USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > The annals of Albany, Vol. X > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37
Albany, the 6th day of Oct. 1733.
Signed PETR: VAN DRIESSEN. No : Sine deu.
In behalf of the Petitioners.
This Board having read and considered of said Peti- tion think it reasonable for divers good causes and con- siderations as also for the sum of five shillings to grant the Petitioners' prayer.
Resolved that the mayor for the time being in behalf of the mayor, aldermen and comonalty do execute such deeds or writings as may be sufficient to grant and con- firm unto the Petitioners, their successors and assigns
40
The City Records.
forever, what in the above petition is prayed for and to cause the seal of the city to be thereunto affixed.
Ordered that Barent Bratt, the treasurer, shall deduct from Joh's Seger's two bonds, each conditioned for the payment of £10, what is this day allowed him and take his note for the remainder.
1733, Oct. 12. Mr. Anthony S. Van Schaick appeared before this board and desired he might have released unto him a small piece of ground upon the north east corner of his lott containing four foot by sd north east corner and so running along the lane till it comes to no- thing by the north west corner of sd lott.
Which this board having taken into consideration, Re- solved to release the same unto him for the consideration of thirty shillings to be pd to the Corporation and like- wise to pay for the writing, and that the mayor in behalf of the comonalty may execute sd deed and cause the city seal to be thereunto affixed.
Resolved that Peter and Johannis Quackenboss shall have the use of the fifteen foot of ground which they sold to the city, they keeping it in fence before and behind, during the will and pleasure of the mayor, aldermen and comonalty.
Whereas Abraham Vosburgh had made application to the Comonalty on the seventh day of October, 1732 for a piece of ground lying on the Gallows hill as in the minute of that day described, but is now desirous to have it en- larged to the breadth of forty foot Rynland measure.
Resolved by this board to release unto sd Abraham Vosburgh a piece of ground lying upon the same course as Mr. Babington's house formerly stood, to the west- ward of where Hendrick Hallenbeeck now lives, con- taining in length east and west twelve rodd, and in breadth south and north forty foot Rynland measure.
In consideration whereof sd Vosburgh is to give bond payable to the mayor, aldermen and commonalty or their successors on the first day of September next ensuing for three pounds. And that the mayor in behalf of the com- onalty shall indent wt said Abraham Vosburgh for sd
41
The City Records.
piece of ground and cause the city seal to be thereunto affixed, in which indenture sd Vosburgh is to covenant and agree to pay to sd mayor, aldermen and comonalty, or their successors twenty shillings yearly, the first pay- ment to begin on the said first day of September 1734. The said Vosburgh to pay for writing.
Resolved that the street running from the east side of Leendert Gansevoort's lott and stretching to the east side of the ground belonging to the City Hall, shall be from henceforth three rodd and a half Rynland measure in breadth.
1733, Oct. 24. Edward Holland, Esq. produced a comission under the broad seal of the Province of New York for mayor of this city, clerk of the market and coroner of the city and county for the year ensuing, dated the 15th day of October, and was sworn to the execution of said offices.
1733, Nov. 5. Resolved by this board to publish the following ordinances, vide Book of Ordinances, fol. 11, - 18 and 19, to witt:
For preventing noise and disturbance on the Lord's Day in time of divine service and preaching.
To prevent negroes going armed wt guns, swords, clubs, &c.
To oblige the constables of this city to go round the streets, lanes, &c. of this city, by turns on the Lord's Day to see the laws in this ordinance be duly observed.
To prevent Negroes or Ind'n slaves to appear in the streets after eight at night w'out a Lanthorn and lighted candle in it.
For establishing and better ordering the night watches. For tavern keeper to take lycences.
For better preventing of fire.
The following persons were appointed fire masters or viewers of chimneys, viz :
First Ward-Teunis Vischer and Jelles D. Garmoy.
Second Ward-Gerrit Roseboom, Jun. and Jacob Ten Eyck.
Third Ward-Robert Roseboom and Gerrit C. Van denbergh.
42
The City Records.
1733, November 10. Resolved by this Board that the Mayor shall supply John Sullivan, a prisoner in this gaol with a coarse Shirt, Jacket, Breeches, Stockens, Shoes and Cap.
This day published an ordinance for regulating the watch. The fire masters got their warrants.
A new list of the watches was made, making thirty- three in all, nine persons on each watch, the officer in- cluded.
1733, Nov. 15. John Lindsay, Esq. was sworn into office of high sheriff.
