USA > New York > History of the state of New York. Vol. II, Pt. 1 > Part 26
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24 Septem. 4 October. Commis- sioners sent to Long Isl- and towns.
Colve's municipal system was substantially a revival of that of Stuyvesant. The "Instruction" was ordered to be enforced in every town of the province except New Orange and Willemstadt, where some modifications were neces- sary. But the eastern towns of Long Island showed great disaffection, although their nominations of magistrates had been promptly confirmed. Colve therefore commissioned Captain William Knyff, Lieutenant Anthony Malypart, and the clerk, Abram Varlett, to visit all the towns east of Oys- ter Bay, and administer the oath to their inhabitants; and also directed their magistrates to publish his Instructions, with the proclamation for the seizure of the property of English and French subjects.+
.9 15 Oct. Answers of the Long Island towns. .
The commissioners reported that Oyster Bay had taken the oath, while Huntington desired to be excused, upon promising in writing to be faithful to the government of New Netherland. Setauket, or Brookhaven, apologized, and asked a suspension of censure, because her people wished to preserve their English allegiance, and yet to live in peace with the Dutch government. Easthampton ac- knowledged the "Christian and moderate" dealing of the
* Col. Doc., il., 620 .. 622. 053, 654, 678-C80.
t Col. Doc., ii., 578, 556, 591, 601, 602, 616, 620, 622, 620, 62S ; Whitehead, 61; ante, 212; vol. 1., 510, 548, 574, 613, 619, 640.
227
ANTHONY COLVE, GOVERNOR OF NEW NETHERLAND.
Dutch; but asked to be left as she was, as her letters had CHAP. V. been opened and read at Southampton, where threats against her submission had been uttered by "several disaf- 1673. fected persons." Southold objected to several clauses in the "Instruction," but was "willing to submit" to the Dutch government, if the articles first promised should be performed, and the town be protected "from the invasion of those which daily threaten us." Knowing that Evert- sen and Binekes had left New Netherland, Southampton declared that Colve's " Instructions" overthrew what had been previously agreed upon ; that the town could not ab- juro its king, and swear allegiance to a foreign power ; yet, that it would not disturb the Dutch, unless molested by them, or "called thereunto by Ilis Majesty's power of En- gland."#
On receiving this report, Colve called the burgomasters and schepens of New Orange to advise with the council, 38 Oct. and was disposed to send the frigate Surinam, with a "con- frains from Colve re- siderable force," to the Eastern towns, and "punish themt reducing as rebels, in case they persist in refusing to swear obedi- sant towns. ence." The majority thought " that, in this conjuncture of war, it was not advisable to attack them by force of arms, as we should thereby be affording them, and the neighbor- ing Colonies, occasion again to take up arms against us ; but they judged it better to send a second delegation."+
It was gratifying, however, that Midwout, Bushwick, New Utrecht, Amersfoort, Brooklyn, and Gravesend, in Schont Jacob Strycker's district, declared that "the entire of the people" would observe their oaths, and, in case of attack, would assist New Orange in resisting the enemy. These loyal Dutch towns were accordingly allowed to se- 33 Oct. lect their own military officers.#
3.2 Oct. The Dutch
missive.
Lewis Morris, § and Nathaniel Sylvester, with whom he
· Col. Doc., ii., 632, 638-642; Wood, 96.
: Col. Doc., ii., 577, 642, 045, 646 ; ante, 214.
t Col. Doc., ii., 642, 043.
1 Lewis Morris was a Welchman, a brother of Richard Morris, of Westchester, and a Crmwillian officer, who was sent to the West Indies, and settled himself at Barbadoez, where 1. lecame a Quaker, and entertained George Fox. After the death of his brother Richard in 1/72, he was allowed by Colve to come to New Netherland, " on condition that he attempt todling to its prejudice during his sojourn." Morris was accordingly granted the guardian- elip of his infant nephew, and custody of his brother Richard's effects, under the direction ct! .. " Orphan Chan.ter" of New Orange, although his own estate was confiscated as be- 1 . ging to a then Barbadian: Col. Doc., ii., 595, 617, 619, 631, 632, 645, 650, 661 ; Besse, ii., : . 313, 314, 315 ; Fox's Journal, 44º : Smith, i, 200 ; Bolton, ii., 250-900 ; Whitehead's Memoir of I .. Morris, 1-5; ante, 140, 153, 190.
