Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I, Part 54

Author: New York (State). State Historian. cn; Hastings, Hugh, 1856-1916. cn; Corwin, Edward Tanjore, 1834-1914, ed. cn; Holden, James Austin, 1861-
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Albany, J. B. Lyon, state printer
Number of Pages: 812


USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I > Part 54


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These threats would not have been at all regarded, could your Honors or we, your petitioners, expect the smallest aid or succor. But (God help us!) whether we turn us for assistance to the north or to the south, to the east or to the west, 'tis all in vain! On all sides are we encompassed and hemmed in by our enemies. If, on the other hand, we examine our internal strength, alas! it is so feeble and im- potent that, unless we ascribe the circumstances to the mercy of God, we cannot sufficiently express our astonishment that the foe should have granted us so long a reprieve, inasmuch as he could have delivered us a prey and plunder to the soldiery after one summons.


We shall now examine your Honors' fortress. You know, in your own consciences, that it is incapable of making head three days against so powerful an enemy.' Granting, even that it could hold out and contend against its assailants one, two, three, four, five or six months (which to our sorrow, it cannot,) it is still undeni- able that it cannot save the smallest portion of our entire city, our property and (what is dearer to us), our wives and children, from total ruin, for, after consider- able bloodshed, even the fort itself could not be preserved. Wherefore, to prevent and arrest all the aforesaid misfortunes, we humbly, and in bitterness of heart, Implore your Honors not to reject the conditions of so generous a foe, but to be pleased to meet him in the speediest, best and most reputable manner. Otherwise (which God forbid), are we obliged, before God and the world, to protest against and call down on your Honors the vengeance of Heaven for all the innocent blood which shall be shed in consequence of your Honors' obstinacy, inasmuch as the Commissioners have to-day informed us, that the aforesaid English General has stated and threatened that he shall not wait longer than this day.


We trust your Honors will not question that to God, who seeks not the death of a sinner belongs obedience, rather than to man. We feel certain, therefore, that your Honors will exhibit yourselves, in this pressing exigency and sorrowful season, as men and Christians, and conclude, with God's help, an honorable and reasonable capitulation which, may the Lord our God, in His great mercy, be pleased to grant Amen.


us.


Hendrick Kip


Jan Janss. Preste, his mark


Balthazar Stuyvesant


Johannes de Peyster


Abram Wilmerdoncx


Oloff Stevens: van Cortlant


Lodewyck Pos


Martin Kregier, Jr. Timotheus Gabrie


Govert Loockermans


Stephanus van Cortlant


Conraet ten Eyck 1


Cornelius Pluviers Hendrick Bosch Hend. Janss. van der Vin


Cornelis Clopper


Anthony de Mill


Hendrick van de Water


Jeronimus Ebbingh Isaack de Foreest


Gerrit Jansz Jan Hendrickss


Arent Janss. Moesman


Hendrick Hendrickss


Dionys Isaacqs


Symon Janss. Romeyn Willem Raasenburgh Tomes Davidts


Jan Brouwer


Arent Isaacqs


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


557 1664


Reynout Reynoutss, his mark Balthasaer de Haert Evert Duyckingh Boele Roeloffs


Jacob Teunisse Allard Konfek


Andries Rees


Jan Vinge


N. Varleth


Pieter Stoutenburgh


Johannes van Brugh P. L. van de Grift


Hendrick van Dyck


Cornelis Steenwyck


Cornelis Gerloffs


Jacob Backer


Warnaer Wessels


Pieter Tonneman


Hermen Wessels


Isaack Grevenraat


Alexander Hulter


Nicolas Demeyer


Tomas Lamberts


Allard Antoni


Frerick Arents


Jacob Kip


Abram Klock


Cousseau


Isaacq Bedloo


Hendrick Obe


Pieter Winster


Tomas Hal


Jan Gerrits van Buytenhuyse


Jochim Beeckman, his mark


Jonas Bartels


Jurian Blanck


Meyndert Barents, his mark


Luycas Direks


Jan Dircks Meyer


Cornelis Janss


Daniel Verveele


Tousein Bryel, his mark


Jacob Leunens


Jan Cornelis van Hooren Jacob Leyseler


Jacob van Kouwenhoven


Claes Janss: Backer


- -


Hans Kierstede


Guilliam D'Honeur


Jacob Hugens


Isaacq Coustrier


Ambrosous de Weerhem, his mark


Isaacq Kip


Lambert Huyberts Mol


Frederick Geysbertse


Abram Verplanck


Egbert Meynderts


Jan Jans van Sint Obijn, his mark


Barent Kours


Abel Hardenbroeck


Paul Richard


Sept. 5, 1661 .- Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. 248, 249, 250. See also O'Callaghan ii. 527-9.


