USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > The annals of Albany, Vol. VII > Part 7
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Notable Women of Olden Times.
question was still at his house, and a committee was appointed to wait on Madam Van Cortland, to procure the delivery of this property. She received them respect- fully, but declined giving up any thing left with her by her husband. The sergeant-at-arms was then directed to make an official visit to her ladyship, but he was received in a more cavalier manner, by having the doors shut in his face. A great commotion now ensued, between the revolutionists and Madam Van Cortland, and all sorts of threats were held out before her, but the lady triumphed in spite of all her opponents, and gained great honor in her own party by her heroic defence of their cause.
MACHTELDE WILLEMSEN.
In 1642 this lady accompanied her husband, Dominie Johannes Megapolensis, to New Netherland, whither he was sent in the quality of a clergyman of Rensselaerswyk. This lady was, at that time, forty-two years of age; her husband thirty-nine. Their children, Hillegond, Dirrick, Jan and Samuel, accompanied them. The family remained at Fort, Orange, or Albany, for several years; but madam, to whom the charms of society in fatherland, and some family affairs, extended an invitation which she could not resist, and her husband finally consented to return.
Madam departed for Holland, her husband making his arrangements soon to follow her. But. upon reaching New Amsterdam, where he was to take ship, in 1649, he found that place without a clergyman, owing to the departure of Dominie Backerus. He was pressed, by Governor Stuyvesant, " for the honor of God, for the increase of the church and for the interest of men, " to remain in the country, for a time at least. He resisted, but persuasions were still added, "if it were only for the instruction of the children who are every Sunday presented at the Manhatans for baptism-sometimes ove-some- times two-yea. sometimes three and four together; " so that the Dominie at last consented to stay, and he was installed minster of the church of New Amsterdam, at a salary of four hundred and eighty dollars per annum.
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Notable Women of Olden Times.
Mrs. Megapolensis returned in the following year, and thenceforth resided in New York. Her daughter married Cornelius Van Ruyven, the colonial secretary. Her son Samuel graduated at Harvard University, and was subsequently established as clergyman in New York.
LYSBET GREVERAET,
Married, first, Mr. De Reimer, a young merchant of New York, and after his death she became the wife of Dominie Samuel Drissius, who, in the year 1652, was appointed to assist in his clerical duties in New Amster- dam, " that worthy old servant the Rev. Megapolensis." She brought to her husband a considerable property, consisting of real estate, and the mercantile effects of her late husband. It is one of the peculiar features of those early times, that the ladies of some of the most affluent and distinguished citizens, whose callings were of a pro- fessional character, conducted mercantile pursuits in their own names; this was true with Mother Drissius, as she was called, who kept a thread and needle, or lady's fancy store, in the best business part of the town, on the present Pearl street, between Whitehall and Broad street. By her former husband she had several children, viz: Mar- garet, who married Cornelius Steenwyck; Machteld, who married Nicholas Gouverneur; Pieter and Hubert. By her second husband she had no children. Mother Drissius died in New York, at an advanced age, in the year 1688, having survived her husband some years.
[ Annals, vii.] 9
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THE TRANSIT OF ALBANY.
1853.
[In William Chambers's Things as they are in America we find the following notice of Albany at p. 175.]
Southwards from Syracuse, the railway gets into the valley of the Mohawk, and after passing the flourishing town of Utica, much fine scenery is disclosed. At Little Falls, a small but busy town situated among rocky pro- tuberances and overhanging cliffs, with the river dashing and leaping over its rugged channel, the draughtsman would find numerous subjects for his pencil, equal in picturesque beauty to some of the best points in Swiss landscape. When we consider that only seventy years have elapsed since pretty nearly the whole of the district through which we are passing was a wilderness possessed by tribes of Indians, its present condition as an apparent- ly old-settled country, with thriving cities, elegant man- sions and improved farm establishments, seems quite marvelous. A gentleman at Canandaigua told me that, about forty years ago, he could not reach Albany in less than a week, the journey being one of great toil on horse- back. Now, the distance is performed by railway in ten hours.
