LIBRARY OF CONG^L^SS. : /' (SMITHSONIAN DEPOSIT.) /' ,^ ChF XEW YORK. Secretary's Office, No. 1273 Broadway. September 8th, 1882. Extract from the Minutes of a Meeting of the Society, held SeiDtember 7th, 1882. On motion of Mr. Macdoxough, seconded by Mr. James M. McLeax, the following was adopted and ordered entered on the Records of the Society, and the Secretary instructed to send an Attested Copy to the family of the late Mr. FREDERIC de PEYSTER. Minute : So long as this Society endures, the phrase, "the last of the Knickerbockers,'' will have no meaning. Yet, from time to time, as its years increase, there comes occasion for honoring the Memory of some Member, gathered to his Fathers, who was among the foremost of the Knickerbockers ; finished and con- spicuous as a Specimen of the great race that founded this city. FREDERIC DE PEYSTER was such a man. His lineage runs ba(;k more than two and a half centuries, to the dawn of Dutch dominion over Manhattan. His name, not disappearing, as many ancient ones have done, in the marriage of female heirs, descends through six gene- rations, from father to son each a leader of men in his day, and charged with civic trusts, when public life meant honorable fame. FEEDEKIC DE PEYSTER upheld noblj the Traditions of his Line, by devotion to worthy ends of the Dutch sense, honesty, and firmness transmitted by it. Other records will more fitly inscribe the story of his public service in the field of charity, of finance, of history, of letters. It is for us to remember, proudly and tenderly, the hours, the speech, the deeds of his within our precincts, that held up to our admiration and love, Dutch character as a living force, Dutch manhood in its blended gentleness and strength. He joined with the most conspicuous men of his prime, • forty-seven years ago, in founding this Society ; and served it during most of those years in important trusts, holding the ofiice of Treasurer for one year, that of President for one term, and that of Manager for thirty years. In his departure the Society loses a charm of welcome companionship), no less than wisdom of counsel, energy in action, and something of the lustre won from the dignity of a name like his. Yet it counts its gain, in a high example of a rounded life, full of good deeds, honored by all good men, inspiring to us in its Memory, as it was dear in its Presence. [Attest,] CHARLES A. SCHEMERHORN, Secretary. ST. NICHOLAS CLUB. Extract from the Minutes of a Special Meeting of the Trustees of the St. Nicholas Club, held Saturday, August 19, 1882. Minute : Tliat the Trustees of the St. Nicholas Club have learned with great sorrow of the death, on the ITtli inst., of the Presi- dent of this Club, Mr. Frederic de Peyster, one of its founders, a Trustee from the time of its organization, and its President since 1877. Closely identified with the history of this city for over half a century, Mr. de Peyster' s death leaves a void in the councils of many institutions — literary, charitable and social — which it will be difficult to fill ; but in none will his death be more deeply felt tlian in tin's Club, which he regarded with so much interest, and in which he took so much pride, and among the members of which his unvarying courtesy, his gentle manners and his kindly words will long be remembered. Ordered, that the foregoing Minute be published in the daily papers, and a copy thereof, duly attested, be sent to the family of the deceased. [Attest,] CHARLES A. SCHEMERHORN, Secretary. SIXTH AVENUE RAILROAD (K). At a Special Meeting, called for the purpose of expressing the sentiments of tlie Board of Directors of the Sixth Avenue Railroad Company in relation to the death of their late associate, Frederic de Peyster, Esq., held on the 12th day of September, 1882. Mr. Demarest, seconded by Mr. Burnham, presented the following preamble and resolutions : Whereas, Frederic de Peyster, another of the oldest and most esteemed members of this Board, died at the residence of his son at Tivoli, on the 17th day of August, 1882; and, ^]7lerea.s, His death, following so soon after the death of his intimate friend, Richard Mortimer, admonishes us all of the uncertainty of life; and, Whereas, His reputation was perfected by years of thought- ful activity, and is worthy of more than ordinary remembrance ; therefore, /Resolved, That this Board records with the deepest regret, the loss of one of its most devoted, most active, faithful and reliable Trustees, who for a period of upwards of thirty years has punctually performed his whole duty to tliis Company ; and, fm'ther. Resolved, That we shall always recall with pride and satis- faction, our intimate and friendly relations with a man whose character was so highly adorned by learning, philanthropy, be- nevolence, Christian charity and sterling integrity ; and, further. Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to transmit to 8 the family of the deceased a copy of tlie preamble and resolu- lutions, with an assurance of onr heartfelt sympathy in their bereavement. On motion, the Board, on a risiug vote, adopted the pre- amble and resolntions unanimonsly. In compliance with the foregoing resolutions, I very respect- fully transmit them to you. HENRY S. MOORE, Secretary. ASSOCIATION OF THE ALUMNI OF COLUMBIA COLLEGE. The folloM^ing Resolution was adopted at the Annual Meeting of the Association of the Alumni of Columbia College, held on Monday, October 2d, 1882. Resolved^ That this Association desires to place on record its high appreciation of the character, abilities and distin- guished services of the late FREDERIC DE PEYSTER, for many years and at his death its Vice President and Chairman of its Standing Committee; and to express its deep sense of the loss it has sustained by this dispensation of Provi- dence. Resolved, Tliat the Secretary Ijc recpiested to communicate this Resolution to the family of the deceased. [Signed.] HENRY DRISLER, President. ROBT. C. CORNELL, Secretary. THE NEAV YORK SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO CHILDREN. 100 East 23d Street, cor. Fourth Ave. New York, 5th October, 1882. On motion of President Gerry, Resolved^ that the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children mourns with unfeigned sorrow the decease of Frederic de Peyster, one of its Vice Presidents and original corjDorators. Ever devoted to its interests, his personal sympathy and social influence w^ere warmly enlisted in its behalf, and its Board of Directors, in thus recording their veneration of his memory, but imperfectly indicate the esteem in which they hekl • him. [True copy.] E. FELLOWS JENKINS, Secretary. THE NEW YORK BIBLE AND PRAYER BOOK SOCIETY. Minute and Resolution adopted at the Annual Meeting of the New York Bible and Prayer Book Society, October 5, 1882. It is our painful duty to record that, since the last Meeting of the Board, the Society has met with a great loss in the death of its oldest member, Frederic de Peyster, Esq. He was 10 elected a Member of the Board of Managers in the year 1831 ; so that for over fifty years he has been connected with the Society. His interest in its affairs never flagged ; ahnost always present at our meetings, and always ready with his advice and co-operation in carrying out such measures as were proposed in the extension of the Society's work. Occupying, as Mr, de Peyster did, such a prominent posi- tion, not only in religious, but also in secular affairs, it may hardly be necessary for us to give any extended sketch of liis life. He was a connecting link with the past history of our city, and was a rejjresentative of a class \vhich seems to be fast passing awa}-. His high social position did not interfere with his kind and courteous intercourse with all with whom he was thrown in contact ; a gentleman of the old school, he was always the gentleman. His interest was keen and alive in all efforts for promoting the moral, social and religious condition of his fellow men. We will long bear in mind his kindly man- ner and his Christian character. We will sadly miss his presence at our meetings, and it is with feelings of sorrow that we now record our sense of the loss w-e have sustained; therefore, Hesolved^ That in the death of Fkederic de Peyster, Esq., the Society has not only lost its oldest member, but one who was prominent in its organization and development. liesolved^ Tliat we consider Mr. de Peyster's life as affording a bright example of the Citizen, the Patriot, and the Christian. Resolved^ That we bear our testimony to tlie Christian character of Mr. de Peyster, as exhibited in the many years with which we have been associated with him, and also to his 11 zeal and faithfulness in the performance of any duty devolving upon him. Resolved^ That we extend to his family and friends our deep sympathy in the loss they have sustained. Resolved^ That a copy of the above Minute and Resolutions be sent to his son, Gen. J. Watts de Peyster. NEW YORK mSTITUTIOX FOR THE INSTRUCTION OF THE DEAF AND DUMB. At a Stated Meeting of the Board of Directors of the New York Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb, held on the tenth day of October, 1882, the Presi- dent, the Hon. Erastus Brooks, addressed the Meeting and alluded to the recent death of Mr. de Peyster, who had been for many years a Member of the Board, and submitted the following Minute : Appreciating the long services and generous and intelligent work of the late Frederic de Peyster, LL.D., whose decease was briefly noticed at the September meeting of the Directors of the Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb, the Members of the Board desire to place upon the permanent record of their Journal some evidence in words, at least, of the loss which the Institution has experienced in the death of their oldest member in years, and of one of their most honored fel- low members in service. 