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 54
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May 11th .- The committee forassociation for New York, address C. Colden, lieutenant-governour. They say, the inhabitants have waited with the greatest patience, for a redress of grievances, etc .- they have found the most dutiful applications for redress re- jected-their rights violated -- " You cannot wonder," when the sword has been drawn against our brethren of Massachusetts, that we have associated and elected a committee and delegates in con- gress. They assert that they never will submit to an invasion of their rights, and view with unexpressible horrour, the blockade of Boston port, the hostile attack-the extension of the bounds of Quebec -- and are determined to equip themselves for the struggle for liberty. But they do notarm against, but in defence of govern- ment, to support his honour in the administration of justice, etc.
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They look forward " with deep concern, at the expected arrival of troops from Great Britain : violence may be the consequence, and the streets of New York deluged with blood. They besecch him to apply to General Gage, for orders, that such troops as may arrive " shall not land or encamp in this city and county." Signed Henry Remsen, D. C.
Colden answers, that the king and parliament are ready to afford every reasonable indulgence --- they offer to forbear every kind of taxation, etc., etc. He exhorts the committee not to irritate the minds of the people --- He has no information of troops destined for New York. He will communicate their letter to General Gage. This report of troops coming, he says, has been invented to faci- litate the design of introducing an armed force from Connecticut --- " a measure so degrading, so dangerous to the lionour, the free- dom of this colony." He speaks of the " tumults and disorder, which has raged" in New York city --- exhorts them to support civil government.
May 15th .- Congress recommended to the citizens of New York, if British troops arrive, to act on the defensive; let them take the bar- racks, and leave them in quiet while they behave so; but not to let them erect fortifications ; that the warlike stores be removed from the town ; that places of retreat be provided for the women and children ; and men embodied and kept in readiness to repel insult or injury.
The committee of New York require all persons having arms for sale to inform them thereof within ten days, or to be considered publick enemies ; and declare that any person selling arıns to be used against our liberties shall be held up as an enemy.
25th .- The provincial congress at New York resolve that none but enemies to America would propose any hostile measures against the inhabitants of Canada. Signed, Robert Benson, secretary. They further recommend to the inhabitants of New York to furnish themselves with arms and ammunition.
July 3d .- The worshipful Whitehead Hicks, Esq., mayor, left with his Excellency, Governour Tryon, the humble address of the merchants and commonalty of the city of New York, congra- tulating him on the re-establishment of his health, bidding him " welcome to a people, who, from the rectitude of his administra- tion," could not part with him, " without the deepest regret." They regret he does not find them " in a condition more propi- tious to his felicity." They sigh for tranquility, re-established upon that ancient system of government and intercourse, which has been the fruitful source of prosperity and opulence. They are af- flicted to behold a nation so wise as Great Britain, involved in a civil war, "in which disloyalty in his majesty's American subjects to their Prince, or want of affection to their mother country, con-
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stitute no part of the unnatural controversy." They trust in his intercession with his majesty for a speedy termination, etc. Tryon in his answer, says, (after thanks, etc.,) that he is disappointed in viewing the aspect of affairs, and distressed ; and that he fells na- turalized and bound to America. He wishes them to view the con- troversy, as flowing from the misconception of constitutional prin- ciples-that the parliament has taken the first step to reconcilia- tion. If America would liberate the restraint she has laid on her commerce, etc., many acts of conciliating grace, would be ex- tended to her by Great Britain, " which national honour cannot suffer to be torn from her by violence"-That the memorial of New York, had expressions in it and claims, which made it impos- sible for parliament to receive it. But the petition to the king, had been presented and graciously received-he promising " attention to the humble requests of his faithful subjects of New York."
July 5th .- The provincial congress of New York, resolve, that no English vessel arriving, shall be permitted to load any provision, " unless the property of those articles, be in some merchant or inhabitant of this colony, and not intended for Newfoundland." Signed John McKesson, Sec.
August 4th .- The committee of New York, published a state- ment of a violation of the orders of the continental congress, by Abraham H. Van Vleek, of New York, and George Coffin, master of a sloop in his employ, in that they carried provisions to Nan- tucket, contrary to said orders, and were preparing to repeat it, and therefore, represent them as acting inimically and guilty of an infringement of the liberties of the colonies. The confessions are published of these individuals.
