History of Morris County, New Jersey, Part 2

Author: Halsey, Edmund Drake, 1840-1896; Aikman, Robert; Axtell, Samuel Beach, 1809-1891; Brewster, James F; Green, R. S. (Rufus Smith), 1848-1925; Howell, Monroe; Kanouse, John L; Megie, Burtis C; Neighbour, James H; Stoddard, E. W. (Elijah Woodward), 1820-1913
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: New York : W.W. Munsell & co.
Number of Pages: 540

USA > New Jersey > Morris County > History of Morris County, New Jersey > Part 2

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The feudal tenure was recognized by the agreement to pay an annual rent of one pepper corn if demanded. The proprietors formed a constitution, or, as it was termed, "concessions and agreement of the lords pro- prietors," which secured equal privileges and liberty of conscience to all, and it continued in force till the divis- ion of the province in 1676. Philip Carteret was ap- pointed governor, and in 1665 he made Elizabethtown the seat of government. The constitution established a representative government and made liberal provision for settlers. In a few years domestic disputes arose, and in 1672 an insurrection occurred compelling Governor Carteret to leave the province.

jurisdiction, and at last sent a force to Elizabethtown to arrest Governor Carteret and to convey him to New York.

A second grant was made to Sir George Carteret, but previously to this it appears that Lord Berkeley and he had partitioned the province; for the country described in this grant was bounded on the southwest by a line drawn from Barnegat Creek to the Rancocus. Thus the province became divided into East and West New Jersey.

Lord Berkeley was not satisfied with the pecuniary prospects of his colonization venture and sold his inter- est to two Quakers, John Fenwicke and Edward Byl- linge, for the sum of one thousand pounds. Byllinge, who was the principal proprietor, became embarrassed, and his share was conveyed for the benefit of his credi- tors to William Penn, Gawen Lawrie and Nicholas Lucas, who were also Quakers. These trustees sold shares to different purchasers, who thus became proprietaries in common with them. A constitution or form of govern- ment similar in many respects to the " concessions " of Berkeley and Carteret was adopted by those proprietaries, and on the Ist of July 1676 a line of division between New West Jersey and New East Jersey was determined by Sir George Carteret and the trustees of Byllinge. This line was defined as extending " from the east side of Little Egg Harbor straight north through the country to the utmost branch of Delaware River."

Many settlers were attracted hither, nearly all of whom were of the Society of Friends. Land was purchased from the Indians, and the town of Burlington-first called New Beverley, then Bridlington-was established. The in- dustry and patience of the settlers met their reward and prosperity prevailed among them.

As in the case of East Jersey, Governor Andross, of New York, claimed and sought to enforce jurisdiction over the western part of the province, and finally imposed a tax of five per cent. on European merchandise im- ported. This led to protests and representations which in- duced the duke in 1680 to abandon all claims on West New Jersey and confirm the rights of the trustees of Byl- linge and the assignees of Fenwicke.

The proprietor of East New Jersey, Sir George Carteret, died in r679. By his will he directed the sale of that part of the province for the payment of his debts, and it was accordingly sold to William Penn and eleven others, who were termed the twelve proprietors. A fresh impetus was given to the settlement of the country, especially by people from Scotland. Each of the twelve proprietors took a partner, and they all came to be known as the twenty-four proprietors, and to them the Duke of York, on the 14th of March 1682, made a fresh grant. A notable difference had been observed in the character of the laws enacted in East and West Jersey, and it is an instructive fact that under the milder and more merciful laws of the latter crime was less frequent than under the severe enactments of the former.

In 1673 England and Holland were at war, and a squadron was sent by the Dutch to repossess New Neth- erland, which was surrendered without resistance by Captain Manning in the absence of Governor Lovelace. On the conclusion of peace between England and Hol- land New Netherland was restored to the former. The governor of New York, Major Edmund Andross, claimed jurisdiction over New Jersey, insisting that the Dutch conquest extinguished the proprietary title ; but early in 1675 Governor Carteret returned and resumed the gov- ernment of the eastern part of the province. He was kindly received by the people, who had become dissatis- fied with the arbitrary rule of Governor Andross. A new set of concessions was published and peaceable subordi- nation was established in the colony. Governor Andross, Under the new regime in East Jersey Robert Barclay, however, continued his efforts to enforce the duke's one of the proprietors, was chosen governor for life, with

OUTLINE HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.

power to name his deputies. These were, in succession: Thomas Rudyard (1683), Gawen Lawrie, Lord Niel Campbell and Alexander Hamilton.

