonel of
Engineers in the British armv. Thev wei'e related to Governor Liv-
ingston, of New Jersey, and diiring her sojourn in Elizabeth, she made
her home in Liberty Hall, the noted home of the Livingstons.

Captain Moncrieffe was cut off from all communication with his
daughter. Destitute of resources, and anxious to rejoin her father,
she wrote to General Putnam for his advice and assistance. General
Putnam received her letter in New York about the time that Major
Aaron Burr joined him, and his reply was prepared for his signature
by the hand of his new aide-de-camp. The good old general declared
in this loltor that he was her father's enemy, indeed, as an officer; but
as a man, his friend, and ready to do any good office for him or his. He
invited her to come anrl reside in his family, (his headquarters being in
the old Washington Hotel. No. 1, Broadway), until arrangements
could be made for sending licr to Staten Island. She consented, an

1 There was a Caplain Moncrieffe in the time before that, anil served with Gonera^
Queen's Ranjrers, wlio lias often been men- Percy. Judging from the fact that both, bear-
tloned as the fatlier of Margarel : but this is an InR the same name and ranlj. at the corn-
error. Tliis Captain Moncrieffe was still scrv- mencenient of the war. and having resided in
ing in that regiment at the close of the war New York, we conclnde that they were pos-
wllh the same rank, while the other was pro- sibly relatives.
moted to Lieutenant-colonel of Engineers some

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

281

officer was seut to Elizabeth to conduct her to the city, and she was at
once established in General Putnam's house. There she met and be-
came intimate with Major Burr.

What followed from this intimacj- has been stated variously by
those who have written of it. The proper thing to do, all writers
seemed to think, at a later period, was to strive to blacken the charac-
ter of Aaron Burr; and so, Mr. Davis, Burr's supposed friend and bi-
ographer, played traitor to the memory uf the man who had been true
to him in sunshine and storm, when the grave had closed over his mor-
tal remains and there was no opportunity of defence, — and he joined
the popular clamor and attributed Margaret Moncrieffe's subsequent
cai'eer of sorrow and shame to Aaron Burr.

In support of this accusation, Mr. Davis quotes from Margaret Mon-
crieffe's autobiography, published after she had been the mistress of
half a dozen of the notables of London, certain passages which, taken
by themselves, do cer-
tainly corroborate the
charge. Great, indeed,
was our astonishment on
referring to the work it-
self (Memoirs of Mrs.

PERRINE HOMESTEAD, GARRETSONS, ERECTED ABOUT

1GG8.

Coghlan, 1783), to find
that her narrative, read
in connection, not only
affords no support to Mr.
Davis's insinuations, but
exijlicitly, and twice, con-
tradicts them. As a re-
ply to Mr. Davis's garbled

extracts, here follows the entire passage relating to her connection
with the American army. It is known and conceded that the young
officer whom she extols in such passionate language was Major Aaron
Burr. Thus writes Mrs. Coghlan, ucc Moncrieffe:

" When I arrived in Broadway (a street so called), where General
Putnam resided, I was received with great tenderness, both by Mrs.
Putnam and her daughters, and on the following day I was introduced
by them to General and Mrs. Washington, who likewise made it their
study to show me every mark of regard; but I was seldom allowed to
be alone, although some times, indeed, I found an opportunity to es-
cape to the gallery on top of the house, where my chief delight was to
view, with a telescope, our fleet and our army on Staten Island. My
amusements wei'e few; the good Mrs. Putnam emiiloyed me and her
daughters constantly to spin flax for shirts for the American soldiers;
indolence, in America, being totally discouraged; and I likewise
worked for General Putnam, who. tliougli not an accomplished mux-
cadiiL like our dilletantes of St. Jamcs's-strc'et, was certaiulv one of

282 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

the best characters iu the world; his heart beiug composed of those
uoble materials Avhich equally commaud respect and admiration.

" Oue day, after diimer, ilie C'oh r/rcs*- was the toast; General Wash-
ington viewed me very attentively, and sarcastically said, * Miss Mon-
crieffe, you don't drink your wine.' Embarrassed by this reproof, I
knew not how to act; at last, as if by a secret impulse, I addressed my-
self to the ' American Commander,' and taking the wine, I said, ' Gen-
eral Howe is the toast.' Vexed at my temerity, the whole company,
especially General \Vashington, censured me; Avhen my good friend,
General Putnam, as usual, apologized, and assured them I did not
mean to offend. ' Besides,' replied he, ' everything said or done by
such a child ought rather to amuse than affront you.' General Wash-
ington, piqued at this observation, then said, ' Well, miss, I will over-
look 3'our indiscretion, on condition that you will drink my health, or
General Putnam's, the first time you dine at Pir William Howe's
table, on the other side of the water."

" These words conveyed to me a flattering hope that I should once
more see my father, and I promised General Washington to do any-
thing which he desired, pro\ided he \\ould i)ermit me to return to
him.

" Not long after this circumstance, a flag of truce arrived from Stat-
en Island, with letters from Major Moncrieffe, demanding me, for they
now considered me as a prisoner. General Washington would not ac-
((uiesce iu this demand, saying ' that 1 sliould remain a hostage for my
father's good behavior.' I must here observe, that when General
Washington refused to deliver me up, the noble-minded Putnam, as if
it were by instinct, laid his hand upon his sword, and, with a violent
oiitli. swore • that my father's request should be granted.' The Com-
ni,i mlci--in-chief, whose influencegovernedtheCongress, soon prevailed
(tn them to consider me as a person whose situation required their
strict attention; and, that I might not escape, they ordered me to
Kingsbridge, Avhere, iu justice, I must say, that I was treated with
the 111 most tenderness, (ieneral :\litirtin there commanded. His lady
\v;is a most accom]ilislied, beautiful woman, a Quaker. And here my
heart received its fii'st impression — an impression that, amid the sub-
se(|ncnt shocks whicli it has received, has never been effaced, and
which rendered me very unfit to admit the embraces of an unfeeling,
brutish husband.

" < ». may these i)ages one day meet the eye of him who subdued my
virgin licai-t. whom the immutable, unerring laws of nature had point-
ed out foi- my husband, but Avhose sacred decree the barbarous cus-
toms of society fatally violali'd. To him T plighted my virgin vow. and
T sliall never cease to lament that obedience to a father left it incom-
jdclc. When I refiect on my ])ast sufferings, now that, alas! my i>resent
sorrows press heavily iqioii me. I cannot refrain fi-om exi.atiating a
little on the inevitable honors wliich excr attend tlie fi'iislraf ion of

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 283

uatui-al affections: I myself, who, iiupitied by the world, have endured
every calamity that human nature knows, am a melancholy example
of this truth; for if I know my own heart, it is far better calculated for
the purer joys of domestic life, than for the hurricane of extravagance
and dissipation in wiiich I have been wrecked.

" Why is the will of nature so often perverted? Why is social hap-
piness for ever sacrificed at the altar of prejudice? Avarice has
usurped the throne of reason, and the affections of the heart are not
consulted. We cannot command our desires, and when the object of
our being is unattained, misery must necessarily be our doom. Let
this truth, therefore, be for ever remembered: when once an affection
has rooted itself in a tender, constant heart, no time, no circumstance
can eradicate it. Unfortunate, then, are they who are joined, if their
hearts are not matched!

" With this conqueror of my soul, how happy should I now have
been! What storms and tempests should I have avoided, (at least I
am pleased to think so), if I had been allowed to follow the bent of my
inclinations! and happier, O, ten thousand times happier should I
have been with him in the wildest desert of our native country, the
woods aff'ording us our only shelter, and their fruits our only repast,
than under the canopy of costly state, with all the refinements and
embellishments of courts, with the royal warrior who would fain have
proved himself the (■on(iueror of France.

" My conqueror was engaged in another cause; he was ambitious to
obtain other laurels: he fought to liberate, not to enslave nations. He
was a colonel in tlu^ American army," and high in the estimation of his
country; his victories were never accompanied with one gloomy, re-
lentless thought; they shone as bright as the cause which achieved
them! I had communicated by letter to (Jcneral Putnam the pro-
posals of this gentleman, with my determination to accept them, and
I was embarrassed by the answer which the general returned; he en-
treated me to remember that the person in question, from his political
principles, was extremely obnoxious to my father, and concluded by
observing, ' that I surely must not unite with a man who would not
hesitate to drench his sword in the blood of my nearest relation,
should he be opposed to him in battle.' Saying this, he lamented the
necessity of giving advice contrary to his own sentiments, since in
every other respect heconsideredthematchasuuexceptiouable. Never-
theless, General Putnam, after this discovi-ry, appeared, in all his vis-
its to Kingsbridge, extremely reserved; nor did he ever cease to make
me the object of his concern to Congress; and, after various applica-
tions, he succeeded in obtaining leave for my departure; when, in
order that I should go to Staten Island with the respect due to

2 This is a mistalje, caused b.v the common acted as brigadier-general in the Continental
habit, even at this day. of spoa'uing of a lieu- army for some time, his highest actual rank
tenant-colonel as colonel. Although Aaron Burr was that of lieutenant-colonel.

284 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

my sex and family, the bari^e belougiug- tu the Continental Congress
was ordered, with twelve oars, and a general officer, together with
his suite,^ was dispatched to see me safe across the bay of New- York.
The day was so very tempestuous, that I was half drowned with the
waves dashing against me. When we came within hail of the Eaf/le
man-of-war, which was Lord Howe's ship, a flag of truce was sent to
meet us; the officer despatched on this occasion was Lieutenant
Brown. General Knox told him tiiat he had orders to see me safe
at headquarters. Lieutenant Brown replied, ' It was impossible, as
no person from the enemy could approach nearer the English fleet ';
but added, ' that if I would place myself under his protection, he cer-
tainly would attend we thither.' I then entered the barge, and bid-
ding an eternal farewell to my dear American friends, turned my

BACK ON LIBERTY.

" We first rowed alongside the l-Jdf/Ir, and Mr. Brown afterward
conveyed me to headcjuarters. When my name was announced, the
British commander-in-chief sent Colonel Sheriff (lately made a gen-
eral, and who, during my father's life-time, W'as one of his most par-
ticular friends; although, alas! the endearing sentiment of friend-
sliip now seems extinct in his breast, as far as the unhappy daughter
is concerned), with an invitation from Sir William Howe to dinner,
which was necessarily accepted. When introduced, I cannot describe
the emotion I felt; so sudden the transition in a few hours, that I
was ready to sink into earth! Judge the distress of a girl not four-
teen, obliged to encounter the curious, inquisitive eyes of at least
forty or fifty people who were at dinner v^'ith the genei*al. Fatigued
w ill: llieir fastidious compliments, I could only hear the buzz among
llu'ui, saying, 'She is a sweet girl, she is divinely handsome'; al-
though it was some relief to be placed at table next to the wife of
Major ^Fontresor. who had known me from my infancy. Owing to
tliis circumstance, I recovered a degree of confidence; but being un-
fortunately asked, agreeable to military etiquette, for a toast, I gave,
' Creneral Putnam.' Colonel Sheriff said, in a low voice. ' You must
not give him here '; when Sir William complaisantly replied, ' O! by
all means; if he be the lady's sweetheart, I can have no objection
to drink his health.' This involved me in a new dilemma; I wished
myself a thonsand miles distant, and, to divert the attention of the
com]>any, T gave to the general a letter which I had been commis-
sioned to deliver from General Putnam, of which the following is a
co|>y (and licic 1 consider myself l)oini(l to apologise for the bad
s])elling of my most excellent republican friend. Tli(> bad ortliog-
ra|)hy was amply ((niipensated by tlie magnanimity of the man wlio
wrote it) :

3 Miijor Aaron Run* wns a iiii'iiilior of Gen- Mitlc should acroinpnny tlir yoiinp: lad.v to
cral Knox's snllo on Ihls orrasion. and ro]iro- (IcntTal Howe's licadqnartors at New Dorp.
Rontotl Ofnoral I'm nam. who intondort that his

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 285

" ' Ginrale Putuam's compliments tu Major iloucrieffe, has made
him a present of a hue (laughter, if he don't lick her he must send her
back again, and he will previde her with a good twig husband.'

" The substitution of lir'ni for n-Jd(i husbaud, served as a fund of en-
tertainment to the whole company." *

Miss Montcrieffe proceeds in her Memoirs to record the history of
her marriage with Mr. Coghlan, who, she says, drove her into the arms
of a paramour by the brutality of his
conduct. She asserts that she had led a
strictly virtuous life until, after being
forced into a marriage with a man she

loathed, she was subjected by him to '^/l^ "'^T^^lf |il 5*^j=^|'
harsh and cruel treatment. The state- J?-? *" BL^y^-' --^^^^fi^J^
ments of a woman in Margaret Jlon- ,"«^. "" • -^'iftfiw^JiSii!!'

crieffe's position, in later years, may '^liff: ;'\';f f;;^^!?;'^. -WWT-
not be regarded as positive evidence; bull's head tavern, headquarters

, ., • i X ii J! OF THE TORIES DURING THE

yet it seems just to the memor^^ of revolution

Aaron Burr for the reader to be in- Drawn from description by the author.
formed that the story of her ruination by him finds no corroboration
in her own narrative. The man has enough to answer for without
having the ruin of this girl of fourteen laid to his chai-ge. Major
Burr was, to a considerable extent, his general's general; and if he
had really loved Margaret Moncrieffe, and she him, and each had de-
sired marriage, it seems reasonable that General Putnam could have
been easily dissuaded from making any serious opposition to it.^

Perhaps if Margaret Moncrieffe had known who it was that caused
her removal from the city, she might not have been so easily capti-
vated. According to a story told by the late Colonel W. L. Stone,
(author of the Life of Brant), it was no other than Major Burr him-
self. Before her arrival at General Putnam's, it appears that Burr,
though he was delighted with her wit and vivacity, conceived the idea
that she might be a British spy; and as he was looking over her
shoulder one day. while she was painting a bouquet, the suspicion
darted into his mind that she was using the " language of the flow-
ers " for the purpose of conveying intelligence to the enemy. He com-
municated a suspicion to (Jeneral Washington, who thought it only
prudent to remove her a few miles further inland, to the quarters

4 This dinaer was given in tlie " Kose and board the flag-sliip of the Britisli fleet which

Crown " farmhouse, which stood on the side sailed down the Narrows on the memorable

of the embanliment at the head of New Dorp Evacuation Day. She went directly to Lon-

Cove. Margaret Moncrieffe made her home for don with her husbaud.

some time after that in the old stone house, 5 Upon the written evidence. Burr, be his
still standing, on the Richmond road, between reputation for intrigue as it may. is to be
the Black Horse Tavern and Egbertville. It acquitted of the ruin of Margaret Moncrieffe,
is known as the " Fountain Homestead." The sin4;e the only direct proof is from her own
house at tlie time was occupied by Major pen, and she, instead of accusing him as the
Montresor, (an aide-de-camp to Sir William author of her woes, looked back to her re-
Howe), and his family. There Margaret re- latious with him as the happiest memories of
mained until she returned to the city, some her life. — Sabine's American Loi/filists.
time before the close of the war. She was on

286 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

of (leuenil Mifflin; wiiere, after the evacuation of the city, Major
Burr uiet her agaiu, and, as she says, won her virgin affections.
Colonel Stone Avas very intimate with Major Burr in his latter years,
and had long conversations with him about Kevolutionary times. He
may have derived this pretty tale from Major Burr himself.

The last official act of the Kev. Dr. Auchmuty, as rector of Trinity
Church, in New York City, was to marry this unfortunate maiden to
Captain John Coghlan, of the Eightj'-niuth Regiment of Foot in the
British army, who, she relates, " drove her into the arms of a para-
mour by the brutality of his conduct." Mrs. Coghlan separated from
her husband and became the mistress of the Duke of York and other
noblemen. For a period of fifteen years from 1780, " she made no
inconsiderable noise in the fashionable circles of Great Britain and
France." Alternately, she revelled in wealth and suffered in squalid
poverty. Deserted at last, she died a heart-broken woman in London.

Captain Coghlan was the son of a London merchant of great wealth,
and, in youth, his prospects were without a single cloud. He entered
the Xavy as a midshipman, and went " round the world " with the
celebrated Cook. Disliking the sea, he turned his thoughts succes-
sively to the Bar and Church; but finally procured a commission in
the armj'. He served several campaigns in America, and was fre-
quently with his command on Staten Island, where he first met Mar-
garet Moncrieffe in the old Fountain homestead at New Dorp; and,
as we have stated, married her in New York. This connection, formed
without caution, and against the inclinations of his bride, proved, as
he averred, as miserable to himself as to her.

After the close of the Tfevolution, in 1783. he obtained the King's
permission to serve in the Kussian army; but his domestic disappoint-
ment preyed upon his mind, and he became dissipated. Returning
to Englmid, he entered " with avidity into every fashionable vice and
folly of the day." His extravagance and relations with women gradu-
ally involved him in ruin. Finally, broken down, utterly wretched,
and an outcast, he became an inmate of St. Bartholomew's Hospital,
where he died, in 1807, in the fifty-fourth year of his age, and in the
most abject and pitiable condition. His relatives, in both England
and Wales, were veiw respectable, and his body was retained in the
dead-house eight days, in the hope that some one of them would claim
il, and give it decent burial. The charity of a stranger furnished a
covering for his remains, and they were deposited in the burial-ground
of the hospital. It is said that Cajitain Coghlan was one of the hand-
somest men of his time, that he was social and convivial, and in his
charities, when in possession of money, liberal to a fault.

One cause of difference between Captain Coghlan and his wife was
probably |M)litical, foi' .Margaret, as is avei-i-ed, syuiiiatliized with the
Americans. She was a brilliant woiunii. possessed of fine literary
ability, and had her life been guided by favorable circumstances,
would have proved a blessing to the world.

CHAPTEIi XXXI.

THE NEW DORP DUELLING GROUND.

L.MU8T diiectl}- west of the old Black Horse Tavern, at New
Dorp, stands a cluster of venerable trees, and on the south
side of which is a graceful knoll, known as Camp Hill.
Behind this hill — or, rather, to the west of it — is a hollow,
which was, a century or more ago, surrounded by dense woods. Far
more than a score of duels have been fought at this spot.

Camp Hill was so named by the British, during their encamp-
ment at New Dorp, and its delightful situation soon made it a resort
for the officers of that army. Indeed it soon became a miniature
" Monte (J'arlo," and witnessed the ruin of many a promising member
of the King's army.

Gambling and dxielling in those days were practised to such an
extent as to threaten general demoralization to the royal troops. Sir
William Howe repeatedly summoned his generals in council in the
" Kose and Crown," his headquarters, with a hope that means could
be effected to break up these nefarious practices. Nearly fifty officers
were court-martialed and dishonorably dismissed during the encamp-
ment of the British army at New Dorp, in consequence of gambling
and duelling.

The fact became notorious at one time that even general officers
so far lost their dignity and their regard for military discipline that
they sat down to the gambling table with private soldiers, and even
servants, so great was their greed for money; while, once beyond the
shadow of Camp Hill, they would exact the severest discipline and
all the bowing and saluting and mimicry that military etiquette de-
mands.

The story has been told of a young Scotch ofticer who, after losing
all his money on Camp Hill, requested a loan from his rival at the
gambling table, in order that he might meet an obligation on the
following day, and, on being refused, went alone to the secluded
ravine beyond and gave up his life in disgrace.

In this ravine General Kobertson, of the British army, settled an
old account with a French naval otticer, named Vollogne, who had
resigned his commission and come to this country for that express
purpose. It is said that General Bobei'tson's fellow officers attempted
to arrange an amicable settlement, but without avail. The General
escaped unharmed; but his adversary received a wound in his breast,

288

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

f 1(1111 the effects of which he died a few months afterward in Quebec.
I^ieutenant-Colonel John Graves Simcoe was challenged and ]uet
his adversary here, in the person of Colonel Mawhood, who based his
grievance upon the belief that Simcoe had exercised undue influence
to succeed him as commandant of the Queen's Rangers. Colonel Sim-
coe was a fine swordsman, and being the challenged party, naturally
had the choice of weapons. He selected " officers' swords " (presum-
ably those carried by the officers of
the Grenadiers), and he proved too
skillful a manipulator of cold steel
for his adversary, who gave up the
iMintest with a broken arm.

Colonel Illig, a dashing young
oflicer on Sir "William Howe's staff,
who was afterward killed at
Prince's Bay, while carrying or-
ders to General Vaughan, here settled an
" affair of honor " with Colonel Pentman. From what
we have been able to learn from descendants of
Colonel Pentman. there was an " old grudge," which
had been continued from their school days at home;

TORY ciiAHTKHs AT wooDRow, DURING THE ^^^ ^^^^ was thc first tlmc thcy had
RKvoi.iTKix; RKCE.NTi.Y RECONSTRUCTED, evcr mot wlth au opportuulty to

effect a settlement. Major Andr^,
tlicii a captain in the Twenty-second Eegiment of Foot, acted as sec-
ond for Colonel Illig.