My previous visit to Albany having been very brief, I now remained some time in the place, to see its state house, public libraries, and normal school establishment. The State House, situated on the top of the rising ground on which the city has been built, is a conspicuous and elegant structure, devoted to the meetings of the legisla- tures of the state of New York. In connection with it, I was shown a library of 30,000 volumes, for the use of members, and open to the public. A considerable number of the books are of the best English editions, no expense
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Chambers's Transit of Albany.
being spared to procure works of the highest class in general literature. Adjoining is an extensive law-library. . Among the more interesting works shown to strangers, is a series of large volumes, embracing the printed legis- lative proceedings since the English organization of the colony. It is interesting to observe in the series, how at the Revolution, the British royal arms and styles of expression are quietly dropped, and followed by the republican forms, as if no break had taken place in the course of procedure. One of the volumes during the colonial regime purports to be printed by Franklin. There are likewise shown some old colonial charters from the king of England-dingy sheets of vellum, kept as curiosities in glass cases, along with mummies from Thebes, and other instructive antiquities. It is pitiable to see "George the Third, King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland," as he is styled in these old writs, reduced to this condition; but at the same time, it must be allowed that if George and his advisers had possessed a little more discretion, his charters and those of his descendants might have been living utilities, instead of obsolete curiosities.
At the time of my visit, a new building for a state library was fitting up at an expense of 80,000 dollars. On the opposite of the square stands the State Hall, con- taining the administrative offices of the state; and near it is the City Hall. Both are of white marble, and have a fine architectural effect. In these several establishments I received every desired information; and on my depar- ture, I carried with me not only the grateful recollection of much undeserved kindness, but presents of state papers and reports on a most munificent scale. Of all the states in the Union, that of New York has excelled in the gran- deur of its public documents. Numerous statistical, historical, and scientific investigations have been issued at the expense of the state, in a series of large and splen- didly illustrated volumes; and these are imparted in a manner so liberal and considerate as to command uni- versal respect.
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Originally a Dutch settlement, Albany in the present day is a substantial city of thoroughly American appear- ance, with about 60,000 inhabitants; and its situation near the head of the navigation of the Hudson, renders it a flourishing emporium of commerce. Steam vessels daily descend the Hudson to New York, making a voyage of 145 miles; and the return voyage upwards is con- sidered to be one of the most agreeable trips in river navigation. The time of departure of the boats not being quite convenient for me, I descended' not by steamer, but by railway-the line, in many parts of its course, being erected on piles within the edge of the water, and at other places keeping within sight of the finer parts of the river. After so much has been written by travelers of the scenery of the Hudson from New York to Albany it will not be expected that I should describe its varied beauties. For about twenty miles, midway, it goes through a picturesque mountainous dis- trict, known as the Highlands of the Hudson; and here it may be said to resemble the Rhine without its ruined castles.
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ANCIENT DOCUMENTS.
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COL. CARTWRIGHT'S COMISSION TO GOE TO FORT ORANGE.
From General Entries, vol. i, p. 35, Secretary's Office.
These are to will and require you and every of you to bee ayding and assisting to Col. Geo: Cartwright in the prosecution of his ma tyes interest against all such of what nation soever as shall oppose the peaceable sur- render and quiet possession of the ffort Aurania, and to obey him the said Col: George Cartwright according to such instructions as I have given him in case the Mohawkes or other Indyans shall attempt any thing against the lives, goods or chattells of those who are now under the protection and obedience of his majesty of Great Brittaine: whereof you nor any of you are to fayle as you will answer the contrary at your utmost perrills.
Given under my hand and seale at ffort James in New York on Manhatan's Island this 10th day of September, 1664.
R. NICOLLS.
To the present Deputy Govenor and Magistrates and Inhabitans of ffort Aurania.
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THE CONFIRMACON OF MR. JEREMIAS RENZLUERS AUTHORITY AND PRIVILEDGES IN RENZLUERSWICK.
From General Entries, vol. i, p. 50, Secretary's Office.
By vertue of my comission from his royall highnesse James Duke of York & Albany, I doe by these presents order and appoint that Mr. Jeremias Renzluer shall and
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may lawfully enjoy and execute all such priviledges and authority within the limits of Renzluerswicke, as he did enjoy & execute before the surrender of New Vork into his majesties obedience: And I do further declare that all persons in the said colony of Renzluerswicke shall have and enjoy the benefitt of the articles made and agreed upon at the surrender of New Yorke as fully and effectually as if the said colony had been expressly men- coned therein : Provided allways, that within the space · of one yeare, after the date hereof, the said Jeremias Renzluer do procure a different pattent for the colony from his royal highnesse, and in the meane time that all the inhabitants shall take the oath to his majesty and the present government.
Given under my hand & seale at ffort James in New Yorke on the Isle of Manhattans, this 18th day of Octo- ber 1664 R: NICOLLS.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CAPTAIN JOHN BACKER FOR THE WELL REGULATING OF THE MILITIA AND OTHER AFFAIRS AT ALBANY.