12 The family of our friend and brother was one of the oldest in the country ; the elder member of it was born at Haarlem, in Holland, in 1620, and his immediate progenitor came to New Amsterdam in 1645, and settled permanently as a merchant near the home of him who j^assed nearly eighty-six years of his life in and near this city. The day of his birth was No- vember 11, 1796, and the day of his death, August 17, 1882. As a student of Columbia College he was made Captain of the Company of Students raised to defend the country in the War of 1812-15 ; he served also in the military ranks of the State, as a working soldier upon the fortifications of the City, at McGowan's Pass, near the upper part of Central Park; as Brigade Major in the Tenth Brigade ; and as Aide-de-Camp to Governor De Witt Clintox. And later in life he was for many years a distinguished Master in Chancer3\ The civil, literary, humane and social positions occupied by him extended over more than three-score years of actual work, and were especially eminent in this Institution ; in the Leake and Watts' Asylum, founded by John Watts, his first wife's father; in the Historical Society, of which he was President at the time of his death; in the College Avhich he entered; and in almost numberless organizations and societies established for the social, moral and religious improvement of the people. To the Pupils of the Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb he was always kind, benevolent and faithful ; and as co-workers with him we recall his unvarying courtesy and interest in the discharge of all the duties belonging to re- sponsible membership anS service in the Committees of the Board. He was a ripe scholar, a devoted antiquarian, an honorable 13 citizen, a wise philanthropist, and a friend of country and of mankind. While we shall miss his presence among us and feel the need of his counsel and experience, we can conmieud his ex- ample and j)resent it to ourselves and successors as worthy of admiration, imitation and illustration in the practical and bene- ticent M^ork of life. On motion of Rev. Charles A, Stoddard, Second Yice President, it was unanimously Resolved^ That the above Minute be entered at large upon the Minutes of the Board, and that copies thereof be sent to the family of the deceased; and to the "Annals of the Deaf and Dumb;" and to the Deaf Mute's Journal for publication. A true copy from the Minutes. AVERY T. BROWN, Secretary pro tempore. NEW ENGLAND HISTORIC -GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY, Society's House, 18 Somerset St., Boston, Mass. At a Meeting of the New Englaxd Historic-Gejstealogical Society, hehl AYednesday, November 1st, 1882, the follow- ing Resolutions were unanimously adopted : Resolved^ That this Society desires to place upon record the expression of its great loss in the death of the Honorable Frederic de Peyster, LL.D., President of the New York 14 Historical Society and a Corresponding Member of this ; whose activity in all practical measures for the moral, intellectual and religious elevation of mankind, M-hose social standing and love of letters, not only rendered him conspicuous during a long life, but insured to his noble and distinguished career a broad, salu- tary and benign influence, which will not cease to be felt for generations to come. Resolved^ That the Eecording Secretary be requested to forward a copy of the foregoing Resolutions to the family of Mr, DE Peyster. [Attest,] DAVID G. HASKINS, Jr., [A true copy.] Recording Secretary. HOME FOR INCURABLES. FoRDHAM, N. y., December 4th, 1882. Dear Sir : I have the honor of transmitting to you a copy of the Minute of the Board of Managers of the Home for Incurables, on the occa- sion of the decease of your respected father. [Signed,] Very truly yours, H. M. McLaren. To .T. Watis i>k Pkvster. 16 HOME FOR INCURABLES. The Managers of the Home for Incurables, desire to place on re- cord a Minute of tlieir appreciation of the valued services of their late associate, Fred'eric de Peyster. Mr. DE Peyster had been connected with this Institution for many years, and, as a Manager and Chairman of the Finance and Building Committee, was ever actively devoted to its interests, and by his sound judgment and wise counsel materially advanced its prosperity. In the decease of Mr. de Peyster, the Managers share with their fellow citizens, the loss of a philanthropic, upright, pub- lic-spirited and estimable citizen, who, full of years and honor, has passed to his rest. Resolved^ That the Secretary be requested to transmit a copy of the above minute to the family of our late associate, with the as- surance of our sincerest sympathy in their bereavement. [Signed,] BEN J. H. FIELD, President. H. M. McLAREN, Secretary. New York, October 9th, 1882. 10 LEAKE AND WATTS ORPHAN' HOUSE. At a meeting of the Trustees of the Leake and Watts Orphan House, in the city of New York, lield on Friday, the 27th day of May, 1881, the following Minute was unanimously adopted, and it was ordered that the same be suitably engi'ossed, signed by the Members of the Board of Trustees and presented to Mr. de Peyster. The Trustees of the Leake and Watts Orpuan House avail themselves of this occasion to offer their cordial congratulations to Mr. Frederic de Ppjyster, on his having completed a term of fifty years good and faithful service as Clerk of our Board. The Act incorporating this Asylum was passed March 7th, 1831. The first meeting of the Board of Trustees was held March 22d, in the same year. At that meeting Mr. de Peyster, then Mr. Frederic de Peyster, Jr., was elected Clerk, and he has held that ofiice continuously to the present time. It is a long and admirable record of distinguished ability, incorruptible integrity and untiring devotion to objects, among the wortliiest, in which men can be em- ployed. Mr. de Peyster has conferred a certain degree of lustre by his ancestral name, and his agreeable and courteous manners, on the institution with which he has thus been connected ; but to say this is to leave much more unsaid. Our worthy Clerk has honored himself also, by his active personal interest in everything relating to the House ; by his intelligent scrutiny of its affairs ; h^^ his lov- ing regard for the tender inmates, to some of whom, from time to time, he has been like a second father ; and by his friendly rela- tions with its officers. His skill and professional learning, as a member of the Bar of New York, have been always at the service 17 of our Board, and from his practiced and scholarly pen, have come important contributions to the history of the Asylum, its founders and other persons connected with it : nor should it be forgotten how often he has gratified and delighted the children by generous gifts, and other acts of thoughtful kindness, and aided by similar donations the work of their education. The Leake and Watts Orphan House is a monument of the wise forethought and disinterested charity of these admirable men, whose names it will always bear, and we believe that, as long as its walls shall stand, so long will men continue to connect with the names of John G. Leake and Robert [error, JOHN] Watts that of our revered friend and eminent fellow citizen whom, in this brief Minute we salute, with every mark of resj^ect and affection. That a kind Providence may long spare him in his present enviable place in the community and among his friends, is our sincere wish ; while we rejoice in reflecting on the future, in which, in a higher sphere than this, that God who is the Father of the fatherless and the Fountain of Love, shall crown with an everlasting reward, those who have ministered to the poor and needy in His name. MORGAN DIX, Rector Trinity Church, New York, and President of the Board. THOS. E. VERMILYE, D.D., LL.D. Eldest Minister of the Ref. Prot. Dutch Church. W. M. PAXTON, Pastor of the First Pres. Church. W. R. GRACE, Mayor of the City of New York. FRED'K SMITH, Recorder, City of New York. JOHN JAY CISCO, Senior Warden of Trinity Church. G. M. OGDEN, Warden of Trinity Church. 18 NEW YOKK IIISTOKICAL SOCIETY. At a Stated Meeting ot the New York Historical Society, held at its Hall, Tuesday evening, 3d October, 1882. The First Vice-President, Hon. Hamilton Fish, announced the death of Frederic de Peyster, President of the Society, with the following remarks : " Before proceeding to the regular order of business, I must refer to the sad cause of my occupancy of the chair this evening. " I have to announce, formally, to the Society what the members have already learned, with most profound regret, the death of their venerated, long-time President, Frederic de Peyster. " He died calmly and tranquilly at the beautiful residence of his son, General John Watts de Peyster, at Tivoli, on the Hudson River, on the 17th of August, in his eiglity-sixth year. " His death is a great loss to the Society, over which for so long a period he presided with watchful care* and interest, and with so much abilitv and usefulness. To many of its members it brings a deep sense of personal grief and loss. To myself I recognize it profoundly as such. A family intimacy extending through several generations had associated liis ancestry and family with mine in relations of friendship and close social intercourse for more than two centuries. " My personal acquaintance with Mr. de Peyster and his family began in my early childhood, before any period that I can fix in memory. " My intimacy with him began shortly before my early manhood, more than fifty years ago, while I was a student of law and he a Master in Chancery. It continued, close, warm, and uninterrupted for more than half a century. In his death I recognize the loss of a long-cherished friend. "A Memoir has been prepared by our valued Librarian, who had BO many opportunities to know and to appreciate his character, his 19 life, and his services, whieli, at the request of your Executive Com- tee, I now present to the Society." FREDERIC DE PEYSTER, LL.D. " The founder of the American branch of the family of de Peyster, Johannes de Peyster, a native of Haarlem, in Holland, and of Hugue- not descent, settled in 'Sew Amsterdam in 1652 [5], where he died in 1685, after having faithfully discharged, under both the Dutch and English rule, many offices of trust and honor, including those of alder- man, deputy mayor and mayor. His sons, Abraham, Johannes and Cornelius, were respectively esteemed for their private worth and pub- lic spirit, and became eminent in the history of the colony. The suc- ceeding generations of the family to the present time have enjoyed the respect of the community, and have intermingled by marriage with other reputable families of the State, whose names are associ- ated with its early history. "The late Frederic de Peyster was born in this city, 18th Novem- ber, 1796. He was a direct descendant of Abraham de Peyster, and son of Frederic de Peyster. His mother was Helen Hake, daughter of Commissary-General Samuel Hake. Mr. de Peyster gave early evidence of the possession of qualities which indicated for him an honorable and useful career, and marked him as well fitted to main- tain the honor of the family name. He was carefully prepared for college at Union Hall, under Dr. Eigenbrodt, and at the grammar school of Dr. Chase, in Poughkeepsie. In both of these institutions, celebrated for their excellent standard of scholarship, he distinguished himself by his diligence and proficiency, and the superior opportun- ities which their high character afforded exercised no small influence on his subsequent career in strengthening the generous proclivities with which he had been happily endowed. After a sedulous and faithful attention to his duties in the collegiate course at Columbia College, where he attained high scholarly rank in a class of distinc- tion, he was graduated in 1816. " Inheriting the preferences of his paternal ancestors, he chose the profession of the law, and in the preparatory studies for his vocation 20 enjoyed the friendship and guidance of the celebrated jurists, Peter Augustus Jay, afterward a President of this Society ; and the vener- able Peter Van Schaack. In 1819 he was admitted to the bar, and devoted himself to chancery practice. His legal talents and profici- ency soon attracted the official notice of Governor De Witt Clinton, who appointed him a Master in Chancery in 1820. The executive force, sound judgment, and integrity which he displayed in the dis- charge of his official duties, secured his continuance in that office for the long period of seventeen years. " Shortly after his admission to the bar he became interested in the military organization of the State, and was appointed a Captain in the ] 15th Regiment. In 1825 he was selected by Brigadier-General Fleming as an aid, and