It is Resolved in Comon Council that if any of the members of the said Comon Council being legally warned to appear in council, and do not come within an hour after ringing of the Bell to conveen wtout a reasonable excuse to the contrary, that he or they so omitting or delay to come within an hour as aforesaid, shall forfiet for each omission or delay the sum of one shilling for the use of the said board, to be recovered before the major part of the then board when such omission or delay is made.
Ordered by this board that the treasurer of this city call in the money due from the following persons or give them notice that they will be sued for the same. viz:
Jochim Bratt,
£23:0:0
Ryckart Hansen,
25:6:9
Arent V. Dyck,
40:0:0
Evert Wendell,
3:0:0
Luykas Hooghkerk,
1:2:6
William Waldron,
8:0:0
Johannis G. Lansingh,
15:7:4
£115:16:7
1733, Nov. 24. Ordered by this board that Jeremy Van Rensselaer, Esq. and Capt. William Deck be pre- sented with their Freedoms of this city, and that the Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen wait upon them with the same to desire their acceptance thereof.
1733, December 18. Ordered by this board that a
43
The City Records.
warrant be drawn on Bart Bratt, Treasurer, to pay to Ryckart Hilton an Jan Van Alstyn each the sum of forty pounds, out of which is to be deducted what said Ryckart Hilton owes to the city and his bond given up. And that the treasurer take an obligation of Jan Van Alstyn for ten pounds conditioned to put a good and sufficient roof on the block house by Sarties Killetie near the river side by first of May next or forfiet said sum of ten pounds. Also to pay to Johannis & Jacobus Radliff each the sum of six pounds ten shillings for removing a Block house to the Gallows Hill and take all their receipts in full.
This day published an ordinance relating to the riding with Sledges, Carts or Waggons through the streets of this city.
1732, February 9. Ordered by this Board that the Boundaries of Schaahtakook be laid out with all conven- ient speed. Pursuant to said order and by the directions of Comon Council a Letter was writt and sent to Nicholas Schuyler to come in and agree with the Corporation to run the Lines of said Boundaries.
The City Treasurer was this day order'd to prosecute Gysbert Brakell Jun'r, upon his bond if he do not pay the same w'in eight days.
It is likewise ordered by this Board that the great Guns be carried to the several Blockhouses in this city as the same shall be directed by the field officers of the militia.
1732, Feb. 15. This Board have agreed with Richard Williams to run the lines of the boundaries of the lands belonging to this city lying at Schaahkook for which they are to pay him eight pounds, he being to deliver to the Comon Council a draught of the same.
Resolved by this Board that the Mayor, Mr. Van Schaick, alderman and Johannis van Ostrande, assistant, go along with the surveyor, each to have six shillings per diem and reasonable charges paid them.
Johannis Evertse Wendell Esq., alderman, Guilleyn Verplanck and David Groesbeeck, assistants, undertake to carry the seven great Guns to the Block houses for which this board allow them fourteen shillings to be paid them by the Treasurer.
44
The City Records.
Order'd that a warrant be drawn on the Treasurer in favour of Nicholas Schuyler Esq. for twenty shillings.
1732, March 9. Resolved by this board to sue the following persons if they do not pay what they are in- debted to the Corporation in eight days time, viz: John Eaton, Jacobus Hilton, Jonathan Brooks, Andries Bratt, Teunis Egbertse. These five were all sent for and told of the above resolution. Volkert Douwe, Jochim Bratt. These two were acquainted of the above resolution by letter.
This board taking into their charitable consideration the poor circumstances of the widow and children of Jan Winne, deceased, have given up a bond executed by said Winne to the Mayor, &c. conditioned for the payment of eleven pounds in consideration whereof Guilleyn Ver- planck has pass'd his Note payable in three Months for five pound ten shillings which is accepted off in full of sd Bond and Interest due thereon. This Corporation taking into their charitable consideration the poor cir- cumstances of John Stewart, allow him four shillings and sixpence a week for six weeks, and order their treasurer to pay the same.
Put up by order an Advertisemt acquainting all per- sons that the Key of the house where the Water Engine stands is lodged with Mr. Henry Cuyler.
Advertised all persons who have any claim upon the Ground lying along the water side from behind the lott of Mr. Henry Holland to behind the lott of Isaac Grave- raat, to show their Titles to the Mayor. The Corporation intending to give out the vacant ground to be docked.
1732, March 23. Resolved by this board to employ Mr. Richd Williams, attorney at law, to sue Gysbert Van Brakel Jun'r, Volkert Douw and Jochim Bradt, in name of this Corporation upon their bonds. This board orders the Treasurer to pay Wm. Shaw nine shillings for an accot due to them. This day published three ordinances, viz: 1, Regulating the fees of inviters to funerals. 1, Ditto of the Carmen. 1 for cleaning the streets.
