USA > New York > Essex County > Elizabethtown > Pleasant Valley : a history of Elizabethtown, Essex County, New York > Part 13
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When he was about ten years of age his father removed to New York State ; his first poem, on the death of a little play- mate, was written at this time.
When he was nineteen he began teaching school at Dover,
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Dutchess County. In 1792 he embarked in the mercantile business but failed in consequence of the embargo.
In 1803 he received a flattering offer of the editorship of a newspaper in Philadelphia but was taken with a fever on the way and arrived there only to find the post filled.
In despair he enlisted in the U. S. Navy on July 3, 1803, on the ill-fated frigate Philadelphia.
As he wrote an excellent hand and was of more than ordi- nary intelligence he was employed as "ship's writer."
The cruise of the Philadelphia is a matter of history. Wil- liam Ray records in his biography his opinion of her com- mander and officers and notes the fact that Thomas MacDon- ough was a midshipman on board. She ran aground on October 31, 1803, and from that time until June 3, 1805, he was a prisoner ; he went on board the Essex where he was made captain's clerk and composed a poem which was read on board July 4, 1805 ; he reached his home September 1, 1805, where he found his wife and child well after his long absence.
In his biography he writes : "In the fall of 1809 I removed to the County of Essex where I again commenced merchand- ise and again unsuccessful."
Following are the titles of his two published works from which the data for the above sketch was gleaned :
Horrors of Slavery or the American Tars in Tripoli; an account of the loss and capture of the United States Frigate Philadelphia; treatment and sufferings of the prisoners ; de- scription of the place ; manners, customs, &c., of the Tripoli- tans; public transactions of the United States with that regency, including Gen. Eaton's expedition ; interspersed with interesting remarks, anecdotes and poetry on various subjects.
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Written during upwards of nineteen months imprisonment and vassalage among the Turks.
By William Ray. "Nature ne'er meant to form a slave ; "Her birth-rights liberty."
"Slavery thou art a bitter cup." STERNE.
Troy Printed by Oliver Lyon For the Author 1808.
973. 4.
R. 21
Poems on variots subjects, religious, moral, sentimental and humerous. By William Ray.
To which is added a brief sketch of the author's life and of his captivity and suffering among Turks and barbarians of Tripoli, on the coast of Africa-written by himself.
To thee, O sacred muse belongs Devotions humble voice That breaks in sweet adorning songs Like those whose holy angel-throngs Eternally rejoice. Auburn. Printed by U. F. Doubleday. 1821.
811. 29.
R. 21.
It has been said that the record of such an experience in the harbor of Tripoli, told as well as William Ray told it, would to-day sell in repeated editions but "The Horrors of Slavery" published in 1808 made the author neither famous nor wealthy.
Elizabethtown's Supervisor in 1810 was Enos Loveland, the
JUDGE AUGUSTUS C. HAND.
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Inspectors of Election being Ebenezer Newell, John Lobdell, Asa Post, Jacob Southwell, Enos Loveland.
During this year work on the Arsenal was commenced.
The following, from pages 259 and 260, Vol. 11, Military Papers of Daniel D. Tompkins, and which was dated Albany, March 11, 1811, refers to the work on the Arsenal at Eliz- abethtown :
Since the last communication which was made to the legis- lature relative to the proceedings under the Act to provide for the defence of the northern and western frontiers, deposits, or arsenals have been erected in Onondaga ; in Plattsburgh, Clin- ton County ; and one in Elizabethtown, Essex County, has been begun, but on account of the sickness and absence of the principal workmen, could not be finished the last season. In the course of the ensuing summer that will be completed, and deposits in Genesee and St. Lawrence Counties will also be erected, which will close the duties enjoined by the last men- tioned act, and the law amendatory thereof, passed 24th Feb- ruary, 1809.
Enos Loveland also served as Supervisor of Elizabethtown in 1811, the Inspectors of Election that year being Enos Love- land, John Lobdell, Ebenezer Newell, Asa Post, Jacob South- well.
The following concerning the establishment of the Goal Lim- its of the County of Essex, in accordance with the passage of an Act of the State Legislature, Session of 1811, is on record in the County Clerk's office :
Beginning at the Court House, thence E. 40 chains, thence north 22 deg. 30 min. W. 30 chains and 35 links, thence N. 67 deg. 30 min. W. 30 chains 35 links, thence S. 67 deg.30 chains 35 links, thence 22 deg. 30 min. E. 30 chains & 35 links, thence S. 67 deg. 30 min. E. 30 chains 35 links, thence N. 67 deg. 30
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min. E. 30 chains & 35 links, thence N. 22 deg. 30 min. E. 30 chains and 35 links.