In West Jersey Samuel Jennings was commissioned deputy governor by Byllinge in 1680, and during the next year he convened an assembly, which adopted a consti- tution and form of government. His successors were Thomas Olive, John Skene, William Welsh, Daniel Coxe and Andrew Hamilton.

In 1701 the condition of things in both provinces had come to be such that the benefits of good government were not attainable. Each had many proprietors, and their conflicting interests occasioned such discord that the people became quite willing to listen to overtures for a surrender of the proprietary government. "The pro- prietors, weary of contending with each other and with the people, drew up an instrument whereby they sur- rendered their right of government to the crown, which was accepted by Queen Anne on the 17th of April 1702. The queen at once reunited the two provinces, and placed the government of New Jersey as well as of New York in the hands of her kinsman Lord Cornbury." The commission and instructions which Cornbury received formed the constitution and government of the province until its declaration of independence. The new govern- ment was composed of the governor and twelve councilors, nominated by the crown, and an assembly of twenty-four members to be elected by the people for an indefinite term. Among the instructions given to the governor was the following: “ Forasmuch as great inconveniences may arise by the liberty of printing in our said province, you are to provide by all necessary orders that no person keep any press for printing, nor that any book, pamphlet or other matters whatsoever be printed without your especial leave and license first obtained."

Cornbury's rule was terminated by the revocation of his commission in 1708. It was characterized by mean- ness, extravagance, despotism, bigotry, avarice, and pub- lic and private injustice. He was succeeded by John Lord Lovelace, who soon died, and the functions of gor- ernment were discharged by Lieutenant Governor In- goldsby till 1710, when Governor Hunter commenced his administration. It is said of him that "he assented to most of the laws the people wanted, and filled the offices with men of character." He was followed in 1720 by William Burnet, who was removed to Boston in 1727. John Montgomerie then became governor, and so con- tinued till his death, in 1731. His successor, William Cosby, was removed by death in 1736. The government then devolved on John Anderson, president of the coun- cil, who died in about two weeks and was succeeded by John Hamilton (son of Andrew Hamilton, governor un- der the proprietors), who served nearly two years. In

1738 Lewis Morris Esq. was appointed governor of New Jersey "separate from New York. He continued till his death, in the spring of 1746. He was succeeded by President Hamilton. He dying it devolved upon John

Reading, Esq., as the next eldest councilor. He exer- cised the office till the summer of 1747, when Jonathan Belcher, Esq., arrived. He died in the summer of 1757 and was succeeded by John Reading, Esq., president. Francis Bernard, Esq., appointed governor in 1758, was removed to Boston and succeeded here by Thomas Boone, Esq., in 1760." He was succeeded by Josiah Hardy, and in 1763 by William Franklin, the last royal governor and a son of Dr. Benjamin Franklin.

From the first settlement of New Jersey slavery existed here. No measures were adopted for its prevention, and with the sentiment that then prevailed concerning the slave trade and the institution of slavery it is not reason- able to suppose that it could be prohibited. In the "con- cessions " of 1664-65 " weaker servants or slaves " were spoken of, and for every such servant above the age of 14 brought into the province 75 acres of land were allowed the master. When Lord Cornbury was made governor of the province he was instructed as follows : " And whereas we are willing to recommend unto the said company that the said province may have a con- stant and sufficient supply of merchantable negroes at moderate rates in money or commodities, so you are to take especial care that payment made be duly made and within a competent time, according to agreement." "And you are to take care that there be no trading from our said province to any place in Africa within the charter of the Royal African Company, otherwise than prescribed by an act of Parliament entitled 'An act to settle the trade of Africa.' "

Barracks once stood near the junction of Smith and Water streets in Perth Amboy for the reception and con- finement of slaves when imported. Much of the labor of families was for many years previous to the Revolu- tion performed by slaves.

