Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume II, Part 25

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: 740


USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume II > Part 25


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By his Majesty's Command.


The copy of the preceding Warrant, in the Secretary's Office, in Book of Com- missions, ii., 16, has the signature " William R". at the commencement, and " Nottingham " at the end of the document .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 726.


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REVEREND FATHER LAMBERVILLE TO THE REVEREND FATHER MILET.


(Translated from the Latin.)


May 6, 1690.


Reverend Father. Pax Christi :-


May the Lord have pity on you and send you aid from on High, that you may be able, with a strong heart and willing mind, to walk day and night in His law, since you daily mortify yourself for the glory of His name; for you have become a prisoner on account of your great charity towards the Indians, and for the salvation of souls; for when you were called by them to pray to the Lord for a sick Squaw, they then took you prisoner, and this is the cause of your captivity.


You are aware, and God is our witness, that as long as we have had intercourse with the Indians, we had no other intentions than the salvation of souls, and the existence of peace, as well with the English as between the French and Indians; but it has happened, that they are turned, by the artifice of the Devil and by Envy to the destruction of those souls which Christ has redeemed with his own blood. We pray that He may quickly conciliate the English and French, and free them from the wickedness of wars.


We send you by him, who is called L'Outarde, paper and pow- der, which, when mixed with water, will make ink. Thus, with permission of the Indians, you will be able to write to us. We also send you clothes to cover you, and golden coin for the pur- chase of a woolen, or any other cloak, or garment you may need. But we have no news except that Domine Dellius, the minister at Albany, an honest man and well disposed towards us, told a French soldier, a prisoner among the Mohawks, that he had seen the letters we wrote you and that a bad construction had been put on them. If you have any opportunity to communicate with him through the Indians, you may assure him that we never en- tertained any such thought, as we abhor crimes of this nature.


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1690


But I request, should you see Domine Dellius, minister at Albany, or write to him, that you make him my respects. Although there may be war between the French and those English who are op- posed to the King of England, nevertheless we always entertain the same friendly disposition towards Domine Dellius, inasmuch as we both desire peace, not war.


Farewell. We pray God that, all dissensions being soon at an end, we may again embrace you in safety. This is the sum of our prayers. Again adieu ; from your old companion and neighbor among the Indians. All salute you. A mon Rev'd Pere


Pere Millet, de la Compie de Jesus


A Onnei8t. Concordat cum original. Quod attestatt


(signed) Abram Gouverneur .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 714, 715. See also Dellius's Defence, Oct. 21, 1700.


EXTRACTS FROM VAN CORTLANDT'S ACCOUNT TO SIR EDMUND ANDROS, OF LEISLER'S CONDUCT.


1690, May 19.


Extracts and Abstract.


" May it please your Excellency :


It is now nere seventeen weekes that I have been forced out of my house, by the violence of Captain Laysler, and hath sent and inquired almost everywhere after mee, but by the grace of God I am still free from his hands; And although I have sent to him to know the reason why he doth prosecute mee in such a forcible man- ner, and if I have committed any crime or offence, that I was ready to give security both for my good behavior and appearance when lawfully called; but no plaine answer could be had, onely that he would have my person if between heaven and earth :- People say, he will have off me againe the money I received off the Col- lector Plowman, by your Excellency's order; others say he thinks I doe not owne him to be the Kings Lieutenant Governor; some say that Mr. Bayard had writt to some of his friends (which letter was intercepted:) that he would retake the Fort, and that I with Bayard doe conspire against him, to rise the people, and to deposesse him, which is wholly false; for I expect my help from God and his Majesty :- Mr. Bayard is still in prison and in irons; William Nicholls is in close prison; soe is Mr. Hix for not delivering up his Commission as Justice of the Peace: Poore Perry is there still; Mr. Johannes Kip, Alderman and Deacon off our Church,


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for going in the Church to old Mr. Beeckman to receive the Almes, before he went to young Henry the Baker, who is now one off the Councill; Mr. Christoffer Gere is in prison for saying he was as much Lieutenant Governor as Mr. Leisler; Dr. Geodineau, for not delivering up his Commission as Leftenant :- he was in the expedition with Governor Dongan att Albany; Major Willett, Captain Jackson, Daniel Whitehead and others are also forced to flye. Coll. Hamilton, Townly, Cap- tain Bourne, Pinhorne, and others off New Jersey Gentlemen, dare not come in town; Governor Dongan was confined in his house att Hemstede, but is gone to New Yersay, and many more ". Milbourne's actions at Albany and flight to Esopus are then referred to.


