USA > New York > New York City > History of the New Netherlands, province of New York, and state of New York : to the adoption of the federal Constitution. Vol. II > Part 44
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October 30th, 1675, it is ordered, that all persons who have not complied with the proclamation of the 13th of March, 1674, re- quiring all to take the oath of allegiance to his majesty's govern- ment, within his Royal Highness's government, etc., shall appear at the City Hall, on Wednesday, the 24th of November next, by nine of the clock, in the morning, at the third ringing of the bell to take said oath : a special sessions to be held for that
" This order is said to have been made to prevent the Indians of Long Island joining King Philip against New England.
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purpose. The proclamation above alluded to, is set forth, and begins-" Whereas there has been a change of government."
December 30th .- The deputy mayor and aldermen, prohibit the firing of " pistells and other gunns" on New Year's day, and at the same time, order all persons to clean their doors.
1676 January 11th .- Orders to be observed by the constable, watch, and citizens souldiers, in the city of New York. " That the watch be sett every night by eight o'clock ; immedi- ately after the ringing of the bell. That the city-gates be locked up by the constable or deputy, before nine of the clock, and opened in the morning presently after day-light, at the dismission of the watch: and if any person goes from, or absent himself without consent, hee, or they, shall forfeit for every such default, ten guil- ders." That the sergeant or corporall of the watch, shall at all times, succeed the deputy constables on the watch for the execu- tion thereof. That if any one come upon the watch overcharged with drink, he shall pay two guilders : but if abusive or quite drunk, he is to pay the same as if he absented himself, four guil- ders. If any person shall quarrel " upon the watch on account of being of different nations" or other pretence, he shall pay four guilders. Any centinel leaving his post before he is relieved, shall pay twenty guilders, and suffer three days imprisonment. The centinel to stand on his post one hour. That frequent rounds about the city be made, especially towards the bridge. No curseing and swering shall be allowed upon the watch : nor any gaminge at dice or cards, nor any exercise of drinkinge, upon the penalty of four guilders. 'Thata list of the fines be brought by the prorost unto the mayor. " The sergeant belonging to every watch shall come with his halbert; and see that every one of the watch bring his arms, that is to say, his sword and good half pike." Every head of family to have " one good musket or firelock, with six charges of powder and six of ball at least, on penalty of four guilders for the first offence, eight for the second, and twelve for the third ; and the officers of each county are to search four times a yeare. The citi- zens souldiers are to appear with good armes before their captain's coullers, at the first beating of the drum. Penalty for non-appear- ance, thirty guilders-for defficient armes, ten." - January 20th .- Ordered, by the mayor and aldermen, that all mas- ters of vessels arriving at New York, as soon as they shall come ashore, give an account to the mayor of all and every passenger ; penalty for neglect, " A merchandable berer." Ordered, that no person shall sell any goods, wares, etc., by retail, on pain of for- feiture, unless he be a freeman, or made free, or burgher of this city, or settled house-keeper : unless by special license from the mayor, etc., with approbation of the governour. Any person de- parting the city, unless "he keep fire and candle light, and pay scott and lott," shall lose his freedom; and every merchant here-
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after to be made free, shall pay for the same six bevers-and handicraft trades and others, to pay two bevers for being made free. -" Ordered, that all persons, that keep publick-houses, shall sell beere as well as wyn and other liquors, and keep lodging for stran- gers," dated, 20th January-Samuel Leeth, Clarke.
April 14, proclaimed .- That every merchant trading at this place, "before the New Docke or warfe (intended to be buildt) shall bee finished and paid for, shall pay- proportionably for his estate, the same as the inhabitants and other traders here, towards the building of the same," 15th April, " allowed by the governour, and forthwith to be put in execution."
Proposals by the mayor and aldermen, presented to'his honour, the governour. " That there be six houses appointed to sell all sorts of wine, brandy, and rum, and lodging. That there be eight houses appointed to sell beere, syder, mum, and rum, and to pro- vide for strangers as the law directs, to sell brandy, rum, and strong waters, and tobacco. That two of the wine houses be ordinariyes : and four of the beere-houses." - The prices of wines and other li- quors as they are to be sold, by the tappers. French wines 1s. 3d. per quart. Fayal wines and St. Georges, 1s. 6d. Madera wines and Portaport, 1s. 10d. Canaryes, Bresados, and Malagoes, 2s. per quart. Brandy, 6d. per gill. Rum, 3d. per gill. Syder, 4d. per quart. Double beere, 3d. per quart. Mum, Gd. per quart. The ordinary at wine-house, 1s. per meal ; at beere-houses, 8d. per meal. Lodging at the wine-house, 4d. per night ; at the beere-house, 3d. per night.
