USA > New York > A history of the state of New York, from the first discovery of the country to the present time: with a geographical account of the country, and a view of its original inhabitants > Part 10
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SEC. VII. In 1727, Burnet erected a fort for the protection of the establishments at Oswego, and made all the exertions in his power to defeat the designs of the French at Niagara. however, much embarrassed by the opposition he received from the assembly.
The prohibitory act, passed soon after his arrival, notwith- standing its salutary influence on the interests of the colony, was extremely unpopular. This, with several decrees in chan- cery, and other untoward circumstances, proved the source of a violent and unreasonable opposition in the assembly.
SEC. VIII. A new assembly met in Septem- ber, but consisted entirely of members disaffected
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FROM 1710 TO 1743.
to the governor. They were dissolved by him ; and he immediately resigned the government, and was appointed to the command of Massa- chusetts bay. Notwithstanding the turbulence of Burnet's administration, no one ever conduct- ed the affairs of the colony with more ability and integrity.
SEC. IX. 1728. James Montgomery, esq., having been appointed to supersede Burnet, ar- rived, and, April 15th, received the great scal of the province, and assumed the government.
In the following year, the acts of Mr. Burnet were repealed by the king, and the trade be- tween Albany and Montreal encouraged, though much to the prejudice of the national interest. Montgomery's short administration presents a period of great tranquillity, and was not distin- guished by any remarkable event.
Governor Montgomery removed the two causes, which had previously disturbed the public tranquillity, by dissolving the assembly soon after his arrival, and declining to sit as chancel- lor, until required to exercise that office by special orders from England. A new assembly was called in July, and, among other laws, an act passed granting a five years' support to the governor. On the first of October, he held a treaty with the Six Nations, at Albany, for a renewal of the ancient cove- nant. He gave them presents, and engaged them in the defence of Oswego. Nothing could have been more seasonable than this interview ; for the French, regarding with jealousy, the garrison, and increasing trade at that place, were preparing, early in the spring following, to demolish the works. On receiv- ing intelligence of their designs, the garrison was immediately reenforced by a detachment from the independent companies ; which, with the declared resolution of the Indians to protect the
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HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
fort, induced the French to desist from the intended inva- sion .*
SEC. X. 1731. Governor Montgomery dicd -
in July, and the command devolved upon Rip Van Dam, esq., who was the oldest counsellor.
This administration was unfortunately sig- nalized by the memorable encroachment at Crown Point. By the erection of fort St. Frede- rick, the French secured the absolute command of lake Champlain.
SEC. XI. 1732. In August, William Crosby, esq. arrived with a commission to govern the province, and commenced his administration under the most favorable auspices.
Attempts had been made, the preceding year, in the British parliament, for the encouragement of the sugar colonies, and the consequent depression of the American trade. These attempts had excited general apprehension in the colony of New York, for the safety of her commerce.
Governor Crosby, while in England, had been very active in his opposition to these measures. The inhabitants of New York were, on this account, deeply prejudiced in his favor, and no appointment could, at this time, have been made more in accordance with their wishes.
On his arrival, he issued his proclamation adjourning the assembly to the 19th of August. One of the first acts of this body, upon their meeting, was to vote an address to his excel- lency, congratulating him on his safe arrival, and returning him the thanks of the house for his opposition, while in England, to the act in favor of the sugar islands.
The governor, in his communications to the house, intimated his confidence in receiving from it a revenue, in as full and ample a manner as had been granted in former assemblies, and directed their attention to the garrison at Oswego, repre-
* Smith.
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FROM 1710 TO 1743.
senting the place to be in a ruinous condition; and its importance in securing and maintaining the Indian trade. The assembly, in its answer to the governor, was profuse in terms of respect, but cautious in committing itself on the subject of revenue.
SEC. XII. The finances were at this time much embarrassed, while the frequent de- mands for supplies had imposed a serious burthen upon the colony, and afforded much reason for complaint. The wars between France . and England had almost drained its resources, and subjected it to a heavy debt.
