USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume II > Part 24
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65
984
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1689
with the arrest and imprisonment of Governor Andros, they liked the idea, and, about eighty men, with this object in view came as far west as Jamaica. Three of them came on to the City and had a meeting with the Mayor and Common Council, Leisler being present, when they went away satisfied and returned to their homes.
A rumor was now started, presumably by Leisler, to murder all the attendants of the Dutch Church on a certain Sunday morning. Leisler stirred up the people to resist such a massacre, although all was a pure invention. Consequently on the Friday before a band of armed men demanded that Leisler should be their Captain. He finally arranged that one Stoll should take his place. They marched to the Fort and demanded admittance. It was all understood beforehand, and a certain Henry Cuyler, the Captain of the train-band for that day, after a show of re- sistance, admitted them to their mutual satisfaction.
Lieutenant Governor Nicholson was somewhat startled at this transaction. Leisler is joyfully received into the Fort, and a consultation is held how they are to get possession of the keys of the Treasury. A squad of men was sent to the City Hall, and compelled Nicholson to surrender them. Leisler was proclaimed Colonel. The Governor and Council now resolved to remove the moneys from the Fort to the House of Fred Phillips, one of the Council, but Leisler and his friends refused to surrender them. The Captains of vessels were now obliged to go to the Fort, and have their papers publicly examined. The Captains of the train bands now all signed a paper that it was their purpose to defend the Protestant religion, and they would hold the Fort for William and Mary until their Majesties' further orders. A Committee of Safety was therefore appointed and Leisler was made Captain of the Fort. He considered that he was now ready to domineer in all things, ecclesiastical, civil and military. He was very arbitrary and paid no attention to law or legal proceedings. He was afraid of a regular civil organiza- tion, and was especially anxious to allow no Papist to remain in any office.
" The malice of this man's spirit hath been so general against all that would. not say as he did, that the Dutch Ministers of the Reformed Churches within this Province, have not escaped the lash of his inveterate tongue. Nor hath his en- deavors been wanting to create the same disorders and confusion in Church as he hath already done in Government ".
He broke up the Assembly of the Commissioners on Customs, formerly appointed by the Governors and Council, and drove them out of the Custom House, and Col. Bayard narrowly escaped with his life. Many were despoiled of their goods, and very many arbitrary arrests were made, and the right of habeas corpus was denied.
On August 25, 1689, Jacob Milbourne arrived from England, who excited the people by misrepresenting the true state of affairs in England. He said that William was an elective King, and only the servant of his subjects. The people were led to claim that they were imitating William. A Committee of Safety was now elected, by a small vote, in all the counties. New city officials were also now chosen, Peter de la Noy becoming Mayor. Milbourne was sent to Albany with fifty men, to carry out similar changes there, but was obliged to leave very summarily.
The parties writing this account hoped that upon receipt of letters from the King, these evils might have an end; but as the said letters, when received, were directed to Lieutenant Governor Nicholson, or whoever was in authority, Leisler claimed everything for himself; and although the members of the former Council asserted that the letters were meant for them, Leisler only abused them for the suggestion, and proclaimed that he was now Governor by virtue of the King's let- ter. He now enforced the laws of Assembly under Dongan, concerning revenue and taxes, although these had been annulled by James II, when he became King. Of all this the party writing this letter bitterly complained. They declare their joyful submission to William and Mary, but besought for a lawful Governor and some redress for all their wrongs .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 665-684.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
985 1689
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR LEISLER AND COUNCIL TO THE BISHOP OF SALISBURY.
7th January, 1689 [1690] Fort William in New York.
