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 33
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35
* * This article and the two following were taken, with some imma- terial alterations, from Lord's Dictionary.
416
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
Robert R. Livingston, chancellor of New York, and minister of the United States to France, was born in the city of New York, September 2d, 1747, and educated at King's College, where he was graduated in 1765. He studied law, and com- menced its practice in New York, but was soon after appointed recorder of that city, and held the office till near the com- mencement of the revolution, when he was dismissed by gov- ernor Tryon, on account of his attachment to liberty. Mr. Livingston boldly advocated the cause of his country at that crisis, was elected to a seat in the first congress, and was one of its ablest and most influential members. He was one of the committee which drew up the declaration of independence, and, on the establishment of the executive departments in 1780, was appointed secretary of foreign affairs, and held the place till 1783. He was chosen, in 1777, a member of the convention which formed the constitution of New York, and, on its adoption, was appointed chancellor of the state, and continued in that office till he went to France, in 1801. It was in that capacity that he administered the oath of office to president Washington on his first inauguration. In 1788, he was a member of the convention of New York, which assembled to consider the constitution of the United States, and was a principal instru- ment in procuring its adoption. He was appointed minister to " France in 1801, and rendered the most important services to his country while residing there, by negotiating the purchase of Louisiana, and procuring redress for the numerous spolia- tions by the French on the commerce of the United States. Hle returned to the United States in 1805, and, though not afterwards employed in public life, continued to be eminently useful, by promoting the progress of the arts and agriculture. He was a principal founder and the president of the New York academy of fine arts, and also of the society for the promo- tion of agriculture. IIe died in Christian hope on the 15th of February, 1813, in his 67th year, lamented as one of the most distinguished among his countrymen in talents, learning, public spirit and usefulness. Ile possessed an active
417
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
and vigorous mind, uncommon quickness of perception, was a profound lawyer and statesman, and ranked among the first Americans in eloquence.
BROCKHOLST LIVINGSTON.
Brockholst Livingston, judge of the supreme court of the, United States, was the son of William Livingston, governor of New Jersey, and was born in the city of New York, November 25th, 1757. He entered Princeton college, but, in 1776, left it for the field, and became one of the family of general Schuyler, commander of the northern army. He was afterwards attached to the suite of general Arnold, with the rank of major, and shared in the honors of the conquest of Burgoyne. In 1779, he accompanied Mr. Jay to the court of Spain as his private secretary, and remained abroad about three years. On his return, he devoted himself to law, and was admitted to practise in April, 1783. His talents were happily adapted to the pro- fession, and soon raised him into notice, and ultimately to eminence. He was called to the bench of the supreme court of the state of New York, January 8th, 1802, and, in Novem- ber, 1806, was transferred to that of the supreme court of the United States, the duties of which station he discharged with distinguished faithfulness and ability until his death, which took place during the sittings of the court, at Washington, March 18th, 1823, in the 66th year of his age. He possessed a mind of uncommon acuteness and energy, and enjoyed the reputation of an accomplished scholar, an able pleader and jurist, an upright judge, and a liberal patron of learning.
RICHARD MONTGOMERY.
Richard Montgomery, a major-general in the army of the United States, was born in the north of Ireland, in 1737. He possessed an excellent genius, which was matured by a fine education. Entering the army of Great Britain, he successfully fought her battles, with Wolfe, at Quebec, in 1759, and on
· 418
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
the very spot where he was, afterwards, doomed to fall, when fighting against her, under the banners of freedom.
He early imbibed an attachment to America, and, after his arrival in New York, purchased an estate, about one hundred miles from the city, and married a daughter of judge, Living -- ton. When the struggle with Great Britain commenced, as le was known to have an ardent attachment to liberty, and had expressed his readiness to draw his sword on the side of the colonies, the command of the continental forces, in the northern department, was intrusted to him and general Schuyler, in the fall of 1775.
