USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Narratives of Newark (in New Jersey) from the days of its founding > Part 9
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"The Town's men have Liberty to see if they can find a competent Number of Scholars and accommodations for a School Master within this Town," was a suggestion offered at a meeting held November 21, 1676. Canvass of the families during the winter gave much Page of Bible used in Colonial Days encouragement for starting the school. Townsmen were elected at the annual meeting on January 1, when this item was adopted:
John Baldwin, Jr., Thomas Pierson, Jr., Thomas Pierson, Sr., John Catlin, William Camp, Azariah Crane, and George Day are chosen Towns Men for the Year ensuing-these Towns Men are Appointed to meet every Lecture Day in the afternoon.
They having reached a decision regarding the school, the following authorization for its institution was given on Feb- ruary 7, 1676:
The Town hath consented that the Town's Men should per- fect the Bargain with the School Master for this Year, upon Condition that he will come for this Year and do his faithful, honest and true endeavor, to teach the Children or Servants of those as have subscribed, the reading and writing of English, and also Arethmetick if they desire it; as much as they are capable to learn and he capable to teach them within the Compass of this Year-nowise hindering, but that he may make what bargain
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he please, with those as have not subscribed. It is voted, that the Towns Men have Liberty to compleat the Bargain with the School Master, they knowing the Town's Mind.
The school was opened! Prospective pupils, from their uncomfortable wooden benches, eyed furtively the wise man seated behind the desk. With a sharp rap he ordered silence, which was already most pronounced. Among the older boys was Samuel Pierson, son of Thomas Pierson, and now fifteen years of age. He answered all the necessary questions which were duly recorded. Mary Harrison informed the schoolmaster that she was the daughter of Sergeant Richard Harrison and twelve years of age. In this manner the list- ing of pupils was completed. Bare walls and an absence of text books gave an aspect of meagreness to the schoolroom. Eyes were focussed upon the master, he who so sternly announced that he was ready "to take the children in hand."
Practical demonstrations in arithmetic were given. "If John had four apples and his father gave him nine more, how many will he then have?" Once this question was asked and the answer was returned quickly: "More'n two pocketfulls." . Spelling was also incorporated in the lessons. Judged by the handwriting in many of the letters and documents of the colonial period, this branch of the curriculum was mastered by only a limited number. The first dictionary reaching America was arranged by Elisha Cole, "Schoolmaster and Teacher of the Tongue to Foreigners," and published in 1676. Lessons in deportment were given, special emphasis being laid upon the courtesy children must accord their elders. The two men most feared by children were the minister and the schoolmaster. The latter did not spare the rod when he thought it needed application.
John Catlin, or Catling, whose name is mentioned as the first schoolmaster of Newark, was a Signer of the Funda- mental Agreement, prominent in town affairs and a scrivener of ability.
He no doubt supplemented the work of the town clergy and
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the mothers in instructing the young in the rudiments, more especially in explaining the hard words in the Bible. The people, however, had their minds directed toward a school- master coming from a distance when the school system was inaugurated.
The names of John Arnold and his wife Mary are linked with the period, though his name does not appear as a planter, nor is he mentioned in the town record. A well pre- served document in the rooms of the New Jersey Histori- cal Society gives the information that Arnold was in town on a certain June day, one year after it was agreed to employ one competent to teach the boys and girls. He signed his name "John Arnold, schoolmaster," to an official paper exe- cuted for Mary and Stephen Bond. Signatures of Rev. Abraham Pierson, Thomas Johnson and Samuel Moore, Gent., are attached as witnesses.
Arnold's children, Benedict and John, were born in New- ark. Bowley, another child, was born in Killingworth, Conn., March 1, 1679.
Catling later moved to Deerfield, Mass., where he was surprised and massacred February 29, 1703, by French and Indians. A tablet in Memorial Hall, Deerfield, reads:
MR. JOHN CATLIN, 65 SON OF JOHN AND ISABELLA OF WETHERSFIELD, CONN. ONE OF THE FOUNDERS OF NEWARK, N. J. HE CAME TO DEERFIELD, 1683 AT ITS PERMANENT SETTLEMENT. NOTED IN THE ANNUALS OF BOTH TOWNS. PROGENITOR OF THE DEERFIELD CATLINGS, HE WAS KILLED IN DEFENDING THEIR ANCESTRAL HOME. CHILDREN SLAIN- JONATHAN, WITH HIS FATHER. JOSEPH ON THE MEADOWS. CAPTURED AND REDEEMED : JOHN, 17, AND RUTII.
