USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > The annals of Albany, Vol. VI > Part 5
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The Comrs Rec a letter from his Excellency dated ye 31th of October last and is as followth [Letter missing.]
The Reverend Mr. Wm Andrews Missionary for the Mohocks sent by the honourable Society for propagation the Gospel in foreign parts was desired to meet the Comrs with the Reverend Mr. Tho. Barclay, who came. It was then ordred that the said letter should be read unto them which was done, and told Mr Andrews that they would at all times give him all the assistance that Lays in their power for accomplishing so Good a work as he Is sent for,
for which he Gave the Comrs Many thanks.
At a Meeting of the Comrs of the Indian affairs in Al- bany ye 15th day of Novr 1712. Present Pr Schuyler Johs Schuyler K. Vn Renselaer Hend Hansen R In- goldesby Mynd. Schuyler P. Vn Brugh.
This day a letter from his Grace My Lord Arch B. of Canterberry dated ye 29th of May last to the Sachims of the Six Nations of Indians was delivered to the Sachims of the Maquas Country and read unto them, the contents whereof was Interpreted by Lawce Clasen, which letter was ordered to be recorded in these Minutes on the re- quest of the Reverend Mr Thomas Barclay. [Letter not found.]
The Reverend Mr Andrews Missionary to the Mohawk Indians told the sd sachems that he is Sent by her Most Excellent Majesty the queen, and the Society for propa- gation ye Gospel in foreign parts at their own desire & request to her said Mayty when Some of their Sachims were in England, and propositions Since that time made to have Minisiers to Instruct them in the Christian Re -- ligion, for which Reason he has left his dearest friends and relations and under Gone a very tedious & dangerous
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voyage to come over to them to Instruct them, in ye prin- cipals of the Christian Religion for the Good of their Souls: Salvation, hopeing with the blessing of God to see the happy fruit of his labour, and that they will give him due protection and Incouragement in the doing of it whilst it shall pleas god that he should be among them.
Then Terachjoris Sachim of Canajoharie the upper Castle of the Mohawks Stood up and Sayd that he was- deputed by those of that Castle to come to Albany to Re- ceive in their name the Reverend Mr William Andrews- for their Minister, who they understood is Sent (on their Request) by the Great queen of Great Britain to Instruct them in the Christian Religion for the good of their Souls: Service, and Gave Mr Andrews his hand and promised for those of that Castle to give all the Protection and In- couragement unto him that shall lye in their power.
Hendrick one of the Sachims of the Maquas Country stood up and Say'd that he was very glad that ye Rev- erend Mr Wm Andrews was come over for their Minister to Instruct them in the Christian Religion for the Good of their Souls, and that he was deputed with those now here present by the other Sachims of that Castle to Receive him in their names for their Minister and father and promist for themselfs and those of the sd Castle to give him all the protection Incouragement and assistance possibly they can, and always be faithful and obedient to him, and doth heartly Return thanks to her Majty the Great queen of Great Britain that She has been pleased to Grant their Requests, and also to the honble Society for propagation of the Gospel in foreign parts and doth thank his Excellency Robert Hunter Esqr &c and Collo Nicolson for their Intercession in Getting their Re- quest Granted the fruets whereof are now to be seen.
Hendrick sayd further that he desired in ye name of the sd Sachims of the Mohawks that none of their land might be clandestinly bought from any of them for that would breed a faction and disturbance among them and would be an occasion of leaving their Country and oblige them to go over to the Ottowawas or farr Indians where they should have no Christian Minister to Instruct them
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in the Christian Religion, nor that they should not be brought under that yoke as those at Canada are who are obliged to pay the tenths of all to their priests. Gave a Belt of wampum.
Mr Andrews Reply'd that he was not come for the lu- cure of their land nor to lay any burdons on them but to Instruct them in the true Christian Religion and that no land Should be bought of them in a Clandestine Manner, if it Lays in his power to prevent it, and that the hon- ourable Society had taken care to pay him.
