GIVEN TO THE Massachusetts Historical Society BY   

A Modest and Impartial NARRATIVE Of several Grievances and Great Oppressions That the Peaceable and most Considerable Inhabitants OF Their Majesties Province OF NEW-YORK IN AMERICA lye Under, By the Extravagant and Arbitrary Proceedings of Jacob Leysler and his complices.   

THe Reader is hereby advertised, That the Matters contained in the following Declaration and Narration, were intended to have been presented to the Mayor's Court in New-York, the 21th of January last past, but that the Fury and Rage of this Insolent man Leyster, was grown to that height, that the day before, by his order, several Persons of Note were violently seized, and divers Houses broken open, so as it was not thought safe to proceed in such Method. For which reason it s thought well to publish the same, for information of all into whose hands it may come, but more especially for the benefit of our fellow Inhabitants, who are abused by the false pretensions of this common Violater of our Laws and Liberties, as by the following Narrative will plainly appear, Wherein, the Courteous Peruser is desired to take notice, it hath been our, great Care to rulate nothing but Matters of Fact, of which we have substantial Credible Evidences.   

The Narrative, &c.  
OUT of the deep sense we have of the good Providence of Almighty God, in their Majesties happy Accession to the Imperial Crown of England, &c. In the first place, We, in a most Christian manner, with Hearts and Hands lifted up to Heaven, give Glory to Almighty God, for this so happy a Revolution, whereof it hath pleased the most High to appear the principal Author. In the next place, We cannot but declare and publish to the World our Hearty& Thankful Resentments of the Noble, though Hazardous Enterprise of the late Prince of Orange, our now most Dread sovereign, King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c. the Noble Hero of this Age, for the Protestant Religion, and the Preservation of the Laws and Liberties of the English Nation unviolated, manifesting hereby, that as in Duty bound, so in point of Gratitude, we can do no less than Dedicate our Lives and Fortunes to their Majesties Services, with our most serious and continued Prayers for their Majesties long and happy Reign over us, being well satisfied in ourselves, that what our Native Land so plentifully enjoys under their Reign, to wit, the Laws and Liberties of the English Nation. We( though inhabiting a remote part of their Dominion) shall share with them in the common Propriety.  
In consideration whereof in all Humble and Obedient manner, as Dutiful Subjects to their Majesties, and Well-wishers to this their Province of New-York, We can do no less than in the presence of God, and to the World, declare our Abhorrance and Dislike of the Unreasonable, Illegal and Arbitrary Proceedings of some men inhabiting with us in this their Majesties Province, who have usurped Authority over us.  
Against all such Proceedings of theirs, hereafter faithfully and impartially set down, and against them, as the Actors thereof, we do hereby publicly Declare and Protest.  
Now to the end the Reasonableness of this our Protestation may appear unto all to whose hands it may come, we count ourselves obliged to give a brief Recital of the Care of our late Lieutenant governor Francis Nicholson, for the more peaceable quiet and satisfactory governing this their Majesties Province.  
To obviate all suspicion of Jealousies that might arise in ill affencted Turbulent Spirits, our said Lieutenant Governor by and with the consent of so many of the Council as here resided( upon the whispering of the late happy Change) did convene together the Mayor, Aldermen and common Council Men of the City of New-York, with all the commission Officers of the Militia of this City and County; at which Convention our said Lieutenant governor proposed to admit of part of the Train-bands of this City and County to take their turns of Watching and Warding within their Majesties Fort, under their own Officers; And further offered, with the advice and consent of his Council, Civil and Military Officers, there met and assembled, That the Customs formerly paid by the Inhabitants of this Province, should still continue, only with this alteration, that whereas formerly it was expended and laid out in defraying of the Charges of the Government, and Souldiers in pay in the Garrison, it should thence forward be employed in the fortifying and putting this City in a posture of Defence against a foreign Enemy, on which the welfare and Safety of this Province so much depends.  
In pursuance of the same, an order issued forth from the said Convention, signed by the Lieutenant Governor, his Council, the Mayor and Alder-men of this City, and most of the Commission-Officers of the Militia, none showing so great a dislike to it as Jacob Leisler, one of the Captains of the Train-bands of this City, who at that time had a Ship loaden with Wines, the Customs whereof amounted to upwards of one hundred Pounds, the payment of this he utterly refused, alleging, The Collector being a Papist, was not qualified to receive it, denying the then Power to be legal; but whether for that or his own private Interest, let the impartial judge.  
The turbulent mind of this Person not being satisfied in denying the payment of the usual Customs, though appointed for the use aforesaid, he sets himself upon inventing ways how he might overturn the Government, which was then peaceable and quiet. The first thing he falls upon was to stir up and animate the People of the East end of Long-Island to advance, with sufficient Force to take Possession of the Fort, lest it should be in danger of being delivered up to a foreign Power; this readily took with them, whose Minds were already heated by the Example of Boston, in clapping up of our governor Sir edmond Andres, and after some Consultations amongst themselves, they put forward in a Hostile manner, increasing as they came along the iceland, until they were so far advanced as the Town of Jamaica, being then about Eighty in Number, where they hal●ed, and sent up three of their principal Leaders to discourse the Lieutenant governor, who upon their coming convened his Council, the Mayor and Alder-men of this City, and the Commission-Officers of the Militia of City and Country, into which Convention the Persons sent were admitted; where after some long debates, they seemingly went away satisfied, at least so far as that they and the men accompanying them, returned home to their own Towns and Habitations, without doing the least hurt or damage to any.  
This Stratagem failing our Massanello Leysler, in a short time after a rumour was spread amongst the quiet Inhabitants of this City, of a horrible Design, there was of Murdering them, their Wives and Children, as they were Worshipping of God in the Dutch Church within the Fort, and the Sunday prefixed, when this cruel Act was to be accomplished; Capt. Leysler in the mean time instigating and stirring up the Inhabitants to Self-preservation against this imaginary Design, which so far prevailed with part of the Inhabitants, as that the Friday before the Sunday marked out by this Report for the pretended Massacree, they rose in a Hostile manner; the first who appeared in Arms were some under Leysler's Command, who( as the Plot was laid) went to the House of their Captain, and threatened to shoot him if he would not head them. This no ways surprised the courageous Captain; a substantial Reason why, himself being the sole Contriver of it: Yet whether prevailed most, the want of Valour, or the Apprehensions, if he should miscarry in this bold Attempt, the Country would be destitute of one so fit as himself to Command, we leave to the Judicious to determine.  
However it was, it seemed not good unto this Champion to venture himself, but commits the Conduct of his men unto one Stoll, famous for nothing, unless his not being worth a Groat; up marches Stoll with his brisk Followers, and to the Fort Gates they draw near, where they met with a very civil Gentleman, one Hendrick Cuyler, left under Capt. Abraham Depeyster, who commanded that part of the Train-bands, who by turn had the Guard in the Fort that day; this Persons Civility was such, that its hard to determine whether Stoll and his party without were more desirous to enter, than he within was ready to open the Gates to them. In fine, Entrance they had, with great Acclamations and Joy on both sides, that so Meritorious a Design was not prevented.  
