Bi-centennial history of Albany. History of the county of Albany, N. Y., from 1609 to 1886. With portraits, biographies and illustrations, Part 92

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 92

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THIRD REG'T, FIRST RENSSELAERWYCK BATTALION.

Abraham Ten Broeck, Colonel; Francis Nicoll, Lieutenant-Colonel; Henry Quackenbush, First Major; Barent Staats, Second Major; John P. Quackenbush, Adjutant: Christopher Lansing, Quartermaster.

First Company .- Henry Quackenbush, Captain; Jacob J. Lansing, First Lieutenant; Levinus Winne, Second Lieutenant; John Van Woert, Ensign.

Second Company. - Abraham D. Fonda, Captain; Henry Oothoudt, Jr., First Lieutenant; Levinus T. Lansing, Second Lieutenant; Jacob J. Lansing, Ensign.

Third Company .- Peter Schuyler, Captain; Ab- raham Witbeek, First Lieutenant; Henry Ostrom, Second Lieutenant; Peter S. Schuyler, Ensign.

Fourth Company. -- Barent Staats, Captain; Dirck Becker, First Lieutenant; John Van Wie, Second Lieutenant; George Hogan, Ensign.

Fifth Company .- Gerrit G. Van der Bergh, Cap- tain; Peter Van Wie, First Lieutenant; Wouter Becker, Second Lieutenant; Abraham Slingerland, Ensign.

THIRD REGIMENT-NEW ORGANIZATION.

First Company .- (See Third Company, First Or- ganization. )

Second Company. - Abraham D. Fonda, Captain; Henry Oothoudt, Jr., First Lieutenant; Levinus T. Lansing, Second Lieutenant; Jacob J. Lansing, Ensign.

Third Company (at first 5th Company, 4th Regi- ment). - Jacob Ball, Captain; John Warner, First Lieutenant; Peter Dietz, Second Lieutenant; Joshua Shaw, Ensign.

Fourth Company .- Jacob J. Lansing, Captain; Levinus Winne, First Lieutenant; John Van Woert, Second Lieutenant; Peter Dox, Ensign.

Fifth Company (at first organized as 4th Com- pany, 4th Regiment). - Jacob Van Aernam, Cap- tain; John Groot, First Lieutenant; George Wagoner, Second Lieutenant; Frederick Crantz (Crounse ?), Ensign.

Sixth Company .- Abraham Veeder, Captain; James Burnside, First Lieutenant; John Voorhuyse (Voorhees ?), Second Lieutenant; Andries Ten Eyek, Ensign.

FOURTH REGIMENT.

Second Rensselaerwyck Battalion. - Killian Van Rensselaer, Colonel; John H. Beeckman, Lieu- tenant-Colonel; Cornelius Van Buren, First Major; Jacob C. Schermerhorn, Second Major; Jacobus Van der Poel, Adjutant; John A. Lansing, Quarter- master.

First Company ( Ist Company, 5th Regiment, New Organization). - Conrad Ten Eyck, Captain; Peter Witbeck, First Lieutenant; Albert H. Van der Zee, Second Lieutenant; John L. Wilbeck, Ensign.

Sccond Company (2d Company, 5th Regiment, New Organization). - William P. Winne, Captain; John De Voe, First Lieutenant; Philip C. Look (Luke?), Second Lieutenant: Cornelius Van der Zee, Ensign.

Third Company .- Volckert Veeder, Captain; Abraham Veeder, First Lieutenant; Jacob La Grange, Second Lieutenant; Andrew Truax, Ensign.

Fourth Company. (See 5th Company, 3d Regi- ment, New Organization. )-Jacob Van Aernam, Captain; John Groot, First Lieutenant; George

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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

Wagoner, Second Lieutenant; Frederick Crantz (Crounse ?), Ensign.

Fifth Company .- (See 3d Company, 3d Regi- ment. )

FOURTH REGIMENT.

(As Newly Organized, February, 1776.)