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228
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
35 Oct. Ouths ad- minister- ed.
CHAP. V. was staying at Shelter Island, now asked the governor to 1673. send "a second embassy to the east end of Long Island, so that the innocent may not be punished with the guilty." Colve therefore dispatched Captain Knyff and Ensign Nicholas Vos to administer the oath to such as might "be free to take the same." Huntington and Setauket were accordingly visited ; and their inhabitants and officers read- ily swore fidelity to the Dutch government."
By advice of his council, which agreed with that of Mor- ris and Sylvester, Governor Colve, instead of sending the ¿¿ Oct. frigate Surinam, directed Counselor Steenwyck, with Cap- tain Charles Epesteyn and Lieutenant Charles Quirynsen, to visit Easthampton, Southold, and Southampton, and " ad- The East- ern towns ed. monish the inhabitants of their duty and true submission, admonish- and also to establish the elected magistrates in their respect- ive offices, and to administer the oath, as well unto them as the rest of the inhabitants there." If any New England vessels were met, they were not to be molested. If the people of the towns objected to swear, they were to be al- lowed to promise obedience; but their magistrates must take the oath, as the Schout Arnold had already done. Concessions were promised regarding trade with the New England colonies, the nomination of local officers, and what- ever the people might " ask in fairness." But, if they should be obstinate, the chief mutineers were to be reported at New Orange. Steenwyck, with his colleagues, accordingly 31 Oct. embarked in the "Zeehond," under the command of Cap- tain Cornelis Ewoutsen.t
13 Aug. Rhode Is !- and. 27 August. 6 Septem. Connecti- cut.
In the mean time, Rhode Island, which did not belong to the New England confederation, had passed laws for the defense of the colony, in case it should be attacked by the Dutch. On receiving the answer of Evertsen and Binckes, Connecticut summoned a meeting of the commissioners of the United Colonies at Hartford. A "remonstrance" was there adopted, recommending cach confederate to take care for its own defense, and to aid any other which might be first invaded. Plymouth did not see satisfactory grounds for a war upon the Dutch at New York " without express command" of the king, or the actual invasion of a New
1.5 Sept. Plymouth.
* Col. Doc., il., 645, 617 : Wood, 90, 97; Thompson, i., 154, 155; ante, 217.
t Col. Doc., ii., 643, 649, 654; Wool, 97; ante, 218.
229
ANTHONY COLVE, GOVERNOR OF NEW NETHERLAND.
England colony. Massachusetts, characteristically selfish, CHAP. V. notwithstanding the appeal of Southampton, " did not judge it expedient to engage" in the matter further than to pro- 1673. 1,8 Sept. vide for her own safety. This was owing, not to love of Massachu- the Dutch, or hatred of the Duke of York, but to an ever- setts. controlling thirst for individual aggrandizement. At this very time, Captain Cleyborne, of the English frigate Gar- land, being at Boston, offered to retake New York with his own ship, if Massachusetts would assist him with some sail- ors, soldiers, and provisions. But the General Court would do so only on condition that " the conquest might be added to Massachusetts ; and if that were refused, it would rather that Manhattan remained in possession of the Dutch than that it should be put into the hands of Colonel Lovelace, the former governor." At the same time, upon the petition of John Payne, to whom a large tract had been granted, the Court ordered " the running of their southern line to 37 Oct. Boundary Hudson's River." But this attitude of Massachusetts did to be run. her no good at Whitehall .*