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Legislation under the Proprietary Government provided, in 1693, that the inhabitants of towns by warrant from a justice of the peace might meet and choose three men to make a rate for a schoolmaster "for as long a time as they may think proper; a majority of the inhabitants to compel the
payment of any rates levied and withheld." The act sets forth that "the cultivation of learning and good manners tends greatly to the good and benefit of mankind." In 1695 another act was passed as a substitute directing the choice of three men annually in each town, to select a teacher and the most convenient place or places where schools should be maintained, "by reason of distance of the neighborhoods."
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1 Samuel Harrison House (1725.)
Washington Street near Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange
CHAPTER XXII
GOVERNOR ANDROS HAS DESIGNS UPON EAST JERSEY
N EW JERSEY was severed in twain in 1676. Lord Berkley, dissatisfied with his returns in colonial real estate, sold his share of the province, on July 1, to John Fenwick and Edward Byllings, for 1,000 pounds or about $5,000. William Penn and others were associated with him in the transaction, which included land extending the length of the Delaware River, the line of partition being from Little Egg Harbor straight north, through the country to the utter- most branch of the Delaware River. This was called West Jersey. The other portion, named East Jersey, remained in possession of Sir George Carteret and in which Newark was a flourishing town. Its autonomy was not disturbed by the division.
Governor Carteret continued his headquarters at Eliza- beth Town and deputies were chosen regularly for attendance at the Assembly. At the next annual town meeting, on January 1, 1676, it was ordered that "Thomas Johnson and Thomas Richards are chosen Deputies for the General Assembly for the Year ensueing. John Curtis the Third Man, in case either of these fail." It also ordered that the "Country rate shall be made by the List as Men put into make the other Rates by." Peaceable relations between the people and the Carteret Government continued, though dis- satisfaction was noticed here and there by "watchmen in the towers," indicating a rupture at no distant day. The yeo- man spirit was restless under tyranny's yoke, but Newark, despite all troubles, internal and otherwise, continued along its useful way.
Governor Andros, of New York, did not view complacently an act of East Jersey's Governor in placing a tariff of ten per
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cent. of the cargo upon imports and exports, in 1676, nor did the people of the province, who considered it unwarranted and arbitrary. Later it was reduced to five per cent. and in 1678 Elizabeth Town named the only port where vessels were allowed to leave and enter.
Andros had a more selfish objection. He claimed that his authority extended over East Jersey, and asserted that all vessels should pass through the port of New York.
Provincial affairs late in 1679 were approaching a crisis. Excited groups of planters, shivering more from the cold, pene- trating March winds than from fear of physical combat with Governor Andros and his trained soldiers, met along the high- ways in the early morning of March 22. Only three days remained of the year, but all, as it afterward proved, were fraught with uncertainty over his act in seizing a vessel entering Elizabeth Town, compelling the master to pro- ceed to New York, and pay a large fine as a penalty for what was termed an unlawful act. Andros also, on March 8, made a written demand upon Carteret to vacate the office of Governor and turn it over to him.
"Here comes the drummer!" exclaimed a sharp-eared planter in the forenoon of March 22, at the Corn Mill, where the weekly grinding was in process. Interest in the flow of the golden meal and in the low hum of the churning water wheel was now lost. One or two of the older men, infirm with the weight of years, rudely disturbed from a comfortable seat by the blazing hearthstone fire, hobbled along the roadway with those more agile. Boys carried the never-failing foot stove, that father or "granther" might be more comfortable at the Meeting House while talking over preparedness plans. The menacing New York Governor was severely criticised and the decision was unanimous in favor of a belligerent stand by the townsmen. It was therefore ordered that men of military age should have their arms in readiness for service, and "It is agreed that the Drum being begun to be beaten at Joseph Rigg's Gate, and so all the way up the Street as far as Samuel Harrison's Gate, and at the Ceasing of the beating
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of the Drum three guns being distinctly fired of-it shall be sufficient warning for all who are in the Military List forth- with to meet at the Meeting House in their armes.".