May it please Your Lordship: According to our bounden duty, and as we were capacitated, did most humbly present our addresses to their most excellent Majesties, with a letter from the Commander in Chief, as also some particulars of our undertak- ings, and how far we had proceeded in delivering and reforming this miserable province from the direfull state it was inthralled, through the arbitrary and illegal Commissions granted by the late King James, unto his Lieutenant or Governors, Namely, Colonel Thomas Dongan, a profest Papist; whose councill con- sisting of seven, himselfe with any five thereof had the legisla- tive power to make and disanull Laws, and did levy money - yea very considerable sums, upon the Kings subjects. Which said commission being superceded by a letter from the said King, empowering Sir Edmund Andros to joyn this Colony with more adjacent places, to New England: (though bought of the Duke of York with conditions to be distinct from the rest:) and that a Councill, thirty odd in number, being nominated, seven thereof with the said Governour had the legislative power to act as afore- said, taking remarkable effect as is humbly presented to your Lordshipps view pr. paper No. 1. Making choice and alluring by benefitts of most of the principall persons amongst us, who fearing the then Regall terror, and embracing the present tempta- tions, became evill instruments and fiercely devoted to great prejudice of his present Majesties interest and our tranquility; which hath too much prevailed and obtained upon many honest and well minded people even to this day, a tast of which is hum- bly offered your Lordshipps pr. paper No. 2, relating the be- haviour of Coll. Bayard.
That our adversaryes should not overpower us by their crafty devices, wee caused writts to issue forth for free elections by the People, for civil and Military Officers, with a formall paper
986
1689
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
for the said Electors to subscribe No. 3; which took effect, the major part signing, notwithstanding all diligence and endeavours by King James's party, were used to the contrary; upon returne whereof, the Justices and other Officers were de novo establisht to great regret of the former and Associates, who are encouraged by the correspondence continued between Sir Edmund Andros's party at Boston, and them, which can not be yet prevented, al- though some persons have been detected, and pacquetts inter- cepted; It would be too troublesome to enumerate the pernicious and inhuman practices of Sir Andros, but cannot omitt his base undertaking with the Infidels, as pr. the paper No. 4. may be seen ; who substituted an instrument, like himselfe, one Francis Nicolson, Lieutenant Governor, in his absence, who together with Mr. Innes, the pretended protestant Minister, and their accom- plices, sent to England a formal submission to their Majesties Government; notwithstanding which, in their Assembly they did not continue praying for the Prince of Wales, and that God would give K. James victory over his Ennemies having discovered their inclinations by sundry expressions and actings as in some part may appeare to Your Lordshipp. pr. the paper No. 5 and 6. distaining in the most contemptuous manner his Hss. 3rd dec- laration.
Albany and some part of Ulster County have chiefly with- stood us, being influenced by Coll. Bayard and Mr. Steph. Van Cortlandt: (the later was Mayor the last year of this Citty:) who at the celebrating of the Prince of Whales's birth, sacrificed his hat, peruke, etc., although professing the Reformed Religion, both which, to void the indignation of the Citizens, escaped to Al- bany aforesaid, inciting them to their perseverance under Sir Ed- mund Andros Commissions, assuring his continuation ; which suit- ing their circumstances, (having invaded the Kings, as well as other mens lands etc.) wrought accordingly :- Soon after the French, with considerable numbers of their Allyed Indians, alarmed them by threatening to attack Albany aforesaid, which awakened the neighbours of New England, and upon their notice,
987
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1689
wee sent fifty men with armes and powder etc., what could be spared under the direction of a person acquainted with the place and people, in hopes that upon such an occasion to have found them of more suitable disposition, to embrace proposals for their peace and securing His Majesties County; which were readily embraced by the Generality of the Citizens and Planters, saving such who stiled themselves a convention, who resolved to persist in their former practices :- But eighty men from New England aforesaid, and the rest well effected to keep the place in such a good posture that whenever the Ennemy approacheth (by God's assistance) we have reason to believe they cannot hurt us, being at least six hundred men, and a fort conveniently placed, of fourteen gunns to add to our defence.
Things arriving to this head, Colonel Thomas Dongan, the former Governor, being at his farme on Long Island, gave great encouragements to the former Civill and Military Officers by hold- ing Caballs at his howse and other places adjacent, to make an attempt upon this Fort of New York; Wee being timely adver- tised, did consult the best method for securing that post, and dis- appoint them; which concluded by joyning in a firm association, and is humbly Offered your Lordshipp by No. 7. Copyes of which being sent to the other Countyes, so netled the Conspirators, that they used all possible arts to prevent signing, but wrought not with that force as was intended; although it lessened our number, but obtained the Major part by whome we do not in the least doubt our security :- Though many resort to our Neighbours of East Jersey and Pennsylvania, being many Quakers in these parts, who (without abusing them :) encourage if not out do the Roman Catholiques : and most of our Calamities and divisions are truly indebted to them, covering their pernicious practices by their blind scruples, and impudent interpretations, depending still upon and asserting Mr. Pen to be a person of undoubted sin- cerity : in the Meantime they advance the Interest of King James, and say that all commissions are good to this day, Colonel Townly
988
1689
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
and others committing riot upon our Justices bordering next to . them, owning none save King James, openly drinking his health etc., which we hope in due time to subdue.
