USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > The annals of Albany, Vol. II. Second Edition > Part 21
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. The 18 ditto, set out in the evening, and about midnight we saw a light fall down from out the sky to the South, of which we all were perplexed what token this might be.
. The 19 ditto on account of the strong wind we laid still because we could not proceed and we were laying about 3 miles above the Sandbank of Chambly ..
The 20 ditto we sent out spies along the west side of the river Chambly and found there a drawing of a party from
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Canada and 14 palisades to which they had bound their prisoners whom they had fetched from New England.
The 21 ditto we proceeded to about one mile below the above mentioned sandbank of Chambly, when we again sent out spies, who discovered some places where french and savage spies had been keeping double night watch, and that the same had embarked for Chambly. Then, after having first placed our canoes and provisions in safety,
The 22 ditto we pursued our journey by land and travelled that day close under La Prairie - the road being very diffi- cult on account of the softness of the clay, over which we had to travel, so that two of our christians returned to our canoes. Coming through the clay we heard much firing of, musketry, of which we were astonished what it might be.
The 23 ditto in the morning I sent spies towards the fort to see how it was ; returning said all the folks were leaving the fort of La Prairie to cut corn .- Then we resolved in what manner we should hinder them to obtain the fort again, and agreed to do so by intercepting them on their way to. the fort, but by the eagerness of the young savages such was prevented, because christians as well as savages fell on with a war cry which displeased the officer that they fell on without orders having been given, but they made 19 pri- soners and 6 scalps, among which were 4 womenfolk. The first prisoner was examined, asking him, what the firing of yesterday at La Prairie signified ? said, the Governor is yesterday gone away with 800 men and the people discharged their muskets at their departure because their scouts had not heard from us. Then we fell upon their cattle, we pierced and shot to death nearly 150 head of oxen and cows, . and then we set fire to all their houses and barns which we found in the fields, their hay, and everything else which would take fire .- Then we christians resolved to fall upon the fort, but could not move the savages to give.their con- sent to help us to attack the fort ; the fort fired alarms when Montroyal and Chamblé answered, so that we resolved to depart with the prisoners to Albany. A savage of ours was stabbed to death, whom we burned in a barn, and we went that day 7 Dutch miles1 on our way back. Then the savages
1A Dutch mile is equal to about three English miles .- Sewell's Dictionary.
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killed 2 french prisoners because they could not travel on account of their wounds .- A little while after this we sat down to eat and thanked the Governor of Canada for his salute of heavy cannon during our meal-they fired from the morning till 2 o'clock in the afternoon from all three of the forts -- That day we travelled to the river Chambly where our canoes were laying.
The 24 ditto we went as far as fort Lamotte.
The 25 ditto we reached the Sand point, where we shot 2 elks.
The 26 ditto we came to the little stone fort, and from there sent a canoe with men to Albany to bring the news of what had happened to us.
The 27 ditto we proceeded to Canaghsione and there shot 9 elks.
The 28 ditto we reached Wood Creek.
The 29 ditto we have travelled to the little Rapid above Saraghtoge.
The 30 ditto of August we have arrived at Albany, under the command of Captain John Schuyler.
A true copy from the translation in the collection of Manuscripts of the New Jersey Historical Society, at Newark.
S. ALOFSEN, - Member H. Soc. N. J.
List of Albany Commissions by Lieutenant Governor Leisler :
December 1689, Justice & Dedimus Potest., Roelof Swartwout. Dec. 28, 1689, Collector & Sheriff, Richard Pretty ; Clerk, Johannes Cuyler. Oct. 8, 1690, Mayor, . Johannes Wendel ; Justices, Laurens Van Aelen, Reyer Jacobse Schermerhoorn, Barent Pietersen Koeymans, John Thyssen, Claes Van Potter, Myndert Harmensen, Harmen Gansevoort, Jacob Staas, John Naill, Jan Finagel, Jan Janse Bleeker ; Captains, Barent Wemp; Pieter Wogolem, Hans Hendricx ; Lieutenant, Isaac Cornelis Switz ; Ensigne, Douwe Aukus; Towne Major, James Campbell. Nov. 11, 1690, Captain, John Lansing ; Lieutenant, Reynier Barents ; En- sign, Abraham Coyler.
