USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > The annals of Albany, Vol. IV > Part 8
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The Albany Records.
topic which deserves our serious consideration, and we de- layed thus our final decision till the next spring.
* * *
* *
What regards the collection of tithes and other taxes in the Colony of Rensselaerwyck, we will consider this point a little longer, and communicate to you our inten- tion in the spring, while you must endeavor to execute it in conformity to the proposal made 27 Jan., 1656.
[Vol. 4, p. 222.] We intended to have sent by this op- portunity upon the petitions of the Inhabitants of Fort Orange, and the villages Beverwyck a Bell for their new constructed church-at the same time two others for the villages Midtwout and Heemstede. But as these are not made for sale beforehand, and the shortness of time would not permit that it now might be effected so till these may be expected together in the next spring.
[Vol. 4, p. 233.] In this vessel is sent a small bell, which had been solicited by the Inhabitants of Fort Or- ange and the village of Beverwyck, to adorn their new constructed little church [Klokje Kerkje]. Whereas the 25 Beavers which were brought hither by Dirck Jans Croon were greatly damaged, while he intended to defray from their sale the payment of a pulpit, and by which misfortune this sum was not sufficient, so we listened to his persuasion and advanced him f 75, [$30] with a view to inspire that society with a more ardent zeal. What regards the two other small bells for the villages Mitwout and Heemstede, these too shall ere long be ready and be sent in the first vessels.
[Vol. 4, p. 239] May 26, 1657. We have engaged here for your assistance as Counsellor, John De Decker, before Collector at Fort Orange. As we have observed from time to time that the finances of the Company go back- ward, so we have peculiarly committed their care to said Decker, for which he shall receive, beside the f 50 as counsellor, f 25 per month, and f 200 annually for his boarding.
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[Vol. 4, p. 247.] The satisfaction which the Inhabitants. of Fort Orange and the village of Beverwyck have shewn at the administration and direction of the Counsellor La Montagne induce us to continue him for the present as collector and vice Director.
[Vol. 4, p. 256.] We hear with regret that the colony of Rensselaerwyck does persevere in their uncouth notions and can not by any means whatever be persuaded to pay the tithes or any other taxes-which is so unreasonable and can not be indulged in for the dreadful unavoidable consequences. It is our wish that you will make one ef- fort more and by an obstinate refusal to compel them in compliance by execution.
[Vol. 4, p. 287.] We have been pleased with the com- position about the tithes in which you entered among others with the Colony of Rensselaerwyck so that we shall not make the least alteration in it even if the Dele- gates of said colony addressed themselves to us, to whose entreaties we would not in such a case pay any regard but maintain the agreement which you concluded with the colonists, and whereas the company's interest is deeply engaged in this affair, so is your Hon. seriously recom- mended to pursue the same method from time to time.
[Vol. 4, p. 301.] (25th April, 1659.) Since we dis- patched our last letter of 13 Feb. by the vessels the Truth and the Otter we received from the Patroon and Directors of the colony of Rensselaerwyck a remonstrance which is filled with various complaints of a similar nature as former ones with the only addition of their griefs about the exaction of the tithes and the imposed duties on the wines and beer which are consumed in the Colony of Rensselaerwyck. We reconsidered upon these two last points what has passed in June 1656 between you and John Baptista Rensselaer and approve your answer on that remonstrance. We could have wished, that you had not enlarged so much on the burthen of the Patroon and Directors in the maintenance of their servants. So too Sir! that you had left out the words "or by impartial &c." while by these you seem to favour in some measure the uncouth pretexts of these men, as if they could free them-
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selves of paying the tythes when the provided in the sala- ry of their clergymen especially so if the decision was left to impartial judges in which they have often tried to suc- ceed. But we can not discover one solid reason why we should comply with this demand neither deem it at pre- sent prudent and serviceable to the company's interests, which otherwise could not dread such an investigation while she herself has many grounds of complaint against the Patroon and Directors, on which we in time intend to demand satisfaction, which points together with the pro- visional answer given by us on their remonstrance we have transmitted to your Hon. with the request that you may communicate your opinion upon to us, and reflect if you have yet any thing else to the charge of the Patroon and Directors. We can not discover from the privileges and exemptions to which they constantly appeal, that we should not have preserved the right and authority to ap- point a sheriff in that colony, wherefore we command you to appoint and qualify a proper person to that office.