45
The City Records.
1734, March 30. Sold this day to Petrus Douwe a certain piece or slipp of ground, beginning two foot and four inches from the north-east corner of his lott lying next to the lott of Johannis van Alen and running with a streight line to the south-east corner of the sd lott, which said two foot and four inches makes it range on the north side with the house of the said Johannis v Alen. In consideration whereof the said Petrus Douwe is to pay thirty shillings.
1734, April 12. Mattys Flensburgh dd into this board an acctt amounting to £5. which is allowed off and or- ders drawn on the Treasurer to pay the same and like- wise thirty shillings to the mayor for the use of Abraham Governour for services done for the Corporation.
1734, May 3. It is ordered by this Board that Barent Bratt, treasurer, sell three hundred skipples of the wheat which he has now in store for three shillings per skipple ready money.
1734, May 14. Uldrick Van Vranke agreed with this Board to set up 300 Stockadoes for seven pence half penny each stockadoe, that is to say, he is to square them on two sides take off all the Bark, put them three foot in the ground and make one ribb about three foot from the top, and to put a large pin in every stockadoe thro' the ribb. He is to make them square under and sharp above, and to make loop holes for small arms at convenient distances, as the mayor and aldermen shall direct.
1734, May 13 [sic]. Resolved to send the following Peti- tion to the General Assembly :
To the Honourable the Representatives of the Province of New York, in General Assembly convened. The humble Petition of the Mayor, Aldermen and Com- onalty of the city of Albany most humbly sheweth:
That whereas the Wall now begun to be built around the city will be a work of some years and great expence, and that in the mean time we may be provided against any sudden surprize that may happen in case of a rup- [ Annals, x.] 5
46
The City Records.
ture betwixt the Crowns of Great Britain and ffrance, the inhabitants of this city are generally very much en- clined to have the same fortified with Stockadoes, and in case that by the stubbornness of some ill designing people it may not be carried on so regularly and speedily as it ought to be, your Petitioners humbly pray that an act of General Assembly may be passed to enable the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and Comonalty of the said city to oblige the assessors to meet at such time and place as they the sd mayor, recorder, aldermen and comonalty, or the major part of them shall think meet to assess and rate all the inhabitants, ffre eholders, residents and so- journers of the sd city to furnish and sett up Stockadoes in an equal and due proportion according to their abili- ties, and that a fine may be imposed upon those who shall be remiss or negligent in complying with the direc- tions of said act; and that the mayor, recorder and alder- men, or the major part of them may be impowered by said act to order and give directions how, where and in what manner the same Stockadoes shall be set up.
And whereas besides the stockadoes there will be wanted other materials for building batteries, making gates in their proper places and carriages for the great Guns which are all out of order, your Petitioners hum- bly pray that the sum of one hundred and fifty pound may be taxed on the county to help to enable the defray- ing of the charges of the same.
And whereas the scituation of this city along the water side is very irregular and inconvenient for building, and as it is said pretensions are made on some lotts lying there, tho by our most diligent enquiry can find no body to show any title to the same, your Petitioners therefore humbly pray that an act may be passed to oblige those persons to make their claim wtin three months after the publication of sd act and dock out the same w'in three years, or that your Pet'rs may be the better enabled to fortifie the same, further humbly pray that the right may be confirmed to this corporation who will oblige them- selves to do it in that time.
47
The City Records.
Hoping your Honours will be pleased to take the pre- mises into your consideration and to pass an act or acts for the same, your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray, &c.
This board allows John Van Alstyn and Ryckart Hil- ton each forty shillings for work done to the two new block houses by Jesse Dffreests, Van Alstyne not to re- ceive his forty shillings till he puts a good and sufficient Roof on the new block house by the water side. An order was drawn on the treasurer to pay Jan Van Alstyn forty pounds pursuant to an order of the 18th December last which he had not received because he had not given bond according to the directions of the said order.
1734, June 24. Resolved to sell at publick Vendue this day 400 Skipple of wheat to the highest bidder, no- tice being given by publick advertisement of said sale three days agoe, to be paid in ready on the delivery, which is to be this week:
Edward Holland, 50 Sk: at 2:9
£6:17:6
Ditto
· 50 Do 2:9
6:17:6
Ditto
- 100 Do
2:9
13:15:0
Barent Bratt,
200 Do
2:9
27:10:0
Amount is fifty-five pounds, £55: 0:0
This board this day agreed with Gerrit Lansingh and Anthony Bratt to sett up 400 Stockadoes at 9d. a piece, beginning at the Block House on the Reuse Bergh and so on as they shall be directed, with Tennons of good dry oak wood of one and a half inch thick, to be drove in five inches, the Stockadoes to be 13 foot long, three foot in the ground, to have loop holes at proper distances.