shortly afterward became a member of Gov- ernor Clinton's staff as Military Secretary for the Southern District of the State. In this field, which the young citizen's patriotic sense of duty had impelled him to enter, he displayed the same sterling common-sense and administrative talent which he manifested in his profession, and on more than one occasion his excellent legal capacity was of great service to his superior officers. "At the period of his retirement from his office of Master in Chan- cery, Mr. de Peyster had increased, by sagacious and profitable invest- ments, the large patrimony which he had inherited, to such an extent as to compel his relinquishment of his professional career for the pur- pose of devoting himself to the management of his estate. From that period to his death, his life, tliough not distinguished by civic position or notable event, was no less honorable and useful than it would have been had he continued in the path which leads to profes- sional distinction and public pi*eferment. The public spirit of the good citizen suffered no abatement from his disinclination for public station, and in the political discussions and struggles of the day his opinions were listened to with attention, and his personal influence was of weight. In the business community, to which his interests commanded him, his hereditaiy uprightness, thorough legal knowledge, and sound financial judgment were recognized in a marked manner, and he became a director and trustee of many monetary institutions of the city. His conscientious and able contribution to their faithful 21 management was an important factor in the prosperity of these insti- tutions, among which may be instanced here the noted Tontine Asso- ciation, of which he was the last surviving associate, and the affairs of which were managed by him with the care and fidelity which he bestowed on his private interests. " But it is chiefly in the nobler fields of religious, philanthropic and intellectual activity that the monuments of his life and character were erected, and remain as conspicuous examples. Placed by the posses- sion of a large fortune above harassing personal cares, he was enabled to follow the high preferences of his nature, and the gentleman of leisure became a constant and faithful laborer in these fields until the day of his death. " The religious element was conspicuous in his nature. His logical and well disciplined mind early accepted the truths of Christianity, and through life, by his zeal, personal activity, and substantial aid in the diffusion of those truths and the inculcation of moral principle, he exhibited the character of the sterling Christian gentleman. At various periods he was a Trustee of the Bible Society and other reli- gious bodies, and at the date of his death was [Senior] Warden of the Church of the Ascension in this city, with whose notable efficiency in the cause of charity he was largely identified. " To measures for improving the condition of the unfortunate and suffering his large human sympathy led him to extend at all times his hearty aid and co-operation. During the three score years of his manhood and venerable old age he served most faithfully in the boards of management of many charitable and educational institu- tions, and the instances of his liberal benefactions are numerous on their records. As Trustee of the Free School Society, and of the Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Leake and Watts Orphan House, Vice- President of the Home for Incurables, and of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, he was thus especially active, and effected, by his advice and material assistance, many salutary mea- sures for furthering the humane purposes and extending the useful- ness of these institutions. But large as his public beneficence was in connection with these and other bodies, it was in private that he pre- 22 ferred to exercise the generosity of his nature by extending his coun- tenance, advice, and bounty to suffering worth, and his unostentatious liberality endeared him to its recipients. " Interested in all plans for the public welfare, his efforts in con- nection with institutions established for the intellectual elevation of his fellow beings will cause his name to be gratefully remembered by all who enjoy their facilities or appreciate their great importance to the individual and the State. To these in particular his time, talents, and means were given with a noble disinterestedness which was com- mensurate with his great love of letters and high culture. " In 1824 Mr. de Peyster became a member of this Society, and during his connection with it of nearly sixty years evinced the most ardent interest in its welfare and purposes. A constant and watchful attention to its needs and interests characterized his discharge of the numerous trusts with which the Society successively recognized and honored his great services. He was its Corresponding Secretary from 1827 to 1837, its Foreign Secretary in 1844, its Second Vice-President from 1850 to 1853, and President during the respective terms from 1864 to 1866, and from 1873 to the recent period of his death. His courteous manners and genial disposition were most happily displayed in his official relations with the Society, and his decisions as its pre- siding officer were characterized by accuracy and impartiality. His devotion to its interests, in which both the sympathy of the scholar and the activity of the associate w^ere zealously manifested, gave him a hold on its affections which lasted to the close of his life. His gifts to it were many and important, and his personal efforts in increasing its collections in all departments will be held in remembrance as the offering of a genuine lover of history, art, and archaeology. " On his retirement from the Presidency, in 1867, the Foreign Cor- responding Secretary of the Society, Mr. Bancroft, in paying a merited tribute to his services in its behalf, spoke as follows : "'I rise to offer a resolution expressive of the gratitude which this Society owes to its retiring President. No man living has done more than he, first, to restore life to the Society when it had fallen into a state of languor and decay, and then by persistent zeal to raise it from the condition of feebleness to established and ever-increasing 23 prosperity. When, forty years ago, the Society invoked the aid of the Legislature, Mr. de Peyster, then in the prime of life, was selected as its agent, and he discharged the laborious duty with patience, earn- estness, and success. Those who witnessed his exertions at the time left their testimony that on a similar occasion * they would sooner have his assistance than that of any other person whom they knew,' and the records of the Society show their grateful acknowledgment of his merits as their envoy. Having thus secured our continuance, he labored indefatigably as the chairman of a committee to raise funds for the purpose of erecting the beautiful structure in which we are now assembled, himself giving an example of liberality. He was the Chairman of our Building Committee at the time when this edifice was raised, and attended to the difficult business of supervision with exemplary fidelity. The original drawings of birds by Audubon form a principal gem in our collections, and Mr. de Peyster was chairman of the committee by whom they were secured to us. He was, too, a most efficient member of the committee by which the large and invalu- able collection of Egyptian antiquities was brought under our roof and became our property. He has served us faithfully in various im- portant offices, and finally, for a succession of years has filled the chair of President of our body with unwearied diligence and unquestioned impartiality. As he retires from that station he has the satisfaction of seeing that the Society has grown, under his administration, in dignity and in members, and he now transfers it to his successor in a state of progressive prosperity and of perfect harmony among its members.' " Mr. Bancroft then submitted the following resolution, which was adopted unanimously : " '■Resolved, That the thanks of the Society are eminently due and are hereby given to Frederic de Peyster, our retiring President, for the assiduity, courtesy, and fairness with which he has discharged the various duties of his office, and for the long and faithful career of ser- vices by which he has largely contributed to bring it to the high state of prosperity which it now enjoys.' " Mr. de Peyster possessed a keen taste for historic investigation, and his numerous discourses and researches have won for him a reput- 24 able name among scholars and patrons of letters. Of his addresses before this Society there have been printed the anniversary addresses on 'The Moral and Intellectual Influence of Libraries,' in 1866; on * William the Third as a Reformer,' in 1869 ; on * The Representa- tive Men of the English Revolution,' in 1876 ; and on ' The Life and Administration of the Earl of Bellomont,' in 1879. These works give evidence of careful research, much erudition, and a nice scholarly discrimination of the shades of historical criticism. His style is characterized by clearness in the conception of his subject, concise- ness and vigor of expression, and a felicitous use of classical allu- sion which reveals the liberally educated gentleman of the old school. " Mr. de Peyster was twice married ; on 15th May, 1820, to Mary Justina, daughter of John Watts, Esq. [Founder and Endower of the Leake and Watts Orphan House, in the city of New York], a lady of uncommon intelligence and rare personal attractions, whose death he was called upon to lament in 1821, and by whom he had issue, an only son. Gen. John Watts de Peyster, of Tivoli, K Y. Mr. de Peyster's second wife, to whom he was married on 14th November, 1839, was Mrs. Maria Antoinette Hone, daughter of John Kane, Esq. This lady, whose memory is dear for her numerous graces of mind and person, died on 30th October, 1849. " Besides the independent spirit, tenacity of purpose, and sterling integrity which he inherited fi-om his forefathers, Mr. de Peyster pos- sessed in a large degree their domestic virtues. In social life he lived in an atmosphere of mental and moral culture, and attracted and re- tained the friendship of the eminent and cultivated men of his day. The intimacy which existed between him and his predecessor in the Presidency of this Society, Governor Clinton, and which was one founded on similarity of scholarly tastes as well as personal affection, lasted till the death of that distinguished statesman ; and by all who have been more recently honored with his venerable friendship, or have enjoyed the intimacies and refinements of his generous hospit- ality, his courtesy, congeniality, and instructive conversation will be often affectionately recalled. " Possessed of a vigorous and robust constitution, which prolonged liis life beyond the usual span, his nature succumbed at last to the 25 infirmities of age, and his career of honor and usefulness terminated in his death at Tivoli, in this State, on 17th August, 1882, at the ripe age of eighty-six years. " It is fitting that this Society, with which he has been so closely identified during the greater portion of his life, with whose honorable aims he has had such a deep sympathy, and to whose success he has so largely contributed, should inscribe on its minutes its profound regret at his death. His name is eminently worthy to be associated in its grateful memory with those of the distinguished men who have pre- ceded him in its Presidency. But not alone as of one thus connected with its history should his name be honored by us to-night, but as of one who, in the nearly four score and ten years of his life, served his generation well, whose purity of life and integrity of character were free from aspersion, whose tireless eiforts to promote the humane, philanthropic, and intellectual interests of the community have con- tributed so largely to its character and prosperity. Unceasing and unpretentious in filling the full measure of his duties, his mission of good works was nobly fulfilled. The memory of the good citizen, the scholarly and Christian gentleman, will be affectionately cherished by his contemporaries, and his life and character should be venerated by the rising youth of our community as an incentive and an example." On motion of Dr. George H. Mooke, it was ordered that the Memorial Notice of the late President of the Society, read this evening, with the remarks of the First Vice-President, be entered on the Minutes of the Society, and that a copy of the proceedings be sent to the family of the deceased. Extract from the minutes. ANDREW WARNER, Recording Secretary. 