" The French and Indians have alsoe burned Scheneghtade, killed sixty people, and took twenty eight young men and boys, prisoners. About one hundred and fifty Indians and fifty young men of Albany followed the French, overtook them upon the lake, killed some and tooke fifteen Frenchmen, which the Indians have killed in their castles ". " Most of the Albany woemen are att New Yorke ".


A privateer was being fitted out to take Quebec, but it was hard to get volun- teers -" Drumbes are daily beating for men to goe upon said vessell, but few appeared; which hath caused a resolve to be taken that some of the best Inhabit- ants of New Yorke, of which a list is made, should be pressed to goe on board said two vessels in his Majesty's service to take Canida, which hath made several of them to absent themselves and leave New Yorke and come in New Jersey ". A civil Assembly was called, but onely a few attended, in order to raise money for Leisler, but the effort was not successful. The people petitioned this Assembly to set the many political prisoners free, but without success. The provisions of the people and the merchants were now seized by Leisler, for his soldiers. Certain moneys which had been raised to redeem certain captives from captivity, were alsoe seized: "The remainder of the money that was gathered for the redemption of Laisler and the other slaves in Turkey, which your Excellency (Andros) gave to build a new Church in New Yorke, our Church Warden had it laid out in Amster- dam, and got Osenbridge linnes for it, all which Osenbridge Laisler hath taken, and sent to Albany with Milbourne ".


He then referred to the false rumors circulated about the former Governors - treasonable imaginations though they were. A year had passed since these troubles began, and he (Van Cortlandt) had not been able to be at his own home for three months in all, during that period, in order to avoid imprisonment; and those imprisoned could seldom speak with any of their relatives. "Being thus in this Chaos off troubles, and in the middle of all these afflictions, deprived from the liberty of looking after my estate, my wife affronted and beaten, my children threatened: (one of which died in my absence:) all the other sicke, my estate run- ning to decay, blamed by the people, my honour stained, my credit blasted, all which greeves me to the hartt, without, that I can have any remedy here off these that are in Government, here, and having nobody in England to whome I can addresse my selfe for helpe and assistance in this pressing misery and Calamity, and being assured that your Excellency hath that kindnesse and favor for mee and my family to help mee if it lyes in your power; I make bold to address myself unto your Excellency moste humbly beseeching your Excellency bee pleased to endevour that an order may bee sent over for our releef; that those that have now been soe long in prison and those that have been forced to absent themselves, and


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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


997 1690


them that are still threatened every day to be imprisoned, whereby they cannot have the liberty and that freedome as they ought to doe theire affaires, may have their liberty and freedome as other subjects have, giving in security if any unlaw- full act committed, to appear and answer before His Majesty's Governour when he shall come, all what shall be alleged against them, and in the mean time behave themselfs as other subjects doe, and that none shall be condemned but by due court at law, that none shall be deposessed or deprived of his goods or Estate without having a tryell for itt or with his will and consent, and being satisfied for it - That what goods that are already soe taken away, the actors may answer for att law, for the same and for all other damage and losses sustained by their unlaw- full and unchristian actings, and that all other our soe heave greevances may bee redressed; In the doeing whereof your Excellency will doe a great act of charity and infinitely oblige many off your reall and true friends :- I understand Coll. Hamilton intends to goe for England, if soe, hee will give your Excellency a large account off the transactions in these parts ".


Van Cortlandt then sent certain accounts to Ex-Governor Andross, and expressed hope that the Governor would be cleared of all charges against him, and that he might recover heavy damages for false imprisonment (in Boston.) He hoped that funds would be sent to him (Van Cortlandt) to pay loyal parties in New York for expenses incurred, or losses. He had also audited Governor Dongan's account for 1688. He further referred to naval preparations making in Boston to capture Port Royal from the French, and efforts for defence in Connecticut -" But our poore province of New Yorke is all in an allarm, both by the incursion off the French and the warre, and is a worser and sadder condition by the irregular manichment of our present Rulers; which I hope God will in a short time helpe us from, in sending us a good wise Gouvernour out off England, that soe wee may ones live happy againe as formerly wee did ". - Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 715-719.