By the indisposition of Schuyler, the chief command de- volved upon him in October. After a succession of splendid and important victories, he appeared before Quebec. In an , attempt to storm the city, on the last of December, this brave . commander fell by a discharge of grape shot, both of his aids being killed at the same time. In his fall, there was every circumstance united, that could impart fame and glory to the death of a soldier. His exit was deeply lamented, both in Europe and America. The American congress celebrated his funeral obsequies, and ordered a monument to be erected to his memory.
LEWIS MORRIS.
Lewis Morris was born at the manor of Morrisania, in the state of New York, in the year 1226. His family was of ancient date ; the pedigree of it has been preserved; but it is too extended to admit of a particular notice in these pages. Richard Morris, an ancestor of the family, beyond whom it is unnecessary to trace its genealogy, was an officer of some distinction in the time of Cromwell. At the restoration, however, he left England, and came to New York ; soon after which, he obtained a grant of several thousand acres of land, in the county of West-Chester, not far from the city. This was erected into a manor, and invested with the privileges which usually pertain to manorial estates.
ry
419
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Richard Morris died in the year 1673, leaving an infant child by the name of Lewis, who, afterwards, held the office of chief-justice of the province of New York, and became governor of New Jersey. In both these offices he was much respected, and exercised an enviable influence in both these colonies. The sons of Lewis were not less eminent; one being appointed a judge of the court of vice-admiralty; an- other chief-justice of New Jersey ; and a third lieutenant-gov- ernor of the state of Pennsylvania.
From one of these sons, Lewis Morris, the subject of the present memoir, was descended. He was the eldest of four brothers. Staats became an officer in the British service, and for some time a member of parliament. Richard and Gouver- neur both settled in the state of New York, and both became men of considerable distinction ; the former as judge of the vice-admiralty court, and chief-justice of the state, and the latter as a representative in congress.
The early education of Lewis was respectable. At the age of 16, he was fitted for college, and was entered at Yale college, the honors of which he received in due course, having acquir- ed the reputation of good scholarship, and a strict morality. Immediately on leaving college, he returned to his father's residence, where he devoted himself to the pursuits of agri- culture. As he entered upon manhood, he seems to have possessed every thing which naturally commands the respect and attracts the admiration of men. His person was of lofty stature, and of fine proportions, imparting to his presence an uncommon dignity, softened, however, by a disposition unusu- ally generous and benevolent, and by a demeanor so graceful, that few could fail to do him homage.
Although thus apparently fitted for the enjoyment of society, Mr. Morris found his greatest pleasure in the endearments of domestic life, and in attention to his agricultural operations. He was early married to a Miss Walton, a lady of fortune and accomplishments, by whom he had a large family of six sons and four daughters.
The condition of Mr. Morris, at the time the troubles of the colonies began, was singularly felicitous. His fortune
-
420
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
was ample; his pursuits in life consonant to his taste; his family and connexions eminently respectable and eminently prosperous. No change was, therefore, likely to occur which would improve his condition, or add to the happiness which he enjoyed. On the contrary, every collision between the royal government and the colonies was likely to abridge some of his privileges, and miglit even strip his family of all' their domestic comforts, should he participate in the struggle which was likely to ensuc.
These considerations, no doubt, had their influence at times upon the mind of Mr. Morris. He possessed, however, too great a share of patriotism, to suffer private fortune, or indi- vidual happiness, to come in competition with the interests of his country. He could neither feel indifferent on a subject of so much magnitude, nor could he pursue a course of neutral- ity. He entered, therefore, with zeal into the growing contro- versy ; he hesitated not to pronounce the measures of the British ministry unconstitutional and tyrannical, and beyond peaceful endurance. As the political condition of the coun- try became more gloomy, and the prospect of a resort to arms increased, his patriotic feeling appeared to gather strength ; and although he was desirous that the controversy should be settled without bloodshed, yet he preferred the latter alterna- tive, to the surrender of those rights which the God of nature had given to the American people.