Tlicse officers fought with cavalry sabres, in the handling of which
tlicy Avere both said to have been experts. They were mounted on
blooded horses, the protection and management of which called into
rerpiisition triple the amount of skill reqttired for ordinary ground
fencing. According to our informant, the combat continued steadily
for more than one hour, and men and horses were almost exhausted
from fatigue. The combatants were both badly cut, but not serious-
ly, while their innocent beasts were lacerated so as to render them
uulii for further military service. The " affair" was a drawn battle,
as iiciljici' was able to continue. They Avere carried to their quarters —
Coldiiei Illig to the Kose and Crown, and Colonel Pentman to his
regiment, which was encamped near by. A second attempt was made
to "seUle the account "; btit Sir William ITowe prevented it by a
l)ersnnal appeal to the duellists, both of whom were his intimate
fiiciuls. It is said to have been a great relief to Colonel Pentman's
friends Avhen Colonel Illig was " out of the way." Colonel Pentman,
hnwcver, remained in the army until the close of the Revolution, and
finally died from the effects of a wound received in a duel with an
Austrian cavalry officer, with whom lie was serving, near the close of
the last centurv.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 289

General Skinner was challenged to figiit on this ground, by a Hes-
sian nobleman named Von Locht, who had sought the position that
was given to Skinner — that of commandant of the Native Loyalists,
or " Skinner's Greens," as they were familiarly called. The Count be-
lieved that he would be able to remove (ieneral Skinner in this man-
ner, and then not only have his rival out of the way. but prove his
bravery and skill so forcibly to the commander-in-chief, that he would
be immediately appointed. Sir William, however, informed General
Skinner that he was determined to break up duelling among the offi-
cers of his army, then so ])(i]Milar. and if he (Skinner) went on with his
determination to meet the Count, he would certainly be court-mar-
tialed and disgraced. General Skinner presented his resignation, but
Sir William would not accept it. Count Von Locht was requested
to leave the country, lest he should get into serious difficulty with the
military authorities, and so he drifted off to Xova Scotia, and finally
back to his native land.

Colonel Christopher Billopp is said to have had an " honorable en-
counter '' with (ieneral Erskiue on this ground, neither of whom were
injured. Afterward they became the warmest of friends.

The only duel known to have been fought by " plain citizens." on
the New Dorp ground, was " between young Hamilton and Lathrop."
It is presumed that this was the son of Alexander Hamilton, who
finally died in a duel at Weehawken, on the identical spot, but pri(n'
to, where his father was shot in 1804. Lathrop was an English
lawyer, who had come to this country in the interest of Toi'y
claimants.

The romance of this dark spot is told of two line officers belonging
to a Highland regiment, encamped at New Dorp. They had learned
to love a fair Staten Island girl, who had become a belle among the
officers at the post, as her father was a volunteer aide-de-camp on
the staff of Sir William Howe. They had learned to hate each other
with the same intensity that they loved the girl. Friends inter-
ceded, after it was learned that a challenge had been given; but
neither would give way. They met. with so much anger in their
hearts, that they could not be persuaded to clasp each other's hand
before the fatal moment to fire arrived. Their seconds, two fellow
officers, paced off the ground and then placed a heavy duelling pistol
in the hand of each. When all was in readiness each second stood
in front of his principal and pleaded for a reconciliation. " W^e are
determined to fight I " was the only response. Then the seconds
stepped aside and the fatal word was given. Both fell, mortally
wounded; both dit^d in the course of a few days and their remains
were laid away in the old Dutch cemetery at Kiclimond. Their graves,
which were side by side, were never marked; but they were long kept
green by the same liaiul tlie t\\<) Uii7u<'less duellists had died to gain.
An aged Staten Islander, who knew this lad v well when she had grown

290 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

very old, aud Avas cliildish and feeble, said that be had repeatedly
heard her tell the story of the lovers of her youth, and that she finnly
believed that some day one or the other would come back and claim
her for his bride.

At the commencement of the present centui"y. wheu what is now
Twenty-first street, in New York City, was far out in the country, and
was known h\ no other name than " Love lane," reaching from shore
to shore, and !in(>d on either side by great elm trees, it was the scene
of many a wicked duel. One of these, however, was planned to take
place at New Dorp, but a severe stonn prevented it at the time desig-
nated. A\'hen the jiarties had got together again they were disap-
pdintcd in the arrival of the barge which was to bring them down
the bay to Staten Island, and so the seconds selected " Love lane.''

The principals in this duel were William Coleman, a lawyer and
editor of the Evcuinii Fast, and Captain Thompson, Harbor Master of
New York. A bitter newspaper war was in progress between Cole-
man, of the Post, and Cheetham, of the American Citizen. Those edi-
tors, as many another had done before, as well as since that memora-
lili- prridd. wcic simply lighting 1hc battles of their political friends,
wliilc down in tlieir own hearts there may not have been the slightest
personal enmity, uMlil their own private honor was attacked. Cap-
tain Thompson, who was a personal friend to Cheetham, insinuated
that "Coleman liad sluiwii tlie white feather," and the result was a
challenge. William Culleii liryaiit, in his " Keminiscenses of the
Evcniiif/ Post" tells this story of this event:

'• * * * The twilight of a winter's evening found the parties
arrayed against each othei' in lonely ' Love lane.' It was cold, there
was sn()\\ (III the giound, and it was nearly dark. A shot or two
was exchanged without effect, and then the principals were ])laced
nearer together, that they might see each other better. At length
Thdiiipson was heard to cry, 'I've got it!' and fell headlong on the
snow. Coleman and his second hurried away, while the surgeon
viewed the bleeding man, examined his wound and said that it was
iimri.il. On learning his fate, Thompson, at the surgeon's suggestion,
]»roniised never to divulge the names of the parties, and with a hero-
ism worthy of a holier cause, he kept his word. He was brought, mor-
tally wdiiniled. Id his sister's house in town. He was laid at the door,
Hie liell was rung, the family came out, and found him bleeding near
Ins deal li. I (e refused to name his antagonist, or to give any account
of the ;itr,iii'. declaring that everytliing whicdi had been done was hon-
orably done, and desired that no nllemjit should be made to seek out
or iiiolesl his adversary."

.\aroii I'.iiir and ,Vle.\,iihler llaniillon are known to have visited
New Dorp :ind to have stopped at the Rose and Crown, on more
liian one occasion, between the close of the Eevolution and the end
of the century. Tiiey were both lirm believers in the very popular

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 291

idea of tliat day, tliat " a duel was au affair of honor," and tliat it
was tlie proper means by wliicli gentlemen should settle their personal
difficulties, instead of going into court and being subjected to the
" law's delay." They certainly knew all about the duelling ground
at the foot of Camp llill, and it seems reasonable to assume that they,
too, have visited the spot and beheld the peaceful scene, which had
been desecrated by those Avhose sad errors were committed long ere
their own should shock the world.

Who knows but that the distance over the restless waters of the
bay, on that memorable July morning, in 1804, is alone responsible
for preventing the occurrence at New Dorp of those scenes which
must forever darken the name of Weehawken Heights, and fill with
regret and sorrow and pit}' the heart of every American citizen which
appreciates the noble qualities which Burr and Hamilton both pos-
sessed? Unlike any other duel ever fought in the land, both fell — one
to his grave and the other in the estimation of his countrymen.

We have endeavored to learn the date of the last duel fought at
New Dorp, and are convinced that it was the one in which " young
Hamilton and Lathrop " participated, which was probably about
1790; and that it was the only one fought here after the departure
of the British army from Stateu Island. So it may be classed as al-
most exclusively a military duelling ground.

A shor-t distance from Camp Hill is an old well and the brush-cov-
ered remnant of the foundation of a house. AVe have been informed
by old citizens, who have been familiar with these surroundings for
upward of seventy years, that the scene has witnessed no change with-
in their recollection; and more than one has expressed the belief that
those relics mark the site of one of the historic structures that stood
there during the exciting days of the Kevolution.

But Camp Hill and its duelling ground form a scene to-day, so
peaceful and secluded, that no one would ever jiidge them of their
black deeds. During the preparation of this article we have visited
the place when the shadows of eve were lengthening, when the robin,
the oriole, and the bobolink were calling and twittering among the
leafy branches, when nature in all her matchless beauty had com-
pleted her springtime robe of hill and ravine, and when the hum of
insect life and fragrance of blossom all combined to form a picture
of " peace on earth, good will to man "; yet we did not feel that we
stood on hallowed ground. Our mind wandered back through the
dim vista of the past, and we recounted the stories of misguided ambi-
tion, of wasted heroism, and of the cruel wrongs to loved ones who
lived to mourn over the folly of those who fell. But the holy hush of
a century of peace, like a benediction from heaven, has rested over its
surroundings, so often reddened by human blood; and the footstep
of the rambler and the plowshare of the sturdy farmer have alone dis-
turbed the verdure of its soil.

292 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

When the final story of the world's cruel wrongs is told — when
foe shall meet foe in the presence of the Eternal, to render up an
account of the parts they have taken in the struggles on this historic
field — may God, in His infinite wisdom, forgive those who mistook
wrong for right, and in the heat of passion sinned against every prin-
ciple that goes to form divine and human law.

CHAPTER XXXII.

INCIDENTS OF THE KEVOLUTION.

URING the Kevolutiou there stood a small Holland cottage,
built of stoue and with long-, sloping roof, on or near the
spot where the County Alms House is now located. The
story is handed down to us that it was occupied by a sturdy
patriot whose open hatred for royalty and whose unfriendliness to the
British soldiers gave considerable annoyance to Genera! Howe, who
directed that a guard be placed upon the premises until some breech
should be committed sufficient to warrant his arrest.

The mounted patrol of the Island was under the command of Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Simcoe, of the " Queen's Rangers," and it is said that
that officer frequently ^'isited the old cottage, not so much to test the
loyalty or watch the movements of its owner, as to enjoy the compan-
ionship of his beautiful daughtei*.

During the exciting i)eriod following the earnest appeal of Colonel
Aaron Burr to General Washington, to besiege the fortifications on
Stateu Island, especially at " Rich-
mond towne," a detail of Simcoe's
mounted men was made daily. Skir-
mishes frequently occurred near the
old cottage, between American troops
from New Jersey and the " Rangers "
and their native Tory friends.

It was near the close of the war that
the severest, and from what we now
know, the last skirmish occurred in
that vicinity. During a severe storm,
and under the cover of intense dark-
ness, a detachment of Americans crossed the Kills, and losing their
way, wandered about for some time until attracted by a light in the
window of the old cottage. Simcoe's men w-ere lurking about the
premises at the time, and listened to the directions given by its occu-
pant concerning the whereabouts of the British soldiery.

As soon as the Americans had departed Simcoe's subordinate en-
tered the cottage and informed the unfortunate man what he had seen
and heard, at the same time stating that he had authority to
execute him without trial or delay. The man appealed for mercy un-
til he could acquaint General Howe (who was renowned for his kind-

OLD BARTON HOMESTEAP, AT
PORP.

Built by a Hugueuot about 1070.

294 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

hcarteduessj, ul' tliu fatts, aud llie daughter prayed foi- an interview

with Colonel Siuicoe, who she believed would save her father's life.

]!ut justice aud niei-cy were uukuown among the " Queen's Rangers,''

from the Lieutenant-Colonel down to the humblest private; yet they

well suspcted the influence that the girl might exercise under the

existing circumstances. As " murder " and " plunder '' were ever

the watch-words of that organization, there seemed to be no time

to lose. The guard drew near, with the exception of the pickets,

and widi the assistance of ('\< i ■hnig Tories all the occupants of the

cottage were pinioned to their chairs. The husband and father was

taken out to a tree, a rope quickly placed around his neck, and in a

few seconds he was suspended from a limb. The tree on which this

execution took place stood in front of the old " farmer's house " on

the county farm, and we once conversed with an old Staten Islander

who remembered it well. Decayed and worm eaten it could no longer

bear its own weight, and it fell I0 the ground in a wind storm that

swept over the Island about 1S27.

««•**♦««

About fifty years ago one of the oldest houses on the Island — a long
stone structure — stood near tlie site of tJie ]iresent residence of Cap-
tain Richard Christopher, at West New Brighton. Its last owner and
occupant was Nathaniel Brittou. Jr. Its owner during the Revolution
was a prominent Tory, who had a daughter of great personal attrac-
tions. Prior to the war the girl was affianced to a young man named
Mcrsercau. wlio ri'sided in tlie vicinity of IFolland's ITook.

A young lieutenant attached to the British army admired her very
much, and subsequent events proved that lie had marked her for his
victim, rie acquired her acquaintance, greatly to the gratification
of iier fatlier, and became very assiduous in his attentions. The girl,
li(i\\r\ci', i-c])nls('(l Ills advances. After several months' efforts, find-
ing he had utterly failed in impressing her with the honor of his alli-
ance, he resolved to possess himself of her person at all hazards.

A notorious young tory was taken into the confidence of the officer,
and they concocted a jilot to get possession of the girl. Near Garret-
sons, on tlie Hiclimond road, is a deep ravine, penetrating some dis-
tance into Todt Hill. At the farthest extremity of which there is a
spring (if water; near this, before the war. a hermit had built his
Init. When hostilities began he disappeared, but the hut remained.
The a|i|ii-o.i(li to it was by a foot-path through the dense forest which
lined I lie hills nn either side of the ravine.

One evening, according to " Clute's Annals," the young tory called
at the lu)me of the girl, and informed her that he had been sent to
convey lier to I he residence of her aunt, near Richmond, who liad
been taken suddenly ill, and liad re(iuested her attendance. Suspect
ing no evil, and being mucJi attached to her relative, she was soon
ready |o a(coni|iany him. Sjn'lngiug into the wagon which he had

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

295

brought, she was rapidlj^ driveu awaj. When they reached the en-
trance to the ravine, two men rushed out of the bushes, seized the
horse by the bridle, and ordered the occupants of the wagon to alight.
One of them pretended to take possession of the driver, while the
other led the girl up the foot-path into the ravine, cautioning her that
her safety depended upon her silence.

So far the plot had been carried out successfully; but there was
an avenger nearer than they suspected. They had taken but a few
steps in the direction of the hut, when several men rushed out of the
bushes, and seized the officer, for it was he who had possession of the
girl. One of them took her hand, assuring her that they were her
protectors, and that she need be under no apprehensions. Though
they were all disguised, she at once recognized Mersereau by his
voice.

Those who had possession of the officer proceeded to tie his hands,
informing him that they intended to do him no further harm than the
infliction of a severe flogging, and if he attempted to cry out they
Avould gag him. A bundle of supple rods was at hand, and two of
the men, one after another, inflicted the chastisement which they had
promised. Having punished him to their heart's content, they re-
leased him, with the warning that if, after
the expiration of a week, he was found up-
on the Island, they would capture him
and cut off his ears.

The girl was safely I'eturned to her
home by the same conveyance; but not
not the same driver, for he had, by some
means, disappeared. The officer also saved
his ears by his absence before the week
expired. How the villainous plot was dis-
covered was never positively known; but
it was suspected that the young toi'y had
played into the hands of both parties.

-„, „ ii 1 J.1 X- • T SIR OUY CARLETON.

W e frequently hear the question raised
as to whether or not General Washington was ever on Staten Island.
To this question the late Judge Clute, in his " Annals of Staten Is-
land," has suggested the following considerations:

" The only evidence of the fact which is attainable at this day, is
contained in the extract from his carefully kept accounts with the
Government of the United States, which we here present:
" ' 1776.
" ' Ap' 25th, To the Exps of myself and party recc*^ the sev'

landing places on Staten Island £10 10 0."

" It may be said that the reconnoitering which is almost unintelli-
gibly abbreviated in the original account, might have been done on

296 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

the water, aud quite as efficiently as on the laud. The following ob-
jections, however, exist to this view of the subject:

" First. — The object of Washington was to erect fortiticatious aud
other defences on the most eligible sites, as the British did when they
took possession on the following July; and some parts of the shores —
perhaps the most important — could not be examined with such an
object in vieAV, from any position attainable on the water.

" Second. — The Commander-in-Chief expresses himself in the above
extract, in terms similar to those used in other parts of his accounts
for similar services in places not accessible by w-ater, and

" Third. — There were two or three British vessels of war lying near
the Island, ou one of which Governor Tryou had taken up his quar-
ters, and from which he kept up an intercourse with royalists on the
Island, and a reconuoitering of the shores by water would not have
been permitted, to say nothing of the danger of capture.''

It is conceded that, whether General Washington came here and
traveled over the laud himself or not, certain it is that he had bis
attention drawn to the place, aud regarded Stateu Islaud with more
than ordinary concern. It is claimed by some writers that there were
two points of importance which called for his attention — the senti-
ments of the people, and the peculiar geographical position of the
Island. The action of Congress having somewhat modified the former,
if was to the latter that he gave most of his care.^

During the early part of the year 17TG, the popular feeling in the
Colonies had become so much aroused, that the officers of the British
army were obliged in very many cases to use considerable caution
in order to save their own ]»ersons from violence. William Tryon,
I he last of the royal governors, had indeed retired from the city of
New York, and taken his position on board the ship " Halifax." dur-
ing fh<' previous autumn, and tlicncc lie wrote to ^lay(n' Whitehead
1 licks, of New York. October 19th, as follows:

'• Sik: — I'inding your letter of yesterday insufficient for the secur-
iiy [ i-c(|uested fi-oni the Cor])oi-a1 ion and Citizens, and objectionable
lor the mode in which you obtained the sense of the inhabitants, my
duty directed me for the present instant to remove on board this ship,
where I shall be ready to do such business of the country, as the situ-
ation of the times will permit. The citizens, as well as the inliabi-
taiiis of the ](rovince, may be assured of my inclination to embrace

1 Wiislilngton \vns as prompt to porcolvp tlio posts on the Hmlson, with instructions to

mil Ural lulvnutiigos of Staten Island In a mill- prepare to give them a warm rcceiition If

tnry point of view as were the British. Wllhin tlioy should attempt to ascend the river. But

a weeli after his personal visit lo the elty, the ships, upon their arrival, anchored off

lie established a look-out at the Narrows. Slaten Island, and landed their troops, and

which, when the British made their appear- the hill sides were soon covered with their

nnce, sent a message by express that fifty of white tents.— PiTsfoii's Uixtony of h'ichmond

the onemy'8 vessels were In sight. This infor- County.
inntlon was at once forwarded to the several

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 297

every meaus in my power to restore the peace, good order, and author-
ity of government.

" I am, sir,

" Your most obedient servant,

'' WiLLTAH Tkyox."

Major Turner Straubenzie was the commander of the Second Battal-
ion of Light Infantry of the British regulars. As a soldier he very
much resembled Lieutenant-Colonel Simcoe in his dealings with the
Americans. While on Staten Island he employed a stout negro, who
happened to fall into his hands, to carry a note to another officer.
It seems that the negro, while on his way. decided to change his
course, and, turning aside, escaped beyond the lines, and wandered
off to the city, where he delivered the note to the Americans. It read
as follows:

" Dear Stanton : — The bearer I have sent you, thinking him a
strong, able fellow, and fit to cut throats; so if you approve him, keep
him in your cordis. Yours, &c.,

'• T. Straubenzie."

In the summer of 1777, the British Commander-in-chief caused to be
issued the following proclamation:

" Office of the Commissary (leneral, New York, June 12th, 1777.

" Whereas his Excellency Sir William Howe, General and Com-
mander-in-chief of His Majesty's Forces, hath thought fit to order and
direct Magazines of Forage be established, for the better supplying
of troops under his Excellency's command: Notice is hereby given to
the several Laud-holders, Fanner-'^ and others, upon York-Island,
Long-Island and Staten-Island, wlio may be able to supply the said
Magazines with Hay, Straw, Oats, and Indian Corn, that the follow-
ing rates will be paid for the same, viz.:

" Good Fresh Hay, at the rate of Five Shillings per Hundred
TVeight.

" Straw, at Two Shillings per Hundred Weight.

" Oats and Indian Corn, according to its quality.

'' And for the better encouragement of such persons to supply the
said magazines, an allowance of One Shilling per Mile, for every Ten
Hundred Weight, will be paid, over and above the price stipulated
aforesaid for the carriage of the said Forage to the respective Maga-
zines hereafter mentioned, viz.:

" York Island.

" Kings-Bridge, Marston's Wharf, City of New York.

" Long Island.

" Brooklyn Ferry, Hempstead Harbor, Oyster Bay, Great-Neck.

" Staten Island.

" Cole's Ferrv, Decker's Ferrv.

298 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

"At which said several places proper persons will be appointed to
receive the same, to ascertain the weight thereof, and to certify the
delivery: and npou certificates, ascertaining snch weight and deliv-
ery, being produced at this ofdce, the said Forage will be paid for im-
mediately.

'' His Majesty's service requiring these Magazines to be established
as soon as the season will permit, it is expected and required that
all persons who raise forage, do furnish a certain quantity, propor-
tionable to the produce of each person respectively.

" Dantel Weir,

" Commissary General."

The old " Cucklestowne Inn " stood for a century and a half in Rich-
mond, on or a few feet to the north-west of the present residence of
Mr. Willard Barton. Throughout the war it was occupied by British
oliicers, among whom was Major John Andr(5, the spy, who afterward
became the victim of General Benedict Arnold. It was in this old
building that Major Andre, then a captain in the Twenty-sixth Regi-
ment of Foot, wrote his will. Probably on account of the destruc-
tion of the Richmond Court House, the document was recorded and
probated in New York. It reads as follows:

" The foUowwf/ is my last Will and Testament and I appoint as
Executors thereto Mary Louisa Andr^ my Mother, David Andr^ my
Uncle, Andrew Giradot my Uncle. .John Andr<? my Uncle.

'' To each of the above Executors I give Fifty Pounds. — I give to
Miivy Hannah Andre my Sister Seven Hundred Pounds. — I give to
Ann Marguerite Andr('^ my Sister Seven Hundred Pounds. — I give to
Louisa Katharine Andrei my Sister Seven Hundred Pounds. — I give
to William Lewis Andre my Brother Seven Hundred Pounds. — But
the condition on whicli I give the above mentioned Sums to my afore-
said Sisters and Brothers are that each of them shall pay to Mary
Louisa Andre my ;\f other the sum of Ten pounds yearly during her
life. — I give to Walter Ewer Jun'r of Dyers Court Aldemianbury
One Hiindi-ed Pounds. — I give to John Ewer Jun'r of Lincoln's Inn
Oiu' Hundred Pounds. — I desire a Ring value Fifty Pounds be given
to my Friend Peter Boissier of the Eleventh Dragoons. — I desire that
Walter Ewer Jun'r of Dyers Court Aldemianbury have the Inspec-
tion of my papers, I^etters, Manuscripts, I mean that he have the
first Inspection of them with Liberty to destroy or detain whatever he
tliinks proper, and I desire my Watch be given to him. And I lastly
give and bequeath my Brother John Lewis Andre the x-esidue of all
my EITects Avhatsoever.— Witness my Hand and Seal Staten Island
in I lie |no\iiiceof N. York, N. America the 7th June 1777.