26 NEW YOKK ASCENSION CHUKCH KECTORY. At a Meeting of the Yestry of tlie Church of the Ascension, New York, held 14th Nov., 1882, aConimittee was appointed, who reported 19th December, 1882 (but finally reported 18th Jan- nary, 1883, when the following Minute was adopted : In the Providence of God and in order of nature, onr Senior Warden, Mr. Frederic de Pe^ster, has finished his course in faith and gone home to God. He was the oldest member of the Parish — senior officer of the Yestry, and his career was almost coterminous with the Parish organization. Throughout this long service he was alM'ays a wise counselor, a generous and principled giver and a warm friend. His literary tastes and philanthropic qualities brought him into intimate relations with our several Rectors, his warm-hearted genial nature won their love. The office which he held at the time of his death was the glad recognition by the Parish and Yestry of his devotion to its inter- ests. And he, on his part, often declared his sense of the spiritual value to his life of his membership in our Church, and thought no service he could render her too great an expression of his gratitude. Upright, kindly, generous, urbane, faithful: his career was that of the Christian gentleman ; his character a singular and success- ful union of the man of the world and the man of God. We bear in grateful memory the good example of our lamented brother officer. He died full of years and honors — bearing an untarnished name, possessing a pure heart. We sorrow for him as men who have a reasonable and religious hope for those who sleep in Christ. In behalf of the Yestry, FRANCIS LELAND. D. F. APPLETON. LLOYD ASPINWALL. 27 CHICAGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY. At the Annual Meeting of the Chicago Historical Society, at Chicago, on the evening of Norember 21st, 1882, Isaac N. Arnold, President of the Society, at the close of his Address, spoke of the deatli of the late Frederic de Peyster as follows : The only Member of our Society who has died since onr last Anmml Meeting, so far as I have been advised, is the Hon. Frederic de Peyster, President for many years of the IS'ew York Historical Society, and a most distinguished Honorary Member of this Society. He died on the 17th of August, at Rose Hill, on the Hudson, at the picturesque country-seat of his son. Gen. J. "Watts de Peyster, at the age of eighty-six. He was for fifty-eiglit years connected with the New Y'ork Historical Society, and for many years its venerable and honored President. He did nmch to build up that noble institution, which has in its collections so much to interest, not only New Y'"orkers, but also citizens of every State in the Republic. He was a genuine Knickerbocker, and proud of his Dutch ancestry. His lineage is traced back, through a line of distin- o-uished ancestors, more than two and a half centuries, to the early days of the dominion of the Dutch over Manhattan. He was at one time the Aid and Military Secretary of Gov- ernor De Witt Clinton. He was the author of several historical works of great research and accuracy. Among them was an ex- ceedingly interesting paper on the "Life and Administration of 28 Kicliard, Earl of Belloniont ; " an address prepared and read before the Xew York Historical Society when he was eighty-three years of age. A very beautiful copy of this, with several of his other works, he presented to this society. Of him it may be most truly said, that physically, morally and intellectually he was a noble specimen of a noble race of men. Speaking of tliat society of which he was so long the head, I will mention a fact worthy of being followed by our society. There is scarcely a name prominent in the history of the City and State of New York, but whose portrait in oil, or the marble bust of whom, cannot be found in the New York Historical Society. The time is coming, I trust, when the same may be said of this society and of the distinguished men of our City and State. This Minute of the death of Frederic de Peyster will be entered upon the records of the society. NEW YORK SOCIETY LIBRARY. At the First Meeting held after the death of Mr. Frederic de Peyster, 11th October, 1882: — The Chairman, Mr. Robert Lenox Kennedy, announced the death of the late Chair- man of the Board, Frederic de Peyster, LL. D.; and, on motion, it was referred to Mr. Fr^sj^cis A. Stout and Mr. John M. Knox to prepare a suitable Minute on the late re- spected Chairman. At the next Meeting, held 8th Novem- ber, 1882, Mr. Francis A. Stout, from the Committee 29 appointed at the last Meeting, presented a Minute ii]5on the death of Mr. de Peyster, the late Chairman, M'hich was read, and on motion of Mr. Charles E. Strong, seconded by Mr. James M. McLe^vn, adopted and ordered to be en- tered, at length, on the Minutes of the Trustees. On motion of Mr. Robert Lenox Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Charles E. Strong, the same was ordered to be printed with the next Annual Eeport of the Board. Frederic de Peyster was born in New York, in 1796. He was descended from an ancient and honorable family of Haarlem, in Holland, one of the members of which, Johannes de Peyster, settled in New Amsterdam in 1640, where he was an eminent citizen, and, after holding many minor offices, Mas appointed Mayor of the city. The subject of this Minute gave early proof of the industry and ability which were to constitute him a worthy descendant of his distinguished ancestor and were to cause his co-operation and his counsel to be desired and sought where literature is cultivated and good deeds encouraged. He was graduated from Columbia College in 1816, in a class noted for its academic achievements. Like many of his forefathers, he was called to the bar, where his skill in equity practice procured him the appointment of Mas- ter in Chancery in 1820. So many biographical sketches of Mr. de Peyster are in ex- istence that we refrain from mentioning the long list of offices and honors to which he w^as elected by leading financial and charitable institutions desiring the benefit of his legal acquirements, heredi- tary honesty and good sense in all things. Living in an age almost unexampled for its personal impeach- ments, he stood steadfast for the right and unassailed. 30 An ample fortune, partly inherited, enabled him to give free scope to his generous impulses, and his gifts and benefactions were measured with no niggardly hand. To the Historical Society, of which he was a member during some sixty years, and an officer nearly twenty-five, he presented the magnificent statue of "The Indian," by Thomas Crawford, one of the finest and most im- portant pieces of sculjjture yet excuted by an American. From the day when he first became Chairman of our Board, he showed an almost aff*ectionate interest in the aftairs of the library, and had legitimate and delightful i)ride in its increasing prosperity and usefulness. During seventy years he liad lived among books, and he loved them as men do w^ho owe to commun- ion with "books that are books," their best success and their purest pleasure. Among Mr. de Peyster's most marked characteristics were his unfailing cheerfulness and courtly courtesy. Many of us, as w^e get on in life, are made by circumstances to feel that if we do not quite know w'hither w'e are going, at least we are painfully aware of the fatigue of the journey. To him, declining years and failing strength brought no gloomy doubt, no impairment of pur- pose, no weakening of religious faith and reliance. His earnest, loyal nature grew strong with years, until death came when "the day breaks and the shadows flee away." I 31 SUMMARY. " Tby clay without a cloud hath pass'd, And thou wert [manly] to the last ; Extinguished, not decay'd ! As stars that shoot along the sky, Shine brightest as they fall from high." Byron. Frederic de Peystek, LL.D., of Columbia College, N. Y., late President of the New York Historical Society, of the St. Nicholas Club, of the New York Society Library, and formerly of the St. Nicholas Society, &c., &c., was one of the most remark- able men of the day, especially in that, having only held one public oiSce, Master in Chancery, and that an appointment, and no office M'hatever in the gift of the people, he was better and more widely known than almost any other man of his generation. He was Honorary Fellow of the Royal Historical Society of Great Britain ; Honorary Member of the Buffalo, Massachusetts, Maryland, Penn- sylvania, Chicago, Florida Historical Societies, Corresponding Member of the New England Historic-Genealogical Society ; Hon- orary Life Member of the German- American -Society ; and of the Plouse of Rest for Consumptives, &c., &c. As justly re- marked by the New York World, "he has probably been con- nected as an active officer with more societies than any other New Yorker who ever lived." His services as an officer in so many Societies and Associa- 32 tioiis in his native city lias extended over half a century, and with the Historical Society over fifty-eight years, and his selection to fill these positions of honor demonstrates the force of the epithet applied to him by Prof. Deisler, of Columbia College, that he was *' YiR AucTOEiTATis, " that is, one swaying men by the influence of personal character rather than by commission. In 1862, the record states that he had then been longer oflicially connected with the Xew York Historical Society than any other member, and the same holds good in regard to the Xew York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society. For over fifty years he was Clerk of the Leake and Watts Orj)han House, founded by John Watts, father of his wife and mother of his only child, General DE Peyster, The different Boards of which he was a member have vied with each other in the strength and sympathy of the Resolutions expressive of their affection and respect. Perhaps nothing more beautiful and appropriate has ever been penned than the one proposed by Mr. Aug. R. Macdonough — long the Secre- tary of the New York Century Club, son of a most worthy father, the celebrated Commodore Macdonough, the hero of the naval victory of Plattsburg, 11th September, 1814 — and adopted by the St. Nicholas Society. It reads as follows : "Minute. — So long as this Society endures, the phrase, ' the last of the Knickerbockers,' will have no meaning. Yef, from time to time, as its years increase, there comes occasion for honor- ing the Memory of some Member gathered to his Fathers, who was among the foremost of the Knickerbockers ; finished and conspicuous as a specimen of the great race that founded this citv. Frederic de Peyster was such a man. His lineage runs back more tlian two and a half centuries, to the dawn of Dutch dominion over Manhattan. His name, not disappearing, as many 33 ancient ones liave done, in the marriage of female heirs, descends through six generations, from father to son each a leader of men in his day, and charged with civic trusts, when public life meant honorable fame.