About this time, the celebrated congress of 1774 assembled at New York. Of this congress Mr. Morris was not a mem- ber. He possessed a spirit too bold and independent to act with the prudence which the situation of the country seemed to require. The object of this congress was not war, but peace. That object, however, it is well known, failed, not- withstanding that an universal desire pervaded the country, that a compromise might be effected between the colonies and the British government, and was made known to the latter, by a dignified address, both to the king and to the people of Great Britain.
In the spring of 1775, it was no longer doubtful that a re- sort must be had to arms. Indeed, the battle of Lexington
421
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
had opened the war ; shortly after which, the New York con- vention of deputies were assembled to appoint delegates to the general congress. Men of a zealous, bold and indepen- dent stamp, appeared now to be required. It was not singu- lar, therefore, that Mr. Morris should have been elected.
On the 15th of May, he took his seat in that body, and eminently contributed, by his indefatigable zeal, to promote the interests of the country. He was placed on a committee, of which Washington was the chairman, to devise ways and means to supply the colonies with ammunition and military stores, of which they were nearly destitute. The labors of this committee were exceedingly arduous.
During this session of congress, Mr. Morris was appointed to the delicate and difficult task of detaching the western Indians from a coalition with the British government, and sc- : curing their co-operation with the American colonies. Soon after his appointment to this duty, he repaired to Pittsburg, in which place and the vicinity he continued for some time, zealously engaged in accomplishing the object of his mission. In the beginning of the year 1776, he resumed his seat in congress, and was a member of several committees, which were appointed to purchase muskets and bayonets, and to encourage the manufacture of salt-petre and gunpowder.
During the winter of 1775 and 1776, the subject of a dec- laration of independence began to occupy the thoughts of many in all parts of the country. Such a declaration seemed manifestly desirable to the leading patriots of the day ; but an unwillingness prevailed extensively in the country, to destroy all connexion with Great Britain. In none of the colonies was this unwillingness more apparent than in New York.
The reason which has been assigned for this strong reluc tance in that colony, was the peculiar intimacy which existed between the people of the city and the officers of the royal government. The military officers, in particular, had rendered themselves very acceptable to the citizens by their urbanity; and had even formed connexions with some of the most respectable families.
This intercourse continued even after the commencement
36
-
422
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
of hostilities, and occasioned the reluctance which existed iu that colony to separate from the mother country. Even as late as the middle of March, 1776, governor Tryon, although " he had been forced to retreat on board a British armed vessel in the harbor for safety, Had great influence over the citizens, by means of artful and insinuating addresses, which he caused to be published and spread through the city. The following extract from one of these addresses, will convey to the reader some idea of the art employed by this minister of the crown, to prevent the people of that colony from mingling in the struggle.
" It is in the clemency and authority of Great Britain only that we can look for happiness, peace and protection ; and I have it in command from the king, to encourage, by every means in my power, the expectations in his majesty's well- disposed subjects in this government, of every assistance and protection the state of Great Britain will enable his majesty to afford them, and to crush every appearance of a disposition, on their part, to withstand the tyranny and misrule, which ac- company the acts of those who have but too well, hitherto, succeeded in the total subversion of legal goverment. Under such assurances, therefore, I exhort all the friends to good order, and our justly admired constitution, still to preserve that constancy of mind which is inherent in the breasts of virtuous and loyal citizens, and, I trust, a very few months will relieve them from their present oppressed, injured, and in- sulted condition.
" I have the satisfaction to inform you, that a door is still open to such houest, but dehuided people, as will avail then- selves of the justice and benevolence, which the supreme legislature has held out to them, of being restored to the king's grace and peace ; and that proper steps have been taken for passing a commission for that purpose, under the great seal of Great Britain, in conformity to a provision in a late act of par- liament, the commissioners thereby to be appointed having, also, power to inquire into the state and condition of the col- onics for effecting a restoration of the public tranquillity."