'' John- Andkk (\\p"t in the '2Mh I5eg't of Foot [l.s.]
" N.B.— The Currency allu(h'd to in this Will is Sterling Money of

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 299

Great Britaiu. — 1 desire nothing more than my wearing Apparel be
sold by public Auction, J. A.
" City and Province 1
of New York, j ^®"

"Be it remembered that on the Ninth day of October in the Year
of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty personally came
and appeared before me Gary Ludlow, Surrogate for the City and
Province aforesaid, Henry White and William Seaton both of the
City and Province aforesaid Esquires who being severally duly sworn
did declare that they were well acquainted with the handwriting of
John Andre formerly Captain in the twenty-sixth Ikegiment of Foot
and since Adjutant Genei'al Deceased that they have frequently seen
him write. And that they verily believe that the before written Instru-
ment purporting to be the last Will and Testament of the said John
Andre, bearing date the seventh Day of June One thousand seven
hundred and Seventy Seven with the Subscriptions thereto are all of
his the said John Andre's own proper hand Writing ami further saith
not. Cary Ludlow, Surr."

According to the dates, it will be seen that the will was admitted
to probate just a week after the execution of its maker at Tappan. on
the 2d of October. 1780.-

Major Andre's death was one of the saddest incidents of the war.
The decision, though just, was painful — painful to Washington — to
the Board — to the oflicers of the American army — but more painful,
if possible, to Sir Henry Clinton and the companions of Andre in
arms.

Efforts, and such as did honor to Clinton, were made to reverse the
dboui of Andre. lutimatious were given from Washington, that upon
one condition — the surrender of Arnold — Andre might be released;
but to this Clinton thought he could not in honor yield — Avhile in the
scale of affection, Andre would have outweighed a thousand traitors
like Arnold.

Poor Andr6! Just even though it was, his death was everywhere
lamented; for thus was cut off in the morning of life a man full of
promise and expectation — one to whose personal attractions were
added accomplishments, rich, varied and brilliant — destined, but for
an untimely sacrifice of himself, under the impulse of a rash ambition,
til have reached the goal of his wishes — honor and renown. His death
at the hands of the Americans, according to the usage of war, was
just; but to Arnold, the pioneer of the base transaction, the news

2 Major John Andre and Lieutenant-Colonel take the Queen's Rangers and recapture the

John Graves Simroe, of the " Queen's Ran- unfortunate officer! Simcoe stamped General

gers." occupied quarters in the oM Cucklos Wasliington as a murderer and called down

Towne Inn at the same time, and were fast upon his head the fiercest of maledictions for

friends. When Colonel Simcoe learned of approving the verdict and sentence of the

Major Andre's capture, he made a very earnest court-martial which ended poor Andrg's career,
appeal to General Clinton for permission to

300

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

of ills execution must, it would seem, have been as the bitterness of

death.

»»«♦*»•*

The people who lived on !r?tateu Island during the Revolution re-
membered with keen interest the cold winters of that period, and
the stories they told were repeated by the generations that followed.
The following statement is taken from the New York Gazette of Decem-
ber 2Gth, 1778:

" The intense cold weather has, within these two days, occasioned
the quick-silver in the weather-glass to fall four degrees lower than
has been observed for the last seven years; several ships. &c., and

THE FACTORY rOND, WEST NEW BRIGHTON, AS IT APPEARED IN lSi)H; NOW DRY LAND.

many lives have been lost by the monstrous bodies of ice floating in

our Eay."

********

There are frequent allusions in the records in the County Clerk's
ollice relative to the gunboat which did service in the Staten Island
waters during the war. For instance:

" Sept. L'Stli 177!) Kichmoud County. Received of John Bedel Esq.
the sum of ["irty-oiie pound six sliill for the use of the ( Jun boat as ap-
pears by the following receipt
" Richmond County Sept the 28, 1779

" Received of ]\less'' Richard Conner, Christian Jacobson, Henry
Pei'ine, Cornells Corson supervisors for said County the sum of Eighty
four Pound being in full for my selfe & Eight men belonging to the
gun boat commencing the fourteent of august last and continued for
one month

" by me Jas. Stewart Cap't."

This gun boat was, bevond a doubt, the one used by Colonel Christo-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 301

plier Billopp, (whose position as commaudaut of the Staten Island
militia made him practically the Provost Marshal), to prevent com-
munication between New Jersey and Staten Island. It was a very
unpopular affair with the jieople of both sections. It was an almost
daily occurrence that those on board fired at any person within gun-
shot on the Jersey shore.

A party of several Jerseymen once attempted to get possession of
the boat, but failed. It was lying at anchor one bright, moonlight
night, near Billopp's ferry, (now the terminus of the Amboy road
at Tottenville), and as no person was seen moving on board, they
supposed their opportunity had come. Accordingly one of their num-
ber was sent in a small boat to row up some distance above the gun-
boat, and then drift silently down with the ebb tide, and, as he passed,
to observe if there was any person on her deck. He succeeded in
accomplishing his purpose, and discovered a man sitting flat upon the
deck, apparently engaged in strapping a knife upon his boot. When
he reached the shore he made his report, and the enterprise was aban-
doned for the time. Several attempts were made afterwards to cap-
ture the boat, but without success.

The " Neptune," a small sloop of war. commanded by Captain Pal-
fray, did service as a guard boat at the point now known as the
Bergen Point ferry. On the morning of October 15th, 1779, the boat
became unmanageable and drifted within range of the American guns
at the fort at Elizabethtown Point, where it grounded. Captain
Coogle, the British commander at Decker's ferry (Port Kichmond),
soon discovered the " Neptune's " situation, and ordered Cornelius
Hattield. who had command of a small gun boat at that post, with
twenty men to recover the sloop.

The latter was iuimediately joined by Job Hatfield in another boat,
which was well manned, and they Ixith set off' for the relief of the
" Neptune," which before their arrival, was boarded by about thirty
Amei'icans from the fort at Elizabethtown point. But the latter,
seeing the superior number and strength of their assailants, aban-
doned the sloop and the Hatfield party went on board. The cannon
in the American fort then opened on the slooi), and the fire was re-
turned by the Hatfields.

For several hours the vessel remained aground, before the tide rose

sufficiently' to ffoat her, and during that time firing continued with

more or less activity. Though several men were killed and wounded,

and considerable damage was done, the boat was able to escape to its

station.

*«♦*•**»

Firiin/loii'fi florrttc, of February 7th, 1780, gives an interesting ac-
count of the condition of New York bay. It says that the ice be-
cnme so solid tlmt there was ;i liridii'e all the wav from New York

302 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

to Staten Island, over wliicli loaded sleighs aud other heavy burdens
were drawn. Eighty-six loaded sleighs were counted crossing in one
day.

The most intense frost, accompanied by great falls of snow began
about the uiiddle of December, and i^hiit up navigation to tlic jKnt of
New York from the sea for many weeks. The severity of the weather
increased to such an extent that about the middle of January all
communication with New York City by water was cut off, and new
means opened by the ice. The passage tt) the North Eiver from the
Island was about the 19th of January practicable for the heaviest can-
non, a circumstance previously unknown in the memory of man. Soon
after provisions were transported in sleighs, and detachments of cav-
alry marched from New York to Staten Island upon the ice. It was
not until the 20th of February that the frost abated so as to allow the
waters surrounding New York to become navigable.

* * -X- ^ ^ * * *

The social possibilities under a martial condition, such as that in
which Staten Island then lay, may be judged from the following para-
graphs, copied from h'iriin/ton's (lu.:vttv of November 12th, ITSl:

" Last Saturday William ITatfield, an inhabitant of Elizabethtown,
Kahway, came to Staten Island with a small quantity of flour to dis-
pose of, that he might get some hard money wliicli would enable him
to pay the taxes imposed by the rebel Governor. On his return in the
evening, lie ^\as met in the Sound by one I'eter Terrat, a noted thief,
who stipports himself and a gang of such miscreants, by robbing and
plundering; to liini and his party Hatfield surrendered himself; but
after he was a prisoner, Terrat thought Hatfield threw something
overboard, on wliich the infernal fiend took a pistol out of his pocket
and shot him dead, laid the body on the bank of the Sound, ancl went
off exiilfing with tlie other ]>risoiiers he liad tiikeii.

" Hatfield has left a wife and several children to lament their loss.
It is said the people of the county, [Essex, now Union], detesting
such horrid violence, intend making enquiry into the murder, and pun-
ish the villain as he deserves.

" We since hear that a Jury has brought a verdict against him
'liiillil iij iiutrih r. on wliicli lie tied fi-oin justice."'^

3 The violim was the son of David H.TtfleId. bis comrades, Lewis Blanchard. (son of John

(an elder of tlic Rabwny church, wlio had P.lancliard and nephew of Captain Cornelius

been captured in .lune. and had now been re- Hatfield), seized by some of the Westfleld

stored to his home), and a cousin of .t. Smith [New Jersey] people, loaded with Irons, and

Ilatfleld, the desperado of Staten Island. The hurried off to Burlington, where be was kept

latter, linvInK ventured to relnrn openly to in close conflnement.— H«//k7(Z's Tlisturi/ of

town In a llag-boat, was, together with one of Elhabcth.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

INCIDENTS OF THE REVOLUTION CONCLUDED.

VISIT from some of the " Cowboys " of Stateii Islaud is thus
de.sci'ibed in the New Jersey Journal, of December 5th,
1781:

" Last Saturday night [1st] seven Refugees from Staten
Ishiud landed at Halstead's Point, with the expectation (as their
leader told them) of meeting some of their qu(mdam friends with fat
cattle; but Captain .Jonathan Dayton having notice of their inten-
tion collected a party of men, and knowing the route they were to
take, laid in ambush for them, though unfortunately a muddy place
in the road had turned them a
little out, and obliged his party
to fire through two fences,
otherwise, in all probability,
thej' would have killed every
one the first fire; however they
killed one, mortally wounded
another, and took three prison-
ers; the other two favoured by
the shades of the night, and a
good pair of heels, made their
escape. Three of the party
were left in the gunboat, but hearing a boat of ours coming out of
the creek, pushed over to Staten Island shore, nevertheless she fell
into the hands of Lieutenant Kandall. It seems their leader, Swain
Parsel, was a deserter fr(un our army. On his information David
Oliver, a villain who has long been the supporter of the illicit trade,
and a dread to the inhabitants on the lines, was taken the same night
concealed in a house at Rahway."

On the night of Friday, December 15th, 1781, Captain Baker Hen-
dricks and Luther Baldwin, with a small party of men from Eliza-
bethtown, came over in a whale-boat to Staten Island, where they
" surprised and took a slooj) armed with two three-pounders, two
blunderbusses, and manned with five hands"; as the sloop was
aground, they " stripped her of arms, sails, rigging, cable, anchor and
long boat." Two other sloops they served in like manner. Even the

DEPARTURE OF THE BRITISH TROOPS.

304 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

flagboats (truce) suffered frum the depredations on the Sound. Riv-
iin/toii'.s (luzclte saA's:

" Last I'riday a vessel with a Flag of truce sailed from this garrison
[New York] for Elizabeth Town Point, in which went a Hessian Pay-
master with a large sum of money for the use of the Hessian prisoners
in Pennsylvania. Same night, about 12 o'clock a rebel whale-boat
boarded the Hag vessel at said Point, the crew of which seized the cash
wiiich the Hessian gentleman had in charge for the before mentioned
purpose. Several other gentlemen on board the flag vessel were also
robbed of what cash they had with them."

The American account presents quite a different aspect of this af-
fair. From the Xcir JerHvy Joiiniul:

" Thursday night a Hag of truce, on her way to this shore, w^as
hoarded, near Shuter's Island, by some men in disguise, and robbed
of upwards of tAvo thousand guineas, being a part of a sum of money
for the use of Cornwallis' army. They also plundered sevei-al indi-
viduals that were on board. The p:u'ty that committed the above
robbei-y. were supposed to be refugees from New York or Staten
Island."

The amount, as afterwards appeared, was nine hundred guineas,

the losers liaving. as usual, magnitied their loss.

* «' ft * * * « »

In June, 1781. an expedition was fitted out from Elizabethtown, the
account of which we copy from (ja'uirs'' Merctirii:

" Intelliuence being received at Elizabeth Town of two w'hale boats,
fitted for a two-months' cruise in the Delaware bay, lying at
a wharf the north side of Staten Island, a plan was concerted to sur-
prise and bring them off', which was put in practice last Thursday
night [20th], and the boats, with all their appurtenances, were safely
moored at Elizabeth Town bridge next morning together with eigh-
teen prisoners that were on board, six of whom were valuable Ne-
groes, 'i'lie i)arty. c(mtinentals an<l volunteers, consisted of upwards
of lliirty. comiiiamh'd by :\lajor 1 William] Crane. There was a sen-
tinel in each hoal. who liailed and attempteil to fire on the party, but
their pieces jm-civ i(h'iiliiilly llnsliiug in the iian. tlie party, regardless
of (laiigei-. ruslied on lliem witii sucli im])etu()si1y. that they had not
lime In ]iiiine again, aiul a few iiiniuents put them in complete posses-
sion of liieii- object, wiilioiii any farther alarm."

Xexi to liie (iisreinilabie lialhelds. Nathaniel Ivobbins was the
most despised man on Staten Island. In his depredations he scarcely
recognized friend oi- foe. He resided near Long Neck (now New
Springville). The house which he occnpied was demolished many
years ago. Tt stood near t he coiner of I lie roads leading to Richmond
iiiid I'orl Ifirhniiind. fronling on I he former.

Ilidihins \\;is :in iOnulishmn n l)\ l)irth. extremelv dissolute in his

'%lt *^

ERASTUS BROOKS

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 305

habits, and a teiror uot ouly to those who dwelt iu his neighborhood,
but of the whole Island. His wife was a native of Staten Island, and
a daiighter of widow Mary Merrill. His depredations were gener-
ally committed under some disguise, which he supposed effectually
concealed his identity', though he was often betrayed by his voice or
some other tell-tale circumstance.'

Tiobbius' death Avas hailed with a great deal of relief by the peojile
of vStaten Island, for there was a constant fear that life and property
were in danger. It is said that his grave was several times marked
by stones bearing inscri])tions relative to the life he had lived; but
within a few days after each stone was erected it disappeared mys-
teriously under the cover of darkness. At last all effoi't to mark the
gi*ave was abandoned, probably because of the death of the person
who had attempted thus to perpetuate his tainted memory.

Abraham and Peter Prall, pi'osperous farmers, resided near Chel-
sea. The house in which the foi'mer resided still stands on the Chel-
sea road, a short distance from Eichmond turnpike, although con-
siderably modernized. Chelsea road at that time was little better
than a private lane leading to these residences from the main road
and passing through dense woods.

The present representatives of the family cherish a story to the
effect that —

On one occasion a man who was indebted to Abraham Prall called
on him and paid him a considerable sum in gold. The next evening
the family were surin-ised by the approach of two men, who were evi-
dently disguised. Their errand was at once suspected, and the old
man had just time enough to take the money he had received out of
the cupboard, in which he had deposited it, and put it into his pockets.

When the strangers entered the house one of them presented a pis-
tol and said.,

" Prall, we know you have money; so deliver it up at once."

He was very much alarmed, and his wife, perceiving his agitation,
said,

" Father, don't be alar»ned; these men are our neighbors."

She had detected the speaker by his voice, and knew him to be the
same person who had i^aid the money the previous evening, and had
seen it deposited in the cupboard.

" Do you suppose," said the old man, " that I am so unwise as to
keep any large sum of money in my house in times like these? "

1 Robbins was very brutal in his nature, and Ijy a clause in her will, which was dated Janu-

several murders, committed on Slati-n Island ary 10th, 17S0, and in which she bequeathes to

and even in New Jersey, were chargeable to her daughter, Mary Robbins. the sum of £40,

him. There were several members of his gang viz.: "' So as never to be in the power or at the

of which he was the acknowledjied leader. command of Nathaniel Robbins, her present

• * * The opinion which the widow Merrill. husband."— Tfai/moiid Tyson's Historical Skctchea

his wife's mother, held of him is plainly told of Stateii Island.

306 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

They took him at his word, and the cupboard was the first place
visited. The rest of the house was also searched, but without success.
They theu turued to go; but directed the old mau to go before them
through the hiue to the public road. The path through the woods
was intensely dark, aud he managed, as he went along, to drop the
guineas, one by one, upon the ground, until by the time they had
reached the highway he had none remaining in his pockets. Plere
another effort was made to compel him to tell what he had done ^\'ith
it; but all the reply they could extort from him was, " The money I
had in my house yesterday is not now in my possession."

I'rall was then searched, and made to solemnly swear that he would

never divulge the circumstances of their visit, nor mention any names

he might suspect. The oath, by no means obligatoi-y, he scrupulously

kept. The next morning he retraced his steps of the previous night,

and picked up every piece of his money.

* »'* * « * «*

In "Clute's Annals" we find the following account of an incident,
which the author claimed was told him in person by an old man, then
in his ninetieth year. From inquiry we are led to believe that it was
old :Mr. Housman, who, during the early part of the present century,
resided in the Black Horse Tavern, at New Dorp:

(_)ne afternoon, late in the fall, two British officers, on horse-back,
rode into his barn-yard, and having dismounted, entered the barn,
and seeing two horses in their stalls, peremptorily ordered him to
take them out and jnit theirs in. They then directed him to see that
their beasts were well fed and otherwise cared for. Prom there they
went into the house, and ordered the mistress to show them her best
room. This being done, they proceeded to the upper part of the house,
and after lia\ iiig examined every apartment, selected one, and direct-
ed her to incjiare two beds in that room, and to see that they wei'e
clean and coniforlable in all respects, and tiiat the best room was fur-
nished wit li everything suitable for the accommodation of gentlemen.
They tlien desceTided into tlie cellar, and examined the family stores
there and in tlie ont-liouses. Having ascertained the conveniences of
the place, t iiey oidcred their supper to be prepared and served in the
best room, informing her that they intended to reside there for some
time, and expected to have their meals served regularly every day
when they were at home. Tliey brought no luggage with them except
wliat was contained in two large valises strapped to their saddles.

Tliey rem.-iined in thai house until spring. Their clothes were
lliniw II out cvny week to be washed, and by their order a supply of
fire-wood was constantly ready at their door. They did not always
take the trouble to ])ut the wood on their own fire, frequently calling
on some one of the family to do it for them. One of them was a Tory
olTicer from Amboy. the other was an Englishman. Said the old man,
" Tlie\- lorded if over our house for th.'it wliole wintin'. and all we had

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

307

to do was to obey tlieui. There was no use in complaining or remon-
strating. If we bad (lone so we woubl bare been requited witb a
curse and a blow of tbeir swords. I felt like poisoning tbem, and
verilv believe I sbould bave done so if it bad not been for fear of tbe
consequences. Tbey left us as unceremoniously as tbey came, witb-
out even a ' thank vou ' or a ' good-bve." "

The story is told of a young woman, tbe daughter of a farmer resid-
ing in tbe vicinity of Fresh Kills [(Jreeu Kidge], while engaged one
morning in boiling soap, two British soldiers entei'ed tbe kitchen
and ordered her to prepare breakfast for tbem; she declined to do so.
as she was otherwise engaged, and could not leave her employment to
oblige anybody.

This reidy excited tbeir wrath, and one of them approached her
with an intention of striking her. Seizing a large dipper, she filled it
witb the boiling liquid and dashed it at him. Perceiving berintention,
he wheeled suddenly ai-oimd and thus saved bis face; but received
tbe whole charge upon tbe back of bis head and neck. His compan-
ion, fearing a similar reception, es-
ca])ed as quickly as possible; but the
scalded ruffian, in endeavoring to re-
move tbe hot soap, took all the hair off
witb it. and left tbe back of his bead

bald ever after.

■» * * *

A farmer, whose name has long been
forgotten, residing in " tbe Clove."
Dear tbe present settlement known as
Concord, left his home one day in
charge of bis wife and a seventeen-
year-old son. It was after dark be-
fore tbe son completed bis work about
the barn; but just as he was coming
out he saw a soldier enter the lunise
witb a musket in his band. Before
be had time to reach the bouse be
heard bis mother shrieking for help.
He rushed forward, and, as be entered,

saw the soldier holding his mother by tbe throat witb his left hand,
while his right was drawn back to strike her.

When tbe soldier entered, he placed his musket by tbe side of tbe
door in the passage; the son seized it, and, at tbe risk of shooting bis
mother, levelled it at the ruffian's head and sent a ball crashing
through his brain, killing him on tbe spot. But there was still cause
for alarm. If tbe shot had been heard, and should attract any pei-son
to tbe spot, an exposure must necessarily follow and tbe lad would

(iRAVF, OF JANE, WIFE OF COLONEL
CHRISTOPHER BILLOPP AND DAUGH-
TER OF .JUDGE BENJAMIN SEAMAN,
IN ST. JOHN CEMETERY, PROVINCE
OF NEW BRUNSWICK.

308 HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND.

be executed, for no circumstnuces would be admitted as justification
for killiiiii- ii British soldier.