* Frederic de Peyster upheld nobly the Tradi- tions of his Line, by devotion to worthy ends of the Dutch sense, honesty, and firmness transmitted by it. " Other records will more fitly inscribe the story of his public service in the field of charity, of finance, of history, of letters. "It is for us to remember, proudly and tenderly, the hours, the speech, the deeds, of his within our precincts, that held up to our admiration and love, Dutch character as a living force, Dutch manhood in its blended gentleness and strength. "He joined with the most conspicuous men of his prime, forty-seven years ago, in founding this Society; and served it during most of those years in important trusts, holding the office of Treasurer for one year, that of President for one term, and that of Manager for thirty years. In his departure the Society loses a charm of welcome companionship, no less than wisdom of counsel, energy in action, and something of the lustre won from the dignity of a name like his. Yet it counts its gain, in a high example of a rounded life, full of good deeds, honored by all good men, inspiring to us in its Memory, as it was dear in its Presence." Mr. DE Peyster was born 11th November, 1796, in the city of New York, in Hanover Square. This locality occupied a real *A dear friend who inherited an accumulated correspondence of nearly two centuries, bore witness that the letters to which he fell heir bore unmistakeable evidence of the puritj^ and manliness and gentle blood of the de Peysters, and that amid whatever dross had accumulated around the memories of others, nothing but pure gold shone in connection with the name borne by the subject of this Threnodv. 34 relative position, at that time, in regard to his native city that is assigned popularly, but with far less justice, at this day, to the Fifth Avenue, The latter scarcely deserves such a distinction, for it is occupied rather by new comers than by old residents, who are to be found in far greater numbers in less pretentious thorough- fares. Hanover Square, over eighty years ago, was to I^ew York what the Faubourg St. Germaine was, and is even yet, in a mea- sure, to Paris, and the "West End " to London. It was the centre as well of respectability and wealth as of the fashion. Mr. de Peyster was the fifth of liis race born in, and the sixth resident of the First Ward of the city of New York. The first of his name in this country, Johannes de Peyster, was born in Haar- lem, Holland, married there, and came out to this country between 16-10 and 1645. He belonged to a Protestant or Hugue- not family, which had been scattered by the religious persecutions in their native country, France, culminating in the massacre of St. Bartholomew, during the previous, the XVI. century. He must have been quite young when he came over, because he first appears in the public records as an "Adelborst," or "Cadet of noble family," attached to one of the military companies. He brought with him what constituted "wealth at that peiiod, hand- some furniture, fine plate, and rich jewelry, of which there are existing specimens, the workmanship of which cannot be sur- passed to-day. One of these, a gold chaletaine for a lady, is perfect in its artistic finish, and another, a seal, which, it is stated, dates back to the reign of Charles IX., of France. Both of these are gems of execution. A letter, dated Irtli December, 1786, states that " a severe search " of family papers shows that the Seal and Livery of the de Peysters had both been the same for 187 years — 35 wLicli carries them back to 1599.^ This Johannes was a man of unusual ability, and a remarkable public speaker. He held throughout life the highest public offices under the Dutch and English ; was Deputy Mayor in 167T ; and appointed Mayor in the same year, although he declined accepting the promotion on account of his imperfect acquaintance with the English language. His eldest son, De Heer Abraham, was even an abler and more influential man than his father. He went to Holland in 1084, married there in Amsterdam a kinswoman, Catherine de Peysteb, returning to jSTew York the following year. He Avas successively Alderman and Mayor of jS'ew York, Judge of the Supreme Court and Member of the King's Council, and Acting Governor of the Province in 1700 ; Colonel commanding the Regiment of Horse and Foot, raised in the city and county of New York ; and first Trea- surer of the Provinces of New York and Jersey. He was the intimate friend of our best Colonial Governor, the Earl of Bello- MONT, and also a friend of William Penn. The latter was i)ar- ticular in his allusion to de Peyster's fine humor or temper. He was succeeded as Treasurer by his eldest son, Abraham II., f *Many of the de Peyster family papers — among these a valuable Diary kept during the Revolutionary War, 1775-1783 — that had escaped so many vicis- situdes of exile and fire, perished as late as l885-'9, through the recklessness or rascality of servants. f This Abraham (II.), or his son James (I.), is the gentleman mentioned so feelingly in " The Shipwreck, and Adventures of Monsieur Pierre Viaud, Captain of a Ship, translated from the French by Mrs. Griffith." London, 1771. Ai one time it was supposed that Viaud's " Adventures" belonged rather to the literature of fancy than of fact, but it has been proved, by the best corroborative testimony, that they are entirely trustworthy. "Whether Mons. Viaud was indebted to Abraham (II.), or to his son James (I.), is not certain. Both were eminent mer- chants, most prosperous in 1766, when Viaud " arrived at Xew York on the 3d of August." Abraham died 17th September, 1767, and James had charge of the business. Whoever was the French captain's benefactor, Viaud bears the follow- 36 and, dying, his son Frederic, the first bearing this Chi-istian name, was appointed in his place, but did not serve, as he went to France to inherit an estate from a relative. James, eldest son of Abraha:m II., was an eminent merchant, but is better known through his children. His eldest daughter married Major Thomas James, who died Colonel and Colonel Commandant, 6th March, ing testimony as to bis benevolence : " I made myself known to some Frencb people [of Huguenot descent] settled in tbat city [Xew York], and wbo, toucbed wilb my misfortunes, tendered me every kind of assistance in Ibeir power. Tbey introduced me to Monsieur Dcpeystke, one of tbe ricbest mercbants in tbe place, who generously offered to give me employment in my profession. But, upon hearing all the particulars of my story, 'It would not be prudent in you (said be) to think of entering upon an occupation so fatiguing and hazard- ous as yours for some time yet : long quiet and repose must be necessary to your health, after tbe severe labours and disasters you have so lately undergone ; and, in order to give this nursing its full effect, it will be necessary, besides the help of medicine, to relieve your mind from all uneasiness, both with regard to the present and the future. " ' This charge I shall take upon me. From this moment you are to consider yourself as my auest, where you are extremely welcome to both bed and board. ^Vben I find you are sufficiently recovered to engage in your occupation again, I shall not oppose it, but help you forward myself, by supplying you with com- missions, for my correspondents in Europe. This business, I hope, is settled now to your satisfaction,' said he, taking me by the hand, and, without waiting for an answer, called his servants before me, and gave them all neces- sary directions for my reception and accommodation. I shall not attempt to describe, because I have not a power of speech equal to the task, the strong sentiments of gratitude with which such uncommon kindness and humanity affected me. From the moment I was redeemed from the horrid desert, when I was within a few minutes of my dissolution, I met with none, excepting one, but persons of liberal minds, humane hearts and generous souls. Does tbe world abound with such ? I reflect on my misfortunes, now, as blessings, since they have been the means of purchasing me the acquaintance and friendship of so many excellent persons. While I i)assed my days in perfect comfort and tran- quility under the roof of the hospitable Monsieur Dupetstre, I wrote to my family to acquaint them with my survival, after tbe variety of incredible difliculties and miseries I had sustained, during the space of eighty-one days : it was this letter that you had seen, and which, being only a summary account of my mis- 37 1782, of the single, or unique, Kojal Eegiment of British Artil- lery.* His eldest son, Abkahaivi III., was Captain and second in command, and afterwards Colonel in the British Provincial Service. After the death of his superior, he fought out the Battle of King's Mountain, in 1780, until he could hardly gather together a dozen of his faithful Provincials, picked men from New York and New Jersey battalions. Jajvies, second son of James (L), was killed under cir- cumstances the most extraordinary, at Menin, in Flanders, in 1793. The youngest surviving son of Jaaies (I.), Fkederic, was a cap- tain in the British Provincial or Local Service at the age of seventeen or eighteen, and was in the field throughout the Kevolutionary War. He married Helen, f only daughter of Saihuel Hake, Commissary fortunes, did not sufficiently satisfy your friendly and anxious curiosity about me. I sent my letters by a vessel that was going to London, from whence they might be put into the post office, for France ; but, not knowing how long I should remain there, I desired no answers till I could ascertain my future destin- ation, and be sure of my address. " Monsieur Depetstre kept me with him till the February following, 1767, and then gave me charge of a cargo for Xantes. I took leave of him on the 6th of that month, and arrived safely at port here on the 27th. My commission was addressed to Monsieur Walch, whom I found as sensible to the impressions of my suflferings as his correspondent [de Petster] had been." *Lt. John Kane's "List of Officers of the B.oysd Regiment of Artillery," Greenwich, 1815. f This lady was as eminent for her piety as for other lovely characteristics. She fell, while still young, a victim to consumption. "When she was dying, she begged her four intimate friends to join with her in a hymn. They heard her voice clear through verse after verse and then it ceased. She motioned them to continue and when the concluding line was finished they looked upon her sweet face, serene and smiling, but perceived that the spirit had departed with the last notes of the sacred melody, thus realizing the inspiration of — " Thou art gone to the grave — and its mansion forsaking, Perhaps thy tried spirit in doubt linger'd long ; But the sunshine of Heaven beam'd bright on thy waking, A>id the song that thou heard'st was the Seraphims' song.