First Company .- Isaac Miller, Captain; Hen- drick Schaus, First Lieutenant; Johannes Lode- wick, Second Lieutenant; Johannes Miller, En- sign.

Second Company .- Ichabod Turner, Captain; Joel Pease, First Lieutenant; Jonathan Niles, Sec- ond Lieutenant; Joel Curtis, Ensign.

Third Company .- Luke Schermerhorn, Captain; James Magee, First Lieutenant; Reuben Knap, Second Lieutenant; Aaron Hammond, Ensign.

Fourth Company .- James Dennison, Captain; Stephen Niles, First Lieutenant; Obadiah Vaughan, Second Lieutenant; Oliver Bentley, Ensign.

Fifth Company .- Nicholas Staats, Captain; Oba- diah Lansing, First Lieutenant; Philip Staats, Second Lieutenant; Leonard Wilcox, Ensign.

Sixth Company .- Jacobus Cole (Koole?) Captain; Anthony Bries (Brice ?) First Lieutenant; Harpent Witbeck, Second Lieutenant; John Van Hagen, Jr., Ensign.

Seventh Company .- Abraham J. Van Valken- burgh, Captain; Daniel Schermerhorn, First Lieu- tenant; John J. Van Valkenburgh, Second Lieu- tenant; Martin Van Buren, Ensign,

FIFTH REGIMENT.

Third Rensselaerwyck Battalion. - Stephen Schuy- ler, Colonel; Gerrit G. Van der Bergh, Lieu- tenant; Peter P. Schuyler, First Major; Volckert Veeder, Second Major; Maas Van Vranken, Adju- tant; Francis Marshall, Quartermaster.

First Company .- Cornelius Van Buren, Captain; Nicholas Staats, First Lieutenant; Obadiah Lans- ing, Second Lieutenant; Philip Staats, Ensign.

Second Company .- John H. Beeckman, Cap- tain; Jacob C. Schermerhorn, First Lieutenant; Abraham I. Van Valkenburgh, Second Lieuten- ant; Jacobus Vanderpoel, Ensign.

Third Company .- Valckert Van Veghten, Cap- tain; Gerrit T. Van den Bergh, First Lieutenant; John Amory, Second Lieutenant; Jacob Van Schaick, Ensign.

Fourth Company .- (See Ist

Company, 4th Regiment. )

Fifth Company .- Philip De Freest, Captain; Ry- neer Van Alstyne, First Lieutenant; Peter Sharp, Second Lieutenant; David De Forest, Ensign.

Sixth Company ( Ist Company of 6th Regiment, new organization). - John J. Fonda, Captain; John P. Fonda, First Lieutenant; George Berger, Second Lieutenant; George Sharp, Ensign.

SIXTH REGIMENT.

Fourth Rensselaerwyck Battalion .- Stephen J. Schuyler, Colonel; Henry K. Van Rensselaer,

Lieutenant-Colonel; Philip De Freest, First Major; John Fonda, Second Major; Volckert Oothoudt, Adjutant; Jacob Van Alstyne, Quartermaster.

First Company .- Henry H. Gardinier, Captain; Jacob Van der Heyden, First Lieutenant; Adam Beam, Second Lieutenant; Henry Tinker, Ensign.

Second Company .- Cornelius Lansing, Captain; Lodewyck Snider, First Lieutenant; Andries Stool, Second Lieutenant; Jacob Weiger, Ensign.

Third Company .- (See 3d Company, 4th Regi- ment. )

Fourth Company .- (See 2d Company this Regi- ment and 4th Regiment. )

Fifth Company .- Caleb Bentley, Captain; Samuel Shaw, First Lieutenant; David Hustes, Second Lieutenant; Thomas Crandall, Ensign.

Sixth Company. - (See 4th Company, 4th Regi- ment. )

SIXTH REGIMENT. - (New organization. )

First Company .- (See 6th Company, 5th Regi- ment. )

Second Company. - (See Ist Company, 6th Regi- ment; first organization )

Third Company .- John Lautman, Captain; Peter Vosburgh, First Lieutenant; John Schurtz, Second Lieutenant; Conradt Best, Ensign.