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Att a Court of Mayor &c., July 14, 1691. . Gerrit van Ness pl Jochim Staets, Barent Lewys defts.
The pl demands of the defts ye summe of £3 11s, for 71 inch and half thick plancks delivered to them the 8th of december 1690, as appears by there note under there hands.
The defts confesse to have received said quantity of planks, but that they were for the use of there majesys fort and therefore no ways obliged to pay the same. Umphrey Se- ward and John Carter being sworn in court, declares that Gerrit Van Ness delivered the said planks in the fort, and that they were used in said fort, yt is to say part for the gallerys, the remainder was pyled under the gallerys till ye mayor Pr Schuyler recd the fort, and then the remainder was used for the galleryes yt goes to the house off office and for the prisone house and for the floor of the garde room.
The business deferred till ye next court day.
Att a Court of Mayor &c., July 14, 1691.
Johannes Cuyler atturney for Mrs Anna Cuyler pl Arnout Cornelise defts.
The pl demands of ye deft by bill under his hand and seal, dated the first of Aprill 1687, ye somme of two hundred, ninety and seven gilders, seventeen and } styvers in bevers, to be paid in bevers, which is at 6gl. per lb. is nine and forty lb. and & with cost. Damage 50sh.
The plft confesses ye debt and that it is his hand and seal, neither is he unwilling to pay the same if he were able, and with all prays yt the court would take the case in considera- tion, since the goods were carried to Ottowawa, for to bring those farr nations here to advance the trade of this place --- part whereof was given to the Sinnekes toward the redemp- tion of 9 Ottawawa Indians, and since they were taken by the French and robbed of all they had and made slaves in a manner, desyred time to pay the same.
The court have taken the case into consideration and order the deftt Arnout Cornelise, to pay to ye pl the somme of two hundred ninety seven gilders, seventeen and } stuy- vers in bevers according to obligation, and that in merchan-
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dable bevers of 1} 1b. Duytch weight for 8gl. with costs of sute.
The Indian boy of Pr. Van Wuggelum was examined concerning his having been taken at Klinkenbergh by two French and three Indians.
Att a Court of Mayor &c., August 25, 1691.
The assistants of the citty of Albany, Pl., Johannes Wen- del deft in an action for tradeing with ye Indians at Onnon- dgo, by Arnout Cornelise viele, his corrspondent contrarie to Law and the charter of priviledges of this citty. The deft pleads not guilty. The pt produces two wittnesses, swore before Gerrit Ryerse, justice of the peace, as there testimony will make appear, and yt he did send severall Indian goods to Armout to trade with, as letter to Mr. Wendell doth prove, and return of peltry for payt of the said goods.
The jury brings in there verdict and find ye defent guilty, ye court approves of ye verdict and orderd the defd' to pay a fine of eight pounds, courant money of ye province, cum expences.
Sept. 22, 1691 .- A petion of Jo. van Loon being read, setting forth how that a chest with sundrey goods, a bas- ket of yron worke, and a bell being left with him by Mr. Harrison the priest, which goods were taken away by force and arms by John Cornelise Vyselaer in ye time of ye late revolution, prays that he may be ordered to restour me ye goods according to the inventory taken by John Cuyler, or else to pay all ye damages that ye said van Loon may be freed about it.
Jan Cornelise Vysselaer confesses yt he took the chest, basket and bell, out of John van Loons house, where Will. Hollie livd, and that he did it by order of Jan Bruyn, Jo- hannes Provost and Richd Pretty, sheriffe, which sheriffe putt ye broad arrow upon it.
The court orders that Jan van Loon shall produce ye in- ventory next court day, in order yt ye bussiness may be further inspected into.
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Albany, Oct. 14th, 1691.
This day being appointed by the charter of this citty for ye aldermen of the respective wards to bring there returns of the aldermen chosen for the ensuing year, are as follows :
Livinus van Skaik, Evert Banker, for ye first ward. Jan Janse Bleeker, Jan Lansing, second ward.
Gerrit Reyerse, Joh. Abeel, the 3d ward.