How far this valiant Lieutenant Cuyler, in this base act of his, hath answered the Law of Arms, or the Trust reposed in him, we will not now determine; but sure we are, the season they took for accomplishing this their Unman-like Contrivance, doth not a little add to their Crime, it being at that juncture of time when our Lieutenant Governor and the Conventment( whereof we have before made mention) were consulting for the more orderly, quiet and peaceable governing this their Majesties Province, who at this sudden Change were startled, and acted what was left in their Power, publicly protesting against this rude Action, and the Actors thereof.  
By this time their great Champion Leyster being well assured all danger and hazard was over, he most courageously girds on his Sword, marches stoutly up to the Fort, in order to his carrying on the Game he had so fairly begun, where he is joyfully received, and a Consultation immediately held, how they should obtain the keys of the Fort, which the Lieutenant Governor had in Custody, being in the City Hall, where he was in Consultation, as is already hinted.  
The Evening approaching, Capt lodowick and his Company advances to the Fort to mount the Guard, as his turn was; some time after his being in the Fort nothing would satisfy the tumultuous Multitude, but that three or four Files of men must be sent, under the Command of William Churchill, Sergeant, to Capt. lodowick, to fetch the keys from the Lieutenant governor[ A fitter Person for such a Message could not be sent than this Churchill, infamous for his Matenous and Turbulent Spirit] With much Insolence this impertinent impudent Fellow rushed into the Room where the Lieutenant governor was, and demanded the keys; the Lieutenant governor commanded him to call his Captain, who was prevailed with to come, hoping thereby to appease the People, unto whom the Lieutenant Governor delivered the keys, and Capt. lodowick returning to the Fort, the expectations of the Multitude being answered, after publishing Ja. Leisler Colonel, all leave the Fort to Capt lodowick and his Company, who stayed their usual time, and it was then agreed upon amongst the Captains, that each should take his turn to reside in the Fort as chief, till their Majesties pleasure should be further known.  
The Lieutenant governor, his Council and Convention aforesaid, taking into their serious Considerations what danger the Moneys was in, paid by the Inhabitants of this their Majesties Province, as well for Customs as public Taxes, which at that time was secured in the Fort. The said Convention agreed upon and ordered, the Moneys should be removed to the House of Frederick Phillips, one of the Council, a man of known Credit, and the most considerable for Estate in their Majesties Province.  
This was concluded on the day our Usurper Leisler, by his Instruments, seized the Fort, being the 31th day of May last past. But to no purpose was this Agreement of the Convention; for those who had made themselves Masters of their Majesties Fort, were resolved to command the Money too, being the Sum of Seven Hundred Seventy Three Pounds, which they peremptorily denied the Removal of, when demanded by the Lieutenant governor, in pursuance of the Order aforesaid. How they have disposed of this Money, is not our present business to inquire; we leave that until the happy Arrival of a governor legally commissionated from the King.  
The Fort being thus in Possession of the Captains of this City, by turns, all the Violence used for several dayes, was, that upon the arrival of any Vessel, great or small, a file of musketeers were sent on board, the Masters and Passengers carried to the Fort, and the Letters taken from them, some whereof were opened, and publicly red amongst the People. Never the like known in this place, under any former English governor.  
This is too little to satisfy the insatiable Ambition of this Grand Usurper Leysler, who could not content himself with the station Nature had fitted him for, and placed him in, but his soaring aspiring mind, aiming at that which neither his Birth nor Education had ever qualified him for, to wit, to be their Majesties Lieutenant governor of this Province, making no matter of Conscience how illegally he attained thereunto, whether by Usurpation or otherwise. It being his turn to command in chief in their Majesties Fort the third day of June past, he caused an Alarm to be beat, that he might accomplish his Wicked Designs, the intent of this Hubbub being only to ensnare those of the Inhabitants, who till that day had kept themselves clear of these Actions.  
The Inhabitants unanimously appeared in Arms that day, to stop the mouths of their Gain-sayers, and were headed by their Colonel Nicholas Bayard, tho' many of them sensible it was only a shame- Alarm, as it afterwards proved.  
They being all drawn up on a plain before the Fort, and no appearance of an Enemy, Colonel Bayard gave command to that Captain, whose turn it was to work on the Fortifications of this City, That he and his Company should repair thither; and to the other Captains he gave command, that they should dismiss their men. But this not answering the end of those who were made privy to the design of Leysler, they march into the Fort without their Captains, who stayed so long on the Plain, until they were  told, If they went not in, the Commonality would pull down their Houses, and they would be in danger of their Lives. To prevent which they followed their Companies,( instead of leading them) into the Fort, where a Paper was prepared to be signed by every one, the Contents being, That with their Lives and Fortunes they would defend the Protestant Religion, and keep the Fort for King William and Queen Mary, until their Majesties further Order.  
This being done, Leysler begins to think himself sure of his Point.  
Gabriel Munveill, one of the Captains of the Train-bands, well considering the ill effects that such Proceedings would produce, wisely procures his discharge from the Lieutenant governor, and no more appeared amongst them: The rest of the Captains continued their Command, more, as we are ready to believe, to do what in them lay, to prevent Mischief, and check the Insolence of this proud Usurper, whose immoderate desire after Greatness and Dominion over his fellow-Subjects, so far infatuated him, as that upon all occasions,( especially if any strangers present) he hath publicly made his boasts, how he contrived and laid the whole Design, as is before related.  
The next invention of Leysler was to animate and stir up the People to the choice of Committee-men, upon pretence of writing a Letter to the King, in behalf of the Country, and to consider the Reparations of the Fort, which was of absolute necessity. However legal, this company of men assembled were( who afterwards termed themselves, A Committee of Safety) we leave till a-fitter time to dispute. But we cannot pass by the Method of their being chosen, which we are sure, was altogether illegal and disorderly, there being not one third part of the Inhabitants of this their Majesties Province that condescended thereunto, nor was it ever intended by Leysler they should, least by that means his expectations should be frustrated. In fine, A company of these men elected by the far least Number of the Inhabitants, coming together in the Fort, two of them endued with more honesty, and a clearer discerning than the rest, perceiving the main drift was to set up Leysler, and make him Commander in chief, fairly and wisely with-drew themselves, and after the first time appeared no more amongst them.  
The first fruits of this unsafe Committee, as we have cause sufficient to term them, was to make Leysler Captain of the Fort, requesting of the other Captains of this City, that they would yield him their assistance when desired.  
Now begins this Usurpers greatness, which he is no ways wanting in improving( with the assistance of his Committee men) in all the Illegal Arbitrary Acts man in so short time could be guilty of. His working Brain stands not still with commanding the Fort, nor were his desires fully answered thereby: Nothing less than Lording and Domineering in all Causes[ Ecclesiastical, Civil and Military] will satisfy this man, who was and is much a-like qualified for them all.  
The Laws and Liberties of the English Nation( with which we have good cause to judge, he is little acquainted) he thinks no crime to violate, not regarding the Noble Example of the late Prince of Orange, our now most renowned sovereign King William, who for prevention of the Violation of our Laws and Liberties, hath so eminently appeared, to the end they might be preserved in their due Channel.  
This our proud Usurper finding the sweetness of an Arbitrary Power, agreeable with his Arbitrary Mind, deems it a fault in any, who objected the Law against his Illegal Proceedings, upon all such oceasions, he would angrily answer, What do you talk of LAW, the SWORD must now Rule. As if that which was judged so heinous in our Native Land, would be deemed Meritorious in these parts of their Majesties Dominion.  