Surveyed the 10th & 11th days of June, A. D., 1811, by me. THOS. STOWER.
Recorded 11th June, 1811.
SIMEON FRISBEE, Clerk.
In 1811 William Ray either had an idea that Governor Tompkins was likely to visit Elizabethtown or else he assumed, a kind of poetic license, as he wrote as follows :
To his Excellency Daniel D. Tompkins,
Sir :
That you are coming to this place We have authentic information Joy, newly born, smiles on our face Raised by its mother expectation.
Lest you should disappointment meet Who oft on strangers makes a sally Causing a thousand to retreat And curse the name of Pleasant Valley,
I'll give concisely as I can Without too much impertinency Its view, site, prospect, people, place Just to oblige your Excellency.
You'll cross the Lake at North West Bay Eight miles computed from this village The land uneven, rough the way, The soil is good but bad the tillage.
When the last eminence you rise From log built huts, and shabby people The object next that strikes your eyes Will be, perhaps the Court House steeple.
From east to west a plain extends From north to south a valley stretches. And through the whole a streamlet bends To feed with fish some hungry wretches.
Huge mountains all around us rise And seem of elbow room to scrimp us
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But yet no God has left the skies To dwell upon our new olympus. No Heliconian streams distil To give our poets inspiration But whiskey plenty from the still Sets all their brains in fermentation.
No Delphic oracle is here Confounding truth with many a libel But a plain Clergyman sincere Our only oracle the Bible.
Our Magistrates are learn'd indeed Expounding law and dealing justice 'Tis certain some of them can read And write their names to mittimustes.
Take an example if you please Our Squire who is no necromancer Styles himself "Justice of the Peas," Why not of Beans a wag may answer.
Here's lawyers most confounded wise Physicians also, very plenty One scarcely could believe his eyes To find a good one out of twenty.
Judges and Gen'rals, all great men, Tell of integrity and spirit They grace their stations well ; but then Some want one requisite call'd merit.
Our Legislators to be sure Are men of sense, so reason argues, But though their principles be pure We have no Solon or Lycurgus.
Bright chastity our fair adorns We have no am'rous wars between us If any wear a brace of horns 'Tis but a helmet lent by Venus.
Here's politicians very great Who know exactly to a tittle What saves or wbat destroys a State- Or too much freedom or too little.
They see what Robert Smith's about Of State our quandom Secretary
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Some would the traitors brains beat out And some alive the rascal bury.
If what I've stated be not true Your Excellency soon must know it
I am with all submission due
Your most obedient humble poet.
WM. RAY. Elizabethtown, Pleasant Valley, August 30, 1811.
P. S .- I beg leave just to suggest to your Excellency that I have some thoughts of applying to the council of Appoint- ment next Session for the office of County Clerk. There will be several candidates I am told; but I do not know of any who stand more in need of or are better entitled to it than myself. If our present clerk should be removed and I confess I see no reason why he should monopolize any longer, I shall certainly expect. The rotation of office is one principle of our republican system. This is an office which I think I am capable of filling ; and as I am poor and unable to get a living by farming or any other laborious employment, such an office would exactly suit me.
Your Excellency's most ob't hum. servant,
WM. RAY.
The "plain Clergyman sincere" must have been Elder Daniel Hascall, a graduate of Middlebury College, who was the Baptist preacher in Pleasant Valley from 1808 to 1813. At that time Ezra Carter Gross was a rising young lawyer in Pleasant Valley and Dr. Asa Post and Dr. Alexander Morse were physicians here.
The above poetic effusion with note in prose attached at bot- tom constitutes the first of a series of vigorous letters written by Wm. Ray to Gov. Tompkins. At that time county offices, ex- cept Assembly, were filled by the Council of Appointment, be- coming elective in 1821. William Ray urged his claim with per- sistency, a clearness and vigor of statement and a variety of
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expression which would bring him both fame and fortune as a 20th century newspaper reporter. The statements made by this Knight of the Quill concerning some of our early Essex County worthies should be read with due allowance for the bitter spirit of partisanship which was abroad at the time. As the letters are unique and full of local color the writer has de- cided not to expunge any part but to reproduce them in full.
