USA > New York > New York City > The Memorial History of the City of New York: From Its First Settlement to the Year 1892, Volume II > Part 63
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or spon leafe for a term of years, which they abandoned, and wich the American army retired from the city in the fall of the year 1776. That others ofyour Memorialifts occupied boufes their own property. which, fince the enemy have had podefion of the city, are confamed by fire, and that comparatively, there are but very few of thede cid. zene who withdrew from New-York upon the approach of the ene- my, who have eitherthe means or profpect of being able to procure . covering for their families upon their return, especially ms ta their prefent circumftaners, they cannot afford to pay fuch extravagant rents as are demanded by the proprietors, particularly by chefs who. have adhered to the enemy ou remained within their power and provoc- tion during the war, and which are frequently given by dickeded and frangers, as your Memorialits apprehend, thereby to gin & rd- dence and ettablithment in the fate.
Under fuch a complication of difficulties, your Memorialits the ces- trained to present their cafe and claims to your Honorable Board They again declare that they with for nothing incompatible with the rights of whig citizens, or which would embarrafs government in their decisions;,and they flatter themfelves, that while they only chie to be provided for, as faithful and zealous citizens and Subjects, in pre- ference to thole who have been open and avowed enemies, their appli- cations will neither be deemed unreasonable, nor rejected by a gover- ment convinced of the truth of the facts which they street, and bound ty to the prtuctpres of our glorious revolution.
Your Memorialifts do therefore molt carnetlly request, that your Hoporabke Board will be pleafed to take their cafe into confderarien, and as Soon as conveniently may be, to make an ordinance, authori- zing fuch of your Memorialifts who either occupied, reated, or less- ed houses in the year 1776, from persons who have either remained, or removed within the enemy's lines, to repoffels the fame upon their return to the city. Alfo direding that fuch boules as are port of cos- determine for the further accommodation of you: Memorialits ; cod prescribing fuch other methods and means of providing boules for the Refugee Citizens as a due fente of their meria, their pecefity, sed your wildom may fuggeft.
for the convenience of the citizens, your Memorialifts beg leave for- ther to requeft, that a competent number of prudent perloes may be appointed by your Honorable Board for the perpole of diftnbating de boules, agreeable to fuch ordinance as your Humorable Board to be pleafed to país in favour of your Memorialifts, who m in dory bouet, thall ever pray, &c.
New Borgh, September 1, 1783-
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NEW-YORK DURING THE REVOLUTION
Gerardhestlardan bronk
Comfort Sands
James Jimjam
C
Henry Prgill
7
gama Rose Pour. 0 James Rote Joint John Taylor
David Deprevost- Gabriel Immane
trout Lake
John Lee
George Garland
John Mantell
Girlliaus Zang Vare Han Varch
William Katcharry SamuelBeing Jurgin george Stichnot
Thomas Put
James Julie
John Har wich Aaron Achuman
Joker Ogden.
SIGNATURES TO THE FOREGOING PETITION.1
As the guard passed into the old fort the scene was most impressive. In the upper bay and just off the Battery stately war-ships lay at anchor, while their boats, loaded to the gunwales with rod-coated gran- adiers and blue-coated mercenaries, were slowly moving away from the landing. The parapets at Paulus Hook and on Governor's Island were also covered with curious spectators. Entering the abandoned work, upon which so many eyes were turned, the artillery ofleer charged with the duty of hoisting the American flag discovered, to him
The original was purchased for $400 by Mr. cating Americana, which took place in l'hillestad John Nicholas Brown, of Providence. R. I., at the phía in February, Juul. KANTON. sale of Washington and other valuable and inter-
Berry Basert.
560
HISTORY OF NEW-YORK
disgust, that some facetious person, presumably "loyal," had removed the halyards and thoroughly soaped the flagstaff. But Yankee inge- nuity speedily overcame this difficulty. An agile young sailor was supplied with some rough wooden cleats and a pocketful of nails, and slowly but surely worked his way to the top of the pole, attached a new set of halyards, and in a twinkling the glorious Stars and Stripes were flung to the breeze, and saluted with thirteen guns and three times three from the throats of American freemen. As the first gun
Duplicate Return of Refugees Embarked for Nova Scotia
2
NewYork y June 1783.
Women
Children
Total
443 282 670 250 1651
For Anapolis Royal.
46
37 76 16 .205
For Cont Rosway.
36
15 39 3/4 /22
For Fot Cumberland.