Connecticut, however, yearned after Long Island. How- cll, Younge, and James, as representatives of the three east- ern towns, petitioned for "protection and government" 31 Oct. against the Dutch, and were received with great favor at Hartford. Letters were sent to Plymouth and Massachu- &# Cet. setts, asking their concurrence; upon favorable answers to which, the governor and some other magistrates of Connec- tient were authorized "to protect the people of the east 3g Oct. end of Long Island, and to establish government amongst them." But the reply from Boston was unsatisfactory. In 21 October. 3 Novem cloudy words it intimated that Massachusetts was "igno- Massachu- rant of the extent" of the Connecticut patent, yet admitted Connecti- an obligation to aid the Long Island people, as Englishmen, cut. against the Dutch, as a national enemy; while the Hart- ford " claim of jurisdiction over them" was testily rejected. 99 October. Connecticut, nevertheless, commissioned Samuel Willys and i Novem. Captain Fitz John Winthrop to go to Long Island with cut sende Connecti- "necessary attendants ;" treat with such Dutch forces as sinners to commis. they might find there; and warn them that opposition and. Inng 1:1-
setts repels
* Col. Rec. Conn., ii., 562, 563; ilf., 496, 487; R. I. Rec., ii., 488-500; Plymouth Col. Rec.,
v .. 114; x., 357 ; Mass. Rec., iv. (ii.), 543, 558, 561, 570 ; Arnold, i., 306, 867; Chalmers, i., 4 3, 451; Hutch. Coll., 443 ; Mass. II. S. Coll., xxx., 86-SS, 96; Palfrey, ill., 121, 122, 304;
Bratr, 1-6, 216.
:
230
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
CHAP. V. would provoke the Hartford authorities to consider what they were "nextly obliged to do.""
1673. 31 Oct. Connecti- cut lec- tures Colve.
The Connecticut magistrates also lectured "the com- mander of the Dutch forces at New York" for urging his majesty's subjects on Long Island to swear allegiance against the King of England, and threatened that if he persisted, the New England colonies would attack him at " headquarters." These "animadversions" were sent to New Orange " by Mr. John Bankes," who was instructed to inform Colve how tender Connecticut was of the " effu- sion of Christian blood," yet how interested for her " dear neighbours, his Majestie's good subjects" on Long Island. Surprised at the insolent tone of this letter, Colve arrested its bearer, and replied to Winthrop that he could not be- lieve such an "impertinent and absurd writing" came from Winthrop's him. Winthrop, in answer, complained of Bankes's deten- tion at New Orange, and declared that the letter he bore contained "very pertinent and needful premonitions for the preventing a confluence of evill consequences."}
26 October. 5 Novein. Colve's an- swer.
reply.
Colve's pungent retort.
Unappalled by this peculiar rhetoric, Colve denied the 8. Novem. right of Connecticut to question his proceedings on Long Isl- and, where the people would have peaceably taken the oaths to the Dutch "had not some evil-disposed persons gone from you and dissuaded them." He was in New Netherland, he added, "to maintain the right of their High Mightinesses and his Serene Highness the Prince of Orange;" and he would do it. The Dutch had always treated their enemies more humanely than the English, who had so barbarously used the " poor fishermen and farmers" on the island of Ter-Schelling. On his return to Hartford with this letter, Bankes reported that Colve was "a man of resolute spirit and passionate, that manageth the affaires now under his power so as is not satisfactory to the people nor soldiers; and that he is in expectation of strength from foreign parts, upon whose arrival he seems to be resolved to sub- due under his obedience what he can, not only on the isl- and, but he sayth he knowes not but he may have Hart- ford ere long."#
Report of Bankes about Colve and New Ne erland.
* Col. Rec. Conn., ii., 212-216, 563, 564; Col. Doc., ii., 656; Col. MISS., xxiii., 231; Wood's Long Island, 96; Palfrey, iii .. 121, 122.
t Col. Rec. Conn., il., 216, 504, 565 ; Col. Doc., ii . 651, 652, 660.
$ Col. Doc., ii., G00, COL ; Col. Rec. Conn., ii., 565; ante, 125. On the 13th of May, 1075
088
231
ANTHONY COLVE, GOVERNOR OF NEW NETHERLAND.
