Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations, Part 87

Author: Howell, George Rogers, 1833-1899; Tenney, Jonathan, 1817-1888
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1452

USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations > Part 87

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Oct. 10, 1753. Oct. 12, 1753.

Sir, Baronet

Lawyer.

Lawyer

Loyal and influential. Scientific, unpopular. Honest, impolitic.

Colden, Cadwallader

Nov. 18, 1761.

Loyal, not popular.

Learned, not gracious. Genial and incompetent.

Murray, John

Oct. 19, 1770.

Lacked popular sympathy. Unscrupulous and infamous.

Smith, William

Aug. 27, 1683.

Mild and prudent. Arbitrary and oppressive.

Bencker, Jacob

Prudent and energetic. Arbitrary and odious.

Dongan, Thomas.

Nicholson, Francis.

Oct. 9, 1688.

Schuyler, Peter

Lieutenant-Governor.

May 3, 1702.

Councilor.

Councilor

Clarke, George

De Lancey, James.

Learned, esteemed, but hated. Respected, but not loved.

We have, partly in order to save space, given the above tabular history of the Colonial Governors. Dates often conflicting have been written down from sources considered most reliable. So far as Albany County is concerned, there is little more to be said about them. The official residence was in New York City, and they seldom came to Albany except for a recreation trip, or for making a show of their importance, and to receive demonstrative

recognition from the well-to-do and loyal people of the second city in their government. Good policy made it best for them, sometimes, to meet the Indians here in council, to make presents and have a good talk with them. They came with pomp, dressed in blue and gold-trimmed coats, with gold-laced hats and showy ruffles. They expected processions and feastings, and every demonstration of joy and respect from the people. Policy granted

380

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

as much; but sensible men were glad when it was over and expenses paid.

These men were usually of intemperate and licentious habits; of weak or mediocre talents; given to their appetite; ruled by their mistresses and favorites. Dissolute in morals, they were often broken down in strength. They gave formal attention to the religion of the Church which best pleased the King.

They generally had no interest in the welfare of the people. All were foreign born; most of them incompetent pets or members of the English aris- tocracy. Penniless, useless and dependent at home, they were sent abroad to get rich by robbing the people, and to serve the King-whose sycophants they were-in any way to please him and aggrandize themselves. They sought to asso- ciate with themselves the wealthy and influential, from whom they received adulation and flattery, in order to secure favors in petty offices, sen- sual pleasures and land grants. They kept aloof as much as possible from the toiling people, and asked of them only taxes to pay exorbitant salar- ies and carry out selfish schemes.

The powers of these Governors were legislative and executive. Outside their favorites they sought no counsel. They had to do with forts, garrisons and all military matters in peace and war; with keeping the Indians on good terms; with church affairs; with the excise; with regulating trade; with granting lands; with appointing civil and military officers; with weights and measures; and even with licensing teachers and midwives and regulating marriage and divorce. Most were in- terested specially in making land grants, because most productive of wealth. No industries were encouraged. Rents were fluctuating; lands were at low value; trade was paralyzed; taxes high and oppressive during most of these years.

The official terms of most of these Governors were short, and marked by few incidents of impor- tance as proceeding from them. They were often recalled on account of manifest incompetency or glaring dishonesty and fraud. In vain the public, as they gladly saw the departure of a ruling gov- ernor, hoped that the next would be a wiser and better man.

The constant call of the people for something better did not reach the ear of royalty except to irritate the selfish and heartless King or Governor. Despising the clamors of their subjects, they neither attempted to soothe them, nor understood how to do it. These colonial years were years of one long and grievous cry for relief from burdens, for heaven-born rights, for representation of their interests. It is easy to see what Albany thought of these matters by the class of men put forward to direct public affairs at home, or to rep- resent them in the Assemblies when they were allowed. Though generally loyal subjects of the government, at the same time they were friends of popular representation and the advancement of the true interests of the colony. Aside from these remarks, we shall have little to say of individual Governors; of some, nothing.