The assembly, however, proceeded to make liberal appropri- ations for the several objects proposed by the governor. In addition to the numerous others, bills were passed for encour- aging a public school to teach Latin, Greek, and the mathemat- ics; for discharging the demands upon the trading-house at Oswego, and for confirming to the city of New York its rights and privileges. The house, at the same time, established the salary of the governor at &£1560 per ann. ; that of the chief justice, at £300; and that of the second justice, at £180.
In 1734, accounts having been received from Europe, indi- cating an approaching war between France and England, lib- eral appropriations were made for putting the colony in a better posture of defence. The assembly voted £6000 for fortifying the city of New York; £4000 for erecting a stone fort and other conveniences for soldiers and artillery at Albany ; £800 for a fort and block-houses at Schenectady; and £500 for managing the Senecas, and, if practicable, for building fortifi- cations in their country.
SEC. XIII. 1734. The subject of establishing a court of equity was agitated in the assembly. The governors had previously exercised the office of chancellor. This exercise of power had, for a long time, excited the jealousy of the colonists, and been productive of much rancor- ous controversy. After an animated debate, the
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HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
assembly were unable to come to any reso- lution.
The court party had insisted, that the governor was, ex oficio, chancellor of the colony ; while the popular party had warmly opposed this position, and denied that such a court could exist, unless by prescription, or by act of parliament.
Some time after the close of the session, certain publications appeared in a paper, called " Zenger's New York Weekly Journal," which contained severe animadversions on the gov- ernment. This paper was supposed to be published under the patronage of Mr. Van Dam, and was, of course, decidedly hostile to the court.
.
Several printed ballads likewise appeared, which placed some . of the members of the legislature in a ludicrous point of view, insomuch that the governor and council considered the subject worthy of notice.
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They voted, that the obnoxious numbers of Zenger's paper, and two printed ballads, were derogatory to the dignity of his majesty's government ; that they contained reflections upon the legislature, and the most distinguished persons in the colony, and tended to raise scdition and tumult. They likewise voted, that said papers and ballads should be burnt by the common hangman.
The attorney-general, afterwards, filed an information against Zenger for these libels, upon which he was acquitted, after having lain in prison eight months. His acquittal was generally satisfactory. The common council of New York, for " his learned and generous defence of the rights of mankind, and the liberty of the press," presented Mr. Andrew Hamilton, one of Zenger's counsel, with the freedom of the city, and their thanks for his distinguished services on this occasion. The freedom of the city was presented in a gold box, on which were several classical inscriptions, highly complimentary to Mr. Hamilton.
SEC. XIV. Notwithstanding the favorable circumstances, under which Crosby commenced his administration, it became, during the latter
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FROM 1710 TO 1743.
part, extremely unpopular, and experienced a violent and powerful opposition.
The long continuance of the assembly with- out a re-election afforded just ground for com- plaint. This body repeatedly petitioned the governor to be dissolved, so as to enable its constituents to signify, by the elective franchise, their opinion of the measures it had pursued.
The governor, who was well aware that a new assembly would be less conformable to his views, refused to dissolve them, and, resisting every effort for a re-election, continued them through the whole of his administration.
Among the last acts of gov. Crosby, was his declaring Rip Van Dam, esq. suspended from his seat, as counsellor of the province. Van Dam was extremely obnoxious to the governor, and, upon the governor's demise, being senior counsellor, would have again succeeded to the government, as president of the colony.
SEC. XV. Governor Crosby died on the 7th of March, 1736.
No governor commenced an administration with better pros- pects and greater popularity, or endeavored less to retain the confidence and respect of the people. With high opinions of prerogative, and decided hostility to free and equal legislation, he became at length odious to the colony, and many of his best friends deserted him.
Yet his amiable qualities must not be forgotten. He was affable and courteous in his deportment, honest and sincere in his private transactions. Though not possessed of talents either splendid or great, he was attentive to the concerns of the colony, and to the fair and impartial administration of justice.
Sec. XVI. 1736. After the death of gov. Crosby, the council were immediately convened, and George Clarke, the senior counsellor next
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HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
after Rip Van Dam, was declared president, and assumed the government.
A powerful party was, however, formed in favor of Mr. Van Dam, and his suspension from the council was, by many, declared to be arbi- trary and illegal.