And thus, Right Reverend Lord, stood things till December 9th. His Majesties letters arrived in which are No. 8., some of Sir Edmund Andros councill attending - The Messenger: (al- though the Captain Nicolson was gone:) expected their names might be inserted, and thereby to challenge them, which was pre- vented by the Commander in Chief, Jacob Leisler pr. paper No. 9. so elected, and the next day their Majesties a second time were proclaimed, (Scotland being formerly omitted:) in due forme, solemnity and extent of our ceremonies, to the great satisfaction of the people: A councill forthwith were chosen out of such who had faithfully served King William's interest, and endeavoured to preserve the peace of the province, securing His Majesties revenue: (according to Act of Assembly:) by two orders No. 10. which were abused by pamphletts No. 11, and others tearing and defacing the same: one of which actore is taken, and by his example the rest are suppressed. The next step was to settle the Magistracy and appoint commissioners of Judicature in the re- spective counties according to our Laws, and proceeded to estab- lish the Militia, in all which endifferent success attends us; not questioning to settle all things in reasonable method, considering our circumstances, so that Majesties fort and this city, with other parts of the province, may be supported, and contingent expences may be defrayed out of revenue, which we are resolved to col- lect (though we are sensible of great opposicon:) according to His Majestys requirements, and as our duty enjoyes us .- When Sir Edmund Andros was here, with Secretary Randolph, most of the Records, Bookes, papers, and seale, which belonged to this province, were transmitted to Boston. Whereby we are incapaci- tated to present your Lordship with such a state of things as be- comes the case, and our duty, having adventured to make a new seale for the province, altering the Duke of York's coronet, and
989
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1689
placing the crowne of England in its stead. Nothing can abate our service, except the want of twenty five Canon of twenty four pound Calaber, firelock Musketts, Pistolls, Bandelier, one hundred and fifty pound powder, match, Handgranadoes, Bayonetts, Crow- feet, etc., with forty pound weight of muskett bullets, in case the French visit us in the spring, which might be expected; and hope his Majesties will afford the same pr. some small vessell, forthwith, untill further resolutions are taken concerning us, as to his princely wisdome shall seeme meet.
Right Reverend Lord:
Since the foregoing: (by stopping a letter carrier, bound for Boston, who took in Adversary's packett at Coll. Morris, his howse, who is a Quaker at convenient distance from New York: the said Morris hath entertained and countenanced that party with great encouragements ever since these Revolucions:) have obtained sev- erall letters under No. 12. whereby your Lordshipp may per- ceive the horrible devices they can invent, as is particularly ex- pressed in Coll. Bayard's letter to John West, of a plot to Mas- sacre them on New Years day, which should be told him by Van Cortlands wife, who, he terms the Mayoresse; whereupon we found out said Bayard and seized him; but on notice thereof, said Cortlandt and his wife fled, whither not yet knowne, with other particulars wickedly suggested, and his reflections on those of Boston, in despight of His Majesties Royall approbation of what they have done with purport to blacken us at home; but when he came before us, would not owne any of his writings which wee can sufficiently prove upon him :- The other person most dangerous was William Nicolls, whose letters are under the same No. 12: the one taken with the carrier, the other found in his pocket; the first directed to Farwell, a notorious criminal at Boston; the other, threatens, Pistolling, poysonning, ponyarding etc., the posterity of the Commander Leisler: who likewise would not owne any of said papers although taken under such evident
990
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1689
circumstances, both which persons wee doubt not but to con- dignly punish. The other letter was written by said Coll. Bayard and indited for Major Brockholes, a profest Papist, and hath been of Coll. Dongans and Sir Edmund Andros's councill, whereby your Lordship may perceive what correspondence there is yet between them; and many others, by virtue of their former com- missions, ride armed in an hostile manner encourageing the people to rebellion, whome wee doubt not but in short time to surpresse; having had such good successe in this City, that most of the sus- pected are fled into the next colony amongst the Quakers; what their further proceedings will be time will teach - Trusting in God and our Loyall forces to quash all their attempts, nor doubt- ing but such persons who hav been the instruments of our miseryes and oppressions shall be perverted from obtaining places againe whereby they may be impowered to revenge themselves : (as the said Bayard by his letter :) is in expectation.