Our neighbouring Colony of Connecticut being full of Disorders amongst themselves, albeit they had assumed their former Government, a general Court of that Colony sitting, take upon them to sand two Persons to discourse those, who( by Usurpation) had taken Possession of their Majesties Fort of this Province Information being given unto the Mayor, Aldermen and common-Council of this City, met and assembled at the Mayor's house the 22d of June last past, that mayor Gold and Capt. Fitz were sent by Connecticut Colony, with orders to proclaim their Highnesses, Prince and Princesses of Orange, King and Queen of England, &c. That Board requested Alderman William merit to go to the Fort, where those two Gentlemen were, and desire the favour of them to come to the Mayor's House, which he accordingly did, and they complied with the Request: Being come to the Mayor's House, he signifies to them, The information was had of their coming to this place with directions to proclaim King William and Queen Mary, and desired they would acquaint them what Orders they had for it, that so they( of this City) might be ready to show their forwardness to act in the same with such Honour and splendour as the occasion required.  
mayor Gold and Captain Fitz answered, They came upon 〈◇〉 such account, but came to the Persons that had the Fort in Custody, to discourse about some particular Matters from their General Court; and that they did not know before they came from home but that the King had been already proclaimed here. That when they came to Town, going to the Fort, as they were sent, they having the Proclamation about them, Mr. Jacob Leysler desired them to let him have the use of it to proclaim the King and Queen here.  
The Inhabitants being in Arms to this intent, by beat of the Drum the Mayor and Aldermen of this City( though not thought worthy to have any notice of it, till after they were proclaimed at the Fort) went to the City Hall to attend the Solemnity. Which being performed, Leysler desired the Mayor and those with him, to go up to the Fort and drink the King and Queens Health, which they shewed their readiness to do. No sooner were they come into the Fort, though by invitation of Leysler himself, but he tells them, The People were so much incensed against them, that it would not be safe for them to continue long there, and gave them his friendly advice to be gone. An Entertainment not unlike the Person that gave it.  
Their Majesties being proclaimed in this Province, and a printed Proclamation coming to the hands of the Mayor and Aldermen of this City, That all Justices of the Peace and Sheriffs should continue till further order, except Papists, they caused the same publicly to be red, requiring the Inhabitants to take notice thereof accordingly. This madded our proud Usurper, being averse to nothing more than a civil Government, which he knew must needs kerb and be a check to his Insolency.  
Therefore to prevent this he gives his Malicious Spirit the full swing, and endeavours afresh to inflame the common People, by branding of those who were in Commission of the Peace with being Papishly affencted, for no other reason than that they would not join with him in violating all our Laws and Liberties. His envious malicious Mind could not have vented itself in a more pernicious falsehood than this; for upon due Examination it will be found, that not one Papist or Popishly affencted, throughout this their Majesties Province, were in Commission of the Peace, and that many whom he hath thus wickedly scandalised, have always been of far greater Reputation, both in Church and State, than himself.  
The Malice of this mans spirit hath been so general against all that would not say as he did, that the Dutch Ministers of the Reformed Churches within this Province, have not escaped the Lash of his inveterate Tongue. Nor hath his Endeavours been wanting to create the same Disorders and Confusion in Church as he hath already done in Government.  
How far what is already related, evinceth this Usurper Leysler to be an enemy to and infringer of the Laws and Liberties of the English Nation, we leave to the judgement of the Impartial. Yet lest all that he had hitherto acted were not sufficient to declare his averseness to the Laws and Liberties of the Free-born Subjects of England, he further proceeds to Action. And  
On the 25th day of June last past, going into the Custom-House, where was present Commissioners appointed by the Lieutenant Governours, Council, Mayor, Aldermen and common Council of this City, Colonel Nicholas Bayard, one of the Council, Mr. Paulus Richards, Mr. John Haynes, and Mr. Thomas Wenham, Merchants of this City, who were authorised by the Convention aforesaid, to receive the usual Customs paid by the Inhabitants of this their Majesties Province, and the same to keep, until Orders came from their Majesties. The reason why this Convention took upon them to authorize the Gentlemen before mentioned, was the particular Recommendation of the Lieutenant governor, considering the circumstances of Matthew ploughman, Collector, and that he was not qualified, as their Majesties Proclamation, bearing date the 14th of February, 1688. directeth.  
This Violator of our Laws and Liberties, going into the Custom-House, as is above hinted, abuses the Gentlemen then present with scurrelous Language, peremptorily demanding of them, By what Authority they sate there? To whom they modestly replied, That when he satisfied them what Power he had to examine them, they would return him answer, but in the mean time desired him to go out of the Custom-House, where then he had no business.  
In a little space after, this Usurper comes the second time, with his POWER, which was neither the Laws of England, nor this Province, nor yet a legal Commission, but a Company of men with SWORDS and GUNS,( according to his usual Maxim, The SWORD must Rule, and not the LAWS) and by force of Arms turns them out of the Custom-Honse. In which Violent Action of this Usurper, Colonol Bayard narrowly escaped with his Life, who hath wisely, ever since, absented himself, lest by the Instigation of this Malicious man he might be Murdered unawares.  
The next Exploit this Violent Leysler falls upon, is to fulfil a Promise, he was heard to make in the beginning of our Troubles, That in two Moneths time he would do all the English Rogues business for them, so that Two of them should not be seen to walk together. In pursuance whereof, on the 14th day of August, he sends several Armed men, with no other Warrant than their SWORDS and GUNS, to the House of Mr. Thomas clerk, a Merchant in this City, who at that time was under some Indisposition of Body, which they no ways regarded, nor the entreaty of his Wise,( then big with Child) who begged of them not to be so Rude, his Children being frighted. They replied, They mattered it not, if they were all Killed: And in a Violent manner they carried this Free-born Subject of England, and Free-man, to the Fort, where Leysler lays to his charge a Paper delivered by him unto the Committee, but principally that he should say, The next time the Dram beat an Alarm, he could raise four hundred Men. For no other reason is this Free-born Subject of England confined a close Prisoner in the Fort, without any Warrant of Commitment, wherein the cause of his Confinement ought plainly, and especially to be set down, as the Law directs; neither was there any due Process of Law against this their Majesties Subject, thus arbitrarily debarred of the Liberty of his Person. By which, this Usurper hath made the greatest Breach and inroad upon the Laws and Liberties of the English Nation, that was possible for him to do, as the Gentlemen learned in the Law, both by Study and practise, have sufficiently demonstrated by sound and solid Arguments, That the Violation of a Man's Person is a Crime of a deeper die, and higher Nature, than that of his Estate, forasmuch as nothing in the World is so near and dear to a man as the Liberty of his Person. This villainous Usurper Leysler not regarding the great care and pains of the supreme Powers of England, met and assembled in Parliament, for these many years past, to preserve the Subjects Liberties unviolated, and to that end, how many excellent Acts have passed, which are as so many Walls and bulwarks against all Arbitrary Usurpers, who though for a time may flourish, and meet with applause by their deluded Followers, its not probable can terminate in any thing less than utter Confusion and Destruction to themselves and shane and Ignominy to their beguiled Abettors, only made use of as so many Tools for the better accomplishing their own wicked Ends, who then are to be laid aside, and new favourites taken in.  
