USA > New York > Kings County > Flatbush > The history of the town of Flatbush in Kings County, Long Island > Part 2
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Nothing of very special interest occurred in Flatbush, from the date which we have last mentioned, until the period of the surrender of the country to the English, which took place in the year 1664. The number of the inhabitants in the town, appears to have increased quite rapidly up to this time, when it is supposed it contained a larger population than at the conclusion of the revolu- tionary war, in 1783.
We will be pardoned for digressing here for a few mo- ments, for the purpose of narrating the manner, and some of the terms and conditions, on which the surrender of the country was made to the English authorities. King Charles, by Letters Patent, granted to his brother, James, the Duke of York, his heirs and assigns, Long-Island, all Hudsons' River, and all lands from the west side of Con- necticut River to the east side of Delaware Bay, together with all royalties and right of government. This em-
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braced all the countries then governed by the Dutch. Soon after the grant of this Patent, King Charles de- spatched a small force, for the purpose of subduing the country. The Dutch inhabitants were apprized of the designs of the English, by the vigilance of Governor Stuyvesant, who had received information, that an expe- dition was preparing against them, consisting of three vessels, of forty or fifty guns each, having on board about three hundred soldiers, and laying at Plymouth in Eng- land, waiting for a fair wind. The Dutch authorities were called together, by their Governor, and they ordered the fort to be put in the best state of defence. As soon as the vessels arrived in the outer harbor of New-York, which was in August, 1664, Governor Stuyvesant sent a polite note to the English commander, dated, August 19th, 1664, desiring the reason of their approach and continuance in the harbor without giving the Dutch notice. This letter was sent by John Declyer, one of the chief council, the Rev. John Megapolensis, minister, Paul Lunden Vander Grilft and Mr. Samuel Megapolensis, doctor of physic. On the next day, Col. Richard Nicolls, who was the commander of the expedition, and was clothed with the powers of Governor, sent an answer, and demanded a sur- render of the country. In this document he informed Governor Stuyvesant, that he had been sent out by the King of England, for the maintainance of his unquestion- able rights, and that he had been commanded to demand the surrender of the country, and in his name he now re- quired such surrender. He however assured him, that every Dutch inhabitant who should readily submit to the King of England, should be secured in his estate, life and liberty. He despatched the summons by four persons, through whom he expected to receive an answer. These
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persons were George Cartwright, one of his Majesty's commissioners in America, Captain Robert Needham, Captain Edward Groves and Mr. Thomas Delavall.
Governor Stuyvesant promised an answer the next morning, and in the mean time convened the council and Burgomasters. He was, unquestionably a brave soldier, and had lost a leg in the service of his country, and was desirous to defend the place by all the means in his power. He therefore refused both to the inhabitants and the Burgomasters a sight of the summons, lest the easy terms proposed might induce them to capitulate. The inhabitants were called together at the Staatds House, and informed of the Governor's refusal. On the 2d day of September, 1664, the Burgomasters came in coun- cil, and demanded to see the summons, which the Gov- ernor then in a fit of anger tore to pieces. But not- withstanding the yielding disposition of the inhabitants to the British commissioners, which arose, no doubt, from a growing discontent with the Dutch government, which had existed for several years in the country, Governor Stuyvesant resolved upon a vigorous resistance, and sent to the English commander a long letter, vindicating the justice of the Dutch claims to the territory which they occupied.
While the Governor and council were contending with the Burgomasters and people, in the city of New-Amster- dam, the English commissioners published a proclama- tion in the country, encouraging the inhabitants to sub- mit, and promising them all the privileges of British sub- jects. Many, on discovering from Governor Stuyvesant's letter, which was then likewise published, that he was averse to the surrender, being fearful of the impending storm, resolved to join the strongest party, and began to
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beat up for volunteers, particularly on Long-Island. The Governor being thus invaded by a foreign foe, and threatened to be deserted by those on whose friend- ship he had depended, perceiving that resistance would only occasion a wanton effusion of blood, agreed to appoint six distinguished citizens on his part, who, in conjunction with an equal number of British commis- sioners should conclude a treaty for the surrender of the country.
The commissioners on the part of the Dutch were
John D. Deckar,
Nicholas Verleet,
Samuel Megapolensis,
Oleffe Stevens Van Kortlandt,
James Cousseau, Cornelius Steenwick,
On the part of the English, they were Robert Carr,
George Carteret,
John Winthrop,
Samuel Willys,
Thomas Clarke, John Pinchen.