There is no doubt that the influence of the Eng- lish, particularly those from New England, many of whom resided in New York City, at that time engaged in commerce, had much to do with over- riding the will of Peter Stuyvesant, and forced him to a reluctant and bloodless surrender of the Dutch power in 1664. These people, tired of the stub- born tyranny of the inflexible old Governor, were longing for the liberties allowed in New England. They expected them under Governor Nicolls, but they were disappointed. His administration was a mild one; he did not impair the city liberties of Albany, nor interfere with its trade. After its peaceable surrender, September 24, 1664, things went on as usual. During his time the "Duke's Laws " were framed, but no popular representa- tive was allowed; no new franchises conceded. It was decided that the Dutch patents must be re- newed as invalid, bringing wealth to the Governor by his enormous fees for granting new titles. The Mohawks made a fearful raid into Canada in 1666, which the French returned. But the colonists had peace.

The odious Lovelace listened to nothing asked by the people. He told them that their business was to work and pay their taxes. He ordered their remonstrance to be burned by the common hangman. His term came to a sudden end. New York was retaken by a Dutch fleet without firing a gun. Lovelace was away enjoying his ease ; while Captain John Manning, in charge of Fort James, probably for a bribe, surrendered August 9, 1673, at the first summons. The dis- appointed Dutch were willing. No one cared ex- cept the King and his loyal adherents.

Anthony Colve, who was made Director-General, took possession. Old titles and officers were re- stored. Albany surrendered to the new govern- ment. Fort Albany was named Fort Nassau, and the village of Beverswyck was called Willemstadt. The Reformed Church was specially protected while other religions were tolerated, Andries Draeyer was made Commandant of the Fort. Gerrit Van Slechtenhorst, Cornelis Van Dyck, David Schuyler and Peter Bogardus were made Schepens of the village, and Martin Gerritsen, Pieter Vounen, and Hendrick Van Ness, Schepens of Rensselaerwyck.

But the restored Dutch dynasty was brief. At this time England and Holland were at war. Peace was settled at Westminster, and Governor Colve formally gave over the New Netherlands and its dependencies to Governor Andros, representing his Britannic Majesty, November 10, 1674, and English rule was restored before the Dutch system had fairly begun again. Duke James took out a new patent to save all controversy in relation to his title in America. and the old names of vil- lages and forts were restored.

Andros held sway over a colony of unsubmissive subjects. He filled his position as Governor about five years and a half in all, and never secured con- fidence and respect. He visited Albany in 1675 and instituted a court to hold sessions every year, beginning in June, to decide civil causes under

381

ENGLISH COLONIAL GOVERNORS OF NEW YORK.

500 guilders. Robert Livingston was clerk of this court. He established the Board of Indian Com- missioners. In his time the bloody King Philip's War was raging in Massachusetts, which brought great alarm to Albany and Rensselaerwyck. He also made a new treaty with the Mohawks in August, 1675, to foil the designing intrigues of the French Jesuits with this tribe. At a second visit, in February, 1676, it was found that the Mo- hawks had just returned from a successful attack on King Philip's Indians, and thus allayed the fears of the people of Albany. They had no trouble with Philip, and rendered no aid to their New England neighbors in this direful war.

This year the old fort was so dilapidated that it was deserted-a new stockaded one, by order of Governor Andros, having been built near the pres- ent site of St. Peter's Church, so as to defend and command the whole town of Albany. It had four bastions and room for twenty-four guns. It was occupied in June, in command of Captain Sylvester Salisbury. During his time he was fre- quently called upon in settling church difficulties at Albany, and settling Indian questions, which he generally adjusted acceptably. Andros was loyal to his King, but oppressive. In 1689, he was ar- rested in Boston by the people, confined in the fort, and his under officers shipped to England.

Dongan called the first representative Assembly, which met at Fort James, October 17, 1683. The names of the two members from Albany and two from Rensselaerwyck are not known. This Assem- bly adopted a charter of liberties, and divided the province into counties, as stated in another part of this volume. During his time, the claim of the Patroon over the territory of Albany, neglected by Andros, was adjusted amicably and wisely, and Albany received its city charter July 22, 1686. King Charles II died February 16, 1685, and James II, Duke of York, Albany and Ulster, the King's brother, and proprietor of New York and dependencies, became King of England. His rule was fickle and arbitrary. The wishes of the people were not regarded by him. Dongan, though not in sympathy in religious views with a majority of the people, was a man of moderation and gentle manners, and attended faithfully to the interests of the colony in the matters of the French, who were still endeavoring, by religious influence, to seduce the Mohawks. He visited the new city several times, and advanced its policy by good counsel and good appointments. There was some feeling against him, chiefly on account of his reli- gion, at a time of less liberality than now.