Nothing seems so consentaneous to this abuser of our Freedom& Liberties, as the French Kings Maxim [ Sic Jubeo sic volo] who by Birth, we are ready to believe, may claim the greatest share in him, or at least, by his Actions, he equally scorning, with that proud Tyrant, to give any other Reason for his Arbitrary Actions than his own unlimited Will and Pleasure.  
The many Abuses particular Persons have met withal, by having their Goods taken from them, without either Warrant or legal Proofs, would be too tedious here to insert. Upon all such Occasions, the Actors being demanded, By what Warrant they committed this Violence? they would usually answer,( clapping their hands upon their Swords) Here is our Warrant.  
The keen edge of this mans Malice could not be taken off by his Cruelty to one of them, whose Ruin he had before avowed, but he goeth on to fulfil his wicked Promise. And,  
On the 16th day of August past causeth another Alarm, to that end and purpose, as some of his own party were heard to say, some days before it happened, that shortly there would be an Alarm, in order to the taking hold and securing some not well affencted to their Actions, which were such as this Violent Leisler intended as the Subjects of his unbridled Envy. And accordingly in a violent manner, by force of Arms these following Persons were dragged to the Fort, to wit, Mr. William M●rrit, Mr. Jacob D●key, m Brandt Schuyler, Mr. Phillip French, and Mr. Robert Allison, Merchants, and considerable Traders in this City and Province, Mr. John merit, Son to Mr. William merit, Mr. Edward Buckmaster, Mr. Derrick Vanderburgh, who were committed the same night of the Alarm, without either Warrant or legal Process.  
The next day Capt. John Tuder meeting with the courageous Lieutenant Cuyler, upon some words between them, was in like manner dragged to the Fort, as his fellow Citizens were the night before.  
Mr. Thomas clerk, after some dayes imprisonment, was brought to that weak Condition, that he was more like to die than live, and was carried home in a Sedan, by order of his gaoler, Leysler.  
Also, Mr. John merit, after 24 hours Confinement, himself being ill, his Wife much indisposed, and his only Son lying on its Death-Bed, had his liberty.  
Alderman William merit, the Grandfather of this Child, greatly desiring to see it before dead, made application to his cruel gaoler, Leysler, for leave to visit the Child, offering any Security he should demand for his return thither; or if he pleased to sand a Guard of his Souldiers with him, he would satisfy them for their trouble; but nothing could prevail with this Barbarous Man, who resolved to keep the said merit, with the others before name, during his own will and pleasure, close Prisoners in the Fort, which continued for the space of Twenty One Days, and then were set at liberty, as yet being strangers to their Crimes that deserved so severe Punishment.  
On the twenty fifth of August comes to this place one Mr. Jacob Milborn from England, as he gave out; we are obliged to mention his Name, by reason of the great part he acts in our future Troubles. This man's affencted ambiguous way of expressing himself, renders him unfit for the Conversation of any but the Vulgar, who in this Age are so apt and ready to admire and applaud that they understand not. This Persons decayed Fortunes were such, that not unlike a man ready to be drowned, letting go a sure hold, catches at a Twig; so he in like manner relinquisheth his old Acquaintance and Friends, and joins with our Usurpers, whom he revives, by telling them, That in the middle of May last, he was in England, where all things were settled, by the common Voice of the People, in peace, under King William, who was an Elective King, and had submitted his Regal Power wholly to the People, so that it was now become a Maxim, Vox Populi est Vox Dei, and the King was only a Servant to his Subjects. By this our Usurpers were encouraged in their old manner of Reasoning, when objected against their illegal Proceedings, What Law or Warrant they had to back them in their Actions? They would always Reply, By what Law, Warrant or Commission did the Prince of Orange go into England, and act as he hath done? And how do you think King William can take that amiss in us, who have only followed his Example? The very rehearsing of this Disloyal Comparison, is sufficient to cause an Abhorrance and Detestation in every Loyal Subject.  
The next fruits of this Milbornes News, is, that the Committee of Safety, as they termed themselves, take upon them to give forth an Order to the Inhabitants of this their Majesties Province, signifying, That whereas several of the Inhabitants had already turned out their old Officers, they should proceed in Election of Civil and Military Officers in the several Counties of this Province. Some Counties accordingly did, by the appearance of small Numbers, turn out the old Justices of the Peace and Military Officers, and choose new. A Method formerly never allowed of, under any of our Kings Reigns, it being always granted to be the undoubted prerogative of the King to commissionate his Justices of the Peace, and Military Officers. However, when we are better satisfied that it hath been his Majesties gracious Will and Pleasure to separate this Branch of his prerogative, and bestow it on the People, we shall readily show our Thankful Reception; but till then, we think it the Duty of all Loyal Subjects, not to appear in such Elections.  
The 29th day of September being the time appointed for the choice of Aldermen and common Council-men, in a Charter of privileges, granted to this City by Colonel Thomas Dungan, when governor of this Province; accordingly the Inhabitants met in the several Wards, and choose as usually, no Ward being attended with so much Disorder in their Election as that whereunto Capt. Leysler belonged, who, its evident, resolved right or wrong to have his Son-in-Law, Robert Walters, to be returned Alderman for that Ward: The Method he took for doing it, was thus; Coming into the place where the Inhabitants were assembled, in order to their Choice, he finding the Vote was like to be carried against his Son Walters, in the first place he objected against Capt. Anthony Brockholst's Vote, a considerable Freeholder of that Ward, his being a Papist; and afterward says, I vote for my Son Walters, my Son Jacob votes for his Brother Walters, and my Son Walters Votes for himself, that's three, put them down: By this means was his Son Walters returned for that Ward.  
The usual day of publishing the Mayor, Sheriff, Town clerk Aldermen and common Council of this City for the succeeding Year, was on the 14th day of October, the Birth day of the late King James, in the mean time comes forth an Order from the Committee, empowering all the Protestant Free-holders of this County, on the 〈◇〉 day of October to elect Mayor, Sheriff and Town clerk at which Election, the far greatest Number of the Inhabitants not appearing( well knowing, that by the express words of the Charter, that Power was solely reserved in the Governour's breast, to appoint these three Officers) the least Number of the Inhabitants, in pursuance of the Order aforesaid, met and assembled together, and by majority of Voices choose one Peter D'Lanoy Mayor, Johannes Johnson Sheriff, and Abraham governor Town clerk, against which Persons we object not so much, as the Method of their being chosen; neither shall we be offended, if it shall please his Majesty to add unto our former privileges this likewise: The Gentlemen name being thus chosen, were published on the customary day.  
By this time Mr. Millborne recovers of a fit of Sickness, that had hitherto rendered him incapable of acting any thing else but affording his Chamber Advice, which upon all occafions was consulted by our Usurper Leysler; now being restored, in great measure, to his former Health, he vigorously joining with this usurper and his unsafe Committee, a notable piece of service is immediately assigned him by them, which was to go up to Esopus and Albany, in order to the bringing those Counties into the same Condition and Disorders as they had done this and the neighbouring Counties near adjacent. In pursuance hereof, he goes on board a Sloop, and sails forward to Albany, with fifty men, who had listed themselves as Volunteers, to assist that place, if occasion were, against the French; upon his arrival there, by the great care, conduct and prudence of Peter Skuyler, Mayor of that City, assisted by the Recorder, Aldermen, common-Council and Military Officers, the designed purposes of th s dark Politician were happily frustrated, so that he returns back to this place under some Disappointment.  