This treaty was agreed upon. It consisted of twenty- three articles, of which it is sufficient to give the outlines of some of the most prominent. The Staats General, or the Dutch West India Company were to enjoy all farms and houses except those in the forts, and had liberty within six months to transport all arms and ammunition which belonged to them. The people might remain free denizens, and occupy or dispose of their lands, houses and goods, as they pleased. They were to enjoy free liberty of conscience, and retain their own customs respecting
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their inheritances. No judgment which had passed any of the courts of judicature could be called in question, and all previous differences respecting contracts, were to be determined according to the manner of the Dutch. No Dutchman nor Dutch ships could be pressed to serve in war against any nation whatever, and no soldiers quar- tered on the inhabitants. Inferior civil officers might continue to fill their stations till the customary time of a new election, and the inhabitants were entitled to choose deputies, who should have free voices in all public affairs. The soldiers were to march out with the honors of war, and each of them who chose to remain in the country was entitled to fifty acres of land. The Articles were ap- proved by Colonel Richard Nicolls, on the 7th, of Sep- tember, and on the 9th, of September, 1664, by Governor Stuyvesant.
About the time of the surrender of the country to the Duke of York, there appears to have been a considerable contest as to the boundary line between the towns of Mid- wout and New-Amersfort, which was attended with fre- quent collisions, and particularly so, in the mowing and ingathering of hay on the Canarsee meadows. This even- tually led to an application to Governor Richard Nicolls for the settlement of the subject in controversy, between the contending parties. Governor Nicolls in the year 1666 appointed arbitrators to view and settle the matters in difference between them. The arbitrators thus ap- pointed, accordingly met, for the purpose of viewing the premises and issuing the differences between these towns on the 17th, of October, 1666. They were accompanied by many of the inhabitants, and after a careful survey, a designated line was agreed upon. The line thus con- sented to was designated by marked trees, wherever prac-
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ticable, and in other instances, by prominent stakes, or a fence set up between the two towns. In the Canarsee meadows, which were esteemed valuable at that time, it was described with greater precision, and was designated by an instrument similar to the mariners compass, and was to run according to the terms of Governor Stuyve- sant's Patent, granted to Midwout, in 1656, from the woodland to the mouth of the kill or creek, (now called the first creek, or Vanderveer's mill creek,) with an East line half a point northerly, without variation of compass. The award and determination of the arbitrators was made to Governor Nicolls, in accordance to the above arrangement, and the line being marked, and staked out, in conformity thereto, the award received his approbation and sanction, on the 20th, day of April, 1667.
This controversy being thus happily terminated, and the southern boundary of the town permanently fixed, the inhabitants of Flatbush, in the year 1667, applied to Governor Nicolls for a confirmatory grant, to secure them in their possessions, as he was required to do, by virtue, and in pursuance of the Articles of capitulation. On the 11th, of October, in the year 1667, the Governor granted letters patent, to the freeholders and inhabitants of Mid- . wout, alias Flatbush, of which, the following is a con- densed abstract:
"Richard Nicolls, Esq. &c. Whereas there is a cer- tain town within this government, known by the name of Midwout, alias Flatbush, &c. now for a confirmation, &c. Know ye that I have given, ratified, confirmed and grant- ed unto Mr. Johannes Megapolensis, one of the ministers of this city, Mr. Cornelius Van Ruyven, one of the jus- tices of the peace, Adrian Hegeman, Jan Snediger, Jan Stryker, Frans Barents Pastor, Jacob Stryker, and Cor-
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nelius Janse Bougaert, at Patentees, for, and on behalf, of themselves and associates, freeholders and inhabitants of the said town, their heirs, successors and assigns; All that tract, together with the several parcels of land, which already have, or hereafter shall be purchased or procured for, and on behalf of the said town; whether from the na- tive Indian proprietors or others, within the bounds and limits hereafter set forth and expressed, viz: That is to say: The said town is bounded to the south by the Hills,
to the north by the fence lately sett between them and the town of Amersfort, alias Flatlands: Beginning at a certain tree, standing upon the Little Flats, marked by order and determination of several arbitrators, appointed by me, to view and issue the differences between the two towns, concerning the same, which accordingly they did, upon the 17th, day of October, 1666, and to the east and west by the common woodlands, including two Flats, heretofore called by the names of Corlers and Twillers Flats, which lye to the east of the town: As also a par- cel of meadow ground or valley on the east northeast side of the Canarsee planting land, and having to the south the meadow ground belonging to Amersfort, alias Flatlands, according to the division made by an east line running half a point northerly, between them, without variation of the compass, and so to go to the mouth of the Creek or Kill; which said meadows were upon the 20th, of April last, by common consent staked out, and by my approbation allowed of: All which said tracts and parcels of land, meadow ground, &c. Dated, October, 11th, 1667."