175
86 216 1A
Total 698 421 1001 352 2472
Jay Carleton
was fired, the troops paraded in Broadway came to attention ; as the echo of the last one died away, Governor Clinton appeared opposite the right of the line and the brigade presented arms, while an artillery salute suitable to his rank once more thundered out.
Besides the military ceremonies, a civic reception' was tendered to the general and the governor. Both repairing to the Bull's Head, they
1 " New York, Nov. 24, 1783. The Committee ap- pointed to conduct the Order of Receiving their Ex- cellencies Governor Clinton and General Washing- ton, beg leave to inform their Fellow-Citizens, that the Troops, under the command of Major General Knox, will take possession of the City at the Hour agreed on, on Tuesday next ; as soon as this may be performed, he will request the Citizens who
may be assembled on Horseback, at the Bowling- Green, the lower End of the Broad-Way, to accom- pany him to meet their Excellencies Governor Clin- ton and General Washington, at the Bull's Head, in the Bowery-the Citizens on Foot to assemble at or near the Tea-water Pump at Fresh-water.
"Order of Procession. A party of Horse will pre- cede their Excellencies and be on their flanks-
-
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NEW-YORK DURING THE REVOLUTION
if
VOL. II .- 36.
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HISTORY OF NEW-YORK
were met by an immense concourse of citizens and a novel but solid escort of returned exiles bursting with enthusiasm. Elaborate ad- dresses were made, full of the spirit of the hour. Each man wore "a Union cockade of black and white ribband on the left breast and a Lau- rel in the Hat," and all were formed in " a square - the field and other officers on the flanks of the square," and in that manner the heroes were conducted to their quarters. None could doubt the sincerity with which these once exiled New-Yorkers addressed Washington : "In this place and at this moment of exultation and triumph, while the Ensigns of Slavery still linger in our sight, we look up to you, our deliverer, with unusual transports of Gratitude and Joy."
On the 28th Sir Guy Carleton offi- cially advised his government that "his Majesty's Troops and such of the Loyalists as chose to emigrate, were on the 25th inst. withdrawn from the City of New York, in good order, and embarked without the smallest circumstance of irregularity or misbehavior of any kind." Even mother earth seemed to mark the significance of the event by unusual demonstrations. It is recorded by SIR GUY CARLETON. the reliable chronicler of those stir- ring days that on November 29, " in the evening we felt a slight shock of an earthquake, and about 11 there was a more violent one which shook all the city in a surprising manner." On December 5 Admiral Digby, with the last vestige of foreign force, sailed from Staten Island.
One more historic scene was to close the last year of the military occupation of the city. On December 4, 1783, Washington, about to resign his military commission, took leave of his comrades in arms at Fraunces' Tavern. Colonel Tallmadge, one of his favorite officers, describes the impressive occasion: "We had been assembled but a few moments when his Excellency entered the room. His emotion, too strong to be concealed, seemed to be reciprocated by every officer present. After partaking of a slight refreshment in almost breathless silence, the General filled his glass with wine, and turning to the
after the General and Governor, will follow the Lieutenant Governor and Members of the Council for the temporary Government of the Southern Part of the State. The Gentlemen on Horse- back, eight in Front - those on Foot, in the Rear of the Horse, in like Manner. Their Excellencies,
after passing down Queen Street, and the line of troops up the Broadway, will alight at Cape's Tavern. The Committee hope to see their fellow citizens conduct themselves with Decency and De- corum on this joyful occasion." Hist. Mag., I, 44. (For fac-simile of original broadside, see p. 564.)
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NEW-YORK DURING THE REVOLUTION
New york Se 1 1783.
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for.
Having mend the barracks & other in this buildings creater Ingthe British doby than abandoned , as acquired by the effortsof the United States, and consequently as their property - Sproposed to fill them forthwith But Since I cann to this slind thave found that the proprietors of forme land on which fuch buildings ftund ane de - finns of considering them as futjest. to than claims , by way of compren . fation for the damages thing have for - tammer from the frontish. For my own park , I think their demands incedrifiable . They make het a . Small part of the numbers who have futtered by the enemy ; but all . whom have an equal right to demand compensation however, to prevent disputer I beg to be favoured with the advice of your Excellency and the Council on the Julipet, by which I shall be governed + + +
Sim Pickering
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HISTORY OF NEW-YORK
New-York, Nov. 24, 1783.