Governor Carteret, in conference with the leading men of the province, including Thomas Johnson, John Curtis and Jonathan Sargeant, of Newark, wrote this defiant note to Andros, March 20, 1679:
Having considered your letter of the 8th instant, and advised upon the Contents thereof not only with the Council, but also with the most eminent, though not Numerous part of the Country, who have largely weighed the Force of his Royal Highness Grant.
I entreat you not to molest me as Governor, nor the people under my charge.
If you intend to erect a fort at Sandy Hook I shall be con- strained to endeavour to prevent the same, until I shall know the Proprietor's pleasure, he having reserved that for a fortification when the King shall command it.
The people as well as myself and Council hold ourselves obleged to the Government established by Sir George Carteret and are under oath so to do and shall be necessitated, if any Force be used, to defend ourselves and Families the best we can, which if any Blood be shed it will be contrary to our desires. Therefore we entreat you to forebear your threats or any other Acts of Hostility towards us until his Majesty decides this Controversy.
Captain John Berry, of Newark, member of the Council, was appointed Deputy Governor, "not knowing," said Gov- ernor Carteret, "how it may please God to Dispose of me, Eyther by Life or death." Did he have a premonition of events soon to affect him physically and officially?
New York's Governor ordered the Newark planters to desist from military preparations and pledge allegiance to his Government. The town having submitted to the Dutch seven years previously, why could not he, with trained soldiers at his command, also compel the Puritans to bend the knee? Again the drummer sounded the alarm, a week later, from Sergeant Riggs' gate "and so all the way up
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the street as far as Sam'l Harrison's gate." The Meeting House was in a moment filled with questioning planters, some of whom appeared with their guns. Debating other motions out of existence, the following was adopted as the town's mind:
The Town being met together the 29th day of March, 1679-80, and give their positive answer to the Governor of York's Writ (viz): That they have taken the Oath of Allegiance to the King and Fidelity to the present Government, and until they have 1 . sufficient Order from his Majesty we will stand by the same.
A bold step indeed! An armed force waiting in New York to take possession of East Jersey did not intimidate the New- ark planters in the least. Governor Carteret was alarmed and about to leave the province till his rights were declared by the proprietor. But not so the Newark people! They had the courage of their convictions and were not afraid to assert them. They were for Newark in sunshine and in storm! This was the spirit firing the hearts of their descendants at Trenton, Princeton, Monmouth and Springfield-which de- fied even an armed host because of righteous wrath over out- rageous infringement of individual rights.
Governor Andros, after conference with his council on Monday, April 5, 1680, decided to try for the East Jersey prize.
"It was resolved in Council," runs the record, "That the Go: goe in person to-morrow in his Sloope toward New Jersey to be there the next day, being the 7th, the time for the Dep: To meet & that he goe in a friendly way with his own Retinue & some Volunteers to attend him, without other armes than their Swords."
Andros may have presumed that upon his appearance at Elizabeth Town Carteret would vacate his office. The official party set sail from New York at 2 o'clock on Tues- day afternoon, April 6, 1680; the boats were to touch at Staten Island and then proceed to the home of East Jersey's Governor.
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It was a beautiful April day. In the distance the Watchung Mountains formed a pleasing background for the afternoon's glaring sun.
"Well worth trying for," commented Andros to Matthias Nicholls, his secretary, as the boat pushed off into the water and his excellency glanced toward the hazy, blue outline against the western horizon. Quickly the sails took the wind, coming a little stiff from west and southwest. To- ward evening the craft approached Shooters Island. The steersman, finding the current too swift, could not prevent beaching. In an hour the boat was again in deep water and anchor made for the night at the wharf of Captain Young on the western side of Staten Island. Two of the party were sent to Elizabeth Town to obtain, if possible, a brief interview with Governor Carteret. The latter was not unprepared, as an account of the visit, told in the quaint language and spelling of the period, verifies:
C. Colyer was pitcht upon & (by his owne request) Mr. James Wilson to accompany him, who went away to a point where they were challenged, but declaring to be friends went up the Creeke on Coll. Morriss' Boats. They found pt: of a comp'y with C. Greenland at the point & heard another comp'y by the way when they arrived at C. Carteretts there were others in arms who challenged them why & whence they came, and C. Sandford with his sworde drawn came to the landing place and demanded if they were friends, to the w'ch C. Colyer replying "yes," hee did not have them to leave but let them come ashore. The boate came back but they stayed all night.