The 8th day of December arrives per via Boston, one Riggs, with two Paquets from his Majesty, King William, whereby we hoped to have had deliverance from the Usurpation, Slavery and Cruelties of Leysler; but our Expectations were soon at an end, the Superscription of the Paquets being thus,  
To Our Trusty and Well beloved Francis Nicholson, Esquire, Our Lieutenant governor of Our Province of New-York in America; or in his Absence, to such as for the time being take care to keep the Peace and administer the Laws of Our said Province.  
This Infringer of our Laws and Liberties, Leysler, peremptorily assumes the Paquets to himself, saying, He was the man to whom they were directed in the Lieutenant Governour's absence. But upon what pretence he deems himself the Person, except it be for his Breach of the Peace, and Obstructing the due course of Law ever since he hath possessed himself of the Fort, Arbitrarily and Illegally ruling by the Sword, is sufficiently evidenced to the Unbyassed Reader, by the fore-going Lines.  
Frederick Phillips and Stephanus Van Cortland, both of the Council, and left in Trust by the Lieutenant governor for the keeping of the Peace, and legally Governing of this their Majesties Province, which they carefully and honestly would have discharged the Trust reposed in them, if they had not been prevented by this Violator of our Laws and Liberties, and that with more Renown and Reputation to their Majesties, as well as the better Satisfaction of their liege People inhabiting this their Majesties Province.  
The two Gentlemen of the Council before-named, being sent for to the Fort, by the request of Mr. John Riggs,( the Paquets being by him, at that time not delivered) they signified to Leysler, and those present with him, That they were ready to observe such Orders as His Majesty had given in His Paquets to His Lieutenant governor, then absent, from whom they, together with Colonel Bayard, had Instructions to keep the Peace, and administer the Law of this Government, which they always were ready to have fulfiled, if had not been Obstructed.  
At this our Usurper Rages, and vents his Passion in his usual Billings-Gate rhetoric, calling them, Popishly affencted Dogs and Rogues, and bids them immediately go out of the Fort, for they had no business there. A strange Entertainment to them, who for these many Years past have always, as Counsellors, officiated under the several Governours of this their Majesties Province, and at that time were those who were left in Trust by their Majesties Lieutenant governor. However, seeing there was no Remedy but Patience,( this Violent Usurper resolving still to Govern by the SWORD) they quietly went to their Own Homes.  
Their Majesties Paquets being thus assumed by our Usurper, he immediately abuseth his deceived Abettors, by affirming to them, He had received a Commission to be their Majesties Lieutenant governor, and that all their Actions were well approved of. This readily gained Credence with the Vulgar, who are too apt and willing to be beguiled by their Popular Leader. From this time forward he assumes the Title of Lieutenant governor, and according to the Instructions given in the Paquets, he swears some, who were of his Committee of Safety before, to be Counsellors now, as also some few more of the Inhabitants, much alike unto these Persons, neither of the highest Rank nor Reputation, but such as our Usurper was well assured were for his turn. This being done they proceed to Action  
NB. On the 16th day of December an Order comes forth, entitled, By the Lieutenant governor and his Council, signed underneath, Jacob Leysler.  
The Contents as followeth.  

By the Lieutenant governor, &c. and Council.  
WHereas there is an Act of Assembly, dated One Thousand Six Hundred Eighty Three, entitled, A continued Bill for defraying of requisite Charges of the Government, and many of the Inhabitants of this Province, well-being they have subscribed to comply with the same, have disputed it, when required thereunto.  
These are therefore to give Notice unto all Persons within this Province, that the Customs and Excise settled by the said Act, hath and doth still remain good, and of full Force, and that the Collectors and Receivers thereof, are impowered to do their duty therein; All Persons being hereby strictly required to obey the same, as they will answer the contrary at their Peril.  
Given under my Hand at Fort-William, this sixteenth day of December, 1689. Jacob Leysler.   
This Order of the pretended Lieutenant governor and Council, being set up in all the public Places of this City, did not a little Alarm the considerate ●nhabitants, who thereby clearly saw the willingness of this Usurper and his Abettors, to enslave them and their Posterity, so that h● might command their Purses. A strange Change in a littl● time! for this Leysler in the beginning of our Troubles, was the first man that disputed the payment of the Customs, consulting with several of the Inhabitants, how those Arbitrary Impositions might be pulled down. Further, how contrary this Order of our Usurper, and Abettors, is to their own so often repeated Maxim,[ That whatsoever was acted by a Papist governor, or under his Authorit, was ipso facto null and voided, and of no effect in Law.] If there yet remain any Candour or Ingenuity in this violent Man and his Abettors, it will be more honourable for them publicly to Recant so plain an Error, than still to persist in it; for we pray of the Unbyassed Reader, what else is the intent, purport and meaning of this Order, but to enforce a Law made by a Papist governor, and under his Authority, which, by their own Argument, is voided in itself. So that they must either own, this their dark unintelligible Oracle, hath much deceived them in this point of his politics, or its evident to the World, they have assumed upon themselves a Power to levy Taxes, Customs and Benevolences, upon the Inhabitants of this this their Majesties Province, without and contrary to their own Consent, notwithstanding the many wholesome Laws that have passed, under the several Kings Reigns in the Realm of England made for the preservation of the same; as also contrary to a particular Branch of that Act which their Order hath reference unto, that in express words says thus, That no Aid Tax, Tallage, assessment, Custom, Loan Benevolence or Imposition whatsoever, shall be laid, assessed, imposed or levied on any his Majesties Subjects within this Province, or their Estates, upon any manner or colour of Pretence, but by the Act and Consent of the governor, Council and Representatives of the People in General Assembly met and assembled.  
Now to the end we may further make out to the World the Unreasonableness as well as the Illegality of this, we cannot omit to advertise the Impartial Reader, That in the Year 1683. arrived to this Province Colonel Thomas Dongan, appointed his Majesties governor under his Royal Highness the Duke of York, the Lord Proprietor of this Province, who in a short time after his arrival here, according to particular Instructions given him by his said Royal Highness, did issue forth Writs to the several Counties within this Province, for the electing of Members to serve in General Assembly, which accordingly was done, and the same were convened, and begun their first Session on the 〈◇〉 day of October, and the first Act that past this Sessions, was that their Order refers to, wherein our Representatives wisely provided against the critic Lawyers of this Age, who too nicely distinguish betwixt the Kings Subjects inhabiting Within the Realm of England, and those inhabiting his Dominions abroad, denying the Latter the privileges confessed to be the undoubted Birth-Right of the former; upon which our said Representatives, prudently in the first part of that Act endeavour to secure unto themselves and Posterities what was the Birth Right of every Free-born Subject of England. This being done, They continue this Act for the defraying of the necessary Charges of this Government, which begins thus,  
The Representatives of his Royal Highness's Province of New-York, convened in General Assembly, Have, for and in consideration of the many Gracious and Royal Favours expressed and extended to the Inhabitants of this His Province, and also for the bountiful Confirming and Reserveng to thee and their Posterity, the Rights and privileges, Liberties an Immunities before recited and expressed, and for the better defrayi●● of the necessary Charges and expense of this Province.  