23d .- Mr. Mulligan* was on the Battery when the Asia fired on the town. Alexander Hamilton had gone off with others, dragging one of the cannon, and left his musket with Mulligan. When the ship fired a broadside, the people scampered, and with them Mr. Mulli- gan, who, as he retreated by Pearl street, met Hamilton; " Where's my musket ?"-was the inquiry-" I left it by yonder embrasure," was the answer of the fugitive. Hamilton very deliberately walk- ed on and seized his arms, as if in defiance of the seventy-four.
28th .- We have an account of the removing of the guns from the Battery, by order of the provincial congress : Captain John Lanib's Artillery on the Battery, and Parker's Infantry, etc., are firing- women and children removing. " The governour returning from the country, took an account in writing of the damage done." Con- ference between Tryon and the provincial congress, committee, etc. He declares, that he knows of no troops coming from Boston.
* Mentioned in John C. Hamilton's life of his father, Vol. I.
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October 13th .- Tryon writes to Hicks, the mayor of New York, that the continental congress had recommended to the pro- vincial congress of New York, to seize him --- lie places himself un- der the protection of the mayor and corporation, notifying, that if he is made prisoner, the captains of the men-of-war would de- mand him, and enforce the demand. To avoid which, if it is the wish of the citizens, he will embark, and requesting the citizens to defeat any intention to interrupt the removal of his servants, pro- perty, etc.
14th .--- He is answered, that the " members of the corporation," on reading the letter of the governour, " expressed themselves in terms of the strongest affection" to him : and are disinclined to his removal " from the capital of his province." The mayor says, that the city committee to whom he had communicated the letter of Tryon, desire " the continuation of his residence. I have not the least doubt of your enjoying the most ample protection."
Same day, Tryon replies to Hicks, that as the citizens had not au- thorized the mayor to pledge to him " their assurances of security," his duty to his sovereign will not justify him in staying on shore, unless he has positive declarations of full protection " under every circumstance."
17th .- The answer of the committee to the mayor, was to as- sure Tryon, that they " are not apprehensive of the least danger to his person and property, and that he may rest assured of all that protection from them, and their fellow citizens, which will be con- sistent with the great principle of our safety and preservation." They declare their confidence in his wisdom, and that he will me- diate to restore harmony, etc., they again express their desire, that Tryon would remain among them.
1Sth .-- The mayor writes Tryon, that he could not take the sense of the citizens on his letter, till Tuesday, when the commit- tee met, and " the result of their councils will appear in the written answer" herewith transmitted. He adds, that "people of all ranks," express great anxiety at the thought of his retiring, etc.
19th .- Governour Tryon, by letter, informed the mayor, that he understands, congress had ordered him to be seized, and if so, he would be demanded by Captain Vandeput, of the Asia, and on refusal to give him up, the demand would be enforced. The mayor as- sures the governour of his safety, and of the good will of the inha- bitants. The committee likewise give assurances of personal safety to Tryon, and of respect for him.
23d .- Stephen Sayre, of Long Island, was committed to the Tower, upon a charge (made by a fellow of the name of Rich- ardson, an adjutant in the British service,) of intending to seize the king's person, take possession of the Tower, and overturn the
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government. This shows the excessive fears and jealousies of the English at that time. Sayre was admitted to bail.
A letter from Brook Watson, merchant, to P. V. B. Livingston, president of the provincial congress of New York, dated July 4th. Lake Champlain, near St. Johns, is published. He says, that by the assistance Livingston's letter to the officers in the service of the colo- nies afforded him, he is now so near Montreal, that he expects to be there in the evening. He thanks Livingston and the provincial congress, for their letters, which have protected him. " A sincere friend to America and its rights, I truly am." He is uneasy at the spirit of the colony troops on the lake, as they seem deter- mined to enter Canada. This, he says, would "produce the most dreadful consequences ; the Canadians and Indians would immediately fall on your back settlements ; with the king's troops on one side, and the Canadians and Indians on the other, what are the colonists to expect, but slaughter." He says, it cannot be doubted, that Great Britain is ready to receive "any fair proposi- tion constitutionally offered."