King James was forced to abdicate his throne, and William III was proclaimed King, February 16, 1689. Mary, a Protestant sister of James, was his wife, and Queen. This event led to great ex- citement throughout the colony, particularly in New York and Albany. The government and peo- ple of this city hailed the news of a new King and Queen with great demonstrations of joy. They met on the ist of July, 1689, at the City Hall, and with "y" greatest solemnity that could be used in so short a time " marched to the Fort, where public

proclamation was made in English and Dutch, guns fired, and loud acclamations of "God save King William and Queen Mary," were made, con- cluding with the "Ringing of ye Bell, Bonfyres, fyreworks, and all o" Demonstrations of joy."

The assumption of authority by Jacob Leisler, a merchant and militia captain of New York City, made much trouble in Albany. He held his posi- tion with the approval of the people. The aristoc- racy were opposed to him as a Commander-in- Chief of the Province. He was acting governor for the time. Lieutenant-Governor Nicholson had gone to England, and the colony had no governor. Leisler may have been ambitious, but he was honest and patriotic. He was brave and popular. It was his purpose to give up the trust committed him by the people as soon as a Governor appointed by William and Mary should reach New York. Meanwhile he proffered aid to protect the frontiers at Albany and Schenectady, now in danger of in- vasion from the French and Indians, and claimed possession of the fort at Albany and recognition of his right to command. He sent his son-in-law, Jacob Milborne, to persuade the people of Albany to yield to Leisler's government. Some of the people looked favorably upon the matter. But the city government regarded the course of Leisler and Milborne as without authority of William and Mary, and therefore seditious. The Mayor, Peter Schuy- ler, took charge of the fort, and successfully resisted all attempts of Milborne and his troops, who had been sent up from New York for that purpose, to take possession of it. The citizens were divided in their sympathies. They sent for aid to Con- necticut, and aid came; to Massachusetts, and they were advised to yield to Leisler and have peace. This they did, because of their fear, especially after the burning of Schenectady, of invasion and devas- tation. Leisler at once prepared for defense, and sent forces, made up of friendly Indians, soldiers of Albany County and from Connecticut, against Canada. The latter, to the disgust of Leisler, re- turned August 20, 1690, having seen no enemy and effected nothing. Leisler imprisoned the com- mander of the expedition, General Winthrop, of Connecticut, and some other officers; established a local government for the City and County of Al- bany, to control affairs, and returned to New York City. The city was in great fear and disquiet during the winter of 1690-91.

Governor Sloughter came with a commission from the Crown, March 19, 1691. Leisler readily yield- ed the authority, claimed as from the people. He was no usurper. But the aristocratic haters of popu- lar rule were not satisfied. They caused the im- mediate arrestof Leisler and Milborne, and had them cast in prison, tried and convicted on the charge of treason. Sloughter, during a drunken debauch, signed the sentence of execution, and they were hanged May 16, 1691. History writes the actors in this malicious murder as traitors against freedom and humanity.

Governor Fletcher, one of the most arrogant and covetous of the Governors, visited Albany as most of the Governors did, to display his authority, and

382

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

to hold a meeting with the Sachems. He planned in 1693, at this city, an unsuccessful expedition against Canada. His dishonest conduct, especially in the matter of giving grants of land to his favorites, caused him to be recalled in disgrace. Boastful of military skill, he was cowardly and imbecile in action. A hater of all religion, he was a professed Episcopalian, and made himself odious by an endeavor to make it the only sect recognized by the State and supported by general tax. The brief terms of the Earl of Bellomont were those of judi- cious management. They embraced the period of the famous piracy of William Kidd. Lord Corn- bury left a record of unscrupulous villainy and licentiousness that puts his name in lasting con- tempt. Governor Hunter promoted the immigra- tion of the Palatinates, kept peace with the Indians, and encouraged improvements.

Governor Burnet was interested in regulating trade with Canada; in cultivating friendly relations with the Indians; and making forts and other defenses more secure. Cosby was narrow in his prejudices and a petty tyrant. The famous Zenger libel case occurred in his time, in 1734. His triumph has been called "the Morning Star of the Revolution." It was, at least, one of the stars. Governor Clarke's administration covers the disgraceful negro plot of 1741, equal in folly to the Salem witchcraft. Gov- ernor Clinton's long term was not successful in pleas- ing the people. He was afraid to displease King George, and all his attempts in public matters displayed ignorance and timidity. Saratoga was de- stroyed by the French and Indians in 1747.