ARTICLES OF CAPITULATION ON THE REDUCTION OF NEW NETHER- LAND.


These Articles following were consented to by the persons hereunder subscribed at the Governor's Bowry August 27th, Old Style, 1664.


1.


We consent that the States-General or West India Company shall freely enjoy all farms and houses (except such as are in the forts), and that within six months they shall have free liberty to transport all such arms and ammunition as now do belong to them, or else they shall be paid for them.


2.


All public houses shall continue for the uses which they are now for. [This included the Church in the Fort.] 3.


All people shall still continue free denizens and enjoy their lands, houses, goods, shipps, wheresoever they are within this country, and dispose of them as they please.


4.


If any inhabitant have a mind to remove himself he shall have a year and six. weeks from this day to remove himself, wife, children, servants, goods, and to dis- pose of his lands here.


Johannes Nevius


Nicolas De la Plaine


558


ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1664


5.


If any officer of State, have a mind to go for England, they shall be transported, freight free, in his Majesty's frigates, when these frigates shall return thither.


1


6.


It is consented to, that any people may freely come from the Netherlands and plant in this country, and that Dutch vessels may freely come hither, and any of the Dutch may freely return home, or send any sort of merchandise home in vessels of their own country.


7.


All ships from the Netherlands, or any other place, and goods therein, shall be received here and sent hence after the manner which formerly they were before our coming hither for six months next ensuing.


8.


The Dutch here shall enjoy the liberty of their consciences in Divine Worship and church discipline.


9.


No Dutchman here, or Dutch ship here, shall, upon any occasion, be prest to serve in war, against any nation whatever.


10.


That the townsmen of the Manhatoes shall not have any soldier quartered upon them without being satisfied and paid for them by their officers, and that at this present, if the fort be not capable of lodging all the soldiers, then the Burgomaster, by his officers, shall appoint some houses capable to receive them.


11.


The Dutch here shall enjoy their own customs concerning their inheritances.


12.


All publique writings and records which concern the inheritances of any people, or the regelment of the church - or poor, or orphans, shall be carefully kept by those in whose hands they are, and such writings as particularly concern the States-General, may, at any time, be sent to them.


1


13.


No judgment that hath passed any judicature here shall be called in question, but if any conceive that he hath not had justice done him, if he apply himself to the States-General the other party shall be bound to answer for ye supposed injury.


14.


If any Dutch living here shall, at any time, desire to travel or traffic into England, or any place or plantation in obedience to his Majesty of England, or with the. Indians, he shall have (upon his request to the Governor) a certificate that he is a free denizen of this place, and liberty to do so.


15.


If it do appear that there is a public engagement of debt by the town of the Manhatoes, and a way agreed on for the satisfying of that engagement, it is agreed that the same way proposed shall go on, and that the engagement shall be satisfied.


16.


All inferior civil officers and magistrates shall continue as now they are (if they please), till the customary time of new election, and then new ones to be chosen, by themselves, provided that such new chosen magistrates shall take the oath of allegiance to his Majesty of England before they enter upon their office.


17.


All differences of contracts and bargains made before this day by any in this country, shall be determined according to the manner of the Dutch.


18.


If it does appear that the West India Company of Amsterdam do really owe any sums of money to any persons here, it is agreed that recognition and other duties payable by ships going to the Netherlands be continued for six months longer.


1


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


559


1664


19.


The officers, military and soldiers, shall march out, with their arms, drums beat- Ing and colors flying, and lighted matches, and if any of them will piant they shall have fifty acres of land set out for them, if any of them will serve any as servants, they shall continue with all safety, and become free denizens afterwards.


20.


If at any time hereafter the King of Great Britain and the States of the Nether- land, do agree that this place and country be redelivered into the hands of the said States whensoever his Majesty will send his commands to re-dellver It, It shall immediately be done.


21.


That the town of Manhattans shall choose Deputies, and those Deputies shall have free voices in all public affairs, as much as any other Deputies.


22.


Those who have any property In any houses in the fort of Orange, shall (If they please) slight the fortifications there, and then enjoy all their houses, as all people do where there is no fort.


23.