As early as 1696 the Quakers of this province united with those of Pennsylvania to discourage the importation and employment of slaves, but their example was not followed by others.

In New Jersey as elsewhere severe penalties were in- flicted on negroes for crimes, and these often followed closely after the commission of the crimes. Whipping, branding, hanging and even burning alive were among the punishments inflicted. The peace of the province was disturbed it is said by several risings or attempted insurrections among the slaves, but these were promptly suppressed.

February 24th 1820 a law was enacted making every child born of slave parents subsequent to July 4th 1804 free, the males on arriving at the age of twenty- five years and the females at twenty-one. Under this law and that of 1846 slavery has disappeared from the State.

In 1790 there were in the State 11,423 slaves; in 1800 12,422; 1810, 10,851; 1820, 7,557; 1830, 2,254; 1840, 674; 1850, 236; 1860, 18.

EARLY REVOLUTIONARY EVENTS.

CHAPTER III.

NEW JERSEY'S PART IN THE FRENCH AND REVOLUTION- ARY WARS.

N 1744 war was formally declared between France and Great Britain. Masked hostili- ties had been for some time carried on. In 1746 the Assembly of New Jersey resolved to furnish five hundred men to assist in the conquest of Canada. In response to the call for this number 660 offered themselves, and one com- pany was transferred to the quota of New York. In the French and Indian hostilities which succeeded this period, and which were not terminated till 1763, New Jersey nobly sustained her part. In response to the call of the English minister, Mr. Pitt, on the colonies it is said: " The Assembly of New Jersey, instead of raising reluctantly five hundred men, doubled that number; and to fill the ranks in season offered a bounty of twelve pounds per man, increased the pay of the officers and voted a sum of £50,000 for their maintenance. They at the same session directed barracks to be built at Burlington, Trenton, New Brunswick, Amboy and Eliza- bethtown, competent each for the accommodation of three hundred men. *

* * This complement of one thousand men New Jersey kept up during the years 1758, 1759 and 1760; and in the years 1761 and 1762 fur- nished six hundred men, besides in the latter year a company of sixty-four men and officers especially for garrison; for which she incurred an average expense of £40,000 per annum."

It is neither practicable nor desirable in a brief sketch like this to discuss the causes which led to the Ameri- can Revolution. New Jersey bore a prominent and honorable part in that memorable contest, and not only was her soil the scene of active military operations, but it was more than once made red by the blood of the defenders of American liberty.

Action was taken by the Legislature of New Jersey in opposition to the oppressive acts of the British govern- ment as early as February 1774, when a State committee of correspondence was appointed, with instructions to watch and make known all matters which might affect the liberties and privileges of the colonists.

In July of the same year conventions of the people were held in the various county towns, and resolutions were adopted condemning in strong terms the oppressive acts of Great Britain. Deputies were also chosen to a convention for the election of delegates to the General Congress at Philadelphia. These delegates were James Kinsey, William Livingston, John De Hart, Stephen Crane and Richard Smith. The convention was held be- cause of the refusal of the governor to summon the Assembly when requested to do so. At its next session, in January 1775, the Assembly approved the proceedings of Congress, and chose the same representatives for the

future Congress. A convention called by the committee of correspondence assembled at Trenton on the 23d of May 1775, to consider and determine such matters as de- manded attention. This convention or provincial Con- gress, "reflecting the majesty of the people, assumed as occasion required the full power of all the branches of government." It provided for the formation of one or more companies, of eighty men each, in every town- ship or corporation, and to defray necessary expenses voted a tax of £10,000.

On the 5th of August in the same year this provincial Congress reassembled and provided for the organization cf fifty-four companies, each of sixty-four minute men, allotting to each county a certain number. A resolution was adopted to respect the rights of conscience of the Quakers, but asking them to contribute to the relief of their distressed brethren. The Congress made provision for the perpetuation of the authority which it had as- sumed, and directed "that during the continuance of the present unhappy dispute between Great Britain and America there be a new choice of deputies in every county yearly, on the third Thursday of September."