We would nevertheless give your Honour in serious consideration, with a view to give the least possible of- fence if it would not be proper to reappoint the present sheriff Swart, who shall not hesitate in his compliance as he before took his oath to the company, provided said sher- iff in such a case should receive his instruction and com- mission from your hands in the name of the company as the supreme Patrons and Souverains under their High Might. the States General. If you approve this then you may proceed, or even in any other proper manner as you should consider yet more advisable, and take hold of the first favorable opportunity to execute this measure, while you are further recommended to continue with the exac- tion and collecting of the tithes and other duties in said colony, as usual till you receive contrary orders.
[Vol. 4, p. 317.] All unnecessary expences are to be avoided, costly undertakings ought to be delayed till the purse is swollen. In this manner might in our opinion have been delayed the building of the house in Fort Orange by the collector La Montagne which shall no doubt cost a great sum to the company.
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[Vol. 4, p. 318.] We have no objection to the appoint- ment and salary of the sheriff of Rensselaerwyck and authorize you to grant him the same salary which he ob- tained before from said colony, which in our opinion can not be but moderate because similar officers chiefly de- pend on their fines and penalties.
[Vol. 4, p. 331.] We observe in regard to the views of the English, who it seems are contemplating to make a settlement not upon the north river about the Wapping Creek, but at no great distance above Fort Orange, by which they might be eventually enabled to intercept our Beaver trade. Your Hon's. reasons are so irresistible and the example how we have been dealt with by that nation on the Fresh Water River so impressive and instructive that they must not be permitted to make any encroach- ment whatever upon us. If this however happened with- out our knowledge in a clandestine manner, then your Hon. ought to dislodge them directly, by friendly persua- sion if they will listen to it or by force if they should make resistance,
( 98 )
THE CITY RECORDS. 1699 TO 1705 .*
Att a Mayor's Court, held in Albany the 22d of Aug. 1699: - Present, Hend. Hanse, mayor; Jan Janse Bleeker, recorder; Johannis Cuyler, Jan Vinhagen, Albert Ryckman, aldermen.
Elizabeth ye widow of Wouter Utthoft produces the ac- count of charges for ye funerall &c. of Jan Verbeek, amounting to f 286, whereto ye Recorder Jan Janse Bleeker and Albert Ryckman, aldermen, are appointed to revise ye same and to make returne ye next court day.
Att a meeting of ye Justices in ye Citty Hall of Albany yº 22d of August, 1699 :- Present, Hend. Hanse, Jan Janse Bleeker, Dirk Wessels, Joh. Cuyler, Jan Vin- hagen, Albert Ryckman, Gerrit Teunise, Dirk Teu- nise, justices.
Whereas on ye 18th instant ye second warrant was is- sued to ye Constable of Catskill or Coxhacky, to summon ye following persons, viz: Dirk Teunise, Jan Albertse & Jacob Casperse, to appear here this day, Gerrit & Dirk Teunise and Jan Bronk only appearing hitherto, and still doe fynde Jan Albertse and Jacob Casperse to be absent, not knowing whether ye Constable has served ye sd war- rant, therefore can not so timely give Return to ye Left. Governour and Councill's order as was required.
Att a Common Councill held in Albany this 10th day of Octobr, 1699 :- Present, Hend. Hanse, mayor; J. J. Bleeker, recorder ; Hend. Van Rensselaer, Jan Vin- hagen, Joh. Cuyler, Albert Rykman, Joh. Bleeker, Ev. Wendell, Joh. Mingael, aldermen.
Capt. Kiliaen van Rensselaer gelieft to betalen aen V. E.
* See Annals, vol. 3, pp. 7 to 56.