The Reverend Thomas Barclay desired that the Comrs would be pleased to procure men Slees & horses for Con- veying the Goods of the Revd Mr Andrews to the Mo- hawks Country* and to pay the Charges thereof which they promised to do with all readyness,
The Comrs Gave the following presents to the Mohawk Indians vizt 6 kegs powder 6 boxes of lead 12 Blankets 12 Shirts 2 duffel Blankets 5 pair Stockings 200 flints & 50 lb Shot
REVD MR BARCLAY AND HENDK HANSEN ESQR.
Att a Meeting of the Comrs of the Indian affairs in Al- bany the 19th of Janry 1712 Present Kill: Van Renselaer the Commandr & Chiefe here Hend: Han- sen Myndt Schuyler Johs Schuyler Pr Vn Brugh
The Comrs being conviend at ye desire of Mr Barclay minister of ye Gospel & Missionary of the Society for Propagation of ye Gospel, who acquaints ye Gentn that he is Inform'd that Mr hend: Hansen at ye house of Wm hogan on ye 15th Instant when ye Mayor was sworn did take occasion to Rail against him upon occasion of a Letter writ by his Excy the Govr to ye Comrs of ye Ind : affairs wherein Mr Hansens name was mentioned for not going to ye Mohogs Country with Mr Andrews the Mis- sionary, and that if he had any Interest with ye Indians it ought to be Imployed for her Mayes Service, that it
* The Indian name of the mission above mentioned is given in an affidavit of the Rev. Henry Barclay, of which an extract is subjoined. The engraving at the side is from a survey dated 23d October, 1712.
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was hoped he would Rectify that neglect, and make mat- ters Easy and Some other matters that were unpleasant to Mr Hansen Whereupon
Mr Hansen alledg'd in a publick Compe on ye sd 15th Instant that Mr Barclay was ye occasion of writing of that Letter, and that he designed to be a bishop over Mr Andrews ye Missionary that he had a mind for his salary, and that he told ye gentn he would come up with him for what he had done to his prejudice & oyr words to that Effect & desires that such Evidence to ye proof hereof may be heard,
and shows the Schoharie creek, the church, and the two Mohawk cas- tles, &c.
kad Roner " HENRY BARCLAY of the City of New York, Rector of Trinity Church in said City (in Communion with the Church of England as by Law Established) of full Age being duly sworn deposeth and saith: That he was born in Albany. That in Qua- lity of missionary from the Society for propa- gating the Gospel in foreign parts, he resid- ed several years at Ti- enonderoga among one 2. co/ HOR of the Iroquois Nations of Indians, who call themselves Ganinge- hage, and are by the English called Mo- ma hocks. That the De- ponent hath always heard and understood that by the praying- Indians, were meant such of the Mohawk Throndorogo mohorror chcete Nation, as were Con- verted to the Christian Religion. And that while he lived among the said Mohock In- ford capitol dians he understood from them that they laid claim to Lands to the Northward of Saraghtoge, in the County of Albany, but how far to the Northward he does not Remember to have heard from them, and that he verily believes they still make the same claim."
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Robert Livingston Junr Esqr Mayor of ye City of Albany doth say that on ye s1 15th of this present Janu- ary he heard Mr hend Hansen Say he woundered why Mr Barclay was so incencd agst him yt he did not Look upon Mr Andrews ye Missionary to have writ agst him to yª Govr but beleeved that what he did was by the In- stigation of Mr Barclay, and that he ruled over the said Mr Andrews as a bishop, and wether it was to remove him from yt place and have ye benefitt of it for himself he knew not, and did further say that he has had to doe with greater men, then he meaning Mr Barclay and did not value him he would come up with him,
· Lt Collo Johs Schuyler doth say that he was in Compe ye 15 Instant at Wm Hogans when ye Mayor was Sworn and he heard Mr Hend: Hansen Say that he beleeved that Mr Andrews ye Missionary had never writ against him to the Govr and that he beleev'd Mr Barclay Ruled over Mr Andrews as a Bishop and that Mr Hansen said further that he knew not why Mr Barclay was so much incencd against him Except it was about ye £50 but knew not further of it.