November. - Arnold crossed the St. Lawrence, and marched to Point aux Trembles seven leagues above Quebec, whence he sent Burr, with a letter to Montgomery, dated 30th No- vember, saying : " This will be handed to you by Mr. Burr, a volunteer in the army, and son to the former president of New Jersey College. He is a young gentleman of much life and acti- vity, and has acted with great spirit and resolution, on our fatiguing march. His conduct, I make no doubt, will be a sufficient recon- mendation to your favour."* On the 25th November, Montgo- mery left Montreal, and must have met Burr as he ascended the river.
23d .- Rivington publishes his last paper, until he revives it again as the Royal Gazette in the garrison. His types were destroyed, December 4th, by the Connecticut Light Horse, who surrounded his house-the citizens looked on, without in- terfering.
December 4th .- Tryon sends to the mayor a letter from on board of the Duchess of Gordon, New York harbour, desiring him to lay before the corporation the enclosed paper, and make the same publick. In the paper, he tells the inhabitants of the pro- vince, that his majesty has been graciously pleased to permit him to withdraw from his government, and he is ready to do them any service-but if he sees no hope of re-establishing harmony, he expects to be soon obliged to avail himself of the king's indul- gence. It gives him great pain to see them in a turbulent state,
* See Vol. I., Historical Society of Maine's collection.
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he wishes to do something to alleviate the calamities that must be- fall them, etc.
The papers published in the province of New York in 1775, were, The York Mercury, The New York Journal, The New York Gazetteer, (these in the city,) and The Albany Post, (in Albany.)
The names of Crown Point and Ticonderoga, so frequently occur in our history, as to deserve notice. The first was named by the Dutch " Kruine Punt." The second still bears its Indian name, signifying " the meeting of the waters," i. e. of Lakes Sacrament
or George and Champlain. It is familiarly called Ty. 1777 March 24th .- Gaine's Gazette, of this date, says, the rebels take up royal subjects, and chain them to their own negroes. " The whole country, every where, is one continued scene of horrour, distress, and confusion. A pretty exchange for the liberty they once enjoyed under the government and protection of Britain !"
And again :- " The cruel and desperate wretches, who conduct the rebellion in the northern parts of this colony, have given orders to shoot all persons, indiscriminately, who may be found in any of the roads towards Kingsbridge."
June 4th .- Same paper --- " The flower of Mr. Washington's army, is composed of the gleanings of British prisons, transported to the southern colonies."
July .- In 1763, a law was passed to prevent hunting on the grounds near New York, by others than the owners, etc. In July, 1777, it is put in force by the commandant of New York, General Pigot.
August .--- General Jones commandant in New York. Peter Stuyvesant died, eighty-seven years old.
September 14th .--- At this time, certain persons called Sande- manians, made open declaration at New Haven, that by their reli- gious faith, they were bound to be faithful subjects to King George III., and obey his commands in all things not interfering with the commands of God --- and believing, that his kingdon was to be defended by the sword, and they bound so to do --- but being wil- ling to live peaceably, they request either to be unmolested, or to be removed to some place under the king's government. The as- sembly resolved, that these persons, " disciples of the late Robert Sandeman, residing in New Haven," may remain in New Haven, giving their parole of honour, not to give intelligence, or otherwise act injuriously to the United States --- or if they decline giving such parole, they, with their families, furniture, provisions, etc., may remove to any place, subject to the king of Great Britain, excepting a girl, the heiress of an estate in New Haven, who must remain under the guardianship of William Greenough. This girl, was the
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daughter of Robert Woodhull, one of the Sandemanians. In con- sequence of their declaration of loyalty, these people were con- signed to the care of the jailer, October 21st, 1777 : and on the 6th November, were set at liberty on giving the required promise. They then solicited leave to proceed to New York or Long Island, and the following certificate was given them. "By his Excellency Jonathan Trumbull; Esq., governour, captain-general, and coin- mander-in-chief, in and over the state of Connecticut, one of the United States of America :--- to all whom it doth or may concern. Mr. Daniel Humphreys, with his wife and three children, Joseph Pynchon, with his wife and three children, Mr. Titus Smith, with his wife and five children, Thomas Goold, Benjamin Smith, with one child, William Richmond, with his wife and four children, Thomas Chamberlain, with his wife and one child, and Richard Woodhull, with his wife and two children, are to be permitted to pass from the port of New Haven in this state, and go to New York, or if they think it expedient, to Long Island, in the sloop Lilley, under a flag of truce for the purposes on the other side specified. Given at my office in Lebanon, in said state, the 21st of Novem- ber, A. D. 1777 .--- Jonathan Trumbull." Several certificates fol- low, by which it appears, that these people were transported, with their property, and due provision, to New York.