Proclamation was made by the governour, Edward Andros, February 3d, that a weekly market should be held every Saturday, at the house built for that purpose "by the water side, near the bridge," i. e. at the foot of Broad street. The first market to be held March 24th. And a fair to be held at " Breuklyn" for cattle, grain, and country produce, the first Monday, Tuesday, and Wed- nesday, in November ; " and in the citty at the market-house and plaine afore the fort, the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday follow- ing." All persons coming thereto, are to be free from any arrest for debt " coming or returning from the said market or fayre." This proclamation to remain in force three years from the 24th of - March next.
Matthew Hillyer petitions the common council, and says that he hath kept school for children of both sexes, for two years past, to the satisfaction of their parents ; but as he understands complaints have been made to the mayor, etc., of some neglects, he wishes to inform them that the occasion of these neglects was the want of a conve- nient house wherein he might be settled, " and not be trobled with so often removals." "But your petitioner understanding of an obstruction, by a person lately arrived, who endeavours the circum-
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venting of your petitioner, and reape the fruits of his labours, of which likewise your petitioner has fully informed his honour, who is by the petitioner's humble request pleased to ordering of a school and master to your worships pleasure, giving your petitioner hopes and encouragement that by your worship's wisdom, things may be better regulated." And he requests that he may be established in his employ, in which, with the help of God, he doubts not he shall give their worships satisfaction.
August 25th .- Upon the petitions of Ebenezer Kirtland and Matthew Hillyar, " it is ordered that Matthew Hillyar continue in the same," the schoolmaster's office, " in behaving himself for the future better than the time past : and instead of £12 the an- num, according to former order, is only to have a roome provided for him."
The court choose two tanners, and forbid all others to exercise the trade ; and Peter Pangborne is chosen the currier for the city. " Also ordered, that no butcher be permitted to be curriers, or shoemakers, or tanners ; nor shall any tanner be either currier, shoemaker, or butcher : it being consonant to the laws of England, and practice in the neighbour colonys of the Massachusetts and Connecticott."
Further it is ordered, that if any Indians shall be seen coming out drunk of any house, that it shall be a sufficient conviction ; and if seen drunk in the streets, and the house not found out, or known where he or she were made drunk, the whole street to be fineable. Likewise ordered, that no person distill any grain, unless it be "unfit to grind and boalt."
November 10th .- An assessment and tax for defraying the charges of the new dock, and paying the city debts and other public duties, at one penny, half penny per pound. The names are 301, arranged in this manner :
48
S.
d.
050 Alexander Stilher,
00
06
03
050 Andrew Bradsteid Cooper,
00
06
03
100 Andrias Jansen,
00
12 06
Of these names, there are but 104 that are decidedly English, three or four that are French, and the remainder Dutch. Of names now with us, I remark those of Anthony, Alard, Hardenbrook, Peterson, Bedlow, Byard (Bayard,) Crossfield, Clopper, Ten Eyck, Provost, De Haert (or De Hart,) Clarkson, Duykinge, Phillips, [in two or three instances, the names are entered thus : " Garret, the Miller," " Moses, the Jew," and Moses is rated at £200, and pays £1 2s. 6d.,] Kipp, Davenport, Brasier, Smith, Vandewater, Johnson, Matthews, Sharpe, Lawrence, Cowley, Shackerley, Henry, Delaplaine, Delanoy, Turke, Romeyn, Tay- ler, Cooke, Delaval, Aerstor, Beakman, Bogardus, Elsworth, Blagg, Spencer, Hambleton (probably the same as Hamilton,)
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Clanson, Cobbett, Garritson, Jacob Israel, the Jew, Norwood Verplanke, and Courland, (perhaps the same as Cortlandt.) The amount of property assessed is .£99,695, 19s. 7d. The richest persons in the city, according to this assessment, are-Cornelius Stanwike, £4,000; Jacob Leishler, £3,000 (Leisler ;) the Widow De Haert, £1,200 ; Nicholas Byard, £1,500 (Nicholas Bay- ard ;) Courland, (meaning Cortlandt,) £8,000 ; Storey, £1,000; Dersall, £3,000 ; Delaval, £3,000 ; Jno. Wilson, £2,500 ; Jno. Robinson, £2,530; Edward Griffith, £2,030 ; Jno. Robson, £2,339; George Heathcott, ££2,036.