Assistants, Reynier Barents, Hend. van Dyk, 1st ward. Joh. Cuyler, Jan. Vinnagell, 2d ward.
Wessell Ten Brook, Bennony van Corlaer, 3d ward.
Jacob Staets, Joh. de Wandelacr, assessors ; Joh. Becker, constable, 1st ward.
Joh. Beekman, Will. Claese, assessors ; Gysb. Marceles, constable, 2d ward.
Gerrit v. Ness, Albt Ryckman, assessors; Hend. Hanse, constable, 3d ward.
Mayors Court &c., Nov. 3d 1691.
Johannes Bratt p' Jurian van Hoese def. The pl de- clares yt ye deft accused him for stealing { canoe load of water millions. The deft denyes it, where with ye pl was satisfyed and so ye bussinesse was determined.
John Gilbert, Wessell Ten Brook, bakers, prays yt the prise of wheat bread may be rased, since corn is dearer. The court will consider of it.
The representatives for this city, informing ye common council yt ye assembly made an act for the raising of one hundred and fifty men for ye security of ye fronteers of there majestys province in this country, who may be expected here speedily ; it is concluded to quarter them in this city and at ye Greenbush, and ye Island, and at, the mill, and these following persons are appointed to quarter said men, to make there tickets ready for the constable against they come : Reynier Barents, Joh. Cuyler, Wessell Ten Brook, Hend. van Dyk, Jan Vinnagell, Bennony van Corlaer.
But in regarde ye inhabitants are so extreamely impover- ished by this war, in so much yt they are not able to pro- vide and furnish ye souldiers with bedding for the winter ; it is thought convenient to write to ye honorable commander
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in cheiff and councill to desyre them to send up bedding with there men, and if they should not send duffells or blanketts and for yt purpose to request that so much money of ye proportion of this city and county tax towards ye 2000€ act may be appropriated for that use, to buy bed- ding for ye souldiers both of the fuzilleers in toune already, and them that are dayly expected.
Nov. 17, 1691 .- Ordered that the six assistants doe, ac- cording to the resolution of the common councill ye 3d instant quarter the souldiers in towne in their respective wards, and prepare billets for them yt are expected dayly.
The assistants propose yt order may be taken concerning ye burger excyse in the time of the revolution, that it may be collected for the cittyes use. Ordered that this day fort- night a common council be convened in the afternoon at 2 o'clock to consult about this affair.
December 1, 1691 .- Robert Livingston vs. Jan Bronk. The plaintiff demands 180 1b. speck,1 and 418gl. 14st zewant, to be paid in wheat, at 5 skepels per beaver. The deft says yt seven and forty lb. bakon was delivered on ye sade acct, and ought to be deducted off ye 188 lb porke but referrs ye businesse to the bench, and also of ye wheat. The court graunts judgement against ye def to pay 188 lb. porke and ye f 418 : 15 zwt. in money or wheat, yt is tenn pound nine shillings & 44d, with cost, and the sheriffe to take. ye deft in custody till he hath given sufficient security to pay ye same in three weeks time.
Feb. 9, 169} .- The will of Capt. Joh. Wendell proved, by the oaths of Barent Lewis and Gerrit Lansing, and "ye goedvrouw Elizabeth nominated sole executrix."
Robert Livingston vs. Elizabeth van Tricht. The plff. by his declaration demands of ye deft ye somme of £13 19s. for excyse of 3 hhds of rom brought up in July 1689, in Dirk Bensing's boate, and by her received and sellered. The deft confesses yt ye received ye 3 hhds of rom in dispute
1 Pork.
Annals, ii.
21
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into her house and seller, but that shee disposed only of one hhd of 90 gallons, which she will pay, but yt ye other 2 hhd rom belonged to her suster, Lena Rombouts, who hes pro- mised, payment for ye same and given it under her hand, which ye plaintive hes to show, and moreover that her suster had sent the pl. a note whereby she promised to pay the money in the spring.