25th .- In Rivington's Gazette, is mentioned, the arrival of the Experiment, fifty guns, and Zebra, fourteen, with a convoy of transports, bringing numerous reinforcements of English and Ger- man troops ; among them, the Marquis of Lindsey, Lord Cath- cart, Major-general Robertson, Sir Spencer Watson, Brigadier- general Pattison, etc. With this fleet arrived Colonel Pennington, of the Guards, who on the passage quarrelled with Captain T'alle- mash, commander of the Zebra, and immediately on their arrival, they repaired to Hull's Tavern, on the site of the present City Hotel, and fought with swords. Tallemash received a wound under the left breast, of which he expired immediately, and Pen- nington was wounded in seven different parts, but notwithstanding recovered.
Rivington congratulates himself and his former subscribers on his return to New York. He compliments them for having sup- ported him through a long period of confusion, anarchy, and tyran- ny, till an armed banditti from Connecticut forcibly entered his house at noon-day, and robbed him of his types and other property to a considerable amount. He speaks of liis seeking an asylum in England, and says, he always endeavoured to preserve peace, or- der, and legal government. He congratulates his friends and the publick on the present happy prospect opening from the success of his majesty's arms, both at the north and south, etc.
In Rivington's Loyal Gazette the following is published, as found
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at Fort Montgomery, when taken. "To Egbert Benson, Esq., or in his absence, to Melancthon Smith or John Schenk, Esqs., at New Windsor; dated Kingston, 2d June, 1777. Sir : A com- mittee from the counties of Orange, Ulster, and Duchess, are to meet at New Windsor to-morrow, for the important purpose of agreeing on men proper to fill the great offices of government, we take the liberty of communicating to you our sentiments on that subject . ... General Schuyler arrived here last evening .- " Then they go on mentioning that congress had established him in the command of the northern department, and done him justice. They recommend him as governour, and General George Clinton as lieutenant-governour. They say the constitution is approved- recommend entrusting it to men of unquestionable abilities, etc. Signed, John Jay, Charles Dewitt, 'Zephaniah Platt, Matthew Can- tine, and Christian Tappan.
November 22d .- Peter Van Tassel, commonly styled the Indian King was taken, with two others, near Tarrytown, by that enter- prizing officer, Captain Emerick. Van Tassel was a committee- man, and is lodged in the procost.
Emerick was a German. Gordon says, that on the 18th of No- vember. Tryon sent Emerick with 100 men to burn houses on Phi- lipse's manor : this they did, turning out women and children to the inclement weather, and leading the men away with halters round their necks, after stripping the whole. General Parsons wrote a remonstrance, saying that he could at any time burn Philipse's house, etc., and those belonging to Delancey. Tryon answered from Kingsbridge, saying that he was not accountable to any re- volted subject of the king's, but as to Emerick's conduct in Peter and Cornelius Van Tassel, he would burn every committee-man's house to purge the colony of them, and would give twenty silver dollars for every committee-man delivered to the king's troops. The reply to this was a party of Americans, who arrived at Green- wich, and burned Delancey's house, within three miles of New York-dismissing the ladies in peace, though rather hastily.
In December, the American officers who had in numbers been carried from Long Island to the prison-ships, were carried back again, and received as lodgers by the people, Mr. Lewis Pintard agreeing to pay two hard dollars per week for them. There were 250. Pintard advises fresh beef to be sent to the prisoners, as convalescents have relapses when fed on salt beef by the English. There were nine thousand privates and three hundred officers pri- soners in the city of New York.
December 6th .-- A charity sermon advertised to be preached at St. George's Church for the support of the Charity School of New York. The school consists of 56 boys and 30 girls. Read-
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ing, writing, and arithmetick taught, and to the girls, needlework. Mr. Wood, the father of William B. Wood, comedian, was the master.
