USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > A history of the city of Brooklyn and Kings county, Volume II > Part 2
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The Americans had entered into an agree- ment to exchange officer for officer and soldier for soldier. They had but few naval prisoners, and thus could make no exchange for the un- fortunate ones on these ships. Our authori- ties were compelled to let their captives on the water go at large, for want of suitable places to keep them. Washington took a lively interest in the matter, and entered into a correspond- ence with Henry Clinton and Admiral Digby on the subject, threatening retaliation. He, however, threatened and expostulated in vain.
The American rebels were urged by the British officers to enter their service. Some did enlist, with the hope uppermost in their minds that they would be able to desert.
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HISTORY OF BROOKLYN
The prisoners were released at the close of the war. The old Jersey was destroyed, and its decaying timbers became buried in the mud.
The bones of the prison-ship martyrs lay for many years bleaching on the banks of Walla- bout Bay, where they had been rudely buried by the British. The action of the tide upon the sandy banks gradually washed away the little earth which had been thrown over them, thereby causing the sacred relics to become exposed to view. The attention of Congress was frequently called to the necessity of pro- viding a suitable resting place for these hon- ored remains. The sight of these bones strewn upon the banks of the bay was enough to awaken the interest of the nation. At last the citizens of Brooklyn became aroused, and at a town meeting held in 1792, a resolution was passed requesting John Jackson, who had collected a large number of the bones on his farm, which then included the land now used by the Navy Yard, to allow the relics in his possession and under his control to be removed to the Reformed Dutch Church graveyard for burial, and a monument erected over them. General Jeremiah Johnson was the chairman of the committee. The application was re- fused, Jackson having other intentions as to
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AFTER THE REVOLUTION
their interment. Jackson was a blunt man, · and a firm believer in the principles of De- mocracy as enunciated by Jefferson. He was one of the sachems of the Tammany Society or Columbian Order.
He had several hogsheads full of bones which he had collected upon the beach. To consummate his plan he offered to the Tam- many Society a plot in his farm for land where- on a suitable monument might be erected.
Tammany accepted the trust, and in Feb- ruary, 1803, entered actively upon the work. The society at once proposed and caused to be presented to Congress a stirring and forcible memorial on the subject. Congress, however, came to no determination in the matter, and the matter remained quiescent until 1808. Be- tween the time of the acceptance of the offer by Tammany and the action by Congress in 1808, Benjamin Aycrigg, a prominent and influential citizen, became greatly interested in the measure. In the summer of 1805, noticing the exposed condition of these remains on the beach of the bay, his patriotic heart was horrified by the sight; his soul was filled with indignation that steps had not been taken to have them decently interred. He, in the same year, made a contract with an Irishman living at
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HISTORY OF BROOKLYN
the Wallabout to collect all the exposed bones. The remains thus collected formed a part of those subsequently placed in the vault erected on the Jackson lot by the Tammany Society.
In 1808 Tammany again renewed its labors. At a meeting of the society a committee was appointed, called the Wallabout Committee, consisting of Jacob Vandervoort, John Jack- son, Burdett Stryker, Issachar Cozzens, Robert Townsend, Jr., Benjamin Watson, and Samuel Coudrey. This committee was deeply inter- ested in the work, and used every available means to enlist public sympathy and assist- ance. Memorials were prepared and circu- lated, and appeals made through the press and otherwise, urging the citizens to come forward and aid the sacred cause. In their efforts they did not confine themselves to New York, but sought to create a national interest in the undertaking. The patriotism of the people was appealed to, and the effort was crowned with success. When the subject was thus forcibly presented, the citizens of the young republic realized their obligation to provide a proper burial place for the dust and bones of her brave sons, through whose death the nation rose into existence. The measure was presented in a way which could not be resisted.
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AFTER THE REVOLUTION
The inhabitants of all sections became greatly interested, and nobly responded to the call, and the committee, finding so many ready to aid, assist, and approve, were enabled to com- mence the erection of the structure much sooner than they had at first anticipated.
The spot given was situated in Jackson Street (now Hudson Avenue), near York Street, abutting the Navy Yard wall. The street was named after the owner of the land. The name was afterward changed to Hudson Avenue.
The land was formally deeded by Jackson to the Tammany Society in 1803. When all things were ready the society caused the remains collected by Jackson, with all the bones found upon the beach, to be committed to the tomb with appropriate ceremonies.