Andros' reception at Carteret's house and subsequent events, in which the former raised himself as dictator for nearly a year over East Jersey, are incidents for another chapter.
CHAPTER XXIII
ABDUCTION OF GOVERNOR CARTERET
WAKE at an early hour on the morning of Wednesday, April 7, 1680, Governor Andros, at his temporary headquarters on Staten Island, hastily prepared for the remainder of the trip to Elizabeth Town. The sun was over an hour high when sail was set, at 7 o'clock. Captain Greenland and a detachment, without colors, saluted the visitor becoming his exalted station as the boat in which he was seated appeared in the creek (Elizabeth Town River). Every courtesy was extended this self-invited guest and those accompanying him. Governor Philip Carteret's house, situated on a hill, was approached by a lane from the land- ing place. "As we all crost the hollow just by the house," says one who witnessed the ceremony, "there was part of a comp'y with C. Whitehead at their head, who was making a passage for us, wee walked through to where we mett C. Sandford, C. Pike, and Capt. Bowers. C. Carteret, inviting the Go: in the stockades, which was commanded by C. Sandford, who gave a volley just as we passed through them."
Governor Andros, all politeness in meeting Governor Carteret, informed him that his Majesty the King had deputed him to accept charge of the country from the Dutch; that Governor Colve had relinquished all the coun- try in his possession when the Hollanders surrendered, and that, as his (Andros) commission superseded Carteret's, the latter must also vacate the office of Governor of East Jersey.
Thomas Johnson and John Curtis were representatives in this historical drama. During the interview settlers from surrounding towns arrived and were in waiting outside the
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stockade. They conversed in loud tones and endeavoring to learn of the proceedings within the enclosure, pressed heavily against the timbers. Andros was frightened as the heavy oak gates nearly collapsed, and requested safe con- duct to an adjoining field, where he and his aides could defend themselves from physical violence, if necessary. This was provided. Regaining his courage, Andros, sur- rounded by soldiers, read his commission and demanded that East Jersey be turned over to him, which was at once refused.
Failing of an agreement, and the sun past meridian, the official party from New York was invited into the Governor's house. And the Governor of East Jersey said unto the Governor of New York: "What is your pleasure?" Over the social glass amenities were exchanged and the strained relations relaxed. Then another parley was arranged in the open field. The visitors formed a semi-circle, with a hun- dred or more Jerseymen grouped near. Facing them were Carteret, Deputy Governor Berry and Captain Sandford. Thus was East Jersey's Governor supported by two Newark citizens in his hour of trouble. Captain Berry read the lease from the Duke of York to Sir George Carteret, and the latter's appointment of Philip Carteret as Governor of the Province, but Andros insisted that His Majesty's letter patent, being of greater importance than one of a more private nature, he should be proclaimed Governor.
Carteret's suggestion that the problem be referred to the English authorities was agreed to by Andros and the latter was invited to break bread at the East Jersey Gover- nor's table. Readily was the hospitality accepted and the executives now conversed in more agreeable tones. They were friends of several years. Frequently had Carteret visited the New York mansion, where he was royally enter- tained, and had often sat in the official seat at the Meeting House.
Only men were at the repast. Governor Carteret was not married till April of the following year, 1681, when
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Mrs. William Lawrence, widow, the daughter of Richard Smith, of Long Island, became mistress of the household. He was then forty-one years of age.
Planters were standing near the house when the officials arose from the banquet table. Procession was formed, Governor Carteret and Deputy Governor Berry leading, followed by Governor Andros and party and a large detach- ment of soldiers "in armes." The military forces formed a continuous chain on each side of the lane, over the brow of the hill, into the hollow and to the landing place. Three volleys were fired by the troops, to which the sailors replied. Flags were carried by the soldiers, but in the escort "there was only one Colours amoung them."
Andros did not abide by the agreement, and in a bold effort to secure control of the government of East Jersey, issued a warrant dated May 1, 1680, for Captain Carteret's arrest. He ordered Captain John Colyer to execute it. The characters for a midnight drama were detailed from the soldiery, and under cover of darkness the expedition slipped away from New York on the night of April 30, 1680.