Fourth Company .- (See 2d Company, first or- ganization, 5th Regiment, and Ist Company in 6th Regiment, first organization. )

Fifth Company .- (See first organization in 6th Regiment. )

Sixth Company .- Jacob De Freest, Captain; Martinus Sharp, First Lieutenant; Andries Miller, Second Lieutenant; John Crannell, Ensign.

Seventh Company .- Florus Banker, Captain; Christopher Tillman, First Lieutenant; Abraham Ten Eyck, Second Lieutenant; Jonathan Sever, Ensign.

Among these officers were men who did valiant service in the War of the Revolution, and acquired promotion. A few left the patriot cause and pre- ferred to remain subjects of Great Britain. We are sorry not to be able to give the names of many who did, no doubt, faithful service in the ranks. Concerning many such even tradition is dumb, though doubtless their services were appreciated and probably rewarded.

The distribution of the regiments as first formed, in 1775 and 1776, was as follows :

First, City of Albany; Second, Schenectady Dis- trict; Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Rensselaerwyck; Second, Schenectady District ; Seventh, Kinder- hook District; Eighth and Ninth, Claverack; Tenth Livingston Manor; Eleventh, Coxsackie and Groot Imtrocht; Twelfth, Half Moon and Ballston Dis- trict; Thirteenth, Saratoga District; Fourteenth, Hoosic and Schaghticoke; Fifteenth and Sixteenth, Schoharie and Duanesburgh; Seventeeth, Kings District (now Columbia County).

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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD.

THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL.

At the beginning of the disturbances that led to the separation of the American colonies from Great Britain, the County and City of Albany were far from being in sympathy with the patriotic cause. The Mayor and a majority of the Common Council were loyal friends of the Englishi crown.

The skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, the menaces against Massachusetts-particularly against Boston-and the arrival of British troops for the avowed purpose of crushing out the incipient re- bellion, awakened and intensified the spirit of re- sistance even in colonies comparatively passive before. Most of the leading citizens of Albany soon took a decided stand with the patriots in the Atlantic cities. The course pursued will best be made to appear by extracts from their proceedings. We first give what was said and done by the City Government of Albany.

The position of the Mayor and Common Coun- cil in regard to the approaching struggle of the colonies with England, is seen in the following resolution, adopted July 18, 1772.

" Resolved by this Board, That his Excellency, William Tryon, Governor General of the Province of New York, be presented with the freedom of this City in a golden box; also

"Resolved, That this Board do address his Excel- lency on his arrival to this City."

Governor Tryon was one of the most aggressive enemies to the rights of the colonists, and had many friends in Albany at this time. It does not appear that his Excellency made the intended visit. Mat- ters in the City of New York, at that time, between the patriotic colonists and his Excellency, were getting too warm to allow him to make this visit.

The election for Members of the Common Coun- cil, held in the city in September, 1773, was one of the most exciting that had ever taken place. The difficulties with the mother country entered largely into it, the patriots supporting one set of candidates, and the loyal subjects of Great Britain another.

Thomas Hun and John Ten Broeck, loyal can- didates for Aldermen in the Third Ward, were elected ; but their election was contested, on the ground that it was gained by illegal votes. After a long and bitter contest before the board, it was decided that they were legally elected, and they took their seats.

The rupture between England and her colonies was, at the opening of 1775, rapidly approaching a crisis. The last charter-election for the choice of Aldermen and Assistant Aldermen under colonial laws, took place September 29, 1775. The Alder- men chosen were as follows:

First Ward .- Aldermen: Peter W. Yates, Gerrit Van Sante. Assistants: Jacob Roseboom, Aries La Grange.

Second Ward .- Aldermen: Guysbert G. Marsel- is, John J. Beeckman. Assistants: Cornelius Van Schelluyne, Jeremiah Van Rensselaer,

Third Ward .- Aldermen: Thomas Hun, John Ten Broeck. Assistants: Abraham Schuyler, Abra- ham Ten Eyck.

