.............                                                  Aa~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~0 o0~ 0 00'. o-ooo........... ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~  ~   ~  ~   >.                00~0..000 0%              00o..00.00o.  -...  ---  --  -------— i       — _.-. — ~ ~............. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~  -0..o.00-oOo..oO   j.<.................................~~~~~~0/.  0~000 0           00 000 0< ~< <0.............  ----.......~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~0.00o. 0  000  0. o7.~o0
---------- - -...................... - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~   ~    ~      ~    ~070 <0o   ~~ 0 00<00<0..........<                 7 —---------— o  <o~ o
------- ---............<...........................~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~000oooo                   0~~oo. 00<    o0-..<.  o.........................................................0             0
-  --------------------------.............: r-~-?:':~:i:~~.:~~~:i:~~s~~
---- - -- -- ---— ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:ax~:ji~r:~~-: n~~//.....  --------- -------------------— ~i-~iis-,,,:: -,-, -;:,,;,,,~~~,...........~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-:::-.....................             ---------------.:.: i::::::1:::_:::: i:::-.   -1:r~;i i~~ ~j~;-~~i~;~;,............................................ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~f~,~~~:;:,~:i4:,,,,:




THE
DOCUMENTARY HISTOR
OF THE
] f o f e o    N f  i  We^ 11
ARRANGED UNDER DIRECTION OF THE
HON. CHRISTOPHER MORGAN,
Secretary of State.
BY E. B. O'CALLAGHAN, M. D.
VOLUME II.
ALBANY:
WEED, PARSONS & CO., PUBLIC PRINTERS.
185;0.








FORT LA PRESENTATION.
Hon. LOUIS HASBROUCK, TO DR. O'CALLAGHAN.
OGDENSBURGH, St. Lawrence Co.,?.pril, 1849.     5
DEiA Sm,-Observing by the papers that you have been collecting information relative to the early occupation of
this country by the French, I take the liberty of sending you a copy of the inscription on the corner stone of the
barracks at this place, (called I believe Fort Presentation,) and which was found at the base of one of the stone
buildings.
My father was one of the early settlers here (about 1800) and it was given to him as being the " oldest inhabitant."
the stone is now in my possession and corroborates your history.
d. friqt 2o ltro rctfll, /7               i
~Cast?cb~~OIuSc          t /7B4 91
Yours respectfully,
LOUIS HASBILOUOK








CONTENTS OF VOLUME 1.
I. Papers relating to the Iroquois and other Indian Tribes.
II. Papers relating to the First Settlement at Onondaga, and the Discovery of the Salt Springs at Salina.
III. Papers relating to De Courcelles' and De Tracy's Expeditions against the Mohawk Indians, 1665-6.
IV. Reports on the Province of New-York, 1669-1678.
V. Papers relating to M. De La Barre's Expedition to Hungry Bay, 1684.
VI. Governor Dongan's Report on the State of the Province, 1687.
VII. Papers relating to Deionville's Expedition to the Genesee Country and Niagara, 1687.
VIII. Names of the Male Inhabitants of Ulster Co., 1689.
IX. Papers relating to the Invasion of New-York and the Burning of Schenectady by the French, 1690.
X. Civil List of the Province of New-York, 1693.
XI. Papers relating to Frontenac's Expedition against the Onondagoes, 1696.
XII. New-York, Army List, 1700.
XIII. Census of the Counties of Orange, Dutchess and Albany, 1702, 1714, 1720.
XIV. Cadwallader Colden on the Lands of New-York, 1732.
XV. Papers relating to the Susquehannah River, 1683-1757.
XVI. Papers relating to Ogdensburgh.
XVII. Papers relating to Oswego.
XVIII. Papers relating to the Oneida Country and Mohawk Valley, 1756, 1757
XIX. Papers relating to French Seigniories on Lake Champlain.
XX. Boundary Line between the Whites and the Indians, 1765.
XXI. Papers relating to the city of New-York.
-XXII. Papers relating to Long Island.
XXIII. Statistics of Population, 1647-1774
XXIV. Statistics of revenue, Imports, Exports, etc., 1691-1768.
XXV. Papers relating to Trade and Manufactures, 1705-1757.
XXVI. Report of Gov. Tryon on the State of the Province, 1774.
CONTENTS OF VOLUME I.
I. Papers relating to Lt. Gov. Liesler'f Administration,  -.         * 
II. Early Rate Lists of Long Island,..                           251
III. Manuscripts of Sir Wm. Johnson,..                  *     15
IV  Early Steam Navigation,   -...                           6 85
V. PTpers relating to Western New-York,   *                                                  61. 








INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS.
View of Sacketts harbor,'.  *  *.           *   *  to face Title.
View of New-York, -.             *.        *to face page  1
Portrait of Sir William Johnson,. -  *.   817
Plan of Fort Herkimer,  -.....         426
Map of Niagara River,.......                   459
Plan of Fort Niagara,  -          /........ ^
Map of Land left by Sir Wm. Johnson to his Indian Children,...  682
Plans of Rumsey's and Fitch's Boats,.....   8
Hutching's Plate of Fitch's Boat,.....     603
View of Fort Niagara,.                                    64..  68
Map of Genesee Country, 1790,.  *  *..            646
View of Genesee Falls,    *    *   *.         *            665
Another view of Genesee Farls,......       67
Map of Genesee Country, (1804,)  -,. *...   681
View of Buffalo,.....                    6
Map of Western New-York, 1809, *.  *   *.     691












V-2~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~2
~i[ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.............................. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~,.'  ~':vx  ~.,l~'.~z:~,~)~~  ~..-~{;i-ic,.::~ ~:_%   -.<l?2,.,
Fs~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:............~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.................................  ~:::jp::~c;.-.:-...::. ~
~~1~~~:V ~ ~       ~sV:::~
7-~~~~~6::  -:i-i-i-B-iiir — i i~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~7~7:1-i~......
~~~~77 ~ ~     ~        ~,
vo.................:.1-I -I-.....................~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




PAPERS
BELATING TO THE
IVmiOniftrnatnn    f'Ttut,  So1. Etjhr.
1689 —1691.
VOL. II.                 I




INTRODUCTORY.
JAcoB LEISLER " of Frankfort," as he is designated in the Dutch Records, came originally to this Country a soldier in the
West India Company's service, in the year 1660. He sailed from Amsterdam in the " Otter," about the 1st of May of that
year. After the colony passed into the hands of the English, he became a Trader, and we find him in 1672 subscribing 50
guilders h' in Goods" towards the repairs of Fort James. Two years afterwards he was appointed one of the Commissioners
for the forced loan levied by Colve, when his property was valued at 15,000 gl. on which the assessment was 1,060 gl. In
1678, he made a voyage to Europe when, with several other New-Yorkers, he was taken prisoner by the Turks, to whom ho
paid a ransom of 2,050 pieces of eight a 5s. each for his freedom. His fellow sufferers' liberty was purchased by a.public
subscription, taken up throughput the Colony. He was appointed, in 1683, by Gov. Dongan one of the Commissioners of a
Court of Admiralty, and in 1689 purchased for the Huguenots the tract called New Rochelle, in Westchester Co. His sub.
sequent history, as well as that of his times, will best be learned from the following pages.
JAcoB LEISLER married.Elsje Lookermans, widow of Corns. P. Yanderveen, by whom he had two children, Jacob and
Mary. The latter married Milborne, who was executed with Leisler, after whose death she became the wife of Abraham
Gouverneur. It is a singular and melancholy fact, and one from which we may learn wisdom, that in the heat of those days,
Leisler's connexions were his bitterest enemies. Bayard and Van Cortland, who were of the Council that urged his execution,
were his Wife's nephews.
Among the orig. MSS. in this Department, are the public accounts of the greater part of his administration-from July
1689 to Jany. 1691. The receipts for that period were ~4,873-17-69. The disbursements, mostly caused by the war against
the French, ~4,894-10-9i. We have also the Bills of Costs of the Crown Lawyers for prosecuting him and his associates for
Treason. But want of space excludes these papers from this Volume. ED.




COPPIES OF SEVERALL LETTERS SENT TO BOSTONE.
[From Vol. in See's Office, endorsed, Papers &c., in Leisler's time.]
To the Governor and Committee of Safety at Boston:
[June 4, 1689.]
Honored Sirs-I make bold to acquaint you of the securing of the fort by the traine bonds of
New york. Here enclosed is the declaratione N: 1: In two dayes after the Governor & his Counsell
with severall of their creatures had gained so much upon the people that they were afraied & halfe
of myne company were they worked most upon had left me, but the second of this instant being my
watch in the fort I came with 49 men & entered in the fort, without the word, nor to be questioned
whereupon I resolved not to leave till I had brought all the traine bound fully to joine with me, The
3d wee had newes of three ships in sight upon which I tooke occasione to allarume the towne & gott
five Captanes besides me & 400 men to signe the enclosed paper N: 2: which discouraged the adverse
party, and since they have been indifferent still, The Lievt Governor Nicholls is departed last night
without taking leave, It is beleeved he intends to goe with Colloll dongane who has layen in the bay
this sixteen dayes. N: 3: is a copie of an evidence whereof we have three of the same tenor, N: 4
is a copie of an address to his maties sent to four merchants with Capt Selock & one with Capt
wathland who has faithfullie promised to deliver for to be presented to the King, and depose what
they know more, then wee declare, I have made one full Inventory of the fort with guns and ammunitione, and found of 33 great gunes but fifteen fitt to use of 50 barrells pouder was but one that could
goe 7 degrees the rest &ct. 3. 4: & 5 some non at all, the most part of the country have invited the
rest to appeare as a counsell of safty two men out of one County, the 26th of this instant In the mean
tyme the fort is guarded by five companies two watches 1- company per night, and the Capt whose
watch it is is for that tyme Capt of the fort, the Collector in the Custome house is a rank papist, I cannot
gett the other Captanes to resolve to turne him out but acts still as before The Mayer medles with no
civill affaires & discourages constables to keep the peace expecting some seditione for to make the Inhabitants odious, there is non acts others then in quality of a single Capt, sir Edmond Andross & his
wicked crew have carried all thei Records out of this country to Boston, I hope by the prudent care
in the late expeditione at Boston have taken care to preserve it, and I request you to take a speciall
care for it, till our Committee of safety may take some prudent care about it, the time will not permitt
me to enlarge onely I desire your advice in approbatione in our actione, If wee deserve it and after
myne respects I remain &c.
JACOB LEISLER.
Leisler's Declaration in favour of King William and Queen Mary.
Whereas our intention tended only but to the preservation of the protestant religion, and the fort of
this City, to the end that we may avoid and prevent the rash judgment of the world, in so just a design,
we have thought fitt to let every body know by these public proclamation, that till the safe aryvell of
the ships that wee expect every day from his royall Highness the prince of Orange with orders for
the government of this country in the behalf of such person as the said royal highness had chosen
and honoured with the charge of a governor, that as soon as the bearer of the said orders shall have




4                    ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOA LEISLER.
let us see his power, then and without any delay we shall execute the said orders punctually;
declaring that we do intend to submit and obey, not only the said orders, but also the bearer thereof
committed for the execution of the same. In witness whereof we have signed these presents, the 3d
of June 1689.
1689 June 16 in ffort wfiliam.
Major JXathan Gold
Sir-I have send you an answer of yours dated the 5th of this instant by the messinger that brought
it, with a copy of the traine bonds their declaratione & a proclamatione  This is onely to enclose the
*paper N: 1: which is a copie of the adress wee have send to his Maties the King and Queen of
England1 & which is signed by five captanes in behalfe of their company and besides all the under
officers, No: 2: is a copie of one evidence whereof we have three of one tenor here enclosed, is
one coppy of a letter sent to each County of york Jurisdictione, If you please to direct to your
collony & the collony can resolve to joine with the wholl country it would be thankfully accepted
by the country, and it would discourage our adverse party who are dailly hatching & sowing seditione amongst us that we are obliged to watch 1 Company dailly whereby they hope to weary us out
there aryues dailly still people of their seed which makes them prick their eares per advice I have
made one full Inventory of the fort and artillery and ily found of 33 great gunes but 15 fitt to us, of
50 barrells noe more but one fitt to sling, a bullet about halfe way the river, the rest goes for nothing,
we have all the gunes in one posture to play, and have fetched 3200 lb pouder out of the toune in
the fort and have agreed with the pouder marker to mark the forts pouder good for 40 barrells he is to
deliver 28 barrells good, the papist collector is still in his office, I can gett noe Capt to side with me to
turne him out, our Mayer will medle with noe civill affaires and discourages the constables to keep the
pass expecting some disorders for to make the Inhabitants odious I have writt to the Governor and
counsell of safety at Boston & gave them an account of all, I have given to you, I desire an answer
& your advice & further approbatione in our actiones If we deserve it, and after my respects recommend you yours & us in Gods protectione, I remaine &c.
To the Governor of Boston, 1689: the 19th June in fort wm
The above is a coppy of myne last to which I referre myselfe the tyme will not pernitt me to send
all the coppies sent before which I hope you have received by a sloope coming from pensilvania bound
to Boston Capt ffitch who has been here & was bound in your parts promised us & is able to communicate to you of all which was past before his being here to his departre to which I referre myselfe I
being intrusted by the committee to keep & defend the fort for their Maties King William & Queen
Mary, have made bold to open the letter for the Lieut ffrancis Nicolsone whereof the enclosed is a true
coppy his creatures formerly in offices have done what they could to skaare our people of our actione
in secureing the fort and endeavours to make such Impressione in them that all your ships are sold at
Barbadoes by wanting of sir Edmond Andross passports and so seek daily for a divisione amongst us
I indeavour to prevent what I can, the enclosed is a coppy of a depositione whereof we have one more
of Jho: Davids of one tenor I have sent six men to Staten Island in the night & fetched him out of his
house and had him here prisoner of warr in the fort for eight days after, which lie makeing his excuse
of being drunk and in a passione had said the word or such to that purpose without any intent was
left out by a counsell of warre, but in that tyme I have send these eighteen men with orders to disarme
I This paper will appear in a subsequent Vol. It would have been inserted here, but it belongs to another sctt of Doc's,




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                     5
all the papists, who after they understood of takeing the abovesd man were afraid & soe I suppose hid
their armes, so they gott but four great gunes in one millhouse of Coll: dongan' hidden under a blanket
& covered with baggs of which I have them in the fort, here is one ship arryved of Barbadoes he brings
certane news of warr with England & holland agt ffrance, and was published at Barbadoes and that
Bostons ships were well received there and your actiones well commended I am daily working in
the fort with sixteen carpenters & twenty men which I shall continow till it is truly in good posture
of defence, I am digging up the old wall which was filled up by Coll: dongan I intend to stockaded
the fort round and hope within three weeks if it please God to have it compleat, I shall be glad to
have the honour of an answer of this & the former and having leave of you shall not faill to advise
you of our further proceeding In the mean time after myne respects I recommend your Hon: to
Almighty God and remain &c.
Albany ye First day of July1689.
The Proclamation for Proclaiming there Majs King William and Queen Mary King and Queen of
England France and Irland &cc. being brought hither from N Yorke Imediately upon ye Receit thereof
ye Mayr & Recorder caused ye Court of Aldermen & Common Council to assemble who attended
accordingly and haveing considered of ye greatest solemnity yt could be used in so short a Time,
appointed ye Cittzens to be in arms about 12 oclock which haveing done they went in ordr from ye
City Hall up to there Majs. Fort where there Majts. were Proclaimed in solemn manner in English
and dutch, ye gunns fyreing from ye fort & volley of small arms ye People with Loude acclamations
cryeing God save King Wm. & Queen Mary, afterwards they marched doune to ye City hall where
there Majts. were again Proclaimd ye night Concludeing wh ye Ringing of y3 Bell Bonefyres
fyreworks and all oyr Demonstrations of joy.-Albany City Rec.
Anno 1689: 10th July in New york.
for william Jones in J\ewhaven:
Honored sirs-Sir the bearer. hereof being bound to Newhaven I thought it my duty to acquaint
yow of what is past since the departure from hence of Major Gold & Capt ffitch which I desire you
after the perusall to send it to them as directed, I have since writt to Major Gold & made him acquaint
that I had raised thirty four mien, and brought them in the fort I was denied of some magistrates to
administer to them the oath prescribed, and after I could not find so they are not sworne, yet some
of the Committie of Safty are arryved & hope they will meet to day, wee expect with impatience the
ten souldiers from your parts, he that was sent was not accepted by the advice of the bearer, the reasone
I referre to his verball report, I was ordered to repaire the fort out of his Maties revenue since the first
of June, but there is nothing nor like to be, they offer me the peoples entries who intends to dispute the
legallity thereof I have a carpenter to work, but his work little appeares in a fort so out of repaire
as this is, our adversaries & opposers in our present work keept us in a continuall feare, as you will
find by the enclosed coppies & what follows. I am informed that they haveing knowledge that fifty
men was ordered by the committee to keep the fort for his Matie and that I should beat the drum for
tnhem, they had amongst themselves listed 50 men who intended upon the beat of the drum to offer
themselves voluntiers to serve his Matie for nothing, If refused by me to pike a quarrell and make
some scandalous pretence upon me, If accepted to goe fairly in the fort with me & to turne me & the
other appoynted officers out, butt I   listed myne souldiers by still drum & they were frustrated, then the
magistrats who also have been disapprovers of our actiones of securing the fort, send to me three ci




6                     ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
their company and acquainted me they intended to ring the bell and -meet together to administe.
justice, In quality as Major Aldermen & common councill by vertue of the King James his Comrn
mission, saying they could doe good justice for King William & Queen Mary, by vertue of the st
Kings Commission, how farre wee ought to give credit to such sham protestationes I referre to your
judgment being persones who have alwayes opposed their Maties interest & desired me to defena
them from all enjuries they were threatened  I answered them that I had the charge from  the
country to defend the fort for their Maties, and so I intended not to hinder' them, they should als3
not expect any help from me. and I doubt not if they meet as justices, noe boddy should oppose them,
they did not meet, I sent also for them to come to me, and I desired a positive answer of their acceptance or deniall to administer the oath to the listed souldiers which they refused to doe in the fort, bat
if I would draw them out they would, which I refused, soe they offerred if I would send them singl
to the citty hall they would administer the oath to them which I proposed to the souldiers who were
willing to take the oath in their garrisone. and besides they were opposers of our actiones, I sent
to Mr Cortland alse editor for the kings revenue from the first of June, to repaire the kings fort, he
answered he had nothing but the late collector had it, he was at Coll: donganes, at his arryvall said
lie had nothing but the entries, I examined a boatman comeing from Jersey having heard some rumoul
of some enterpiise upon the citty and fort & received the within Informatione N: 1: whereupon I
issued out the enclosed warrant N: 2: and gott Thomas walton who confesses being in drink and in
passione he sd something of it but remembers not all & knowes of noe designe, he was risen out of the
bed, in the morning & was not dressed, I have myne ensigne out to disarme the papists, the
enclosed is a warrant issued forth of Mr Cortland as quality of Mayer directed to the high sherriff
newly created by them because we never knew him but constable, I heard of the warrand one of
our sergeants made the Sd pretended sherriff drunk & so gott the prin1l warrant from him of which this
is the copie, when I mounted the souldiers newly listed I sent three drums  through te citty to publish
it and desired the Inhabitants would be pleased to come to my doore to take advice of them & to
object agt any they had the least objectione of why they should not be trusted with the fort, there is
seaventeen borne in New york, eight in old England, two french knowen protestants two Suisse four
hollanders & I a germane all knowen protestants, our adversaries have & are daily busie to SCaS the
seed of divisione & have made a great impressione amongst the burgers before I could make them
sensible how affaires went, now they begine againe to be very well satisfied, they were so fair that
the company came to 40 men     100, but the people being now wholly sensible of the malice of
the adversaries ae w here now all Joint here is one merchant borne in old England Joint with us & chosen by
one company to represent them, they have stopt his horse & threatened his persone that our burgers
will not trust him to their mercy but watches his house with one centry, which is sd high treason by
them, they have scattered them to all parts to incense the people with abominable lees making them
beleeve the people are abused by the dutch that I have the fort for the french have listed 25 french
that I & my officers are continually drunk & in drunken fitts committs a great dale of insolency, I
desire you to be charitable, and I have desired some of our committies that dwells here & acquainted 
of what I wrote to signe it, that you may not doubt of what is herein expressed which is but a part
of what passes I hope before two dayes [come] to one end to have some papists disarmed & also those
Idolls destroyed which we heare are dailly still worshipped, after myne kynd respects I recommend
you & us to the protectione of Almighty God & remaine &c.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                    7
A DECLARATION OF THE INHABITANTS SOUDJERS
BELONGING UNDER THE SEVERALL COMPANIES OF THE TRAIN BAND OF NEW YORKE.
WE declare that notwithstanding our sevarall pressures and griviences thes many years under a
wicked arbitrarie Power execissed by our Late popish governr Coll Dongan & severall of his wicked
Creaturs and Pensionaris specialy now under Lieutenant Governr Nicolson we were Resolved to Expect
with great patience our Redemption from England Expecting to haue parte of that Blessed and
glorious Deliverance Procured under God by his Royall heighness Wm HENRY Prince of Orange
but when we Challenged our Libertie, propertie and ye Laws we were Cajoled and Terrified out of our
Reason but at Last some being Threatned by ye said Lieutenant Governr Nicolson and a Pistoll Presented
against the Corporall and sayd to ye Lieutenant Cuyler that he would sett ye Citty one fyer for doeing our Loyall duty we haue thought fitt for our Conservation and fear to be Lyable to answer for ye
Lyfe of every Protestant that might haue perished and every house burnt or distroyed If we had
Remained Longer In Security and alsoe seing daly aryve from severall parts Officers and Souldjers
who ware Intertained by ye said Lieutenant governor Nicolson In ye ffort besides his severall Souldjers
of which few there were a number of papists Contrary to the Law of England by which new Commers
some of ye burgers being threatned of some deseigne against them In few days we thought delay
Dangerous so we haue animosly Resolved to Live no Longer in such a Danger but to secure the ffort
Better which we haue under God with success without Resistance and Bloodshed Effected and we
declare to be Entirely and Openly Opposed to papists and their Religion and therefore Expecting Orders
from England we shall keep and guard surely and faithfully the said ffort In ye Behalf of ye Power
that now governeth In England to surrender to ye Person of ye Protestant Religion that shall be nominated or sent by yC Power abouesaid, these are our most sincere Intentions that we are glad to
manifest as well to ye Power (abouesaid) that God hes Plaised to submit us to, as to other persons to
avoid there Reproches that they could otherwise unjustly Lay upon ye abovesaid Inhabitants
NEW YORKE the Last day off May 1689.
*COMMISSION    FROM   THE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
APPOINTING JACOB LEISLER TO BE CAPTAIN OF THE FORT.
There being a Present necessity that a Capt. of ye fort at New Yorke should be appointed to be
constantly there attending and to Command & order ye Soldiers appointed by this Committee of Safety
to Serve ye fort in behalfe of their Majesties till orders Shall come and to order all matters of ye
fortifications of said fort necessary at present this Committee therefore doe think lftt that Captn Jacob
Leisler shall be Captain of said fort as abovesaid Till orders shall come from their Majesties, & that
the said Captn Jacob Leisler, shall have all aid and assistance, if need be & demanded by him from
City and Country to suppress any foirn Efimey & prevent all disorders which Evidently may appear
dated this Sth of June 1689, Signed Sealed
RICHARD DANTON     [L. s.]       SAM1 EDSALL      [L. s.]
THEUNIS ROELOFSE   [L. S.]       P DELA NOY      [L. s.1
JEAN DE MAREST     [L. S.]       MATHIAS HARVEY [L. S.
DANIEL DE KLERCKE [L. S.]        THOMs WILLIAMS [L. S. ]
JOHANNES VERMILLYE, [L. S.]      Wm LAURENCE      [L. S.1
NOTE.-Papers thus (*) markedl, are Copies of MSS. politely furnished by the N. Y. Historical Society, for this Volume.




S                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOTERNOl. LEISLER.
HENDRICK JACOBSEN a corporall in the company of Capt. Abraham De Peyster aged about 27
yeares declars that on the thirtieth. day of may Last past he the said deponent having order from
Lieut. hendrick Coyler who Commanded the guard of the trained Bands In the fort of New York
to place a sentinell at the sally port in the said fort and that accordingly he the said deponent took
with him two musquetiers In order to. place the said sentinell, But a sentinell Belonging to the
Kings Souldiers In pay in the said fort Challenging him he called his Corporall who declared to
this deponent that he had no Order from the Lieutenant governour Capt. nicolson'(he being then
not in ye said fort) to suffer any of the trained Bands to stand Sentinell there, But that If It were
needfull he could set on of ther own souldjers upon which he the said deponent took back with him
the said two musquetiers and acquainted the said Lieutenant Coyler therewith, who thereupon
Resolved to stay till the said Lieutenant governour Returned Into the fort, after which the said Lieu
tenant governour Returning Into ye said fort and this being Related to him as the said deponent
supposed he the said Lieutenant Governour sent for the said Lieutenant Coyler who went to him and
Desired the Deponent to go along with him which he the said deponent did and being Come up into
the Chamber In the said fort wher the said Lieutenant governour was and he the Lieutenant
governour seeing this deponent In the Room In a passion Rose up saying to the said deponent yow
Rascall what doe yow here get yow gon or I will Pistoll yow or words to that effect, and Immediately
he took down a Pistoll that hung by the wall In the said Chamber and further threatening him the
said deponent drove him out of his Chamber, and further saith not.
Was signed          HENDRICK JACOBSE.
Sworn before me this 10th day of June 1689 In N. York.
Samuell Mullforde, Justice of ye Peace,
ALBERT BOSCH Sergint under the Company of Captn Abraham de Peyster aged about 44 years
deposeth that on the thirtieth day of May Last the said deponent being upon the guard In the fort
of new Yorke under the Command of Lieutenant hendrick Coyler and he the said Deponent Relating
to the said Lieutenant Coyler that It were Convenient to place a Sentinell at the Sally port in ye
sd fort It was thereupon Ordered that a Sentinell should be there placed  But the said Sentinell
Returning again without standing there he again discoursed with ye said Lieutenant Coyler to speak
to ye Lieutenant governor Nicolson about It and while they were discoursing Came a Messenger from
the said Lieutenant Governour Nicolson to desire Lieutenant Coyler to Come to him which he Immediately did attended by hendrick Jacobsen his Corperall Leaving the Charge of ye guard to ye said
Deponent and that while they were alone he ye said deponent heard high words upon which he Immediately drew his men Out of ye Court of Guard before ye door which being done he the said deponent
went himself under {he Window where ye said Lieutenant Governour and the said Lieutenant Coyler
and Corperall were to Listen what they said upon which he heard the Lieutenant Governour Call
some on Rascall and bid him be gan upon which he Immediately saw the said Corperall hendrick
Jacobsn came downe who Related to him the said Deponent that the said Lieutenant Governour did
present a Pistoll to ye Brest of hendrick Jacobsen the said Corperall and that he the said deponent
harkning further at ye window under the Chamber aforesd did hear ye Lieutenant Governour say If
they should any more so trouble him he would set ye town a fire and further saith not
was Seigned            A. BoscI.
Sworne before me this 10th day of June 1689 in N York
Samuel Mulforde Justice of ye peace.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                   9
* GENTLEMEN —We humbly beg your pardon for our intruding thus far on you, and having the honour
to  account you our particular friends, we have with the more boldnesse presumed to trouble you,
humbly requesting you to do us this Charitable favour to deliver this enclosed addres of ye Militia and
other inhabitants of our City of New York to his Majisty King William, in doeing which you will
highly oblidge us, and if a seasonable word might be put in on our behalfe as your selves shall
best think fit. Inclosed is also Coppies of several papers and affidavits, which you may please to
peruse, and make use of as you shal best see convenient. We will not doubt by your assistance of
a favourable reception, the bearer hereof Capt. John Sellock who has bin an eyewitness in this affair
can give you a particular acct. of all circumstances and has promised to assist in all he can. If this
affair require any disbursement as you shall se convenient it shall be gratefully repaid by us. Thus
not doubting to prevail so far on ye good natures we take leave to Subscribe our selves
In New York 11 June 1687                                Your humble servants
To our friends                                           JACOB LEISLER,
Mr. Gerard Van heythuysen                            A. D. PEYSTER
Mr. Henry Limrey                                     CHARLES LoDWICK
IMr. Nicolas Cullen Junr.                            J BRUYN
Mr. Valentine Croeger.                               N. W. STUYVESANT.
* LEISLER TO MAJOR GOLD
A. 1689 the 2 [12?] June in N. Yorke
MAJOR NATHAN GOLD.-Sir yours of the 5 of Instand is come safe to my hand wherein I understand you autoryse our action in securing the fort which we gat in our possession the last of May,
God be tankt without Bloodshed, but ye Governr and Councell with all there createaures have use
all means in maginable to discourage all the well maendet habitants, so that in 2 days, half of the
people were afraid and specialy my Compani, ware the work with all the art inmaginable for to
divert them, but the 2 June at night I entred in ye fort to ye gard with aboute 50 men, about'30
men absented themselfs for faer, they lett me enter with out any condition for hoes account. In the
morning of the 3d I had news of 3 ships comming within the Sand point, whereupon I alarmed the
towne and gatt the train band in the fort and acquainted them upon watt account I garded the fort and
tender them the inclosed writing which was seigned by five Capts and about 400 mens ho seems all
to be animosly agried to the preservation of the Protestant religion and the fort for the present Protestant power that now Raigns in England, which does not yett putt the laest Governr & his 3 counsels
out of hoop to remaine Raining still I ame informed the intend to send one a purpose for England to
act against use:-we send to his Majiste one addrese with ye inclosed seigned by the severall Capt'
& inhabitants I am now ferry bussy and cane not inlarge, only I advise that by ye first, commites
ma be chosen and one trusted man send to procure in England some privilleges. I wish we ma haue
parte in your Charter, being as I understand in the latitude. If possible I could be informed of the said
Charter and previledges it would be grate satisfaction. I tank your in behalf of all that sied yours
for all yourbroderly lofe and kaindness, and fully accept of itt and after Respekts I recommend you
and us all in the protection of the Almighty God and remaine your most humble servant.
Superscribed                                                          JACOB LEISLER.
To Maior Nathan Gold in Fairfield
VOL. II.                                 2




10                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
* SEC'Y ALLYN TO LEISLER &c
Hartford, June 13, 1689.
Hond. GAntn.-In a declaration of your's dated 31 of May last past, we have heard that upon
weighty considerations you have attacked the fort in N. Yorke and taken possession thereof, to keep
it in'your hands for the defence of your City and the protestant religion and people in those partes
and for his Maties service; we have also seen a writing you have published wherein you declare, that
upon the arrivall of any orders from His Highness the Prince of Orang, now King of England &c
You will deliuer up the sayd Forte to his order with all the artillery, armes and ammunition thereto
belonging &c.
Gentn. considering what you have don, we wdoe aduise that you keep the forte tenable and well
manned for the defence of the protestant religion and those ends above mentioned, and that you
suffer no Roman Catholicke to enter the same, armed or without armes, and that no Romish Catholick be suffered to keep armes wthin that government or Citty, and that those who shall be be trusted
with the government or command of your forte be trusty persons whom you may confide in.
And that we may know your prsent state and what may be necessary for us to contribute towards
your welfare, we have appointed the Honrd Major Nathan Gold and Capt. James Fitch Esqrs to give
you a vissit, and to give their best advice to you in any thing wherein they may be helpfull to you,
and we desire that you will-be pleased to give them full credens in what they shall have reason to
discourse with you about and that you give them a free acct of yor affayres.
Gentn we shall not enlarge, but with hearty desyres of your welfare & prservation of Or best
Respects we bid farell and are your assured friends,
These for the Hond                      The Generall Court of Connecticut,
Capt. Jacob Leishler &                               pr their order,
the rest of the Captno                                    Signed    JOHN ALLYN, Sec'y
in New Yorke. This.
* THE DELEGATES FROM CONNECTICUT TO CAPT LEISLER.
Capt Leisler & ye rest of ye Capt8 that have been active with you in taking of, and securing ye
Fort in this Citty of N. York for his Maties service & for ye preservation & security of these parts
of his Maties Territories.
Whereas you were pleased to send unto our Colony of Connecticutt, for advice and assistance
as need might be, which letter was presented unto our Genl Assembly of Govr & Company in Hartford, ye 13th of this present time which assembly were extremely ready to consider of what might
be best for his Maties service & yor encouragement in securing these American partes from French
and other foreign or intestine enemies:-Wee were therefore appointed & ordered by ye aforesd
Gen11 Assembly, with speed to come to this citty, to give our advice and promise you such assistance
as our abilyty & yor necessetyes and condition may call for. And Whereas we are ordered in our
instructions, to receive a full acct of yor motions of late in this Citty & ye grounds and reasons of
yor takeing and securing ye Fort, and when we came here we found to our amazement ye trueth of
what we had heard (viz) ye Fort much out of repair, more of ye great gunns not fit for service, very
few platforms for gunns. to play on, and by ye account shewed us; taken by skilfull honest men, of
ye Powder, that of fifty barrells, but one good, & a considerable part not fitt for any service, and
ye rest would not slinge a bullet halfe over the river, & also by informacon it appearing to us
that Capt Nicholson, late Lieut Govr having lift ye Fort who hasted away privately to Singeronis,




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLtR.                  11
about seven Leagues from Yorke to Coll. Dungan & other parts & some popishly affected, where
there seems to be some considerable gathering of such: and also there being some ill minded, disaffected, and disloyale persons in the Citty & places adjacent; having first don you that justice,
noble & Loyall Capt Leisler, whose Loyaltie, courage, prudence, paines, & charge, hath been great;
and you ye other nobl corragious & Loyall Capts, Lieuts, Ensigns, Sergtts and good souldgers in the
train bands, that hath been active in this affaire, as alto Loyall Mr. Samuell Edsall & other good
worthy and Loyall gentlemen, that have taken such paines and beene at such charge, we say we
must doe you that justice as to owne and acknowledge yor good service to God and unto our gracious
Soverain Lord King William, and service done for yor Country in ye preservation of ye protestant
religion.
And in ye next place we have our advice for yor consideracon, first, that you yet continue therein
of thorough and effectuall meanes to secure and maintain this Fort and other fortifications for his Maties
service, untill you receive his Maties command
2ly-That more be expended in repairing ye fort; fitting ye gunns, so as they may be serviceable
31y-That no papist be suffered to come, into ye fort; let not ye warning given that day his Maties
was proclaimed, be soon forgotten by you, wherein ye terretts in ye fort was fyred in three places,
under which roufe lay yor ammunition, soe hellishly wicked and cruell, a papisticall design to
have destroyed you & us and ye fort & towne, it made our flesh to tremble.
High praise unto Almighty God that you & we, fort & City, were preserved.
4ly-Wee advise that no knowen papists be suffered Armes in his house.
51y-That if it is, or shall be knowen yt any person hath embezzled ye Armes & ammunition or
other things belong to this ffort, we advise you to seeze & secure such person or persons, to answer
for ye same, when seasonably called to an acct.
61y-If by foreigne or entestine enemies & your hazardous & necessitious condition calls for it,
wee frQm our Colony shall be ready to aford you helpe & assistance according to our hability & yor
necessity, in defence of ye protestant religion and in securing the fort for his Maties service-your
friends pray God to encourage yor hearts and strengthen yor hands and patiently waite for ye dispose,
orders and commands of yors & our most gracious, never equalled, commended & admired King
Willyam, ye very best this lower world knowes, whome God preserve long to Reign. Soe prays
In ye Fort of N Yorke                             Signed           NATHAN GOLD Senr
June 26, Anno 1689.                                           JAMES FITCH
[Translation.]
Albany, 30 July 1689.
ARNOUT CORNELISE.-Capt Bleeker came just now from Skinnectady and brings us word that an
Indian and a Squaw arrived there from the Mohawk army, and report that the Mohawks have accepted
the presents of the Onnagonques' which appears incredible; and that their proposition was to wage war
against the Christians as they understood the Christians intended to exterminate all the Indians; and
that it became therefore necessary for all the Indians to unite against the Christians-and they now
consult with the Mohawks as they knew better than they how to manage the matter.
The said Indian stated that some of the Skackhook Indians had gone home from the army, so that
it appears they abandon their design towards Canada.
Jannetie the Indian who left in the morning for the army, met this Indian on the Road and requested
us to send up an Express forthwith to see and dissuade the Mohawks from accepting any presents, but
1 Called by the English, Penobscots, or Abenaquis.




12                    ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
deliver up here according to their Bond & promise the said 4 messengers who shall suffer no harm, but
by that means accomplish a desirable peace; and he, Jannetie, doubted not if Christians came there to
the army or the Indians met them else where, but they would be persuaded to deliver up the four messengers or if they were gone, that they would send out and bring them back.
It is, therefore, our Request that you proceed forthwith to the army or where you hear said 4 Indian
Ambassadors to our Indians are, and do your endeavors to persuade the Mohawks to deliver them,
having promised to act herein as we shall deem prudent; and if their Engagements with said Indians
be not too far advanced, we doubt not of the good success of the matter, which we commend to God's
and your good care.
Write to us by the Bearer hereof how you find all matters, whom you take with you to the Army,
and send them all hither in the quickest by Gert Luykassen that we may regulate ourselves accordingly.
This is all for the present, meanwhile remain
Your affectionate friends
was signed,     L V SCHAICK.
D. Meyer, Mr Wessels & Mr Wendel and some other gentlemen expect the arrival of said 4 Ambassadors, being assured by Jannetie that they were to be in the morning at Skinnectady.
STATEMENT MADE BY THE MOHAWK AMBASSADORS
OF WHAT THE ONNAGONQUES PROPOSED TO THEM. THE 2D AUG. 1689.
[Translation.]
Tahousaquathon, and Sanonquierese, and Anogranorum, and Owaidahare with 3 9ther Tionondoges,
have informed us that the 4 Ouwenagonges proposed to them the following:
1.
Brothers of the 3 Castles-We are now here together to converse with each other; we are now no
better than boys in knowledge and experience. Heretefore we had knowledge, but the English surpass us in knowledge for they have treacherously slain our Sachems who possessed Wisdom.
2.
Brothers of the 3 Castles-I stand here as one knowing nothing. I come to inform you that ye are
now dead men; ye and your whole household, the 5 Rations, and all true Indian Men-for the
Christians have banded together to subdue us all at once. There is no longer any Christian brotherhood;
for they have all united against us, and ye must not think to find on the morrow any Christian friends.
3.
Brothers-We now take up the hatchet against the English; they are themselves the cause of this,
for it is no small matter that they should send for our Sachems treacherously to slay them. This is not a
thing to be forgotten.
4.
Brothers-We now acquaint you that our entire nation shall come to you; but we will first send
back an embassy that we also shall be on the road coming. Grief at present prevents us speaking to
you. When we return home, then shall we speak also to our people and communicate with other
additional tribes-and moreover what we first shall derive from our plantation.  We shall then
come to you in the harvest.
5.
Brothers-I am now dead. But we shall strike together with the sword without pausing, for I have
even told you that all the Christians combine together to ruin the just people; therefore I say we
shall now strike the Christians each on the flank.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  13
6.
They also informed us that the Governor of Canada encourages them to wage war against the
English and provided them with ammunition; and that they will carry their women to Canada; that
he will provide them with food and clothing; and that the Praying Ouwerages have gone all from
Canada unto Ouwerage.
LEISLER TO GOV. TREAT.
Anno 1689: 7th August in New York in the fort.
HONORED SIR GOVERNOR TREAT-I have writt to you twyce and understand my letters came to hand
to which I referre myselfe since I have used all the diligence imaginable to fortifye & repaire the
fort the wall is fully compleated, there is seven foot very good water & is 36 feet deep, all the platformes renewed, all the gunes substantially mounted, the pouder house will be ready to day, the
pouder is made good and elevates the engine from 13 to 26 degrees, we have now in the fort of the
kings pouder tounes pouder 6000: lb & 800: lb of the best spoiled pouder for salutations & about
100 armes well fixed, we had inventoried 400: which seemed good in the eye, but when examined
amongst twelve hardly one fixt, there was a battery under the fort, which being quyte demolished
and ruined In place of which I am making an halfe moon of 100 foot over grass which defends
the landing of both rivers & also the comeing in, and it is defended easily by the fort we are getting
stockadoes & sQods to stockad & breastwork the fort according to your advice for which I am
obliged & hope within fourteen days if it please God to compleat all, since myn last I have made
Coll: donganes man James Larkines prisoner of warre for having forged news to discourage the folks,
It was that the late King James was in Ireland & the protestants of that kingdome & of Scotland
joined to him in his army & that he was in company when Russell (who is gone) drank the late
King James health, but is left out by a councill of warre & paroli for his good behaviour was past by
Capt Broun, the company of Capt Cuiler being at work & when at the spurre wanting stones to finish
it, resolved to pull doun the pigeon house of Coll: dongane which was made of the stone soe missing
& went armed with collours & drum without Capt or Lieut: & begane to breake but being offered
immediately 50 load of stone at the work they left of & had done very little damage they intended
at the same tyme to breake some walls and stairs at Grahames house made of the same stones, but 36
load was given for that, wee have noe news but from Boston therefore mentione non, the enclosed
is a petition of two of your souldiers with which I could not prevaill to stay, so I have given
them leave as you will see by the answer upon the petition I intend to list two others upon your
Counties account we are compleat 53 men in the fort, & the other five of your souldiers are resolved
to stand till released from England they have promised me to write to you, & I referre me further
what passes to the bearers, & expecting the honor of an answer & after myne respects I remaine &c.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Anno 1689: the 9th August in fort William
HONORED SIR-The 7th of this instant was my last to you bytuo souldiers, who petitioned to goe
to their parents, who were sike, I'have received the letter from Governor Broadstreet which you have
been pleased to send me by the bearer, being advised of sir Edmond Andross escape & their diligence about the pursuance of them we have had newes of his stope at Rhoad Island about tuo days
agoe, It is about eight dayes date, we have perceived some expectation by the grandees which no
doubt had intelligence & hope to see him here, they were much in discouraging the people to work,




14                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
spreading abroad it was onely my notione & ambition to make such doing & hasting for fortification that I was obliged to gett the children who gathered in one day above 100 load stones, The
mayor & severall others are departed from hence, It is thought now to meet sir Edmund we are
upon our guards, & hope that they are frustrat of their expectatione, expecting the honor of an answer
of my former and this, I shall in the mean tyme advise you of all what passes by all opportunities &
after my respects to you and major Gold I recommend you & us in the protection of the Almighty
& remaine your &c.
TO THE GOVERNOR AT BOSTON.
1689 13 August
The above is a coppy of myne last by John Moll to which I referre myselfe since I have received
news from Albany as by the coppy of the enclosed your Honr may see, whereupon we have answered
& according to our capacity have complied with their desire as by the enclosed copie of my letter to
them, and since have verball newes that the people that came from the Indianes report thrt there is
killed & taken by our Indianes of the french & their Indianes above 500 & the informatione of the three
men killed was false, the place called Schorachtoge belongs to the Magistrates there, who doe still
Justice for their Maties King william & Queen Mary by the oath they have suorne to the late King
James it is the uttermost frontiers & there are six or seven families all or most rank french papists that
have their relationes at Canada & I suppose settled there for some bad designe & are lesser to be
trusted there in this conjuncture of tyme then ever before the bad creatures amongst us gives me great
occupatione, I have released the eight confined upon their requiest after I had administered to them
the oath of fidelity to their maties King william & Queen Mary in this City, & about us we are now
God be thanked very quiet, and every one since the sd confinement conforme themselves in watching
& fortifieing to the plurality, I have formerly urged to inform your Honr that Coll: dongan in his
time did erect a Jesuite College upon cullour to learne latine to the Judges west —— Mr Graham
Judge palmer & John Tuder did contribute their sones for some time, but no boddy imitating them
the collidge vanished I recommend your Honr againe to spare us for their maties use some great gunes
& watt pouder your Honr can spare & an answer about our record & your Honr good advice I shall
think myselfe much obliged & after respects remaine &c If your Honr cannot spare me so much pouder
then one tunn of salt peter
* COMMISSION TO CAPT. LEISLER TO BE COMMANDER IN CHIEF.
FORASMUCH the Committee of Safety do apprehend the difficulty & inconveniency by reason of their
remote habitants and ye insuing season of ye year to commence & abide in ye City of New York to
advise recommend order, & appoint ye present affairs in hand for the Interest of their Most Exelent
Majesties King William & Queen Mary & due preservation of ye inhabitants in ye province of New
York & some others near adjacent towns, it is thought convenient and Concluded by ye Committee for
ye most Safety of ye province by reason of Sundry intervals & accidental motions which may arise &
fer the orderly way to direct all necessary matters touching ye ruling & ordering of ye inhabitants in the
Province, it being uncertain whether ye orders shall Come from their Majesties, that Captain Jacob
Leisler is hereby appointed to Exercise & use the Power & Authority of a Commander in Chief of the
said Province to administer such Oaths to the people, to issue out such Warrants, and order such Matters
as shall be necessary'& requisite to be done for the preservation and protection of the peace, of the




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                   15
inhabitants taking all ways, seasonable advice with Militia and Civil Authority as Occasion shall
require Dated ye 16th day Augt 1689Copy was Signed Sealed as followeth,
WILLIAM LAURENCE    [L. S.]      SAM1 EDSALL     [L. S.]
D1 DE KLERCKE       [L. S.]      JEAN DEMAREST   [L. S.]
JOHANNES VERMILLYE [L. S.]       P. DE LA NoY    [L. S.]
RICHARD DANTON      [L. S.]      MATHIAS HARVEY LL. S.1
THEUNIS ROELOFSE   [L. S.]       THos WILLIAMS    [L. S.]
LEISLER TO THE GOVERNOR OF BOSTON.
A: 1689: 191 August in New-York
HONORED SIR-I have received yours of the 4: instant & understand the contents I am much obliged
for your good advice and have immediately dispatched one boot to Albany with the copy of your
letter & the news the Mohacks and Sinekoes continue the warre with the French, they have lately
tortured a french priest & had 3 prisoners besides, wee have newes of St Christopher that all the
habitations were burned & all the people in the fort beseiged by land with 2 or 3000 men & twenty
two vessels by water, wee had an allarum the sixteenth of this instant, being occasioned by this gentleman the bearer who came after watch sett ariued in the toune five in number without pass from
your honor, nor to be acquainted here, made them to be suspected, sir Edmond Andross company they
were freed to the dissatisfaction of the people who are jealous still that sir Edmond is amongst us, the
sd allarum occasioned the confinement of eight ill affected peopled in our section, which committment
occasioned great satisfactione by the people who offer themselves that no such was confined, tho always
opposed in our action, they would work continually with 500 men till the fortificationes were fully
compleated & upwards of 30 bots to fetch soods & palisadoes, the fort artillery & ammunition, is
now in one posture of defence, one water port now made to the westward of the fort & hope in occasion please God to defend it with my life & fortune for their Maties King william and Queen Mary,
I desire to know if our records are secured, & offer your honor myn humble service &c.
LEISLER TO GOV. TREAT.
1689 25th August
HONORED SIR-I received yours by the bearer & understand they continow in answer about the
letter of recommendation the committies & I desired Major Gold & Capt fith that we may have a
letter of recommendation to your agent in England to serve this province in occasione Inclosed
is an act of the Comittie about your souldiers to which I referre you, I have writt by Mr. Kenrick
denick to Mr. James Bisshop & enclosed a coppy of a letter from the assembly to Maryland &
an other papisticall letter opened by me by which you may discover their way of cheats & desired
him to communicate it to your Honr to which I refeere you since is arrived here one man from Maryland who affirms that at the head of patapsque there is murdered ten dayes ago wholl families where
there is escaped but one woman & it is found out by there habits that it was Canada Indians, & that
at the head of Chaplane river the Indians cut off all their corne & opens the fences & begave
themselves in one swamp where they were persued & examined & said they were assured by some
ill affected persons in Maryland that the Inglish intended to utterly destroy them at the change
of the moon. This is all which wee know needful to advise your Honr the ten souldiers have had
above their provisione which I make Connecticott collony debitor for.




16                    ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
A. 1689 28 August in the fort of New York.
for Robert Treat Governor of Connecticott
HONORED SIR-I have written you severall letters and advised you of all that has past in these parts
I expected an answer before now specially about the four souldiers that had importuned me to goe
home by which I have giuen you the reasone all myne former I am satisfied is come to your hands
but of the last by three saillers bound for Boston to the Governor open to lett you have the perusall
they being so hasty could not have tyme to write to you I am Jealous you have not seen This is
then to acquaint you that the sixteenth of this instant at night after watch sett came over the ferry five
armed strangers & went to Mr. William Merit after whom the door and windows were closed immediately a man a horseback dispatcht out the gate was open I was called being at home at supper, I
went for the fort & overheld the man on horseback & called to stope him whereupon he runne which
made us all suspect Sir Edmond to be in toun or neare I allarumed the toun & sent out severall
parties to search Merits house Ned Buckmasters house & to bring all strangers before me, they brought
those five men whom I examined they having no pass pretended they had lost him they knew but
papists in this toune were knowen of noe body, had the post peri to their guide he about 31 months
ago forged newes here from Boston that Boston people repented what they had done & were at their
wits ends & could send out no vessell, having no boddy to cleare'them, I asked him by whose
orders he told such lies, he answered that Capt. Nicolson bid him to divulge such at long Island, I
searched him for letters & secured him in the corp: de gard & demanded the letters of the other four,
he delivered them & sd they had no more but what was open I made them surrender their swords &
sent out twelve men to search Merits houses for portmantles who brought me two which were open
In which I found about 40 more directed most part to the opposers of our actions, whereupon I sent
for the Comittie to read them & in the mean tyme I redoubled the allarum & sent for the two
Merchants and Buckmaster about 500 men being couragiously in armes & they with severall were
unarmed in their houses I sent for provisions to the baker by the fort a good friend of sir Edmond
would not open the doore, I ordered to breake it, & being in watch they found & keept an exact
account & so I should have been forced to continow till I was provided, if a souldier did not
advise me that Capt Monveill headed my company which I sent, he arryving told me he onely
enquyred at the ensign the reason of the allarume, I demanded if he would lett me have the provisions
he had in the fort immediately he told me yea 12000 lbs bread six barrells pork 4 barrells pouder &
so I released him & pressed noe furder for provisions but ordered to Churcher for strangers & sir
Edmond in the night they brought phillip ffrance Robert Allison Dirk Vanderburg Brand Sheuler
In the morning the five companies compleat coming for the fort received orders, then came the
Baker & Tuder over whom the people were in a rage to satisfie them I was obliged to secure
them & dismissed the company, and upon informatione by Mr Lawrence from his grand child from
Boston, the quality of the said strangers being but slender ground, with the charity I had I released
them, I sent also for the officers of the militia'to release the others but they came not that day.
Sabbath day following they remained, Monday night I intended for them because the two companies being to work that day I went home & absented me for two or three hours for to write to
their Maties, In the mean tyme the sd prisoners sent for nine fiddles
[The remainder of this letter is lost.]




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  17
AFFIDAVITS AGAINST NICHOLSON.
The deposition of Nicholas Brown Aged Twenty three Years, the said Deponent declares that he
being in the Service of ye late Kirig Anno One thousand six hundred Eighty Six some time in July
& August, did see Frances Nicholson ye late lieut Governor of ye fort at New York Several times
in ye Masse, but especially two times in ye Kings tent at Hunsloheath in old ingland, being there
to Exercise his devotions, & did ye the same upon his Knees before the Alter in the papist Chappel,
where the Mass was said, that himself, this deponent is ready to Confirm and declare upon Oath in
testimony of the truth & have hereunto Set my hand, In New York this 12th day of Septemr
Anno 1689.                                    Signed                 NICHOLAS BROWN.
1689 the 13th 7ber in New York
Then appeared before me Nichls Brown & Sworn before me the aforesaid to be the truth.
Signed              G. BEEKMAN Justice
DEPOSITION OF ANDRIES & JAN MEYER.
There was great Joy when Sir Edmond Andros came here from Boston & not only here at
new York but through the whole Country, because we were delivered from a Papist's Govoner
Thomas Dongan & had now as we thought another Deputy Govenor in the fort (Nicholson) who
would defend and Establish the true Religion, but we found to the contrary there was a cry that
all Images erected by Colo Thomas Dongan in the fort should be broken down & taken away,
but when we were working in the fort with others, it was commanded after the departure of Sr Edmond Andros by Said Nicholson, to helpthe priest John Smith to remove, for which we were very
glad, but was soon done, because said removal was not far off but in a better room in the fort, &
ordered to make all things for Said Priest, according to his will, & perfectly & to erect all things,
as he ordered from that time, we were much troubled not knowing what to say or think & what the
Signification was of the premises, but we left it to god & providence, who in his time, shall make
things Appear the Deponent Johannas heard it from said Nicholson & told the Same to his brother
Andries and that both did do the work as was ordered with Peter King,This 26th 7ber 1689 the deponent Andries & John Myer appeared before me & declared the
truth of the above written Upon their Oath.            Signed          JACOB LEISLER.
AFFIDAVIT AGAINST COL. BAYARD & CERTAIN PARTIES ON STATEN ISLAND.
New York Septem 25, 1689.
A declaration of Barthomew Le Roux declareth that Col Bayard having demanded of the Company of Captain Munvielle in the presence of the Leut Nicholson & others, of the Capts of this City,
as they were assembled in James fort of this City the reasons that obliged them to Appear in arms
the whole company whereas they were ordered of their Captains that they should watch but half
the Company & that they did oppose the Govor & he the Colonell at the fort Gate, & would not
desist but would come & keep Guard with the whole company, & the said Barthol le Roux having
given him this answer, which was the True reasons, as the Company did then and doth Still acknowledge to be the truthFirst-That we had a relation in this City, that the Papist upon Station Island did threaten to
cut the inhabitants throats & that the People had left their Plantations & were running the woods,
VOL. II.                               3




18                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
& some gone with their familys in their boats and lay upon the river & further they threatened to
come and burn this City & that Mr Dela Prearie had arms in his house for fifty men.
21Y. That we had Certain information that there was Eighty or a hundred men coming from boston
& other places that were hunted away, no doubt not for their goodnes & that there were several of
them Irish & Papist & the Governor had desighed to take them in the fort yt which they would not
suffer3d. That a good part of the Soldiers that were in the fort already were papist & that they thought
themselves not secure, to be so guarded & if it be so that but half a Company should be permitted to
keep guard, they would not be above ten or fifteen men in the fort & therefore they thought themselves not secure in the fort so weak
4th. That the same day there was Complaint made that Col Dongan, his Brigantine was fitted
out with a considerable Quantity of Guns & amonitions & made Water and provisions & that her
whole loading was no other than if she had been designed for some warlike design & notwithstanding
was Suffered to depart this port without interruption, these reasons did obleidge us to Come with
the whole company to secure ourselves, the best we could, against the fears that were put upon Gs,
The Answer from Col Bayard to the Company As to the matter of Staten Island, it was false
for I have (saith he) Spoke with a boatman that came from Staten Island & he informed me, that all
was at peace & Quiet upon the Island & for M La Prearie if you, find more than two guns in his
house, I will give you twenty Pounds, & if you be afraid you shall go to night & see if you will,
& I will lend you my boat-And as for the Barkantine I have been aboard myself & see, she is loaded
with pipes staves & flower and designed for the Maderia as for the Guns the Captain told me that if I
would give him security, that if he was taken by the Turk or any of his people to redeem them,
that then he would leave his guns, but I thought that might cost possibly three or four thousand
pounds if Such a thing should fall out & would not venture to give Such Security, and the guns are
his own, & I could not take any mans goods by force besides the Captain Swears that if any come a
board he will cut them over the pate, or Knock their brains out.
As for the other reasons, the Papists in the fort and those. Soldiers comming from Boston he
made n1o other answer this that the governor was an honest man & as for the Papists were few &
insignificant, & that we were very Unwise to afraid of them, I will lend you my boat to night, if
you will go to Staten Island & Satisfy yourselves, four or five of -us-answered we were willing to go,
then he said I think it is better to let it alone till to Morrow Morning & then I will lend you my
boat-And so accordingly we went the next Morning to Staten Island were the first news we had
was, that they were afraid to Lay in their beds for fear of the Papists & that they heard that Mr De
la Prearie's house there were arms for a hundred men, we Spoke to Mr Vincent a frenchman,
that had left his house & had taken his family in his boat & went and lay upon the river for fear of
these relations, Mr Mark told us that about eighteen or Nineteen Persons had run from their
houses about the Place where he lived & lay in the woods through these fearsThe above relation I am ready to depose upon my Oath as witness my hand
Signed             BARTHO: LE ROUX
Sworn before Me the day and Year as first above written  Signed       JACOB LEISLER
I do declare I was present & do testify to the truth of what is above written
Signed                PETER WHITE
Sworn before me the day & year as first above written   Signed        JACOB LEISLER
Recorded amongst the records of the Committee of Safety the 26th day of 7ber 1689
pr me Signed      ABRAHAM GOUPVRNETJR Clk Committee




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                    19
TO THE GOVERNOR OF BOSTON.
1689: 25th September in the fort of New Yorke.
HONOREDI SIR-I referre your honor to all myne former since I have understood by Mr Greverad
mine advise to be acceptable to your honor, I have received a letter from the assembly of Maryland,
whereof a copie is here enclosed, whereby your honor may discover the state and conditions of that
part, I have also open a suspected letter, whereof is here enclosed a copie, whereby is discovered
some of the papisticall tricks, yesterday arrived here a man from Maryland who affirms that ten days
agoe was murdered by the french Indians 20 families at the head of potoxgie river in Maryland, &
that the Indianes of great Chaptancler have destroyed their come & fled in a swamp, who being
persued & found Sd they were Skarred by some ill affected people & assured by the change of the
moon they were fo be destroyed by the English, I recommend againe your honor the care in answer
about our records & after respects recommend your honor in Gods protectione & remaine &c your honors
most humble Servant. &c.
TO THE ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND.
A: 1689: 29th September in the fort of New York.
GENTLEMEN-I have received your acceptable letter the 18 of this instant & communicated as
directed, wee have considered the contents with due affection & returne you many thanks for your
friendly & neighbourly advice, & embrace with all our hearts your offers of a mutuall & amiable correspondance with you, which we shall labour to keep & preserve inviolable towards you, & without fail
shall omitt nothing that may appeare any wayes to your intrest peace & wellfare as we also doe with
Boston & Connecticutt collony being of the same opinion with you, that it is the onely meanes to
preserve their Maj: intrest & to prevent the papists & popishly evill affected adversaries to effect &
bring to pass their wicked intents & designes agt their Maties loyall protestant subjects throw all his
dominions in these parts of America, as we have good cause to suspect with you by severall depositions & circumstances before us thereunto relating, It is 3 weeks agoe that I heard of some of
your papist grandees to be at philadelphia expecting them nearer these parts to conferr with some of
our papists, & for some bad designe, for the which I made.all the Inquisition imaginable with
resolution to secure them, well if I had found them, but I beleeve hearing the absence of Colloll
Dongan he was at Rhoad Island where sir Edmond Andross arryved the same tyme, having made
his escape from Boston (where he is now in fast hold again) the sd dongan is now in these parts
again, he hes ranged all the country & is mett daily by severall where it may be also they may
come, I shall omitt nothing if I heare of them to secure them, I gott a printed proclamation from
new England the 21 June of their Maties King William & Queen Mary to be King & Queen of
England france & Ireland & have immediately proceeded to the proclamation which was solemnly
effected, the next day I understood that they are also proclaimed at Barbadoes King & Queen of
scotland but have seen no proclamatione thereof as yet, I have detained here a wholl week Mr
william Hinson & John Hinson expecting to get some partar advice from Albany of the negotiatione
between the agents -of new England & the sinicks & mohacks but understand onely that they have
treated & are of good intelligence, the sd Indianes have open warre with the french & their Indianes
& have for certane kild & taken prisoners above 500 french men women & children  they give quarters but to very few but torture them  as their customary way, the city of Albany suffers the late
King James souldiers there to keep the fort by themselves & are payed with faire words, there is
brought a letter to me by one of the old souldiers directed to him by the commander of the sd




20                   ADMINISTRATION OF IEUTENANTGOVERNOR LEISLER.
fort, he offers him a sergeants place & desires him to list for the service of King William &
Queen Mary soe many souldiers as he can gett of Major Brockhouse & Capt: Baisters companies
both rank papists, & to send them to him, but by 2 or 3 at the tyme which is very suspicious, I
have done all the diligence imaginable, to Joine Albany to us, have caused their Maties to be
proclaimed there, but they are luld asleep by some of the former creatures to the late Governmentof which wee have a great many amongst us. We have intelligence by the way of Maderes
by a man of warre bound for St Helena, of about 12 weeks from England, that there were 60: men
of warre bound to Ireland, & that all the colliers & ships of note were detained to land an army
there & 30 or 40000 men was to be landed from scotland & the sd man of warre had a commission to take all great ships except from Londondary, this is all the newes we have at present I conclude embraceing againe your brotherly offer & to sollicite & court you also for a friendly & neighbourly correspondence, upon all occasiones, I assure you I shall omitt nothing that nay be serviceable
to your intrest to the utmost of my power, Since I received yours I understand of one boat cdming
from Virginia four weeks agoe with six men that they were out upon piracy to take a Catch going
out with provisione, I manned a boate to persue & take them, they were brought up & found by
evidence & inquisition they were upon the sd designe being found in their boat, one graspelling &
rigger stolen already from tuo vessels whereof I have 3 in prisone, by this you may know with
what zeale & intrest I am sir                           Your most humble servant
TO CAPT. WILLIAM HARRIS;
1689: 29 September in the fort of New York.
SIR-being informed by Mr. John Inson that you are honored with a charge of a barges in your
generall assembly, which hes honored us with a letter to which the enclosed is one answer have sealed
the same with a flying seal that you may have the perusal thereof and further to direct it to him you
know best needful, If any thing offers needful to acquaint the sd assembly, I shall continow the
same except you direct me a better way in the mean tyme after my respects, I remaine &ct.
TO MARYLAND.
SIR-I thought convenient to advise you that if you send here 150 lbs prime tobacco you.may
expect 14 or 15 shill: per 100 lbs, it being for to defray charges of the expedition of Albany, may
very well be excused of the penny per pound & be a great ease for your province.
Since my above letter was written I received Informatione that they of philadelphia send their
pouder to the french, & that Albertus Brand has declared himself in the following expression that
it was agt their prifills to fight therefore when the french comes they are intended to send some of the
wisest people to tell them that rather would give their land & goods than to fight & that it was all
one under whom he lives with such Expressions they will render your people odious & suspected I
thought convenient to advise you that you may take away such stumbling blocks &ct.
* SEC'Y ALLYN TO LEISLER.
Hartford Octob. 10, 1689
HoNORd SIR-The occasion of these lines is to inform you that we have been & are now at great
charge and expences many wayes, by reason of the Indian war, & the necessity of Albany who




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  21
dayly expect to be invaded by the French, to whome we purpos to send som reliefe, & also a great
sickness amongst vs, which hath diminished or numbers, besides a great loss that we haue mett
wth in our crop, being so disinabled by sickness, that we could not gather it in, so that we see
orselves necessitated to call in that ayd of ten souldiers or their pay, wch we haue hitherto
granted you for the secureing of the forte' at Yorke, and doe accordingly [notify] you that we by
these, doe from this day call in the ayd aforesaid, and shall not allow it any longer, yet that you
may be encouraged to keep the fort for their Maties service, if any forreign force should invade
you, we shall be ready to relieve you according to or ability & capacity; we dayly expect a
setlement from England, but it doth not yet come, but hope it will shortly & prevent all occasions
of trouble and disquietments, both to you & vs. Sr we wish you all prosperity & are
These for the Honble              Your affectionate friends the Generall
Capt. Jacob Leisler                     Court of Conecticot pr their order,
Comander in Cheife                                  Signed
of their Maties forte                                             JOHN ALLYN Sec'y
in New Yorke. this.
LEISLER'S PROCLAMATION CONFIRMING THE ELECTION BY THE CITIZENS OF THE MAYOR,
SHERIFF, CLERK AND COMMON COUNCIL OF NEW YORK.
Whereas, by order of ye Committee of Safetyit was ordered, that ye Mayor, Sherife and Clerk shall
be chosen by ye Mayor and votes of ye freeholders Come to Peter De La Noy Esq. for Mayor
and Johannes Johnson for Sherife and Abra. Gouverneur for Clerk who were accordingly confirmed
as viz:
By the Commander in Chiefe &c.
Whereas ye Committee of Safety have appointed me to confirme ye Civil magistrates and officers
for ye Citty and County of New Yorke chosen by ye Protestant freemen of sd City and County of
New York according to returns made by virtue whereof I doe hereby accordingly confirm Peter
De La Noy to be Mayor, Johannes Johnson, Sherife and Abraham Gouverneur town clerke for sd
City and County of New York,. to continue in their sd stations according to ye true intent and
meaning of ye act of said Committee
And also do confirm for ye next ensuing yeare for ye City and County of New York Hendrick Van
Veurden, Alderman; Goert Olphelse assistant and Nicolaes Blanck, constable for ye West-ward:
John Spratt, alderman; Gerret Duycking assistant, Edward Brinckmaster, constable for ye Dok ward:
Robert Walters, alderman; Joannes Provoost, assistant, John Thomas, constable, for ye South ward:
Cornelis Plevier, alderman; Henry TenEyck, assistant, John Ewouts, constable for ye Northward:
John Hendrick Bruyns, Alderman; Peter Adolph, assistant, Daniel Brevoort constable, for ye East
ward: Joannes Van Cowenhoven, alderman; Wolfert Webber, assistant; Frederick Lymonse constable for ye Out ward, and John Brevoort, constable for Harlem division.
Therefore are all inhabitants hereby required to give due obedience to ye Magistrates and officers,
and are to acknowledge the same accordingly at Fort Amsterdam ye 14 Octo. 1689 and on ye
first year of ther Majestys Reigne.                                    JACOB LEISLER.
NOTE-I am indebted to ite politeness of D. T. Valentine, Esq., clerk of the Common Council of New-York, for the above
Record.




22                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
LEISLER TO THE ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND.
A. 1689 15 october
The above is a coppy of my last to which I referre you since we have certaine news from new
England that they have killed 50 Indians of their enimies & tooke six captives monks with the King1
the English have lost 8th men & 2 Indians In the actions I had Intelligence of severall persons
meeting in a papist house where- I thought some of your fugitives might have been mongst them,
made me resolve to send 25 souldiers who besett the house in the night but found non but the family
& disarmed the man & brought him to me whom I released again upon his parroll to harbor no Jesuit
nor to intertaine bigger company than tuo in his house, we hear from pensilvania that there is lately
arryved a man of warr katch from England to Virginia, I desire if any newes worth will acquaint
me with it, we expect tomorrow our committees to meet for to resolve to send some forces to Albany
to secure them from the french next winter, our Indians doe daily gett spoile upon them the
french prisoners reports that warre betwixt france & England is proclaimed at Canada, having for
present no more to enlarge after my respects I remaine &ct.
COL. BAYARD'S VINDICATION OF THE LEGALITY OF GOV. ANDROS' COMMISSIONS.
To Captn ABRAM DE PEYSTER & Capn JOHN DE BRUYN commander of the two respective companies of the trained bands in New York to be communicated to the rest of the commissioned
Officers —
GENTLEMEN —Whereas Jacob Leisler & some of his associates have in an hostile & illegal
manner-invaded their Maties fort at New York & withal infringed & subverted all manner of
Government by law established within the City of New York & Some parts adjacents, not having
any the Least shadow of Authority from our gracious Sovereigns King William & Queen Mary so to
do, I therefore considering the Obligations lying upon me by the Several commissions as being
one of the Council of this their Maties Dominions & Col1 of the regiment of the train bands in New
York, both from the Crown of England, neether of which (notwithstanding the Sd Invasion insurrection, or.other troubles) are any ways vacated or Superceded I find it to be my present Duty to the
Crown of England & do hereby strictly require & Command you & each of you, that you upon
immediate Sight hereof desist from any ways, councelling, aiding assisting, or betting the illegal
proceedings of the said Jacob Leisler & his Associates & not to suffer any of the soldiers under Command to be made use of or employed Upon any service Whatsover of the said Leisler either in the
fort or Elsewhere as being most pernicious, Dangerolis & Contrary to the peace of Sovereign Lord
& Lady King William & Queen Mary their Crown & Dignity, but that You and each of You together
with the Soldiers under your Command (as in duty bound) do give all due obedience to the lawfull
Commands of the Cival Government Established by law & in particular to those of the Justices of
the Peace commissionated by the Govenor Sir Edmond Andros, by virtue of letter Patents from the
Crown of England as being our Supreme power which said Commissions I find & do aver to be in
full force, notwithstanding the imprisonment (yea-Death) of any Govenor that granted the same,
he being only an inferior officer of the Crown & the Commissions being matter of records, & therefore
You shall faithfully perform their said Lawfull Commands as far as it Shall be in your Power, so to
do, & at all times bear good faith & allegiance to their said Maties as you will answer the Contrary
1? Amongst which the King.-ED.,




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  23
as the peril Given under my hand & Seal at Albany this 20th of 8ber in the first Year of the Reign
of our Sovereign Lord & Lady King William & Queen Mary Ad. 1689
Signed            N BAYARD
LEISLER TO THE GOVERNOR AT BOSTON.
Anno 1689: 22 october in New york.
MUCH HONORED SIR-Yours of the 26 Septer cam well to myne hands for which I returne your honor
many hearty thanks, I hope the success of the trett by your agents with the siniques & Mohacks is
long since knowen to your honor, I perceive also your great & extraordinary charges & your
uncomfortable warre with the Indians your enimies discourages me partly of the expectation the people
of Albany have of some assistance of men for this winter being in Just fear for some attack & never
in a worse posture of defence then now, their fort being in possession still of the old late King James
souldiers, Inclosed is a coppie of a letter of the commander to one of my souldiers but I perceive
it is with advice of some of sir Edmonds creatures who still daily works for division, which to prevent
1 shall at last be obliged to Secure some, I am certainly informed that they have offered 100 lb to
rescue sir Edmund out of your custody & bring him here, Therefore very glad to perceive by your
honors letter that they are securely keept with a good guard I am informed your honor has received
a par'lar letter from a vessell then broke [Wessel Tenbrook] of Albany of which I desire your honor
for a copie, he is a persone who has formerly professed popery, & recanted a protestant & been
employed by our late papist Governor dongan, for ambassador to Canada & understand not one word
french, for which embassador he has been well rewarded, by both parties being a mistery to many,
he is recorded at Albany in noe quality for that office he has occasioned fourty milles from Albany
towards the french to build a fort upon his land where he has send 12 men to guard it, who must be a
sacrifice if they come & the fort a nest to the enemies as penaquide was, our committie & military
have voted 50 men to be sent up for assistance at Albany, as per enclosed appeares. I give
your honor hearty thanks for your readines in assisting us with guns & powder, but frustrate by your
own skarcety, I have bought at Burlingtoun 1000 lb powder & given order to buy all what may
be had at Philadelphia & intend please God to send for it by land with a convoy of 40 men, &
shall endeavor that their Maties may be proclaimed thereabout over record, I give your honor also
hearty thanks for the care, and desire if possible onely for the present to have a catalogue of bookes
and papers there belonging to this province, I further desire your honor for a mutuall & neighbourly
correspondence as occasion shall requyre, in all matters conducing to their Maties service & I shall
omit nothing that may appeare serviceable to your intrest & wellfare, I shall add no more but that
-I am sir &c.
THE SAME TO THE      SAME.
A: 1689: the 30: october in fort william
HONORED SIR:-Inclosed is a letter which was intended by Major Savits who departed before I
had it ready, Since I had the honor to receive yours by John Moll, for which I am infinitely obliged,
I have newes Since that there is secured in the fort and toun at delaware 5000 lb powder, which I
intend please God to fetch by land with a convoy, the 50 souldiers for assistance to Albany are to
depart to day or to morrow Enclosed is a coppie of a letter from London by the last ship that arryved
at delaware last June from doctor Cox to Mr ffathan, where your honor may see the character &




24                    ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
opinione they have in England of sir Edmond. Collonell Byard and the late Mayor & custome
master abscond themselves & cannot be found to answer for which may be alleged to them, I
desire your honors further friendly correspondence, after my respects I remaine sir &c.
THE SAME TO MR. JOHN FFATHAM.
A: 1689: 30 october in fort William
HONORED SIR-Yours by Mr Lucas is come safe to my hand, as also the original letter of Governor Cox, for which I am infinitely obliged to you & it hes given me & all the Inhabitants that hes
seen it great satisfactione, Inclosed is the sd letter againe. I admire my wine in Mr Carpenters hand
should have groun so bad, being so good when I sent it about, the 2 pipes sold by Mr Johannes de
has, whereof he hes the effects. It is my order in the letter to pay it to Monsieur dubrois therefore
will certainly be Satisfied but the letter I believe being in dutch makes you make that conclusione
I understand by Monsieur dubrois his letter that hee was upon his departure for Cap May, hee
desires me the coppy attested of the proclamationes of their Matics to be King & Queen of England
ffrance & Ireland &c. which is also here enclosed, I have sent one attested by some welchman
bound to Cap May with orders to desire any sheriffe or Justice of the peace in them parts to proclaime
their sd Maties, If refused to do it themselves, we are sending 50 men *to Albany to secure the fort
there for their Maties King William & Queen Mary agt the french & their adherents Indianes, after
their departure, I shall endeavor for to fetch the 1000: lb pouder I bought of you & to see what
money I can send for more, I desire in the mean tyme you will be pleased to lett the cooper trimme
them substantially & you will oblige him who is &c.
LEISLER TO THE GOVERNOR OF BARBADOES.
A. 1689 23 November in fort William
MOST HONORED SIR THE GOVERNOR OF BARBADOES-Whereas wee being in just feares to suspect
some ill designe by the late Lieut: Governor & severall persons of prinll note & others of them in
authority within this government popishly & evilly affected, tending to the destructione of their
Maties loyall protestant subjects here, for fear they should effect and bring to pass some wicked
designe, The Inhabitants by the encouragement of the prince of orange (now our gracious King)
his 3 declarations for their security have secured the fort for their Maties,King William & Queen Mary
wherein the country has appointed me Commander in Chiefe till further orders from their Matiets
which charge I have executed hitherto to the service of their Maties & have God be thanked-brought
all things in such a posture that next God we are in a capacity of defence, only we are daily
occupyed by some popishly & evill affected people which puts us upon many inconveniences & straits
& obliges me to have a watching eye over all so it is that the 3d of november in the night arryved
here a sloope from Barbadoes commanded by Captn Benjamin Blagg he gave me an accompt that
six dayes after his departure from Barbadoes he mett with a french ship he tooke him & keept him for
48 hours & sold the ship to an Irish who was on board the Sd french man of warre wherein they permitted
the sd Blagg to go as pilot the sd Irish intending for Maryland but were piloted in this harbour as by the
copie enclosed out of the sd Blaggs Jourall will appeare No 1: In the morning I sent two souldiers
aboard to seize her as being in the french possessione & had the sd Irish before me who produced a french
bill of sale without condemnatione & a pass for them & the vessell whereof inclosed is a copie No 2
the 4th Novem being the birth day of our gracious King which we did solemnise with bonefires &




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                   25
rosting one ox &c. the fifth was gun pouder treason which also we did solemnise with bonefires &
burning the pope-In which tyme I was not willing to confine the Sd Irish, but the sixth I sent
for them their chess & papers from which they were detained all that whill where I found a pass
from the Earle of Blerock whereof the copie here inclosed n: 3: besides two letters of recommendation both open whereof they were the bearer, here inclosed is the copie n: 4: whereupon I gathered
the officers of the Militia & keept counsell of warre being examined by them, they could make no
other excuse of their escape from Barbadoes as that they were in debt, but we found them absolute
enimies of their Maties therefore was concluded that they were to be sent to Barbadoes to your
honor suspecting them to have committed some other crymes, & made an order whereof the copie is
here enclosed since we understand they have forced tuo warre men with their warriers & that your
honor was much concerned about their ship so that by a warrant I have commanded Mr Thomas
Capewell commander of the Bark Constant to take them & to deliver them to your honors order as
per copie n: 5: inclosed, being no better meanes to the conduceing to their Maties service & interest
then a friendly amicable & mutuall correspondancy between their severall goverments especially
under such circumstances as we now are having first according to our bounden duty upon sight of
their Maties proclamation duly proclaimed their sacred Maties King William & Queen Mary
according to the tenor of the sd proclamation, doe in the next place sollicite & court your honor
to bear us your hearty affection & mutuall good correspondancy as occasion shall requyre in all matters
of import conduceing to tlhir Maties service & the wellefare of their protestant subjects, I shall
omit nothing that shall appeareserviceable to your honors intrest, here is noe news but what we
have of the tua IriAh, roe ships arryued out of England, having no more to add, but that I, am &c.
* COL: COODEE TO LEISLER.
St Mary's County in Maryland Nov 26, 1689.
HONble Sr-Your's courteous letter, directed to ye Assembly in Mayryland wch is now under adjournment, I have received & having ye honr of the chief command of his Maties forces here, thought
it my duty return an answer by ye' first opertunity possible. Your greate ciuilitie I have comunicated & reprsented to all or friends here, who are extremely glad of so neer and convenient a friendship, especially since Or circumstances are so alike, & ye comon danger so equally threatening: we
have still ye same reasonable & just aprehensions wth yors & ye N. England governmt of a great
designe that was on foot to betray & ruine their Maties and ye Protestant interest through all these
northern parts the attempts to disarme ye Protestants in this Province last spring, ye overturnes to, &
Treatys wth or neighbouring & other Indians wth other treacherous & inhumane practices, (too tedious
for a letter) from ye late governr here, gave us just case as to fly to armes at first, so still to prsist &
stand upon or guard to prevent traiterous interprises & or oune ruine I thought it convenient herewth
to send you or declaracon, wch is ye least part of what we have to say agst or Popish politicons,
agat whom there are dayly more discoverie & informacons, of which we have n6t much before us
that in any prticular or distinct manner relates to ye govermt unlesse this may be anything significant.
We met wth a paper to ye governmt from ye late King James, relating to a grelt correspondency &
amity, we were comanded to keep wth Or French neighbours in America, a copy of which I have
herewth sent you, notwthstanding wch, this is remarkable that Collo Dongan sent to us and
Virginia, to contribute or assistance towards a Warr wth ye French, wch was complyed wth I
understand in Virginia, but disobeyed here, for reasons wch I leave to yor conjecture-as also
what might be meant by settling ye bounds and limits of these Collonies, unlimitated in ye sd
paper, besides ye severall dates and terminacers thereof towards ye latter end, wCh to much like
VOL. II.                               4




26                    ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
that plotting & designing Councill to be casuall, & therefore plainly points to us what was then to be
done. I believe or greate men of this province, some of yours & N. England were a Caball & held
a great correspondency agst ye Protestant interest as it was & is ye endeavours of ye Popish world,
besides which observacon Wee made before or motion here from severall and frequent messages
from your parts hither, especially to ye Priests who have alwayes ye Chief Share in ye Managemt
of intrigues agst ye Protestants: Three of or Popish Governrs are fled (to wit) one Darnall, Josephs
and Sewall, we have two onely in Custody; one Pye and Hill, wch three Priests they had a designe
towards your parts if feare of discovery hath prvented, they have wth them a small yacht & Brigantine, if they be not retaken, having sent after them, we desire you would be pleased to be as kind
to us as your circumstances will permit wch shall oblige us to a due requitall, especially if any
discovery that related to us happens before ye communicacons of wch will be a great advantage to
a genll understanding, & may enlighten to a further discovery of ye great design that was to be carried
on. As to newes from England or ye West Indians, ye last came by his Matles Packett boat, who
left England in June, his business only to bring his Maties orders wch were in ye three distinct letters
to Virginia, Maryland & Pennsilvania, signifying only a war wth France, & that we must take effectuall care for ye opposing or resisting any attemps of ye French upon this Province, assuring his
subjects here, his greatest protecon, by sending a considerable squadron of ships in to ye West Indians
& other succors for prtecting his Maties Plantacons in America; no great matters of news else,
but all was well in England & ye reducing of Ireland went on prosperously; som of opinion that
ye prsent circumstances of Albany deserve your greatest coiisideracons, & therefore no paines nor
opertunity should be spared, to oblige or secure ye same to ye Kings service agst ye French who
will doubtless attempt something in ye sprinke, we have certaine informacon that a considerable
squadron of men of war, are gone from ffrance towards Canada; we have written home by ye sd
Packett Boate to his Maties principall Secry of State, ye present condicon & circumstances of us
all, wherein we have prsumed to intimate ye great service you have done his Maties interest in all
these parts, by securing so considerable a member of his dominions, wch is ye Sixth Vessell by wch
we have sent advise of our proceedings. I begg ye happiness of a line or two from yor Honour by
ye first oportunity wch will oblige us all to a due requitall, especially Honord Sr
Yor most faithful humble servant          JNO COODEE
To ye Honorble Jacob Leisler Esq. Commander         The declaracons & letters of ye last King
in Chiefe of his Maties forces in N. Yorke         James, intimated in this have not at
These                      present been reed by me, being very
For their Maties Service             remote from my papers.      J. C.
BY THE LIEUT. GOVERNOR, &c.
WHEREAS Mathew Plowman Gent with others did about ye Beginning of this month in A Riotous
manner beate one of his Majties Justices of ye Peace for Richmond County on Staten Island, and
use other Scurrilous & Contemptuous Expressions against the Kings Magistrates for this Province
and Complaint being madeThese are in his Majties King Williams name to require you forthwith to take ye Body of said
Plowman and bring before mee to answer for ye same and in so doing this shall be yor sufficient
Warrant. GIVEN &C. this 10th day of december 1689.
To any of his maties Justices of the Peace                               JACOB LEISLER.
for the County of Richmond abovesaid.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                   27
* APPOINTMENT OF LEISLER'S COUNCIL.
At an Assembly By appointment of the Lieut. Governr & Commander Chief of their Maties
Province of N York December the 11th 1689.
Present The Lieut Governr, &ca
Pieter Delanooy Mayor
Samuel Edsall
Capt. Gerardus Beekman
Capt. Thomas Williams         Committees
Johannes Vermelje
Capt. Myndert Coerten
Roeloff Swartwout
Having Received Orders from his Matie King William for taking care of the Government of this
Province &ca. It was proposed by ye Lieut. Governr what members should be thought fitt for his
Councill to manage the same untill further order from his Maties King William Whereupon after a
due deliberation and consult the following persons were Recommended vizt Mr Pieter de la Noy Mr
Samuel Staats, Mr. Hendrick Janzen and Mr Johannes Vermelje, for the Citty & County of NewYorke, Capt. gerardus Beekman for Kings County, Mr Samuel Edsall for Queens County, Capt
Thou Williams forYWestchestpr County, Mr William Lawrence of the County of Orange whome
the Lieut Governr &ca doth accept of and Establish as such and are ordered to take the oath as is
provided by the Law of this Province for qualifying them for the said office: wch is this day
accordingly done.
PLEDGE OF THE PEOPLE OF HURLEY TO SUPPORT THEIR REPRESENTATIVES.
[Translation.]
We the undersigned hereby acknowledge to agree to what our committee may do or enact for the
welfare and allegiance of our Gracious Maties King William and Queen Mary for the benefit of our
country and the advancement of the Protestant Religion, whereunto we pledge both Body and
Lives. In witness of the Truth we have subscribed these with our own hands. Ady the 12 decemb.
1689. at Hurley.                             was signed,.
Hendrick Clasen,                                  Johannes d'h6oges,
Roelof Hendrix in't velt,                        Adriaen Garritsen,
Hendrick in It velt                     the mark of Gerrit Cornelis,
the mark of Tho: Swartwout,
the mark of Cornelis Gerrits,
Mattys Blansjan,
Johannes Juriaensen van                            Anthony Crespel
Kingstown                        the mark of Pieter Pietersen
Huybert Lambertsen
Jan Elcinge,
Barent Kunst,
Jacob Gerrritsen, his mark
Luer Jacobsen
Agrees with the Original,              the mark of Hants van Etcen
WM. MONTAGNE                                  Mattys Sleght van Kingstown.




128                 ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
LEISLER TO THE GOVERNOR OF BARBADOES.
A. 1689: 16 december in fort william
The above is a copie of my last with all the copies referring to it, also the second bill of loading
with the masters recept for the letters delivered to him directed to your honor en the impressione of
my seall to your honors letter, since the departure of the bark from the rhoad, I gott information
of his staying in the bay I have sent 3 boats with 27 souldiers with~ a warrant & instructions to the
Lieutenant whereof the copie is here enclosed Mr. Nicolson therein exprest is the brother of our late
Lieut Governor Nicolson of whom we were informed by a Justice of peace that since his departure
on board he drunk the kings health with a figure J. they departed to see this morning when I send
the above Sd souldiers, but I am certainly informed that they were sett on shore & have been seen
in a company of papists & popishly affected people at Amboy, If they are imbarqued againe I am
in doubt & hope your honor will take such care therein as the cause doth requyre, the eight of this
instant arryued by the way of Boston a messenger with two gracious letters the one from their
Maties with orders to doe & performe all things which to the place & office of his Maties Lieut: Governor & Commander in Chiefe of New Yoik doth or may appertain untill further order, the other
letter was from their Maties Counsell signed by eleaven of them with orders to proclaim william &
Mary prince & princess of orange to be King & Queen of England Scotland ffrance & Ireland defender
of the faith & Supreme Lord & Lady of the province of new york & all other the territories & dominions to the croun of England belonging (if not already done) which was very solemnly effected
the 10th instant, I also received a letter from the honorable Governor of Boston Lyman Bradstreet dated
S7 November, he informes me that he had information of some of their people that was taken by
tuo french men of warre upon the coast of arcada, they say that the french told them they were near
tuelve men of warre that came out of France to surprise Boston being sent for by sir Edmond Andros
who promised the country should be delivered to them as they say, but meeting with some dutch
men of warre they lost of 4 of their ships & some on the bank & hearing of sir Edmonds confinement their designe was disappointed  they went away from the eastward about six or seven weeks
after the date of his letter some sd to france'some to new york but I believe they are gone to the
west Indies, he advised me also that he had received tuo gracious letters from his Matie the one
approving & allowing what had been done in reference to the late revolution & authority to
proceed, the other letter was a command from his Matie to send sir Edmond Andros, Mr Randolph &
severall others in safe custody to Whitehall, severall ships being departed from England with convoy,
doubt not but your honor will have all the newes that we are able to inform your honor, having
no more to enlarge, requesting onely your charitable & friendly acceptance of what in hast is here
omitted by him who is                       Your honors most humble servant &c.
MINUTES OF COUNCIL.
[Record torn.]
Ordered, that the major Part of the members of the [Council] do all things in as full force & virtue
as if the whole number of [members were] present.
At a Councill held the same day &ca. The same persons present.
Ordered that Jacob Milborne be Secretary of this his Maties Prouince & Clerk to the Lieut
Governor and Councill thereof tooke his oath at the same time.




ADIINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 29
Present               At a Councill held the same day &ca
The Lieut Governr &ca                       Capt Thomas Williams
Mr Samuel Edsall                            Mestr Samuel Staats
Capt Gerardus Beeckman                      Mr Johannes Vermelje
Ordered that Mr Pieter d' la Noy be Commissionated for receiving his Maties King William's
revenues of this province of N. Yorke.
At a Councill held Saturday Decemb. 14th 1689.
Present                                  Samuell Staats
Lieut Governor &c.                     Capt Thomas William
Samuel Edsall                          Johannes Vermelje
Pieter d' La Noy                       Hendk Jansen
Ordered That the Costumes and Accize be Collected according to an Act made by the Assembly
for this province Anno 1683, and the same to be publisht forthwith.
[Record torn.]
Present              At a Councill Decemb. 16. 1689.
Lieut Governr &c                                 Capt. Williams
Samuel Edsall                                    Samuel Staats
Pieter d'Lanoy                                   William Lawrence
Gerardus Beekman                                 Johannes Vermilje
Ordered that Captn Abraham depeyster remayes in his Command provided that he Satisfyed the
Lieut Governor & Councill he is duly qualified for that function.
Present              At a Councill Decembr 17. 1689.
Lieut Governr &ca                               Captn Williams
Samuel Edsall                                   William Lawrence
Pieter d'Lanoy                                  Johannes Vermelje
Ordered that Captn Ebenezer Platt be Commissionated to administer oaths to ye rest of the
Justices of the County of Suffolk
Capt Beekman for Kings County
Samuell Edsall for Queens County
Capt Tho Williams for Westchester County
William Lawrence for Orange County.
The orders of Councill Transmitted to the Councill Book No. 20 folio 111 [not found.J
BY THE LIEUT GOVERNOR & COMMANDER IN CHIEFE &c.
Whereas I haue received a Letter from the Lords of his MatieS most honble Privye Councill
dated 29th July 1689 for Proclaiming William & Mary Prince & Princess of Orange, King &
Queene of England, Scotland, ffrance & Ireland (If not already done) wch was accordingly prformed
at New York the 10th of Decembr Instant
These are to will & Command you with the assistance of the Principall freeholders & Inhabitants
of ye County of Suffolk to Proclaime their Sacred MtiOs according to the forme herewith sent at
ye Chief Towne of ye.s.id County, with the Solemnities & Ceremonyes requisite on the Like Occ -




30-                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
sion and yt with all convenient speed; and for so doing this shall be yor sufficient.Warrant.
Given &c N. York Decembr 19th 1689.
JACOB LEISLER.
The same to Richmond, Westchester, Queens, Kings, & Ulster Counties; to ye Citty & County of
Albany & ye County of East Jersey, and one proclamation.
NoTE.-There is an order to the same effect to the Justice of Richmond County dated 17 Dec. 1689 & to Capt John Longstaf
of New East Jersey dated 4th March 1689-90.
BY THE LIEUT GOVERNOR & COUNCILL.
Whereas their was Proclamation nade by the authority abovesd bearing date the 16th decembr
instant to give notice that ye Costumes and Accize granted by Act of Assembly 1683 haue and do
remaine in full force & that all Persons were required to observe ye same notwithstanding wch some
disaffected person hath taken the same from the Weigh house or custome house doore of this Citty
where by Order they were affixed. And moreover some unknowing or malicious prsons have in a
Contemptuous manner affixed Certaine papers entituled (By them English ffreemen of the Province
of New York) Containing false construction on the wholesome Lawes of England not regarding
An Act of the ffreemen represented in Assembly as aforesd Vizt That the Supreame Legislatiue
Authority under his Maties &ca shall for ever be & reside in a Governr, Councill & the People met
in Generall AssemblyThese are to advertize whomsoever it may or shall concerne that none from henceforth do dare
to deface or take of any paper wch shall be affixed by the Authority of this Province or City, or affix
any other Papers without approbation of the said Authority as they will answer it at their Perill.
Given &c. this 20th day of decembr 1689.                                 JACOB LEISLER.
BY THE LIEUT. GOVERNOR AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF &c.