^' 38 General in the British Service and tlie grand-daughter of Egbert Gilbert Livingston. This Frederic was the father of the subject of this sketch, wlio M'as a student of CoUnnbia College, in the city of New York, in his fifteenth year. While there, the War of 1812- 15 with England occurred. In the course of this he commanded a company which was styled the "College Greens,'" or else was an officer belonging to a small battalion organized among the collegians for the deience of their native city. He assisted in the construction of the field-works thrown up to defend McGowan's Pass, which >constituted a portion of the line of intrenchments that extended from the Harlem to the North River. A portion of the very bastion on Avliich he labored is still distinguishable just north of Mount St. Vincent, within the Central Park. While thus engaged, he received an inju]-y, the effects of which he felt throughout life. Afterwards he held a number of commissions in the Militia, but particularly congratulated himself for having been Aide and Military Secretary of Gov. De AViTT Clinton ; since, young as he was, he enjoyed the fullest confidence of that distinguished Executive. Subsequently, as Master in Chancery, he acquired a reputation of which he was justly proud, being able to say he had never made a decision that had not been sustained on appeal. His success was owing, no doubt, in a great measure to his perseverance and preparation. He was indefatigable in the investigation of M'hatever subject en- listed his attention, and when to interest was added duty, his labors were exhaustive. The records of his judicial career are exemplars of neatness and clearness. They almost rival print in legibility. The same qualities which made him a man of note on the bench, fitted him for the historical researches which chiefly occupied his leisure after his judicial career was terminated by the aholitiou of the Court of Chancery. He was the author of a num- 39 ber of historical works, which will become more and more valuable with the lapse of time. The latest of the series being his Address on "The Life and Administration of Richard, Earl of Bello- mont," an exquisite production, both as a literary and publishing effort, illustrated with portraits taken, by a peculiar process, from originals tliat he possessed, and fac-similes of manuscripts from originals among the treasures of the New York Historical Society. The most remarkable facts connected with this address are that it was prepared and delivered by a gentleman eighty -three years of age; the delivery occupying one hour and three-quarters. How very few persons who have reached this advanced tei-m would have been able to make such a physical effort ; much more prepare for it by long and arduous study and labor. It is probable tliat Mr. de Peyster, at the time of his death, had ready for the rostrum and printer, unpub- lished : 1. "A Brief Sketch of the l^ew York Society Library, with proofs of its [comparative? as regards this country] Antiquity; " and, 2. "A Review of the Administration of Governor Col. Benjamin Fletcher, the 5rtfZ jDredecessor of the (/ood Belloraont." Mr. i>t: Peyster's five principal works — 1. "The Culture De- manded by the Age;" 2. "William the III. as a Reformer;" 3. "Prominent Men of the English Revolution;" 4. "Life and Administration of Earl of Bellomont;" 5. "Early Political History of New^ York" — have been pronounced by a competent judge as "worthy productions — accurate, logical and scholarly." Mr. DE Petster inherited with his mental capacity, a physical development which characterized his ancestors from the first. His very make seemed an assurance of long life. His endurance and vitality were extraordinary. At eighty he was all over California on horseback, and rivalled the youngest of the party in activity and ability to undergo privation and fatigue. In the course of the 40 journey, an imbroken colt was assigned to liim, and such was his horsemanship — for which he was remarkable throughout life — that he not only rendered the animal tractable, but attached. At eighty- five, Mr. DE Peyster looked like a man of fifty, and he was as erect and alert as most men at that age. Although his silken beard had grown grey, the hair of his head retained its auburn to the last. In person he stood about five feet ten, and was symmetrical in figure, although he weighed near two hundred pounds. In fact the muscles were so hardened by nature and exercise, and the flesh so disposed, that his weight only added to his impressive appearance. To him might justly be applied the expressive lines of Tennyson, as to what constitutes a gentleman : " For who can always act ? But he, To whom a thousand memories call, Not being less but more than all The gentleness he seem'd to be, Best seem'd the thing he loas, andjoiu'd Each office of the social hour To noble manners, as the flower And native growth of noble mind; Nor ever narrowness or spite, Or villain fancy fleeting by, Drew in the expression of an eye, Where Ood and Nature met in light ; And thus he bore without abuse The grand old name o/ gentleman." EXTRACTS FROM A FEW OF THE MANY NEWSPAPER NOTICES ON THE DECEASE OF FREDERIC de PEYSTER, Esq., LL.D,, &c,, &c. "He [Frederic de Peyster] was the author of many addresses and pamphlets, chiefly upon historical and antiquarian subjects, in which he showed the results of much labor, research and learning. His fondness for literature was always marked, and his acquaintance with old authors was unusually extensive. Through life he bore a spotless reputation, and his kindly, benevolent disposi- tion attracted to him a large number of warm friends." Evening Post, 18th August, 1882. " In the death of Frederic de Peyster, New York loses an honored and vener- able citizen, the better part of whose eighty-six years of life were made memor- able by good service to the community in which his ancestors had dwelt for more than two hundred years. Mr. de Peyster died on Thursday night, at the residence of his son. General de Peyster, at Tivoli. The de Peyster family ranks among the oldest families of this city, and its members have been always notable for their public spirit, their alert comprehension of the needs of the time, and their sympathy with progressive movements for the general good. * " Besides being engaged in great business enterprises, and the owner of a large amount of real estate, he was concerned in many other enterprises, in all of which his energetic business faculty and his proverbial honesty gave him a deservedly prominent place."— Commercial Advertiser, 19th August, 1882. " Mr. Frederic de Peyster, icho, icithout ever having held any city office, has heenM half a centtiry one of the most valued and one of the best known ptiblic men in this city, died on Thursday evening at the residence of his only child, GeneralJ. Watts de Peyster, at Tivoli-on-the-Hudson, aged eighty-six years. His lineal ancestor came hither from Holland in 1645, and served successively as Schepen, Burgomaster, Alderman and Mayor under two governments. The DE Peyster family then founded, has ever since held an honorable place in our annals. The late Mr. de Peyster was a graduate of Columbia College and a lawyer. He has probably been connected as an active officer with more social, lite- rary and benevolent societies than any other New Yorker who ever lived. At the time of his death he held the Presidencies of the Historical Society and of the 42 New York Society Library. He was an industrious pamphleteer and a popular speaker, and greatly respected in private life for his courtesy, integrity and un- flagging benevolence." World, lOth August, 1883. " Frederic de Peyster, LL.D., who died at the home of his son [only child]. General John Watts de Peyster, at Tivoli, Duchess County, on Thursday night, •was one of the oldest and best known citizens of this city, and of the sixth generation of the family of de Peyster, whose progenitor, Johannes de Peyster, came to this country from Haarlem, Holland, in 1620. * * * " Mr. de Peyster was kindly and generous, and remarkable for his charit- able disposition. He took great pride in the growth and progress of his native city." Sun, 19th August, 1883. " Frederic de Peyster, President of the New York Historical Society, died at the residence of his son, at Tivoli, Duchess County, New York, Friday, Au- gust 18. He has been for years one of the prominent men of that section of the State, and at the age of eighty-six lays down a useful and well spent life. His son, Major-General J. Watts de Peyster, is an author of marked ability and is prominent in the military matters of this State. His entire family is one of unusual force of character." Sunday Morning Mail, Rochester, 20th August, 1883. " If we were called upon to mention any name as that of a typical New I'orker, it would be his patronymic [de PeysterI. By nature Mr. de Peyster was genial, social and hospitable. At his house in University Place he has enter- tained hundreds of learned and distinguished men. His manners were quiet, simple and engaging, and his conversation abounded in anecdote and witty sallies. " As might be supposed, he knew nearly everybody, and from his great age nearly everybody's fother and grandfather as well. Like Robert L. Stuart, Ben- jamin IL Field and one or two other noble-minded gentlemen of this city, he devoted almost all the time he had to building up and sustaining charities for the sick, the unfortunate and the ignorant. Such a career needs no comment." Home Journal, 33d August, 1883. " Frederic de Peyster, LL.D., President of the New York Historical Society, died on Friday, August 18, at the age of eighty-six, at Rose Hill, near Tivoli, New Y''ork, the home of his son, General J. W. de Peyster. Mr. de Peyster was a member of an old and wealthy New York family. He enjoyed every advant- age of education in his youth, and remained throughout life an active supporter of enterprises designed to further the spread of culture in this country. His large means and high social position enabled him to act as a liberal if not always a most judicious i)atron of literature, science and the arts. Mr. de Peyster was conspicuously identified with the management of almost all the leading institu- tions of an educational character in this city, including the American Bible Society, with which he had been connected for more than fifty years, and he was also well known in the commercial world. He was the author of a number of biograi)hical sketches, and some of his addresses on historical subjects have been published. His son also is known as a writer in pretty much the same field." The Critic, 3(ith August, 1883. 