USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I > Part 61
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ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR ANTHONY COLVE,
August 9, 1673, November 16, 1674.
NATHAN GOULD'S ACCOUNT OF THE RECAPTURE OF NEW YORK BY THE DUTCH.
August, 1673.
The relation of one of the corporalls of the garrison concern- ing the takeing of New Yorke, which' is as followeth, viz. On the last Monday was seuen night the Dutch ffleete appeared about Sandy Hooke: On tuesday they came to an anchor under Staten Iland : on the Wednesday the ffleet came up into Hud-
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son's Riuer and Ankored before the ffort, not a Musquet Shot be- fore the fort, before they came to an anchor at the fort: while they were at Staten Iland the ffleete sent a trumpeter to the ffort and demanded it for the Prince of Orange; and what answer was returned the Corporall knows not; After the ffleete was at an anchor by the ffort they did not shoot a gunn for the space of halfe an howr: then the ffleet discharged their broad sides at the ffort, and the ffort shot att them, while the Dutch were placing their great gunns; they landed their men in Hutson's Riuer aboue the Gouernor Orchard. This Corporall saith that immediately the fflag of the ffort was taken Downe; and he can- not certainly say who did it; the Souldiers of the enemy came downe the broad way and entered at the ffort gate, it being open; whereuppon the beseiged souldiers march forth with their armes and colours fflying, and laid them downe when they came; for then they were comanded into the ffort againe and comitted to prison in the Church, and so sent afterwards aboard the ships. The above said Corporall also saith, that he see Generall Love- lace at Justice Cornwalls, on longe Iland, with Captain Nicolls who tould him he would goe to the ffort on Saturday last in the mourning. He also saith that there were but seauen men of warr that came out of London (scil) three Amsterdam men and four Zeelanders; the rest of the ffleete were prizes they had taken in the Indies and Virginia, and he esteems theire is about sixteene hundred men of them .- Col. Does. N. Y. iii. 201.
PETITIONS FROM THE ENGLISH ON LONG ISLAND FOR FREEDOM OF RELIGION UNDER THE DUTCH.
Jamaica, August the 14th 1673.
Whereas wee ye Inhabitants of the East Riding of Long Island: namely South- ampton, Easthampton, SoutHoold Seataucok and Huntington were sometime rightly and peaceafully joyned with Hertford Jurisdiction to good satisfaction on both sides, butt about ye yeare 1664 General Richard Nicolls comeing In ye name off his Majesties Royal Highness ye Duke off Yoreke and by power subjected us to ye Government under which wee have remained untill this present time and now by turne off Gods Providence shipps off fforces belonging to ye States of Holland have taken New Yorke ye 30th of the last month, and wee have noe Intelligence to this day ffrom our Governor: Francis Lovelace Esq. off whatt hath
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happened or what wee are to doe, Butt ye Generall off ye said dutch fforce hath sent to us his declaration or Summons with a serius Commination therein con- tained and since wee understand by ye post bringing the said declaration That our Governor is peacebly and respectfully entertained into ye said ffort and Citty; wee the Inhabitants off ye said East Riding or our Deputies for us, att a meeting this day doe make these our request as follow;
Imprimis That iff wee come under ye dutch Government, wee desire that wee may retain our Ecclesiastical Privileges viz. to Worship God according to our belieffe without any imposition.
2ly That wee may enjoy ye small matters off goods wee possess, with our Lands according to our Purchaze of ye Natieves as it is now bounded out, without fur- ther charge off confirmation.
3ly That ye oath of allegiance to bee imposed may bind us onely whyles wee are under Government but that as wee shall bee bound not to act against them, soe also not to take up armes ffor them against our owne Nation.
* * * *
8ly In every respect to have equal priviledges with the dutch Nation.
The Delegates from Easthampton, Southampton, Southold, Setalcket and Hun- tington request an audience, and entering, delivered in their credantials with a writing in form of a Petition; they further declared to submit themselves to the obedience of their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange, etc. Whereupon the preceding Petition having been read and taken into consideration, it is ordered as follows:
On the first point: They are allowed Freedom of Conscience in the Worship of God and Church discipline.
2. They shall hold and possess all their goods and lawfully procured lands, on condition that said lands be duly recorded.
3. Regarding the Oath of Allegiance with liberty not to take up armes against their own nation, is allowed and accorded to the petitioners .- Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. 583-4.
COURT MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM.
At a Meeting of the Honorable Council of War of New Netherland, holden on the 15th August, Anno 1673.