If there be any soldiers that will go into Holland, and if the Company of West India, in Amsterdam, or any private persons here will transport them into Holland, then they shall have a safe passport from Colonel Richard Nicolls, Deputy Governor under his Royal Highness and the other Commissioners, to defend the ships that they shall transport such soldiers, and all the goods in them from any surprisal of acts of hostility to be done by any of his Majesty's ships or subjects.


That the copies of the King's grant to his Royal Highness and the copy of his Royal Highness' commission to Colonel Richard Nicolls, testified by two Commis- sioners more, and Mr. Winthrop to be true copies, shall be delivered to the Honor- able Mr. Stuyvesant, the present Governor, on Monday next by eight of the clock in the morning, at the Old mill.


On these articles being consented to and signed by Col. Richard Nicolls, Deputy Governor to his Royal Highness, within two hours after, the fort and town called Amsterdam, upon the Isle of Manhatoes, shall be delivered into the hands of the said Colonel Richard Nicolls by the service of such as shall be by him deputed by his hand and seal.


John de Decker


Nich. Verleet Sam. Megapolensis Cornelius Steenwick Oloffe Stevensen Kortlant Jaams Cousseau


Robert Carr Geo. Cartwright John Winthrop Sam. Willys Thomas Clarke John Pincheon. - Col. Docs. N. Y. il. 250, 251, 252, 253.


ENGLISH POLICY IN THE CAPTURE OF NEW NETHERLAND.


1664.


Charles II, on his accession, committed the whole care and management of North American affairs to his brother James, then Duke of York. This was a wise step, as James was well acquainted with them. England was secure in her pos- sessions in Virginia, Maryland and New England, the latter then including the east end of Long Island. To the north lay Acadia and Canada, occupied by the French. English possessions were constantly menaced by the French on the sea- coast, along the lakes and rivers and from the forest-filled Indians. It was important to England to unite her southern and northern colonies, by conquering the Dutch. The Duke knew the present and prospective value of New Netherland. Its possession was a strategical necessity. France might seize it. The question was whether France or England should own the Hudson and its noble bay. Could


560


ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1664


England afford to have her colonies divided by her most powerful enemy, with the Iroquois at their back. The circumstances were important to England, and Duke James understood the situation and was bold enough to act promptly.


The subsequent base conduct of James as King, has led the writers not to appre- ciate the sagacity of James. Did he appreciate all this, or was it only to gratify an ephemeral ambition?


The first steps of James were wary and cautious. His patent from Charles II., invested him, his heirs and assigns with "full and absolute power and authority to correct, punish, pardon, govern and rule all such subjects of us, Our Heirs and Successors, who may from time to time adventure themselves into any of the parts or places aforesaid, or that shall or do at any time hereafter inhabit within the same, according to such Laws, Orders, Ordinances, Directions and Instruments as by our said Dearest Brother or his assigns shall be established ".


See Patent in Brodhead, ii. 651; also in Col. Docs. N. J. Series i. Vol. i. 3. Com- pare Dix, i. 37, 38.


THE DUTCH RULE.


1614-1664.


The Dutch were the rulers of Manhattan for half a century, 1614-64. The impress of their rule is yet evident, and will never cease. Just as the Dutch exerted an influence which will never cease upon English civilization; so New York will never lose the influence of Dutch jurisprudence and religion upon her destinies. The fascinating story of New Amsterdam and Fort Orange will continue to be rewrit- ten for generations to come. Whatever England's pretensions to the territory, the Dutch actually discovered it and settled it, and were finally cheated out of it. That the territory had been covered by general English charters amounted to nothing without actual occupation by the English. Yet it was, no doubt, inevi- table, that with the decline of the West India Company, New Netherland should be lost to the Dutch. But the Dutch contributed not a small quota of principles which led on to American independence .- Compare Dix, Hist. Trinity Ch. i. 20-26.


CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.


Correspondence from America.


1664, Sept. 15th.


The Rev. Samuel Drisius to the Classis of Amsterdam.


To the Reverend, Learned and Pious Brethren of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam :-


I cannot refrain from informing you of our present situation, namely, that we have been brought under the government of the King of England. On the 26th of August there arrived in the Bay of the North River, near Staten Island, four great men-of- war, or frigates, well manned with sailors and soldiers. They were provided with a patent or commission from the King of Great Britain to demand and take possession of this province, in the name of his majesty. If this could not be done in an amicable way, they were to attack the place, and everything was to be


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


561 1664


thrown open for the English soldiers to plunder, rob and pillage. We were not a little troubled by the arrival of these frigates.