After a boisterous voyage through the Sound, Colve's CHAP. V. commissioners meanwhile met, near Plum Gut, the vessel conveying Willys and Winthrop to Long Island, which 1673. 27 October. struck its colors to the Dutch. The Connecticut officers, 6 Novem. on coming on board and producing their commissions, New Netli- land commis- were courteously treated, and the Dutch, on their side, sioners at showed them their own papers. Both parties then landed Southold. on Long Island, Steenwyck and his colleagues spending the night with Sylvester. The next morning the commission- 28 October. 7 Novem. ers on both sides rowed up to Southold. A large force was in arms. Steenwyck desired the inhabitants to be sunmoned ; but the Connecticut officers urged the people Foiled by to remain faithful to the King of England. Upon this, necticut the Con- commis- Moore, who had been named a magistrate of Southold, sioners. declined the Dutch appointment ; and Arnold, although already sworn as schont, declared that he had resigned his office, because his neighbors threatened to plunder his house. Seeing that they could now do nothing at South- old, Colve's commissioners left the village, intending to go to 30 October. Southampton. But, finding that they would " be unable to Return to 9 Novem effect any thing, and rather do more harm than good," they ange. New O :- vame back to New Orange with an unsatisfactory report .*
On the return of Willys and Winthrop, Connecticut, con- sidering the condition of her " dear countrymen upon Long Island, their further motion for assistance, and the late at- tempts of their enemy the Dutch upon them," determined to send them help; and commissioned Captain Fitz John af Novem. Winthrop " to be sergeant major over the military forces of cut forces Connecti- his majesty's subjects on Long Island." Accordingly, ad- southold. venturers were raised at Stonington and New London, and hurried across the Sound to Southold.t
Meanwhile " the Dutch interest" in New Netherland was hoping that Van Ruyven would do much for them in the Van Buy. fatherland. But Van Ruyven returned unexpectedly to yen, ship- wrecked, New Orange, reporting that the snow " Expectatie," in returns to New Or- ange.
which he embarked, had been wrecked near Nantucket. 6 To Novem. Ewoutsen was dispatched thither with the Zeehond, to bring gent to back the disabled vessel, but not to damage any New Ell- Nantucket.
the Connecticut General Court granted Bankes " forty shillings towards his expences, when
It was detained in Yorke, in the year seventy three:" Col. Rec. Conn., ii., 253.
' (: L. Doc., ii., 654-655; Wood, 27; Thompson, i., 155; Palfrey, iii., 124: ante, 217, 218.
1 Maee, II. S. Coll., xxx., 50, 91; Palfrey, iii., 125; Col. Rec. Cona., ii., 210.
PZA
232
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
CHAP. V. gland craft, unless the Expectatie had been captured ; in 1673. BE Novem. New En- gland ves- sels cap- tured. which case he was to take or destroy all English vessels, " whencesoever they may be." Ewoutsen reported that the Expectatie had been taken by an English privateer, com- manded by Joseph Dudson, and carried to Boston; and that, according to his orders, he had brought into New Or- ange four New England trading ketches. These vessels were detained "provisionally under arrest," and their mas- 37 Novem. ters were sent to Rhode Island with a letter from Colve to Leverett, asking that the crew of the Expectatie might be allowed to return unmolested from Boston. Upon further Condemn- consideration, the New England prizes were confiscated as ed. belonging to "subjects of England actually in open war against our state."*
25 Novem.
5 Decem. Threats of Massachu- setts.
20 Novem.
These spirited Dutch reprisals waked up New England. Massachusetts demanded the release of its coasters, and threatened, otherwise, " a full reparation by force of arms." Colve replied that Massachusetts had seized a Dutch vessel and carried it to Boston, before any thing had been done by New Netherland to her prejudice; and that, in future, Massachusetts should employ as messengers "honorable people, and no spies."+