To prevent an intercourse between the citizens and the fleet, so injurious to the patriotic cause, timely measures were
423
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
adopted by the committee of safety ; but, for a long time, no efforts were availing, and even after general Washington had established his head-quarters at New York, he was obliged to issue his proclamation, interdicting all intercourse and cor- respondence with the ships of war and other vessels belonging to the king of Great Britain. .
But, notwithstanding this prevalent aversion to a separation from Great Britain, there were many in the colony who be- · lieved that a declaration of independence was not only a point of political expediency, but a matter of paramount duty. Of this latter class Mr. Morris was one; and, in giving his vote for that declaration, he exhibited a patriotism and disin- terestedness which few had it in their power to display. He was at this time in possession of an extensive domain, within a few miles of the city of New York. A British army had already landed from their ships, which lay within cannon-shot of the dwelling of his family. A signature to the declaration of independence would ensure the devastation of the former, and the destruction of the latter. But upon the ruin of his individual property, he could look with comparative indiffer- ence, while he knew that his honor was untarnished, and the interests of his country were safe. He voted, therefore, for a separation from the mother country, in the spirit of a man of honor, and of enlarged benevolence.
It happened as was anticipated. The hostile army soon spread desolation over the beautiful and fertile manor of Mor- risania. His tract of woodland, of more than a thousand acres in extent, and, from its proximity to the city, of incalculable value, was destroyed; his house was greatly injured ; his fences ruined ; his stock driven away ; and his family obliged to live in a state of exile. Few men, during the revolution, were called to make greater sacrifices thian Mr. Morris ; none made them more cheerfully. It made some amends for his losses and sacrifices, that the colony of New York, which had been backward in agreeing to a declaration of independence, unanimously concurred in that measure by her convention, when it was learned that congres's had taken that step.
It imparts pleasure to record, that the three eldest sons of Mr. Morris followed the noble example of their father, and
--
424
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
gave their personal services to their country, during the revo- lutionary struggle. One served for a time as aid-de-camp to general Sullivan, but afterwards entered the family of gen- eral Greene, and was with that officer during his brilliant campaign in the Carolinas ; the second son was appointed aid-de-camp to general Charles Lee, and was present at the gallant defence of fort Moultrie, where he greatly distinguished himself. The youngest of these sons, though but a youth, entered the army as a lieutenant of artillery, and honorably served during the war.
Mr. Morris left congress in 1777, at which time he received, together with his colleagues, the thanks of the provincial convention, "for their long and faithful services rendered to the colony of New York, and the said state."
In subsequent years, Mr. Morris served his state in various ways. He was often a member of the state legislature, and rose to the rank of major-general of the militia.
The latter years of Mr. Morris were passed at his favorite residence at Morrisania, where he devoted himself to the noiseless but happy pursuit of agriculture ; a kind of life to which he was much attached, and which was an appropriate mode of closing a long life, devoted to the cause of his country. He died on his paternal estate at Morrisania, in the bosom of his family, January, 1798, at the good old age of 71 years.
GOUVERNEUR MORRIS.