Whereas there is 3hhds rom landed at Albany out of the boate Unity, Dirk Bensing master, the 3d July, 1689, sellered at widow Van Tricht's house, and being a dispute about the guaging of it, Mr. Jacob Teller owned the rom, the contents of it 90, 90, 91, is gallons 271 and I doe de- clare I know not better but he undertook the payment of it.
[Was signed] WM. SHAW, gager.
The case being given in charge of the following jury, vizt' Reynier Barentse, Hend. Van Dyk, Gerrit Lansing, Evert Wendell, Joh. Bleeker, Isaak Verplank, Jean Rosie, Luykas Gerritse, Pr. Davidtse Schuyler, Abraham Staets, Bay. Croesveld, William Claese Groosbeek. They the said jury after some consideration thereof, came to the barr, de- livered in there verdict, and doe find for the plaintiff. It is therefore considered by ye court that the deft pay to the pl. ye somme of four pounds tenn shillings in currant money of this province for ye excyse of one hhd of 90 gall. accord. to confession and for ye 2 hhds ye pl. may take his remedy against the widow Rombouts, remaining nine pounds nine shill. for ye 2hhd who ouns ye same by her hand writing.
Att a Mayor's Court, June 28, 1692.
Joh. Cuyler, atturney of Isaak & Volkquijn Kip & Toussain Domis merchts. at Amsterdam, vs. Wm. Teller. De- mands by his declaration ye somme of i hundred and eighty- two gilders five stuyers bever, as also an yron ballance with 2 skales and about 300 lbs. yron weights delivered him by Jacob Sanders factor of ye said gent : The deft desyres time for to answer because his books and papers and other evi- dences are at N. Yorke. The court graunt ye deft time till ye next court day to answer; except he produce som mate- riall reason why he should not be ready.
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Joh. Rooseboom vs. Gerrit Luykasse. The Pl. complains against Gerrt Luykasse in an action of defamation yt he ye Deft did say to ye Pl. you, meaning the said Joh. are a rogue and dogg, and diverse other base scandalous and ma- litious words against ye s1 Joh. did expresse and him did threaten to strike, challingeing him ye said Joh. to fight, whereby he ye sd Joh. hath lost his good name, credit and reputation, to ye dammage of him ye s1 Johannes 150£. The Pl. [def.] in his oune proper person comes into the court and defends and says he is not guilty in manner and form as ye Pl. declares against him, and thereof puts himself upon ye countrey. Jury-Hend. Van Dyk, Eghb. Teunise, Bennony Van Corlear, Johannes Beekman, Johannes Apeell, Hend. Bries, Mynd' Harmense, David Schuyler, Hans. Hendrikse, Hend. Hanse, Joh. Van Sante, Jonas Volkertse. The jury bring in there verdict and fynde the Def. not guilty. It is therefore considered by ye court yt the Deft be freed of ye Pl. sute, and ye Pl. orderd to pay costs of court.
Bata Cloet wife of J. Cloet prisoner at Canida Pl. vs. Sander Glen & Barent Wemp executors of Sweer Teunise Def. The Pl. demands nine pounds six shillings and six- pence for ye remaining payt of a negroe called Jacob, sold by old Joh. Cloet to Sweer Teunise, and produces ye book of sd John Cloet sen. kept by her husband John Cloet Jun. [The defts. ask time.]
Att a Common Councill &c., July 23, 1692.
The assistants of this citty doe complain agains Johannes, Bratt, Pietre Villeroy, David Keteleyn, Willem Hendrikse Hend. Janse and Daniel Bratt, for trading with the five nations, against the charter priviledges of this city, pray yt they may be apprehended and presented according to law. .
The cous'l will consider of it till to morrow morning at 7 o'clock ; in ye meantime order Mr. Livingston to inquire where they are, and what there intentions is for such a breach.
July 24, 1692 .- The common councill being again con- veined to consider about these persons tradeing with ye five nations, contrary to law, mentioned in the record yesterday : and doe order yt Johannes Bratt, David Ketelheyn, Pr
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Villeroy, Willem Hendrikse, Hend. Janse and Daniel Bratt, doe each pay ye somme of five pounds fine. Mr. Wessels and Mr. Gow who are to account with the city treasurer for ye same in ye space of 3 days time, and gave a bond of fifty pounds each, not to doe the like offence in ye space of a year and a day; and they that are in the county doe not comply with this order, then 'a warrant to issue out to appre- hend ym and to try them before any court of record in this county or province, according as ye law directs.