The first settlers of Midwout, or Flatbush, were a hardy body of farmers, inured to labor, and acquainted more or less, with some mechanical trade. This was calculated
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to promote their domestic comfort, to render themselves useful to one another, and make them quite independent of extraneous aid. It is worthy of remark, that it was a general rule for every parent to cause his sons to be in- structed in some useful mechanical business, although in- tended for farmers, and that this practice was invariably continued until the commencement of the revolutionary war. In the original subdivision of the town amongst the different proprietors, it will be perceived, as above stated, that the allotments of land were made only for those who intended to obtain the means of subsistence by the cultivation of the earth. There was therefore no pro- vision as yet made for mechanics, who might desire to make a permanent residence here. Upon the introduction of a few mechanics, it was perceived that from the ability and employments of the inhabitants generally, there was but little prospect of their being able to support them- selves, and their families in any comfortable way, without the cultivation of some land, at least for family subsist- ence. The attention of the inhabitants was directed to this subject, and the church lands were thereupon divided into suitable and convenient parcels, so as to accommo- date the mechanics, and let to them for low and reason- able rents. A tract of woodland was also purchased and patented, lying to the east of the town and north of what is called Flatlands Neck, expressly for the benefit of the mechanics, and appropriately called Keuters Hook, or Mechanics Hook. The inhabitants of the town were at, and about that time, divided into two classes, called Keuters or mechanics, and Boers, or Farmers; and this distinction was kept up for years afterwards. The date of the Patent of Keuters Hook cannot now be ascertained with precision, but was probably not
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very long after the surrender of the country to the English.
About this time the court was removed from Flatbush to Gravesend. This was no doubt, in consequence of the latter town being chiefly settled by English emigrants, and the authorities were disposed from this circumstance to favor them. The first records of the court, now in the Clerk's office of the county, are dated at Gravesend, in the years 1668 .- 69.
Shortly after the surrender of the colony to the Eng- lish, the towns of Brooklyn, Bushwick, Midwout, or Flat- bush, Amersford, or Flatlands, and New-Utrecht, were formed into a separate district, for certain purposes, by the name of the " Five Dutch Towns." For these towns a Secretary or Clerk, was specially appointed, whose duties appear to have been confined to the taking acknowledg- ments of transports and marriage settlements, and proof of wills, &c. In 1674, this office was held by "Nicasius De Sille, in the absence of Sr. Ffrancis De Brugh." He was succeeded in the year 1675, by Machiel Hainelle, who had been schoolmaster in Flatbush during the previous year. In the acknowledgments which he took, he styles himself " Clerk." In the same year the court of Sessions for the West Riding of Yorkshire,* which then sat in Gravesend, after setting forth the appointment of Hainelle, and calling him " Secretary," declared, "It is the opinion of the court, that for what publique or private business he shall doe, he ought to have reasonable satisfacon."
New Lots, which was originally called Ostwout, or East-Woods, on account of its lying east of Midwout or
* The West Riding was composed of the towns of Brooklyn, Bush- wich, Flatbush, Flatlands, New-Utrecht and Gravesend, together with Staten Island and Newtown.