Gouverneur Morris, an eminent political character, was a descendant from the distinguished family of that name of Morrisania. He was born in 1751, and graduated at the college in New York in 1763. He was called into public life at an early age, being elected a member of the provincial legislature of New York in 1775. In 1777, he was a member of the convention which formed the constitution of that state, and was appointed one of the delegates to congress. He was a decided friend of independence, and when the overtures for reconciliation were made known to congress by the British commissioners in 1778, their rejection was advocated with
425
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
great force of argument and poignancy of wit by Mr. Morris and William Henry Drayton. Residing afterwards in Penn- sylvania, he was a delegate from that state to the convention which framed the constitution of the United States. IIe was one of the committee who revised the draught, and to whom it was indebted for the beauty and perspicuity of its style. In 1792, he was appointed minister plenipotentiary to France. In that period of enthusiasm, an ardent attachment to the princi- ples, and a cordial sympathy with the friends of the revolution, was esteemed an indispensable qualification in the minister of the United States. But, although a decided republican, he had too much wisdom not to doubt the ultimate utility of some of the measures then pursuing in that kingdom, or to partici- pate in the sanguine anticipations of the leaders who directed them. In consequence, although his conduct was marked by the utmost prudence and urbanity, he failed to secure the con- fidence of the Directory, and, when a request was made for the recall of Mr. Genet, by the American government, it was met by a similar one from that of France, in relation to Mr. Morris, who returned to the United States in 1794. In 1797, he was elected a senator from the state of New York, in congress. Ile was a leading member of the federal party, and exercised a degree of influence which few other men possessed. His powers of eloquence were of the highest order. In the celebrated debate on the subject of abolishing the judiciary system, in 1802, he took an active part, in conjunction with Mr. Bayard and other distinguished statesmen, in opposition to that measure, and his speeches on that occasion were among the most power- ful and impressive which have been known in the annals of American legislation. After his term as a senator expired, he retired to private life, to the enjoyment of an ample fortune, and the indulgence of a liberal hospitality. He married, in 1809, a daughter of Thomas Randolph of Virginia, and died at his seat at West-Chester, November 6th, 1816, aged 65. In addition to his speeches in congress, several of his orations on various occasions were published. Among these the most celebrated were, one delivered before the corporation of New York, 1800, occasioned by the death of Washington; and another delivered before an assembly of citizens convened to
36 *
426
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
celebrate the downfall of the emperor, and the restoration of the Bourbons to the throne of France. He also published an Oration before the New York Historical Society in 1816 .*
PETER SCHUYLER.
Peter Schuyler, mayor of Albany, was distinguished for patriotism, and, by means of his popularity with the Indians, rendered important services to the Colony of New York, in securing their friendship and assistance during the wars with the French. In 1691, with a party of English and Mohawks, he attacked the French at the north end of Lake Champlain, and defeated them. He had great influence with the five Indian nations, and, in 1710, went to England with five of their chiefs, for the purpose of exciting the government to expel the French from Canada. In 1719, he, being the oldest member of the council, held the chief command in the colony. During his short administration, the public affairs were conduct- ed with prudence and integrity.
PHILIP SCHUYLER.
Philip Schuyler, a major-general in the revolutionary war, was born in 1731. He received his appointment from Con- gress in June, 1775, and was directed to proceed to Ticonde- roga, and make preparations for entering Canada. Being taken sick in September, the command devolved upon Mont- gomery. On his recovery, he devoted himself zealously to the management of affairs in the northern department. On the approach of Burgoyne, in 1777, he made every exertion to obstruct his progress ; but the evacuation of Ticonderoga by St. Clair, occasioning unreasonable jealousies in regard to Schuyler in New England, he was superseded by Gates, in August, and had the mortification to be recalled, when he was about to take ground, and face the enemy.
He afterwards, though not in the regular service, rendered
* Lord.
1
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
427
important services to his country in the military transactions of this state. He was a member of the old congress, and ap- pointed a senator under the new federal constitution. He was again appointed senator, in the place of Aaron Burr, in 1797. He died at Albany, in November, 1804, in the seventy-third year of his age.
He was distinguished by strength of intellect and upright intentions, and was wise in the contrivance, and enterprising and persevering in the execution, of plans of public utility. In private life, he was dignified, but courteous, a pleasing and instructive companion, affectionate in his domestic relations, and just in his intercourse with mankind .*
* Allen.
ـو
1
1
428
HISTORY OF NEW YORK.
APPENDIX.
No. I.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.
When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume, among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
. We hold these truths to be self-evident :- that all men are created equal ; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalien- able rights ; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness ; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of governinent becomes de- structive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute a new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such forin, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate, that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and, accord- ingly, all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolish- ing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies ; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present king of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.