How far this Act is binding upon the Inhabitants of th● Province, will further appear, by duly considering another Clause of this very Act, which runs thus,  
That all Bills agreed upon by the said Representatives, or the mayor part of them, shall be presented unto the governor and his council, for their Approbation and Consent; all and every which said Bills, so approved of and consented to by the governor and Council, shall be esteemed and accounted the Laws of this Province; which said Laws shall continue and remain in force until they be repealed by the Authority aforesaid, that is to say, the governor, Council and Representatives in General Assembly, by and with the approbation of his Royal Highness, or expire by their own Limitations.  
Now that this Act of the Assembly, in a strict sense, cannot be allowed to be a Law of this Province, and so not binding upon its Inhabitants, We Humbly offer these Reasons.  
1st, For that by the Authority aforesaid, this Act never was assented unto, the approbation of his Royal Highness being always wanting, who was so far afterwards from appoving of it, that he utterly disallowed the same, and that first by a Letter to his governor, Colonel Thomas Dongan, and afterwards coming to the Imperial Crown of England, he publicly disallowed that Act, by sending over a Commission, under the Broad Seal of England, to the said Colonel Dongan, to be Captain General of this Province, and with seven Counsellors to govern the Inhabitants thereof, any five of which Counsellors made a Quoram, and the majority of that five, with the Captain General, were empowered to make all Laws. A Method contrary to what the afore-recited Acts prescribes.  
2dly, Our Second Reason why this Act is no ways binding on the Inhabitants of this Province, is, That the Customs, Impositions and Excises granted unto his then Royal Highness, his Heirs and Successors, in the said Act, were given in Consideration of his said Royal Highness Confirming to the Inhabitants the Charter privileges, making up the first part of the said Act, which never was enjoyed by the Inhahabitants, nor confirmed to them, but the contrary, as is proved.  
3dly, For that hitherto we are ignorant of any Law, either made within the Realm of England, or this their Majesties Province, by which the Inhabitants thereof are obliged to pay unto his Majesty the Custom and Excise set down in the before-recited pretended Act of Assembly: When any such Law is produced, those of us who have signed to pay unto King William the Customs due unto him, when legally demanded, shall readily comply; but until that be done, we cannot see those Notes, given by several of us for peace and quietness sake( importing no more than what is above written) are any ways Obligatory. However, when it shall please Almighty God, a Governor arrives to this Province from King William, we are ready to submit this point, as well as all other Abuses and Irregularities done unto us, then to be decided in a legal way and manner. To a governor, so arriving, we shall not be backward to assist, either with our Persons or Estates, for the more orderly and peaceable governing this Province, and defraying the public Charges thereof, in such a way and manner as shall be legally agreed on.  
On the 23d of December, about seven or eight a Clock in the Evening, Jacob Dekey, junier, Son to Jacob Dekey, already mentioned, with Cornelius Depeyster, Son to the widow Cornelio, both Lads, were violently carried away to the Fort by force of Arms, without Mittimus or legal Process, alleging, They had defaced and torn down the Order of the pretended Lieutenant governor and his Council, which upon a due Examination will evidently appear, was standing several hours after their Commitment. How solicitous this Cruel Usurper is to vent the Fury of his Rage against both Young and Old, is evident to all, by the illegal Confinement of these two Lads, for no other cause but his own Arbitrary Will and Pleasure.  
The same night an Indian Slave belonging to Phillip French was dragged to the Fort, and there imprisoned.  
The next day Mr. French falling in amongst some of Leyster's Crew, resented the Injury done unto him, by the illegal detaining of his Slave so highly, that some of the standards by immediately went and informed against him, so as that in a short time after, as the said French was walking in the public Streets of this City, about his lawful Affairs, John Burger, Sergeant to this Usurper Leyster, attended with six musketeers, lays violent hands on him, and tells him, he was his Prisoner, and to the Fort he must go. Mr. French replied, Not unless you carry me, which accordingly they did, in the nature of a dead Corps, though living, where he soon meets with the Entertainment of a close Imprisonment.  
Some hours after the Commitment of this his Majesties Subject, by his own particular Request, Capt. John Tuder and Mr. James Emet, both allowed attorneys of this Province, made application to his gaoler Leyster for a copy of his Mittimus, in order to their taking such care for their clients enlargement, as the Law allowed of, and directed unto. All the answer they obtained at that time, was, That he could do nothing without advising with his Council, and they should meet in the Evening, when they might re-attend. This they carefully did, though to little purpose; for they were denied entrance into the Fort that Evening several times; nor could they be admitted to speak with their client, so that near twenty four hours were expired e'er this Usurper saw cause to deliver the following Papers, which for the Readers satisfaction, we shall here recite verbatim.  

Fort-William, December 24. Anno 1689.  
WHereas Complaint is made to me, That Mr. Phillip French hath, in a most insolent manner, contemned this Government, threatening to tare off( if it had not been already done) the Proclamation for continuing his Majesties Customs and Excise, according to an Act of Assembly, &c. although it was forbid all Persons at their Peril.  
These are in his Majesty King William's Name to will and require you to bring the said French before me and Council, to answer for the same.  
Given under my Hand and Seal the date abovesaid. To Sergeant John Burger, and his Assistants. Jacob Leysler.   

At a Council held in New-York the 24th of December, Anno 1689.  
Present, 

Lieutenant governor,  
samuel Edsall,  
Thomas Williams,  
Hendrick Janse,  
Mas. Cuyler,  
Benjamin Blagg,  
John Van Cousoenkeven, Alderman.    
WHereas Phillip French hath behaved himself very Contemptuously against the Lieutenant governor and Council, as by Evidence taken before him, doth appear, and continueth in the same, being examined before them.  
Ordered, That the said French be fourth-with committed to safe Custody within Fort-William, till further Consultation in this matter.  
A True Copy, Examined by Jacob Milborne, Secretary.   
Now whether the Reason of this Usurper's deferting the delivery of the Warrant and Order of Council, above transcribed, may not rationally be construed, as some do, that the Warrant directed to Sergeant John Burger and his Assistants was written several hours after Mr. French's being close Prisoner, or not, is a question we shall not now insist on.  
The Warrant and Order of Council, above-written, coming to the hands of the before-named Attornyes, on the behalf of their client, they apply themselves afresh to the pretended Lieutenant governor and Council sitting on Christmas-Day in the Evening, to whom they signified, That having perused the Warrant and Order of Council, by which Mr. Phillip French was committed close Prisoner within the Fort, they found nothing contained in either, but what, according to the known Laws of England, as well as this Province, was bailable, and for that end and purpose they appeared before them, on the behalf of their client, to offer Bail to the valve of Twenty Thousand Pounds, if desired, for his appearance in any Court of Record within this County, there to abide such Determination, as by leg I Process should be made against him, for or by reason of the Charge alleged against him in the aforesaid Warrant and Order of Council.  