November 13th .- An ordinance against profaning the Sabbath, from rising to sun-setting. No buying or selling, card-playing, disorderly assemblings of children in the streets and other places ; publicans not to permit any persons to drink or game in their hou- ses, or gardens, or yards. Fine for the first offence, 20 guilders, second, 50, and third, 100 guilders, and forfeiture of license.
Ordered, that no person shall come and dwell in this city for the future, or take a house, warehouse, cellar, or shop, or lodging, without first coming to the mayor or deputy-mayor and aldermen, and have liberty or license from them for the doing thereof, (except such persons as have the governour's order therefore)-the penalty, five pounds.
1677 The 18th April, proclamation by the governour and court of mayor and aldermen at New York. That the great and little pacht or excise be taken off, and liberty given to buy and sell freely at all due times ; but to prevent confusion, etc., by many disorderly retailers, or houses of entertainment, ordered, that none sell or retayle at home nor out of dores less than one gallon, except licenced houses, under the penalty of forfeiting all such liquors, and treble the value, and be furder punished, and for contempt, as the case may require. And all persons who wish to retail, are to apply to a person appointed by the court ; those not complying with this request after 5th February, to be proceeded against. To be in force one year. Given in the 27th year of his majesty's reign. To the mayor and aldermen to be forthwith pub- lished at the City hall.
August 25th .- Ebenezer Kirtland petitions the deputy-mayor and aldermen, inasmuch as he understands that they wish " to erect and maintain a school for the educating and instructing of youth either in reading, writing, arithmetick, Latin, or Greek, and supposing himself a person fit to undertake and discharge such an employ, did address himself to his honour the governour, for his good liking therein, and he having signified the same, and ordered him to make his addresses to your worshipful body, to be the mas- ter of said school, he therefore humbly prays," etc. etc.
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Stephen Van Cortland, mayor, John Guion, deputy-mayor, John De Peyster, Peter Jacobs, Gulyne Verplank, aldermen. give permission to Ashur Levy to build a slaughter-house, and take in Mr. Garret Jansen Rose as a partner, and all persons sha !! have liberty to kill and hang their meat there, paying for the same.
167S Andros appoints Stephen Van Cortlandt, the present mayor, to be judge of the court of admiralty, and four al- dermen to be assistants. He likewise appoints the above-named. with William Beekman, John Junyans, Francis Rumboult, and Christopher Hooghlandt to be aldermen, and Captain Thomas De- laval to be mayor, dated 14th October. On the 3d December, he appoints Delaval, present mayor, to be judge of the adiniralty, and six aldermen assistants.
December .- The provost of the city is ordered to levy fines on all persons refusing or neglecting to watch. But the elders and deacons " within this government formerly having been excused from the city watch," are still excused.
1679 The next appointment of aldermen and mayor by An- dros, is, Francis Rumbolt to be mayor, William Beekman, Johannes Van Burgh, Thomas Lewis, Peter Jacobs, Gulien Ver- plank, and Samuel Wilson, aldermen. William Corbett is ap- pointed clerk of the court and city, William Bogardus, treasurer.
Andros proclaims that he has received information that Captain Philip Carterett, assuming and authorizing others to exercise juris- diction, without the legal authority of said Andros, to the great dis- turbance of his majesty's subjects within the bounds of his majes- ty's letters patents to his Royal Highness ; " I have sent to forewarn said Captain P. Carteret to cease his illegal acts ; and I do hereby, by advice of my council, require and command the said Philip Carteret not to exercise jurisdiction within the bounds of the letters patent granted to his Royal Highness," etc. He caused Carteret to be seized and brought to New York .- (See Vol. I., p. 133.)
1680 22d March .- Proclamation prohibiting the entertainment of negers, etc., published in this city and precincts : "Where- as, several inhabitants within this city have and doe dayly harbour, entertain and countenance Indian and neger slaves in their houses, and to them sell and deliver wine, rum, and other strong liquors, for which they receive money or goods which by the said Indian and negro slaves is pilfered, purloyned, and stolen from their seve- ral masters, by which the publick peace is broken, and the damage of the master is produced, etc., therefore they are prohibited, etc. ; and if neger or Indian slave make application for these forbidden articles, immediate information is to be given to his master or to the mayor or oldest alderman." Penalty for the breach or neglect, five pounds.