From Orders, Warrants, Letters, p. 229, Secretary's Office.
1. Because tis in vaine to give instructions unlesse you observe them punctually you are strictly charged & required to read them over frequently, and not to follow your owne humour but my order.
2. You are to keep a constant guard in ye fort: But since there is no evident danger of force or surprisall, you may lessen the duty of ye souldiers whereby they may have liberty to advance themselves by worke or trade.
3. You are to keepe good order and discipline with ye souldiers not lending to easy an eare to their complaints against their land lords; But where you find the com- plaints reasonable you are to make it known to ye comissaryes yr who are empowered to give redresse
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Ancient Documents.
therein against their land lords or any other inhabitants who shall offer violence or injury to the souldiers.
4. If any of ye inhabitants made a just complaint against a souldier the punishment of ye souldier belongs only to your selfe.
5. In matters capitall or treatyes with ye Indians you are to sit in ye fort with ye schout and comissaryes as ye upper court whereof you are to bee president and upon equall division of voices to have the castinge & decisive voice : But in the ordinary courts for civill affaires you have nothing to doe.
6. You are to give the word to ye militia officer of ye towne and especially when any report is brought of any danger to cause more strict guards to bee kept.
7. You are to keepe a faire correspondence with ye comissaryes and towarde all the inhabitants & endeavor to live as brothers together. Avoiding all occasion of publick controversy or falling out: But if you have any greevance make it knowne calmly without heate or pas- sion to ye court : And if they do not give redresse you are to remitt ye matter to mee as it was delivered to ye court.
8. Lett not your eares bee abused with private storyes of ye Dutch, being disaffected to ye English, for generally wee can not expect they love us: But when you have any sufficient testimony against any Dutchman of words or actions tending to ye breach of peace or scandalous defamacon deliver over the testimonyes to the comisaryes from whom I expect justice shall bee done.
9. You are to cause the guard house to be repaired, as also other necessarye repaires to bee made, with as little expence as is possible, knowing the narrowness of our present condition.
10. You are to receive the third of ye fines from ye scout as they are establisht under my hande as also to continue the practise of giving ticketts for entryes of goods upon sloopes as formerly not to increase the rates but by each sloop send ye entry signed with your hands to Mr. Van Ruyven.
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Ancient Documents.
11. If it shall at any time happen that ye Indyans comitt any violence at or neare Albany, you are to joyne in councell with ye comissaryes, what is best to bee done till my further directions can bee knowne.
12. I have taken that care for ye provisions that you shall not meddle further therein.
13. You are from time to time, as occasion presents, in company with ye comissaryes to give audience to ye sachem of all nations. And after advice with ye comis- saryes, returne them answer, suitable to their proposals. You are to receive their presents. And make them pre- sents at your own charge.
14. You are to receive from ye pachter of ye great accise two hundred guilders seawan for ye service of ye house the comissaryes will pay the hireinghe of ye scowe alone without hands for your use twice in ye yeare.
15. There are some souldiers who have undertaken to furnish the guard and soldiers quarters in toune with sufficient firewood yearely for six hundred guilders seawan the comissaryes will lend them ye scowe six times at their charge, but ye souldiers are to man ye scowe.
16. You are to see that those bedds and appurtenan- ces which were delivered to you bee distributed amongst ye souldiers according to their numbers bee not any wayes embezeled or abused by them since an account will be required from you of them.
17. You are as often as occasion presents to send to me to give an account of ye state of all affaires and transac- tions with you : And in case of great importance and imer- gences, you are to sent express messengers either Christ- ians or Indyans according to ye seasonableness of the yeare by either of which that can perform the yourney best.
18. And forasmuch as it appeares evident to mee that severall complaints being exhibited against the burgers of this toune whereof some of them are very meane in their nature, others of some years standing, all tending but to ye unsettling of mens minds: And rising up those seedes of distrust and jealousie amongst us, which aboue all things ought principally to bee avoyded; my will and
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pleasure is that to this present there bee a generall am- nistia and oblivion and for ye future that no complaints bee brought before mee but such as are of high nature, and the proofs grounded upon sufficient testimonyes and to referre crimes of smaller nature to ye comissaryes before whom they properly lye.
These instructions were given at Albany by both the governors in August 1668.