Only Magistrates of the Reformed Religion to be appointed in. New Orange [New York.]
The Deputies from the Commonalty of the city of New Orange, being sent for by the Commanders and adjoined Council of War of the fleet, they are recommended to convoke the Commonalty of this city, without delay, here in the city Hall, and to cause them to nominate six persons for Burgomasters and fifteen for Schepens, to wit: from the wealthiest inhabitants and those only who are of the Reformed Christian Religion; from whom said Commanders and Council of War will select some as Magistrates of this city.
Dated at the City Hall of the City of New Orange, this 15th August, 1673.
(Signed), Cornelis Evertsen, Jr. A. Colve, Jacob Benckes, Nicolaes Boes, A. F. van Zyll.
This 16th August, 1673: Pursuant to the order aforesaid, the commonalty of the city of New Orange have, by plurality of votes, nominated, and delivered in by Deputies to the Council,
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For Burgomasters.
Cornelis Steenwyck, Cornelis van Ruyven, Johannes van Brugh,
Marten Cregier, Johannes de Peyster, Nicolaes Bayard.
For Schepens.
Jeronimus Ebbinck,
Francois Rombouts,
Willem Beeckman,
Stevanus van Cortlant,
Egidius Luyck,
Adolf Pietersse,
Jacob Kip,
Rynier Willemse,
Gelyn Verplanck,
Pleter Jacobse,
Lourens van der Spiegel, Balthazaer Bayard,
Jan Vinges, Peter Stoutenburgh,
Coenraet ten Eyck.
Which above named persons being called before the Council, they took the oath of allegiance, from which nomination the Commanders and Council of War elected the Magistrates, who have subscribed the following oath, whereupon it was ordered to make the subjoined Proclamation to-morrow.
The Oath.
We, the Schout, Burgomasters, Schepens and Secretary of the city of New Orange, qualified by the Honorable Council of War, do promise and swear, In the presence of Almighty God, that we, each in his quality, will, according to the best of our knowledge and without passion, administer good law and justice between parties in cases brought before us; that we will promote the welfare of this city and its inhabitants; in all things defend the upright and true Christian Rellgion agreeably to the Word of God and the order of the Synod of Dordrecht taught in the Netherland church; in all circumstances obey, maintain and help to main- tain the Supreme government placed, or hereafter yet to be appointed, over us In the name of their High Mightinesses the Lords States General of the United Netherlands and his Highness of Orange, and prevent, as far as In our power lies, everything that may conflict with it. So truly help us God .- Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. 574, 575. Also, Records of New Amsterdam, Vol. 6. pp. 396-7.
PETITIONS FROM THE ENGLISH IN NEW JERSEY FOR FREEDOM OF RELIGION UNDER THE DUTCH.
At a Meeting of the Honorable Council of War, holden in Fort Willem Hendrick, on the 18th of August, Anno 1673,
Present - Commander Jacob Benckes, Commander Cornelis Evertsen, Jr. Captain Anthony Colve, Captain Nicolas Boes, Captain A. F. van Zyll.
The following order was made:
On the petition of the inhabitants of the respective towns, viz .: Ellzabets Towne, New-Worke and Piscattaway, situated at Achter Coll.
The Commanders and Honorable Council of War having considered and read the Petition of the inhabitants of the villages of Elizabets Towne, New-Werke and Piscattaway, have ordered thereupon that all the Inhabitants of those towns shall be granted the same Privileges and freedoms as will be accorded to native born subjects and Dutch towns; also the Petitioners and their heirs shall unmo- lested enjoy and possess their lawfully purchased and paid for lands, which shall afterwards be confirmed to them by the Governor in due form; In regard to the bounds of each town, they shall hereafter be fixed by the Governor and Council;
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in respect to impressment, none of the English nation shall, in time of war with his Majesty of England, be impressed against his own nation on condition that they comport themselves quietly and peaceably, but their ships and boats shall be subject thereto. Concerning inheritance, they shall have to regulate them- selves according to the laws of Netherland, but be at liberty to dispose of their property by will, according to their pleasure; and in case any wish to depart from this government with their property, they shall be at liberty so to do within the term of six months on condition of previously paying their debts, and obtaining proper passport from the Governor. Furthermore, no person shall be suffered to settle within this government without the Governor's previous approbation; and finally, the Petitioners are granted and accorded freedom of conscience as the same is permitted in the Netherlands.