ADDRESS OF NEW YORK MERCHANTS AND MINISTERS TO THE KING AND QUEEN.


To their most Excellent Majesties, William and Mary, King and Queen of Eng- land, Scotland, France and Ireland, Defenders of ye Faith.


The humble address of your Majesties most Dutiful and Loyall Subjects, the Merchants, Traders and other the Principal Inhabitants of your Majesty's Province of New York in America.


Most Dread Sovereigns: We, your Majesties most oppressed and abused subjects in this remote Part of the World, out of a deepe sence of your great Goodnesse and clemency, presume with humble boldnesse to lay ourselves low at your Royall Feet, not doubting to enjoy some beames of that Blessed Sunshine which has made happy our native Country in the Restauration of their liberties and religion; when yet, to our great grief, we find ourselves sorely oppressed, having groaned neare twelve months under the burthen of Slavery and arbitrary Power executed over us, by the inraged fury of some ill men among us, who have assumed your Majesties Authority over us, overturned all civil power (notwithstanding your Majesties Proclamacon for continuing all justices of the Peace etc.), ruling us by the sword at the sole Will of an Insolent Alien, (he being none of your Majesties natural borne subject), assisted by some few whom we can give no better name than a Rable; those who formerly were scarce thought fit to bear the meanest offices among us; Severall of whom can also be proved guilty of enormous crimes; by these your Majesties poor distressed and almost ruined subjects are daily opprest, being dragged into Prison into your Majesties Guarrison here by Armed Soldiers, and Irons put on us, without any Warrant or Mittimus; and not only bare imprisonment but shut up in dark noisome Holes, denyed the accesse of our friends or any Releif by the law, seizing our estates without any Tryall or Conviction, plundering our houses by armed soldiers, pretending it is for your Majesties Service, stopping all


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processe by law, seizing and opening all our letters which we either receave from or send to any parts, fearing lest we might make our case knowne to your sacred Majesties, to the manifest ruin of our Trade, Scandallizing and abusing our Ministers and Rulers of the Reformed Churches here, seizing ye Revenues thereof, so that our liberties are taken away, our Religion in great danger, our estates ruined, severall of the best and most considerable Inhabitants are forced to retire from their habitations, to avoid their fury, to the utter ruin of their families.


Wee, therefore your Majesties most dutiful subjects, knowing your Majesties clemency and justice is such as not to suffer the meanest of your subjects to be opprest, humbly implore your Royall protection and Relief, by sending such person or orders speedily among us, as your Majesties in your Royal Breast, shall find most convenient; not doubting but to share in those Princely favors your Majesties have so bounteously bestowed on all your subjects. And we shall continually be supplicant at the Throne of Heaven that the King of Kings would blesse your Majesties with long life, a happy reign over us, with continual victory over your enemys; and when too old to live, to crown your hoary Heads with Immortall Crowns.


Dated in New York, the 19th May, 1690.


Jacob Teller


Joseph Hegeman,


Jacob De Key


ouderling van de duyts kerck.


ouderling van der Duytse kercke


Stuffell Probasko, Als underling


N. W. Stuyversant


Jan Harbendinck


Wm. Gray


Wm. Teller, Junior.


G. Minivelle


Luycas Kiersteden


B. Bayard


Thomas Clarke


Will Merrett


Miles Forster


Phillip French, Jr.


Richard Jones


Jeremiah Tothill


Stephen De Lancy


Ebenezer Willson


Rip van Dam


Thomas Wenham


Rudolphus Varick,


Brant Schuyler deacon of the Dutch Church


Pastor ecclesiae Belgikae in Insula Longa.


J. V. Cortlandt


John Barberie elder of the French Church.


Gabriell De Boyteulx


Elie Boudinot


ancien de l'eglise de Refugiez


ancien de l'eglise de refugiez


Thamis De Key


Wm. Morris


Henry De Meyer


Isaac De Foreest


A De Peyster


deacon of the Dutch Church.


John Oort


- Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 748-9.


EXTRACT FROM A LETTER OF THOS. NEWTON TO CAPT. NICHOL- SON, 26 MAY, 1690, BOSTON.