Our Director-General and Council, with the municipal authori- ties of the city, took the matter much to heart and zealously sought, by messages between them and General Richard Nicolls, to delay the decision. They asked that the whole business should be referred to his Majesty of England, and the Lords, the States General of Holland; but every effort was fruitless. They landed their soldiers about two (Dutch) miles from here, (six English miles,) at Gravezandt, (Gravesend) and marched them over Long Island to the Ferry opposite this place. The frigates came up under full sail on the 4th of September with guns trained to one side. They had orders, and intended, if any resistance was shown to them, to give a full broadside on this open place, then take it by assault, and make it a scene of pillage and bloodshed.


Our Hon. rulers of the (West India) Company, and the mu- nicipal authorities of the city, were inclined to defend the place, but found that it was impossible, for the city was not in a de- fensible condition. And even if fortified, it could not have been defended, because every man posted on the circuit of it would have been four rods distant from his neighbor. Besides the store of powder in the fort, as well as in the city, was small. No relief or assistance could be expected, while daily great numbers on foot and on horseback, from New England, joined the English, hotly bent upon plundering the place. Savages and privateers also offered their services against us. Six hundred Northern Indians with one hundred and fifty French privateers, had even an Eng- lish commission. Therefore upon the earnest request of our citi- zens and other inhabitants, our authorities found themselves com- pelled to come to terms, for the sake of avoiding bloodshed and pillage. The negotiations were concluded on the 6th of Septem- ber. The English moved in on the Sth, according to agreement.


After the surrender of the place several Englishmen, who had


36


562


ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1664


lived here a long time and were our friends, came to us, and said that God had signally overruled matters, that the affair had been arranged by negotiations; else nothing but pillage, bloodshed and general ruin would have followed. This was comfirmed by several soldiers who said that they had come here from England hoping for booty; but that now, since the matter turned out so differently, they desired to return to England.


The Articles of Surrender stipulate, that our religious services and doctrines, together with the preachers shall remain and con- tinue unchanged. Therefore we could not separate ourselves from our congregation and hearers, but consider it our duty to remain with them for some time yet, that they may not scatter and run wild.


The Hon. Company still owes me a considerable sum, which I hope and wish they would pay. Closing herewith I recommend your Honor's persons and work to God's blessing and remain,


Your willing colleague,


Manhattan, Sept. 15, 1664. Samuel Drisius


Another translation in Col. Docs. N. Y. xiii. 393-4.


ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.


Henricus Sellyns.


1664, Sept. 29th.


Rev. Henricus Sellyns, late minister at Breuckelyn in New Netherland, appeared before this Assembly. He told of the good increase and peaceful condition of the Church of Jesus Christ in that land, and how he had conducted himself in the service there. He also handed in testimonials, both ecclesiastical and civil. He further requested that he might be received by this Classis and recommended for service in the Church of Jesus Christ here. The Rev. Classis took very great satisfaction in everything he said, and received him into their special favor, (into particular recom- mendation.) They thanked him for his faithful and excellent services. vi. 354.


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


563


1664


ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT MADE WITH DEPUTIES FROM ALBANY AFTER THE REDUCTION OF THE PROVINCE.


October 10, 1664.


1


2.


3. That the Inhabitants of Albany shall enjoy the benefitt of all the Articles of Surrender made at New Yorke.


4.


5. That the salary to the Preacher, Clarke, Secretary and Boade* shall be con- tinued and paid as formerly till further order .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 559.


COURT MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM.


Salary of Evert Pietersen, schoolmaster.


1664, October 11.


Mr. Evert Pietersen, Schoolmaster of this City, represents, as his allowance from the Company is struck off, that Burgomasters and Schepens shall be pleased to keep him at the same allowance; to wit, thirty six florins per month, one hundred and twenty five florins for board, Holland currency, free house for school and residence and free passage to Patria; offering his service and to continue the same. Apostille: Petitioner shall have to be patient for the space of eight days, when his petition shall be disposed of .- Records of New Amsterdam, Vol. 5. p. 137.


COURT MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM.


The Dutch refuse to swear allegiance to Great Britain except " Conformably to Articles of Surrender."


1664, Oct. 14-20.


Friday, 14th October 1664 at one o'clock in the Afternoon having been sent for, appeared at this City Hall Pieter Tonneman, Paulus Leenderzen vander Grift, Cor- nelis Steenwyck, Tymotheus Gabry, Isaack Grevenraat, Nicolaas de Meyer, Allard Anthony, Joannes de Peister, Jacob Kip, Jacques Cousseau, Isaack de Foreest, Jeronimus Ebbinck.