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. April .- The governour and council resolved, " That all In- dyans here, have always been and are free, and not slaves -except such as have been formerly brought from the bay or other foreign parts. But if any shall be brought hereafter into the government within the space of six months, they are to be disposed of as soon as may be out of the government. But after the expiration of the said six months, all that shall be brought here from those parts and landed, to be as other free Indyans." 1681
January 2Sth .- A proclamation renewing a former proc- lamation prohibiting Christians from trading with Indians in their towns and plantations or abroad in the country and rivers. The militia are ordered to keep watch. A commissioned officer to lock the gates at 9 o'clock, and open them at daylight.
16S2 In this year, the return of the number of inhabitants and houses gave upwards of 2,000 men, women, and chil- dren, besides negroes and slaves, and 207 houses now in this city, besides barns and sheds. This return I found on a loose piece of paper, in manuscript, in the clerk's office of the common coun- cil of New York ; but in the book of records it is stated to liave contained, in 167S, 343 houses ; this can only be reconciled by adding the " barns and sheds" to the lesser number.
Whereas, great inconveniences arise from frequent meetings and gatherings of negroes and Indian slaves on the Lord's day, and at unseasonable hours ; using rude and unlawful sports to the dishon- our of God and profanation of his holy day, and the disturbance of the peace of his majesty's subjects, many of whom are tempted to become spectators and neglect their duty ; Resolved, that no ne- groe or Indian slaves presume to go or absent themselves from their master's houses on the Lord's day or any other unseasonable time, without the said master's leave, in writing ; or it may be law- full for the sheriff, constable, or other officer to seize such negroe, etc., and carry him before the next magistrate, who shall order him to be forthwith severely whipped and sent to his master, who is to pay all charges. Then follows a prohibition to sell liquors to negroes, Indians, etc.
16S3 The deputy-mayor and aldermen of New York pray the governour, Dongan, that order may be taken to regulate the value of Spanish coin. They give their opinion, that if all pieces of eight " being civill'Mexico or pillar, not weighing less than fifteen pennyweight do pass for Gs., and all Peru of the same weight at 5s., half pieces, at 3s., quarters at 1s. Gd., and royalls at 9d. The governour accordingly, on the 13th September, 1653, so ordered, only changing the word civill into serill, and adding, "provided they be good silver."
November 2d .- Dongan proclaims, that as " greate hurt, trou- bles and inconveniences, have and do grow and increase every
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day, from the disorders committed in publick drinking-houses, tap-houses, and ordinarys, and by persons presuming to sell liquors, without license ;" Ordered, that no person presume to sell under five gallons without obtaining license.
November 7th .-- It is recommended, inasmuch as the traders within the city are few who deal with Indians, and therefore no mo- ney of any consequence can be made from them for his Royal High- ness, that all trade with Indians be prohibited, except for provisions, firewood, and gutters for houses.
9th .- The corporation petition the right honourable Colonel Thomas Dongan, Esq., showing, that the city hath enjoyed privi- leges, etc. confirmed by Colonel Richard Nicolls, late governour, in 1665 ; who incorporated the inhabitants, New Harlaem, and all others inhabiting on the Island Manhattan, as one body politique, and so has continued with privileges, viz : 1st, that all the inhabit- ants of the island are under the government of the city ; 2d, that the government was by seven magistrates, and a schout. These magistrates were formerly called burgomaster and scheppen, now mayor and six aldermen, and one sheriff. 3d, that these magis- trates had power to appoint inferiour officers and to make laws for governing the inhabitants-and held a court of judicature every fourteen days-having power to determine all matters under forty shillings, without appeal, by verbal hearing of parties. After men- tioning powers of the sheriff-6th, that all merchandize of the pro- vince was to be shipped and unladen in the city ; 7th, that no person was a freeman of the city, but as admitted by these magis- trates, and none before such admission to sell by retail, or exercise any handicraft trade, and every merchant or shop-keeper was to pay the city £3 12s., and every handycraft man £1 4s. on being made free; Sth, that no freeman was to be arrested, or have his goods attached, unless it was made appear that he was disposing or conveying away his estate to defraud his creditors ; 9th, no person was permitted to trade upon Hudson's River unless a freeman and resident of the city three years ; 10th, all the inhabitants on Hud- son's River were forbid to trade over sea; 11th, no flower bolted or bisket made, for exportation but in the city ; 12th, and that the city had a common seal. They therefore petition him to intercede with his Royal Highness to have these privileges confirmed with these addi- tions : To be divided into six wards. That the freemen of each ward do elect their own aldermen, common-council men, and other officers. That a recorder be added to the corporation. That a mayor be appointed every year by the governour and council, and to be one of the aldermen so chosen as aforesaid. That all magis- trates be sworne before the governour and council. That the recorder be judge of the city and corporation, and be aiding and assisting to the mayor and aldermen and council. That the sheriff,
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coroner, and town clerk be appointed annually by the governour and council. That the corporation appoint their treasurer.
