USA > New Jersey > The history of New Jersey : from its earliest settlement to the present time : including a brief historical account of the first discoveries and settlement of the country, Vol. I > Part 16
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* These two were the most staunch patriots in the assembly, and had the entire confidence of the people.
t Because the governor could not answer it, he at once dissolved the assembly.
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which would have fully justified my Lord Cornbury's just con- duct. Thus, having discharged this part of our duty, which we thought at present incumbent upon us, we beg leave to assure Your Majesty that whenever we shall see the people of this prov- ince labor under anything like a grievance, we shall, according to our duty, immediately apply to the governor, with our best advice for the redress of it, and we have no reason yet to doubt of a ready compliance in him.
" We shall not be particular, but crave leave to refer to His Excellency's representation of them to the right honorable the lords commissioners for trade and plantations.
" The strenuous asserting of Your Majesty's prerogative royal, and vindicating the honor of your governor, the Lord Cornbury, will in our humble opinion, be so absolutely necessary at this juncture, that without your so doing, Your Majesty will find yourself deceived, either in expectation of a revenue for support of the government, or militia for its defence.
" In hopes Your Majesty will take these important things into consideration, and His Excellency the Lord Cornbury, with all the members of Your Majesty's council, into your royal favor and protection, we shall conclude with our most fervent prayers to the Most High, to lengthen your days and increase your glories. And that ourselves in particular, and all others in general, who reap the benefits of Your Majesty's most gentle and happy government, may be, and ever continue, the most loyal and dutiful of subjects to the most glorious and best of Queens."
The grievance of the assembly was duly taken into considera- tion by Queen Anne, and she was, under the circumstances, compelled to recall Lord Cornbury, and Lord John Lovelace was appointed to succeed him.
The colonists left their own country and came here to avoid oppression and tyrrany, and to seek an asylum in a new country, where they could peaceably enjoy their liberties, both civil and religious, but when their governor manifested towards them such acts of unwarranted hostility, their consciences and their love for the good Queen Anne, would not permit them tamely to submit, and they were therefore compelled to remonstrate ;
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their remonstrance was heard and their wrongs speedily redressed. They intended here to establish a home for the oppressed of all nations, religions and creeds. Their constitution was a liberal one, and guaranteed to them all the rights of freedom, and when efforts were being made to trample those rights in the dust, they wisely remonstrated against them, their petition; were heard and their grievances remedied at once, for had it not been, they had resolved not to tamely submit to what they' considered and felt was an unwarrantable interference in their just and established rights, guaranteed to them when they landed on these shores, and these rights they were determined to main- tain, peaceably if they could, but by force if they must. Thus in all time showing the spirit which has animated our forefathers.
CHAPTER IX.
1708-1710.
Lord Lovelace succeeds Cornbury-His conciliatory measures sat- isfactory to the Assembly and People-Paper money established . in the Province-Expedition to reduce Canada and drive out the French-Troops promised from England-The French Gov- ernor capitulates-Expedition against Port Royal, in Arcadia -Major Sanford expelled from the House for signing a false statement to the Queen.
O N the 5th of May, 1708, the assembly met at Burlington. Samuel Jennings, the speaker, being ill at the time, Thomas Gordon was appointed to succeed him.
They received the speech of the governor, and on the 12th delivered the address of the assembly, which contained the old story of grievances.
This so displeased the governor that he immediately adjourned them to the following September, to meet at Amboy, but in the interval dissolved them, but being himself so soon after super- ceded, he met them no more.
The business of the last session began by his telling them in his speech, that it was his great desire to see the service of the Queen and the good of the province carried on, supported and provided for, that induced him to call them together, to prepare and pass such laws as were proper, and that he might not be wanting in his duty, he should point out what he thought required their immediate attention.
The first was a bill for the support of government, that the revenue the Queen expected was fifteen hundred pounds per annum, to continue twenty-one years.
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Next the reviving or re-enacting the militia bill, which would soon expire.
That he had every session since he had been governor, recom- mended the passing of a bill or bills for confirming the right and property of the soil of the province to the general proprie- tors, according to their repective rights and titles, as also to settle and confirm the particular titles and estates of all the inhabitants of the province, and others claiming under the proprietors. That he was still of opinion, such a bill would best conduce to the improvment, as well as peace and quiet of the province. That he had last year recommended the passing of bills for erecting and repairing prisons and court-houses in the different counties ; the building of bridges in places where they were wanting, by general tax ; and as late experience had taught the necessity of settling the qualifications of jurymen, he desired they would prepare bills for these purposes, and revive such of the acts of assembly, passed in the time of the proprie- tary government, as would be of use, that they might be . presented for the Queen's approbation.