The Committee appointed to conduct the Order of re- ceiving their Excellencies Governor CLINTON and General WASHINGTON,
REG Leave to inform their Fellow-Citizens, that the Troops, under the Command of Major-General KNOX, will take Poffeffion of the City at the Hour agreed on, Tuefday next ; as foon as this may be performed, he will requeft the Citizens who may be affembled on Horfeback, at the Bowling-Green, the lower End of the Broad-Way, to accompany him to meet their Excellencies GovernorCLINTON and General WASHINGTON, at the Bull's Head, in the Bowery --- the Citizens on Foot to affemble at or near the Tea.water-Pump at Frefh-water.
ORDER OF PROCESSION.
A Party of Horfe will precede their Excellencies and be on their flanks --- after the General and Governor, will follow the Lieutenant-Governor and Members of the Council for the temporary Government of the Southern Parts of the State --- The Gentlemen on Horfe-back, eight in Front --- thofe on Foot, in the Rear of the Horfe, in like Manner. Their Excellencies, after paffing down Queen- Street, and the Line of Troops up the Broadway, will a-light at CAPE's Tavern.
The Committee hope to fee their Fellow-Citizens, con- duct themfelves with Decency and Decorum on this joy- ful Occafion.
CITIZENS TAKE CARE !!!
T H E Inhabitants are hereby informed, that Permiffion has been obtained from the Commandant, to form themfelves in patroles this night, and that every order requifite will be given to the guards, as well to aid and affift, as to give protection to the patroles : And that the counterfign will be given to THOMAS TUCKER, NO. 5). Water Street , from whom it can be obtained, if necefary.
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NEW-YORK DURING THE REVOLUTION
officers, said: 'With a heart full of love and gratitude I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable.' After the officers had taken a glass of wine, the General added 'I cannot come to each of you, but shall feel obliged if each of you will come and take me by the hand.' General Knox, being near-
CIVIC RECEPTION OF WASHINGTON AND CLINTON.
est to him, turned to the Commander-in-chief, who, suffused in tears, was incapable of utterance, but grasped his hand, when they embraced each other in silence. In the same affectionate manner every officer in the room marched up to, kissed, and parted with his General-in- chief. Such a scene of sorrow and weeping I had never before wit- nessed, and hope I may never be called upon to witness again. Not a word was uttered to break the solemn silence that prevailed, or to in- terrupt the tenderness of the interesting scene. The simple thought that we were about to part from the man who had conducted us through a long and bloody war, and under whose conduct the glory and independence of our country had been achieved, and that we should see his face no more in this world, seemed to me utterly insup- portable. But the time of separation had come, and waving his hand to his grieving children around him he left the room, and passing through a corps of light infantry, who were paraded to receive him, he walked silently on to Whitehall, where a barge was in waiting.
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NEW-YORK DURING THE REVOLUTION
We all followed in mournful silence to the wharf, where a prodigious crowd had assembled to witness the departure of the man who, under God, had been the great instrument in establishing the glory and independence of these United States. As soon as he was seated, the barge put off into the river, and when out in the stream, our great and beloved General waved his hat and bade us a silent adieu." 1
In his reply to the citizens' address, a few days before, Washington used the following words, the spirit of which has been so wonderfully fulfilled in our day that they will most fitly bring this chapter to an end: " May the Tranquillity of your city be perpetual : May the Ruins soon be repaired, Commerce flourish, Science be fostered, and all the civil and social Virtues be cherished in the same illustrious manner which formerly reflected so much credit on the Inhabitants of New York."
1 An extract from the letter of an officer of the continental army (quoted in Griswold's " Repub- lican Court, " p. 3, N. Y., 1879) reads thus: " I have heard a good deal about the leave-taking at Black Sam's. Happy as was the occasion, and prayed for as it was by him and all patriots, when he might feel there was not an enemy in America, it brought with it its sorrows, and I could hardly speak when I turned from taking my last look of him. It was extremely affecting. I do not think there ever were so many broken hearts in New York as there were that night. That cursed cap- tain carried off Johnson's girl after all. . . . The Chief was told the story by Gen. Knox, and he
said he sincerely sympathized with Johnson. That is like him. He was always touched by every- body's misfortunes. I saw him at the French minis- ter's dinner. He looked considerably worn out, but happy. As to Johnson, he is not alone, by a vast many. These scamps could not conquer the men of this country, but every where they have taken the women, almost without a trial, damn them! But as you say, it's the girls who ought to be damned, who could not hold out against a spruce uniform, nor remember a brave heart. Well it's their weakness. But I'm in the wrong if one of them who has taken a British husband and does not rue it. for which, certainly, I shall not care."