Furtuuatelv, Jiowever. the noise had not been heard, or at least had
attracted no attention. All that could now be done was to conceal
the body of the soldier until the return of the husband and father in
the morniuo-. Thi.s was done by dragging it under the stairs, where
it was not likely to be seen by any person but themselves. The next
morning, when the farmer returned, he removed a part of his barn
floor, under which he dug a grave; and after dark, the evening follow-
ing, the body was thrown into it, and the musket also, and buried,
and there they probably remain to this day. The family kept their
secret until after the evacuation of the Island by the British.

********

It is refreshing to recall an incident that reflects credit upon any
of those who wore the British uniform on Staten Island during those
dark days. It will be remembered that the majority of the English,
of all ranks, regarded the colonists as physically, intellectually and
morally inferior to themselves. In their social intercourse with them,
as well as their plundering, they made but little distinction between
" loyalists " and '• rebels." But there were some exceptions. Among
the ofhcers of the British army were some who were gentlemen by ua-
lure and by culture, and a few were eminently pious men, who found
no difficulty in reconciling their obligations to their King with their
duty to their .Maker. These two latter classes were ever ready to lis-
ten to t lie (•nuii)laints of the oppressed, and as far as lay in their pow-
er, to redress the wrongs of the injured. Of this class was Captain
Jdliii Yoke, of whom the following anecdote has been preserved:

" He was billeted upon a farmer in the vicinity for some two or
thi-ce months, and. unlike many other officers, regularly paid for his
boiird and lodging. A few days after he had removed his quarters the
fiirmer went to him and informed liim that during the previous night
his house had been entered and robbed of a sum of money, and that
he suspected that it had been done by soldiers, because beneath the
Avindow through wiiich tlie liouse had been entered, and which had
been left open, he liad found a button, by means of which, perhaps,
the culjirits might be detected.

" The captain look the button and promised to give the matter his
immediate attention. The button indicated the regiment as well as
llir comitany to which the loser of it belonged. During the parade
liiat same day. the captain closely scrutinized the company indicated,
and found a soldier with a button missing on the front of his coat.

.M'ici- i),iiade he communicated his suspicions to the colonel of the
ifginK III. iiml the soldier was sent for. When he arrived, the colonel,
using ii little artifice, informed him that he suspected him of being im-
plicated in a drunken brawl the night before at a tavern a mile or two
distiint. This the soldier denied, saying that he could prove he was

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 309

nowhere near that ta\ei'u, or even in tliat direction, during the night
previous.

" Were you out la>?t night? " inquired the colonel.

" Well — yes," answered the soldier; " but not in that direction."

" Where were you? "

" In various places; but not at the tavcru."

" By whom can 3'ou jtrove that you were not at the tavern? "

The name of another soldier was mentioned, and the colonel sent
for him. When he arrived, he corroborated all the first had said,
adding that they two had been together all the night.

" Then," said the colonel, " you are the two burglars who entered

the house of Mr. through a window last night, and robbed him of

tw'entj- guineas. Lay down the money upon this table, or you shall
both be executed for burglary and robbery."

The affrighted soldiers, taken by surprise, confessed their crime,
and each placed ten guineas upon the table. What punishment was
meted out to the culi)rits is not related; but Captain Yoke had the
satisfaction of returning the money to the owner thereof in less than
twenty-four hours after it had been stolen.

The Colonial records tell of a man named Taylor, who came from
New York and took up his abode on Staten Island, for the purpose of
trading with the English vessels. This he did for months openly
and in defiance of all the cautions he had received by means of anony-
mous letters, which he openly exhibited in public places, and held up
to ridicule. He defied any power which the " rebels " possessed to
prevent his doing as he pleased in the matter of trading with the
shii)s.

One very dark and stormy night, five men entered Taylor's dwell-
ing unannounced. They were all disguised, and while a part of them
seized and bound him, the remainder performed the same service for
his wife. With pistols at their heads, they were cautioned to make
no outcry. Having secured Taylor, they led him to his own barn, put
a noose around his neck, threw the rope over one of the beams, and
hoisted him from the floor by his neck; then having fastened the rope
to a post, left him and went their way.

Taylor's wife, hearing the men depart, apprehended something se-
rious had occurred, and made most desperate efforts to loose the
thongs which bound her, and finally succeeded. Fortunately, a light-
ed lantern stood in an adjoining room, whicii she seized and ran into
the barn, where she found her worst apprehensions realized by seeing
her husband struggling in the agonies of death.

Finding she could not untie the knot around the manger-post, she
found a hatchet, with which she cut tlie rope and let him down upon
the floor. Having removed the noose around his neck, and finding
him insensible, she ran to a neighboring liouse for assistance, and at

310 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

lenj^tli succeeded in restoring liim to consciousness. Two or three
days iifterward Taylor removed back to New York, and was accom-
panied by a guard of soldiers all the way to the city.

»"* * * » « » »

At some time between the cessation of actual hostilities and the
evacuation of the Island by the British, the following interesting inci-
dent is said to have occui'red:

There were many ships of war lying at anchor in various parts of
the harbor, mostly in the vicinity of the city; there were some, how-
ever, which lay in, and even beyond the Narrows, and these were
anchored as near the shor(>s of Long and Staten Islands, as could safe-
ly be done, for the convenience of easy access to the land in all condi-
tions of the weather, in order that the officers might obtain supplies
of butter, vegetables, etc., from the farms in the vicinity.

One day a boy, about seventeen years of age, was in search of some
stray cattle in the woods near the water, [presumably in the vicinity
of what is now known as AiTocliar] and saw a ship's boat with two
sailors a]i]u-oaching. Supposing he might as well keep ottt of their
sight in that solitary place, he concealed himself behind a large tree;
he saw them land, and while one of them remained in charge of the
boat, the other, with a basket in his hand, entered the wood. After
having ju-oceeded a few rods, until he was out of sight of his compan-
ion, and everybody else, as he su])posed, he took off his coat, knelt
down at the foot of a large, gnarled tree, and, with an instrument re-
sembling a mason's trowel, dug a hole in the earth, and having de-
posited something therein, carefully tilled the hole again Avith earth,
and laid a large, flat stone upon it. This done, he arose to his feet,
and took a long and careful survey of the surroundings, then pro-
ceeded on his way.

The youth kept in his place of concealment for two ftill hours, when
he saw th(> sailor returning with his basket apparently filled with
vegetables. He passed by the place w'here he had dug the hole, scru-
tinized it closely, and returned to the ship. Asstiring himself that
the coast was clear, the young man went to the place, reopened the
hole, and found therein a heavy canvas bag, evidently containing, as
111' jnilgcd Ity its sound, a iiuantity of money. Securing the prize,
ami wiilioni waiting to refill the hole, he hastened away, and found
sonic oiliip jilnce of (]e])osit, known only to himself.

A il.iy or I wo thereafter posters were put iii) in every public place,
olVi linL; ;i hirge 7-eward for the rernvery of three hundred guineas.
wliiili hail hiM'u stolen from one of ITis Majesty's ships, being the
|no|"'rty of the govii-nnicni. and an additional reward for the detec-
tion of (ho lliief; ))u( tin- boy kept his own counsel. The theft occa-
sioncil ;i gooil donl of talk at tlie time; but it was soon forgotten in the
excitemmt ronsequent njion the declaration of peace . mil tho i)rrpara-
lions for till' ili'iiarturo of llic P.rilisli from the country.

HISTORY OF STATEX ISLAND. 311

For nearly four years the yoimg luau kept bis own secret, at which
time he had attained his majority; and then, when he purchased a
farm for himself, and paid for it, did he first reveal, to his parents
only, the manner in which he obtained his means.

Throughout the period in which Staten Island was directly affected
by the war — that is, from July, 17TG, to November, 1782 — the British
maintained a number of lookout and signal stations here. "At one
time," says a writer of that period, " a sentinel was placed in the top
of a large chestnut tree which grew upon the summit of the Island,
about a mile from a small wooden [Moravian] church, which stood
near the King's highway." -

The sentinel in the tree Avas provided with a platform upon which
to stand, and signals to elevate upon a pole lashed to the highest limb
of the tree. The position was a perilous one in a heavy wind, and pe-
culiarly so during a thunder stonn. It is said that on one occasion a
soldier on duty in the tree was overtaken by a severe thunder storm.
The ladder attached to the tree was blown down, and the soldier
could not escape in safety. " When the storm had passed away his
bodj' was found on the ground beneath the tree, with his neck broken;
and certain livid marks on his person, together Avith the condition of
the tree itself, indicated that he had been stncken by lightning and
fallen to the ground. About a month afterward another stcu'm
passed over the same locality, and the lookout descended as quickly
as possible; but he had no sooner reached the ground than the tree
was again struck, and he was killed at its foot.-'' After that the place
of lookout was changed, and brought doAvn the hill nearer the church,
probably in the vicinity of the site of the light-house. The following
season the tree was again struck and riven to splinters."

Professor Charles Anthon, who resided on the Island about <ifty
years ago, began the work of writing a history of the place. The
work was never completed, howcA-er; but all those Avho have come
later and have attempted to perform the same Avork, liaA'e profited
very materially by his efforts. Professor Anthon interviewed a num-
ber of old citizens AA^ho Avere witnesses to those stormy scenes that
filled the struggling years of the Avar, and from his AA'ritings we quote:

From a conversation with Captain Blake, March 15th, 1851: He was
about thirteen years old Avhen the British landed. It Avas three or
four days before any of them Avere seen Avhere he lived. Then four

2 There is a tradition conflrmator.v of this Jersey beyond, in another.— PresfOK's Historii of

statement, which said that the British liept liirhnwiid County.

a numljer of soldiers on top of Todt Hiil to :J The tree in question stood about where the

guard the road and to lieep a looljout o%'er the residence of Mr. David J. Tysen is located, it

land and water. From the locality indicated being the highest point on the Island. Accord-

this might have been done very easily, for it ing to tradition, the Indians utilized the same

commands a view of the outer bay and Sandy spot for a lookout for very many years.
Hook in one direction, and the Kills, and New

312

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

v,*Hl there wasi a
iltW Court, a kiud

GUYOX, lilt 1>K. KPHRAIM CLARK, siaM^
HOMKSTKAI), NKW DORP; ERK.CT- j ^^gS ^
KD 1071. P^^ ^

siildiers caiuc aloiig aud said they wanted sometliiug to eat. When
ihcv had tiuished they each threw down a half-dollar, to the j>reat
surjirise of tlie people. The soldiers in ^eueral behaved at first very
Avell, payinji for everything tiiat they took; but Avhen they came back
from Jersey they stole everything they could lay their hands on. The
currency used was iiiimi])ally English. Dollars passed for 4s. (M.

Tli(» soldiers vrere
very liberal. All the
v a cant buildings
"\Aere occupied by
i^ them. At E y e r s'
g [P o r t Richmond],
Fives'
of
uame at which the
--i-=aac^ Ih'itish officers spent
g^ a great deal of time
During
this time a man by
the name of Hous-
niaii (i(( ii]iicd I he old Dongan manor Jiouse. He once saw two Hes-
sians receive two lunulred lashes apiece. The Forty-second Regiment
lay in Bodine's orchard [West New Briglitou]. They were Scotch
and wore the Highland uniform. The Hatfields were all robbers.
There were several brothers of them. They frequently brought over
thirty or forty head of cattle from Jersey to the British. On one oc-
casion the.y threw a man into a hog-pen and required him to eat corn.
On Jiis refusal to do so. they took him out aud hammered his toe-nails
oft'. Decker's [a Tory guide] house was on the site of the Port Rich-
mond Hotel [now the St. James]. At the time of the invasion under
Sullivan the Americans burned it.^ The Dutch church was burned on
the same occasion. ('a])taiu Blake's father was crossing the mill-
dam, and when lie reached Ihe ^\■est side he came all at once among
tlif Americans. They remained there until the British troops ap-
pealed with light-horse. They fired and killed a light-horseman, then
ran away through the woods like so many frightened horses.

1 iiiii\ icw with i;c\. Dr. 1. I'. Van Pelt, of the Port Richmond Ee-
rornied Dutch ("liurrli, June ."tth, IS.")!: A man stopped at his house
about the year ISOt, he (Ik'u living in the Port Richmond Hotel.
'I'lial man snid lie was in I lie engagement at the Dutch Church. The
wcallirr \\;is (-(dd, lini the heat of Ihe ;icti(m caused them to sweat
profusely. The chnicli. which was like a haystack in form, was com-
pletely riddled by b.ills. When ihe war broke ont there were two
other Dutch (hnreiies on the Island, one in NVestfield, aud another

4 Tills Is !iii irn.i-. l.iml Sliilins. in liis
nlllcliil roport Id Gpnoriil WMslilii!;(on, stiitos

that Duckor's house w.Ts destro.ved at the time
nf liis (Stirling's) invasion of the Island.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 313

at TJichmoud. The latter had just been coiiipleted when the war
broke out.^ It was a frame buildiug, and the JJritish used it gradually
up for fire wood. Judge Micheau [Mersereau] was a witness to this;
but was afraid to say anytliing. lest he should be suspected of disaf-
fection. The few who remained on the Island who were attached to
the American cause, belonged generally to the Dutch Church. Many
persons living here professed attachment to the British, but secretly
sent ver}' valuable information to (General Washington. A Mr. La-
tourette was engaged in caiTying wood to the city during the bad
winter of 1779-SO, as long as a passage remained open, and would of-
ten enable American officers detained as prisoners in the Sugar House
jirison to escape. It was necessary for everyone who wished to leave
the city to jiresent himself to General Howe for permission to do so.
Latourette would go before the General with those officers in disguise,
and sav, " General, 1 have brought you a fine load of wood and am go-
ing directly down for more; I have some countrymen here who would
like to go with me." The General would give them a hasty look and
.say, " Let tliem all pass." Then they would go aboard the boat and
make sail for Staten Island. At the mouth of the Kills an amied
vessel was stationed to examine all boats that passed; but Latourette,
being well known, was allowed to pass without examination, under
the plea that he was in a hurry to bring another load of wood to Gen-
eral Howe. So, having the oificers secreted in his vessel, he was able
to land them safely where they could easily effect their escape.

Interview Avith Mrs. Bird, (ninety-one years of age), November 22d,
1851 : She was fifteen years old when the British landed. They landed
mostly at Yixn Buskirk's dock. The first she saw of the British was
a body of Highlanders, who came marching up into the Clove, (where
she was living), from the direction of \'au Duzer's ferry, in quest of
lodging. Some of them were quartered in her father's barn. She
lived with her adoi)ted father, Thomas Seaman, wliose house at that
time was the first one on the left, as you turn out of the Clove road
into the Little Clove. General Knyphauseu was a very fine looking
man, and used to ride a fine white horse. The Hessians wei'e all fine
looking men. Their dress was nearly all blue, and both dress and
accoutrements wei*e very heavy. During the war the people along
the North Shore did not dare to burn lights at night, even in case of
sickness or otlier extreme need, lest they should be suspected of show-
ing signals to the rebels. People in general had to be very discreet,
and keep their mouths shut.

Interview with Isaac Simonson, (ninety years of age), December
26th, 1851 : At the time of the Eevolution, General Howe, within a

5 If this be true, the Dutch church destroyed prior to the Kevolution the Dutch established

by the British was tlie second edifice in Rich- n lumse of worship iu Cucliiestown, which,

raond beiongiuf; to that dcuominatiou, for it is early iu the eighteenth century, was named

a well-established fact that very many years Kidimond, and became the county seat.

314 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

lew (lays after landing, employed Isaac Decker, a noted man and a
great friend of the British, who was a captain of the light horse, to
go all over the Island and direct the farmers who were willing to
dispose of their cattle or sheep, of which there were a great number
on the island, to drive them to the watering place. None were taken
by force, ^^■hen the farmers had brought them they were all paid
by the officer wdiose duty it w^as to attend to that business. When
those cattle arrived at the watering place they were turned into the
fields of the " Glebe," among the young oats and wheat, and mowing
grass, (iuai-ds were stationed to watch them, as the fences were all
destroyed, not a rail being left in three months. At that time things
were very cheap. After the British came prices more than doubled.
* * * After the Revolution all about the quarantine grounds was
commons. Judge Seaman owned a large tract of land in the ]Manor,
oil' which he sold the wood. Toward the latter part of the Kevolu-
tion he had teams cutting and carting there. The inhabitants com-
monly worked on the roads on Saturdays. One very warm day Mi*.
Simonson remembered w'orking in company with others on the road
t lint runs down from Four Corners to the north side, when Colonel
Billo])p and Judge Seaman came along, riding on horseback. They
stopped and chatted with the road-master, and gave something to
the men, as was then customary,'' but the men were dissatisfied with
the smallness of the gift. * * * The night when Hatfield ' and
his party burned the church in Elizabethtown they came back and
had a meeting in a large mill in I'ort Kichmond. They went in there
and Hatfield preached a sermon, and prayed like a minister. Hilli-
ker bought this old mill, which was a large building containing a
dwelling home, and had two runs of stone. It afterwards caught
fire and burned down. Hilliker built a smaller one in place of it,
and that was burned, after which another was built. Daniel Seller
was a great friend to the American cause. He was almost the first
settler at Fayetteville, and built a public house there and cleared
aAvay the woods during the Hevolution. Colonel Aaron Cartelyou kept
a st"ni-i' whci-e Edward Taylor since lived. It was this store that
ilir n.'uio Anthony IS'eal broke into, or was accused of breaking into.
and was hung for the olfens*'.''

Interview with Peter W:nidel. January 8th, ISoS: When the British
(ii-st landed on the Island lliey destroyed all the fences, and when they
went lo .leisey proclamation was made to put I hem nji again; but
when iliey ivturn(Ml they destroyed them again. The forts aban-

-ILK .usi,,,,, liicvailc'd as long as the T The name is spelled sometimes Hetfleld,

svHtem of Indlserlmluate ^-ork on the publle and sometimes Ha. field. The Hatfields now

• „„ ,, ,, , residing in Nortlilield are direct descendants

roads conlln.ied. The writer reeails many In- ^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^^.^^^ ^,,_^^ j^^.^,^, property which his

slances where men were thus worI<lng, being f,,ti,pr |pft to Cornelius nalfield. in Northfleld.

stopped and asked to " donate money for re- ^^.^j. ,|..,„,fp,.,.,,,i to his brother in-law to pre-

freshmenls." It was Ilnaliy al)andoned wlim ^.,,|H |,j; uiscalion.

llie present county roads system wi-n( into s .\ record under date of Pd'ember 1st,

..(Tp^.t. ITS'.i. ronlalns ilie following a<-c(nnit :

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 315

ddiicd by the British were never occupied by American soldiers. The
buildings that were in them were afterward gradually removed.
Some were barracks, and in the fort at the Narrows there was a
magazine under ground, made of timbers very close together, like a
wall. This was built a year or two before the end of the war. After
the evacuation of New York City by the British they made no stay
on the Island. They left things here in a very damaged state. All
was commons about the quarantine grounds. Cornelius Hatfield was
a noble looking fellow, but capable of doing almost anything. He
was. probably, not under General Skinner's command, but a kind of
commander himself. He ought to have been hung. He. however,
went to Nova Scotia after the war. Smith Hatfield was a great
bully. The refugee post on Bergen Point was opposite to Port Kich-
mond. There was a whole company there. * * * When (len-
eral Stirling came to the Island, Peter Wandel, then a youth, served
in the fort that stood near the reservoir at Fort Hill, New Brighton,
as a volunteer for the occasion. For this his father gave him a good
whipping. Stirling could have taken all the forts in half an hour,
had he known their weakness and scantiness of provisions and ammu-
nition. But instead of doing this he strung his troops all over the
Island. They were extended all along the heights, the snow being
four feet deep, and the weather intensely cold. The light horse went
along the North Shore in pursuit of them, and took some prisoners,
but not many. No reinforcements came to the forts that day; but
subsequently two hundred sleighs came down, and Ned Beatty, one of
the Hatfield gang, availed himself of the oppoi'tunity to bring down
a barrel of rum. * * « Wandel, when a boy, Avent to school to
]Mr. Eogers, in a small, one-story house that stood just above the Port
Ivichmond church; afterward taught by Mr. Kiley, and moved to a
point near the dock. His father's house was a short distance east of
the Sung Harbor site. He stood at the door of his father's house and
saw Hatfield's party engaged in hanging Ball on a tree on Peter Bus-
kirk's farm. The night the British arrived his family was up in
the Clove, his father having removed them all thither through fear
of the troops; but being assured of safety they all returned the next
day. The British turned their horses in upon the growing crops on
the farm. No compensation was ever received for it. At that time

'• To Richard Scarret for digging a Grave Goal, for Going to New Xorii wlien lie was ap-

fO 10 0. prehended, for Fetching him from New York,

'• To Lewis Dey for Boarding the Carpenters Making the Gallows & Executing of Anthony

when repairing the County House & Build- Cornish, for Expence of Apprehending of sd

lug the Gallows it furnished 100 shingles 1 Cornish at New Yorli, Goal costs £1G 16 0."

Bushel of Lime a pair of hinges & For fetch- It is also claimed that the prisoner had

ing Anthony Cornish [alias Neal] from New murdered a man on board of a vessel lying In

York Goal, etc., etc., £6 0. the Sound. There is no perfect record of

" To Lewis R.verss (then sheriff) for two either crime. The scene of the execution U

locks for the Goal, for going to New Y'ork for the site of the public school building in Rich-

to Report Anthony Cornishes Escape from niond village.

:UG

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

old van duzkr homestead, tomt
kixsville; recently demolished.

there were not over nine houses between \'an Duzer's and Kichmond.