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the Old Town of Flatbush, was no doubt purchased and procured from the native Indian proprietors, by the in- habitants of Midwout. But at what particular time can- not be distinctly ascertained. It was probably not far from the period when the Patent of Governor Nicolls was granted, which was in 1667. It was a tract of woodland covered with the same description of timber as that of Midwout. Its situation was also somewhat similar, hav- ing the Hills on the north, the Bay, which was then called the Sea, on the south, and extending easterly to the bounds of Jamaica. An extensive tract of meadows was included in these limits, lying in front of the upland, and extending to the Bay. All this land appears to have been subdivided in the same manner, as Midwout, or the Old Town of Flatbush, and the church'also received its share in such allotment, with the inhabitants of the town. The meadow was, without doubt, also subdivided about the same time, and similarly allotted, as the upland. This opinion appears to be confirmed by the fact, that the first conveyances of land recorded in the town records always include one or more parcels of meadow therewith. The meadows must also have been esteemed valuable, on ac- count of producing spontaneously an annual crop of hay, and that, without previous labor or tillage. This tract of country generally was called the New Lands, and princi- pally settled by the inhabitants of Midwout, or the Old Town, and afterwards assumed the name of the New- Lots. The Patent for this was obtained under the ad- ministration of Sir, Edmond Andros, the second English Governor, to which we shall advert presently.
In the year 1665, a meeting of delegates from the sev- eral towns on Long-Island, was held at Hempstead, for the purpose of adjusting any conflicting claims to lands,
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and settling the boundaries of the several towns, and of receiving and acknowledging the code of laws, which had been prepared by the Duke of York, for the government of the Colony, commonly called the "Dukes Laws." At this meeting the Governor himself attended, and the dele- gates were so much gratified with his manners, and the liberal views which he professed on the occasion, that they drew up, and signed an address to His Royal Highness, the Duke of York, full of gratitude and loyalty, but at which, as soon as their constituents found that they were to have no voice in the selection of magistrates, or a share in legislation, they manifested their disapprobation, and censured the deputies with so much severity, that the civil authorities thought it necessary to interfere. And accordingly, at a court of Assize, held in October, 1666, it was resolved that whoever thereafter should detract, or speak against any of the deputies, signing the address to His Royal Highness, at the general meeting at Hemp- stead, should be presented to the next court of Sessions : and if the justices should see cause, they should thence be bound over to the Assizes, there to answer for the slander by plaint or information.
The delegates who attended this convention from Flat- bush, and signed the address, were John Stryker and Hendrick Gucksen. It is not necessary here to give any summary of the Dukes Laws, which were then promul- gated, and continued to be the law of the land until Octo- ber, 1683. There are in them many quite curious provi- sions. There was nothing in them peculiar to any town, except the fixing the mark by which horses were to be branded. Each town was required to have a marking or flesh brand for this purpose. The town mark for Flat- bush was the letter O.
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It is probable that at this assembly, which fixed the bounds of the several towns, the names of many of them were altered. The town of Rutsdorpe, was called Jamaica, Amersfort was changed to Flatlands, Middleburgh to Newtown, and Midwout to Flatbush, or Flakkebos, that is, Flat Woods. This name was given to it from its being situated on an apparently level plain, and surrounded on almost every side by woods. But it is here proper to re- mark, that the ground in and about Flatbush, is far from being a deal level. It is an inclined plane gradually ex- tending and lessening in inclination to its southern boun- dary. Hence, here are no stagnant pools or marshes, but all surplus water from rains and storms, passes off grad- ually, but yet in a very short period to the ocean. This renders the situation of the town healthful, and hence it has seldom if ever, been visited with any prevailing epi- demic.
The tract of country now comprising the town of Flat- bush as we have stated, was originally obtained by pur- chase from the Canarsee Indians, who were the true and original owners. The first Dutch settlers of the town, in their various purchases of the Indian proprietors, dealt fairly and honorably with them. They did not drive them from their possessions by force, but gave what was then esteemed by themselves to be a valuable consideration, for their lands. This integrity and uprightness of conduct, secured a lasting friendship with the Canarsee Indians, which continued till the total extinction of that Tribe. These purchases were confirmed to the inhabitants of Flat- bush by sundry Patents, issued to them by the Dutch and English Governors.