On this occasion the assembly, in their address, declare that they were and always had been, ready and desirous to support the government to the utmost of their poor abilities ; that they were heartily sorry for the misunderstanding between the gover- nor and them ; that about twelve months ago they had humbly represented to him some of the many grievances their country labored under, most of which, they were sorry to say, yet re- mained and daily increased ; that they found the Queen's good subjects of the province were continually prosecuted by informa- tions upon frivolous pretences, which rendered that excellent constitution of grand juries useless, and if continued would put it in the power of an attorney-general to raise his future upon the ruin of his country ; that they found it a great charge to the country, that juries and evidences were brought from remote parts of the province to the supreme courts at Burlington and Amboy.
That it was a great grievance that the practice of the law was so precarious that innocent persons were prosecuted upon infor- mations and actions brought against several of the Queen's
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subjects, in which the gentlemen licensed to practice the law were afraid to appear for them, or if they appeared, did not discharge their duty to their clients for fear of being suspended, without being convicted of any crime deserving it or reason assigned, as was done at Burlington in May last, to the damage of many of the Queen's good subjects.
That they found the representatives of this Her Majesty's province so slighted and their commands so little regarded, that the clerk of the crown had refused to issue a writ for the electing a member wanting in the house. They hoped he would consider and remove these and many other inconveniences and grievances that the province labored under, which would enable them to exert the utmost of their abilities in supporting Her Majesty's government, and would make them happy under the mild and meek administration of a great and glorious queen.
That they doubted not, were her Majesty rightly informed of the poverty and circumstances of their country and that their livelihoods depended upon the seasons of the year, their most gracious sovereign would pity their condition, and never expect the settlement of any support of government further than from one year to another ; that they found the present militia bill so great a grievance to their country, they could never think of reviving or re-enacting it as it now was, though they were heartily willing to provide for the defence of their country, which they hoped might be done with greater ease to the people ; that they had been and still were endeavoring to answer Her Majesty's commands, in confirming the right and property of the soil of the province to the general proprietors according to their res- pective rights and titles, and likewise to confirm and settle the particular titles and estates of all the inhabitants, and other purchasers claiming under the proprietors, but though they had several times met in general assembly, they had not opportunity to perfect it.
They acknowledge the favor of being put in mind of provid- ing prisons, court-houses, and bridges, where such are wanting, which they should take into consideration ; that they had a bill for settling the qualifications of juries, prepared last sitting at Amboy, and should now present it, and thanking him for re-
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minding them of reviving their former laws say, they had before appointed a committee for that end, but were impeded by Basse, the secretary, positively refusing to let them have the perusal of them ; and that as they had always used their utmost endeavor in the faithful service of the Queen, and for the benefit of the country, so they should still continue to do it with all the despatch they were capable of.
We now part with Lord Cornbury's administration ;* at the same 'time also we part with Samuel Jennings, but not with the same feelings that we part with Cornbury, for his whole energies were devoted to the interests of the people, and was highly esteemed both in his private life and as a legislator.
His indisposition continued for about twelve months, when he died regretted and lamented, for his many social virtues endeared him to the hearts of the people, and he could upon all occasions
* At a council held at Amboy, March 28th, 1708, the petition of Edward Viscount Cornbury, late governor of this province, setting forth that he had due to him sundry sums of money, for which he desired warrants to enable him, if the revenue of this province was not able to pay the same, he might demand it of Her Majesty, was read and dismissed.
" Lord Cornbury (says a writer, well informed as to his character,) was no less obnoxious to the people of New Jersey than those of New York. The assembly of that province, impatient of his tyranny, drew up a complaint against him, which they sent home to the Queen. Her Majesty graciously listened to the cries of her injured subjects, divested him of his power, and appointed Lord Lovelace in his stead, declaring that she would not counte- nance her nearest relations in oppressing her people.
" As soon as my lord was superseded, his creditors threw him into the cus- tody of the sheriff of New York, and he remained there till the death of his father, when succeeding to the Earldom of Clarendon, he returned to England.
" We never had a governor so universally detested, nor any who so richly deserved the public abhorrence. In spite of his noble descent, his behavior was trifling, mean and extravagant.
" It was not uncommon for him to dress himself in a woman's habit, and then to patrol the fort in which he resided (Fort Ann, in New York). Such freaks of low humor exposed him to the universal contempt of the people, but their indignation was kindled by his despotic rule, savage bigotry, insatiable avarice and injustice, not only to the public but even his private creditors, for he left some of the lowest tradesmen in his employment unsatisfied in their just demands." He died in 1723.' (History of New York, page 116.)