Sir H. Clinton, allows the inhabitants of Long and Staten Island to carry three bushels of salt for each family from New York under strict surveyance.
1778
January 3d .- " Last Monday, Selah Strong was com-
mitted to the care of the provost of this city, on a charge of treasonable correspondence with his majesty's enemies."*
31st .- I perceive that the houses in Wall street were at this time numbered. I find the same in Maiden Lane, and the same in Queen street.
February 21st .- Sir Henry Clinton appoints Alexander Gardi- ner wharf-officer of Staten Island, for the purpose of preventing rum, salt, and other goods being carried to the rebels. He is em- powered to seize such goods as are not accompanied by the super- intendent's permission, etc.
It appears by a proclamation of General Robertson, that some English sailors had attacked and wounded three Hessian soldiers. He promises a reward for the discovery of the perpetrators.
As early as February, in this year, General Schuyler gave notice to congress that the Iroquois were preparing to attack the frontiers; and in March, he informed them that the Mohawks, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas, were ready to commence hostilities. No effectual measures being taken, the storm of desolation fell in blood, particularly upon Wyoming : it was guided as usual, by tories.
March .- The judicious cantonment of Valley Forge served to cover the country and cut off supplies from the enemy in Phila- delphia.
Colonel Mawhood, of the 17th Regiment, and Simcoe, of the Queen's Rangers, were sent into New Jersey with about 1200 men, and the small parties of militia near Salem fled before them. Col. Shreve's regiment had been detached into Jersey, and Gen. Wash- ington gave notice of the erruption of the British to Governour Livingston, with request to call out the militia to join Shreve ; but less than one hundred joined the Colonel, at Haddonfield, the place of rendezvous. Mawhoed was left at liberty to destroy the country and collect forage, which was done with wanton aggrava- tion to the yeomanry and their farms. Another expedition of the British was equally successful, in destroying vessels and stores at Burlington : Generals Dickinson and Maxwell had not force enough to oppose the enemy. In May, the Marquis de Lafayette, with a detachment, was sent into Jersey, and he took post at Barren Hill;
· Rivington's Gazette.
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but the British from Philadelphia forced him by a superiour force to recross the Schuylkill.
May 11th .- At this time, Holt resumed the publication of his weekly paper, at Poughkeepsie, after being involved in the destruc- tion of the little defenceless town of Esopus or Kingston, by the British forces under Vaughan.
Holt advertises his paper, " For a quarter of news, 12lbs. of beef, pork, veal, or mutton, or 4lbs. butter," etc.
In Gaine's New York Gazette, August 10th, is the following : " Last Tuesday afternoon, about one o'clock, during a heavy rain, accompanied with thunder, the lightning struck the ordnance sloop Morning Star, lying off the Coffee-house, in the East river, with 24S bbls. of gunpowder on board : it produced a most tremendous explosion. A number of houses were unroofed, many windows broke, and some furniture demolished by the blast-the effects of which were similar to an earthquake. Happily, there was only one man in the vessel when the accident happened." Rivington merely notices an explosion.
In the fire of the 7th inst. the same paper enumerates sixty-three houses and a number of stores destroyed. General Jones, the commandant, offered a reward, upon supposition that the fire was the work of an incendiary.
In relation to the second great fire, and the explosion of the next day,* I have received a communication, dated September 7th, 1833, from an aged and highly respectable citizen still living, which the reader may be gratified to peruse :
" In looking over your two interesting little volumes entitled ' A History of New York,' I perceive that you notice, at pages 216 and 217 of volume II., ' the second great fire' in this city which took place on the night of the 7th of August, 177S, and the explosion that occurred on the Sth. These circumstances I recollect as dis- tinctly as if they had taken place but yesterday ; for my father's family at that time occupied the house the third door from the Old Slip, in Little Dock street, which was consumed in the early part of the conflagration ; and, as you correctly observe, 'the military interfered, and, perhaps intending well, aided the work of destruc- tion.' This remark strikes me very forcibly at this time, although a little over sixty years have passed away since the transaction it refers to took place; for while aiding in removing my father's goods to a place of safety, I was compelled by a soldier to lay my load down, and fall in the ranks and hand buckets. With respect to the explosion, you will pardon me, my dear sir, when I say you are in an errour in stating it to be a sloop, and only one life lost, and that
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