When the fleet came uj) to Prince's
Bay the children all went up into the
garrets to look out to see the ships
come in. All the people in the neigh-
borhood immediately got fresh provi-
sions ready and killed great numbers
of their young cattle. The English
came ashore to purchase these arti-
cles.

After the ships had come to at qtiar-
antine, the sailors took the sails off,
ami made tents of them for some of
the soldiers. The encampment ex-
tended from New Brighton to Stapleton. In all the space occupied
by them, in a short time there was not a blade of grass to be seen.
Everything was trodden down by the troops, who were kept " forever
marking time." Before the arrival of the main body of troops three
vessels kejit cruising in the waters about Staten Island. At
this time there were on the Island a body of New England troops
stationed at the Narrows, and another of Virginia riflemen, among
whom were some men sixty years of age. These were billeted among
the farmers on the North side. The British vessels stopped at the
Watering place to get water one day, the " Savage " [British man-
of-war] lying quite close to the shore, while six or seven t)f her men
were engaged in getting water. The Virginia riflemen heard of it,
ajid taking Peter Wauilel's father for a guide, started for the spot.
Tlicy ruslied upon the sentinel so suddenly that he had not time to
fire before he was seized and niad<' a ]>risoner. ,\s they continued the
course down the hill they were seen from the sloojt and fired ujion by
those on board. The riflemen ]»rotected themselves behind rocks and
trees as well as they could, and none were hurt by the Are. The men
wliu were getting water ran into the stream up to their chins; but
being ordered to come out under a penalty of death, tlu'y obeyed, and
all were taken prisoners. One of the men on board the "Savage"
went ii]i into the " i-oiind lop" with a blunderbuss, but the riflemen
sliol him off. 'IMie Bi'itish wei-e prevented from getting water on this
occasion. On the American side none were injured except Ned Beatty,
who lieani tiie flring and took a walk over the hill to see what was
going on. He was struck ity a spent ball, but without receiving any
serious wdnnd. * » * Dminu (he war little ''bush shops" were
rrei|urut all o\(T till' island. Tlieii' wlinle stock in trade consiste<l
cif rnin anil a gill cuii. The latlcr Inning lU) handh^. the deali^"
would jiut his I hnuili in it lo hold on by. ami ;it tli(> same time lessen
I III' ipiant ity leipiired to till il .

Inlir\ii'\\ with old Mr. 1 tisiisw ;i\-. Derember iMith, 1S.~>(): There

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 317

was an encampment of British soldiers in Edwards' orchard [the old
Dougau manor] on the shore road corner toward New Brighton. In
making excavations while erecting one of the buildings on the prop-
erty an entire skeleton was dug up. From time to time several bas-
kets full of bones have been uncovered at the same place. It was the
ctistom to send the invalid soldiers of the British army to Staten
Island. There was another encampment at Belmont's Hill, where
the Hessians lived under ground. * * * Judge Kyerss [of Eyerss'
ferry] was Disosway's grandfather. He made a fortune out of the
British. He was a contractor for supplies to the British troops. The
Americans would drive their cattle over from Jersey to be sold.
These would be kept at the slaughter house, which was near Bard's.
Tlie Americans would come over in the night, steal the cattle and
sell them again to Kyerss, who never said anything. He was a man
of large size and great business tact. His first wife was killed by
fright at the landing of the British.

Interview with Mrs. Blake, who had been a Miss Merrill: She was
born near Bull's Head. There were a number of Americans who
came over from the Jersey shore one day, and were merry making
at a drinking house, [old Bull's Head Tavern, the Tory headquar-
ters]. An English ohicer who was stopping at her father's house
appeared at dinner with his ruflles all bloody. He explained that
he had killed half a dozen drunken Americans. She recollected see-
ing a negro woman covering one dead body with brush.

Interview with Peter Jacobsen, October 18th, 1851: His grandfa-
ther. Christian Jacobsen, was killed in his own home by the British.
Four soldiers came at night, when he was in bed. They entered the
kitchen and aroused the blacks, demanding to know where their
master kept his money, and threatened to kill them if they did not
tell. An old black woman passed by a secret route to the room of her
master and aroused him. He opened the kitchen door and asked what
the noise was about, whereupon one of the soldiers returned some
insolent reply and at the same time fired upon him. The ball en-
tered his side and he died in a few hours. The soldiers were made
known to the officers, and the man who did the firing was hung.

CHAPTER XXXIV.

THE AMERICAN LOYALISTS.

\ I lie great distance of time, wliile tlie silken furls of tlie
Stiirs and Stripes and the old British standard greet eac-h
other daily along the shores of Stateu Island, and ceinnion
interests govern the two great nations which they repre-
sent as perhaps none others are governed, we approach this subject
with a spirit of prolouiid fairness, ^\'e shall deal with it only as a
matter of history, with no desire to reawaken the animosities and
sectional hatred that were; left as a legacy of the Revolution.

Nations, as well as individuals, are creatures of circumstances.
The people of Staten Island had lived for more than a century as
subjects to the English government, and the word loyalty to them
had no other meaning than honest friendship for England's king and
English institutions. In fact the social and political leaders of
Staten Island were fit representatives of royalty, and the people were
taught to be subservient, under all circumstances, to whatever meas-
ure the parent government thought proper to impose.

It is safe to assume that the people of no other section of the coun-
try ^\ere similarly situated. They were threatened with death and
loss of property by the Americans if they should favor the British
cause, and they were met with the same condition of affairs by the
British should they favor the rebellion and aid the Americans.^ No
wonder they hesitated to cast their fortunes with either side under
those trying circumstances! Scores of leading citizens, however,
when the news came from Bunkei- Flill. decided to strike a bloAv for
liberty, and many enrolled themselves in the cause of freedom. But
when the magnificent army of the king took possession of the Island,
and glittering promises were held out, and vengeance threatened if
they failed lo .-iccci)!. they reasoned that it was discretion to remain
loyal to England .iiid its cause. How different would have been their
I>osi(ion in history had the British arms been successful!

Some liglit may be thrown upon this subject by the following ex-
tran IVom a letter addr(>ssed by Governor Tryon to "Christopher

1 Tiirles who wpro so strong In their senti- waiiike transactions, fled to the Island as an
nuMils as to make a residence among the asylum from the appeals of their active Whig
friends of Indeiiendcnee undesirable, were fre- neighhors. Sullivan, in his raid on the Island,
quently coming over to the Island to join the claimed to have taken twenty-eight Tories la
British urniy or to take advantage of Its pro- .-iddition to his other trophies: but the de-
tection. Some Quakers, whose peculiar prin- counts from the other side represent that they
clples forbid tlieir taking any active part in wcie not Tories but peaeeaole Quakers."

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

319

Billopp, Esq., Colonel of .Alilitia of Kiclimond County, Staten Island,"
dated Mar 19tb, 1777, which appeared in Riciiigtoii's Gazette on June
9th, with the annexed remarks by the editor of that paper:

" It is my earnest recommendation, that the inhabitants of Rich-
mond County, who had the first opportunity of testifying their loyalty
to the Prince, and fidelity to the British constitution, on the arrival
of the King's troops, and which was most graciously accepted by his
Majesty, should, on this occasion, eagerly follow the approved ex-
ample of the militia of Kings County, by liberally raising a sum of
money for the comfort and encouragement of the Provincial troops
raised in this province. I enclose the foi-m of the instrument which
is adopted for the inhabitants of the city and county to subscribe;
copies of which will be sent to Queens and Suffolk counties, for a
similar purpose. Any suggestions of fears and apprehensions from
circumstances of situation, must, and assuredly will be construed into
a lukewarmness at this crisis, to the king and the old constitution.
Therefore, let the loyal subjects now distinguish themselves by free

THE OLD AUSTIN .M.\XSIUN, OVKKLUOKING THE NAKUOWS, .VT CLIFTUX.

donations, and dare the worst from men who have struck at the root
of their liberty and proi^erty."

The Gazette also contains the following editorial remarks on the
subject:

" We have the pleasure to inform the Public, that the loyal inhabi-
tants of Staten Island have already subscribed Five Hundred Pounds
for the Encouragement of the Provincial Corps of this Colony,
and transmitted the same to our worthy (lovernor, to be ap-
plied to that laudable Purpose. The Subscription in other Parts
meets with great Success among his Majesty's loyal Subjects, both in
this City and County, and in the Counties upon Long Island, almost

320 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

every oue being desirous to give this Test of Loyalty and Love of
constitutional Freedom. Trimmers and some doubtful Characters,
it is expected, will be made manifest upon this occasion, and of course
be properly noticed."

In connection with this we notice that in March, 1779, Sir Henry
Clinton, by proclamation, gave permission to any loyal subjects of the
king to enclose and cultivate for their own benefit portions of the
cleared woodlands and other uncultivated lands of persons who had
left their homes on 8taten Island and Long Island, and were not
under the i^rotection of the government, and such loyal subjects were
also permitted to erect temporary habitations upon such lauds.

Immediatelj- after the encampment of the British army here,
Staten Island became practically the headquarters for tories. A
band of desperadoes was orgnni/A'd, with Captain Cornelius Hatfield
as the leader. There were more than a hundred men under his com-
iiiainl. Some writers claim that he had fully three hundred. He
was gi\cn a roving commission and held accountable only to the
comma uder-in-chief. lie established his headquarters in the old
Bull' s Head Tavern, in Northfield, (destroyed by fire a few years
since), while one of his Lieutenants, A'au Buskirk, occupied a build-
ing, still standing, but remodeled, opposite the Woodrow ^I. E.
Church. The devilish deeds which the Hatfields and their compan-
ions committed will forever blacken their memory. [Murder, robbery
and arson were their delight. Men, women and children were their
victims. Nothing was too sacred to escape their fiendish practices.
Old friends had no claim upon their mercy. Day and night they
prowled over the Island, committing depredations upon persons and
property which they had on tlieir " black list," until they became a
terror to all those with whtim they were not immediately connected.

It is due to tliis subject and to tlie peojde whom it affects, how-
ever, that this chapter be not treated other than with the profoiindest
consideration and fairness. Hence we appeal for assistance and guid-
ance to the faithful historians of the trying times in which the
American Loyalists acted their part in the great political drama. -

"Of the reasons which influenced, of hopes and fears w'hich agitated,
and of the miseries and rewards which awaited the Loyalists; or, as
they were called in the politics of the time, the ' Tories ' — of the Amer-
ican Kevolution, but little is known." Such are the words of Sabine,
ill liis history of I lie American Loyalists. "The best intellect, the

2 The war, brougbt thus to thoir very doors, nor which p.nrty might presently be in the

had wrought a groat change In the society of ascendant. With the vast host of disciplined

the town. A large number of the best men troops on Staten Island, the very flower of the

of the place had taken up arms, either in the British army, and daily increasing in numbers

mllltia, or in the service of Congress, and so by the arrival of reinforcements, the tories

were of uncertain residence. Intercourse be- liad great reason to expect to be shortly re-

tween families had become much more re- stored to their homes and estates, and In

8erv<'d, as no one liuew at wliat time lie might turn to vex and dispossess their patriot neigh-

bc betrayed to the one or the other party, hors.—llitfiild's Uistori/ of Elizabeth.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 321

best iiifdiiiKMl luiKiiii; us, confess tlie deficiency of knowledge. The
reason is obvious. Men, who, like the Loyalists, separated them-
selves fi-oni their friends and kindred, who are driven from their
homes, wlio surrender the hope and expectation of life, and wlio be-
come outlaws, wanderers and exiles — such men leave few monuments
behind them. Their papers are scattered and lost, and their very
names pass from human recollection. * * * Xo weave into con-
crete and continuous narrations the occasional allusions of books and
State Papers; to join together fragmentary events and incidents; to
distinguish persons of the same surname or family name when only
that name is mentioned, and to reconcile the disagreements of various
epistolary and verbal connections, has seemed at times utterly impos-
sible. There are ■sonic who can fully appreciate these and other diffi-
culties which beset the task."

It is interesting to note that while so lai-gi' a proportion of the peo-
ple of the I'rovince of New York preferred to sever their connection
with the mother country, very many of them entered the British anny
and fouglit in deference of their princiides. Indeed, whole battalions,
and even brigades, were raised by the great landholders, and contin-
ued organized and in pay throughout the struggle. It is a lamentable
fact that New York was really the Loyalists' stronghold, and con-
tained more of them than any other colony in all America. " I will
not say that she devoted her resources of men and of money to the
cause of the enemy," says Sabine; " but I do say that she withheld
many of the one, and much of the other, from the cause of the right."

Massachusetts furnished 67,907 men for the Continental ai*my be-
tween the years of 1775 and 1783; while New York supplied but 17,-
781. In adjusting the war balances, after peace was established,
Massachusetts, as was then ascertained, had overpaid her share in the
sum of 11,248,801 of silver money; but New York Avas deficient in the
large amount of $2,074,84:6. New Hampshire, though almost a wil-
derness, furnished 12,496 troops for the Continental ranks, or quite
three-quarters of the number enlisted in the Empire State.

Unless Galloway, the historian, was mistaken, the Loyalists of the
Middle Colonies were ready to enter the military service of the Crown
in large numbers. His statement is, that, " had Sir William Howe
issued a ])roclamation when in Philadelphia, 3,500 would have re-
paired to his standard; that, in that city, in New Jersey, and in New
Y'ork, he could have embodied quite 5,000; that upwards of fifty gen-
tlemen went to his camp to offer their services in disarming the dis-
affected, but failing to obtain even an interview, retired in disgust,
and that, under Sir William's successor, 5,000 actually appeared in
arms for the defense of the city of New York." ^

3 The patriot oausp appeared to be utterly The Declaration of Independence seemed now

hopeless. It seenied inipossiI>le for Congress luit an idle Imnst. It was regarded as certain

to retrieve tlie disaster lliat. since the fatal that the authorir.v of King George would soon

field of Flatlnish. had come upon the country. be re-established in all the States. Such was

322 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

" I altinii." adds triabiue, '' that the Whigs aud their oppoueuts did
not always meet iu open aud fair tight, uor give aud tal^e courtesies;
aud observe the rules of civilized warfare; but that ou the contrary
they murdered one another! General Greene and Chief Justice Mar-
shall are my authorities. ' The ameuities between the Whigs and
Tories,' wrote the first, ' render the situation truly deplorable. The
Whigs seem determined to extirpate the Tories, and the Tories the
Whigs. Some thousands haA'e fallen * * * and the evil rages
with more violence than ever. If a stop cau not be jjut to these homi-
cides the country will be depopulated in a few days, as neither W^hig
nor Tory can live.' "

"The people of the ►South, too," remarked Marshall, iu bis Life of
Wasliiugtou, " felt all the miseries which are adopted by war in its
most savage form. IJciiig about equally divided between the two
contending parties, icciprocal injuries had gradually sharpened their
resentments against each other, aud liad aroused neighbor against
neighbor, until it bad become a war of extermination. As the par-
ties alternately trium[)]ie(l, opportunities were alternately given for
the exercise of their vindictive passions."

Let us glance at the various claims which intiuenced the men then
prominent in the colonies. First, consider those who held office.
Nearly all the officials of all grades adhered to the Crown. This was
to ha\<' hci'U expected. Men who lived iu ease, who enjoyed all the
consideration aud deference which rank and station invariably confer,
especially in monarchies, and who, therefore, had nothing to gain,
but much to lose, by a change, viewed the discensions that arose
between themselves aud the people in a light which allowed their
self-love and their self-interest to have full play. In obeying the iu-
st ructions of the ^Ministry to enfdrce the statutes of the realm, they
did but perform common acts of duty!

These were the arguments, and they were neither tlie tirst nor the
last persons in office who have reasoned in the same manner, and who
have kept their ]ibices at the expense of their patriotism. Beside, they
alTccled to believe I iiat the Whig leaders were mere ready otltice hunt-
ers, ;in(l thai I lie cdutests between them were in some measure per-
sonal.

The clinnii pl.iycd its part in the drama. In the early settlement
of tlic couiili-y tlic (inly (if tlie ministers was not confined to insti'uc-
tious in lliings s]iiii(nai; but embraced matters of temporal concern.
()j\ (|uesti(ius of iiressiug ]>nblic exigency their counsel and advice
wei'c eagerly senglii .ind ini])licilly fdUowed. This deference to their
otiice, aud to their re.il or su]»i)osed wisdom, though less general than
:\\ former ]>eri(i(ls, bad not ceased; aud clergyineu, both ^\'higs aud
Tories, (d'len made a i-ecruiting liouse of the sanctuary. Some of

llip coiilldiMil ('xpi'diidoii iuul Ijoiist ot tli(^ Hit' British troops. Evou tlie most saugiiiue
Lo.vnIIsts at New York, on Loii^r Island, on of patriots spoke and wrote in the most de-
Stati'ii Ishinil. mihI in I'Vcr.v placi- ocouplod by spoiuU'nt terms.— /rriji*?'.'* F.ifr of Washintitoii.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

323

THE BARNE TVSEN HOMESTEAD, KARLe'S

neck; erected about 1680.

them, of both parties, disregarded the obligations of Christian chanty,
and sacrificed their kiudly affections
as men, in their earnest appeals from
the pulpit. Generally, the minister
and his people were of the same party;
but there were some memorable divi-
sions and quarrels, separations and
dismissions.

It is a fact that the majority of
lawyers were Whigs. Few adhered to
the Crown. The majority of speakers
and advocates on the popular side
were educated to the law. Many gen-
tlemen of the bar, on being retained by
the merchants, became impressed with the enormities of the commer-
cial code, and, in advocating the cause of clients who claimed to con-
tinue their contraband trade on the ground of usage, they were im-
pelled to take a lofty stand that commerce should be, and, on princi-
ples of justice, really was, as open and as free to British subjects in
the Old World as it was for those in the New.

And yet the ministry had their partisans among the lawyers, and
some of them were persons of great professional eminence. In fact,
the " giants of the law " in the colonies were all Loyalists. As in the
case of the clergy many of them were driven into exile. Several en-
tered the military service as officers, and at the return of peace a few
returned to their former abodes and pursuits; but the greater number
passed the remainder of their lives either in England, or in her pres-
ent possessions in America. The anti-Eevolutionary bar of Massa-
chusetts and New York furnished the Admiralty and Common-law
Courts of New Brunswick. Xova Scotia, Canada and the Bermudas
with many of their most distinguished judges.

The physicians who adorned the cause were numerous, and tlie ])ro-
portiou of ^Mligs in the profession of medicine was less, probably,
than that of law or the miuistrv-. Most of them remained in the
country, and generally pursued their business. There seems to have
been an understanding that, though pulpits should be closed, and
litigation be suspended, the sick should not be deprived of their reg-
ular and freely chosen medical attendants.

The private and professional life of John Adams offered a fair
illustration of the disabilities which existed here prior to the Revo-
lution. " If a horse tiung a shoe," says Sabine, " the stinging, in-
sulting declaration of Pitt that an American could not of right make
so much as the nails required to set it, rang in his ears," and similar
expressions. In a word, everywhere were the humiliating evidences
that an American was in ever^' manner the inferior of an English-
man!

32-1 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

If neither Mr. Adams nor any other representative of his party liad
addressed the American people on the momentous wrongs and de-
mands, which for generations had palsied the arm of 2sew England,
and had rankled in the universal American heart, and which in less
than fifteen months were embodied in the Declaration of Independ-
ence, the I^oyalists might have been excused for acting in conformity
M'ith the grievances stated by their opponents.

The denial that independence was the final object, was constant
and general. To obtain concessions and to preserve the connection
with England, was apjjroved everywhere; and John Adams, years
after the war was over, Avent further than this and said: " There was
not a moment during the IJevolution Avhen I would not have given
everything I possessed for a restoration to the state of things before
the contest begun, provided we could have had a sufficient security for
its continuance."

If Mr. Adams be regarded as expressing the sentiments of the
Whigs, tii(\v were willing to I'enuiiu Colonists, provided they could
ha\e had their rights se<'ured to them; while the Tories were com-
mitted to this condition without such security. Such, it appears, was
the only difference between the two i^arties prior to hostilities; and
many Whigs like Mr. Adams, would have been willing to rescind the
Declaration of Independence, and to forget the past, upon proper
guarantees for the future! *

" This mode of stating the question, and defining the difference
between the two parties, down to a certain period at least," adds
8al)ine, " cannot be objected to, unless the sincerity and truthful-
ness of some of the most eminent men in our history are directly
imi»eached."

Benjamin Franklin's testimony, a few days before the Battle of
I.exington, was, that he " had more than once traveled almost from
one end of the continent to the other, and kept a variety of com-
]iany, eating, drinking and conversing with them freely, and never
had lieai"d in any conveisation from any pei'son, drunk or sober, the
least ex|iression of a wish for a st'paration, or a hint that such a thing
would be advantageous to America."

^Ii'. Jay is (piite as ex]ili<it: "During the course of my life, and
until the second petition of Congress in 1775, I never did hear an
American of any class, or of any disaffection, express a wish for the
inde]iendence of the colonies. » * * It has always bei'u, and still
is, my oi)inion and belief, that our country was prompted and im-
pelled to inde])endence by necessity, and not by choice."

^fr. .letTerson said: " What, eastward of New York, might have been

4 liLli'lllgi'iit Loyalists, wlii'ii aski'd why they sides at the outset as mere conservators of

adhered to the Grown, have said that those the peace, were denounced by those whose

wlio received the name of Tories, were at purposes they thwarted in pure self-defense

first, Indeed for some years, striving to pre- to accept of royal protection, and thus to be-

serve order and an observance to the rights come identified with the royal party ever after,

of persons and property; that many who took —^nhim-'s Awn-irun Ijii/olists.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 325

the disposition towards England before the coniuieucement of hos-
tilities, I know not; but before that, I never heard a whisper of a
disjKisitiou to separate from (Jreat Britain; and after that its i>ossi-
bilitv was eoutemplated with atilietion b}' all."