DEPARTURE OF THE BRITISH TROOPS.
PAPERS RELATING TO THE BRITISH PEACE COMMISSION IN AMERICA IN 1778. (Selected from the Stevens " Fac-similes of MSS. concerning America, 1773-83," London, 1891.)!
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I
LAFAYETTE-CARLISLE CORRESPONDENCE COVERING A CHALLENGE TO FIGHT A DUEL (Marquis de Lafayette to Lord Carlisle.)
FISHKILL 5 October 1778
Until now, my Lord, I did not believe that I should ever have any transactions except with your generals, and I only expected to have the honour of seeing them at the head of the troops which are respectively intrusted to us. Your letter of the 26* of August to the Congress of the United States and the insulting phrase towards my country which you have there signed, would alone give me a sufficient reason for demanding satisfaction from you. I scorn to refute it, my Lord, but I wish to punish it. I challenge you as head of the Commission to give a satis- faction as public as the offence has been and as the refutation which follows it will be. This would not have been so long delayed if the letter had reached me sooner. Compelled to be absent for some days, I hope to find your reply on my return. M. de Gimat, a French officer, will make on my behalf the arrangements which may be most agreeable to you. I do not doubt that for the honour of his countryman, General Clinton will place no obstacle in the way. For my part, my Lord, all arrangements are good, provided that to the glorious advantage of being born a Frenchman, I may add that of proving to Lafayette one of your nation that my own shall never be attacked with impunity. (Signed) LAFAYETTE.
To Lord Carlisle at New York.
(Lord Carlisle to Marquis de Lafayette.)
SIR I have received your letter transmitted to me from Mons. de Gimat, and I confess I find it difficult to return a serious Answer to its Contents. The only one that can be expected from me as the King's Commissioner, and which you ought to have known, is that I do and ever shall consider myself solely answerable to my Country and my King and not to any Individual for my public Conduct and Language.
As for any opinion or expressions contained in any publication issued under the Commission in which I have the Honour to be named, unless they are retracted in Public, you may be assured I shall never in any Change of Situation be disposed to give an Account of them much less recall in Public.
The Inquiry alluded to in the Correspondence of the King's Commissioners to the Congress I must remind you is not of a private Nature, and I conceive all national disputes will be best decided by the Meeting of Admiral Byron and the Count d'Estaign. New York, Oct' 11ª, 1778. (Signed) CARLISLE.
1 These documents appear, for the first time in type, here.
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NEW-YORK DURING THE REVOLUTION
II
" SKETCHES OF AMERICAN PUBLIC CHARACTERS AND HINTS FOR THE USE OF THE COMMISSION " : AUTOGRAPH LETTER FROM REV. JOHN VARDILL TO WILLIAM EDEN, ESQ., APRIL 11, 1778. (From the Auckland M88., King's College, Cambridge, England.) 1
SIR : Tho I am sensible that you will derive much better information from others, and am inclined to believe that your Humanity suggested the request in your note, to relieve my mind of pain from a rejection of my former proposal ; yet I will deliver my Opinions without reserve,- persuaded, from your Candour, that they may be as safely trusted with you, as in my own bosom.
To secure the respect of the People in general especially in the Middle and Eastern Provinces, you will find it prudent to maintain a Gravity in your Deportment, to join as little as possible in Carnival Parties & Public Diversions.
The Religious Principle has much influence among them ; you will not therefore display even an appearance of contemning it by neglecting public worship. You will find the Loyalists in general, in America, too much under the impulse of Passion & Prejudice to be relied on for Information, & too obnoxious to the leading Rebels to be of any service in conciliating their affections. You will therefore be difficult of access to them on your arrival, as it will save you the necessity of disobliging them of the pain of perpetual application for assistance & favours. Among those who will first wait on you at New York will be Gov' Tryon & his Council.
Tho a Gentleman of Integrity & Fortitude, Mr. Tryon is made by his Vanity a Dupe to every flattering Imposter. William Smith Esq. who was his Premier managed him by this string & made him suppose, that the whole Dissenting Interest in the Province would obey his Nod. Being deceived & insulted by them, you will find him too much guided by personal Resentment to be trusted. His indiscreet Letter to one of the Rebel Commanders, avowing his inclination to fire every Committee man's House, thro' the Country has made him very odious & rediculous.