By virtue of the Authority devised unto mee, I doe hereby authorize And Order you Capt. Jochem
Staas to take possession (in his Maties King William's name) of the ffort Orange and all Stores of
war there at Albany, Continuing in that Command till farther orders taking Care yt ye Souldjers under
your Command be Carefull of their duty and Comport themselves orderly in all respects as they
ought and upon all occasions require yt you Send, or speake to ye Civill Magistrates in what may
Concerne them, for ye Securing hisMaties Interest, and ye welfare of ye Inhabitants of yt County,
And yt by the first opportunity you returne me a particular Accot of ye ffort, all Stores of warr, and
his Maties Revenue in ye place & what Else in your Cognizance may be necessary. Given &c New
York this 28th day of decembr 1689.                                      JACOB LEISLER
New York Decembr 28. 1689.
GENTLEMEN-I haue received yor Letters wch give me great Satisfaction of your integrity &
resolucon & having received Orders from his Maties King William to take care of this Governmt
haue sent my orders to Capt Staas & ye officers & People there, by Which you will see how they
Shall be setled Likewise goes herewith Commissions for yor Justices & to keep your Monethly




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  31
Courts, desiring you to send me word by ye first what officers you shall choose for ye Militia that so
Commissions may be sent you: Entreating you to keep in Love and unity amongst your Selves, and
as soone that your case shall be stated wth all ye advantage imaginable by him that Is
Yor very Loving frind             JACOB LEISLER.
New York Decembr 28th 1689.
CAPT JOCHEM STAAS-I have recd yor Letters and are very well Satisfyed wth your Conduct and
Method of affaires Especially Keeping a good Cdrrespondency with Capt Bull, not doubting but he
will be of great use unto you Since ye Last Post sent you I have received his Maties orders for
taking care of ye governmt in Nicholson's absence taking for my Assistance so many p'sons as shall
thinke fit I have for yt purpose herewth sent you a Commission for Commanding the ffort &ca and
for the Magistracy doe order yt a ffree Election be made of a Mayor, and Aldermen, having Sent
Commissions for ye Sheriffe & Clerk, and ye Accise, but not ye Quit Rents because its not due till 25th
March next I am willing to have the undermentioned p'sons chosen if ye people will Elect them
vizt Johannes Wendell, Joh: Bleecker, Pieter Bogardus, Jacob Staas, Harmen Gransvoort, Gabriel
Thomassen, Jeronimus Wendell, Robert Sanders, Luycas Gerritse, and for ye other parts Major Abramsen
Jochem Lamberts, ffor Schanectede, Vizt David Christoffels, Reyer Jacobsen, Myndert Wemp, Reynier
Schaets Douwe Auckus hoping yt wth the Monethly Courts will be of Ease to them & that King
William and Queen Mary may be proclaimed according to fforme and an order Sent to you for yt
purpose, Likewise the 15th day of January for a thanksgiving, & yt you do administer ye Oathes to
ye Sheriffe & ye Justices of Schanechtede, Likewise you may see what ye King hath written to New
England to approve of their actings, and a blank band for ye Scheriffe to seale hoping by ye next
to hear yt ye Convention are of another opinion, of which pray give a speedy and Exact Account
Enclosed you have a Letter to ye CiTill & Military officers, & ye Inhabitants of your city wch I Entreat
may be read to: them wth all Conveniency and -dispatch with hearty respects, wishing you all happinesse
I am                           Yor Assured friend                       JACOB LEISLER.
BY THE LIEUT GOVERNOR & COMMANDER IN CHIEFE &c.
By virtue of authority to me derived by his Maties King William & being enformed of ye great
advantage may be made for his Maties Interest of a Certaine ffort belonging to the ffrench King were
destroyed I doe hereby authorize and empower you Nicholas Rust wth so many as shall voluntarily
assist you, not exceeding twenty ffive men of ye King of England his subjects to goe forthwth unto
or ware ye sd ffort named Kadarockqua joyned with the Indians in allyance wth this or Crowne
as to your wisdome shall seeme meete, and do assault attacque and utterly destroy ye sd ffort and
raze it down to ye ground, as much as in you Lyes to prevent it Ever to be rebuilt againe & yt you
give Christian Quarter to ye sd ffrench people therein if desired, but yt none of them may be delivered
into ye possession of ye Indians to Exercise their Cruelty over them, & yt for ye plunder you may
agree wth ye sd Indians to their satisfaction wch you are to divide amongst you & to oppose & to distruction bring all or any yt shall defend or assist ye ffrench Interest And for soe doing this shall
be your Sufficient Warrant and Commission Given under my hand & seale at Fort William this
28th day of decembr 1689.                                               JACOB LEISLER.




32                    ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
BY THE LIEUT GOVERNOR & COUNCILL &c.
Whereas the Late King James the Second &ca having abdicated the Govemmt of England &ca & the
throne being thereby vacant, in whose stead his highnesse ye Prince of Orange is become or most
Gracious King & Soveraigne, Wee having received his sd Maties Order for governing this province
of New York willing & requiring us to do & performe all things yt shall be found necessary for ye
Kings Service & whereas diverse officers both Civill & Military have commissions from ye Late
Governor Coll. Thomas Dongan & Sr Edmund Andross wch they vindicate & yet to this day assert &
maintaine to be of fforce &Virtue as appears in an Especiall manner under ye hand and seale of
Col: N: Bayard dated 20th Octobr Last asserting ye authority of ye Late K: James & his Governor
(although it is manifest that they are illegal) to ye great prejudice of his Matie King William's
right, Interest & Soveraignty of this his Sd Province likewise pernicious & dangerous to ye Governmt
& to the great disquite & discouragemt both of ye Order, peace & tranquility.of his Maties good
subjects herein  And yt proper Remedies May be applied to take of ye fears & Jealousijs thereby
occasioned amongst ye sd subjects, as also not only for ye present Ease but for future security of ye
Kings dignity & or safetyThese are in his Maties name to Will & require all every or any prson or prsons within this province
having such Commission or Commissions, warrants or other Instruments of power or Command Either
Civill or Military from ye aforesd Coll Thomas Dongan or Sr Edmund Andross, upon notice of this
our Order, forthwith or as soon as posible to apply themselves unto ye Major or one Justice of ye peace
ofbthe Respective Countys wherein he or they Live & Surrender ye same unto them who are Ordered
to give such prson or prsons certificate of ye same, except the County & city of New York & Richmond
who are to repaire to fort William in pursuance of this Order and all such who shall not comply
herewith, are to be deemed & esteemed as prsons III affected to this govermnt & unfit for bearing
office or having any trust reposed in them whatsoever & to be regarded as ye case shall require.
JACOB LEISLER.
Fort Wm in New York Decembr 30, 1689.
BY THE LIEUT. GOVERNR & COUNCILL.
Forasmuch as there hath been detected a hellish Conspiracy to Subvert his Maties King. Wm's
Govermnt In this province and that ye same hath been & Yet Is promoted by Latters & other
pernicious Messengers sent by ye sd Conspirators from hence to Boston.
These are in his Maties name to Will & require You to make diligent Search & Enquiry In all
howses as well as on ye Rhoad or what places soever you shall Suspect Such Messengers or Letter
Carriers to be, or whosoever shall travaille from hence bound for those parts or Coming thence
wt-lout a Pass from under my hand ye same to Seize & bring before me wth all such papers as Shall
be found with him or them and for so doing this shall be your suficient Warrant. Given &c. Jany
3d 1689.                                                                JACOB LEISLER.
To Daniel ter Neure or whom he shall apoint.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  33
A MEMORIALL OF WHAT HAS OCCURRED IN THEIR MATIES PROVINCE OF NEW YORK
SINCE THE NEWS OF THEIR MAties HAPPY ARRIVALL IN ENGLAND.
Setting forth the necessity of removing Capt Fran: Nicholson (late Lieut Govr of the said Province)
and putting the command thereof into [the] hands of such persons, of whose fidelity and good
Inclination to their present Mats the aforesaid Province is well assured.
The said Capt Nicholson (in imitation of his Predecessor Coll Dungan) wholly neglected to
repair the Fort and Fortifications of the city, and that not Without a vehement suspicion, thereby the
more easily to betray the same into the enemies hands, of which he gave the said Province sufficient
grounds of apprehensions by discovering both by words and actions, his disaffection to the happy
Revolution in England, and also to the inhabitants of the City by threatening to fire the same about
their ears.
Whereupon th- Inhabitants in order to secure the sd Fort and City for their Mats use and to repair
and fortify the same & to place the government of the Province in the hands of some of undoubted
loyalty and affection to their present Mats Did remove the said Capt: Nicholson, and made choice of
Capt: Jacob Leisler with a Committee (who were also chosen by the people) to take into their hands
the Care and Charge of the Governmt untill Their Mats Pleasure should be further known.
Shortly after arrived their Mats Proclamation to Proclaim them King and Queen of England,
France and Ireland, notice whereof was given to those of the former Councill, and to the Mayor
and Aldermen of the City to assist in proclaiming thereof with the proper ceremonies for that solemnity, who desired an hours time to consider of it, which time being expired and no complyance
yielded, but on the contrary an aversion discovered thereto, The said Capt Leisler accompanyed with
the Committee & most part of the Inhabitants, did with all the Demonstrations of Joy and affection
they were capable of celebrate the same.
Whereupon the Mayor and Aldermen were suspended and some persons confined, who were the
most eminent in opposing Their Mats Interest and this Revolution, and some short time after this
Their Mats Letter arrived Directed to Capt Francis Nicholson Esqr Lieut Governor of Their Mats
Province of New York and in his absence, to such as for the time being do take care for the preservation of their Mats Peace, and Administring ye Laws in that Their Mat Province, Ordering.such to
take upon them the Place of Lieut Governor and Commander inr Chief of the said Province, and to
proclaim King William & Queen Mary King & Queen of England Scotland France and Ireland and
Supreme Lord and Lady of the Province of New York, if not already done, which was accordingly
performed.
The Inhabitants of the said City and Province conceiving that by vertue of Their Mats said Letter,
the said Capt Leisler was sufficiently Impowered to Receive the same and to act accordingly It gave
them a generall satisfaction, whereupon the said Committee were immediately dismissed and a Councill
chosen by whose assistance Capt Leisler acts in the said Governmt pursuant to His Mats Order.
The members of the former Government notwithstanding gave all the opposition they could to this
Reformation & have created a ffaction in the said Province to the endangering ye loss thereof, since it
happens at a time that we are under continuall alarms from the frequent attacks the French make
upon our Frontiers, so that without the care and precaution aforesaid this Their Mats Province was in
apparent hazard of being delivered up to the Canada Forces belonging to the French King, whereby
Their present Mats most loyall protestant subjects of this Province would have been rendered
miserable, equall to their fears, and this Province became a Colony of the French.
Arnl to that height of insolence was that disaffected Party growne, that in a riotous manner in
VOL. II.                               5




34                    ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
the day time they besett and surrounded the sd Capt: Leisler our Lievt. Govr. in the street treating
him with ill Language & threats & had undoubtedly done violence to his person, had they not been
apprehensive of danger to themselves from the people, who immediately gathered together and rescued
the Governor out of their hands, seizing some of the principall actors and Ringleaders in that Ryott
and committing them  to prison, and their ffriends and confederates sending them provisions to
the prison in a superabundant and extraordinary manner, designedly to affront and insult the Governmt: thereupon. it was thought fit to order, that no provisions should be permitted to be brought
them, and they should only be allowed Bread and water, but that severity was continued towards
them only for two daies, and afterwards they had the Liberty to have what Provisions they pleased.
This riotous Action of the Male-Contents occasioned a further Tumult of ill consequence to themselves for ye Country people upon a rumour that the Governmt was in danger by ye Rising of the
disaffected party, flockt into the City armed in great numbers, and notwithstanding the endeavours of
he Magistrats to appease them, they took the o liberty (as is oo usuall with an enraged multitude)
to perpetrate revenge on those which were ye occasion of their coming, Quartering themselves in their
houses for two daies and committing divers Insolences upon them, much to the dissatisfaction of the
Magistrates till they could persuade them to return in quiet to their houses, however it was thought
requisite by the Governmt for the preventing such disorders for the future and to secure the publick
peace, to detein severall of the disaffected in Prison for a time, some whereof were since fined, but
all ordered to be discharged from Prison upon paying their Fines and entering into Recognizance to
be of good Behaviour for the future.
The Fort and City are therefore now in a good posture wanting only Ammunition.
The Commissions are called in from those of ye tformer Militia, who acted under Coll Dungan and
Sr Edmond Andros, and other Commissions granted in the name of their present Maties to such as are
well affected to their Maties Interest.
Upon these our actings for the Securing Their Mats Interest in this Province and conserving the
publick Peace our enemys have endeavoured all they can to misrepresent us and load us with
Reproach, by terming our aforesaid proceedings a Dutch Plott, because indeed three quarter parts
of the Inhabitants are descended from the Dutch & speak that language, and they also threaten our
ruine, if ever the Government come into their hands again.
Which that it may not doe, and Their Maties most loyal and dutifull subjects in this province may
reap ye benefit and blessing of this most happy Revolution, and not be made a Prey to most implacable and Insulting enemies on our Borders, who are ready to enter and devour us-humbly Submitting
ourselves to your Mats most Royall Will and Pleasure.
Endorsed, Memorial of the late occurrences at New York
BY THE LIEUT GOVERNOR & COUNCELL &c.
Whereas I am Enformed yt ye Books, records, and other Papers relating Queens County upon Long
Island in ye possession of William Nicolls, Andrew Gibbs, Daniell Whitehead or Either of them the
sd William Nicolls being Esteemed as Clerke or Register of ye County- 
These are in his Matie King Wm name to will and Require you to make diligent Enquiry for all
Bookes, Records or other papers Relating to ye Courts of Judicature or any ways belonging or
appartaining unto ye Tryalls by Law in sd County If in ye possession of ye abovenamed p'sons or
any others whatsoever ye same to demand & receive, & in Case of Refusall by force to seize,
compell & obtaine ye same & deliver unto Daniel Danton who is authorized Clerk or Register for




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  35
ye sd County taking an Inventory & Receipt for ye same and in so doing this shall be sufficient
Warrant, Given &c New York Jan. 7th 168.                                JACOB LEISLER.
To Mr John Coe Sheriffe of Queens County on Long Island.
SHERIFF PRETTY TO MILBORNE.
Albany: 15: Jan: 1689-90.
Mr. Milborn-Yours Resed and returne you harty thanks for youre kindness. for those Comissions.
I received But here thay are littell regarded at present, till such time thaij see Leift Gour Leislear
Comission or a Coppy from his Majtie then thay shall humbly submitt, till then thay shall Keepe what
thay haue in there hands, for his Majties Saruise-as you shall see more at large By what Captn Staats
now sends downe of the transactions of what has bin don here, which if Tuder or Wm Nicolls, ware:
imploijed to handell them, I question not but thaij would emty there pockits, and make some harts
shake. pray deliuer the inclosed to Mr D: Lanoij and: I shall doe my best enders to get in the quitt
Rents, and to enter upon the other soe soon as I can: I hope there Blud will not be allwayes: hottin the mein time, patience, with my harty saruise presented unto you & all true friends
I rest, &c. your Reall frend & Sarut        RICHd PRETTij.
Endorsed,                        ye word to frend Clark is oysters.
To Mr Jacob Milborne Secry:
at ffort William in New Yorke.
about ye begining of Aprl last past Ro: Livingston tould me that there was a p'sell of Rebels gon out
of Holland into England, & the prince of orringe was the hed of them & he might see how got out
a gaine, & should come to same end as Mulmoth did: this I can testify.  RICHd PRETTij.
BY THE LIEUTT GOVERNR & COUNCILL &c.
NEW YORK.     Whereas Colonell Nicolaes Bayard of this County hath Comitted high Misdemeanors^
against his Maties Authority in this Province as appears by his hand & seale by writing Execrable
Lyes & pernicious falsehoods
These are in his Matie King Williams name to Will & require you to apprehend ye Body of said
Bayard wheresoever he is to Be found & in what place soever he may Be suspected ye same to
Breacke open or by any other violences make way to him in Case of resistance or Concealmt & his
said body before me to Bear or Cause to be Brought & all whome shall oppose or any wise resist
or Endeavor to Conceale him And all Officers Both Military & Civill are hereby Strictly required
to aid & assist you therein as they will Answer ye Contrary at their utmost Perills, Given under
my hand and seale at Fort William In New York January 17th 1689.        JACOB LEISLER
The same for Stephanus Van Cortlandt
The same for Anthony Brockholdst
The same for Pieter Jacobse Marius
The same for William Nicolls
The same for Robert Reed.




36                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
COMMISSION TO HOLD A COURT OF OYER AND TERMINER.
WILLIA-M. by the grace of God of England, Scotland, france & Yreland &c King defendr of ye
faith  To Peter de Lanoy Esqr Judge of or Court of Oyer & terminer & Genll goall delivery
Gerardus Beeckman Johannes vermilje John Hendrickse Bruyn Benjamin Blagge Hendrick Johnson
John Spratt Cornelis Plevier & Johannis Provoost GREETING
KNOW YEE that we have assigned you or any five of you whereof ye sd Peter de Lanoy Judge of or sd
Court of Oyer & Terminer to be one to enquire by the Oath of Good & Lawfull men of our City &
County of N York & by other ways manners and methods by wch the trueth may be ye Better Knowne
as well within Libertyes as out of all mannors of treasons misprisons of treasons murthers homicides
fellonyes Burglaries and all other Crimes offences & Injuries whatsoever & of their accessaries within
sayd City & County aforesd by whome soever or in what manner soever had done Perpetrated or
Comitted & by whome to whome or with    me whome when in what manner & if how & o other articles
and Circumstances aforesd and any thing Concerning the same and ye sd treasons fellonyes and
all other ye Prmisses for this time to hear try & determine According to ye Lawes of this our
Province, the Lawes & Customs of or Kingdome of England And therefore Wee Comand you that
you or any five of you whereof ye sd Peter De La Noy Judge of Or Court of Oyer & Terminer &
Gen11 Goall delivery to Be one on Wednesday next Being ye 22th day of January Instant to Be
held at ye City hall of the said City & County of N York make diligetnt Enquiry unto ye Prmisses
& all & singular ye said Prmisses to here try & determine in manner & forme aforesd so farr as it
appurtaineth to Justice according to ye Lawes of this Or Province & ye Lawes & Customes of Or
Kingdome of England Wee have therefore Comanded ye Sheriffe of Or said City & County on ye
sd 22 of day of January as aforesd to Cause to Come before You such and so many good & Lawfull
Men of his Baylewicks as well without Libertyes as within by whome ye truth of things may be
ye better knowne & Inquird. In testimony whereof wee have caused ye seall of or said Province
to Be affixeda att fort William the 18th day of January 1689 & in ye first yeare of or Reigne
JACOB LEISLER
*,* Here follows another Commission to hold a Court of Oyer and Terminer in Queens County
on 29th Jan'y 1689. It is of similar tenor & date to the above & is addressed to Peter De La Noy
Mathias Harvey, John Tredwell, Nathaniel Denton, Nathaniel Coole, John Townsend Senior & John
Simmons Senior or any five of them.
LEISLER TO JACOB MELYN.
Anno 1689: the 24th January in will: fort
MONS: JACOB MALLINE-Yours by the pretended post peri is come to myne hands with the printed
papers, for your brother which shall be send I give you many thanks for the charity you have towards me, that you receive no reports to any prejudice agt me, I have stopt peri in his returne
home, and found myne letter to your Governor broke open & abused, I intend he must keep me
here company for a while, therefore send one post of purpose that his letters may goe forward I
have found amongst his letters severall seditious one which hes caused me to secure & confine
Bay'ard, William Nicholls & the ferry mans wife  Van Cortland & his wife have made their escape,
the bearer Mr Elkona pembrock hes the coppy of some of their letters to whom I crave reference of
what is past since he hes been present, & for the service of the Country undertakes this voyage to
inform the honest well meaned people verbally what is passed I desire if you please the continu



ADMINISTRATION OF LlEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  37
ance of your intelligence Either to me or tl;e Mayer, wee are soe occupied by the wicked people that
I must breake of and after myne respect remaine
Your friend & servant                    JACOB LEISLER
*COL. BAYARD'S PETITIONS.
To the Honorable Jacob Leisler Esqr Lt governor of the province of New York & the Honble Council
The Humble petition of Nicholas Bayard Humbly Sheweth-That the petitioner & Prisoner
since this two days, has been taken with an extreme sickness in Body, & humbly craves your Honorable Commisiration, the Petitioner acknowledging his great Error in disgrading the authority which he
humbly ownes & Craves pardon for-Praying that he may be releaved from his dismal detention,
promising to behave himself from henceforth with all submission & perform Whatever your honours
shall be pleased to adjudge against him, Praying that his Errors may be attributed depriving from his
impatience & vents of his foolish passion, & therefore that the honours will be pleased to remit
his fault at least by rising from this misserable Confinement.
& the Petitioners as in duty bound shall Ever pray & remain your Honours Humble Servt.
24 Jan'y 1689-90.
On the Indorsement was written                               Read the 26th Ibid.
The petition of Colonel Nicholas Bayard.                             I. M. Cl. Council.
Jan'y 24, 1689.
#-IW.
To the Honbl Jacob Leisler Esqr Lieut Gouenor of the Province of New York & the Honbl Council
The Humble Petition of Nicholas Bayard Humbly Sheweth, that the distressed Petitioner is Still
continuing very sick in Body and to his great sorrow was heard of the Slaughters & Murders which the
french and Indians of Cannida have lately committed at Schaneghtede, but that which releaves the
distressed Petitionr to the heart is that the Petitionr should be accused of being the occasion thereof-by
writing of letters to Albany, for to create seditions, which some Malitious persons desighning the
destruction of the Petitioner, undoubtedly has aspersed, for the petitioner has since his departure from
Albany not wrote to any there but only to Mr Peter Schuyler & Mr Levinston, at his first comming
down, the contents whereof, are no more but to thank them for themr civilities & that the petitioner
was forced to Abscond himself here Since at his landing, a State search was made for him, which Letters
were sent by his Cousin Casper Teller, & one to His Brother Teller relating his private affairs, &
to thank him and his family for the kindness received a the Petitioners being th ere, which is all that
Petitioners has wrote to any persons whatsoever either in the County of Albany or Ulster, Your Petitioner therefore humbly Prays that the honors will not be pleased to give such credit to said
aspersion, as to Cause the distressed weak, Prisoner, to be continued in Irons within this dismal
confinement as the petitioner Keeper has by the Honors orders put the Petitionr, whereby he is Quite
disabled to help himself & must unadoubtly Perish in this Condition unless Your Honors will be
pleased to have commiseration of Your honours distressed Petitioner, And Since it has been Your
honors pleasure to Recommend Your Petitioner to inform Your honours of the truth of his behavour
at Albany last summer, the Petitioner shall therefore inform Your Honours, of the full and Sincere
truth, as he will answer before his god, that he went up to Albany upon no other design, but to shun
the trouble and hazard of being destroyed here, as your Petitioners was informed threatens were
made & that during his abode in Albany aforesaid, he found all the Magistrates of that place or Such
with whom Your Pettir conversed withall, upon all occasions to manifest their utmost Zeal for the




38                    ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
Interest of our gracious Sovereigns Lord & Lady King William & Queen Mary & for the preservation
of the peace, & Administring of Your Laws in Your said County but were of the oppinion as they
Several times declared that they were not in any wise Subordinate to the City of New York (nor
the power then exercised therein) but that government of that County, was only lodged within themselves, Untill their Maties pleasure should be known persuant to their Maties gracious Proclamation
of the 14th of February An Dom 1688 & Your Petitioners Acknowledge that he himself was also of
the same opinion, and that he in private company with several of them has declared himself in that
manner in which if your Petitioner has done amiss he humbly craves your honours pardon for; but
that your Petitioner was cald to be a Member of their Court or made privy to the affairs of the
Court or County more than he might hear was publick to others Private Persons, or was ever present
in any of their Courts of Meetings (as your Petitioner is accused withall) is altogether a false
aspersion, except only that Your Petitioner with Mr Stephanus Van Cortland were only sent for
to enquire what they both would be willing to contribute or lend to the said County for the raising
of some forces in defence of the said County, against any attempt of an enemy from Canada in
which your petitioner expressed his Willingness and was thereupon without any further dismist & as
your Petitioner was retired for Albany with no other intrust but as before express'd to which he
calls god to witness, and would have also stayed there untill the arival of a Governor or some orders
from our gracious Sovereigns-in answer to the Letters which your Petitioner in Conjunction with
the Lieut. Governor Nicholson & the Council had wrote to his Lordship Charles Earl of Shrewsberry, principal Secretary of State, & to the Honorable William Blathwait Esqr Secretary of the
Plantations sent by the ship beaver, & with the said Lieut. Governor, with duplicates by some of
the other Ships about the beginning of June last past, but the mortal Sickness of your Petitioner's son &
other pressing occurrences necessitated Yqur Petitioners return to New York the place of his abode &
finding that at Your Petitioner's Landing a strick Search was made for his person for what reason, he
knows not but was afraid that some hurt might befall him, he therefore ever since, absconded himself untill the arrival of their Majties Messinger Mr Jno Riggs when your Petitioner gave Notice to
Mr Frederick Phillips of his being in town whereupon the said Mr. Phillips as being one of the late
Council together with the said Riggs the same night of his arrival came to your Petitioners house &
gave Your Petitioner the perusal of the subscriptions of the two Packets, which he declared were
sent by him the said Riggs from White hall directed (to your Petitioners best remembrance) To
our trusty and well beloved Captain Francis Nicholson Esqr our Licut Govenor & Commander
in Chiefe of our province of New York in America or in his absence to such as for the time being do
take care for the keeping of the peace & administring the Laws of our said province of New York
in America; & whit hall certified that altho, your said Council (with the said Lt Govenor Nicholson
who was departed for England) had been hindered by other domestic troubles from officiating for some
small time as a Council Yet since the Justices of the Peace by virtue of their Commission & their
Maties said proclamation having performed the same, that it was his oppinion that the said Packets
in the absence of the said Francis Nicholson did belong to your Petitioners, with the rest of the
said Council, as an answer to their said letters, by the Ship beaver, & by them to be communicated
to the several Justices of the Peace, with further Promise as from Mr Stephanus Van Cortland, being
also a member of said Council Should come to town, & the Council should meet, that he would
deliver the said Packets to them & take a receipt for them for the same, with further assurances
that he did not believe that Captain Leisler (as he termed your honour) would open to receive the
said Packets, tho the same were tendered to him, but the next morning before the said Council
could meet, Your Petitioner was informed that the Packets were upon demand delivered to your
honour, & your Petitioner must Confess that he has been so unhappy, as to be of the same oppinion




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  39
that the said Packets did not belong to your honour but to the said Council & Justices, in which
your Petitioner was also strengthened by several letters from Boston By the oppinion of such few
persons, as he said that time conversed withall, which has occasioned that your Petitioner in his letters
to John West has most unadvisedly and in his foolish passion has altered his oppinion, in such severe
and unbecoming expressions, to the disgrading of your honours Authority, But your Petitioner never
had the thoughts directly or indirectly to endeavour for to remove your honor's Authority, by any
manner of force or with any the least danger of bloodshed, but was resolved to be passive and
abscond himself till further orders from our gracious Sovereighn's Should arrive which your honours
petitionrs declare to be the very truth as he is ready to advere upon Oath & therefore hopes & most
humbly prayes that your honours will not be pleased to attribute the petitionr said unbecoming and
disgrading expressions, otherwise, but as events of his foolish passion, neither that your honour will
remember any of the Particular disjusts which heretofore have been between his honour the Govenor, & your distressed Prissoner, but that your honour, will be graciously pleased to have compassion
with your Petitioners Misserable condition, having had all this day a great fever upon him, lying
in Irons not able to help himself and destitute of all other aid or assistance in so much that your
distressed prisoner must necesse rioeoity perish in this Calamity unless your honours will be pleased in
Mercy to Consider his deplorable condition.
Wherefore your distressed petitioner in all humble manner implores to your honours praying for
your honours mercy in graciously pardoning the Petitioners said folly, or at least not to suffer your
distressed sick prisoner to perish in this manner but to grant the said miserable Prisoner if possible to
be bailed or otherwise, such relief as his deplorable situation require to preserve him from perishing
in this Dismal Confinement, the God of Mercy will be pleased to dispose your honours for Mercy
towards your Petitioner who is in duty bound shall ever pray & remains
Yours honours Most Humble Servant.         N BAYARD
BY THE LIEUT GOVERNOR &c.
Whereas Captn Gerbrunt Claessen of Gemoenepa hath desyred my Liberty & Lycence to purchase
of ye Indians a Certaine parcell of Land lying & Being at Kigtawangh upon hudsons River within
Dutchess County1 being bounded on the West wth the Great River & ye land of Sarah Kierstede
on ye North side by a Rivolet or run of Water on ye East side bounded with.ye great hills on ye
South side wth an arm of ye great River aforesd wch hath not yet been Legally purchased or bought
of ye Indians: These may certify that ye sd Gerbrunts Claesson hath hereby liberty & license to
purchase of ye Indians ye said parcell of Land, provided it hath not been legally disposed of to any
others & ye said purchase to Be made before some of his Maties Justices of ye peace in ye sd dutchess
County or West Chester on or before ye first day of July next Ensuing ye date hereof And the Surveyor
Generall or his Deputy are hereby Required to Survey the Said Tract of Lands to make a Report
thereof into ye SecyS Office for wch this shall Be his warrant. Dated In New Yorke at Fort William
This 25th day of Jany. 1689.                                             JACOB LEISLER
BY THE LIEUT GOVERNOR & COUNCILL &c.
Whereas I am enformed that there is Severall Barrells of gun powder in ye Custody of Mr John
Pell of Pelham within Westchester County
These are to will & require you to make diligent Search and Enquiry for the same & what quan
tity you find to make a report unto mee forthwith. Given &c february 1st 1689.  JACOB LEISLER
1 Now Putnam.




40                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
LEISLER TO GOY. TREAT.
N: york ffebruary 14th 1689.
HONORABLE SIR —By these I am to informe your Honor of the insolencies of that part of this province
namely Albany which is hightined & Improved by Captane Jonathan Bull & those under his command in subordinatione to such who terme themselves a Conventione, setting themselves up in
defiance of his Maties Intrest, to the great abatement of his revenue & discouragement of such who
pursue his orders & commands, and proclaiming him King of scotland & supreme Lord of this
province who take care for preserving the peace & administering the lawes of this province which
calls for immediate redress, to that purpose I advise your Honor of that forthwith Mr ffitch & such
who are acquainted with our proceedings in his Maties King williams behalfe may conveen at such
place within your Collony as shall to your discretione seeme meet without delay, the kings interest
in this province depending solly upon the stating of such articles as shall be presented by three persons
who will receive full power to conclude what shall be requisite concerning this affaire, whereupon
such resolutiones will be taken & presented with that vigour & faithfullness that (by Gods blessing)
I doubt not but will discover who are the faithfull subjects, & those that are otherwayes, to evince
which I shall all wayes approve my selfe your Honors humble servant &c God willing the delegation may be at Milford upon Thursday next.
* THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Fort William Feb. 16th 189.
HoNble Sr —Since our other, the sad news of the French wth their Indians have killed most of the
Inhabitants of Schanectede, burnt their houses and carryed their provisions, to a greater number as is
to be feared, who are encouraged by that convention & Colonel Bayard's faction, who haue asserted
the Commissioners of Sr Edmund Andross to remaine in full force; the consequence thereof is verry
dangerous, for that King James and they espouse one cause, but when the persons advised of arrive
[to] you wch may be some dayes longer than was before expressed, supposing Friday next it will be
further dilated, hoping care will be taken that all convenient dispatch may be offered unto them,
desiring the Lord to give us suitable supplyes of his assistance to doe our duty in this sad occasion and.that all evil members may be discovered and accordingly censured
Superscribed                                    With due respects I am
To the Honble Robert Treat Esquire                   Sr yor Honors Humble Servt
Governr of His Maties Colony tf Connecticutt                          JACOB LEISLER.
For their Maties Service These
in Milford
BY THE LIEUT GOVERNOR &ca.
Whereas John Jennings inhabitant in ye County of Westchester hath Spoken certaine words against
the Title and dignity of or Gracious Soveraigne King William
These are in his Maties name to Will & require you to apprehend the Body of said John Jennings
the same forthwith to bring before me and my Councill to answer what shall be objected against
him and for so doing this shall be your sufficient warrant. Given &c. this 14th day of ffebruary
Anno 1689.                                                               JACOB LEISLER
There is another warrant to apprehend Samuel Palmer and Thomas Bedient of same County also
for having spoken contemptuously of the Government. Dated 18 feb. 1689.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  41
BY THE LIEUT GOVERNOR &ca.
Whereas Severall desaffected prsons have augmented sthrengned & advanced ye Interest of King James
as much as in them Lyes contrary to their Bounden duty & allegiance due to Or Sovereigne Lord
King William his Sovereigne Tittle Crowne & Dignity;
These are in his Maties Name to will & require you to Secure ye Body of Collonel Thomas Dongan
wth a Safeguard wth in his owne howse & to apDrehend Collonel Thomas Willet Captn Thomas
hicks Daniell Whitehead & Edward Antill ye sd Persons forthwth to Convey unto me hither. Given
&c. this 15th Day of feby Ao 1689.                                      JACOB LEISLER
To ye Civill & Military Officers & Sherife for
the Queens County upon Long Island.
Fort William Februry 15. 1689
GENTLEMEN,-Whereas ye ffrench have surprized Schanegtade, & killed & taken Prisonners the
most of Their Maties Subjects burning & destroying ye sd Place: and fearing too great a Correspondency
hath bean maintained between ye sd ffrensch & disaffected P'sons amongst us.
These are in his Maties Name to will & require you to secure all Such Persons who are resputed
Papists or Do any wise despise or reflect against this Governmt or hold or maintaine any Comissions
from the Late Governrs Colo Thomas Dongan or Sr Edmund Andros by Virtue of their Authority
derived from King James the second & ye same Safely to Convey to mee forthwth Given under
My hand & seale this 15th ffeby 1689 and in ye first yeare of Their Maties Reigne.
To the Officers Military & Civill &                                  JACOB LEISLER
ye Sheriffe of the County of Westchester        ye same to Kings County
ye same to Richmond County                      ye same to ye Counrty of East Jersey
ye same to ye County of Suffolk                 ye same to Queens County
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNOR & COUNCILL &ca.
Whereas ye ffrench have destroyed the Inhabitants & their howses at Shanegtade Bearing away
Provisions & other spoyles wth them wch sharply alarms that Post of albany although wee doubt
not (by God's Providence & ye numbers upon ye Place) to secure the same agst whatsoever forces
of ye sd french Shall adventure to attack it Yet acording to our bounden duty to God ye Kings
Interest & ye Safety & prservac6n of ye good People of this Province;These are in his maties King Wms Name to will and require you forthwith (to take Measures as to
you shall seem meet) for raising fifety men wthin your County for ye sd Service & Expedic6n vpon
what termes soever shall Be agreed on  ye same to dispeed to ye fort Wm in N. Yorke where all
due Care shall be taken & Encouragemt given for their further procedure & for your assistance herein
have sent Mr Jacob Millborne that you may advise & Conclude what shall most Conduce to the
Ends aforesd  Given &c. feby 16. 1689                                   JACOB LEISLER
To Major Gerardus Beeckman & others ye Military &
Civill Officers for Kings County upon Long Island.
One of the same tenor was sent to Major Thomas Lawrence and others ye Military & Civill Officers
of Queens County upon Long Island & Mr Samuel Edsall was sent thither for that Purpose.
YVOL. II.                              6




42                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
WM. MILBORNE TO HIS BROTHER.
Boston Febr 17th 1689.
DEAR BRO.-This by Capt Lodowick who was very furiously Attacked by Mr Pembrooke whose
businesse I am very well satisfied was the sole occasion of his comming here ye People ready to assault
him as a Papist and Enemy to or Charter, I was severall times in Compa wth him & himselfe hath
bin pleased to be pretty plain & if he hath done no more with you, than [he has] done here I suppose
he may well justify himselfe  or father had a venerable respect for Mr Clarkson a Dog of whom should
have respect this I wish being assured that he was scandalized in severall particulars whilst here
but Manum de tabula We are very sick wth ye Small pox blessed be God & family in health who
all present due respects to you you shall heare by Walker & by Lodowick you may understand
particulars  Sr Edmond & Company sayled away ye 14th instant In Bark in ye Mehitabel & or messenger 3 dayes before in Marten                  I am yr affect Bror to serve &c
Addressed To Mr Jacob Millborne                                       WM MILLBORNE
In New Yorke p. Capt Lodowick C D G.
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNR & COUNCILL &c.
These are in His Maties name to will and require you Major Hendrick Coyler to give order to ye
severall Captns of Their Respective Comps under your Comand and forthwth to draw up.ye same &
make choice of one tenth person thereout for his Maties service for ye expedicon of Albany ye same
to send forthwth to this Fort for so doing this shall be your sufficient Warrant. Given under my hand
& seale &c 18th Feby 1689                                               JACOB LEISLER.
WRIT FOR THE ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES.
By the Leu. Governr &c.
Whereas, there is a great necessity, to settle ye affaires of the province, in a more especiall manner
than hither to hath been Thought requisite and ye attacks of ye French at Schanectade calling for
more than ordinary succours
These are in their majties king williams name to will & require you to elect & make choice of too
proper & fit persons to repaire Fortwith to this city empouring them as your representatives to consult
debate & conclude, all such matters and things as shall be thought necessary for ye supply of this
Governmt in this present conjuncture of which you are not to faile as you will answer ye same at your
perill Given under my hand & seale this 20th of Febry 1689 in ye second yeare of his Majties reigne
To the military & civill officers of and ye rest of                    JACOB LEISLER
ye Inhabitants of the city & county of N. Yorck
NOTE. There is among the MSS another writ in the above terms dated 8th Aprill 1690, addressed to the same, to which
is added a memorandum in these words: "Sent to ye severall counties of ye same tenor."
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNR &ca.
Whereas severall disaffected persons have augmented strengtned & advanced ye Interest of ye Late
King James as much as in them Leyes Contrary to their Bounden duty & allegiance due to or sovereigne
Lord King William his sovereignty title Crowne & dignity.
These are in his Ma'1eS name to will & require you to apprehend the body of Coll. thomas dongan




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  43
steph van Cortland antho Brockholes & mathew plowman, with all their accomplices wheresoever the
are to be found and in what place they may be suspected-the same to Breake open or by any other
violences make way to them in case of resistance or concealmt & their sd bodys before mee and my
Councill to beare or cause to be brought, and all whome shall opose or any wayes resist or endeavour
to Conceale them and all officers both Military & civill are hereby strictly required to aid & assist you
therein as they will answer ye Contrary at their utmost perill. Given &c New York February 21
1689.                                                                 JACOB LEISLER.
The same to apprehend Richard Townly Matthew Plowman     Emmet
*COMMISSION TO Messrs VERMELYE, BLAGGE & MILBORNE AS DELEGATES TO CONNECTICUT.
New York, ffebruary the 21st 1689.
HONble SIR-The bearers Mr Johannes Vermelye Benjn Blagge and Jacob Milborne, are sent to
your Honor and the rest of the Gentn of your governmt to treat wth all concerning His Maties interest
& the wellfare of his Colonyes, to whom please to give full credence; they being fully empowered
to conclude wt shall be thought needfull in this conjuncture of affaires, to whome you are referred for
particulars of what hath passed here, and how we haue proceeded, desiring the Lord to giue us
all wisdome, grace and understanding to do or dutyes as shall contribute to his glorious ends and or
happynesse, is the prayer of                         Yor Honors Humble Servant,
Superscribed                                                       JACOB LEISLER.
To the Honble Robert Treat Esqr Governor of His
Maties Colony of Connecticutt in Milford
* PROPOSALS ON THE PART OF LEISLER TO CONNECTICUT.
Whereas wee underwritten are appointed by Captn Jacob Leisler Lieut Governor of the Province of
New York & Councill to treat wth the Honble the Governor and other Gentln in authority over his Maties
Colony of Connecticut concerning what may be necessary and of import for his Maties Service, the
peace and safety of New York Governmt and the welfare of the aforesaid colony
Wee in pursuance of Commission to us, granted for the purposes aforesaid, dated February 20th
1689, and having a deep sence of the danger wCh Albany and the adjacent parts are in, through the
French and others their confederates now threatning us, present to yor Honr8 consideracon as
followeth.
That what number of men were sent from this governmt (or shall hereafter be under their notice)
unto Albany aforesaid, may receive orders from this Authority to their chief officers to comply with,
and observed such methods and directions as shall be agreed on between the sd Lieut Governor and
Councill or their Deputyes, and the Governor and Magistracy of this Colony having no especiall regard
to those of the Convencon at Albany but what shall be in subordinacon to the authority & power
before mcnconed.
That the Honble Governor &c would please to take into their consideracon what numbers of men
may be requisite for maintaining that post, how long to remaine there, and ye method of defraying
that charge.
If Boston or Massachusets Colony ought not to be consulted herein, and what may be expected
on their part.




44                    ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
Or if what immediate necessity calls for, ought not first be consulted and proper resolucons to
be made thereupon as the case requires.
And that persons be appointed forthwith, to treat wth the confederate Nacons of Indians, and
make a true state of the case between us, to corroborate and influence them in their perseverance
against the French and Indian Enemyes by the usuall manner of presents and such other modes as are
most apt and suitable for securing Post &c.                         JOHANNES VERMELYE,
Dated in New Haven                                                BENJAin BLAGGE,
February 24, 1689.                                                JACOB MILBORNE.
SEC'Y ALLYN'S ANSWER TO THE ABOVE.
GENTn-In answer to your paper of proposalls we say that Or sending of Captn Bull and the souldiers under his Command to Albany was occasioned by Capt Leisler's declaring he could not, as matters
were then circumstanced, afoard them reliefe, and the people there with the five nations, earnestly
requesting it of vs, & or neighbours the Comrs of the United Collynys aduising vs~to it & assisting
us therein, was for the better Securing of the place and those parts for there Maties interest, & preseruation of his subjects there against the French & papists & other his Maties Enymies that might Inuade
or attack them
That being then ignorant of any factions or divisions among the Inhabitants there or between New
Yorke and them (the contrary whereof) we understand now by your discours to our sorrow, for prevention of further mischeife, we doe not think or Selves farther impowered at present then earnestly to
intreat & heartily to aduise, that the Hond Captaine Leisler and the Government at New Yorke in
present power would take the most likely, hopefull and peaceable measures for a right understanding
between themselves and the Albanians, for the Safety of the place & people there, least the contrary
proue totally destructive to them, as it did at Shenegdege, and considering those at Albany in present
power, are persons well acquainted with the manners of the fiue Nations, and greatly interested in
them, We aduise that as little alteration or interruption be giuen to those in authority there as
may be, yea we could wish that if it be thought meet, that onely such as papists (if any there be)
be the onely persons remoued out of the government, for should the fiue nations be disgusted at
it, it may proue inconvenient and deeply prejudicial to the publique peace of his Maties Subjects
in this Country. We desire you to send up your 120 souldiers to Albany that you say are ready
for thaf seruice, for our occasions are such, that we must of necessity call or souldiers home speadily
-as to the number of Men that shall be necessary for the defence of Albany, it is not proper for
us to determine; yourselves, when you haue considered the danger that may be &c. You will be
able-best to deside that Case & [it] lyes in your prouince to doe it, not ours
As to the Massachusetts aduice in this momentous case, we are free it may be taken, but it is
your worke to obtayne it. We in what is aboue glue you or aduice in refference to these matters,
which at prsent may be sufficient. As to the Treaty with the flue nations & a further present to
be bestowed upon them, for orSelves, we haue so lately way moued towards them, that or opinion is,
that it is not convenient for vs to appeare in it, but if yourselves see reason to do something that
way for your owne accot being not concerned in the former, we leaue to your wisdomes to act therein,
according to ye order & instructions in the Kings letter. We pray the God of peace to direct you
& vs into councells of peace, that or liues and liberties & the protestant religion, which is and ought
to be most deare to vs, may not become a pray to or French & pagan Enemies.
Dated in New'Hauen                       pr order of the Governour & councell present
Feb 23. 1689     S                                       Signed   JOHN ALLYN Sec.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                   45
POSTSCRIPT. Gentn hauing seen his Maties letters, in your hands, we do not see but the Albanians
may find sufficient reason to comply with you in the same, when they shall receive due information
therein.                                              pr order                J. A. S.
These for the Gentn Commissionated by Capt Leisler
of New Yorke Comander in Chiefe.
THE Lt GOV. & COUNCIL OF N. YORK TO THE GOV. OF CONNECTICUT.
By the Lievt Governor & Council} &c
Whereas Mr Johannes Virmiley Benjamin Blagg & Jacob Millborne were Impowered to treat with
the Governor & the rest of the Gentlemen in authority within his Maties collony of Connecticutt and
the Sd persones having been with them & made proposalls (which we have seen) for his Maties interest
& the safety of those provinces which have not been either friendly neighborly or duly answered, but
to the contrary with coldness contempt & disdaine and further that the sd Governor & magistrates
have abetted encouraged & encreased the rebellion of a certain number of people at Albany within this
province by ordering their forces sent thither to observe the directione of the sd rebells named a conventione & will not redress us (although it was desired) by an order to forbidd their further proceedings As also that wee are well assured the same is supported more especially by John Allan
Secretary of that Collony who hath conjoyned with sir Edmond Andross & his wicked Councill in
August 1688 most traitorously to levy sumes of money upon his Maties Liege subjects by an
arbitrary & illegal Commissione from the late King James & other aggrievances to our great prejudice
& the confusione as well as contempt of his Maties government in this province. wee the Lievt
Governor & Councill doe hereby declare the sd Governor & magistrates of Connecticatt aforesd to
be encouragers abetters aiders & upholders of the sd rebellione & disobedience, and unless they immediately controull the sd orders, to observe the sd Conventione, those forces so belonging to them at
Albany shall be esteemed & deemed enimies unto the peace of our Sov. Lord the King & the welfare
of the province which are to be treated accordingly And that wee doe expect the sd John Allan shall
be secured in order to be proceeded against for his traitorous offence which we doe hereby engage to
make out & evince whenever the Governor & magistracy of Connecticott shall advertise us having
herewith sent a coppy of his fact committed dated at ffort william in New york March first 1689 & in
the second year of his Maties Reigne.
A speedy answer hereof is expected before the ship departs this now lying in yor Province not ours
Superscribed To                                  By order of the Governor & Councill
The Honble Robert Treat Governr of Connecticutt                JACOB MILBORNE C1. Conc.
* THE GOV. & COUNCIL OF CONNECTICUT TO THE LT. GOV. AND COUNCIL OF NEW YORK IN
ANSWER TO THE PRECEDING.
Hartford March 5th 1689-90
GENTLEMn"-We haue receiued & perused your angry letter, stuffed with unjust collumniateing
charges, as if we treated you att New Hauen with contempt & disdayne, as when itt was don with
all imaginable candor & amity & wth all due obseruance to his Majesties interest in these parts of
America, utterly abhorringh th ththought of abetting any Rebells & did wth all integrity of spirrit to
our greate cost and charge, send comissionrs last summerr to york and souldiers to countenance King
yVmis & the protestant interest; and when you was nott [in] a capassity as wee were informed, to




46                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
send men to Albany to defend his Majisties interest & to secure his good subjects there against the
comon Enemy, being ignorant of any diuissions att the entring uppon that designe & much urged and
solicited by the people there and the fiue nations, as well as the Comissioners of Boston and Plymouth
to afford assistance to them, wee fully informed your Comrs att New Hauen, that wee apprehend itt
most conduceable to the peace of the country and the Kings interest, that such men should be continued
in place att Albany that may best maintaine a good correspondence with the Moehauks & other fower
nations in amity with the English, which should be preferred before all annumossityes in this critticall
juncture, and aduised you all to moderation and good compliance. Gentlemn we cannott butt judge
it ingrattitude in a verry high degree to heap upp such unjust charges upon us for all our expence
of money & blood in defending the Kings subjects, and what you intend by so ill requiteing your
louing neighbours, who for fidellity and duty to our gracious soueraign King Wm our actions will
demonstrate to be no ways inferiour to our neighbours round aboute us, as to our motions att Albany,
our Comissn to Capt Bull, & our late & prsent aduise to the gentlemn of Albany will vindicate us
both before God & our King; our aduise to them hath been nott to contend, but to submitt to the
present power in the prouince of New Yorke & to unite as one man to oppose the comon enemy
As to what you charge upon Mr Allyn, you charge upon all the gentlemen of that councill, and he is
ready to answer att all times what you please to lay to his charge.
Gentlemn wee will nott now inlarge yow refleckt upon your letters to us, & then we shall need
to say no more to yow aboute it, butt remaine yowr neighbours the Gouernr & Cowncill of Connecticott
The Honord For Capt. Jacob Leishler                 Pr order.
Comander in Chiefe in New Yorke prouince                   Signed   JOHN ALLYN SecY.
Forte William, this
[From Mortgage Book I. Co. Clerk's Office, Albany]
At a Convention of ye Mayr Aldermen Commonalty Justices of ye Peace and Military officers of ye
Citty and County of Albany on ye first day of August and ye first year of ye Reign of our Souveraign Lord & Lady William & Mary King & queen of Engl: france & Ireland &c 1689
Present
Pr Schuyler Mayr           Jan Lansing                J. Beekman
Dirk Wessels Recr           Albt Ryckman             Jochim Staets
J. Wendel                   David Schuyler            Jan Abel
Lievs Van Schaick           Reynier Barentse          C. Marte gerritse
J. Bleeker                  Ev. Banker                kil: v: Renselaer
Resolved that all public affares for the Preservation of there Majts Intrest in this Citty be managed
by ye Mayr aldermen Justices of ye Peace Commission officers and assistants of this Citty and
County, untill such time as orders shall come from there most Sacred Majes William & Mary king
& queen of Engld fr: & Irland & Defenders of ye faith
Resolved since there is news of warr between England & France yt ye gentn now mett at this
Convention doe each bring a gunn with g lb of Pouder and Bale equivalent to be hung up in ye
church in ye space of three days & yt ye Traders and oyr Inhabitants be Perswaded to doe ye same
to make up ye number of 50 to be made use off upon occasion
That ye Troopers bring 200 Slabbs from ye mill of wynant gerritse to make a Point behinde David
Schuylers




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                   47
WARRANT TO FETCH LAFLEUR &c FROM SARACHTOGE.
Present.
pr Schuyler   D. Schuyler      J. Abeel      Lev. V Schaick   Evert Banker
J. Wendel     Albrt Ryckman    D Wessels     J Bleeker         Capt Sharpe
Whereas itt is thought Convenient yt at this Juncture of time the french yt live towards Sarachtoge shall be Removed from thence to Remoove all suspicion which People now have, It is therefore ye opinion of ye Justices of ye Peace of this County yt Lafleur and Villeroy & de la fortune three
frenchmen that live to ye northward of this Citty towards ye Stilwater & Sarachtoge be forthwith
brought hither and Examined, anent such Transactions of Keeping Correspondence And Conveying
letters to ye french at Canida. Yow are therefore hereby Required in his Majisties Name forthwith
to Repare to Sarachtoge and bring ye said Lafleur, Villeroy and delafortune here to Albany before his
Majisties Justices of ye Peace to be Examined & treated as ye Exigency of ye Case Shall Require
in doeing whereof this shall be ye Sufficient Warrant and all persons are hereby Required to be aiding
and assisting to yw Actum in Albany the first day of August 1689.
The 3d dito'
Lafleur, Villeroy, & Francois three french men from Sarachtoge being sent for to be examined
concerning keeping a Correspondence with them of Canida upon which was Resolved To Confine
la fleur to ye Chamber of arnout Cornelise till ye witnesses come from Sarachtoge to be further examind
And yt Villeroy stay in Toune till further order
Att a Convention &c. Albany 5th day of August 1689
Present as before
Upon a Rumor brougt to day by four Skachkook Indians that an army of French & Indians were Seen
on this Side of ye Lake, Leift Robt Sanders was sent thither wth 17 men to make Discovery, which
was found to be false
Whereas we are Informed upon oath thatt Anthony Lespinard John Van Loon Renne Poupor alias
Lafleur and Villeroy foure frenchmen have last winter endevored to entice some souldiers of his Majes
garrison of Albany to Runn away to Canida & Desert his Majts service by Professing to furnish them
with Provisions Ammunition, make them sleds shoos & all oyr necessaries for their journey, by all which
means they wholly Designed to weaken ye force of this Place, & undoubtedly by yt means of such
souldiers goeing to Canida Convey letters & keep some private Correspondence with the french there
which hath long been suspected It is therefore thought fitt by ye magistrates of ye Citty of Albany
Justices of ye Peace & militia officers of ye sd County who considering how dangerous such suspected
p'sones are in this juncture of time yt ye sd antho Lespinard John Van Loon Renne Poupard and
Villeroy be secured in his Majts fort at albany till further order and till such time The Bussinesse
can be further Inspected and Examined, actum in albany ye 5th of aug. 1689
By ord of ye Magestr: of alb Justices of ye Peace & Military officers &c
ROBERT LIVINGSTON C1k
Antho Lespinard haveing heard ye Depositions read in open court Confesses yt ye sd John Sage &
William Boyen came to him for bread and for french money to goe to Canida but advised them to ye
Contrary yt they should not goe to Canida for it was a very Poor Place & shortly after he went to
Boston
John Van Loon Confesses yt he knew somewhat of there Design but advised them not to goe,




48                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
for when he made an ax for John Sage and when he saw Wm Boyen come back again from Sarachtoge
& asked for John Sage at his house, then he see some Rogguerey in there mind and yt they had concluded
to Runn away & further yt he told majrs Baxter yt John Sage Designed to Run away
Villeroy haveing heard ye Depositions of Wm Boyen and Cornelia Vroman read in open Court said
yt John Sage Desired him to make a paire of snow shoes last winter but he Replyed had no leather,
who told him to take barke of Trees yet he Promised to make ye sd John Sage a pare but knew not
of any Design he had of running away. Item yt Will: Boyen asked him at Sarachtoge for ye snow
shoos who replyed he had no time to make them, but when he was removed to his little house he would
may be make them   Wherupon Mathys said doe not make them, who knows what ill Design they
may have may be they will Runn away & then ye will come into a Primmenary
Lafleur haveing heard ye sd Depositions Read in open Court sd yt a Souldier called John Sage spoke
to him for a canoe to goe to Canida withall last fall, and whether he could procure such a one upon
which Lafleur Replyed upon what Condition he went and whether he would get a passe ye sd Sage
answered he would get a Passe of Majr Baxter then Lafleur replyed there may be probably a Canoe
to be had, and further ye sd Sage met ye sd Lafleur a Pretty while after here in ye street in Albany who
asked Lafleur if he had been mindefull of what he had spoke to him, & whether he could not procure
or make him a slee since it was to late for a Canoe, & also whether he had Bread for him, whereupon
Lafleur said no, and whether la Sage had gott a Passe he spoke of, for without yt he would neither
help him to slee Bread nor nothing else nor not see him Passe by his house.
Item yt ye sd Wm Boyen had discourse with De Chene at his house att ye still water & yt La Sage
had sent a kitte to Dechene.
By the Justices of y6 Peace of ye Citty & County of Albaniy
A PROCLAMATION.
Whereas we are credibly informed yt diverse persones upon ye late news of ye approach of ye
french and there Indians are makeing Preparation to Transport themselfs out of this County by which
means and bad Example of such Timerous and Cowardly People others will be Discouraged to stay and
Defend there Majts Intrest in this Frontier part of ye Province, and Forasmuch there is no setled
government for ye p'sent in this Province, and that thereby it is a duty Incumbent upon us to Prevent
any Danger and Inconvenience yt might happen ye Inhabitants of our County wh may arise by suffering
men to Depart yt are able to do there Majts service if any attempt should be made wee Therefore
doe hereby Declare That no Person or Persones (except masters of sloops & Boats) being fit & able
to bear arms who have been setled or liveing in this County for these six monthes last past shall
in ye space of three monthes Presume to Depart or absent themselfs out of this County of albany
whither they are under ye Roll or List of ye Respective Captns or not without a Passe from one Justice
of ye Peace of this County upon ye Penalty to be Esteemed Pursued & followed after as fugitives
Cowards Runnaways & Vagabonds, & as such to be Prosecuted by ye utmost Severity of ye Law,
& yt all People take notice thereof accordingly, given at ye Cetty hall of Albany ye 7th day of
august 1689 in ye first year of there Majts ReignThe 10th day of august 1689
A Peticon of ye wife of Villeray Delivered to ye Court whereby she Prays yt her husband may be
released from his Confinemt or at least to be sett free upon security to answer when he shall be called
for          who being brougt before ye Court Insists much for his Releasement & Tenders P van
wriaglum & Dirk vanderheyden for his security
The Court doe accept of ye sd Securities and that they give Bonde of one hundred Pounds yt
Villeray shall be forthcomeing when Demanded




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  49
The 13th day of august 1689
A Peticon of Antho Lespinard Jan Van Loon and Lafleur being read whereby they request that there
Bussiness may be inspected into & examind that they may make there Defence & so be cleard if Innocent
Else Punished if guilty.
Upon which it was considered by ye Magistrates Justices of the Peace Commission officers & Common
Council yt ye sd Three Prisoners be bayled out of ye fort giving security each one hundred Pounds
to answer when they shall be called, Provided they doe not goe above ye Citty of albany til such
time ye Case be Decided
At a Convention &c albany ye 21 of august 1689
Present
P. Schuyler Mayr    J Bleeker     albt Ryckman      Is: Verplank   Capt Jochim Statets
D. Wessells Recordr J Lansing     Reynier Barentse  Joh. Beekman   Rt Sanders
J Wendel            Dav. Schuyler  Ev. Banker       J Mingael
Resolved to acquaint ye Inhabitants of ye County ye news yt we received of Col Pynchen
That Pemmaquid was taken by ye Indians and french 45 People kild & Taken-also that there should
be a ship be come to Quebek of ye french with news of wars Between Engld & france & therefore
nothing can be Expected but yt ye french will doe all ye mischieffe they can to this governmt &
therefore every one to be upon there guarde & take care they be not surprized
Mr. Wessells and Reynier Barentse were Desyned to Communicate this to the farmers of kinderhook
& Claverack-Capt Wendel & John Lansing the People above-Richd Pretty & Evert Banker at
Skenechtady & Canastagiorne.
The 24th day of august 1689
Resolved that ye Inhabitants of ye County be Informed of ye alarm which was last night at ye green
Bush occasioned by some Malitious Persones fyreing of severall gunns wth Baale throw ye Door and
house of John Witment which was done by letters accordingly
The 28th of august 1689
Resolved yt Barent Gerritse of Bethlehem who is suspected to have a hand in ye late disturbance yt
was at Green Bush, or leat Privy to it yt he give 50.~ security to answer when he shall be called
for to be Examined about yt Bussinesse
ANSWER OF THE MAGISTRATES AND JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
TO THE ONNONDAGE AMBASSADOR WHO IS SENT FROM THE ONNONDAGES WITH THE NEWS FROM CANADA.
[Translation.]
Albany, ye 28 Augusti 1689.
1. We heartily thank the Brethren for the news they send us from Canada, though we have received
the news by the Islands of the great victory the English obtained over the French in burning and
sinking sixteen big ships and capturing 12 others, each ship being of 60 guns and 400 men; which
captured ships the English convey home as you do your prisoners; and therefore our vessels are so
long delayed coming because they meet french men of war and fight with them.
2. We lament the death of the brave warriors who were slain in the last battle with the french
above mont Royall but rejoice at the great victory gained by you over them, which we recommend
you to follow up and not be imposed on by the idle and nonsensical speeches of the Governor of
Canada and not to trust any of his ambassadors, for you have experienced his falsehood when he
kidnapped so many of your warriors, and promised last harvest to Canadgegai that they should return
in summer; but we hear that 5 ships have come but do not hear of one Indian in them.
VOL. II.                               7




50                    ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
3. We hope the Brothers will follow up their victory without delay as we perceive the Governor
of Canada is now in distress, and would be very glad that you should now make some delay, that he
may ship his bait again to cheat the Brothers. Have therefore a keen open eye on the motions of the
French and warn us, as we shall warn you; and we hope to see within 30 or 40 days some of the
Sachems and Chief Warriors here whose feet shall be well greased.
Pr order               RoBt LIVINGSTON.
The first day of Sepr 1689
Harme Janse Van Bommel brings news yt our Indians have taken 5 Praying Canida Indians upon
ye Lake who were bound hither to doe mischeeffe, & yt severall french were seen upon ye Lake
Upon which Capt wendel & 6 men were ordered to goe to Sarachtoge to examine sd 5 Indians
& to make enquiry of affares there.
Att a Meeting of the Mayr Aldermen and Justices of ye Peace of ye Citty and
County of Albany ye 2d Day of Sept Ao 1689
Present
P. Schuyler Mayr      John Wendel        Albt Ryckman        Kilian Van Rensselaer
Dirk Wessels Recdr    Jan Janse Bleeker  David Schuyler      C. Marte Gerritse
The Maquase Desyre by arnouts Letter that the Magistrates of Albany and Shinnechtady would be
pleased to assist them with Two or three pare of horses & 5 or 6 men to Ride the heaviest Stockadoes
for there new Castle of Tionondage which they remove an English mile higher up & they will pay
for it in due time
Which Request ye Court are willing to Comply withall to shew there, good Inclination and true
friendship they bear to ye sd nation have Consented that three pare of horses & six men goe thither
Vizt of ye Troopers Jacob Lockermans of Capt Bleekers Company Dirk albertse Bradt & Wm
hendrickse who did voluntarily p'sent there service
The Patroon a horse                         Capt Gerritse a horse
Off Capt Wendells Compy hendrick gerritse & Cornelis Slingerlant; & hans Cross wth 2 horses.
Albany ye 3d of Sept 1689
Resolved by ye Civill & Military officers of ye Citty & County yt ye Bastions & Curtaines about
the Citty be made & Repaired with al speed by ye Several Divisions of ye Companies & yt ye gates
be Repaired;
And yt To morrow there be a full Convention
Att a Convention &c at ye Citty Hall ye 4th day of Septembr in ye First year of ye Reign of
our Souveraign Lord and Lady King William and Queen Mary of Engl France & Ireland
&a Defenders of ye Faith Ao 1689.
Present
P. Schuyler Mayr             Albt Ryckman               Dirk Teunise 
Dirk Wessels Recdr            oh: Abeel                 Capt Mar. Gerritse  Justices
Capt John Wendel             Evert Banker.         Capt Sander glen 
Capt Jan Janse Bleeker      Isak Verplank  A  stents    Lieut Evert d Ridder
Jan Lansing                  Joh: Beekman               Lieut Jan van Eps
David Schuyler               Capt Gerrit Teunise        Ens. Joh: Sanders
Resolved Since there is such Eminent Danger Threatened by ye French of Canida and there Praying
Indians to come into this County to kill and Destroy there Majes Subjects that there be Immediately
An Express sent doune to Capt Leysler and ye Rest of ye Militia officers of ye Citty and County of




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                   51
New Yorke for assistance of one hundred men or more for ye secureing of there Majes Fort and ye
out Plantations of this County as also a Recruite of six hundred weight of Pouder and foure hundred
Bale Vizt 200 Two Pounders and 200 four Pounders with some match & one hundred hand granadoes
out of there Majee Stores and Two hundred Pounds out of there Majes Revenue which we understand
is dayly collected by them for to employ ye Maquase and oyr Indians in there Majcs service for ye
Securing ye frontier Parts of this County from any Incursions of sd Indians or French.
Resolved yt ye floor of ye Stone Point in ye fort be Raised with new Planks and Timber and ye
Portholes altered & made fitt for Defence.
Upon ye news yt three People should be kild at Bartel Vromans at Sarachtoge by ye Indians
Resolved by ye Convention yt Leift Jochim Staets forwith goe with ten men to Sarachtoge to see
how ye matter is, & bring us an accompt with ye first & yt he Cito send a Post hither with ye tideings.
Resolved by ye Convention yt Robt Sanders & Eghbert Teunise forthwith goe to Sarachtoge to lye
there till further order, whither any mischeefe be done there or nott, & yt they goe themselfs with sd
Indians to Sarachtoge where Lcift Jochim Staets will stay there Comeing & if Eghbert be not at ye
farm yt he take any or whom he shall think Convenient.
Resolved that there be 400 Stockadoes Rid for the Citty, to be sett up in ye Room of ye old Stockadoes & yt ye Troopers bring  100     Capt Blekers Come  160      Capt Wendels   160
And sett them up according to ye Division.
Major Savage Capt Belsher & Capt Jonathan Bull agents for ye 3 Collonies of n: England Desyre
yt this Convention would Depute three or foure Gentn to have a Conference with them whatwill
be Requisite to Propose to ye Indians
Resolved yt ye Mayr Recordr Capt Wendel Capt Bleeker Capt gerritse & Mr. Livingston doe meet
ye gentn this afternoon & advise them in yt matter
Resolved that there be a fort made about ye house of Bartel Vroman at Sarachtoge & Twelve
men Raised out of ye Two Companies of ye Citty & 2 Companies of ye County to Lye there upon pay
who are to have 12d a day besides Provisions and some Indians of Skachkook to be there with them
to goe out as skouts in yt Part of ye County.
Resolved that ye fort at ye halfmoon about ye house & barne of harme Lievese be Removed to a
more convenient Place & ye Mayor & Mr Evert Banker to goe thither & see it effected.
Resolved that there be a fort made at Paepsknee in ye most Convenient Place, & yt Melgert abrah:
Claes van Petten marte Cornelis gerrit gysbertsen & ye Inhabitants of Paepsknee make ye same for
there security to retreat into upon occasion & that albt Ryckman & John Beekman see it effected.
Resolved that there be a fort made at Betlehem in the most Convenient Place, and yt the inhabitants of Betlehem make ye same for there oune security to Retreat unto upon occasion, & albert Ryckman Justice of ye Peace & Johannes Beekman to see it done.
Resolved that Capt. Gerrit Teunise and ye Commission officers of his Company doe order a fort to
be made att ye Groot Stuk and one at Pompoenik where it shall be thougt most convenient since
ye fort about ye Barn of Lawrence van ale is judged Dangerous except ye Bergh with Corn be removed all which is for ye Peoples most security, & that ye People of Patcook doe make there Retreat
to Johannes Bensings upon occasion & what ye sd Capt and officers shall doe herein ye Inhabitants
there are to submitt too upon there Perrills
Understanding by ye Commission officers of Schennectady that there is no settlement there how or
what way they are to Behave themselfs if ye enemy should come, since they cannot agree amongst
themSelvs in yt particular.
Resolved that Mr Dirk Wessells and Capt Johannes wendel Justices of ye Peace goe thither &
Conveen ye Company together & consult what measures they are to take upon occasion if an enemy




52                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
should come, to ye end there may be unity in such extremityes, & ye Inhabitants there are ordered to
submitt to what ye sd gentn & ye head officers of there Toune shall Conclude upon, upon there oun
Perrill
Resolved since we have Recd Certain Information of some Praying Canida Indians lately taken
by our Maquase that ye french Design to send out there Indians and french to kill and Destroy there
Majts Subjects of this County that Dirk Teunise Esqr one of there Majts Justices of the Peace goe to
ye County of Ulster for ye assistance of 25 or 30 men to be Ready upon occasion if any attaque or
Incursion should be made on ye frontiers of this County for to secure & defend there Majts Interest
here who is Impowered to discourse with ye Civill and Military officers of yt County about ye p'mises.
Att a Convention &c. 11th Sept. 1689
Present
P. Schuyler Mayr            Capt Bleeker          Kilion van Renselaer
D. Wessells Recdr           Capt gerrit Teunise   Leift Jochem Staets
Capt Wendel                 Levinus Van Shaik     Leift Robt Sanders
List of men who have taken service to serve there Majte & ye Countrey upon the frontiers of there
majts County of Albany who are to have 12d pr diem and Provisions except Claes Rust who is to have
ye Command & is to have 18d pr diem who had Instructions given him accordingly.
of Capt Wendel Compe   Claes Rust        of Capt g: Teunise Compe Joh: gerritse Van Vechten
gerrit Luy kasse                         Teunise une dirkse Van Vechten
Jellis funda                              Lambt Jochimes
of Capt Bleekers Compe Johannes Rutgers                         Manuel Cansalis
Rutger Teunise      off Capt gerritse Compe Johannes Janse ouderkirk
of ye Troop    -    - Frank Salisbury                           Joseph Janse
By ye Mayor aldermen and Commonality of ye Citty of Albany and ye
Justices of ye Peace of ye County aforesaid
Whereas the selling and giving of strong Drink to ye Indians at this present juncture is founde
by Experience Extream Dangerous insomuch yt diverse Inhabitants at Shennectady and Elsewhere
have made there Complaint that there is no living if ye Indians be not kept from Drinke, Wee doe
therefore hereby strikly Prohibite & forbid in the name of King William & queen Mary yt no Inhabitants of the Citty and County of Albany doe sell or give any Rom Brandy Strong Liquor or Beer
to any Indian or Indians upon any pretence whatsoever upon ye Penalty of Two monthes Imprisonement without Baile or main prise & moreover a fine of five Pounds toties quoties, ye Prooffe hereof to
be made as is Incerted in ye Proclamation Prohibiting ye Selling of Strong Drink dated ye 21th day
of May 1689 which is by Proof or Purgation by oath, always Provided yt it shall and may be in ye
Power of ye Mayor aldermen & Commonality of ye sd Citty if they see cause to give any smal
quality of Rom to any Sachims who come here about Publick Bussinesse any Prohibition abovesd in
any manner notwithstanding, given att ye Citty hall of Albany ye 12th day of Septembr 1689
pr Ordr            ROBT LIVINGSTON Clk.
Att a Convention &c. Sept 17th 1689
Present, all the members heretofore mentioned.
The Messenger Johannes Beeker who was sent Expresse to N: Yorke with a letter to Capt Leyslei
and ye Rest of ye Military officers of ye Citty & County of N: Yorke according to ye Resolution of
this Convention ye4th of this Instant being Returned was sent for and asked whither he had Delivered
y8 Letter as it was Directed and if he had Received any answer from sd Leysler to ye gentn that had




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                   53
sent him who answered that he had delivered ye Letter to Capt. Leysler but had no letter in answer
but thatt Directed to Capt Wendel and Capt Bleeker and yt he further heard Capt. Leysler say, yt
he had nothing to doe wth ye Civill Power he was a Souldier and would write to a Souldier.
Resolved since Capt Leysler and ye Military officers of ye Citty and County of N: Yorke have
not been Pleased to Return ye Least answer to ye Convention upon there Letter and Resolve of ye 4th
Instant but sent a Letter to Capt wendel & Capt Bleeker signed by Leysler alone which is openly
Read, ye Purport of which Cheeffly tends to Desyre them to Induce the Common People to send
Two men to assist them in there Committe, an advise them further yt he sends them 40 lb match
out of there Majts Stores and Two hundred lb of Pouder belonging to ye merchants of albany  Item
4 small Gunns, but as for money they Receive none, neither is itt in there Power to Command any
of there Militia for our assistance alledgeing yt ye great slight there People Recsd when here Deprives
them to oblige Volunteers, Insisting again for ye Sending doune of Committes to consult wth them
and shal then according to there Capacities Resolve for ye Publick good.
That some oyr methods may be used for ye Procureing of men if Possible from N: England or Elsewhere for ye Defence of there Majts Intrest in this County, and if Christians cannot be procured yt some
Indians may be gott wth al speed.
Ordered yt Robt Sanders use his hiEndeavor to procure the Indians of ye Long ReachWawyachtenok and Sopus to come here to lye out as skouts upon ye borders of this County & yt he have
Letters of Recommendation to ye Justices of ye Peace of ye County of Ulster to assist him in Perswading of sd Indians
Ordered yt ye assistants of ye Respective wardes & ye Military officers of ye County goe about &
see what ye Inhabitants will be willing to advance for ye Raiseing of some men for ye Defence of this
County against ye french, and are sent with this following Proposall,
PROPOSALL TO yE COMMONALITY for ye maintaining and paying of  men in this juncture of time
for our Defence against y french, since by the Present Revolutions we can expect no releef for or
assistance from our neighbours according to there letters sent hither, which Charge will be Represented by this Convention to ye govr whom there Majts will be Pleased to send; that sd men may be pd
out of ye Public Revenues of ye Countrey being for ye Preservation of there Majts Intrest in these
parts, oyrwise that it will be paid by a generall Tax out of ye whole County  To ye maintaining which
men these following persons subscribe vizt
P. Schuyler Mayr............... 15: 0    Isak Verplank..............    3: 0
Kil: van Renselaer...1.......  15: 0       Johannes Beekman..........    4: 0
gabriel Thompson...........   10: 0        Johannes Thomase..............  2: 0
Marte gerritse............... 10: 0       Evert d Ridder..............   3: 0
Dirk  essels...................  6: 0     Reynier Barents..............  6: 0
Jan Lansing.................  12: 0        Jan Janse Bleeker.........    6: 0
Joh: wendel................ 12: 0          abraham Cuyler..............  3:
L. v Schaick................. 10: 0        harme Rutgers.............    3:
Albt Ryckman...............    6: 0        antho Bratt...................  0:
Robt Sanders...............    6: 0        Annetje Lievens..........  15:
Robt Livingston......... 50: 0            Margt Schuyler..........   20:
Johannes abeel...........       6: 0        Catharina Glen.........      4:
Gert Teunise.................  5: 0        Myndt harmense.............    6:
David Schuyler..............   6: 0        Elisabeth Van Tricht..........  3
Jochim Staets..............   5: 0         Jannetje Gerritse............ 10:
Evert Banker................   5: 0        Jan Rosie...................   0:




54                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
Jan Becker..................   2:          Cobus Janse..............:12
Jacob Staets.................  5:         Catharina van dr Poel.......... 3:
Gerrit Banker...............  18:         antho van Shaik...             4:
Hend: van Ness........... 2:
292:          P. Lockermans................:14
SECOND WARD.                    Teunise d metselaer............ 3:
Johannes Cuyler.............  3:12        And. hanse..................   1:
Johannes appel...............  3:          Jan Ouderkerk................:12
Jeronimus wendel............  4:           Harme Lieverse........... 1:
P. Davidtse.................  2: 0        Jan  van ness.................  1:
Hend: Bries................   3:          Barent Bratt............ 0:
Jacob abrahamse.............  2:           Geurt hendrickse..............:12
Evert wendel................  3:       Roeloff gerritse................: 6
Phil: wendel.......        1:          William Ketelheyn........      2:
arent Schuyler...............  6:         gert Lansing as well as his brothers 0:
Jacobus Turk...............     1:10
Johannes Rooseboom..........  2: 6                                     ~26:18
The farmers belonging to Capt gert. Teunisens
31: 8    Compe
THIRD WARD                     Cornelis Stevense..............~ 2:
Dirk Bensing..              1:10        Lieve winne..................  1:
Bennony van Corlaer.......... 3:10         Volkert van hoesen............  1:
Jacob Meese.................   1:         Matthys Janse................  1:
Jacob Voss...................:10     Jan hendrikse.                 1:
Myndt Frederickse............:10       bans Juriaense................  1:
Johannes van Sante............  1:         Jacob van hoesen.1:...-        Luykas Janse.                   1
~8: 
The farmers belonging to Capt Marten Gerritse                              ~9:
Compe
Melgert abrahamse.............: 8         C: gerritsens Compe.......... 26:18
Claes van  Petten..............  2:        3d ward....................   8:
gerrit gysbertse...............  1:       2d ward................. 31: 8
Dorite Janse..................  1: 4       1st ward & Convention........ 292:
geertruy Janse................  1: 4
Cornelis Teunise.............. 1:                                   ~367: 6
Att a Convention &c. 23d day Septembr 1689
Present
P. Schuyler Mayr       Liv: van Schaik             C. gert Teunise
Dirk Wessels Recdr     albt Ryckman                Leift Job: Bensem
J. Wendel              Job: Abeel                  Leift Rob: Sanders
J. Bleeker             Ev. Banker                  Lieft. Ev.d Ridder
Jan Lansing             Capt Marten gerritsen      V: gabr: Thomson
The Schedule or List of ye Burgers & farmers names who subscribed for ye Contribution of
money for ye Raiseing of men for our assistance being summd up amounts to ye somme of ~367:6




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 55
and therefore not half Eneugh for ye Procureing of one hundred men wh is judged Requisite to
acquaint ye Commonality withall: So yt oyr means must be used to Procure men, doe therefore Mortifye & make null & void ye aforesaid subscriptions thanking ye People who had signed for there
good Inclination. It is therefore
Resolved since no assistance can be expected from N: Yorke nor money raised here to Procure
men to write to ye governr and Convention of Boston for ye assistance of one hundred men-and
also to governr and genll assembly off Connetticut for ye assistance of ye like number of men to
lye in garrison here this winter to secure there Majts Fort and ye frontiers of this county against ye
french or there Praying Indians which Letters are written accordingly
Whereas it is thougt Convenient by ye Convention of Civill and Military officers of ye Citty
and County of Albany yt all Possible endeavors be used to Procure ye Indians of ye Long Reach
Wawijachtenock & Sopus to come here & Lye out as skouts upon ye borders of this County to prevent
any Incursions yt might be made by ye Indians of Canida and Robert Sanders Lieft of one of ye
Train bande Companies of this Citty being thought a fitt p'son to Procure ye same, he is therefore
hereby Impowered & authorized to use his Endevors in effecting ye same, & ye gentlemen of our
neighbouring County of Ulster are earnestly desyred & Intreated to be aideing & assisting to him in
sd bussinesse itt being for ye Preservation of there Majts king Wm & queen Maryes Interest in these
parts Actum in albany ye 27th of Sepr 1689
Att a Convention &c. Albany Oct. 24th 1689
Present
P. Schuyler Mayr        Claes Ripse                En: Job: Sanders
Joh: Wendel             Ev. Banker                 Leift Jochim Staets
albt Ryckman           Capt Marten gerritsen       Capt Sharpe
David Schuyler         C: Sanders glenn            gert Ryerse
Eghbert Teunise        L: Jan van Eps
The Convention being mett to consider ye Contents of a Letter sent by ye govr of Boston in ye
name and by Consent of ye Councill and Representatives wherein they signify there sence of ye feares
and Dangers we Lye in of Incursions by ye french and French Indians & ye need we stand in of
some forces to be sent for ye enforcing of our garrison wh they would be willing to afford from thence,
but there posent Circumstances of things haveing so many men out against ye Common Enemy to ye
Eastward, besides ye great Distance from hence, yt they cannot doe what they would in that Regard,
but have written to ye govr and Councill of Connetticutt Earnestly Pressing them to Provide one
hundred men (if they can so many) or what they can for our present Relieffe, & yt Capt Bull be
desyred to take the Command of them; and that they had writt to ye Govr and Councill of Plymouth
that they would enforce the same motion-by there Letter to Connetticut, yt it may be sent by ye
joynt Concurrence of all ye Collonies.
Robert Treat Esqr Govr of Conetticut doth answer our Letter sent him by Capt Bull which he had
Communicated to ye genll assembly that there Court had taken our condition into there serious Consideration, and have Resolved to send us about eighty souldiers with there officers as soon as they
can effect it, and are endeavoring to Procure Capt Bull to be there Capt but hope and Expect yt we
will pay ye Commission officers there wages, They being at so great a charge about ye warrs with ye
Eastern Indians and oyrwise by Losses throug great sicknesse and mortality in there harvest season
-yet they think strange thatt none of our oun neighbouring Counties should Releave us which lye so
farn before them wth lesse charge & difficulty then they can Reach, & therefore think it so Reasonable
a Request on there Parts unto us to take off some Part of there wages, there expenses being so great




56                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
among themselfs, & Cannot raise men for such service at p'sent with great Difficulty & waite our
Complyance herewith.
Vpon which this following was resolved Capt Sander Glenn Leift Jan van Eps Ens: Johannes
Sanders glen, and Sweer Teunise doe vote in ye Behalfe of ye Toune of Shinnechtady yt ye men may
be sent for from Canetticut and that they will bear there Proportiones of ye Cherge of ye officers
there wages and maintain them accordingly, Provided they be under Command and obey such
orders and Instructions as they shall Receive from time to time from ye Convention of this Citty and
County and in ye time of there not sitting to ye Mayr & aldermen of this citty. It is ye opinion of
ye Convention yt ye 8 men still at Sarachtoge doe Remain ther til further order.
At a Convention &c. Oct. 25. 1689.
Present as before.
It is Thougt Convenient that all there Majts Justices of ye Peace & Commission officers doe take
ye oath of allegiance to there Majes William & Mary king and Queen of England France & Ireland
&a Defenders of ye faith and accordingly
pr Schuyler mayr & Justice of ye Peace did take ye oath of fidelity before Dirk wessells Recorder
& Justice of the Peace
And these following Persons took ye oath of fidelity to there Majes before pr Schuyler mayr vizt
Dirk wessells Recordr Capt Gerrit Teunise Capt: Marte Gerritse Leift: Robt: Sanders Ens gabriel
Thompson kilian van Renselaer Claes Ripse Van Dam David Schuyler Robt: Livingston Leift Jochim
Staets: Johannes appel Constable & pr Boss Constable
Dirk Wessells Jan Janse Bleeker and Dirk Teunise Justices of the Peace haveing been at Sopus for ye
behalfe of this County to Desyre assistance, and accordingly made there application to Majr Chambers
ye third time, who gave his warrant to ye Commission officers to collect the votes of ye Inhabitants
concerning ye sending up of men upon accasion for ye assistance of ye People of alb. upon which ye
return was by Capt Beekman of ye horse, That all his men were willing but Two  Capt Matthys that
all his Company was willing, Capt Garten that he himself and all his Comp: were Ready but Capt
Paling had not brought in his return
The sd Justices did Insist with ye Majr of yt County that ye men might be Prikt yt were to come
upon occasion of allarm, that they might ye more Depend thereupon, who ordered yt ye Court marshall
should meet ye 25 of october to effect that Bussinesse
Resolved that the men that are at Sarachtoge be sent for doune and that seven souldiers out of there
majts fort with Claes Rust and Dick albertse Bradt be sent thither to lye there as skouts on yt part
of ye County.
Resolved yt Capt kilian Van Renselaer & Capt gert Teunise be deputed to goe to ye Govr and
Councill of Connetticut and to Return our hearty Thanks for there kinde Letter of ye 15th Instant
wherein they signify yt they will send about 80 men besides officers for our Releefe Expecting yt
we will pay ye Commission officers there wages who are to be commissionated to treat wth ye sd govr
and Councill about ye officers wages since this county hath had such excessive Charges without ye least
assistance & to accept of ye men by them Proferd & to Dispatch them hither wth all speed who
are to lye in garrison here this winter.
Whereas we are informed that diverse persons envying ye Peace wellfare and tranquility of
ye Inabitants of this City & County have Endeavored to Raise diverse false aspersions and jealousies
as if some Inhabitants here should have greater affection to ye late Popish king James Stuart then
to our endeared Souvraign Lord & Lady king William & Queen Mary whom God almighty through
his great mercy hath been pleased to call to ye Throne & to rule over us; but to avoid all such
Jealousies thogh we are very well assured that few or none in our Posts but doe abhor and Detest all




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  57
Popery and what tends thereunto but on ye Contrarie will with all Cherfullnesse & readinesse abide
ye oath of allegiance to there sd Mats as all ye members of ye sd Convention have already done
It is therefore thought Convenient by ye sd.Convention thogh for ye present there be no Commission from there Majts to administer ye sd oath that ye Inhabitants of ye Citty & County of
Albany & souldiers of there Majts fort doe all take ye oath of Allegiance to there Majts king William
& queen Mary on or before the last day of octobr next ensuing, and ye Aldermen in there wards
are ordered to administer sd oath who will be founde at there respective houses on ye-forenoon & ye
justices in ye out plantations to administer the same to them that live there, all who are to make
Return thereof to ye office of ye Citty & County who names are to be recorded accordingly.
By order of ye Convention     ROBT LIVINGSTON
The 25th of octob 1689
Resolved yt Dirk Wessells John Wendell Jan Janse Bleeker David Shuyler & albert Ryckman,
Justices of ye Peace doe repare to there Majts fort and administer to ye Souldiers the oath of
fidelity to there Majts William & Mary king & queen of Engld &c. who accordingly with all Cher- 
fulnesse & Readinesse took ye same (as they were drawn up in ye fort in arms by Levt Sharpe who
took his oath ye 19th of octob last in ye full Convention) a list whereof follows
Charles Rogers      Sergts     Robt Farrington             These were not present
Christoph: Barnsford           Ralph Graunt                  being at ye halfmoon
John holman    )               Wm Haaton                   Tobyas henderson
John gilbert    CorprB         Wm hather                   James Larmond
John Thompson)                 Sephen hooper               Wm Powel
Wm Shaw meatros [gunner]      Wm Rogers                    James willet
Tho. Rodgers Drumr             John Radecliffe
gert arentse                   Richd Tunnell               Tho. Shaver Refuses [to]
Robt Barnet                   Elias Van Ravesteyn           take ye oath
John Carter                   Ricd white
John Douglas                  Ricd wilson                  Memorandum ye 10 of Nov.
John Denny                    Jos. Yetts                    ye abovesd men Took all ye
Wm Ellis                      Tho: wakefield                oath of allegiance
It is unanimously Resolved yt Leift Thos. Sharpe who together with ye Souldiers of there Majts
garrison have taken ye oath of fidelity to there Majts William & Mary king & queen yt ye sd Leift
Sharpe shall Continue in ye Command of there Majts fort of Albany who is to obey such orders &
Instructions as he shall from time to time Receive from ye Convention of ye Citty and County of
Albany, & yt no oyr person shall have ye Command of sd fort till orders Came from there Majts
king William & queen Mary which we with Patience will waite for Since ye sd fort is kept for
there Majts use               Signed
P SCHUYLER               K V RENSELAER
JOHANNES WENDEL          Ev BANKER
JAN JANSE BLEEKER        JOH: CUYLER
DIRK TEUNISE
This Protest was sent aboard of Jochim Staets by ye Marshall inclosed in a letter to him & alderman Skaik
Resolved to write and give our hearty thanks to ye Honbl Govr & Councill and Representives
of Boston for there kinde letter of ye 10th of Octobr in writeing to ye govr & Councill of Conetticut
Pressing them to Provide one hundred men for our assistance who accordingly have granted to fur8
VOL. II.                               8




58                    ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
nish us with eighty men wth there officers hopeing & expecting Paymt for ye Commission officers &
yt Kilian Van Renselaer & Capt gerrit Teunise be sent to Conetticut to return them thanks for there
assistance and to accept of ye men and withal to Inform them of ye mean Condition of this place
and how willing we would be to pay sd officers & Souldiers too if we were in a condition to bear it.
Resolved to write to ye govr & Councill of Conetticut to thank them for there kinde letter of ye
15th of Octobr wherein they graunt to send us eighty souldiers with there officers, hopeing and expecting we will Pay ye Commission officers, & yt Capt. Renselaer and Capt. gert Teunise be Commissionated to goe thither and Return our Thanks and accept of ye 80 men & Endeuor to have them hither
with all speed, who are to submit themselfs to ye ordrs & directions of- ye Convention, & withall to
consult wth ye Govr & Councill Concerning ye Payment of ye Commission Officers.
By ye Convention of ye Civill and Military officers of ye Citty and County of Albany.
Whereas it is thought Convenient that some p'sons be Commissionate to goe to ye honble govr &
Councill of Conetticut and ye assembly if sitting to give our Cordiall thanks for there great kindnesse
in Resolueing to send eighty men with there officers for ye security of there MajtS Interest in these
Parts, and we confideing in ye Integrity and fidelity of Capt. Kilian van Renselaer & Capt. Gert
Teunise members of our Convention have Desyred and authorized them with all Convenient Speed
to goe to ye Collony of Conetticut and Signify to ye honble govr & Councill of yt Colony & to
ye assembly if sitting ye Real sence we have of there kindnesse in Sendeing these men, & to hasten
there Comeing wth all convenient Speed, as also to Discourse wth ye sd Govr Concerning ye wages
of ye Commission officers earnestly Desyreing yt ye sd Two gentn may be Reputed and Esteemed as
our agents in yt Behalfe Ratifyeing and Confirming whatever they shall act or doe about ye p'mises,
given under our hands & sealls in Albany ye 28th day of octobr in ye first year of ye Reign of our
Souveraign Lord & Lady William & Mary king & queen of Engl: &c. 1689
Signed        PIETER SCHUYLER             DIRK WESSELLS
JOHANNES WENDELL            Ev. BANKER
Att a Convention &c. Albany 28th Sept. [October] 1689
Present as before.
Resolved yt Capt. wendel & Capt. Bleeker Cause ye gates & Courtains of ye Citty to be made
& Repared according to ye Division made and there engagement who are to warn there People to
doe it upon Pain of answering whatsoever Inconveniencies that may happen by such neglect and each
of ye sd Captns had an ordr given them accordingly
Resolved yt Since Sundrey members of ye Convention have Signned a Bonde for ye Reimburseing of Robt Livingston such disbursements as he shall make for there Majts acct upon our Request
yt ye said Bonde be Recorded wh is as follows
Whereas there is at this Present juncture litle or no Revenue accrueing to there Majts in this Citty
arfd County and nevertheless diverse Charges to be paid as ye Reparations of there Majts fort
Paying of ye People that have been at Sarachtoge upon ye kings & queens acct and Diverse oyr
Public Charges and altho Robt Livingston is already Considerable in advance yett ye Convention
doe Desyre yt he further may advance upon there Majts accompt, such necessary Charges as shall
from time to time happen and because ye sd Livingston may be ye more Incouraged to Proceed,
we whose names are underwritten doe Promise & Engage yt if ye sd Livingston be not Reimbursed
such Disbursements as he shall make by ye Mayrs order one aldermen and assistant for ye Publick
acct in Six monthes after ye arrivall of a govr or orders from there now Majesties king Wm & queen
Mary yt wee will yointly & severally see him pd & Satisfyed and that he shall not sustain any Losse




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 59
or Damage by Such Disbursemts being by our Particular ordrs as witnesse our hands in albany ye
26 of octobr 1689
pr SCHUYLER            GABRIEL THOMPSON
DIRK WESSELLS          DIRK TEUNISE
CLAES RIPSE VAN DAM    ALBT RYCKMAN
DAVID SCHUYLER
Johannes van dr heyden hend: Janse & Wm Hollie took ye oath of allegiance to there Majts,
The Convention writt a letter to alderman Schayk and Lieft Staets putting them in minde of
what they had writt yesterday Concerning ye Reports of Leyslers Intentions to send up armed men
to overthrow ye government of this Citty, and that they would endevor to prevent it as they loved
ye Peace of this Citty, and withall Informed them that we hear by a Prisoner come from Canida
yt ye Indian Prisoners were come from france with ye govr of Mont Royall and yt ye govr of
Canida and diverse officers went to france, & therefore consider in what a Condition we would be
with ye Indians if a Change of Magistrates and a Subversion of ye government should at p'sent be
made.
Albany ye 29th of octobr 1689.