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Broeder Hend. van Rensselaer, 't gene gij nogh schudligh zyt in stads boek, volg: acccordatie voor desen
Restant, f 102
Idem by accordatie 28 Dec. 1698,. 440
Samen £13:11 tot slot van V. E. Rek.
Pr. Vosburgh & Jan Tysen.
Betaelt aen Mr. Hend. Rensselaer of toonder deser de restant van tax by Mr. Jan Becker, salg .... f 140:18 Idem by Antho. Brad van een accordatie,. 448 : 5
Id vander Laeste, accord. 28 Dec., '98,. . ... 45 :
Samen £15 : 17 : 1 tot slot van V.E. Rek. tot den 14 Oct., 1698, aldus in Albany desen 10 October '99. N. B. Inge- vallen de debitcurs eenige pretentie mogten maken tegen eenige der voorsz posten sulx sal als dan d' Commonality moeten bevorderen.
Was getekent, HEND HANSE, Mayor. JAN VINHAGE, alderm.
JOH. BLEEKER, asst.
Nov. 14, 1699 .- It is resolved by ye Mayor, Aldermen and Commonality, that ye highways and bridges within ye limitts of ye citty shall be repared, and thereto is ap- pointed Luykas Gerritse, Joh. Thomase & Gt van Ness, who are to inspect therein and order ye same to be Re- pared, and cause account of ye charges to be given in to Mr. Mayor, which they are in no ways to omitt.
It 'is further ordered that the sheriff shall give warning to ye Carmen not to Ride for ye Inhabitants without they have obtained ye Mayor's licence.
Nov. 21 .- It is resolved by the Mayor, Recorder, Alder- men & Assistants, that a tax of three hundred load fyre wood be laid and assessed upon ye Inhabitants of this Citty, for the suppley of ye Blockhouses, and that war- rants be issued to ye assessors to make their assessments and to deliver the same to Mr. Mayor in the space of twice twenty-four hours ensueing ye date.
It is further Resolved that ye Blockhouses on ye Plain be repaired upon ye Citty charges.
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Att a Mayors Court held in ye Citty Hall of Albany, this 27th of November, 1699.
Johannis Cuyler, attorney for Cornelis Swart, doth ap- pear, still desiring the summe of fifty shillings of ye Estate of Jan Verbeek deceased may be allowed to defray part of an obligation signed by said Verbeek to ye aforesaid Cor- nelis Swart, dated ye 13th Sept., 1695. The Court are of opinion that it be Referred till one year and six weeks be expired ensueing ye decease of said Jan Verbeek, which was on ye 4th March last, and all such persons as doe pre- tend to said Estate shall give in thare accounts before the expiration of ye aforesaid time.
- Att a Common Councill held in Albany ye 29th Nov., 1699 :- Present, Pr. van Brugh, mayor; Jan Janse Bleeker, recorder; Joh. Schuyler, Da. Schuyler, Joh. Roseboom, Albert Ryckman, Wessel ten Brook, alder- men; Jacobus Turke, Hend. Oothout, Joh. Bleeker, Luy. Gerritse, Gert van Ness, Joh. Mingael, ass'ts.
The Gentlemen of the Common Council were convened by the Mayor, to consult about ye frecing ye Citty of ye charge of maintaining two Blockhouses with fireing this winter; since ye Inhabitants who have been so much im- poverished by ye late war think it a hardship to find ye Souldiers firewood in peaceable times, and therefore think yt ye fourteen men yt lye in ye south Blockhouse may be lodged in his Majesties fort. Whereupon Coll. Schuyler and Mr. Livingston, members of his Majesties Councill, were sent for, for their advice, as also Capt. James Weems ye commandant.
And after the matter was debated it was concluded yt if ye fort could receive ye sª 14 men it would be a great ease to ye Citty, and for ye main guard ye Common Coun- cill would take care to establish a Ratle Watch for this winter.