His Secretary Col. Fanning is a plausible good natured Gentleman, but of shallow Understanding & held for his affectation in contempt by those in the congress who are acquainted with him. Mess" Morris, White & Wallace are possessed of no influence & not worth your attention.
Genl. Delancey, who also is of the Council, & Mr. James Delancey of the Assembly of New York are remarkable for their good sense knowledge of the Country & influ- ence among the Loyalists. They are possessed of large property in the Province. Mr. James D - has been in England during the War. He is intimate with Burnet & Fox & is related to the Duke of Grafton.
Tho I introduced him a few days ago to L'd. North as a person I wished not to have as an Enemy to the Commission: yet I think he should not be confided in, tho treated with attention, as he will probably correspond with some of the Leaders in Opposition. He is exceedingly open to Flattery, so that, tho naturally reserved, if he finds himself listened to without contradiction & is pampered with praise, he will dis- close his opinions freely & without disguise. He may be a very dangerous Enemy tho it is not in his power to be very useful as a friend.
1 Rev. John Vardill, D. D., was a graduate of Sir Henry Clinton. William Eden was the third King's College, New-York ; in 1774 he was ap- son of Sir Robert Eden, Bart., of West Auckland, Durham, England (born 1744, died 1814) ; Under Secretary of State (1772), Lord of Trade, Commis- sioner to America (1778), Minister to France (1785) ; also Ambassador to Spain and Holland, and Post- master-General; was raised to the British peer- age (1793) as Baron Auckland. pointed assistant rector of Trinity Church, but declined and removed to England. He was in the employ of the British government for a time, but eventually became rector of Skirbeek and Fish- toft, in Lincolnshire, where he died in 1811. Wil- liam Eden was one of the British Commission of 1778; the other members being Lord Carlisle and
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HISTORY OF NEW-YORK
It may deserve your attention, that for many years, two Parties have contended for power in the Province of New York -the one, which was the Church-Interest, headed by the Delancies & the Dissenting led by the Livingstons & Smiths. The latter. who joined the Rebels are now the prevailing Party in the Province - You will there- fore see a reason for not countenancing openly the Delancey-Party, nor meddling, with it, as it will operate strongly in preventing their opponents & governing themselves having been one motive to join in the Rebellion.
Indeed I humbly conceive it will, in general answer no good purpose to show a preference to any man or Family friendly to Government ; but to act without apparent attachment or connection with any.
You will find it of essential importance to engage if possible WILLIAM SMITH, one of the Council of New York, in your Service. He now resides near Albany, & has more influence over the Rebels in the Province than any other person. The titular Gov' Clinton was his Pupil & is his Creature. He is subtle, cool & per- suasive. He corresponded with L' Dartmouth & aspired to be Lieut. Governor of the Province. He may be secured by an application to his Ambition.
John Jay Esq. Chief Justice of the Province & member of the Continental Congress, is possessed of a strong Understanding, tho much perverted by the Study of the Law joined to a temper naturally con- troversial. You can sooner gain him to your opinion by submitting to be confuted by him, than by a direct attempt to convince him. He has but a small fortune and is married to a Daughter of Got' Liring- ston of New Jersey. A prospect of Keeping his present office cf Chief Justice, would probably weigh much with him, as he, before the War, sollicited with Mr. Robert Livingston, thro me, to be appointed a Puisne Judge. He is obstinate, indefatigable, & dogmatical but by his Courage zeal & abilities, as a Writer and Speaker, has much Popularity leads the other Delegates and has much in- fluence with his Father-in-Law.
Robert Livingston Esq. Chancellor & a member of the Continental Congress, is the hope & mainspring of that Family. His Talents are more specious than Solid. He is elegant in his manners, persuasive in his address, without the bitterness and warmth of the Partisan, and desirous of honours & wealth chiefly to employ them in pleasures. A prospect of the eminence of his family & of retaining his present office of Chancellor, will much influence him. Egbert Benson Esq. Attorney Genl. is a person of Probity & plain understanding. He will be guided effectually by the example of the two former Gentlemen in whose abilities he has an implicit confidence.
James Duane Esq. Delegate for the Province, is a plodding Lawyer, whose skill is derived strictly from application to business, of little influence, a slare to avarice & capable of any meanness to gratify it. He is Son-in-Law to M' Liringston of the Manor (whose son lately left England for America favourably disposed toward Gov- ernment) & will follow the Family Interest.
These are the only Persons of the Province of New York in the Congress-cause, who are worthy your attention.
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