The arrangements for laying the corner- stone were completed, and the 13th of April, 1808, fixed for that interesting ceremony. The order of exercises was as follows: At eleven o'clock the procession formed at the ferry, foot of Main Street, marched through that street to Sands Street, thence to Bridge Street, along Bridge to York Street, through York Street to Jackson, and thence to the ground.
As Major Aycrigg had ever manifested un- abated interest in this labor of love, he was properly selected as grand marshal of the day.
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HISTORY OF BROOKLYN
The first division of the procession consisted of a company of United States marines, under command of Lieutenant-Commandant John- son. The second division was composed of citizens of New York and Brooklyn. The third division embraced the committees of the various civic societies. The fourth division contained the Grand Sachem of the Tammany Society, Father of the Council, and orator of the day. The fifth division carried the corner- stone with the following inscription : -
IN THE NAME OF THE SPIRITS OF THE DEPARTED FREE. Sacred to the memory of that portion of AMERICAN FREEMEN, SOLDIERS AND CITIZENS, who perished on board the PRISON SHIPS OF THE BRITISH at the Wallabout during the REVOLUTION. This corner-stone of the vault erected by the TAMMANY SOCIETY OR COLUMBIAN ORDER Nassau Island, Season of Blossoms, year of the discovery the 316th, of the institution the 19th, and of the Amer- ican Independence the 22d.
JACOB VANDERVOORT, r JOHN JACKSON, BURDETT STRYKER,
Wallabout
ISSACHAR COZZENS, ROBERT TOWNSEND, JR., BENJAMIN WATSON, SAMUEL COUDREY,
1 Committee.
Daniel and William Campbell, builders, April 6, 1808.
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AFTER THE REVOLUTION
The sixth division was composed of a de- tachment of artillery under command of Lieu- tenant Townsend.
The procession having reached the ground, the artillery were stationed upon a neighbor- ing hill, and the various divisions took the positions assigned them.
The oration, which was a brilliant effort, was delivered by Joseph D. Foy. The stone was then lowered to its place and duly laid by Benjamin Romaine, Grand Sachem of the Tammany Society, assisted by the committee, after which a grand salute was fired, and the band discoursed sweet and solemn notes.
The vault was completed in May, 1808. Arrangements were made for an imposing dis- play, and no pains were spared in preparation. The various societies and public bodies were ready and anxious to do all in their power to render the occasion impressive and memora- ble. The citizens turned out en masse on the 26th of May, 1808, to bear testimony to the worth of these brave men whose obsequies were to be celebrated. They assembled at ten o'clock in the park in front of the City Hall, New York, under command of Brigadier Generals Morton and Steddiford, Garret Sick- els, Grand Marshal, assisted by twelve aides.
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HISTORY OF BROOKLYN
The inscription on the pedestal was as fol- lows: -
[Front.] AMERICANS REMEMBER THE BRITISH. [Right side.] YOUTH OF MY COUNTRY MARTYRDOM PREFERRED TO SLAVERY. [Left side.] SIRES OF COLUMBIA
transmit to posterity the cruelties practiced on board the " BRITISH PRISON SHIPS." [Rear.]
"Tyrants dread the gathering storm While Freemen, Freemen's Obsequies perform."
The orator of the day was Dr. Benjamin DeWitt, who delivered an able and patriotic address to the assembled multitude. He feel- ingly depicted the sufferings endured in Brit- ish dungeons, and drew tears to many eyes by his eloquent and touching remarks, referring to the tyranny of the oppressors and the pa- tience of the patriots. The oration concluded, in painful silence the coffins were committed to their resting place. Rev. Mr. Williston then pronounced the benediction, "To the King, Immortal, Invisible, the All-wise God, be glory everlasting, amen." The occasion was one long remembered in both cities.
During many years these relics remained forgotten in their sepulchre. The grade of
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AFTER THE REVOLUTION
Jackson Street was altered so as to take a part of the sacred ground. Jackson, when he gave the land, was not far-sighted enough to have secured the passage of an act to preserve its precincts intact, free from invasion by streets, and exempt from taxation. The land at one time was sold for taxes. It seemed as if the past had been forgotten. Then it was that Benjamin Romaine came forward and pur- chased the lot. In order to preserve it from desecration, he adopted it as his family burial plot. He resolved to be buried there himself, and placed within the vault a coffin designed for his mortal remains. He constructed the ante-chamber over the tomb. Upon the prop- erty he placed the following inscription : -
First - The portal to the tomb of 11,500 patriot prisoners of war who died in dungeons and pestilential prison ships in and about the City of New York during the war of our Revo- lution. The top is capped with two large urns in black, and a white globe in the centre.