Abraham C. Cuyler was still Mayor.

The last meeting of this board under the provin- cial government, the Mayor and all the members being present, took place at the City Hall in Albany on March 25, 1776.

After this meeting, the provincial government and the British laws were superseded for a time by the Continental Congress and the various State governments.

There was no meeting of the Common Council in the City of Albany from March 25, 1776, until April 17, 1778.

John Barclay was appointed Mayor by Governor George Clinton, September 27, 1777.

The Aldermen were John Roorbach, John Price, Jacob Lansing, Jr., Abraham Cuyler, John M. Beeckman, Harmanus Wendell. Assistant Alder- men: Abraham I. Yates, Matthew Visscher, Isaac D. Fonda, Jacob Bleecker, Cornelius Swits, Abra- ham Schuyler.

Matthew Visscher, Esq., was appointed Town Clerk, Clerk of the Mayor's Court of the City, and Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas for the City and County, and Clerk of the Peace and of the Court of Sessions of the Peace of the said City and County. Thomas Seger was appointed Mar- shal, and Henry Bleecker, Chamberlain.

The change from the Provincial to the State laws did not take place, however, without much diffi- culty; and much doubt concerning the Corporation of the City, to remove which, the State Legislature passed several acts.

On the 17th of February, 1778, the Legislature passed an Act to remove doubts concerning the Corporation of the City of Albany, as follows:

Whereas, The inhabitants did not at the proper period, owing to the confusion the times occasioned by the Calami- ties of War, elect their aldermen in strict conformity with the charter, nor appoint their officers; and on account of the establishment of Independency, and the change of govern- ment in this State in consequence thereof, the members of the said corporation could not take the usual oaths, by rea- son whereof doubts might arise, as well to the prejudice of the estates, rights, etc., of the inhabitants, as concerning the validity of the election and the authority of the magistrates; for the removal whereof, and to the end that all and singu- lar the said estates, etc., may remain as good, valid and unimpeached in the law as the same were, at, and immedi- ately before the 19th day of April, 1775; and that the said magistrates and other members may exercise their several offices and functions without any legal or other let, hin- drance or impediment whatsoever; the Charter and all the rights of the Corporation, which they held on the 19th day of April, 1775, were confirmed, notwithstanding non- user or misuser between the 19th of April, 1775, and the first of March, 1778; and all the magistrates and members of the Corporation were declared able to exercise their sev- eral offices, and to appoint such officers as ought to have been appointed on the anniversary day prescribed in the Charter, notwithstanding the want of conformity in the elec- tions or appointments.

By the Act of the Legislature of 1778, the Mayor and other officers were required to meet at the City Hall, or some other convenient place in the city, to qualify, by taking the oath of allegiance prescribed by the laws of this State, and their respective oaths

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HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF ALBANY.

of office prescribed by the City Charter. Accord- ingly, the Mayor and Aldermen, and other city of- ficers, did meet at the City Hall on the 17th of April, 1778, and took the oaths required, and pro- ceeded to business.

During the two years from March, 1776, to April, 1778, the Committee of Safety appointed by the first Legislature of the State, discharged the duties of Mayor and Common Council.

By the Acts of Legislature, the original Colonial Charter of the City, granted in 1686, with a few amendments made by the Provincial Government, was adopted, except in so far as it conflicted with the new State Government.

In April, 1778, the seat of government of the State was temporarily at Poughkeepsie, no perma- nent place having yet been assigned. The War of the Revolution was then raging, and Albany was constantly threatened from the incursions of the enemy. The city was filled with continental troops, who were at times riotous and disorderly. The duties of the city government were difficult and responsible; but managed under Mayor Barclay with wisdom and firmness.

On the evening of May 5, 1778, the troops sta- tioned in the city created great terror and confusion among the citizens, compelling them to put candles before their windows. The next day the Mayor and Common Council took the matter in hand, and reported it to General Conway, then in com- mand, who published a military order preventing a recurrence of such disorder.