[A series of instructions corresponding with the fore- going, from 1 to 11, inclusive, was issued to ('aptain Baker by Richard Nicolls previously. These, without date, are recorded in the Secretary's Office, Patents, vol. i, p. 133.
Captain Baker was dismissed from all military service at Albany or elsewhere by a resolution of the council. May, 14, 1670, and Captain Salisbury was elected to his place. See Council Minutes, vol. iii, p. 27.]
FORM OF MANOR LEASE, MDCXCVI.
[The following is a copy of the original lease of the island below the city, on the east side, known as Staats's Island. This island, formerly called by its Indian name Papskna, is about five miles in length and half a mile in width. On the south extremity is an elevation called by the Dutch Hooghberg (high hill). The hill has been occupied as a dwelling of the Staats family from the time of its first settlement, and the stone foundation of the present house was laid more than one hundred and sixty years since. It is at present owned and occupied by Joachim P. Staats, brother of the Doctors Staats of this city, who are the lineal descendants of Samuel Staats, and were born on the island.]
This Indenture made the Seventh day of Sep'r in ye yeare of our Lord God 1696, in ye Eight yeare of His Majties Reigne, Wm ye 3th over England &c King.
Between Kilian Van Renselaer of ye Lordship or Manor of Renselaerswyck in ye county of Albany, and Province of New York in America Esqr sonn of Jeremia Van Renselaer, late of ye same place deceased, of ye one part,
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and Samuel Staets of ye Citty of New Yorke, Chirurgeon of ye other part, Witnesseth, that ye sd Kilian Van Rens- elaer, as well in performance of a certain covenant and agreement, contained, specified and declared in a certain Indenture of covenants bearing date ye 14th day of Aprill, Anno one thousand Six hundred Ninety-six, made be- tween ye s1 Kilian Van Renslaer and Kilian Van Rens- laer, now at present of the Citty of New York, in America Esqr sonn of John Baptista Van Renslaer, late of ye Citty of Amsterdam in Holland decd as also for divers good causes and lawful considerations, him ye sd Kilian Van Renslaer, thereunto especially moveing and for ye further consideration of five shillings current money of New Yorke, to him in hand paid by ye sd Samuel Staets, at and before th' ensealing & delivery of these presents, the receipt where of he doth hereby acknow- ledge and him therewth, fully satisfied and contented.
HAVE GRANTED, bargained & sold, aliened, Enfeofed & confirmed and by these presents doth grant, bargain and sell, alien, Enfeof and confirme, unto ye said Samuel Staets and to his heirs & assigns for ever, All that a Certain Farme or Plantation, scituate lying and being on ye East side of Hudson's River, in ye county of Albany & Province aforesd, being part of ye Lord ship or Mannor of Renslaers Wyck aforesd, lately in yº possession of Cornilis Teunison Van Veghten, & now delivered in ye possession of sd Samuel Staets, upon ye Island called and known by ye name of Paapskane, containing in bignesse as it is now in possession of sd Cornilis Teunison, with halfe of ye pasture.
TOGETHER WITH all houses, out houses, erections and buildings, barnes, barracks," stables, orchards, gardens, yards, backsides, Fences, wayes, Easements, Lands, Tene- ments, meadows, Feedings. Pastures, Woods, underwoods, Profitts, comodities and hereditaments, with their and every of their rights, members and appurtenances whatso- ever, thereunto belonging, or in any manner of way appertaining, or therewith all used & enjoyed, as part, parcell & member thereof, and ye reversion and rever- sions, remainder and remainders, rents, issues & profitts
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of ye same, and of every part and parcell thereof, and all ye estate right, title, interest, possession, property, claime and demand, whatsoever of ye sd Kilian Van Renselaer of in or to ye same, or any part or parcell there of, with free priviledge of cutting & hewing of timber, fencing wood & fire wood for ye use of y" sd Farme out of ye Commons.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD ye sd Farme or Plantation, and all & singular other ye premises hereby granted, bargaind & sold, or mentioned or intended to be herein or hereby granted, bargaind & sold, with their and every of their rights, members and appurtenances whatsoever to ye s1 Samuel Staets, his heirs & assigns forever. To & for ye only proper use, & behoofe of y'sd Samuel Stacts, his heires & assigns for ever. Yeelding, rendering & paying therefore yearly & every yeare ; and ye sd Samuel Staets for himselfe, his heires, Executors, Adminstrators & assigns, doth promise, covenant and grant to and with ye s' Kilian Van Renselaer his heires & assigns to yeeld render and pay to him ye sd Kilian Van Renselaer his heirs & assigns for ye sd farme yearly & every yeare, the tenth part of ye yearly produce of y' sd Land, above granted bargained sold & released according to ye Cus- tom and usage of said Manor. And ye s' Kilian Van Renselaer for him self, his beires & assigns ye's farm or plantation & all other singular ye premises before herein mentioned to be granted, bargained and sold, wth their & every of their appurtenances, unto ye sd Samuel Staets his heires and assigns in his & their quiett & Peaceable Possession & Seizen against him the s' Kilian Van Rense- laer his heirs and assigns, and all & every person and Persons whatsoever lawfully claiming by from or under him them or any of them shall and will warrant & for ever defend by these presents. In witness where of sd partys to these present Indenture have hereunto inter- changeably sett their hands and seales Datum ut Supra SAMUEL STAATS. [L. S.]