Second - The interior of the tomb contains thirteen coffins assigned in the order as ob- served in the Declaration of Independence, and inserted thus - New Hampshire, Massa- chusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
,
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HISTORY OF BROOKLYN
Third - Thirteen beautifully turned posts, painted white, and capped with a small urn in black, and between the posts the above-named States are fully lettered.
Fourth - In 1778, the Colonial Congress promulgated the Federal League compact, though it was not finally ratified until 1781, only two years before the peace of 1783.
Fifth - In 1789, our General National Con- vention, to form a more perfect unison, did ordain the present Constitution of the United States of America, to be one entire Sove- reignty, and in strict adhesion to the equally necessary State rights. Such a republic must endure forever.
In 1842, a large number of citizens applied to the Legislature for permission to remove the remains to a more private place. Romaine vigorously and eloquently objected to the pro- posed change, and the matter was permitted to rest quietly until after his death in 1844. During the following year attention was again called to the forlorn and neglected condition of the sepulchre. Henry C. Murphy was then in Congress, representing Kings and Rich- mond counties. The abject condition of the vault was brought to the notice of Congress, and action taken. The military committee recommended an appropriation of $20,000 to
€
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AFTER THE REVOLUTION
secure a permanent tomb and monument. The report was drawn by Henry C. Murphy, whose exertions in this behalf were untiring. The effort, however, was not successful.
Samuel Boughton, John T. Hildreth, John H. Baker, and other public-spirited men, hold- ing diverse political views, started subscription papers, and published articles in the papers urging the importance of immediate action to accomplish the praiseworthy object.
In 1855, a meeting was held and a Martyrs' Monument Association formed. This associa- tion intended to have representatives from each State and Territory. The committee started with commendable energy. They early took the ground that Fort Greene was the proper site. Plans were proposed and sub- scriptions solicited. For a long time nothing more was done. The Common Council agreed to permit the use of Fort Greene. It was not until June, 1873, that the remains of the prison- ship martyrs were carried to the vault on the face of Fort Greene.1
The narrative here concluded has passed far
1 In 1888 the State Legislature, at the request of the Society of Old Brooklynites, passed a resolution urging Congress to provide for the erection of a monument. A petition containing 25,000 names was sent to Washington, and the matter was favorably reported from committee, but no act was passed.
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HISTORY OF BROOKLYN
beyond the limits of the period to which this chapter is devoted. Turning to the post-Revo- lutionary period, we find the county towns resuming a normal course of life. The Dutch- men who gathered at the Brooklyn church ceased to talk of war. The Episcopalians, who worshiped in John Middagh's barn, at the cor- ner of Henry and Poplar streets, turned from politics to denominational questions, and the " Independents " built a meeting-house on the Fulton Street ground afterwards taken by St. Anne's Buildings.
We learn from the "Corporation Manual " (1869) that the first step toward a fire depart- ment within the limits of the present city was taken in April, 1785, by the organization of a fire-company. At a meeting of the freeholders of the town, held at the house of Widow Moser, in Fulton Street, near the ferry, it was agreed that the company should be composed of seven members, who should be commis- sioned as firemen for one year. They selected the following persons as the members of the company : Henry Stanton, captain ; Abraham Stoothoof, John Doughty, Jr., Thomas Havens, J. Van Cott, and Martin Woodward. They also voted to raise by tax the sum of £150 for the purchase of a fire-engine. Among the
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AFTER THE REVOLUTION
regulations agreed upon for the government of the new company was a requirement that the members should meet on the first Satur- day of each month, to play, clean, and work their engine, and that in case of their non-at- tendance, upon notification from their captain, a fine of eight shillings should be imposed upon them, and that upon the captain, in the event of his neglecting properly to notify the members, a fine of sixteen shillings should be imposed. The engine was in due time pro- cured. It was constructed by Jacob Boome, of New York city, who had just then com- menced business as the first engine-builder ever located in that city. Previous to his time, the fire-engines had generally been imported from England. The company adopted the name of " Washington Engine Company No. I," and was, up to the time of dissolution of the Volunteer Department, still in active existence. Their engine-house was situated in a lane, now called Front Street, near its junction with Fulton Street.
The firemen continued to be chosen annu- ally in town meeting, and the appointment was much sought after as conferring respecta- bility of position in the community. On the 30th of April, 1787, the number of firemen
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HISTORY OF BROOKLYN
was increased to eleven, and it was resolved that each fireman should take out a license, for which he should pay a fee of four shillings, the sums thus accruing being appropriated to the ordinary expenses of the company.