The Expectation wee have of His Majesties gracious acceptance of what according to our duty and capacityes wee have done al- ready and shall proceed in, through your Lordship's assistance, under God, being our sole dependence; wee doubt not but to ac- quitt ourselves as becometh true Christians, Loyall subjects and ·faithful to His Majesties interest, the peace and tranquility of this province :- praying for your Lordship's long life and ever- lasting happynesse, subscribe
Right Reverend Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient servants and supplicants in behalfe of the rest. Jacob Leisler Pr D. La Moy (de la Noy) Johannes Bermege (Vermelje) Benjamin Blagge Samuel Plaats (Staats) Jacob Milborne, Secretary. Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 654-7.
991
1689
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
SECRET INSTRUCTIONS TO GOVERNOR SLOUGHTER, SO FAR AS THEY
RELATE TO RELIGION.
You shall take care that God Almighty be devoutly and duly served throughout your Government; The Book of Common Prayer as it is now established, read each Sunday and Holyday, and the blessed Sacrament administered according to the rites of the Church of England; You shall be careful that the Churches already built there, shall be well and orderly kept and more built as the Colony shall by God's blessing be improved; and that besides a competent maintenance to be assigned to the Ministers of each Orthodox Church, a convenient house to be built at the common charge for each Minister, and competent proportion of Land assigned him for a Glebe and exercise of his Industry.
You are to take care that the Parishes be so limitted and settled as you shall find most convenient for the accomplishing this Good work.
Our Will and Pleasure is, That no Minister be preferred by you to any Ecclesi- astical Benefice in that our Province, without a Certificate from the Right Reverend, the Bishop of London, of his being conformable to the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of England, and of a good life and conversion.
And if any Person preferred already to a Benefice shall appear to you to give scandal either by his Doctrine or Manners, you are to use the best meanes for the removall of him, and to supply the vacancy in such manner as we have directed., And also our Pleasure is, that in the direction of all Church affairs, the minister be admitted into the respective Vestrys.
And to the end the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the said Bishop of London may take place in that our Province as far as conveniently may be; We do think fitt that you give all Countenance and encouragement in the exercise of the same, ex- cepting only to the collating to Benefices, Granting Licenses for marriages and Probates of Wills, which we have reserved to you our Governor, and to the Com- mander in chief for the time being.
You are to take especial care that a Table of Marriages established by the Canons of the Church of England be hung up in all Orthodox, Churches and duly observed.
We do further direct that no School Master be henceforth permitted to come from England and to keep school within our Province of New York without the, License of the said Bishop of London, and that no other person now there, or that shall come from other parts be admitted to keep school without your License first had.
You are to take care Drunkenness and Debauchery, swearing and Blasphemy be severely punished, and that none be admitted to Publick Trust and Imployment, whose ill Fame and Conversation may bring scandall thereupon.
You shall administer, or cause to be administered, the Oaths appointed by Act of Parliament to be taken, instead of the Oaths of allegiance and Supremacy and the Test, to the members and officers of our Councill, to all Judges and Justices,, and all other Persons that hold any office in our said Province by vertue of any Patent under our Great Seal of England or our Seal of our Province of New York.
And you are to permitt a liberty of Conscience to all Persons (except Papists) so they be contented with a quiet and Peaceable enjoyment of it, not giving offence or scandall to the Government .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 688, 689.
992
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1690
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
Rev. Godfridus Dellius to Daniel Van Suylesteyn, of England, March 3 (or 8) 1690.
(A large part of this letter is mutilated and quite illegible. It appears to be directed to a Mr. Van Suylesteyn, first stable-master of the King (William III). It seems to have given a pretty full statement of the sufferings and tyranny to which ministers and members of the Reformed Church had been subjected, during the government of Jacob Leisler, and besought his intervention with the King. )
WARRANT TO PAY A CHAPLAIN AND OTHER OFFICERS FOR NEW YORK.