The council, who were almost unanimous in the support of Mr. Clarke, voted, that provision should be made against any disturbances that might ensue. Orders were issued, forbidding any person to recognise the pretensions of Mr. Van Dam. A large quantity of gunpowder was directed to be procured, and to be placed in the fort for defence.
Mr. Van Dam was not deterred by the menacing attitude of affairs, but proceeded to call the council, and assumed the title of commander-in-chief and president of the colony. He ap- pointed several of the chartered officers of the city, and was about to exercise other powers incident to the office he had as- sumed.
SEC. XVII. In the midst of this contention, and by the advice of the council, Mr. Clarke convened the assembly, by whom he was recog- nised as president of the colony. On the 30th of October, he received from England the com- mission of lieutenant-governor, which was pub- lished with the usual solemnities. This event put an end to the claims of Mr. Van Dam.
In his address to the assembly, Mr. Clarke alluded to the un- happy divisions which had arisen in the colony, and strongly recommended the legislature to provide for its defence, safety and prosperity. He directed their attention to the deficiencies in the revenue, and the importance of ship-building. He re- quested the house to provide for the finishing of fortifications already commenced, particularly fort Hunter, which he repre- sented to be in a ruinous condition, and the establishment at Oswego, which was in want of repairs.
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FROM 1710 TO 1743.
SEC. XVIII. The assembly proceeded to act on the subjects recommended, but, in their ap- propriations, expressly limited the revenuc to be raised to the specific deficiencies reported to the house. The lieutenant-governor, wishing to have the direction of the revenue, took offence at these limitations, and dissolved the assembly.
At the new elections, the people were much divided, and great exertions were made by the contending parties for success. The popular party were, however, triumphant. The new as- sembly was more decidedly opposed to the views of the lieutenant-governor than the old, and their controversies continued to embroil the col ony during the whole of his administration.
In these contests, the assembly were generally successful. In their second session, 1737, the house departed from their accustomed mode of proceeding, and, instead of voting to take the governor's speech into consideration, voted, that his honor, the lieutenant-governor, be addressed. This address was a bold and decided erpose of their sentiments, and sufficiently evinces the proud and unbroken spirit of the colonists, incapable of being awed or soothed into submission by the arts or power of their rulers. Both in style and matter, it is a remarkable pro- duction, and highly honorable to the times in which it was formed.
On the subject of revenue, the house adopted the following energetic language :- " We, therefore, beg leave to be plain with your honor, and hope you will not take it amiss, when we tell you, that you are not to expect, that we either will raise sums unfit to be raised, or put what we shall raise into the power of a governor to misapply, if we can prevent it; nor shall we make up any other deficiencies than what we conceive are fit and just to be paid, or continue what support or revenue we shall raise for any longer time than one year ; nor do we
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i HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
think it convenient to do even that, until such laws are passed as we conceive necessary for the safety of the inhabitants of this colony, who have reposed a trust in us for that only purpose, and which we are sure you will think it reasonable we should act agreeable to; and, by the grace of God, we shall endeavor not to deceive them."
The character of the assembly, at this period, for firmness, in what it deemed the essential interests of the colony, cannot be disputed. The legislature, which had previously been most- ly under the control of the governors, now began to perceive its importance in the scale of government. It possessed the germ of that independence and freedom, which afterwards ripened, and displayed itself in securing the liberties of our . country. It felt the dignity due to its own character, and neither ministerial smiles nor frowns could sway it from the path of duty.
To repair the misconduct of the government in permitting the French to build a fort at Crown Point, a scheme was pro- jected, in 1737, for settling the lands near lake George with loyal Protestant Highlanders from Scotland. Capt. Laughlin Campbell, encouraged by a proclamation, came over to Ameri- ca, and viewed those lands; and obtained a promise from the government of a grant of 30,000 acres, free from all charges but those of the survey and the king's quit rent. Campbell · went home to Isla, sold his estate, and, shortly after, transported, at his own expense, 83 Protestant families, consisting of 423 adults, beside a great number of children. Through the sinis- ter views of some persons in power, the project was not carried into effect ; and Campbell, after seeking in vain for redress. left the colonists to themselves, and, with the poor remains of bis broken fortune, purchased a small farm in the province .*
In 1738, capt. Norris, of the ship Tartar, then lying in the harbor of New York, made application to the mayor for liberty to impress thirty seamen to man his vessel. The governor and council ordered the mayor to cause the impressment to be made. The mayor peremptorily refused to obey the order, and the governor and council prudently declined taking any measures to compel obedience.