The Mayor and Aldermen and Commonality being morally assured yt ye sd 14 men can be lodged in ye fort without disturbance to those already garrisoned there are of opinion yt ye men lyeing in ye South Blockhouse be removed to ye Fort, with beds and bedsteads, and ye
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guard drawn of ye main guard, where they will put a Ratle Watch, and Capt. Weems told the Gentlemen he would draw off ye guard, and double ye guard in ye Fort, and would use all his endeavors to ease ye Citty, and would goe up and see; but withal told the Gentlemen yt he believed Mr. Hend. Hanse, late mayor, who has ye furnishing of ye forts wood will think it a hardship. Whereupon ye Common Councill say yt if he declines ye furnishing ye fort with firewood, they will undertake it for ye same price he has.
Conditien waerop de Mayer, Aldermens & Commonality van voornemens zyn de Ratelwagh te besteeden aen John Rateliffe en Robert Barret, voor den tydt van een jaer ingangh nemende op huyden de 29th November 1699, en eyndigen de 29 November, 1700. De voorsz. twee per- sonen nemen aen om beyde te half negene alle avonden op de main guard te syn & daer de geheele naght te bly- ven alwaer, sy vuyr maken sullen de hout op stadts kosten gelevert te worden, en alle uren in den naght sullen zy de ronde doen met een lantheeren als het donker weer is, dat is een van de twee personen beginnende te 10 uyre savonts en so alle ure tot dat de dagh naekt, eff light be- gint te worden sullende alle oogen blyken off yder corte spatie roepen de uyr van de nacht als mede wat voor weder en wint dattel is en de ronde die sy doen moeten alle uyres is als volght: Sy sullen beginnen aen de main guard en so de Brower straet langhs tot aen de brugh by Coll. Schuylers, weder daer van daen de Jonnker straet langhs tot aen de hoek van Johannis de Wandelaers en dan de Bergh langhs tot aen Alderman Joh. Roseboom, en dan in de Parrel straet, en die straet langhs tot aen de hoek by Gysbert Marselessen, en so de straet daer Bries woont aff nae de maingard.
Wanneer hy eenigh brant sien (dat Godt verhoede), off enigh dievery plegen off andere onheyle op de straet, snaghts sy sullen allarm ratelen en roepen, cloppende de naeste buyre op haer bekent makende van d onleyle.
Voor welke dienst d voorsz. twee personen hebben bedongen 's jaerlijks voor haer beyde, de summa van twee en twentigh Pont sixteen schellings, currant gelt, om be-
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taelen te syn alle vieren deel 's jaers door stadts trea- surer, en 80 vueren hout om aen de maingard 's jaerlyks gelevert werden dogh indien het moghte gebueren dat gedurende haer Jaer een Militare waght mochte gestelt syn, so sullen zy betaelt worde nae de proportie van die tydt dat se gedient hebbe, sullende haer dienst met het waken ophouden en neder ingaen als de militare waght op hout.
NOTE .- The purport of the above is, that John Rateliffe and Robert Barrett were appointed a night watch for one year; who were to patrol the streets every night from ten o'clock to day- light, with a lantern and a rattle; beginning at the guard house they were to proceed along Brewer street to the bridge, at Col. Schuyler's, from thence through Yonker street to Johannes de Wandelaer's corner, and then along the hill to Alderman Johan- nes Roseboom's, and thence through Pearl street to Gysbert Marselis's corner, and then through the street where Bries lived back to the guard house. When they saw fire, or thieves, or any other mischief, they were to raise an alarm. For which service they were to receive £22:16, or about $28 each, for the year.
Dec. 6, 1699 .- It is resolved that a Tax of 80 load fyrewood be laid and assessed upon ye Inhabitants of this Citty for the supply of ye Ratle watch, and that a warrant be issued to ye assessors to make an assessment thereof, and make return under hand and seale to Mr. Mayor in ye space of twice twenty-four hours ensuing this date. As also to make an assessment upon the Inhabitants aforesaid for ye summe of thirty pounds, and make return of ye same, in ye space as afore expressed unto Mr. Mayor.