All the Arguments used by these Gentlemen of the Law, no ways prevailed with this cruel Leyster, and his Nominal Council, whom he is making use of, as his Tools, for the better cloaking of his own Arbitrary Illegal Actions and Intentions. It seems as if this Usurper was of the same Opinion with some Souldiers in Plutarchs time, who wondered any would be so importunate to preach Laws and Moral Reasons to Men with SWORDS by their sides; as if Arms knew not how to descend to Rational Inquiries. All the Satisfaction given to this so lawful demand of Bail on the Prisoners behalf, was only some small diversion our late Upstart Statesman, Mr. Milborne,( now advanced to the Secretaries Office by his New-made Lieutenant governor) was pleased to afford them, by dropping now and then his wonted obscure Sentences, asking the Prisoner's Counsel, Whether they would submit the Determination of their Clyent's Cause to the Lieutenant governor and Council? Who thereupon modestly inquired, In what Capacity they sate there, whether Military or Civil? Answer was made by Milborne, Both. The Uncertainty of this Reply, as well as its Unreasonableness, yielded fresh matter to argue upon; all which centred here, that our dark Politicion demanded, How they would help themselves, or by what means they would be relieved? To whom it might have been fitly replied, In the same way and manner as you, not many Years past, recovered Forty Five Pounds by a legal Course, against Sir edmond Andros, for nine hours false Imprisonment. For notwithstanding the many endeavours used by our Usurper to quash the various Reports coming to us, many ways, of a governor hastening from his Majesty for this Province, we are not discouraged in our expectations of, and well wishing for his safe arrival, and then we doubt not but to see some of our Usurpers receive the just Demerits of their illegal Arbitrary Doings.  
The 4th of January Captain John Tuder, by particular Warrant from Mr. Phillip French, applied himself to the Mayor of this City with the Kings Writ of Habeus Corpus, returnable to the next Mayor's Court, which was the 7th of the same month: This Writ so signed by the Mayor, was safely conveyed to Mr. French, and by him delivered to his Keeper, who forth-with acquainted the head gaoler, Leysler, therewith, who immediately ordered the Windows where the said French was confined, to be nailed up, and that a more strict watch should be kept over him, as if the Cruelties already exercised towards this Free-born Subject of England, were not sufficient, who hitherto hath been denied the access of his Friends and Acquaintance; no, not so much as his counsellors at Law admitted to come near him. A Usage more Cruel and Barbarous than the most Notorious felon, traitor or Rebel commonly meet withal.  
The 7th of January being come, and the Mayor's Court sitting, Mr John Tuder diligently attended it, expecting to have met his client there, by virtue of the aforesaid Writ, waiting a considerable time, and no appearance of Mr. French, he informed that Court, That the Mayor was pleased on the 4th Instant to sign his Majesties▪ Writ of Habeas Corpus for the bringing the Body of the said Mr. French, together with the Cause of his Commitment before that Court, where he was ready to argue on the behalf of his client the matter of Law that might arise; but seeing he was disappointed, by the aforesaid Writ being disobeyed, he should take upon him to open to the Court the nature of the said Writ, which( said he) is a Writ granted in the Subjects favour, to prevent the illegal detainure of any of the King's Subjects falsely imprisoned. So that a Violation of this kind, was a Crime of the deepest die, and every Subject was nearly concerned therein, none knowing whose turn it might be next to have their Liberties subjected to the Arbitrary Will and Pleasure of this Man, [ Leysler.]  
Also, to the Bench he directed himself in this manner, You who are the Mayor and Aldermen, for the time being, of this City, and so consequently the Patrons thereof, it behoves you to take care, the ancient Liberties and Freedoms of this City be not infringed, and that its Inhabitants be not in this manner dragged, by a Marshal Force, to the Fort, and there kept close Prisoners.  
Our Usurper's Oracle, Milborne, being present in the Court, after a long continued Silence, Learnedly expresseth himself thus, I do affirm to this Court, That Mr. French is none of the King's Subject, without giving any further Reasons. At which the standards by hissed, and some publicly charged him with being the principal Author of our present Troubles.  
On the 12th of January certain Advice coming to this place of a Ship designed to this Port, whereof one Prents was Master, being struck on some Rocks near New-London, and Mr. French being chiefly concerned in the Loading, was forced to submit to this Proud Usurper, and to Petition him by the Title of Lieutenant governor, who had before menaced him, if he would not give the Title of Lieutenant governor, he would put him where HE SHOULD NEVER SEE THE FACE OF MAN MORE. To prevent which and the exigency of his Affairs at that time, he gratified the Ambitious humour of this man, Leysler, and thereby obtained his Liberty. upon his and Mr. Thomas Winham's entering into a recognisance of Five Hundred Pounds to the King, for the said French his good Behaviour during Twelve Moneths and a Day from the date thereof.  
To return again to our Account of the two Lads first imprisoned. Cornelius Depeyster, by the humble petition of his Mother, was set at liberty. Jacob Dekey is still under Confinement, albeit his Enlargement has been much endeavoured by his Master, Mr. John Barbarie, a considerable Merchant in this City, who went to his gaoler Leysler, and offered Two Thousand Pounds Security for his Mans appearance to answer a legal Process against him, to which end and purpose a Copy of his Mittimus hath divers times been demanded, but could not be obtained, nor no Bail would be taken; Nothing will serve this proud Usurper, Leysler, nor release this Lad, but his Parents sending in a Petition, directed to Jacob Leysler, Lieutenant governor, and his Council, wherein they must beg Forgiveness for Faults they are ignorant of their Son's being guilty of. A strange and unheard of Method to force People to pay Homage to his Person! Children must be taken from their Parents, Servants from their Masters, Husbands from their Wives, Masters from their Familes, and all this on no other account than their denying to give this ●roud Usurper, Leysler, a Title that no way appertains or belongs to him.  
And we dare this Proud Man to produce, if he can, any Actions against those Inhabitants he most maliciously Characterizes as Popishly affencted, so much savouring of POPERY as these we charge him with, and are ready to prove against him when a convenient time and opportunity present.  
For, we pray the Unhyassed Reader, what is the difference betwixt bloody Bishop Bonner's Coal hole, and this Cruel Unmerciful Usurpers Dungeon and Bullet Hole, the former being fitted and prepared for the poor Protestants, that would not idolize their Consecrated Wafer, this latter for the quiet Inhabitants of this their Majesties Province, who cannot in their Conscience ascribe that Honour to him which is only the Right of the KING to infer upon him, and then its time enough for his Subjects to Obey.  
The 13th of January this Usurper, Leysler, sends under the Command of Lieutenant Churchill Twenty Souldiers over to Long-Island, the next day they came to Jama●ca, where they in a violent manner, by force of Arms, broken open the House of Mr. Daniel Whitehead, one of his Majesties Justices of the Peace, appointed by our Lieutenant governor Sir edmond Andros, and being entred into the House, they in like manner aforesaid broke open several Chosts and Boxes, but found not what they looked for, and so returned the next day without doing any more Mischief, as we yet hear of.  
On the sixteenth of January, the public Post, Mr. John Perry, setting out from the House of Colonel Lewis Morris, towards Boston, was not advanced on his way above a quarter of a Mile before he was laid hold on by Warrant from our Usurper Leyster, and brought back to this place, New-York, with his Letters, which were opened and perused at the will and pleasure of this Arbitrary Man, who, its plain and evident unto all that are not wilfully blind, hath made it his Contrivance how to Ruin the Inhabitants, and hinder the Prosperity of this Province, ever since his taking upon him to govern by the SWORD, which he hath in great measure effected, by his continual Breach of the Peace, and Obstructing the due Course of Law and Justice. But lest this were not sufficient, he resolves to destroy, as much as in him lies, the Commerce and Trade of this Province. A more ready way than this could not have been taken by him for that purpose, to obstruct and hinder Advice, which is acknowledged by all to be the Life of Trade; for how can this be given or received, where intercepting mens private Letters, is become so Modish with our pretended Rulers, as that they are so far from counting it a Crime, as by their Actions they deem it a Virtue.  