Mr Abraham Cuyler Says that he was present the , same time at Wm Hogans and he heard Mr Hend: Han- sen Say he knew not what ailed Mr Barclay to write agst him to ye Govr where upon Mr Mayor answered him, he beleeved it was not Mr Barclay that had writ to the Govr, whereupon Mr Hansen said I know that but he beleev'd that what was written to the Govr agst him was by ye Instigation of Mr Barclay, and Said further is Mr Barclay angry because I was desired to gett £50 for him upon Interest to pay his debts, and that his wife must know nothing of it, & further knows not.
Mr Hend. Hansen being present Says that he was at Wm Hogans on ye 15th Instant when ye Mayor was Sworn. and being troubled at that Paragraph of his Excys Letter wch Related to him, he Could not forbear mentioning ye same to Mr Mayor, Subject of that Letter (the being discoursed of by Some of the Compe) and he told ye Mayor how that he Suspected it was by Mr Bar- clays means, that it happened to be thus misrepresented
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to his Excellcy because he had heard that Mr Barclay had drop'd some words Reflecting on him-and there- upon took occasion to Speak to Mr Mayor, whom he thought would inform Mr Barclay of his Resentment, & Said I know not why Mr Barclay is so much incencd agst me Except it be for that I Endeavord upon Mr Collins desire to get £50: upon Interest for Mr Barclay wh his wife was to know nothing off which I could not procure without being Security for it my Self which I declin'd, and so did not gett it, or that he must have a design agst that good man Mr Andrews ye Missionary to make him uneasy & gett a part of his Salary, for it Seems yt he would Rule over that good Man as a bishop, it Seems as the Dutch phrase is dat hy't hondtie d' Steert soude off hacken, that is he would cutt off the Litle dogs taile, but he was not affraid of him for he had had to doe with as Great men as he was and yet he would come up with him meaning that when ye matter came to a fair hearing he doubted not but to Clear himself and Concluded that he did not know what ailed ye man, meaning Mr Barclay, for he had done him all the kindnesse that was in his power and Shewed him all the Respect Imaginable ever Since he had been in ye Country and had used all Endeavors to Perswade and Recomend ye Indians to be kind to Mr Andrews the Missionary, and to bring him of the best that they hunted telling ye Indians that it was the Custome of ye Christians to doe So and to be kind to their Ministers.
Mr Barclay Says he will not trouble ye. Comrs any further, but give his Excellcy the Govr an Account how Mr Andrews ye Missionary was Received by Taquajenont ye only Sachim that was at home in the Maquase Country to Receive their Minister.
Mr Barclay desired a Copy of ye above proceedings, the Comrs order a Copy to be delivered to Mr Barclay and to Mr hend. Hansen Likewise if he desires it, they both promiseing not to Send it down to N York before ye ordinary post goes wh is fryday next, when ye Gentn will give his Excellcy an Account thereof.
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PETITION OF THE RECTOR &C OF ST. PETER'S CHURCH FOR A CHARTER.
To his Excellency Sir Henry Moor Baronet Governor and Commander in Chief of the Province of New York and the Territories thereon depending and Chancellor of the same &c
The Petition of the Minister Church Wardens and Ves- try of St Peters Church in the City of Albany-Humbly Sheweth
That His Excellency Robert Hunter His Majesty King George the firsts Governor of this province on the 21st October 1714 by Letter Pattent under the Broad seal did Grant unto the Rev' Thomas Barclay Peter Mathews Esqr and John Dunbar a Certain piece of Ground therein particularly described for to erect and Build a Church for public Worship agreable to the Rules and Regulations of the Church of England as by Law Established, that soon after a Church was Built on the said ground and publick worship has been performed according to the mode of the Church of England. And your Petitioners conceiving it may be for the Interest and advantage of the said Church to have it Incorporated.