43 " The family of Frederic de Peyster, whose death in Tivoli, on the 18th instant, was noticed in our last issue, is one of the most distinguished in the history of the Colony of New York to the time of the Revolutionary War." Sunday Morning Mail, Rochester, 27th August, 1882. "The venerable Mr. Frederic de Peyster, whose honorable and useful life came to an end on the 17th of August, at the residence of his only child, Gene- ral J. Watts de Peyster, at Tivoli-on-the-Hudson, will long be remembered for his many valuable services to the community in which his distinguished ancestors had dwelt for more than two hundred years. He was a man of singular up- rightness and purity of character, a broad philanthropist, and an ardent lover of art and literature. He was born in Hanover Square in this city, November 11, 1796. He was the third son of Captain Frederic de Peyster, who was the eighth child of Colonel James Abraham de Peyster, also of New York. The latter was the son of the Hon. Abraham de Peyster of this city, whose father was de Heer Abraham de Peyster, who was born in New York, the third child of Johannes de Peyster, who came here from Haarlem, Holland, in 1645, when only twenty- five years of age. The family has always held a foremost place in our annals. " The late Mr. de Peyster was a graduate of Columbia College and a lawyer. lie has probably been connected as an active officer with more social, literary and benevolent societies than any other New Torker icho ever lived. At the time of his death he held the Presidencies of the [N. Y.] Historical Society and of the New York Society Library. He was an industrious pamphleteer and a popular speaker, and greatly respected in private as well as in public life." IIakpeu's Weekly, 2d September, 1882. " There was buried last week, from one of the old down-town nncestral homes of this city, a gentleman of what might be called a suspended or sleeping type in these days. " A fine old Knickerbocker gentleman was Frederic de Peyster. You have not heard of him, perhaps, for he belonged to the sort of the ' great woman ' of Shunem [II. Kings, IV., 8-13], for whom the sovereign (whether monarch or public) have nothing to confer. ' I dwell among mine own people' [Ibid, § 13]. Every man is a gentleman who has the qualities of a gentleman, but there is such a thing as to be a gentleman by position — with or without the qualities — and when the double character is realized, gentleman at once by quality and office, there is that which young America knows little about, and hence the obituary of Frederic de Peyster would be notable matter for a letter if I were qualified to write it. As it is, a paragraph wiU be proper, and not without in- structive interest. I remember when the ' City Directory' contained names fol- lowed by the description ' gentleman,' as others were followed by ' lawyer, phy- sician,' &c., this description has long ago been dropped, quite properly, because * gentleman' does not designate, as it should, a special profession or calling, but, on the contrary, indicates that one has nothing sjiecial to do at all. " But such a gentleman was not Frederic de Peyster. I almost wish that this wo7'd ' gentleman,' or so)ne other, could be set opart for a class of men like Mm, who both can and do give themselves — literally give — to the pziblic service, in the liighest and purest professional spirit : making a profession, not a business, of patriotic politics, of literature, of divinity, or of any one of twenty kinds of public service that grievously need men secured by piDsition from the hamper 44 and the bias of private necessity or interest. There are signs and instances of the revival of the professional spirit of the gentleman among the scions of our old and wealthy houses as well as in families of recent wealth. This city is rapidly approaching a full metropolitan position analogous to that of London. That is, it is developing or accumulating the conditions of the most enlarged and liberal life in a pre-eminent degree, and drawing together as residents the men who can and do aspire to live as large as possible in one sense or another. Enorm- ous fortunes are piled up here rapidly and in great numbers, and out of the leisure and freedom of life they will confer, must come more public service than we now have, with, let us hope, a less proportion of self-indulgence and vanity. " Politics have not invited pure and public-spirited men, and the fault is with the people, who need them, but prefer the demagogue. Practically excluded from this department of public service, probably with tastes otherwise inclining, Mr. de Peyster gave his laborious life in the most unostentatious manner to in- terests of charity, religion, science, literature, art, public instruction, and the like. The list of public beneficences in which he was an honored and active director would surprise you if I had room but to rehearse their titles." * * VIDI [W. C. Conant] in the " Northern Christian Advocate," Syracuse, N. Y., 7th September, 1883. 45 Wlia nrr tlje Iinrkcrli0rlirr5 ? "So long as this Society endures, the phrase, 'the last of the Knickerbockers," will have no meaning. Yet. from time to time, as its years increase, there comes occasion for honoring the Memory of some Member, gathered to his Fathers, who was anumg the foremost of the Knick- erbockers ; finished and conspicuous as a Specimen of the great race that founded this city. '•Fredekic de Petster was such a man. His lineage runs back more than two and a half centuries, to the dawn of Dutch dominion over Manhattan. His name, not disai)pearing, as many ancient ones have done, in the marriage of female heirs, descends through six generations, from father to son each a leader of men in his day, and charged with civic trusts, when public life meant honorable fame. '■ Frederic de Peyster upheld nobly the Tradition of his Line, by devotion to worthy ends of the Dutch sense, honesty, and firmness transmitted by it." Augustus R. Macdonough, before the St. Nicholas Society. There is something very remarkable in the operation of Pro- vidence in directing what is usually designated the Knickerbocker element to the Island of Manhattan, first Kew Amsterdam, then Xew Orange, and, finally, New York. In the chain of causes requisite for the development of the Empire State, it was neces- sary that "a peculiar people" like the Hollanders, or Knicker- b[a?]ockers — as their satirist elected to style them — should settle at the mouth and along the shores of the "Great River of the North" or "Hudson River," the only water course which, on the tide level, cleaves the Alleghanies or Kittatinny Range ; that is, the "endless mountains" of the Indians, which, according to the ideas of the aborigines, had no beginning or termination, but stretched from the frigid currents of the St. Lawrence — which bounded their geographical knowledge (jn the north — to the tepid waters of the Gulf of Mexico — beyond which they knew nothing. The great contest of the world laid, and still lies, between the Anglo-Saxon and Latin and Celtic races — particularly in regard to the imposition of their antagon- istic religious views — for the possession of the New "World. To the north, the French had already established themselves, and, 46 relatively, to the south the Eii.u:lish. The former were unfitted for progressive, or what might be styled civilized, colonization. They i-eadily amalgamated — or, to use the popular term, miscegenated with inferior races. They never have been successful colonists. The English policy involved the gradual extermination of the savages Math whom they came in contact — witness the early ex- tinction of the Indian tribes of New England, and latterly of the Tasmanians, S:c. Of a blood cognate with that of the English, the Hollander knew even better than the former how to apply the peculiarities of lower grades of men without destroying them, as in Java, and elsewhere. They neither mixed with the lower species like the Celt or Latin, nor blotted them out like the pure Saxon. The Hollander utilized. See the result. Between the Latin to the north and the English to the east and south lay the Five Nations of Indians, "the Romans of Ame- rica." The Latins had neither civilized nor elevated the Indians with whom they came in contact. By conniving at their atrocities they had degraded them into mere weapons of offense and destruc- tion. The Puritans had nearly "wiped out" the Indians they en- countered. How different was it with the Hollanders. As re- marked by a learned and unprejudiced historical critic : "There was a manifest Providence in the fact that the Dutch, rather than the English, first occupied the Hudson and the Mo- hawk, whereby they came into connection M'ith the Iroquois nation, and kept them in friendly alliance against the encroachments of France. Had the English dealt first Math these Indians, they un- doubtedly would have thrown their power upon the side of the French, and postponed, if not changed the end. The French scheme for the conquest of Ncm^ York had failed. The perpetual barrier to its success, for one hundred and fifty years, M'^hich no reli- gious zeal, nor diplomacy, nor greed, nor threats, nor actual wars could ever abate or remove, was the friendship of the Iroquois for the Dutch." The result was, Nvhile the Puritans were still clinging to the iron-bound coasts of Massachusetts Bay, the Hollanders had pene- trated into the centre of the Empire State, and established trading 47 posts and forts, which, like the positions of the ancient Roman camps, became the sites of cities. What is more, the Iroquois so recognized the probity of the Hollander, that "Qnidder" (or Qneder), their pronunciation of the Christian name of Peter Schuyler, became the synonym of good faith, and "Corlear" of a good governor. Why M^as it that the emigrants of the United States of Hol- land were so appropriate to the work? As Minerva sprang forth fully developed from the brain of Jupiter, the Dutch colonists of Manhattan emigrated from a Mother country in its prime of force, intellectual, moral, and physical. Look at the portraits of the Knickerbockers* of that time. They are not refined in the sense of to-day, but they are strong in the distinctive qualities of inanhood. Holland was then at her greatest. Her seamen had circumnavigated Spitzbergen within the Arctic circle, a feat not yet repeated by steam, and had so nearly solved the problem of a north-east-about passage, that it required nothing but steam to have forestalled Nordenskijold's enterprise within four years. They had virtually conquered their freedom from Spain and broken her dream of universal monarchy, and they had saved England from the Armada. One thousand of their prime sailors — fact little known and carefully concealed by English writers — were on board the English fleet, and the light squadrons of Justin of Nassau ''nailed the Prince of Parma to the coasts of the Netherlands ; " prohibited him from crossing the Channel. * Knickerbacker must be the correct impelling of this name, and so it appears upon old tomb- stones—one or two plainly decypherable a few ytars since if not since obliterated by vile boys. This name, now a title of the highest honor, was at flrst applied in derision by a popular writer whose works have caused more misapprehension of a " great kace— equal to any in grandeur— than any that ever emanated from a human pen. I have e.xamined a number of books upon the sub.iect and long since came to the conclusion that Knickerba(o)cker was derived either fiom Knikker-bakker, signifying a baker or maker of boys" marbles or taws, implying contempt, or Knickker-bokker, one who bobs or makes signs with his head as too phlegmatic or taciturn to speak. Under any signi- fication it was not complimentary, but in the same way that the •' Beggars "—as the Spaniards stigmatized the patriots of Holland— made a contemptnouB nickname a symbol of everything glorious, so the Knickerbockers, which at first evoked a smile, has become significative of all that recalls the comforts and charms of hearth and home, and of all "that makes trac^c and politics respectable, honest, and elevating, and of all that constitutes the real esstnce of patriotism. 