Governor James De Lancey was a man of liberal culture, an able lawyer, a French Protestant and

a Loyalist. He understood the people and did not boldly oppose them. He was President of the no- table Convention held at Albany in 1754. Cadwal- lader Colden, who, as President of the Council and Lieutenant-Governor, attended to the affairs of the province several years, and most of the time indeed between 1760 and 1774, was a friend of the in- terests of the colony, as he regarded them. As sur- veyor he did much in the settlement of land ques- tions. But his inflexible adherence to the English government, his decided want of sympathy with pop- ular feeling of the time, made him odious and his sit- uation unpleasant. Governor Colden had his Maj- esty's service sincerely at heart, and looked upon all as rebels who questioned its wisdom. He was con- fident that all men of property and all pious people who had not been poisoned against the King by the Boston party would be true to him. He was, no doubt, honest in his sentiments. He was often at Albany, and was quite actively interested in his efforts to force the Green Mountain Boys to submit to the government of New York. He in- sisted upon Connecticut River as the eastern bound- ary of this colony. Sir Henry Moore spent much of his time socially at Albany. The most marked feature of his brief administration was his regrant- ing of the townships in the New Hampshire Grants, as a part of Vermont was then called, and the ex- action of large fees for these unjust transactions. William Tryon served his King well, and inflicted all the injuries he could upon the patriots of the revolutionary period, both before and after the declaration of independence. He was the last of the royal Governors, and went back to England in 1780.

THE COLONIAL MILITARY AFFAIRS AND WARS IN ALBANY COUNTY.

T HE storms of rude war were ever beating about Albany during its colonial history. It was a city always under arms. Here were stockaded forts and garrisons. Soldiers were often billeted upon the people; military parade was frequent; the vices of the camp were seen in the street and carried their influence into families. Here was constant fear-fear of foreign foes, of treacherous savages, and of the very soldiers who were sent here to pro- tect life and liberty.

We propose to give enough of the history of these wars to show the relations which the County of Albany sustained to them; the state of the pub- lic mind; the condition of the military service; and in general, what was done or borne in Albany by its inhabitants or the soldiers who centered here.

The French in Canada had much reason for unfriendly feelings towards the Mohawks dwelling along the Mohawk River, in fortified castles, approaching Albany. They were jealous of the

Dutch and the English, because these Indians were on terms of amity and commerce with them; and there were suspicions that some of the hostile deeds of these savages were prompted by their rival traders at Albany. Hence, Albany was in great fear of the French and their Adirondack allies. We give the following account of the first experiences which our city had of these French invaders, in the language of the times.

In February, 1666, Monsieur Courcelles, Gover- nor of Canada, made an unsuccessful expedition against the Mohawks, coming unwittingly "within two miles of a small village called Schenectade, lying in the woods beyond Fort Albany in the territoryes of his Royall Highness. He fell into an ambush and lost some of his men. Seven who were wounded were sent the next day to the village,. where they were carefully drest and sent to Albany. The Dutch bores carryed to the camp such provis- ions as they had, and were too well paid for it;

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COLONIAL MILITARY AFFAIRS AND WARS.

especially peaz and bread, of wch. a good quantity was bought. He inquired what garrison or fort was at Albany. 'Twas told him a Captain and 60 English Soldyers with 9 pieces of ord nance in a small fort of foure Bastions, and that the captain thereof, Capt. Baker, had sent for 20 men from annother garrison of the King's at Sopes."

During the dire war of King Philip, 1674-76, when New England settlements were kept in con- tinual alarm by the wanton cruelties of the Indians, the settlers had no help from New York except what was rendered by Mohawk raid against Philip. For two years, wherever were white set- tlements in the valleys of New England, there were confusion, desolation and death. They defended their own homes; they fought their own battles.

Governor Andros offic.ally reports in 1678: "The Militia is about 2,000, of wch. about 140 horse in three troops, the foot formed in Com- panyes, most under 100 men each, all indiffer- ently armed with fire-armes of all sizes, ordered and exerc zed according to law, and are good firemen. One standing company of Souldiers with gunners and other officers for the fforts New York and Albany alwayes victualled in October and Novem- ber for a year." He adds: "Albany is a small, long stockaded fort with foure bastions in it, 12 gunns, sufficient ag Indians."