May it therefore please your Excellency to Grant unto your Petitioners a Charter for the Incorporation of the said Church in such manner as unto your Excellency shall seem most proper.
And your Petitioners shall ever pray &c HARRY MUNRO, Clerk. CHRISTOPHER HEGERMAN Church DANIEL HEWSON Junr Wardens
JOHN BARCLAY, WM BENSON
18 May 1768. Read in Council
& referred to a Committee.
13 July 1768. Reported and granted.
In the report laid before a convention of the clergy, Oct. 5, 1704, allusion is made to Albany as
" A large frontier town where most of the people are Dutch, who have from Amsterdam a Dutch Minister, one
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Mr Lydius, but there are some English families, besides a garrison of soldiers, who are a considerable congrega- tion. A church of England Minister here will, in all probability, do signal service not only by setting up a public worship to the joy & comfort of the English, who impatiently desire a minister, and persuading the Dutch and others to conform, but also in instructing the Indians which come in great numbers thither. Mr Moore, mis- sionary to the Mohawks, is coming to settle here for some- time by the directions of his Excellency, my Jord Cornbury who gives him great encouragement, and has been particu- larly pleased to promise him presents for the Indians. Doc. Hist., iii, 117.
In Col. Heathcote's letter to the Society for the Propa- gation of the Gospel, Nov. 6, 1705, he says:
"As for Mr Moor's mission, you will undoubtedly have the account thereof very fully by Mr Talbot, whose place he supplies, having not thought it worth the while to stay at Albany. As for my opinion that matter, I think it is too heavy for the Society to meddle with at present, and would properly lie as a burthen upon the Crown, to be defrayed out of the revenue here. For their being brought over to our Holy faith will, at the same time, secure them in their fidelity to the government. And not only that, but the Society will, I believe, find em- ployment enough for their money in sending of mission- aries amongst those who call themselves Christians, on the coast of America, which I find to be their resolution. And it is certainly the greatest charity in the world to have the best Religion planted in these parts, which, with time, will in all probability, be so vast a Country and People. As for Mr. Dellius I don't think it worth the while in being at any extraordinary charge in sending him; because I believe no consideration would make him live in the Indian Country. And if he did he has not the language; and one that goes on that mission must be a young man who is able to grapple with fatigues, and will not only take pains, but is capable of learning the lan-
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guage; and it is a general observation that none are so apt to gain foreign tongues as the Scotch."
Doc. Hist., iii, 124.
In the address of the provincial clergy to Gov. Hunter, May, 14, 1712, they say :
" As it is with the greatest pleasure we hear of the due Encouragement Mr Barclay Minister of Albany meets with in the propagation of the Christian Religion and Knowledge under your Ex'cys wise and pious administra- tion. So it is our earnest and humble request that your Ex'cy will be pleased to promote the building of a church there which is very much wanting."
INSCRIPTION ON THE FRONT OF ST. PETER'S CHURCH.
Glory be to the Lord for he is good-for his mercy endureth forever. ST. PETER'S CHURCH.
Formerly standing in the centre of State, at its junction with Barrack Street, Built A. D. MDCCXV-Incorporated A. D. MDCCLXIX. Demolished and this edifice erected A. D. MDCCCII.
THOMAS EELISON, Rector-JOHN STEVENSON, GOLDSBROW BANYER, Church Wardens. PHILIP HOOKER, Archt.
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DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH. From O'Callaghan's Documentary History, vol. iii.
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DIFFICULTIES IN THE DUTCH CHURCH AT ALBANY.
At a Council Sept 25th 1675. Present, The Governor, the Secretary, Capt Brockholes, Mr J Laurence, Capt Dyre, Mr Fred : Philips.