Burgomasters reported, Governor Richard Nicolls had the evening previous informed them, that he should appear in person to administer the oath and with that view Burgomasters should summon to this City Hall the Magistracy of this City and some of the principal inhabitants. After which Governor Nicolls appeared in person with his Secretary at this City Hall, enquiring where Petrus Stuyvesant. Secretary van Ruyven and the preachers were? It was thereunto answered, it was not known that they should be sent for. To which the Governor Nicolls said, that they should be sent for. Who being invited they immediately came.


The Governor Nicolls requests of the present assembly to take the following oath :-


I swear by the name of Almighty God that I will be a true subject to the King of Great Britain and will obey all such commands as I shall receive from his Majesty, his Royal Highnesse James Duke of York and such Governours, and Officers as from time to time are appointed over me by his authority and none other whilst I live in any of his Majesties territories. So help me God.


The preceding oath being read to the meeting by Governor Nicolls, divers debates occurred thereupon by some of the assembly. Finally all in the meeting roundly declared that they could not take such oath, unless Mr. Nicolls should please to


Messenger.


564


1664


ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


add to the said oath - Conformable to the Articles concluded on the Surrender of this place - as they feared by taking such oath they might nullify or render void the articles.


Then Domine Megapolensis and Secretary van Ruyven stated that they saw no impediment to taking such oath. Nevertheless divers words occurred over and hither thereupon; after which Governor Richard Nicolls finally departed with his secretary for the meeting. The assembly also then adjourned.


On the Tuesday following the Burgomasters went with the Treasurer's book of the City accounts to Governor Richard Nicolls, and placed the same in his hands together with the bond granted to the City by the late Director General and Council. After which divers debates arose on both sides in presence of Coll. Cart- wright and Mr. Thomas Willet regarding the oath, and then the Governor said, that the Commonality were greatly distracted by some. Burgomasters thereupon declared, that they had no knowledge thereon and persisted again that they could not take the oath before and until it was thereunto added - Conformable to the Articles concluded at the surrender of this place. Whereupon the Governour exhib- ited and delivered to the Burgomasters the following writing :-


Whereas there is a false and Injurious aspertion cast upon the Oath of Obedience to his Majesty his Royal Highnesse the Duke of York and the Governor and Officers appointed by his Majesty's Authority and that some persons have maliciously sought to distract the minds of the Inhabitants of New York by suggesting that the Articles of Peace so late and solemnly made signed and sealed were intended by that Oath to be made Null and of none effect, to the end that such wicked prac- tices may not take the effect for which they are designed and that all now under his Majesties obedience as denizens of his towne, may be undeceived, and not give any longer creditt to the disturbers of the peace of this Government; I doe think fitt to declare that the Articles of Surrender are not in the least broken or intended to be broken by any words or expressions on the said Oath, and if any person or persons hereafter shall presume to give any other construction of the joind Oath than is herein declared, I shall accompt him or them disturbers of the peace of his Majesties subjects and proceed accordingly; I doe further appoint and order that this declaracon bee forthwith read, to all the Inhabitants and Registered: as also that every denizen under my Government doe take the said Oath who intend to Remane here under his Majesties Obedience. Given under my hand this eighteenth day of October in the yeare of our Lord God 1664: was signed Richard Nicolls.


At the side stood: To the Burgomasters and other Magistrates of New Yorcke.


This date 20th October 1664. In this City Hall assembled Pieter Tonneman, Pau- lus Leenderts vander Grift, Cornelis Steenwyck, Tymotheus Gabry, Isaack Greven- raat, Nicolas de Meyer, Allard Anthony, Johannes van Brugh, Joannes de Peister, Hendrick Janzen vander Vin, Jacob Kip, Hendrick Kip, the Elder, Jacques Cous- seau, Jeronimus Ebbinck, Govert Loockermans, Isaack de Foreest, Jan Vinge.


The proceedings which took place as well on the 14th October as afterwards, and the writing of Governour Nicolls being read to the meeting, it was asked whether the aforesaid Oath could not be taken, inasmuch as Mr. Nicolls stated in writing, that the Articles of the Surrender of this place are not broken in the least, nor intended to be broken? Whereupon it was universally resolved in the affirmative, provided the abovenamed Governour Nicolls shall seal his given writing. Then Mr. Tonneman says, he cannot give his advice thereupon as he intends to depart for Holland with the ship lying ready to sail .- Records of New Amsterdam, Vol. 5. pp. 142, 143, 144, 145.




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