Further, the Deputies from the towns of Woodbridge, Schrousbury and Middle- towne situate at Achter Coll, coming into court, the above privileges were, at their verbal request, in like manner granted and allowed to their towns; but all subject to further orders from their High Mightinesses and his Serene Highness of Orange.
Captain John Berry, William Sandfort, Samuell Edsall and Lourens Andriessen, appearing before the Council request that they and their plantations may be con- Armed in the privileges which they obtained from their previous Patroons, and furthermore possess unobstructed their houses, lands and goods and enjoy such further privileges as are granted and accorded to all other the inhabitants of Achter Coll, lately called New Jersey.
Ordered thereupon:
The Petitioners shall enjoy their lawfully acquired houses, lands and goods, together with such privileges as are granted and accorded to their neighboring towns of Achter Coll. What regards the privileges obtained from their previous Patroons, the same is denied the Petitioners .- Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. 576, 577.
AT A MEETING OF THE COMMANDERS AND HONORABLE COUNCIL OF WAR OF NEW NETHERLAND, HOLDEN IN FORT WILLEM HENDRICK 24TH AUGUST, 1673.
The following is the Form of the Oath for Town Magistrates:
Whereas wee N. N. are chosen by ye authority of the high and mighty Lords the Staets Generall etz to be Magestraets of the towne called N. N. wee doe sweare, in ye Presence of ye allmighty Godt, to be true and ffaithffull to ye said authority, and their Governors for ye time being, and that wee equally and impar- tially shall exercise, Justice betwixt party and party, without Respect off persons or nations, and that wee shall ffollow such ffurther orders and Instructions as wee ffrom time to time shall receive ffrom ye Governor and Councell in time being. So help us God .- Col. Docs. N. Y. il. 583.
COURT MINUTES OF NEW AMSTERDAM.
Ordinance for Better Observance of the Sabbath.
1673, August 28.
Whereas we experience to our grief, that the previously enacted and frequently renewed Placards and Ordinances against the desecration of the Sabbath of the Lord, the unlawful and unseasonable tapping on the same and after setting of the watch or drum beat, are not observed, but that many of the inhabitants almost make it a custom, in place of observing the Sabbath, as it ought to be observed, to frequent the taverns more than on other days and to take their delight in illegal exercises, to prevent and obviate which hereafter as much as possible for the
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future, the Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens renew the aforesald Placards, enacted on that subject and hereby Interdict and forbid within this City of New Orange and the jurisdiction thereof from sunrise to sundown on Sunday all sorts of handicraft, trade and traffick, gaming, boat racing, or running with carts or wagons, fishing, fowiing running and pleking nuts, strawberries etc. all riotous racing, calling and shouting of children in the streets, together with all unlawful exercises and games, drunkenness, frequenting taverns or taphonses, dancing, card- playing, baliplaying, rolling nine pins or bowls etc. which Is more in vogue on this than on any other day; to prohibit and prevent which, all tavern keepers and tap- sters are strictly enjoined to entertain no clubs on this day from sunrise to sunset, nor permit nor suffer any games in their houses or places, on pain for the tavern keeper, who shall be found to suffer such in his house, of forfeiting for the first offence twenty five gl., for the second offence fifty gi. and for the third offence he shall no longer be allowed to tap and moreover forfeit a fine of one hundred gulld- ers zeawant; and each person found on Sunday in a Club or Gaming shail forfeit three guilders zeawant; and if any children be caught on the streets playing, racing and shouting, previous to the termination of the last preaching, the officers of the law may take their hat or upper garment, which shall not be restored to the parents, until they have paid a fine of two gullders.
The intention of the above prohibition is not, that a stranger or citizen shall not buy a drink of wine or beer for the assuaging of his thirst, but only to prevent the sitting of clubs on the Sabbath, whereby many are hindered resorting to Divine Worship.
Further, no tapsters nor tavernkeepers shall tap, present or sell any wines, brandies, beer etc., nor set any clubs on Sunday, nor on the night of any other day after setting of the watch or ringing of the beil, under the penalty and fine as above. Done in the City Hall of the City of New Orange the 25th of August Anno 1673.
By order of the Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens aforesaid .- Records of New Amsterdam, Vol. 6. pp. 405, 406.
FORMS OF OATH FOR THE DUTCH AND ENGLISH, RESPECTIVELY.
1673, Aug. 29.
At a meeting of the Commanders and Honorable Council of War holden the 20th of August, 1673.
Present - Commander Jacob Benckes,
Commander Cornelis Evertsen, Junior, Captain Anthony Colve.