Port Royal had been taken from the French, but they had lost Casco, yet Massachusetts was better off than New York " for that Tyrant and Usurper, Leysler makes his will his law ". he proclaimed himself Lieutenant Governor, and any one who does not salute him by that title goes to jail. He hath detained Col. Bayard a long time in prison in irons, and had him in this condition carried about the fort walls in a chair to terrify the people, and for no other crime than disaffection toward Leysler. Others were in prison from the same cause. Schenec- tady had been taken by the French, and Albany was likely to fall. Leysler had demanded of the people five thousand pounds to carry on the war against the French, and says if it is not paid he will take it by force .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 720-1.


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Charles Lodwick


Samevel Mynnard


Peiretz Ecclesiae Gallicae Pastor


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


999


1690


REPORT OF SIR EDMUND ANDROS ON HIS ADMINISTRATION.


(Abstract.)


This was sent to Right Hon. Lords, the Committee for Trade and Plantations. Andros was commissioned in 1686 to succeed President Dudley and Council in the government of the New England Colonies or Provinces, to which Connecticut was added in 1687; and in 1688, a new commission was sent him, including all New England, with New York and New Jersey. He at once visited New York and Albany, and demanded the evacuation of central New York by the French. The revenue of his territory yielded about twelve thousand pounds.


" The Church of England being unprovided of a place for theyr publique worship, he did, by advice of the Councill, borrow the new meeting house in Boston, at such times as the same was unused, untill they could provide otherwise; and accordingly on Sundays went in between eleven and twelve in the morning, and in the afternoone about fower; but understanding it gave offence, hastened the build- ing of a Church, which was effected at the charge of those of the Church of Eng- land, where the Chaplaine of the Souldiers perfornied divine service and preaching ".


He then referred to the establishment of courts in various places, and the en- forcement of the laws; also to an Indian outbreak in New England in 1689. He then comes to the topic of his own downfall, which took place after the flight of James II, and the accession of William III:


" On the 18th of April 1689, severall of His Majesties Councill in New England, haveing combined and conspired together with those who were Magistrates and officers in the late Charter Government annually chosen by the people, and severall other persons, to subvert and overthrow the government, and in stead thereof to introduce their former Commonwealth; and haveing by their false reports and aspersions gott to their assistance the greatest part of the people, whereof ap- peared in arms at Boston under the command of those who were officers in the sayd former popular government, to the number of about two thousand horse and foote; which strange and sudden appearance being wholly a surprize to Sir Edmund Andros, as knowing noe cause or occasion for the same; but understanding that severall of the Councill were at the Councill Chamber, where, (it being the ordinary Councill day), they were to meet; and some, particularly by him sent for from distant parts, also there; he and those with him went thither. And though, (as he passed), the streets were full of armed men, yett none offered him or those that were with him the least rudeness or incivility, but on the contrary usuall respect; but when he came to the Councill Chamber, he found severall of the sayd former popular Magistrates and other cheife Persons then present, with those of the Councill, who had noe suitable regard to him, nor the peace and quiet of the Countrey; but instaed of giving any assistance to support the government, made him a prisoner, and also imprisoned some members of the Councill and other offi- cers, who in pursuance of their respective dutyes and stations attended on him; and kept them for the space of ten months under severe and close confinement, untill, by his Majesty's command they were sent for England, to answer what might be objected them; Where, after summons given to the pretended Agents of New England and their twice appearance at the Councill Board, nothing being ob- jected by them or others, they were discharged. In the time of his confinement being denyed the liberty of discourse or conversation with any person, his own servants to attend him, or any communication or correspondence with any by letters, he hath noe particular knowledge of their further proceedings, but hath heard and understands " :-


He then refers to their seizing of the forts and the imprisonment of the old officials; their seizing of all government stores and implements of war; that they


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disabled the frigate Rose, in the harbor, by taking away her sails; that they also took possession of all official documents. They then organized a councill for govern- ment. In the meantime the Indians had risen and done much mischief. Each Colony again organized a government for itself, and the entire revenue of the Crown was destroyed. They set up their old courts again and governed themselves by their former laws, and regulated their own taxes. There was danger that the French and Indians would overrun the whole country .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 722-726.


1690, June 24th.