On the 15th of March, 1788, came the first state legislation relative to the firemen of Brooklyn. In 1794 there were about fifty families residing within the limits of the fire district; the entire population, including some 100 slaves, numbering 350 souls. There were about seventy-five buildings in the district, mainly located between what is now called Henry Street and the ferry. Those devoted to business purposes were generally near the ferry, where a supply of water from the river could readily and easily be obtained. Al- though fires were of exceedingly rare occur- rence, and trivial in their character, yet nine years of use, or rather disuse and decay and rust, had rendered the engine unserviceable. In view of this fact, on the first Tuesday of April, 1794, it was resolved in town meeting that a subscription should be authorized to raise the funds necessary for the purchase of a new engine. The sum of £188 19s. was speedily collected, and a new and more power- ful engine was procured. In 1795 the Legisla-
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AFTER THE REVOLUTION
ture extended the limits of the fire district, and increased the volunteer force to thirty men. In town meeting it was resolved that each house should be provided with two fire- buckets, under a penalty of two shillings for every neglect so to provide after due notifi- cation. In 1796 a fire-bell was purchased by popular subscription, and set up in the store- house of Jacob Remsen, at Fulton and Front streets, in sight of the ferry.
In the awarding of the ferry lease in 1789, it was ordered " that the boats, together with their masts and sails, be of such form and di- mensions as the wardens of the port of New York should approve; that each boat be con- stantly worked and managed by two sober, discreet, and able-bodied experienced water- men ; that each boat be always furnished with four good oars and two boat-hooks." 1. A new ferry at Catherine Street was established in 1795.
Although the ferry was in active operation, traveling by land was by exceedingly primi- tive stages. As late as 1793, according to Furman, there was no post-office on any part of Long Island, and no mail carried on it. It was not until about the opening of the present
1 Historical Sketch of Fulton Ferry, 1879.
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HISTORY OF BROOKLYN
century that the first post-route was started. As late as 1835 "the regular mail stage left Brooklyn once a week, on Thursday, having arrived from Easthampton and Sag Harbor the afternoon of the previous day; and this was the only conveyance travelers could then have through this Island, unless they took a private carriage." The practice was to leave Brooklyn about nine in the morning, to dine at Hempstead, and then "jog on to Babylon, where they put up for the night." 1
By the enterprise of the Flushing Bridge and Road Company, incorporated in 1802, the distance between Flushing and Brooklyn was shortened about four miles. Three years later the Wallabout and Brooklyn Toll Bridge Company laid out a road extending from the Cripplebush road to the easterly side of the Wallabout mill pond, over which a bridge connected with Sands Street.
Within the limits of the town 2 the spirit of real estate enterprise appeared in various quarters, but perhaps the most ambitious un- dertaking was that of the holders of the Sands and Jackson tract, surveyed in 1787, and lying on the East River between the Wallabout and
1 Furman, p. 243.
2 The state recognition of Brooklyn as a town took place in 1788.
New-York and Brooklyn Ferry.
SUCH persons as are inclined to compound, agreeable to law, in the Steam Ferry-Boat. Barges, or common Horse Boats, will be pleas- ed to apply to the subscribers, who are authori- zed to settle the same.
GEORGE HICKS, Brooklyn. JOHN PINTARD, 52 Wall st.
Commutation for a single person not transferable, for 12 months, $10 00 Do: do, 8 months, 6 67
May 3, 1814
6m.
EARLY FERRY ADVERTISEMENT
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AFTER THE REVOLUTION
the Brooklyn ferry. To the prospective vil- lage planned for this region was given the name of Olympia, after the habit of bestowing classical names which began to appear in post- Revolutionary days. In 1801 John Jackson sold forty acres of Wallabout lands to the United States for $40,000.
The columns of the " Long Island Weekly Intelligencer," published by Roberson & Lit- tle, booksellers and stationers, at the corner of Old Ferry and Front streets, give interesting glimpses of this period. In 1806 Henry Hew- let dealt in "general merchandise" near the Old Ferry; John Cole was coach-maker; Dr. Lowe's office was "at the Rev. Mr. Lowe's, corner of Red Hook Road." There was de- mand for five apprentices at Amos Cheney's shipyard. Benjamin Hilton sold china, glass, and earthenware, "at New York prices," in Old Ferry Street. Postmaster Bunce had fifty-three letters that had not been called for.