Present
pr Schuyler Mayr          Claes Ripse             Joh: Cuyler
Dirk wessells             David Schuyler          Eghbert Teunise
Jan Bleeker               albt Ryckman            Jan nack
Whereas there was an order made by ye Convention ye 25th Instant that ye men Lyeing at Sarachtoge be sent for and yt seven Souldiers of there Majts fort with Two oyr men be Sent there yt can
speak ye Indian Language, and being informed by Leift Sharpe yt ye Souldiers were unwilling to
goe, they were Sent for who told the Gentn that if ye Convention would engage for their Pay they
would willingly serve there Majts to whom they have Sworne fidelity in their Majts fort; But they
would all willingly goe with there officer for their Majts acct whereever he would lead them, &
if ye Convention were not satisfied with that they would all grounde there arms alleadgeing yt none
but a governr or he yt had Immediat Commission from there Majts William & Mary could Command
them out in Such Small Partyes Except they engage for their pay
Upon which it was Resolved yt Dirk albertse Bratt and another be sent thither to stay there with
Some Indians till further order.
Att a Convention &c. albany ye 4th of novembr 1689
Present
pr Schuyler mayr           Claes Ripse                 Jan nack
Dirk wessels Recordr       David Schuyler              Joh: Cuyler
Joh: wendel                albert Ryckman              Eghbert Teunise
Liv: Van Schaik            Reynier Barentse            Capt Marten gerritse Justice
Jan Bleeker                Evert Banker                Leif. Robt Sanders
Whereas ye members of ye Convention have given to Robt. Livingston a Bonde whereby they
oblige themselfs to bear ye sd Livingston harmlesse for such Disbursemts as he hath now or shall make
for ye Publike acct by our Particular ordr, That if he be not paid within Six months after ye arrivall
of a govr or orders from there now Majts King William & queen Mary, that wee will see him paid,
& if it should happen that care should not be taken for ye Reimburseing of sd Livingston, that he
should be necessitated to Demand ye sd Disbursemts of ye members of sd Convention, It is ordered
yt such p'son or p'sons so Paying Such Publike Charge be Reimbursed out of ye Publike Rates of




60                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
ye County, always Provided ye sd Charge be for ye Reparations of there Majts fort of Albany & ye
Charge of ye People yt Lay at Sarachtoge.
Livinus Van Schaik aldermen and one of ye Justices of ye Peace of this County arrived this
day from N: Yorke to whom the Resolution of this Convention of ye 26th of octobr Last was Sent,
inclosed in a letter to him and Leift Jochim Staas who were Desyred after they had Received
Information yt Capt Leysler was intended to send up a Compe of armed men to make themselfs master
of there Majts Fort of Albany and of ye Citty turn ye government of this Citty upside doune &
Disturbe ye Peace and Tranquility of there Majts King William & queen Marys Liege People, and
carry Some of ye Principle Burgers and Inhabitants of this Citty Prisoners to N: Yorke
That they should Deliver ye Protestation sent them by this Convention against Such Proceedings
Alderman Schaik haveing Received diverse Informations from Credible Persones that they had such
and such Designs Discoursed Jochim Staets telling him he thought himself obliged to Deliver ye Protest
to Leysler and ye Committee, which was sent by ye Convention of Albany upon which Jochim Staets
Replyed he knew not what to doe, They would have him Capt of yt Company that went up to
Albany which was to Lye in ye fort.
Alderman Shaik answered Mr Staets you know that would Be against ye Resolution of ye Convention of Albany who hes Put Capt Sharpe to be Commander there, whereupon Jochim Staets Replyed
they would have Sharpe out, & if I will not accept of itt they will putt in Churchill, methinks that
it is better that I accept of itt then that such a Vagabond as Churchill should have ye Command.
Upon which ye Sd alderman went in with Jochim Staets to ye Committee being ye 29th day of
octobr & Delivered ye Protest to Capt. Leysler & ye Resolution of ye Convention of Albany for Capt
Sharpe to Continue till further orders
The Said alderman Skaik askd, what answer they would give him upon ye Protest, upon which
Jacob Milborne Replyed with Consent of ye oyr Persons Conveined yt time that he would goe up to
Albany, & see the fort there better Secured.
The Said Schaik Considering ye Contents of ye Conventions Letter whereby they earnestly Desyred
advice by an Expresse if occasion Required, thought Convenient to come up himself to give ye
Convention an acct off affares not Doubting but that they were fully Resolved to Send up men hither
to Disturbe the People of Albany Since ye day before ye Protest came to his hands he himself being
in there Committee (about some Discourse thatt should have Passed on Long Island) heard Capt.
Leysler Say amongst oyr Discourse that they of albany should bring there Charter here if they had
one, & yt Leift Sharpe & Rodgers were Papists all which with severall oyr Informations he heard
while he was at N: Yorke
The Convention did Returne there hearty thanks to alderman Schaik for his Care & fidelity in
acting so Prudently in yt affaire & for Delivering ye Protest which they understand would not have
been Delivered by Jochim Staets; & Especially for his trouble that He hes been Pleased to take to
come up himself Expresse & give an acct of affares
Upon which itt was Enquired by ye Mayl of ye Convention whither there were any Person or
member of ye Convention from ye greatest officer to ye Least yt any Person had any objection
against or ye Least mistrust that they should now declare itt.
Whereupon ye Convention unanimously answered that they had nothing to object against any of ye
members of ye Convention, but that they should be and Remaine in there Respective offices and
Stations till ordrs from there most Sacred Majts William & Mary king & queen of England &c.
and that they would not Suffer that any member Should be Disturbed Displaced or Removed from
this Citty upon any Pretence whatsoever and if such a thing happened to be done by force Contrare




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.-                61
to ye Priviledge of this Citty (wch God forbid) that ye whole Convention would Resent it as done
to them all in generall & make Record of itt accordinglyItt is Resolved by this Convention to acquaint the Burgers and Inhabitants of this Citty by the
assistants of there Respective wards how yt we have Received Information from N: Yorke that there
is a Compe of men comeing up from thence, who Intend to Turn ye governmt of this Citty upside
doune, make themselfs master of ye Fort and Citty, and in no manner to be obedient to any orders
and Commands as they should Receive fromti time to Time from ye Persons now in authority in this
Citty and County, whereby great Confusion will Ensue, Especially, if ye Indians Perceive Such Divisions
amongst our Selfs, will be in Danger to be led away to ye french, & so break ye frindship which
with so much Trouble and Paynes and charge hath hitherto been Preserved by this governmt which
might tend to ye great Ruine and Destruction of there Majts Interest in these Parts which sd men
so comeing up we hear are to be paid by ye Burgers and Inhabitants of this Citty and County, which
charge would be untollerable to be born by ye Inhabitants att this Juncture of time, & not only
that charge butt by such means cause us to Contribute to what Charge they of N: Yorke have been
att Since these Revolutions, and therefore itt is thought Convenient to Convein the Burgers in the
Citty hall & there to Demand there opinion, and to answer to Some articles which will be given
them in writeing to morrow.
Att a Convention &c. Albany the 5th day of novembr 1689
Present as before
According to ye Resolution taken by ye Convention yesterday ye Burgers and Inhabitants of ye
Citty and Part of ye County were Conveined in ye Citty hall by Bell Ringing and these following
Proposalls were made & given them in writeing & Desyred to give there answer.
PROPOSEALLS mad by the Convention to ye People.   In Albany ye 5th day of novembr
1689.    Upon ye Report of men comeing from N: Yorke
1 If they be not Resolved to stand for ye Privileges of there Citty and County, and to Resist all
sons who shall endevor to Brake ye Same.
2 If they had any objection or any thing against the Magistrates or members of ye Convention
from ye Least member to ye greatest, That they now would Reveale ye Same.
3 If they were Inclined to pay ye Souldiers wages comeing from N: Yorke which we heare ye
military officers of N: Yorke have Engaged must be paid by ye Inhabitants of albany
4 If they had any mistrust of Leift Tho. Sharpe whom ye Convention have Continued in ye fort
to be under them, and if they would have one besides him to have ye Command of ye fort.
5 Since we have heard Such Strange Rumours, if it would not be Very Dangerous to Suffer ye
men comeing from New Yorke to come into ye Citty, before we have Sufficient assurance that they
come with a good Intent to assist us as neighbours, and to obey the Convention, and not to turn ye
government of ye Citty upside doune, to make themselfs master of the fort aud Citty, and to fetch
ye meanest Burger from hence; and if they Burgers would not oppose Such hostility and force.
6 If it is not Extream, Dangerous at this Juncture to make any Confusion Division or change
least ye Indians who are in Covenant with us and depend thereupon should mistrust our Integrity
and so be brought to Side with ye french
7 If they will not secure ye fort and Citty for there Majts till Such time there Majts king william
& queen mary Send orders or a governour, and that of N: yorke nor none else be admitted to be
master of ye same
8 That they ought to Consider yt ye Souldiers that lye in ye fort are no Burthen to ye Citty nor




62                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
County but kept maintained & paid upon there Majts accompt who are not only naturall born subjects
of England but have all (Except one) taken ye oath of allegeance to ye Present king & Queen
9 If they doe not owne and acknowledge ye Convention of ye Citty and County for there Lawfull
Authority till a Settlement comes, and if they them will obey as such
Upon which ye People agreed and Consented to ye sd Articles, acknowledgeing ye members
of ye Convention for there Lawfull Magistracy in there Respective offices and Places and
made this following answer Signed by forty of ye Inhabitants Principall men of ye Toune
Whereas ye Convention of albany have Propounded Some articles to ye Commonality for ye
wellfare of ye Place wee underwritten Burgers and Inhabitants of ye Citty and County of albanie
do Promise and Declare faithfully and Sincerely yt wee will uphold and Maintain to ye utmost ye
Previleges of albany, & oppose all Persones who shall Seeke to infringe ye Same.
2 That we have not ye least objection or Evill opinion of ye Magistrates or members of ye Convention, butt Promise to Obey them and assist them as faithfull Subjects are bounde to doe there
lawfull authority.
3 That we are no ways Inclined to pay ye People comeing from: N: Yorke, neither can bear
such Excessive Charge, but if they come as good neighbours & friendes shall endeavor to Treat them
Civilly with meat and Drink and Lodgeing according to our ability.
4 That ye Bussinesse Concerning ye fort is Referred to ye Convention.
51y That we unanimously judge it Dangerous to lett ye men comeing from N: Yorke come into
ye Citty till Such time ye Convention have Sufficient assurance of there sincere meaning and Intention, Since by no means we can Suffer them to Turn ye governmt of this Citty upside doune, nor that
they be masters of City or fort nor suffer ye Least Burger to be carried away, from hence or molest
them, But if they have anything to object against any of ye Burgers of this Citty, that they may enter
there action before ye Courts of this Citty & County according to law
6 That we juge a Change or Subversion of government att this jucture to be Exceeding, Dangerous in Reference to ye Treating with ye Indians, and therefore doe not understand that there now
be a Change upon any Pretence whatsoever, before yt orders comes from there Majts
7 That wee are fully Resolved with ye help of god almighty to keep & Secure ye fort and Citty
for the Behoofe of our Souveraign Lord & Lady King William & Queen Mary; and not suffer them
of N: Yorke or any Person else to Rule over ye Same, Since it will be Required att our hands
when a govr comes & not of theres.
8 That we verry well approve of ye Souldiers that have taken ye oath of fidelity doe Remain in ye
fort, & if there be occasion for more men in ye fort to Secure ye Same yt then Some of ye Burgers
or whom ye Convention shall appoint doe goe thither and no oyrs
9: & Lastly: That we doe Esteem owne and acknowlege ye Convention to be our only Lawfull
authority in this Country till such time ordrs comes from there MajtS whom we doe Relye upon for
ye good government of ye Same, Praying God to Blesse them in their undertakeings for ye wellfare
of our Country, Promiseing to assist them wherein they shall have occasion for the Preservation
of Peace and Tranquility in our Toune & to lett and hinder all p'sones who shall Stirr up Mutinie
and Sedition to Disturbe our Peace. In Testimony whereof that this is our Reall Intent & yt we
faithfully will p'form ye Same have hereunto Sett our hands in Albany ye 5th day of novembr: 1689
was signed by forty Inhabitants vizt
Jan Becker               the mark of Jan            Isaak Vr planken
H: v: Dyck             Cornelise Vyselaer           Antho Bratt
Myndert Frederikse       G W V P                    Wessel Ten Broek




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  63
Pieter D: Schuyler      Wm gysbertse                 Zakel heimstraet
Arent Schuyler          Abram Isaakse                Warner Carstense
Wm Teller               Hend: Beekman                Myndt Schuyler
Caspr Teller            Bennony Van Corlaer          Johannes Becker the younger
John harris            Johannes Thomase              Jacob meese vroman
A: Teller               J Kok                        Jacob Vanden Bogaert
Jacob Lockermans        Ands Teller junr             Gert vanness
Johannes Schuyler       Francis Salesbury            Willem ------
Hend: Rensselaer        Johannes appel               Hans Cross H-K mark
John Gilbert            Abraham Cuyler               Dirk Bratt
William hendriksen    -Jan Bleeker Junr
Att a Convention &c. Albany 7th & 8th days of Novembr 1689.
Present as before, Except C: Jan Bleeker absent, and C. Marte gerritVe & Gert Ryerse present
The matter concerning ye Better Secureing of there Majts fort of albany being taken into Consideration this following order was made thereabouts.
Whereas there is a Resolution made by ye Convention ye 26th day of octobr Last whereby Leift.
Thomas Sharpe should Continue in ye Command of there Majts fort of albany till orders comes
from there Majts William and Mary king & queen of England &c. who was to obey such orders
and Instructions as he should from time to time Receive from ye Said Convention, and whereas we
are Informed that Diverse Persones are jealous that there Majts Fort is thereby not Sufficiently
Secured but are Desyreous that another Sufficient Person shall be authorized along with said Leift
Thomas Sharpe to have ye Command thereof
It is therefore thought Convenient by this Convention Since ye winter approaches and ye Long
Expected orders from there Most Sacred Majesties not yet being come and to Prevent all jealousies
and Annimosities Concerning that affaire at this juncture of time, That Pieter Schuyler Esqr Mayr
of this Citty and one of there Majts Justices of ye Peace of this County and Leift of ye Troop be
authorized and is hereby authorized to have ye Command of there Majesties fort and ye same to
keep and maintain and Defend for ye Behooffe of there Majts William & Mary king and queen of
England france & Irland &a Defenders of ye faith, and Leift Sharpe be Leift under him who are both
to obey and Perform Such orders & Instructions as they shall from time to time Receive from ye
Convention of ye Citty & County of albany that have the greatest Intrest in ye Preservation &
Securing of sdIfort for there Majts behalfe, and yt till such time and while there Majts William &
Mary shall be pleased to send a governr or orders for ye governmt of this Province & the sd pr
Schuyler Mayr to take Possession of ye Same accordingly
N. B: Joh wendel Suspends his vote for ye p'sent as also Joh: Cuyler & J: nack.
This being Published by Bell-Ringing ye members of ye Convention went to ye Mayers house, and
told him they were come to waite upon him and Conduct him up to ye fort who being accompanied
with some of ye Principle Burgers went up and Possession of sd fort after ye usuall Ceremonies was
Delivered, & ye sd Mayr with all chcerfullness Received by ye officers and souldiers of there Majes
garrison.
Att a Convention &c. Albany 9th day of Novembr 1689
Present as before, Except, Mayr & Leif. van Schaik absent.
The Members of ye Convention that were in Toune did meet Together att ye Citty hall upon the
news that there were three Sloops in Sight whereof one had ye king Jack aboard, and hereing that
there were a Compe of Souldiers come by there beating of ye Drum, foure of ye Convention to witt




64                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
Capt wendel Capt. Bleeker Johannes Cuyler and Reynier Barents were sent aboard to know on
what accompt they came, Jacob Milborne who was on board of Jochim Staets Sloop Replyed. If
the fort was open for his men to march in that night he was answered no, That ye Mayr of ye Citty
had Possession of ye fort who was Commander of ye Same and was Desyred to goe a shore where
they would Discourse further, who with ye sd four Persones came to ye Citty hall and was bid welcome by ye members of ye Convention then Present.
No sooner was ye Milborne come into ye Citty hall which was e o very full of People, but addressed
his Discourse to ye Common People in a long oration with a high Stile & Language telling them
That now it was in there powr to fre theelfs from yt Yoe of arbitrary Power and Government
under which they had Lyen so long in ye Reign ignof yt Illegall king James, who was a Papist, Declareing all Illegall whatever was done & past in his time, yea the Charter of this Citty was null & void
Since it was graunted by a Popish kings governour & that now ye Power was in the People to choose
both new Civill and Military officers as they Pleased, challenging all them that had bore office in king
James Time to be Illegall,lnd therefore they must have a free Election, and much Such like Discourse
After Jacob Milborne had ended his long Discourse Jochim Staets & pr Bogardus who came up
with him from N: Yorke asked why ye magistrates did not speak now, now was ye time for to Speake
upon which Dirk wessells Recordr Replyed, that there was time Enough yet, he was nott Authorized
at that Juncture to make him answer to such Discourse, they had seen no Commission he had yett
and that they were met together to make Billets for the quartering of ye men If they were come with
a good Intent, which lay Ready upon ye Table, & yt Milborne addressed his Discourse to ye wrong
People Since there were no arbitrary Power here; God had Delivered them from that yoke by there
Majesties now upon ye throne, to whom we had taken ye oath of allegiance, for we acted not in king
James's name but in king William & queen Marys & were there Subjects.
Jacob Milborne Desyred that ye Mayr Might be Present in ye Convention who was Twice Sent
for, but answered yt he could not leave his Post which was to keep good watch in there Majts fort,
Referring ye sd Milbdrne to ye Gentn that were Conveined together and yt he would call ye Convention together to morrow after ye 2d Sermon when they would Discourse the Case further with him,
this was Communicated to Jacob Milborne who answered that ye Recordr Represented ye Mayr
in his absence, and Delivered ye Convention a letter Signed by 25 Persones which was Read ye Contents
whereof is as follows
Fort William In N: York ye 28 octobr 1689
GE-NTn-The unspeakeable goodnesse of god and ye unimagineable benefit which all Protestants
Relating to ye Crowne of England do Receive by the Illustrious armes of the Prince of Orange now
our Benigne Leige Lord and king as they are unexpressible So likewise they cannot but call for ye
most humble & unfeigned thanks to heaven and all Expressible Returns of obedience to his Majestie
Therefore to Evince ye Same according to our Capacities wee ye Committee or members chosen
by ye free and open Elections of ye freemen in ye Respective Counties of this Province and
Councill of warr
Humbly traceing ye Stepps and Laying hold of ye Encouragement given by So Royall an Example
have as farr as in us Lyed Prevented ye Rageing Intrest of ye Roman Catholic Party and there adherents
in this Province and not only asserted the Right of our new Soveraigne but Reduced most of ye Dissaffected to their obedience and Establisht his Majes Interest upon So Sure a foundation yt from thence
already we fynde the fruits of Tranquility and Peace, So we doubt not, but all yt are willing to be
Esteemed of ye Reformation will Comply with ye Same-; and to ye Intent that none of his Majes
forts or Subjects should be Exposed where apparent fears and Dangers of his Professed enemies
doth Threaten them as wee are made Sencible by yours of ye County of albany, we have sent 50




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                   65
men with arms suteable, which doubt not but will bee of Seasonable use for Defence of ye Same, and
have given full Power to our Trusty and Beloved friende Jacob Milborne gentn to treat with Consult,
order doe and Performe all things that shall be Requisite for his Majes Service & yr Safety to whom
we Desyre yu will give Credence and treat amicably that soe we may not occasion ye Enemy to
Scandalize us with or take any advantage of Disputes and Differences amongst us, Especially when
we are upon Such good Terms of breaking of Papist and arbitrary Yokes from our necks forever.
This all at p'sent from yr Loveing friendes.                   Samuel Edsall
Jacob Leysler junr        Pietr de Lanoy
Pieter demilt             Gerardus Beekman
Joh: Beekman              Myndt Corten
John Slott                Mathew harvey
hendrick ten Eyck         Johannes Vr melie
Jh: Bruyns               Jacob Leysler
Is: d Riemer             Henry Cuyler
Jean Desmareest           Richard Panton
David Clerk              Adriaen van Schaik
rTV. I ~~, ~       Jo Gerrit Duyking
Teunis JRoelofse his    Joh: de Peyster
marke              William Churchill
Sjort olpherse
After ye abovesaid Letter was Read ye Recordr askd Jacob Milborne if he Pleased to have ye
People quartered which lay aboard, Since ye Billets were Ready who answered no, But desyred Some
Provision which was graunted & so Parted yt night.
Memorandum that on ye 10th day of Novembr being Sunday
The following letter was Sent by Adam Vroman of Shinnectady to ye Mayr which Milborne had sent
to him to warne all ye People there forthwith to come to albany and Receive there Rights Priviledges
and Liberties in such manner as if the governmt of king James ye 2d never had been, or any of his
arbitrary Commissions or what is Illegally done by his governours never had been done or Past, which
Letter follows in Terminis:(Translation.]
Whereas I am authorized by the Honble Delegates or Members elected at a Free and Publick
Election of the Freemen and Respective counties of the Province of N. York and Military Council
thereof, to arrange and settle the affairs of the City & County of Albany according to the Consti.
tution of the other Counties of the Province aforesaid pursuant to the interest of His Majesty
our Sovereign Lord & King and the Welfare of the Inhabitants of said Counties.
These are to advise and require all the Inhabitants of Schinnectady and adjoining places to repair
forthwith to the aforesaid City of Albany to receive their Rights and Priviledges & Liberties in such
manner as if the Government of King James the 2d had never existed or any of his arbitrary Commissions or any of his Governors illegal acts had never been executed or done.
Signed        JACOB MILBOURNE
Upon which Adam Vroman sent him this answer:[Translation.]
MIR JACOB MILBOINE.-Worthy Friend-I have just now received your letter. Firstly, I am not
a person of quality; Secondly, the Indians lie in divers squads in and around this place and should
VOL. II.                               9




66                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
we all repair to Albany great disquiet would arise among the Savages to the general ruin of this
Country; therefore please excuse me as I am a person of no power nor authority.
Your affectionate friend  ADAM VROOMAN.
By which letter it is Plainly Evident ye sd Milborne Designs ye Subversion of ye governmt Confirmed
by there Majts Proclamation of ye 14th feb. last, and thereby to Disturb ye Peace and Tranquility of
there Majes Leige People Especially in this Juncture when the Indians are Round about us, who much
Depend on the Present Magistracy that have with So much trouble Pains and Cost Secured them to this
governmt which if they should see yt ye authority here should be troden under foot would undoubtedly undertake Some Dangerous Design
And that it may be apparent to ye world yt ye Design was Laid at N: Yorke, ye following Letter
writt by hend: Cuyler one of there Councill of warr as they Term themselfs, to ye People of Schinnectady Desyreing there assistance, and that they would come to albany, Telling them itt was Resolved
upon that they should have no lesser Priviledges then they of albany, both in Tradeing and boalting
which Jacob Milborne would Disclose unto them and Such like false notions doth Sufficiently Demonstrate[Translation.]
N. Yorke 2 Novembr 1689
Copia vera of a Letter from London
All Lands Plantations houses and Lots which were escheated [prys gemaekt] since the year 1660
are again restored by Act of Parliament. It was communicated to his Majesty who approved of it.
It will be passed in a few days. Parliament is resolved to make a public example of Sr Edmund
Andros to the next Generation on account of his Arbitrary illegal proceedings. I break off herewith
as it is too long to enlarge upon. Hearty respects to all Noble friends of Shinnechtady. This goes
per Mr Vedders hand.                      I remain Your friend & Servant
HEND: CUYLER
P. S. We earnestly request the aid and diligence of the Noble gentlemen there for the promotion
of the Public Good in assisting those whom we now Send up at Albany's request being to the
number of 50 men, of whom Jochim Staets is Commander; not doubting but the gentlemen of
Shennechtady will be preferred to those of Albany in the approaching New Government as we
pledge ourselves to speak in favor of your Diligence. I promise to send up to you the first Order
which we expect from England.
We expect a short answer from You by the next opportunity.
Sir, We have this day resolved that you shall have no less Privileges than those of Albany in
Trading and Bolting which Mr Milborne will explain to you. We therefore request that you will
exhibit all Dilligence in repairing together to Albany to welcome said Milborne.
STORES out of his Maties Garrison of New Yorke for his sd Maties Service in an
Expedicon to Albany Novembr 2 1689
100 Bulletts divers Calibre
16 hand Grenadoes
2 quires Cartouch paper
8 half & 2 whole barrells powder
3 half barrels    do
10b loose powder 1 bunch Match & Lintstock
A Krygs Jack (a flag.)
100 flints 47 ffire lockes & Bandelier —wth
1 halbert 1 Pike heading 1 Drum




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  67
Kiliaen van Renselaer Esqr Justice of ye Peace and Capt gerrit Teunise who were sent by ye
Convention to ye Collony of Conetticut concerning ye men which thatt Collony by ye joynt Concurrence of ye Collony of Massachusetts had Promised to send hither for our assistance being Returned
brings a letter from ye govr & Councill there, how that they are Resolved to Raise 80 men wth there
officers forthwith, that they may be upon there march hither upon munday ye 18th of novembr
The Agreement Concluded upon between ye governr and Councill of Conetticut and our agents
are as follows.
That we are to afford there Souldiers and officers ammonition meet Drink and Lodgeing Sufficient
That we are to pay to ye officers 8 shil. a day vizt
To ye Capt. 4 sh. 6d
To ye Leift. 2 sh     to be pd weekly
To ye Ens:   1 sh 6d )
If any of sd officers or Souldiers should be visited with Sicknesse or wounde, ye Charge of
attendance Phisick and Doctors should be borne by us.
That we are to Provide a Canoe to carry ye Company over Westenhook River
That ye Souldiers arms be Repaired at our Charge if occasion
Which agreement was approven off by ye Convention.
The Said Mr Renselaer & Capt Teunise Report that when they come by kinderhook founde ye People
Very much Inclined to mutiny who were Prepareing themselfs to come hither by Reason of a Letter
which they had Received of Jacob Milborne to come up to albany in all Speed to Receive Priviledges
and Libertyes, So yt they had mnuch adoe to stop them however some Came.
Att a Convention &c. Albany in ye Citty hall Die Sabbathi 10th novembr
Past merid: Ao Dom: 1689
Present.
Dirk wessels Recordr       gerrit Ryerse              kill: v. Renselaer
Livinus van Shaik          L: van Eps                 Reynier Barentse
Claes Rysse                L: Robt Sanders            Johannes Cuyler
albt Ryckman               C. John wendel             Eghbert Teunise
C. gert Teunise            C. Jan Janse Bleeker       Sweer Teunise
Capt Sanderglen            David Schuyler             Ens: Joh: Sanders
Ev. Banker                 C. Marte gerritse          Ens: gabriel Thompson
Jan nack
The Convention being met together at the Citty hall Jacob Milborne was Sent for, the Recordr
Dirk wessells assumed ye Discourse and told that he had Received a Letter yesterday of yC sd Milborne
directed to ye Military and Civill officers and liihabitants of ye Citty and County of albany, but ye
Convention not being full ye Bussinesse was Delayed till to day which was Read being Signed by 25
Persones wherein was Inserted that there were 51 men Sent hither for our assistance, thlie Said Milborne
was asked upon whose Cost and charge ye men were come, and who were to pay them there pay, Jacob
Milborne answered, that we of albany must pay them, and that- they were hyred at 25 shil pr month,
the Recordr Replyed that that was Repugnant to there Resolution and letter sent to N: Yorke ye
4th of Septembr Last which ye sd Milborne Perruseing founde to be soe, & askd all ye People Standing
by if they thougt ye County of albany would be able to pay yt Charge, who all unanimously answered
no; upon which ye sd Milborne said Then we shall fynde a way for it, and showed ye Convention
his Commission Signed and Sealed by 6 or 27 Persones ye Same that Signed ye letter which was
Read: The Recordr told him that Such a Commission graunted by a Company of Private men was of




68                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
no force here, and that he had no Power to doe or order any affaires in albany, but if he could shew a
Commission from his Mats king william our Liege Lord then were willing to obey it
The Sd Milborne went on and made a long oration to ye Common People which were got together
in ye Citty hall of Popish government and arbitrary Power Condemning all things which had been
done and Passed in ye late King James Stuarts time Particularly ye Charter of this Citty and that
there ought to be a new Election of Magistrates &a and many oyr things to Stirr up ye Common
People, upon which he was told that if all things were null & void wh were passed in King James
time then ye Inhabitants were in a Desolate Condition, Since many Patents of houses and lands were
obtained in ye Late King James time, which undoubtedly will be approved and Confirmed by there
Majts now upon ye Throne, and that there had been a free Election according to ye Charter and further
that they Plainly did Discern yt ye Sd Milborne by his Smooth tongue & Pretended Commissions did
aim nothing else but to Raise mutiny and Sedition amongst ye People which ye Convention had
with So much trouble these Six monthes Last Past kept in Peace and quietnesse Expecting dayly order
from there Majts King William and Queen Mary and that they had not Spared cost or charge to Secure
ye Indians to this government, of which there neighbors could give a Sufficient Testimony, and therefore,
if things were Carried on as Milborne would have it, all would Runn into Confusion with ye Indians
all authority turned Upside Doune as in many Parts of ye governmt was done, to which ye Convention by no means could Condeshend, but were Resolved to be quiet & in Peace if Possible till ye
Long expected orders from there Majts should come to hand under whom they acted, and therefore
desyred ye sd Milborne to desist from Such Discourse, for that they would Dispute no more with
him about it, leaveing all till a Lawfull Power came, nott acknowlegeing him to have any, and that
they should Proceed to discourse of quartering ye men who endured so much hardship by Lyeing
aboard, upon which it was Concluded to meet again in ye morning about 9 a Clock to aggree about ye
quartering of ye 51 men Sent for our assistance.
MEMORANDUM
That Kiliaen van Renselaer Capt gerrit Teunise Capt Sander Glenn Leift. Jan van Eps
Ens: Johannes Sanders & Sweer Teunise members of ye Convention did approve of ye
order made ye 7th & 8th Instant that Pr Schuyler Mayr should have ye Command of
there Majes fort till orders from  there Majes king William & Queen Mary
Die Lunac 11 novembr 1689
The Convention were Intended to goe to ye Citty hall but understanding that there was so great a
multitude of People assembled together there in an Illegal manner to choose one Jochim Staas Leift
off one of ye Train bande Companies of this Citty under Capt. Wendel to be Capt of yt Compe of
Souldiers come from N: Yorke, They stayd att ye Recordr3 house Endeavouring to agree with Jacob
Milborne about ye quartering of ye men, the sd Milborne Proposeing Some articles which were
answered by ye Convention and sent him by Capt Marte Gerritse Livinus Van Schaik & Johannes
Cuyler, but ye sd Milborne Insisting to have ye sd men to be under a Superior officer who was to
be Commander of ye fort, Distinct from the Civill function, and that then he should fynde a way to pay
ye men, which ye Convention by no means would Condeshend, but yt Sd men should be under ye
Command of ye Convention till orders came from there Majes otherwise could expect no assistance
from them, which answer was sent him by ye sd Capt gerritse alderman Schaik & Johannes Cuyler
assistant.
In ye meantime the Convention sent messengers thrice to ye People Convened att ye Citty hall
to Disperse themselfs and goe home, they nevertheless went on and choose ye sd Jochim Staets to be




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 69
Capt of yt Compe come from N: Yorke by syneing there names to near a hundred Persones, most
youthes, and them that were no freeholders which sd Place ye sd Jochim Staets did accept contrare
to ye order of ye Convention of which he was a member
Yea ye People were so Rageing and mutinous that some of ye Convention being in ye Citty hall,
were forced to withdraw themselfs being threatened and menaced that they were in danger of there
life, all which was occasioned by ye Instigation of Jacob Milborne who is come hither with no oyr
Design then to overthrow all, as Plainly appears by all his actions Deludeing ye Common People by
Promiseing them Priviledges and libertyes and such like false notions and Suggestions endeavouring
to draw ye People off from there obedience due to there Lawfull authority Confirmed by there now
Majes William & Mary and to fill this Citty and County with Divisions factions and Sedition to ye
utter Ruine of ye same Especially in this juncture while we are Surrounded with ye heathen who Seing
such Divisions may undertake some Desperate Design and Breake there Covenant with us kept so
many Years InviolableThe Convention being met together in ye fort Sent Johannes Cuyler Ens: Joh: Sanders & Ens:
abr: Schuyler to Leift Jochim Staets to know ye Certainty, if he had accepted of ye Capt. Place by
Virtue of such an Illegal assembly or meeting of ye People chooseing him so who made answer
LRecord is blank here]
This afternoon hend: ten Eyck was Sent by Jacob Milborne with this following Paper to ye
Convention Vizt
Albany novembr ye 11th 1689
Whereas I am authorized by ye Committee for the Province of N: Yorke and ye Councill of warr
for ye sd Citty of N.: Yorke aforesaid to order ye affaires att albany, and in Pursuance thereof have
made knowne there Demands unto ye Convention (or as many as would appear) in ye Toune
house and ye Rest of ye. Inhabitants according to Direction of a letter there Delivered and fynde no
Satisfaction to my Proposealls, likewise haveing Discoursed some Points more Particularly with
them, whereupon it was apointed yt I should Present ye Same in writeing this afternoon accordingly
I offer Vizt
That there should be a free and open Election for all officers both Civill and Military for ye Citty
and County of Albany if it hath not been already done
That a Person should be chosen to Command ye Kings fort Distinct from ye Civill function
That the articles for ye men brought hither may be signed
That they would Consider of some Particulars Relateing Mr Thomas Sharpes Letter
That they would Produce there Evidence for grounding there Resolution which Mss Livinus Van
Schaick & Jochim Staas were to Enform themselfs off, and act as thereby was ordered
That they would Returne me all ye old armes in the fort which are unfixed in lieu off (or so many)
as ye arms furnished ye men withall at N: Yorke
That they would Please lett me know what Stores they have for his Majes service in his fort, or
can command upon an attaque of ye french which god forbidd     Signed
JACOB MILBORNE
Die Martis 12 of Novembr 1689
The Convention met together at ye house of Capt Jan Janse Bleeker where it was unanimously
Resolved to accept of ye 50 men come from N: Yorke on no oyr terms Then that they should be under
ye Command of the Convention, and Since ye members of ye Convention were So many it was
Resolved yt Eight should be nominate who should Represent ye Convention and Sign the articles
with Jacob Milborne, as by ye articles can be showne with which Resolution Capt Marte gerritse




70                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
Livinus van Schaik & Johannes Cuyler were sent to Jacob Milborne who Returning to ye Convention
Reported they had agreed upon ye articles which ware ordered to be drawn over fair
The Convention considering ye many Inconveniences that would Ensue by Jochim Staets takeing
upon himself the office of Capt of that Company that came from N: Yorke by such an Irregular way
as was Practised yesterday by the Common People in ye Citty hall proposed to him ye said Captns
Place till orders from there Majes Provided he would be obedient to ye Convention or authority.of
this Place, yt so by that means all jealousies and animosities may be laide aside and Peace & Unity
Established, & all to goe hand in hand to defend their Majes Interest, butt ye sd Jochim Staas did
fiattly Refuse itt.
Post Mieridiem
The eight men appointed by ye Convention to Sign the articles with mr. Milborne to witt, Pieter
Schuyler Mayr Capt. Johannes Wendel Capt. Jan Bleeker kiliaen van Renselaer Capt Sander glenn,
albert Ryckman, gerrit Ryerse & Evert Banker, went to ye house of Richd Pretty where sd Milborne
was (Except the Mayor who had Signed already) and asked if he would sign ye articles, who denyed
to have made any such articles which caused many Debates, and yt ye sd Milborne agreed upon ye
Point in ye Presence of sd Gentlemen; Milborne correcting the Paper himself, & was aggreed to
make no more Alterations, but to be writ over fair & Signed in ye morning making his excuse that
he could not attend itt that night.
While ye sd Wendel and Bleeker were att Mr Prettyes they were sent for to come to gabriel
Thomsones where a great Compe of People were met together they sent ye sd 2 Captn Wendell &
Bleeker up with a Message to ye fort to ye Mayor yt ye People were Resolved if he came not into
Toune to choose new military officers.
Die Mercury 13 Novembr 1689
Johannes Cuyler and abraham Schuyler were Sent to Jacob Milborne with ye following articles
which were Concluded the day before, to Enquire if he was ready to sign them ye oyr Gentn being
Ready, Vizt
ARTICLES made concerning ye Receiving of - -  - men officers and Centinells Sent by ye
Military officers of ye Citty & County of N: Yorke upon ye Desyre of ye Mayr aldermen
Commonality and Military officers of ye sd County for ye Security of there Majes fort and ye
out Plantations and Inhabitants of ye Citty & County of albany against any forreign or
Domestick Enemies that shall Invade oppose or resist there Majes king William & queen
Maryes Intrest, which ye Subscribers as Representatives for ye Mayr aldermen Conmonality and Military officers of ye Citty of albany and the Justices and Military officers
of sd County doe hereby, oblige to Performe these undermentioned articles
1 That ye officers and Souldiers shall obey and Performe Such Commands and Directions as they
shall Receive from time to time from ye Eight underwritten Persones
2 That ye sd Eight Subscribers shall quarter ye sd officers and Souldiers as they shall see Convenient
in the Citty & County of albany who shall be well fedd Decently Lodged according to there quality,
Becomeing Persones in such Service att ye Proper cost and charge of ye Citty & County of albany
3 That they shall not be Exposed to any harder Service or any wise more Irregularly treated then
ye Rest of ye men raised for ye same Purpose
4 That they shall Remain in sd Service from ye 9th of novembr 1689 untill the 25th day of March
as aforesaid next ensueing or orders from there Maje for longer Continuance, dureing which time
from there Reception to ye 25th day of March as aforesd they shall and must Expect there Pay or
wages from them who sent them




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 71
5 That they shall be Particularly reguarded if any happen to be sick or Lame, or any ways Distempered according to Christian Care of Phisick and Requisite attendance
6 That ye sd men are not to choose any officers over themselfs but such officers as are already come
up with them
7 That ye sd Eight Underwriters shall be obliged to pay ye Passage of ye sd men to N: Yorke
thus Concluded in albany ye 13th day of novembr 1689
The said Jacob Milborne said he had forgott some words which must be Inserted, Particularly ye
word Committee, and also would first have an answer upon his Proposealls which he Delivered on
Munday Last before he would Sign ye articles, yt sd Cuyler and Schuyler told him they could make
no alteration without ye Convention, but yt ye answer to his Proposealls was Ready and Signd and
would be Delivered as soon as he signed the articles but not before
The Convention of Albanye's answer to Jacob Milbornes Proposealls which was
to be Deliverd as soon as he Signd ye articles about ye men, else not
That they being ye Lawfull Civill and Military officers of ye Citty & County of albany, and
accordingly Since ye Proclamation of there Majes William & Mary king & queen of England &c. in
this Citty, have acted in there Respective Stations without ye Least hinderance or obstruction from
any Person, who are Resolved with ye assistance of god so to continue till orders comes from there
most Sacred Majes when they will be ready & willing to give an acc't of all there actions during
these Revolutions to. such Person or Persons as there Majes shall be Pleased to Send hither for yt
purpose, thinking themselfs no ways obliged to article with or Render any account of there Proceedings to any Person Except they have Commission from there Majes now upon ye Throne, which
we long have Expected and waited for, & still with Patience shall waite till god shall please to
send it from England from there Majes king William and queen Mary whom god Long Preserve
And if ye sd Milborne hath any Ammunition belonging to there Majes Stores, ye Convention Desyres
he would Land it, and let them have it for there Majes fort they are willing to give a Receit for ye
same                                            Signd     PR SCHUYLER   Mayor
CLAES RIPSE VAN DAM alderm.
alb: 13 novembr 1689                                    SANDER GLENN   Justice
K: V: RENSELAER Justice
REYNIER BARENTS   assist
The Convention haveing heard ye Report brougt them by Johannes Cuyler & abraham Schuyler,
were willing to come to an accommodation if Possible & Resolved to graunt yt ye word Committee
might be Inserted & was also Resolved if ye sd Milborne then Denyed to Sign ye articles to Deliver
him over this following Paper
Mr. JACOB MILBORNE
Wee are sorry you should give yrself and us so much trouble concerning ye Receiving and Quartering of the fifty men Sent up hither by ye gent: of N: Yorke, if therefore there and yr Intentions.
be good & Reall for ye Security of there Majes king William & queen Marys Intrest and the Safety
of there Subjects here wherefore they were sent,.Then ye Convention Expect yu will Comply with
ye annexed articles which we declare was after many debates fully Concluded and agreed upon Yesterday, & this is ye Last Resolution which ye Convention can take in yt Subject, neither will they
Proceed to any further answers till this Bussinesse be Ended
Signd            pr SCHUYLER Mayor
Fort albany ye 13 of nov 1689                     in ye name of ye Convention of albany




72                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
The Sd Johannes Cuyler and abraham Schuyler were sent ye 2d time with ye articles to Jacob
Milborne who told him yt ye word Committee as they called themselfs was graunted, & if he was
Ready to Sign, but answered he would not Sign ye articles with many absurde words as ye sd 2
persones doe Relate upon which they delivered him ye abovesd Paper.
This day Jacob Milborne caused ye Compe of Souldiers Come from N: Yorke, which for 2 nights
Past had Lyen at Marte gerritse's Island to march into Towne & ye Burgers of yt faction Received
them in there houses without billeting or lawfull authority.
Die Jovis ye 14th of novembr 1689
The Mayor came doune to Towne and went with ye Convention to ye Citty hall, where ye
Burgers forthwith appeared and there did Declare ye Rasons why he had Secured there Majes fort
(since he had heard that diverse were Dissatisfyed at his so doing) vizt that he had Received Sufficient
and Credible Information from N: Yorke, Especially from alderman Schaick who was in there Meeting of there Committe as they call it at N: Y: where he heard Jacob Milborne say he would goe to
Alb. and see ye fort better Secured, Shewing them further three Testimonyes Sworne to, by which
it did Evidently appear it was Concluded upon to make an absolute change of government, to carry
some Persones Prisoners to N: Yorke, and so to make a generall disturbance among ye People,
and force us to Comply with there new fashioned governmt Declareing further that he had Sent ye
Recorder from time to time with ye oyr members of ye Convention to Discourse with Milborne
Concerning ye Receiving of 50 Souldiers, & to enquire with what Power and authority he came
here Upon which ye Recorder Put them in minde of ye Discourse Past between him and Milborne on
Sunday's night concerning his authority, when it was Concluded upon to Consult next day about ye
Receiveing and quartering of Sd Compe of men whereabouts they had been in agitation ti ill now;
but See yt ye Said Milborne is no ways Inclined to come to any agreemt Since it was Positively
Concluded upon,but when it came to Signing founde always Exceptions three Severall times which
was ye Reason ye Convention did not meet Sooner at ye Citty hall, upon wh ye articles was read
concerning ye quartering of ye 50 Souldiers which Pleased ye Burgers very well and wished they
might be Signed; and Milborne being fetched was asked if Such articles were not Concluded upon
who Confessed Yess but that he had given some Proposealls to ye Convention, which he first would
have answered and then Sign to ye articles.
But ye Convention Replyed yt he had Delivered ye articles concerning ye quartering ye men
on munday morning & ye Proposealls on Munday afternoon, and was therefore fitting that first an
Issue should be made of ye articles before an answer be given to ye Proposealls, and yt ye answer
to ye Proposealls was Ready to be delivered assoon as he had Signd to ye articles, But Refused in
ye p'sence of Twelve men whom ye People had chosen to be Present to hear ye Debates between ye
Convention and ye sd Milborne; whereupon a Certain Paper was Read wh had been Delivered to
ye sd Milborne ye day before, ye Purport of which was that they were not Designed to give him
any answer to his Proposealls before he had Signd to ye articles which was approved off by sd 12
men Since it was Plainly Demonstrate how ye sd milborne had from time to time intended to Delay
and Deceive them as by ye Testimoneys can appear
The Convention Said to ye sd 12 men that they had used there uttmost Endeavors, & asked if they
could Propose or think of any better means or method they would doe well to tell them, and
Desyred them to Consult about ye matter upon which after Consultation they Deputed three of ye
12 men to witt Harme gansevoort pr van waggelum and Jeronmius wendell who made Report to
ye Convention then all together at ye Mayors house at Least Eighteen in number Harme gansevoort
being there Speaker, That they Concurrd with ye Convention and yt ye sd Milborne ought to Sign




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                    73
ye articles, and that ye Convention could doe no more then they had done Referring further the
mannagement of that affaire to ye generall Convention Since they were Resolved to trouble themselfs
no more about it.
Die Veneris 15th of novembr 1689
Itt is orderd to be Entred how yt Jacob Milborne came to there Majes fort of albany on ye 15th
day of novemb 1689 with a Compe of armed men, who upon his approach was charged by a messenger
sent a Purpose not to come without ye gates of ye Citty nevertheless Marchd up and made Demand
of there Majes fort who was answered by ye Mayr Pieter Schuyler Esqr Commander of ye sd fort,
Thatt he kept ye Same for there Majes8 king king william & queen mary, & Commanded them away
in there Majes name with his Seditious Company; who after he had attempted to gett into ye gate
haveing one foot in was thrust out withdrew himself & Compe to within ye gates of ye Citty, and
there Putt up ye Kings Jack facing to ye fort, and Jacob Milborne after he had charged them to Load
there gunns with Bullets came to ye Citty gate & Read a Paper.
A Company of Maquase who were come here for ye assistance of there Majes Subjects Standing
upon ye hill neer ye fort and being Spectators to all these tumolts Sent word by hille Pieterse ye
Interpreters Sister to ye fort to acquaint ye  r and ye oyf gentn that Since they were in a firm
Covenant chain with us, and Seeing yt ye People of N: Yorke came in a hostile manner to Disturbe
their Brethren in ye fort which was for our and there Defence, Desyred yt ye said hille should tell
them if any of those men came without ye gates to approach ye fort they would fyre upon them and
charged there gunns,
Upon which the members of ye Convention then p'sent in ye fort caused this following Protest
to be Read off one of ye Mounts
Fort albany ye 15th day of novembr 1689
Whereas one Jacob Milborne hath with a Compe of armed men, come up to there Majes fort in a
hostile manner with full arms and Demanded Possession thereof from ye Mayr of ye Citty who has
ye Command of ye same, who Declared to keep said fort for there Majes William  & Mary untill
there orders comes but ye said Jacob Milborne as a Tumultuous &  utinous Person doth Proceed
to occasion great Disturbance to there Majes Liege People, by again faceing to ye fort with Loaden
arms, Especially so many heathens to witt Maquase being ye Spectators thereof who seems to be
upon ye Point to undertake some Dangerous Design, The Convention of ye Civil &   Military
officers of ye Citty & County of albany now p'sent in ye fort doe therefore Protest hereby in their
Majes King William  & Queen Maryesname before god and ye world against ye sd Milborne and
his Seditious Troops, for all Dammages Murthers Bloodsheds Plunderings and oyr mischieffs which may
Ensue by his Rebellious actions and charge him & them forthwith to withdraw themselves from there
sd Majes fort                                                   pr SCHUYLER Mayr
and Commander of there Majes fort
The Protest being Read hille akus Sister told yt ye Indians were very much Dissatisfyed & if
Milborne did not withdraw with his Compe they would fyre upon him, whereupon ye Mayr Desyred
Doctor Dellius & ye Recorder to goe to ye Indians to Pacify and quiet them for ye Bussinesse was
yt a Person without Power or authority would be Master over ye gentn here which they would nott
admitt; the Indians answered goe and tell him that if he come out of ye gates we will fyre upon
him, which Doctor Dellius forthwith Communicated to ye sd Milborne at ye head of his Compe in ye
Presence of a great many Burgers who made no further attempt to goe to ye fort, but Marched doune
ye towne and Dismissed his men
VOL. II.                               10




74                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
Die Saturni ye 16th of novembr A~ 1689
Notwithstanding yt ye Burgers according to their Duty had Referred ye Bussinesse concerning
ye quartering of ye Souldiers to ye Convention on ye 14th instant neverthelesse by ye Perswasion of
Jacob Milborne some of ye Inhabitants gathered together att ye house of Gabriel Thompson, where
Sundrey of ye Very same Persones appeard who were Deputed by the People Two days agoe to
acquaint ye Convention that they Referred ye management of yt affaire wholly to them
And these following Persones to witt Harme Gansevoort Pieter Bogardus Myndt harmense Dirk
Bensing and Pr Van Waggelum Private but Extream active men in these Revolutions have taken
upon them to sign a Contract with ye sd Milborne concerning ye sd Compe of Souldiers, not only
without ye least knowledge or Intimation of ye Convention but after they were warned to ye contrary
who took upon them ye Charge as overseers of sd Compe together wth Jochim Staets who was made
there Captain, who with much Perswasion of sd Milborne at last was accepted by ye men to be there
Capt ye sd Milborne went away leaving said Company here in such Confusion.
Die Luna 25 novembris 1689
Capt Bull arrived at ye Green Bush with 87 men from N: England on Teusday following marched
with flying Collors into Citty where he was Reed by ye Mayr & aldermen att ye gate & bid welcom,
he Drew up his men in ye midle of ye Broad Street gave three volleys & was answerd by 3 gunns
from ye fort ye men were orderly quartered in ye Citty and extreamly well accepted.
The 29 day of novembr 1689
Leift Enos Talmadge of Capt Buls Company marchd wth 24 men to Shinnectady to keep yt Post
as it was agreed upon by ye 5 gentlemen appointed by ye Convention & ye Capt Bull & Jochim
Staets.
Whereas Ensign abraham Janse is ordered to convey three men with thirty horses to woodberry who
came here with ye Souldiers sent hither for there Majes Service These are in there Majes name
King Wm and Queen Mary to will and Require all there Majes Subjects of this County of albany
and to Desyre all there Majes Subjects in ye neighbouring Counties and Collony to be aideing and
assisting to ye sd Ensign and three men in ye Prosecution of there journey and to furnish them with
such necessaries as they and there horses shall have occasion upon sd Journey being for there Majes
Service given att ye Citty hall of albany ye 26th day of novembr in ye first year of there Majes Reign
Ao 1689                                                pr SCHUYLER  Justice of ye Peace
By the Mayor aldermen and Commonality and Military officers of ye Citty of albany
and Justices of ye Peace and Military officers of ye sd County
Wee haveing taken into Consideration ye Lamentable Condition of this Citty and County, occasioned
by a dreadfull warr threatened from without, of which our neighbours and allyes have already felt
ye smart, as also ye manifold Divisions and factions which are amongst ye Inhabitants within, wh'ch
are fatall Tokens for Land & Church, It is therefore thought Convenient to keep a Day Extraordinary for fasting & Prayer upon Weddensday ye 4th of Decembr 1689 to Pray to almighty God
(whose wrath and anger for our manifold Sinns and transgressions is Righteously kindled against us)
for Pardon and Remission of our Sinns and to free us from ye blody Sworde of our Enemies without
and Especially from ye Inhuman Barbarity of ye heathen, and en ye oyr side to bynde ye hearts
and mindes of ye People within, with Love and unity to ye Praise of almighty God and ye welfare
of ye Church and Country, Prohibiting therefore upon sd day all manner of servile worke all Rideing
Playing or oyr sorts of Recreation which may hinder or obstruct ye worship of God that day Chargeing
and Commanding Expressly all ye Inhabitants of this Citty & County to keep ye said fast day most




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  75
Solemnly, Thus given att ye Citty hall of albany at a meeting of ye Convention yc 27th day of
novembr 1689 in ye first year of there Majes Reign
God Save King William & queen Mary
Capt. Sander glenn Leift John van Eps & Ens: Joh: Sanders took ye oath of fidelity to there
Majes before pr Schuyler Mayr Justice of ye Peace
Att a Convention &c. albany ye 28th day of Novembr 1689
It was thought Convenient by ye Convention yt 5 of there members should be appointed to
have a Conference with Capt Jonathan Bull & Mr Jochimn Staets concerning ye Souldiers they have
under there Command here in Toune.
And for that Purpose were nominated Dirk Wessells Capt Marte gerritse Livinus Van Schaick Capt
Sander glenn & Johannes Cuyler who in ye behalfe of ye Convention told them they had Two
Companies Lyeing in ye Toune and yt ye out Plantations were not secured where ye Enemy first
must be expected as Shinnectady half moon and Canastagioene, Desyred them to consider yt some
men might be sent thither with all Expedition, upon which Capt Bull Proposed to Mr. Jochim Staets
to take tenn men out of his Company & ye said Capt Bull would take Twenty men of his Company
make in all 30 men & send to Shinnectady, upon which Mr. Staets answered he was but weake had
but 46 or 47 men, & he would not breake his files he must at least keep 10 files, upon wh Capt
Bull Replyed yt he could not Expect that they would always be compleat for sicknesse and diverse
oyr accidents might happen, Mr. Staets Proposed yt Capt Bull should send 24 men to Shinnectady &
yt he Staets would joyn six of his Compe with six of Capt Bulls men to goe and lye at ye half moon
& yt by Turns one should have ye Command 14 days & then the oyr whereupon Dirk Wessells answered
that there was no quarters for 12 men at ye half moon but that some men might goe to Canastagioene
where 6 could be conveniently quarterd and yt was a Dangerous Passe also But Capt Bull said he
did not care to have his men so Scattered about.
The sd Gent: told Mr Staes that ye Convention were Desyreous to know upon what acct that N:
Yorke Compe lay there & if he would submitt himself to them  Since they had not seen his
Ccmmission, he answerd he could not doe that since there were oyr overseers or weesfaders as he
termed them appointed over his men, but he Promised & would Swear yt nothing should be acted or
done by him against ye Convention althogh new orders did come, & desyred yt ye Convention would
advise and Consult with these overseers upon which they answerd that there was many Dissentions
in ye Place already & by such Confusion and so many masters ye Contention would augment and
increase, Mr Staets Replied it is now so we must doe as well as we can Joh: Cuyler asked to see
his Commission but Refused to show it and so broke off from yt discourse and Returned to ye former
Proposealls concerning ye Sending out men to garrison ye out Plantations, & it was finally Concluded
that 24 men of Capt Bulls Compe should goe to Shinnectady and 6 of his men to Paepsknee & of
Mr. Jochim Staets men 6 to ye half moon
And as Justices of ye Peace they desyred ye Commission officers to call a Court Marshall in ye
afternoon to setle ye watch in ye Toune yt all Things may goe Regularly as was done
But that which was concluded upon on ye forenoon was alterd by some of ye Military officers in
there meeting unknown to ye 5 gentn Vizt yt Mr Staets should send of his men ten to Shinnectady
& Capt Bull 20, but took no care for ye half moon as was concluded upon by ye Commissioners
of ye gen' Convention Nevertheless yt which was Concluded upon by ye Deputies of ye Convention
& Capt Bull and Mr Staets was thougt fitt by ye Convention to be Performed & Capt Bull accordingly sent his Leift wth 24 men to Shinnectady to keep the post but Mr Staets would send out no




76                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
men as was agreed upon, but went to Shinnectady with some oyrS of yt faction, Insomuch yt ye Mayr
himself & some oyr gent: were necessitated to goe thither to see ye men of Capt Bulls Compe quartered
Att a Convention &c. Albany 14th Decembr 1689
Present
pr Schuyler Mayr         Claes Ripse           Joh: Cuyler
D. Wessells Recordr     Albt Ryckman           Gert Ryerse
Joh: Wendell             David Schuyler        Kiliaen V. Renselaer
Liv V. Schaik           Evert Banker           C. Marte gerritse
Jan Bleeker             Reynier Barentse
Resolved yt some money be Raised by way of Loan for ye Paying of Capt Bull & ye oyr 2
Commission officers come from Canetticut according to Contract who are to have 8 shil pr diem upon
which ye Recorder & Mr van Renselaer were sent to Mrs. Schuyler who is willing to advance ~18:
for a month without Intrest but if it be not Repaid in sd Time to have moderate intrest & yt shee
may have a Bonde for ye Payment of ye Same upon which this following Bill was orderd to be writt
KNOW all men by these Presents yt we whose names are underwritten members of ye Convention
of albany doe acknowlege to have Recd of Mrs. Margret Schuyler ye Somme of Eighteen Pounds
Courant money of this Province which is toward ye payment of Capt Bull and ye oyr Commission
officers come from Canetticut according to Contract which sd Somme if it be pd in ye Space of a
month after..e date hereof then no Intrest is to be paid but if it be not justly & honestly Paid &
Satisfied to ye sd Mrs. Margret Schuyler her heirs Executors adrs or assigns in ye Space of a month
after ye date hereof, then we whose names are hereunto Subscribed doe Promise Engage and oblige
ourselfs joyntly and severally our heirs Excrs and adrs and every of ym firmly by these p'sents to pay
or cause to be paid unto ye sd Mrs. Margret Schuyler her heirs Executors administrators & asssigns
ye sd Somme of ~18:-wth ye Interest of ye same at  pr cento to be Reckond from ye 18 of January
next. In witnesse whereof we have hereunto sett our hands in albany ye  day of Decembr 1689
Resolved yt Dirk albertse Bratt and hendrik gerritse be sent for from Sarachtoge.
[Translation.]
Albany 16th Decembr 1689
The Albany Convention having received the following news it is sent from the Mohawk Sachems
by post to Akus to be forwarded to us.
1. That 10 Nations of Twigh Twighs are coming to the 5 Nations to destroy them.
2. That two of the Indian prisoners who were sent to France have returned back home, who say
that Ambassadors must come to Canida.
3. That the Onnondages have sent for the Mohawk warriors and Sachems and that they must
bring belts with them.
4. That the Mohawk prisoners were to France with the Cowherd who was taken prisoner at
Onnondage.
5. That Cadarachqui is abandoned by the French.
Whereupon the gentlemen resolved to send Lawrence alias Jannetje the Indian to Onnondage
to learn the truth hereof, and to forbid them in our name to send Ambassadors to Canida or to receive
any according to our Treaty-not to trust the French, and if they let them cheat them not to blame
us: and to communicate the following news to them.
That 2 ships have come direct from England to N. England, which give for news



ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 77
1. That almost all the large Ships of War are sailed full of people towards France, to seize it;
full 300,000 men.
2. That 150 ships are ready to come westward to convoy our ships.
3. That we have here a brave Troop of Souldiers and if we want more, there are full 200 in
the Sopus, and 3 or 400 in N. England.
This is sent in a letter to Sweer Teunise who shall go to Akus to interpret it correctly to him.
MR. MAYOR Worthy and beloved friend Sr pieter Schuyler.
Ambassadors from Onondage and Oneyda arrive here just now who report to us that I must
accompany them to Albany to interpret their propositions to you. As it is inconvenient for me at
present I have taken the liberty to put their meaning on paper.
They let your Honour thus Know that the news received from Canada shall not be communicated
before all the Sachems have assembled. Your Honour & Johannes Wendel and I are sent for Express
to be present there as they will not discuss the matter until you are there, and then your Honour shall
also deliberate on it in order to consult with them as to what may occur to You.
They have again seen three of their Indians who were prisoners, but they do not expect to have
them back again as they must return quickly to Canada. They also assure you that they are not
going to lie on their backs in consequence of these tidings of peace, and learn to fight only by
looking Sideways at it-but they shall again grapple with it because Many of their War chiefs
(Veltoversten) have remained in that Country.
They also say that had the Governor of Canada sent the prisoners back home to us as soon as
they had come from France, they had in no wise determined on peace, inasmuch as only thirteen
survived: all the remainder died of Sickness.
They hear two letters have come to the Jesuit-one from the Governr, the other from Pere Lamberville. They had consulted-to wit, those of the Domine's side-to burn them, but the more cunning
Sachems advised that they should be opened before the full Council; your Honour will then be able
to see whether they will contain any deception. If, on the other hand there be none, they shall
then be handed to the owners.
They also acquaint your Honour that it is a lie that 10 nations of Savages came to destroy them,
but Ambassadors of 7 different Nations have come in Zinnodo Wan ha and restored 2 Seneca prisoners
and promised to give up 4 more of them as soon as they shall have returned home; also to treat for
peace, and say there are 3 Nations which would continue the War, namely-the Kightages and
the Twightwighs and the Sawenochques and give 2 Strings of Zewant with this letter.
The 3 prisoners from Canada had reported that Cuadaroghque is abandoned and they found 30
barrels of powder there; among the rest was a barrel of Match in a hole which they intended to
set fire to and thus to blow up the others. But it went out of itself, after burning about an ell in
length. They found considerable booty both in beaver and peltries in the fort. Six of the principal
officers were drowned after they left the fort and fled to Canada, with divers soldiers but they know
not how many.
They further say that they had proposed this to Duinandougha, whereupon the Cajadorus answersIf my brothers do not find it convenient for them to journey so far, they would come to Duinandoughe, and should your Honour inform him of your wish it shall be faithfully attended to provided
your honour send along one, two or three Strings. No more than commending you to the Lord with
the hearty Salutations of your Servant-by my order,
This 25th Decembr Ao 1689                                        JACQUES CORNELISEN
Jlddressed —Aen d'E. Achtbare Mr
Major Pieter Schuyler Residerende tot Albany.




78                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
At a Convention of the Mayor Aldermen and Commonality and Military officers of ye
Citty and Countyof Albanie ye 27th day of Decembr 1689
Five messengers called Desagochquaetha Arachkoenichta Dehashedis Rashiedeagoe and Adochtirasse being sent by the Sachims of onnondage and Oneyde to acquaint us and them of New England,
that there are three of ye Indians come back into ye Country which were sent Prisoners to France,
who are Sent by them of Canida to Propose a Peace or Truce, but that they have Resolved not to'hear them till Some Gentn goe from hence to be Present at there gen'1 meeting at Onnondage, and
there Consult what shall be necessary for ye Publike good Doe Say further that there are 13 Indians
come back from France the Rest being 23 all dead of Sicknesse and that there are Two Letters
Intercepted which ye Govr of Canida and father Lamberville had Sent to ye Jesuit in Oneyde, which
they keep till ye gentlemen from hence arrive there, when they will be opend to see what Treachery
the french Design
That there are messengers from Seven of ye farr nations come to ye Sinnekes who Speake of
Peace haveing Deliverd Two Sinneke Prisoners and Promisd to Deliver foure more as soon as they
come home, and yt three of ye farr nations will Continue ye warr.
They bring further news yt Cadarachqui is Deserted by ye french and that ye Indians have founde
thirty Barrells of Pouder and abundance of Bever and Peltry there and yt Six of ye Principle officers were
Drownd in goeing home to Canida from Cadarachqui and Sundry Souldiers.
Vpon which it was Resolved unanimously to Send Caristasie Tosoquatho and Jurian three of ye
most Prudent Maquasse Thither to onnondage with this answer it not being thought Convenient
at this juncture to Send Christians from ye Convention.
1 Wee are glad to hear yt ye Report of ye 10 nations of Indians Westward comeing Doune to Destroy
yw is false, and on ye oyr Side much Rejoyced that Seven of sd nations are Inclined for Peace,
which we ye more must Recommend to ye Brethren yt yow may have ye Larger Scope to Revenge
yourSelfs of ye French for ye Blood shed by that false nation, who are now in a mean Condition, and
think to Ensnare yow with ye 13 Prisoners they have sent for from france, and haveing obtained
Such a Peace, will have ye better opportunity to Catch a great number of ye People as they did in
ye Last Peace, Therefore we doe Recommend you (as we are in a fast Covenant chain together)
not to hearken to ye french nor Speak to them of Peace Since our great king is in actuall warr with sd
nation
2 We would come in Person to be Present at yr meeting according to yr Desyre, but we have
Reed a Ship from England which brings us Certain news, that there is a governr for us upon ye way
with many Souldiers, & is Expected every houre, when we shall Send you an Expresse to Onnondage
a horseback hopeing to have orders by our Governr that ye English may unanimously goe and Root
out Canida
3 Concerning ye 13 Prisoners come from france being all that is to be founde of 39 our advise is yt
yow make Demand of them Positively of ye French, being Stole from yow and Deceitfully taken
in time of Peace, in ye 2d Place if ye french there hearts were good, they would have Sent yow ye
Prisoners assoon as they came from france Therefore doe not heare them Speake of any thing before
they have Sent you back your Thirteen Prisoners, But yow need not be afiraid of your Prisoners
So Long as yw have ye Jesuit and so many french in yr Countrey whom yow must keep verry well to
be Exchanged as was done in Col Dongans time; It is certain they are in no hazard that yow should
be so hasty to release them, they will nott kill them it not being ye Christians fashion.
4 And for ye Brethrens more Incouragemt we can assure yw yt the French king hath his hands so full
that he cannot assist Canida much, Yow may See this Plainly by there Leaving Cadarachqui.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  79
5 That they send ye Two Letters writt by ye govr of Canida and Lamberville ye Priest, to ye
Jesuit at Oneyde hither if not already done, and shall Inform them with ye Contents thereof, and
take Especiall care that the messengers that Return to Canida Carry no Letters from ye Jesuit or
any body Else thither.                               A true Copy Examind pr
ROBT LIVINGSTON Clk
Att a Convention &c. Albany, Die Sabbathi ye 5th of January 16VPresent
pr Schuyler Mayr         C. J Bleeker             C. Marte gerritse
D. Wessells Recordr      Claes Ripse              Kilian van Renselaer
Capt John wendel         gert Ryerse              Reynier Barents
Liv: van Schaik          David Schuyler           Evert Banker
albt Ryckman
It was again put to ye vote whether any members of ye Convention should goe to Onondage
to be Present at ye genll meeting of ye Indians
But was unanimously Resolved upon ye negative Confirming there Resolution of ye 27 of december last since it is judged dangerous to be there if ye Indians should Conclude of any Peace or truce
which they some times have done notwithstanding all Perswasions to ye Contrare, and since Tahaiadoris cheeffe sachim of ye Maquase is bounde thither It is thougt Convenient yt he Repeat ye 5
articles sent by Caristasie and Tosoquatho thither and withall put them in minde that this is the
Prefixed house to speake of Peace and all Publike affaires and not Oriondage, and yt ye Sachim
sent for by ye govr of Canida by no means goe thither to Treat or act with our great Kings Enemies,
and yt we hope yt ye 5 nations will not be so mad as to hearken to any Peace with the treacherous french at such a juncture when ye greatest hopes is of Totally Rooting there name out in America but on ye Contrare take ye wholesome advice of there Brethren ye Christians, who knows what
is for there Security better then they doe themselfs Lastly to Charge & Command them to make no
Peace truce or any sort of amicable treaty with ye french Since his Majes Declaration of warr against
them which hes been so much longed for by ye English nation is now come over and as they are
subjects of our great King of England Soe they can not expect to keep ye Covenant chain Inviolable with this governmt and make Peace with Canida while we are in actual warr wth sd nation
Therefore Remember we have warned yu yt if any evill be fall yu you must always acknowledge we
gave you fair advertisement.
It was also Resolved yt Tahaiadoris should have a faddem of Duffels a shirt and a Pare of Stockings.
And yt a Belt of wampum should be sent to ye 4 Sachims of Dowaganhaes or farr nations to
Congratulate ye Peace made between them & ye Sinnekes
Att a Meeting &c. Albany January 6th 161{
Present as before except Kiliaen van Renselaer & gert Ryerse absent
The Convention being mett again to consult about ye affaires of ye Indians ye members continue
in there opinion yt none of ye Convention goe thither to ye Indians genll meeting, but Considering that
it is of great Import, and.that they may be ye more Certain and Satisfied yt ye Proposealls sent to
said Indians by Tosoquatho Caristasie and Jurian may be Exactly and Peremptorily told them; according as it is mentioned in ye 5 articles Concluded upon ye 27 december Last
It is Resolved yt arnout Cornelise sworne Interpreter goe thither to Onondage withall Convenient
speed who Desyres yt one may be appointed to goe along with him yt understands ye Language, upon
which Robt Sanders was pitchd upon to goe for his assistance who upon his arrivall there shall take




80                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
Especiall Care yt ye 5 articles be Plainly told to ye Sachiins in there gen1l meeting which are
herewith given you, & further in our name to acquaint ym.
PROPOSITIONS to be made by Arnout Cornelise Interpeter to whom Robert Sanders is joyned
for assistance in ye Indians Generall meeting at onnondage in ye name and behalfe of
ye Convention of albanie over and above ye 5 articles sent them by Caristasie Tosoquatho
and Jurian  albany ye 6th day of January 161 
1 That albanie is ye Prefixed house to Treat and Speak of peace with all Sorts of people and
yt they who Strive to make a Peace or Cessation with ye french must be lookt upon as persones who
are Designd to make a breach in ye great Silver Covenant chain which hath been So many years
kept Inviolable by this governmt
2 That they must look upon themselfs as they are, to witt Subjects of ye great king of England
who cann make no peace with them who are his Publik enemies You have felt ye smart of makeing
peace wth the french nation already, when they were allijes of our Great king, then you did it without
our Consent.3 That ye Sachim Degannesore who is sent for by the governour of Canida by no means goe thither
since they are absolute Enemies of our great king whose Declaration of warr is now come to hand
which hath so long been Desyred by ye English nation in which Declaration his maje forbids all his
subjects to keep the least Correspondence with yt false nation
4 Never could there be greater Disobedience and madnesse Committed by people then for ye 5
nation to hudle up asort of peace or Cessation of arms wth ye french at this Juncture when ye greatest
hopes are of rooting out of ye Very name of ye French in america by the English who are Twenty to
one of ye french in Canida
5 We have sent Arnout Cornelise ye Interpreter accompanied wth Robert Sanders to be present
at yr Generall meeting not only to Poure understanding into yow, but in our name to Charge and
Command yw as you love ye protexion of our great king and ye friendeship of this Government by
no means to hearken to nor make any peace or Cessation or truce with ye french Directly or indirectly.
6 Thatt ye Sachims Endevor to perswade 3 or 400 Indians to come towards our Confines ahunting
to be as skouts to watch ye french Designs for when they most Speak of peace then warr is in there
hearts and therefore are not to be trusted since they have called all there Garrisons together to
mont Royall                               Was Signed       pr SHUYLER mayr
DIRK WESSELLS Justice
A True Copy Examind pr                             JOH: WENDEL Justice
ROBt LIVINGSTON Clk                   JAN JANSE BLEEKER Justice
At a Convention of the Mayor Aldermen Commonality and Military Officers of ye
Citty of Albanie and Justices and Military Officers of the Said County, held in
Albanie Die Saturni den 11th Januarie Ao 169 ~
P'sent
pr Schuyler mayr     Gert Ryerse                albt Ryckman
Capt Job. wendel     Capt Marte Gerritse        Evert Banker
Capt Jan Bleeker     Dirk Wessels Recordr       kilian van Renselaer
David Schuyler       Livinus Van Shaik          Joh: Cuyler
Reynier Barents      Claes Ripse
A Certain Letter was brougt into ye Convention by Capt Johannes Wendell Signd by Jacob
Leysler the Contents whereof are as follows




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                   81
New Yorke ye 28th Decemb 1689
GENTn-I having Receivd orders from his Maje KING WILLIAM for takeing care of this Government, have Commissionated Capt Jochim Staas TO take into his Possession Fort Orange and keep ye
Souldiers in good order and Discipline, and yt ye Magistracy may be in a good Decorum have Ordered
and doe hereby Order that free Elections be forthwith made for a Mayor and Aldermen whom I have
Signified to Capt Staas with whom Pray Correspond and give all due assistance for his Majes Intrest
and ye Safety of yt Citty and County yt so Peace and Tranquillity may be Preserved amongst you,
untill wee shall Receive further orders from ye King, which is ye needfull matter at psent from
Your Loveing Frinde               JACOB LEYSLER
The Superscription was
To ye Military and Civill officers and ye Protestant freemen
Inhabitants of ye Citty and County of Albanie
VPON which it was Resolved by ye Convention to send the high Sherriffe of ye Citty
and County to ye said Jochim Staas with this message
WHEREAS a Certain Letter of Jacob Leysler dated ye 28th day of Decemb Last at N: Yorke hath
been Read in the Convention, wherein he writes yt he Jacob Leysler hath Received orders from KING
WILLIAM for ye takeing care of this Government and accordingly Commissionated Jochim Staas to
take into his Possession fort Orange and Orders free Elections for a mayor and Aldermen whom he hath
Signified to ye sd Staas, It is therefore thougt Convenient by ye Convention now met together
that Richdl Pretty Esqr high Sherriffe of ye Citty and County of Albanie doe Repare to Jochim Staas,
and Demand if any such orders from our Souveraign Leidge Lord KING WILLIAM be sent to him as
Jacob Leysler mentions in his Letter, Being Desyreous to see them that we may Conform and Behave
our Selfs accordingly; Since ye Preservation of ye Peace of our Souveraign Lord KING WILLIAM
as it is a duty Incumbent upon us, So it is our only aim to have ye same kept Inviolable in these
Dangerous times-                    Signd          Pr SCHUYLER Mayor
DIRK WESSELS Justice
MARTE GaRRITSE Justice
LIv: VAN SCHAIK Justice of ye Peace
EVERT BANKER assistant
The high Sheriffe R: Pretty Esqr Returns from Jochim Staas and says that he hath Deliverd him
ye message & yt said Jochim Staas comes Presently
Jochim Staas appears in ye Convention and says he doth not Intend to answer ye Convention by
writeing but by Discourse, alledgeing that he might be Ensnared by'writeing, upon which the Gentn
did Insist, that if he had any Lawfull Authority Devolved from our Souveraign Lord KING WILLIAM
upon Jacob Leysler, that he would be pleased to show itt, they were willing to Obey, and notwithstanding ye orders were not Directed to Mr Leysler yet they were willing with all cheerfullnesse to
Obey such orders as were Comprehended in said Letters, but cannot obey Capt Leysler as Leift govr
Except his Maje hath made him soe, upon which Jochim Staas Replyed yt we knew well eneugh ye
KINGs Letters were Directed to Capt Nicholson and in his absence to such as for ye time being take care
for ye Preserveing ye Peace and administring the Laws in their Majes Province of New Yorke, and
further said Lett ye Bell be Rung and Lett all ye People come Together and then he would show
what he had to show, Whereupon ye gentn of ye Convention Replyed that they were not willing
to Runn into Confusion to Convein ye People before they knew what to Publish or Declare to them;
and withall Desyred Since he acknowledged to have a Proclamation for ye Proclaimeing of there Majes
KING AND QUEEN of England Scotland France and Irland &a which of Scotland hath not hitherto
VOL. II.                               11




82                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
been done here, that they might have there Majes Proclamation to Proclaim there sd Majes accordinly,
and they would cause the Companies come in arms, & doe it with what Solemnity the Place could
afford, but yi sd Jochim Staas answered yt ye Proclftmation was sent to him, & he would Obey Orders
Post.Meridiem
Jochim Staas accompanied with r Bogardus came to ye Convention and there showd an Order
from Jacob Leysler authorizeing Jochim Staas assisted with ye Freeholders and Inhabitants of Albanie
to Proclaim William and Mary Prince and Princesse of Orange to be king and Queen of England
Scotland France and Irland &a Since he ye sd Leysler had Reed Letters from ye Lords of his Maje3
most honble Privy Councill dated ye 29th day of July 1689 to Proclaim there Majes if not already
done, to which Intent he had sent a Proclamation for ye Same Purpose which Proclamac6n is made
by ye sd Leysler and not a Proclamation sent hither by thehre Maje as ye Gentn of the Convention
did Conclude and Expect it was.
VPON which many Debates were made, But Jochim Staes Insisted Principally if the Gentn did
not acknowledge Capt Leysler to be Leift Governr and Commander in Cheeffe of this Province,
and whither they would obey him as Such
The Gentlemen of ye Convention asked if he had nothing else to show which Impoured Capt Leysler
to be Leift Governr then those Papers now Produced and if he had ye Copies of ye Letters Sent
by his Maje for ye Province of N: Yorke, who Replyed, If he did show the Copies thereof then
yow would say it was Milborn's writeing, he Staas shewd a Commission from Leysler to take Possession of fort Orange and an ordr for a day of Thanksgiveing, The Convention told Jochim Staas
that if he could Produce but ye Least orders from his Maje King William directed to Jacob Leysler
then they would obey him and Submitt, Else thougt itt not answerable to Obey his Commands in ye
Least, but desyred Copies of those Papers which he shewed, & they would Consider ye Bussinesse
when Some members of ye Convention who were not in Toune were made acquainted with itt and
give him there answer in writeing telling him withall they were Intended to write to Capt Leysler
about it, but ye sd Jochim Staas did not think it Convenient to give Copies of ye sd Papers and so
went away he and pr Bogardus together
Att a Meeting of there Majes Justices of ye Peace of ye Citty and County
of Albany Die Sabbathi 12mo January Ao 16|f  Post JMeridiem
Present
pr Schuyler Mayr          Livinus van Schaik         Capt Marte Gerritse
Dirk Wessells Recordr     David Schuyler             Kiliaen van Renselaer
Capt Joh: Wendel          Albt Ryckman               Claes Ripse
Capt Jan Bleeker                                             Justices of ye Peace
ALL the Justices of ye Peace of ye Citty and County of Albanie except Majr Abraham  Staas
Dirk Teunise and Capt Sander Glen were Conveined together to give there opinions whether Capt
Jacob Leysler ought to be Esteemed and acknowleged to be ye Leift Governr and Commandr in
Cheefe of the Province Since nothing hitherto hath been Produced to there view from his most Sacred
Majy KING WILLIAM our Souveraign Leige Lord whereby the can acknowlege him soe, only takes
upon him ye Title in Severall Papers which have been showne by Jochim Staas yesterday
pr Schuyler Mayor his vote is that he cannot acknowlege ye sd Capt Leysler to be Leift Governr
and Commander in Cheeffe of this Province nor Obey his orders till he hath showne that he hath
Lawfull Authority from his most Sacred Maje KING WILLIAM SO to be
Dirk Wessells votes ye same with ye Mayor




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEtTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                    83
Capt Wendel is van opinie om dat hy sich Sodanigh Shryft als Luytenant Governeur en Commandeur
an Chef, dat zyn verstant niet & can beseffen off het so'danigh is of niet & is;
Capt Jan Jansz Bleeker is of ye same opinion wth Capt Wendell which being translated is as follows
that because he writes himself soe as Leift Governr and Commandr in Cheeffe, That his understanding
cannot Comprehend whither it be soe or not soe
Livinus van Schaik is of ye Same opinion with ye Mayr
David Schuyler is of ye same opinion with ye Mayr
Albert Ryckman of ye Same opinion with ye Mayr
Capt Marte Gerritse is off opinion yt he cannot see ytte is Leift Governr and Commander in Cheeffe,
before he shows it, that he hes it from his most Sacred Maje KING WILLIAM
Kiliaen van Rensselaer is of ye same opinion wth ye Mayr
Claes Ripse is of ye same opinion wth ye Mayr
The opinion of Capt Jonathan Bull who Comands the men sent hither from N: England for our assistance being asked says, That for any thing he hath either seen or heard yet, hath no Reason to Conclude
yt Capt Jacob Leysler is either Leift Governr or Commander in Cheeffe of ye Province of N: Yorke
The opinion of James Bennet Ensign to Capt Jonathan Bull being asked says, yt for anything
that hes appeard to him, he cannot juge that Capt Leysler is Leift Goyr & Commander in Cheeffe
of ye Province of N: Yorke
While ye sd Justices of ye Peace were together a Letter comes from Capt Sander Glenn there Majes
Justice of ye Peace at Shinnechtady Informing them how that there are five Commissions come to
Shinnectady from Capt Leysler for five Justices of ye Peace brougt thither by Jeronimus Wendell
and Gerrit Luykasse, ye Persones are Myndt Wemp Dowe Aukus Ryer Jacobse David Christoffelse &
Johannes Pootman, and a Commission to call the People together to choose new Capt Leift & Ensign
and a Toune Courte, and yt ye Sd 5 justices come here tomorrow to assist Mr Jochim Staas and to
Enter upon there office.
The said Capt Sander together with ye Leift & Ensign and Sweer Teunise members of ye Convention doe write to the gentn that there vote is not to Obey Capt Leyslers orders, But to Protest against
his Illegal Proceedings.
And since we are Informd by Capt Bleeker of one of ye Train band Compes of this Citty that Jochim
Staas did ask him to beat ye Drum and call his Compe together tomorrow to Publish a Proclamation
sent hither by Capt Leysler of there Majes to be King and Queen of England Scotland France and
Irland, which Proclamation ye sd Justices Declare they are Ready to Proclaim, if there is ye Least
Title of orders for ye same from there Majes but since this is used merely as a means to Establish Capt
Leyslers authority who makes ye sd Proclamation
It is ye opionion of ye Mayr and Aldermen and the Justices to Discharge Capt Bleeker and Capt
Wendel not to Convein there Companies together nor beat any Drums, to Disturbe ye Peace of
there Majes Leige People of this Citty, Since ye sd Magistrates are Resolved to use all means and
methods to Preserve ye Peace of our Souveraigne Lord king WILLIAM & Queen MARY and not to
suffer ye Least Innovation or Alteration in ye government of this Citty and County till orders comes
from his Maje King William for ye same, which never hath been hitherto showne
RESOLVED that for ye Preservation of ye Peace of our Souveraign Lord & Lady KING WILLIAM &,QUEEN MARY and ye wellfare of the Inhabitants of this Citty and County of Albanie the following
Protest be Published jn a most Solemn manner tomorrow, only Capt Wendel & Capt Bleeker say
they will have nothing to doe wth ye Protest when they heard it Read
WHEREAS Jacob Leysler of ye City of N: Yorke Merchant hath for some monthes past assumed
to himself a Power to Command there Majes Fort at N: Yorke, and brougt to his D'evotion severall




84                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GVERNOR LEISLER.
of ye adjacent Tounes and Villages without ye Least Commission or Authority derived to him from
ye Croune of England; whose Ambitious and Restlesse Spiritt, together with Diverse of his associates have Indefaticably strove and Endevord to bring there Majes KING WILLIAM and QUEEN MARYS
Loveing subjects in ye City and County of albany unto ye same Confusion and Slavery, upon Pretence
to Redeem them from   Arbitrary Power, and to free them from ye Yoke of Popery, which his
Creatures when Last here did Endevor to Infuse into ye heads of ye People and to stirr them up to
Sedition and Dissobedience to ye Lawfull Authority Confirmed by there Majes most Gracious Proclamation; But he the said Leysler not attaining his aim, which was ye Subversion of ye Governmt
of this Citty and County (so Extream Dangerous at this Juncture by Reason of ye Indians) Continues
Still his Malice, and Endevors to Disquiet there Majes Leige People, by assumeing to himself the
Titell of Leift Governour and Commander in Cheeffe of there Majes Province of N: Yorke, without
ye Least Shadow of orders or authority so to doe from hismost Sacred Maje KING WILLIAM, Deludeing
the Common People and makeing them Believe, yt ye letters wch were sent by his Maje to Francis
Nicholson Esqr his Majes Leift govr and Commandr in Cheeffe of New Yorke and in his absence
to such as for ye time being take Care o reef ye Preserveing of Peace and administring ye Laws in said
Province of N: Yorke, Belonged to him, which he can no ways Pretend to, but on ye Contrary we
must Conclude are Directed to us so farr as ye County of albany is a Part of ye Province of New
Yorke and althogh ye sd Leysler is sufficiently senceible of ye Dangerous Condition ye Citty and
County of Albany are in, by Reason of ye French of Canida and there Indians which we may dayly
Expect, haveing Intelligence that they have Drawne allthere forces together to Mont Royall, ye season
of ye year being now most favourable, if they Design to make any Attaque upon us, who besides are
useing all Possible means to Delude and Draw off ye five nations of Indians westward from there
Obedience and Subjection to ye Croune of England by there Indians Lately come from france, By
which means there Majes Intrest will not only in ye Citty and County of albany but also in ye Northern
Parts of america suffer Extreamly, To Prevent which we have spared neither cost nor Trouble to
secure them to this Government. Yet he ye said Leysler doth Continue to make new Confusions
when Peace and Unity is most Requisite by sending orders and Commissions to Jochim Staes, Particularly a Commission to take into his Possession fort Orange and Diverse oyr Commissions to sundrey
Persones of this Citty and County, intending thereby to subvert ye government here and Turn all
upside Downe, writing Seditious Letters which are come to our hands wherein he orders new
Elections for Mayr and Aldermen forthwith to be made whom he hath signified to ye sd Staas Contrare
to the Previledges of this Citty Graunted by Charter, soe yt Great Part of ye Time must be spent 
to Defeat the sd Leyslers Pernicious and Malitious Designs which otherwise Could be Employd to Resist
upon all occasions ye Common Enemy. and for ye Publike good, and althogh ye Bussinesse hath
been sufficiently Debated with ye sd Jochim Staas and so many Arguments used as ought to Convince
any Rationall man, That if he could show but the Least Title of an order from our Souveraign Leige
Lord KING WILLIAM to ye sd Leysler or authentique Copies thereof, wee were willing and Ready to"
Obey him or if he could not Produce Such that if he could but Deliver us authentique Copies of his
Majes Letters or orders sent to Capt Nicholson, wee were most willing to Obey and Perform whatever
was Comprehended in the Same, wee have by the assistance of God dureing these Revolutions
taken care for ye Preserveing ye Peace & administring ye Laws in our said Citty and County
notwithstanding all Combinations and Contrivances to ye Contrare, and forasmuch as we have seen,
among ye Papers sent by ye sd Leysler to Jochim Staas a Proclamation made by ~e sd Leysler Pretended
Leift Govr and Commandr in Cheeffe for ye Proclaiming WILLIAM and MARY Prince and Princesse off
Orange KING and QUEEN of England Scotland france & Irland &a together with a warrant Signd
by ye sd Leysler authorizeing Jochim Staas to Publish ye same, mentioning yt he Leysler had Receivd




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                   85
Orders dated ye 29th day of July 1689 (never yet showne to us) to Proclaim there Majes if not already
done, which Titles of Prince and Princesse off Orange since they have above six months agoe been
Proclaimed here KING and QUEEN of England France and Irland &a and we in there names so acted
would be a Dimunition of there Majes Titles, but if they were to be again Proclaimd wee Conceive
would be of Scotland alone, since it is mentiond in sd Order to Proclaim there Majes if not already
done; And altho ye sd Staas knows yt there Majes were Proclaimed here in albany on ye first day of
July Last KING & QUEEN of England France and Irland &a in ye Self same manner as our neighbours of Boston had done to whom his Majes is Pleased to signify his Royall approbation of ye
same and gracious acceptance, and having Desyred ye sd Jochim Staas, that if there was any Orders
from there Majes for a second Proclamation because Scotland was not Inserted in ye first that we were
most willing and Ready to doe itt with what solemnity ye Place could afford, But could get no oyr
answer of him, then whether we would not acknowlege Leyslers authority, and yt he had no other
Proclamation then yt made by ye sd Leysler which sd Proclamation we are Credibly Informed ye sd
Jochim Staes doth Design to Proclaim, by which means he Intends to Erect and Establish Leyslers
authority here, and so overthrow ye whole p'sent Magistracy, whereby many Mischeiffs and Calamities
must of necessity Ensue to his Majes good subjects since ye Indians have much Depended upon them
during these Revolutions
And that it may be Apparent to ye world that we underwritten Mayor and aldermen of ye City of
albany and Justices of ye Peace of ye said County have done and still Continue to doe what lyes in
our Power for ye Preservation of Peace and Tranquillity among ye Inhabitants of this City and County
till ye arrivall of a governr or Orders from his most Sacred Majestie KING WILLIAM which is daily
Expected, and to Prevent Such Confusion Innovation and Alteration Since it is an Indispenceible
duty upon us at this juncture, and fearing to Incurr there Majes Displeasure for our too much Lenity,
Wee doe in his Majes KING WILLIAM'S name, forewarn Discharge forbid and Prohibite ye sd Jochim
Staas and his associates upon Pain of Rebellion to Convein or cause any meeting or assembly of People
to come together, wthin this Citty and County of Albany upon any Pretence whatsoever whereby
there Majes Peace any wise may be Disturbed; and therefore in ye Behalfe of there Majes Leidge
People of ye said Citty and County we do PROTEST against ye sd Jochim Staets and his associates for
all Bloodshedds, Plunderings Robberies, mischeeffs Dammages, Losses Detriments that may henceforth Ensue by his or there Irregular and Illegal Proceedings, Since such meetings can be looked
upon no oyr ways then as Contrare to ye Peace of our Souveraign Lord and Lady King William
& Queen Mary there Croune and Dignity In Testimony whereof we have hereunto Sett our hands
and Sealls in albany ye 13th day of January in ye first year of there Majes Reign ao 16 R and caused
ye same to be Entered in the Publike Register of ye Citty and County
Signed & Seald pr            pr SCHUYLER mayr      ( )
D: WESSELS Recr       ( )
GOD SAVE KING WILLM                     K v: RENSSELAER JUSt:  ( )
AND QUEEN MARY                        L v SHAIK alderm.      ( )
DAv: SCHUYLER alder:   ( )
MARTE GERRITSE Just:   ( )
ALBt RYCKMAN.ald:      ( )
CLAES RIPSE V: DAM aid: ( )




86                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
THE Manner how ye s4 Protest was Publishd on ye 13th day of January 16DT was orderd to be
Entred, being as follows.
The Mayr with ye Recordr and Aldermen and ye Justices and ye Common Councill marchd from
there Majes Fort (The marshall going before with a white Rod) accompanied with diverse of ye
Antient Citizens, with a guarde of fifty Inhabitants in arms, The Mayr as ye Kings Leift together with
ye Recorder alderman Shaik and Capt Marte Gerritse Justice of ye Peace as soon as they came
within ye Citty Gates, went with there Swords Pointed; Then followd ye other aldermen and Justices
and Common Councill and Sundrey Citizens and then the guards and in this Posture with Drumms
Beateing came to ye Plain Before ye Church where ye Bell Rung thrice, Then ye Mayor made a speech
to ye Citizens which flokd together, shewing the Reasons why he came there in Such manner Then
ye PROTEST was Read in English and Dutch, this being done they all went in ye Same Posture through
ye Principle Streets of ye Citty and So up to ye fort, where ye guardes were Dismissd and thankd
by ye Mayr ye Present Commander of ye fort for ye Service they had done there Majen KING WILLIAM
and QUEEN MARY that day, and ye Protest sent by ye Marshall to be affixed at ye Porch of ye Church.
Evert Banker Gerrit Ryerse and Eghbert Teunise assistants Concurr with ye Mayr aldermen and
Justices in ye Protest and think it Extream needful that it be most. Solemnly Published who went
themselfs in Person and see it done and desyred that th his there Opinion and advice as assistants of ye
Citty might be Entred.
Capt Sander Glenn one of there Majes Justices of ye Peace cameto ye office and Perrused the
Proceedings of ye Justices Enterd yesterday Concerning ye not acknowledging Jacob Leysler of N:
Yorke Mercht to be Left governr and Commander in Cheeffe of this Province who Concurrswith ye
Rest of ye Justices yt he cannot be Esteemed So nor his orders be Obeyd till ye sd Leysler hath
Showne that he hath Lawfull authority from his Majes King William so to be and desyred that his
vote might be Entred, and also yt he Concurrs wth ye Rest of the Justices in ye Protest and approoves
of ye same.                         A true Copy Examind By me
ROBt LIVINGSTON Clk
Albany ye 20th of January 16V
Present-Pr Schuyler mayr D. Wessells C: Wendell C: Bleeker L. V. shaik albt Ryckman
The mayor and Aldermen haveing Consulted to day how to Procure some Christians and Indians
to goe towards ye Great Lake to Lye as skouts for ye space of three weeks to give notice if ye french
should come with an army to Invade there Majes Territory, but could fynde none yt would goe under
2 shil 6d to 3 shil pr day, for Capt Bull would suffer none of his men to goe alledgeing it Contrare to
his Instructions, and while they were bussy to discourse sd affare ye following Indians came and sd
as follows vizt.