Dec. 12, 1699 .- Whereas several complaints are made that ye Indian house standing on ye hill on ye south side of ye Mohogg Path, are dayly broak off and ye planks sto- len, wherefore ye sheriff, Thomas Williams, is appointed to care to hinder such irregular doings, and to repair the said house and ye oyrs, and be kept account thereof till further order, wherefore he is allowed ye summe of thirty shillings to be paid by all such persons within this Citty as doe make profession in Indian trade, and further all such person or persons as are founde breaking or taking away of any ye planks from said house or houses, shall be fined in ye summe of six shillings.
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Whereas complaints are made that ye Citty Stockadoes near ye fort are dayly cutt by the soldiers lyeing therein, it is therefore resolved that ald'n David Schuyler and Jacobus Turke assistant, doe make inquire of ye matter, who return ye following Report, that they acquainted the commander of said fort thereof, and desyred the meaning whether it was done willingly or out of necessity, who replyed that Hend. Hanse, who as he believed was obliged to furnish good fyrewood, had delivered none else than young green pine for one months time, whereby he said ye gentlemen might judge if it was not for want; notwith- standing since last Saturday when he first heard of ye cutting of sd stockadoes, he strictly discharged it.
Request of Mrs. Cathaleen Schuyler to plead, whereby she desyred ye quantity of 14 foot grounde on ye north of her Lott in ye third warde near to ye Blockhouse may be sold to her, being willing to pay ye summe of 15s for each foot, which ye Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty took in con- sideration, and putt it to ye vote, who are most of opinion that it will be prejudiciall to ye Citty, since it will reach too near ye Citty stockadoes, therefore doe not consent.
It is further Resolved, according to former Custome, yt ye following persons, Maj. Dirk Wessels, Recorder Jan Janse Bleeker, and Jacobus Turke assistant, shall inspect peruse and make up the account of ye Citty and Countyes charges for ye late year by the treasurer, and make re- turn thereof next Tuesday, which will be ye 19 of ye inst.
Mr. Jan Vinhagen and Mr. Joh. Cuyler being committed by ye rest of ye Elders and Deakens of ye Dutch Reformed Church of ye Citty of Albany, doe request ye Mayor, Al- dermen and Assistants of ye sd Citty, that instead of ye 25 Rodd of Land &c. from ye south side of ye Beavers Creek, which was sold by ye Commonality of sd Citty on ye 29 Novr, 1698, now may be transported all ye Cittyes- Land on ye south of said Creek to ye bounds of yº Manor of ye Colony Rensselaerswyk, to begin from ye bounds of ye heirs of Capt. Marten Gerritse deceased, and ends at ye westermost part of ye dam or pond, and from thence about south soweast to ye bounds of sd manner, and so downe east warde, includeing all ye right of said Citty on ye south [ Annals iv.] 10
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side of said kill, as aforesaid, and that theretofore was sold and now shall be agreed for together, be included in a second transport for ye behooffe of said Church; where- upon it was further agreed by ye Common Councill with ye said Vinhagen and Cuyler, yt ye conveyance as afore- mentioned shall be made forthwith. And yt ye Elders and Deakens for ye time being shall pay more unto ye Commonality for ye time being ye summe of seven pounds tenn shillings currant money of this Province, to witt four pounde by ye eight pound which shall be due ye 31st of December next, and three pounds ten shillings by ye four pound due ye last of December, 1700.
N. B. Received from ye Elders and Deakens aforesaid, on ye 30th December 1699, the summe of twelve pounds to witt ye eight and four pounds as aforementioned. N. B. Ye £3:10 & £4:4 resigned by ye Mayor, Alder'n & Com- monality to Joh. Cuyler, to be received when due, to witt, on ye last of December 1700, being in full between ye sd Commonality and ye Elders and Deakens aforesaid.
Att a meeting of ye Justices of ye Citty and County of Albany, ye 28th of December, 1699 :- Present, Pieter van Brugh, Jan Janse Bleeker, Joh. Schuyler, David Schuyler, Joh. Roseboom, Albert Ryckman, Dirk Wessels, Gerrit Teunise, Ryer Schermerhorn, Jan Casperse, Jan Tyse, Pieter Vosburgh, Casper Leen- dertse, Justices.