In a later issue of the " Intelligencer " the editor remarks that he has been " requested to suggest the propriety of each family pla- cing lights in front of their houses, not having the advantage of lamps, as great inconven- ience and loss of time arises from the neglect, particularly on dark nights."
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HISTORY OF BROOKLYN
In 1808 the town appropriated $1500 for the erection of a new "poor house." The county court house of this period was at Flat- bush, then the county seat. The old court house had been burned in 1758. The money required to build the new court house was raised by an assessment upon the inhabitants of the county. This building continued in use thirty-four years, when, by reason of its dilapidated condition, a new court house and jail were built in 1792. The court house cost $2944.71. The contractor was Thomas Far- don, and the plans for the building were fur- nished by Messrs. Stanton, Newton, and James Robertson. In referring to the court house, Furman says that " in 1800 the court house was let to James Simson for one year at £3 in money." In this agreement "the justices reserved for themselves the chamber in the said house called the court chamber, at the time of their publique sessions, courts of com- mon pleas, and private meetings; as also the room called the prison, for the use of the sheriff if he had occasion for it." The build- ing stood for forty years, when it was destroyed by fire.
Meanwhile the hamlet of Brooklyn took on many of the characteristics of a maturing
3I
AFTER THE REVOLUTION
village. Joseph B. Pierson removed from New York to Brooklyn in 1809, and opened a circu- lating library on Main Street, two doors from Sands Street. In the " Long Island Star " of June, 1809, George Hamilton advertised a select school where " students were taught to make their own pens." Hamilton was suc- ceeded by John Gibbons, who in September announced the opening of an academy for both sexes, where the various educational branches are "taught on unerring principles." Mrs. Gibbons was to "instruct little girls in Spelling, Reading, Sewing, and Marking." To the notice of an evening school for young men is appended : " N. B. Good pronuncia- tion."
Two years later there was a private school opposite the post office; John Mabon taught the Brooklyn Select Academy; and at the inn of Benjamin Smith, on Christmas-eve, an exhibition was given by the pupils of Platt Kennedy. At this time the town had a floor- cloth factory, eight or ten looms were at work in Crichton's cotton goods manufactory, and over one hundred people worked in rope- walks. Abraham Remsen kept the one dry goods store at Fulton and Front streets.
Over the Black Horse tavern lived for a
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HISTORY OF BROOKLYN
time the " Rain-water Doctor," who was con- sulted by people coming great distances. This strange man dealt mostly in herbs and simples, but his specialty was rain water, which he praised as containing power to cure all manner of ills. He often signed himself, " Sylvan, Enemy of Human Diseases." Syl- van was evidently the first of a long list of "rain-water" quacks, against whom the regular practitioners of this and later periods had occasion to contend.1
֏ In 1806, the Legislature of New York enacted a law allowing the incorporation of a State and of County Medical Societies. Under this act the State Medical Society was organized at once. The medical men of this county did not act in the matter, however, for several years, and it was not till March, 1822, that the Kings County Medical Society was organized. From the organization of the society to the pres- ent time the following gentlemen have been its presidents : Cornelius Low, 1822-1825; J. G. T. Hunt, 1825, till his death in 1830; Thomas W. Henry, 1831-1833; Charles Ball, 1833- 1835 ; Isaac I. Rapelye, 1835; Matthew Wendell, 1836; Adrian Vanderveer, 1837-1839; John B. Zabriskie, 1839; Purcell Cooke, 1840-1842; Theodore L. Mason, 1842-1844 ; Bradley Parker, 1844; Purcell Cooke, 1845; J. Sullivan Thorne, 1846; Lucius Hyde, 1847; Chauncey L. Mitchell, 1848 ; Henry J. Cullen, 1849; James H. Henry, 1850; Samuel J. Osborne, 1851 ; George Marvin, 1852; Andrew Otterson, 1853-1855; George I. Bennet, 1855; T. Anderson Wade, 1856; Samuel Boyd, 1857 ; Chauncey L. Mitchell, 1858-1860; Daniel Brooks, 1860 ; C. R. McClellan, 1861 ; Samuel Hart, 1862; DeWitt C. Enos, 1863; Joseph C. Hutchinson, 1864; John T. Conkling, 1865; Andrew Otterson, 1866; William W. Reese, 1867; R. Cresson Stiles, 1868-1870; J. H. Hobart Burge, 1870-1872; William Henry Thayer, 1872-1874; A. J. C. Skene, 1874-1876; A. Hutchins, 1876-1879; J. S. Prout,
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