48 While Holland was in possession of New York her seamen had traversed every ocean, had discovered the fifth quarter of the globe, had o:iven the names of a Dutch town to the most soutliern point of South America ; in lact, had laid their "spatula-shaped fingers" on the mane of every ocean. No wonder the Knickerbockers were a "great race," as Augustus R. Macdonough, an honorable scion, styled them. They sprang from the men who had founded and maintained the only real republic or representative popular government — a type of our own — that, as yet, had existed. Men talk of a purely Democratic government. Do they know what it means? There never has been a true Democracy, except on the very smallest scale. In a Democracy the jieople rule directly. They themselves vote ujDon the laws, and regulate everything by their proj^er votes. There is something like this existing in the petty cantons of Switzerland. In a Eepublic everything is done through delegates elected by the people. England and the Netherlands are to-day as healthy, true repre- sentatives of republics as this country. At the beginning of the XA^II. century, Holland was the refuge for the exiles or perse- cuted of every civilized race and "the Asylum of Human Thought." It did far better then than we do to-day, with all the subse- (juent experience of over two centuries. It recognized the super- iority of "blood, not in the false acceptation of the word aristocracy, but in the true signification, "The rule of the best." It did not reject a man, as we do, because he had ancestors, and place too often at the head or in ofiices of trust a pot-house politician, or a foreign-born-carpet-bagger, frequently scarcely naturalized, be- cause he had no family to look back upon with honor. For instance when, in 1659, they wanted an Admiral to save ])enmark and preserve the Balance of Power in the north, tliey chose Opdam, because he came of a bravo and intelligent family, who had "done good service to their country and rejoiced in the 49 dignity of birth and a stem of renown. He fulfilled the confi- dence reposed in him, and fought the "Dutch Battle of the (Sound or) Baltic " — a feat far more glorious than that of Nelson — and died as he had lived, maintaining the glory and honor of his country against the English. At the same time they recognized merit wherever it manifested itself. When the cabin-boy, Ruyter, dis- played the requisite ability, they made him their Admiral, and he shook London with his broadsides. The Knickerbockers at home, chose to be ruled b}' the best, and so it was with the Knicker- bockers on the Hudson. The English in New York succeeded to the wealth of ideas sown by the Dutch, and to the amity thus estab- lished with the Indians of the Five Nations, so that it stood every strain and saved New York and New England from the French ; and the harvesting of Knickerbocker prowess and probity was the eventual conquest of Canada, which ended destructive Latin in- terference in the New World. The influence of New England has been of no benefit to New York. It has been the stimulus of that thirst for wealth which ruined Holland, not a hearty, health}' food. We have increased in opulence, it is true, but not in happiness. Knickerbocker New York was the abode of thrift and honesty. Like Rome in its decadence, and Antioch and Alexandria, and other similar commercial cities — inviting the greedy and the vicious, through ndstaken lil)erality and charity — in growing so inordinately rich it has become a cesspool. With startling truth and emphasis, and eloquence, says Davies : "But if there be left among us one patriot, in the old and true sense of the word, — one who loves his country, not for the wealth and honors she can bestow, but because she herself is great and free — who can sympathize with his fellow-men striving to obtain for their Fatherland those blessings which his own enjoys — surely the blood of such an one must beat warm within him, as he contemplates the struggle made by this brave and noble people [at the very time New York was being settled by them] in defence of their religion and liberties against the bigoted tyranny of Spain ; a struggle, unparalleled^ uixrivalled perhaps, in the annals of 50 ancient or modern history, — protracted tlirongli forty years of sufferings under wliicli the stoicism of Greece would have sunk, of deeds at Avhich the heroism of^ Rome woukl have trembled, — maintained by a people whose spot of earth is so small as scarcely to deserve a place on the map of Europe, against a nation of boundless extent, of gigantic power, whose heart was strong with the blood of her chivalrous nobility,* and into whose bosom the riches uf the ISTew World were pouring. And a throb of joy will respond in the breast of such a patriot, when he beholds the issue of the contest defy all human calculation, mock all human foresight. For once, the righteous and feeble cause triumj^hed ; the haughty foe of Holland shrank cowering before her, and her strength withered from that hour ,' but she [Holland] lay not panting and exhausted, a prey to the first spoiler. Freed forever from the yoke of her oppressor, she lifted up her proud head from the waves and stretched her mighty arms to the ends of the earth. * To this term " chivalric nobility" exception may jus^tly be taken, and the opinion of Sir Philip Sidney may be quoted against it— that Sidney! who died for the United States of Holland; whose memory Thompson has enshrim-d in his harmonious verse : " Nor can the Muse the gallant Sidney pass, The Plume of War! with early Laurels crown'd, The Lover's Myrtle, and the Poet's Bay." That Sidney! upon whom Campbell bestowed the glorious tribute : " The man that looks sweet Sidney in the face, Beholding there love's truest majesty, And the soft image of dei)arted grace, Shall fill his mind with magnanimity; There may be read unfeigned humility, And golden piiy, born of heavenly Hood, Unsullied thought of immortality, And musing virtue, prodigal of blood; Yes, in this map of what is fair and good, This glorious index of a heavenly book, Not seldom, as in youthful years he stood, Divinest Spenser would admiring look. And framing thence high wit and pure desire, Imagined deeds that set the world on fire." That Sidney! "who," says the author of the EttigiiB Poeticie, trod from his cradle to his grave, amid incense and flowers, and died in a dream of glory." E^" I do hope that, before mauy years are past, the virtues of these Span- iards will be understood by the whole world. They were born slaves and have done nothing ever since (as if to make bad worse) T)ut change their masters, for they have always been servants of Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Goths, Saracens, or Moors ; of late, indeed, they have been somewhat raised by the character of one man, Chaules [V.], and he teas a Belgian [Hollander? Ancient Menapie meen-afff.], and since his death all the world sees with what speed they are hastening back to their original ctmdition." * * * 51 Tlie Balance of Euroi)e quivered at lier nod, while Asia, Africa and America laid their treasures at her feet. '^^^ From Iter '' place of jpride'' among nations ^oia^a^h has now fallen ; and in the history of her fall may we read an useful^ though melan- choly lesson to every free and commercial jpeojile^ to he on the toatch, lest they mistake the heat of party spirit for the zeal of PATRIOTISM, and lest they seek for national wealth as the End, AND NOT AS THE MeANS, OF NATIONAL GrKATNESS.",^^^| The result of failing to realize the Trntli of this Example is that, instead of being a well governed, we have become the worst governed city in the world — not under the Knickerbocker rule of the best, but under the rule of the worst, \vith rum re})resentatives at the front. It never w^ould have been so if Knickerbocker administration could have continued. Now let us turn to another and even more interesting, a nearer and dearer side of tl^e question. How few are left who derive the right to sit at the table of St. Nicholas through direct descent. How many must claim the honor and enjoyment through our peerless Knickerbocker women — women in all the grand at- tributes of their sex, whose superiors were never born. Even the most distinguished representatives of other races in New York owe much to the Knickerbocker blood that flows in their veins : the Livingstons to the van Kenssalaers, the Jays to the van Cortlandts, and to the Phillipses, and the de Lanceys to the van Cortlandts, the Hamiltons to the Schuylers, the Alexanders to the Sprats, and so on through a long and brilliant list. In fact, there is not a family that stands high in the Colonial or Revo- lutionary annals that is not half Knickerbocker. On the Whig- side the ablest leader, Philip Schuyler, second only to Washington, belonged to the true sons of St. Nicholas, the man who alone made Burgoyne's invasion an utter failure; likewise the Ganse- voort who stopped Saint Leger at Fort Stanwix ; the van Rens- salaer who first checked the British in 1777, at Fort Anne. This latter family were always prodigal of their blood for the cause they esj^oused, during the Revolution and War of 1812, as in the 52 late " Slaveholders' Ktbellion." To the shame of the State be it said, no longer Knickerbocker in feeling or rule, their reward was ingratitude and spoliation. Curious to recall, the fiercest enemy of this State during the Revolution was half a Knickerbocker. Faithful to their belief in M'hat was right and decent, loyal Knickerbockers paid "the last full measure of devotion" to the cause which they espoused, and their graves are to be found all over England and her dependencies. Many notable examples might be mentioned; but, as it might not be liked by Whig relatives, let us be content with the grand past. " The past at least is secm-e." Pages might be well expended in dwelling on the influence of this Knickerbocker metropolis in be- half of Human Progress, and it is not too much to assert that problems in government that affect the whole world were worked out and decided in this city of New York while it was wholly Knickerbocker. In conclusion, let the following serve as a standing toast at every Knickerbocker celebration : The Hollander or Knickerbocker Spirit. That— " Spirit in the world, That causes all the ebbs and flows of nations ; Keeps mankind sweet by action : without that The world would be a filthy settled mud." "ORANGE BOYEN OP!"