By reference to the Elizabethtown Baptist Church records it is found on May 3, 1811, "The Ch'h agree to clean the Court Room before every Court and appoint Bros. Carter and Ferris a Committee to see it done." From the foregoing it would ap- pear that Baptist meetings were at that time being held in the Essex County "Court Room." It is fair to presume that meet- ing continued to be held there until the Court House burned again in 1823.
In the fall of 1811 Wm. Ray again wrote Gov. Tompkins as follows :
Elizabethtown, Oct'r 2d, 1811.
SIR :
I mentioned to your Excellency in a late letter something respecting my wishes to be appointed clerk of this county at the next session of the Legislature. I have been conversing with Judge Pond on the subject as well as several others of my friends who all profess themselves pleased with the proposition. Should your Excellency doubt the propriety of such a step in me I should be glad to know it before I proceed any further. It would be better for me to "sit still than rise up and fall." Judge Pond is acquainted with my situation and none I presume are ignorant of my pretentions to the office.
The fact is Mr. Frisbie has no just claims to the office any longer and I do not know of any in this county who can say he is entitled to it more than myself. I am poor, unable to labor
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and have suffered much in my country's service. I am aware, Sir, of the delicacy of your situation as to your making nomina- tions of this kind; but I know also the goodness of your disposition and justness of your principles in giving to every man his just reward.
I am, sir, with due submission your Excellency's most obedi- ent humble servant. WM. RAY.
DANIEL D. TOMPKINS.
Judge Pond, referred to in the foregoing letter, was the Hon. Benjamin Pond, father of Ashley Pond and grandfather of the late Judge Byron Pond of Elizabethtown.
Wm. Ray's ambition to be Essex County Clerk must have burned within him in the early days of December, 1811, as the following letter to Gov. Tompkins bears witness :
To His Excellency, Daniel D. Tompkins,
Sir :
Every letter I write to your Excellency I make a sacrifice of my pride to the strong impulse I feel to communicate my sentiments. I am not unconscious, Sir, that too much famili- arity between characters so widely discriminated would be in- compatible with the dignity of your superior station-of your exalted merits-I trust therefore your Excellency will not attribute my correspondence to vain or ostentatious conceits ; but will indulge me with the innocent gratification of un- burthening a mind oppressed with the weight of its own com- parative unworthiness-when I was a slave in Tripoli, I enter- tained the fond idea that could I once again tread my native shores my grateful country would compassionate my extraor- dinary sufferings and place me in some station where I could maintain myself and family with usefulness to society. As a gentleman of philanthropy and of unbounded benevolence I have frequently disclosed to your Excellency my situation and
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have not lived entirely without hopes. The favors I have re- ceived are pledges of your humanity. A pathway is now opened and the prospect brightens on these hopes. As I have before stated the Clerk of this County has become quite un- popular with a large majority of the republicans (Democrats) bere and it is wished and expected that he will be removed this winter. Such an office would exactly comport with my views and I believe would (not) be repugnant to the wishes of the people at large though some undoubtedly will oppose it. There are indeed two other candidates already sprouting up soliciting petitions. It is really ludicrous to see too young pettifoggers-mere boys of yesterday who perhaps never gave or procured a vote in the State, hoisting themselves upon the shoulders of grey-headed patriots and spurring in for the prize due only to approved merit. Petitioning the populace for office I always despised for verily believe were a petition cir- culated through the country to have three-fourths of its inhab- itants hanged it would obtain a large list of respectable sub- scribers. One of the young alluded to was mentioned in my last letter, viz: Benjamin D. Pardee, the other is John Lynde.
Nothing that I know of can be said degrading to the char- acter of these boys. They have done nothing either to incur censure or merit applause. Neither of them professes scarcely a mediocrity of talents but both have some mechanical inge- nuity in penmanship. Neither of them is a man of education, experience or knowledge of the world. These remarks are not the ebulitions of envy,caprice, or malice-but the effusions of truth and candour. If such striplings are suffered to leap into office over the heads of men who have toiled, bled, fought and suffered as I have in my country's service, adieu to order and to political justice. But I trust I have nothing to fear from such guards of one night, such mushroon competi- tors and that the sedate wisdom of the Council (of appoint-
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ment) need only be apprized of their presumption to disap- point their arrogance. There is a junto in this county who would fain monopolize all the offices in it, in fact they have effected their purpose pretty well thus far.