The matter under consideracon was ye Complaint of Do Nicholas van Renslaer against Do Newenhuysen, upon Acct of his sending to him by some of ye Elders on Sunday last, to forbid him to baptise any children that should be brought in the afternoon to be baptised, Upon which he forbeare coming to ye Church that time, but said he went to speake with Do Newenhuysen, to know his reason for what he had done
To whom ye said Do replyde aloude in ye street, yt it was because he did not looke upon him to be a Lawfull Minister, nor his admittance at Albany to be Lawfull, whereupon ye said Do Renslaer desired to speake to him in ye house, & to show him what Testimonialls he had, which he admitted, yet afterwards would scarcely looke on them but exclaimed against him in like manner as be- fore; That afterwards at Mr Ebbings one of ye Elders, they saw all his Papers, but ye Do still said, yt one or- d yned in England, had nothing to do with their Church, without a Certificate from their Classis.
Do Newenhuysen did not deny at all that was alleged against him, but on ye contrary did in a manner maintaine, That no one yt only had orders from ye Church of England had sufficient Authority to be admitted a Minister here, to administer ye Sacrements without, as before, &c
Resolved, That Do Newenhuysen shall have time of two, three or four dayes to sett in writing wt his opinion or Judgmt is in this Case, particularly whether a Minister ordained in England by a Bishop, coming here and having [ Annals, vi.] 7
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Certificate thereof, bee not sufficient ordination to preach & Administer ye Sacraments in ye Dutch here or no.
Hee offers to bring it in on Thursday next.
A Copie of Do Newenhuysens Orders & Instructions from ye Classis at Amsterdam, to be taken & ye Originalls given him againe
Do Renslaers papers of Certificate & Testimonialls were, vizt.
The Ordinacon by Dr Earle Bishop of Sarum, to be a Deacon.
His Majesties allowance of him under his Signett to be a Minister, & to preach to ye Dutch Congregacon at Westminister.
A Certificate from severall persons of Quality of his being an allowed Chaplaine to ye Embassador extra- ordinary ye Heer Goph, from ye States of Holland.
A Certificate from ye Minister & Officers of a Church in London, of his having officiated as a Lecturer there.
The Duke of Yorkes recommendacon of him to the present Governor here.
Upon which ye following Order was made, vizt Upon the Complaint of Do Nicholas Van Renslaer Minister of Albany, That Do Wilhelmus Newenhuysen, Minister of this Towne had openly and with words of Contempt said that Do Renslaer was no Minister, & his ordinacon not good, both Parties appearing this day at the Councell, Mr Renslaer having produced his severall Ordinacon of Dea- con & and Presbiter by the Bishop Salisbury also at- testacons of his having been Minister to Myn heer Van [Goph], Embassador from ye States Genll residing at London, & since Minister of ye Dutch Church at West- minister, and Lecturer at St Margaretts Loathbury in London, & of his good Comport in s1 Churches, together with his Majesties Signett for Westminister, & his Royal Highnesse letter of Recomendacon to this place or Albany if vacant and made appeare his being chosen, admitted & officiateing in ye Church at Albany according to their usual manner & Constitucon of ye Reformed Churches, wth ye approbacon & Confirmacon of ye Magistrates, and Governr all which being found to be authenticke.
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Dutch Church.
Upon a full hearing of all partys it appearing yt Dº Newenhuysen had spoken ye words declaring Do Renslaer to be no Minister &c. ye above testimonys being produced in Councell to ye said Newenhuysen and he owned to have been made acquainted therewith still insisted ye said Do Renslaers Ordinacon nor Call did not fitly qualify him to administer ye Sacrements, for which giving not ye least sufficient reason, but implied according to his owne fancy.
Being Withdrawne, after mature deliberacon It being of great weight & consequence, It is Resolved that ye said Do Newenhuysen shall have some time to give in his Answer to ye above in writing, which he desireing no longer then till Thursday, Ordered, That on Thursday ye 30th instant, ye said Do Newenhuysen shall by 2 aclock in the afternoone appeare & bring in ye same, particularly whether the Ordination of ye Church of England be not sufficient qualification for a Minister comporting him- selfe accordingly, to be admitted, officiate & administer ye Sacraments, according to ye Constitucons of ye re- formed Churches of Holland: At which time y" Elders, & all other Officers of yº Dutch Church are likewise re- quired to appeare and be present.