3. Decem. Colve's re- ply.
Connecticut now proposed to Massachusetts a " prevent- 21 Novem. 1 Decem. ive expedition" against New Netherland, offering a "pro- portionable conjunction and compliance." Massachusetts 30 Decem, determined " that God doth call them to do something in a hostile way for their own defence," fitted out a ship and Action of Connecti- cnt and Massachu- setts .. a ketch, and impressed soldiers. But, as Dudson had seized the Dutch vessel at Nantucket, which was " without the ju- risdiction of this court," and had acted under a letter of marque from the king, and not from Massachusetts, it was thought " not convenient to proceed to a judication" of the 47 Decem. prize. Plymouth resolved that there was "just ground of a war," and that she should do her utmost against the Dutch in New Netherland. But Rhode Island, not belong- ing to the New England Confederation, took no action.#
This state of war obliged Colve to adopt more severe measures toward strangers, especially English. Francis
* Col. Doc., ii., 526, 532, 658, 662, 663, 064 ; Col. Rec. Conn., ii., 565; Mass. Rec., iv. (ii.), 513, 574; Mass. H. S. Coll., xxx., 103 : ante, 221. + Col. Doc., ii., 667, 66%.
# Col. Rec. Conn., ii., 216-220, 555, 556 ; Mass. Rec., iv. (ii.), 572, 573, 574; Plymouth Rec.,
v., 135, 136; N. Y. Col. Doc., ii., 663; Palfrey, fil., 98, 122, 125; R. I. Rec., ill., 508-515,
233
ANTHONY COLVE, GOVERNOR OF NEW NETHERLAND.
Beado, an Englishman, had been convicted, on his own con- CHAP. V. fession, of designing to burn the village of Fordham, and had been sentenced to be branded and banished from New 1673. 23 Novem. Colve's Netherland for twenty-five years. In addition to the pre- 8 Decem. vions order of 11th September, a proclamation was now is- vigorous sued requiring all strangers who had not taken the oath of measures. allegiance to leave the province at once, and forbidding all i's Decem. persons, not inhabitants and subjects, to come within the government without proper passports. The inhabitants were also forbidden to harbor such strangers, or hold any correspondence with the people of New England and all other actual enemies; and all letters to or from such per- sons were to be sent to the provincial secretary's office for examination .*
Colve also appointed Captain William Knyff, of the in- Decem. fantry in Fort Willem Hendrick, to be "Fiscal and Con- cal of New Knyff fix- servator of the Laws" in New Netherland. It was a revival land. Nether- of the office, held last by De Sille, under Stuyvesant; the duties of which were to promote the peace and prosperity of the province, maintain the jurisdiction of the home gov- ernment, prosecute all offenders, and to take care "that good law and justice be administered, without respect of persons, in all courts of justice within this province, according to the Jaudable custom, laws, and ordinances of our Fatherland."+
Colve now visited Midwout, where he had invited the py Deren magistrates of the Dutch towns on Long Island to meet Flatbush, Colve at him. He informed them of the preparations making in wout. or Mid. New England, and recommended the towns to send grain to New Orange, repair thither whenever summoned, keep a good watch, and send horsemen occasionally to observe what was doing in the English towns. Steenwyck, Van Ruyven, and Van Brugh were directed to examine the houses in the city, and report what accommodation could be given to " outside people" seeking refuge from the ene- my. The towns in Schout Lawrence's district, and Bergen, Haerlem, and Fordham, were also enjoined fidelity and vig- 13 Decem. ilance.#
* Col. Doc., ii., 665, 666 : ante, 222.
+ Col. Dec., il., 666, 669; ante, vol. i., 164, 414, 582, 622. .