Whereas ye assessors of Kinderhook lately hath as- sessed the Island of Barent Pieterse Coeymans, called Shallers Island, which doth not belong to their precink. although so collected and received to ye late tax ye summe of ten guilders without orders. It is therefore resolved that ye same be restored, whereto ye Justices of Kinder- hook, Jan Tyse and Pieter Vosburgh doe promise to re- turn ye sd summe of money into ye hands of Barent Pie- terse Coeymans, so that ye sd Barent Coeymans may pay his Tax in Catskills warde, according to order.
After ye Justices have vizited ye City and Countys ac- count of arrearages from the 14th of October 1698 to the 14th of October 1699, have concluded, agreed and doe promise to contribute thereunto as follows, vizt.
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The City Records.
Citty of Albany,
£
Cattskill and Coxhacky, 18
Kinderhook,
18
De Colony,
6
Schennechtady,
And to James Parker, vizt.
From Catskill &c.,
£0:12s
Kinderhook,
12s
Colony,
12s
Schuyler, -
12s
- £2:8
And it is further resolved that ye above summes of money shall be paid unto the Citty Treasurer at or before ye first of March next ensueing.
Att a Common Councill held in ye Citty of Albany ye 6th of January, 15gg.
Whereas complaints are made yt ye high wayes and bridges of ye Citty are out of repair, it is therefore tho't convenient yt ye following person be appointed to see the same orderly made upon ye Citty's costs, to witt, Luykas Gerritse, and yt in space of four days ensuing this date.
Att a Court of Mayor, Aldermen and Commonality held in Albany this 9th day of January, 1488.
Whereas on 28th of December last, the Justices of the County have contributed to the Citty and County's ar- rearages from ye 14th of October 1698, to ye 14th of Oc- tober, 1699, as follows :
Ye Colony, £ 6
Catskill & Coxhacky, 18
Kinderhoek, 18
Shennechtady,
Which is distributed as follows; To Maj. Dirk Wes- sels the £6 due from the Colony aforesaid; to Mr. Liv- ingston ye £18 from Coxhacky and Catskill; to Recorder Bleeker and Hend, Hanse assemblyman ye £18 from Kin- derhoek.
-
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The City Records.
Att a meeting of the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and
Justices of' ye Citty and County of Albany, Je 23d of January, 1493.
Whereas severall persons of ye Citty and County are gone to cutt pine trees within ye County of Albany, and since a proclamation from ye Governour and Council bearing date ye 22d of September last is published here at Albany, which doth prohibite and restraine all persones upon any score or pretence whatsoever, from cutting downe, girdling, takeing off ye bark, or otherwise hurting or destroying any pine trees standing on any unappropri- ated land within ye county aforesaid, that shall be of greater magnitude than six foot round, wee therefore command you where you find any persone or persones so cutting, girdling, taking off ye bark, hurting or destroy- ing any pine trees standing on any unappropriated Land within this county upwards of ye bigness as aforemen- tioned, to forbid ye same, and to seize upon all such trees, loggs as you shall fynde so cutt downe.
To the Sheriffe of ye Citty &
County of Albany, or his deputyes.
Att a meeting of ye Mayor, Aldermen and Common Council held in ye Citty Hall of Albany, ye 23d of January, 1598.
The request of Cornelis Bogardus by ye mouth of Mr. Willm de Meyer to be admitted a schoolmaster for ye Citty is taken in consideration and unanimously doe graunt ye same, as also a freeman of this Citty upon his arrivall.
Jan. 20 .- Whereas a Letter directed to Col. Peter Schuyler from Canada from ye Jesuit Bruas, who when ambassador here last summer to my Lord Bellomont, bought any horses here in this country, which at their de- parture from hence to home were left here, and now de- syreing Coll. Schuyler to direct said horses by ye bearers &c. Christian Indians, which Letter Coll. Schuyler pro- duces to ye meeting, desyreing their advice therein, since a prohibition is made against transportation of horses to Canada; whereupon it is put to ye vote, and most of opinion that it is not in their power to allow ye same ;
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