To allow them six shillings for furnishing timber for the Tenons. No Stockadoes to be put up but what will work one foot at least of good fresh wood.
Mattys fflensburgh has undertake to sett up 300 Stock- adoes in the same manner and on the same conditions as the above 400 to begin by the Blockhouse on the Gallows Hill, to be allowed 4:6 for Tenons.
48
The City Records.
1734, July 20. The following Letter was writt and sent to Mr. Johannis Cuyler:
Sir: The Mayor, Aldermen and Comonalty being in- tended to have a friendly conversation wt you concern- ing the ground in dispute betwixt the city and you, de- sire to meet wt you at the City hall on twesday next at three o'clock in the afternoon, and if your conveniency will not then allow, desire you may appoint another day.
This Board this day agreed wt Mattys Flensburgh to sett up 300 Stockadoes more in the same manner and on the same conditions as those agreed for the 24th June last.
1734, August 17. Symon Danielse presented a peti- tion to this Board praying that they would dispose of a certain tract or piece of wood land lying contiguous to him and belonging to this city, for which he would pay a reasonable consideration. The petition was in the words following, viz :
To the worshipful Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and Comonalty of the city of Albany in Comon Council convened, the humble Petition of Symon Danielse sheweth,
That whereas there is a certain tract or piece of pine wood land belonging to the city of Albany, lying at Schaahkook having to the north Schaahkooks Road, to the east part of your Petitioners land and part the hills, which hills adjoins to the aforesd land and stretches southward to where your Petitioners Mill stands and ten yards over the creek on which said mill stands and which said land lyes very contiguous to your Petitioner.
Therefore prays that your worships will be pleased to dispose of the same to your Petitioner who is willing to pay a reasonable consideration for the same, which if your worships be pleased to grant, your worships Peti- tioner as in duty bound shall ever pray, &c.
This Board having taken the above Petition into con- sideration Resolve that the Petitioner shall have the sd certain tract or piece of pine wood land as hereinafter bounded, viz: To the north and west Schaahkooks Road
49
The City Records.
as it now runs, to the east part by his land and part by the hills, which hills joins to the sd land and stretches southward along said hills to the creek where his Griss Mill now stands and so along the north side of the creek westerly till it comes to Hudson's River, for the sum of sixty pounds, of which thirty pound to be paid the first day of October now next ensuing by the delivery of the deed, and the other thirty pound on or before the first day of January 1735, for which he is to give Bond.
Resolved that the mayor in behalf of the comonalty execute said deed and cause the city seal to be thereunto affixed.
Jeremiah Pamerton this day paid his bond of fifteen pound due to the city, which was cancelled by order of this Board.
1734, August 24. Resolved by this Board to write a Letter to David Verplank which was in the following words, viz:
Sir: The Mayor, Aldermen and Comonalty desire that you will be pleased to come up and indeavour to agree wt them to give libertye to sett the Stockadoes for forti- fying the city over your lott where the fence now stands. If you cannot conveniently come up, please to signifie your consent thereto by a letter under your hand, else the mayor, &c. will be obliged to issue out a sumons to ap- praise the value of sd ground according to the directions of the act of Assembly made for that purpose. By order of the Mayor, Aldermen and Comonalty. To Mr. David Verplank. JA. STEVENSON, D Clerk.
Resolved by this Board that the Mayor in the name of the Comonalty shall execute to Benjamin Bratt at the desire of Albert Ryckman, a deed for a lott of ground lying on the Plain, and sold by the mayor, aldermen and comonalty the first day of December, 1686, as by the minutes of that day may appear. It is lott No. 27, having to the west the lott late of Philip Dffreest, to the east the lane, to the north the lott of Jacob Bogaert decd, and to the south the lott belonging to the heirs of Jan Janse Bleecker, as the same is in fence.
50
The City Records.
An order was drawn on Barent Bratt, treasurer, to pay to John Groesbeeck £17:13:92, being for four great guns and carriages for the use of the city.
1734, Sept. 29. In pursuance of the directions of the Charter of the city of Albany, two Aldermen, two Assist- ants and one constable were chosen for each ward by plurality of voices of the several inhabitants of the said city who had a right to vote, and are returned as follows, viz:
Aldermen.