* Smith.
,
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FROM 1710 TO 1743.
In 1741, the Negroes formed a plot to burn the city. One hundred and fifty-four were committed to prison, of whom fourteen were burnt at the stake, eighteen hanged, seventy-one transported, and the remainder pardoned or discharged for want of proof.
Twenty white persons were committed, of whom two only were executed. The city of New York contained, at this time, 12000 souls, of whom one sixth were slaves.
SEC. XIX. Governor Clarke closed his ad- ministration in September, 1743. Like that of his predecessor, it was distinguished by a strict and pertinacious adherence to prerogative, and presents little else than an arduous and contin- ued struggle for ascendency between the govern- or and the assembly, supported by their respective partisans.
With few exceptions, he evinced a strong desire to conciliate the affections of the people, and, apart from his notions of monarchy, he contributed much to the prosperity of the colony. His constant attention to the promotion of trade and commerce, entitled him to our applause.
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HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
CHAP. VIII.
FROM 1743 TO 1756.
George Clinton appointed Governor. War with France. Expedition against Louisburg. In- cursions of the French and Indians. Operations of the War in 1746. Capture of the French Fleet. Indian Depredations. Termination of the War. Osborne appointed Governor, dies, and is succeeded by Delancey. Hostilities again commenced with the French. \Colonial Conven- tion. Hardy appointed Governor. Colonies prosecute the War.
SEC. I. 1743. His excellency George Clin- ton was appointed to supersede Mr. Clarke as governor of the colony. He arrived on the 23d of September, and assumed the administration of the government.
The arrival of governor Clinton was highly gratifying to the feelings of the colonists. The assembly was, according to custom, dissolved, and a new one elected. In addressing them, the language of the governor was mild and unas- suming. Their reply was complimentary, and passed over in silence the former subjects of controversy between the executive and the as- sembly.
SEC. II. 1744. War was declared between France and England, and great preparations
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FROM 1743 TO 1756.
were made on both sides for its prosecution. A similar spirit pervaded their respective colonies in America. Large appropriations were made, by the assembly of New York, for putting the country in a posture-of defence.
SEC. III. In 1745, the English colonies united in forming an expedition against Louisburg, the capital of Cape Breton island, which was in- trusted to the command of sir William Pepperell. This important fortress was surrendered by the French in June. Five thousand pounds were voted by the assembly of New York for the . promotion of this enterprise.
The troops destined for this expedition, mostly from New England, were embarked at Canso, and the fleet, under general Pepperell and commodore Warren, arrived in Chapeaurouge bay, on the 13th of April. The enemy were, until this mo- ment, in profound ignorance that any attack was meditated against them.
" The sight of the transports gave the alarm to the French, and a detachment was sent to oppose the landing of the troops. But, while the general diverted the attention of the enemy by a feint at one place, he was landing his men at another.
" The next morning, 400 of the English marched round the hills to the north-east harbor, setting fire to all the houses and stores, till they came within a mile of the royal battery. The conflagration of the stores, in which was a considerable quanti- ty of tar, concealed the English troops, at the same time that it increased the alarm of the French so greatly, that they pre- cipitately abandoned the royal battery. Upon their flight, the English took possession of it, and, by means of a well-directed fire from it, seriously damaged the town.
" The main body of the army now commenced the siege. For 14 nights they were occupied in drawing cannon towards the town, over a morass, in which oxen and horses could not be
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HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
used. Incredible was the toil ; but what could not men accom- . plish, who had been accustomed to draw the pines of the forest for masts ? By the twentieth of May, several fascine batteries had been erected, one of which mounted five 42 pounders. On opening these batteries, they did great execution.