Governor Dongan in 1687, reports to the Com- mittee of Trade:

"At Albany there is a Fort made of pine trees, fifteen fout high, and foot over, with Batterys and conveniences made for men to walk about, where are nine guns, small arms for forty men, four Barrils of powder with great and small Shott in propor- tion. The Timber and Boards being rotten were renewed this year. In my opinion it were better that fort were built up of Stone and Lime which will not be double the charge of this years repair, which yet will not last above 6 or 7 years before it will require the like again, whereas on the con- trary, were it built of Lime and Stone it may bee far more easily maintained. And truly its very ne- cessary to have a Fort there, it being a frontier place both to the Indians and French."

On Friday, September 9, 1687, information being received by Governor Dongan and Council, "That ye ffrench at Canada are providing 1,500 pairs of Snowshews;" it was ordered "that the Mayor and Magistrates of Albany send orders to the five Na- tions to bring Doun their Wives, children and old men least ye ffrench come uppon them in the Winter, and none stay in the Castles but ye young men." On the next Sunday, September 11th, it is stated that "letters from Albany giving account that the people there are in great consternation thro' apprehension that ye ffrench will come doun uppon them this winter." Whereupon it was " re- solved, that every tenth man of all ye Militia troups and Companys within the Province, Except those that were out ye last yeare a whaling, be drawn out to go up hither."

In 1689, Chevalier de Callieres, Governor of Montreal and Commander of the Troops and Militia of Canada, planned an expedition of 2,000

men against Orange (Albany) and Manathe (New York). He writes : "The plan is to go straight to Orange, the most advanced toun of New York, one hundred leagues from Montreal, which I would undertake to carry, and to proceed thence to seize Manathe, the capital of that colony, situated on the Sea Side." He designed to take his picked soldiers by canoes and flat batteaux, by Richelieu River and Lake Champlain ; thence to march along the Hudson direct to Albany, pillag- ing by the way. Of Albany, he says, "The town is about as large as Montreal, surrounded by pic- quets, at one end of which is an Earthen Fort de- fended by palisades & consisting of four small bastions. There is a garrison of 150 men of three companies in the fort, and some small pieces of cannon. Said town of Orange may contain about 150 houses and 300 inhabitants, capable of bearing arms, the majority of whom are Dutch, and some French Refugees with some English.

"After having invested the town and summoned it to surrender with promise not to pillage if it capitulate, I propose, in case of resistance, to cut or burn the palisades in order to afford an opening, and enter then, sword in hand, and seize the fort. These being only 14 feet high can be easily es - caladed by means of the conveniences we shall find when masters of the town, or by blowing in the gate with a few petards or two small field pieces, which may be of use to me, and I shall find means of conveying there.

" After I shall have become master of the town and fort of Orange, which I expect to achieve be- fore the English can afford it any succor, my inten- tion is to leave a force of 200 men in the fort with sufficient supplies, which I shall find in the city, and to disarm all the inhabitants.

" I shall seize all the barks, batteaux, and canoes that are at Orange, to embark my force on the river, which is navigable down to Manathe, and I shall embark with the troops the necessary provisions and ammunition, and some pieces of cannon to be taken from Fort Orange to serve in the attack on Manathe."

But his plans failed. He never reached Albany.

The wars of the English colonial period were not provoked by any indiscretions of the colonists. They were not originated by them nor in their interest. They were forced upon them by the European government in the supposed interest of the King, for the increase of his wealth and power; or for some petty caprice; or for keeping the sol- diers and the people occupied in other matters than in meddling with the prerogatives of kings and governors. The colonists preferred the peaceful pursuits of industry. In war these were endan- gered. In war their settlements were liable to pillage ; their homes to murders and burnings; their every interest to ruin. They were to do the fighting, endure the suffering, and pay the expenses of these wars. This chiefly, and gain nothing. In all these wars the northern American colonies suffered, some of them greatly. Of New England this remark is especially true. Its whole northern frontier without defenses, was exposed to sudden

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Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations, Part 87

Author: Howell, George Rogers, 1833-1899; Tenney, Jonathan, 1817-1888 Publication date: 1886 Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co. Number of Pages: 1452

Author: Howell, George Rogers, 1833-1899; Tenney, Jonathan, 1817-1888
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1452