PROPOSEAL made by Capt Blew Stocking and anoyr maquase called
Deganochkeeri to ye mayor & alderman in albe ye 20 January 16|V
Present_-Pr Shuyler mayr Dirk wessells Recordr J: Bleeker albt Rykman Livinus van Shaik
BRETHREN-We have sent by ye 40 maquase Souldiers now at Shennechtady to acquaint yw that
they are come to goe out as Skouts towards ye lake and otter creek to wath ye Designe of yt Deceiver
ye govr of Canida to see if he will come and Invade our Country again & if we Discern any Progresse
of his we have 4 Indians yt we send forthwith Post to give yu & our people advertisemt Since we
intend to spend our time So till ye Ice be out of ye water & there design to make Canoes & goe to
Canida a fighting  But we being Poor doe want amunition as Pouder lead & axes for ye journey, &
gave 7 hand of wampum as a token desyreing yt ye govt may Provide them wth Such ammunition;




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                    87
Answer to ye sd Messengers ye 21th do
Present-Pr Schuyler D: wessell Liv: V. Shaik J Bleeker J. wendel
We are glad that yw take our Recommendations so well and haste to be vigilant at this Juncture
when ye false french might come & fall upon yr Country; Proceed & look out well & give us an acct
from time to time how all affares is with yw & according to yr Request we have sent to ye sd Compe
three Baggs of Pouder & 20 Barrs of lead to make use of in sd Expedition, Desyreing yw to make
all speed thither imaginable; & yw need not fear but we shall be Ready upon all occasions if the
french should come;
The sd Indians were very thankfull and sd they would withal speed goe to Shinnechtady & forward ye Compe & hasten them upon there march,           A true Copy Examind pr
ROBT LIVINGSTON Clk
[For entries which follow in these Records, relating to the Burning of Schenectady, see Doc. Hist., Vol. 1, pp. 188, 191.]
Feb 10th 16~~
Resolved yt 25 volunteers goe under ye Command of Leift Evert de Ridder together with those
men gone to Shinnectady this morning and Pursue and follow after ye french & Indian Enemy who have
carried Sundrey of there Majes Subjects Captives from Shinnectady who had this following Commission
WHEREAS the french and Indians of Canida have come in a hostile manner massacred and murtherd
Sundry of there Majes Subjects at Shinnectady burning ye Towne and caried divers Captives along with
them; yow are hereby required in there Majes name king William and Queen Mary to Pursue and
follow after ye sd french and Indians with so many volunteers as shall be sent with yw and ye sd french
and Indians to kill and Destroy and ye Captives to Rescue and Redeem out of ye sd Enemies
hands if Possible, always Provided yow meet with a sufficient number of friende Indians at Shinnectady to assist yow in said Expedition
Yow are to take Especiall care to have always Spyes and Skouts out to Prevent all ambushes in ye
march and to keep ye said men in good order and Discipline & ye men are to be obedient to yr
orders as Souldiers are obliged to obey there officers by ye Law marshall given in albany ye 10th
day of february 16 9
To Leift Evert de Ridder
It was Resolved to Detach 30 men more out of ye Compe to go to Shinnectady ye Mayr pr
Schuyler Jochim Staets & Robt Livingston were to goe out along with them but after that ye
Respective Posts and watches were reduced by Mr Wessells Capt Jochim Staets & Capt Bleeker they
were found so weake that they could not spare there men & ye People generally unwilling to consent
that any more men should go out of Towne not being much above 150 men in ye Citty.
Die Martis Albany ye 11th day of February 16 f
Haveing Received Information from Shinnectady last night yt no messenger was yet gone to ye
Maquase Castle to warn them to come doune it was resolved that Mr Wessells should goe in all
haste thither to bring doune ye Maquase and Capt Gerrit Teunise to goe with a Party of men now
att Shinnectady to follow ye Enemies Tract to see if they have a stronger army or any party bounde
hither to this Toune and comeing to Shinnectady were assured that a messenger was gone to ye
Maquase Castles, and Lawrenc ye yIndian haveing been out in pursuit of ye Enemy with 9 men which
Lay here in Toune got an Indian Prisoner by ye way who was examind and told yt the Enemy were
not many above a hundred french and 100 Indians ye sd Lawrence ye Maquase Proposed yt he now




88                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
had 49 men of ye Maquase & River Indians sent from Albany, yt he was Intended to pursue ye
Enemy to morrow, for his heart was Broke to see so much of his Brethrens blood shed and would
Procure some of ye Prisoners back again either by force or by strategem, upon wh Mr Wessells
proposed to ye young men come there with Leift Evert de Ridder; now yow see what that Lawrence
ye Indian Intends, how many of yow are willing to goe along with him & serve there Majes king
William & Queen Mary & Pursue there Enemies that have Destroyed so many Christians, out of
which Compe & of some oyrs yt came from Albany only 21 went out with Lawrence ye Maquase on
ye 12 of february being Weddensday, and just as they were furnishd and Ready to goe ye Indians of
ye first & 2d Castle came to Capt Sanders but ye weather being so badd & such a Rain they could
not Proceed yt day Expecting ye Indians of ye 3d Castle would be there that night.
The 12th dito Die Mercury.
Last night it was Resolved upon to made Ready one hundred men to joyn wth ye 50 men yt were
at Shinnectady &  th ye Maquase & River Indians & so pursue ye Enemy, but this day ye great Thaw
and Rain Prevented there march and quite Discouraged ye People of haveing any Successe, we writt
therefore to Shinnectady to Mr. Wessells yt we hoped he had sent ye men forward that was there
and them were sent him last night, Since we see no Probability of Sending any more from hence ye
weather being so badd which accordingly was done haveing advice yt Mr. Wessells had Dispatchd
about 90 or 100 Christians & Indians & ye Skachkooc Indians wch were gone by the way of Sarachtoge
were to meet them together with ye 40 maquase yt were out as skouts Lawrence sending forthwith
2 messengers before to warn ye sd 40 Indians to meet them.
The 13 dito. Die Jovis.
About 10 a Clock ye Indians of Tionondage ye 3d Castle of ye Mohoggs came to Shinnectady
who Rested there that day, alderman Shaik Capt Staets & Ensighn Shuyler were Commanded out
with a Party of men to joyn ye Tionondages and so Pursue ye Enemy but comeing to Shinnectady ye
Indian Prisoner taken by Lawrence being given to ye Sachims of Tionondage after they had Tormented
him he was given to an Indian wooman according to there custome who gave him his life, who then
Confessed yt when he came out of Canida there were 600 men making Ready to come out towards
albany or N: England, wch Discouraged alderman Shaik Capt. Jochim Staets to Proceed; The
more because a negro woman of Shinnectady was told ye Same by a Spanyard yt was among ye
french yt a Design was Laid against albany, So yt ye Tionondages went out & followed Lawrence,
& after they had been out a day came back again till Lawrence sent a messenger that he was within a
days journey of ye Enemy and Praid them to come up with all Speed  then they went & 9 of our
Christians wth Ens: abr: Schuyler, but could not overtake ye Enemy ye Christians came back &
ye Indians went on The maquase upon our Desyre granted the Indian Prisoner to be sent to ye fort
to be Secured for fear of his Running away to Canida
Capt. Garten Capt Paling Capt Beekman & Capt Matthys wth 30 men came from Sopus for our
assistance.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 89
Att a meeting of ye Convention of albany ye 15th day of february 16*Present
pr Schuyler Mayr       D. wessells Recordr       Capt gerrit Teunise
Liv. van Shaik         J. Bleeker                Capt Garten
Claes Ripse            albt. Ryckman            Capt Paling
Joh: Cuyler            Evert Banker              Capt Beekman
Capt Marte gerritse
Resolved to write to ye governr & Councill of Boston Connetticut & Virginia & to ye Civill &
Military officers of N: Yorke & desyred them to joyn together that Quebeck may be taken by water
in ye Spring as pr said letters appears
Stephen Lee & Mr Davenport were sent Post to Boston and Connetticut & Cornelise Viele to N:
Yorke
The 18th of february 16.9
Whereas there are severall houses near ye Citty which stand Extream Dangerous & ye Enemy
being dayly Expected ye generality of ye Citizens desyre that they may be pulled doune It is ordered
by ye mayr aldermen and commonality of ye Citty of Albany yt ye same be forthwith removed to witt
ye house of Barent albertse Bratt ye house of Wm hoffmayer ye house of adriaen appel, ye house
of ye widow of Cornelise vanderholve, and to ye end that ye same may be effected with ye Least
Dammage to ye owners these following p'sones to witt pr Winne pr Bogardus Wm Claese Groesbeek harme Gansevoort Dirk Bensing & Jan Cornelise Vyselaer are appointed and authorized to agree
with ye owners Else to apprise the same, wch sd apprizemt is to be paid by the Publike & to order
yt ye same may be broke off in the most orderly way with all speed; ye sd 6 Persones are also
authorized to Cause all ye fences & trees standing neer the Toune to be Removed & to warn ye owners
to doe it with all Expedition else to order it to be done, in doeing whereof this shall be ye sufficient warrant; ye Sd men are authorized to give there Report whether any oyr houses ought to be
Removed in this dangerous time that order may-be taken therein  actum in albany ye 18th day of
february 16{^  Signd pr Schuyler mayr J. Bleeker Joh: wendel albert Ryckman Claes Ripse van
dam Liv: van Shaik Jochim Staets Gerrit Ryerse Reynier Barentse.
Albany ye 21th february 16*
Present
pr Schuyler             albt Ryckman              gert Ryerse
D. Wessells            Eghbert Teunise            Capt gert Teunise
Claes Ripse            Joh: Cuyler                Capt Marte gerritse
pr Winne pr Bogardus Harme gansevoort Dirk Bensing & Jan Cornelise Vyslaer who were authorized
to give there Report whether any oyr houses ought to be Removed from ye Toune walls, doe say yt
ye 4 houses of Barent albertse Brat Adrien appel Wm hoffmayer & ye wdw of Cornelise vanderholve
be Removed ye oyr houses may stand till further order, but yt all fences Trees and oyr timber must
be Removed 60 paces without ye City stockadoes, & all oyr things wh might hinder ye view of ye enemy
Item yt ye Curtain must be Repaired by Bennony van Korlaers & by ye Mayr pr Schuylers.
Orderd yt ye houses of Barent albertse Bradt Wm hoffmayer adriaen appel & ye widw of Cornelise
vanderholve be pulled doune by ye Companies of Capt Bleeker & Capt Wendel & sett up again
within ye Citty on such lotts as shall be appointed for ye same & yt ye quarter of a Compe doe work
at a time & so by Turns
The May" aldermen & Commonality have granted to Adrien appel ye Lott between Jurian van
VOL. II.                              12




90                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
hoese & Reynier Schaets for his house to be erected there, that is to say so much grounde as his
house can stand on in front to be on ye Side of Jurian van hoesen & for Wm hoofmayer ye Lott
Behinde between ye Brew house of Bennony van Corlaer & ye Lott Qf Reynier Shaets deceased
that in so much as ye sd house can stand upon in front next to ye Brew house Provided ye Lotts of
ye sd Wm Hoffmayer & adriaen appel without ye gate shall for ye future belong to ye Mayr aldermen
& Commonality of ye Citty of albany & there successors forever
Ordered yt ye house of Barent alberts Bradt be erected on a lot of Johannes den wandelaer next
to hans hendriks & if yt sd Johannes de wandelaer and Barent albertse Bradt cannot agree about ye
Price 4 persones shall be appointed to apprize ye same wh ye sd Barent is to pay, & then ye Lott
without ye gate Remains his but not to be built upon without order
Ordered yt all persones yt have fences neer ye Toune be warned to Remove ye same 60 paces
from ye Toune Stockadoes in 3 day's time
Ordered ye first divison of Capt Bleekers Compe goe to worke & Pull doune ye sd 4 houses on
Munday morning standing neerest ye gates, beginning at the house of Barent albertse Bradt which
house together with ye house of Wm hoffmayer and adriaen appel is to be sett up again by ye Inhabitants in some Convenient Place within ye Citty & yt by, every division both in Pulling doune
ye houses & setting them up there be at least on Carpenter or Two, The house of ye widw of Cornelise vanderholve being old and Decayed is only to be pulled doune
Orderd yt ye gate by harme ganseforts be forthwith Repaired
At a meeting &c. Albany ye 22th day of february 16]
Present
pr Schuyler Mayr           Kiliaen van Renselaer      Ens: Joh: Sanders
D. Wessells Recordr        Ev: Banker                 pr Winne
L: v: Shaik                Capt Bull                  Wm de Mayer
J: Bleeker                 Capt Jochim Staets         C:.Marte gerritse
Albt Ryckman               Ens: Bennitt               Claes Ripse
Joh: Cuyler                Capt Paling                Capt garten
Reynier Barents            Capt Beekman               Capt gerrit Teunise
Lt Robt Sanders
Resolved that for ye p'servation of there Majes Intrest in these parts & ye Secureing of there Subjects
in this time of war wth ye french, yt all means be used to Perswade all ye Maquase to come & live &
Plant at Shinnectady lately Destroyed by ye french and there Indians wh will be a means yt ye winter
Corn sowed there may be Reaped & ye Indians in Readinesse to joyn with our forces unon any
occasion if ye enemy should come
Resolved yt all Endevors be used to Perswade ye Indians of Skachkook to come & live & Plant
upon Marte gerritse Island neer ye toune whereby ye fidelity of ye Indians will be knowen & they,Ready upon all occasions to goe as Skouts to discover ye Enemy & to assist upon any attempt of ye
EnemyResolved yt ye River Indians liveing at Beere Island and Catskill be Perswaded to goe all &
live & Plant at Catskill who will be Ready on all occasions to be employed as skouts or oyrwise
which will much Conduce for ye Security of our neighbours of ye County of ulster by there Continuall
hunting and Rangeing ye woods
And Capt garrit Teunise doth Promise upon all occasions to send up such number of sd Indians
as shall be Requisite to be Employd as aforesa




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  91
Symon van Ness and Andries Barents who went out ye first wth ye maquase Returning told; they
had Pursued ye Enemy to ye great Lake & would have overtaken them had they not been Spyed by
some of ye Enemy Indians that went out to looke for 2 negroe boys yt were Runn away from them,
& yt ye Indians & Christians were all Tyred when they came to ye Croune Point neer ye Lake;
some went farther till they came to where ye Ise was smooth where the french had with horses that
they carried from Shinnectady & skeets & Yse spurrs, made all the way they could over ye Lake in
So much that our People could gain nothing upon them; whereas at first they went 2 of there days
journeys in one; neverthelesse Lawrence ye maquase & about 140 Mohoggs & River Indians are gone
in Pursute of them, & will follow them quite to Canida.
Att a Meeting &c. Albany FebuY 23d 169.
Itt was Proposed to ye gentn of Sopus to levy 50 men out of there County for our assistance to
lye in Garrison here, who Replyed that they would use all Endevors to Perswade there People for a
Supply, but by there unhappy Revolutions and Distractions Some adhereing to ye firstmagistracy oyr
to there new leaders, They cannot Execute yt Power & Command as is Requisite on such occasions
People being under no Regulation.
Resolved to write to ye Civill & Military officers of Sopus for ye assistance of 50 men to lye in
Garrison here to Defend there Majes King William & queen Marys Intrest in these PartsIt was also proposed to Raise some Goods by way of loan upon there Majes acct. of them that
were willing to advance, to be Employed for ye PublikeIt is Concluded to fortify ye Toune wth all speed & yt ye 4 houses standing neer ye gates be
pulled doune to morrow
Att a Meeting &c  Albany FebuY 25th 16 
Present
pr Schuyler mayr       Joh: Cuyler           John Bleeker       albt Ryckman
D: Wessels Recordr     Reynier Barents       Jochim Staets
Resolved yt no merchandize either Christian or Indian fitt for cloathing be Transported out of ye
Citty upon pain of Confiscation-Bevers or Peltry money or oyr Treasure & goods not necessare for
apparel may be sent dounePROPOSITIONS madby the Sachims of ye Maquase Castles to ye Mayor Alderman and
Commonality of e Citty of albany and Military officers of ye sd Citty and County in ye
Citty hall ye 25th day of february 169
Present
pr Schuyler Mayr             C. Jochim Staets            Saggoddiochquisax
D wessels Recordr            Lt abr: Schuyler            oquedagoa
L: v: Shaik                  En: gabr Thompson           Tosoquatho
Jan Janse bleeker             Interpreted pr             odagerasse
albt Ryckman                 arnout and hille            aridarenda
Reynier Barents              JNames of ye Sachims        Jagogthare
Joh: Cuyler                  Sinerongnirese Speker
C. marte Gerritse            Rode
BRETHREN-Wee are sory and Extreamly greeved for ye murther Lately Committed by ye french
upon our Brethren of Shinnechtady wee Esteem this evill as if done to ourselfs being all in one
Covenant chain But what they have done is by way of Stelth by way of Robbery unawars our




92                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
brethren of New England will be sorry to hear of this sad dissaster, but we must not be discouraged
give a belt of wampum according to there custome to wipe of the tears
2 Brethren Wee Lament and Condole the death of so many of our brethren so basely murtherd
at Shinnechtady, we cannot accompt it a great victory for itt is done by way of Deceit He (meaning
ye governr of Canida) comes to our Country by his messengers at onnondage and speaks of Peace
with ye whole house quite hither, But warr is in his heart as yow fynde by woful Experience but
what shall we say it is ye same as he did at Cadarachqui and ye Sinnekes Country this ye third time
that he hes done so; he hes this is ye third time Broke open ye gevell of our house on both ends ye
one end at Sinnondowanne and ye oyr here, but we hope to be revenged there is one hundred of our
young men out still who will Pursue them to there doors at Canida nay ye french shall not be able
Cutt a Stick of wood we will lay soe Close seige to them we doe now gather ye Dead together in
order to There Interrment a manner of speakeing amongst them  doe give a belt of wampum
3 Wee are come here from our Castles with tears in our Eys to bemoan ye murther Committed by
ye Perfidious french at Shinnechtady our young Indians are gone out in Pursute of them and while
we are now Bussy in Burying the dead yt were murtherd there we may have bad news yt our people
are gone out may be killed also ye same yt is befallen yu may befall us; we doe therefore come
and bury our Brethren at Schennechtady doe give a belt of wampum according to there Custome
4 Great is ye Mischaffe yt is befallen us it is come from ye heavens upon us were taught by
our fore fathers when any Sad accident or Dissaster doth befall any of ye Covenant to goe with all
Convenient speed to Bemoan there death, doe give a Belt of wampum which they call a belt of Vigelance that is not to have too much thought on what is done yt Cannot be Remedied but to be watchful
for ye future and give Eye water to make ye Brethren Sherpe Sighted
5 Wee come to ye house where we usually doe Renew ye Covenant which house we fynde
Defiled with blood this is knowne to all ye 5 nations and we are come to wipe off ye blood and
Sweep ye house clean and therefore pray yt Corlaer and all they yt are in office here in albany nameing
ye mayor whom they call pieter mr wessells and mr Livingston may use all means and derect all
affares to he revenged of ye Enemy that have done us this Evill doe give a belt of wampum
6 Brethr: Doe not be discouraged this is butt a beginning of ye warr we are strong eneugh the
whole house have there Eyes fixed upon yrs and they only stay your motion and will be ready to doe
what ever shall be resolved upon by our Brethren, our Covenant is a firm Covenant it is a Silver
Chain and cannot be broke we are resolute and will Continue ye warr we will not leave off if there
were but 30 men of us left we will Proceed There fore pray take good heart Doe not Pack and
goe away if ye Enemy should hear yt it would much Encourage them; wee are of ye Race of ye
Bear and a bear doth not yeald as long as there is a droop of blood in its body we must all be soe doe
give a belt of wampum
7 Brethren Be Content Look up to ye heavens from thence ye Judgment is come now upon us be
not discouraged ye same hand yt hath chastised us can heal us; the sunn wch now hath been Cloudy and
sent us this dissaster will shinne again and with its Pleasant Beams Comfort us Be Incouraged with
many Repetitions doe give a bevir skin
8 Wee are Engaged in a bloody warr with ye french about 3 years agoe and were Incouraged to
proceed and no sooner were well Entred and gott prisoners but a Cessation Came and Corlaer meaning
Col: dongan hindred us to proceed and demanded ye prisoners from us we were obedient and
did deliver them and layed doune ye hatchet which if we might have gone foreward then the french
would not have been in yt Capacity to doe so much mischeeffe as they doe but now we must dye
Such obstructions will Ruine us; if we might have had our wills we would have prevented there




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLIR.                  93
planting Sowing and Reaping and brought them low and mean Neverthelesse lett us be stedfast and
not take such measures again lett us goe one briskly with ye warr doe give a Bever Skinn
9 Wee Recommend ye brethren to keep good watch and if any Enemies come take care yt messengers be more speedily sent to us then lately was done we would not advise ye brethren quite to
desert Shinnechtady but to make a fort there The enemy would be too glorious to See it quite desolate and yr Toune is not well fortifyed ye Stockadoes are so short ye Indians can jump over them
like;a dogg doe give a bever skinn
10 This mischeeffe is done at Shinnechtady and it Cannot bee helped but asoon as any Enemy
Comes let nothing hinder yr speedy sending to us ye news by Posts and fyreing great gunnes yt all
may be alarmd and our advise is yt yr gett all ye River Indians who are under yr subjection to come
and Live neer unto yr to be ready on all occasions and send word to n: England of all and lend us
there helping hand; lett us not be discouraged ye french are not so many as people talk off if we but
minde our buissinesse they can be subdued with ye assistance of our neighbours of N: England whose
Intrest it is to drive on this warr as much as ours yt it may be speedily ended
Wee Desyre yt ye brethren may Recommend ye Smiths not to be dear in repareing our arms since
money is so scarce and we only goe to warring and not to hunting we shall take care to warn ye
Sinnekes and ye nations living above us to be in Readinesse for we being one they hearken to us and
tell of N: England yt we shall take care yt.ye upper nations-be Ready for our security and assistance
and lett them be ready also with Ships and great gunns by water and we will plague him by land we
are resolved not to goe out a hunting but to minde ye warr for ye sooner ye french be fallen upon
ye better before they gett men and provisions from france as there usuall custome is doe give a
bever Skinn
ANSWER upon ye maquase Sachims Propositions by ye mayr aldermen and. Commonality of
ye Citty of albany and Military officers of ye Ad Citty and County att the Cittyhall ye
26 febry 16T
BRETHREN-Your Coming heir according to the Custom of your ancestors to Condole ye death of
the brethren murthred at Shinnectady is very acceptable, whereby your Inclination to wards us is
demonstrate, wee must acknowledge that they did notkeep so good watch as they ought Considereing
what a false and deceit full Enemy they had to deal with all but that wh made them secure was ye
great trust they repossed in the 45 maquase who came heire and tendred there service to goe and
be ye out watch and to spy ye Enemy, which end powder and lead was given them as they understood
wee wer about hyreing of Christians to send thither but wer unhappily Deverted by the sd Companie
off maquase who promised to have four posts ready two to goe to there own Country and two to
runn hither if any Enemy should appear for the Brethren did assur us that no french Could Come
heir without beeing Discouered and then would all fall Into our hands wee are likewise mindfull how
yt ye 5 nations last fall when the gentlmen of new Engld were heir did declare how they would Encompasse the french of Canida that they should not break out this winter without being Discoverd and
fallen upon and die-likewise propose by our messeinggers arnout and Robt Sanders at the generall
meeting of onnondage to have 307: 400 men sent hither to be Readie on all occasions but see non
Now Brethren this Evill is done and Cannot bee Called back again, and ye only meanes the prevent
ye Like for the futur is to keep good watch and to have good Courage to oppose and resist ye Enemy
wee are no wayes Discomfitted for this misfortune It is ye fortun of warr wee doe not feare to be
Even with the french in a short time wee have alredy sent Letters to all our nighbours of n: England
Virginia and maryland the subjects of ye great king of England and acquainted them of the Evill
done heir by the french and how requisite it is yt ships be fitted out with all Convenient speed to goe




94                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
to quebek and to presse the bussinese there more wee doe now send prsons to N: Yorke and n:
England on purpose to lay open the Case before them &a to move them to Rigg out vessels not only
to hinder succor comeing from france but to take Quebek itt Self as also to send more men hither yt
we may then send men along with yw to annoy ye Enemy in there Country: In ye mean time we
recommend ye brethren to Send for 200 men from ye upper nations to joyn with yw to keep ye
french in Continuall allarm and doe them what mischeeffe imagineable and the onnondage and Sinnekes must goe doune ye river of Cadarachqui and meet ononoyr about Mont Royall and annoy ye
Enemy there; we shall in ye mean while fortify ye toune and put our Selfs in a good posture of
defence yt we may not be surprized as they of Shinnechtady were and make all preparations to oppose ye Enemy
The Brethren see yt we are in warr with france now there is no time to speak of peace the french
as you will observe have fallen on both end of ye Chain Butt not broke it lett us keep ye Covenant
so much ye faster wh, never hes had ye crak since ye verry first ye Christians came here They strove
to lull us as all as leep by there Messengers at onnondage Speaking of peace and then they were
upon ye way hither to Commit this murther The brethren need not fear for a Cessation to hinder us to
Pursue ye Enemy for as we told yw before ye king yt ordered that was a papist and a great frinde of
ye french but our paent Groat king will pursue ye warr to ye uttmost therefore we must all prepare
for warr, It well there fore be verry requisite that ye brethren for there better Security come and plant
this summer att Shinnechtady upon ye Land yt kannot be Cultivate this year that we may be near to
on onoyr upon any occasion Concerning yr Proposition of ye Skachkook Indians tis Concluded on
some days agoe to propose to ye Skachkook Indians ye Planting on Marte gerritse Island hard by ye
toune and ye River Indians yt lived below shall also come together to be ready on all occasions
Wee must Insist and recommend yw to perswade there of oneyde to Send ye Priest hither for yw
have Seen how dangerous it is to have such persones among yw who Informs ye Enemy of all yr
doings and discovers all our desyns we shall secure him yt he runn not away and when ye ouner demands him and ye troubles are over shall be deliverd for he can doe more harm in oneyde then 100
en
We think it Convenient yt one or two of yr Sachims stay here and yt a Sachim of each nation be
here to assist in ye managemt of ye affaires of ye warr
was give them 6 belt of wampum
Some Duffells Tobaccy
and some baggs with
Provision,After ye proposition was answerd they gave
a shout according to ye Custome which
Signified amen they would Continue ye
warr to the uttmost
After ye sa answer
The Maquase Sachims sd you [have heard] repeated our answer we are [going to pursue the Enemy
and] are not discouraged A mistake can [be committed] by ye best and wisest of men and we [are
resolved] now to persue ye war with all Vigour, We have a hundred men out in persute of ye
Enemy still who are good skouts in ye mean time, we Expect all ye Sachims of ye upper nations
to Consult with us, who will come to Condole ye death of our brethren murtherd at Schinnechtady
you need not fear our being ready wee are soon fitted out our ax is in our hands butt take.care of yr
selfs to be in Readinesse the Shipps yt must doe ye principall worke ar long a fitteing out and Rigging




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 95
we doe not design to goe out wth a small troop as skouts but as soon as ye nations come together we
well goe with a whole army to/Ruine ye french Country; ye bussinesse must be soone brought to a
Pereod therefore send in all haste to N: England for we nor yw cannot live long in this Condition we
must order it soe yt ye french be in a Continuall fear and alarm and yt ye way to be in Peace here
Concerning ye Skachkook Indians in our opinion they lye well where they are as a good watch they
are our Childeren we will take good care yt they doe there duty but as for ye Indians yt Live below
ye toune them -we mean must be sent for up and gott to plant and live together to be alwayes in
Readinesse upon occasion                           This is a true Copy Examind pr
ROBT LIVINGSTON
Att a meeting &c. albany FebY 26th 16|^
Present as before, also, L: v. Shaik Ev. Banker M. gerritse Lt abr Schuyler R. Sanders gabriel
Thomson & Capt Bull.
WHEREAS it is thougt Convenient yt all fences & Timber be Removed 60 Paces from ye City
Stockadoes, you are therefore hereby Required in there Majes name to warn all people yt have there
fences & Timber or oyr materials so neer'4ye outside of ye fence whereby ye Sight Rounde ye Toune
walls is hindred to Remove ye same in 24 hours time, else must be Removed at there Cost actum
in albany ye 26th day of feb 168,
pr order of ye Civill & Military officers  RT Liv: Clk
To R: Pretty Esqr high Sherriffe of ye Citty & County of Alb:
Att a meeting &c. albany Feb 27th 16~
The Bussinesse being taken into Consideration concerning Sending agents to N: Yorke & New
England to acquaint them off: affares here, and to Desyre assistance for ye Preservation of there
Majes Intrest in these parts it was putt to ye vote
And these following vote for a Person to be sent to N: Yorke & one to N: England
pr Schuyler Mayr     C. Jochim Staets   gabriel Thomson    abr: Shuyler
C. Jan Janse Bleeker  albt. Ryckman     Johannes Cuyler    Kiliaen van Renselaer
Reynier Barents      C. Sanders Glenn   Liv van Shaik      Robt Sanders
D. Wessells          Claes Ripse        Evert Bankertt
It is voted by 7 votes yt Joh: Cuyler goe to N: Yorke 5 votes yt Reynier Barents goe & 2 yt
Livinus van Shaik goe
It was Resolved nemine Contradicente yt Robt Livingston goe with all Convenient Speed to
Canetticut and Boston, & declare ye Condition of this County, & desyre yt all Endevors may be
used to Rigg out vessells towards Quebek, & Prevent all succor comeing from france & and to
Request ye assistance of fifty men and one hundred Barrells of Porke and Beefe, & if no men can be
obtained then ~400 in money & yt Commission & Instructions be given him accordingly
It is thougt Convenient to write to ye gent of ye County of Ulster yt one of ye gent yt was
lately here be desyred to goe to N: England with Robt Livingston our agent to moove ye gentn
there in ye behalfe of yt County for all Possible aid as above.
And yt by no means ye Compe of Capt Bull be draune off but stay here till a govr Comes or further
order from there Majes for our Releeffe
Robt Livingston desyred to be Excused from goeing to N: England not judgeing himself cappable
of mannageing a Bussinesse of yt moment: but if ye gent would not excuse him yt he might take
Capt gerrit Teunise along with him, who knew most of ye gent of ye neighbouring Collony wh was
graunted




96                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
Resolved Since Johannes Cuyler Refuses yt Reynier Barents with all Convenient Speed goe to
Sopus & there in our name Request Capt Garten or one of ye gentn yt were Last here to goe to
Boston along with Robt Livingston & Capt gerrit Teunise agents to Procure ye assistance of 50 men
and Provisions, and if no men can be Procured, to Procure some money, and use all Pressures Imaginable yt Shipping may be Equipd to goe to invade Canida, & yt ye sd Person may be at Catskill
on Munday night in order to proceed on ye journey, ye sd Mr Barents is to use all Endeavors wth
ye gent of Sopus to Procure 50 men with Provisions for our assistance as also 500 skepels of Indian
Corn for there Majes acct. for ye Indians yt goe out to warr ags ye french, & Comeing to N: Yorke
ye sd Barents is to inform them of affares there & Insist with ye authority there for ye assistance of
men provisions & money, according to instructions which shall be given him.
Resolved that for ye easier managemt of ye Present affares in this juncture yt 6 persones out of ye
Convention be appointed to order matters who are
Dirk Wessells Recordr
L: van Shaik            wch sd Persones are for ye
Capt Jan Bleeker        future to take ye Charge
Capt Marte gerritse erts of  doeing  all Publike
Reynier Barents         Bissinesse in this County
Evert Banker
Orderd yt ye following Instructions be given to Mr. Reynier Barents bounde to N: Yorke who
not understanding English desyre yt they might be in Dutch.
[Translation.]
INSTRUCTIONS given by the Civil & Military officers of the City and County of albany to
Reynier Barents one of the Common Council of this city, who is sent to N. York as
their Agent.
1. You shall go with all Convenient Speed to the Sopus and there in our name instantly require Capt.
Garten or one of the gentlemen who were recently here, to accompany Robt Livingston our Agent
to N. England, and there procure if possible the assistance of 50 men with Provisions, and if no
people can be spared, to request money to aid in assisting the King and Queens cause in this County
and that all means be used to persuade them to equip ships to invade Canada, and to the End that the
said journey may be most'speedily prosecuted, he will please notify said agent from the Esopus to
be next Monday at Catskill with Capt Gert Teunise where our Agent shall be to proceed together
by Tachkanick to Harford, conveying the horses over from Cattskill.
2. You are to use all means to persuade the gentlemen of the Sopus to send 50 men to our assistance with provision, and if 50 cannot be obtained, then 30.
3. You will acquaint the gentlemen in the Sopus with all the circumstances here and how necessary it is that we have 500 Skepels of Maize for Supplying the Indians, requesting that they be
pleased to send hither together a like quantity for their Majesties acct There shall be no doubt but
such shall be thankfully paid for at the first settling.
4 When arrived at N. York you will have to wait on the Governor if he be arrived, otherwise
on the authority there, and inform them pertinently of all the circumstances that have occurred
especially here since our last letters of the 15th inst that the Indians and Christians who pursued the
French, could not bring them back.
5. That they bring all their sea force together to unite with our neighbours of Boston to attack
Canada.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  97
6. That we require people here to defend this place; also some young Frieslanders (frissemaets) to
accompany the Indians as these Complain that no Christians go with them & that they shall act in
like manner by our young men.
7 That we here cannot subsist without supplies, to wit of Meat & Pork with Corn if things are to
prosper here-that provision be therefore sent up with the people.
8. That you do also inform them how badly off this city is for money to defray the publick expenses
which are daily so onerous that they cannot be met, and that ~ - - - be sent us for the King's
Service
9 That you do Set all this fully before them according to the merits of the case, and beseech them
to lay aside all animosities and divisions and that every one exert his power to crush the Common
Enemy.
10. That you keep an exact account of your expenses during this journey which will be allowed
you by the public.
BY the Convention of the Civill & military officers of ye Citty & County of albany
WHEREAS it is thougt convenient yt a fit Person be Commissionated to goe to N: Yorke to Communicate to ye authority there ye State & Condition of this Place and Confideing in ye Integrity
and fidelity of Reynier Barents one of ye assistants of this Citty & a member of our Convention, have
Desyred and authorized him wth all Convenient Speed to goe to N: Yorke & to hasten there aid of
men provisions & money for ye Preservation of there Majes Intrest in these parts & to use all
Pressing Endevors that they may joyn with our neighbors of N r England to fitt out vessells to
annoy ye french at Canida Earnestly Desyreing yt ye sd Reynier Barents may be Reputed and
Esteemed as our agent in that Behalfe, Ratefycing & Confirming whatever he shall act or doe about
ye p'mises, given undr our hands & Sealls in albany ye 20th day of february 16f9 and in ye first year
of ye Reign of our Souvraign Lord & Lady Wm & Mary king & Queen of England &a-1619
Ordered yt ye following Instructions be Delivered to Robt Livingston & he Desyred to Proceed
in his journey for N: England wth all Expedition
INSTRUCTIONS for Robert Livingston Gentn Sent by ye Convention of ye Civill & Military
officers of ye Citty & County of albany to be there agent in n: Engld
1 Yow are to goe with ye first Conveniency to Canetticut along with Capt Gerrit Teunise and such
Person as ye Gent: of ye County of Ulster shall appoint to joyn with yu in this bussinesse & if no
such Person come to Catskill as is appointed then with ye sd Capt Gerrit Teunise & Communicate
to ye Govr & Councill of Canetticut the state of affares here, & in what Danger this Part of there
Majes Territory is in, if not speedily assisted by our neighbours.
2 Yow are to acquaint them how Requisite it is yt some sudden means be used to fitt out vessells to
goe to Canida and Invade Quebek which is ye Easier and surer way then by Land, since Quebek is
but meanly fortified, & few men there, ye strentch of Canida being Drawn up to mont Royall wh ye
french have fortified.
3 Yow are to make ye addresse to ye sd Govr & Councill of Canetticut for ye assistance of fifty
Brisk young men or more fitt for traveling in ye woods to goe out upon occasion wth our People
and ye Indians to annoy ye Enemy
4 After yu have discoursed of ye mean Condition of this Place & how Scarce Provisions are like to
be the farmers leaveing there habitations, since ye murther Committed at Shinnectady; where great
store of all sorts of Provisions was Destroyed, then -yu are to Desyre ye quantity of one hundred
VOL. II.                               13




98                   AIMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
Barrells of Porke or Beefe Equivalent for there Majes use to be Employed as occasion shall Require
for there Majes Troops that lye in garrison here for ye Defence of this part of ye Country
5 If ye govr & Councill of Canetticut doe Decline to send any more men or no Provisions hither
then yu are to Insist yt ye Compe of Capt Bull stay here till further order from there Majes since it
would be of Dangerous Consequence to draw off sd Compe at this juncture & Raise jealousies
among ye Indians, while they are so Eager for more men to Pursue ye warr against ye french,
6 Yow are to goe from Canetticut to Boston and apply yr Self to ye governr and Councill there,
& Inform them of all affares here, what dammage ye french have done & what Subtle Practices
they use to draw of ye 5 nations of Indians from there Dependance on ye Imperiall Croune of England to side with ye french & how dangerous it would be to there Majes Intrest if sd nations should
hearken to ye Enemy.
7 That ye only means to Secure there Countryes from ye Incursions of ye french and there Irfdians
would be to Equipp & Rigg out some vessells with men to Invade Quebek, & to p'vent all Supplyes comeing from france whereby ye french will be Discomfited and our Indians Incouraged to
Pursue ye warr by Land
8 That we of this governmt are not able to Resist ye Power of Canida without ye assistance of
our neighbors, & therefore Desyre yt fifty men or more may be Speedily sent hither for ye Defence
of ye Place and to Pursue ye Enemy upon occasion and one hundred Barrells of Porke & Beefe for
there subsistence, which with that dayly Expected from N: Yorke will much Contribute for ye Safety
of ye Place, since ye People here are so much Impoverished & Provisions so Scarce by ye out plantations being Deserted yt ye forces cannot be maintained without a Supply
9 Yow are to acquaint ye sd Governr & Councill what cost & Charge we have been att, wth ye Indians, since these Revolutions to secure them to this governmt, & yt it is Impossible to Proceed without
ye assistance of E- - - to be Employed yt way wh shall be Exactly accompted for, what way
Disposed & undoubtedly allowed by there Majes
10 Yow are to strive to make them senceible how usefull ye 5 nations will be during ye warr wth
ye french of Canida & how Dangerous it would be to loose them at such a juncture & ye only means
to induce them to be vigorous in ye Prosecution of ye warr will be by giving them a good example
since they verry well know yt ye English here farr exceed them of Canida
11 Yow are to keep an Exact account of whatever Charges yw & ye Persones goeing with yw
from this County are att in ye Prosecution of yr Journey out & home & whatever y w Disburse over
and above ye money now given shall be allowed yw on acct of ye Publik which if not be allowed
by there Majes then shall be paid by ye County
12 Since it is unknowne to us what occurrences yw may meet withall in this Employ. Yow are
to act & doe in our Behalfe with our sd neighbours whatever yw shall juge expedient & needful
for ye secureing of there Majes Intrest here in these parts and Safety of there Subjects, Ratefying &
Confirming whatever yw shall act or Perform Concerning ye Premises
Albany 4th of March N. B. ye alteration of Chargeing ye Expenses to ye Publike which if not
16T.          be allowed by there Majes then shall be pd by ye County was made before
Signing
Signd                PR SCHUYLER Mayr
DIRE WESSELLS Recordr
JAN JANSE BLEEKER alderm:
JOHANNES WENDEL alderm:
K. VY RENSSELAER




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENATT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  99
By the Convention of ye Civill and Military officers of ye Citty and County of albany
WHEREAS ye Exigency of affares here doth Require that some fitt Persones be sent from hence to
our neighbors of N: England to Inform ye authority there, in what condition we are in, & what apprehensions we have of ye french doeing more mischeffe in these Parts Especially iff they should gett ye
5 nations of Indians westward to there devotion which they Indefaticably strive to accomplish, &
Confideing and being sufficiently assured of ye Integrity & fidelity of our well beloved friendes
Robert Livingston gent: & Capt Gerrit Teunise, we have Desyred & authorized Impowered & Commissionated them to be our agents in yt affare to treat with & consult ye honble Govr & Councill of
there Majes Respective Collonyes of Massachusetts and Canetticut such things as shall be Requisite for
there Majes King William & Queen Maryes Service & ye Safety of there subjects in these Parts
laying before them ye necessity of joyning all forces that can be procured to Invade the french of
Canida by Sea & Land & Put a Stopp to there wicked & cruell Designs & also to desyre such
assistance & supply from them as this place doth stand in need off, Earnestly Desyreing they would
give Credence to ye sd Robt Livingston & Capt Gert Teunise, & yt they may be Reputed & Esteemed
as our agents in yt Behalfe, given under our hands & sealls in albany ye 3d day of March in ye 2d
year of there Majes Reign anoq. Dom. 1690
Signd              pr SCHUYLER  Mayr
D WESSELLS Recordr.
JOH: WENDEL al
JAN BLEEKER   a
K. V. RENSELAER
The meaner sort of People of ye Toune were Extream Importune wth ye Magistrates to Prohibite
ye Exportation of goods who being verry Refractory & unruly ye Magistrates to satisfye them
Publishd this following
[Translation.]
By the Convention of the Civill & Miletary Officers of the Citty and County of Albany.
WHEREAS there are great Complaints & murmurings among the Commonalty because the Traders
export their goods, whereby many persons are so discouraged that they will quit the place, leaving
their Majesties interest here and their subjects a prey to the Enemy.
The Civil & Military Officers so as to prevent such mischiefs, hereby expressly forbid all persons
whomsoever to export any Merchandize such as Indian Cargoes, shirts, linen, cloths, Kerseys, Sarges
and other goods requisite for the clothing as well of Christians as Indians, on pain of Confiscation
of said goods for their Majesties use.
But they are permitted to take away all Beavers, peltries, money, furniture & household articles,
fine Silk stuffs, lace and such like fine articles and goods unnecessary for Clothing which cannot be
used here-In order that all such may be regularly done, Johannes Beekman Jan Vinnagen & Jacobus
Turke are ordered to inspect the goods in the houses before they are embarked, and permit such to
be put on board
And all men are forbidden to depart this County pursuant to previous Proclamation dated 7th
August 1689  which is now Confirmed. Done 4th March 1690.




100                 ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNR &e
[From Papers &c. in Leisler's time.]
WHEREAS One Robert Livingston by the Instigacon of the Devill did utter ye Malice of his heart
in Saying that he was Enformed that a parcell of rebells were gone out of holland to England &
that, ye prince of Orange headed them Saying that they might See how they got of againe or words
to this purpose & that they should Come to ye Same End that Monmouth did & hath C6mitted other
high Crimes.
These are in his Maties Name to will and require all psons wthin this Province to apprehend ye sd
Livingston & bring him before me to answer for ye Same & all governrs & Magistrates of ye Neighbouring Colonies are hereby advertized & desired In his Maties King Wms behalfe to assist In apprehending ye sd Livingston if wthin their Jurisdiction as they do tender ye King's Interest, ye Welfare of
ye Protestant Cause & their Allegiance. Given &c March the st 1689.
JACOB LEISLER
To Capt Benjn Blagge & all others
whom this shall or may Concerne.
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNR & COUNCILL &ca
WHEREAS a Certaine number of People terming themselves a Convention wth In the City & County
of Albany have vindicated ye authority of Coll Thomas Dongan & Countenanced his & Sr Edmund
Andros their Illegall & Arbitrary C6missions & proceedings acting thereby Likewise having assumed
to themselves the Ruling power by keeping his Maties fort &ca Contrary to ye Authority of this
province to ye great disturbance of his Matics subjects and other ye good & peaceable Inhabitants
thereof as also Contemning his Maties Orders & directions not only by not proclaiming ther Maties
acording to an Order from ye Rt Honblele Lords of his Maties Most honble Privy Councill dated ye
29th July 1689 but opposing & in an hostile & rebellious manner forbidding and hmdring ye Same
besides many others Seditious practises all.wch are pernicious & destructive to his Maties Interest ye
peace tranquillity & welfare of his Province & ye Governmt thereof; & hath been ye ocasion of
Encouraging ye French & Indian Ennemies to attack and destroy the Inhabitants of Skannechtady,
to ye great weakning of his Maties forces in ye sd County.
These are to authorise Empower & Constitute you MrS Joannes de Bruyn Joannes Provoost & Jacob
Melbourne to take into your care and under your directions & Comand all ye forces now raised in N:
York and adjacent Countyes wth all ammunicon & provisions thereunto apointed & forthwth proceed
from hence to Albany aforesd where you are to Super Intend direct Order and Controull all matters
& things relating his Maties Interest & revenue in that County & ye Security & Safety of his people
& subjects therein'by treating wth ye Confederate Indians and other Such Methods & Meanes as
to you shall seem meet that may Conduce to ye End before menconed likewise to proclaime their'
publishing their gracious Orders & denounce war agst ye french King &ca Subduing Reducing and
bringing to their obedience all such who oppose ye same & to settle & establish ye sd County in yO
Same Method & Constitution as this his Maties City & County of N. York & others thereunto
apertaining. & further you are to obtaine ye fort ORANGE at Albany from those of ye Convencon &
there adherents by due sumons offering them such Condicons as may be Agreable to ye End abovesd,
but in case, of resistance then you are to treat them as Ennemies to O' Sovereigne Lord ye King his
1 "'Maties King William & Queen Mary," These words are omitted in the original.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                   101
Crowne & dignity ye same to Subdue & over Come by force of Arms & all manner of Hostility
whatsoever willing and Comanding all psons within the County aforesd to Be aiding and assisting
therein as they will Answer ye Contrary at their utmost perills hereby giving & granting unto you
full power & authority to Consult Act do & conclude all matters & things for or concerning his Maties
Interest & ye Welfare of and Security of that county as ye case shall require & to your judgemt shall
seem requisite, conferming ratifieing & establishing whatsoever you shall so act or do in ye prmisses to
Be good Valid & of full force & virtue to all Intents Construccons & purposes whatsoever GIVEN
under or hands & Seals &c New York this 4th of March 1689
HENRY COYLER                  JOANNES VERMILJE            P D'LANOY
SAMUEL STAETS                 BENJAMIN BLAGGE             SAMUEL EDSALL
HENRY VAN FEURDEN             JACOB LEISLER
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNR & COUNCILL
WHEREAS wee are made Sensible of great disturbance that hath arrizen amongst his Maties Liege
Subjects in ye county of vlster created & heightened by some ill affected psons to ye pson & gov 
ernmt of this Province.
These are to authorize Constitute & Empower you MsS Joannes De Bruyn Joannes Provoost & Jacob
Milborne to Consult Super Intend direct Order Settle & Establish all Matters & Things relating his
Maties Interest & revenue in ye sd County & Call in all C6missions granted by Cl1 Thomas dongan &
Sr Edmund Andros by virtue of power & authority derived from ye Late King James & what Else
shall seem necessary & convenient for his Maties prsent Interest & ye Safety of that county, Hereby
ratifying & Confirming whatsoever you shall so act or do for good, valid & of full force & virtue to all
Intents Construcc6ns & purposes whatsoever. GIVEN &c New York March 4th 1689.
SAMUEL STAETS,              HENRY CUYLER,            P D LA NoY
HENDK JANS,                 JACOB LEISLER,           SAMUEL EDSAL.
COPIES OF SEVERALL LETTERS SENT TO MARYLAND.
March 4: 1689: in fort William
HONOBLE SIR-Yours of the 4th January & one of Mr Andrew Abington of the first of ffebruary I
have lately well received, but that other you mention I never had, I am sorry to understand the sad
murder of Mr John paine by our insatiable enemies the papists, & though your papish rebellious
grandees have sheltered themselves in Virginia, I assure you I shall take all possible care &
apprehend any such persones coming from your government in this province without your pass-I
perceive that your papists are very insolent & couragious, so it was with ours, & that at a distance I
have of late catched a messinger bound from hence to Boston & opened his letters, by which I have
discovered severall hellish designes, upon which discovery I catched Coll: Bayard & the attorney
william Nicholls-Coll: Dongan, Major Brockhouse Stephannus Van Cortland Major willet, daniell
whitehead, doctor Reid, Mathew plowman the late Collectolr have absconded themselves out of this
government to pensilvania or Maryland wee humbly desire your honor to take all convenient care toapprehend all such persons coming from hence to your government without passes that they m'ay be
prevented to bring to pass their wicked designe hereinclosed is a coppy of a letter received from
Barbadoes wherein you will see how I have apprehended suspected and sent 2 Irish rebellious traiter 




102                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
in a pensilvania Bark but were conveyed ashore to goe to Maryland, the sd letter will informe you
the state of those Islands, for newes of England wee have non but old, I received a gracious letter
from his matie directed to the Lievt Governor ffrancis Nicholls & in his absence to such as for the
tyme being take care to preserve the peace & administer the lawes in the province of New york having
Commission from the Committies of the sd province so to doe, I received the sd gracious letter In
which I was ordered to take upon me the government and to take to my assistance soe many of the
prin1 Inhabitants freeholders as I thought fitt & to doe all things which to the place of his maties
Lievt. Governor & commander in Chiefe doth or may appertaine for his Maties service & to the wellfare
of the Inhabitants-according to the law & custome of the sd province, & I received an other letter
from the honorable privy councell with order to proclaime the prince & princess of orange to be King
& Queen of England Scotland ffrance & Ireland defenders of the faith & Supream Lord & Lady of
the province of newyork and all other territories and dominions to the Crown of England belonging,
with all was solemnly affected the 10 december last & ever since have been busie to settle the province, but by severall ill affected people have been obstructed so much as in them lies keeping by
their old Commissiones granted by the late King James authority, of which I have gott in some per
force some willing about 150: wee are resolued to gett them all, to our great griefe I must acquaint
you of the sad and deplorable massacre which happened at skenectady near Albany by the french &
their Indians the 9th of flebruary last betwixt Saturday & Sunday at eleaven of the cloack in the night
200 men fell upon them & most barbarously murdered sixty two men women & children & burned the
place left but 5 or 6 houses unburned carried away captive 27 the rest escaped many of which being
about 25 persones much damnified by the french women with chyld ript up, children alive throwen
into the flames, some their heads dashed agt the doors & windows all occasioned by their neglect of
their not watching, denying to obey under the command of the Commission of Sir Edmond, the sd
commander being onely spared with all which belongs to him a safeguard being sett in his house- &
he himselfe to release the prisoners he desired, last Nover a certaine number of rebellious people at
Albany calling themselves the convention & ruling by the arbitrary commission of Sir Edmond and
encouraged and supported by some of the wicked creatures of Sir Edmond, desired from me assistance
of men gunes ammunition & money being afeared of the french to whom we have sent 52 men 50
lbs match 950 lbs pouder, boulits &ct with arriving there agt their expectatione would not receive
them, & were'left there by the Inhabitants desire, the sd rebells with their fort keept the Inhabitants
under a faire I have sent up this winter & commissioned one Captn with 25 men to Joine with our
confederate Indians to warre agt the french at Canada, who were hindered by the sd rebells, who
proclaimed upon paine of being punished for rebells if they mett above four men soe they were prevented to goe, we would else have discovered the Enemy & prevented that disaster, wee have intelligence of 900 men more out in parties to attacque Albany & New England, we have sent up forces
& three members of the counsell to order all matters for his Maties intrest & the safety of these
provinces, they have also presents to the nationes of the confederate Indians & to endeavour to
strengthen them & corroborate their enmities to the french & if they see meet to send any of our forces
to joine with them agt the french, If by any meanes possible you can with all the speed assist us
with 100 or at least 50 men to joine with our confederate Indians to destroy or take Canada, & to
advise the Government of Virginia thereof & to invite them for the like assistance, they will enjoy
the benefits thereof with you, & if by Gods blessing wee obtaine success, you need never to fear any
incursions of any Indian whatsoever, the bearer is to stay for an answer at Mr William Harris neare
Chester River, if any ships pray participate me of these news specially if any concerning this province,
I expect rnyn Ensigne by way of Maryland whom I have sent with letters to his Matie having ~no
more to add onely my prayers to God to preserve your countrys from the like or any cruelties as we




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 103
have had, the Indians will be very glad if they heare of hopes of some assistance of Maryland &
Virginia, after my respects I remain &ct
ffort william March 4th 1689
HONORABLE SIR GOVERNOR OF BOSTON-Yours of the 8th instant by Mr pembrock I received & I
returne you many thanks for the care I perceive you have had for our packet, since your last wee have
received the sad & miserable newes from Skenectedy neere Albany whereof wee understand is laid to
your woefull account it is such newes as we feared long since, Alase what could there be expected
of a certane number of rebellious people that remained rulling under that arbitrary Commissione of
sir Edmund at Albany within this province, and encouraged & supported by Connecticoatt by ordering
their forces sent thither to obserue the directions of the sd rebells named a Conventione, being well
assured the same is supported more specially by that trayterous John Allan the Secretary of that
Collony immediately upon the newes wee sent a messinger to advise the Governor that he may
expect three messingers from hence with full power to propose to them what may be necessary for his
Maties intrest & the safety of these provinces which was answered with great disdaine imaginable,
soe that wee are denied the assistance wee expected from that part to day I hope our forces will
depart being already embarqued wee send also three members of our counsell with presents to the
nationes of the confederate Indianes and to endeavour to strengthen & corroborate their enmity to
the french, and if they see meet to send any of our forces to joine with them agt the french att the
first hearing of the sd newes I immediately made an allarum and in the morning disarmed & Imprisoned
about 40 commissioned officers by sir Edmond who in the afternoon delivered up the same which was
effected in the night by sixteen troopers, so that I gott in about 150 Commissiones & our militia well
setled, soe that wee are now in a very good posture of union & better able to resist an enemy as ever,
I have seaven in confinement, & a great many have abscond themselves with dongan, I shall be
glad to understand from your Honr what measures you are like to take to attack the french and what
assistance you are willing to afford us, for one exploit agt Canada by land or sea (Connecticott having
refused to advise with us) That soe we may take our measures by it I desire your Honor by the
first for a Catalogue of all the bookes & papers in your custody relating to the province of New york
I have received letters from Coll: Coode from Maryland, he advises me that the insatiable enimies the
papists there were very insolent & couragious and that some of their grandees rebells are sheltered in
Virginia from whence they are come with a vessell and with force have murdered one Mr John Baine
his Maties Collector so that they are there as well as here in continuall trouble, Inclosed is a copie
of a letter I received from the honorable Governor     of Barbadoes to which I referre your
Honor and desire to Major wintrop who was falsly informed about the two traitors therein mentioned
That he may be fully satisfied therein, If anything further presents for his Maties service I shall not
be wanting to advise your Honor & pray the like from you & the honour of further correspondance,
wishing your Honor all happiness I am
your most humble servant
-~T~~o~~ THE GOVERNOR OF ]B~OSTONE  ~ffort william March the 5th 1689 
TO THE GOVERNOR OF BOSTONE
Honored sir-yesterday was my last to your Honr This morning I received newes that one
Robert Livingstone who by his rebellione hath caused great disorder in the County of Albany and
also in the wholl province by maintaining the late comissiones granted unto them by sir Edmund Andross & Coll: dongan & other directiones which were given by the magistrates which were appoynted




104                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
per Coll: dongan & sir Edmond Andross whereby they have caused a divisione & a rebellione, so that
they have been careless of watching, denying 52 souldiers which were sent up under the command
of Capt States Inhabitant at Albany chosen by most of the Inhabitants there & commissionated by
the Governr & Councill in hindering one Capt Ruster who was commissionated with 25 men to joine
himselfe with our confederate Indianes to proceed agt the french, This rebell Livingstone being conscious of his crymes & understanding our forces were coming up, he upon pretence of going to raise
forces at Connecticutt & Boston for to defend Albany is departed yesterday for that intent, as is sd,
to obtaine such if possible as may side with them & be obedient to their rebellious conventione, I
beleeve they may expect him againe if the rogue does not rune further which I doubt he will if not
prevented, by apprehending of tim he being also considerably indebted to his Matie, therefore have
sent the bearer Capt Benjamin Blagg or Lievt daniell Teneur to persue him with a warrant to that
purpose desireing your Honr to assist him or either of them in the securing the sd rebell it will be a great
service, I will further recommend your Honr not to faill to assist us, so well by sea as by land not
doubting if you are brisk & doe what you can but what we shall conquer Cannada pray give us
speedy advice to what we may trust that we may encourage the Indianes & tell them the truth, This
is all for the present after my service I remaine sir &c:
THE TOWN OF EASTHAMPTON TO LEISLER.
Honole Sr-Hauing this opportuniti wee thinke it meet to Send a few lines to prove our respects to
you, and to manifest our great approbation for what you haue done for ye Securing of ye place
where you live, also understanding you haue an Order from his Excellent Majesty the King for ye
settleing of matters in point of govermt which hath been Essayed to be imposed upon us in these
parts, but could not comply wth being as we apprehend built upon ye old foundation of a power wch.we haue for this many yeares groaned under, as your Honor Very well Knoweth in many respects,
therefore hope you will not blame us if we doe not willingly Subject to one old bondage againe,
but rather use all Lawfull means of deliverance from ye same, not in any disobedience to Authority
whether inferior or Supreame, for Ser we are Very desireous to let you understand yt we haue agreed
to send over to his Majesty both a true Narration of ye grievances we haue suffered this many yeares
under an Arbitrary power, & a Petition to their Majesties yt we might be rejoyned wth Conecticut
Govermt as formerly, agreeably to the act of Parliament, yt all places (N: E.) being perticularly
mentioned shall haue the same priviledges they enjoyed in ye yeare 1660 restored unto them, web
doth encourage us to make our Addresse to his Majesty hopeing to obtaine his Royall Favour wth
other his Loyall Subjects, and in ye meane tyme to stand up both p'sons and Estates in defence of
his Majesties Royall Authority togeather wth other his Majesties Subjects in those parts against all
his Knowne Enemies, & if there be need, to afford what assistance we are able not laying'ourselves
open to danger, therefore humbly intreate your Sr to Consider, yt we of Easthampton are a fronteer
Plantation & lye most open to danger of any Enemy by Sea, and are intended Very shortly to send
forth our skouts to Montaukut and so to ye end of yr Island Eastward yt so if any Shipping be seene
upon ye Coasts, tymely notice may be given not onely to our selves but all over ye Island, & to N.
Y. wch we hope be of good use for ye publick safety Sr we humbly intreate of you if there hath
not been that, Concurrence as you may desire, not to impute it as to any disaffection to your person,
much lesse to yor Authority (for ye most part of us) being of ye same Religion, Subjects to the same
King, desireing of God your prosperity & good successe in ye place you are in, & that we haue a
faire correspondence wth you, & if you apprehend we are out of ye way, loveingly to convince us of
it, & we shall readily hearken to ye same. So we rest your Very Loveing friends & humble servts
Easthampton                          SAMUELL MULFORDE            THOMAS CHATFIELD
March 10th 16~         Copy,       SAn1ELL PERSON        In the name of ye Rest.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                   105
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNR &c
WHEREAS Matthew Plowman Late Collector of this Provinc is Runn away having in his Custody
Severall Bills, Bonds & Entries Belonging to his Maties Revenue not accounted for
These are in his Maties name to will & require you to Seize all ye goods & Effects directly or
Indeferently belonging to ye sd Matthew Plowman wheresoever to be found In this Province & ye
Same to Bring & Cause to Be brought to his Maties Custome howse wthin this City. GIVEN &c
New York this 10th March 1689.
JACOB LEISLER
To Joannes Johnson Esqr high
Sherife of this City & County
Whereas Lt Daniele terneur hath this 12th day of March 16# Shewed mee a warrt seigned Jacob
Leisler for ye-apprehending of robert Levingston for wards spoken by him said Levingston no time
place or yeare mentioned, when they were spoken and where, in the said warrt, all Govrs & magistrates
of ye neigbouring Collonys are thereby advertised, & in His majts behalfe to assist in aprehending the
said Levingston If within their Jurisdictions as they do tender ye Kings Interest ye welfare of ye
protestant religion and I having with my Councill present Considered the warrt and ye disire of assistance in ye execution thereof am ready to grant it & to secuire sd Levingston for a tryall of ye
abovesd Crimes accordingly to this warrt at our next Court which will be held at hartford ye Second
wednesday in aprill next or the Court of assistance at hartford ye last tuesday in may next Provided
any person will apeare to give in sufficient security to prosecuite ye sd complaint and make it good
or answer all damages in case he fails of soe doing
Signed                          ROBERT TREAT    Govr
[March 1689-901
HONORD SR-_Your warrt for seizing Mr Levingston wee have received & the answer to it wch the
Governr Gave Lt terneur wee have seen & appoved of it which is our Answer to what you propownded in that warrt but as to what you mention concerning the managment of ye designe against
ye french, at Canada wee are willing & free to Joyn with all ye rest of ye Collonys, & provinces in
this Wilderness to do what wee shall Judge nessery to manage the designe against ye french the
Common Enemy of his Magties subjects in these parts, according to our ability, we heare you have
also designed a Considerable force for Canada out of those you have sent and are sending now to
Albany wee would encourage that notion but it is not Land forces will effect it but force by seas is
necessary and wee have now writt, to ye Gentleman of Boston & must wayt for their resolves till wee
hear further from them Sr wee cannot ad to what wee have formerly writt to you but must advice
you to moderation & to make as Little Alterac6n amonge yr Officers of Albany as may be & also that
nothing be done to discourage the five nations In Amety with us for if any thing be Done that may
have such an aspect the damages that may come thereby to be answered for by those that are active
therein you whare so charged wth aiding and abetting those rebbells of ye Convention at Albany by
Capt Bull & our souldiers there  to prevent any thing that may looke Like an Incouragement to
them wee have sent for our Souldiers whome Imediately upon ye arrivall of yours which we hope will
be to your satisfaction  I have not to add saue onely or respects & to desire that you should studdy
VOL. II.                                14




106                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
ways of peace that nothing may be moued that may adminster prouocation to yorS or us who are
Your friends & servt the Gouernr & Councill of Connecticut pr
their order Signed                              JOHN ALLYN Secy
BY THE LIEVT GOVERR & COMMANDR IN CHIEF.
WHEREAS I am Informed that one Mathys Brockholst wthin dutchess County as yet maintains ye
Authority of ye Late King James by Excersising the Office of a Constable & keeping ye Constables
Staf.
These are therefore In his Maties King WILLIAMS name to will & require you to Bring ye Body of
sd Matys bokholst before me and Councill to Answer for ye Same & all Officers both Military & Civill
are hereby Strictly required to aid & assist you therein as they will answer yO Contrary at their
Perills. GIVEN under my hand & Seale at fort Wm in N York this 24th day of March 1689 in ye 2d
Year of their Maties Reigne.
JACOB LEISLER.
To Jno Brevoort Constable Harlem
ffort william 1689: 24 March
MAJOR WINTROP SIR-yours of the 17th of ffebry last past by Capt Lodwicks I have well received
and am obliged for your good advice I shall not be wanting in continuing of good correspondance, and
hope it will be answered it being as you will observe a great necessity-for his Maties service in these
troublesome tymes -about Albany we are sending up forces & three members of our councell to settle &
order all things there whereof I have given an account to the Honble Gouernor Bradsted & have sent
him a coppy of a letter received from Barbadoes & delivered to give you the perusall thereof to which
I referre you, Capt Lodwicks is quyte reformed since his voyage to Boston declaring that he was
better Informed of the country criminalls their wickedness & intends to keep a better correspondance
with us we have newes of Capt Storme safe arryvall to London with whom I have sent myne
Ensigne with letters to his Matie, so that we hope by the first to receive a gracious acceptance of
what we have done having no more to trouble you for the present after myne respects I remaine
sir your humble servant
[There is no address to the following.]
A: 1690: 26 March in fort william.
HONORABLE SIRS-I received yours last night & am in expectatione of the other gentlemen, tell them
I cannot be able to answer your honors Just request onely I rather choose to fall in the hands of the
Lord then man, & find not that house fitt for such generall & great concernes, but we can propose one
two milles of the toun a good & nett house by Capt. Arian Cornelis where no small pox is, but God
be thanked the infection is not so great nor mortall as it is represented to you, the bearer shall take
care to informe you &c.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                     107
[From Book in Sec's off. endorsed, Minute of Proceedings Begunn In Albany This 17th day of March 1689.]
Albany ye 17th day of March 1689
Present
J: H: Bruyn   )                                pr Schuyler Mayor
J-d H: Bruyn
Joh: Provoost   Comrs                          d: wessells
Jac: Milborne                                   Joh: wendel 
Levinusv: Shayka
Jan J: Bleeker   ald
Albt Ryckman 
Kiliaen v: Rens:
Marte gerritse
Wee the Commissionrs of the Leift governeur of ye Province of N: York, and his Councill find it
verry nessesery that y2 Compe of Souldiers sent by The Colonie of Conettekot under Comand of
Capt Jonathan Bull ought to Remaine here, In Reguard of our Curcumstances Concerning the french
and there Confedereths, and the alliwed Indians being Ingaged with us haveing taken notis what forces
wee are able to Continue for their Incouragement, after debatting & Consulting with advys of the
gentm Present doe Conclude that ye sd Capt. Bull with his sd Compe of Souldiers shall Remaine in
this Citty & County of alb: so Long as his Majes Intrest & the Preserving of this Post Requires
By order of ye Commissioners                  JOHANNIS CUYLER C1.
Albany March 20th 1689
GENTS-According to yor Expectacon yesterday having discoursed wth you: Wee returne for
answer.
That its or opinion your pay being promised by the 4 psons you named they ought to performe the
said promise, and the Law will compell them at least to give you Sufficient Security upon the arrivall
of a governor from England, or within 6 weekes time to haue your payment, in wch wee will give
you Or Assistance and constitute a Court wch wee haue no reason to doubt but will answer this end.
That those who will remaine in the Garrison are at their liberty to continue and reasonable that
Wee should Subscribe for their Pay, advancing somewhat for their present accommodation, and Such
who are disposed to quit the Garrison are at their Liberty.
That Provisions shall be weekly allowed them according to the former Custome: The Kings pay
to continue
[Endorsed, Capitulacon with the Garrison in Fort Orange March 20th 1689.]
By the Commissioners for ye Citty & County of alb: ye Mayor aldermen & Justices of ye sd County.
Present as before, also Claes Ripse
WHEREAS There hath unhappely arose differences wch hath created animosities and great distinctions amongst his Maje Subjects in the Citty & County of alb:
These are in his Maje name strictly to forbid all Persons whatsQoeer that they doe no wise asperse
Reproach, each other by words or actions to ye Disquietude or discourgement of any the good
People in this Citty & County, of what rank or quality soever, under penalty of being Prosecuted
as disturbers of his Maje Peace and the quiet & Tranquility of the Inhabitants thereof, (upon Conviction
of twoo witnesse before any of his Maje Justices of ye Peace) so far as ye Rigour of ye Law will
inflict upon them, dated In alb: This 22th day of March 1689.
By order of ye Comm: &c.




108                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
By the Commissionrs for ye Citty & County of alb: &c.
WHEREAS great Complaint is made of ye Severall Burgers under ye Comand of their officers in this
Citty & County of alb: that they doe not obey ye Lawfull Commands of their Captns and other
officers appointed over them
These are to will & Require all Persons whatsoever under such Commanders that they in no wise
neglect, dispute, denye or Resist the Lawfull Commands of their sd officers upon Penalty of being
Proceeded against by the Court marshall (in this time of warr) constituted for ye sd Citty and County
whose insures shall be Executed in the most Stricted Rigour, dated In alb: This 22th day of
March 1689
By order of ye Commissionrs &c.
By the Commissionrs &c.
Forasmuch as many Persons have given forth that they will depart this County for ye Preservation
of their persons &c. and the warr with ye french & their alleyes call for yA Strengthning his Maje
forces therein as much as Possible may be,
These are in his Maje name to Prohibite and forbid all mankind of what ranke or quality they may
bee, from fourteen years of age, unto sixty years if ould, or under, that they do not Transport their
Persons out of this County upon any Pretence whatsoever under ye Penalty of forfeiting one
hundred Pounds Currant monney of this Province which shall be for d'fraying the Charge for Support
and Carrying on of this Immediate war, against the french and the allyes aforesd Except masters
of vessels and Seafareing Persons whose Livelyhoods depend upon the water, dated In alb: This
22th day of March 1689.
By order of ye Commissionrs &c.
By the Commissionrs &c.
These are to give notice to all Persons within this Citty & County of alb:.That Peter Schuyler
Esqr is Establisht Mayor of ye sd Citty and Joh: wendel, Levinus v: schayk, Jan Janse Bleeker,
Albert Ryckman, Claes Ripse, aldermen, and dirck wessels, Guiliam van Renslaer, Marten gerritsen,
Sander glen, abrah: States, & dirck Teunisse Justices of ye Peace for ye sd Citty & county, and to
Remaine & be until further order from his Maje & all Persons within this sd Citty & County are
hereby strictly charged that they acknowledge Reverence and obey the same in their Severall Stations
upon Penalty of being prosecuted as Enimies to this Province and disturbers of his Maje Peace and
the welfare of ye Inhabitants of this Citty & County dated In alb: This 22th day of March and in
ye Second year of his Maje Reign annoq. dom: 1689
By order of ye Commissionrs &c.
By the Commissionrs &c.
These are to Authorise & appoint you Mess: Luycas gerritse & wessel ten Broek to provide and
direct all such Provisions of bread as shall be Requisite for supplying those forces wCh shall be at
all times sent from hence in the Seruice of his Maje against the french and theire confederates according to or orders as shall be directed to Johannis Cuyler as occasion offers, dated In alb: March the
22th 1689                                                                 pr orderBy the Commissioners &c.
WHEREAS the Records, Bookes and Papers &c. Relating to ye Citty & County of alb: are in the
Possession of Mr. Robert Livingston and I[r. Johannis Cuyler being constituted Clerk & Register of
ye s1 Citty & County,




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  109
These are in his Maje name to will & Require you to deliver the sd Records Bookes and Papers
&c. unto ye sd Cuyler And his Receipt shall be a sufficient discharge, dated In alb: This 22th day
of March 1689
To Mr. Robt. Livingston
or any in whose Costody
The same areAt a meeting of the CommisionTr &c.
Albany This 22th day of March 1689
After Consultaceon Relating the present State of this Citty & County of alb: in Reguard of ye
war with ye french and Their Confederates, It is Concluded that N: Yorke doth fornish these following p'ticulars Vizt
200 Men                                  2100 ells Brown osenburg
600 Schiple of Indian Corne               100 drest dear skins
100 Barrills of Pork                     3000 lb of Lead
14000 lb of bread                           400 lb of Powder
100 Schiple of Pease                      180 Kartrit Boxes
200 gall. of Rum                          200 lb of Swan Shott
And that ye Citty & County of alb: Doe Provide and furnish the following Percells vizt
6000 lb of Bread                400 lb Pouder              60 gunns
150 Shiple of Pease           4000 flints                100 Hatchets
100 drest dear Skins            30 bark Conoos
Albany ye 24th of March 1689.
At A meeting were Present ye Commissioners for ye Citty & County of alb. advysing with
Sundrey officers of ye Militia There, where upon It is Resolved That ye following persones be Commissionated, vizt.
Capt Jochim Staets Comdr of Fort Orange always to keep under Command in sd fort 60 men
Lievt Jonathan wrigt
Ens: John Hater
Pieter winne Toune Major                 Capt Marten gerritse
Capt Johannis wendel                     Lievt Evert d'Ridder
Melgert Wynants                          Ens: Zymon van ness
Ens: Reynier Barentse                    Capt Alexander glen
Capt Pieter van wfaggelen                Leift Johannis glen  for ye County of alb:
Leif Robt Sander     for ab: City    Ens: douwe Aukus
Ens: Joh: Bleeker Junr                   CaptJohannisBensing
Capt Barnet Luwis                        LieftAndries Barentse
Leivt Marte Klock                        Ens: Johannis Janse
Ens: ---
Ordered That ye aforesd Commissionated officers Now are Establiseth & shall from this time forth
Remaine, and be in full Power & ye Authority, & ye Authority for ye Militia of this & County To act
& doe in all matters and things relating Militarie affaires according to ye Rules & decipline of war,
untill further order from his Maje king William of England Scotland french & Irland &c. & That
seaven of ye sd Commissionrs shall be and are hereby Constituted & aPointed a Court Marshall To
Consult, apoint, Judge, order, Censure & determing whatsoever shall aroise under marchall notice




110                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
within this Citty & County whereof Three Captains & Tofdhe Major are always to be members,
onles in ye Majors absence, Then ye Eldert Capt of ye Fort orange is ever to Preside, To whom
all Souldiers & others that are able to bear armes from 16 years old and upwards are to give due
Reverence & obedience as they will Answer ye Contrary at their utmost Perrill, dated in alb: The
day & year first written & in ye Second year of his Majes Reign
By order of ye Commissionrs
[Translation.]
By the Commissioners, Mayor Aldermen and Justices &a of the City and County of Albany.
You are hereby ordered in his Majestys King William's name to take hence forthwith 17 Soldiers
under your command, and march with them towards Schagtkook, and take thence (according to the
Indians' promise) 20 savages with you and proceed thence to Crown Point, where you shall remain
and keep good watch by day & by night-especially detach each day good outscouts and spies about
half a dutch mile beyond said Crown Point until Sundown, and whenever you perceive or meet
any French or their nidians from Canada you shall endeavour to despoil, plunder and do them all
injury as enemies, according to the usage of War; and the aforesaid Soldiers are hereby strictly charged
to obey their officers in all things.
In like manner Dirk albertse Brad is sent with that view with the aforesaid Company of Soldiers
as guide and Indian Interpreter, who shall advise and consult with the aforesaid officers in all things
that relate to the advantage of his Majties interest and this undertaken expedition; and further you
shall remain until further order at the aforesaid Crown point, unless you are assured that a large army
of the Enemy is really and truly approaching which it is impossible to resist; then you must send a
messenger hither cito cito and endeavor to do your best as far as in your power. Meanwhile you
shall occasionally try to make some Bark Canoes to be used should necessity require.
We conclude then that you shall remain at the Crown point aforesaid until further order; that is
if you be not necessitated as abovestated. Thus given under our r hands in Albany this 26th March
and in the Second Year of his Majesty's reign annoq: dom. 1690.
Was Signed               J. BRUYN,              DIRCK WESSELS,
To Capt Jacobus d'Warm                     JOHANNIS PROVOOST       LEV. VAN SCHAYK.
over the 17 Soldiers aforesaid.          Pr SCHUYLER,
Albany, 27 March Ao 1690.
CAPT JACOB MILBORNE-We expect that you have arrived safely to day at N. Yorck. We are
obliged to notify you to procure these indispensable necessaries viz. 3 @ 400 unmanufactured horns
which can be easily had at Nicolaas Blanks and can be quickly put in order here; further as much
duffels as you can get, blue baize for shirts, provision 400 lbs Swan shot, 50 Kettles.
Yesterday evening the Soldiers tormented us considerably for blankets, as it was very cold. We
went every where and could not find any The Soldiers from the outposts, also, whom we provided
with duffels for coverlets, namely from our own duffels-so that our stock which was intended for the
Indians is diminished. The Soldiers in the fort must also have duffels as blankets are not to be had
here.
The picquet proceed immediately to their post. I forgot to send to you for 8 @ 10 hour glasses
which are very necessary for the watches. Wherewith, doubting not of your diligence and speedy
return, We remain
Your affectionate friends
JOHANNES PROVOOST & in
the name of J. H. BRUYN.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                     111
Albany 28. March 1690.
LIST of the Goods sent from York and received from Monsr Jan Hendricksen Brujn and Johannes
Proofoost to be distributed among the Refugees of Schoonechtede, to wit2348k Dutch ells of Osenb: Linen                     13 prs Stockings
3 ps Serge                                       72 ells pennestout
and delivered to the Deacons of Schoonectede and the Deacons of Albany, to wit:Barent Wimp                                       Johannes de Wandelaer
Jan Byvanck                                       Jacob Loockermans
first, distributed to                   Sarge    first, distributed to                Sarge
Barent Wimp..................  63 ells  Goosen Van Oort................  6   ells
Harmen Vedder................     63          Samuel Bradt..................    61
Symen Schemenhoorn............    63          Andries Bradt..................   6
Symen Groot6....................              Johannes Dyckman.............. 6
Arent Vedder..................     63          Geertruy Groot..........           6
Amie Widow of Frans.......... 6. 
Willem Appel.................     6           3 ps Sarge distributed of......  79 &|
List of the Pennest6ut to         Pennestout     List of the Pennestout to         Pennestout
Aces Cornelise.............  7 ells  Gerret Jansen..................  5 ells
Dirck Bradt..................... 7            Willem Van Eerde..............     3j
Isack de Teurcx.................    8         Arent Vedder..............         3A
Nieces Volckers.................  3      Elias Swart...................      7
Johannes Dyckman..............   3        Jan Buys....................         4
Jan Eps......................      7         Geertruy Groot...............       3
Loowies Coopeele.......................
Pieter Van Olinda...............   7                                             72 ells
List of the Stockings
Marius Vedder one pair of Stockings  1         Samel Bradt...................      1
Symen Groot one pair............     1        Dirck Heffelingh............  1
Jan Buys.....................       1        Adam   Frooman...............        1
Willem Appel...................     1        Tuenis Carstensen.1..........       1
Symen Schemenhooren............  1      Gerret Gysbersen...............     1
Gyspert Gerrets...............  1
Harmen Vedder...............   1         The no. of the Stockings.........   13 prs
Hendrick Gardeniers..............  1
List of the Osenburg Linen
Harmen Vedder...............  80 ells  Geertruy Groot..............       31 ells
Jan Eps.......................  70       Susanne Tellers..............  50
Catlyn Barensen..........  70        Aces Cornelise...........          50
Dirck Bradt....................   65         Dieuer Wimp..............   55
Barent Wemp...........   70         Anne Harmensen................      65
Dirck Hesselinger...............  58       Tryntie'Bosboom.............  20
Willem Appel..................  80    Symon Volcker.............  30
Goosen Van Oort............... 50             Samel Bradt...................      50




112                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
Gyspert Gerrets...............   80         Tryntie Schaets................. 80
Nieces Volckertsen.............. 20       David Cristofelsen's children......  50
Jacob van Laer...............   20         Johannes Pootmans children.......  70
Willem van Eerde..............  75       Adam Frooman...............   70
Cornelis Viele............ 40          Symon Schermenhooren.......... 50
Marius Haegedoorn............. 40         Purmerent.................. 40
Jannetie Schermenhooren......... 40        Symen Groot................... 80
Cornelis Schermenhooren......... 20        Fytie Pietersen Rosboom......... 20
Citte Bradt...................   60
Henderick Gardeniers............ 40       Distributed to Schoonechtede....  1809 ells
Cornelis Claesen................ 20
List of the Linen distributed in the Bush-(Woestine)
Elias Swart.................... 36 ells    Tryntie Verwy.................   15
Lauries Coopesen.............. 20          Claes Graef......... 35
Isack Teuerx................... 40         Jan Hilt......................   25
Jan Buys.................   23         Cornelis Groot..................  20
Tuenis Carstensen.............   35        Jan Luycessen..........           18
Binnonie Arentseu [Corlaer]...... 25       Johannes Dyckman............. 30
Dauit Marienissen............... 301       Lysbet Cornelissen.............  15
Elias Gyseling..................  30
Arent Vedder..................   30                                         540
Fitter Van Olinda............... 35        From the other side............  1809
Jan Frooman.................. 30
Manis Vedder...............      24                                        2349
Tuenis  iele...................   20
By me       JOHANNES DE WANDELAER
Deacon of Albany
At a meeting of Mayor Aldermen & Common Council holden in Alby this 28 March 1690
Present,
pr Schuyler                    J J Bleeker,             Evert Bancker,
Dirck Wesselse                 Claes Ripsen             Eghbert Teunissen
L. V. Schayck,                 Albt Ryckman,            Gert Reyersen.
Reynier Barentz, -
Having taken into Consideration how we shall obtain for King William's acct the ammunition and
provision which we are obliged to deliver from this County pursuant to our preceding Resolution
adopted with the Honble Commissioners from N. York on the 22nd March last, and prepare forthwith for
the Equipment of ah Army both of Christians and Indians against our Enemies of Canada, and
Resolve as followethPieter Schuyler & Dirck Wesselse are appointed to get ready 6000 lbs hard bread for the King's acct
Johannis Wendel 100 prepared deer skins
Levinus Van Schayk 150 skepels peas
Jan Janse Bleeker & Reynier Barentse 60 guns & 100 axes
Claes Ripsen & Albert Ryckman the materials & expence for repairing the following-30 B. Canoes.
Evert Bancker Eghbert Teunissen & Gert Ryersen for 30 Bark Canoes
Joh: Cuyler the 400 Ibs Powder
Gabriel Thomson the 100 gall Rom.




ADMNISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 113
By the Commissioners, the Mayor Aldermen & Justices P&ca of the City and County of Albany.
You are hereby ordered in his Majties name to take hence forthwith under your command 9 men
and march with Jannetie or Laurence the Mohawk Indian and his party of savages with some
Schagtkooks Indians upward about seven miles beyond the Crownpoint unto the Otter-creek, or some
other better place or Rendesvous which you may consider more suitable safer and more advantageouswhere you shall remain and keep good watch day and night, and send out especially good scouts and
spies every day till Sundown, and you shall correspond daily with Capt Jacobus de Warm & his
soldiers who are sent to the aforesaid Crown point, and mutually communicate to each other all
remarkable occurences, and should you perceive or meet any French or Canada Indians, you must
endeavor to despoil, plunder and do them all injury as Enemies conformably to the Custom of War:
And the aforesaid 9 men are hereby strictly charged to obey their officers in all things.
And the Officers shall in all things advise with the aforesaid Indian, Jannetie, as to what concerns
his Majisty's Interest and this undertaken Expedition. You shall, likewise, remain at the aforesd
Otter-Creek, or at the place you may think fit as above, for the time of one month except you really
and truly perceive the approach of a powerful enemy's force, which you cannot resist, then you must
Cito cito send a Messenger hither, and the remainder of Your Company must return immediately here
to the City.
But if there be any Volunteers, either Christians or Indians who will proceed from the aforesaid
Otterkill to Canada as Spies, to reconnoitre or to take prisoners they have permission so to do, provided the post at the aforesaid Otterkill or your sojourn, shall always remain fully established.
Meanwhile you shall manufacture some Bark Canoes which you can use according to Circumstances.
Thus Given under our hands In alby. this 31st March, and in the 2nd year of his Majtys Reign
Annoq: Dom. 1690
J BRUYN                   pr SCHUYLER
To Capt Abraham                    JOH: PROVooST             DIRCK WESSELSE
Schuyler                                                 JoH: WENDEL
N: B. the aforesaid 9 men are
Arent Schuyler               David Kettelhuyn             Tho Sjeer
Casper Teller                Daniel Brad                 Willem the Indian
But Teunissen                Hendk Jansen van Saragtoge
By the Commissioners, the Mayor, Aldermen & Justices of the Peace of the City & County
of Albany.
WHEREAS YOU were ordered in your preceding Commission dated 26th March last to remain at
Crown point till further orders as more fully appears in said Commission, and we are now asked if
any other better sojourn or place of Rendezvous can be foundThese are, therefore, if you can find out any fitter place than the aforesaid Crown Point which you
Know will be more secure, to empower you to do so with advice and consultation of Dirk Albertsen
Brad and the Schagtkook Indians, on condition that you Send out Spies dayly towards the said
Crown Point: You shall also daily correspond with Capt Abraham Schuyler and his people and mutually communicate all notable occurrences. And further you shall follow and obey your previous
commission in all things. Thus given under our hands In Albany this 1st April in the 2nd Year of
his Majestys Reign Ao. Domi. 1690.
Was Signed,               BRUYN               PETER SCHUYLER
To Capt Jacobus                     JOH. PROVOOST          DIRCK WESSELSE
de Warm                                                 JOH: WENDELL
VOL. II                                   16




114                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
[Translation.]
THE COMMISSARIES AT ALBANY TO LEISLER.
Alby. the 2d Aprill 1690.
MYNHEER-Mynheer, We again yesterday sent up a Scouting Party of 9 @   10 Christians with
about as many Indians who will cooperate as far as possible with the party previously sent up, against
our enemies the French and their Indians from Canada, for his Majestys Interest.
The Sheriff and County Clerk forwarded also yesterday the Minutes and other Books & papers
&c. belonging to this City and the County of Albany, but found the Registers only to 1st December
1685. And Robbert Livingstons wife said, she has no Knowledge of the others. Item, were in like
manner, Since, all the Excise Books and acs concerning his Majestys Revenue because there were
reasons numerous enough to secure said Livingston, so that he may give explanations of all the
accounts.
N: B. We also Send your Honour enclosed, six sworn affidavits against the aforesaid Livingston
in behalf of his Majesty. Item, herewith goes, besides, a packet of papers which we found in an old
box in which were also discovered Some articles of value (Klynodie goederen) which heretofore belonged to the Candian Jesuit Valiand. These wee have inventoried here for his Majestys use until
further Order.
We also pursuant to your Honor's order allowed the freeholders of this City & County to Choose &
elect 2 proper persons to consult & conclude at New York concerning his Majesty's interest in this
conjuncture, and the majority of votes have accordingly fallen on Capt Jan Janse Bleeker & Reyer
Schermerhoren, and inasmuch as there is no sloop at present here in which the aforesaid can depart,
they shall be forwarded by the first opportunity were it only a canoe. At present no more from
Your Honour's faithful Friends
Endorsed
Alb. 2 apil 1690
Copy van Een brief
Aen d'Luyt. govr
Jacob Leysler in
het fort Wm tot
N. Yorke.
DEPOSITIONS AGAINST LIVINGSTON.
Present
J Bruyn                                        Jan J Bleeker
Johannes Provt                                 Joh Cuyler
Akes Cornellissen Van Slyck of the County of Albany, aged about 50 years being sworn on the
Holy Evangelists before Mr Jan Jansen Bleeker Justus of the Peace declares that about the middle
of Feb A~ 168- he was with his wife Grietje and George Aersen at Robbert Livingston's house and
that he deponent stated and said to said Livingston Thou hast read the King's Declaration in English
but I cannot understand it-therefore repeat it to me in Dutch. Whereupon the aforesaid Livingston
answered & said-That the King stated that many of his Subjects had run away from England to
Holland, of whom the Prince is the Chief Rebel-and said further, Let him come to England; he
shall find there as good Soldiers to oppose him as he shall bring with him. And further he saith not.
Thus in Albany this 1st April and in the 2nd Year of his Majesty's Reign  Ao Dom: 1690.
Sworn before JMe.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                   115
Grietje wife of -Akes Cornelissen, aged about 45 years being sworn before Jan Janse Bleeker
Justus of the Peace declares that she was with her husband Akes & Joris Aersen about the Middle
of February 168- at Robt Livingston's house, and that she Deponent heard said Livingston state
that the King said that the Prince is the head of the rebels. And further she knoweth not well
whether she heard from Livingston or her husband or from Jor: Aersen-she, however, heard one
of the three say that Livingston had also said that divers English subjects had run away from England to Holland; also, let him but come to England he shall there find as good soldiers as he shall
bring with him, and she further saith not. Thus, in Alby 1 April 1690
Present.
J Bruyn                      Joh Provoost               Joh Wendel
Reyer Schermerhooren of the county of Albany, aged about 38 years being sworn before Mr Johannis
Wendel, Justus of the Peace, declares that he was last harvest at Sweer Teunissens van Velsen's house
at Schanhegtade, where Joris Aersen, Capt Sander Glen, Joh Glen & Myndert Wemp were present,
and that then Joris Aersen was asked if he had heard Robt Livingston Say that the Prince of Orange
(who is our King of England &ca) wa the head of the Rebels who invaded England with the Prince
Ao 1688. Whereupon the aforesaid Jor: Aersen answered, No-I did not hear Livingston say so;
but he said this-that in the declaration which the Late King James issued against the Hollanders he
had read that the Prince was declared to be the Head of the Rebels-Whereupon Meyndert Wemp
again said in the presence of the aforesaid Company-Remember this well; for Joris Aersen shall yet
make these words good; and said, further, that he will note down in his book the words which Joris
aforesaid has there stated. And further he saith not. Thus in Alby this 1st April 1690
Simon Schermerhoren of the County of Albany aged about 32 years being sworn in presence of Mr
Johannis Wendel Justus of the Peace declares, that he was last harvest in his house at Schenagtady
where Joris Aersen came and related to him Deponent how Robt Livingston had told him that the
Declaration issued against the Hollanders by the late King James denounced the Prince of Orange
as the head of the Rebels; and that he Joris had shewn this declaration to Dom: Tassemaker at the
time minister of Schanhegtady, to learn if there were any such thing in it, but Dom: Tassemaker could
see nothing of the sort there; and as the Deponent afterwards heard that Joris tried to alter the
aforesaid Livingston's words, he asked Joris if he now denied that he had spoken to Deponent against
Livingston? Whereupon Joris answered, I deny nothing of what I told you herein, for I stated the
same to the Domine and the whole consistory of Schanegtady, and I shall not deny it even should I
die the death, for Akes Corns & his wife were likewise present when Livingston spoke so of our
Prince, notwithstanding that Akes now says he is sick, and his wife says she is only a woman. But,
said Joris, when they are put on their oaths they will speak the truth, and should they not, yet will I
do it. Item, Joris said, it vexes me much that such slanders should be stated of our Prince as he is
my countryman, for I too am an Amsterdam boy. And further saith not Thus in Albany, 1st
April 1690.
Myndert Harmensen of the County of Albany, aged about 47 years, being sworn before Johannis
Wendel Justus of the Peace, declares that last harvest in his house, he asked Joris Aersen if it were
true that he heard Robt Livingston say that our Prince of Orange was the head of the Rebels?
Whereupon the aforesaid Joris Aersen answered No; I did not hear Livingston say that; but he said
this, that the Late King James hath in his Declaration against the Hollanders pronounced the Prince
to be the head of the Rebels, and further saith not. Thus in Alby this 1st April 1690.




116                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
Present
J Bruyn,                     Joh Provoost,                   J J Bleeker
Capt. Sander Glen Justus of the Peace of the County of Alby, aged about 43 years being sworn
before Mr Jan Jansen Bleeker, Justus of the Peace, declares that he heard Joris Aersen say several
times last summer or last harvest, that it was too much reported of him Joris that he should have
spoken against Robt Livingston; and that Joris also said what I heard Livingston say of the Prince,
Akes Cornelissen and his wife were there then present when he read the declaration; they well know
what he said1 and further saith not. Thus in Albany this 1st April 1690.