: Col. Doc., ii., 669, 670, 672, 673. The burgomasters of the city, anxious for its safety, were alarmed that the frigate Surinam had left the harbor on the 2d of December, contrary to thun promise of Evertsen and Binckes, ante, 221, and, on calling on Colve, were informed fest he could not and would not explain his reasons, but that " with or without the ship
. 23-1
HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
CHAP. V. The city fortifications being nearly completed, at " exees. 1673. 37 Decem. New Or- ange regu- lations. sive expense, trouble, and labor of the burghery and inhab- itants," regulations were made to secure the place. At sun- down the gates were to be closed, and the burgher watch set ; and no other person was to approach the batteries un- til sunrise. No one could enter or depart, except through Van de Wa- the city gate, on pain of death. Jacobus van de Water was ter town major. appointed town major of New Orange and auditor of its court-martial. The commissioned officers of the city mili- tia were Captains Cornelis Steenwyck, Martin Kregier, Militia off- Johannes van Brugh, and zEgidius Luyck, Lieutenants Wil- cere. liam Beekman, Jacob Kip, Christopher Hooghland, and Nicholas Bayard, and Ensigns Gabriel Minvielle, Stephanus van Cortlandt, and Gelyn Verplanck. They were thanked by the governor for the zeal they had shown in fortifying New Orange, and assured that the States General would not fail to "take the greatest interest in the preservation and prosperity of the city." But the event did not justify Colve's too ready words .*
Following the laudable practice of the fatherland, the Y's Novem, governor issued a proclamation that, as the province was Fasting and thanksgiv- ing days ordere 1. now blessed with " the free and pure worship of God," and other mercies, the first Wednesday in each month should be observed in New Netherland as "an universal day" of fasting, humiliation, and thanksgiving, on which all labor, gaming, or excess in drinking was strictly prohibited.+
On the Delaware the Provincial Instruction was readily enforced by Schout Alrichs, and magistrates were estab- lished at the Hoarkill. Captain John Carr, who had gone to Maryland, was allowed to settle himself in New Nether- land, if he took the oath of allegiance; but if he refused, his estate was to be seized. As several Marylanders had Novem. lately committed aggressions on the Delaware settlers. Delaware affairs. Colve invited the sufferers to New Orange, and directed all the inhabitants there to obey the orders of Alrichs.#
aforesaid, he should not undertake nor execute any thing except what his Honor should con- sider serviceable and expedient for the fort, the city. and the burghery :" New Orange Rec., vii., 72; Val. Man., 1850, 522. The Surinam was back again in harbor in January, 1074: Col. Doc., ii., GS2.
* Col. Doc., ii., 670, 671, 674, 675, 677, GTS; Val. Man., 1850, 523. Moulton, 7, 8, 11, 12, 21, mistakes the office of Van de Water for mayor, instead of major, of New Orange. The mus- ter-roll of Captain Steenwyck's company, of which Bayard was lieutenant and Minvielle en- sign, is in Val. Man., 1$50, 424, 425. + Col. Doc., ii., 658: Val. Man., 1:50, 521. # Col. Doc., ii., 597, 022, 032, 659, 663, 672, 670, 678 ; Col. MISS., xxiv., 97; S. Ilazard, 402, 410.
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235
ANTHONY COLVE, GOVERNOR OF NEW NETHERLAND.
In Achter Col, or New Jersey, Colve's instruction was CHAP. V. cheerfully obeyed. Bergen enacted some local regulations. 1673.
At an assembly called by Schout Ogden at Elizabethtown, 13 Oct. several ordinances were adopted, much milder than the En- Achter Col, or New Jer- glish laws. Before approving them, Colve had them trans- sey. lated into the Dutch language. Weary of their distractions 1's Novem. under the government of Berkeley and Carteret, the people of New Jersey welcomed the regained authority of the Republican Netherlands."
Ezopus af-
The Esopus officers were confirmed by the governor ; 6 October. among whom were Cornelis Wynkoop, Roeloff Kierstede, fairs. Wessel Tenbroeck, and Jan Burhans, of Swanenburg, or Kingston ; and Louis du Bois, Roeloff Hendricksen, Jan Joosten, and Jan Broersen, of Hurley and Marbletown ; and Captain Albert Heymans, who had been prominent in the riot of 1667. William la Montagne was made secreta- ry of the three towns, and Isaac Grevenraet their schout, in place of William Beekman, who had removed to New Or- ange. Two brass guns, useless at Swanenburg, were order- ag Oct. ed to be sent down to the metropolis, " as the same are re- quired here."t
27 October. S Novem.
Schenectady was made subordinate to Willemstadt ; and Anthonia van Curler was allowed an extension of the priv- Willem- ilege which had been granted by Lovelace. As New France Schenecta. stadt and was now hostile to New Netherland, Commander Draeyer dy. was directed to "stop all correspondence with the Jesuit, 12; Novera. and Frenchmen from Canada, whether runaways or oth- ers." He was again instructed to observe all military pre-1 Novem. cautions at Fort Nassau ; not to confide in any French from order .. Pracyer's
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