Assistants.
First Ward.
Reyer Gerritse, Joh's v Oostrande,
Hendrick Koster. Mattys fflensburgh.
Peter van Alen, Constable.
Second Ward.
Cornelis Cuyler, Jacob Ten Eyck,
Joh's E. Wendell, Jacob Glen.
Robt Rumney, Constable. Third Ward.
Leendt Gaansevoort, Jesse Dffreest,
Joban's Vischer, Gerrit G. Lansingh.
Johan's Pruyn, Jun'r, Constable.
Barent Bratt was chosen City Chamberlain. William Hilton, Jr., high Constable.
1734, Oct. 29. This day appeared Johan's Wyngaert and Zechariah Zieckelsy and agreed with the Comon Council to go round every night and to call every hour from ten a clock to four in the morning at all the following places of the city what a clock and what weather it is, viz: At Frederick Myndertse's corner, Obadiah Cooper's corner, the Mayor's corner, Philip Livingston's, the Eng- lish Church, Johan's Lansingh's Jun'r, the Well of Gys- bert Marcellis's, Hendrick Ten Eyck's corner, the Re- corder's, John Waters's, Jacob Lansingh's, Leendert Gaansevoort's and Henry Holland's for which services they are to have each eight pounds and each six shillings for candles. To begin this next night and to end the last night of April next ensuing, and in case any com- plaints are sufficiently made out agt them of the neglect
51
The City Records.
of their duty, they or either of them neglecting are to be discharged without payment for the time they have served.
1734, Nov. 9. Abraham Defreest appeared before this Board and desired to buy a ps of pine wood land lying at Schaahtekook adjoining to Simon Danielse's land on the north side of Schaahtekook's Road. Johannis Vischer, one of the aldermen, is appointed by this board to go and view sd land and bring a report of the same.
The following fire masters were appointed by this board for the year ensuing, viz:
First Ward-Jacob Maase and Dirck Winne.
Second Ward-Jacob Verplank and Symon Veeder.
Third Ward-Johannis Goewy and Abram Witbeck.
1734, Nov. 20. This board sold this day unto Abram Defreest twenty-one morgans of the pine wood land which he desired to buy last Comon Council, lying and being upon the hill at the back of Symon Danielse's land, beginning about one hundred yards from the ridge of the hill and so along the north side of the road that leads to Schaahtekook at about fifty yards distance from the road, containing two hundred yard in breadth along the road keeping said distance from said road with a streight line till giving the same distance of two hundred yards in the rear another streight line to run to the place where first begun, will make up the sd quantity of twenty-one mor- gans, he being to pay therefore the sum of twenty-five pounds; that is to say, twelve pound ten shillings the first day of July next and twelve pound ten shillings, the remainder, on the first day of July 1736, for which sums he is to give bond and also the yearly rent of two fatt hens for ever. The first payment to begin on the first day of February 1735. Resolved by this board that in- dentures shall be drawn accordingly, and that the mayor in behalf of the comonalty shall cause the city seal to be thereto affixed and the same to be entered on the publick records.
John Lindesay, Esq. produced a commission for sheriff of the city and county of Albany for the year ensuing, and took his oath of office before this board.
52
The City Records.
1734, Nov. 26. This board agreed wt Johan's Seger to furnish fire wood and to make fire for the Comon Council and Mayors Court for the sum of thirty shillings for one year.
This Board agreed wt Evert Wendell and Richard Williams, Esqr's, Atty's at Law, to give their opinions in writing under their hand signed by them, whether or not the Corporation can legally grant a deed to Peter Brower for the land he purchased of the Indians lying at Tienenderogue, which is part of the land contained in the Indian deed which John Depeyster, Esq'r, late mayor of this city, had in his custody wt other writings and which he says is destroyed for which their advice so given under hand as afd, this Board is to pay each of them twenty shillings.
1734, Nov. 29. Evert Wendell and Richard Williams Esqrs. Attorneys at Law, gave in their opinion in writ- ing under their hands and seals concerning Peter Brower's deed, according to their agreement last Comon Council which was in the words following. viz:
The Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the city of Albany having desired our opinion concerning a Tract of land comprehended within the limitts and boundaries of one thousand acres of land scituate at Tiennenoroge granted by his city charter to the mayor, aldermen and comonalty of the city of Albany of which tract of land one Peter Brower having made a purchase from the In- dian owners and now petition the sd mayor, aldermen and comonalty that they will confirm his said purchase there if the sd mayor, aldermen, &c., can comply with said pe- tition.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.