1690, March 13.
Whereas. We have thought fit to make and Pass an Establishment for two foot companies to be employed in our Province of New York in America to be paid out of the monies appointed for the Pay of the Land Forces within our Kingdome of England according to the Rates therein mentioned. And being informed that there will accrue a surplusage of Five hundred and fifty three pounds four shillings and eleven pence or there abouts, at the rate of thirty P: Cent by the difference of the money or value of money currant in our said Province. Our Will and Pleasure is, hereby further to appoint a Chaplain for the said Two Companies at the rate of six shillings and eight pence P. Diem. A Chirurgeon etc .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 691.
AGENTS AT ALBANY TO GOVERNMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS.
1690, March 20.
Wee found that the French gained much upon the Indians by sending their Clergyman amongst them, not so much to convert their souls as their beaver and other trade to Canada; yet by their familiarity and continuall converse, insinuated into the minds of the Heathen and prevailed much, wee move that your honors be pleased to persuade some of your young divines to undertake to instruct the. Indians, especially ye Maquase, in the true Protestant Religion; since divers have an inclination to, itt One being by the great pains and industry of Our Minister, Domine Dellius, brought so far that he made his publick confession in the Church at Albany to every body's admiration and was baptized accordingly.
Robert Livingstone, Gerrit Teunise, Thos. Garton .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 696.
993 1690
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
LEISLER WRITES TO THE KING.
On March 31, 1690, Leisler wrote to King William, giving an account of affairs up to January 1689 (1690). Under same date he wrote a lengthy letter to the Bishop of Salisbury, giving an account of the massacre at Schenectady, as follows:
31st March 1690.
" May it please your Lordship: The foregoing being sent via Boston pr the Agents for New England which we hope are safely arrived ere this date, we take leave to add, that a certain village named Schanechtede twenty four Miles to the Northward of Albany on Saturday the 9th of February last about eleven oclock at night came two hundred French and Indians near one hundred each and attached the same whilst it snowed thick, barbarously destroyed the Inhabitants, all being Dutch: they murthered sixty persons, and bore away with them twenty seven prisoners, wounding some others so that there remained but about one sixth part of them having their cattel, goods and provisions destroyed and wrested from them, the remnant sheltering themselves at Albany, where is provision made for them from New Yorke - Being alarmed by the daily expectations of the French and Indians at Mont Real, endeavouring to obtaine upon the allyed Indians with us, viz. the Macquaes, Onyedauns, Onondades, Cayougaes, Sinnekaes and Mahe- kanders who have espoused our cause, we have appointed persons to meet them at Albany in a few days to consult our best way to intercept the Ennemies march; The Macquaes having given us proofe of their fidelity and courage by pursuing those who destroyed Schenechtede even near their own home, taking and slaying twenty five of them who lagged in the reare, and promised to rayse more than one thousand Men of theirs to joine with four hundred of ours which we have near' raised for that intent " .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 700.
WARRANT TO GOVERNOR SLOUGHTER TO USE THE SEAL OF NEW
YORK.
1690, May 1.
To our Trusty and wellbeloved Henry Sloughter Esq., our Captain General and Governor in Chief of our Province of New York, and the Territories depending thereon in America, Greeting. Herewith you will receive a Seal appointed by Us for the use of our Province of New Yorke and the Territories depending thereon in America, the same being engraved on the one side with our Royal Effegies, and two Indians kneeling and offering presents unto Us, with our Royal Titles round the circumference of the said Seal; and on the other side with our royal Armes, with the Garter, Crown, Supporters and Motto, and this Inscription round the circum- ference. Sigillum Provinciae Nostrae Novi Eboraci in America, which said Seal, We do hereby authorize and direct to be used in the sealing all Patents and pub- lick Grants of lands and all Publick Acts and Instruments which shall be made and passed in our name and for our service within our said Province and the Territories depending thereon and that it be to all intents and purposes of the. same force and Validity, as any former Seal within our Province, or as any other Seal whatsoever appointed for the use of any of our Plantations in America. And so we bid you farewell. Given at our Court at Kensington the thirty first day of May 1690, In the Second year of our Reign.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.