And in regard yt Johannes .Claese and Johannes Luykasse are also gone to trade to the 5 nations, against ye Laws of this place after they were fetched bak in contempt of the authority ; they are also to pay each seven pounds tenn shillings courant money upon there arrival, and give bonde of £50 a ps not to trade soe in a year and a day, and they not complying with this favorable order, then to be prose- cuted according to law.
July 27, 1692 .- The common council are convened upon ye request of Johannes Barentse Bradt and David Ketelheijn and there friends in behalfe of themselfs and the other 4 who have transgressed ye court and orders of this citty in trade- ing with ye 5 nations, contrare to law, who were ordered to pay a fine ye 24th instant of five pounds a piece, and declare that they have lost by there journey; and moreover that. they were willing to give all yt they had in ye world for liberty to depart from this place to gett a livelihood, since there parents is not able longer to maintain them. Where- upon the common council have considered there request, and order yt they severally shall give bonds of fifty pounds not to doe the like offence in a year and a day, and have remitted ye fine of five pounds a piece, to forty shillings a piece for ye six, to witt. Johannes Bradt, David Ketelheyn, Pr. Villeroy, William Hendricks, Hendrick Janse and Daniel Bradt, which fine of forty shillings a piece is to be paid in eight days by ye said Joh. Bradt and David Ketel- heyn and by ye other foure as soon as they return ; that sd persones to pay for this charges 3s. a piece, and a piece of eight for the bonds.
July, 1692 .- The justices have concluded to prohibite ye selling of strong drink, good bier and syder to the Indians for ye space of a month, upon penalty of being secured and
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1
imprisoned till such time ye commander in cheiff and coun- cill be acquainted with it and yn to incurr such penalty as ye councill shall think fitt.
Oct. 14th, 1692 .- This day being appointed by the char- . ter of this citty for the aldermen of the respective wards to bring there returns of the aldermen chosen for the ensuing year.
Livinus van Schaik, Evert Banker (aldermen); Reynier Barentse, Hend. van Dyk (assistants); Jan Becker, Doude Johannes Dwanelaer (assessors) ; and Pr. Verbrugh (con- stable), first warde.
Jan Janse Bleeker, Jan Lansing (aldermen) ; Joh. Roose- bom, Abraham Cuyler (assistants) ; Joh. Appell, Joh. Beek- man (assessors) ; Hend. Bries (constable), second warde.
Joh. Abeell, Albt Ryckman, (aldermen) ; Wessell Ten Brook, Eghbt Teunise, (assistants) ; Garrt Reyers, Jacob Staets, (assessors); Gerrt Vanness, (constable), sworne. High constable Hend. Hanse, sworne. John Becker, (treasurer), sworne.
By the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Albany.
Whereas divers persons, inhabitants of this city doe pre- sume to sell drink by retaile without lycence, to ye great dammage of ye revenue of this place and the increase of debauchery and wickedness ; we doe therefore hereby pub- lish and declare yt no person inhabiting or sojourning with- in ye citty and county of Albany, doe directly or indirectly sell any drink to Indian or Christian, without a lycence, under ye hand of ye mayor and ye seal of this citty, upon ye penalty of five pounds, to be applyed one half to the citty and one half to the informer, which said lycences for the future always are to terminate yearly upon ye 14th day of Oct. And whereas the bakers doe bake and sell the wheat bread which offtimes wants above a quarter of a pound; it is hereby ordered that no baker shall expose to sale any wheat bread that shall weigh lesse than a lb. English weight, upon ye penalty of five pounds and the forfeiture of the bread to be applyed to ye use aforesaid.
Given at ye citty hall this 29 day of Nov. 1692.
Ordered that the sheriffe have a warrant to levy the lycence money from the 14th Oct. 1691, to 14th Oct. 1692,
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and a list to be given him accordingly ; and in regarde that ye retaileing of liquor this summer was prohibited for ye Indians, ye common councill doe abate one moeyty or half of ye lycence money from ye 14th Oct. 1691, to the 14th of Oct. 1692.