Judge Thomas Stowers, Jonathan Lynde, Esq'r, both former Sheriffs, and John Hoffnagle, late Sheriff, all connected by strong ties of consanguinity, are the chiefs ; Stowers and Lynde are half brothers and Hoffnagle is brother-in-law to Stowers. John Lynde is son of Jonathan Lynde. From this combina- tion I expect nothing but opposition. For my part I stand alone. It is true, however, Mr. Delevan Delance, Member of Assembly, has pledged himself to me and so have Judge Pond and Mr. William Kirby, Ex-Sheriff, Judge Joseph Jenks and many others; and should any one of these change their posi- tion and turn against me, you will know sir how to weigh their duplicity. With respect to the Sheriff's office there is a great competition. John Hoffnagle who was removed to give place to Kirby claims it again as his right. I have no opinion of Hoffnagle's political integrity ; he is a kind of chamelion in politics, is rich and does not merit the office. Mr. Delance would gladly accept of it, but feels a diffidence in openly avow- ing. I am suspicious from report he will throw his influence into the scale most likely to preponderate in his favor relating to the clerk's office and perhaps "change works" with the junto aforesaid.
Judge Manoah Miller is another candidate for the Sheriff- alty. He is a plain, honest, illiterate man, but might do well enough for sheriff for all what I know, provided he has good deputies.
Major Joseph Skinner, our Brigade Inspector, is also wish- ing for the office. He is a smart active man-has discharged his duty with fidelity and applause-has been active in the common cause-is not rich and in my humble opinion would
5x
HON. ORLANDO KELLOGG,
Congressman and Intimate Friend of President Lincoln.
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make a good sheriff. He is a firm zealous Republican (Demo- crat) of respectable connections; brother-in-law to the late Doctor Bull of Saratoga. As he is in the military line he would perhaps be a suitable person to take charge of the Arse- nal here which they say wants a new master. I do not wish to be thought an officious informer-but to act from a convic- tion that such things as I have stated ought to be known that equal and exact justice may be done; and while I am thus do- ing I am only discharging the duty of a centinel and not acting the part of a traitor. As I reside in the centre of the county I have an opportunity of seeing and conversing with people from all parts of it and of knowing the opinion of the mass of its inhabitants. I do not like to see them imposed on by as- piring demagogues and mercenary office hunters. For my part I most solemnly declare that were my condition prosper- ous I would not undergo the mortification of soliciting for any office whatever. But I am poor, advanced to the age of forty this very day, unable to pursue any laborious employment for the injury my constitution has sustained in a barbarous remote clime; and have a family to support. Can it be pos- sible that these things will have no weight with the honorable Council ! I am not insensible, Sir, to the respect due your sta- tion ; nor of the important duties attached to it. I am aware that did you feel the most interested predeliction in my favor, your official dignity would forbid your evincing publickly too much partiality for me. But I need not suggest the practica- bility of your effecting what I am at without any derogation from your honor. I shall certainly never disgrace your favors.
Should the hopes that I now cherish be torn from me, my situation would be desperate indeed. I could not live in this county nor could I depart from it. May those fond expecta- tions which I now send forth find a resting place in your bosom until they return to me with the olive branch of consumate
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peace and happiness. How would my little family rejoice at the event ! How would our bosoms glow afresh with grati- tude to your Excellency !
Should your Excellency deem it not inconsistent with pro- priety to write me I should esteem it a very great favor whether it beclouded or brightened my prospects; and your Excellency might rely on it that the contents of the letter to any person living should not be divulged. I should like to know whether it would be best for me to come to Albany myself or address a letter to each of the Council-whether it would be best to send a petition or not. My circumstances are so low as that I could not well afford the expence of a journey; but should it be thought indispensably necessary I would endeavor to do it.
Animated with the hope of a favorable issue of my suit I re- main, Sir, with the highest consideration,
Your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant, WM. RAY.
Elizabethtown, Essex County, December 9th, 1811.
Below are quoted lines from a letter written by Governor Tompkins to his old friend, the Hon. Peter Sailly of Platts- burgh, Clinton County, N. Y., with whom he (Governor Tomp- kins) had served in the N. Y. State Legislature in 1803 :
Albany, January 13, 1812.