In this same month the citizens of Albany were greatly excited and alarmed by an order removing a large part of the troops, leaving the city nearly un- protected from rioters and law-breakers. There were ten prisoners under sentence of death in the city, and threatened rescues of them were made; whereupon Mayor Barclay and the Common Council wrote General Stark, to whose command the troops were to be removed, remonstrating against their removal.

This letter shows the situation in which Albany was placed by reason of the war. It says:

The Common Council would beg leave to 'observe, that the many robberies, murders and other dreadful crimes com- mitted on the inhabitants of this City and County by de- serters and prisoners from Burgoyne's Army, and by the disaffected of our own Country, who are drove to despera- tion, and some of them almost to starvation, renders it in- dispensably necessary to have a large body of regular troops to keep the villains in subjection, or go in quest of them; for, unless the militia can remain at home this year, and properly manage their summer crops, little or no support of flour and other things can the Continent derive from these parts. Last year, more than one-half of the crops were de- stroyed by the Army-marauders, and not more than half the usual quantity sold. If the British prisoners could be moved to another place, it would break up the alarming connection kept up between them and the Tories and the negroes.

About this time the British prisoners, the Tories and negroes, formed a plot by which they were to rise, murder the guards, rob and burn the city. It was fortunately discovered in time to prevent it. Seven of the leaders were scized and executed on Gallows Hill.

On May 30, 1778, a regiment of militia and

a body of continental troops stationed at Coble- skill were attacked by the Tories and savages. They were cut to pieces and Cobleskill burned. The enemy threatened to attack and burn Albany; but the British prisoners were removed to Pough- keepsie and reinforcements arrived by which order was maintained.

In the autumn of 1778, the Common Council and the citizens of Albany were greatly agitated by a report that the Commander of the American Forces for the Northern Department had made an order directing that over 2,000 continental troops were to be billeted on the inhabitants for the en- suing winter.

On the 12th of September, the Mayor and Com- mon Council united in a letter to Governor Clinton, praying him to unite with them in a protest against this oppression, in which they set forth the hard- ships, sufferings and privations, the cruelties and insults which the inhabitants of the city had en- dured during the war; stating that they had, for nearly three years past, undergone innumerable inconveniences attending the operations of the war. That they were among the first who stepped forth in the cause of their country, and had submitted to every privation possible; that in their contest with the Tories, more bitter than those with the savages, and their other public services to their country, they had so wasted their substance that many of them are now reduced to the most necessitous circum- stances. That the fences surrounding their grounds had been used for fuel by the continental troops, throwing their lands into commons, thus exposing their crops to destruction, while the great drought of that summer greatly diminished the necessaries of life among the citizens. That there is also a greater scarcity of fire-wood than was ever known in the city, owing to the consumption there by the troops that were last winter billeted on the inhab- itants. To those who supplied them therewith, no recompense has been made. They further say, "that however willing we have been, and still arc, to risk our all in supporting the freedom and indc- pendence of our blessed country, we feel compelled to ask that in the distribution of the troops for winter quarters, due respect may be had for the former distresses and present sufferings of the in- habitants of Albany and its suburbs; and that, at any rate, no more troops may be allotted to us than the barracks and hospital may contain; that the strictest orders may be issued regarding steal- ing, pilfering, and insulting the inhabitants; and that the officers be enjoined in punishing the refractory and disobedient."

This letter, signed by the Mayor, John Barclay, the Common Council and other city officers, is of itself a touching history of the sufferings of Albany in the cause of freedom. It was listened to with consideration and respect by the commander of the troops, and had the desired effect.

The troops stationed at Albany, and the war, continued to distress the citizens, increasing the difficulties and responsibilities of the Common Council. In September, 1781, the alarming news reaching the city that the British were about to

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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD.

march on it and destroy it by fire. The prompt measures adopted by the Common Council to pro- tect the city, exhibit their patriotism, ability, and bravery. But the enemy were not permitted to reach the city.