Present:J Bruyn,                                     Richd Pretty,
Johannis Provoost,                           Joh Cuyler.
INVENTORY of some goods heretofore the Property of the Father, or Jesuit Valiand of Canada.
They are, on information of Jan Gow and Willem Hollie, transferred to us for his Majesty's interest,
still remaining at present, & until further order, at the house of Jan Gow aforesaid. Thus in Alby
this 1st April 1690.
Found in one old chest as follows:22 Bunches of black Beads, also some loose do  1 do Chimney little Valance (shoorsteen valletje)
2 doz: little looking glasses for Indians    3 parcels of garden Stuff
12 little Patrenoster Chains (Rosaries.)      1 old ditto
1 priest's white surplice; also 2 @ 3 little shirts &c. 2 little paintings
3 small bunches of Copper finger-rings.      5 burning glasses
4 doz tinder boxes with steel & flints.      1 handsome pair of womens hose
5 small papers of Needles                   27 little books
2 papers of Awls                            11 paper pictures
1 Compass                                    3 blank books
2 Belts                                      1 pr. shoes & 1 pr. slippers & nothing else of
1 Red matting table cover (strootwisch tafelkleed)  Importance.
Item found in a Small Basket:1 little bell, weight about 16 Ibs.           1 set of bits
7 old axes                                    2 files
4 old adzes                                   3 old dishes
2 planeing chisels                            3 prs of ice spurs, (creepers)
2 old chisels                                 1 crooked nippers
1 little copper shears                        1 old plane
1 small hatchet                               3 Rings for
1 small square in a joiners bench            2 small hammers
1 small anvil with a horn                     1 iron pick-hook
1 hand vice                                  Item, some other pieces of old Iron of little or no
1 large Auger                                     importance; of no value.
Johannis Sand. Glen of the county of Albany about 42 years old being Sworn before Jan Wendel,
Justus of the Peace, declares that Robt Livingston came last harvest to Schannegtade and enquired
expressly for Joris Aersen, and said he would give a quart or two to whomsoever would bring Joris,
1 The following was added here in the original but afterwards expunged:-" And deponent further saith that he repeatedly heard several persons, in the course of conversation say that the Prince is the head of the Rebels; But knows not
from whom he heard it."




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                   117
as he was in the Bush, for he must speak with him. Whereupon Deponent asked what had Joris done.
To which Livingston Answered, You know well what I heard, since I heard Joris hath thus spoken
against you-Deponent replied, I know it not. And when he Deponent afterwards saw Joris Aersen,
he asked him, how the matter stood about which Livingston had come to him? to which Joris answered
-If the people to whom I spoke about Livingston have not changed my words, Livingston is in no
danger, neither have I. Otherwise I shall have difficulty; And further saith not. Thus in Albany
this 2d April 1690.
Newyork Aprill 2d 1690.
To the Honble the Governor & Gent in authority for his Maties Collony of Connecticutt.
HONBLE SIRs,-Whereas Captn Jonathan Bull hath by order from the authority of your collony,
withdrawen the forces sent for Albany contrary to the order of those commissionated for that post
and the expectation both of the Christians & Indian Confederates, to the great discouragement of
the remaining forces for his Maties service in that frontier, In some parts to supply that defect, It
is desired that Mr. Samuel Edsall & Mr. pembroke the bearer hereof, may have license & free leave
to beat the drum for raising such volunteers as shall list themselves in his Maties service for Albany
aforesd, & transport the same into this place, or directly thither without any lett hindrance or
molestatione whatsoever, Moreover desireing your aide & assistance therein, which requiest of ours
we hope not to faill of, Subscribing your loving friends & neighbours &c.
CIRCULAR TO THE GOVERNORS OF THE SEVERAL PROVINCES.
New york Aprill 2d 1690:
HONBiE SIR-The unexpected surprisall of a small village called skenectady by the french & their
Indian Confederates hath so allarmed the fronteer post of Albany & those of new England that it is a
work necessary to be well consulted how to secure that place, the wellfare whereof concernes all the
neighbouring Collonies; And therefore having certane notice of 2500 french posted in Mont royall
which advanceth from Quebeck towards Albany near 250 miles & an additional strenth of the Indianes being expected, may sooner attack our aforesd post then happily we are aware of, wee having
done what our circumstances & endeavours could well contribute, have likewise communicated the
same to the Governor of Boston, & the gentlemen of Connecticutt are likewise advertised thereof,
insomuch that wee propose for a generall assistance that such persones as to you shall seem meet
may be commissionated to treat with them of new England, Virginia, pensilvania & Jerseys relating
this important affaire here at New york being adjudged the medium between the parties concerned
upon the 24th day of Aprill next after this date, that soe we may conclude what may conduce most to
the Kings intrest, wellfare of the provinces & the prevention if not destructione of the enymies &c.
*THE SPEAKER OF THE MARYLAND ASSEMBLY TO LEISLER.
By ye Assembly Aprill ye 3d 1690.
HONBLE SR —Your letters of ye 4th March last to Capt John Coode, with copy of one from Barbadoes 27 Janury p'ceeding to your Honr inclosed, hath been communicated to this House, ye Representative body of this Province now assemble & met together for their Maties service who, after O' hearty
thanks for your kind expressions and demonstracons of friendship to this Province therein sett forth,




118                    ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
thinke fitt to signifie Or due sense and trouble for that sad and miserable accident befell you from ye
French & their Indians in your parts and the horrid & bloody Massacre of your people ye wh we
heartily condole & lament, have taken ye same into or serious Consideracon and'unanimously voted
speedy aid and assistance agst that comon & tyrannicall Enemy & disturber of our peace to be sent
you, but for ye way & manner of soe doing & ye measures therein to be taken for ye more effectuall
doing thereof (considering ye present juncture & ye infancy & weakness of or Country) we have
recommended ye same to ye Managemt of a select comittee for that purpose appointed, upon whose
report to this house wch will be wth all expedition, wee shall be able to give you a more ample &
satisfactory acct for their Maties service & the seasonable reliefe & further security of all their subjects
in these parts of America, wherein & for all yor friendly & kind respects shewne to this province;
wee shall, what in us lies, endeavour to be in no wise wanting of or duty & making such suitable
returns & acknowledgmts as we are capable of; in ye mean time for matters of news & a more
p'ticular acct of affaires, we recomend yr Honor to Capt John Coode, who will supply prsent defects
of Sr yor Honors Most Humble Servts
Signed pr order & in ye name of ye House
KENELM CHESELDYN, Speaker
To ye Honble Jacob Leisler Esqr
Comander in Chief of his Maties forces
in New Yorke. These for their Maties Service
A LIST of ye Souldjers for ye Expedition of Albany @ 25s. pr Mont and their provisionA. 1689 the 13 March in Fort william, & are departed on 2d april with Capt Jacob
Milborne
+   Gerrit woutersen Serjeant two pisses of 8.
+-     Thomis Chambers 9s in mony & 12s 6d. in duffels
-  +  Henry pyper 12s 6d in duffels 9s in mony
- -j- Symon Williams of Ranak 1 pc of 8 & 9s in mony & 10s in duffels
+   Jean Marlett of Staten Island 1 lock & 4s in mony & 10s in duffels
-  -- Jacob Paers of Rye 9s in mony
-  +   Richard Marten 9s in mony & 10s in duffels
- + Richard Walters of Rye 9s in mony & 10s in duffels
— ~- Mattheuw Barends of Westchester 1 pc of 8. & 9s in mony & 12s 6d. in duffels
+   Francis Mauriss of Staten Island 9s in mony
-  +   Daniell Magdaniell 9s. in mony 1 pr of shoes
-- + Jonas Stevense of Rye 1 pr shoes & 1 pc of 8 & 9s in mony & 12s 6d in duffels
--  - Hendrick Hendricksen Staten Island 9s. in mony
+   Robert Raley 9s in mony
-  +   William Nobell 9s in mony
- + Gerrit arentse of N. York 9s in mony & 10 in duffels
+   Jean faefre Staten Island 1 lock & 4s in mony & 10s. in duffels
-  +   Pieter Berry 9s. in mony 1 pr shoes.
-    George Sharp 9s. in mony 1 pr shoes
-     - John floid of N York 9s in mony & 10s in duffels
-  -   Philiph Coome 1 pc. of 8. & 9s in mony & 125 6d in duffels
-4- John Mannin 9s in mony




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                    119
+  John Poen 9s. in mony & 1 pr. shoes
-  -   Frans Thomasse of N. York 9s in mony
-   - John Clark 12s 6d. in duffels 9s in mony
-  +   Charles Twist of Suffolk Bounds 1" ps of 8 & 9s in mony & 1 sword & 1 pc of 8.
-  +   William Ingell 9s in mony & 12s. 6d. in duffels
- +    Johannes Langestraet of N York 14 pc of 8.
-    Johannes fyne of N York 11 pc. of 8.
-+   John Barsett of Rye 1 pr of shoes & 9s. in mony
-  +   Charles Olivatt 12s 6d. in duffels 9s. in mony
-  +-  William Comes 12s 6d. in duffels 9s in mony
-  +   John Rob from Staten Island 9s in mony
-  +   William haukisson 1 pr shoes & 9s in mony
+  Jean doulier from Staten Island 9s in mony & 12s 6d. in duffels & 2 pc. of 8 for dyet &
bringing over of people.
+   Thomas hunt Surgeon 9s. in mony & 1 pc of 8 for dyet.
- Robert Folther 9s in mony
-  +   gerrit Tappen 9s in mony & 9s for to bring a man
-      Thomas Knight 9s in mony
+   Ebenesar Lyon 9s. in mony.
+   Thomas Cromwell 9s in mony
-  +   William Locker 9s. in mony
- -+   Patrick Magrigerie 9s in mony
-  +  Thomas Johnsen 9s in mony
- +   Nathaniel Pietersen 9s in mony
-  +   John Boyd 9s in mony
- + Silley 3s. in mony
-   - Robert Cam 9s in mony
Jan Cornelise
Johannes Van Tilburgh
hendrick martensen
-    Edward ford from the Man of War 9s in mony
-    Jan Chalender 9s in mony
Expedicon to Albany
26 May. John Care 9s. in money )
28 ditto  John Robinson 1 pr shoes  3s for board 4 loaves & 16 lbs pork
Richard Hill  1 pr ditto
[From another List.] April 4. 1690.
Peter Henkesson from Staten Island               Henry low 9s in mony         21 yd duffells
Jost Pow;                                       John Damelse 9s in mony       2  "
Andrew Smith 9s in mony 3s for dyett 21 yd duffels Peter Parsone 9s in mony   2j "
Willem Weavor 9s in mony 18s "   " 2       "    Daniel Mellton 9s in mony
John Prescott 9s in mony           2  cc c"      Andrew Miller 9s in mony
Moses Manase Hard 9s in mony       2       " c  (c  Johannes Liekeris
Charles Masshell                                Thomas Stevensen




120                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
A list of the Souldjers yt went wth Captn gabriell Thompson;
[Supposed to be from Piscataway, Maryland.]
Capt. Gabriel Tomson
Leftenant Rodgar Barton
Ensine Ebennazar Wakeman
Sargant Joseph Rumsey
Sargant Thomis Sturgis,         Samuel Shered                 Richard feloo
Thomas Hunt                     Philip trauis                 William Danford
Sammuel uail                    Loeling philips                John Knap
Mafhu Randall                   Thomas Brodgat                Richard Cozens
Abraim broun                    Robord Graims                 Thomas Poor
Josoph boils                    Jorge Scot                     Philip galpin
Sammuel Couch                   James Camioll                  Philip Prise
danniel Gou                     John Owen                     Joseph Cable
John Ogdin                      Nathaniel furbush             John Green
John Cable                      Sargant Jonathan Horton       Isaac Rumsey
Josiah Hunt                     John forgeson                 Thomas Mathus
A part of a List of the People yt went up to Albany.
Jeronimes van Bommell           Alexander Wilson              Charles fonteyn Boswyck
Hend'k Aernouts                 Gerret Burger                 Caste Laerse Junior
Coenradus Vander Beck           Johannes Provoost Junior      Jams Woodert
Jan Keteltas                    Isaac Bos                     John Spaniard
Isaac Jansen Van Tilburgh       John Thomas                  Johannes Hartman
Abram Matysse                   Matthys de Hart              Jurian Andiesse
Jacobus de Waim                 Samuel Yardin                 Pieter Pangborne
Martin Beeckman                 Harmen Jansen                 Tomas foot
Arien Santwoort                Denys A denoan                 Mathys Loftus
Jacobus vander Spiegel          Jacobus Colve                 James Weith
Isaac Franck                    Ephraim Carpenter             Lowrens holst Junior
Daniel Robotham                 Cornelis Loosie Boswyck
Abram Uytersael                 Gilliam Gerlet Boswyck
from Kings County
Peter Brouwer                   Rem Jansen                    Jan Tysse
Jacobus Monseu Casaue           Theunis Dircksen              Jan Wertze
A 1690 19 8ber in Fort William.
A LIST of ye Souldjers yt are a going up to Albany.
Robert Crafft 8 shill.                          Toby Indian 2s 3d.
David Mandre Shotlander 5s. or 8 s.              Thomas Barber 8 shill.
Alexander farle 2s. 3d.                          William Trip 2s.
Brian Rome 2s.                                  Nicholaes Porter 2s.
John Jackmonsse 2s. 3d.                          John Wolleston 5s.
George Casselltowne 2. 3d.                      Roburte Pate 2s. 3d prest
Samuel Kickham in plas of John Baker Discharged Isaak fran 2s. 3d.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  121
Insident Charges to send a warrant to yo Sheriffe
of queens County............................................., ~.-4.6
to sergant Jacob to Cherche Jaques haus for...............................  13.6
Chevalier Dau 1 Morgingoun
1 pc. of 8 to Wm Churcher........................................
1P pc. of 8 to the Boer who brought the prisoners..........................
to Hendrick ten eyck..........................................           9
The Heer Meyer credit in money...........................~6.3.9
COPIES OF DIVERS OTHER ORDERS ISSUED         BY LEISLERS COMMISSIONERS AT ALBANY
APRIL & MAY 1690.
By the Commissionrs for Albany &ca.
WHEREAS diverse persons within this City and County have presumed to retayle Rum unto the
Souldiers belonging to ffort Orange, and the respective Captns commanding such who came from New
yorke and are since listed under them, which hath proved very pernicious to the Kings Interests, the
safety of this City and County, and the said Souldiers welfare
These are in his Maties name strictly to prohibite and forbid any person whatsoeuer to draw for, sell,
or retayle any parcell or quantity of rum upon any pretence whatsoeuer under the penalty of fforfeiting
Ten pounds Currant money of this Province for doeing such trespasse, and the said Rum to be
forfeited, One third to be for the Enformer and the rest to be improved for the support of this present
Warr: Dated in Albany Aprill the 12th and in ye 2d yeare of his Maties Reigne Annoq Dom. 1690.
By the Comrs for Albany &ca
WHEREAS his Maties Revenue hath been much empaired by neglect of Due collecting the Grand
Accizes &ca
These are in his Maties name to command you Mr Richard Pretty forthwith to Gauge all Vessells
containing Rum or strong liquors wheresoeuer you shall finde the same within this City and County,
and take Accot thereof according to an Act of Assembly and your Power substituting you Collector
&ca for the same; All persons being hereby required to conform thereunto as they will answer the
contrary at their Perrills  Given under or hands ye date aforesaid:
To Mr Richard Pretty Sherriffe of
the City and County of Albany
A LIST of Persons Departed from Albany without any leaue or giving notice
Laurens (alais) Koehaerder     Cornelis Laurens            Evert Wendel Junr
Jan Laurens                    Jan Jacobse                Symon Schermerhoorne
N B Cornelis Viele Surgeon to send up  for or want of him is great
MYNDERT HARMENSE
ABRAHAM KIP
By the Comrs for Albany &ca
WHEREAS there was an Order issued forth to Mr Robert Livingston Receiver of the Kings Revenue
for ye City and County of Albany to deliuer unto Mr Richard Pretty all such bookes and Accots
as were in his Custody (or that haue beene under his Charge or in his Possession) relating any part
VOL. II.                               16




122                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR tEISLER.
of the Kings Revenue as aforesaid &ca and the said Livingston hath absconded without giving any
order or direction concerning the same by wCh his Maties Interest is much abated.
These are to giue notice unto the sd Livingston or in whose possession the sd bookes or Accots
are or do know where they are placed, that they Forthwith do give notice thereof unto Mr Richard
Pretty &ca and in case any (do conceale, or connive at covering the same, that then such shall be
proceeded against as those who abett & contrive to defraud his Maties dues and dutyes-Moreover
it is hereby ordered & declared that if the sd Livingston doth not appeare in person in Albany City
aforesd or make returne of the same here, at or before the 26th day of this Instant Aprill according
to the true intent and meaning of this precept: That then the Said Livingston shall be proceeded
against as one that hath defrauded his'Matie of his dues and rights and broken the trust reposed in
him, according to the severity of Law in such Cases: Dated in Albany this 14th day of Aprill 1690,
and in ye Second Yeare of his Maties Reigne:
Albany Aprill the 22th 1690
ORDERED that the Mill belonging to the Patroon Renselaer be immediately fortified against any
attack or invasion that may be made by the Enemy, for wch purpose it is recommended to the care
& direction of Mr Levinus Van Schayck & Peter Schuyler Esqr for his Assistance, and what by them
shall be appointed for accomplishing the same, all persons are hereby strictly required to be aiding
therein with their Persons or what else unto them is belonging for that Service, as they will answer
the contrary at their utmost Perill Giuen under or hands the day & yeare above written.
Albany Aprill the 22d 1691)
WHEREAS there is a necessity of breast works to be forthwth made within the Stockadoes round
this City, and that it may be more effectually accomplished: Ordered that Capt Johannes Wendel,
and Capt Peter Van Wogolom doe take upon them the care & direction thereof, and what by them
shall be found requisite for compleating the same all persons are hereby required to assist therein wth
their Persons and whatsoeuer is unto them belonging fit for that service as they will answer the contrary at their utmost Perill, Given under or hands the day and yeare above written:By the Comrs for Albany &ca
WHEREAS there was an Order issued forth bearing date the 14th this Instant Aprill for Mr Robt Livingston to render up the Bookes and Accots relating the Kings Revenue, and a certaine day set and
time limited for the same or his appearance in this City the wch hath not beene observed to the
great prejudice of his Maties Intrest &ca
These are in his Maties name to will and require you forthwith to Attach all such houses, lands,
Goods, and Chattells as doe belong or appertaine unto the sd Livingston for and in behalfe of Or
So) ereigne Lord King William & to his Maties use & behoofe whereof you are to make returne according to this Precept Given under or hands in Albany April 30th and in the second yeare of his
Maties Reigne Annoq Dom 1690.
To Mr Richard Pretty Sherriffe for
the City and County of Albany
By the Comrs for Albany &ca
WHEREAS diverse persons haue pretended right and title to a parcell of meadow ground pasture
belonging unto their most excellent Maties King William and Queene Mary Supream Lord and Lady
of this Province of N: Yorke lying neare this City and have sold ye same for the use of the Poore to
emprove by letting it or entertaining sundry beasts to grasse therin




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 123
These are in his Maties King Williams name strictly to forbid all persons whatsoever to trespasse
thereon by entertaining or driving into the sd Pasture any horses beasts, or other Cattell whatsoeuer
without Speciall Licence from us Commissionated'by his Maties Lt Governr of the Province of New
Yorke aforesd as they will answer the contrary at their utmost Perill Given under or hands this 30th
day of Aprill in ye second yeare of his Maties reigne Annoq dom. 1690 And whosoeuer shall attempt
to pull of deface, or any wayes Scandalize any Order affixed by this Authority shall be punished
severely according to the nature of the Offence wt"' its circumstances
To all whom this doth
or may Concerne
By the Comrs for Albany &ca
COMPLAINT being made unto us by the Genta appointed for quartering of his Maties Soldiers in
this city & County that Mr William Teller hath obstinately refused to entertaine a certame Souldier
by their Order sent for that purpose and hathlshut his door against the officer
Insomuch that they desire Or Authority to compell him the sd Teller to performe his duty
These are in his Maties name to will and require you forthwith to make a forcible entry into the sd
Tellers house, and quarter the said souldr accordingly, and take with you such psons for Assistance
as are under yor Command, in so doing this shall be yor Sufficient Warrant Giuen under or hands in
Albany this first day of May in the second yeare of his Maties Reigne Annoq Dom. 1690
To Lieut Twist Commanding a Compe
of his Maties Souldrs in this City:
By the Commissrs for Albany &AC
WHEREAS strict Orders haue beene made prohibiting all psons within this City and County to sell
Rum unto the Indians, and the same haue not had due effect, neither beene regarded as they ought:
These are in his Maties name strictly to forbid all psons whatsoeuer that they sell noe Rum or
strong drinke, directly or indirectly unto any sort of Indian, or Indians of what Nacon soever, and
that none do presume to deliuer, or give any Rum or other strong Beere or drinke unto any of them
upon what pretence soever (unlesse such who haue an especiall Licence from us so to doe) under the
penalty of forfeiting Twenty pounds Currant money of this Province the One halfe to the Enformer
the rest to be employed in ye Publiq service of the immediate War and in case the persons so offending
shall not be capable of paying the said ffine, then to receiue open Corporall punlshmt by whipping
at discretion and forthwith to be expelled this County: Given under or hands this 2d day of May in
the second Yeare of his MIaties Reigne Annoq Dom 1690:
And that no pson shall go without ye Stockadoes of this City to discourse or deale with any
Indian whatsoever on penalty of forfeiting ten pounds like Currt money and in Case they are not
capable to pay the same, to be punished as abovesd:
By the Comrs for Albany &ca
These are in his Maties name to require you Mr Richd Pretty Sheriffe of this City & County to
distraine Twelve Kettles now in the possession of Capn Johan Bleecker, weighing the same & promise
paymt (for the Kings service) in or behalfe Giuen under Or hands May the 11th 1690
By the Comrs for Albany &ca
THESE are in his Maties name to will & require you forthwith to make diligent search within this
City for all Kettles that may be fit for the Expedition against the French, and wherever you finde




124                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
the same (as Merchandize) to secure for his Maties Service that they may not be transported from
this Towne but forth comming when occasion requires, as you shall haue farther order from us & for
sodoing this shall be yor sufficient Warrant given under or hands in Alba May 12th & in ye 2d year
of his Maties Reigne Annoq dom 1690:By the Commissrs for Alba &cm
These are in his Maties name to order, & appoint you Mr Dirck Wessells forthwith to provide Indian
Shoes, Canoes and Axes which are immediately requisite for his Maties Service against ye ffrench and
their adhering Enemyes commanding all persons proper to assist you herein & for sodoing this shall
be your sufficient Warrt given under or hands in Alba May 12th & in ye 2d yeare of his Maties
Reigne Annoq dom 1690By the Comrs for Albany &cs
These are in his Maties name to prohibite and forbidall manner of persons within this City and
County that they dare not presume to receuie into any howse, or Cellar, any Wine, rum or Strong
Liquors except it be first gaged by the Gager Adrian Appel then to be committed to the Porters, for
howsing the same, and that no Beere be carried from any Brewer, but by the sd Porters appointed by
us and that they giue a true account of the same to the Collectr of his Maties Revenue for this City
and County, euery weeke, and that no strong beere be brought to any Retailer or Tapper Wth out a
ticket from ye sd Collector upon ye penalty ffiue Pounds for euery offence committed by each Porter
And that no Carman shall ride Wine, Rum, or other Strong Liqrs from any Vessell house, or Cellar
without handling by sd Porters All vessels being hereby ordered to land & load at ye Landing place
behinde ye Cort house to be rid through the Gate by sd Cort house & not otherwayes upon penalty
of paying ffive Pounds for every Carman that shall soe offend  Given under our hands May the 12th
1690 & in ye Second Yeare of his Maties Reigne.
By the Comrs for Albany &ca
WHEREAS diverse persons dayly wast powder wCh is of such necessary use for defence of this
City and County of Albany, and although many haue beene advertised thereof yet psist in the same:
These are in his Maties name to prohibite all persons whatsoeuer wth in the sd City and County to
burne any powder unlesse to kill provision, or for his Mats service & benefit of the places aforesaid,
upon paine of paying for every shot, or discharging of Gun or Pistoll (contrary to ye intent of this
order) six shillings Currant money of this province of New Yorke, or Corporall punishmt at discretione Dated in Albany May 12th 1690:
By the Corn for Alba &ca
These are in his Maties name to Order & appoint you Mr Claas Ripse, en Jacob Meesen diligently
to visit, and narrowly inspect the Stockadoes & platformes round & about this City, (with such officers
of the Militia as ye Towne Major shall appoint) and that what shall be found requisite & necessary to
be done for ye better fortifying thereof, you doe by yorselves or such as you shall employ forthwith performe & accomplish: Giuen under or hands May 12th & in the second yeare of his Maties
Reigne Annoq Dom 1690:
By the Comrs for Albany &ca.
These are in his Maties name to order you to examine all houses within this City & County and
take an exact Accot of what powder is in eury psons possession therein, of wch all the Inhabitants




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  125
thereof are hereby ordered & Commanded that they do giue you a true accot of what quantity they
haue, & if they or any of them shall conceale any part thereof to be proceeded against as contemnors
of his Maties Authority, and disaffected to the peace and Security of this City and County aToresd.
Dated in Albany the 12th day of May and in the second yeare of his Maties Reigne Annoq Dom. 1690:
By the Comrs for Albany &ca.
FORASMUCH as it is of high Concern to preserue his Maties City and County of Albany from the rage
and mischief of the French & their adherents, who to or sad experience haue made (livers attempts
upon the skirts of the same: Wee doe therefore Order, and hereby it is ordered that the Posts of
Schanechtede, Connestigioene, and the halfe Moone be forthwith supplyed with proper numbers of men
to defend the same, and that none do presume to post any other forces saving at the three places
aforesd at their utmost perill Given under or hands this 12th day of May in the second yeare of his
Maties Raigne Annoq Dom 1690:
To all whome this doth
or may concerne
By the Comrs for Albany &ca
WHEREAS it is judged necessary for to defend Schanechtede and to that purpose it is likewise found
requisite that a Fort shall be erected to defend ye Inhabitants and oppugne the Enemy if should
attack the same.
These are in his Maties name to require you Capn Sander Glen & all Officers & Inhabitants belonging to ye said Schanechtede and adjacent Parts, with the Souldiers there in Garrison, to build a
substantiall Fort of due magnitude and strength upon that part or parcell of ground (called by the
name of Cleyn Isaacs) and that all are aiding and assisting therein according to their abilitye to dispatch and compleat the same, as they will answer the contrary at their utmost perills Given under
Or hands this 13th day of May in the second yeare of his Maties Reigne Annoq Dom 1690:
Albany the 30th May 1690.
You are from hence to set forth immediately to Sarrachtoge and so forward to the Carrying Place
where you are to make your diligent inspection if any Tracks of people are made, or other notices
can be taken either of the French or their Indians, and between the sd draegh Plaets & Sarraghtoge
you are to keep constant passing and repassing for the space of 8 days, and if you meet wth any
remarkable thing that is worthy our notice, forthwith to dispatch an Indian Messenger, except the
ffrench Troops should appeare, then to withdraw all your men & obserue so long as with safety you
cal how they march & what numbers of them may be guest, and all psons wth you are hereby
strictly required to obey yor Commands as they will answer the Contrary at their utmost Perill
Given under or hands the date abovesd.
To Ensigne Symon Van Nes.
ffort william Aprill 3d 1690:
To THE GOVERNOR OF BOSTON
HONORABLE sIR-your 3 severall letters by Capt Black I have before me, & have seen your proceedings in new England, yours by the Lievt Governor I have before me, the unexpected surprisall
of Schonectady by the french & their Indianes Confederates hes so allarmed the fronteer post of
Albany & yourselves & us, that it is thought a work necessary to be well consulted how to secure




126                   ADIINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
that place, the wellfare whereof concernes all the neighbouring collonies, and therefore having certane
notice of 2500 posted in Mount royall which advanced from Quebeck towards Albany near 250 mills
& an additionall strenth of the Indianes being expected may soon attack our aforesd post, then happily
we are aware wee having done what our circumstances & Endeavors could well contribute, have
likewise communicated the same to the government of East & West Jersey, pensilvania Maryland
Virginia & other parts of new England. Insomuch that we propose for a generall assistance that
such persones as to you shall seem meet may be commissioned to treat with them relating the sd
important affaires, here at new york being adjudged the medium between the parties concerned,
upon the 24th of this Instant So that we may conclude what may conduce most to the Kings intrest
the wellfare of the provinces, & the prevention if not destruction of the enimies, This is the needful
for the present, Commending you to god, I remaine
Your friend & humble Servant
*CAPT COODE TO LEISLER.
April 4th 1690, St. Marys,
MOST HoNORD SR —The within is a copy of what I sent long since in answer to yors to ye Assembly,
wch about 5 or 6 months being under an adjournment, thought it my duty to expedite it. It went by
way of Pennsilvania, but considering what a disafected interest interposes betwixt N. York & this place,
wonder not much at ye miscarriage; I have very greatefully, as well as conveniently received yours,
March ye 4th, the convencon of ye Reprsentatives of ye Province being to sitt ye weeke after yors
came, till wch time I desired ye stay of ye messenger to advise how wee could best answer yor most
reasonable and necessary desires, sent away to ye Virginia government, acctt of yors & Coll Steders,
desiring a speedy answer and concurrence. I am heartily sorry I had no sooner an acett of these
two Rogues, Henly and Walsh. I had them very lately in custody upon suspicon, being Strangers,
Irishmen & papists, & coming from Martinico, but they much appeald to yourselfe for justificaton
upon wch they were confined till they would produce a certificate from your Honr of their good behaviour, wch they confidently promised, but the sone undeceived us & made their escapes towards
Pennsilvania, but have made fresh pursuit after them & doubt not to have them well returned in Irons
& safely secured. I will do all that lies in my power to use my best diligence that all suspicious
persons wthout passes, be secured. I am sorry for ye greate defect of duty & unaccountable &
oversenss in their Maties subjects to their interest in yor partes as well as into many of them herewth
us in this province, by wch meanes from treachery, cowardize and carefulness, that unfortunate &
to be lamented accident has happened wth you, as to yor desires for some assistance from this governmt, your Honor may be well assured, that as it is our duty so to doe, having his Maties comands
in ye Packett, seeming to intimate in ye enclosed to that purpose, so our interest obliges vs to secure
ourselves by making some considerable attempts upon our Enemies, besides ye obligacon you have
laid upon vs by your repeated Kindnesse and civilities, ye greater example you are pleased to remitt
us of ye generous & Loyall attempts of His Maties Governor of Barbados, in order to wch I have
& will still continue to vtmost endeavours for your best satisfacon & their Maties interest. As to
news from England, we have no great matter here; Ships now arrived, tell us in particular that three
men of war and two fire ships are coming wVth a Fleete for Virginia & Maryland; have sent you
a breviate of other newes that p'sent occurs. We have noe newes at p'sent of an answer to or letters
& papers (relating to our affaires here) sent to England. If your messenger returnes (as you intimate) by way of Maryland, if his arrivall here comes to my knowledge, I will take  ll possible to




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  127
contrive his speedy passage to New Yorke. While I am writing this I have reed an answer from ye
Virginia governmt in answer to ors sent thither. Monday was sennight about ye late measures neer
you, that,they do nothing till his Maties pleasure be knowne, from whence I never expected any other
answer, thay write likewise, that one Collo James Nicholson is coming wth the men of Warr, to be
Lievt Governr of Virginia. As to our endeavors for your service, you have a letter from the convencon
to that purpose, wth whome I have done what I cann & wch ye committee appointed to consider the
same, ye report thereof herqwth sent you, cannot at p'sent determine what will be the p'ticular result
of or endeavours, but you may be most confident nothing shall be wanting wherein I can serve
To ye Honble Jacob Leisler Eqr
Commander in Chiefe of his                                        Honrble Sr
Maties forces in N. Yorke                                  Yor most reall friend &
-these for their Maties                                          Humble Servt
Service.                                                                JNO COODE
1690: 7th Aprill In fort William
TO THE GOVERNOR IN BOSTON
HONBLE SIR-Myn last to your honor was by the way of Rhoad Island in great haste onely representing to your honor the great necessity of a generall meeting in N: York to which I referre
your honor, I have also for the same purpose sent to all parts east & west & am sorry that Capt:
Blagg was denied, Livingstone being represented to your honor such malefactor charged with treasonable crymes, we have caused to search his house at Albany & find that he has conveyed away all
box & papers concerning his Majestys revenue, having received same a wholl year without giving an
account so that his Matie will loose considerable thereby, he was not able to doe the least hurt concerning the five nations more then they did, wee have gott possessione of the fort without violence
nor bloodshed, & have setled there all things to great Satisfaction of the Indianes that was then
there present, tuo of the chiefest mohacks sachems desired to come to York & discourse me, he received the greatest satifactione Imaginable discovering the great delusiones the Convention of Albany
have putt them under, my greatest work was to take away the umbrage the new England people gave
by departing in that Juncture of time & broke our order by violence, which was indeed breaking the
silver chaine you mention & covenanted to, he will that appeare true that your agent represents it
to his Matie that new England was such warlike people & like to make him Emperor of this moderne
empire, but I contribute the fault to no body but their sweet Secretary Allan, he rules those parts,
his honor the Governor having write to me that he had but the name of a Governor & your honor
feares they will be discouraged to assist us, unless wee accomodate & ease that matter where rather
I must say without abusing the good people among them, our calamities & divisiones are indebted to
them. If the sd Connecticott had but done their part we had no need to feare our enimies, you &
they with us alike concerned to carry on the warre & preserve such considerable post as'Albany, I
have invited them thereunto, but was wholly denied & of yourselves, I gott no encouragement onely
of about nova Scotia, but I doe not despaire but hope at our meeting you will effectually discover
the great delusion the Albany convension have putt you under in searching Livingstones house, we
found a case belonging to a french Jesuite of Canada, & some Indian Categismes, & the lesson to
learne to make their God before they eit them, with crucifix it was but how the minister who also
had formerly great correspondance with the Jesuits, and another that deluded all the people there,
the Indians have promised us to raise more than 1000 men of theirs to Joyne with 400 of ours wherof




128                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
we have raised & sent up 260 men keeping the pass upon the lake with a company of Indians &
Christians, In number about 50: that upon the enemies approach we may be tymlie advertised, I
have sent last week to Connecticutt to beat the drunl for volunteers but have noe advice of their
success, I expect also a messinger daily from Maryland, If the above sd expedition is to be caried
on violently, & then by Gods blissing wee need not to doubt of good success, Albany must also
not be left destitute of people to guard it well which can hardly be truly well effected without your
& our neighbours assistance, therefore they long to have gott some encouragement by Capt Black, I
desire the continuance of a good & real correspondence, being the Intrest of his Matie in this Juncture
of tyme, pray sir lett me have a catalogue of all books & papers in your custody concerning his
Maties province of newyork Inclosed you have the Sommary of the fort orange their capitulatione
our answer Mr Mellines will interpret the dutch, having for the present no more to enlarge  recommending your honor to God I remaine your honors most humble Servant &c.
TO MARYLAND.
A: 1690: 9th Aprill in fort william
HONORABLE SIR-Inclosed is a coppy of a letter sent to Virginia & Maryland to your selves &
counsell by water and land, & hope they are come safe to your hand, I am greatly longing for an
answer of myn by Lievt: Vanbrugg which I understand you have well received, I would desire
your honor if any letters concerning his Maties intrest should be, send to me that it may be sent by
a trusty persone because we receive non that comes through pensilvania, the Maquas oneydays,
onondates Cackoques & mekehanders have espoused our cause, we have appointed persones to meet
them at Albany in few dayes to consult our best way to intercept the enimies march, the Maquaas
having given us a proofe of their fidelity and courage by persuing those that attacked Skenectady,
even near their oun home taking and slaying 25 of them who lodged in the reare & promise to raise
more than 1000 of theirs to joine with 400 of ours, whereas we have raised & sent 260 for that
intent keeping the pass upon the lake with a company of Indianes & Christianes in number of 50:
that upon the enimies approach we may be tymely advertised being about 150 mills northward of
Albany which post is of like concerne to you & us, therefore hope being well considered by you,
you will afford us the greatest part of help desired from you, the abovesd expedition is to be carried
on violently, & then by Gods blissing wee need not to doubt of good success, Albany most also not
be left destitute of people to guard it well, which can hardly be surely well effected without your
& our neighbours assistance, therefore long for an answer of my former whereby wee expect some
encouragement & desire the continuance of a further good and real correspondance being for the
intrest of his Matie in this Juncture of tyme, we have no further newes of a party of franch & Indianes of which we have intelligence that they were upon the march the tuo other parties have
effected their exploit having kild & captivated 99 about biscadray, & the other burned some houses
near Sallem, the exact damage is not certainly known, It is reported of 70 persons killd & captivated  Boston is fitting out vessels to attack the french by water, this is all for the present after
my respects recommending yours to Gods protectione I remaine &c.
your humble servant &c:




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 129
[Translation.]
CAPT. MILBoRN —Friends and Brothers. After cordial salutation. Yours of the 5 April is shewn
me.' I have got as much maize as I could find, which I send up to your honour with Theunis
Pieterson's yacht. I am busy in getting as much money from the King's revenue as will satisfy the
people from whom I had the corn. The number will appear by the list in the letter.
Touching the election of the two Delegates from our County, it it shall be done on the 16th inst.
It was put off until your honour's arrival here. I feared a contest about it. I admit it ought to be
a free election for all classes, but I would be loath to allow those to vote or to be voted for who have
refused to this day to take their oath, lest so much leaven might again taint that which is sweet, or
our head-men, which probably might happen.
I yesterday received a letter from Pieter d'lanoy. There is yet no further news from sea. I expect
quick progress and good success against the French, our enemies both by water and by land.
I shall expect to see your honour's arrival here in the (yacht) coming down. Finally I commend
your honour to God's protection, and remain
Your honour's servant to command,
ROELOF SWARTWOUT.
Cinghs Thouwn
the 11 April Ao. 1690.
In the county of Ulster.
Addressed
To
Capt. Jacob Mellborne,
for psent
at
Albany."
[Translation.]
Kingstoune.
GENT.-Your various letters have safely come to hand, referring for the most part to the sending
up as much maize as possible for the use of his Majisties Garrison; secondly to the sending back
those who may have come fromn Albany or the County Jurisdiction, without the Knowledge of their
Superiors; Lastly, that Kingstoune be fortified as well as possible against the attacks of the enemy.
It serves for answer that pursuant to our duty we have made every effort to get as much maize
as possible, and send your Honours per Teunis Peterse 936 skepels maize,, and have further ordered
that none be exported from our county, so that, should there be more, it may be available for his
Majesty's service. Regarding those who may have come away from Albany County without permission, I could find none here except one Jan Jacobse, who pretends he could not earn his victuals at
Albany-therefore hath requested permission to remain here to support himself & family, on condition
that should the least news arrive here of the approach of any enemy, he shall be bound instantly to
repair thither, to assist against the foe.
Lastly in regard to fortifying Kingstoune, we request further explanation from you; for in all
the letters, whether from the. Honble Lieut. Gouernr or-from your honour above, we have had no
command to fortify Kingstoune; and moreover the W. Committee have verbally ordered that no
person should fortify any part of the Esopus Hill, until Kingstoune shall be fortified and protected,
VoL. II.                               17




130                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTE A'T-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
has the chief place of this county; especially as we, without the assistance of the out villages,
should be very inadequate against the attack of the enemy.
No more at present, but I hope to see your honors here in a short time, and meanwhile remain
Your humble serv.
This 11th April 1690                                      N. ANTHONY per
Addressed          Aen                                      order of Jacob Reitse &
Capt Johannes de Bruyn                                     Jan foke
Mr. Johannes Prouos & Capt.
Jacob Millborne
present
tot
Albany.
Hartford Aprill 11th 1690
HoNOBLE S1-Your Letters of ye 2d & 3d of Aprill we have Seen & as to your desires of volunteers that we understand hath been granted but what fruit hath been gained thereby wee know not
as to ye meeting you mention at York upon ye 24th of this month we cannot Comply wth by reason
of a meeting ye gentn of ye neigboring provinces have appointed before we heard of yours to be
at Rhode Island ye last munday in this month (where we expect some of yours will be) wch we have
Complied wth & that we may not be wanting in our duty to prserve his Majties Interest what we can
& defend or selves & his Majties good subjects we have ordered that two Compies be raised consisting of Six score & five teen Englishmen & about four score Indians (if they can be procured) wvth
all speed be sent forth to Albany for ye defense of that City & County & also to take all advantages
to supres ye ennimies. But we shall be at great Losse to procure ammunicion for them & therefore
we request your selfe that you will take Care that or men may be provided for with ammunicion for
this Service for we are so bear in or store that we must keep what we have for or owne preservacion
If we were well stored or knew where to supply orselves we should not matter it: but wthout you
can supply us it will be a vayn thing for us to send forth or men therefore we desire to have youre
resolues in ye Case what we may depend on for it will be a great guide unto us in or motions & for
provisions of pease bread & porke  If you can suit us at albany we shall exchange wth you And
pay you In wheat porke & Pease at Yorke or where you shall appoynt us to pay you in or Colony
forthwth & shall be glad to know your resolves herein wch wth Or respects yor Honor is all at pr:sent
From Sr your affectionate frind the
Governr & genll Co1 of Conecticut
p. their order Signed
JOHN ALLIN Secry:
To Captn Jacob Leisler hsqr
Lt Governr of N. York
HONOBLE SL —I having not oportunity since my returne from harford to enforme you anything of
ye product of my granting Liberty to ye drums to be beat up for volunteers but of the effectuall
Course of or genll Assembly to raise two Compes ye one as speedily as ever we can effect it to be on
their marsh for albany ye other to follow after or great want is ammunic6n we have lately heard by a
good hand vizt: Mr. prout of great plenty of powder In virginia & if you se need or have oportunity




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 131
to Sent for any please to Befrind us wth halfe adozen Barrels & you shall be Rembounsed to
content there Seemes not to be any supplie to Carry on the warr In or partes and very little at
Boston its said to be sold at 1s pr pound retaile at said virginia or Colony hath pitched on some men
to attend ye meeting at Rhode island wCh was great pitty it had not been apointed soner we could
not well doe anything to alter ye time or place ye notice being so shorte but hope some from yor
partes & westward may be there we have no newes to acquaint yor honr wth but wth hearty desires
that Counsills & Endeavrs may be guided & succeded to gods honor the peace and welfare of his
maties good Subiects so prayes
Yor honors Servant & Frind
Milford 17th of Aprill 1690                                       ROBERT TREAT Gor
To Jacob Leisler Esqr
Lievt. Governr of N.York
[Translation.]
Kingstoune
HONBLE CAPT DE BRUYN, MONSR PROVOST) CAPT MILLBORNE, HEALTH!-These few lines shall
serve, whereas news has come here that a second murder has been committed by our enemies within
the jurisdiction of Albany County, I could scarcely believe it at first, as I doubted not but I should
at least have recd a letter about it. But we must now be convinced through the confirmation of
the people from your vicinity, of the certainty thereof. The comunity therefore took it very badly
that we received no intelligence of it, especially as we had previously by express tidings of the first
murder shortly after it occurred. I request therefore should there be any bad news to communicate
it to us immediately; for it is better we should be on our guard and the people will feel greater satisfaction. Further'tis requested that a hundred plank and 25 [lbs?] nails may be sent us here by the
first opportunity for the use of this place to make a centry box of them and Whatever else may be
necessary. We have been already obliged to borrow 25 and there are none to be had here. Therefore please not to fail.
Our Representatives took their departure on the 16th instant.
Gent. no more at present, but please to write us here by every opportunity, and meanwhile I remain
Your humble Servt
Tiis 18th Apr1. 1690.                                       N. ANTHONY per
Addressed                                                Order of ye Court.
c Aen de E. Gecomiteerde
Capt. Johannis de Bruyn Monsr.
Johannes Prouost &
Capt Jacob Milborne
present. Albany."
*LEISLER TO GOV. TREAT.
Aprill the 19th in Fort William
MOST HORORD SR18-Your verry acceptable letter by ye bearer I have before me, and with great joy
seen your resolt in assisting us with 135 English & 80 Indians, if possible only desiers us to provide
them  with ammonition, wch as I understand is your present want; this is to advyce you yt wee
verry tancfully accept your neighbourly assistance, & for powder, you may depend upon, there shall be




132                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
distributed to them at Albany. I shall also not fail to send up bread, Peace & Pork according to
your desire, therefore you can send it here by ye first oportunitie; wee haue sent up already 300
barils Pork, 200 Bushell of Peas, 600 Skepell of Indian Korne, 20000 lbs of Bread, 100 Bushel of
Salt, 150 Dear Skins for shoes 2000 yd ossenbr for Tents & 3000 lb of Led, 105 lb of powder and 260
men with watt we cane gitt more, hire inclosed is 3 letters received from Maryland with the nues to
which I referr your selfs: —in ye beginning of April aryved here two Maquaes, Considerable Sachems,
who are verry firme & received greate satisfaction, discovering ye great delution ye Convention had
but them undertaking lyfe from watt encouragement they have observed & here received, having
promised us to rayse more then e then 1000 men of theirs, to join with 400 of ours, whereof we haue already
raysed and sent 260 man, keeping ye pass upon ye Lake with a Company of Christians & Indians,
in number aboute 50, that aboute the Enemies approach, we may be tymely advertized: aboute 8
days ago the same watch sent up to Albany, yt they had discovered the trake of 12 ffrench & Indians,
and doubt not but in 2 days should doe some mischief, whereupon ye people where advertized &
ordered to be upon their guard, but having so many couwards & Traitors amongst us who indeavour
to bulle [lull?] ye people in security, occasions the people to be careless-It hapened yt last Sabeday,
at Nistigione, 12 myle from Albany, ye people there gathered all in one house & keept watch, the
said ffrench & Indians, finding in te t the night the uses empty, & perseving their retreat, went in a
swamp, the people going in ye mourning, each to their houses, were surprized, 9 Christians 2 negers
were kild & captivated, which must needs incourage the enemie to further attempt if not prevented
by a vigorous attake in Canada, About the Meeting at Road Island, I had expected you & them here;
we are resolved to alter nothing in our resolution; we are fully resolved to carry on the warr
against our bloody enemye the French and there adhereants; & spend our all & lyfe toe, and haue
& are in action aboute it; it is too late to fitch ye Midwife when the chield is borne; we shall be glad
to accept & imbrace wat assistance you plais to afford  s, and use all the means imaginable, &
further trust in God. I haue a men of warr riddy with 20 gunns & 120 resolute men, commissionated for Canada & intend one or two Brigantines if possible. I would haue no Provision of
the ill affected Bottler nor his, nor the lyke person to come near us in our actions, it is therefore in
vain to send him, becase I shall not suffer him there nor, any which we suspect. 1 desire reall friendly
and Naighbourly corespondency; you may ashoor yourselfs I shall want in nothing that may tend for
his Maties interest & ye welfare of his provinces; and after my Respekt, recommand you in God's
protection & remaine
Sr your affectionate & humble servant
Superscribed                                                      JACOB LEISLER
To the Honorable Robert Treat,
Governour of Coneticutt. These
26th March 1690.
The Indian Sachem Obson wth his Brother apeared Before ye Governor & Councill unto whome sd
Governor & Councill acquainted of or New King Wm & warr with ye French & desired what Assistance
they Could give in ags1 ye French at Canada Whereupon they Answered they should Consider together
& should bring Answer wth all Expedicon & was given to them two yds duffels two pd powder two
barrs Lead and three Bits In Money.
the Sachem whemeach of chiqueta unto whome ye same was proposed & Like Answer was made
and given 2 yds cloath 1 lb powder 1 bar Lead.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  133
the Sachem Schipay & his nephew Mamid ye same as above written & six bits given to them &
spended upon them by Samuel Edsall Esqr.
Aprill 5th. 1690.
The Indian Sachems of Kightowan, Wessecamer, Wuscawanus, did promise to send Six Men and
given Each 1 yd Duffels 2 bits & 2 gl Rom we1 meane to go to Albany against ye French.
Aprill 19th. 1690.
The Sachem of tappan called Mendoassyn & a Capn called Wigworakum & sayd that they had
sent fifteen days ago twelf men to ye Maquase and Sinnekes & and whent Returne shall sent more
being Strong in all 60 Young Men & was given to them i ancor of Rum 1 barel sider & to each a
duffels Coat & Recomanded to them to be united together wCh is to suppress ye. Comon Ennemy
ye french & their Indians wCh they accepted & a cloth nilch to Claes.
New York ye 30 April 1690
Then delivered by MrS du Bois to the Lieutenant Wm Churcher for the Expedition at Albany Five
Cto three Quarters Twenty two Pounds Lead at Thirty Shill: p Cto to be paid out of his Majesty's
Revenue of Custome or otherwise out any Tax to be raised to pay the Publick Charges.
Copy                     Signed                  pr DELANOY, Collr
Endorsed-Mr. deLanoy Coll's Certificate to Mrs. du Bois for Lead. for the use of the Expedition in the year 1690.
A. D. 1690. ye 30 apprill: In N. Yorke
GENTLEMENS-Last monday arrived hcer the CommitionTrs off Boston Plimouth en Caneticot who
have been taking off severall businis Concerning the Indian war but ar resolved In noting mein
demand Is off theme to assist vs by land with 500 man-I proposed to pay 400 man 300 we send up
en 100 man from albani en Vlster who most be paid by vs the have offert 300 man en hoop to
optaine the rest Or 100 man. the shall send to ther Ships that are out to go to Canada but the expeckt
ouers to be onder Command off thers with Kan not be-I made theme be troublet abouth allins letter
en hoop all will doe well. the arivall en expectation off som Indians, Is acceptable nues to vs all:
Mest. Delanoy has send 85 Barils Biff en Porke 3 Barils led en 1 pig by the first we shall send
Bred en oder things. Capt Bleeker has the Laus, the with I refeer your I have proroged them
when I saa the intendet to work with the Prisoners mest riars desired som guns with iff your
seemeth'most be taken from sloop or petrares for Schonectede with wee Desiers ma not be desertet
doo It shuld kost 50 soldiers to maentain Evert Wendell Is remaind heer by min leve becas his
Chelder died therefore kan be excused the mayer and me Selvst ar In continual compayni with the
Comisioners we have advice off marsch off the marilanders It Is thougt the will travell by land
for faer off the small poks. I shall further aquaint your by the first what further Passes we have
gatt a hhd Rom  1 hhd suger off liveston Comming from Barbados 15 halff Baril suger 2 hhd 2J ters
3 Barill Rom 4 hhd malasses for mathew Plouman after min Respekt I remain
Sers                     Your affectionate frind           JACOB LEISLER.
I had send Blank Comision for Capt. by Mest Edsall who has fild up to Gabriell thomes I hoop
he will gitt Courage an Conduck the Comissioners officers war promised ther Comisions heer with I
have given en beliff the Deserved:                                                 J L
Addressed,
To The Honoble the Comissioners Capn John D'Bruyn, Mr. John Provoost & Capn Jacob
Milborne Esqrs In Their maties service                     at
Albany




134                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
HONORABLE SIRs-Since the departure of your messengers, wee have been very much occupyed,
that wee have been retarded till now to send to your honors Capt: William Masone Lievt Walters, &
master duffore to assure your honours of myn & the councells most humble service, & that you are
heartily wellcome in this his Maties province, where you will find us very complyable in any thing
that may tend to his Maties Service & the wellfare of his Subjects in these his provinces, & hope
we shall shortly have the honor to salute you, In the mean tyme after my respects &c.
1689                  The Heer Luyt Gouvernr Jacob Leysler                  debet
Aug 9. For 15 green planks for Fort William............................. ~00.11.3
16         a I barrel of Strong Albany Beer..................................   00.15:Feb. 25.     8 skepl white peas for fort William...........................   1.-:Mch   1.     2 ps bl. duffels long 50: 46I both 96, yard @ 5 st. per yard....... 24. 2:6
1690 26     50 lbs lead @ 4..................................................  00.18:9
1 Red Cloth Cloak trimmed with gold Lace & its accompaniments
for  an  Indian..........................................  3. 5:Item one hundred pS of eight in Spetie loaned for 3 days,.........  30.-:Total......................................................      60:12:6
N York the 2d May 1690 pr Anna Cuyler Widow of decd HEND CUYLER.
N Yorke Primo May 1690.
At a meeting of ye Commissionrs of ye Province of New York & ye' Collonies of ye Massachusetts, Plymouth & Connecticut.
It is Concluded as their unanimous Result that In ye Psent Expedicon for the Strengthning of
Albany ye Pursuing & by ye help of Almighty God Subduing ye french & Indian Ennemies Continnuing in hostility agst their Magties that each of ye Collonies aforesd shall Provide & furnish ye
undermenconed proporc6ns of Souldiers with Answerable Provisions at their owi Charges to Be sent
wth all Speed:vizt
By New Yorke   four hundred...............~............................. 400
By Massachusetts Colony one hundred & Sixty................................. 160
By Conecticut Colony one hundred & thirty five............................... 135
By Plymouth Colony sixty............................................ 60
By Maryland by Promise one hundred................................    100
In all Eight hundred fifety five................................ 855
Farther Agreed that ye Major Be apointed by ye Lt Govr of New Yorke & ye next Capn to Be
Apointed by ye Collonies of ye Massachusetts, Plymouth & Connecticut.
That All Plunder & Captives (if any happen) shall be divided to ye officers & Souldr acording to
ye Custome of Warr
That All Matters of great Concernemt be directed & ordered by ye Councill of Warr consisting of
ye Major wth ye rest of ye Commission Officers or so many of them as there is oportunity for




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  135
That ye Souldiers Sent out or to Be Sent out Sje not Employed In any other Service or Expedic6n
then what is now Agreed on wthout farther Consent of the severall Colonies
That ye Officers Be required to maintaine goon order Amongst ye Souldiers to discountenance &
Punish Vice & as much as may be to Keep ye' Sabbath & maintaine ye Worship of God
JACOB LEISLER
WILLIAM STOUGHTON
SAML SEWALL
P. D LAXOY
JOHN WALLEY
NATHAN GOLD
WILLIAM PETIIN.
TO MAJOR JACOB MILBORNE
GREETING
By virtue of ye Authority derived unto mee I do hereby constitute & apoint You to be Major of
all ye forces now raised or to be raised for ye expedicon of Albany out of this Province & ye New
England Collonies & Maryland ac6rding to ye unanimous result made wth said Collonies agst ye
french at Canada you are therefore Carefully & diligently to discharge ye duty of a major by Exercising ye Same In Armes & Keeping them In good order & discipline both Officers & Souldiers observing Strictly all ye Articles In ye Said Result Expressed hereby willing & Commanding them to
observe & follow Such orders & direccons as you Shall from time to time receive from mee or any
apointed by my Selfe & Councell Ac6rding to ye Rules & discipline of war Pursuant to ye trust
reposed In You & to Execute all acts of hostility against ye french King his Subiects & their adherents & this Commission to Continue during any will & Pleasure only: GIVEN &c. this 25th of
May 1690.
JACOB LEISLER.
LEISLER TO TATHEM.
A: 1690. 7th May in forth William
HONORETH SER-Your last is befor vs. having Considert the Cont6nu I most allow Wath your
represent to me therein. I am Sori Your vessell happent Yust at sutche theime when som franch heer
by their II Caridg provoket the piple Whereby the war Stierd up to vs Severite to prevent some off
the franch their arogants who ar hir In greth nomber en thinke It is now ther teime We ar distrost
at ouer bak and In ouer Bossm We have Men with we kannot well trost with was the Cas 2 was
sesed one Clerd thoder Condemned then Information was Brought In Court When the Suth with I
kold en most noth hinder. en so se was Condemned for min parth I freli given again His Maiestes
part a band will satisfie me Iff Demanded from his Maieste the Informer's parth Is not at min disposall
but I. prevalle that he shall be satisfied with 10 or 12 ~ en somme few Charges ther Is vpon the
Vessell Is aprized 45 ~ but nu It hapens that we have presed one bermodian for his Maieste Service
for the Expedition off Canada en that the Oners thereoff Complains that In Bermodes the will starff
for want off provisions en desires your Vessell to bring them suply where for a resonable hier most be
allowed to you




136                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
Iff in the foreseid I kan render to.Goevernour Koxe min service en your plais to accept It You
shall be Welkom to it but I Expect him hir that was mister off the wessell to go Pilot for Canada
a Cording his promis I hoop your will not hinde him but reder Incourage him for he Is able to
render lhis Maieste goed service I further refer your to Wath I have Vrit to Mestr Henli being publik
Concerns en hoop your Will Contribut to vrge the piple that the ma be sensble off this aproching en
Menasing Storme en that the are alike Concerned In ouer Just en necessarie Deling & vrg for ther
assistance that we ma be able to make up aM1000 men. en that troe Gods Blessin We ma tak a
Way the Causse off ouer Misseris.
Your wille obligie mee with on ansur In the meantime I remaine
Endorsed
"A coppy of a Letter
to John Tathem at
Burlington
7th May 1690.
LEISLER TO ALL THE WESTERNE GOVERNMENTS
Anno: 1690: 13 May in fort william 
HoNoRED SIR-yesterday departed Mr Pembrock with letters to you  Just after his departure I
received the happy news following from our commissioners, dated the 8th May, the very words
are. —The great busines of the Indianes is concluded & have answered our propositiones satisfactorily with 1800 men amongst the five nationes, of which a more parlar accompt we shall send to
morrow, yours by the Esopus have received and shall attend your further resolves since it is that
much will be required to the necessary equipping the march if with 600 men, the letter by the way
of Esopus is the result of the provinces &c. & easterne collonies which I have sent that way with
hopes we shall nake it up by the help of East & west Jerseyes pensilvania & Rhoad Island 1000
men, being but in hopes by their letters thereupon hes as I perceive promised to the Indianes 600
men, I hope you will not be wanting to promote so blissed a work at this tyme to please God &
our gracious King losing the opportunity and neglecting the season may cause the next generation
to curse us, therefore I desire you for very speedy help, wee having and are doing daily our best, I
further referre you to Mr. pembroke & what is written by him after my respects I remaine &c.
* MESSRS. EDSALL & PEMBROKE TO GOV. TREAT.
GOUERNOUR TREAT-Honored Sir, Ye terms agreed on by ye Liftenant Gouernor and Connecite
for ye volentears to be raised for ye' on to Albany, is twenty five shillings pr month, besides theire
provisions and free plunder to such as shall goe out with the macqwas and Sinecas to Mont Riall or
any place in Canada, which incoragment plase to acquaint your neighbours with, whereby you will
oblidge you reall friends and neighbersSAMUELL EDSALL
ELKANAH PEMBROKE
1 Here the sheet is torn and a sentence or two missing.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  137
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNOR
WHEREAS There is made an Ordr of Councell dated this day to Secure all porke wt in this City
to be Brought to his Maties Store howse for his sd Maties serviceThese are therefore in his Maties name to will and require you to make diligt Enquiry & Search In
all sellars stores pack howses and other places where you Know suspect or hear of any to Be and
take an Exact acct of ye names of ye owners & ye qt thereof & secure sd porke in his Maties Stores
as aforesd & in Case of refusall for opening sd sellars stores & pack howses to use all manuall force
to Brake open ye same to Effect ye Premisses & this shall be your spetiall Warrt G GIVEN &c this 15th
day of May, 1690.                                                      JACOB LEISLER
A: 1690: 17 May in fort william
To THE GOVERNOR OF BARBADOES.
HONORABLE SIR-your courteous Letter of the 27th January I have received thought it my duty
to returne an answer about the tuo irish rogues. I wrote to Maryland & virginia & gott an answer
from Coll: Cood Chiefe commander in Maryland, in the words following I am heartily'sorry I had
no account sooner of these tuo rogues Henly & welch, I had them very lately in custody upon Suspitione
being strangers Irishmen papists & coming from Mortoneno, but they much appealed to your selves
for justification upon which they were confined till they could produce a certificate from your honor
of their good behaviour which they confideritly promised but they soon undeceived us & made their
escape towards pensilvania, but have made fresh persuite after them & doubt not to have them well
retorned in yron & safely secured this isall what I could have of them, the french of Canada with
their Indianes committed six bloody masacres in this province three, & in new England three, they
have destroyed Skanectady a vilage 20 milles from Albany, murdered sixty three men women and
children, carried captive 27: & have committed the greatest tyrranny imagilable, ript up women with
chyl:i throwed children alive into the flame, dashed others agt door post till their braines stuck to it,
another murder of eleaven people, and one or two committed since last fall, we send 52 men up
to guard that place, but a certane number of people there maintaining the comissiones from sir Edmond Andross & Coll: dongan deryving from the authority of the late King James would not accept
them there, but keept the fort by virtue of the si Commission & would not suffer any of them to goe
& guard sd village being the fronteer but send of their people there, by which meanes from treachery
cowardice & carelesnes that too unfortunate and to be lamented accident hes happened there, the
river being frozen that noe forces could be sent up the winter, the well meaned people, lodged
our souldiers who kept guard in the citty whereof the french & Indian (in number of 100 men) had
advice the Indianes would not goe there & so altered the designe & that place was by that meanes
spared our Indians persued them killd & tooke 25 frenchmen who gave us an account of severall
troops out in a designe in the spring to come with 2500 french besides their Indianes, your honor
great & generous example and loyall attempt agt the bloody enimies the french, you were pleased to
acquaint me besides the foresight & good advice of the weaknes your honor suspects the french at
Canada, wherein in the great advantages his Matie & his subjects may reap by, who have resolved to
us all the meanes imaginable to prevent & if possible destroy them there, and so soone the weather
has permitted, wee have sent up 250: men more, & sent out 50 men to shout & watch the french  wee
discovered 12 tracks of them & gave timely notice wheupon all the stragelt people were ordered
to come in the Citty, which was punctually obeyed except tuo families who would first prepare a
diner & so were surprized, & the sd eleaven killed & captivated, we have appointed a day here to send
YoL. II                         18




138                 ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
Commissioners from all the Government to meet & consult & negotiate atout the warre, which was
assured by some & others with slow & frivolous excuses, at last was a vessel taken whereof your honor
hes a inclosed besides we have here a privateer with 24 gunnes 150 men who engage to goe with a
Briggantine eight gunnes four pitteraroes 70 men, one sloope with four gunes tuo pitteraroes & 50
men by us equipped for to attack Quebeck, Boston hes armed considerably some ships & other
vessels for to take port royall a very inconsiderable place, & puts' us in hopes they will send them
for Canada, but would not engage it. It is certaine as your honor remarkes It is now the tyme, the
same now to loose or neglect may cause the next generation to curse us, our fletch please God will
be ready within 3 or 4 dayes our people by our result is at Albany by them of our neighbors but
eighty men, we have people well versed in the Indian tongues, we send to live amongst them to
observe the french motion  I had here one of the chiefest Indianes with whom I have treated & so
possessed that he himselfe is gone to all the Indianes prevailed & corroborated their enmity agt the
french which hes taken so good effects, that we got newes from our Commissioners dated 8th may
whereof here is the very words the great business of the Indianes is concluded &- have answered our
propositiones satisfactorily, with 1800 men amongst the five nationes of which a more particular
account wee shall send to morrow to which we shall joine 600 men, I have detained the bearer
tuo dayes to send your honor the particulars, but the hory kaines storms will be neer when he may
arryve at Barbadoes, thought not good to detaine him longer, we have advice by the french prisoners
that there is troops out to make an attempt near us, wherefore we are upon our guards, & if some
surprise should happen the people living so scattered would cause them to fly here, & make provision
scarce, that with severall other causes hesobliged us to make an embargo, but considering the dependence Barbadoes Jamaica & Nevis have from these places we have permitted about 50 tunne provision
to be transported to each whereof the bearer is the portion of your Island, we hope a good success
in our undertaking if please God we obtain it, we never need to fear any Indianes, If your honor
could speedily dispatch some men of warre for Canada, it would doe a great service for his Matie
& no doubt but by Gods blissing could be a great meanes to wholly subdue Canada I begg the happines of a line or two from your honor by the first opportunity which will oblige us all to ardint
requitall specially from &c.
TO THE GOVERNOR OF BOSTON
A: 1690: 17 May in fort william
HONORABLE SIR-I have sent to your honor by land the agreement between the Indianes & us, &
a coppy of Major Millbornes letter of the arryvall at oneidas of the french from Canada, which
presents to the five nationes & that wee are resolved to stand to our unanimous result, I hope all'
is come to hand to which I referre your honor, onely I most add that at the arryvall of our people
mongst our confederate Indianes they have immediately seized upon the five french with their presents,
& have shared four amongst them, and have sent me the chiefest, being a knight with all his papers
letters and instructiones, whereof one leafe is torned out concerning this country, by the bisshops
letter of Canada to a priest prisoner, we discover that treasonable correspondence has been keept by
people mistrusted amongst us, we have had 300 and od men compleat ready at Albany these seaveri
weeks and can have the other 200 immediately there to compleat our number for the intended march
and we perceive but 70 men of Connecticott, and if your number comes not very speedily by which
delay we are detained from our proceedings & may be so disappoynted that all our good work may
be overturned to which the french spare noe paines nor costs to doe it, I hope our 3 vessells have




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 139
acquainted your honor of their errand & that Some Speedy resolutione is taken to Joine with them,
I have acquainted Mr. Molline of the horrid designe our adversaries have undertaken upon the newes
of the late King James his strenth in Ireland & how through God's mercy they were prevented, whereof
22 are secured in order to their tryall, having for present no more to enlarge after my respects I
remaine sir                                             your honors most
humble servant, &c
LEISLER TO HIS AGENTS AT ALBANY
Fort William may 19th 1690
GENTLMEN-Yours of ye 8th Instant I received ye 10th Instant expecting according your Promise
ye next day ye Particulars of ye whole Proposition wth ye Indians after wch we Lang wth ye greatest
Impatiens Imaginable I have sent Imediately to major Gold and yr governr desyring them to desist
to address there Letters so unadvisedly and also that I had newes of Sutch a Satisfactory answer to
what was proposed to ye five nacons who were to assist us wth 1800 of there Indians for Canada and
that I expected to morrow the particulars & ye time appointed for ye march wch also I should
speedily advice & so resolved to send Capn Blagg to boston with ye same to Spur them for dispatch,
Mr Pembroke is departed before your advise to Maryland & virginia but have sent ye aforesaid advice
after him. Since I received your Letter of ye 8th instant is arrived here severall sloops from albany
but none of yours wch puts us in the greatest consternacon as ever we where ye more because or adversaries have not only in ye towne but all ye Country over to Or great grief spread abroad that
nothing was done but drinking and that thereby when ye Indians where there was caused Sutch disturbance that ye widdou Scuyler beat Capn Milborne & that you where all three forced to fly out of ye
towne & where gone to Esopes & Peter Scuyler was in ye fort wth great many Incredible reflecions
wch daily are reproached to our People to or great grief and Sorrow  we Know that it is there daily
practise to throw Scandal and Lyes upon us to render us odious they have formerly endeavored to
posses ye whole Countrey I was become a dronkerd we doubt not but when we shall have Letters
from you we shall be put of ye dark we are now In   we durst not be inquisitive after newes
therefore we have sent to Esopes, where we expected you would go so Soone ye business was settled
at Albany & you could Spare time hoope you are gone again to Albany where this may find you all
in good health & have given order if you were departed to Sent it wth one a purpose that you might
know the malice of Or adversaries & to take away all what may give umbrage to refleckt so wickedly
as they do heer now It is nor kan not be believed by us but Impossible to stop there Lying mouths
I desire a speedy answer of all transacions  when ye gen1l march Is Intended who you propose for
major also forme of commission for him  what for Instrucions is need to be given  what People Is
like to be had at Sopes & albany to compleat or nombr of four hundred  what quantity of People
of ors are dead wth there names & pray send me downe again all ye Letters wth ye answers I have
send you by Mr. Cuyler & before the proclamation of war or three vessells will depart ye-of this
instant we expect daily newes from Maryland wch we shall send so soone we have it ye Sarge and
Lining & Bread you have desired shall be sent by ye first I have secured in the fort 180 barrIls of
Pork wch was all what was in ye towne  we have an Imbargo  Mr Edsall Is gone to Suffolk County
to Settle all things they having submitted this is all for ye present. I salute you & Remaine




140                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-G,  RNOR LEISLER.
GOV: OF MARYLAND TO LEISLER.
Maryland May 19th 1690
HONBLE SR-Since my last to you I have received from yor Selfe Two Letters the first dated the
Second of Aprill WCh I received the 21: the other dated the 11th of Aprill wch 1 recevd the 10th of
May with a letter enclosed in each to President Bacon in Virginia both of which carefully by me sent
as directed into that Colony, you have herewith an answer to the first which I presume intimates the
same  Coll Bacon wiitt mee that they of that Governmt cann proceed to-nothing till the arrivall of
their Gouvernor woh they dayly expect, and then an affair of that nature will require the consultation
and aldvice of an assembly, I hope you have long since received a letter from the Convention with
another from my selfe by the same Messenger Wee had then some hopse, and I did press it with
my utmost diligence to send some men and armes to your assistance but when wee came to raise
the men and proportion the charge we found ourselves perplext with unconquerable difficultys to
performe what wee then soe reasonably hoped, from the great distance betweene this goverment and
yors, the unsettled state of our present constitution not having any orders from England or knowing
their Majestys pleasure relating to this province wch soe discouraged our Councells that we could
come to noe determinate resoluc6n upon the riseing of the Convention nor after till the receipt of
yo'r Aprill the 2d upon which only thing I sumoned the Comittee May the 12th by whose advice this
comes when all that wee could resove upon in this juncture was to send agents, to whose custody'~ti: > t:hx \"b h wUa&y\e upon yourl-onot atY ewyorke to consult the best expedient for the present
serice of their Majestyse and to remit an account hither with all expedition, by which time wee
doubt not of the arrivall of the two men of warr of which wee have certain advice that they are upon
the coast, and that his Majestyse letter for the province is on board whereby we shall [be] able to
return them such further orders and instructions as may most conduce to his Majestyse Service and be
the better empowered to contribute the best assistance wee are able for the same to which end wee
have ordered both or either of the persons herewith sent and recomended vizt Mr. William Blankersteine and Mr. Amos Nicholls to reside at New yorke as agents for this Province till further orders
from hence to them relating, to whom wee desire you to give good creditt in what they shall say
or consult to on behalfe of this Province, for their expences and charges while in Newyorke both
or either of them are hereby assured of the publick fayth-1 am to meete the Comittee suddainly,
where will do what possibly is in my power for his majestys service and yor assistance, of which
will give you a very expeditious account. This is what can possibly be agreed upon at present from
myselfe and Comittee Comg
Hond Sr
Addressed                                        I am yr most faythful hum Servt
To                                                            JNO COODE
The Honble Jacob Leisler
Commander in Chiefe of his
Majestys ffort:
In
New-Yorke:
These




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                   141
JACOB LEISLER Lievt Governr & Comander in Chief of ye Province of N York & its dependencyes under his Majtie William ye third by the Grace of God of England Scotland
french and Ireland defendr of ye faith &ca Supreame Lord of ye Province of N York &
all other ye territories and dominions to ye Crown (of England belonging &cTo Capn William Masson Comandr of ye ship ye Blessed William of New York,
GREETINGReposing great trust & r nfidencc In ye P udence & Courage & A.bili.y of you ye sd Capn William Masson as well In Military as Maritime affaires I do hereby Constitute and apoint you to be
Capn of ye sd Ship & to take ye Care & Charge of ye same wth all yr men that now do or hereafter
shall Belong unlto ye sd Ship Requiring them to be obedient unto You wth all ordring You to Obey
all such orders as you shall from time to time receive from me or other YOUR Superior officers hereby
Comissionating & Impowering you wth ye sd ship & ComnpY forthwith to saile for Quebeck In Cannada
to warr as to your Wisdome seem meet & to assault attack destroy as much as in you Lies & to
oppose & to distruccon'bring all or any that shall defend or assist ye french Interest as well as In your
Journey to Canada and returne upon ye Banck or Elsewhere you Can meete any to take Seize & make
prize of all goods on Shore or vessells at sea belonging to ye french King or any Iihabitants under
there Governmt as allso all frenchmen themselves to take Slay Kill or save Alive & to Iniure them
in what you possibly Can Comanding you to Bring all Vessells & goods that you shall take from
them to this Your Comission port for Condemnation, & for your soo acting therein this shall Bee your
Sufficient Comission. GIVEN &c this 19th day of May 1690 &c In N York
JACOB LEISLER
A similar Commission to Captn francis Goderis of ye Brigantine John & Catharine of New
York; to Captn Geo Bollen of the Sloop resolucon; to Gerrit Hardenberg of the Sloop Royal Albany;
& to Capt John Swinton of the sloop Edward  The last to cruise about Block Island & the Sound.
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNOR &c
Orders to Capn francis goderis Comandr of ye Brigantine Jno & Cataryn In his Majties Service In
an Expedicion for Canada agst ye french & their adherents
You are to Saile wth all Speed directly for Canada & Quebeck their to alarm ye french & to make
what Conquest possibly you Can by Sea & land & to Stay there for a whole month & if no Conquest
then Cruze upon ye terra neuf Banckes for some Prises & for that time & place you are to obey Cap"
Wm Mason your admirall but from ye bankes you are to repaire to this Port wth ye goods & Prises if
any gott for Condemnacion  GIVEN under my hand at fort Wm In New Yorke this 20th day of May
1690.
This is a true copy of ye ords received by me from ye Lt Governor of New Yorke wch I promise
faithfully to observe & obey in every thing to ye utmost of my power as witness my hand ye day &
year above written                                                  FFRANCIS GOEDERIS
Signed                                       JACOB LEISLER
Sealed & D.D.
In ye presence of
Abrahm Gouverneur
Similar orders were given to Capt Bollen




142                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER
LEISLER TO MAJOR WALLEY
LDate, aoti 20t had, 1iC5
SIR-The prisoner Lafores having been knowen here to have committed a murder & condemned at
new Bristell being catched and evident proofe as above deposed, have thought convenient to send to
you by Capt. Anthony Low that the sd Condemnatione may be executed, I hope before now your
promised forces may be at Albany, If not we with you may receive desperate disappointments I
have here a french knight who was sent to doe your and our busines by our Indianes, and if we
had been of such slow motion as we find new England is, he had certainly prevailed to our utter
mine, I referre you further to Mr. Low, & remaine &c.
SEC: ALLYN TO LEISLER
Hartford May 25th 1690
HONBLE SIR-we thank your kynd reception of our Comrs & certifie your Honr that in persuance
of their promises & the generall good we have sent Capt. Johnson & his company consisting of about
eighty to Albany of whose arryvall we have had an accompt & are raising as many more as will make
our number well towards two hundred as we hope which will be ready for their march as soon as
we hear of the readines of the mashachusets & plumouth forces to be much before them will advantage nothing but hazard our men to the small pox now so rife at Albany. we request you to
supply our men with what is needful in provision as also with ammunition according to your Honrs
former promise and our dependance thereon  we are also sending a vessel with provision for our
souldiers & to pay what we may have borrowed for this expedition & are in all poynts by Gods help
resolved to prosecute our intentions'made known to you in the mean tyme till our provisions arrive
at Albany we request you to supply our men with what is needful in provision &c. It will be necessary that the 5 nations ayde & the tyme and the generall maner of their reaaines be settled with them
by your Honrs meanes and the same signified to Boston and hither, as much guiding the whole
motion with us we have written to Boston, giving them an accompt of things as they are now with us,
and amongst other matters have proposed to endeavor to procure Major Genll wintrop a comander
in chiefe for the forces who we feare is not [obtainable & we] also propose whether he will not be
fittest to comand in chiefe & we are fixtt upon it, as for other great reasons, so partly because we
think your Honrs eye may be upon Capt. Milborne with whom our souldiers at Albany we hear are
disgust & ours here are not well satisfied, the chiefe officer must be generally acceptable as well as
otherwise well qualified & if Major wintrop be eyther not attainable or not acceptable to your Honr
we desire you will accept some other person whom the bay sheargent may propose which if you doe
we shall rest in it or that your Honr propound some other the most considerable you have, we have
character Major Me... may be of good improvement tho not Chiefe commander, if your Honr
think him serviceable he is within your trusting, your dispath by sea agt Canada are highly necessary
to give our endeavours by the lakes the more easie, if the small pox gett into the army, it will be
the disabling our proceedings from Albany, therefore great care should be used to prevent it, & if it
should gett head, we must consider how to draw our forces agt our enemies by sea or otherwise as God
shall direct while they are clear of that distemper, we desire you will grant the master of our vessell
with his provisions & men your pass conduct and directions up Hudsons river to Albany as he
may need or shall desire, we have not to add [anything more] & that we are your affectionate friends
the Gov. & Council [& by] their order signed
p: JOHN ALLYN Secretary
[The P. S. to the above is almost wholly destroyed.]




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                143
* SECY. ALLYN TO LEISLER.
Hartford May 28th 1690.
HoNOBL3E SR —Since our last (although but yesterday) we haue intelligence from Albany of very
great sickness among the people and soldery, that near half our men are sick of fluxes, many being
the bloody flux & feauors, and one of the Small Pox, the fluxes thought to be occasioned by bad Pork,
that the Maquaes are down of the Small Pox, 5 of them haue dyed, after all which we could do no
less then comunicate to the Honble Gov. & Councell of the Massachusets, and to aduise whether wee
were not better to stay a little the issue of those distempers if God please to grant it then to rush
our men on heapes and render them useless or worss; wee slake not our preparations on this account,
but as yor Honr cannot but haue more speedy intelligence then wee of those things, so we desire
your informations and aduice about it, and what men may be improued with such of the Indians as
may be wil. to infest the French by partyes, and what resolutions are taken with the Indians to haue
their strength joyned with ours, that one thing wait not for another, as God may by gluing health
inable unto; wee request that al meanes be used to keep the Indians in good terms with us, and that
such persons as can best influence them be incoraged so to do-Wee haue not to ad, saue that wee
are yor Honrs freinds & Servants the
Govr & Councill of His Maties
Colony of Conecticut
For the Honble Jacob Leishler Esqr                      and pr thir order Signed
Comander in Cheife at his                                       JOHN ALLYN Secry
House in New Yorke, This
for HisMaties Service.
LEISLER TO TREAT.
Fort Wm 29th of May 1689. [1690]
HoNOBLE SER.-Yours in date of ye 15th Instant signed John Allin Secry by order of ye Governor
and councell, I have received ye 25th Instant & is now before me, In answer, I am glad to see that
by ye help of God, you are resolved to prosecute your comissionrs promise and ye hoope you give us
of 200 men, & that they will be ready for their march wth the Massachusetts & Plymouth forces. I
have already advised you of Capt Johnsons arrivall wth his CompY, they are furnished wth what they
want acording to your desire; Your Vessel wth provisions shall not be hindred to go to Albany, but
reather furdered and assisted.  I have been forced to seize all ye Porke out of this City, in ye
fort-& found but 180 barills; therefore depend on your sending. Inclosed is the Copy of or proposalls to ye Indians & there answer. ye gentlemn Comissionrs at there first 2 or 3 dayes arrivall here
urged us to make up ye number of 800 or 1000 men by land & they had 800 by sea already & we
here 240, & and that they would make it up 1400 or 1500 men & had made a calculation upon paper
wcl1 they showed us, wherein they ingaged New York 40Q by land & 240 by sea, Conecticut 300,
Maryland 100, East Yersey 50, whereupon I' advised Or Comissioners at Albany; what force we where
like to obtaine. Ye Indians arriving there made them propose ye nombr in there proposition exprest,
of wch they cane not go back said propositions being concluded, where sent down to us in a Vessell
wch run upon a shole, so that I got it but on ye 27th Instant, ye 3th day after ye Comissionrs from ye
severall Colonies had mett wth us, & we desired to conclude or result.  The Gentlem of Boston
w-ould not engage that there fleet should go in Canada River for Quebeck, only if they had success
at Port Royall where they where bound, they believed, being thereby encouraged, they should resolve




144                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
then and acquaint us thereof by ye first, but we heard nothing since, only Mr Moline advises me
that ye 27th of this Instant was appointed ye meeting at ye Rendevous at Sprinckfield to depart for
Albany; we have newes that the Indians begin to arrive at Albany. I shall give order that none shall
go upon ye march but sutch as have had ye Small Pocks, because if any should get it upon ye march
we lose 3 men, there can be left no lesser than two men that have had ye Pocks by ye sick, I have
been very causious & have listed none but sutch as had had the Pocks, onely some that has been sent
to me from the countrey, those that had it not will be fit to guard the fronteers, or Fleet is departed
ye 26th Instant, commissionated for ye designe; inclosed is ye Copy of there order ingaged by them,
they have particular order if possible to stop at Cape Ann & to sent post to-Boston to make his Honor
ye Governr acquaint of there arrant, & if possible, they shall stop at Port Royalt to invite ye Boston
Fleet along wth them. I hope being so urged by Major Winthrop at Boston as I understand, they
will resolve to send forces by water, that ye Indians may have no cause to reflect agst ye promise of
or comissioners made them, wch would not have been done had ye Gentlemn of Boston, not put us
in hope of at there arrivall here. I thought convenient to advise you of the particulars so sone I was
able, that you may take your measures, desiring earnestly to give me speedy & reall advise of your
proceedings & progres in ye prsent warr if of consequence by post-having for present no more to
inlarge, after Respects I remaine Sr Your Honrs most Humble Servant
JACOB LEISLER
To the Honble Robert Treat Esqr
Governor of his Maties Colony of
Connecticutt
These
for their Maties Service
P. S. Pray Sir give Rod Island advise off wath is herein mentioned en to send the inclosed post
hast away for Boston; it is of greth concerne abouth the forces by watter, warfor the ar in greth
longing as I am informeth                                                JACOB LEISLER
MILBORNE TO LEISLER
Albany May the 27th 1690.
HoNBLE Si-Yours by Manning is received and perceive what hath passed in England, and for my
coming downe, cannot be effected within so short time, therefore stay the ships for here is yesterday
Jeannattie & Cristagie come wth an expresse from Arnout, and Sachem from Onondage yt ye ffrench
send 4 of theire owne people, 4 of theire praying Indians as emissaryes, and 2 of our Indians, they
bring with them one Onandager, the other Cajoge, wch were returned from ffrance. Immediately they
have sent a post from thence to Cajoeges & Sinnekes, to Oneyede and Macquaes land, besides this to
us here, who desire two or 3 understanding men to come yt speak ffrench forthwith, for they resolue
not to speake wth the ffrench, nor listen to them or hold any consult till they arrive, advising us to
be upon our guard, fearing they may be upon their March or some subtile designe on ffoot.
Whereupon Mr pr Schuyler, Robert Sanders, Monsr Gawsheren, Jean Rose and two more, are this
day dispacht wth enstruccons yt they hasten wth all possible speed, and animate the Indians (according
to or propositions) to treat them as Enemyes, either by securing them, wch if not practicable so to do
& bring them hither, then to slay them out right, wch Cristagie and Jannetie are resolved on their
parts, & hope ye rest will agree to it. Its believed that ye ffrench Capn who attacked Schanacktede
is one of them and Lamberville wth some more noted persons, therefore this is of great import, wee




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 145
have sent to ye Schackcooke Indians also to be ready & resolute, this day to double or guards &
place Capn Johnsons men without ye towne at Renslaers mill. Wee have ordered the Maquaes to
send out'a band of men to ye Lake,to waite and watch if any motions should be made by ye ffrench.
Lamentable it is that the Maryland & New England fforces do not come, so yt it is impossible to
Know ye time of marcking, unless we go without them.
* LEISLER TO GOV. TREAT.
1690. 30. May, in Fort William
HONNORABLE SER-Affter noon I gath a letter off Capt Milborne, Waroff Bovest is cor off, part
thereoff being off suth greath moment, thought necesary to send to your Honour post away, that your
ma also Juge the State en condition we leike to be in, iff wee doe not store en dispath away ower
forces. I am now sending up a France prisoner, iff possible to haue him changed for one prist prisoner
with the have addopted en he is a pest for vs mongs theme; pray send it post away forther, that all
piple may have notise to be opon ther gard, affter min Respeckt I remaine-Honnorable Sr
your Honours most Humble Sert.
Superscribed                                                   JACOB LEISLER
To the Honorable Robert Treat Esqr Governour of His
Majesties Colony of Conneticott. These
Post away, haste
THE SAME TO THE SAME
A: 1690: 30 May in fort william
HONORABLE SIR-yesterday was myn last by post sent so farre as Standford directed to Captn: Selick
to be forwarded by him. In answer of yours of the 15 inst & have sent your honor the agreement
of our Indianes & the order to our vassalls, enclosed was one for Boston, Just now received another
letter dated 27 instant Signed John Allan Secretary by order of the Governor & counsell In that of
the 15 your honor makes mention of Major Generall winthrope as commander of your forces, If
obtaineable, Seing you were dubious, I did not mention the lack I had of such noble and wordy
persone, fearing with yourselves he should not be obtained about the particular disgust of Secretary
Allan agt Mr. Millborne I thought it not worth my whill to take notice of, In answer of yours of the
27 we are glad that at last you have, seing the danger you were in with us, & resolved to assist us,
when we were so resolutely advanced, in readiness to joine with our confederate Indians to defend and
attack his Maties enimies the french and their adherents in our defence, and have joined with us, in a
firme unanimous result, to effect which wee had proposed and engaged on very unequall proportiones
with us notwithstanding equally concerned in danger, never desiring to choose & commissionat the
Major, but resolved that the second commander was to be putt in by Boston, for the new England
forces In which we can resolve to no alteratione, the more because before I received any of yours, we
have writt to our Commissioners and send up a Commission for Major in blank & ordered to fill it with
such persone at Albany as they thought fitt, and proposed Capt. Jacob Millborne whom we know a
foreseing prudent & couragious persone, but have noe newes of his acceptance, we hope he will
accept & doubt not of his capacity and behaviour that he will draw the love of the souldiers & contribute what in him shall lye to oblige & agree well with the persone you shall be pleased to send,
therefore desire that you may stand to our unanimous result & that we may be united, I assure your
VOL. II                               19




146                 ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
honor I shall contribute what in me lyes to unite, It is the opinion of our very Indianes that unity is
our strenth, we rejoyce to understand the victorious success of sir william flips at the eastward, and
pray God to bliss them & our forces, to day I have understood that in Maryland they have raised
their forces but its feared (they being bare of cloathes) of their speedy coming there is demanded for
cloathing 50 of them 100,000 lb. tobacce (except our messinger we have sent by, his urging may
obtaine dispatch, here is arryvd a person from England by the way of Maryland who reports that
in plymouth he spoke at his departure with some master of ships & severall prisoners coming from
Briste, that there was great preparatione made with eight stout men of warre to come to take new
york & to make it strong, I hope upon notice of any allarum you will speedily & readily assist us
I referre your honor further to my former & after my respects recommend your honor & counsell to
the protection of Almighty God & remaine &c.
P. S. One halff of the Indians are to march to Guadraqua [Cattaraquil en make the canoes redi,
the oder halff is to march the Canada path, Som ar arived there alredi, the will no doubt mak hast
wen the heare off the departure off ower shipps en Sr William fip's victori, off with I have send advise.
J. L.
--— ^ - -...
GOV. BRADSTREET TO LEISLER.
Boston May 30th 1690
HONOBLE SR-.Acording to ye agreemt made by ye Comissioners of ye Colonies at their late meeting
in yor City wee raised the number of souldiers on or part to be Provided & Sent butt when they were
on their march towards Springfield wee were forced to Countermand them & Speed them away to ye
Eastward to defend their Majties Subjects of the Provinces of Hampshire & maine against ye incursions of ye ennemy who upon ye Sixteenth instant did attack those Posted att Casco Bay, Kill'd and
Captivated all ye persons there men women & children. They first surprised Six and twenty men
who unwarily Issued out of ye garrison to looke after a p:son that was missing  of these they killed
twenty wch were near a third Parte of ye whole number of men. The Ennemy then openly appeared,
before ye fort & assaulted it by ye space of five days & being About two hundred french & three
hundred Indians they made their approaches in A Trench & Putt so hard to fire ye fort by flaming
Birch Rinds shott at it that on ye fifth day they forced them to surrender before we could have intelligence to relieve them The enemy are so fflushed att this Success that they Since have fallen on
Welles & Kittery on Piscataqua. Upon wch ye Inhabitants of or fronteer towns are so alarmed that
we shall be obliged to dispatch four or five hundred horse & foott wch are mostly them already
engaged in defending those partes & pursuing ye ennemy to their head quarters If possible. Nevertheless we have ordered about sixty men for Albany.
Sr Wm Phipps Arrived this day with ye Governor of Port Royall two Priests, & About Sixty
Souldiers with their great gunns & Stores of Warr & other Plunder The Inhabitants have sworne
Alegiance to King William & Queen Mary. The tort demolished & their Crosses & Images Broken
downe:June 24th: Sr Above is Copy of what wee were writeing at that time, The Reason of not
sending till now was Extream Loathness not to write of or Complemt of men being forwarded to
Albany &'tis so farr from it at last that wee feare ye great danger Dearefild ye fronteer town of
Connecticot is in, will detaine Capn Colton with his sixty & odd men, in those Partes there being as
much Likely hood of ye french falling on that place as on Albany, butt we hope if it Please God to
Bless our prsent Expedicon by Sea against Canada we shall find them worke att home. Between two




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 147
& three thousand men will be needfull in ye designe which with many hundred wee are ffaine to Keep
out in defence of ye Easterne Partes Doth to Or great troubles hinder our sending to Hudsons river by
Land and that Could not furnish Capn Mason with any who writte to us from nantaskett Intimateing he Could make no stay here. Wee shall not be ready this two or three weekes five Shipps of
Warr being to be fitted besides victuallers ffire Shipps & Tenders butt Persons Seeme to be so generally
Spirited that supose all Imaginable application will be made to forward ye undertaking. Collnel
Kendall is arrived Governr att Barbadoes from whence a Considerable ffleet is gone downe to attack
St Christophers: We are glad to hear that ye Mary landers are in their way towards you & Connecticot Souldiers wth you, it will be of very great Concermt that you so farr gratifie them in their field
officers as not to frustrate yr designe God gives Direcion & success in All:
Sir
Yor Friends & Servts
(Signed)                  SIMON BRADSTREET Gon in
Copy                                   ye name of ye Councill.
FRAGMENT OF A LETTER SUPPOSED FROM LEISLER TO CONNECTICUT, ABOUT JUNE 1690.