The Legislature was convened on the 16th of Novem- ber 1775 by Governor Franklin, and he addressed it at some length. He seemed desirous to be assured of his personal safety, and of the fact that the Assembly did not intend to declare independence, both of which as- surances were given him. " On December 6th 1775 the house was prorogued by the governor until the third day of January 1776, but it never reassembled, and thus terminated the provincial Legislature of New Jersey."

Although at the close of 1775 the feeling was strong against a declaration of independence by the colonies, yet the experience of a few months wrought an entire change; and when, on the fourth of July 1776, the Con- tinental Congress adopted such a declaration the senti- ment of a majority of the patriots in New Jersey, as else- where, approved it.

On the 10th of June 1776 the Provincial Congress of New Jersey assembled, and on the 21st of the same month resolved by a vote of 54 to 3 to organize a colo- nial or State government, pursuant to a recommendation made by the Continental Congress on the 15th of May. On the 26th of June a constitution was reported, and on the 2nd of July it was adopted, thus virtually, though not in words, severing the connection between the colony and the mother country. The declaration of independ- ence by Congress was approved on the 17th of July. Governor Franklin was thus reduced to the condition of an idle spectator of the doings of the Provincial Con- gress. He made an impotent attempt to exercise his au- thority, but he was finally arrested and sent to Connecti- cut, whence he sailed to England.

Here as elsewhere of course there were many loyalists. Lenient measures toward them were at first adopted, but as time went on severer measures were found necessary. The tories here as elsewhere were more malignant in their hostility than the British soldiery, and by reason of their acquaintance with the country were able to inflict on the

OUTLINE HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.

patriots great injuries. Laws were enacted declaring the forfeiture of their estates and disfranchising them.

It is not practicable to give even a distinct outline of the military operations of which New Jersey was the theater during the Revolution. Active hostilities were carried on here for several years of the struggle; import- ant battles were fought on the soil of the State, many minor engagements occurred, and there is hardly a town along the track of the armies which crossed and recrossed the State that was not rendered historic by some enter- prise or exploit. The losses of New Jersey in the Revo- lutionary struggle, both in men and property, in propor- tion to her wealth and population, were greater than those of any of her sisters. "When General Washington was retreating through the Jerseys, almost forsaken, her militia were at all times obedient to his orders, and for a considerable time composed the strength of his army. The military services performed by the soldiers of New Jersey and the sufferings of her people during the Revo- lutionary war entitle her to the gratitude of her sister States. By her sacrifices of blood and treasure in resist- ing oppression. she is entitled to stand in the foremost rank among those who struggled for American freedom."

CHAPTER IV.

PARTICIPATION OF THE STATE IN THE WARS OF THIS CENTURY.

T is not necessary to discuss at length the causes which led to the war of 1812 with Great Britain. It may, however, be stated that the principal of these were the assump- tion by that power of the right to search American vessels and impress seamen into the British service, and the violation of the rights of neutrals on the high seas. War was declared on the 19th of June 1812; but five months previously the State of New Jersey had by resolutions in the Legislature placed her- self on the record in its favor. Though. this State did not become the theater of active hostilities prompt measures were adopted to meet any emergencies that might arise. In 1812 all uniformed companies within the State were called on to hold themselves in readiness to take the field on short notice, and the call was obeyed with alacrity. Subsequently calls were made for men to guard the coast in times when danger was apprehended, and in every case prompt response was made to these calls. Troops were sent to Marcus and Paulus Hooks and to Staten Island for the defense of those points, and the . quota of the State for the war was furnished at an early period. About four thousand men were called into actual service, for terms averaging about three months, and the pay from the State to these men, in addition to that which they received from the government, amounted to $36,000.

Peace was concluded at Ghent on the 17th of February 1815, and in this State as elswhere the event was hailed with lively demonstrations of joy.

In 1846, by reason of the annexation of Texas to the United States, difficulties with Mexico arose which re- sulted in war. To aid in the prosecution of this war many troops from New Jersey were raised in companies and admitted as volunteers directly into the service of the United States. These volunteers accompanied Gen- eral Taylor in his campaigns in Mexico. In May 1846 a call was made on Governor Stratton of this State for a corps of volunteers, which was very promptly furnished. The troops from this State participated in all the cam- paigns of this war, and shared its hardships and priva- tions and its triumphs. It may be remarked that the commander-in-chief, General Winfield Scott, Colonel Phil Kearney and Commodore Robert F. Stockton, all of whom bore an honorable part in this war, were Jerseymen.