" In the meantime, commodore Warren captured the Vigilant, a French ship of 74 guns, and with her 560 men, together with great quantities of military stores. This capture was of great consequence, as it not only increased the English force, and added to their military supplies, but as it seriously lessened the strength of the enemy. Shortly after this capture, the number of the English fleet was considerably augmented by the arrival of several men of war. A combined attack by sea and land was now determined on, and fixed for the 18th of June.
" Previously to the arrival of this additional naval force, much had been accomplished towards the reduction of the place. The inland battery had been silenced; the western gate of the town was beaten down, and a breach effected in the wall; the circular battery of 16 guns was nearly ruined, and the western flank of the king's bastion was nearly demolished.
" Such being the injured state of the works, and perceiving preparations making for a joint assault, to sustain which little prospect remained, on the 15th, the enemy desired a cessation of hostilities, and on the 17th of June, after a siege of 49 days, the city of Louisburg and the island of Cape Breton were , surrendered to his Britannic majesty.
" Thus successfully terminated a daring expedition, which had been undertaken without the knowledge of the mother country. The acquisition of the fortress of Louisburg was as useful and important to the colonies, and to the British empire, as its re- duction was surprising to that empire, and mortifying to the court of France.
"Besides the stores and prizes which fell into the hands of the English, which were estimated at little less than a million ster- ling, security was given to the colonies in their fisheries; Nova Scotia was preserved, and the trade and fisheries of France nearly ruined."*
* Goodrich.
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FROM 1743 TO 1756.
SEC. IV. During the operations at Louisburg, intelligence was received at New York, that 1500 French and 100 Indians intended to surprise the English settlements near the mouth of the St. Lawrence, and on their return to attack Os- wego.
. An attempt was made by colonel Schuyler and major Collins to erect block-houses at Saratoga, but was frustrated by the great numbers of the enemy's Indians, who were constantly on the watch, and cutting off supplies and troops. The inhabitants of Albany and the adjacent country became alarmed for their safety ; and murders and robberies were frequently committed by the Indians within a few miles of the city.
A draft of 200 men was made for the relief of Albany and Schenectady. The town of Hoosic was deserted by its inhabitants, and, to- wards the close of the year, the settlements at Saratoga were almost literally depopulated.
The houses and fort were burnt, and many shocking barbarities committed by the Indians, who, in accordance with their ancient mode of warfare, scalped the men, women and children who fell into their hands. The New England colonies experienced similar incursions.
SEC. V. 1746. The success of the expedition to Cape Breton led the colonies to project the conquest of Canada.
The plan was, that a squadron, under the com- mand of admiral Warren, and a body of land 12 *
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HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
forces under gen. St. Clair, should be sent from England ; that the troops, raised from the New England colonies, should join the British fleet and army at Louisburg, and proceed up the river . St. Lawrence ; and that those of New York, and other colonies at the south, should be col- lected at Albany, and march against Crown Point and Montreal.
The colonies, pleased with the measure, fur- nished their quotas of men ; but no armament arrived from England; and it was resolved to employ the forces in an attempt against the French at Crown Point. Governor Clinton en- gaged the assistance of the Six Nations.
In the midst of these preparations, intelligence was received, that a large fleet from France had arrived at Nova Scotia, under the command of the duke D'Anville. It consisted of 40 ships of war, exclusive of transports ; and brought over about 4000 regular troops, with supplies of military stores.
SEC. VI. The expedition against Canada was abandoned, and vigorous measures taken for the defence of the colonies. Their appre- hensions were soon after relieved by intelligence of the misfortunes of the enemy.
The French fleet had sustained much damage by storms, and great loss by shipwrecks. Sick- ness prevailed among their troops. D'Anville was seized with an apoplectic fit, and suddenly expired .. The remainder of the squadron was overtaken by a severe tempest off cape Sable,
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FROM 1743 TO 1756.
and the few ships that escaped destruction re- turned singly to France.
During the summer of the present year, (1746,) the city of Albany was visited by a contagious disease, which proved mortal to a great number of its inhabitants. In its appearance and effects, it resembled the disease which has since been called the yellow fever. Of the Indians, then encamped near the city, many became victims to this disease, and the govern- or discharged the others, on account of the ravages of the contagion. The disease subsided as the cold season approached, and by winter it had wholly disappeared.
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