Washington, in 1774, fully sustains those declarations, and. in the
"Fairfax County llules" it is complained that "Malevolent false-
hoods " were prt)pagated by the Ministry to prejudice the mind of the
king: " particularly that there is an intention in the American Colo-
nies to set up for inde])endent states."

Mr. Madison was not in public life until May, 177(t; but he says:
" It has always been my impression that a re-establishment of the
Colonial I'elations to the jiarent country, as they were pi'evious to the
controversy, was the real object of every class of the people, till the
despair of obtaining it."

It is impossible at this time to ascertain the exact number of Loy-
alists who took up arms; but from present evidence, it is conceded
that there were twenty-four thousaiul at the time of the suiTender
of Cornwallis. It is seen that the number of their killed and wounded
In the Battle of Bennington, (leueral Sullivan's raid on Staten Is-
land, adventure of Nelson in New Jersey, Battle of King's ^louiitain,
in the actions of Colonel Washington, Marion, Lee and Sumter, would
amount to one-tenth of that number alone; another tenth part of that
numlxn- was slain in hand-to-hand contlicts. without leaders.

At the time of the surrender of Cornwallis. at Yorktown. Virginia,
a considerable^ ]iortion of his ami}' was comiiosed of native Ameri-
cans, and his L(»r(lshi]i e\iuc(^d great anxiety for their protection.
Failing to obtain special terms for them in articles of capitulation,
he availed himself of the conceded ])rivilege of sending an armed
ship to the north, Avithout midestation, to convey away the most
obnoxious among them. General Burgoyne had been spared this
trouble, for. as liis ditliculties had increased and his dangers threat-
ened, the Loyalists abandoned him to his fate.

The following organizations, composed exclusively of American
Loyalists, were at various times encam])ed on Staten Island: The
King's Rangers, the Koyal Fencible Americans, the (Queen's Kangers,
the New York Volunteers, the King's American Kegiment, the Prince
of Wales' American N'olunteers, the ^Faryland Loyalists, De Lancey's
Battalions, the Second American Regiment, the King's Bangers, Car-
olina, the South Carolina Royalists, the North Carolina Highland
Regiment, the King's American Dragoons, the Loyal American Regi-
ment, the American Legion, the New Jersey Volunteers, [Skinner's
Brigade]; the British Legion, the Loyal Foresters, the Orange Rang-
ers, the Pennsylvania Loyalists, the Guides and Pioneers, the North
Carolina Volunteers, the (ieorgia Loyalists, the West Chester Volun-
teers, the Loyal New Knglauders. the Associated Loyalists. Went-
wortli's A'olunters, Hamilton's Loyal Militia, and Pdllopp's Staten
Island Militia.

326 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

The Sous of Liberty often became mobs — needlessly and some
times in their very wantonness offended beyond all hope of recall,
persons who hesitated and doubted, and for the moment chose to oc-
cupy the position of neutrals. The practice of " tarring and feather-
ing," however reprehensible, had. perhaps, very little influence in
determining the final choice of parties. This form of punishment,
though so frequent as to qualify the saying of the ancients, that '" man
is a two-legged animal without feathers," was borrowed from the Old
^^'orld, where it had existed since the Crusades, and was confined
principally^ to the obnoxious western home affairs and informers
against smuggled goods, who adhered to the Crown.

Many loyalists were confined in private houses, some were sent to
jails, and others to " t^unsbury Mines." But the prisons were hardly
proper places for the confinement of such people, and it is hinted that
a large proportion of the persons whom it was deemed proper to ar-
rest, preferred banishment to the loss of liberty, even though they
were sure to be comfortably quartered in tlie homes of AVhigs.

After the war, even when peace had been thoroughly established,
the successful Americans in several of the States committed a serious
error. Historiau Sabine calls it nothing short of a crime. " Instead
of repealing the proscription and banishment acts," he says, " they
manifested a spirit to place the humbled and unhappy Loyalists be-
yond the pale of human sympathy. r)iscriniinatiou between the con-
servative and pure, and the unprincipled and coiTupt, was not per-
haps possible during the struggle; but. hostilities at an end, it was
thought by many tliat mex-e loyalty to the Crown shoidd have been
forgotten."

In ^Vugust, 1783, Sir Guy Carleton wrote tt> the President of Con-
gress that the Loyalists "• conceive^ the safety' of their lives depends on
my removing them "; that " as the daily gazettes and publications fur-
uisli re]>eated proofs, not oidy of a disregard to the estal)lisliment of
j)eace; but barbarous menaces from committees formed in various
towns. * * I should show an indifference to the feelings of hu-
manity, as well as to the honor and interest of the nation Avhom I
ser\('. to leave any that are deserving to quit the country, a prey to
file \iolence tliey conceive they have so much cause to apprehend."

I'rom auotlier source, it a])pears that when the news of peace was
known, the City of New York presented a scene of distress not easily
described; that adlierents to the Crown, who were in the army, tore
tlie lappels from tlieir coats and stamped them under tlieir feet, and
exclaimed tliat they were ruined; that others cried out they had sacri-
ficed everything to prove their loyalty, and were now left to shift for
tliemselves, without the friendship of their King or their country.
Pre\'ious to the evacuation, and in September, upwards of twelve
thousand men. women and childi-en embarked at the city and at Long
and Stntcii Islnnds for Nova Scotia and the Bermudas. Some of these

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

327

()I.r> VANDKRBILT HOMESTEAD, STAPLE-
TON.

victims to civil war tried tu make meiTj at tlieir doom, by saying tliat
they were " bound to a lovely country, where there are nine months
winter and three months of cold weather every year "; while others, in
their desperation, tore down their houses, and, had they not been pre-
vented, would have carried off the bricks of which they were built.
Those who went north landed at Port Roseway (now Shelburne), and
at St. John, in the Province of Xew Brunswick, where many, utterly
destitute, were supplied with food at the public charge, and were
obliged to live in huts built of baik
and rougii boards.

" Among the banished ones thus
doomed to misery," says Sabine, " were
persons whose hearts and hopes had
been as true as Washington's own; for
in the divisions of families which
everywhere occurred, and which
foi'med one of the most distressing cir-
cumstances of the conflict, there w-erc
wives and daughters who, althougli
bound to Loyalists by the holiest of
ties, had given their sympathies to the
right from the beginning, and who
now, in the triumph of the cause which
had been their prayers, went meekly into hopeless, interminable exile.
The mischief all done — thousands ruined and banished, new British
colonies founded, animosities to continue for genei'ations made cer-
tain — the violent Whigs were satisfied. All this accomplished, the
statute book was divested of its most objectionable enactments, and
a few of the Loyalists returned to their old homes; but by far the
greater part died in banishment."

The subject of restitution to the Loyalists was a source of great dif-
ficulty during the negotiations for peace, both in this counti-y and in
England, and many were the long and bitter suits to recover con-
fiscated property. Congress took up the matter, and it dragged for
a long time. Very earnest demands were made to recompense the
Loyalists. There were falsehoods and misrepresentations, for many
had destroyed their own property; others had borne arms against the
country and assisted to ravage and burn, and others still had sold
their property themselves. And then, the country was not in a condi-
tion to properly reward those who had toiled and bled for its emanci-
pation, or even make good their losses, much less to compensate its
enemies. " All this was, as a matter of course, considered by counsel.
But supposing the forces of the Crown had been successful, and the
Americans had been defeated, would the claims of thousands who
expended their estates in the cause of liberty, and who had no shelter
for their heads, have been allowed? "

328 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

lu the British House of Commous Mr. AYilberforce said that " when
he considered the case of the Loyalists, he then confessed he felt him-
self conijuered; then he saw his country humiliated — he saw her at
the feet of America! Still, he was induced to believe that Congress
would relijjiously comply with the Article, and that the Loyalists
would obtain redress from America."

Lord North said that " never Avere the honor, the principles, the
l)olicy of a nation so grossly abused as in the desertion of those men,
who are now exposed to every punishment that desertion and poverty
can inflict, because they were not rebels."

Lord Mulgrave declared that " the Article respecting the Loyalists
he could never regard but as a lasting monument of national dis-
grace."

Mr. Burke said tliat " a vast number of the Loyalists had been de-
luded by lOnglaiid. and had lisked everything, and tliat. to such men,
tile nation owed itrotection, and its honor was i)ledged foi- tlu'ir secur-
ity at all hazards."

Mr. Norton said tliat " lu^ could not give his assent to the Tri^aty
on accoimt of the Article which related to the Loyalists."

Lord Stfirmont said that " Britain was ImiuihI in justice and honor,
gratitude and affection, and every tie, to jirovide for and ]>i-otect
them."

Lord Slielburne said " 1 Jiaxc but one answer to give the House. It
is the answer 1 gave my own bli'e(ling heart. A part must be wound-
ed, that the whole of the em]iire may not ]ierish. If better terms
could be had, think you, my lord. 1 would not lunc enforced them? I
had but till' alternative eitlH-r to jiccept the terms ]ii-o])osed. oi- con-
tinue the war."

iMning the negotiations of the Treaty, it ai>]>ears to have been con-
sidered by the Commissioners on both sides, that each party to the con-
test must bear its own lossc^s, and ]»rovide for its own sufferers. A
number of Loyalists who were in England, came to the Tnited States
to claim I'estitution of their estates; but their ai)]ilications were un-
heeded.

i>oyalisls generally tinally a|)plied to I'.irliament for relief, and
(icoi-ge HI., in his sjx^ech. recommended restitution. Commissioners
were appointed to consider the claims. The flrst thing to be consiil-
ered by I he ( 'omiiiissionei-s was the " loyalty and conduct of the claim-
ants." ill I heir liisl report they di\iiied them into six classes, as fol-
lows:

'I'iiose who rendered service to (Ji-eat Britain.

Tiiose wiio li;id hoine arms for (Ireat liritain.

I'niforiii i>oyalists.

l-oyai IJritisii sni)jecls I'csident in (ireat I'.i-itaiii.

Loyalists wlio iiad lakeii ojil lis to tiie I'nited States; iuit afterwai'ds
joined I he ilrilisii.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 329

Loyalists who had boiiie arms for the Aiiieiicau .States; but after-
wards joined the British navy or army.

The claimants were re(|uired to state in projier form every species
of loss which they had suffered, and for which they thought they had a
right to recover compensation. A few received their whole demands,
without the deduction of a shilling, while others received pounds
where they demanded hundreds. Others still obtained nothing, hav-
ing been excluded by their inability to prove their losses, ilany
fraudulent claims were discovered. The rigid rules enforced, which
it would seem applied to all claimants, caused much murmuring. The
mode pursued of examining the claimant and the witness in his be-
half, separately and apart, caused some severe epithets, and the (Com-
missioners were called an " Inquisition."

Human nature tlien was about the same as it is to-day. With all
the caution which it was possible for the Commissioners to exercise,
some who did not lose a single penny, who were entirely destitute
of property when the war began, and to A\hom hostilities were act-
ually beneficial by affording pay and employment, were placed in com-
fortable circumstances, and stories which show the jilans and schemes
that were devised to battle the rigid scrutiny of the board are still re-
peated.

The 2r>th of !March. 17S4. was the latest period allowed for ])re-
senting claims, and on or before that day the number of claimants
was 2,0(53. and the aniotmt of property reported to have been confis-
cated, £7,04(I.27S; in 17SS, the (Commissioners in England liad detcj'-
mined 1,(180 claims, besides those withdrawn, and had li(]uidated to
the amount of £1,SS7,548. The delay caused much discontent on the
part of those who were grieving over their losses. Twelve years
elapsed before the property of most of them had been alienated under
the confiscation acts, and five, since their title to recompense was
urged by the law under which their claims had been presented.

A very popular error exists to the effect that " fifty-five Loyalist
families on Staten Island joined Colonel Christopher Billopp in peti-
tioning ^ir Guy Carleton for grants of land in Nova Scotia, and accom-
panied him to that Province." The truth is. Colonel Billopp did join
fifty-four others in presenting such a petition; but the fifty-four came
not from Staten Island alone, but from New York City. Long Island,
New Jersey, Connecticut and ilassachusetts. It transpired in July,
17S3. and the i)i4itions were, and still are known as the " Fifty-five."
They represented that their position in society had been very respect-
able, and that previous to the IJevolution they had possessed much
inriuence. They stateil that they intended to remove to Nova Scotia,
and desired that the same number of aci-(»s that were granted to field
officers of the army might be given to each of them. And they asked
that, if possible, the lands should be conveyed free from quit-rents,
and from other incumbrances. The petition caused much clamor in

330 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

New York, aud a copy of it haviug been sent to St. John, and printed,
created excitement there.

Biographical sketches of those American Loyalists who were di-
rectly connected with Staten Island, are given in the two following
chapters.

CHAPTER XXXY.

THE AMERICAN LOYALISTS CONTINUED.

LSTON, DAVID. He resided near Eahway, X. .J., prior to
the Revolution. When Skinner's Brigade was organized
he was commissioned a captain in the Third Battalion.^
His company was recruited mainly in the vicinity of Kah-
way. He resigned tlie same year of his appointment, and was re-ap-
pointed captain, this time in Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher Billopp's
Battalion of Staten Island Militia, in which he continued to serve un-
til the close of the war. He pur-
chased the property in Xorthfield.
now familiarly known as the Sam-
uel Decker estate. The large stone
house in which he resided and died is
quite familiar to many people living
on Staten Island to-day. It was de-
molished about twenty-five years ago.
Captain Alston died between the Gth
and 14th of May, 1805, and his grave
marked by a small brown stone, is lo-
cated near the main entrance to St.
Andrew's Church, in Richmond. He
continiied to draw half-pay from the
British Government as long as he lived.

Aiken, Moses. This name appears in Staten Island affairs prior
to the Revolution, and is dropped at the commencement of hostilities.

THE BRITTAIN MILL, CLOVE LAKE; DE-
MOLISHED SEVERAL YEARS SINCE.

1 A copy of Captain .\lstoQ's commission in
Sliinuer's Brigade is Iiero given, and is an In-
teresting and curious old document:

" L. S. By His Excellency Sir William
Howe, Knight of the Most Honorable Order
of the Bath, General and Commander-in-Chief
of all His Majest.v's Forces within the Colonies
lying on *he Atlantic Ocean from Nova Scotia
to West Florida inclusive, etc., etc., etc.
"To David .\lstou, Esq.:

'* B,y virtue of the I'ower and .\uthority in
Me vested I DO hereby constitute and appoint
You to be a Captain of a Company in the
Third Battalion of New Jersey Volunteers,
Commanded by Lieut. -Colonel Edward V. Don-
gan. You are therefore to take the said Com-
pany into Your Care and Charge, and duly to
exercise the Offlcers and Soldiers thereof in
Arms, and to use Your best Endeavours to

keep them in good Order and Discipline from
Time to Time, as you shall receive from the
General or Commander-in-Chief of His Majes-
ty's Forces in North America, now and for the
Time being Your Lieut. -Colonel Commandant
or any other Your Superior otEcer, according to
the Rules and Discipline of War in Pursuance
of the Trust hereby reposed in Y'ou.

'* Given under my Hand and Seal at Head
Quarters in New Y'ork, the Fifteenth day of
July, One Thousand Seven Hundred and
Seventy-Six, in the Sixteenth Year of the
Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third,
by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France
and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, and
so forth.

" By his Excellency's Command, W. Howe.

" ROItEItT M.1CKENZIE."

332 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

We find it again iu tlie muster roll of the King's New Brunswick Keg-
iment, at St. John, N. B., which, after a service of several years, was
disbanded at Fort Howe, N. B., in 1802. We believe this to be the
same man. It is taken for granted that he never returned to Staten
Island, as the name does not appear again in the county records.

AxsLKY, OziAS. In 17S2 he was an ensign in the First Battalion of
Skinner's Brigade, and was acting adjutant. After the war he set-
tled in the Province of New Brunswick, and received half-pay from
the British (Jovernment. He became a magistrate and judge of the
Common I'leas, and served in that capacity for several years. He
returned to Staten Island, where he died in 1828, aged eighty-live
years. His son, the Bev. Thomas Ansley, an Episcoi)alian clergy-
inan of Nova Scotia, died in St. Andrew, N. B., in 1831, aged about
sixty-five years. His grandson, Daniel Ansley, Es<j., resided in St.
John. N. B., iu 1817. His daughter. Charity, wife of Nathaniel Brit-
tain, died in 1848, in her seventieth year.

Ak.mstko.xo, KiciiAiii). Besided for a time on Staten Island be-
fore the war. He be( auK^ a major in the (Queen's Bangers, and went
to England after peace was declared. It is said that he occupied
with his family the (dd Fountain house, still standing near the Black
Horse Tavern, at New Dorp.

Baubakii;. John. A short time before the Bevolution he came to
Stalen Island and resided near Kiclniiond. He was apjiointed a caj)-
tain in Skinner's Bi-igade, and was taken prisoner in 1777 and sent
to 'i'reiitnii, X. J. In the seige of Ninety-six. S. ('., and at l^utaw
Springs he was badly \\dunded. He went to St. John, N. B., after the
war, and was a grantee of that city, and also received half-jiay from
the British (!ov(n-nment the ri^mainder of his life. He was a colonel
of militia and a magistrate of the County of York. He died at Stissex
^'ale, N. ]>.. in ISIS, aged sixty-seven years. His son. Andrew Bar-
barie, became a member of tin- I'rovincial Assembly.

Barxes, George. The friendshi]! of this man was higlily ])rized
by Sir Henry Clinton, on whose staff he served as a volunteer aide,
a fasliionable thing feu- those with aristocratic notions to do in those
days. He went to England with (Jeneral Clinton, but came back
soon and gave his services to Sir (!uy Carleton in a similar manner.
lie is sujiposed to have been a native of Staten Island, but wv hud no
I'ccni-d (if liiiii after the I'>\acuation.

liAitXKS, JosiHA. Lived in Westfield before the Bevolution. He
was i-ommissioned a cajitain in De Lancy's corps of Loyalists. In
I77S. while serving in .Massachusetts, together with his entire com-
pany he was capluied by .Major Leavenw (ut h. He died in York,
(now Toronto). Canada, in 1S1:5.

HAiri'ox. Thomas, lie inherited a tract of land near the Nar-
rows, w iiiiii he dis|ios(Ml of and remoxcd to New Jersey several years
]irior lo 1 he llevoliil ion. At the organiziition of Skiniier's Brigade

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 333

hi' was coiumissioned a lieutenant-colonel. While serving ou Staten
Island in 1777, he was defeated by an American detachment, and
later was victoi'ions in an engagenuMit at Paramus. He was cap-
tured on Staten Ishuul, together with about forty of his men, the
same year, and sent to Trenton, N. J. After the war he retired with
his faniilv to Nova Scotia, and received a iariic' tract of land at Die-
by, where he died about J 7110. His family returned to the United
States, and it is said for a time resided ou Staten Island.

B.\.vi.i:y. KicHAiti). He was born in ("onnecticut in 1745, and be-
came an eminent physician. In 17(iy-'70 he attended lectures in Lon-
don. In 1772 he began practicing in New York and also on Staten
Island, where he was related on his maternal side, and resided here
much of the time. His attention was called in 1772 to that disease
now known as the croup, which tlieretofore professional men had
treated as putrid sore throat. His experiments resulted in the adop-
tion of active treatment and in an entire change of remedies for that
formidable disease. In 1776 he entered the British army under Sir
William Howe, as a surgeon; but, incapable of enduring separation
from liis wife, he resigned just before her decease in 1777. For the
remainder of his life he was engaged in professional duties. He oc-
cupied the chairs of anatomy and surgery in Columbia College, and
published letters and essays on medical subjects. He died in New
York in ISdl, aged tifty-six years.

Beakdsley, Rev. John. He figured prominently on Staten Island
during tli(- Revolution, wliere he was well known, having spent much
of his time here with relatives, the Knizcrs, from his boyhood, lie is
spoken of as a noble man, and did much during the war to prevent
stiffering and loss on the part of the residents, regardless of their
political sentiments or affiliations. He was one of the Loyalists who
applied for Crown land in the Province of New Brunswick, and in
1793 was appointed chaplain of the King's New Brunswick Regi-
ment.

Bedell, Cornelius. He was very enthusiastic in support of the
King. He gave his property liberally in helping the British army,
and at the end of the war was very poor. Joining some of his fellow
Loyalists, he went to Upper Canada, and died in the following year.
He is said to liave had sixteen children, all of whom left Staten Island
with their father and scattered throughout Canada.

Bedell, Freeman. He was a warm, personal friend of Colonel
Christopher Billopp, and before the war was superintendent of the
Billo])p jilantation. He left Staten Island with Colonel Billopp; but
disappeared on his way and was never iieard of again. It is thought
that he was drowned.

Bedi>e, John. He was born in Westfield, Staten Island, in 1757.
In the Revolution he served as private secretary to Lieutenant-
Colonel Christopher Billojip. He went to St. John, New Brunswick,

334 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

at the eud of the war. aud was employed a year or two iu surveyiug
that city. He removed to Woodstock, in the same Province, about
the year 171)4, where he was a magistrate for forty years. After the
division of York County he was a magistrate, judge of the Common
Pleas, and register of wills and deeds for the County of Carleton. He
died in 183S, aged eight-three years. He married Margaret Dibble,
who was living in 1852 at the age of fifty-six. He had ten childi'eu :
William Jarvis and Paul M., magistrates; John, a judge of the Court
of Common Pleas; George A., Eegister of Deeds; Joseph, Tyler, Wal-
ter Dibble, and three daughters.