December 20th 1860 a convention of delegates chosen by the people of South Carolina under authority of the Legislature adopted an ordinance of secession from the Union. Other Southern States soon followed the ex- ample of South Carolina, and in February 1861 a con- vention of delegates appointed by the conventions of six seceding States adopted a form of government, termed the "Confederate States of America."

On the 29th of January 1861 the Legislature of New Jersey adopted a series of resolutions, setting forth the duty of the citizens to sustain the Union, and declaring that the government of the Uuited States is a national government and not a mere compact or association.

On the 12th of the following April Fort Sumter, in the harbor of Charleston, was bombarded, and compelled to surrender to the rebels on the 13th. On the 15th President Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for 75,- ooo men to suppress the rebellion. Under this call the quota of New Jersey was 3, 120. On the 17th Governor Olden received from the War Department the requisi- tion for these men, and he immediately issued his proc- lamation calling for individvals or organizations to re- port for service within twenty days.

In New Jersey as in other loyal States a spontane- ous uprising at once took place. "In every town and village the people, assembled in public meetings, pledged their utmost resources in behalf of the imperiled gov- ernment. The banks came forward with liberal offers of money, leading citizens proffered their assistance to the authorities, every fireside shone with the lustre of patriotic feeling, and even schools shared in the absorb- ing excitement. It was a carnival of patriotism from one end of the State to the other."

On the 23d of April the first company-the Olden Guards, Captain Joseph A. Yard, of Trenton-was mustered into the service of the United States. Quickly following this were other companies, so that by the 30th of the same month the brigade was full. An extra session of the Legislature was convened on the 30th of April and a loan of $2,000,000 was authorized to defray the expenses of the troops. Within sixty days the banks

CIVIL WAR RECORD-SCHOOL HISTORY.

in the State had subscribed to this loan the aggregate sum of $705,000, and individuals had taken $76,000, making a total of $781,000.

On the 5th of May the New Jersey troops reached Annapolis, and on the 6th they reported for duty to the War Department in Washington.

On the 3d of May 1861 a call was issued by the Presi- dent for thirty-nine regiments of infantry and one of cav- alry, to serve three years or during the war. Under this call the quota of New Jersey was three regiments. Such had been the enthusiasm of the people that not only had the first quota been filled, but about five thousand men had enlisted in New York, and nearly a sufficient number of companies were organized to fill this second quota. The regiments were organized at once and were uniformed, clothed and equipped at the expense of the State, amount- ing to $177,000. On the 28th of June they were sent to Washington.

On the 3d of August a requisition was made by the President on this State for five regiments of infantry and one company of artillery, and on the 8th of September another company of artillery and a regiment of riflemen or sharpshooters, of twelve companies, were added to the requisition. These regiments and companies were at once raised.

A regiment of cavalry was also recruited in twenty days, under authority of the President, by Hon. William Halstead, of Trenton, then seventy years of age. These regiments and companies were also furnished with equip- ments by the State, and they were organized and equipped at an expense of $557,000. Another regiment, the 10th, was recruited by authority of the War Depart- ment without authority from the State, but was afterward credited on the quota of New Jersey.

Under the call of July 7th 1862 for 300,000 volunteers the quota of New Jersey was five regiments. Of these four were mustered into service before the end of August, and one on the 6th of September.

August 4th 1862 an enrollment and a daft of 300,000 militia were ordered by the President. On the 3d of September, the day fixed for the draft, there were in camp in this State 236 men more than the number called for. Although the men of these nine months' regiments were transferred almost at once from civil life to active military service they discharged their duties efficiently.

Under the conscription act of 1863 the quota for New Jersey was fixed at 8,783. Six places of rendezvous were established on the 3d of August, all of which were one tenth of all the State taxes. closed within about two months. Ten companies of thirty-day men also were mustered for service in Penn- sylvania during 1863.

Under the call of May 16th 1864 for " hundred-day men " a regiment was organized, and it served till Oc- tober of that year.

Under the call of July 18th 1864 for 500,000 troops the quota of New Jersey was 15,891.

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