In a letter of Leisler to the Earl of Shrewsbury, June 23, 1690, there is an allusion to Domine Dellius, minister at Albany. He says that among certain letters, there was found a letter directed to Pere Millet, a Jesuit at Oneida, in Latin, characterizing Domine Dellius, " according to what we have long had reason to suspect him."- Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 731-3.


PETITION OF CAPTAIN BLAGG TO THE KING IN BEHALF OF CAP- TAIN LEISLER; AND HIS MEMORIAL OF WHAT OCCURRED IN NEW YORK, WITH MANY DEPOSITIONS CONCERNING THE EVENTS CONNECTED WITH THE LEISLER REVOLUTION.


(Abstract.)


1690, June 24.


(Page 737.) The petition sets forth that upon the first notice "of the late Happy Revolution in England ", the Protestants of New York thought it necessary to remove Lieutenant Governor Nicholson, (the appointee of James II.); that they had chosen Leisler and his Council, who proclaimed William and Mary, " notwith- standing the (late Governor's) Council, Mayor and Aldermen denied their concur- rence. The commissions of military officers were also changed "and given out in your Majesties Name ", and it was thought that a letter from King William, " some short time after received by them, doth confirm them ". All this was done in opposition to many, " who treated your Majesty's Government with great scorn and contempt "; but it was necessary on account of fears of the French on the borders, and, "to secure your Majesty's interest "; but the old officials of King James threatened the destruction of these present officials if power ever returns to them.


Therefore the King's approbation was asked for Leisler and all that he had done; and that a Council, loyal to William, might be chosen, and thus frustrate all opponents.


(Page 738.) The Memorial then went on to give the reasons more particularly, for the Revolution, removing Lieutenant Nicholson, the Governor, and installing officers loyal to William:


That Nicholson, like Col. Dongan, had neglected to repair the fortifications of the city, which excited suspicions against his loyalty, and he was disaffected towards the late happy revolution in England. Hence Jacob Leisler was chosen, with a


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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


committee, to make such repairs, and to administer the government until William's pleasure could be known.


Shortly after, their Majesties' Proclamation arrived, by which William and Mary were to be proclaimed King and Queen of England. Notice was given to the late Council of Nicholson, and to the Mayor and Aldermen to assist, with proper cere- monies, in this Proclamation. They desired an hour's time for considering it, and then refused. Leisler and his Committee and most of the Inhabitants did then celebrate the event with many demonstrations of joy and affection.


The Mayor and Aldermen were then suspended from office, and certain opponents of the Revolution and their Majesties' interests, were imprisoned. Shortly after, their Majesties' letters arrived, directed to Lieutenant Governor Nicholson, or, "in his absence to such as for the time being do take care for the preservation of their Majesties' Peace, and administering the Lawes in that their Majesties' Province; ordering such to take upon them the place of Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of the said Province and to proclaim King William and Queen Mary, King and Queen of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, and supream Lord and Lady of the Province of New York, if not already done; which was accordingly done ".


The Inhabitants generally were satisfied therewith, and Leisler's Committee was dismissed, and a Council chosen to assist him in the government; but the members of the old government opposed all this and created a faction. This excited fear lest the Province should yet be delivered up to the French in Canada, which fear greatly agitated the Protestant population. The said faction also surrounded Captain Leisler and abused him with ill language and threats, and would have done violence to him, if they had not feared the people, who rescued him out of their hands, and imprisoned the ringleaders of the opposition. Multitudes also flocked into the city from the country, to defend the existing government, and it was with great difficulty that their zeal could be restrained. The prisoners were ultimately fined and discharged upon their own recognizance to keep the peace.


The Fort and City were therefore, now in a good condition, excepting a lack of ammunition. The Commissions of all military men who had acted under Governors Dongan and Andros, had been called in, and other Commissions issued in the name of their present Majesties, and only to those who were well affected thereto. But our efforts thus to secure their Majesties interests have been greatly misrepre- sented, and we have been loaded with reproaches; our actions have been called a Dutch plot, although three quarters of the inhabitants are of Dutch descent, and speak Dutch; and our ruin is threatened, if the government ever falls into the hands of our opponents. The Memorial ends by wishing for great benefits and blessings from the happy Revolution, and that the friends of their Majesties' may not become a prey to their enemies.




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