*    *   -* should furnish them, but they rather take that for their excuse to goc home, yesterday they came before me all five in a mutinous way before the whole company threatening the next
morning to lay doun their armes and desert the Kings garrisone, which in consideratione of new England I passed by & have proposed to send the bearer on purpose who is to bring mle an answer that I
may know if you please that I release them & list so many others for Connccticott collony account
for the price agreed by the Committee, so I have listed five in the rourne of the other five whereof
I wished long since I had had your approbation  I spoke with Mr Trobridge who advised me to keep
this till I had your order I have writt you about the eight confined persones whom I have released
upon teir ptitione whereof the coppy is here enclosed, thee d confinement heeres & now causes great
quietness in the toun & country, some of the Inbabitants after the sd petitione left it to the counsell
of warre who would not mnedle with it fearing to discontent some that were not at home & had not
signed, but I took it upon myselfe & administered to them the oath & released them, sevcrall of the
s11 so confined thought themselves a grieved & desired the admittance to speake with me, whereof Capt
Tuder thought himselfe the clearest, I represented to him that by the proclamationes they were hectord
out of the late King James, that he remaines still affected to the papists saying he loved them so well
as protestants that we were rebells, that he laught & relt at the companies & gave ill language to the
Captn, that he appeared not in arms at the allarum, & suffered to be strained for  of neglect to
work at the fortificationes whereby the people were discouraged that if that was not anough then I
told him that he did contribute not with silver gold or pretious stones to erect a Jesuit Collidge in
this Citty, but he with Judge palmer & Graham offerred their sones to it who went daily twyce to be
instructed by that hellish brude of Jesuits, without to able to draw on sole child more, do they
expect no sallary which bring the greatest intrest of the late king securing his Raigne & the only way
to bring in popry & that he had less cause to trust him in such tyme of warre, we find in one occasion
he did not spare his owne sone, which caused him to blush & presently went to work to make the sd
petition, I desire a full answer by the bearer & specially about the great gunnes at new haven, if we
may have them & upon what termes for their Maties use & desire with all opportunity, & desire you
to communicate this to his honor Governor Treat of whom also I beg for an answer, and after my
respects I remaine &c.




148                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVER1NOR LEISLER.
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNOR & COUNCILL &c.
WHEREAS severall persones in a Seditious & rebellious maner have on the sixth instant resisted the
Militia of the Citty of New York to obstruct & hinder the proclaiming of their orders to keep strict
watch & proceed to compleat the fortifications of the sd Citty, by which we might be brought in a
full posture to oppose any enemy agost his Matie King William threatning & giving out (according to
an Intended plott discovered by a letter of Nicholas Bayard found & taken out of the hands of Mrs.
Judith Bayard who was brought before the Councill, to rise & have the prisoners out of the fort, who
with them disoun the laufulnes of the present Authority of this government under his Matie, which
accordingly was done & attempted by them running in a full ryot to the sd Lievt Governor demanding
the prisoners & said they would have them out of the fort, whereupon a great tumult was created &
the Lievt Governors persone assaulted in the street, being by the sd1 ryoters & seditious persones encompassed about, the intention of whom was to destroy his persone  h is Matie Government In which
tumult one John Crooke stroke the sd Lievt Governor with his Coopers adze with a blow directed as
intended to murder him, & severall blowes made by others, from which he defending himselfe was
relieved by the souldiers of the fort & the Militia of the Citty, whereupon the Country came in armes
by a signe of allarum into the fort, which by God's blissing was the prevention of great bloodshed &
destruction of his Maties Government And whereas parties relate reports of the Strenth of the late
King James in Ireland,,& take the opportunity of tyme by the March of our forces to Canada, to
discourage the people & overturne the Government established by his Maties order, all which is pernitious & most dangerous agst his Matie King Williams peace croun & dignity, whereupon some of the
head leaders & the greatest disturbers are by the Militia secured in the fort to prevent further mischiefe
And whereas some of them & others are fled & abscond themselves from the hands of Justice.
These are therefore in his Aatie King william's name to will requyre & command all & every of
his Maties Justices of the peace Sheriffs Military officers & others within this province to take due care
to seize secure or cause to be seized or secured the persones here undernamed & give account thereof
to the Lievt Governor, the names of the persones are Tunis de Key, Jeremy Tothill, dennis Lambert,
Edward Tailhor, Thomas Willett, daniel Whitehead, John Crooke, Elias Boudinott, Thomas Wenham,
William Tailyor, Lucas Kiersted, Brant Schuyler, Jacobus de Key, And all persons are hereby
strictly commanded to keep his Maties peace & be obedient to the lawes & orders in the Government established and proclaimed as they will answer the Contrary at their utmost perills  dated at
fort William this 7th June 1690
Signed                                    JACOB LEISLER
WHEREAS a proclamation of the 3d June 1689 was signed by the Inhabitants of this city well intentioned for his Matie by which having declared theire intention to preserve the fort & country & to
surrender it to his Matie King William or order, his sd Matie having since ordered by his letter dated
29th July directed to us to take upon us the government till further order from him which is our intention so to doe being Informed of the troubles in Ireland, that the late King James hes there a considerable army, fearing that some forces of the enimies may be sent to invade this country to prevent
such designe, we thought fitt to renew the sd proclamatione & to have it signed of all the Inhabitants
that shall be faithfull to his Matie King William that they may persist in theire designe to preserve
the fort & City & to surrender it to his Matie or order to the exclusion of the late King Jamnes, to
that purpose we injoyne all the Inhabitants of this City forthwith to appeare in fort william to declare
their intention & give their signe of their fidelity with subscribing to this present with us declaring
that the relinquant to this our order shall be deemed & esteemed enimies to his Majesty & country
& shall be treated accordingly.  GIVEN &c this 7th of June 1690. Signed,  JACOB LEISLER.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 149
BY TIlE LIEVT GOVERNOR.
WHEREAS Samuel Walker with his brigantine is rideing by doctor Taylors in the East River, and
there being suspition that he will breake bulk & Information being given in of several discourses
spoken by his people by which sedition & disturbance could be created.
These are therefore in his Maties Name to will & requyre you forthwith to goe on board of sd Brigantine & to bring the same to this port & bring the sd Walker compy & passengers before me with
all papers you find in the sd brigantine, for doing whereof this shall be your speciall, warrant Given
under my hand & seale in fort William this 7th June 1690 &c.
To Ensigne Joost Stoll & his Assistants.
Fort Wm 1690 June 17th
WHEREAS substantiall Evidence apeared before me declaring that Jean Laforay a frenchman now in
Custody was Condemned for murder at ye Towne of New Bristol and being oblidged to take care
that ye Neighbouring Colonies shall not be injured by Covering any Prsons from ye hands of Justice
These are In his MajtieS Name to Command you Mr Antony Low forthwth to receive on board your
sloop ye sd Jean Laforay & him safely to Land at New Bristel in Plymouth Colony aforesd unto ye
Magistracy thereof who are desired to satisfye you for your care & Expenses therein. GIVEN &c
JACOB LEISLER
* LEISLER TO GOV TREAT
New York June 20th 1690
HONBLE SR_-Having considered the good successe of the gentlemen of Boston, and as I am enformed
their great readinesse and encouragements to advance ye fforces by sea to Canada, whereby his Maties
interest the Countreys benefit & ye destruccon of ye ffrench & their adherents in Canada may be
advanced, I have wth advice of the councill, deliberated ye proposall of that excellent person Major
Generall Winthrop, who if he pleaseth to accept of it, may be of great advantage to ye ends before
named, to which purpose I have sent a blank commission to Albany according to ye result concluded
at this City by ye severall commissionrs, whereof your ready returne is expected, and those gentn
of Boston having desired the same, that you would please to communicate it, being the p.sent offer
of Honble Sr                                      Your Honble friend & Servant
JACOB LEISLER
To the Honbie Robt Treat Eqr 
Govr of his Maties Colony of
Connecticutt 
New Yorke June 22d 1690.
Sr-The Charecter which I have before received of you from Albany, and now more pticularly
from. Major Milborne doth invite me to render you thankes for your readinesse and zeale in the nlanaging and assisting the designe on foot against the French, which I hereby desire you to persevere in,
and what encourgemt I can afford you assure yourselfe shall not be wanting, being much satisfyed
with your frequent assistance in advising wth y  Commissioners to whome I haue written farther
thereof, I am                                Yor affectionate friend
To Mr Dirck Wessells                                                   to serve you




150                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLE31
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNOR &c
FORASMUCH as diverse souldiers have deserted his Maties service in the expeditione agt thet frenen a,
Albany, having received the Kings pay & provisiones (without any Just reasone for soe doing) These
are in his Maties name to requyre you to apprehend & bring before me every such deserter that
shall be found within this province, that so they may receive condigne punishment & all Officers Civill
& Military are hereby commanded to assist you therein, and that no persons dare to cover, conceale,
or comfort any such disserter as they will answer the Contrary at their perill, GIVEN &c New York
June 23a 1690
To the Constables of Westchester & Eastchester
Rey & bredfort.
TO COL: GOOD IN MARYLAND
Anno 1690: 27 June in fort william
HONORABLE SIR-Yours by Mr pembruge & Mr Blackinston, is before me, my former being come
to your honors hands, to which I referre you & to what further Mr Blackinston may informe your honor
craving leave to add that we had compleat 400 men these seaven weeks with provisions & ammunition
according to our abilities & finding the threatening dangers of the french to increase who incessantly
sollicite the Indian nationes whom through Gods providence & our commissioners vigilance were
prevented & prevailed with to come to Albany the five nationes their kings & Chieftanes in person
on the third day of May were assembled & proposed diverse articles unto them which succeeded with
suitable returnes as by the proposalls & answers of the five nationes whereof the coppy is delivered
to Mr Blackinston to send to your honor, at the same tyme obtained a meeting of the commissioners of Boston plymouth & Connecticott collonies of new England to consult what ought to be
(lone, by them in soe necessary a work, It was resolved that those of new England should raise 355
men & maintain them at their own cost & charges, and the province of newyork 400: of Maryland
we had your honors promise & the committie result of a 100 men which we have expected long
since upon Marylands cost & charges being the like concerned with us to gaine the five nationes.
with whom we are all in a firme confederacie, we have sent your honor by Mr pembrock our result
wherein Maryland is expressed, & by all the large promises from new England & Maryland expected,
the respective numbers which are so much waited for, the Indianes having assured us of 1800 men
to joine to our assistance now redy to march in the franch territories to prevent their assaults, having
fresh newes of great preparationes those of Canada are making to attack us, of which all we have given
notice to his Matie, & when we propose anything to the Indianes we always insert Maryland & give
them for that province presents of belts of wampums & others, & if not since some soudiers appeare
from Maryland, we shall be disabled to performe what we have promised to them in the behalfe of
your province, the integrity of those heathens we have great reason to depend on by severall proofs
already given us, vizt: their killing diverse of their kindred which were subjects to the french King &c.
taking & killing severall frenchmen of which they have presented us with three, but what is most
remarkable is the understanding by our agents at onondago, messengers were expected thro the severall
nationes from the Governor of Canada to seduce them from their contracts made with us which by the
instructions & memories of a french knight here now prisoner doth appeare, who was sent with four
other french & ffour Indianes which had been carried captives to france in tyme of peace & now
returned to Albany, otherwayes to treat them as enimies to the croun of England, which as soon as




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                   151
they came was effected with all imaginable vigor, the five nationes being mett by their chiftaines togither
at onondago afore sdl which is their court seized them & bound them instantly spoiling them of all
their moneys presents & what they had, dividing four frenchmen amongst them to be treated in their
barbarous manner & the knight being prinll agent with his papers was sent to us, we found a Jesuite
letter to a prisoner Jesuit amongst the Indianes wherein we discover treasonable correspondance is
keept by some at Albany with french, our ship brigantine & sloope of warre is departed one month
agoe & have been at Boston to visite them, who I understand makes great preparationes for Canada,
Mr Blackinstone will acquaint your honor of the success they had at port royall, they gott about
30,000: lb about our messinger from England who was onely sent to deliver my letters in the hand
of his Matie which was effected & caused great alteratione in the proceedings of our enimies, of which
Mr Blackinston les a full accompt & hes promised to participate your honor with, to which I refere
you, yesterday we have sent Mr Benjamin Blagg for our agent to his Matie & within a weeke we shall
send Major Jacob Millborne for another to joine the former, we are of your opinion of the necessity
there of our adversaries aryving before our messinger, made their advantages our former pacquets
being taken per the french, I desire you to take notice what hes passed, newes arryves here King
James forces in Ireland hold ground, his Matie dissolving the parliament &c, too many evill mynded
persones prevaill therein had given such unexpected life & vigour to the party within this citty, that
on the sixth day of June instant a rout of thirty odd persones appeared in the street & assaulted my
persone, one particularly striking at me with a coopers adze refusing to pay the tax which was laid
by an assembly fairly elected to maintaine & support the charges of this warre, demanding certane
malefactors to be released from prisone in a most audacious maner, but I striking with the head of
my cane in the teeth of tuo who let louse my suord which I drew & so made my way through them,
the tuo coppies of the evidences enclosed of which there is more will give your honor a full light of
the sd ryott, twenty odd were imprisoned & fined & bound to their good behaviour, twelve have
complyed ten will not & remaine prisoners by all which your honor may see if they could but have
the power what party they effect, & that we should be reduced to our former state, every wind that
blowes favorably on King James part raises their billowes I referre your honor further to what Mr
Blackinston informes you & after my respects &c.
* LEISLER TO TREAT.
1690. 30. June in Fort Wm
HONORABLE SIR-My last to your Honor was the 20. Instant, delivered by our messinger to Major
Gold, which he tells me was immediately dispatched. I had expected an answer before now; It is
high tyme to betake them to the March, wee have been most this two moneths compleat with 300 men
& in expectation of Boston & Plymouth forces, to raise the rest at Albany in three dayes, yours I
understand are arryved there; I was put in hopes by one of your letters, that you intended to make
the number to 200 Englishmen. Just now I received a letter from our Commissioners of Albany, that
one Mohack credible messinger is arrived the 22. Instant in Albany, he brings for certaine news,
that the 18th Instant arryved one Mohack Indian at Onondagus, who was deserted from the French
armey & left them in a great number upon the Lake Sambele, headed by the Governour in person,
comeing for Albany, and that the Army departed from Canada the 8th Instant. Yesterday I had the
French Knight by me, who told me in discourse, that he admired that the French & wee were of one
opinion, that this wholl most belong either English or French & that we tooke one & the same course
with them; that they expected ten or twelve men of warr, which probably might be there before




152                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
now, and he was certaine that so soone as they arryved, that their army would come by land & send
their fleet by water, & that it would be a brave sport if they should meet one another, & that their
Ships should come with Bombs, & he believed they would give us much work, and if we had them it
should be before August:-The day after we gott the newes, which makes me believe it may be so;
wee are ready for them & hope at Albany they will behave themselves as men & let not one escape.
I hope Major Winthrope is departed for Albany, which I should be glad to understand by one express
yea or noe; the ships Brigantine & sloope I understand are departed from Boston to their intended
expidition for Canada three weeks ago without any company from Boston, they not being ready. If
any newes, I desire your Honor to participate us with having for present noe more to enlarge, after
my Respects I remaine your Honors most                         Humble Servt
JACOB LEISLER
Superscribed
To the Right Honble
Robert Treat Governour of
the Collony of Connecticott.  These.    wth care
LEISLER TO HIS COMMISSIONERS AT ALBANY.
A 1690 1st July In Fort william
GENTLEM0LEN-Yesterday was my last to which I Referr you, You have Referred us to ye Messengers who brought our letter but we cane understand nothing of them, my opinion Is they came here
to consult with there parties If they may safely Receive a Commission of mee what alteration in
your place, there Coming here may cause us, the time will learne, beshure they are not well Tutered
& keept from us I have writt you our meaning which we hoop you may be able to observe touching
the major, Inclosed is a copy of a Letter Received of Governour Treat which I perceive was lifft
upon the table wherein the major is absolutely Refused If Boston & Connecticut sends not their
Compliment Ingaged In ye Result & approved by ye government they Brook ye Covenant & we are
not obliged to any article therein the Barers are made sensible yt what we propose about ye Councill
of Warr yt the Capn by Turnes Every week should bee president In said Councel and so in gods
name go one without a major-Except Capn Browne accepts of ye place but no other whatsoeverExcept Machususatts, Plymouth & Connecticutt Colonyes Comply fully with there promise ye ffrench
KAight begins to be moved of [our] march and desires to prevent ye cruelties of our Indians against
ye ffrench wimens and children which Indied would bee generous if possible It could be prevented
we have send Mestr Stole who has a speciall maxim to gaine the people & is able to assist you much
in forwarding ye Business and if he should go he most be commissionated he is true, full mettall
able and politique the news of Colonell Slayter is quitt vanised It would not hould —we have gott
yesterday the Inclosed nues from neu England En send It for the Everi direcktet als the copie, to day
the 25 I gott the Inclosed from Southampton I wish Ensign Stole was heer En Iff possible also Major
Milborn we expeckt the franch ships heer the messenger raports the ar all ships, pray God to grand &
give vs courage to resist them after min respects I remain         Srs
Your reall frind to serve your.Addressed, To The Honoble The Commissionrs Capn                         JACOB LEISLER
John De Bruyn, Mr Johannes Provoost
and Major Jacob Milborne Esqrs   In
Albany
1 From this mark to the end is in Lcisler's handwriting.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  163
LEISLER TO THE GOV. OF BERMUDAS.
Albye de 8 July In forth William.
R HONNORD SR-Your Letter off the 12 June I have receuet also the 10 Barrils Pouder with Cold
not haue been disposed off heer being feri Cors Canon Pouder one offit being feri wek the rest for that
sort feri goed with I haue receuet In the fort for his Maiestes Eus, being feri muth obliged for your
honnors Kare by with you haue largly Tistified your zeale to ther Maieste Service. En your affectioned kaindnes to the Honnor Interest En Welfar off this his Maieste province their Maieste Concell
heer Joyne with me in the retorne off ouer most harty tanks to your for this your Kare an Testemony
off Kindnes to this governement with Is also a reall Service to their Maieste En I assure you both I
and the Consull will be glat off one oportunite to retorne ouer gratefull aknoledgmt to you for it
Inclosed Is a bill off Loding En Invoice of 32 halff Barills goed floer weigs according the Inclosed
Invoice with was all we Cold get fright for It Is shipt for the Province risco En accound your honnor
Is desired to Cas the same to be Disposed to ther most advantage En to Satisfay your selbst En what
ma be wanting shall be footh with send your honnor the Barer being Intend to retorne Spedely
with whome your honor It hartely Desierd to send vs the other 10 Baril off them your honnor
Mention whe ar present Ingaget In an acktuell whar whit the French off Cannade war we have send
one arme off 1800 Indians En 600 Christian beseits one Esquader by See by with we Spend a greath
dell off amonition the Small Bermoedes Sloop. with whe have Commandet for his Maiestes vs to
going with ouer Esquader for to allarme Cannadee by water i1ll we shall plas God atak them by land
has In the mouth off Canadee river ficht En taken a ship off abouth 300 tons montet with 10 gons
Loaden with salt En fish the said Esquader have Destroit port royall St John Whar the have taken
a Ship mor with 10 gons 2 kuthes one Bark all ritchly Loaden In the ship whas the fransh Kings
store off amonition En other abilemens off whar Clods for the soldier whe haue been a will pestert
oppon this Cost with severall fransh wessell who Comitet severall outrages wherby whe have ben
allarmed till whe wher Informet off ther strengt when whe haue sent out a squader En Cleerd the
Cost whe where also obliged to make one Imbargo for severall resons with still Continues only noo
havihg gath In the Crop the Cost being Clerd ouer arme opon the march Boston having mad one
Imbargo opon forfeitur off Uessels an Cargo till xd Considering the Dependence severall off maiestes
government have opon vs En Boston whe have se Cas to give liberte for som wessells En specialy
to suth that have ben fre to render his Maieste service In this province for there suply off with the
Barer has ben one  Sr what I have to ad Is my very harty & affectiond service to you En to assure
you that I ame with all respeck                                 Honnord Ser
Your most obliget & most
humble servant
MAJOR MILBORN AND THE REST OF THE GENTLEMEN AT SCHANHECHTADE.
This afternoon Three of our folks arrived here from Canida who escaped from there; namely, Klyn
Isack, the Son of Ryck Classen, and one of Capt Boll's Soldiers. They report having been 24 days
on the road, and the Soldier twenty six days from Monrojael.
They say that Monrojael is not very strongly garrisoned, though they fear nothing and think little
of us. Nevertheless the Soldier or Englishman would very gladly attack it and is inclined to accompany our people and gives us great encouragement, that the opportunity is favorable.
The French abstain from talking before prisoners & say they have heard little or nothing from the
Port rojael Expedition or of the Indian fight on the Lake
VOL. II                               20




154                  ADMIINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
We further refer to the Enclosed to Arnout Cornelissen. We think it right if your Honors consider
that Arnout Cornelissen is gone, that it should be sent after him by an Indian in order to communicate this news to the Indians. Wherewith, after salutation we remain,
Your friends
This 9 July Ao 1690.  In Albany.                                   J. BRUYN
JOHANNES PROVOOST
Laurents or Jannetie the Indian with his party urge us very hard not to omit reminding the Gentlemen again to admonish the Indians at Schanhechtade not to let the French prisoners go out with
them to fight, for we have an example now in our own people who have run away from Canada, and
that they should be disarmed.
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNOR.
WHEREAS Peter Dumont Andrew ffalourdell & Michaell Anthony of Queens County on Long
Island, have committed high misdemeanours agt their Maties authority in this Province, As by
Substantiall evidences agt them appearesThese are in his Maties King Williams name to will & requyre you to apprehend the bodies of the
sd peter dumont Andrew ffalcourdell & Michael Anthony wheresoever they are to be found & in what
places soever they may be suspected the same to breake open or by any other violence to make way to
them, In case of resistance or concealment & their sd bodies before me bear or cause to be brought
& all whom shall oppose or any wayes resist or endeavour to conceall them & all officers both Military
& Civill are hereby strictly requyred to aide & assist you therein as they will answer the contrary at
their outmost perills. GIVEN &c this 18th of July, 1690.
JACOB LEISLER
To the Sheriff of the Kings & Queens County
& all other the Counties within this province.
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNOR &c.
WHnEIAS I have undoubted Information that some vessells on this Coast dp commit outrages &
fearing that the same might fall on the'toune of Southold
These are in Maties name to will & requyre you Major Thomas Lawrence to command & for their
Maties service to press Seaventy men horse & foot as you shall think fitt all well armed & when
occasione shall requyre for their Maties service to press fresh horses & what else you shall have occasione for as for their entertainment & provisions & other necessaries & them forthwith to dispatch for
Southold to the assistance & defence of their Maties Subjects there wherof you are not to faill at your
outmost perills & all officers Military & Civill & others of what rank & quality are strictly required
to obey you therein & be aiding & assistant to the sd forces in performing the premisses as they will
answer the Contrary at their utmost perils. GIVEN &C fort William in New York this 19th day of
July &c 1690.                                                              JACOB LEISLER
*,* Here follow Commissions, dated 23d July 1690, to Captn Christopher Goffe of the ship Catherine; to Capt Philip Philips of the Bregantin     Another to Capt John Weyman & a fourth to
Capt Richd Moon to cruise along the Coast, and endeavor to Capture several french vessells in the
sound and about Block Island which are committing outrages on his Maties subjects "and have
already taken two vessells belonging to this port & severell others &c? "  so that no vessels can budge"




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                155
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNOR &C
New York
WHEREAS I am credibly informed by evidences before me that five armed french men are seen on
Schutters Island well armed and having watch out on trees & being assured that peter deumont &
Andreu ffallourdell are amongst them who are accused before me of high Misdemeanour which persones are fled out of this province from the hands of Justice
These are therefore in his Maties name to will & require all persones within this province & to
desire all persones within the neighbouring Collonies of New Jersey & pensilvania to secure the sd five
persones & them safely to convey before me at fort William that they may answer for their crymes &
care shall be taken for satisfaction of the reasonable charges in fulfilling of the premises. GIVEN &e.
21st of July 1690.                                                      JACOB LEISLER
To the Constable of Elizabethtown
& so foreward.
GOV. TREAT TO LEISLER.
HONBLE SIR-Just now received the enclosed from New London & have sent it to you for your perusall also, it was but last night one Captain Swinton cald in with about ten men with him bound
towards n. London with his Sloop & company, Sd to have your orders to discover & attacque the
enemy, but I saw non, however for any care of our or countrys saftie in a time of need wee would
take all dlue notice thereof, sir it seems to be a tyme of great need & if it be within your compass
to add such further strenth by more shiping & vessels of force that -nay be able to encounter them
& with Gods blessing to expell if not conquere them which would be a service to God our king &
county, never to be forgotten, or if need should be of some hands or land souldiers rather than fail I
hope they may be found but what is done need be done wth all expedition, Sir I cannot but again
acquaint you with our extreme need of powder in our collony I pray faill not to sell & send us 3 or
4: or if not so much one or two barrells of powder at least & you shall be payed to content the above
Sd Captain of your sloope desired me to certifie your honor of their great diligence to gett along the
wind & weather being agt them and just as they came in some intelligence also made as if the enemies
& vessells were bound out to sea but its rather thought they waite to doe more mischiefe  Sir shiping
or amunition is not wth us but if some force from you should meet wt them from Boston it might
be a singular oportunity but we shall doe what wee can by land to discover & opose and according to
their further motions shall not be wanting to acquaint your honor there with which is all at present
that tyme allows me-to ad & with all due respects shall subscribe Sir
Millford the 22th                          your loving friend & neighbour
of July 1690                                                        ROBERT TREAT
TO YE HONOBLE JACOB LEISLER ESQR-LT GOVERNOR & THE HONOBLE COUNCILL.
The humble Peticon of Christopher Goff humbly sheweth,
That yor' Peticonr & Prisonr being secured in ye fort for Severall words spoken by your Peticonr
ye wch as your Peticonr as being in drincke does not Remember but nevertheless humbly beggs Pardon
for ye Same desyring that yor honners be pleased to have Compassion wth your Peticonr he being a poor
seafaring man and that your honners be pleased to consider him by Diminishing of ye fine adjudged
agst him & that he may be sett at Liberty & your Peticonr shall ever Pray &c
Endorsed,                                                        CIIRISTOPHER GOFFE
Present Lt L Goe; P D Lanoy Sam Edsall Benjn Blagge Hendk Jansen-Robt Walters ald,
agreed that in stead of fiveteen p he shall pay but seaven pound ten shill  A. G.




156                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNOUR
N York,
WHEREAS it is judged necessary & accordingly ordered that ye ship Cathrin Christopher Gof Comandr
ye Brigantine John & Joseph Jno Wayman Comandr & Sloop Content Richd Moone Comandr be
Imediately made ready & Equipped for his Majties Service agst some french vessells on this Coast &
ordered that sd vessells be aprised together wth ye goods not unloaden out of ye same,
These are in his Majties name to will & Require you & each of you forthwith to repaire on board
sd vessels & ye same to apraise together wth ye Remaining Part of there Loading & bring Report
thereof to me upon your oaths for doing whereof this shall be to you & every of you a Spetiall Warrt
GIVEN under mly hand & Seale at fort Wm This 24th July in ye Second year of their majties
Reign 1690                                                                JACOB LEISLER
To Capn Isaac Stevense
Capn Robt Sinclaer &
niclaes Gerritse
Wm Dearing &
Jno. Dissington
Past ye office
Abraham Gouvernedr
D. Secry
It is the Judgment of the underwritten By a warrent derected to ouss that
The Shipe Catren aught hundred pound & twenty.....................   ~820:00
The Sloop Content wallued seven hundred pound.......................    700:00
The Brigtine John & Joseph wallud to: sex hundred pound...............  600:00
ROBt SINCLAER
ISAAC STEVENSE
WILL. DEARING
NICHs GERRITSE
JOHN DISSINGTON
ye abouenamed Apraisors ware sworne befour mee this 25th of July 1690
SAMUEL EDSALL
Councill.
Endorsed,
Warrt & returne of ye aprismt of ye Ship Cataryn Sloop Content & Brigantine John & Joseph
Dated 24th June 1690
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNR &c
WHEREAS Joseph Hegeman. of flakbush In Kings County on Long Island has spoken Several
Seditious words agst his Majties Governmt In This Province
These are in his Majties [name] to will & require you to bring ye body of sd Joseph Hegeman
before myself & Council to answer for ye same for doeing whereof These are yor spetial warrt GIVEN
&c New York this 29th July 1690                                           JACOB LEISLER
To Meindert Coerten Esq High Sheriff
of ye Kings County on Long Island
to bring ye Returne thereof on
Thursday next.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                157
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNR
WHEREAS Gerrit Elbertse Stoothof Lievt of ye troop of horse of Kings County on Long Island has
in a Contemptuous manner denied ye Comand of his Captn Roelof Martense Schenck Espetially when
ye enemies where Invading & Comitting severall outrages bn this Coast by wch it evidently appeares
ye sd Garret Elbertse Stoothof hes ill affeccon to this his Majties Governmt & is not to be trusted in
Comand:These are therefore to will and require you in his Majties name to dismis & discharge the sd Lievt
of having any further Comand of sd troop of horse & to deliver my Comission for Lievt to Pieter
Jansen          of Brookland for doing whereof these are yor sufficient Warrt GIVEN &C  this
29th July 1690                                                           JACOB LEISLER
To Major Gerardus Beekman Esqr
Albany July 31 1690
ARTICLES made agreed upon considered between John De Bruyn John Provoost & Jacob Melbourne
Commissioners appoynted by the honble Levt Governor Jacob Leisler & Councill for the province
of New Yorke of the one part, and the honble John Winthrop Esqr of the other part witnessethThat the sd John Winthrop Esqr do receive a commission from the sd Lievt Governor to command
in Chiefe all the forces now raised or to be raised.for the Expedition of Albany agt the french at
Canada, within the province of New York & the Collonies of New England etc. under certane conditions following vizt:That the sd Lievt Governor for himself or any deputed or empowered by him or by his means shall
at no tyme or tymes hereafter issue forth or cause to be sent after or impose on the sd Commander
in Chiefe any order or orders direction or directions tending to any contradicting or repugnant to the
true intent & meaning of the sd commission or the result which was concluded by the sd commissioners
convened at New York May the first last pastThat the sd Commissioners doe further promise and engage for and on behalf of the sd Lievt Governor Leisler that the sd Commission by him granted unto the sd Commander in Chiefe shall be
acting &*executing or performing the true intent & meaning thereof agt the french & adherents.
That the sd forces shall be no otherwise employed but directly agt the french & their adherents of
Canada.
That the sd Commander in Chiefe shall as much as in him lyes; execute all acts of hostility agt
and to destruction bring the french kings subjects & all that joind with them, pursuant to his Maties
King Williams declaration of warr agt the french king & nation.
That all matters of great concernment be concluded by a councill of warr consisting of the Commander in Chiefe with the rest of the commission officers or soe many of them as can conveniently
meet together.
That no more officers shall be commissionated than now are or shall be at the tyme of marching
the wholl boddy of the forces, unless occasioned by death or impotence whereby they cannot perform
*their duty; then such places are to be supplied by commissiones from the sd Commander in Chiefe
which shall be as authentiq to all intents constructions and purposes, as if such had been granted
actually by the sd Lievt Governor, or the honble the Governor of Connecticutt collony, unless
extraordinary occasion ariseth from detachments etc.
That the Commission granted by the Lievt Governor Leisler shall preside & superintend all other
commissions instructions or orders relating to the said forces which are or shall be under the conduct
or command of the Sd Commander in Chiefe during the expedition aforementioned.




168                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
That all plunder and captives (if it so happen) shall be divided amongst the officers & souldiers according to the custome of warr.
That all officers & souldiers (if it please God to grant victory) shall be returned to their respective
homes equally and impartially as shall consist with martial right & possibility.
That all possible dispatch be made with the forces before the Indians be constrained to object agt
our delays which endanger this undertaking
That the honor & service of God be maintained & divine worship be performed publickly every
day, the Lords day duly observed, vice discountenanced & due decorum preserved amongst them.
ffinally that the Sd Commander in Chiefe shall [have] power to administer doe execute & per-,brme all matters relating [to] life or other censures (as the caise shall or may require) with as ample
power & virtue, & in mannar form & purpose as any field marshall may or ought to doe with a regular
army or greater body of men,LEISLER'S COMMISSION      APPOINTING JOHN    WINTHROP TO BE COMMANDER OF THE
FORCES AGAINST THE FRENCH.
Jacob Leisler Esqr Lut Govr & commander in Chiefe of the Prouince of New Yorke and dependencies in Americah, under His most Sacred Matie King Wm of England, Scotland, France &
Ireland &c, defender of the fayth, supreme Lord of the Sayd province & dependencies in America,
&c. To the Honble Jtohn Winthrop Esqr Greeting. - By vertue of the authority deriued unto me,
I do hereby constitute & appoynt you to be major of all the forces now raysed or to be raysed for
the expedition of Albany out of this Province & the New England Collonyes & Maryland, according
to the unanimous result made with sayd Collonyes against the French at Cannada; you are therefore
carefully and dilligently to discharge the duty of a major, by exerciseing the same in
[SEALL] Armes & keeping them in good order & discipline, both officers & Souldiers, observing
strictly all the articles in the sayd result expressed, hereby willing & commanding them
to obserue & follow such orders & directions as you shall from time to time receiue from me or any
appoynted by myself & councill according to the rules & discipline of war, pursuant to the trust
reposed in you & to execute all acts of hostility against the French King his Subjects & their adherents; and this commission to continue dureing my will & pleasure onlyGiven under my hand & sealed with the seale of the prouince, this 31. July in the 2d1 year of their
Maties Reigne 1690Past the Office                                                         JACOB LEISLER
Jacob Milborne Secr'y
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNOR &c.
WHEREAS ye Sessions of the Genell Assembly held at New Yorke for the said Province on ye 24th
of Aprill Last was by my Selfe with advice of my Councill Prorogued vntill the first day of Septr
next.
These are Therefore in his Majties King William's name to will and require all & every of the
members thereof to Appeare in this Citty of New Yorke on the ffirst day of Septr next according to
Prorogation without any faile or Delay as they tender his Majties Intrest & the safety of this Province.
GIVEN &c this 9th of August 1690.                                        JACOB LEISLER
To ye Justices of ye Severall Counties of this Province.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LNISLER.                   169
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNR &c
WHEREAS Nathaniel Person being chosen in yor County one of'their Reprsentatiues who appeard
at the Sessions of the Gen11 Assembly held in this Citty on ye 22th Aprill Last & then & theire
refused to sit & Act as one of the Representatives aforesd
These are Therefore in his Majties King William's Name to will & request you to make Choice of
an other Proper &.fit pson in Stead of him the said Nathaniel Pearson to Sitt with the representatives
In Generall Assefmbly on ye first of September next & here of you are not to faile as you will answer
the same att your utmost Perill. GIVEN &c this 11th August &c 1690
JACOB LEISLER
To the Civill and Military offices and
other ye Inhabitants of Queens County.
BY THE LIVET GOVERNR
WHEREAS Mr Wilhelmus Beekman Senior was Chosen one of the Representatives of your Citty &
County who by Reason of his Old Age & other Bodyly Infirmytys Excuses himselfe from the said
servis not attending the same
These are Therefore in his Majties King William's Name to will and requier you to make choice
of an other Proper & fitt Person in Stead of sd Beekman to sitt with the representitives in Gener1l
Assembly on the first of Septr next & hereof you are not to faile at your utmost perills. GIVEN &c
this 11th August 1690                                                      JACOB LEISLER
To the Mayr & Aldermn of ye
Citty of N York
[Here follows an order in- same style & of same date to the Inhabitants of the County of Westohester to elect a Representative to the Gen11 Assembly in Place of Thomas Browne who had deceased
since the last session]
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNOR
WHEREAS by the Charter of privilege granted to the Inhabitants of this province It was Enacted
that two Representatives should be Chosen by the Inhabitants of the Citty & County of Albany &
one by the Inhabitants of the toun of Skenectadie in the sd County And whereas John Janse Bleecker
was chosen for the sd Citty & County of Albany & Ryer Schermerhoon for the toun of Skenectady
& so is wanted for the sd City & County.
These are in his Maties King William's name to will & requyre you to make choise of one more
proper & fitt persone to appear to this Citty of New York on the first of September next to sitt with
the other representatives of this province in generall Assembly & hereof you are hot to faill at your
perills. GIVEN &c this 13th August &c 1690                                 JACOB LEISLER
To the Civill & Military officers
of the Citty & County of Albany.




160                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVETROR LEISLFR.
* SECY ALLYN TO LT GOV LEISLER.
Hartford Aug. 23d 1690.
HoNBDLE SR —By intelligence we haue from the Major Genl Winthrop from Wooden Creek, we
understand to our great griefe, that the armies march towards Canada though advancd far, is all retarded by the faylure of the Indians to accompany them and furnish them with Cannoes (which
account he had from your Commissioners at Albany) we suppose you cannot but haue a full accot
of the whole of that matter and whither it will admit of any timely cure so as may render our forces
seruiceable at this juncture we fear much. It was much our hopes that the Bay hauing set out soe
braue a Fleet who sayled this day fortnight that the forces from Albany would haue happily had,
& given advantage to the fleet. But we must subscribe to the pleasure of God herein If any
means could yet be used by alarmeing the French (if we can attayne to no better) to giue the fleet the
less trouble at Quebeck; it seems to us aduisable to doe it; but if your Honr see not any thing likely
to be done from Albany by our forces that is considerable, we would understand it, that we may
know what to doe with our souldiers, for the sicknesse being so rife at that place it seemes not
aduisable to let them lye there; we haue written to the Govr of Boston, giuing him the accot we haue
of these matters, & to haue their aduice, & the same we desire of yor Honr we wave any thing
as to priuate persons discontents, saue that Ensign Stedman hath had as kind usage as he deserued
& we hopeyour Honor will not espouse such interests against vs, as we haue not done against
yourselfe. Incenderies are great hinderers of publique vnion & action. We are glad to hear of
Capt Masons & the other Capts success, who we are informed came in at Nantaskett with seuerall good
prizes on the 17th Instant; we haue agreed with the gentn of Boston to send our letters & what we
haue from yourself for them to Springfield, whence it is theire care to have them passed to Boston, &
they send to Hartford, and we are to post what is for your Honr through to your first towne vizt Rye
where you are desired to give order that it be speeded to you, & what you send this way send it to
Stanford to Lut Bell, to whome we shall write to forward it as directed, & please if you agree to this
way of posting, to signify what person at Rye you will haue the letters for you deliuered unto-We
haue not to ad but Respects, & that we are your affectionat neighbours
The Governour & Councill of Connecticutt
pr their order Signed pr
Postscript. Sr we are sending Mr John                               JOHN ALLYN, Sect
Thompson to Albany with prouisions for
or Souldiers, we request you to grant him
liberty to pass & repasse as formerly
pr order J. A- S.
Superscribed
ffor the Honble Jacob Leisler Esqr
Lut Govvernour of their Maties Prouince of
Jtew Yorke in New Yorke-This
For His Maties Seruice. Hast, post Hast.
JOURNAL OF CAPTAIN JOHN SCHUYLER
Who voluntarily embarked at Wood Creek on the 13th August 1690, with 29 christians and 120
Savages, whom he recruited at Wood Creek as volunteers under his command to go to Canida to fight
the enemy.
Nearly about the swanps I met Captain Sander Glen on his way back to Albany, because the
greatest number returned. The aforesaid Sanders had in his company 28 whites and 5 savages and




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  161
came from Tsinondrosie where Captain Sanders had been waiting 8 days for the whole corps.-From
these Captain John Schuyler enlisted 13 whites and 5 savages to continue with Captain Schuyler the
voyage to Canida and their to fight their mutual enemy. When the rest of the company had left us,
and we had advanced nearly two hours on our voyage, we found 2 canoes which had been sent out to
spy and which had shot an elk.-After we had done eating and had supplied our canoes we proceeded
on our way as far as Canaghsionie.The 15th day of August we came one Dutch mile above Crown Point.The 16th ditto we had advanced as far as Kanondoro, and resolved at that place to travel by night
and have that night gone onward to near the spot where Ambrosio (?) Corlaer is drowned, and there
one of our savages fell in convulsions, charmed and conjured by the devil, and said that a great
battle had taken place at Quebeck (Cubeck) and that much heavy cannon must have been fired there,
and that one hundred canoes with savages had come down the river from Cadaraqui. (Coederoqua.)
And about one hour after sunrise we have gone to Oghraro, where I placed the first guard and
nominated Barent Wemp as officer of the guard.
The 17 ditto in the evening we proceeded to Ogharonde. A Tsenondoga savage of our Company
died there; he died of sickness; the Oneida savages gave a wampum belt for the atonement of the
dead. That day Capt. Schuyler with his subaltern officers and the Chief of the savages resolved
where they should make their attack upon the enemy, and they determined by the majorities to fall
upon fort La Prairie (Lapplarie); whereupon the Mohawks gave a wampum belt to the Schaghkock
savages as a token to stand by each other faithfully, and what they do call "onroghquasa In a Goera".The Oneida savages did the same to the Mohawk savages by some handful of wampum, and in this
manner this resolution was decidedly agreed upon and confirmed with shaking of hands (kinsekaje) as
well by the christians as by the savages, and, moreover, approved by the savages as to whom should
be their chiefs or headmen,-Carristasio and Tehoesequatho and Juriaen the ferocious.
The 18 ditto, set out in the evening, and about midnight we saw a light fall down from out the
sky to the South, of which we all were perplexed what token this might be.
The 19 ditto on account of the strong wind we laid still because we could not proceed and we were
laying about 3 miles above the Sandbank of Chambly.
The 20 ditto we sent out spies along the west side of the river Chambly and found there a drawing
of a party from Canada and 14 palisades to which they had bound their prisoners whom they had
fetched from New England.
The 21 ditto we proceeded to about one mile below the above mentioned sandbank of Chambly,
when we again sent out spies, who discovered some places where french and savage spies had been
keeping double night watch, and that the same had embarked for Chambly. Then, after having first
placed our canoes and provisions in safety,
The 22 ditto we pursued our journey by land and travelled that day close under La Prairie-the
road being very difficult on account of the softness of the clay, over which we had to travel, so that
two of our christians returned to our canoes. Coming through the clay we heard much firing of
musketry, of which we were astonished what it might be.
The 23 ditto in the morning I sent spies towards the fort to see how it was; returning said all the
folks were leaving the fort of La Prairie to cut corn.-Then we resolved in what manner we should
hinder them to obtain the fort again, and agreed to do so by intercepting them on their way to the
fort, but by the eagerness of the young savages such was prevented, because christians as well as
savages fell on with a war cry which displeased the officer that they fell on without orders having been
given, but they made 19 prisoners and 6 scalps, among which were 4 womenfolk. The first prisoner
VOL. II                               21




162                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
was examined, asking him, what the firing of yesterday at La Prairie signified? said, the Governor is
yesterday gone away with 800 men and the people discharged their muskets at their departure because
their scouts had not heard from us. Then we fell upon their cattle, we pierced and shot to death
nearly 150 head of oxen and cows, and then we set fire to all their houses and barns which we found
in the fields, their hay, and everything elsewhich would take fire.-Then we christians resolved to fall
upon the fort, but could not move the savages to give their consent to help us to attack the fort; the
fort fired alarms when Montroyal and Chambld answered, so that we resolved to depart with the
prisoners to Albany. A savage of ours was stabbed to death, whom we burned in a barn, and we
went that day 7 Dutch miles on our way back. Then the savages killed 2 french prisoners because
they could not travel on account of their wounds.-A little while after this we sat down to eat and
thanked the Governor of Canada for his salute of heavy*cannon during our meal-they fired from the
morning till 2 o'clock in the afternoon from all three of the forts.-That day we travelled to the
river Chambly where our canoes were laying.
The 24 ditto we went as far as fort Lamotte.
The 25 ditto we reached the Sand point, where we shot 2 elks.
The 26 ditto we came to the little stone fort, and from there sent a canoe with men to Albany to
bring the news of what had happened to us.
The 27 ditto we proceeded to Canaghsione and there shot 9 elks.
The 28 ditto we reached Wood Creek.
The 29 ditto we have travelled to the little Rapid above Saraghtoge.
The 30 ditto of August we have arrived at Albany, under the command of Captain John Schuyler.
A true copy from the translation in the collection of Manuscripts of the New Jersey Historical Society, at Newark.
S. ALOFSEN,
Member H. Soc. N. J.
SEC'Y ALLYN TO LEISLER.
Hartford Sept. 1st 1690
HONBLE SIR-By an express from our Captaines at Albany of the 27th August last, we are certifyed
that the Major Genll Winthrop is made a prisoner, and that on our officers request to the Comanders
of the fort for his liberty to officiate in the army, yor selfe being present at Albany, thair answer was,
that if they would speak with the Gen1l they might go to York, also that our Comissary is under restraint, these are very unexpected and surprizeing as well as greiuous tideings to us, and put us
uppon signifying to you that it was uppon a certain knowledge of Major Winthrops fidelity, prudence
and valor, that we did solicite him to undertake the seruice, and used our interest in the Massachusetts gentn to preuail with him therein, who haveing the same confidence in his vertues, did so, and
wee thereon recomended him to you, who gaue us to understand as grat a value of him, and therefore desired his acceptance with his Honrs accepting, though he were worthy of a tenfold greater
command, he waited on you and his Countrey. Sr these things are so radicated in all New England,
that yor thus dealing cannot raise a jealousie in us of anything unworthy so gennerous a soul as is this
gentleman, and though in honnor to you in your present Capacity we will suspend any Censures wch
we might make on your unadvisedness in this action, yet wee must in justice remember you of that
article concluded by the Comrs at York, whereof you were one, namely, what was referred to the
Commander in Chiefe and his Councill of Warr, wch in partickular are not to overrule. If the return
from Wooden Creek, done by a Councill of Warr, be the matter [which] offends you as its generally
said to bee, consider how far that article and the reason it [is] grounded on lead to it, also that the




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVEROR LEISLER.                   163
army being confederate, if you be so conserned, so are wee and the rest, and that you alone should
judg uppon the Genls and Councill of Warr's actions, will infringe our liberty, but that wh is worst
in event is, that such actions will render our freindly correspondence to weake to joyne in future attempts, wch we may haue but too much occasion for, for if our sending our best freinds to joyn with
you, proue a pittfal to them, it will necessitate our future forbearance, whateuer the consequence bee.
And Sr you necessitate us to tell you, that a prison is not a catholicon for al State Maladyes, though so
much used by you, nor are you incapable of need of, nor aide from their Majesties subjects in New
England, nor could you in any one action haue more disobliged al New England, and if you shall
proceed in this way, you will certainly put al that gentleman's friends on his Vindication, be the matter
controuerted what it will; he is of such estate & repute as could not shun a just tryal, and if your
adherence to Mr Milborn (of whose spirrit wee haue sufficient tests) and other emulators of the
Major's honnor be greater then to ourselues and the gent of the Bay, you may boast of the Exchange
by what proffitt you find.
Sr you cannot expect but we shall be warm with these matters unless you preuent us by a timely
and honble release of the Major, wCh is the thing we aduise unto and desire to hear from you with al
speed what our expectations may bee on this account; we are giueing account of this matter to the
Govr and Councill of Massachusetts; it is justly expected that your declaration to us al, of the
grounds of this your action should haue been as forward as the thing itself. We also moue to set
our Comissary at liberty since he is of such use to our souldiers as he cannot be spared.
The Govr and Councill of
Connecticutt
To the Honble                                         signed pr their order
Jacob Leisler Esqr                                                JOHN ALLYN Secy
BY YE LIEVT GOVERNOR &c.
WHEREAS the Sessions of the Generall assembly held at New York for the said Province on the
twenty fourth day of Aprill last was by myselfe with of Advice of my: Councill: prorogued vntill the
first day of Septr instant & his Mayties Speciall Servis preventing ye sd Sessions; writts haue bine
issued out, I haue with advice of my Councell prolongued the sd Sessions vntill Munday wch shall
bee the ffifteenth Day of Septr Instant.
These are Therefore in his Maties name to will & requier all and every of the Members thereof
to appeare att this Citty of New Yorke on the fifteenth Day of September instant according to sd
Prolongation without faile or Delay as they Tender his Majestys Intrest & the Safty of this Province.
given Vnder my hand & seale at ffort William this Eleauenth Day of September in the second yeare
of ye Raigne of our Soveraigne Lord & Lady William & Mary of England Scotland ffrance & Ireland
King & Queene Defender of the ffaith &c.  And Supreame Lord & Lady of the Province of New
Yorke  Annoque, 1690
To ye Several] Countycs in this Province




164                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
Att a Court of Admirality held in the Citty hall of the Citty of New york this seaventeenth
day of September anno domini one thowsand six hundred & Nyntie.
Present.
Pieter dLanoy Esqr Judge
Captn Jacob Mauritze
Mr Gerrett Dow
Captn Robert Sinclare
Captn Gerrett Duycking    members
Mr Cornelis Plebier
Mr Pieter Roberdie
Mr Pieter Adolph
Mr Henrick Ten Eyck
Adjourned till the eighteenth instant
Proclamation made in due forme
Commmission for holding the sd Court of Admirality read as followeth Jacob Leisler his Maties
Lievt Governor & Commander in Chiefe of the Province of Newyork-Whereas his Matie King
William of England Scotland ffrance & Ireland Defender of the faith &c by his Letter dated at
Whitehall July 30: 1689: Empowered me to performe all things which to the place & office of his
Lievt Governor & Commander in Chiefe of the province of Newyork doth or may appertaine, &
that there are severall ships or vessels with their loading brought into this harbour of newyork aforesd
(as I am credibly informed) which were taken from the subjects of the french King now in actuall
hostility agt the Croun of England &c By vertue of the authority aforesd unto me derived, I doe therefore hereby make & appoint yow pieter dLanoy Esqr Judge of a Court of admirality, Mr ffrancis
Rumbold, Captn Jacob Mauritze, Mr Gerret Dow, Captn Gabriell Monveill, Major Nicholas de Mayer,
Mr Stephen dLancie, Captn Christopher Goff, Captn William Dearing, Captn Robert Sinclare, Captn
Gerret Duycking, Mr Cornelis plebier, Mr pieter Roberdie, Mr pieter Adolph, & Mr Henrick Ten
Eyck of the sd Citty of Newyork & you or any six of you (of which number pieter dLanoy Esqr
always is to be one) to hear examine & determine all causes or actions that doth or shall arise or depend
between our sovr Lord the King & any persone or persones who doe or shall pretend to hare any
right title or Interest in the sd ships or vessells brought into this harbour as aforesd, I doe also appoynt
George Brewertoun Register & George underhill to be Marshall of the sd Court, & this Commission
to be of force dureing the time of five dayes after the date hereof, GIVEN under my hand & seale at
fort william the seavententh day of september one thowsand six hundred & Nyntie, & in the second
year of the Raigne of our Sovr Lord & Lady William & Mary of England Scotland ffrance & Ireland
King & Queen
JACOB LEISLER
The Lybell at the sute of our Sovr Lord the King exhibited by Major Jacob Milborn attorney
Generall for & in behalfe of our sd Sovr Lord the King agt the ship the horne friggott as followeth
anno R: R: Gulielmi et Mariae &c Secundo  To the honble pieter dLanoy president & the rest of
the Justices commissionated for the loyall examination & condemnation of the ship called & known
heretofore by the name of L'Esperance of Haverdu Grace in the kingdom of ffrance Captn Guilaine
Bigoir Commander now the horne frigott, Captn Robert Colliford now master for the time being &c
Captn william Masson Commander of the ship the blissed William & Captn ffrancis Goderis Commander of the Jacob & company naturall borne subjects & freemen of the kingdom of England &c
by way of lybcll sett forth & shew to your honrs for diverse & sundry reasones causes & allegations
hereafter mentioned & sett forth, to shew cause why & wherefore the sd ship the home friggott formerly




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                   165
the L:Esperance of haverdu Grace belonging to the subjects or vassalls of the-french King Together
with her furniture gunns & apparrell as also all & every part and parcell of her loading now on board
may not be adjudged condemned & sold at a certaine day & disposed of as the Law in such cases
riakes & provides. ffrst that they the sd Captn William  Masson & Captn ffrancis Goderis Commanders of the ships aforesd, did receive under the hand of the honble Jacob Leisler Lievt Governor
of this his Maties province of Newyork & seale of the sd province, a certaine Commission bearing
date the nynteenth day of May one Thousand six hundred Nyntie, unto them directed by the sd
Lievt Governor, by vertue of his Matie King williams declaration, beareing date at his Court at hampton Court the seaventh day of May in the year of our Lord 1689 being the first of his Raigne, amongst
other things it is there mentioned & exprest That all & every of the Governors of his  aties forts &
garrisons or any other officers or souldiers under them by sea & land doe & execue all acts of hostility in prosecution of this warr agt the french King his vassals & subjects & to oppose their attempts,
willing & requireing all his subjects to take notice of the same, In pursuance & obedience to his the
sd Governors Commission as aforesd to us directed by the honble Jacob Leisler, wee the sd Captn
william Masson & Captn ffrancis Goderis Commanders of th  ships the e blissed william & Jacob aforesd
& Instuctions then received, depae rted  is port the    day of June last past cruzeing on the
coast of nova francia (or Canada) near or on the territories of the french Kings did come up from the
sd ships then called the LIEsperance of haverdu Grace Captn Guilian Bigoir Commander now the
home friggot under the cullours & within the Jurisdiction of the french King, under which she did
defend & oppose us as much as in her lay, but being at last seized & caption made by the sd Masson
& Goderis, she the sd ship appeared to be a french ship & her company solely french As by the
acknowledgment of the officers seamen confessing & acknowledging & eamin are here ready to depose &
Justifie the same befor your honors if thereunto required, The promises considered the sd Captns
Crave that In Consideration of this being their commission port & allegations sett forth, the aforesd
ship now called the home friggott lately the L:Esperance with her ammunition guns tackle apparell
furniture, Together with her goods wares merchandizes & loading may be condemned & sold as the
Law in such cases provides & further saith not which lybell above written Togither with the depositions relating thereto was by the sd Court ordered to be recorded as followeth vizt the depositions
of pierre Dieusx, Jacques Lehaire ffrancis Gilbert, deposeth & saith that the said L'Esperance Guilione
Bigoir Commander now the horne friggatt Robert Colliford Commander doth belong unto the subjects
of the french King namely Monsieur Leon & Monsieur Lefferrie living at vimflevor near haverdu Grass
in Normandy within the kingdom of ffrance, The which were taken by Captn william Masson & Captn
ffrancis Goderis on or about the first day of August last (nova stile) rideing befor the Isle of persia
within the province of Canada in the sd french Kings dominions, which sd ship is now in this harbour
wherein tuo of the deponents are brought prisoners & the other in the ship stpieter not knowing the
contents of their loading nather have observed that any part of the sd loading hath been unloaden since
their departure from the sd Isle of persia to this time, & further saith not &c  As their depositions
taken before the Governor the fifteenth of september instant more fully proport The which depositions
originally taken in french now translated & examined by Mr pieter Roberdie one of the members of
the sd Court, was found to be true & also attested by Captn william Masson & Captn John Cornelis
tuo of the Commanders of the sd vessells in open Court whereupon after mature & serious deliberation of the sd Court It is their unanimous opinion & Judgment that the aforesd ship or vessell the
home friggot Togither with her furniture apparrell & loading &c according to the lybell exhibited agt
her &c & the witnesses deposing to that effect is a lawfull prize & so to be disposed of in the behalfe
of our Sovr Lord the King as the Law in such cases provides & allows of &c




166                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
PROVINCE OF NEWYORK
Att a Court of Admirality held in the City hall of the Citty of Newyork this 17th day of
September anno domini one Thousand Six hundred & Nyntie
Present:
pieter dLanoy Esqr Judge
Captn Jacob Mauritze
Mr Gerrett dow
Captn Robert Sinclaire 
Captn Gerrett duycking   members
Mr Cornelis plebier
Mr pieter Reberdy
Mr pieter Adolph
Mr Hendrick Ten Eyck
Commission for holding the Sd Court of Admiralty Read as followeth Jacob Leisler his Maties Lievt
[SEAL] Governor & Commander in Chiefe of the province of Newyork
WHEREAS his Matie King William of England Scotland ffrance & Ireland defender of the faith &c
By his Letter Dated at white hall July 30: 1689: Empoured me to performe all things which to the
place & office of his Lievt Governor & Commander in Chiefe of the province of Newyork doth or may
appertaine, and that there are severall Shipps or vessells with their loading brought into this harbour
of Newyork aforesaid (as I am credily Informed) which were taken from the subjects of the french
king now in actuall hostility agt the Croun of England &c By vertue of the authority aforesd unto me
derived, I doe therefore hereby make & appoynt yow pieter dLanoy Esqr Judge of a Court of Admirality, Mr ffrancis Rumbold, Captn Jacob Mauritze, Mr Gerritt dow, Mr Gabriell Monveill, Major
Nicholas de Myer, Mr Stephen delancie, Captn Christopher Goff, Captn william dearing, Captn Robert
Sinclare, Captn Gerrett duycking, Mr Cornelis plebier, Mr pieter Reberdie Mr pieter Adolph, & Mr
Henrick Ten Eyck of the sd Citty of Newyork, and yow or any six of yow (of which number pieter
dLanoy Esqr is allwayes to be one) Toe hear examine & determine all causes or actions that doeth
or shall arrise or depend between our Soveraigne Lord the King & any persone or persones who doe
or shall pretend to have any right title or Interest in the sd shipps or vessells brought into this harbour
as aforesd, I doe also appoynt George Brewertoun Register & George underhill to be Marshall of the
sd Court, and this Commission to be of force during the time of five dayes after the date hereof
Given under my hand & seall at fort William the seaventeenth day of September one Thousand six
hundred & Nyntie & in the second year of our Sovr Lord & Lady William & Mary of England
Scotland ffrance & Ireland King & Queen &c:
The lybell agt the pink the ffrancis & Thomas at the sute of our Sovr Lord the King exhibited by
Major Jacob Milborne attorney Generall for & in behalfe of our sd Sovr Lord the King as followeth
viz anno Regni Regis Gulielmi et Marie &c secundo To the honble pieter dLanoy president & the
rest of the Justices commissionated for the loyall examination & condemnation of the ship called &
knowen heretofore by the name of the St pieter of Bayoun in the kingdom of ffrance Captn pierre
de Clabrier late Commander now the ffrancis & Thomas of Newyork Captn  dennis now master
for the time being &c. Captn william Masson & Captn ffrancis Goderis Commandpr of the Shipps the
blessed William & Jacob & company, & naturall borne subjects & freemen of the kingdom of England
&c by way of lybell sett forth & shew to your hones for diverse & sundry reasones causes & allegationes hereafter mentioned & sett forth, to shew cause why & wherefore these ships the ffrancis &
Thomas formerly the St pieter of Bayoun in ffrance belonging to the subjects or vassalls of the french




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 167
King, Togither with her furniture guns & apparrell, as also all & every part & parcell of her loading
now on board may not be adjudged condemned & sold at a certaine day & dysposed of as the Law
in such cases makes & providesffirst the sd Captn William Masson & Captn ffrancis Goderis Commanders of the sds ships did
receive under the hand of the honble Jacob Leisler Lievt Governor of this his Maties province of
Newyork & seale of the sd province a certaine Commission bearing date the    day of June
one Thousand six hundred & Nyntie, unto them directed by the sd Lievt Governor by vertue of his
Matie King Williams declaration bearing date at his Court at hampton Court the seaventh day of May
in the year of our [Lord] one Thousand six hundred & Nyntie being the first of his Raigne, amongst
other things it there mentioned & expresst That all & every of the Governors of his Maties forts &
garrisons or any other officers or souldiers under them by sea & land doe & execute all acts of hostility
in prosecution of this warre agt the french king his vassalls & subjects, & to oppose their attempts,
willing & requireing all his subjects to take notice of the same, In pursuance &c obedience to his the
sd Governors Commission to us as aforesd directed, by the honble Jacob Leisler, wee the sd Masson
& Goderis Commanders of the ships the blessed William & Jacob aforesd & Instructiones received,
departed this port the   day of June last past, cruzeing on the coast of nova francia (or Canada)
near or on the territories of the french King, did come up with the sd ship then called the St pieter
of Bayoun-pierre de Clabier Commander now the Thomas & ffrancis of Newyork under the cullours
& within the Jurisdiction of the french King, under which she did defend & oppose us as much as in
her lays but being at last seized & caption made by the sd Masson & Goderis, the d ship appeared
to be a french ship & her company solely french as by the acknowledgments of the officers & seamen
confessing & acknowledging & are here ready to depose & Justifie the same before your honrs if there
unto required, the premisses considered the sd Captns Crave that in Consideration of this being there
commission port & allegationes sett forth aforesd, the sd ships called the St pieter now the Thomas &
ffrancis, with her ammunition guns tackle furniture & apparrell, togither with her goods wares & merchandise & lading may be condemned & sold as the Law in such cases provides, And further saith notWhich Lybell Togither with the depositiones relateing thereto was ordered to be recorded as followeth viz The deposition of Adam Christoll, pierre de Clarepincda Nicholas de Castilion & pierre
Monpon deposeth & saith that the sd ship called the St pieter pierre de Clabier late Commander
now the ffrancis & Thomas           dennis Commander does belong unto the subjects of the
french King living at Bayoun in the kingdome of ffrance, which was taken by Captn william Masson
& Captn ffrancis Goderis on or about the first day of August last (nova stile) rideing before the Isle
of persia in the province of Canada in the sd french kings dominions, The which sd ship is now
within this harbour of newyork, in whom wee were brought hither as prisoners not knowing the
contents of their loading, nather have observed that any part of the sd loading have been unloaden
since their departure from the sd Isle of persia to this time, & further saith notAs their depositiones taken before the Governor the fifteenth day of September instant more fully
proport, The which depositiones originally taken in french now translated & examined by Mr pieter
Reberdie one of the members of the sd Court was found to be true, & also attested by Captn
William Masson & Captn John Cornelis tuo of the Commanders of the sd vessells in open Court,
whereupon after mature & serious deliberation of the sd Court, It is their unanimous Opinion &
Judgment That the aforesd vessell the ffrancis & Thomas Togither with her furniture apparrell &
loading &c according to the sd lybell exhibited agt her & the witnesses deposeing to that effect,
is a lawfull prize and so to be disposed of in behalfe of our Sovr Lord the King, according as the
Law in such cases provides & allows of,-                                P. D. LANoY.
Per Cur
Geo, Brewerton Reg.




168                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
By Virtue of a Commission from the Honble Jacob Leisler Dated the 20th day of September
Directed to us John Outman Simon Jansen Romaine Lendert Hugen and Garrett Hardenburgh, to
Repaire on board the Seuerall & Respective Vessells - following in order to Inventary & Appraise
which are as followeth vizt
The fflyboate Masson nothing butt her ballest
1 —s —d
The ffrancis and Thomas 
300 bushells Salt valuacon             22:10:at 18d a bushell is 221b 10         )
The Thomas and Humphrey
20 bushells Salt 18d pr bushell is llb 108  1:1025 Elke Skins                           10:00Some hhds with soure cider          )
The Jacob
100 bushells Salt 18d pr bushell is 7:10  7:10 -
25 beauers Skins                        12:90 -
40 Elks -      -                        16: 0The Pink Charles
36 minks                                3: 050 beauers                         (   24: 0
20 Seall Skins                           1: 0
36 martins                          )   2: 5
100 bushells Salt 18d pr bushell   ]    7:10
The home ffrigatt                    )
20 tonn Salt                           36: 0-0
150 kentell fish                   )   45: 0-0
Provisions on board of the
Aforesaid Vessels menconed
& Expressed vizt
4 hhds Beans                       ~ 1: 4:0
9 barrells flower                   10: 0:0
1 hhd Peas                           0:12:0
11 barrells Pork                     11: 0:0
18 hhds Sider Soure                  18: 0:0
This is a true Appraisment according to what was Given to us by John Conelis one of the
Comandra of sd Shipps to the best of our knowledge and understanding of the Lading of sd vessels
as aforesaid.
Sworne before the Judge of
the Court of Admiralty
PETER DE LANOY Esqr
22d Sept 1690
Geo: Brewerton Regr




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  169
New York Sept 30th 1690.
HONBLE GENT.-Yours of September the 5th Instant [qu 1st, see ante p 162.] mett me at Albany, the
contents whereof admitts of various constructions, but that no quibles shall ever be on our side who
have hitherto dealt with all sincerity imaginable, its proper to recount proceedings as they are & have
been matter of fact, whereby the world may have no task to judge between us & give sentence
according to truthIts notorious that May first, an unanimous result was concluded between the commissioners for
Boston, Plymouth, Connecticott & New York, that for carrying on the expedition for Canada agt
the French &c, there should be raised for Boston 160, Plymouth 60, & Connecticott 135 men, to
which New York province were to add 400, Maryland had promised 200, but those were under no
stricter terms than an expectation, hot oblidged by contractThe great care and charge we underwent to obtaine the 5 nations of Indians, as its considerable,
so likewise manifest, which being secured our greatest point was gained, that the French might have no
dependance on, or the least expectation of ever obtaining them so farre as to become neuterIts true, that our treaty with the Indians, they did promise 1820 men to goe out with us, but that was
a contingency wholly; distinct from our contract, although we victualled & furnished them with
ammunition & armes in great measure, for their encouragement, expecting that their numbers would
have been considerable, although by what stratagems they were diverted, is yet too early assert,
altho we are not unsensible of those who occasioned it-of these numbers vizt 755, which New York
and the confederats of New England were obliged to furnish, New York effected, & Connecticott
wanted but few, (although by sickness many were lost) when Major Winthrop tooke the charge of
them, receiving my commission & instructions from the commissioners at Albany after many debates,
and marched to the Houtkill, [Wood Creek] being the greatest part of fattigue from Albany to Canada,
without making any exceptions agt the number of men from New York & Albany, conceiving that
Boston & Plymouth forces were compleated, (tho not a man sent) he undertaking for them, not
effectually, but by dint of imagination, yet nevertheless when the sd Major should have proceeded
according to the result, he pauses & questions if his forces were sufficient to accomplish his commission, himselfe proposing great danger, and caused officers to vote for their retreate, forbidding
peremptorily that more than 30 christians should proceed on the designe, saying he would not march
further unless the Indians which promised to goe out, did comply with their word & numbers,whereby
many were discouraged that intended to have gone forward with a parcel of 30 accompanied with some
Indians, that Killed of the Enemies Catle about 150, slaine & tooke their persons 28, burning great
quantities of hay and fodder & 16 houses, besides Barnes, certified if their numbers had been 150
more, they doubted not of taking the enemies fortresses & even Mon Reall itselfe. —
Now not to repeat the unaccountable and unchristian behaviour of Major Winthrop, when he first
came to Albany, of which you have had notice by letter from our commissioners, but no answer
vouchsafed us; lett us return to facts before resulted and examined; upon what -grounds there could be
any success agt our Enemies expected vizt.The result being concluded by two of your commissioners amongst the rest, who brought their
credentialls with them when your officers at Albany were summoned to the councill of warre, one of
your Captns objected openly, that Major Gold was not qualified for to give his vote at New Yorke
aforesd which he abyded by & declared that bhis commission would not suffer him to sitt in the sd
councill, by which great jealousies justly arose amongst the forces belonging to this province of New
York.VOL. II                               22




170                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIliUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLEfr
This passing & other incolencies committed by your Captns & Souldiers whoever corresponded with
& adhered to those of the convention, Enemies to the present government, untill the long looked for
Major Winthrop arryved, had their recourse to him at Kinderhoeck, and we expecting to have found
him a person qualified according to the character given, both by yourselves & the gentlemen of Boston,
vizt, tfiat he was a person of conduct, valour & integrity, but to our griefe have found what you had
too much reason to believe, one who lived in open adultries in despight of your lawes, and other crimes
which are the ruines of civill government, without the least mark or' signe of repentance, to the
shame of Christians, but forsooth because he was a toole fitt for the wicked purposes that your
Secretary & Livingston had contryved, therefore must he be incessantly pressed upon us with such
importunity that was irresistable, which, when once that point was gained, then farewell correspondance with us, nay sent him within a script and tooke an opportunity to committ his usurpations (as
you supposed & he confessed, & thought) there had been non to oppose him, Mr Milborn asking why
you afforded them not a line, was answered that it was not expected he would be there, such despight
you did to- the authority of that part of this province, although you well knew there were commissioners with whom had former intercourse after afronting them for their more then ordinary civilities
to your people; besides his other qualifications proceeding from his experience, gained when
commanded in his Royall Highness the Duke of Yorks guards, hugging the commission granted by
Sir Edmund Andros, whereby once gained, he might be amply capacitated to serve his quondam master,
& that he may have no restraint upon his dispensing conscience hitherto, dares not bind it with an oath
of allegiance to King William, least he should break his faith & the trust reposed in him under the
Reigne of the late King JamesAnd that more then ordinary Juggling was in this matter, it appears by the comissions granted to
an officer of yours for that expedition, the one in May of a sound forme and consonant to the result,
but.the other in June restraines to goe without the Indians, who after Mr Livingston came to Albany,
being by you sent & your Major guarded when they were upon their march for Canada received a
token of Zeewant that they should desist, & thereupon returned, which waited for newes arryving;
the Sd Major answered the plott, & thereupon he proceeded as aforesd (not to Canada) but to
dissolutionAnd how such a person can be an honor to all New England as you say (that is wrapt up in him)
betokeneth something extraordinary, but rather it would become him with all celerity to vindicate
himselfe or you to press him to it, that the Country, which he hath so much abused, may have that
satisfaction at least to hear his defence which can be non, if he depends upon the letter sent me, for
its stuffed with impertinent falsehoods, but its not altogether unexpedted from such a delinquant when
we have received such indignities & shams from your dictators and have spitt in our faces within our
jurisdictionNevertheless, it cannot but one day sadly reflect that a people professing Christianity so eminently
beyond others, should so basely degenerat beneath the very heathens when God hath wrought
so miraculous a work, that not onely calls on, but astonishes all the protestant world; such professions
should be settled on the Lees & say that the Lord nather doth good nor evill, but trust to your
wicked crafts and inventions, through pride and presumption despise the delyverance, but when you
are searched with candles, it will be known who are guilty of this accursed thing, & your nakednes
will be uncovered, wherefore yow who have not struck hands with the authors hereof, it behoves
you arise & shew yourselves men for cause of God & Zion, that you partake not ef their abominations,
is the hearty & sincere advice of'  Your Humble Servant
JACOB LEISLER




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                   171
BY THE LIEUT GOVERNOR & COMMANDER IN CHIEFE &c
WHEREAS [ am assured of your prudence, ability, & Loyalty to his Matie King WILLIAM and his
Interest in this Province
These are to nominate, constitute and apoint you Messrs Jochem Staas, Johannes Wendel, Johannes
Bleeker Senr Pieter Bogardus, & Ryer Jacobz Schermerhoorn to superintend, direct, order & controul,
all matters and things relating to the City & County of Albany, & the safety & defence of the subjects
therein according to ye Lawes of this Province, and the Present Establishment, likewise that you
consult wth treat, and other proposalls make, or receive from the 5 Nations of Indians or others who
are or will become our allyes, & also to depress and discountenance all such p'sons who have protested
against the proclaiming of their Maties Supreame Lord & Lady of this Province, and all their adherents
and abettors according to an Order by me & Councell made for that purpose; And whatever shall
by you be farther acted or done for his Maties Service and the Welfare of sd Citty and County
I do hereby ratifie & Confirme as good & valid to all Intents Construccons & purposes: GIVEN
under my hand & seale this 10th day of Octobr &c Annoq; Domi 1690.
[Alb: City Rec.]
Albany. In the year 1690 ye 14 of Octobr
When Jacob Leysler had usurped ye govt the following Persones were chosen
John Becker                Johannes de Wandelaer 
Evert Banker               Hend. van Dyck
John Bleecker: Luykas Gerritse        A
Claes Ripse                pr Davidtse
Gert Ryerse                Joh: Abeel
Eghbert Teunise  J         Gert van Ness
[Translation.]
N. Rochelle, 20 Oetob. 1690.
SIR-I have too much respect for your orders not to execute them punctually; so that pursuant to
what you did me the honour lately to give me, I spoke to the principals of this new Colony about
the nomination of some persons for the vacant office of Justice of the peace, but as the condition you
require-that is a knowledge of the English Tongue-has precluded them from making the Election
of two or three according to your order, they cannot pitch upon any except Mr Straing, saving your
approbation which if you will have the goodness to accord them you will oblige them infinitely
Mr Pinton has also delivered me, this day, an order to be communicated to the sd Inhabitants relative
to the election and nomination of Assessors, Collectors and Commissaries, for levying imposing and
receiving Taxes for his Majesty's service. The time is very short, since it is the twenty seventh
instant they must be at Wchester, but they look for some forbearance and delay from your goodness
in case, notwithstanding their diligence they may not be able punctually to answer. It is not through
any unwillingness to exert themselves to meet it, but you know their strength as well as I. Notwithstanding despite their poverty and misery they will never lack in submission to the orders on behalf




172                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
of his Majesty both for the public good and interest. This they protested to me, & I pray you to be
persuaded thereof. I am with Respect, & pray God for your prosperity
Sir
Your very humble
Address                                                     & very Obedient Servant
D. BONREPOS, pastor
a Monsieur                                                    of this French Colony
Monsieur de Leislar
Lieut Gouuerneur pour le
Roy D'Angleterre, du fort
Willam a La Nole York
BY THE LEIVT GOVERNR AND COMMIANDR IN CHIEF THEIR MATES PROVINCE OF
NEW YORK.
WHEREAS Capt William Mason & Captn francis Goderus pursuant to a Commission under my
hand & Seale Dated May ye 19th 1690 in obedience to his Maties Declaracon of Warr against the
french King Did make Caption & Bring into this port Severall Ships & Vessels Belonging to the
Subjects of the french King as by Substantiall Evidences did Manifestly appeare thereupon at the
Immediate Instance and Request of sd Mason & Goderus a Court of Admiralty was Constituted
Septembr Last Past apointing Peter DLanoy Esqr Judge of the Court or others or any five of them
to examine heare & Condemn if Cause were the severall Ships & Vessells So Taken & Brought into
this portt with their Loadings Goods Merchandize Goods Ammonicon Tackle furniture and apparell
&ca (amonghst which The flyboate Then called The Mason now the Katharine Burthen about 300 Tuns)
after Due and mature Consideracon and strict examination into the premises made Returne unto the sd
Admiralty office on the Libells Exhibited by sd Mason & Goderus in behalfe of the Kings Matie
Condemnacon of each and every of the sd prizes together with Their Lading Appurtenances &ca
The wch Condemnacon I doe hereby Certify to have proved and due aprove of to be Confirmed and
doe Confirme and further at the Instance and Request of Mr francis Rombouts Jacob Teller & Isaack
DeRiemer his Matie the King of Englands Leige subjects and fremen of This City now Owners of
The sd ship Condemed by the Name of Mason but at present Called the Katharine Doe Certify that they
Legalypurchased & Bought the sd shipl at ye Publique Sale apointed for the same in this City for wch
the vedue Master Jacob Milborne hath sealed a Bill of Seale Bearing date ye 23th of 8br 1690 which
I atest to authentiq to all Instants Constructons & purposes.
** Another of the above tenor follows dated 19th decr 1690 for the Condemnation of the french
ship the StPierre afterwards the francis now the Beare 100 tons burthen
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNOR & COUNCILL &C
WHEREAS the Ship Cataryn whereof Capt Christopher Goffe is Comandr was near Loaden & Charged
in this Port bound for london Augus ye 7th last past desired my liberty to pass on his Intended
Voyage who was retained by reason of Sundry Spanish Privateers Crusing on this Coast It was
found necessary to unload ye said ship to assist other forces for their Majties to take ye sd Ennemies
who were fitted out accordingly & did theirduty among wch Capn Goffe aforesaid discharged ye trust




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 173
reposed in him wth reputacon & honnour & furthermore his Maties affaires at Albany did require a due
returne of proceedings wch Could not be made but by this oportunity These are to Certify that
the sd Ship hath been detained most Espetially for ye sd Service to Convey the same She having
taken in but inconsiderable loading since ye time of her Relading as may be Seen by her Certificates
from his Majties Custome howse here. GIVEN under my hand & Seale at fort William In New York
this 24th day of 8her in ye second year of their Majties Reigne Annoq: Dmni 1690
JACOB LEISLER
To all Whome these Shall Come Greeting
Past the office
JACOB MILLBORNE, Secry.
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNOR & COUNCILL &c
Present
Lt Govr                     h. Jansen
P. d La Noy                 Wm Laurence
S. Staets                   G Beekman
S. Edsall                   J. Provoost
R. Lecocq
WHEREAS there are a Certaine number of Men in Queen's County on Long island who in a riotous
rebellious manner have declared against ye authority of this Govermt & have given out that they are
Resolved to maintaine their Rebellions Contrary to ye Peace of our Sovereign Lord ye King his Croune
and dignity
These are by and with advice of my Councel to Suspend ye Court of Oyer & Terminer wch ~hould
be held on Wednesday next for Kings County untill ye sd Rebells shall be Supressed & ye Countyes
on Long Island reduced to their Obedience & his Majtyr Peace in this Province. GIVEN &c. this
26 Octobr 1690
JACOB LEISLER
Newtown Octor 28th in the 2d year of the Reign of or Sovreign Lord & Lady William
& Mary of Engd, Scottd France & Ireld King & Queene Defendrs of the
Faith &ca
FORASMUCH as their are many Seditious persons, who without any provocation have taken up Armes
and appeared in a Rebellious manner against their Maties Authority within this County called Queenes
upon Long Island, and under spetious pretenses have drawn aside & caused certaine numbers of his
Maties Liege Subjects to abet with them contrary to their Allegiance & bounden duty, and the Peace of
Or Lord ye King his Crown & dignity, and ye security and welfare of the good Inhabitants thereof
being of Fatall consequence considering the present war with ye French, and the impending dangers
wch threaten us at ye Frontiers of this Province (Albany) if the same be not secured and defended from
ye said' enemies and their adherents, wch is much obstructed hereby, as likewise proceedings in
that behalf are necessarily diverted by this Rebellion, and the forces already posted there withdrawing
themselves through the malicious speeches and insinuations of the heads, and ringleaders in this
-Xnsrrection,




174                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
THESE are in their Maties name to forbid forwarne, and advertise all persons within this Province,
that they in no wise aid, succour, comfort, abet, consent to, or anywise adhere unto the said Rebells or
any of their associates, but upon notice hereof that all such who have unadvisedly beene herein concerned doe-forthwith withdraw from them & return to their Allegiance & respective habitations
where they shall be preserved in their Rights and properties, and peaceable enjoyment thereof, as
they will answer the contrary at their utmost perills, and tender their Maties dignity in this Province,
the peace of the Inhabitants thereof, and the dangerous consequences (of the immediate war with ye
Common enemy) wch may thereupon ensue and to be treated as open enemies to Or Sovrn Lord ye
King & ye peace of this Province, Declaring hereby that ye reason of taking up arms is to no other
purpose but as we are constrained to reduce all to their obedience, & assert their Mattes Royall
Authority, and secure this their Province in peace and good defence against all foreigne or
Intestine enemies:
GIVEN under my hand and seale by virtue of a Commission to me granted by the Lievt Governr &
Councill at New YorkeBY THE LIEVT GOVERNOR & COUNCILL &c.
WHEREAS there are Certaine Warrts issued by the Lievt Governr & Councill bearing Date ye 26th
Instant requiring the apprehending of Certaine rebellious & seditious persons & bringing them hither
as also to seize & bear away Certaine papers wch shall' be found amongst them since wch farther
notice is arrived of their sd Rebellions;
These are in his Maties Name to authorize and appoint you Majr Jacob Milborne to take what forces
you can Raise wheresoever you shall come wthin this Province to Superintend ye said Orders & them
to whqm they are directed ye Same to Ordr direct fulfill Controule and in all things relating his Majties
Service to prosecute wth all violence & act of hostility as to You shall seeme meet & ye sd rebells
wholly to Subdue & all others that are refractory to ye Establisht Governmt to suppresse in such
method & by force as shall be requisite; & all Officers Civill & Military are hereby required to be
aiding & assisting to you herein as they shall answer the Contrary at their Utmost Perill & wtsoever
you shall find requisite to doe in ye prmisses for his Majties Service this shall be to you a sufficient
Warrt GIVEN &c. 28th Octobr 1690
JACOB LEISLER
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNOR &ca
N Yorke
FORASMUCH as there are many Seditious persons who without any provocacon Have taken up Armes
an apeared in a rebellious manner against their Majties Authority within Queens County on long Island
and under Spitious p'tence have Drawne aside and Caused Certaine numbers of his Majties Leige
Subjects to abett with them Contrary to their allegiance and Bounden duety and ye peace of our Lord
ye King his Crowne & dignity & ye Sucurty & Welfare of ye Good inhabitants thereof being of fatall
Consequences Considering ye present Warr wth ye french & ye Impending Dangers wch threaten us at ye
fronteers of this Province (Albany) if the same be not Sucured and defended from ye Ennemies &
their adherents which is much obstructed hereby as Likewise proceedings in that behalfe are necessarily
T)iverted by this Rebellion & ye forces already posted there withdrawing themselves Throug ye malicious




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTEXA-NT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  175
Speeces & Insinuacons of the head & ringleaders of this Insorrection and whereas I have received
Certaine Informacon that ye sd rebells have Been forced to fly By our forces sent to Supressthem, and
that none of sd Rebells or there Adherents l escape] if possible to be preventedThese are in his Majties name to appoint you Samuell Edsall, Captn- Thomas Williams Esqrs two
of ye members of my Councill, or any of you to be Comander of ye Sloope  and over such Companies of Volunteers as shall willingly Go with you who are hereby required to obey you as their
Comandr and you are hereby required to Sayle forthwith to flushing Bay from thence to cruze to ye
Sound & to Examine all Sloops Boates Canoos or any other Vessells your shall meete with & to [secure]
all or any Suspected persons and examine all papers to Bring them to Mee & you are hereby required
if you deeme meet to Examine all or any Suspected howses for sd Rebells and papers and if you meet
Majr Millborne that you observe such Orders and to follow such farther Directions as you shall receive
from' mee & that you returne when you shall seem meet for doeing whereof these are your sufficient
Comission. GIVEN &c. Fort William This 30th of Octob. &c 1690.
Past ye office
JACOB LEISLER
Abrahm Governeur D. Secy
One of the Same Tenor and date to Hendrick Ten Eyck.
Fort William, Novembr 4th 1690.
These are to Nominate, Constitute and apoint you Mayors Jacob Milborne Gerardus Beekman & the
rest of the Military Comission officers of King's County to come at flatbos and hold a Court marshall
to Examine heare Conclude & determine all such mutters & things wch shall relate ye sd Militia in
said County or any officers or persons wch have offended, neglected their Duty or otherwise trespassed
ye same to Censure by ffine Suspending their Comission, or other punishmt' to inflict Acording to ye
Nature of their offence as to you shall seem  meet.  Hereby Constituting any Seven of ye sd
Comissioned officers to be a full & ample court whereof Majr Jacob Milborne is always to be one &
p'sided & whatsoever you shall so act & do in ye prmisses shall be held good & Effectuall. GIVEN
&c. this 4th of Novembr In ye second year of their Maties Reigne: & this Comission to Continue for
five dayes following ye date thereof.
JACOB LEISLER
IN PERSUANCE of a warrtt Directed to us underwritten by the Honourable Leivt Governor Jacob
Leysler bearing date the 5th of November instant in order to repaire on board the Shipp Resolucon
to takle an Inventory thereof which is as followeth to say
The Hull with masts & yards compleate & 2 square topmasts three anchors one stream
ditto two ditto two cables one Stream Cable & harser One piece of Junk Standing &
Runing Regging Compleate One Suite Sailes at the yards three Boy ropes, One
Spare Sailes fore course & fore topsaile One main topsaile two top gall: sailes Thirteen great guns
worne     foure pattereras eight Chambers with spungesqadles &c. belonging thereto, one barrell
powder & eight round shott eighteen Ton fish by estimacon eight hundred weight bread




176                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
by ditto. five compasses four halfe houre glasses one watch glass six lanthornes, one
suite colours, one chest iron & Carpenters tooles five hundred weight Iron worke one
dipsey lead & line & one hand lead, twenty water Caske wooden bound
Novembr      This a true Inventory to the best of our knowledge & understandin.
6th 1690
GEO: DENNES
Vera Copia                                                      J: WHEELER
Geo: Brewerton Regr
Anno Regni Regis Gulielmi et Marie &c New York
To the honble Pieter D'Lanoy President & the rest of the Justices Commissionated for the tryall
Examinacon & Condemnacon of the flyboate called and knowen heretofore by the name of the Virgin
de honfleur in the Kingdom  of ffrance Jacques Bougour late Commander; now the Resolution of
New York Capn George Bollen for the time being Commander &c.
The said Capn George Bollen, William How & John Weeden Quarter Masters naturall borne
Subjects & freemen of the Kingdome of England &c by way of Libell set forth, & Shew to your
honsrs for diverse and Sundry reasons causes, and Allegations hereafter mentioned to shew cause
why and wherefore the said fflyboate ye Resolucon formerly the Virgin de honfleur of ffrance belonging
to the subjects or vassalls of the ffrench King together with'their ffurniture, Guns, and Apparrell, as also
all &every Pat and parcell of her Loading now on board may not be adjuged condemned & sold at
a certaine day & disposed bf as the Law in such Cases makes & provides &c.
First that they said Capn George Bollen, William How and John Weeden by virtue of a Commission under the hand of the honbie Jacob Leisler Lievt Governor of this his Maties Province of
New York and seale of sd Province bearing date the 19th of May 1690: unto the sd Clpt Bollen
directed then Commander of the Sloope Resolucon by the said Lieut Governor by virtue of his Matie
King Williams Declaration bearing date at his Court of Hampton Court the 7th day of May in the
year of Or Lord 1689: being the ffirst of his Maties Reigne, amongst other things there mentioned &
exprest, that all and every of the Governors of his Maties fforts and Garrisons or any other Officers
or Souldiers under them by sea and Land do and Execute all acts of hostility in prosecution of this
War against the ffrench King his vassalls and subjects, and to oppose their attempts willing and
requiring all his subjects to take notice of the same.
In pursuance, and obedience to his the said Governors Commission as aforesaid and directed by
the honble Jacob Leisler. We the said Capt George Bollen & William How, being on board the
Sloope Resolucon aforesaid, and Instructions then received departed this Port some day in May
last past cruzing on ye Coast of Nova ffrance or Canada near or on the Territoryes of the ffrench King
did come up with the sd Ship or fflyboate then called the Virgin de honfleur Jacques Bourg6ur Commander now the Resolution of New York within the French Kings Jurisdiction, did defend and oppose
as much as in her lay, but being at last seized and caption made by the sd Capn Bollen William
How &ca She the said fflyboate appeared to be a ffrench Ship and her Company soly ffrench as by the
officers and Seamen Confesse & acknowledge and are here ready to depose and justifie the same
before your honors, (if hereunto required) SThe premises considered y!e Said Bollen, How, and Weeden
crave that in consideracon of this being their Commission Port, and the Allegations Set forth as




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                177
aforesaid, The said fflyboate called the Virgin, now the Resolucon, with her Ammunicon, Guns, Tackle,
Apparrel and furniture together with her Goods, Wares, Merchandize and lading may be condemned &
sold as the Law in Such Cases Provides and further Say not.
Sworne in Open Court 11th
Novembr 1690
GEo: BREWERTON Regr
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNOR & COUNCILL
WHEREAS there is more then ordinary aprehensions of the Enemies aproching Albany & the
parts adjacent and there being abzoulute Necessity to reinforce these post the loss whereof would
Bee of such fatall Consequence to these province and the adjoyning places (if should so Happen
through our defaalth or neglects which God forbidd.
These are therefore in his Magties name to will and require you and every of you forthwith upon
receipt hereof to select out of the County of Ulster one Hondred Good or Eighty at least good able
men Compleat in armes which shall be Transported to Albany for his Maties seruice at opon the first
day of January next and that at all times before uppon notice of the Comisss at Albany of the
Enemies aproching you send the sd number of men or as many as can be obtained without thelay as
you will answer the Contrary at your utmost perill and being proceeded against as Enemies To his
Matie and this province. GIVEN under my hand and seale at Fort William this 16th of Novembr
in the Second yeare of Their Maties reign Anoq Dom 1690
JACOB LEISLER
To Major Thomas Chambers and
The rest of the Military officers
under his Direction in the County of Vlster
Here follows an order c" to Capt. Barent Lewis, Mr Schermerhorne and their assistants" to press 20
men with armes & 300 skepples peas & 250 skepples Indian Come within the County of Ulster
for the Expedition of Albany.
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNOR &c.
WHEREAS His Majtiee Intrest & ye Security of this Province requires in an Espetial manner ye
maintenance and Encouragemt of ye Contract made [with] the five nacons of Indians Concluded at
Albany by ye Commissionrs May the [3d] 1690 For Corroborating whereof it hath Proved very
Effectuall by Employing Mr Aernout Cornelisse Viele as agent to reside amongst ye sd Indians at
their Court of Onondage & for ye same purposes I have comissionated Mr Gerret Luycasse wth some
others in August last to officiate in such capacity, or what might tend unto ye End aforesd until ye sd
Aernout should arrive there.
" These are to authorize & apoint you the sd Aernout Cornelisse Viele to be agent for this their Majties
Province of New York to go to Onnondago & there reside or Continue or such other Parts or Places
amongst the sd Indians Acording to Instructions as from time to time you shall receive from the
Commissionrs at Albany ye Same Strictly to Observe, & wherein the Case shall so happen that notice
Cannot be given to them & an Answer may be reasonably Expected from them for yor further
direction then it is Comitted to your Wisdome & Conduct to act & do Acording to ye best of yor
VOL. II                               23




178                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
Knowledge, Skill & Power to act & do in all things becoming such an Agent as if you had particular
Instruccon & directions from mee or ye sd Comissionrs wch may Conduce to his Majties dignity &
Interest & the Security & Advantage of this Province for so doing this shall be to You a Sufficient
Warrt & farther you are hereby Empowered to ordr direct apoint & Controule ye aforesd Gerrit
Luycass & all & Evry prson sent wth him or Remaining of or People amongst ye sd Indians in what
shall or may Contribute or tend to ye aforesaid Purposes hereby Willing & requiring all & Every of
Them to obey yor Lawfull Comands as they Wil answer the Contrary at their utmost Perills GIVEN
under my hand & seale at fort Wm in New York this 20th Day of 9br in ye 2d Yeare of their Majtie
Reigne Annoq Dmni 1690
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNR &c
These are in his majties name to Will & require you to forewarne & forbid all prsons in yor
Baylewick to go on board ye Ship Jacob Wm Masson Comandr & that you forthwth
[SEAL]     Cause good & tried Watch to be kept that no prson goes aboard of him wCh may Pilote
him through helgate & if any person refuse to obey you that him or them you seize
& bring before me to answer for Their Contempt GIVEN under my hand & seale this 30 Nber in ye
Second Year of Their majties Reigne 1690
JACOB LEISLER
To ye Constables of harlem & bouwery
Past yo Office
Abramh Gouverneur
D: Secry
Endorsed
An Order by Lieutn Govr
Leisler to the Constables to
prevent the Ship Jacob
from being Piloted thro'
Hell Gate A. D. 1690
Boston Deem 11 1690
Lefftt Govr Jacob LeislerHONRD SIR-Yr last Reseaued and ansd by the way off Road Island Sins by the barbadoes. whe.
haue. obtained acett off Ireland being wholy Redust and his. Magst Return, for England: allso a list
of the persons In hold for Suspition. of treason, Govr Slagter. is. daily Expected. with. Seueral. of our.
merchant. ships, we haue. some hoy and strange. Reports. of actions. and things. In ther. Magst govnm
of ther. provens. of N York and Sir We are. ginerally sorry that things are Com. to open arms,
espessialy whan Settlements. from the. King is deemed. to be so neer., Sir gustis. with. moderation and
mersy. is becoming all persons. in pour Sir. I must beg your. faivor that I Cannot Inlarge., the gentleman Mr      Gray-that is the barer hereof was so kind to me. as. to aquint me off his. going to. N
York. and now staijs att the tauerne for theas. linse. who promisd to. Deliuer-with. own hands. to. yor
honr and thow. many hard Reports are flying about by some. yet this. gentl has giuen such Report of




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 179
things. to. me and as. I can understand to. others as was sparing of Reflecting and nothing to my
knoulige, But whatt agrcad with. what you writt me. Sir. with my harty Respects I Remaine. yr honr,
frind to. Sarve
JACOB MELYEN
Addressed
To
The honourd Jacob Leisler
Lefft Governr
att
fort William;
New York* LEISLER TO GOV TREAT.