The inhabitants continued in the peaceable enjoyment of these premises thus obtained, without any claim, hin-
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drance or molestation, from any person or persons, until the year 1670, when Eskemoppas, Sachem of Rockaway, and his two brothers, laid claim to the same, as the true Indian owners and proprietors thereof. There can be no doubt, that this claim was ill founded, but the Dutch in- habitants of the town for the purpose of quieting the title to their possessions, consented to take a conveyance from him and his two brothers, for which they paid a valuable consideration, which is set forth in a schedule subjoined to their deed. It may be gratifying to some to know the terms of this purchase, and the contents of this ancient document. The Deed is as follows :- " To all christian people to whom this present writing shall come: Eske- moppas, Sachem of Rockaway, upon Long Island, Kinna- rimas and Ahawaham, his brothers, send greeting: Where- as they the said Sachem, Eskemoppas and his two broth- ers, aforementioned, do lay claim to the land now in the tenure and occupation of the inhabitants of Midwout, alias Flatbush, as well as to other lands thereto adjacent, as the right born Indian owners, and proprietors thereof : Know ye, that for, and in consideration of certain sums of seewant, a certain sum of wampum and divers other goods (hereinafter specified,) unto the said Sachem, and his brothers, in hand paid, and received, from Adrian Hegeman, Jacob Stryker, Hendrich Jorise and Jan Han- sen, for and on behalf of themselves and the rest of the inhabitants of Midwout, alias Flatbush, the receipt whereof they do hereby acknowledge, and themselves to be fully satisfied and paid : Have given, granted, contracted and sold, and by these presents, freely and absolutely do give, grant, bargain and sell, unto the said Adrian Hege- man, Jacob Stryker, Hendrick Jorise and Jan Hansen, for and in behalf of themselves and the inhabitants afore- said, their heirs aud successors : All that parcel and tract
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of land where the said town of Midwout stands, together with all the lands lying therein, stretching on the east side to the limits of Newtown and Jamaica, on the south side to the meadow ground and limits of Amersfort; on the west side to the bounds of Gravesend and New-Utrecht, and on the north side along the Hills; that is to say, all those lands within the limits aforementioned that have not been already purchased by any of the inhabitants of the town aforementioned, nor is granted to any in their respective Patents. And also excepting such meadow or valley in the possession of the said inhabitants and in their Patent particularly set forth. To have and to hold, all the said parcel and tract of land and premises together with all and singular, every thing thereunto be- longing, or in any wise appertaining, as before mentioned, together with the said valley or meadow ground, unto the said Adrian Hegeman, Jacob Stryker, Hendrick Jorise and Jan Hansen, for, and on behalf of the inhabitants aforesaid, their heirs and successors, to the proper use and behalf of the said inhabitants, their heirs and suc- cessors forever. In witness whereof, the parties to these presents have hereunto set their hands and seals, this 20th, day of April, in the 22d, year of his Majesty's Reign, in the year of our Lord, 1670.
ESKEMOPPAS, L mark, (seal.)
KINNARIMAS, mark, (seal.)
AHAWAHAM, e mark, (seal.) Signed and delivered
in the presence of
THOMAS LOVELACE, CORNELIUS VAN RUYVEN.
Recorded the day and year within written, Per MATHIAS NICOLLS, Secretary.
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The payment agreed upon for the purchase herein men- tioned, was as follows: viz:
10 Fathoms of black seewant or (wampum.)
10 Fathoms of white seewant or (wampum.)
5 Match coats of Duffells.
4 Blankets.
2 Gunners sight guns.
2 Pistols.
5 Double handfulls of Powder, (gispen bunches of powder.)
5 Bars of Lead.
10 Knives.
2 Secret aprons of Duffells, (Cuppas of Duffell.)
1 Half fat or half barrell of Strong Beer.
3 Cans of Brandy.
6 Shirts.
All the above particulars were received by the Sachem, and his two brothers, in the presence of the persons under written, as witnesses hereof.
John Manning,
Sylvester Salisbury,
John Hough,
Jacob Van Cortlandt, - Supposed Judges or
Teunis Jacob Hay, Justices of the Peace.
Edward Carlisle.
Acknowledged before me, the Sachem and his two brothers, and the goods delivered in my presence, the day and year within written.
FRANCIS LOVELACE."
It was one of the provisions of the Duke's Laws, that no purchase of land from the Indians should be valid without a licence from the Governor to make such pur- chase, and the purchaser was required to bring the Sachem
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or right owner, before the Governor, to confess satisfac- tion. It was in accordance with this provision, that not only Justices were appointed to superintend the above purchase, but the Sachem and his brothers appeared be- fore Governor Lovelace, and in his presence the payments were made, and the purchase concluded. The provisions relative to purchases from the Indians, to which we have alluded, were subsequently adopted, and embodied in a specific act, by the first Colonial Assembly, which met in the year 1683, under Governor Dongan.
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