Dropping anchor in Achter Koll, small boats were quietly lowered in the water, properly manned and moved off in silence. Not a sentinel challenged the attacking party as it started up the Elizabeth Town River. Midnight had passed and the darkness was quite impenetrable. Stealthily the boats drew near the dock or landing place and the plan of raiding the mansion was explained by the officer in charge. If one were abroad on an errand of mercy (no other reason could be assigned for night walking), skulking figures, resembling more those of dumb animals than human beings, could have been seen a moment later among the trees near the Carteret home. The Governor, unaware of his impending fate, his head buried in a feather pillow, was sleeping soundly.
The door was soon reached and forced and the entry filled with the Andros hirelings, who in a moment were at the bedside.
"Ha! ha! my Captain! Ye will not do as our Governor
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says; we'll see! we'll see!" Such was the greeting Car- teret received when, startled from his slumbers, his partly opened eyes met the flickering flame of a tallow dip in the lantern placed close against his face. Instinctively he raised his hands to guard himself from expected assault. Terrible and disgraceful was the scene then enacted, and a blot upon Governor Andros' life. Carteret, dragged out of bed, his night-clothes stripped from his body, now thoroughly awakened, was powerless in the hands of the soldiers. Tossed about the room and denied clothing for his person the Governor was in a few moments at the landing place. The harsh treatment was continued on the way.
He who so recently was resting in a comfortable bed was now in a sad plight. His body, bruised and bleeding, ex- cited not the sympathy of the captors, who bound him hand and foot and threw him into a boat. Fortunately it was a season of mild weather and the trip across the bay added not to the Governor's sufferings.
Kindly disposed persons visited him in the prison, ad- ministered restoratives and food and furnished necessary apparel.
Two of Carteret's trusted officers, hearing the commotion on the night of the abduction, but unable to succor their master, decamped from the village. One travelled in a southerly direction and sailed from Maryland, while the other took passage from Boston. Both met later in the year in London, and published accounts of the high-handed methods adopted by the New York Governor, who was condemned by public opinion and later ordered home. Andros, in his comfortable New York quarters, had his proclamation in readiness for distribution to the East Jersey settlers when assured of success attending his nefarious programme. Skilful sailors were sent in haste to Elizabeth Town, and from there couriers were dispatched into the villages, with instructions to post the manifesto of the dictator at Meeting House, tavern or other public place. Possession of East Jersey, once acquired, Andros hoped to
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enrich himself by taxation, no doubt having a plan in mind to squeeze every ounce of wealth possible from the colonists.
Wise and conservative, schooled by experience, Thomas Johnson, Samuel Kitchell, John Ward, Samuel Harrison, John Curtis, Thomas Pierson, Jonathan Sargeant, Jasper Crane and other Newark settlers were ever ready-the sacrifice counted not-to serve the town and province. Their counsel materially aided in quieting public feeling. The leaders ever enjoined deliberateness in dealing with affairs of town and province, and this excellent trait assisted largely in overcoming obstacles in the pathway of com- munity progress.
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CHAPTER XXIV
GOVERNOR CARTERET'S TRIAL
A NDROS was ignored at the town meeting on May 3, 1680, held three days after the assault upon Carteret. Instead, Captain Berry, deputy governor of the Carteret administration, was petitioned to "enlarge and settle our town bounds." This referred to the Kingsland purchase, then agitating the town life. Resentment was aroused over the methods adopted by Andros to secure possession of East Jersey.
"After many Debates and Disputes," wrote Governor Philip Carteret to the Proprietor, "we concluded to decide it (authority over New Jersey) by Arguments rather than by Arms, but the Rancor and Malice of his (Andros) Heart was such that on the thirtieth day of April last he sent a Party of Soldiers to fetch me away Dead or Alive, so that in the Dead Time of the Night broke open my Doors and most bar- barously and inhumanely and violently halled me out of my Bed, that I have not Words enough sufficiently to express the Cruelty of it; and Indeed I am so disabled by the Bruises and Hurts I then received, that I fear I shall hardly be a perfect Man again."
The trial of Carteret was announced for the early morning of May 27. Respectfully a crowd of men and women made its way to the quaint structure used as the prison house, curious to view the prisoner at "first hand."
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