New York January the 1st 1690 91
HONBLE SR8-Long have I waited for an answer to my proposall relating to persons that should have
beene empowered to meet at Rye, for consulting what might be requisite in this conjuncture, for
securing Albany &c, but hitherto have obtained no returne, which denotes your unconcernednesse
therein. Although I recd lately a letter of a long date, (vizt) S.ber 1st (signed by your secretary
pr your order, making no mention of mine sent your Honre & the Gen11 Court) but, in a stile as
abstrues as it is malicious and menacingCertainly, if you believe that I dare be faithfull to ye Kings interest or the publick weale, you
cannot expect that I should omit dealing so plainly with you, considering your behavior to me &
this Province, by yor breach of covenant, insolent obtrusions, invading or Province, & defeating (what
in you lay) those        measures & undertakings to maintaine their Matie3 dignity, to secure
against and damnifie the Enemies of both; exhorting you once againe to make due reflection, and
shew some marks that may manifest itYou cry out as condemned feiends fearing to be tormented before yor time; your dangers not taking
that effect to use the meanes for preventing what impends, vizt, men, money, Provisions, or so much
as a capitulacon concerning them, but fearfull expectacons of the event; you allaying the torment
by conceiving of the numbers who may accompany you in the misery, rather than contrive
auxiliaryes for releife; as appeares by that part of your letter vizt." You recommend that Albany may be well guarded, and made able to defend itselfe against any of
"the assaults of the Enemy, wch if neglected, it may be a discouragemt if not ye losse of the ffive
nacons as well as of that place, wch will be a damage to or Lord the King & to all New England, as
" well as the Province of Ntw York; farther I am to signifie to you what I have done, with my opinion
of what is farther necessary to be done, which you are pleased to say shall be welcome"St James, highly condemns those Hypocrites, who, instead of affording charity, gave the advice
only, to be cloathed & warmed, although they did not upbraid them with the consequences that
necessarily must insue their indigence, conceiving their withholding from them and their duty, crime
sufficient without mocking them and.Divelry of insulting over them, vizt, that they should be called
to an accot for being starved, although (by incharity) it was out of their power to prevent. But
that ye world may see how far you are addicted thereunto. You play the extent of the game,
ffancying if you can but patch up something looking Loyall care in losing the Kings post by




180                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOYERNOR LEISLER.
your owne default, (reflecting upon mee) that it answers the calls of God, yor Prince, and trust ye
Country reposeth in you. But mistake not yourselues, to imagine such ffig leaves sufficient covering
for your strenious evills, which that you may be more capable of accomplishing what already you
have not compleated to the extent of your treachery, de novo you make the invitacon that I would
once againe shew you where my strength lyes, thereby to consider in your discretion in what part,
an,! how far you may consummate the victory you have so long promised to yourselves &
confederatesBut my thinkes to have the los of all New England attributed to mee, as well as this Province, is
too much to lye at stake, for when I neuer was entrusted with ye consults of any of those Colonyes,
more then the Suffrages admitted me at ye unanimous result in May last, to wch I referre the world
to Judge of; and do declare my opinion absolutely herein vizt. It is indifferent to me whether Don
Quixote encounters with a fflock of Sheep or WindmillsGood God, to what excesse do men run themselves into, neither regarding morality or the legible
proceedings of the Creator, when his judgments are abroad and carry such remarkable stamps of
punishing These Territories, without taking notice of the controversy, and warning us not to trust to
our owne crafty inventions or formidable powers, unlesse or intencons are pure, whereby they may
qualifie us to call for a blessing, and so modestly hope for successe, contrary to guile and base arts;
shifting the misfortunes (or rather proper effects) upon those who never were thought worthy of
consulting the enterprize.
For my part I must owne mine and the iniquities of the Province, and that we have highly as well as
justly merited whateuer may befall us, and in a sence thereof acknowledge that it is the Lords & long
suffering, that we are not consumed, not only for or accustomed vices, but in an especiall manner
for our ingratitude under so marvellous a deliverance, neither dare depend on any arm of flesh, farther
then the obligacons of my duty & endeavours are subservient to Or great masters requirement and
governanceI am the same time to acquaint you that the new Indian word is Stae or Staw, those 5 nacons
hitherto assuring us of their constancy we entertaine with suitable encouragements; and wish that there
was not renewed occasions to remind your unrighteously practices in countenancing & supporting
Mr. Livingston & others to take Sanctuary amongst you, after repeated reasons of ffact wch calls
them to justice in this Province, to. WCh they relate, and that once at last, you would thinke it
time to make good what all nations would count obliging to performe (ecept yourselves) vizt the
Provisions, Ammunicon and other disbursements to your orders & promises, whereby I may be so
much the more advanced to do what you threaten me if I should neglect. I meant performing my
duty withe the money, wch this Province hath entrused me withall & that unaccountable article of
yours, wch was altogether mistaken in. Hoping God Almighty will thinke upon us for his owne,
& the poor Protestant cause sake, I am yours as you have uneighbourly dated withallJACOB LEISLER
To the Honorable Robt Treat Eqr Govr.
& the Honble councill of Connecticut 




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                   181
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNOR, &c
WHEREAS his maties City & County of New Yorke hath Been of Late neglected in reguard of Due
Discipline and ordering of the Melitia and I ame credibly Informed that many of the officers are
wanting to their Duety therein.
These are therefore to Desire and require you Major John De Bruyn that you Doe with all
Convenient Speed cause a Councill of the severall officers for ye sd City and County to be Convened
& take Such measures & resolucons that the Militia mnay be Settled and duely apointed upon such
penaltyes as you shall seem Good to Inflict on ye offenders who shall not strictly obey such orders
as shall be made for exercising the same which may most Conduce (especialy in this Time of warr)
To his Maties Intrest the Security of This part of this Province and ye oppositions of our Ennemies
and for so Doeing This shall be your suficient Warrant. Given &c. New York This 6th day of
January &c. 1690.
BY THE LIEVT GOVERNOR
WHEREAS there is an act of assembly Entituled an Act for Raising Three pence in the Pound of
all Reall and Personall visible Estate of all and singular the Inhabitance of this Province dated ye
Second Octobr Last past one halfe Thereof to be paid at or before the 21. January Then next.Ensuing and the other halfe at or before the 25th of March next Ensuing & That Assessors and
Collectors for executing of sd Act be chosen by the frehollders of each Towne within this Province
These are therefore in his Maties Name to Will & Require you to chuse the Inhabitants of your
County in Each respective Towne to meet to make choise of assessors and Collectors for the same
that so ye one halfe of sd Tax ma be forthwith Collected and paid Transmitted to this City of New
Yorke to his Maties Collector General for this Province and the Remaining halfe at or before the 25th
of March next without further Delay as you tender his Maties Intrest and Safety of this province
and answer the contrary at your utmost perill. GIVEN &c this 25 January 160~.
To the Mayor & aldermen
of this City of New Yorke
The same to the Justices of
Kings, Richmond & Weschester.
* LEISLER'S PROTEST AGAINST MAJOR INGOLDESBY.
BY THE LIEUT GOVENOR &C.
FOR as much as Major Richard Ingoldesby without producing any order from his Majesties King
William or Coll Sloughter hath demanded possession of this his Majesties fort not being satisfied with
the, accommodations of this City for himself and the forces under his command being twice tendered
unto him, untill such orders shall arrive, as also your Petitioner Said Major Ingoldesby hath presumeth
to issue forth a mandate under his hand and seal at arms bearing date the 30th -   1690 in New
York, directed to Captain Saml Moore an inhabitant of this province on Long Island willing and
requiring him (by virtue of a commission from their majesties King William & Queen Mary to the
said Major) in obedience to their said Majests that they aid & assist us in all things & matters




182                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
concerning to & in fulfilling the said commission & that You and every one of yo do aid show & are
ready at all times, & with speed to assist me in all things, for the compassing & overcoming of. all
yet Stand in opposition against their majesties, said Command. & that you cause these things to be
published & made manifest with all speed as may be & that we shall deem & account of all such yet
Stand in opposition, to be rebels against their said Majesties &c-which is of dangerous consequence
to this their Majesties said province & the peace of their subjects thereinI do by & with the Consent of my Council, military officers & others, the good inhabitants of this
Province for & in behalfe of our Sovereighn Lord & Lady-King William & Queen Mary the Peace
of their Crown & dignity, & the safety of this their said Province, hereby declare & solemnly
protest against the proceedings of the said Major & all his accomplices for whatsoever bloodshed or
damages, shall or may ensue thereupon, & do further forbid him the said Major Ingoldsby, to commit
any hostile act against his Majesties fort City or ports of the said Province at his utmost perils,
give under my hand & seal at fort William this 31 January 1690-& in the 2d year of their
Majesties Reighn.
* LEISLER'S PROCLAMATION CALLING OUT THE MILITIA.
BY THE LIEUT GOVENOR &C.
WHEREAS I am informed that Major Richard Ingoldesby hath issued a mandate to raise forces upon
long Island under pretence of Commission from their Majesties King William & Queen Mary for
so doing which is contrary to the peace of their Crown & DignityThese are therefore to command you & and every one of you according to your Commissions from
me, by authority of his said Majesties King William to Raise all the forces under your command to
be ready & Compleat in arms both horse & foot to observe such farther orders & directions as you
shall receive from me & in Case of any opposition of Parleys in the performance hereof —he same
you are to suppress & repell by force & for So doing this shall be a sufficient warrent, Given under
my hand & Seal at fort William this 31th of January in the second year of their majisties said
Reighn Anno Dom. 1690* INGOLDESBY'S ANSWER TO LEISLER'S PROTEST.
SIR-I have received your protest in words against me but in the true meaning & intent very
pernicious & of dangerous consequence to their Majesties said Interest & good Subjects of this Colony
of New York what I have done has been only to prevent such outrages, as have been daily committed by those persons you term your Soldiers, I know not how you will answer, the firing a shot
at my men last night when they were comming on board, having given an act they were his Majisties
Soldiers, I am come to protect his Majesties Subjects & preserve the peace, if you begin the breach
of that it must be at Your door
I am sir your Humble
Servt
from  on board the ship }                                           RICHARD INGOLDESBY.
Beaver the 1st Feby 1690




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLtR.                 183
* LEISLER'S REPLY TO INGOLDESBY.
Fort William Feb'y the 2nd 1690
Yours of the first instant I received wherein you mention a Shot fired at your men which I have forth
with examined & find it a matter of fact, if you please to point those you conceive injured to appear,
Justice shall be done forthwith God forbid any Under my command Should be countenanced in an ill
action, I have also sent the Bearer, to let you Know, what to my best judgment may accommodate
you, if you can consult it better it will be more pleasing
Sir —
Your very humble Servant,
JACOB LIESLER
* PROCLAMATION OF MAJOR INGOLDESBY TO THE PEOPLE OF NEW            YORK.
WHEREAS there has been several false & malitious rumours Spread about in several parts of
their Majisties colony of New York; reflecting upon me by some persons, ill affected to the interest of
their majisties by which their majisties, good subjects are disturbed & lye under fright & apprehensions of some hostilities to be counted contrary to the King's peace, I do therefore publish & that
no person or persons, by any authority derived or any other encouragement whatsoever from, shall
molest or disturb any of their majisties good Subjects in this colony & that it is my full intent & purpose
to protect at all your Majisties Subjects in peace & Quietness, both as to your persons & Estates in as
much as in me Lyes according to the Laws of England & constitusions of New York dated on
board the Ship Beaver the 2nd of Febly 1690.
(was Signed)
RICHARD INGOLDESBY
(God Bless King William & Queen Mary)
*LEISLER'S ORDER FOR TH]! RECEPTION OF MAJOR INGOLDESBY'S TROOPS.
WHEiREAs by gods providence certain notice is arrived, that his Excelley Col1 Slaughter is appointed
his Majtien Govenor over this province &c,& that this his Majisties fort & other appendinces to the
said province are to be surrendered unto the said Governmt being daily expected on whose happy
appearence his  ajities Said orders (as in duty) are to be Cheerfully & exactly complied with all
In the mean time his honor Major Richard Ingoldesby having a considerable number of his
Majesties said Soldiers under his command for the service of this Colony which at the present cannot
be otherwise accommodated than in this City untill his excellency AppearsThese are in his Majisties name William & Mary, King &Queen of England &c to will & Command
all persons within this City & province that they receive & entertain & bear all due respect &
affection unto the said Major, & all under his command not offering the least offence by word oir
deed, but as in duty bound to embrace, assist help, & do all good offices immaginables, as being
Sent hither for their Majisties, especiall Service & preservation of this province from their Majisties,
& our enemies as they will answer the contrary, at their utmost perils GIVEN under my hand &
Seal this 3d Febry in the Year of their Majtie" Reighn Anno Dom 1690



184                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
* LEISLER'S REFUSAL TO SURRENDER THE FORT TO MAJOR INGOLDESBY.
Major Richard Ingoldesby having demanded Possession of this his Majties Fort without shewing the
least order from their Majties King William & Queen Mary or his excellency Coll Sloughter for the
same without which said orders it is not to be surrendered on any terms whatsoever & several tenders
having been made him for the present accommadation of himself & forces brought with him for his
Majties service but so it is that he hath altogether refused the same & no less will Satisfy him than
the possession of, the said fort, which cannot be justified so to do, the major by flagitious councellors
who to carry on their accursed desighns of mischief & gratify their revengefull Spirits (depending
upon his Majties gracious indemnity for their said crimes which already have been & may be committed
before the arrival of his Excellency though never so wicked) hath presumeth to levy forces by his
own authority (pretending, commission from his Majesty & likewise dignified himself by the
Sovereighn Stile (us) by which Sundry outrages are committed & persons who have been instigators
rigleaders & promoters of opposing the taxes for Suporting the present war, & other ennormities, do
head & encourage the inhabitants to take up Arms by virtue thereof all which tends to Confusion &
intestine war amongst his Majesties peaceable Subjects of this province & in all probability the
destruction thereof if not timely prevented of which the said Major has been Sufficiently advertised,
but contrary to his promise hath persisted therein,
These are therefore to publish & declare unto all their Majesties dutifull Subjects within this
Province that it is yet tendred as aforesaid that the said Major Shall have all accommodations for
provisions Lodgings &c-for himself & said forces or what more are arrived, with Sutible housing for
such stores of war &c. brought for his Majties service in this province, the same to be in his
possession & ordering untill his Excelly Coll Sloughter doth arrive, or his Majties said orders for
Surrendering the said fort or province, hereby promising that upon the arrival of his Excellency or
such orders, to resighn, the said fort according to the tenor thereof declaring that it now is, as it
hitherto hath been holden & preserved for that intent without any sinister or double meaning or other
purpose whatsoever; & all persons without the said province are hereby strictly required & forbidden
to abet, comfort, countenance, aid assist, or any ways to Join with or adhere to the Said Major's
Commands as aforesaid, but on the Contrary to oppose resist & altogether disregard the same as they
tender the breach of their allegiance & duty to their Majesty the peace of this province & the Quiet
of the inhabitants, & good Subjects therein, & that the said Major doth forthwith recall the said
warrent & forbid any further proceedings in that nature as he will answer for the evil effects that
thereon ensue at his utmost peril, GIVEN under my hand & Seal at fort William feby 4th in the
second year of their Majesties Reighn Anno Dom 1690
FRAGMENT OF ANOTHER OF LEISLER'S PROCLAMATIONS.
-Have been used for preventing the same which hitherto has proved ineffectualThese are therefore in their Majties said names Strictly to forbid all persons that pretend any
Authority from the said Major to raise forces & Quarter the same upon his Majesties Subjects upon
the said Island or Committ any Acts of Violence or force whatsoever, to persist therein but on the
Contrary, that they forthwith retire of their several places of abode peaceable & so remain as they
will answer the contrary at their perils, which being performed, all officers which are Commissionated,




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  185
are likewise commanded to dismiss the forces which are raised for Subduing the same & likewise do
repair to their several habitations as if Such disorders had never been, & so to continue unless just
occasion should require the contrary, & the Honble Major Ingoldesby is hereby advertised that what
is requisite to be done on his part may instantly be performed, GIVEN under my hand & Seal
at fort Wm this 5 of Feby in the second year.of their Majisties reigne Anno Dom 169l
At a meeting of the worshipfull Mayor Alderman, Common Council & officers of the Militia in
this City of New York Feb'y 6th 169 
Major Ingoldesby, [entering] &  desiring that he may have the use of the City Hall for
Accommodating his Majisties Soldiers under his command untill better entertainment is provided
Present,
P. De la Noy Mayr               Capt Swaer Olpherts
Major De Brown                 Leut. P. Van Brugge
Captn Day King                  Leut. Paul Turke
Cornelis Pluvier               Ensign De Milt
Johannes Provoost              David ProvoostConsented that the said Major doth quarter the said Soldiers or so many of them as may
conveniently be entertained provided that no less interruption or impediment Shall be thereby made
relating the Courts of Judicature to be held in the said Hall as formerly, & of right belongs unto
them without having relation to the Militia of this City as it is now constituted
Signed in behalf of the Said Mayor Alderman &c by their order
Signed JACOB MILBORNE Secr —
SECRETARY CLARKSON TO GOV. TREAT.
HONBLE SE —I am Directed by the Genlemen Named of their Majestys Councell of New York to
give you an Account of the present state of affayres here & to Desire ye Advice of your Itonrs & others
Concerned in ye Govermt of yr Maestyes Colony of Connecticut yt upon which I cannot do better then
by Covering a copy of ye order taken for that purpose which accordingly I have enclosed & because it
hath been thought in this City by Many prudent persons that Capt Leisler hath had very perticular
Advices from your parts I am the more hopefull that Nothing shall be wanting within your power
Necessary for yr Majistyes service & ye security of ys part of Their Territoryes being in so Near a
Neighbourhood to your selues              I am Honble Sr
Your Humble Servt
To Coll Robert Treat                                            M. C. Secretary
at his house
In Milford
4 March 169~
Endorsed on the back of the above: "This received Sabboth morning as I was going to meeting
the gentn here perusing it desired you would hasten up wth speed & bring up one wth you, that
we may be a full Councill to doe what is necessary in the Case.
March 8th 1690-1                                      pr. Order JOHN ALLYN Secr'"
VOL. II.                               24




186                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
THE LT. GOV. & COUNCIL'S REASONS FOR RESISTING MAJOR INGOLDESBY.
BY THE LIEUT GOVENOR & COUNCIL
Present,
The Lieut Govenor              Johannes Vermilye
P: De Lay Noy                   Saml Staats
Thomas Williams                 Johannes Provoost
Hendrick Jansen                 Jacob Mauriz
Robert Le Cock
In persuance of his Majestys letter bearing date the 30th July 1689 for governing this province
untill further orders &cTheir Majesties said Interest hath been asserted & defended the peace of the Province preserved
untill the arrival of Certain Ships with Soldiers & ammunitions Under the direction of his Excellency
Colo Slaughter who as we are credibly informed so we undoubtably believe has his Majesties
Commission to govern this province & further orders concerning us but unfortunately Seperated
at Sea-Now so it is that Major Richard Ingoldesby Captn of a Company of the aforesaid Soldiers without
producing any Instructions orders or other power from his Majesty or his Excellency Saving a Commission to be Captain as aforesaid commanding him to observe Such orders as he shall receive
from his Majesty's the Governor that now is or for the time beingHe the said Major did summon this his Majesty's fort to be surrendered into his possession,
otherwise upon refusal the Lieut Governor to be Esteemed no friend to their Majesties, King William
& Queen MaryLikewise he the said Major did issue forth a Certain Mandate or warrent to raise forces for his
assistance in all things & Matters concerning to & in fulfilling a Commission from their Majesties
King William & Queen Mary, furnishing such who are disaffected to the quiet of the Government with
Amunition &c, Encouraging Papists & other proffigate persons to insult over, & disturb the good
Subjects of their MajestiesAlso hath taken upon him to Superintend the Militia of this City with repeated provocations
against the Commander in Chief of his Majesties fort &c, notwithstanding due Notice & Caution hath
been given him to the ContraryFarthermore hath abused such who were employed to fetch provision of wood for his Majesties
Garrison by disarming & uncloathing them to search for papers under frivolous pretences -And to
add to all this, he the said Major did Excite induce encourage & head great numbers of papists
and french, Amongst others of the inhabitants of this City, with force of Arms to show themselves in
a Rouatous, Riotous hostile manner putting the rest of the good inhabitants of this City in fear of
their Lives & possessions without the least Colour or cause shown, or declared for so doing with many
more unwarrentable practices, all which tend to confusion & destruction being Contrary to the peace
of our SovereigA Lord & Lady Wm & Mary King & Queen of England, Scotland France & Ireland
defenders of the faith &c-their Crown & dignity & Supremacy over this province & the welfare &
tranquility of their good Subjects therein,
Be it therefore made known, Published & declared & we do hereby publish & declare to all
Mankind but more especially to the good Subjects of their aforesaid Majesties within this province
yet for the aforementioned Reasons &ca we are constrained to take up arms in defence of their
Majesties Supremacy over this province & the Conversation of the peace & welfare of their




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  187
Subjects within the same together with the rights & preveliges of this City untill the arrivall of his
said Excellency or his Majesties farther OrdersAnd to hereby require command & desire all their Majesties loving Subjects within this province
to aid & assist us fo the end aforesaid
Farther protesting Against the said Major Ingoldesby & his Confederates illegal unwarrantable
& undue practices, & that none do presume to Aid & assist him, or them therein, as they will
answer for the blood Shed & other damages, & ill Consequinces, that Shall be committed, Sustained,
or accrue thereby but on the Contrary do forbid the same, Yet he the said Major & others his Confederates & accomplices do totally desist from all unwarrentable practices whatsoever & return to
the peace of our Sovereign Lord & Lady William & Mary, King & Queen of England Scotland
France & Ireland defenders of the faith &c. as they are in duty bound, according to their several
Stations & relations, this done & caused to be forthwith published at fort William this 5th of March
in the third year of their Majesties reign Anno Dom 169 
THE   MAGISTRATES OF WESTCHESTER         C~ TO COLL. GRAHAM.
Westchester March 8 1691
SR.-The occasion of troubling your Honour att this time is to acquaint thatt there is number of
People in this County who haue Richard Penton at their head who doe denie the Government and
Vilify all authoretie in this County yea declaring thatt the Comander in Chiefes his Administration
of the Government to be without Authoroty and all proceedings under him to be Illegal upon That
foundation they glory Themselves of a Turne; -and are so bold to publicly declare themselves
Leisler's men which they presumptiously without regard or respect To Law haue abused the
Justices in Executing there office by ill wordes animating Each other; so thatt itt is to be feared;
they haue no better intention than a New Rebellion, to prevent which if the Principall Ringleaders
might be sent for to New Yorke and there secured itt might prevent the Mescheife of Tumultuos
Breaking the Geiyle here in this County for such things haue been threatned; If such as oune Penton
to be there Major & Penton declares to be his Captain and others thatt dare and threaten yC under
Sheriffe in the Executing of his office be fetcht doune It may preuent further trouble the Person
Principally concernd is Richard Penton & one Robert Bloomer and such others as you may be informed
further by the Report and affidavets hereinclosed all which is sent you by the undersheriffe who can
declare further The aspect of ye times and the Common Safety of the County oblidgeth us to give
you this trouble Desiring, thatt according to our bounden Duty our humble Indeavors & Service be
presented to the Comander in Chiefe and Councell Wee Subscribe ourselves
Sr your Honours obliged and
humble Servants
JOHN PELL
JOHN PALMER
Addressed,                                                         WILLIAM BARNES
To ye Honble
James Greyham Esqr
theire Magesties Attorney
Generall.in
New Yorke




188                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
SEC'Y CLARKSON TO COLL. WILLET.
GENTLEFMEN —In answer to yours of the 6th Inst. The Gen1l of their Majtie8 Councill here suppose
their former Lettr sufficient on their part for your proceeding forward to this place wth the men you
have call'd togather for their Majties service & necessary aid of their forces latly sent from England
for the protection of this Colony. They admire you souId suffer any delay in this affair since all
your safties as well as the peace of this citty depends upon your timely appearance on this
occasion. Great numbers of armd men daily resort to the fort here and it may be reasonably feared
som designes are on foot agt their Majties intrest and the quiet of their good subjects in this province.
I am desired to acquaint you that you are to preserve the peace by all means in your March hither.
The Rest is Left to your discretion.
To Levt Coll
Thomas Willett
8 March 1690.
SEC. ALLYN TO SEC. CLARKSON.
Hartford March 11 1690-1.
HONOURED Sr —Yours of the 4th Instant with its Inclosed we receiued, & as we haue been much
rejoyced in the news of their Maties pleasure to make his excelencie Col: Slauter the Governor of
their prouince of New York & that he is dayly hopefully expected there, so is it or greife to hear
that those Honble persons named of his excelencies councill with the souldery obtayne no better
Treatment with Captn Leisler, then you giue us an accot of & that the peace of the citty comes
under Jealousies or hazard. In complyance with. your desires to vs for aduice we haue writ to Captn
Leisler & have Inclosed it open which please to peruse & seal & deliuer it him as you shall be
ordered by the Honblo Gentlemen of the councill It may seem a mean thing to aduise to peace &c
as we haue done & to reflect a supposition of the contrery on captn Leisler which after the maner
of his late dealings with vs may find but slight acceptance but as things are we can say no lesse to
him nor more to your selfe & the Gentn of the councill & all concerned, then as much as is
possible to auoyd contest with Captn Leisler & rather to bear any thing tolerable & redressible till
his excelencies arriuall, then to use any force till then, & as for those aduices we haue formerly giuen
Captn Leisler it was onely to Secure as much as in vs lay theire Maties Interest, & we are not with out
considerable greiuences from him: which time we hope will giue us an opportunety to Imparte for a
better vindication then we can hope for from him. If he should proceed to such rashnesse as to use
hostillity against the citty upon notice thereof we must attend what we find to be or duty to their
Maties we hope God in mercy will prevent such things by means of the councills pruedence. pray
pesent or humble Seruice to his excelencie If arriued & to the Honble Col. Dudley with those Gentn
Named of the councill which with respects to your selfe is all at present from
Sr your freinds & seruants the Governor &
Please to conceale our mode                  Councill of their Maties colony of Conecticut
of conueyance to Captn Leisler                 p their order Signed p JOHN ALLYN Secry
Address                                These
For the Honoured Mr M: Clarkson
Secretry of their Maties Province
of New Yorke in N Yorke
post haste this for his
Maties Speciall Seruice




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 189
SEC. ALLYN TO LEISLER.
Hartford March 11th 1690-1
HONOURED SR —We lately receiued a letter dated 4th instant subscribed by mr Clarkson Secretry
wherein is Inclosed a coppy of an order from Six Gentn named of the councill to sayd Secretry to
Informe us of some violence used by some souldiers from the forte at Newyorke to a Sargt & three
Sentinells as they were passing in the streets of the city upon the rownds & that being Imprissoned by
you Major Ingoldsby their chiefe commander desired theire release but obtayned it not, but was wrot to
by you that he had not to doe there which with other Circumstances of a trobleous aspect giues them
occasion to desire our aduice, & Assistence, we cannot but on the sayd Signification, as theire
Maties subjects & loueing Neighboures to the Jurisdiction of New yorke send you our aduice &
desires That in as much as no reasonable doubt can be made but that the Ships & Gentlemen
arriued doe corn in subordination to his excelencie Col: Slauter & that his excelencie as Governor
from theire Maties is dayly expected at Newyorke that therefore you so act & demean your selfe as
may noe wayes violate their Maties subjects peace & safety, & what may occur of controuersy between
your selfe & those Honble persons of the councill so named be deferred as to decission till his
excelencies arriuall (which we pray God to Hasten) to doe otherwise we think will not be your
Interest, & though we haue occasion but too much to be sencible of the smale Interest we haue in you,
yet we designe nothing in this, but what may Tend to their Maties Interest, & whereas your
profession hath been that upon their Maties orders you will deliucr the forte accordingly we hope we
shall here of your dutifull Complyance therewith all, which will prevent any farther trouble to vs
which with Or respects is all at p'sent from the Govr & councill of the colony of Conecticutt p their
order signed
Addressed    These                                                 JOHN ALLYN Secry
For Capt Jacob Leisler, Esq
in the forte & New Yorke
This
[Translation.]
BROTHERS and beloved Subjects of their Majesties in Queens Kounty!
We are informed and have remarked that the parties in New Yorckrare now so violent that
the danger of the whole County being bathed in blood is most imminent; and as many of the Chiefs
on both sides call for Peace, it is therefore considered by many as the best and only means for King's
County and Queens County to proceed all together tomorrow at noon to the Ferry and to write
together a Peace address, that all private questions may remain in statu quo and each continue in
his place until the arrival of the Governor Slater or his Majties further orders and that on both sides
each shall allow his people to depart to their homes.
We sincerely trust that it will be signed by both parties such as we have given some idea of it
for we must act herein as a third party. It is therefore our earnest request, and we testify also
herein our innocence of any bloodshed and of all mischiefs which may arise thro' neglect of their duty
Your affectionate friend
G. BEEKMAN Major
Kings      Flatbush March 12
County            169f




190                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
SECY CLARKSON TO THE PEOPLE OF FLATBUSH.
WHEREAS divers of ye Inhabitants of long Island and other parts of the Province have already
shown their willingness to serve their Maties in coming hither to the assistance of their forces. I am
directed by the Gent1n of the Council to acquaint you yt it would be very acceptable to them &
shall be so represented to his excellency, Coll. Sloughter, yt you exprest yr zeal for their Majties
service as yr neighbours have done
To the Inhabitants
of flack-bos.
13 March 169f
SEC'Y CLARKSON TO ESQUIRE PLATT.
I am directed by the Gentln nominated in and of their Majtys Counsill to forward to you the
inclosled declaration to the intent that all there Majties good subjectes may be satisfied of ye reassonablenesse of what is acted here for there Majtie- servis, and allthough in respect of yor remoatenesse
they haue beene hetherto Vnwillinge to dessire yor assistance for the Suport of their Majties Intrest in
this Cittie & partes adjacent, Yet the haue thought fitt to Let you know that if Captn Lashler
shall by drawinge greater Numbors of peopell to the fort Vrge a Nessessitie for it that you will as
becometh his Majtis dutiefull Subjects bee ready to furnish such ayd of men out of yor Countie as
there sd Majtis sarvis may require which will bee Signified to you as there may bee Occation you are
dessired to Publish this Lettr & declaration & soe to convey them from Towne'to Towne through yor
Countie
To All officers Civill &
Millitary in ye County
of Suffolk                                         JA. EBENETYS PLAT Esq.
14 March 91                                              at his house
in Huntington
SEC. CLARKSON TO COL. TOWNLEY &c.
SIR-I am directed by ye Gent1n of their Majties Council for this Province to acquaint you yt yr
Comp herewth wt forces you can conveniently raise. will be acceptablee to ym & seems necessary for
their Majties Service & the prevention of great mischiefs unto this Citty & ptS adjacent wth wt speed
you possible can
yr humble servt
To Coll Townley                                                     M. C. Sec.
Capt Bowne
14 March 1698




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 191
SEC. CLARKSON TO MAJR INGOLDESBY.
New York 15th March 1690-1;
These are by Advice & Direction of the Gentlemen of their Majestyes Councill of this Territory
to Inform you of ye necessity that this City & ye parts adjacent Stand in of ye assistance of your
self & yr Majestys good subjects of your County, for ye support & ye preuenton of outrages, justly
feared from ye dayly Coming of forces unto ye fort of this place & to Desire that you will rayse &
bring hither with what speed may be so many as are Willing & ready to Shew yr Loyalty in
Joyning with their Majestyes forces here to save themselves & this City from Confusion & blood.
Let such as follar you be well armed & care shall be taken for Quarters for them, & of ye
Improvement of yr Majestyes Service in all things by
Endorsed                                          Sr        your
To Majr Ingoldy
15 March.
WHEREAS there is just reason to aprehend that some ill designe is on hand by. Jacob Liesler &
those adhering to him for the disturbing if not distroying the wellfare of their Majties good
Subjects in this Citty together with their forces & stores of Amunition by. the Continual Alarms we
have from ym and their gathing together in the fort and Whereas we are well Rsured if yt due regard
to their Majties intrest here and the good & wellfare of this place I have thought fitt by & wth1 the
Consent of ye gentlemen named of their Majties Councill to desire and requireyou on their Majties
behalf yt you will wt Speed Possible Assist their Majties forces in ye preservation of their Majties
Subjects and Stores here from any Violence wch Such a number of Armed Men out of all yr towns
in yr County as can possible be spared and here due Care shall be taken for their maintenance
and quarters So I heartily bid you farewell
To all Officers Millitary                                      Endorsed& Civill in Kings County                         Dirck Janse Ammerman
On Long Island.                                                 Amesfoort
Michiel hanse
Bruckland
Peter Strycker
16 March 169f                         Midwout
SEC. CLARKSON TO CAPT JACKSON OF HEMPSTEAD.
To Capt Jackson
It being observed that there are few of you town of Hemsted and some other towns adjacent in
this City at this time & being assured of ye readiness of your people for yr Majestys Service I am
directed by ye Gentlemen named of yr Majestys Council to write to you advising you to draw
together so many of ye Soldiers as are inclind to follow you & March them Hither forthwith to assist
yr Majties forces here tht No Mischeif happen to ye City by ye present armed force in ye fort




192                  ADMInISTRAION OF LIETTENANT-GOVWfNOL tLtSLER.
SEC. CLARKSON TO COLL. TREAT.
HoNBLE SR —by direction of ye Gentlemen nominated of there Majties Counsel of this Province I
addressed a Lettr to yor Honr ye 4th Instant givinge you to Vnderstand what matter occurred at that
tyme in this place Since uch Captn Lashler hath by frequent Allarums & Severall other wayes drawne
together all Sutch disaffected persons as ware found in the Neighboriehod of this place having payed
& deteyned Severall Boates & goods in a hostile manor & by menacies threates & Severall other
Vndue & disorderly practisses givin Just Occation to the Gentlemen of there Majtis Counsell to
Suspect his intentions & that hee may haue some designe Vpon his Majties Stores of Amunition &
those forces Sent by there Majties for the Suport of this Governemt & Whereas they Canot but
Conceive you will deeme yor Selfes deepely Conserned in the preservation of there Majties Intrest in
this province they haue therefore thought fitt to accquainte you with what hath passed here & to
dessire yor Neighborly Assistance in this Exigencie for the Suport of theire Majties good Subjects by
afordinge vs Sutch ayd of Armed Men as can bee moast Speedely bee drawne together from the
Neighboring Townes to the number of three or four hundred & due care will bee here taken for
theire Kind entertainement & that they bee well quartered & provided for with Vicctuals
I haue here inclosed Sent you a coppie of there Last declaration for yr more ampell information.
I am further directed to acquaint you that ye Gentlemen have before ym your letter of ye
Instant & your good aduice yrin is acceptable to them & to assure you that all possible Methods are &
have been taken to saue ye effusion of blood & purely to secure ourselves yr Majesties forces & this
City from ruine & Judge no Other method then what is above viz: by your assistance to shew
yt we are able to support ours selves will secure us In which you must allow the gentlemen
upon the place best to vnderstand ye necessity & if after Mischeifs happen we can but humbly
represent to yr Majesty's our care & sollicitude for ye support preservation & peace of ye place
where we are, & from which we shall be forced to depart & leave all things a prey to ye rage of
very ill Men if his Majestys subjects Next us, shall not do what is propper an yr parts. ye
Governt perceive his Majestys subjects of ye Next town very ready to offer yr assistance but were not
willing to do any thing of themselves to aduise or allow yr comeing without yr directions & therefore
do again lay it before you & pray your speedy & plain resolution herein.
Endorsed
To Coll Treat
16 March 169f
[Fragment.]
COMMISSION TO MAJR INGOLDSBY TO COMMAND THE TROOPS AT NEW YORK
That having duly considered the unavoidable necessity of puting their Majties good subjects in
a posture of Defence against the depredations oppressions frequent alarms and Thretts of Jacob Leisler
and his accomplices and for the securing the peace of this province, wee have Desired the Honrble
Majr Rich: Ingoldesby The Chief Comander of their Majties forces sent hither to take into his care
and charge the defending their Majtie8 subjects in this province from any outragious and hostile
proceedings what-so-ever in such maner and by such proper & just means as to him shall seem




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 193
reasonable Till such time as his excellency Colln11 Hen: Slaughter shall arrive or their Majties
pleasure shall be farther known and wee Desire that all his Majties subjects will yeild obedience to
the said Majr accordingly
God Save King William & Queen Mary
DECLARATION    OF LEISLER AND HIS PARTY        AGAINST MAJOR INGOLDSBY        AND   HIS
COUNCIL.   16 MARCH 1691.
[From a Dutch Manuscript in State Department.]
WTE The Lieft. Governor & Council, Burghers and other Inhabitants of this Province, City &
County of New York, loyal subjects of their Majesties King WILLIAMI and Queen MARY in the
presence of God, of Angels, and of Men declare some of the reasons of our urgent and pressing
efforts and (with Gods help) Resolutions &c to   defend their said Majesties' Dignity and
supremacy in & over this Province, the Protestant Religion, and to Secure ourselves and our Posterity
against all power authority or force derived from the late King James or any holding, acting from or
under him, or claimingto do so by virtue of the Great Seal or other Signet whatever it mnay be, which
has been or now is again delivered to any person whomsoever, be their pretentions, Interpretations, or
explanations ever so plausible, to disguise, revive or encourage the same; notwithstanding those
who would Invade our.Rights and perpetrate their evil designs, ignorant of the Truth of our Actions
falsely & speciously represent us in the most horrible and hateful light to the World:
THAT on Major Richard Ingoldesby's arrival with his Majestys troops, proper accommodations
were offered for himself, his people & ammunition until the arrival of his excellency Colonel
Sloughter; or until he should exhibit his Majesty's orders regarding us.
THAT the said Major hath rejected our offer, demanding the absolute possession of his Majesty's
said fort by the refusal of which the Lieut. Governr was then to be considered an enemy of their
Majesties King William & Queen Mary; the said Major having not the smallest direction or order
on the subject from their Majesties or Collonell Sloughter.
THAT said Major hath issued a Mandate to raise forces in this province, inviting and deterring their
Majesties faithful subjects, pretending to have Commission from their Majesties for so doing, though he
really could not produce any when thereunto requested.
THAT said Major and his Confederates have obstructed and Controled the Mayors Court of
this City and contemned the Civil authority thereof contrary to the terms which he promised to
observe on which condition he had the use of the City hall to quarter his troops.
THAT, notwithstanding the aforesaid Conditions, the said Major did take upon him to Superintend
the Militia of this City, asserting that no one should go the rounds but himself.
THAT the said Major or Confederates did suffer and permit armed soldiers under his command,
in contempt of the King's Lieut Governor to pass his Majesty's fort more than 8 times in one
night thereby to provoke said Lieut. Governor to commit some hostile act, which we allow the
World to judge of.
THAT the said Major & Confederates have caused a false interpretation to be given to a certain
plain letter sent him to forbid and not to allow any such irregular proceedings, viz. his people to
pass the fort as Rounds &c.-insinuating thereby among good Subjects, that the said Lieut. Governor
did not consider him and his Majesty's soldiers worthy to tread the soil of this Province-that said
Lieut. Governor kept this Province for some foreign Prince or State; though the Words in truth
will bear no such construction, as by said letter will appear.
VOL. II.                              25




194                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
THAT contrary to a declaration of the said Major dated the 2d Feb wherein he promises that no
one under his command shall disturb any of his Majesty's good Subjects, he and his confederates not
only continue in prison but strip and beat divers of said subjects who were about their lawful
employments & innocent occasions.
THAT the said Major and confederates have fomented & invented seditious distinctions among
his Majesty's Subjects of the English & Dutch Nations, whereby woeful divisions have arisen to a
degree of hate that threatens the destruction of each other if not seasonably prevented.
THAT the said Major hath upheld, encouraged and protected avowed Papists in arms who act
insolently and put the good Inhabitants in fear of their lives by presenting loaded muskets at
their bodies when employed, according to their duty, in the King's Service.
THAT the said Major &ca. have forbidden the Lieut. Governor's Officers to proclaim an order by
beat of drum, or to pass before the City Hall the customary place thereof, for divers persons both
officers and others deserters from Albany and Esopus, to shew cause for quitting their posts and
did and do countenance & entertain the said deserters amongst the rebelleous crowd to the abatement & discouragement of his Matrce Service.
THAT said Major &c. have maintained, employed and entertained some of the French Nation
suspected Papists to spy and to betray their majesties fortress by night who were taken in the very
fact Extraordinarily armed.
THAT the said Major &ca did seize and stop a boat & people sent for Wood for the use of his
Majesty's garrison, ill treating and abusing them without the least cause or provocation.
THAT the said Major &ca did surprise at night the Centinels who were placed for the safekeeping
of this City's fortification, thus determining to make himself master thereof like an enemy in a
declared War.
THAT divers gentlemen named of the Council, have approved, excited and encouraged the said
Major's unjustifiable and pernicious behaviour herein by directing their orders to Officers appointed by
authority from the late King James who by virtue of said Commissions, pursuant to said Council's said
orders, have levied & continue to levy forces in divers parts of the Province to strengthen and prosecute
their Godless designs; which said Councillors together with said Major have assumed the governing
power in and over this Province which they have exercised by assembling, and making Judicial acts,
without exhibiting or declaring the least power or order from his present Majesty so to do, notwithstanding application has been made to them for satisfaction therein.
THAT the said Major, Councillors & Confederates or their mandates have declared and branded all
who deny their authority or do not obey their notices and orders, with the Infamous name of Rebels,
tho' their signal Loyalty is Manifest to the whole Province.
THAT the said Major hath demanded the key of the City gates which being refused, he hath violently
burst the locks and broke them open.
THAT the sd Major &ca hath formally demanded the surrender of the Blockhouse belonging to this
City, as if there were actual war between him, his Confederates and his Majesty's faithful subjects
THAT Sd gentlemen of said Council have, further, abetted, connived at and contributed to and
encouraged divers of the rebellious forces by quartering them in their houses and comforting them.
THAT one of the Citizens who was seized and abused by an officer under said Major's command
without any cause or provocation, was actually beaten by the said Major & reviled for being assistant
to the Lieut Governor.
THAT a certain Blasphemous Privateer with others confederates & accomplices by and with the said
Major did ill treat & cruelly wound certain messengers sent by said Lieut Governor to the said
Major to demand some persons unwarrantably made prisoners.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  195
THAT in consequence of the illegal proceedings of the said Major together with those of said
Council and Confederates, the Tax which was granted by the Assembly for the support and payment of the expences of the Government during the present war is wholly prevented, whereby the
forces levied for their Majesties extraordinary service at Albany are discouraged, who for want of
support it is feared may be forced to desert that post on which the security of this province principally
depends.
BESIDES, The constant menaces & threats against his Majesty's garrison by those who under the
government of the late King James advised and contributed to the encouragement of papists priests
& seminary to the great discouragement and diminution of the true protestant Religion influencing
& operating by the authority of said King alarmed their Majesties subjects for their lives and Liberties
until (thro' Gods blessing) his present Majesty's successful arms pushed the point in such a manner, that
no more hope was left them. They were then forced to profess Loyalty to their Most august
Majesties as a cloak, whereby they may possess better opportunity and advantages to avenge themselves on those who were instrumental in depriving them of power to accomplish the former Godless
designs and machinations which they set on foot with other loose, debauched and dissolute persons
of a robbing and plundering habit of Life watching until they have their opportunity, to make their
attacks & spoliations. Of these there hath been due warning and advice by divers declarations
and protestations &ca hoping that they may thereby reflect and desist, if not reduced, from said
practices. But so it is, all moral means thereunto have been without effect still persisting and
increasing their numbers both by a crowd of papists and french whose greatest hope is considered to
be from these friends, being approved apostates from the Protestant Church and equal destroyers
of it, not hesitating to declare their Bloody Resolutions of which they have been convicted & the
perpetration of which would endanger the whole Province.
WHEREFORE being unwilling to deliver Ourselves and descendants with our Properties to be
reduced to such a miserable state & Condition as the above related particulars certainly threaten,
WE have RESOLVED & DO RESOLVE to resist the same to the utmost of our power, at the hazard
of our lives & properties; united with & assisted by our said Lieut. Governor and each other, for
the maintenance of that Law & Liberty which God & our Gracious Sovereign have granted us,
abhorring & detesting all such as Brand us with the opprobrious and undeserved character of
Rebels, whereby they would withdrawv us from our duty to God, the King and Ourselves to become
a prey to their Implacable malice & Violence; with firm confidence that having made so plain and
clear an offer, namely That every thing should remain in the former inoffensive condition until his
Excellency Coll Sloughter's arrival or until the appearance of his Majesty's orders concerning us
which is now wished for in the highest degree, by all his Majesty's Loyal subjects and true
protestants who will approve hereof, being driven to our last refuge and means of relief.
Wherefore we are forced to declare the said Major his evil councillors and all their confederates
to be enemies to God, their present Majesties & the peace & welfare of this people and Province
so long as they continue in such state and proceedings. Thereby forbidding them to continue in
hostility or to commit or persist in any of the aforesaid unwarrantable practices, but on the contrary,
that they altogether recede and desist from their pernicious designs, intentions and purposes, or
aiding or otherwise encouraging them; and that they do forthwith discharge & disband all the said
forces which have been raised within this Province or elsewhere, which are hereby commanded forthwith to return & repair to their several places of abode and stations and to keep the peace of our
Sovereign Lord the King as they will answer the consequences which may ensue, by the contrary,
to God, their Majesties or his Excellency  Col. Sloughter &c-whether Bloodshed or other
Mischiefs or Damages, the effects of their so just provocations, it being our stedfast resolutions




196                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
to pursue and destroy all such as shall henceforth be found under those wicked circumstances
aforesaid; trusting in Almighty God to deliver us from & to render us victorious over their Majesties
& our enemies & such impious and unreasonable men. THUS done at Fort William March 16th in
the 3d year of the reigne of their Majesties William & Mary King & Queen of England &c Anno
Dom 1690.
God save King William & Queen Mary.
THE COUNCIL'S ANSWER TO LEISLER'S DECLARATION.
In Answerr to the Letter this morning from Captt Leisler to Major Ingoldesby &c
That the Severall Articles of Accusation both ag6 themselves and the Said Major Ingoldesby in
the Said Letter contained are altogether mistaken or false aspersion and Calumnies and no
otherwise
That the Sd Gentlemen Officers and Soldiers are Immediately Commissionated by King William
and haue Sattisfied all persons that haue desired it in the right of the Said power and are at this time
in the Service of their Majties King William & Queen Mary and of no other power whatsoever.
That they Intend and haue in all their Consultacons advices and Directions by word and
writeing to their Majties Soldiers as well as other their Maties good Subjects of this Province taken
care for the preservation and peace of themselves this Citty and parts adjacent and that no hostilityes
on their part be vsed in any kind whatsoever
That they are willing and desirous that there be no manner of hostility and blood between their
Majties Subjects but that the people in armes who have voluntarily assembled themselves in defence
of their Majties forces and their owne Security be contented to beare themselves. with all regard
to the peace of this Citty and patiently Expect the Arrivall of his Excellency or his Majties further
Comands and in case this be not accepted they shall attribute the Ruine & Death of their Majtios
Subjects and the destruction of this Citty and Province to the Sd Capn Leisler or whosoever else shall
make the breach vpon them & the projectors Actors and Abettors of Such hostility against vs
are publick Enemies to the Crown of England and their Majtie3 King William and Queen Mary
Dated at the Statehouse Seaventeenth day of March In the third yeare of the Reigne of our Soveraign
Lord and Lady King William & Queen Mary over England &e Anno Dom: 169T
LIST OF THE COMMISSIONS ISSUED BY LT GOVR LEISLER.
No.       Name.                     Office.              Place.                 Date.
3  Obadia Holmes                 Justice of the Peace  Richmond             12 Dec 1689
4  John Coe                      High Sheriff         Queens                13  "'
5  Gerardus Beekman              Justice              Kings                 12  "    "c
6  John Howell                   Justice              Suffolk               12  cc   "
7  Roelof Martense               Justice              Kings                 12  "    "
8  Jeronimes Rapallie            Justice              Kings                 12  " 
10  Nicholas Stilwell             Justice              Kings                 13  " c
11  Johannes Jansen               Highsheriffe         New York              14  "    i
12  John Tredwell                 Justice              Queens                13  "    "%
13  Nathaniel Cole                Justice              Queens               13  "     "
14  Myndert Coerte                High Sheriffs        Kings                13  "     "




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                    197
LIST OF THE COMMISSIONS ISSUED —CONTINUED.
No.      Name.                      Office.                Place.                  Dato.
15  Matthias Harvey                Justice               Queens                13 Dec 1689
16  Samuel Edsall                  Justice               Queens                13   " 
17  Nathaniel Denton               Justice               Queens                13   i    cc
18  Richard Smith                  Justice               Suffolk               14   C' 
19  Thomas Statham                 High Sheriff          Westchester           14   "    "
20  Joseph Pudway                   Justice              Westchester            14  "    cc
21  Richd Ponton                    Justice              Westchester            14       cc
22  Andrew Tauvet                   Justice              Westchester            14  " 
23  Samuel Molferd                 Justice               Suffolk               14   " 
24   Edward Waters                 Justice               Westchester            14  " 
25  Thomas Mapes                   Justice               Suffolk                14  "    "
26   Ebnezer Platt                  Justice               Suffolk               14  " 
27   Thomas Williams               Justice               Westchester           14   C'   4
28  Jaques Poullion                Justice               Richmond              14        c
29   William Lawrence               Justice               Orange                14  c     CC
30  Theunis Roelofzen              Justice               Orange                14   "    "
31  Ely Crosson                     High Sheriff         Richmond              14   "    "
32  Matthew Howell                  High Sheriff          Suffolk              14   cc    C
33  Daniel deClercq                Justice               Orange                14   "'
34  Thomas Morgan                  Justice               Richmond               14  "    c
35  Jacob Gerrittse                Justice               Richmond               14       "
36  Henry Cuyler                   Major    of foot      New York               16  "
37  Robert Walter                   Capt      "          Soutl ward N Yoric     16  " 
38  Isaac de Riemer                Lieut      "           Walters comp. N York 16        C
39  Jacobus vander Spiegell         Ensign    "           same N York           16  C'C
40   Sivert Olphertse               Capt:          west ward N York      16  CC   CC
41   Paulus Turck                   Lieut      4          same N York           16  Cc    C
42   Peter White                    Ensigne    "          same N York           17  C    C
43  Abraham de Peyster              Captain    "          Dock \Ward N-York     13'    c"
45  Johannes de Peyster             Lieut      "          same N York           13  cc;   c
46   Peter (le Mill                 Ensigne    c          same N York           33
47   Gerrit Duyckingk               Captain    "          North Ward N York     16        C'
48   Hendrick Ten Eyck              Lieut     "C          same N York           17  c     cc
49  Joannes Beeckman                Ensign    a           same N York           17  c    CC
50  John de Browne                  Captain   CC          East ward N York      17  Cc    C
51   Jaques Puillkon                Captain   "           Richmond              18   C 
52   Peter Verbrugh                 Lieutent   "          de Brown's Co. N. York 17  C 
53   Abm Brasher                   Ensigne     "          same New York         17  "
54   Adriaen Cornelisa Van Schayck  Captain               out Ward N. Y.        16  c  c<
55   Peter 1)'Lanoy                 Collector             N York                11  cc   cc
77   same                          MayorN York                                 12   CC   cc
57   Daniel ter Neur                Lieutenant            Van Schayck's Co.     18  cc   cc
58   John Slott                     Ensign                V S's Comp.           18  Cc 
59   Thomas Morgan                  Lieutenant            Richmond              18  Cc   c
60  Seger Gerritsen                 Ensign               Richmond               18 "C
61  William Bogardus                Notary Pub.          New York               17  cc   cc
(Ebenezer Platt                 Justice&DedimusPotest.L: I & Westch.        18   cc 
Roelof Swartwout               same                  Ulster                26  cc    cc
Jochem Staas                     same                  Albany
John Howell                    same                  Suffolk
63  same                            Clerk                                       S   c 18cc
64   samie                          Collector               C                   19  Cc   cC
1 Renewed 28th May 1690.




198                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
LIST OF THE COMMISSIONS ISSUED-CONTINUED.
No.       Name,                      Offce.               Place.                  Date.
66, 7  Cornelis Corsen             Justice & Capt.       Richmond              19 Dec 1689
68  Cornelis Nevius                Ensign                    "                 19  "    "
70  Edward Collier                 Clerk                 Westchester           20  "    "c
71  Jacobus Van de Water           Clerk                 Kings                20   "    "
73  James Evetts                   Searcher & Waiter     N York                17  "    "
75  Gerret Cornelisse              Justice               Kings                 19 4" 
76  Abrah: Gouverneur              Clerk                 N York                20  "    "
78  Daniel Danton                  Clerk                 Queens               20   "    "
79  Hendricus Beeckman             Justice               Ulster               24   CC <C
80 -Willm Haynes                   Justice               Ulster               24   "    "c
81  Jacob Aertse                   Justice               Ulster                24  "    "(
82   Gysbert Crom                  Justice               Ulster                24  "    "
8391   Abrahm Haesbroock           Justice & Capt        the Paltz Ulster     24,,, c
84 98  Roelof Swartwout            Justice & Collectr    Ulster               24   "    "
85  Wm de Lamontagne               High Sheriff          Ulster               24   "
86  Nicolaes Anthony               Clerk                 Ulster               24   " 
87   Thomas Chambers               Major                 Ulster                24       "
-88  Matthys Mattnyssen             Captain              Kingtown              24  "     c
89  Johannes de Hooges             Capt                  Hurley               24        a
90  Thomas Teunis Quick            Capt.                 Marble               24        "
94,5  Richd Pretty                 Collectr & Sheriff    Albany               28   "    "
97  Johannes Cuyler                Clerk                 Albany               28 
99  David Christoffelse            Justice               Schanectade          28 y       c
100  Reyer Jacobse                  Justice                                    28   4C c"
101  Myndert Wemp                   Justice                   C                28   "    <CC
102  Reynier Schaets                Justice                   "                 28  C    C"
103  Douwe Auckus                   Justice                   "                28   "    "C
108  John Townsend                  Justice               Queens                13  CC 
109  John Simmons Junr              Justice               Queens                13  C    Cc
110  Thomas Lawrence                Major of Horse        Queens                30       CC
111  Joseph Smith                   Capt foot             Hemstead              30  4C cc
112  Content Titus                  Capt. "               Newtown              30 "CC 
113  Gerardus Beeckman              Major of Horse        Queens                    c     CC
114  Pieter Strycker                Capt foot             Flackbush            27   "C   "
115  Symon Janse                    Lieut                 Flackbush            27   C    cc
116  Isaac Hegeman                  Ensign                Flackbush            27   "    c
117  Jost Koockuyt                  Capt of foot          Bushwick             27   cc   cc
118  Nicolaes Stilwell              Capt     C            Gravesandt           27   c    c
119  Michell Hanse                  Capt foot             Breukelen            27   Cc   c
120  Coort Stevense                    c   c              fflatlands           27   "C   a
121  Jan Hanse                            cc              N: Utrecht           27   "    c
122  James Evetts                   Collector excise      New York              17  c  c
123  Thomas Lammerse                Lieut                 Breuckelen           27   "    cC
124  Volkert Hendrickse             Ensign                    "                27   <    Ch
125  Jan Janse Van Dyke             Lieut                 N: Utrecht           27   "    c
126  Joost V. Brunt                 Ensign                                     27   C    CC
127  Jan Teuniss van Dyckhuyse      Lieut                 flatlands.27  " cc
132  Dirck Jansen                   Ensign                    "                27   " 
133  Michiel Palmiter               Lieut                 Buswick              27 
134  Dirck Volkertse                Ens.                      "                27   " 
135  Daniell Leeck                  Lieut                 Gravesand            27   "    C
136  Joghem Gulick                  Ens.                      "                27   "    c
137  Jeremiah Borrowes              Lieut                 Newtown               27  C




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOV1RINOR LEISLER.                  199
LIST OF THE COMMISSIONS ISSUED-CONTCED
No.      Name.                      Office.                Place.                Date.
138  Jeremiah Smith                Ensign                Hampstead            2 Jany 1690
139  Robert Coe                       "                  Newtown              2    cc
140  Richard Gildersleef            Lieut.               Hemsteed              10  CC
141  John Lawrence                  Capt of Horse        Queens                10  a
142  Jonathan Smith                 Lieut     c              cc                10  "
143  Daniel Lawrence                Cornet                   "                 10  "
144  Charles Morgan                 Quarter Mastr            cc                10 
145  John Theunis Van Pelt          Lieut                Richmond              19 dec. 1689
146  Jacob Corbet                   Clerk                Richmond              18  C    "c
149  Hope Carpenter                 Ensign               Jamaico               10 Jany 1690
150  Jonah Wood                     Liev                 Jamaico               10  "
151  John Bayly                     Capt                 Jamaico               10       c
152  Richard Osbourne               Capt                 Madnansneck          10   "    "
153  John Hobs                      Lie't                    "                 10  cc   c
154  Joseph Sutton Junr             Ensign                   "                 10  cc   "
155  Roelof Martense Schenk         Capt of Horse        Kings                 13  cc   cc
156  Gerrit Elbertse Stoothof       Lieut    "                                 13  C    "C
157  Joseph Hegeman                 Cornet                                     13  "    "
158  Gerrit Stryker                 Quarter Master         c                   13  "    C
169  Leonard Beckett               Land Surveyor         N York                14 feb   "
176  Cornelis Claessen Cuyper       Captn & Justice      Orange                18  "    cc
1 7  Johannes Gerritsen             Lieut.                   c                 18  c    cc
178  Theunis Douw                   Ensign                   c                 18  C    cc
179  Edwd Harrington                Captain             flushing               19  "    cc
180  John Harrison                  Lieut                    "                 19  CC   Cc
181  Robert Hunksnan               Ens.                     cc                19  CC   cc
182  Samuel Moore                   Capt.                Newtown               19  "    cc
183  Joseph Sucket                  Lieut.                    c                19';   C
184  Gersham More                   Ensigne                  "                 19  cc   cc
185  Robert Coles                   Capt.                Oisterbay             19 c"    cc
186  Moses Modge                    Lieut                     cc               19  "    cc
187  James Weekes                   Ens.                     c                 19  <C   Cc
188 floris Willemse Crom            High Sheriff         Orange                19  "'c
189  James Evctt                    Adjutant             New York              18  "    "
190  Richard Penton                 Major                Westchester          21   c    cc
191  Barnard Lewis                  Captain              Canada Expedition    26   "    cc
193  Marten Clock                   Lieut                      "               26  "    "c
194  Jacobus (le Warm              Ens.                        "              26   cc 
196  James Mott                    Justice               Westchester           10 C"    c
Peter Johnson                 Coroner               Kings                18   cc" 
201  John Willet                    Capt.                Easthampton           24 Mch   cC
205  Thomas Wicks                   Capt                 Huntington            16 Apr.  "
John Wood                     Lieut                     "                 16  "    c
Thomas Hickly                 Ens.                      "                16 C"     "
Johannes Hardenbrock          High Sheriff          Ulster               30 July   "
Pieter Jansen                 Lieut of Horse        Kings                29  "     "c
Daniel Polhemius              Cornet               Kings                 29  cc    c
Humphrey Davenport            Clerk                 Ulster                6 Oct    c'
Joseph Smith                  Justice               Queens                6   cC  cC
Johannes Wendel               Mayor                 Albany                8   C"   c
Laurens Van Aelen             Justice                                     C  cc cc
Reyer Jacobse Schermerhoorn     Cc                    cc                  cC       c
Barent Pietersen Koeymans       C                      cc                    cc Cc;




200                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
LIST OF THE COMMISSIONS ISSUED-CONTINUED.
Name.                   Office.              Place.                 Date
John Thyssen                 Justice              Albany                8 Oct 1690
Claas Van Potten                                   cc                  cc cc    cc
Myndert Harmensen              cc                   cc                  C  cc   cc
Harmen Gansevoort             c<                    cc                 cc cc    cc
Jacob Staas                    cc                   cc                  Ccc C   cc
John Naill                      ccc                                    cc C     cc
Jan Finagel                    CC                   CC                 CC CC    Cc
Jan Janse Bleeker               c                   cC                 cc CC    cc
Barent Wemp                  Captain               CC                  cc CC<   C
Isaac Cornelis Switz         Lieut                  cc                 C"  C    cc
Douwe Aukus                  Ensigne               cc                  cc C     cC
Pieter Wogolem               Capt                   cc                  C  cc   cc
Hans Hendricx                  c"                    c                  cc  c   cc
James Campbell               Town Mayor             c;                 19 Oct   cc
John Bates                   Lieut                fort Orange          15  "    c
John Pell                    Justice              Westchester          30  "    c
John Lansing                  Captain             Albany               11 Nov    cc
Reynier Barents              Lieut                  cc                  "       CC
Abrahm Coyler                Ensign                 "                   c  "    cc,Jan Hendrix de Bruyn         Major                N. York              Dec. 20.  cC
Abraham Brasher              Sheriff              N. York              Jan 8. 1691
John Lawrence                Sheriff              Queens                cc 19.  (
Dirck Jans Amermen           Capt                 Kings                 cc 20  "<
John Albertsen               Lieut                Kings                 c 20   CC
Albert Courten               Ens                  Kings                 " 20.c
Christopher Johnson Romeyn   Lieut                Gravesen              cc 20'(
LAWS PASSED DURING THE ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUT GOV. LEISLER.
[From files in Secretary of State's office.]
A Bill Confirming to the Inhabitants of this Province the Full Priviledge and Benefitts
of his Majties Laws within this Province
Bee It Enacted and it Is hereby Enacted by the Genll Assembly and by the Authority of the
Same that all and every the Inhabitants of this Province may enjoy and receive the full Priviledge
and benefitts of the Lawes of this Province and Thatt no ffreeman be taken or Imprisoned but by
Warrant Lawfully issued out and that all Courts of Judicature be duely kept and observed according
to the Lawes in that behalfe Provided and that all persons Imprisoned within any Place of this
Province be Legally tried by the Lawes of the Land agreeing to the lawes of their Majties Realme
of England & for any such persons who are ffled out of this Province be and are hereby required
to returne to their respective homes & habitacons wthout trouble or molestacon whatsoever-(within
three weeks after Publicacon hereof) but if any crimes are by them Comitted that they be
Legally tried before Any Courts of Judicature within this Province as the Lawes do Require and all
persons so fled as aforesaid and shall not returne in the said time Shall be deemed and esteemed
as Persons disobedient to the Governmt:
The reprsentatives have assented to this bill (after three times Reading) and
Sept: 18th 1690     orderdea it to be Sent to the Governor & his Councill for theirAprobacon
JOHN SPRATT Speaker




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  201
A bill for Amending & fining all persons within this Province of newyork refusing to
serve in Comission of Civill or Military Power within sd Province under his Majties
Lievt Governor of the Province aforesaid & that none of ye Inhabitants of ye City &County of Albany & Ulster Leave or Depart the City or Countys aforesaid without
Septiall lycense of the said Authority or Carry of or transport from said Places any
Wares or Merchandises-except such hereafter exprest.
WHEREAS his Majties Vpetiall service In ye P'sent Warr wth the ffrench & their adherents
requires that there be apointed severall Officers Civill & Military for due administering ye Lawes
prserving tha the Peace keeping thInhabitants In a good posture of Defence agst said ennemys & that
severall persons might not refuse or be backward In serving his said Majte In any Employment Civill
or Military under the Comission of his said Majties Lievt Governor of ye sd Province whereby his said
Majties service & Safety of this Province might be much hindred & obstructed
BEE it therefore enacted & it Is hereby enacted by the Genll "assembly & by ye authority of ye
same that if any Person or Persons Chosen, nominated, Constituted, ordained or Commissionated
by his sd Majties Lievt Governor to serve In any Employment Civill or Military wthin any of ye
Countyes of sd Province & shall refuse to accept receive or execute any Comission or Comissions
unto him or them directed by the said Lievt Governr that then & in such Case ye Said Person or
Persons be amended & fined to pay ye Sume of Seaventy five Pounds Currt money of this Province
& by refusall thereof that the same be forthwith strained by Warrant from said Lievt Governr on
the goods & Chattles of every Person or Persons so refusing to serve as aforesaid Provided
alwayes & be it further enacted tht ye sd fine so Payd or strained as aforesaid shall be aplied for
his Majties use In suporting & defraying ye Charges of this Prsent Warr against ye ffrench and
their adherents in ye City County or toune where the same shall happen to be Payd or strained as
aforesaid & be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid that all persons who shall Depart ye City
& County of albany or County of Ulster being Inhabitants or freeholders Without spetiall Lycense
from the authority Comissionated by the said Lievt Governr shall forfeit & Pay the sume of one
hundred Pounds Currt money to be Levied on ye goods & Chattles of every person or persons so
departing as aforesaid & for any such person whose estate shall not amount to the sum of one
hundred Pounds that the sd Persons be fined to ye Discrecon of ye Lievt Governr: & his Councill
which said sume or fines are to be applyed to the use aforemenconed & that no Wares goods or
Merchandises shall be brought doune hudsons River or transported out sd City &  Counties wthout
such lycense as aforesaid under Penalty of Confiscacon of ye same & to be aplyed to ye use aforesaid
except Come (after sufficient store left for the Militia & Inhabitants of sd City and Counties)
bevres.& Peltry & other necessaries and be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid that all
persons all ready departed from the said City & Countys do returne wthin the time of fourteen dayes
after Publicacon hereof (except absolute necessity) at their utmost Perills
Octobr 4th 1690:                            The Representatives hae
After three times reading this              assented to this bill (after
Bill is assented to by the Lieu-              three times Reading) & orded
tenant Governor & Councill this               to be sent to ye Lievt Gov4th of October in the second                   ernr & Councill for their asyear of their Majties Reign anoq:              sent
dom:'1690                                               JOHN SPRATT Speaker
JACOB LEISLER:'VOL. II.                               26




202                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
[N. Y. Council Min.]
NEW YORKE, the 19th day of March Anno: 169f
Annoq R R & Rae Willmi & Mariae iiitio &c
Present
His Excell:                      Gab. Monviele
Jos. Dudley                      Chid Brooke
ffred Phillip                    Tho. Willett
Step. V. Cortlandt               Wilim Pinhorne
His Excellency Henry Sloughter Esq Captaine Generall & Governour in Chiefe over this
Territory and Vice Admirall of these seas arrived at New Yorke and repaired to the Town hall
of this Citty and there in the presence of the People Published their Matyes Lres Patents for the
Government of this Province and Territory of New Yorke in America and parts annexed and had
the oaths by Act of Parliamt appointed insteade of the oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy and the
oath for the Due Administracon of his Government Given him by the Members of their Matyes
Council underwritten administred to him and ordered the said Letters Patents be recorded And
forthwith Ordered Major Ingoldesby with his foot Company to Demand Entrance into the ffort who
returned and brought with him Joost Stool who was admitted to the Governour and brought a Letter
from Capt Leisler and received answer that His Excellency was Glad that Stoll had Seen him in
England as well as now att New Yorke and that Majr Ingoldesby with his Compy should now
goe the second time to receive the ffort into possession That the Souldiers laying down their armes
might goe every man to his house that he Expected that Leisler Milbourne and such as are called his
Council Doe immediately attend and that Coil. Bayard and Mr Nicolls be dismissed from their Imprisonment to attend his Matyes Service being appointed Members of the Council.
Majr Ingoldesby at his second returne brought with him Milbourne and Delanoy and being
Enquired of for Coll Bayard and Mr Nicolls the two Gentln of the Council informed that Leisler
refused to mak any attendance himselfe or to Dismisse the said Gentlemen Whereupon Milbourne
and Delanoy were Committed to the Guards and the Majr again Sent to Demand the sd Gentlemen's
Dissmission Leisler's Surrender of the ffort and attendance upon his Excellency all which was peremptorily and with Contempt refused and then the Governor directed the Council to sit in the
Morning.
The Councill Mett }0th March 169 
Present His Excellency the Governour
Joseph Dudley                     Chidley Brooke  )
ffred Philips                     Tho Willet       Esqrs
Steph. V. Cortlandt Esqrs         Willm Pinhorne
Geo. Monveile     )
Delivered to the Secy. 29 papers sent by their Matyes relateing to Leisler alsoe five papers sent
from Albany.
Coll Bayard and William Nicolls were sworne of the Council and took their places at the board.
Jacob Leisler Was brought Prisoner to this board and was Ordered to be committed to the
Guards and took of him the King's letter Directed unto ffrancis Nicholson
Alsoo brought Prisoners Abraham Governeur Gerrard Beeckman Willm Churcher Cornelius Plevier
Henrick Janse Van Boerton William Laurence Thomas Williams John Coe Myndert Coarton Robt
Leacock Johannes Vwrmillie who were Committed to the Guards.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTE AJNT-GOVERNOR LEISLER,                203
*LEISLER TO GOV. SLOUGHTER.
Fort William March the 20. 1690-1
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY-This his Majesty's fort being besieged by Major Ingoldesby
so farre that not a boat could depart, nor Persons conveyed out of the same without to be in danger
of their Lives which hath occasioned that I could not be so happy as to send a messinger to give
me the certainty of Your excellency's Safe arrival & an account of what was published, of which I am
ignorant still but the Joy I had by a full assurance from Ensign Stoll of your Excellency's arrival has
been something troubled by the detencon of Ye two my Messengers, I see very well the stroke of
my enemies who are wishing to cause me some mistakes at the End of the Loyalty I owe to my
gracious King & Queen & by such ways to Blatt out all my faithfull service till now but I hope have
care to commit such an error, having by my duty & faithfulnesse being vigerous to them,  Please
only to Signify & order the Major in releasing me from his Majesties fort delivering him only his
Majesties Armes with all the Stores & that he may act as he ought with a person who shall give
Your excellency an exact account of all his actions & conduct, who is with all the request, Your
Excellency's Most Humble Servt
JACOB LEISLER
[From the Office files. L
To His Excellency Colonel Henry Sloughter Capn Genll & Governor of their Matins
Province of New York &c
THE humble Peticon of Capn Jacob Leisler, Peter DeLanoy, Gerardus Beeckman, Thos Williams,
Johannes Vermelje, William Lawrence, Hendrick Jansen, Robt LeCock, & Jacob Milborne:
SSIEWETH
THAT Yor Petition"s are certified by Capn Blagge, that after hearing of their Case set forth in an
humble Peticon to the Kings most Excellent Matie & Councill, he received for answer: vizt That
Copies of all Papers Thereunto relating should be giuen your Excy TM judge of matters as they
should be found on yor arrivall at New York-Ac.
TIAT yor Petrs are under apprehension that yor Excy is enformed that the ffort was Detained (after yor
arrivall here) in disobedience to his Matie or yor Excy for some ill designe, when in truth it was
purposely kept untill yorselfc appeared, whose arrivall was with paine longed for to discharge them
& heale those unhappy troubles which haue arrisen since Major Ingoldesby came hither, as may
appear by a Letter sent to Bermuda, & other declarative Testimonialls to the said Major &c whome
nothing would suffice but immediate possession of the said Fort, & consequently the Governmt
THAT yor Petitionrs are enformed, they are to be proceeded against by other methods, before
their Case be heard by yor Excellency.
WHEREFORE yor Petrs humbly Pray yor Excy to vouchsafe a hearing of the matter before
yrselfe, allowing such time to prepare themselves as to yor Wisdome, and goodnesse seemeth
meete, craving in the meane time Suspencon of other Proceedings against them.
And as in duty bound yor Petrs shall pray &c.




204                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
PETITION OF LEISLER'S COUNCIL.
To His Excellency Colonel Henry Sloughter Captn Gen11 & Governor of New York
Province &c.
The humble Peticon of Peter d'Lanoy, Gerardus Beeckman, Thos Williams, Hendk Janse, Johannes
Vermelje, William Laurence, Robt Le Cock, & Jacob. Millborne, Members of the late Council
to Captn Jacob Leisler, &c.
SHEWETH
THAT yor Petitionrs are confined to a Place wCh will not admit of common conveniency for life,
& nature whereby they are -straightned to make such applicacons as becomes them.
THAT yor Petitionrs conceive themselves very happy in yor Excellency with assurance that the
equity of their case will not abate by so excellent a Chancellor, when seasonable Addresses to yor
selfe shall be permitted: Notwithstanding their present circumstances-occasioned (as they
suppose) through harsh informacons.
WHEREFORE yor Petitionrs wth humble confidence-attend yor Excellency's farther pleasure
concerning them.
And yor Petitionrs as in duty bound shall pray &c.
[N. Y. Counc. Min. ]
At a Council held the 23d March 169T.
Present as before & Wm Nicholls. Mr Pinhorne abst
Coll Dudley Mr Cortlandt & Mr Brookes are appointed a Committe for the Examination of
the Prisoners in order to their Mittimus to the Common prison of this Citty-from the Guard where
hitherto they have been held and that they proceed therein forthwith, and that they be attended by
the Secy and Attorney Generall.
At a Council held at ffort William Henry March the 24th 1690.
Present as before & Wm Pinhorne.
Ordered that there be a Speciall Commison of Oyer and Terminer directed to the Judges whom
His Excellency will forthwith name with Sr Robert Robinson Coll. William Smith William Pinhorne
and John Laurence Esqrs Capt Jasper Hicks Majr Richard Ingoldesby Coll John Young and
Capt. Isaac Arnold to hold a Court of Oyer & Terminer For the Triall of the Persons imprisoned
accused of Rebellion and Murder and their accomplices and they or any six of them one of the Judges
always being one to proceed in the said Court.
26 March. 1691.
The remaining Prisoners not yet Examined are referred to the former Comitte for Esaminacon
and such as are by them Judged meet to be dismissed the Prison upon Giving bond of the Good
behaviour and attendance at the next Sessions of the peace of this Citty.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 205
WARRANT FOR       JACOB   LEISLER'S COMMITMENT TO PRISON.
City & County of 1
New-York- 
We John Laurence & WilliamPinhorne Esqrs two of their Majesties Justices for keeping of the
peace within the City County of New Yorke as also for hearing & determining of divers felonies,
trespassed & other misdemeanours within the City & County assigned to the
[L. s.     Sheriffe of the said City & County Greeting
John Lawrence,
For that Jacob Leisler late of the City of New York merchant hath been arrested
[L. s.]     for traiterously levying war against our Sovereign Lord & Lady the King &
William Pinhorne  Queene in their realme & province of New York aforesaid for the Counterfeiting
their Majesties great seal of said province for felouniously murdering of John,
alias Josias Browne of the said City Labourer & for others, high misdemeanours by him perpetrated
& done, Therefore in behalf of our Sovereign Lord & Lady the King & Queen, we command you,
that you receive the said Jacob Leisler into your Custody & him safely keep.untill he shall be
thence delivered according to Law & this shall be your sufficient warrant. Given under our hands
& Seal the 26th of March in the third year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord & Lady William &
Mary King & Queen over England &c 1691
THOMAS CLAKE.
Att a Council held at ffort William Henry the 30th March 1691.
Present as before; also Coll. N. Bayard & Wm Smith.
Absent Wm Nicolls & Chidley Brooke
Coll. Nicholas Bayard Steph V. Cortlandt & Willm Pinhorne EsqrS are appointed a Comitte for
preparing of evidences agst the Prisoners and Mr Wm Nichols Mr George ffarewell and Mr James
Emmott are assigned of the Kings Council in that affair.
At a Council &c April ye 1. 1691
Present the Governr & all the members, except Wm Nicholls
An account of Macgregeries buriall slain in their  tyes rservice appointed to be auditedby
Mr Collector & Mr Courtlandt and that they also audite all other Accounts of charges before his
Excellencys Arrivall.




206                   ADMTNISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LZISLEB.
Dp  THORNHILL & DR KELSOE'S BILL.
[From Office files.]
An Accompt ffor the Wounded & those Men that were Killed in their Majesties Service
against Lisseler and his accomplices
To Richard Grenard Saddler ffor curing him a gun shot wound through both hips    15:00:00
To James Yeward for curing him of a           in the Shoulder & cutting the bullet
out amongst his ribs                                                         15:00:00
To attendance upon Mr Joseph broune in a gun shot wound                          00.10.00
To attendance upon Mrs Depeysters negro of a gun shot wound                      02.10:00
To weiuing the Bodie of Major Mccrigorie 1                                       01.00.00
To weuing the Bodie of Mr Pecay                                                  01.00.00
To weuing the bodie of Wcssell ten broeke                                        01.00.00
To weuing the bodie of Leonard Beckwith                                          01.CO.00
To weuing the bodie of Joseph Broune                                             01.00.00
To weuing the bodie of Mr DePeysters negro                                       01.00.00
To the' curing 1 of his Majesties Souldiers of gunshot wound through both the Humerus
& radius                                                                     10.00.00
49.00.00
* MEMORANDUM HOW JACOB LEISLER WAS TO PLEAD.
I Humbly conceive I am not holden to make my plea on the indictment untill the power be
determined whereby Such things have been acted.
-That his Majesty has not declared judicially against the power but is yet, (Subjudice) therefore
dare not enter into plea, Untill Yet determined which I am ready to appear unto according to the
Kings Appointment,-The Power is to be determined Judicially before I Plead, because it is good until the King
determine otherwise.
-The King had not declared yt power Illegal but his Majesties Letter Saying until further orders,
is what expects by Colo Sloughter who had only proclaimed his power to Govern, & not to determine
concerning the power exercised by us
-That the Power by which he acted was good untill Colo Sloughters commission was read,
because no orders from his Majesty or his Excellency appeared to the Contrary-That Hendrick Janson, Cornelis Plyvier, Robert LeCock were committed for the Same crimes,
who were admitted Bail fore a Riot I cannot Understand how I should Escape if I Plead, &
because the King would accuse me for giving away my right, & I cannot complain of an Act of
my own, for By pleading I impower the Jury & make them Judges of fact. & how can 12 men
of one County Judge the Government of the whole Province?1 This is the officer who had been previously Commissioned by Gov. Dongan to go to the far Indians, and was taken
prisoner by the French. See Doc. Hist. 1. 258 et seq. His widow and son, Hugh McG. obtained a grant of 1500 acres of
land on Hudsons river at a place. called John Peaches Creek. No fees were charged for the Patent out of respect for the
Major's memory, as he "lately Died in his Matyes service in defence of the Province."




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUVTE NT-GOVERNOB LEZSLZR.                207
At a Council held at ffort William Henry  13 April 1691.
Present the Governour
Jos Dudley                  Chidley Brooke
ffred Phillips              Gab. Monyiele 
Steph V. Cortlandt          Wm Nichols    )Esqrs
Nich Bayard                 Thos Willet
Willm Smith 
The Judges of the present Court of Oyer & Terminer Pray of his Excellency and Council whether
his Matyes Letter of the 13th July 1689 Signed by My Lord Nottingham and directed to ffrancis
Nicholson Esqr Lievt Governour & Commandr in Cheife of the Province of New Yorke in America
and in his absence to such as for the time being take Care for Preserving of the peace &c. or any
Other Letters or papers in that packet from Whitehall referred to the Governour for a Report Can
be understood or interpreted to be and Contain any Power or direccon to Capt. Jacob Leisler to
take the Government of the Province upon himselfe or that the administracon thereupon be to
be holden good in Law
His Excellency and Council were pleased to Declare their opinion that the abovesaid Letters
to Captn Nicholson nor any other papers in the packett directed to His Excellency for a report
Contains any power or direction for the Government to the said Capt Leisler.
House of Representatives for ye Prouince of N. York
Die Veneris Aprill 17th 1691: P. M.
Upon farther consideracon of ye petition Presented to this house by many of the freeholders:
and the Inhabitants within this Citty & Prouince.
Resolued. Nemine Contra dicente, That Jacob Leisler Samull Edsall & diuerse others aiding
asisting and abetting him, In the Disoluing ye Conuention that was conuened at ye Citty of New
York: for ye preservation of ye Peace ye execution of Justice and ye securing of this Prouince
for their Majts seruice King Willm & Queen Mary, King & Queen of England &c was tumultuous
Illegall: and against Their Majts Right ouer this their Prouince, beeing A dominion of there Croun
of England.
Resolued. That ye Imprisoning of their Majts Protestant subjects Into dolefull and nauseous
Prisons, and there keeping Them by force & violence wth out any Comittment or ye assignment of
any Legall Cause was arbitrary Illegall and against ye peace & dignity of there Majts Croun of
England & allso a violation of ye Rights & Priueledges of there Majts subjects inhabiting within
This Prouince.
Resolued. That ye proscribing & ye forceing There Majts Protestant subjects to fly their habitations & forsake the Care of there families, by wch the strength of ye Prouince was much weakened:
was also arbitrary and Illegal & distracting to there Majts Interest in this Province.
Resolued. That ye Depredations made by the ffrench & Indians upon Schenectada & other plantations In ye County of Albany, by wch many of there Majts Protestant subjects were slaine There
houses burned; and seuer11 carried into Captiuity: wch Seuere Loss Is only to be attributed to ye
Disorders & Disturbances: That was Raised by Those who had Usurped a power Contrary to there
Mait authority & Right of Government ouer This Prouince.




208                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
Resolued. That ye scizeing & ye forceable taking away of the goods & Merchandise from merchants
& persons inhabiting within this Citty & Province was a violation of there Mayts Peace: & ye
Distruction of there Laws: & To ye Manyfest Ruin of many of there good Protestant subjects:
within this Citty & Prouince.
Resolued.' That ye Levying & Raising of Money upon there Majts Subjects wth out Lawful
authority; Is arbitrary & Illegall; & against ye Rights & Priuileges of There Majts subjects inhabiting
within This Prouince.
Resolued. That the Raising of forces; & keeping There Majts Fort of New York agst there Majts
officers & Soldiers; Lately arniued, was Rebellious & in prejudice to There Majts Right & Dominion
of This Prouince.
Resolued. That the Denying the Surrender of There Majts Fort to his Excellency after his arriuall
and Publication of There Majts Commission To him was Rebellious and against the Dignity and
authority of There Majts Crown of England.
Ordred. For the Prevention of the Like Mistakes and Disorders amongst There Majts Subjects, In
This Prouince for the time to come —That These Resolues be sent to ye Governeur and Councill,
with the Desire of this house That they would'be Pleased To give there Concurrance, of there Board
thereunto.
Ordred. That an Adress bee made To his Excelly of ye Resolution of this house To support &
Defend there Majts Right & Dominion ouer this there Prouince: as it is now established by there
Majts authority: In ye Administration of his Excelly with our. Liues and fortunes against all there
Majts Enemies.
By ordr of the house of Representatiues
JA: GRAHAM   Speaker:
To his Excell: Henry Slaughter Lt Governor generall vice Admirall and Comandr in
Chiefe vnder theirMajtys King William and Queen [Mary] of New York and
dependences.
The humble petition of Peter Demilt SHEWETH
THAT he yor petitioner was Comander att the Block house assistant to Braiser who with A
good Intent keept the same for the Intrest of their Majtys King Wm & Queen Mary and for the saftie
of Vs their good subjects, att which time Mr Braiser received a letter from Lyslaer the contents of
which we could not understand but soe far as we could perceive it was something of prejudice agt
his Majties forces: which soe soon as we perceived we Concluded that Mr Braiser'should goe to the
ffort to Inform Lyslaer that we would deliver the Blockhouse to the Major and to tell 1him that we
would have noe further to doe with him vpon which Braiser went who coming to Lyslaer and discovering our designe was threatened and confined by Imprisonmen otherwise if sufferred to Come
out he had gott the Majors protexon as well as wee: Therefore may itt please yor Excell, to Comiserate
the Condition of the said Braiser who I am satisfied what he hath done for their Majties Intrest
without any treacherous designe agt King or goverment and be pleased to pardon what he Ignorantly
hath Comitted and as in duty bound yor humble petitioner shall dayly pray:




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVPRNOR LEISLER.                  209
To his Excell Henry Slaughter Lt Governor Generall Vice Admiral and Commander in
cheif undr their Majtys King William & Queen Mary of New York Dependences
in America and to his honerable Councill.
The humble petition of Gerrardus Beakman SHEWETH
THAT yor petitioner and prisoner, being by the people of Kings Countie on Long Island Cosen to
bee their representitiues in A Comitie of safetie, which he with Abundance of Intreatie and persuasion,
absolutely supposeing that itt was for their Matys Interest and safetie of the Land acted to the best of
his knowledge, without any self end or treacherous reservation; And the reason of his raiseing forces
to bring into the fort was to noe other intent, but as he was bound by oath and allegance to keepe
the same for their MjatYs King William and Queen Mary till their full and absolute power Came to
demand the same; not as itt hath through the Malice of A Colerick man happened to vse hostilitie
agt their MajtYs good subjects, for his sole intent in Coming last into the fort was to persuade Lyslar
from such base and inhuman actions being soe much Contrary to what he the said Lyslar alwayes
pretended to him yor petitioner soe that he hopes you will be please rightly to apprehend his true
intent in the matter and pardon what for want of knowledge he hath Committed, who promised
fidelitie and allegence to their MajtYs and all their Lawfull substitutes; further yor petitioner
haveing severall patients on Long Island very dangerous-prayes for libertie to visitt them vpon good
and sufficient baile, and as in Duty bound will dayly pray.
To his Excell Henry Slaughter Captn General Vice Admrall and Commander in Cheif under
their Majtyes King William and Queen Mary of New York and dependences in
America
The humble petition of Magdaline Beakman, SHEWETH,
THAT yOr petitioners husband; and yor Excell prisoner-in fort William, was att the Alteracon
of Government A Justice of peace & Captn of Mellitia Companie on Long Island; att which
alteracon the people was verry vrgent and desireous that he yor petitioners husband should appeare
as their representitive in A Commitie of safetie to Act for King William and Queen Maryes Interest
and their own safetie against their enimies In which station he with A true meaning and good
intent, acted being dayly perswaded by the minister of that place that he Cold not deny itt with
honest and A good Consience; but now he do planely sees that for want of A right and true vnderstandinge he hath been mislead which with A true Contrition he heartly laments and acknowledges;
freely submittinge himself to yor Excell: pleasure, not doubtinge but yor cleamencie will Comiserate
& pardon what he through Ignorance hath Committed; who shall for the future beware how he acts
without A more stable power; And the absolute Intent of his goeing into the fortt these late times
was to doe his endeavour to apease the wrath and raged designe of Lyslar being privie to all his
designes & Contrivances; which he hath in A great measure mittigated as he Cann if consulted more
largly demonstrate; further yor petitioner hartily prayes for A little better accoinodation for her
husband till yor Excell pleasure is further Known therein and as in duty bound he shall ever pray
MAGDALENA BJEEKMANS
VOL. II.                                 27




210                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLEt.
KNOW all men by these Presents that I William Beekman of the Citty of Newyorke Gent. am held
and firmly bound unto Henry Sloughter Esqr Captain Generall and Governor in Chiefe of the
Province of Newyorke and Territorys Depending thereon in America in the suin of one hundred
pounds Currt money of this Province to be payd unto the sdl Henry Sloughter his successors or
Assignes for the use of their Matyes King William & Q. Mary of Engld &ct. for the which
payment well & truly to be made I do binde me my heirs Executors and administrators & every
of them firmly by these Presents Sealed with my seale Dated att ffort William Henry the seven
& twentyeth day of Aprill Anno Dni 1691 Annoqe Regni Rs & Rae Willaie & Marie Angl &c:
tertio.
The Condition of this Obligation is such that Whereas Gerard Beeckman the son of the abovebound William Beeckman is lately convicted & adjudged of Treason whereby the Lands Tenements
Goods & Chattels of the sd Gerard are forfeited to their Matyes And whereas there are four hundred
skepples of Corne in the house of the sd Gerard Beeckman which are said to belong to Andreas
Marshalleck of the City of Newyorke Baker for the space of two months last past And whereas the
sd Andreas Marshalleck hath made applicacon unto the said Henry Sloughter for liberty to have use
and enjoy the sd four hundred skeppels of corne as of his own Right and property which in considcracon
of this bond was granted  Now if it shall not afterwards appear that the said four hundred bushels of
Come doe belong to the sd Gerard Beeckman or att the time of the treason committed or any tihne since
hath belonged to the sd Gerard Beeckman and that they are forfeitable and forfeited to there sd matyes
then this obligation to be void else to remain in full force & virtue
Sealed & Delivered                                        WILL BEECKMAN     (Seal)
in presence of
David Jamison
A Fromanteel
Endorsed,                "Will. Beeckmans bond to the
Government for 100 18"
To his Excellency Henry Sloughter Captane General & Governor in Chief of their Majesties Province
of New York & dependencies.
The petition of Gabriel Minvielle.
Humbly sheweth that in the times of the late revolutions a party of Armed men came to this petitioners
house, Who in a forceble manner tooke away & convoyed into the fort 7 whole & six half barrels of
Powder, part whereof belonging to the petitioner that is to say 3 barrels marked PL No 2, 3 & 4, &
four barrels marked ML are now at this present time still remaining in the stores of the said fort.
The petitioner humbly prayes that your Excellency Will be pleased to order that the said 7 barrels
of powder may be returned to the Petitioner or that the vallue thereof may be paid to him, since the
property was never altered from this Petitioner, but violently & forcebly taken away as aforesaid.
And your Petitioner shall ever pray &c.
G. MINVIELLE




ADMINISTRATION OF LrETTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                    211
At a Councill held at ffort William Henry the 28th day of Aprill 1691.
Present His Excellency the Governour
fired Phillips                        Gab. Monviele
Nich Bayard                     W       ill Pinhorne     Esqrs
Esqrs
Steph. v Cortlandt                    Tho: Willett
Chid Brooke
Vpon Reading a Letter from the Sheriffe of Richmond County Giving an Account of severall
Riotts and Tumults on Staten Island and that they are subscribing of Papers
Ordered That a letter from the Secr'y be sent to the said Sheriffe requiring him to secure such
persons as are Ringleaders and Promoters of such Riotts and disturbances in ordr to prsecucoll pursuant
to his duty and office 1
GOV. SLOUGHTER TO LORD INCHIQUIN.