" Some objections made by the governour and council," to the petition, with desire for explanation.
November 10th .- Present, the governour and Mr. Frederick Phillipse and Mr. Lucas Lancton. The above petition being read, " It is thought reasonable that the town of Harlaem have jurisdic- tion in matters under 40s. for themselves."
19th .- Explanations are made.
24th .- The old magistrates, Mr. Cornelius Steinwick, Mr. N. Bayard, Mr. J. Inians, Mr. Wm. Pinhorne, Mr. Guline Verplank, Mr. Robinson, and Mr. Wm. Cox, being sent for, all waited on the governour at the forte, except Mr. Cox, where the old magis- trates were discharged, and a commission given to Mr. Cornelius Steinwick to be mayor, and to the others as aldermen, etc., until the usual time of new elections.
.The corporation present another petition, to the governour in council, viz., " Captain Anthony Brockholts, Mr. Frederick Phil- lipse, Mr. Stephen Courtlandt, Mr. Lucas Lancton. The petition being read, the " governour wondered that having lately granted almost every particular of a large and considerable petition, that he should so suddenly receive another." He says, no ferrys shall be allowed but those already granted. That the licences belong to the governour. He then regulates the markets-twice a week- only butcher's meat every day-nothing to be sold on board any boats, canoes, etc. That bakers be obliged to keep good house- hold bread for those who desired it, and that it be made of flour, " as the meals come from the mill."
December Sth .- The city is divided into six wards. 1st, The South ward-to begin at the house of James Mathews, by the water side, and so northward along the Heeregraft to the house of Simon Johnson Romain, and from thence westward up the Beaver Graft, to the corner house of Baret Courson, and from thence southward by the forte to the water side, including the Pearle street, so to the house of Mathews again. 2d, The Dock ward-to begin at the house of Mr. Stephen Van Courtlandt by the water-side, and so northward to the corner house of Geesie Denys, from thence east- ward to the house of David Provoust, and from thence to the house of Tryntie Clox, and so westward to the house of Thomas Lewis, and thence northiward to the house of Lawrence Huys. 3d, The East ward-to begin at the house of Thomas Lewis, and from thence northward to the house of Thomas Huys, then along the wall to the corner house of Miriam Levy, and so to Thomas Lew- is's again, with all the houses in the Smith-floye, and without the gate on the south side of the fresh water. 4th, North ward-to begin at the house of Ariane Jonson Hagenver, then eastward
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along the Beaver Graft and Prince street to the house of Christian Lawrie, and so northward to the house of Garret Hendrix, and from thence westward to the corner of the New street, and thence southwards to Ariane Jonson's again. 5th, The West ward-to begin at the house of Thomas Coker, so northwards to the gate, and thence eastwards along the wall to the corner of New street, thence southwards to the house of Peter Brestede, and from thence westwards to the widdow of Jonson Brestede, and so to Thomas Coker's again. 6th, The Out ward-to contain the town of Har- lem, with all the fermes, plantations, and settlements on this Island Manhattans, from the north side of the Fresh water.
1684 February 1st .- The mayor and corporation represent the trade to New Jersey as being much prejudicial to the trade of this city and province. The power of the corporation to hold a court of sessions is disputed by Governour Dongan ; but allowed until his Royal Highness's pleasure is known.
March 7th .- Address of the mayor and aldermen, to the gover- nour, about East Jersey. They say that the natural situation of the island being convenient for trade, the predecessors of his Royal Highness bestowed many privileges, confirmed by Colonel Ni- colls and successive governours, which would have been of great benefit, if the unhappy separation of East Jersey . had not oc- curred, which must necessarily divide the trade of this province, as the experience of this year's doth sufficiently demonstrate, goods being furnished to the city without paying the duties due to his Royal Highness, and the interference with the Indian trade, to the great loss of this city. They therefore pray the governour to intercede with his Royal Highness to have East Jersey annexed to the province of New York, " by purchase or otherways,"-other- wise his Royal Highness will be injured, and New York ruined.
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