Capt. Willem Knyff and Lieutenant Jerons. de Hubert are this day ordered with Ephraim Herman, clerk in the office of Secretary Bayard, to repair to the Towns of Midwout, Amesfort, Breukelen, Utreght, Boswyck, Gravesandt, Flushing. Heem- stede, Rustdorp and Middleborgh on Long Island, and to administer the oath of allegiance to all the inhabitants thereof; to which end a commission Is granted to them.
Note .- The form of the oath to be taken by the Inhabitants of the Dutch Nation shall be as follows:
We do promise and swear, in the presence of the Almighty God, to be loyal and faithful to their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the United Nether- lands, and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange and their Governor already, or hereafter to be appointed here, and to comport ourselves on all occasions as loyal and faithful subjects are bound to do. So truly help me God Almighty.
The following is the form of the oath to be taken by the inhabitants of the English Nation:
Wee do sware in the presence of the Almighty Godt, that wee shall be true and faithful to the High and Mighty Lords the Staets Gennerall of the United Provinces of his Serene Highnesse the Lord Prince of Orange and thelr Governors here for
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the tijme being, and to behave ourselves uppon all occasions, as true and lawfull subjects provided onlij that wee shall not be forced in armes against our owne nation if they be sent bij authoritij of his Majesty of England, except they be accompanied by a commission of force of other nations when wee do oblidge our- selves to take up armes against them So help us God .- Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. 589.
PETITION FROM KINGSTON FOR HELP TO SUPPORT THEIR MINISTER.
1673, Sept. 1.
At a meeting of the Commanders and Honorable Council of War, holden in Fort Willem Hendrik the 1st September, 1673.
Present - Commander Jacob Benckes, Commander Cornelis Evertse, Jr., Captain Anthony Colve.
The Delegates from the Esopus appearing, delivered in a certain Petition where- upon the following Order was made:
The above Petition of the Magistrates of Swaenenburgh, heretofore called Kings- towne, also the Petition of the Magistrates of the towns of Horley and Marble towne, situate in the Esopus, being read and considered at a meeting of the Honor- able Commanders and adjoined Council of War of the squadron of ships in the North river of New Netherland, etc.
It is ordered as follows:
First. The Petitioners shall give in a list of the number of their inhabitants, and what they will be able to contribute to the support of a Minister, which shall be transmitted by us to our principals. Regarding the requested instruction it will be prepared on the earliest opportunity by the Governor and sent to the Petition- ers .- Col. Docs. N. Y. il. 592.
PETITIONS FROM ALBANY AS TO THEIR PRIVILEGES UNDER THE RESTORED DUTCH GOVERNMENT.
1673, Sept. 1.
The Delegates from Fort Orange, lately called Albany, requesting an audience, are admitted, and delivered in a writing containing the following articles, which are answered as appears annexed in the margin.
Points to be proposed by the Dele- gates to the Honorable Council of War of the Squadron of Ships lying at pres- ent before the Fort called Willem Hen- drick, for the Maintenance and preser- vation of the rights of the Town of Beverwyck and Fort Orange:
First and foremost: Most seriously to request that the Officers and Jus- tices of Fort Orange and Beverwyck aforesaid may be upright protectors of the true Reformed Religion, according to the Ordinances of beloved Father- land.
Secondly. That conscience shall not be subjected to any constraint, as there are some here of different opinions who have intermarried, but that every one shall be at liberty to go where he pleases to hear the Word or God.
The annexed petition being taken into consideration by the Honorable Council of War, their Honors have ordered that Fort Albany shall henceforward |be called Fort Nassau, and the Town of Beverwyck, Willemstadt, and have fur- ther ordered as follows:
1st The Commandant there shall be most expressly ordered to protect the Reformed Christian Religion, and fail- ing so to do, the Petitioners shall have to address themselves to the Governor at this place, and the Magistrates shall alone consist of persons belonging to, or at, least well affected towards the Reformed Christian Religion.
2nd Article is granted, and the Com- mandant and Magistrates are ordered to pay attention to it .- Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. 593.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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THE CORPORATION OF NEW ORANGE [NEW YORK ] TO THE STATES- GENERAL, RESPECTING THE MEANS FOR PROSPERITY IN NEW NETHERLAND.
1673, Sept. 8.