By Order of ye Governr in Councell
This order of Councell was sent M. N. Secr.
At a Councell Septr 30. 1675. Present. The Governor
The Secretary. Mr Laurence. Capt. Dyre. Mr Phillips. This day being appointed at two a clock for Do New- enhuysen to bring in his answer, & make his appearance, with ye Eldrs & Deacons of the Church.
Hee brings a paper rather in the Justification of him- selfe in his answer then otherwise, and denyes what is alleaged against him by Do Renslaer therein.
After long debate, ye Do and ye rest of ye Elders and Deacons, seeme to allow in words, what is denyde in writing, vizt That a Minister Ordayned in England by the Bishops is every way Capable &c.
Time is given them to Consider againe well amongst themselves and give a finall Resolution in answr to the Order of Councell, to morrow.
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Dutch Church.
There were before the Councell.
Do Newenhuysen Minister, Mr Jeronimus Ebbing, Mr Peter Stoutenberg Elders; Mr Jacob Teunisse Kay. Mr Reyneer Willemse. Mr Gerritt Van Tright, Mr Isaack Van Vleck Deacons
The next day they brought in their paper amended, with all Submission.
At a Councell Septr 8th 1676. Present. The Govern- or Capt. Brockholes. The Secretary. Capt. Dyre.
Upon Informacon that Do Renslaer (one of the Min- isters att Albany) is confined by the Magistrates there, upon matter of some dubious words spoken by the said Do in his Sermon or Doctrine.
It is ordered, That the said Do bee releast from his Im- prisonment, and any matter concerning the same is to bee heard here.
At a Meeting of the Governor in Councell, and Minis-
ters of ye Citty of New Yorke, Sept. 15th, 1676.
· The occasion was the returne of the appeale in the case between Do N. Renslaer and Mr Jacob Leysler, and Mr Jacob Milburne, had before ye Court & Consistory at Al- bany.
Ordered, That as Do Renslaer hath putt in Security of fifteen hundred Guildrs hollands money for to prosecute, so ye said Leysler and Milburne are to putt in ye like Security to make good their Charge.
Ordered, That Mr Leysler do besides himselfe, put in one or two others as Security for five thousand pound by to morrow before noone.
Sept the 16th. The Ensuing Warrt was sent up to Albany.
BY THE GOVERNOR
Whereas Mr Jacob Millburne hath accused Do Nicho- las Renslaer for words spoken by him in a Sermon at Albany on the 13th Last past, the which having made a great disturbance and been before the Church Officers and Court there, and at last remitted here in order to a de- termination; In case the same be nott already taken up and Composed before this comes to your hands, These
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are in his Maties name to require you, to cause ye said Milburne to give in sufficient Security to the value of one · thousand pound for his appearance to prosecute and an- swer the matters relateing thereunto according to Law; which if hee shall refuse to do, that he be committed to safe Custody into ye Sheriffs hands, of the which you are not to faile, and to make a speedy returne hereof ; Given under my hand in New Yorke, Septem ye 16th 1676.
E. ANDROSS.
To ye Commander and Magistrates at Albany.
Septr the 18th
Mr Leysler not obeying the Order of the Govenor in Councell of the 15th Instant, was by the Governors spe- ciall Warrant committed into the Custody of the Sheriff: The Warrt was as followeth. vizt
BY THE GOVERNOR
Whereas Mr Jacob Leysler of this City hath accused Do Nicholas Renslaer for words spoken by him in a Sermon at Albany, on the 13th last past, the which having made a great disturbance and been before the Church Officers and Court there, and at last remitted here in Order to a determination, but ye said Leysler not having given Se- curity according to Law and Order; These are in his Ma- ties name to require you forthwith to take ye person of the said Jacob Leysler into your Custody, and him safely to keep in Order to a determinacon according to Law; for the which this shall be your sufficient Warrant: Given under my hand in New Yorke this 18th day of September, 1676
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