BiLLorr, CiiiasTOPiiEK. He was born in the old stone house in
AN'esttield, known as the Manor of Bentley, and represented the third
generation of that family on those premises. His grandfather was
Captain Christopher P.ill(ipp. of England. Judge Thomas Farmar,
of I'erth Amboy, (formerly of Staten Island), a brother to Mrs.
Billopp, had a son Thomas, who married his cousin Eugenia, Captain
Billopp's only child. Thomas Farmar, upon his wife's inheriting her
father's proj)erty,(the Manor of Bentley), adopted the name of Billopp.
He was Thomas Farmar Billopp. Their son was Christopher Billopp,
the noted soldier of the Revolution. He commanded the Staten Is-
land Militia during the war, and w'as twice captured. Colonel Bil-
lopp was Chief of Police of Staten Island for many years up to
1782. A portion of his property was confiscated by the Government.
In 1783 he went with his family to Nova Scotia, and removed later
to St. John, New Brunswick, where he became a very useful and
prominent man. He died in St. John in 1827, ninety-two 3'ears of
age. (See the Story of the Billopps and their Home.)

Blake, Isaac. He was a private in the Staten Island Militia.
He went to Nova Scotia in 1783, and it is thought died there a few
years later.

Bleat, Walhuox. He resided near Blazing Star. (Rossville),
about 1770, shortly after which lie removed to New York, from
whence he came. In 1770, he Avas an addressor of Lord aud Sir Will-
iam Howe. In 1782, he was a captain in the Third Battalion of
Skinner's Brigade. He went to St. John, Piovince of New Bruns-
wick, in 17S3. and died five days after landing there. His house aud
land in the City of New York were confiscated, but restored later to
liis wife and daughter.

IJoium:, .fdiix. On two or three occasions this man was identified
Willi I lie Ihil field band. He became notorious for his hostility to the
cause of fi-eidoiii. He attempted to remain on Staten Island after
the wiir. but was driven away. We find the name in Upper Canada
iiciii- the close of the century, and it is thought he located there. He
iiml no Ininily.

Bo.NNELL, Isaac. He was a native of New Jersey aud was sheriff
of Middlesex Couutv under Governor Franklin, the last coloninl sioy-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

335

ernor of that Province, and was his intimate and personal friend. In
1776, he was apprehended by order of Washington, and directed by
the Provincial Congress to remain at Trenton on parole; but leave
was given, hnally, to live elsewhere. Subsequently he retired to
the British lines, and became Barrack-Master on Staten Island. He
occupied uu old stone house that stands near the entrance to the
Moravian Cemetery at 2\ew Dorp. At the end of the war he went
to Digby, Nova Scotia, where for hfty guineas he bought a log hut
and a lot of land. His property across the Kills was confiscated.
In Nova Scotia he was a merchant and a justice of the Court of Com-
mon Pleas. He died in 1S06, aged sixty-nine years. His only son
bore the name of William Franklin, as also did a grandson, who, in
1861, was postmaster of GagetOAvn, New Brunswick.

BoNSALL, KiCHARD. He was a native of Wales, and a physician.
Emigrated to New York prior to the Kevolution. He spent almost
all his time during the war on Staten Island in the hospitals. In
1783, he went to St. John and was a grantee of that city; he died
there in 1814, aged seventy -two years. His wife's name was Smith;
she was a native of Staten Island, but at the time of marriage resided
on Long Island.

BowDEN, Thomas. He removed from New York to Staten Island
shortly after the arrival of General Howe's aruiy. liis wife being a
native of this place.
He entered the king's
seiwice in the course of
a few months, and rose
to the rank of major in
De Lancey's Second
Battalion in 1782.
After the war he went
to England, and died
near the close of the
century.

Brewkutox. G e o.
In the Fi'ench and In-
dian war he command-
ed a New York re"i- daniel lake homestead, new dorp, kjiio.

ment. In 1776, he was charged with " dangerous designs and treas-
onable conspiracies against the American cause, and at the instance
of Livingston, Mon'is and Jay, a warrant was issued by General
Greene for his apprehension and seizure of his papers." Colonel
Brewerton came to Staten Island, where he remained in seclusion for
a time. One day he ventured to the city and was captured. In his
examination he stated that " instead of aiding the IMiuisterial armies,
he had avoided, and persuaded men to enlist in tlic Colonial service."
But he was held for good behavior in a bond of £500. Subsequently,

336 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

lie entered the service of the Crowu as IJeutcuant-Colonel, aud com-
mauded the 8ecoud Hattaliou of De Laucey's Brigade. He died in
New Yorlv iu ITT'J. His widow, three sous aud two daugliters arrived
iu New York from Loudou iu 17S(>. aud for a loug' time resided on
Stateu Island.

BiUTTAix. Josiopii. He came here from Monmouth County, New
Jersey, claiming protection as a Loyalist. When Skinner's Brigade
was organized he was appoiuted an ensign. He was captured, but
made his escape. He went to St. John, New Brunswick, iu 1780, and
died there in 1830.

BiuTTAix, Nathaniel. He was a 8taten Island farmer, and fur-
nished i)rovisious to the British. He went to Nova Scotia with the
intention of taking up laud; but died before negotiations were com-
pleted.

BrituKu, James L. He was a private in the Staten Island Militia,
under Captain Abraham J(mes. While waiting to embark with the
Loyalists in New York, he was injured by a fall, from the effects of
which he died iu the course of a few <lays.

riniJi, Joseph. A persou by this name lived on Staten Island at
the comuuMucmeut of the war. lie is credited by Sabine as being
a UH'uilici- of the " New York Artillery." In 177<>, he was tried by
court-martial for defrauding Christopher Saturn of a dollar; for di-
recting damnation to all Whigs and Sons of Liberty, and for profane
cursing and swearing. He was foun<l guilty, and sentenced to be
drummed out of the army. The name appears on the Island later,
but too late to be that of the same person.

Ciiii'MAN, \Vai;i>. \\c was a native of Massachusetts au<l was born
iu 1754. In 177") he was driven from Boston; was one of the eighteen
counti"y gentlenu'u who that year were addressors of General Gage.
In 177r>, he went to Halifax, thence to England, where he was allowed
a pension. This he relinquished soon aud returned to America and
joined the King's armj'. During the remainder of the war he was
em]iloy('<l iu the mail dei>artment and Court of Admiralty. In 1782.
he was Deputy Muster-Master General of the Loyalist forces and re-
mained on Staten Island. In 1785 he petitioned for a grant of land
iu Nova Scotia aud made his home later in New Brunswick. There
he became a Member of the House of Assembly, Advocate General,
Solicitor ( ieueral. Justice of the Supreme Court, Member of the Coun-
cil, President ami Comuumder-in-Chief of the Colony. He died in
Fredericton, tin' cai)ital, in 1824, and was buried in St. John.

CiiiiiSToi'MEit, KiciiAUD. He lived on the New Springville road,
about a mile from l\iclimond. Served in Captain Jones' com])any of
Staten Ishuid .Militia. He went to Nova Scotia with Colonel Billopj),
aud afterward served as a private iu the King's N<'W Brunswick Keg-
inunit. lie was of the family of Christophers who once owned the
laud now belonging to Mr. Sylvester Decker, in Northtield.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 337

Clakk, William, lie ivsidcd iu n;c'\v Jersey; but was uue uf the
uutoiioMs llattield baud of rubbers. He did luuoli service witli his
vtunpauidus, aud becaiue au exi)ert hursethief. It was computed
that betweeu the year 1770 aud Juue, 1782, he stole upwards of one
hundred valuable horses from New Jersey, which he sold ou Staten
Ishiud U) tlie Ikoyal aruiy. It was kuoAvu tliat he frequently weut
within the American lines; but no efforts of scouts or soldiers to seize
him proved successful. He was finally Avritten to as by accomplices
to the effect that two tine horses were at a certain place, which he
could carry off. lie went as suyjicsted, in January, 1782, and was
shot dead in the vicinity of \\'oodbridj;e, by the party who set the
trap.

CuuKE, liEV. 8amt EL, D.D. He was an Episcopal minister, aud
was educated in England. He came to Amciica as a missionary of
tiH^ Society for the Propagation of I lie (iospel in Eoreign Parts, iu
17411. In 17(i5, he had the care of the churclies at Shrewsbury, Free-
liold and .MiddletowiL in ^Monmouth County, New Jersey- The Pevo-
lution divided aud disi)ersed his Hock, and he became chaidain of the
Guards, stationed on Staten Island. He nmde many warm friends
among the people here. In 178."), he settled at Eredericton, New
Brunswick, as first rector of the cliurch there. In 171I1 he was
ai)pointed commissary to the Pishop of Nova Scotia. He was
drowned while attempting to cross the river St. John in a canoe in
1795. His son attempted to save his father's life, but lost his own
also. His wife was ^liss Kearney, of Perth Amboy.

Conner, Palpil A private in the Staten Island Militia aud
served as sentry on the Jersey Prison Ship. After the war he went
to Newfoundland, and died of old age about 18:^0.

roRSOX, Exocu. He lived near the Narrows, and was a sergeant
in Captain Jones' company of Staten Island Militia. At the conclu-
sion of the war he went to St. John, New Prnnswick. aud later re-
turned to Staten Island, where he died in 17!»!).

CoRTELYOf, Aarox. He was one of the Eifty-tive who ])etitioned
Sir Gtiy Carleton for grants of land in Nova Scotia, and removed
there in 178o. We are inclined to believe that this was not the
Aaron Cortelyou who figured so ]>i<>miuently in the aft'airs of the
Island Drior to and during the Pevolution. If it was, he must have
returned to Staten Island and si)ent the remainder of his life here.

Crociiekox, Axx. This woman was one of thi^ most noted Loyal-
ists on Staten Island. It is said that she was botli b(^autif\il aud
fascinating, aud became an expert agent for the Pritish. Slie was
for a long time admitted everywhere without suspicion, and it was
on her information and advice that Sir William Howe and Sir Henry
Clinton held more than one council of war in the old Pose and Crown.
She was admitted at headquarters, it is related, without being chal-
lenged by the guard, her visits being generally at nighttime. She

338 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

became a paiticular friend of Margaret Moncrieffe, wbiJe that re-
markable girl stopped in the old Foimtain homestead, near the Black
Horse Tavern. Ann Crocheron's " refined duplicity " led to the cap-
ture of a number of Continental officers whom she enticed to her
home, and pretended to be frightened and heartbroken ANiicn they
were arrested and carried away by the British. It is said that she
was to have been married to a British officer, who returned to Staten
Island from Yorktown, after the surrender, to make her his wife. He
followed her to the grave instead.

CuNNiNGUAM, James. He resided on Staten Island *' at the Nar-
rows " before the war, and served as a pilot to the fleet under Lord
Howe. He went to England and died there in 17S4.

Decker, Isaac. He was a native of Xorthtield, and the house in
which he lived during the early part of the war stood on the site of
the St. James Hotel in I'ort Richmond. He was a valuable guide
and spy for the British commander, and was commissioned a captain
of mounted men, being attached to no particular organization. His
house was burned down when Lord Stirling attacked the British
here, and a stone fort was erected in its place, which was demolished
when the present edifice was erected by Judge David Mersereau.
Captain Decker went to Shelburne, Nova Scotia, Avith a portion of
his family, where he was granted a town lot. and remained for a
time, when he returned to Staten Island. Later he retraced his
steps to his adopted home, where he died a very old man. A portion
of his family remained on Staten Island, and their graves rest in the
shadow of the old Dutch Keiormed Church at Port liichmond. Deck-
er claimed that his losses, in consequence of his loyalty to the Crown
were fully £3,000. and gave the authorities considerable annoyance
before the claim was settled.

DECKEit, Ben.tamin. He was a native of Northfield. Went with
his family to Shelburne, Nova Scotia, after the war.

r>i: I!()W. Ja.mks. I'irst enlisted in the Continental army on Staten
Island, lie suddenly cliangcd his mind and served in the Queen's
Kangei-s. After the war he settled in the I'rovince of New Bruns-
wick, and died tliere a few years later. His widow, Huldah, died
there in 1S47. aged ninety-foiir years.

De Laxckv, Oliver. He commanded De Lancey's Brigade of
American Loyalists, which was practically organized on Staten Is-
land, ill- Imd been a colonel in the French and Indian war. In
17.*>!t lie ser\cd as a member of the House of Assembly of this C(dony,
and in tlic Collowing yeai- was ap]tointed a member of the Council.
In 1777 llie ( iovernnieni attainted him of treason and confiscated his
estale. Aftei' llu' war he went to England, and died in Beverley in
17iS.~). agiMJ cigjily-six years. In the ''Life of Van Schaack," his de-
cease is mentioned llins by a fellow Loyalist: '' Our old friend has at
last tal<en liis depailui'c from Beverley, whicli he said slioiild hold

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 339

his boues; be wont off without a paiu or struggle, his body wasted to
a slceletou, his mind the same. The family, most of them, collected
in town [London]. There will scarcely be a village in England with-
out some American dust in it, I believe, by the time we all get at
rest."

DoNGAN, EDWAitD Vaugiian. lie was the youngest son of Walter
Dongau, and his birthplace was tlie old Dougau Manor House, which
stood in West New Biighton until a comparatively recent date. He
was Lieutenant-Colonel of the Third Battalion of Skinner's Brigade,
and was killed on the Morning Star Boad. in Northfield, in August,
1777, in the twenty-ninth year of his age. His grave is beside Trinity
Church, New York City.

DoxGAX, HE^■I^Y. This officer was evidently a relative to Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Dongan, and served as surgeon of the same battalion.
His personal history is very meagre. It is believed that he came
from Ireland at the commencement of hostilities and returned to his
native land when they ceased. His name does not appear in any of
the county records after that date. In the cemeteries of St. An-
drew's P. B. Church, at Biohmoud; Church of the Ascension, West
New Brighton, and the Moravians, at New Dorp, however, there are
long-neglected graves of the Dougans — representatives of the family
of the noted Governor. It may be, after all, that the name of Dr.
Henry Dongan faded away on a crumbling stone that once marked
one of these old graves.

Drake, Jeremiah. He was an ardent Loyalist; but took no part
in the Bevolution. He left Staten Island in 1783, and settled in the
Province of New Brunswick. He died
in St. John in 1S4G, aged eighty years.

Dunn, John. He left the United
States at the close of tlie Bevolution
and was one of the founders of Si.
Andrew, in the Province of New
Brunswick. He became Comptroller
of his Majesty's customs at that port.
He died there in 1S20. aged eighty-six

__. .„ „,. , ,1 ' THK OLD BLAKE HOMESTEAD, NEAR

years. His wife. Elizabeth, was a ^^^^^ springville; erected 1668.
Prall, and was a native of Staten Is-
land. She died in 1835, aged seventy -three years.

Du PuY, William. During the war he refused to favor either
side, but lost all his property. He joined the Loyalists, going to Nova
Scotia, after the war; but returned to Staten Island in the following
year. There is no trace of him after his return.

Earle, Dr. Charles. Prior to and during the Bevolution he oc-
cupied a large stone dwelling that stood between New Dorp and Gar-
retsons. He served as surgeon in the Second Battalion of Skinner's
Brigade. After the war he went to the Province of New Brunswick,

340 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

Avhere he luok up riowu lauds, lu IT'Jo. lie was uppuiuled suryc-ou of
the King's New Brunswick Ueginieut, iu Avhich he served for many
years. He died at a ripe old aye iu his adopted home.

Fanning, Edjitnd. lie was a sou of Colouel I'hiueas Fauuiuy. of
Long- Island, and was educated at Yale College; studied law and re-
moved to North Carolina, wiiere he was appointed colouel of militia
in 17(i3; two years later he was clerk of the Supreme Court. Subse-
quently he was a noted man in the colony, and respectable men aver
that he was " reuuirkable for all the vices that degrade the most
abandoned and profligate minion." In 1777, he raised a battalion of
Loyalists which he organized and drilled on Stateu Island, wliich
bore the name of tlie Associated Ifefugees or King's American IJegi-
nient, and of whicli he was Lieutenant-Colonel. To aid in the organi-
zation oi this body £.")()(! were subscribed on Htateu Island; £310 in
Kings County; £21!) iu Jamaica, and £2,000 in the City of New York.
In 17S2 he was in the office of the Surveyor (ieneral. He went to
Nova Scotia at the close of the war, and on September 23d, 1783,
was s\\orn iu as ("ounscllnv and l.i(Mil('naiit-( io\'ernor of that l'ro\-
iuce. In 17S(i he \\'as a](pointiMl Oovi'mor of I'lince Edward Island.
He was a]i])oiuted a Maj(ir( ieneral in 1703. Lieutenaut-Cieneral in
1700. and (ieneral iu ISOS. lie died in London in 1S18.

I'dKD. .I(.)iix. The sto]"y is told of him that he was a spy antl did
much service for the ISritish, in conse(]U(mce of which he was given a
lieuti'uaufs commission iu Skinner's Brigade. His natui-e was rude
iu the extreme. In riiiladel])hia. on ]\lay 3d, 177S, foi' " condiu't un-
becoming a gentleman," he was dismissed by order of General (Clin-
ton. The name ai)]>ears in the County records after the war, and it is
bidieved that lie remained hvvc until his death.

l''i;(iST. .ToiiN. A man by this nauu' lived iu Itii hmond at the coni-
mencemenl of I he Kevolution, and was jjrobably a relative of Sheriff
Thomas Fiost, who suddenly turned in favor of the British. John
eulisied in the (^hieen's Kangers, and deserted. After being away
from the Island for a time he returned and joined the Hatfield band.
He was liei-e at the close of the war. but suddenly left for parts un-
known. The name ap})ears in the list of jtrivates in the King's X<'W
Bruiisw ic]< l.'egiment, at St. John, in 1802.

(iAi;i:is(i\. Hakmdx. He was a sergeani in the Staten Island
-Mililia. Went to Nova Scotia iu 1783, and died soon of wounds re-
<-ci\('d dui-ing the war.

(iivox, I'i"ii:k. a nalive of Westh(dd. Staten Island. After the
Av.ir. accompanied by his family of five pei-sons. and by one servant, he
Weill lo Slielbniiie, Ndva Scotia. His losses, in consequence of his
Inyaliy In i he Ciowii. weic estimated at £1,900. He was among the
few who remai I ,ii Slielbnnie, and died there about 1825.

Hai;i;i:i:tv. I'atkk k. .\ native of Ireland, he lived on Staten
Island when liosiiljties coninieiiced. In 1782, he was a lieutenant

PIISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 341

iu the First Battaliuu of ►Skiuner's Brigade. After the Avar he weut
to Digby, ^'ova Hcotia, aud lived a short time. He had no family.

Hakijis, IiiCHAKD. He figured here as a promiueut oitizen for
several years before the war. He is probably the same man who was
taken in charge of by the Committee of Safety. He went to Upper
Canada with Governor t^imcoe, where he soon died.

Hatfiioli). C()i;xi:i,irs. One of tlie leaders of the notorions band.
He resided alternately on !->taten Island and at Klizabethtown. He
was a monuted caidain in the Loyalists, and fre(]nently engaged in
jji-edatory excursions, and was implicated in the murder of Ball. He
went to Xova iScotia, but returned to Elizabethtown, where he was
arrested, and saved from punishment by the temis of the treaty.

Ha'1'fii:li>, John !?5.mitii. He was the acknowledged leader of the
cruel baud during its depredations on Staten Island aud vicinity.
His home was at Elizabethtown. He joined the Koyal forces on
Staten Island in 1778. One iufamous act of his is well authenti-
cated. A Tory, sent out as a spy by the British, was captured within
the American lines, regularly tried by a court-mai-tial, fouud guilty
and executed. This act Hatfield aud some other Tories declared to
be an outrage, aud swore to revenge it by retaliating upon oue Ball,
who contrary to law was in the habit of secretly supplying the British
camp on Staten Island with provisions. The tirst time Ball came
over to Staten Island, after the execution of the spy, he was seized
by Hattield. against the express orders of the British commander,
and carried beyond the lines, w hci-e Hattield hanged him with his
own hands. The Britisli conniian(h'r sent a message to the Ameri-
can commander, disavowing the deed, and declaring that those alone
who had perpetrated the deed should suffer for it. Hatfield went to
Xova Scotia after the war. and in 17SS returned to the scenes of his
depredations. He had been indicted by the Essex Cotiuty grand
jury, (in which county Elizabethtown was then located), aud on his
return to that city Avas arrested and iiuprisoned. A witness at the
examination testified that he heard Hatfield say that " he hanged
Ball, and wished he had many more rebels, as he would repeat the
deed with ]tleasure "; aud he also testified that Hatfield had shown
him the tree on which he suspended Ball and the place where be
buried his victim. While Hatfield was in jail his careless habits
almost cost him his life. He was put on trial; but no witness ap-
peared against him, aud he was released from prison on bail, when
he immediately fled and never rettirned. This case formed a subject
of inquiry and comment, in the correspondence between Mr. Jeffer-
son, Secretary of State, and Mr. IIamnu)nd, the British Minister, in
1792, the latter adducing the proceedings against Hatfield as one of
the alleged infractions of the treaty of peace.

CHAPTER XXXVI.

THE AMERICAN LOYALISTS CONCLUDED.

ILLVEIII), ASHEK. He was a contractor for the British
army, and furnished itrovisions for the troops. He was
not a partisan; but as his home happened to be on Staten
Island he cast his lot with the Koyal cause. The result of
the war, however, made the Island an unpleasant place for him to
live, and he joined the Loyalists and embarked for Nova Scotia.
Soon becoming dissatisfied because of the hardships he had to en-
dure, he attempted to retrace his steps without taking up land from
the Crown; but what became of him is not known.