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be fully relied on. His many services have occasioned him to be often mentioned. His religion was that of the Quakers, and he was early in life an approved minister among them, and so continued until his death. Common opinion, apt to limit this sphere of action, will however, allow general ru es to have their exceptions, as instances now and then, though perhaps but rarely, occur, where variety of talents have united in the same individual, and yet not interfered. Such, the accounts of these times (stripped of the local uncertainties of faction and party) tell us was the circumstance with regard to Jennings. That his authority, founded on experienced candor, probity, and abilities, enlarged opportunities rendered him not in one capacity or to one society only, but generally useful. It is mentioned that he was of an obliging, affectionate disposition, yet of a hasty, warm temper, and that he notwithstanding managed it with circum- spection and prudence, so that few occasions escaped to the disadvantage of his character, or of any cause he engaged in.
That he saw the danger to which his natural impetuosity exposed him ; knew his preservation lay in a close attention to his cooler prospects, and diligently guarding in that spot, expe- rienced the benefit in many trying events ; that his integrity and fortitude in all stations were acknowledged ; that his judgment was the rule of his conduct, and this seems to have been but seldom injudiciously founded ; that alive to the more generous . emotions of a mind formed to benevolence and acts of humanity, he was a friend to the widow, the fatherless, and the unhappy. Tender, compassionate, disinterested, and with great opportuni- ties, he left but a small estate ; that abhoring oppression in every shape, his whole conduct discovered a will to relieve and befriend mankind, far above the littleness of party or sinister views ; that his sentiments of right and liberty were formed on the revolution establishment, a plan successfully adapted to the improvement of a new country, or any country ; that he was notwithstanding all this sometimes thought stiff and impracticable, but chiefly on account of his political attachments, yet that there were instances where better knowledge of his principles and the sincerity with which he acted, totally effaced those impressions, and left him friends where none were expected. Much of his time was long
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devoted to the public, with a will to be useful, and for which ample occasion during those times offered. West Jersey and Pennsylvania* and New Jersey, after the surrender, in all about twenty-eight years successively, were repeated witnesses of his sterling conduct in the different positions he held. His constant aim was to study the peace and welfare of mankind, though like many other honest men, he found those who opposed him, and in some instances even met with ungrateful returns for the good he accomplished, and though his endeavors did not always succeed to his mind, he yet survived personal accusations in a great measure, with respect to himself, and the good will of those who approved his course, and as it regarded the public generally, he lived long enough to see it emerging from an unpromising state of litigation and controversy to greater quiet than had been known for many years.
He left three children (daughters), these intermarried with three brothers of the name of Stevenson, whose descendants still reside in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
. In the latter end of 1708, a new assembly was chosen.
The names of the members were Thomas Gordon, Thomas Farmer, Elisha Parker, John Royse, John Harrison, Benjamin Lyon, Gershom Mott, Elisha Lawrence, John Trent, William Morris, Enoch Machelsen, and Mr. Eldridge, for the western division ; Thomas Gardiner, Thomas Raper, Hugh Sharp, Nathaniel Cripps, John Kay, John Kaign, Richard Johnson, Nathaniel Breading, Hugh Middleton, and John Lewis, for the eastern.
This assembly met and chose Thomas Gordon speaker, but was dissolved upon the new governor's arrival.
John Lord Lovelace, baron of Hurley, having, as before stated, been appointed to succeed Lord Cornbury, summoned the council to meet him at Bergen, December 20th, 1708, pub- lished his commission, and met a new assembly in the spring, at Perth Amboy, and informed them :
" That he was very sensible of great difficulties attending the
* He lived some years in Pennsylvania, and held several important offices in that province.
N
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honorable employment in which Her Majesty had placed him, and he hoped they would never fail to assist him to serve the Queen and her people.
" That Her Majesty had shown, in the whole course of her reign, (a reign glorious beyond example), how much she aimed at the good and prosperity of her people, having with indefati- gable pains, united her two kingdoms of England and Scotland, and continued the same application to unite the minds of all her subjects. That this was her great care, and ought to be the care of those whom she deputed to govern the distant provinces not happy enough by situation to be under her more immediate government. That, as he could not set before them a better pattern, he should endeavor to recommend himself to them, by following, as far as he was able, her example. That he should not give them any just cause of uneasiness, under his adminis- tration, and hoped they would bear with one another.
" That past differences and animosities ought to be buried in oblivion, and the peace and welfare of the country only pursued by each individual. That Her Majesty would not be burthen- some to her people, but there being an absolute necessity that the government be supported, he was directed to recommend that matter to their consideration. That they knew best what the province could conveniently raise for its support, and the easiest methods of raising it. That the making a law for put- ting the militia on a better footing than it at present stood, with as much ease to the people as possible, required their consideration.
" That he should always be ready to give his assent to what- ever laws 'they found necessary for promoting religion and virtue, for the encouragement of trade and industry, and dis- couragement of vice and profaneness, and for any other matter or thing relating to the good of the province."
The assembly issued an address, in which they told the gov- ernor, that they esteemed it their great happiness, that Her Majesty had placed a person of so much temper and moderation over them, and made no question he would surmount every difficulty with honor and safety.