Sealed and delivered in ye presence of Joachim Staats, Jan Ner Curie.
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INSCRIPTIONS
IN THE
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN BURIAL GROUND.
Beneath this tomb rest the remains of the first person interred in this cemetery.
In memory of E. Killam Abbey, who was born Nov. 12, 1806, and died Aug. 8, 1834, aged 27 years, 8 months, 19 days.
In memory of Eliza, wife of Thomas Acres, who died Sept. 2, 1824, aged 26 years.
All things are vain; be wise and learn to know, Vexation, pain and trouble dwell below. True happiness, the Christian's glorious prize, Is found beyond the grave, above the skies.
In memory of Ann Eliza, daughter of Thomas and Eliza Acres. who died Sept. 8, 1825, aged 1 year, 2 months and 17 days.
There is rest in Heaven.
Sacred to the memory of Mary. wife of Tilly Allen, who died Sept. 25, 1816, in the 26th year of her age. Sacred to the memory of Mary, wife of Tilly Allen, who died Jan. 15, 1833, in the 44th year of her age. In memory of Elizabeth Huntington, daughter of E. F. and Elizabeth Backus, born 14th Oct., 1811, died 23d Sept., 1816, aged 4 years, 11 months. 9 days.
Prudence M. Jenkins, wife of John F. Bacon, died Dec. 29, 1832, aged 42 years; and their infant boy. Neither can they die any more ; For they are equal unto the angels.
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Burial Ground Inscriptions.
In memory of Caroline Elizabeth, who died April 6, 1816, aged 6 months, 8 days: John Fairbanks, died July 29, 1820, aged 9 months, 24 days; children of John and Prudence M. Bacon.
In memory of Naomi, wife of Henry A. Bancraft, who died July 2, 1833, in the 29th year of her age.
George W. Barnes, died April 4, 1844, aged 51 years, 11 months, 23 days.
Sacred to the memory of Matilda Batchelder, who de- parted this life July 23, 1825, in the 38th year of her age.
In memory of Mary Ann Bennett, wife of Sala Bennett, who died May 15, 1823, aged 22 years, 1 month, 22 days. In memory of Mary Ann Bennett, daughter of Sala and Mary Ann Bennett, who departed this life June 8th, 1823, aged 27 days.
Israel Huntington, son of the Rev. Israel Brainard, of Verona, Oneida county, N. Y., died July 8, 1836, aged 28 years and 5 months.
In memory of Henrietta Breakey, daughter of William and Catharine Breakey, who departed this life October 28, 1828, aged 1 year, 8 months, 2 days.
In memory of Isabella S., wife of Isaac Brown, who died August 26, 1831, aged 25 years, 5 days.
Behold ! we see, while here we look,
The dearest ties of friendship broke; The grief and sorrow pierce the heart; The dearest friends we see must part. "Can this dust live? " blind nature cries : The Gospel answers, "Yes, it can."
When Christ descends the saints shall rise, And hail thy advent, son of man.
In memory of Mrs. Lucy Brown, who died on the 9th of January, 1836, in the 59th year of her age.
From pure affection take this tribute due To such a mother, wife and friend as you. But rest in peace, departed shade, thy worth, Thy deeds shall ever in our bosoms dwell; Thy form, now mouldering into mother earth, Sleep on in peace, in heaven-farewell.
[ Annals, vii.] 10
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Second Presbyterian Church
Rufus Brown died September 26, 1841, aged 59 years. In memory of Cornelia, wife of Rufus Brown, who died Oct, 23, 1819, aged 37 years.
Margaret Bullock, wife of Rufus Brown, died February 7, 1832, aged 34 years, 4 months.
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