HousMAN, Garret. Eesided in Northfleld for many years prior
to the war; first enlisted in a company designed for the Continental
army, but shifted to Colonel Billopp's Staten Island Militia on the
arrival of General Howe. He was captured by the Americans, but
managed to escape. For a time he aided the Hatfield baud in com-
mitting dei)redations. He went to England at the close of the war,
and from thence to Upper Canada, where he was murdered by an
Indian. While living on Staten Island it is said he was an indolent
fellow, and others who bore his name discredited i-elationship with
him. At the time of his death he was making arrangements to re-
turn to Staten Island.

Haycock, Morris. Born near Willow Brook, Staten Island, in
1755. He enlisted in the (Queen's Bangers and became a sergeant.
We find him a prisoner of war, at Trenton, New Jersey, in 1779. He
was at the surrender of Cornwallis, at Yorktown, ^'irginia, and went
to the Province of New Brunswick, in 1783, with the remnant of his
regiment, where he was mustered out. He settled in Sunbui'y County,
in that Province, and was one of the founders of a Church of England
parish there. For several years he served as adjutant of the militia
regiincul of Sunbury County. He was an educated man and became
a very useful citizen of his adopted country. He removed to Brier
Island about 1790, where he died a few years later. Brier Island is
located at the entrjuice of the Bay of Fundy, in the Province of Nova
Scotia, and is an important fisliing community. Sergeant Haycock's
• h'sccndants now i(»si(h> on thai island, where they are fishermen and
miiiiMcrs, and are a hardy and courageous people. The family name
has become extinct on Staten Island.

Housman, Geoi{(;e. Lived at Holland's Hook, and served as a

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

348

drummer in a Loralist regimout. He went to Entiland after the war
and served in the British army.

HorsMAX, Joseph. Lived in the Watchogue neighborhood in
Northfield, where he was born. Served as orderly to Sir William
Howe for a time. He was also giude for some of the British officers
during the early part of the occupancy of Staten Island by the enemy.
He was captured during General Sullivan's raid, and left behind be-
cause of his severe wounds. Nearer dead than alive he was taken
to St. Andrew's church, in Richmond, then occupied as a British hos-
pital, wliere after a time he recovei"ed sufficiently to serve in the army
again. This time he was in Captain Shank's company in the Queen's
Rangers, and he was with that command at the surrender of York-
town. He came back to Staten Island on parole; but, becoming in-
volved in a quarrel with a neighbor on account of his attitude in the
war, left suddenly for a more congenial place. He went to York.
[Toronto], as soon as his old commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Simcoe,
took charge of affairs as Governor. There is no positive trace of
him after that. From time to time the Loyalists returned to their
old homes, and as mention is Tuade of Joseph Hoiisman in our county

MARINK HOSPITAL (FORMERLY SEA.MKn's RKTREAT), STATLKTON.

affairs a few years later, we take it for granted that he was permitted
to take up his abode again amid the scenes of his early life.

Insley, Christopher. There was a family by this name in North-
field, and we believe this man belonged to it. He enlisted with the
Fifth Battalion of Skinner's Brigade, but his name disappears in
1778. Among the names of those who went to Upper Canada at the
close of the war is that of Christopher Insley.

Insley, Oztas. He resided near Holland's Hook several years
prior to the war, but left here when hostilities began. On August
25th, 1780, he appears as an ensign in the First Battalion of Skinner's
Brigade, and was afterward promoted to adjutant. He left for Nova
Scotia after the declaration of peace; but returned to Staten Island

344 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

a few years later, where he died about ISOU. Uis yrave was iu the
old Dutch graveyard at lUehmoud.

Jakvis. Wilijam. a cavalry ottieer in the Queen's Kangers. He
was wounded at Yorktown and conveyed to tStaten Island, where his
wife made her home. After the war he removed to Upper Canada
and became Secretary of that Province. He died in York in 1817.
His widow spent some time on tStaten Island; but died in Upper (.'an-
ada in 1845.

JoXKS, Abuaiia.m. This gentleman came fr(mi an old \Yelsii fam-
il}', who were among the original purchasers of land from Governor
Dongan on Staten Island. His residence was in a stone house that
stood on Ivichmoud avenue, about a ([uarter of a mile soutli of New
S^jringville; but now the site of a square, Avooden building, built
about fifty years ago by L)r. O'Xeil, of Brooklyn, and afterwards
purchased by Mr. Louis H. Foster. When Captain Jones left the old
house it became the residence of Ca])tain Nathaniel IJobbins, a mem-
ber of the Hatfield band, who became uotoriotis for his brutality.
Captain Jones commaiid(Ml a (■omi)any in Billopp's Battalion of
Staten Island Militia, and was a most ardent Loyalist. In 1777, he
was elected a Member of Assembly; but was not allowed to take his
seat on account of his undisguised sympathy with the British. One-
night during the war a party of Americans, who had resolved to at-
tempt his capture, crossed the Sound, and made their way, undiscov-
ered, to Ills home. Kapping loudly at the door, tliey awakened the-
captain, who raised the window and inquired what they wanted.
"Captain Jones." replii'd one of them; " hurry down; the rebels are
coming, and making for this house." Hastily dressing himself, he
came out of the door and incpiired where the rebels were. " Here,"
sail! the tii-st speaker; " here mc are, and you must go with tis." He-
had fallen into the tra]) prcjiared for liini. and was carried to Tren-
ton, New Jersey, and detained in prison for some time. Cajitain
Jones's sociiij jind military position made him the intimate friend
nf (i('iier;ils Howe, ("liuton, Knypliausen an<l ("arleton, and other-
royal ohicei-s, while on Staten Island. At the close of the war, there
is every reason to believe that he took the oath of allegiance to the
ncM- government, and thtis saved his vahiable estates, for none of
them were confiscated. After the exodus of Loyalists, however,
Cai)tain Jones went to Nova Scotia, where he remained but a short
time. On his homeward voyage he became very ill, and died on
board iiis sliip, and was buried at sea. A more extended account
of Ca]>taiii Jones and his f.-iniily will ajijiear in the second volume of
tins work.

LATontKTTi:. i,'i(iiAi;i). Wiiilr I his man may have been related
to the numerous raiiiily by liiat name on Staten Island, he seems to-
have left no record sulliiienl lo identify and locate him. There was,
however, a i;i(-ii,-ii-<l i,aloureite who served in Captain Alston's com-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 345

puny of Statcii Lslaiid .Militia (luiiuy llie early i)ai-t of the IJevolu-
tion, aud weut to Upi)er Canada at its close, ^^'hetllel• be remaiued
there or returned to the Island afterwards is unknown. The La-
tourettes are an old llugtienot family and each <;eneratiou has been
sure to have its Kichards.

Lais;emax, \\'illiam. It is said of this man that "he served his
kiuj;' loyally, and counselled his neiiihbors on Staten Island to do
likewise." He was a lieutenant in an inde2)endent company Avliose
commandant had a roving- commission. At times he was attached to
Billopji's I5attalion of lr>tateu Island ^lilitia. It is known that he
left the Island at the close of the war; but where he located remains
a mystery. In the muster roll of the King's New Brunswick Kegi-
nient. appears the name of ^^'iIliam Lakeman, in 1S02. We believe
this is the Staten Island Loyalist.

]>AWKENCE, KiCHARD. He was an old resident of Staten Island.
In 1770, Sir William Howe a])pointed him Master Carpenter of the
Royal shipyards on the Island, aud gave him orders to seize vessels,
timber, and na\al stores owned by the rebels. He appears to have
obeyed with a will. In 1780, he was arrested and tried, at the suit
of several persons whose property he had taken during the war.
-Jonathan Morrill recovered judgment for £230; John Brown, for
£2S0; and Samuel P.rown, for £425. Lawrence, from jail in the City
of X(nv York, i)rayed the interposition of John Temple, the British
Consul, wlin communicated with John Jay, Secretary of Foreign
Affairs, and the case was sttbmitted to Congress. The i>oint in the
<liscussion that followed was whether the luckless master-carpenter
plead the sixth article of the Treaty of Peace, at the trial of the stilts.
He averred that he did. Mr. Jay, who examined the records of the
Court, declared that he did not. The last state paper on the subject
was in 178S, and informed the British .Minister for Foreign Affairs
that the judgments must staiul until legally reversed in the ordinary
course of judicial ])roceediiigs. Lawrence li\cd for a number of
years after that on Staten Island.

LiSK, JoHX. He was a native of Xorthtield. and belonged to Cap-
tain Abi-aham Jones' com])any of Staten Island ^lilitia. He was
wounded and captured in Stirling's raid. At the close of the war he
weut with Colonel Billop]) to Nova Scotia; but nothing further is
heard from him.

LoxGSTincET, Joiix. There was an ai'dent loyalist by this name
on Staten Island at the commencement of the Revolution, whose bold-
ness attracted considerable attention. What became of him is not
positively known, (leneral Stryker. in his History of the Kew Jersey
Volunteers, (Skiniun-'s Brigade), says: ''John Longstreet was a cap-
tain in the First Battalion the first year of the war; but was captured
on Staten Island and confined in the goal at Trenton, New Jersey.
He never returned to the service." There was a Longstreet con-

34G HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

ueoted with the Ilatheld band, who disappeared mysteriously shortly
after the close of the war, and we are inclined to believe that he is the
one who served in Skinner's Brigade.

MacCoy, Kobeut. He was of Scotch parentage and was born in
South Carolina. After the death of his parents he ran away from
his guardian and went to sea, and was wrecked near the Bennuda
Islands. Boarding a north-bound ship, he hoped to get back home
again; but was wrecked a second time off Sandy Hook. He was
the onlj' survivor of the crew, and was washed ashore, neai'er dead
than alive. He was cared for by some fishennen, and Avhen he had
recovered came to Staten Island, about 17<>5, where he worked among
the farmers until the outbreak of the Revolution. He was a daring
fellow, and was generally respected by the people of the Island. Cor-
nelius Hatfield gained his confidence, and enticed him to join his
gang of bandits. MacCov soon became one of the most wicked and
desperate members of the band, and his outrages were of the most
fiendish character. In one of his exploits it is said of him that he
entered a house near Holland's Hook, and meeting a woman at the
door demanded that her husband should immediately appear and give
him some money, which he claimed to know was in his possession.
His request was refused, and MacCoy took a sleeping babe from the
cradle and ]daced it on a red-hot stove to punish the mother. When
she interfered he knocked her down. Finding that he could not
accomplish his desire, he killed both the woman and her babe and
departed. The matter was brought to the notice of Sir Henry Clin-
ton; but it could not be solved until nearly a year later, when Mac-
Coy became drunk and quan-eled with the husband of the murdered
woman, on whom he swore to reek vengeance similar to that which
had befallen his wife. Sir Guy Carleton's attention was then called
to the matter, and he ordered an investigation; but the Hatflelds
succeeded in getting MacCoy away from the Island. MacCoy was
with one of the Loyalist organizations at the surrender of Corn-
wallis, and went to England. A few years later he returned to
America and came back to Staten Island, when he attempted to ex-
I)lain away his awful crime. Arrangements were made to lynch
him; but a friend informed him of his probable fate, and he immedi-
ately de])arted, just an hour before the " vigilants" reached his stop-
ping ])lace, with rope and guns. He was next heard of as one of the
survivors (if a wreck off the coast of Newfoundland. Two years
later lu^ came back to Staten Island, and disguised liimself so effec-
tively that he was not recognized by his most intimate acquaint-
ances. The murder of the woman and babe evidently troubled him
greatly, iti his latter days, and after becoming the Avai-m friend of the
liusbaud. who had become au invalid, he gave him a home for years.
His identity was unknown unlil one day an accident occurred and he
was killed. He was tlii'owii from his horse near the Egbert vilh^ ra-
\'ine and Ids nc(l< w;is ln'ol<('n.

FORT LAFAYETTE IN 1801.

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 347

MoxcRiEFFE, James. Lieutenant-Colouel of Engineers in tlie Brit-
isli army. Like several other Britisli officers at tlie Kevolutiouary
period, in consequence of having resided in New York for a long time,
had become closely attached to this country; and as he was the uncle
of General Montgomery and the brother-in-law of both John Jay and
Governor Livingston, the Continental leaders entertained the' hope
that he would espouse the American side. It is stated that the com-
mand of the army for the invasion of Canada, subsequently led by
his nephew, was offered to him. He adhered to the Crown, and in
177G was with Lord Percy on Staten Island; consequently we have
the natural right to believe that a portion of the innumerable forts
erected on the Island during that year were constructed under his
supervision. In 1778, he was taken prisoner at Flatbush. Long Is-
land, by a party who went from
the Jersey shore in boats ex-
pressly to seize him and some
other persons of note. The
house was surrounded, resist-
ance was vain, and he sub-
mitted. In the war in the
South he performed the most
valuable services to the Royal
cause in his particular department. In the saving of Savannah, he
was indeed the efficient instrument. General Prevost, in an official
dispatch, thus wrote :

" I would mention Captain ]\Ioncrieffe, commanding engineer; but
sincerely sensible that all I can express will fall greatly short of what
that gentleman deserves, not only on this, but on all other occasions,
I shall only, in the most earnest manner, request your Lordship tak-
ing him into your protection and patronage, to recommend him to his
Majesty as an officer of long service and most singular merit; assur-
ing you, my Lord, from my own private knowledge, that there is not
one officer or soldier in this little army, capable of reflecting or Judg-
ing, who will not regard, as personal to himself, any mark of Royal
favor graciously confered through your Lordship upon Captain ilon-
crieffe."

This unqualified testimonial was not without results, since he '' re-
ceived a very generous donation from his Royal master," and on the
27th of September, 1780, was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel.
Moncrieffe planned the works at Charleston, in the siege of the year
just mentioned, and was warmly commended by Sir Henry Clinton
for his skill and general good conduct. But at the evacuation he
seems to have been guilty of an act which greatly tarnished his mili-
tary reputation. According to Ramsay, upwards of eight hundred
slaves, who had been employed by Colonel Moncrieffe as engineer,
were shipped off to the West Indies, as was said and believed, by his

348 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

directiou ;iii<l for liis personal beuelit. Colonel Moucrieffe died in
New York in 17!»1. and was iMiried in Trinity Church Yard, lie was
the father of Margaret .Monerieffe, who became the wife of Captain
Co}>hlan.

^looKK, Davfi). lie was a native of the north of Ireland; he owned
and worked a l»la>ksniith siioji at i;i( Innond for years before the war;
was a sergeant in the ^taten Ishnid .Militia. He was a most ardent
Loyalist, became involved in a (piari-el with a neighboi-. wliom he
wounded. Then escaping from the Island, he went to England, where
he entered the regular army.

JIiWDV, Nathaniel. It is thought that he was a native of ^^taten
Island. In 17S2 he was an officer in the Queen's Itaugers. He went
to the rrovincc (d' New Brunswick at the end of the war, and removed
to rp]i(n- Canada later, where he die<l.

Nktiulsux, Airniii;. This is the young officer who, it is said,
fought a duel near the deep ravine facing Garretsons, during the war.
I lis antagonist was so badly wounded that he died in the course of a
few days. The encounter was the result of a romance. The two
officers liad souglit the hand of a f^tateu Island girl, wlio was so
sliocked a1 the news of tlie encounter that she died. Nicholson was
boi-n in the town of Sligo. County of Leitrini, Ireland, in 174(», and
was appointed cornet in the 8eventeentli Liglit Hragoons — now the
Seventeenth Lancers — while tliat regiment was serving in Ireland.
On tlie br<'aking out of hostilities in 177'). the high character of that
r(^ginient occasioned it t(» be the tii-st cavalry corps selected to pro-
ceed across the Atlantic. It embarked from Iidaud, and landed
at Tioston on the 24th of May, 1775. Duiiug the engagi-ment at
I'.unker Hill a party of the Seventeenth volunteered to proceed dis-
mounted with the reinforcements sent from Boston to support the
troo])s engaged. Lieut(Miant Nicholson, who was adjutant of the
regiment. accomi)anied tlie party, aud became a participant in that
battle. In March, 177(). the Britisli army evacuated Boston, and
sailed for Halifax, Nova Scotia, where the Seventeenth landed and
remainetl about two months. In the eai'ly ])art <if June they em-
barked again and landed on Staten Island, and were actively en-
gaged in all the important movements around New York. At one
time the Seventeenth was encanii)ed for a time at Marshland, near
tlie entrance to the Fresh Kill bridge. It was also Genei'al Clinton's
body guard at New Dorp. The Seventeenth Dragoons was the only
British regular cavalry regiment that served in America during the
Bevolutioii. It was largely composed of Irishmen, and the arduous
services in which it was constantly employed, rapidly depleted its
ranks. In I7S1, Lieutenant Nicholson was transferred from the
Se\'enleenth to the King's American Dragoons, and became the adju-
tant. This regiment was encamped near the present Oakwood sta-
tion, and its headipmrters were in the (dd Brittain homestead, recent-

HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND. 349

l_v (Icinnlislicd. Witli tliis regiment he ><erve(l until the termination
of the war, and in lTs;t. went tn the Province of New Brunswielv,
where tiie regiment was disbanded. A large bluelc of land was
grante<l to the officers and men, upon which many of them settk^d.
It is known as the grant to the " King's American Dragoons," and
is located on the l\iver St. John, about twenty miles from Frederic-
ton. Lieutenant Nicholson settled at Kingsclear, York County. In
ITSC), liis wife. Pollen Henry, whom he married at Southamiiton. hong
Island, died at Kingsclear. There are many stories told of this officer
while on Staten Island.

]ilA.XKE, Abraham. He resided in ^A'esttiehh but does not appear
to have been a land owner. He served in Captain Jones's company
of Staten Island .Militia, and, after the war. went to Xova Scotia,
thence ti> St. J(dui, New Brunswick, where we lose all trace of him.

]\[axki;. I)avii>. Lived near I-'resh Kill and was in the employ of
the British Government throughout the war. He went to Canada;
but what jiart is not known.

:\r.\xi:i:. William. llesiM-ved in Cajitain Jones's company of
Staten Island .Militia. It is believed that he was lost at sea on the
way to Nova Scotia. He was a man highly resjiected by his neigh-
bors.

^IcOiLL. John. Had resided on Staten Island previous to the
Revolution. In 1782 he was an officer in the infantry of the Queen's
Bangers, and at the close of the war he went to the Province of New
Brunswick. He soon removed to Upper Canada and became a person
of note. He died at Toronto in 1834, aged eighty-three years. At
the time of his death he was a member of the Legislative Council of
the Colony.

Packard, BEN.Lv.\nN. He was the last survivor of " Butler's Rang-
ers," which became famous while ou and around Staten Island. It
was composed exclusively of Loyalists. Packard removed to Canada
after the war, and died there in 1857, aged one hundred and one
years.

PHAHt, William Barisv. He was born on Staten Island ^March
17th, 1783, and was the eldest child of Andrew Phair, adjutant of the
American Legion — an organization raised by Benedict Arnold in
178L Adutant I'hair went to the Pro\"ince of New Brunswick, \\ith
the Legiftn, in 1783, and settled at Frederictou, where his sou was e<lu-
cated. When the son grew to manhood he was aijpointed an ensign
in the King's New Brunswick Regiment, and remained with it until
it disbanded in 1802. On the renewal of the war with France, in
1803, he entered the NeAV Brunswick Fencible Regiment, which was
consolidated with the One Hundred and Fourth Regiment of the Line
in 1811, and was promoted to lieutenant. He was with his regiment
when it made the memorable overland march from Frederictou to
Quebec, during the wintei- of 1812-'13. He retired in ISKI. and settled

350 HISTORY OF STATEN ISLAND.

in Kiugscleai'. York Coimtj-. lu 1825, be was appointed Postmaster
of Frederictou, which office he held until a few days before his death,
which occurred on March 12th, 1853.

PoiLLOX, ( )SCAU. He resided near the shore below Giffords; served
in Captain Jones' company of Staten Island Militia. He went to
Nova Scotia at the close of the war, and from thence to Montreal,
where he died, near the close of the century.

Powell, Enoch. He was a pilot for the British in Staten Island
waters, and went to England after the war.

PrucELL, John. This name existed on Staten Island prior to the
Kevolutiou; but we fail to find it among the records immediately after
it. It is probable that those w'ho bore it went with the Loyalists to
the various parts of Canada. We find the name in the muster roll of
the King's IS'ew Brunswick liegiment, at St. John, in 1802.

Eandall, Bor.nt G. He lived in a stone house that stood until
recently on the Fresh Kill road, a half-mile or so west of Richmond.
He .-(erved in Captain Alston's company in the Third Battalion of
Skinuei-'s Brigade. He was one of the men detailed to burn the Court
House and Dutch Reformed Church, in IJichmond, at the time Gen-
eral Sullivan was expected to raid the County Seat. For his services,
or for some similar heudishuess, Randall was promoted to a lieuten-
ant, and served under Captain Stewart on the gunboat which be-
longed to the county. He volunteered to serve as a spy and pre-
tended to desert, so that he could enlist in the Continental anny at
Elizabethtowm; but, being preceded by an honest deserter, his plans
were all made known prior to his arrival. He was arrested, on step-
ping ashore at Elizabethtowu, but his fate is unknown. The brown
headstones that used to stand in Richmond, on the knoll near the
Court House, were one by one carried away, until all are gone. One
of the last to disappear bore this inscription: " Sacred to ye memory
of Borut G. Randall, a soldier in his Majesty's army, who served his
king faithfully on two continents. Deceas'd ye 22d July, 1789: JE 77
y'rs, 2 mos." The name of Randall was not uncommon on Staten
Island in those days. We take it for granted that this stone marked
the grave of Lieutenant Randall, of the county gunboat.

RoBBixs, John. This man is generally believed to have been a
brother to the infamous Nathaniel Robbins o