" That Her Majesty's reign would make a bright leaf in history.
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That it was the advantage of the present, and would be the ad- miration of future ages, not more for her success abroad than prudence at home.
"That though their distance had, and might sometimes be disadvantageous to them, yet they experienced the effect of her princely care, in putting an end to the worst administration New Jersey ever knew, by sending him, whose government would always be easy to Her Majesty's subjects here, and satisfactory to himself, whilst he followed so great and good an example.
" That they had no animosities with one another, but firmly agreed to do themselves and their country justice. That they were persuaded none that deserved public censure, would have a share in his esteem, and doubted not of meeting with his hearty concurrence in every measure that conduced to peace and good order.
" That they should support the government to the utmost of their abilities, and most willingly so at a time when they were freed from bondage and arbitrary encroachments, and were con- vinced that vice and immorality would no more receive the public countenance and approbation."
They assured him all his reasonable desires would be com- mands to them, and promised it should be their study to make his administration as easy and happy as they could.
This session of the assembly lasted a month, in which business went on with unusual smoothness. The assembly obtained from the governor a copy of the address from the lieutenant governor and council to the Queen, in 1707.
They returned him their thanks for the favor, and requested he would desire the lieutenant governor, and all that signed the address, to attend him at such time as he thought fit to appoint, to prove their allegation, and that the house might have leave to be present, and have opportunity of making their .defence, in order to clear themselves from such imputations.
The governor showed a ready inclination to grant this request, and appointed a day for a hearing, but, by the artifices of those concerned, it was evaded from time to time. We are not aware whether they at last gained their point or not.
Most of the inhabitants of New Jersey, now pleased them-
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selves with the prospect of happy times. With a change of governors followed a change of measures and favorites.
Impartiality and candor succeeded trickery and design. The tools of the former administration having nothing but the pro- tection of that to support them, sunk into oblivion.
It was Cornbury's weakness to encourage men that would flatter his vanity, and give in to his humors and measures. Such were sure of his favors, but with Lovelace, the case was different.
Such of the former favorites as yet continued in the council, were not looked upon with that esteem that the other members were, even the confidence which had been usually put in that board, on passing the support bill, was discontinued.
The assembly declared to Lovelace, that though they had entire confidence in his justice and prudence, respecting the disposition of the money for the support of government, they had not the confidence in the gentlemen that were now of Her Majesty's council, and that this was the reason they had altered the former method, and requested that he would favor- ably represent it to the Queen in their behalf.
The difference of these administrations will appear in a short comparison.
Cornbury, on the subject of support, makes use of the follow- ing expressions :
" That I may not be wanting in my duty, in the station the Queen has been pleased to honor me with, I shall put you in mind of those things which I think ought to be immediately provided for ; the first of which is providing a revenue for the support of government. The revenue which the Queen expects is fifteen hundred pounds a year, for twenty-one years."
Lord Lovelace, ten months afterwards, upon the same occa- sion, speaks as follows :
" Her Majesty would not be burthensome to her people, but there being an absolute necessity that the government be sup- ported, I am desired to recommend that matter to your consid- eration. You know best what the province can conveniently raise for its support, and the easiest method of raising it."
By this difference in the men administering the government,
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it may be easily seen that the inhabitants had some reason to promise themselves more happy times than they had experienced heretofore, especially under the administration of Cornbury ; but just as things were getting into a good shape, and likely to prove advantageous to the colonists, and to their very great disap- pointment, Lord Lovelace was suddenly taken away from them by death, for he died within a few days afterwards, and the administration devolved upon the lieutenant governor, Ingolsby, who laid before the assembly the design of the crown respecting an expedition against Canada, under Colonels Nicholson and Vetch.
The assembly immediately voted three thousand pounds for this service, by an emission of paper bills of credit, but did not at this time pass the bills.
The lieutenant governor adjourned them for a few weeks, and then told them he had given them another opportunity of doing their duty to Her Majesty, and what their country required at their hands.
That he found in their votes at the last sitting, a resolution for raising three thousand pounds for Her Majesty's service. That this had now become a debt, and they had only to consider the ways and means of raising it, and that a proper application was made for the paying of their quota of men appointed for reducing Canada.
The assembly prepared three bills: one for raising three thousand pounds, another for enforcing its currency,* and a
* Here began the paper currency in New Jersey. The care of the legisla- ture respecting it, in this as well as all the succeeding emissions, being to render the funds for sinking, according to the acts that created it secure, and to pre- vent the currency failing in value, by changing the bills as they became ragged and torn, and allowing no re-emissions on any account whatsoever, it has from the beginning preserved its credit, and proved of great service to the proprietors in the sale of their lands, and to the settlers, in enabling them to purchase and contract, and pay English debts, and go on with their improve- ments. The securities, when issued on loan, were double the value in lands, and treble in houses, and five per cent, interest.
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