Whereas ye Indian house upon the hill goes to dekay of want of being lookt after, ye sherriffe Joh. Appell is re- quired to see each trader ride a load of wood to the said house, and if they refuse he is to cause it to be ridd for them, and to levy so much money of the goods and chattels of ye delinquents as shall satisfy ye same.
Nov. 29th, 1692 .- William Shaw, searcher and waiter of this port doth exhibite an information to this court giving to understand that he seized 211 barrs of lead at ye landing place, upon ye cart of Hans Cross, on Sept. last which was come from New Yorke and had not payd ye duty according to law, and haveing affixed bills at the church door, for ye owner to appear and answer, and none appearing craves judgemt of condemnation according to law. It is therefore . considered by ye court yt the said 211 barrs of lead be con- demned and is hereby condemned as prize and forfeit one third for there majesty, one third to ye governor and one third for ye said Mr. William Shaw, ye former.
Whereas the citty's stockadoes are much gone to decaye and nothing more requisite than yt in these dangerous times of warr ye cittyes should be well fortyfyed, it is resolved ne- mine contradicente, yt the inhabitants of this citty to ride this winter so many stockadoes as can be placed from ye north point of ye fort to ye point at ye riverside, behinde ye wedw of David Schuylers, and from ye southside of ye fort to ye kill or creek, commonly called Rattes kill, and to ye end yt each inhabitant according to there capacity doe de- liver an equall proportion of stockadoes. Capt Bank and Mr. Abeeland Mr. Blecker are appointed to measure ye ground and calculate how many stockadoes of a foot over and 13 foot long will be needfull to be placed, and alderman Banker, Lans- ing and Ryckman, with the common council are to make a divi- dend how much each person is to ride out, and to acquaint them of it before ye 15 of December next in order yt ye stockadoes may be ride out, and if any bring stockadoes yt
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are not a foot over and 13 foot long they shall be forfeit, and ye person is to ride oyrs in there room.
Whereas several persons have neglected to fetch fyrewood for ye citty guards with the sloops this fall, they commission officers are required to warn these people to fetch there pro- portion of fyrewood now with canoes before ye river shut up, and the citty will provide canoes accordingly.
February 7th, 1693 .- Orderd yt a warrant be issued im- pouring ye sheriffe, Johannes Appel, to levy ye money standing out upon lycence, by distresse of there goods and chattels yt have neglected to pay ye same.
Orderd also yt a warrant be directed to ye constables of . each ward, to distrain those yt have neglected to bring there proportion of fyrewood to the town gards, for each load of wood yt they are obliged to bring, 6g! z. or two load of wood and yt forthwith with out delay.
· Memorandum dat de Maijor, Aldermans & Common Councill van dese stadt Albanij ter eenre en d justices van d countij ter andere sijde, zijn geaccordeert te weeten. Present, Pieter Schuyler, mayor, Jan Janse Bleeker, John Lansing, Joh. Abeel, aldermen : Hend. Van Dyk, Wessell ten Brook, assistants; Cap Marte Gerritse, Cap, Sand. Glenn, Dirk Teunissen, Capt Gerrit Teunise, Pieter Vosburgh, justices.
Hebbende eerst woll nagesien & opgenomen alle de schulden die dese stad en countij ten agteren zijn als meede gerekent en geincludeert dese reijs van d assemblij mannen Mr. Wessels & Mr. Schaijk sijnde tegen wordigh tot N. Yorke idem d salaris van d clerck Mr. Livingston & mar- chall James Parker, neffons d voorleser Hendrik Rooseboom, haer lieden lopende jaer gagie eijndight alle in d herfst naest komende. Bedragende in 't geheel d somma van drie hondt en sestigh pond currant gelt. Waervan d stadt moet betalen drie hondt pond mits houdende aen zijn selven haer excijs op de rom stadts cost nijm op d wilde goederen en lycencen. In de stadt, &c. En d county Schinnechtady geexqueert moet betalen sestigh pond en vier pond aen James Parker voorgedane Aº 1690. En verder blijven d
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