High and Mighty Lords :- It has pleased the All-governing God so to bless your High Mightinesses and his Serene Highness' Arms under the command of Com- mander Jacob Benckes and Cornelis Evertse, Jr., that this entire Province of New Netherland, consisting of three cities and thirty villages, was, to the great joy of its good inhabitants, on the 9th of August last, reduced again under the obedience of your High Mightinesses and his Serene Highness, their lawful and native Sov- ereigns, from whose protection they were cut off about nine years ago In time of peace. In the name and on the behalf of our loyal Burghery, we heartily and with due respect thank your High Mightinesses and his Serene Highness, under God, for this reduction and recovery. And, furthermore, have thought necessary, officially and dutifully to represent briefly to your High Mightinesses, that the reduc- tion and recovery of this Province will, in time, be able to confer, exclusive of the reputation and respect, great profit and considerable advantage on the state of our beloved Fatherland, viz .: Many private families who are rulned by the French invasion, will be able very easily to earn a living in this country, if a helping band were extended to them only for the first year, whereby this Province, which almost wants for nothing but people to promote agriculture and farming, would be so advanced as in time to become, for Fatherland, a granary and magazine of many necessaries which are ordinarily imported from the Sound. A portion of this Province called the Esopus, consisting of three villages, having already, last year, delivered about twenty five thousand skepels of grain (kooren). Certainly Curacao and Serenam could, from this day forward, be provided from this place with necessary provisions. By which means we shall be able to exchange our, and they their, wares. This Province is, also, very convenient and serviceable for Western cruisers in time of war to bring in their prizes and to provide themselves with fresh stores. Moreover, a constant eye can be kept on the actions, in this country, of the King of England, who, in case he only came to be Lord and Master of this Northern part of America, would be able to equip ships here unknown to any Prince or Potentate in Europe, and thus most unexpectedly fall on our State or its allies. To the above is still to be added the Beaver and Peltry trade for the maintenance of commerce with Muscovy; the Tobacco trade, and much more which we shall omit for brevity's sake and in order not to trouble your High Mightinesses with any longer details, and, therefore, rather refer to the verbal report and information of Cornelis van Ruyven, the bearer hereof, who hath filled divers respectable offices here, who will be able fully to acquaint your High Mightinesses with all the circumstances of the country and its inhabitants. For all which preceding and many other reasons, it is highly necessary to main- tain this newly recovered Province whose present condition is such that, without any actual and speedy reinforcement from Patria, it cannot, evidently, resist Its numerous neighboring English and French enemies by whom it is encompassed around on all sides; who, without a doubt, will exert every effort to take revenge. if possible, for your High Mightinesses' victory here, when the good Dutch Inhab- itants, who, with women and children, are estimated to amount here to about six to seven thousand souls, but in consequence of the vastness of the country, are at a great distance the one from the other, would have nothing else to expect than total ruin and destruction, which God forbid. Therefore have we taken the lib- erty to address ourselves to your High Mightinesses, and with all due submission, humbly requesting and praying you, High and Mighty, in your wonted benevolence, to apply yourselves to the preservation of this Province and of so many souls, and supply them with such necessary, and above all things, speedy succor, as shall be found to appertain to the proper defence of this newly recovered Province. The requisitions therefor we refer to the paternal care and opinion of our Honorable Commanders, who, undoubtedly, will submit the necessity thereof, at a proper time, to your High Mightinesses. Meanwhile, hoping they will protect us, under
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God, with the force they command, from all invasions of the enemy; which pray- ing of the All-good God, who will grant your High Mightinesses and your govern- ment lasting and prosperous rule, we shall be and remain, Your High Mightinesses' Most humble and most obedient servants and subjects, The Schout, Burgomasters and Schepens of the City of New Orange .- Col. Docs. ii. 526.
New Orange, on the Island of Manhatans, in New Netherland, this 8th September, Anno 1673.
FREEDOM OF RELIGION GRANTED TO LUTHERANS AT ALBANY. 26 Sept. 1673. The Governor General of New Netherland having read and considered the peti- tion of Myndert Fredricksen, Jan Hendricksen Bruyns, Volckert Jansen, Hans Hendricksen and Hans Dreper, in their own and in the name of their congregation of the Augsburg Confession at Willemstadt, (Albany) requesting in substance free exercise of their religious worship, without let or hindrance, to the end that they may live in peace with their fellow burghers, etc.
It is ordered as follows:
The petitioners are granted and allowed their aforesaid request, on condition of comporting themselves peaceably and quietly without giving any offence to the congregation of the Reformed Religion, which is the State Church (de hoofft Kercke.) Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, this 26th 7ber, 1673 .- Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. 617.
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