It was during General John Stark's command of the Northern Department, about 1781, having his headquarters at Albany, that he wrote to Governor Clinton: "I am fully confident that George III, of Great Britain, has many subjects in this city who would willingly lay down half, even the whole, of their estates in his service, and trust in his royal clemency for the repayment of the money so prof- itably laid out." Again he says, "Albany is a very dangerous place to put men into." And again, "I have no hopes of any assistance from Albany; it is not their inclination to fight away from their own castle."

On June 28, 1782, General Washington visited Albany, and was received by an address of con- gratulation by the Mayor and Common Council, and with every possible demonstration of respect from the citizens. He was presented with the freedom of the city in a gold box, and was invited to dine with the board.

His arrival was announced by the ringing of bells and the roar of artillery. In the evening the city was brilliantly illuminated.

The surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown con- vinced the English Government of the impossibility of conquering the United States.

November 3, 1782, Articles of peace between the two countries were signed at Paris. On April 19, 1783, a formal proclamation of the cessation of hostilities was made throughout the army. This treaty, acknowledging the independence of the United States, was formally signed on the 30th of September following. Nowhere were these events received with more joy than at Albany. On the 18th of July, 1783, information was received that General Washington and Governor Clinton would visit the city the next day. Every preparation to receive them in an appropriate manner was made by the citizens and Common Council. Their Excellencies were invited to a public dinner. Al- derman Yates and Mr. Visscher were appointed to prepare addresses of welcome, and every possible demonstration of respect was made.

Washington closed his reply as follows:

While I contemplate with inexpressible pleasure the future tranquillity and glory of our common country, I can- not but take a particular interest in the anticipation of the increase in prosperity and greatness of this ancient and respectable City of Albany, from whose citizens I have received such distinguished tokens of their approbation and affection.

Governor Clinton's reply was as follows:

To the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty of the City of Albany: I receive with the highest satisfaction your con- gratulations on the return of the blessings of peace, and the final establishment of our independence. It gives me the most sensible pleasure that my general conduct in the sta- tion in which my country has been pleased to continue me, meets with your approbation. The generous sentiments which you express in my favor demand my warmest acknowledgments, and it shall be my first wish and en- deavor to answer the expectation of my constituents in my future administration.

COMMITTEE OF SAFETY AND CORRE- SPONDENCE.

First Ward .- Jacob C. Ten Eyck, Henry I. Bogart, Peter Silvester, Henry Wendell, Volkert P. Douw, John Bay, Gysbert Marselis.

Second Ward .- John R. Bleecker, Jacob Lans- ing, Jr., Jacob Cuyler, Henry Bleecker, Robert Yates, Stephen De Lancy, Abraham Cuyler.

Third Ward. - John H. Ten Eyck, Abraham Ten Broeck, Gerrit Lansingh, Jr., Anthony E. Bradt, Samuel Stringer, Abraham Yates, Jr., Cornelis Van Santvoordt.

The records of the Committee are well preserved in the State Library, and we think nothing can better exhibit the state of public feeling than ex- tracts from them. We here see the trials, the needs, the vigilance, the firmness, activ- ity, energy and sacrifices of the patriots of that day, expressed in their own words and acts as no his- torian, after more than a century has passed, can express them.

The Committee was appointed under the gen- eral advice of the Continental Congress of Septem- ber, 1774, held in Philadelphia. We give names of the first Albany City Committee appointed soon after hearing of the bloodshed at Lexington, April 19, 1775. The whole county was soon divided into districts, and the Committee enlarged by rep- resentation from each district. We confine our extracts, on account of limited space, chiefly to transactions of general interest, or relating to Albany County as it now is.

Changes were made in the Committee by new elections, as will appear, and continued by filling vacancies, because some of its members preferred to be neutral, while others went over to the enemy. All these last do not appear. Those who re- mained, and worked so bravely and constantly, de- serve a place beside the signers of the Declaration of Independence. To those who are intelligently familiar with the history of those days no further explanations are necessary.

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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 92

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