Dear Sir : The manner in which the building of the Arsenal at Elizabeth Town, Essex County, has been conducted has compelled me to send Mr. Chauncey Humphrey there to ex- amine the buildings and adjust the title and Accounts with Mr. Frisbee. After he had got so far, I thought it was as well for him to proceed to Plattsburgh to receive from you and convey to me any recommendation which you may feel dis- posed to make relative to the adequacy of the supply in your quarter in case of hostilitie with great Britain-relative to the state of the property in the Plattsburgh Arsenal-relative
.
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to the state and discipline of the Militia in that direction & their equipments, relative to any objects of importance touch- ing the means and course of defence or actual warfare upon an emergency, and relative to such other matters of security as may require my attention or that of the Legislature.
The Governor's Instruction to Captain Humphrey Concerning Mr. Frisbee's Responsibility for Public Property of the State.
Albany, 14 Jan'y, 1812.
Sir : The business upon which I have, heretofore, spoken to you for the transaction of which you are requested to proceed to Elizabeth Town, Essex County & to Plattsburgh, in Clinton County is contained in the following questions & re- marks. I will thank you to ascertain & report upon all the points subjoined.
1. How much land does Mr. Frisbee own in the village or did own on the - day of when he conveyed the Arsenal lot to the State.
Remark-The Comptroller is unable to lay his hand at this moment upon the deed of Frisbee for the Arsenal lot which excites some slight fear in my mind that it may have been mis- laid. You will therefore, particularly note down Mr. Frisbee's admissions of having executed and delivered a deed for the Arsenal lot to me, of the date which he supposes it bore-& other particulars relative to it. Ascertain also whether it was acknowledged or recorded in his office of Clerk of that County and whether his wife signed & acknowledged the conveyance or not. If she did not it would be well to take a release of Dower from her ; which she must acknowledge and in which her husband may as a party reciting the supposed date, bound- aries & import of the former deed. Such a release with such recitals might operate as a deed of confirmation if the original conveyance should not be found.
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2. What is the value of the residue of his land & buildings not included in the Arsenal Lot.
3. What mortgages or judgments recorded in the Clerk's office of the County of Essex are still unsatisfied-Who owns them and where do the owners reside.
Remark-Mr. Frisbee informed me that the only incum- brance existing against the land was an ancient mortgage which was owned by one Thorne in Dutchess County, and that he had paid a certain sum say 25 dollars to Thorne in consideration of which Thorne was to send a release for the State Lot. I have recently understood that Thorne does not own the mort- gage & that, therefore, Mr. Frisbee's statement to me must have been fallacious-I wish the proprietor of this mortgage to be clearly ascertained if possible.
4. What are the dimensions, workmanship, state of comple- tion, & security of the building erected under the auspices of Mr. Frisbee. Of what materials are the roof, sides, founda- tion, pillars, &c .; is it ceiled on the inside or calculated to be, and if so, are the boards seasoned, planed, &c.
5. What is the quantity of material of each description used in the building, what is the current price of each & of the la- bour & Board of Mechanics & others necessarily employed at it.
6. Call upon Mr. Frisbee for an exhibition of his acct & vouchers relative to the building and require him either to set- tle the acct on the spot or come forward to Albany and do it without delay.
7. What is the quantity, state of preservation and security of the State property lodged in Mr. Frisbee's care. Examine & count all the Muskets, Cartridge boxes, Cartridges, Cannon shot & other articles & note their deficiencies.
8. If there be articles missing or ruined by any gross neg- lect on the part of Mr. Frisbee, you are hereby fully author-
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ized and empowered at your discretion, to resume the posses- sion of the public property remaining and deliver it into the care of Major Skinner, or of such other person as may be ad- vised by Judge Jenks, Judge Kellogg, Sheriff Kirby, Mr. De- lance & others to be most suitable and take a receipt therefor, with a bond in the penalty of 6,000 Dollars, condition as fol- lows :
Whereas the property of the people of this State consisting of the following articles, viz. (here insert an accurate inven- tory of the property) have been delivered to
for safe keeping as superintended out of Military Stores at Elizabeth Town, Essex County, for which he is to be compen- sated according to law, now the condition of this obligation is such that if the said shall well and faith- fully perform the trust reposed in him & deliver up the said property whenever required by the Commander in Chief, Com- misary of Military Stores or other proper officer for the time being in as good condition and state as the said articles now are reasonable & unavoidable deterioration arising from the storage or nonusage of such articles & inevitable necessity excepted, then this obligation to be void otherwise to remain in full force and effect.
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