Before we draw to a Conclusion of this our Declaration and Narration, which is already swelled beyond its intended limits, We cannot omit transcribing two other Branches of the pretended Act of Assembly, they seemingly make such a pudder about, which upon an impartial Enquiry( allowing it to be an Act binding, though that we cannot do, for the Reasons already given) these our Usurpers will be found the greatest Violaters thereof. The Branches we think fit to insert are these following, viz.  
That no Free-man shall be taken and imprisoned, or be diseized of his Free-hold, or Liberty, or Free Customs, or be outlawed, or Exiled, or any other ways destroyed; nor shall be passed upon, Adjudged or Condemned, but by the Lawful judgement of his PEERS, and by the Law of this Province.  
Justice nor Right shall be neither sold, denied, or deferred, to any man within this Province.  
That in all cases whatsoever, Bail by sufficient Surety shall be allowed and taken, unless for Treason, or felony, plainly and especially expressed and mentioned in the Warrant of Commitment.  
How far these our Usurpers Actions evinceth their little Regard unto the pretended Act of Assembly, except it be to that part which would bring Greast to their Mill, let the unbiased judge.  
This Arbitrary Proud Person, Lessler, having thus far exalted himself above his Brethren, disdains to own his very Kindred, unless they will entitle him Lieutenant governor, nor will he free them from his Bullet-Hole on any other Terms.  
A plain Demonstration of this he hath given by his late carriage to Mr. Lucas Keerstead, who after the usual manner was forced to go to the Fort; when he came before this Usurper, he softly applies himself thus to him, Cousen Leysler, What is your Will and Pleasure? At this he flies out in a great Rage, How dare you call me Cousen? Then he spoken to him by the Name of Captain, but that would not do, and he was  told, that if he gave him not the Title of Lieutenant governor, he would be put amongst the Bullets. To avoid which, he gave him that Title, and then was suffered to go home.  
Its strange this Violent Man, Leysler, who otherwise is so politic, should be at a stand, when this plain Question is put to him, Who gave you this Name? Why doth he not answer, as in truth it is, My Godfather Mr. Milborne, and his Assiant Vain Glory, together with my God-mother Ambition, who have engaged on my behalf, that I should cleave to the Infernal Prince and his Works, Hug and embrace all the Pomps and Vanities of this Wicked World, and as I had hitherto been so, I should still continue a faithful Servant to that Black Prince of the Air, as long as the many Headed Beasts, the Rude Multitude, would stand by me.  
To Sum up all, We readily submit the decision of this Question to the Considerate Peruser of the fore-going Lines, Whether those branded by Leysler, as King JAMES his Men, or himself and his Rude Crew, deserve that Title most?  
Sure we are, that upon a serious perusal of the Declaration, entitled, The Declaration of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons assembled at Westminster, Die Martis 12 Februarij, 1689. several Articles therein exhibited against the late King James, and declared Illegal, are and have been most notoriously committed by this Usurper and Abettors, some whereof we shall here insert and set down as in the said printed Declaration, viz.  
That levying Money for or to the use of the Crown, by the pretence of Prerogative, without Grant of Parliament for longer time, or in other manner than the same is or shall be granted, is Illegal.  
That Excessive Bail ought not to be required, nor Excessive Fines imposed, nor Cruel and Unreasonable Punishment inflicted.  
That this Arrogant Man, Leysler, is palpably guilty of both these Branches before recited, we prove thus, viz.  
That by his Instruments he hath and doth exact( by pretence of Prerogative, and for the use of the Crown) Customs, Impositions and Excises, never granted to the Crown; which that he might the better accomplish, he hath taken upon him to erect a Court of Exchequer, constituting, as Members of the said Count, viz. Samuel Edsall, Benjamin Blagg, Johannis Provest, Hendrick Jansen, John Cowenhoven, who began their Sessions on the 20th of January, the 18th of the same month several of the Inhabitants received Summons to appear at this unusual Court on the day above said, to give their Reasons why they would not pay the moneys they were indebted to the King for Custom.  
The Persons so summonsed unanimously made choice of Mr. Thomas clerk to appear for them, who went to the Fort, where this Court was sitting, and being admitted, he first inquires, Whether any there had a Commission from King William to be Baron of his Exchequer? and if any, that his Commission might be publicly red: and afterwards proceeded to show the Unreasonableness of their Demands; but all to little purpose, the Court proceeding to enter judgement against the Inhabitants, for whom he appeared, only giving them eight dayes time to consider, whether they would voluntarily pay their( illegal) demands, which otherwise would be levied upon them by Distress.  
About four a Clock in the after-noon of this day, was in some measure verified an Expression our Usurper not long since, was pleased to utter to a Person of good Reputation in this Province, who inquiring of him, By what Power he did ●uch Actions? To whom he answered, That he was invested with such a Power as in a little time he could Command the Head of any man in the Province, and it would be forthwith brought him. ●omething like hereunto was this day fulfiled; for giving Command to William Churchill, and several Souldiers with him, assisted by some of the Inhabitants of this City, namely, Abrhaam Brazior, Abraham Clomp, Wit Timber, and divers others, they go to the House of Col. Nicholas Bayard, and by force of Arms enter the same, breaking open several Doors and Locks, in order to the seizing of the said Colonel Bayard, whom( as some of them said) they were ordered to take dead or alive. Colonel Bayard for his own security had left his own House, and was gotten into his Neighbours, near his back-side, viz. one Mr. Richard eliot, a Cooper, whose House in like manner by Churchill and his Attendants, was broken open, where they laid hold of Colonel Bayard, and in a most Abusive manner dragged him to the Fort. In this Riotous Tumult was stolen out of the House of the said eliot, three Silver Spoons.  
But the unlimited Will of this Violent Rapacious Us●●per was not yet satisfied with the taking and imprisoning of Col. Bayard, nor his Malice thereby fully answered: for in like manner he vents his Fury against Stephanus van Cortlandt, late Mayor of this City, whose House likewise was broken open, and most of his Doors and Locks spoiled, though they were frustrated of their Design, by his escaping out of their cruel hands for that time.  
Also, Mr. William Nicols was laid hold on by the men of Breuckle at the Ferry-house on Long-Island, and was brought over in the Evening and carried to the Fort.  
The next Morning the Ferry-man was in like manner brought to the Fort, where these three Subjects of their Majesties are illegally imprisoned, and with whom how Barbarously they intend to deal, Time will best discover.  
We shall end this our Declaration and Protestation, Narratively set down, by naming the principal Authors of our present Miseries, which are these following, viz.  


Jacob Leysler,  
Jacob Milborne,  
samuel Edsall,  
Peter D'Laney,  
Dr. Samuel States,  
Dr. Ger. Beckman of Flackbus.  
Thomas Williams,  
Benjamin Blagg,  
Hendrick Jansen,  
Hendrick Cuyler,  
John Cowenhoven,   Against whom we wait a fair opportunity legally to proceed. Dated in New-York this 21th of January, Annoque Domini 1690.  
FINIS.