Fort Willm Henry May 2d 1691.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY.-By the Last Vessel from hence I acquainted your Excellency
of my Arrivall Here, & ye danger that I found the Country in by ye late Management of one Capt
Leisler who took upon himself without any Direction from yr Majestyes to rule, & as it now appears, to
oppress this province to a Very great Degree, & upon my arrivall refused me Entrance in ye fort &
Garrison of this Province, but by seizing of his principall Instruments & by ye Deserting of his own
Soldiers which were About 300 he was at length forced to render himself prisoner & upon him &
his, accomplices a Grand Court of Oyer & Terminer haue passed & given Juilgmt of Death to which
nevertheless I am not willing to proceed but upon extreamest Necessity untill his Majesty shall have
advice & his pleasure known therein, yr is a great fermt in this prouince heightened by ye Neighbour
Colonys of N: Engld & therefore I am  desirous to proceed with all patience & Moderation that his
Majesty may be sensible of ye Necessity of a good & perfect settlemt of ye other Colonyes on the Coast
which I am Labouring to represent & if your excellency can by your Information from myself or others
put it forward it will be a true seruice to ye Crown of Engll Your excellency hath every (lay reports
from ye severall parts here coming to you that may Inform of ye troubles, disapoynt, ruines & danger yt
ye severall Governmts by ye french & Indian & by themselves labour onder that I need not plticularly
enforme you. I ask to be accounted your Excellency's Correspondent in euery thing that may Import
yr Majesty's service & am perticularly Sr Your.
To My Ld Inchiquin
GOV. SLOUGHTER TO JOSEPH CHURCH.
SIR-I have heard several Complaints of oppression and injury done to severall Inhabitants of Dartmouth and Little Compton driving them from their familys forcing of them to Warr and levying of taxes
upon them without Authority and other Abuses by you and others, their Maty's Subjects ought not to
suffer at this Rate and asure Yor selfe if I hear any more Complaints of that nature I will take such
methods to ease the subjects as will effect you otherwise than ydu are aware of at present I am
Fort William Henry                                                Sr Yors
May ye Eighth 1691
I The papers here referred to were Petitions in favor of the State Prisoners, which the people were signing. For this
offence several were arrested, fined and otherwise harassed. See post, Petition of Van Pelt, Veghten and others to Gov.
Fletcher.




212                    ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLEB.
To his Excellncy Henry Slather Governr and Commander in Cheife in and Over their Maties
Province of New Yorke &ca in America, and to his honnorble Councell
The Humble Petion of Joseph Sackett That yor Petnor was forced to take upon him an Ofice to
Collect and Gather under ye Command of Jacob Leisler the taxes and Impositions Layed upon the
Inhabitants of Newtowne on Long Island in Queens County and vpon Refuseall I was to be sued to
the [sum] of seventy flue pounds, Now Yor Petionr haueing a part of the Said Taxes and haueing
Likewise deliuered [part] of the Said Taxes To the Collectors Order and their Remaining A part thereof:
Still in my hands, and the acts of the said Liesler being made appeare to be Ilegall the people:
pressing upon your petioner for to Retourne their moneys to them againe Now yor Petioner haveing
pd part before the arriveall of yo' Excelly or yor Ordr shall be suferer thereby and therefore yor
Petionr humbly praieth for yor order and answr concerning the perticulars and that yor petionr may not
be a suferer thereby haveing as cann be made appear always beene against Leisler and all his proceeding
and your petioner shall ever Pray as in Duty always bound.
Endorsed
The Peticoner referred to                       [Date, according to Counc.
Coll. Smith Mr Cortlandt & Mr                     Min., 4th May. 1691.]
Brooke to be Exa ied concerning
his case.
Att A Councill held att ffort Willm Henry May the 14th 1691
Present   His Excell the Governr
fired Phillips                      Wm Nicolls
Nich. Bayard                        Gab. Monvielle
Steph v. Cortlandt                        Esqrs
Vpon the Clamour of the people daily coming to his Excell hearing relating to ye Execucon of
the prisoners Condemned of treasone having had the opinion of the Major part of the Representatives
now mett and assembled for the Execucon of the principall Offenders he was pleased to offer to ye
Councill his willingnesse to doe what might be most proper for the quiet and peace of the sd Countrey
intending speedily to remove for Albany And Demanded of the Councill their opinion whether the delay
of the Execucon of Justice might not prove dangerous at this Conjucture  Whereupon it was unanimously resolved that as well for the satisfaccon of the Indians as the asserting of the Government &
authority residing in his Excell & preventing insurreccons & disorders for the future it is absolutely
necessary that the sentence pronounced against the principall Offenders be forthwith put in Execucon
p Order' DAVID JAIISON Coun'l Ck
Council Room, May 16th 1691.
His Excellency having sent the Minute of Council of the fourteenth May instant referring to the
Execucon of the principall Criminalls Condemned of Treason, to the house of Representatives to
acquaint them of the Resolve of this Board,  The same was returned underwritten in manner
following vizt
House of Representatiues for ye Prouince of New York viz
Die Veneris May 15. P M. 1691
This house according to their opinion giuen: doe aproue of what his ExcellY & Councill have Don
By ord of ye house of Representatiues
JA: GRAHAM   Sneaker




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  213
LEISLER'S AND MILBORNE'S PETITION FOR A REPRIEVE.
To his Excellency Colonel Henry Sloughter Capn Genll, Governr in Chiefe & Vice Admirall
of the Province of New Yorke & the Honble Councill now Assembled.
The humble Peticon of Jacob Leisler & Jacob Milborne & their distressed Relacons:
SHEWETH.
That whereas yor Petitionrs having recd Sentence of death by the honble Court of Oyer & Terminer
held within this City, & have nothice from Yor Excellency that Saturday next will be ye Execucon of sd
Sentence:
Its Implored from Yor Excy & Honors that ye said Execucon may be deferred untill his Maties pleasure
may be knowne, or such reprieue may be vouchsafed them as to yor Excellency & Honors shall in your
charity, & wisdome please to direct wholy resigning themselues unto your goodnesse & pleasure for
disposing of them, begging the God of Mercy to influence you wth Clemency towards them
And as in all duty bound Yor Petrs shall for euer Pray,
JACOB LEISLER
JACOB MILBORNE
DYING SPEECHES OF LEISLER & MILBORNE.
COLLECCONS made of the Dying Speeches of Captain Jacob Leisler & Jacob Milborne, his son in Law,
who both Suffered in New York City on the 16th of May being Saturday in the Year of our
Lord 1691.
-The great wise & omnipotent creator of all things visible & invisible who from the time of our first
coming a Shore in the Vale of tears, misery & affliction, hath to this present moment protected us be
magnified. Praysed & Glorified for ever, Amen,
GENTLEMEN AND FELLOW BRETHREN all I hope in the grace & fear of the Lord Jesus, we are notat
present unsensible of our dying State & Condition, as to this world a State which all the Sons &
Daughters of Adam in this globe must now one after another run through ere they can be satisfied with
that eternity of which so often by Divines is treated of-In consideration of which for death we may be
better prepared, like penitent Mortals here on earth, we Submit our lives. & all that unto us appertaineth into the hands of divine protection prostrating ourselves before the foot Stoole that immaculate
Lamb of God who taketh away the Sinns of the world hoping that through his meritorous death & passing
our iniquities shall be done away & our pardons Sealed on earth before we go hence & are seen no
more, humbly imploring that not through our own meritts of Justification but rather through the merit
of him that is willing to save our souls. might become precious in the Eyes of God & live forever in the
Kingdome of Eternall Glory when time shall be no more-as to our State in this world among the
rest of our hard fortunes in this seat of tears it is true we have lately on the important request of a
Committee choose, by the Major Part of the Inhabitants of this province &/ taken (to the present griefe
& vexation of our poore afflicted relations left behind) great & weighty matters of State affairs requiring
at Such an helme more wise & Cunning powerfull Pilotts. then either of us ever was. but considering
that in the time of this distracted Countrey's greatness, necessity amongst us-no such Persons could
be found but that those that were any wayes, in Capasity of Uniting us against a Common enemy would
not undertake, we conceive for the Glory of the protestant interest the Establishment of the present Government under our Sovereign Lord & Lady King Wm & Queen Mary &c- & the Strengthening against




214                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
all foreign attempts, of this confused City & Province, thought it a very serviceable Act that our poore
endeavours should not be wanting in any thing that was needful for the Support of ourselves & posterity
hereafter whereby we must confess & often times against our will several enormities have been committed from the day of our first undertakings until the arrival of his excellency the Honorable Col1
Henry Sloughter. who now for his Majesties Sake, we love & Honour & often time during our unhappy
abode in power longed to see that a periode thereby might be put to such distracted orders, as then
were raging all of which some we must Confess on our side hath been committed through Ignorance some
through a Jealous fear that disaffected persons would not be true to the present interest of the Crowne
of England some peradventure through misinformation & misconstruction of People's intent & meaning,
some through rashness by want of Consideration, & then through passion haste & anger, which According to
orders for to declare would take up more time than present can be afforded, however for every such
offence. seeing there is no recalling of the same, or possibillity of given further Satisfaction, first of the
great god of heaven & then afterwards of the several offended persons, we humbly begg pardon &
forgiveness, desiring them every one with a Christian Charity in our graves with us to obury all malice.
hatred & Envy that therein might be incurred & further before God & the World here we do declare
& protest as Dying Sinners that we do not only forgiv the greatest   most inveterate of our enemies,
but According to that most Excellen patron of our dying Saviour. we say to the God of Justice.
father forgive them for they Know not what they do & so farre from revenge we do depart this world,
that we require & make it our dying supplication to every of our relations & friends & acquaintences, that they should in time to come for ever be forgetfull of any injury done to ius or either
of us, so that on both Side, that discord & dessention (which by the devil in the beginning was created)
might with our dying sides be buried in oblivion, never more to raise up to the inflamation of
future posterity, the Lord grant that the offering u f our blood might be a full satisfaction for all
disorders to this present day committed, & that forever after the Spiritt of unity might remaine among
our felow brethren continuing upon earth, knowing that in a Strange land it is the divine providence
of heaven not our desarts that have so well protected our unhappy province this day all that for our
dying comfort we can say, as concerning the point for which we were condemn'd, is to declare as our
last words. before that God whom we hope before long to see that our maine end, totall' Intent &
endeavors to the fullness of that understanding with which we were endowed-whe had no other than
to maintaine against popery or any Schism or heresy whatever the interest of our Sovereign Lord &
Lady that now is & the reformed protestant Churches in those parts, who ever things otherwise Since
have hapined or being misconstructed & Scandalous reports (we at present must confess by divers are
thrown upon us) as tho we intended to Support the dying, intrest of the late King James & the Contradiction of which we need not trouble many arguments, being persuaded that every good protestant of
this Country who have been for any time acquainted with our transactions can from his conscience
averre the falsehoods & maliciousness of such aspersions, as concerning Major Ingoldesby's comming
to demand the Garrison after his arrival, he but in the least produced any Satisfaction of his power
to receive the same & discharge us, we would as readily have delivered the fort, as he could demand
the same, all which seeing past & gone is Scarce worthy nothingThe Lord of his infinite Mercy preserve the King & Queen from all their traytors & deceitfull Enemies,
God be merciful unto & bless with peace & unity these their Kingdoms unto which we belong, God
preserve this province from greedy outragious Enemies abroad & Spite full inveterate wretches at home
God bless the Govenor of this place, God Bless the council Assembly & Government now Established
that they all may be united to propagate their Majesties interest, the Country's good & the Establishment
of Piety, the Lord of Heaven of his infinite mercy bless all that wish well to Zion & Convert those that




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                     215
are out of the way, let his mercies likewise administer true Comfort to all that are desolute, grieved &
oppressed in misery & necessity or any other affliction, Especially the deplored Souls of that poor family
unto which we did formerly belong, our only comfort, in this case, is that God has promised to take care
for the Widows & fatherless, recommending them all this dying moment into the hands of one that is able
& willing. to save these that seek him desiring them to put their perpetuall confidence in the mercies of
one that never faileth, & not to weep for us that are departing to our God but rather to weep for themselves that are here behind us to remain in a State of Misery & Vexation
GENTLEMEN YOU will), I hope all Christian like be Charitable to our poor distressed family that are to
remain among you (as long as God please) that you will Join with us in prayer for the preservation of our
immortal Soules in a kingdom of never Dying Glory, unto which God of his infinite mercy bring us all
Amen Amen
Some few Particulars of Captain Jacob Leisler.
The Sheriff asking him if he was ready to die, he replied Yes, & lifting up his Eyes he prayed &
then said that he had made his peace with God & that death did not scare him, & desired that his Corpse
might be delivered to his wife, and declared that he Educated his family as a good Christian & hoping they
should continue, accordinly & he said that you have brought my body to shame, I hope you will not
dispise my family therefore, I have not much more to say on this world, for we read in the Lords prayer,
forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that tresspass Against us, but hereafter we shall appear
before God's Tribunal & there shall we be judged, our Lord JESUS CHRIST suffered so much in this
world, why Should I not suffer a littleThen to his Son Milborne he said. I must now die, why must you die? You have been but a Servant
to us & further he declared I am a dying man & do declare before god & the world that what I have
done was for king William & Queen Mary, for the defence of the protestant religion & the Good of the
Country & therefore I must die upon which I will receive Gods Judgment, and then he said, when this
my skin shall be eaten through, with this my flesh shall I see God, my Eyes shall see him & no stranger,
when the Handkerchief was put about his head, he said, I hope these my Eyes shall see our Lord Jesus
Christ in Heaven I am ready. I am ready.
OF JACOB MILBORNEHe prayed for the King & Queen the Govenor & Council he pardoned the Judge that had condemned him Saying that the Lord would forgive him, he was ready to lay down this terrestral coat, being
assured that his heavenly father would cloath him with a new one in the Kingdom of Heaven, then to Mr
Levingston he said you have caused the King [that] I must now die. but before gods tribunal. I will implead
you for the same. then to his father he said we are thoroughly wet with rain, but in a little while we
shall be rained through with the Holy Spirit The sheriff asked him whether he would not Bless the
King and Queen, he answered it is for the King & Queen I die & the protestant Religion to which I
was Borne & Bred, I am ready I am ready. father into thy hands I recommend my soulMss. NOTE.-The Original paper of which the above is an copy was lent meby Mrs. Farmer, Daughter of Abram Gouverneur and the widow Milborne & Grand Daughter to Captain Jacob Leisler. NEW YORK March-1770.




216                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
GOV. SLOUGHTER TO COLL. CODRINGTON.
SR.-After my hearty Respects to yor ExcellY I have Imbraced this Opportunity to acquaint you
that on my arrival here* I found this Province in very great Confusion & disorder Leisler & his
Accomplices had made great provissions of all sorts after Majr Ingoldesby's arrival as if they were
intended to hold out a long seige but the people faild him upon my arrival so that he was forct to
surrender hinselfe yrefore notwithstanding he had denyed in the ffort three times after publication of
their Matyes letters Patents Leisler and the principle of his Accomplices had their tryall at A
speciall Court of Oyer and Termyner and were Condemned  I was much inclined to reprieve them
untill his Matys pleasure were knowne but the diseases and troubles of this Government did urge me
to Execute Leisler & Milbourn  I have beggd their Matyes pardon for the rest which I hope they
will grant and the Country is now quiet and in good order I am going for Albany to Confirme the
Indians in their Allegiance and subjection to the Crown of Engld having been very much
debauched by the ffrench during the late disorders here I would spare yor Islands what provisions
Wee can send having great Occasion for my seamen here therefore desire of you not to impresse
them if they are not suffered to returne it will doe me a great hurt & put a stop to further supplyes
of provisions from this place I have Commanded Capt Kidd for their Mlatys Especial service here but
hope in few months he may be with you if his wife will let him I will Imbrace all opportuinityes
to maintain Correspondence with yor ExcellY and pray the like of you & to be cherished Sr
Endorsed                                        Yor very humble servant
Copy Letter to
Coll Codrington
DRAFT OF A LETTER TO MR BLAITHWAYT.
SR-The Inclosed narrative will Inform  you of the resistance made by Jacob Leisler and his
associates to Major Ingoldsby and the Kings forces on the Govrsl arrivall here on ye 19th March last.
Hee found the Countrey all In armes. Leisler with near 900 meh in the fort fireing upon the town where
he killed and wounded sev11 of the people after Hee had published his Commission, he sent Major
Ingoldsby to demand surrender of the fort wch was flattly denyed, however Leislr sent on Stoll who
knew the GoVr' in England to see if hee was really Come, upon his return to Leisler ye Govt sent a
second summons wch was Likewyse refused, and then Leisler sent two of his principall Councellors,
Milbourne & Delanoy to Capitulate 3 wCh wd not bee admitted & they were ordered immediately to be
secured. the nixt day he sent to demand the prisoners but the Govr would not receive their Message
resolveing to attacque the fort by Sea & Land, haveing ordered the man of warr to goe & Ly at ye back
of ye fort, and Major Ingoldsby to march wth the Kings forces to ye Fort gate and make a peremptory
demand of a Surrender oyrwise would assault them-they then did admitt Major Ingoldsby to enter alone,
who by the Govrs order required them Imediately to ground their armes and march out of the fort, and
they all Should be Pardoned except Leisler & his Councill who they readily forsook the Major there1 In the original draft of this Letter, Sloughter. speaks in the first person singular, as here-"On my arrivall," and farther
on ~" I found the Country" &c. The phraseology was afterwards altered; the governor is spoken of in the third person, and
the letter is made a communication apparently from the council. The alterations are put in Italics. 2. "Mt," in the orig.
draft. 3. "( With mee," follows in the first draft.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOk LEISLER.                  217
upon Commanded the Ks forces to Enter and brought Leslier & his Councell. to the Gov'I at the Citty hall
they being taken in actuall rebellion the Govr wth advice of the Councill Committed them to prison &
ordered a Commission of Oyer & Terminer to be Issued out for their Legall tryall where two were acquitted by their country viz: Delanoy & Edsall, six Convict by their Couiltrey, and two Leslier & Millbourn
Condemned as mute* by the advice of the Judges the Gotv was Inclined to repreive them untill his MajtYs
Pleasure should be Known, but the People were so much disturbed thereat, and the Councill & Assembly
did represent to him the great damage it would be to the Ks service, and a discouragemt to future
Loyalty if the law was not Executed upon the principall actors weh for the public peace he was
induced 2 to doe, and on ye 17th of May3 Leslier & Millbourn were accordingly executed-haveing
respited all the sentence saveing the hanging & Seperateing their heads from their bodys.
1 c" To me and the Council," orig. draft. * This asterisk is in the MS. but without any corresponding reference. 2 " 
was Constrained "-orig. draft. 3 The 17th May 1691 was Sunday. This date should therefore have been 16th. See Lesler's
petition for a Repreive, ante pago 213. See also his dying speech.
GOV SLOUGHTER TO LORD INCHIQUIN.
N Yorke July 6th, 1691.
MY LoRD-I have by oyr opertunitys Kissed yor Ldships hands. This is by my good freind Captn
Phillips to acquaint yor Ld shps that I have at Last reduced this Governmt to its True Allegiance &
have Executed Leisler & Millbourn two of Cheife rebells, the Assembly have Concurred with me in
the Settling a revenue on their Majtys Service. I just returned from Albany the nearest part of this
province to the French in Cannada WVh plase I found in great disorder but have also put it in a good
postur secured our Indians who are our best bullwark against the french dissigns, I have also detached
one hundred Christians who Joine wth 300 Maquas and river Indians under the Command of Major
Schylcr, who I have sent into Cannada & doubt not but to have a good acet of them they being to be
assisted by a Considerable force of ye Sennequa Indians who will likewyse descend upon the Ennemy,
and assault ym at severall plases at once, we have a report that the french have reced recruits att
Cannada & Intend some action against Albany. I am now requiring some aid of our Nighbor
Collonys to put that place in such Condition as may disapoint their dissigns. we have sev11 french privateers upon our Coast wch have done some damage to N. England men. I have ordered Capt Hix to
Cruise from ye Capes of Virginia to ye Capes of N. England to secure our Coast, I shall be glade to
hear of yor Ldships Wellfare whose prosperity & success is heartily wished by
Yor Ldshps
Inchequin                                              Most
GOV. SLOUGHTER TO THE GOV. OF CONNECTICUT.
11 July 1691.
S'-I returned to this place from Albany on the 27th past where I left all things in a very good
posture and with much difficulty have secured our Indians I found that place in great disorder the
out Plantacons and Schenectady almost ruined and destroyed by the Enemyes during the time of the
late Confusions here, I have garrisoned Schenectady and the half moon with some of the hundred
fusileers raised by our Assembly for the defence of this frontier att Albany the Remainder with one
of the Kings Companyes are passed att Albany.
VOL. II                                28




218                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTINAN-t-GOVx6R LEISLft.
By the Indians Proposition herewith sent you you will perceive their sentiments and what apprehensions they have concerning yor Government and the rest of the Adjacent Colonyes and how far
they think you obleiged (being in the same Chain of Covenant with them) to aid and assist us against
the ffrench our Comon Enemy pursuant thereunto  I have advised withe the Council who Joyne with
me and think it absolutely needfull for the security of this and all the other of their Majestyes
Colonyes that there be garrisoned att Albany att least 500 men this winter whereof they consider it
needfull that you assist us with One hundred & fifty as your proposicon according to Order of
Council or Resolve this day now sent you  I need not relate unto you of how great Import the
prservacon of this place is being the only bulwarke and safeguard of all their Majestyes Plantacons
on the Maine of America and if for want of strength the ffrench should Assault and gain Albany
how far your Government and all the English Colonyes on both sides of us would be endangered
you can easily Judge for wee have nothing but that place that keeps our Indians steady with us and
the losse of that might bee the losse of them and the losse of them might be the losse of all the kings
Interest on this Continent I have alsoe upon the receipt of the Inclosed letter from Justice Glenn
and for the prventing of the Enemyes Descent upon us raised one hundred Christians more who with
300 Maquaes and river Indians under the Command of Major Shuyler did March to Canada the 22th
past to watch the Enemyes mocon and to Improve all opportunityes that presents for the surprizing
and destroying them the Sinnekaes having agreed to goe down Cadaraque River with a Considerable
force and assault them at the same time which I doubt not but will have that effect and keep them
in such Alarm that they may change their resolves of invading us at least divert them so long untill
we be in a fitt posture of Defence I have applyed to our JNeighbours in.N'ew England for their
Assistance but can have none soe cannot rely upon them tho' they were forward enough to help the late
usurper by which it may be easily conceived how far they are affected to their Matyes Interest and how
much this place is endangered if we have not a present and suitable supply from you lO others of
our Jeighbours Westward  The Council doth likewise joyne with me and think fitt. that you communicate some reasons to Concert with me and oyr Commisoners from Virginia Maryland Pennsil & the
Jerseyes of proper means and methods for the securing this and their Matyes other Plantacons on the
Maine and'the suppressing the Enemy and alsoe to agree to a Certaine fund to be levyed amongst us
all in proportion for the raising and paying of men during this warr that if possible the memory of the
ffrench might be rooted out of America all which by a hearty union amongst our selves and noe [due?]
deliberation may be easily Effected  I doubt not but you are very sensible of the many branches that
have been lopped off from this Government in the late.Reignes and that is now confined to a great narrownesse having only Hudsons River & Long Island for the bounds and notwithstanding of the great harrasse
waste and ruin that has attended them in the 4ate usurpacon yet in their Assembly they have given signall
demonstracon of great loyalty and true affection to their Matyes having Establised a Revenue as
formerly and raised 2000~ for the pay of 100 fisileers and the paying and fitting out the late Expedition
will cost 2000<~ more so that, the Charge of this poor Province will Exceed 10000i~ p annum which
far Exceeds their ability and will alsoe fall short of what is needfull to preserve it and how far you are
concerned in its prservacon need not be repeated for that I hope I shall have yr Effectuall answer which
will be great service to the Crowne and the only security to us all Since the promisses I have rece'
fresh Intelligence concerning the arrivall of recruits in Canada as is fully related in the duplicates of the
Letters & examinations sent you so that ther is now no time for delay but-doe expect that you will forthwith send us yor quota of 150 men Compleatly armed & provided for the reinforcement of Albany,
weh is now in eminent danger the french spyes having killed two men that were mowing of hay at
Quenestiago within 7 miles of Albany-I now send this Messenger express to urge yor despatch of this
matter our circumstance not admitting delays and if anyt. iure oh yo p arts. must ly at yor doors, and




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERIOR LEISLER.                  219
the king fully acquainted with it, I shall as oportunity presents accquainte you from time to time with
what occurres, and do expect you will put yor whole Governmt in such a posture that may-be ready
to march against the French our Comon Ennemy if any Invasion should happen
Endorsed
to Virginia Maryland
Pennsila W. Jersey & Connecticut
11th July 1691
MAJOR INGOLDSBY & COUNCIL TO THE LORDS OF TRADE.
NYorke July 29th 1691
MAY IT PLEAS YOR LDSHPS-On ye 25th Instant Coll Sloughter our Late Govr was seized with sudden
death, whereupon pursuant to their Majtys Letters pattents we did unanimously declare Major Richd
Ingoldsby to be Commander in Chiefe untill their Majtys Pleasure should be further known and on
ye 27th Curt he was sworn to Execute the powers & Authorityes Contained in their Majtys Letters
pattents his Excelly the Late Govr on his arrivall here found this Countrey in great disorder Lesleir
Millbourn & oyrs who had usurped the Governmt having grievously opressed the best sort of the
Inhabitants, were so hardened in their wickedness that they would not admitt Major Ingoldesby who
arrived wth their Matys forces & stores into the F6rt, but on the contrary Issued out proclamations of
warr against him fires upon the Citty Killed sevall of the [Kings] subjects the pticulars whereof we more
fully related in the narrative sent to Mr Blaithwaite On ye 19th of March his Excelly Arrived published
their Majtys Letters pattents and Commanded a surrender of the fort wch was sev11 times denyed
at last they proposed a Capitulation wch his Excellcy refused and seized upon Millbourn & delanoy
who were the Messengers the next day the fort was surrendered Lesleir and his Councellors Committed
to prison being taken in Actuall rebellion, a Commission of oyer & terminer was Issued for their
Lcgall tryall, where the two principall Acters Lesleir & Millbourn were Condemned as mute; six
convict by their Country and two cleared. On ye 17th May the Mutes were Executed the rest
repreived untill their Majtys pleasure were known on ye 9th of Aprill his Excellcy mett the assembly
who Chose their Speaker and did agree wth his ExcellcY in many things for their Majtys service the
Laws made are now transmitted to Mr Blaithwaite for their Majtys aprobatione  The assembly did
then adress their Majtys wlh the State of this province wch we have now farther presumed to doe,
in a more pticular manner, & humbly beg yr Ldships favour therein, there being nothing requested
but According to the best of our Experience & understandings, is of absolute necessity for their Majtys
dignity and advantage and the security of their subjects here, all wch is humbly submitted unto yr Ldshps,
his Excellcy had no sooner settle affairs here but he went to Albany with sev11 Gentlmen of the
Councill, where he met the Indians and notwithstanding of the strong endeavors of the french hath
so fixed them, that we have cause to believe they will prove constant to us, the french are very active,
his Excellcy viewed Schenectidy ye half moon & SevIl Oyr out places where he found them in a sad
and miserable condition occasioned by the Late troubles and the french who had desended vpon them
burnt Schenectidy & had killed & taken sev11 Inhabitants he has.guarisoned Schenectity & the half
moon, and upon the reports he heard of recruits arrived in Cannada, and of 900 Cannoes making at
Montroyall with dessign to Come & take Albany he fitted out 130 Christians and 300 Maquas &
river Indians under ye Command of Major Schyler who went into Canada on ye 25th past and were to
meet there about 500 Senequaswho promised to go down Cadaraqua river unto them we hope they may
doe some service or at Lest devert their Invasion untill we bee in a beter posture of defence having




220                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLr.
wrote sevll Letters to the neighbouring Colonys for their assistance Connecticut Rhod Island & y~
Massachusets flattly deny us and will not afford *; relief we Expect better from Virginia & Marylandthere being an absolute necessity of guarisoning Albany wth at lest 500 men for this province as
now Limitted impossible to raise or mantain ym yet that Post of so great Import, that if it be not preserved, will endanger the loss of all their Majtys Collonys on this Continent being the only defence &
security of them all, we therfore pray your Lordshps to Consider the present state of this province who
has groaned under unsiportable pressures ever since that unhappy union with bosten in the late reign the
governmt then being so large an extent and the means of Conveying Intelligence so difcult & tedious
that on end of the dominion might have been destroyed before the other could have notice of it, besides
they have so since so poysoned thos western parts with their seditious and antimonarchical principles
who formerly were all signall for their good affection to the monarchy that all the Miseries that has
since attended this province is only to be attributed to that miserable union, In the adress now sent unto
their  at   your dshps will perceive, that those Collonys formerly under on head & governmt and
wer desired to be reunited has this advantadge besides all the oyrS occrueing to their MajtYs that this place
ye seat of the Govmt is ien the center of  the whole  Scenectda  ch i the Extremest part of the
whole will not exceed 160 miles so that in two or 3 days we can be advised & give releife to any part
ma a short time
ANSWER TO BLAGGE'S MEMORIAL
See ante p. 33.
The matter alleadged therein seemes verry wide of the truth because Capt Nicholson & others then
of the Councill appoynted by Authorty of the Crowne, in the month of March long before any knowledge of the late happy Revolucon had taken care for the providing matterialls for repairing of the ffort &
garrison at New Yorke And ye Citty Fortifications were divided into equall shares according to ye number
of the militia Companyes in ye Citty who were allotted to finish yr shares but it was very remarkable that
every Company in ye Town had Compleated their shares of ye fortifications Except Capt Leislers Company
who did not finish till about 3 or 4 weeks after that he had seized ye ffort to himselfe and when they
the sd Leisler & his Complices had seized their Matys fortresse & stores under Colour & prtence of their
Matys service they were applyed to their own defence nor does it appear by any words or Acc6ns of
Capt Nicholson during his abode here that he had any dislike to the sd revolution or the least dissatisfaccon
to yr prsent Matys persons Government or interest.
ffor the greater quiet & satisfacon of the people the sd Capt Nicholson admitted Detachments of
the Citty Militia & desired the assistance of the severall Countyes of the Province as well for their Councill & advice as the comon defence to Watch & ward in the ffort which gave occacon to Capt
Leisler & others his abettors all men of meane birth sordid Educacon & desperate ffortunes by inflaming
the people with idle and improbable stories & false suggestions whilst Capt Nicholson & others of the
Councill assisted with the Mayor & Aldermen of the City & Militia Officers of the province all
Protestants & principall ffreholders were Consulting att the City Hall for the peace & preservacon of the
Country to expell the garrison force the keys from Capt Nicholson & assumed this military power over
their Majties subjects of this province which poynt being so far gayned the lesser & meaner part of the
people being overawed by the strength of the ffort were easily induced to choose such a Comitte as they
were directed for the Confirmacon of the accons of the sd Leysler & others his followers.
The Gentlemen of the former Councill Mayor & aldermen of the Citty were not made acquainted with
any order or proclamacon ffor proclaiming their Majties in this province but on the Contrary upon Rumor
of such orders being come to the Towne they sent to Leysler & others to enquire of the truth but could




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  221
have no certaine intelligence from them  and what avercon possibly could be discovered in those
persons to their Majties prosperity & accession to the throne their letter to the Secretary of State upon'the first newes of the Revolucon their Educacon & constancy in the profession of the protestant Religion
& Continuall affection to the English Crowne may sufficiently evince & the Journalls of their proceedings in
those times apparently declare.
The Mayor & Aldermen were not suspended but remayned untill the usuall time of election, nor did
any of the persons confined in any manner oppose their Majties interest or the revolucon but were all of
them of the protestant Religion well affected to their Majties persons & Governmt & the Empire of the
English Crowne in these parts.
The Inhabitants of the Province werre farr from understanding his Majti-8 letter to be directed for
Capt Leisler or that any powers or authorityes therein Contained were given to him the Letters was not
openly comunicated but when diverse of their Majties good and faithfull protestant Leige Subjects
principall ffreeholders of the province desired of Capt Leysler who had surreptitiously got the same into
his own hands that they might either have a Coppy or heare the same read that they might pay all duty
and obedience to their Majtie3 Orders accordingly they were not only denyed the same but dismissed
with menaces contempt & rude language.
Noe Reluctance or Resistance in the least was ever shewne or offered to their Majties Govermnt
in the province but it was received with a hearty & Unanimous Consent & general joy & gladness
& the only Opposicon that ever was mrade was against the manifest irraconal & intollerable violence
& oppression of Jacob Leisler & his faction whose Religion before those times was as unaccomptable
& obscure as their birth & fortunes by whose occasion the Ruines of Scanechtadae & other depredations of the ffrench & Indians happened & unto whom the same is wholly attributed
Severall of their Majties Protestant Leige Subjects being without any reason kept strict prisoners in
the ffort to the regret & amazement of the greatest part of the Inhabitants of the Province some of the
most Considerable persons in a modest & peaceable maner without tiny armes whatsoever applyed themselves to Capt Leysler & Civilly desired the prisoners might be delivered upon Baile but were disturbed
by Leyslers son who came runing upon them with a drawne Sword & diverse other armed men whereupon sundry of their Majties good Subjects were seized imprisoned & without any course or Solemnity
of Law fined & kept in durance during the will & pleasure of the sd Leysler & his Companions.
Concerning the Quartering & insolence of the Country People in the Citty of New Yorke the truth
is verry much abused for they were all called in by Leislers Comand & Quartered by his Orders &
the abuses & Robberyes by them   Committed were notorious & Exceeding greivous to their Majties
good subjects.
The Notion of a Dutch Plott cannot be applicable to Leysler & his adherents the much greater
part of Albany which wholly Consists of dutch people & all ye men of best repute for Religion Estates
& Integrity of the dutch Nacon throughout the whole Province having alwayes been manifestly
against Leysler & his Society in all their illegall & Irregular proceedings.
Endorsed                    Answer to ye
Memoriall
*** Bayard and Nicolls were the authors of this, and the following paper, the date of which is 27th Aoril, 1691.




S2 2A&DMINISThATXRIONi OF LUEUTEAT-GOVWIROR LEISLELM.
A NARRATIVE IN ANSWER TO THEIR MAJTIEs LETTER.
I find that Jacob Leislaer a man of disporate fortune ambitiously did assume unto himselfe the title
of Liev governour of this provins of new Yorke and Chose a Council of the meanest and Inost abject
Common people made to himselfe a broad seale which he called the seale of the province with
the usual armes of the kings of englandt and affixed the same to some unlawful grants of lands within
this province and Commissionated under the same Justices of the pease in whose hearts were mischiefe.
he Constituted Courts of oyer and terminer and tryed severall subjects for pretended treason murther and
other Crimeshe taxed and levyed mony upon their majestie Subjects to their grievous oppression and
great Impoverishment When he wanted more mony for his occasions he forcibly robbed and spoiled
broake open doors and locks where he guessed it was to be found and Caryed away to the value of
some thousands of pounds in mony or goods and all this against the best protestant subjects in the
province He imprisoned whom he feared without any other Cause than that their integritie to the
protestant interest and fidelyty to their Majesties became a terrour to him some of them after
tedious Confinement without Colour of law he Whipt & branded and some he kept Induresse so long as
he hould the ffortt
Upon the news of Majr Ingoldsbys arrivall with their Matys forces under his Command the said
Leisler fortifyed and recruited himselfe in the fort with such persons as wal from the neighbouring
Colonyes as in this province who were knowne to be of principles Contrary to the Intrest of the Crown
whenthe Major Came to New Yorcke he made great preparations as if he were to hold out a long siege
and night and day was taking in flower beefe porke &c: in great quantytyes notwithstanding the Majr
and the rest of the gentl Commissionated from their Matyes gave him that satisfaccon to show their Commisions anid tell him that governour Sloughter was upon his way Coming hither that they were Come
hither to defend and protect the Cbuntry and that he would lodge his men in the towne and suffer him
to bold the fort till the governours arrivall this did not answer his ends his Inpatience became the
greater he sent out his Incendiaryes all over the Country and neighbouring Colonys to bring in ayd att
length fired upon the Majrs Rounds and toock three of them prisoners and att last declared open Warr
against the Major and all that would adhere unto him and discovered as black and desperate disignes
as can be thought upon gave orders to the blockhouse a fortification att the opposite Corner of the Citty
where he had a strong garrison Commanded under him by one of his Lievts brasier to suffer no Soldiers
nor others whatsoever to appear armed before the same and if otherwise to fire att them said he would
doe the same from the fortt and att length contrived to sally out upon the towne and kill all that should
be found in the streets or elsewhere in arms and accordingly orders and a signe was given to the blockhouse he shott a Carman throw the shoulder being in sight of the fort with his Cart loaded and Refusing
to Cary his load thither and killd the Carmans horse fired great gunns throw severall houses of the Citty
particularly throw the house where he under stood their Matyes Soldiers and Amniccon was lodged
killed one Josiah browne an old soldier one negroe and wounded a great many subjectt in the streets he
had 16 or 17 bulletts in the fire Redhott to fire the town withall and had not the guilty Consciences of
his weak followers smott them upon the govemours arrivall (if he Could have effected it) he had Cutt
of not only their Maties souldiers but every one that were assisting them in their defence the noyse
and shouting that followed upon the Governor landing being come in the pinnace by the back side of
nutten Island made.the hearts of his followers to devide. he three times denyed to surrender the fort
to the Governour but att laest a Convussion falling upon his followers he was forced with his Secry
Milbourne and others of desperate intentions to surrender themselves and become prisoners leisler and
Milboume did shew great stubbornese upon their arraignment and were Mute Where upon they were




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERN0    L EISLER.                223
Condemned   many of the people of this province have been debauched with strange principles and
tenetts Concerning goverment and are not easily to be rooted out new england hath had a great shere
in these trouble & in poysoning of this people many here of Considerable fortune and knowne integrity
to the Crown of england whose lives and fortunes have almost been Ship wracht are uneasy thinking it
Will never afterwards be safe for them to live in this province nor can their lives or fortunes ever be'secure if such men doe survive to head an ignorant Mobile here upon occasion, and if some Example be
not made of such Criminalls to future generacons especially they having Committed barefaced and open
Rebellion against their Maties authoryty here published and declared and his officers and souldier sent
immediately from ther Majesties  Their Government can never be safe in these Colonyes.
Endorsed
A Narrative in answer
to their Matyes Letr of
Leisler &c
NICHOLAS BAYARD'S CLAIM.
NICHOLAS BAYARD hereby enters his Claime and demand in the Secretaries office against the Unaernamed persons for the Severall dammages by him Sustained in the times of the late rebellion &
disorders within this Province vizt
Inmp    ffor the ffals Imprisonmt of the sd Bayard during the space of 14 Months to the dammage of him
the sd Bayard ~5000. by the hands & means of
Peter Lanoy                     Abram Mol
Samuel Staets                   Cornelis Bulsing
Samuel Edsal                    Joost Carelsen
Hendrick Van Veurden            Jeremias Jansen
Benjamin Blagge                 Johannes Mortier
Jan Hendrickx d'Bruyn           Johan Markener
Jacob Mourits                   Poulus Turc
Jan Spratt                      Jan van Gelder
Wm Churcher                     Herry Breser
Arent ffredrix                  Jan Willemsen Roomer
Itmn ffor the several assaults forces Wrongs Spoils & Injuries done perpetrated & Committed in thq
house and uppon the Estate of the sd Bayard to the.daumage of him the sd Bayard ~2X00
by the undernamed persons vizt
Jan Bribout               Mattys Cornelisen        Pirck ten Eyck
Willem Tyssen             Jan Bennet                Johannes van Giesen
Joris Martensen           Arien Willemsen           Govert Hollar
Jacob Jorisen             Johannes Tieboat          Jurin Ngel
Jacobus Cock
Dated In New Yorke this 7th of Septr 1691.
N. BAYMaD.




224                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
THE COMPRIZING BILL of the whole charges in the Quarter ending the 25th Decemb 1691
fforfeitures of Delinquents Discounted for by Tho. Codrington high Sheriff of the City
and County of New York
Levyed from peter Jacob Marius & Evert Deykin,......................   85 10
Levyed from Rip Van Dam.......................................   47 10
from Jacob Morris..........,..............         76
from John Provost..............*..........           47 10
from Hend: Jansen Van Worden..................0.....     60
306 10
COMPRIZING BILL of the Whole Charge arising out of the produce pf the Revenue in this Quarter
ended Michel' 1692.
ffines & fforfeitures.
Leveyed from Johannes Provoost by Thomas 
Coddrington Esq. High Sheriff of the City  45.00.00
& County of New York                )
Extracted out of the auditted acct of
the Revenue
p me
B CozZEws Clk Concilii
WIDDOW LEISLER'S PETICON TO INGOLDSBY.
New Yorke
To the Right Honble Majr Richard Ingoldsby Esqr Gour & ye Honble Councill for this Prouince
of New Yorke &c
The Petition: of Else Leisler Widdow of Jacob Leisler.
MOST HUMBLY SHEWETH
That yor Distressed: petitionr Some time Since: received Information: by ye high Shrife of
this City and County. that. yor petitioner Should remaine in Possession: of the Estates of her. Late
Husband: Vntill their Majtis pleasure Should be Knowne.
And Whereas ye bookes: of acctts &c & boat belonging to. Said. Estate, are in youer honnorr
Custodes as also Sume. part: of ye Said Estate in the County. of Suffolk being Seized. by. the. high:
Shrife of Said County & yor petinor being Destitued. of. any Maenes. for. ye Support of her Selfe
& distressed family: for the approaching Winter
Yor Honnrs Petitioner therefore Most [humbly craves your Honors] consideracon &
that your Honno" would Mercifully be pleased to cause ye sd bookes & papers and
boat to be delivered unto yor peticoner as allso that those goods Sized in Suffolk County
may be discharged that So yor petitionr May rep her benefit of ye Same.And yor Peticoner as in duty bound Shall most humbly Pray &c:
ELSIE LEISLER




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT- GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  22
BARTH LeROUX'S CLAIME.
BARTHOLEMEW LrE Roux hereby enters his Claime and Demand in the Secretarys office Against the
undernamed Persons for the damage by him sustained in the Times of the Late Rebellion and Disortlers Within this Province Vizt for the sume of Twelve Pounds & Ten Shillings for five Barrells
of Porke taken from him by the Undermentioned Partyes Vizt
Nicholas Blanck
Urian Nagell
William Churcher
Dated at New York this 7th of 7ber 1691.
BARTH: LE Roux
To the Honorable Major Richard Ingoldsby esq. Comandr in Chiefe of their Majtieu
Province of New York &c And to the Honorable Councill
The humble Peticon of John Jeronison Thomas Morgan Lawrence Johnson John Peterson and Dirick
Crews Chauck Pallion and John Bedine
HUMBLY SHEWETH unto yr honors that in the late revolution of Government vnder Jacob Leysler the said
Leysler sent [your petitioners freeholders] of Staten Island to comand some of the Inhabitants thereon
to Assist one Johannis Burger Sergeant of the fort vnder Leyslers Comand to goe to Elizabeth Towne
to secure and seize on some porke then belonging to Mr plowman late Collector of New Yorke, vnder
the pretence of the said Collector being considerably Indebted to the King And was Absented  your
petrs Amongst severall others was Comanded to goe who out of true zeal for their Majties service did goe
to Elizabeth Towne with the said Burger and others who did their seize About fifty barrells of Beefe
and porke the which belonged to the said plowman and was brought here to new yorke and delivered to
said Leysler, as yor petrs are Informed did Imploy the same for the service of the Souldiers then at Albany,
for the security of their Majties Subjects there Against the ffrench, Yet soe it is may it please yor honors
that yor petrs perticulerly are now sued by the said plowman for the said Provisions at the next Court
of Sessions at Staten Island Contrary to the true meaning of the proclamation Issued out by his late
Excellency Collon1" Slaughter and ye Assembly yor petrs Judging it very hard that they Alone should
be forced to bare the burthen of it when soe many others were concerned And the whole Country
received the benefitt of it
your [petrs] humbly prayes yor honrs consideration in the premises And that yor honors will
order the said action to cease till the time lymited in the proclamacon be expired,
And in the meane time to Consider some way to ease yor petrs from the whole burthen
thereof, by ordering sattisfaction to be made to the said plowman by the publique or
by Allotting each person that was concerned therein to pay their Equall proporceons
of the same And yor pet's in Duty bound will ever pray &ct
Endorsed,
Petition of the Persons on Staten Island Claimed agst & Presented by
PLOWMAN
VOL. II.                                29




226                   ADMIfNIS1TRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LtISLtEt.
APOLONIA WELCH'S DEPOSITION.
Aprill- 19th 1693. Apolonia Welch reports that an Indian who gives himselfe the name of Capt
Billop Sunday the 16th instant Declared that the number of 350 Indians of Hagen Sack ant Tapan
would make war against Newyorke for the blood of Leisler that nothing but a sume of money
should make satisfaccon that when his Excelly went for Philadelphia the action will beginn and that
the Indian was sober when he spoake these words and further says that as the Governr passed her
mothers house in his coach in the time of this discourse she told him there was the man they were
talking of commending His Excelly for a brave man the Indian said it would then be the better for
him and that notwithstanding his horses two would be sufficient to dispatch him
And further saith That another Indian came in whom he saluted by the name of Captain Busch who
asked him why he did play the fool to tell what they had designed and took him by the hand and
conveyed him away And that on Tuesday the 18th in the morning another Indian came in to her
mothers house to whom her mother said what had passed on. Sunday the 16th that the Indians were
to make warr with the English he replyed it was true but they would not doe any harm to her.
* DEPOSITIONS OF SUNDRY PERSONS.
JOHN PETERSON of New York in America Carpenter, Aged forty three years, or thereabouts make
oath, that he this deponent on or about the one & thirtieth day of May Anno 1689 was at New
York aforesaid, when the revolution happened there, & this deponent did then observe most part of the
Inhabitants take Arms, & possessed themselves of the fort or Citadell & did thereupon declare
for his then Royal highness the Prince of Orange (now our gracious Sovereign) & the defence of the
protestants Religion, & having Seized the said fort as aforesaid-the Said Inhabitants did send to the
Captains of the Militia requiring them to repair into the said fort, to Exercise their several commands. & this deponent further Say that Capt Charles Lodwick, one of the Said Militia Captains had
the first Command of the guard after the Seizure of the said fort by the inhabitants & that the other
Militia Captains did amount the said guards by turns amongst whom Capt Jacob Leisler deceased
did duty in his turn, & this deponent further saith that on or abt the tenth of June following, the said
Captain Leisler having then the Guard of the said fort the happy news of their Majesties accession to
the throne arrived at New York whereupon the said Captain Leisler as this deponent has been
credibly informed & believes did proclaim their Majesties King William & Queen Mary with the
Consent & approbation of the greater, part of the inhabitants who assisted at the same & further Saith
that about a month after a Committee of the representatives of the said Province in the nature
of a Generall Assembly was held in the said City of New York to Consider & provide for the security
of the said province till their Majesties pleasure was Known who thereupon did appoint the said
Captain Leisler to be a Commander of the said fort (Captain Francis Nicholson, the late Deputy
Governor being before that time departed out of the said Province) & the said Captain Leisler
immediately, fortified the said fort & City which before was very Runious & uncapable to make
defence &: destitute of ammunition & this deponent further Saith that disturbances happening in the
Town of Albany which is a frontier towards the french Colony, the said Captain Leisler did provide
& Send men Arms & other Necessaries for the defence thereof & this deponent Saith that the Said Gll
Committee being reassembled about the Month of August following & finding it necessary for their




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 227
Majesties Service & the Safety of the said province to have a Commander in Chief. the said Committee did elect & Authorize the said Capt Leisler to be a Commander in Chief of the said province till
further orders from their Majesties-& the said Captain Leisler was acknowledged as such by the
inhabitants & did Administer the Government with great Prudence & Conduct for the service of their
Majesties & the good & Satisfaction, of the people & this Deponent further Saith, that the french having
invaded the North part of the said Province & Burned, SCHANECKTADE, being a large town Killing a
great many people & taking Several Prisoners.  this deponent & about a hundred & Thirty other
persons were Commanded by the said Capt Leisler, to March to their relief being about one
hundred & forty English Miles in which Service he continued about seven months & by the order
of the said Captn Leisler they did fortify the said Town of Albany & otherwise provided for the
security of these parts after which this deponent returned to New York being relieved by other
Soldiers who were sent to Albany by the said Captain Leisler & this deponent further Saith that the
said Capt Leisler did Exercise. & Command in Chief of the Said Province & was so owned by the
people from the said month of August 1689, till the latter end of January 1690 when Captain Richard
Ingoldesby arrived with *some Soldiers at New York who as this deponent was informed did demand
the possession of the said fort & Government, & this deponent saith, that he being in the block
house, with about an hundred others for the defence thereof this deponent did see one great Gun, &
was informed & believes, there were Two other great Guns planted against the said Block house by
the said Capt Ingoldesby & his party & Saith that the said Block House was several times Summoned to surrender to the said Ingoldesby & Shortly after did Surrender to him accordingly the
burgers being to have Arms which however were after taken from them & more saith notSigned              JOHN PIETERSON.
Jurat 19. Febri 1691
Coram me Magro Cancell
Signed S. KECK.
JOHN VESSELLS of the province of New York in America Chirurgion Aged two & twenty years or there
about Maketh Oath, That he this deponent was present at new York on or about the one & thirtieth
day of May Anno Dom 1689 when the revolution happened some time before which news came that the
Prince of Orange was Landed with an Army in England & that a revolution had been Made in New
England & other places, whereupon a Great number of the Inhabitants on the east end of Long Island
& other places of the province of New York, did Assemble together, & Sent five of their Captains to
the City of New York requiring the inhabitant thereof to take possession of & Secure the fort, the same
being the Strenth of the Country, but at this time very ruinous & incapable of defence & unfurnished with
ammunitions & Stores & this deponent Saith that Some few days after the comming of the said Captains
from Long Island, the people of New York being under greater Apprehensions of danger they did
unanimously except not above twenty persons some of whom were papists seize & take possession of
the said fort the deputy govenor being at that time in the City at a Tavern & Said that at the Seizing
of the Said Fort Several officers of the ihilitia did Join & assist therein particular Captain Lodwick
& Captain De Peister & that this deponent did see several of these inhabitants require Captain Jacob
Leisler to require into the said fort most of his Company of Soldiers being interred before. & this deponent Saith that the said Captain Lodwick by order of the inhabitants, did fetch the keys of the fort from
the said Deputy Governor, who Afterwards departed out of the said province & the Captains of the
Militia Did in their turns, keep guard in the said fort & City & this deponent saith that Shortly after the
said Captain Jacob Leisler having the Command of the said Guards in his turn, the happy intelligence
of their Majesties accession to the Crown arrived whereupon the said Capt Leisler did proclaim their




228                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
Majesties King William & Queen Mary in the Accustomed places in the said City & in several other
parts of the said Province, with all the Sblemnity usual & this deponent saith that upon the advice &
direction of the officers & principal inhabitants a general Committee or Assembly of the representatives
of the said province was summoned & did meet the month of June in the Year 16S9 aforesaid, who
amongst other provisions for the safety of the Country did Appoint the said Captain Leisler to be
Captain & Commander of the said fort till further order from their Majesties, & accordingly the said
Capt. Leisler took possession thereof & did very well fortify the said fort & City & provided ammunition & Stores & further saith that sometimes after the said Committee being met again & finding it
necessary for their Majesties Service & defence of the said Province to have a Commander in Chief
thereof did Elect & Commissionate the said Captain Leisler to be a Commander in Chief till orders
come from their Majesties, & the said Captain Leisler did Act accordingly & was owned to be Commander in Chief by all the inhabitants both of the City & Country, Except Some who were
disaffected & had opposed the revolution & further saith that about the tenth of December following
a Messinger arrived with a letter from his Majesty directed to Francis Nicholson Esqr & in his absence
to such as for the time being take care for preserving the peace & administring the laws of the said
province of New York long before which the said Captain Nicholson was departed & the said Captain
Leisler had the government without the opposition of any others but upon the Comming of the
said Letters, this deponant Saith Mr Frederick Vlypson & Stephanus Van Courtlandt did demand the
same as having been Members of the said Captain Nicholson's Council, but the said Messinger &
the said Mr Flypson & Van Courtlandt went next day to the Said Captain Leisler in the fort Amongst
whom it was debated to whom the said letter did properly belong & ought to be delivered, whereupon
the said Messenger did deliver the Said letter to the said Captain Liesler who afterwards caused the
same to be published in the City & was thereupon with geheral Applause again acknowledged by the
people to be commander in Chief, after which this deponent being Absent from the said Province, did
not return there again till the Month of May last when Captn Leisler Mr Milborne & Six Others
were in prison under the sentence of Death for some pretended Murder & treason & this deponent did
Afterwards see the said Captain Leisler & Mr Milborne put to Death Accordingly. & this Deponent
saith that the Said Captain Leisler upon the proclamation of their Majesties did Cause the inhabitants,
to take the Oaths of allegince to King William & Queen Mary. this deponent then taking the same
himself-& that the said Captain Leisler, before the said revolution was a Merchant of a very good
Estate both real & personal & had very great dealings & during his government did Expend great
sums of his own Money for their Majesties Service & the defence of The province, & further doth not
deposeJurat' 19 Feby. 1691 coram me
Mag-ro Cancell S. KECK                                       Signed JOHANNES WESSELLS
ROBERT SINCLAIR of the Citty of New York in a merica Commander of the Ship Resolution inaketh
oath, that he this deponent, hath been an Inhabitant of the Said City about nine Years and upwards,
of three Years since he went a Voyage from thence to Jamaica & returned to New York about the
Beginning of March 1689, when Captain Leisler was in possession of the fort & government of
the said province, as Lieut Govenor & Commander in Chief, & was Acknowledged as such by the
generallity of the People, & Saith that this deponent found the said City & fort well fortified which
was done, as this deponent was informed & beleives by the said Captain Leisler-The fortifications
of the said City when this deponent went to Jamaica being runious & uncapable of defence to the
best of his Judgment & further Saith that the said Captain Leisler at Several times did send Soldiers




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 229
& Ammunitions & provisions, for the defence of Albany & the Northern part of the Country against
the french who had invaded the same & burnt the town of Schanhectade & Killed great numbers
of People & taken many prisoners & done many other great Mischief as this deponent was informed
& verily beleives, & also saith that there came an account of New Yorke, that french Privateers
had arrived at Block Island & had taken & plundered the same   Whereupon the said Captain
Lcisler immediately did fit out five Vessels well provided with men guns ammunition & provisions
& in three days time sent them to find out and fight the french privateers. This Deponent being
Master of the Admiral in the said Service, & Saith that the Said Captain Leisler to the best of this
deponents observations did upon that & other Occasions, act the most that he could for the Interest
of their Majesties King William & Queen Mary & the Security of the Country & also Saith. whilst
this deponent continued in New York there was a general Assembly held of the representatives of
the Province who made several Publick Acts & did grant a tax to their Majesties of three pence
in the pound of all Estates, both real & personal,  the said oassembly did likewise own the government & authority of the Said Captain Leisler till further orders from the King, & Saith that being
a want of Stores & necessaries provisions for the Soldiers, who were sent against the French & the
Said Captain Leisler not having money of the Kings To Supply the same as this deponent beleives
he was necessitated to press & take divers  uantities of several Sorts of Goods from many of the
inhabitants & in particular between fifteen & Twenty pounds worth of linen & wollon from this
deponent for the use aforesaid for which this deponent has a receipt given him on the Kings
Account by Mr Peter De la Noy their Majisties collector who also told this deponent there was
credit given for the Value of Such goods in the Kings Book & that the same should be repaid when
the Kings revenue came in, & this deponent doth in his conscience believe that the goods so taken
were really employed in their Majesties Service. & not converted to the private Benefit of the
said Captain Leisler & also saith that he did knew Mathew Pluman formerly collector at New York
who was turned out for being professed Papists during whose Collectorship the said Captain Leisler
had a Ship with some Vines arrived at New York who did Acquaint this deponent, that he had made
an Entry of Said Vines in the Custom House & that some days after the, said Entry was returned back
to him by the said Pluman & Saith that he was informed that there were not above an hundred Pipes
of wine in the said Vessel the Custom whereof came to forty Shillings per pipe but whether there
were so many pipes of Wine, or how many of them were Captain Leisler's this deponent Knoweth
not & further saith that about the Month of September Nno 1690 Captain William Mason & Captain
Francis Goderis by virtue of a Commission from Captain Leisler, did take & Seize from the Subjects
of the french King Six Ships which they brought into the fort of New York were they were condemned upon full Evidence as lawfull prizes in a Court of Admiralty. When this deponent was a
commissioner & afterwards the said Ship was sold at a publick Vendue to the highest bidder & this
deponest Saith that Captain Jacob Mawritz did Buy one of the said Ships Called the St Pierre
& afterwards the Francis & since the Bearer for which he gave Five hundred pounds as this deponent
has been informed & believes and afterwards this deponent did very often see the Said Ship in
the possession of the said Captain Mauritz who repaired the same & loaded Tobacco & Log wood
in her & was bound for England & Holland as was expressed in his bill set up in the usual Place, but
after the arrival of Col Sloughter to New York the Said Ships, & the Ship whereof this deponent is
Commander which was afterwards taken from the French & likewise condemned & Sold as Lawful Prize
as aforesaid were taken from the persons who had bought them by order of the said Governor Sloughter,
who declared that the Commissions by which the said Ships were taken from the french & the Condemnation & Sale of them as aforesaid were all void & of none effect as being done by the authority of
Captain Leisler which he declared to be insufficient & therefore the said Sloughter did appoint a Court




230                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
Admiralty to Condemn the said Ships again which Court accordingly did condemn the Ship of which
-this deponent is Commander & Captain Mauritz' Said Ship was sold to MrFrederic Flipson of the
Council at New York, & this deponent did see the goods laden by Captain Mauritz as aforesaid taken
out of the Said Ship & this deponent further saith that upon the arrival of Captain Ingoldesbey with
Soldiers at New York this deponent did hear he required the possession of bthe fort from Captain Leisler,
who refused to deliver the same without orders from his Majesties Col Sloughter but as this deponent
was informed did offer the said Capt Ingoldesby the best accommodation for the said Captn Ingoldesby &
his Soldiers in the City & this deponent saith that he has been credibly informed by divers persons that
Captain Leisler & Mr Milborne did upon their Trial appeal to the King & desire to be sent for England
& further saith upon the Election for Assembly men after the Arrival of Coll Sloughter Captain De
Peyster was directed" by the majority of voices as this deponent believes, but was cryed out for a
Rebel & rejected, & one M' Graham was turned in his Steade & this deponent saith that he knew
Captain Leisler about twelve years that he had a Good real and personal Estate & was a Merchant of
great dealing & very good reputation & further doth not depose
Signed                       ROBT SINCLAIR
Jurat 23d die Feby 1691
Coram me Magro Cancell.,
LACON WM CHILITZ
DANIEL DE KLERCK aged about 38 years inhabitant of the province of New York in America
doth upon. his oath by him taken on the holy Evengalists depose to be true That he this deponant
about the month of May 1689 (the exact time he doth not remember) was in person in the City of
New York aforesaid & did then & there see, that the Inhabitants, or the greatest part of them did
come in fully armed & took possession of the fort of New York Aforesaid
That soon after he this deponent Did see & read a letter written from those of the said fort, to the
Inhabitants of the County of Orange, requesting them with all Speed to Choose two Comifiissioners
& send them to New York there to Consult what might be best & most advantageous for the welfare
of the country & the protestant religion that the Inhabitants of Orange aforesaid After an assembly
held of all the Country & Mature deliberation had & all matters Duely weighed, did freely unanimously elect & chose two fit & experienced persons Qualified for Commissioners aforesaid to whom
(as also all the other Country's likewise did) full power & Authority was given there to consult do
transact & perform all & Whatsoever they according to their Judgment & Advice should think to
tend, most to the welfare of the country & the protestant religion that the said two Commissioners.
being come to New York it was thought fit & ordered in the general Assembly, that the person of
Jacob Leisler should be chosen to take upon himselfe the Chief Command of the Said fort & the
same to hold until further orders should come from England-that The said Jacob Leisler being thus
Chosen by the general votes, to be Captain of the said Fort He did thereupon take the Command upon him & afterwards with the approbation & consult of the Commissioners in general & of
the whole assembly for the better Security of the said fort of New York he took into his Service
fifty Souldiers  That the said Leisler was also ordered & had license & Consent to fortify the said
City the Castle of the same & all that was needfull with all speed & in the best manner le could &
put the same into a Posture of defence That some time afterwards by the said Commissioners &
commander Leisler Joost Stoll Ensign in the fort was nominated & Deputed to go as Messinger to
England to deliver to his present Majesty-King William the letters & Papers Containing a full
relation of All that had passed-That the said Leisler was also appointed by the said General Deputies,n their assembly to be commander in Chief of all the said province of New York, & he was so




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTEiANt-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                    231
acknowledged & allowed by the greatest part of the force & People, even untill Such time that a
letter came from his said Majesty whereof the said letter was confirmed as Lieut General & commander in Chief & was for & as such respected by the people which place he did officiate & serve
untill Captain Ingoldesby arrived there with Several Soldiers (about a year since) who did Shortly
after raise Several batteries in the City against the fort and besiege the same & he continued this
his proceedings until governor Sloughter Arrived there, as he did sometimes after, the said beseiging
in an afternoon towards the Evening. That in the same evening about Twilight the said Captain
Ingoldesby having demanded the fort, the Secretary Jacob Milborne went out to him & desired him
to Shew his orders from the King which the said Ingoldesby refused to do
That a little time afterwards the said Stoll was sent out to see whither the said Sloughter was
arrived, whereupon being come back to the fort, he Acquainted him, that it was the same person that
was Called Sloughter in England. That the said Evening were sent out of the fort by the said
Leisler The said Milborne & Peter De la Noy Mayor of the said City of New York, to welcome
& congratulate the said Sloughter. &  also to see the letters & Quality which he had from the
King, but they instead of returning were closely confined, That the next morning the said Leisler
sent a Drummer out of the fort with a letter directed to the said Sloughter whereby he desired him
to come & take possession of the fort, but the drummer was also secured
That immediately after the said Captain Ingoldesby being come to the fort, the same was delivered
up to him by the said Leisler & afterward by order of the said Sloughter all was given up to him & his
men, all which was so done by the said Leisler freely of himself & without constraint that shortly
after the delivery of the said fort by the said Leisler, the said InGoldesby was particulary desired by
him, which he also promised that about half an hour after full possession had of the fort, All the
Arms goods & Effects which the Inhabitants Should leave there should be fairly delivered & restored to
them which was not done, but to the Contrary besides the detention of their goods & effects The
men as they went out of the fort were disarmed & had their Swords taking from them that some
days before the said fort was delivered Up one Abraham Brasier Ensign of a Company of Burgers
lying in the Block House of New York upon Smiths Vally came into the said fort to make his complaints to the Governor Leisler & to acquaint him that the said Ingoldesby's men did Approach the
said Block house desiring his advice thereupon, what they should do in case they should continue near
the Block-house or attack the same in an Hostile manner That thereupon an order in writing was given
to the said Ensign by the said Leisler containing that if the said Ingoldesby's men should attack the
Block house they should immediately give a signal By firing a gun & then those of the fort would
draw out to their Assistance but the said Block house was possessed by the said Ingoldesby's men
before the said Ensign returned from the fort were he remaineth  Lastly he this deponent doth declare
That shortly after the said Sloughter had taken possession of the said fort several of'the Inhabitants
of the province fled from thence as well by reason of their threats as out of fear that they should be
ill used by the men of the said Sloughter, as they had then already seen sufficient Exemples of the
Inhabitants, some whereof were put in prison, & others had money extracted from them
Signed        DANIEL DE KLERCK
Jurat 24 die Feby. 1691
coram me magro cancell                This is truly Translated by me
ANT. WRIGHT, Not.
169.2




232                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
JACOB WILLIAMS of Chancery Lane in the Liberty of the Rolls in the County of Middle Sex Aged
Seven & twenty Years or thereabouts maketh oath that he this deponent before the month of May
1689 & from that time to about the Month of May 1691. was resident in New York in America & that
upon the late revolution the Inhabitants of New York aforesaid not being Satisfied of the Strength of
the Garrison & not Knowing whether the powder there was good proof 15. of the Burghers made
application to the Council & Mayor and Alderman that care might be taken of the Powder in the
fort, to know whether it was good, & that the Garrison might be fortified (for fear of being Surprised
in Case of an Enemy) & that the Garrison being but Small the inhabitants themselves offered & were
admitted to do Duty in the fort as it came to their turns, that the Captains never came upon duty in
the fort but sent a Lieut & that whilst this deponent was in the fort one.Lieut Henry Cuyler commanded a Centry, one of the burghers to be set upon a Sally port whereupon the Corporal of the
Garrison asked him what he had to do there or to that Effect who replyed he was set there by his
Officer, the Corporal & Lieut of the Burghers was sent for by the Governor & after his return the
Lieut of the Burghers ordered his men to be at Arms all night, that the next morning a Council of war
was called, the Lieut was called before them and discharged of his  as he told the inhabitants
whose Apprehensions of publick dangerous Mutiny increased that immediately after the drums
Beating in the Town most of the inhabitants came & took possession of the fort & then one*Capt
Lodwick who commanded that night was sent by them to command the keys of the Lieut gqvernor 
which was delivered & his Company remaineth in the fort that this deponent every 5th night afterwards,
as his turn came watched with his officers & so continued to do Duty till June or July following. that
Captain Leisler being upon Duty in the fort in his turn Received the Kings proclamation and did order
their Majesties to be proclaimed but Stephen Van Courtlandt who was then Mayor refused so to do
because he said the proclamation was not directed to them After which the representatives of the
Country met to consider what was best to be done & whereupon they found it convenient that out of
the five Militia Captains belonging to the place one Should be Chosen to be Commander of the fort,
& accordingly they choose Captain Leisler who was commissionated by them & accordingly took
possession of the said fort & fortified it forthwith & opened the well therein which was Stopt up & the
said Captain Leisler was afterwards commissionated Commander in Chief of the whole Province, by
the said Committee & Continued to Govern as such till his Majesties Letter Arrived. That this deponent
being present at the delivery of the Letter Mr Riggs the Messenger that brought it delivered the same
to Captain Leisler in the presence of Mr Courtlandt & Mr Philipse without any force or Compulsion,
the said Mr Riggs declared that he had seen Captain Leisler's Commission & was convinced that it
belonged to him, & Mr Leisler gave him a receipt for the said letter accordingly & that during Leisler
command, one Nicholas Bayard who was formerly & is now of the Council being taking prisoner for
some Writings of Dangerous imports & for Raising great disturbances in the country, the said Mr
Bayard did Say that he could not own King William to be a Lawful King as long as King James
was alive that Leisler thereupon continued to Command as Lieut Govenor till Captain Ingoldesby
arrived which was about January last, was twelve Months who upon his Arrivall demanded the
fort by virtue of his Captain's Commission but Captain Leisler refused to deliver it up till he had
his Majesties, or Govenor Sloughter's orders, but thereupon Captain Leisler did prefer Captain
Ingoldesby all Accommodations for himself at his own house & to find quarters for the Soldiers in the
Burgher's Houses till the arrivall of the Said Govenour who was then gone for Bermudas as this
deponent was informed but he refused to accept of it Saying he wanted possession of the Kings fort
that afterwards Ingoldesby came aShore & assembled Many people in Arms amongst which was some
papists & abundance of French particular one Fumy a papist & raised bateries & fired against the fort




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 233
& Continued in Arms about Six weeks & then -the Govenor Arrived. After whose arrival the said
Captain Ingoldesby demanded the fort in the govenors Name but they having before had Several
false reports, that the govenor was Arrived, they did not then beleive it to be true & therefore did
send one who Knew the govenor, to learn the Certainty thereof who being returned brought word
that the Govenor was come whereupon Capt Leisler did immediately send the Secretary.& the Mayor
of the City to Wait upon the Govenor. & to let him know that the fort & all things were ready for
him but as soon as they Came to the Govenor, they were committed to prison without being permitted to Speak to him who.not returning the said Capt. Leisler very early the next morning did
send again to Col Sloughter to come & receive the fort & accordingly did deliver the same of his
own accord & without Compulsion from the Burghers who laid down their Arms upon Captain
Leisler's Command but after the said Captain Leisler & Mr Milborne & divers others were made
prisoners & the Burghers disarmed but two days before the Govenor arrived Ingoldesby fired upon
the fort, & some few Shots were fired from the fort during which a man was killed of Ingoldesby's
Side who as this deponent was told by Ingoldesby's men was shot by themselves. they thinking he
had been one of those belonging to the fort by reason he had no mark about his arm as were Used
by Ingoldesby's men & this deponent further saith that whilst Ingoldesby, besieged the said fort
Ensign Abraham Brasier, who Command the Block house, did come & acquaint Capt Leisler in the fort
that the said Block house was in danger of being attacked by Ingoldesby's men & by the french
desiring. order for Security thereof whereupon Captain Leisler in this deponent's presence did give
orders. that in Case of any such attempt the said Brasier should fire a great [gun] from the Block
House which should te answered by another from the fort. & then Captain Leisler would send to
their relief but soon After new's Came that the Block House was surrendered. & so that no use was
made of the said order & Brasier remaineth iner the fort till ater the arrival of Colonel Sloughter
& this deponent heard Captain Leisler & Mr Milborne declare after they Came from before the court.
that.they had appealed from the Judges there to his Majesty & desireth to be sent to England to
answer what should bee objected against them, & further Saith not
Signed                  JACOB WILIAMS
Jurat 240 Feby 1691
coram me magro Cancell
S. KECK
MRS. DEBORAH CRUNDELL deposed that about 4: weekes past shee had some discours with the
wife of Johannes Clopper about a new Governour that should be appointed by ye King for this
place, and the deponant saing that she had heard the present Commander in Chief Majr Richard
Ingolsby stood fair for ye place the sa wife of Johannes Clopper answered, no that Murtherers
dogg will never have ye place, or words to that effect.
Sworn before
N York 1692                                                       FREDICK PHILIPS
9 Juin                                                          N. BAYARD
Augt the 18th 1692.
JOHN GARDNER of Newwarke in East Jersey upon oath saith that sometime in the spring Gerryt
Duyckins frequenting his house was a great news carrier & one day Came for a pr hand screws &
said he was a rascall and a great many more at N Yorke that Gerry Hollant & Peter Williamse at the
point hath brought news from N. Yorke that Leislers widdow hath a Lre that her son is to be D
Govyr Secy or Collr It is our day now there is a day comming these Rogueshaue murdered Milborne
VOL. II.                               30




234                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
& Leisler & will shortly be hanged for it This Gardner asked what rogues do you mean I mean said
he Sloughter that is gone to the Devill & that pitifull Capt. the Majr Capt of 50 men  he is noe
more a Governr then I am but a Murderer what others do you mean Coil Bayard & fired Phillips that
haue sold the Countrey to the ffrench & Pinhorne I hope to see them all hanged by the heels That
his friends had wrote to Holland to the states that they haue sent one of the states to the King to tell
him that if he did not take care of them they would & that the King was very Angry & approved of
Leislers actions.
To His Excellency BENJAMIN FLETCHER Capt Gener1l and Governr in Chiefe of their
Majesties Province of New Yorke &c.
The Humble Petition of Thomas Statham of the County of Westchester.
SHEWETH unto your Excellency That In the Time of the Late Disorder by the Impertunity of
Richard Panton of Westchester & others youre Petitionr did take a Commission under Jacob
Leisler as Sherriff of said County not knowing otherwise but that the said Jacob Leisler had
Received Letters Patents from their Majesties King William & Queen Mary Authorizing the said
Jacob to do the same as by those which were Conversant with him did Report for undoubted truths.
Whereupon the twenty fourth day of ffebruary in the second yeare of their Majesties Reigne one
Gabriell Legatt of said County did abuse one Thomas Williams pretended Councellor to the
said Jacob Leisler In a very gross manner whereby the said Richard Ponton one of the Justices. then
made by the said Leysler in the said County of Westchester. took upon himselfe (vpon the Complaint
of the said Thomas Williams) to issue out a Warrant of Commitment Directed to youre Poor Petitionr
& Commanding him as he would Answer the Contrary at his perill to Take the said Gabriel Legat into
safe Custady. which was done by yor Excellency's poore Petitionr not known bettr And the said
Gabriel was under Confinement About Tenn hours & then lett o.ut by order of the then Justices
Whereupon a Court of Sessions held at Westchester in March the next following the said Gabriel
Logatt Appered @ did acknowledge his fault @ all was past By @ forgiven, yet nevertheless the
said Gabriell Logatt-In May after the Arrivall of Collo: Slaughter Commenced an Action against
yor poore Petitioer for a Assault @ false Imprisonmt done to him about the Occation aforesaid to the
value of Two hundred pounds which was Executed by Benjamin Collier high Sherriff whereby he was in
on undoubted fear of Being utterly undone and being a Prisoner and having no friend to Councell
withall Did Signe to an obligation to pay him twenty five pounds which was the demands of the Said
Gabriel.
Afterwards the Said Richard Phanton by his Refractory language Against the Govermt was by a
Speciall Warrant carred down to New Yorke @ their put under confinement in ye Citty Hall @
their did Remaine Some time after youre Exc.ellencys Arrivall @ then was Released upon which
the Said Gabriel Commenced an accon against the Said Richard by Reason the Sd Richard was bound
wth yor pettionr joyntly @ Severally to Said Gabriel for the payment of the aforesd Sum of twenty five
pounds.
Whereupon the Said Gabriel obtained judgement against Said Richard for fifty pounds, by Default
at the Supreme Court held at N. Yorke in October last past @ Execution thereupon the Said Richards
Estate. Theirupon the Sd Richard cominced an Account against yor poor Petitioner @ obtained a
judment against him for fourty pounds @ Cost at a Court of Comon Pleas held at Westchester on the
eighth @ ninth days of December @ Still doth Remaine in Sherriffs Custody @ do Expect daylie
Execution to be issued out Against him.




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                 235
Therefore without Remedy by order of the Common Law to the utter undoing of yor poor Petitioner,
his wife and children Unless yor Excellencys Gracious favour be to him shewed in this Behalfe to
Consider the pemises And accordingly to Grant yor Petitionr Such Relief herein as to yor Excellency
may Seeme most Agreeable to Justice and Eqvity, And yor Petitionr as in Duty he is Bound, will
ever pray.
(Endorsed) 7th of Aprill 1693 Referred to Coll: Heathcote.
To his Excellency Colo Benjamin Fletcher Esqr Capn Genll Gover in Chief & Vice Admirall of
ye Province of New York & dependencyes in America, & ye honble Councel of ye Same.
The humble Peticon of Gerardus Beekman Joannes Vermelye, Thomas Williams, Mydert
Coerten, Abraham Brasher & Abraham Gouverneur, Prisoners in ye Comon Goale of
this City.Humbly Sheweth,
That yor Peticoners being condemned at a Court of oyer & terminer held in
Aprill 1691 for treasonable & fellonious crimes wch God klrowes we have not comitted obstinately but
meaning well & Ignorantly nevertheless we are highly Sensible, & Sorry for ye Same, & cannot but
Implore their Matiel Mercy, & Comiseracon for our lives, & estates, your Peticonr therefore humbly
desire your Excelly to make applicacon for ye Same to their Maties & In ye meanwhile that you
would be pleased to Consider our miserable condicon (having been Imprisoned for upwards of
seventeen moneths and caused us to be set at liberty & peaceable enjoymt of our estates & families
untill their Maties Pleasure shall arrive.
And yor Peticonrs as in
duty bound, shall ever
Pray &c.GERARDUS BEEKMAN
Endorsed                                           JOHANNES VERMELLE
The Peticon & submission             THOMAS WILLIAMS
of the prisoners Condemned           MEYNDERT CORTEN
to His Exeye the Governr &           ABRAHAM BRASHER
Council.                             ABRAHAM GOVERNEUR
To his Excellency Benjamin fletcher Esqr Capt: generall and governour jn Chiefe of ye
province of New Yorke &c
The humble petition of gerardus Beekman jn habitant of ye towne of Flatbush
MOST HUMBLY SHEWETHThat this petitr is at present jn a bond of good behaviour since wch time hath behaved himselfe
as a good subject ought to doe, Both to ye king and his people giving no words of any provocation
But it is so that on john Tunisse van dyckhuyse makes greate defamations against this petitr Calling
him Rough ftachall treator & Rebele &c. And threatning to persecute him to have Revenge as Long
he liveth and what he Could not doe to him would doe to his Children, and that he had not.
suffered halfe enough but should suffer more, and other words pass at ye house of Mr Jacques
Cortelljou jn ye prence of him and his son peter Corteljou a justice of ye peace, and this petitr being




236                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
jn Clinable to ye peace wold Reconsile wth him, but was Refused this passed ye 28 of Feb: laest
since mad this petitr his Complaine on ye 20th day of this month March to ye justices of ye County
were ye sd John Tunisse did jterate his defamations & threatning so against this petitr jn ye presence
of ye sd justices who Referred this petitr to ye Law wCh did give this petitr present protection against
sd John Teunisse whoe being a justice of the peace him selfe, should not breake and violate ye peace,
jn defaming & threatning this petitr that is under a bond of his good Bhvior therefore this petitr Craves
from his Exellency protection against sd John Teunisse according as yor Excellency shall judge fitt
& Convenient that he may unmolested use his occupations and as jn duty bound shall ever pray &cMarch 27th 1693                                              GERARDus BEECKMAN
This Peticon is referred to Col Stephen Cortlandt & to
Endorsed
Gerardus Beekmans
Peticon
To His Excelley Collo Benjamin Ffletcher Esqr Captn Generall and Governor in Chief of
new York &c &cThe humble peticon of John Theunisson John peterson.gerard Veghten
SHEWETH
Humbly, That your petitconers amongst other Inhabitants off This province did signe a Certain
petion in the month of aprill 1691 to Crave pardon ffor Eight prisoners Then condemned in the Court
at New York, ffor wCh signing They were seised by Thomas Stillwill sherife who forced Them to
pay Three pound each off your petonrs and other to signe bonds for to pay three pound, to Him or
else to be Cast In prison where off one did Refuse wch was Cast in prison Till he paid sd sume
upon wch news at New Yorke an Order was sent by Major Ingoldesby and Council some Tyme after
That The persons wch signed bonds There should be Discharged Thereoff vpon wch The aforesd sherrife
promised To Restore sd sumes off mony to your Peticonr which as yet he has not fullfilledThereffore your Ex1lys Peticoners Humble Crave that your Exlly will be pleased To order sd
Money to be Restored To Them
And your Peticoners do further Enforme your Exl1Y That by and order off Council of New
Yorke sent To Richmond that. one line destroyed] and be valued      but The assessors and
severall others There having negers doo not pay any Tax for Them so That a poore Inhabitant That
has no negers must pay as much accordingly like. Them that Has many negers Therefore your petitioners humble crave That your Exly will be pleased To signify Them iff sd negers should be
Excluded ffor paying Tax -
and your peticoners shall ever Pray
Endorsed                                              GERARD VEGHTEN
The Petition of John                           JAN TEUNISSON VANPELET
Theunisson John Peterson                       JOHN PIETERSON
& Gerard Veighton
read in Council




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                237
To his Excellency Coll: Benjamine Ffletcher Capn Generall and Governor of the province
of New Yorke &c.
The Humble Peticon of Peter Delanoy
SHEWETH
That during the administration of Capn Jacob Leisler decd in this province hee your petitionr
was nominated and appointed Collector and Receiver generall by virtue of wch offices severall
branches of their Maties revenue past through his hands for the payment of wch money hee did
from time to time give acct to the said Leisler for and full Sattisfaccon did make for the money soe
recd besides your Peticonr did advance on his own acct above four hundred pounds the most of wch
was to Expediate the Albany fforces to resist the ffrench of Canada - But soe it is may it please your
Excellency that on the arrivall of Colh Henry Sloughter the late Governour he was requir'd on a
Certaine day to appeare before him and Councill and then and there produce all his accounts wch he
accordingly did whereupon the said Governour and Councill without Audit or any Judiciall processe
caused your Peticonr to be committed into the Custody of the Sheriffe of the Citty and County of New
Yorke, where hee still remaines a prisnor to his great damage &c-  And hee now being Informed
that your Excellency hath orders to Inspect said matter from the Lords of the Treasury and make
report to them of the same He humbly supplicates your Excellency that he him release from
this his Confinemt being ready and willing at all times to attend any person or persons whom your
Excellency shall nominate to Audit said acct8 of your Peticonr and whatsoever their said Lordshipps
shall award in that matter he is ready to submitt to, This hee humbly offerrs to your Excellency's
mature Consideracon in all humility and prays hee may be releas'd from his now Confinment and as
in Duty bound shall ever pray &c.
Endorsed                                                               PR D:LANOY
pr DeLanoy peticon
debated in Council
JARVIS MARSHALL'S AFFIDAVIT.
Citty of 1
N Yorke S 
The examination of Jarvis Marshall taken before Abraham D'Peyster Sgt Major & William Merrett
Brandt Schuyler & Isaac Van Fleck Esqrs four of their Majts Justices of the Peace for the said Citty
the twelfth day of May in the sixth year of the Reign of our Soveraign Lord & Lady William &
Mary by the grace of God of England Scotland France & Ireland King & Queen Defenders of
the Faith &c: & in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred & ninety four:
The Examinant being duly sworn upon the holy Evangelists & examined Saith yt last night att
seaven or eight of the Clock or thereabouts he the Examint was in ye house of Edward Buckmaster of
ye said Citty Inholder in Company with one John Windower of ye said Citty Goldsmith & severall
others and that the sd John Windower did throw a piece of eight upon the Table & speaking to this
Examinant did say there is your money or to yt effect, that he the examint did refuse to take itt & said
that would not doe; upon wCh the said John Windower threw down another Piece of eight & said
there take itt that's enough & called for ye scales & said but Ile pay you for itt, & Immediately did
lift up his hand & did strike ye said examint upon ye face upon which the said Edward Buckmaster being
then High Constable & hearing a noise came into ye Room & Commanded the Peace; & the said




238                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LLESLER.
Examint further saith that after the peace was Commanded the said John Windower did say that
Leisler & Milborne wer murdered which he would make appear & yt he would stand up for Jacobus
Leisler while he had a drop of blood in his body and that their should be others hanged in a short time
to Ballance the said Leisler & Milborne.
JARVIS MARSHALL                                        Sworne Before us
BRANDT SCHUYLER     A DEPEYSTER
Is. VAN VLECQ       WILL. MERRETT
CAPN JACOB MAURITZ HIS PETICON TO HIS EXCELLCY &          COUNCELL &c:
To his-Excellce Richard Earle of Bellomont Capn Genll and Governor in Chief of his
Majties Province of N: York &c And Vice Admirall of the Same &c And to the
Honorable Councell &c
The Humble Peticon of Jacob Mauritz of the Citty of N: York MarrinerHUMBLY SHEWETH
That your Peticoner in the time of ye late happy Revolution in this provence was one of those that
Joyned with Capn Leisler in the houlding ye ffort for King William & Queen Mary and upon no
other Acctt after which and ye arrivall of Governor Sloughter your Peticonr was one of those that
was bound over in recognizance in the Some of ffifty pounds to answer att N: York Supreame Court
in Otobr 1691. Yet notwithstanding her Most Gracious Majtie Queen Mary of Blessed Memory
Deceased was pleased by her Order in Councell bearing date ye 13th of May 1692 to Cleare -all
those that was soe bound over with all the proceedings thereupon, ana Collo ffletcher had Effectuall
orders Therefore. But so it is that whilst yor Peticonr was in England his house & Estate was seized
on in N: York Under Coller of Law & pretence of forfeiture of his sd Recognizance, & his wife being
then with Child was abused and Kept as a prisoner in her house by the Sherriff of sd Citty with six
souldiers who forced in ye house of yor Petioer with their drawne Swords & rifled & plundered ye house.
And yor Petioer had Taken by force of his Estate & from Peter Jacob Moris, on yor Peticonrs accott
to the Sume of two hundred & six pounds Eight Shills for which there is by Confession of the then Collector one hundred & sixty one pounds ten shillings paed unto the publicq Treasury to Chidly Brooks,
for which sume and his damage to be Repaid he did in Collo ffletcher's time Peticon, but his unaturallness
against yor Peticonr was such that he could have no Redress &c And yor Peticonr besides sd sume
of money so taken from him had taken out of his Ship then at N: Yorke for ye Service of ye Garrison
& Country Three hundred wt of fine powder which amounted to ye sume of Seaventy five pounds for
which he has as yett Recd no Satisfaction which with his other great Losses & Long & Tedious sickness
& weakness hath reduced him to a very low Condition &c
Therefore Humbly prays some order for his Satisfaction and that hee may bee Reimbursed sd Sumes so Taken from him and Seing there is a Committee of the Gener1l
Assembly now sitting for the adjusting ye publicq accotts there may bee some good &
Effectuall Care Taken for his Satisfaction & Commisserating his Losses & Condition,And yor Petitionr as in duty bound shall ever pray
Endorsed                                                           JACOB MAURITZ
At a Councell held at ffort William Henry the 10th day of May 1699
prsent his Ecellency Richard Earle of Bellomont &c
The petition of Jacob Mauritz Read and Referred to the Consideration of the house of
Reprsentatives                                                   p order of Councell
B CoSEN Cl. Councilij




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                   239
To His Excellency Richard Earle of Bellomont Capt. Gent and Governour in Chiefe of his
Majesties province of New Yorke and ye Territories depending thereon in America
& Vice Admiral of ye same &c & to the Honble Concil
The humble petition of Johannes Provoost
Sheweth
That in the year of our Lord 1691 the petitioner with severall other Inhabitants of New
Yorke (who were active in the late happy Revolution) were committed to Goale & afterwards
admitted to Baile they entring into Recognisance for their personal appearance att ye then next Supream
Court of Judicature to be held for ye said Province to answer &c:
That aftewards the Petitioner, Jacob Leisler, Jacob Mauris, and others went to England & in their
absence ye sd Recognisances were sued forfeited & Levyed on ye Estate of ye Petitioner.
That the Petitioner and others under that circumstance (hearing thereof) made application unto her
late Majesty Queen Mary of ever blessed memory that Restitution should be made yr Petitioner of the
monies Levyed by vertue of the said Recognisance who was most Graciously pleased to Order in Council
that Coll. Fletcher late Governour of this Province on his arrivall in this Govermt should see the
same performed.
That on Coll. Fletchers arrival in New Yorke ye petitioner preferd a petition unto him & the
Council praying that Restitution be made of the moneys Levied &c: pursuant to her Majesties Order in
Council; who made an Order of Reference thereon to Abraham D: Peyster Esqr then Mayor of the
Citty of New Yorke to Examine the matter & make Reporte of what was Convenient to be done
therein, who accordingly Reported that he was of Opinion that the said money should be Restored to the
petitioner.
That afterwards the petitioner made application unto Coll Fletcher that Restitution might be made &c:
who answered itt was time of Warr that the King wanted money & that he must have patience.
That the petitioner again made application that the said moneys might be Restored unto him who
answered he had superSded all the proceedings upon ye said Recognisances (which was not soe) to the
Great Grievance of ye Petitioner & others.
That ye Sum Levied on ye Petitioner by vertue of ye said Recognisance (& Ordered by her Maj't
in Council to be Restored) was one hundred eighty seaven pounds two shillings and nine pence of which
was paid to his Majts Collector and Receiver Gen11 of this province the sum of one hundred and fourty
pounds for which ye petitioner can produce his Receipt.
The petitioner therefore most humbly prays that your Lordship & the Council will take ye premises
into your prudent consideration & Order that Restitution be made unto ye petitioner of the said moneys
Levyed on him by vertue of the said Recognisance in pursuance of her Majesties said Order in Council.
And ye Petitioner as in duty bound shall Ever pray &c:
JOHANNES PROVOOST.
At a Councell held at ffort Wm Henry this 10th day of May 1699 psent his Excellency Richard Earle
of Bellamonte
The petition of Johannes Provoost Read and Referred to the Consideration of the House of
Reprsentatives
p order of Councell                                  B. COSENS Ck Concilij
This




240                  ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
*TO THE KINGS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY
The Humble Petition of Jacob Leisler, Son of Captain Jacob Leisler deceased late Commander in
Chief of Your Majesty's Province of New York in America
SHOWETH, that upon the late happy revolution Your Petitioners said Father was very Instrumental in
Securing the said Province for your Majesty & being of Known integrity to your Majesties interest
& the protestant religion, Captain Francis Nicholson then deputy Govenor having withdrawn. himself
from the said Province Your Petitrs said father upon the 16th August 1689 was by the freeholders &
inhabitants, elected & Constituted Commander in Chief untill Your Majesties Royal Pleasure should
be declared concerning the province & Accordingly he entered upon the government & was Acknowledged for such by the People, & was in possession of the fort & Garrison which till that time were
ruinate & incapabel of defence, & did proclaim Your Majesty & Your Royal Consort, to be our
Sovereign Lord & Lady & caused the same to be done, in other provinces that on the 10th of xber 1689
Your Majesty's Most gracious letter, dated the 30th July before, arrived there the same being directed
to the said Captain Nicholson & in his absence, to such for the time being, take care for preserving
the peace & administring the Laws within the said Province whereby Your Majesties was
graciously pleased to Authorize the person then commanding in Chief As Aforesaid, -to take upon him
the government. calling to his Assistance in the Administration thereof the principal Inhabitants or
as many as he should think fit, willing & requiring him to do & perform all things which to the place
of Lieut, Govenor and Commander in Chief did Appertain as he should find necessary for Your
Majesties Service & the good of the said Subjects until further orders from Your Majesty that Your
Petitioner's Said Father, being so confirmed in his said government by Your Majestys said Royal
letter did faithfully observe Your Majestys Command thereby declared, & did in all respects provide
for the securitf of the said Province as well Against All Attempts of the french (who are very powerfull
in those parts) as papists & other disaffected persons of which there were many resident in the said
province, that upon the 28th January last past Captain Richard Ingoldesbyarrived at New York
with some Soldiers from England to whom Your Petitioners Said father offered all sorts of accommodations but the said Ingoldesby required the possession of the said fort & Government for which Your
Petitioners Father desired to see his orders, being ready to Obey the same if he had any Such from
your Majesties or Colonel Sloughter who your Majesties had been pleased to make Govenor, but the said
Ingoldesby, had no such Orders or would not produce the same, whereupon your petitioners Said father
having advised with the principal inhabitants was councelled & directed by them to Keep & Maintain
the possession of the said fort & government (in regard the Ingoldesby would not Shew his orders
to receive the same) until the Govenor arrived or your Majesty's further pleasure was known  That
Ingoldesby thereupon joining himself to papists & other disaffected persons did by many indirect
means to the great terror of Your Majesties liege Subjects in a hostile & dreadful Manner assemble
great numbers of french & other persons & beseiged the said fort Divers batteries Against the
same & so continued in Arms about Six Weeks, that on the 19th March last Colonel Sloughter did
Arrive & as soon as Your Petitioners father had certain Knowledge thereof which was not till 11
oClock that night he did Send the Mayor of the City & Mr Milborne his Secretary from the said
fort to Wait Upon him & to offer him the possession thereof but the said Col. Sloughter without
hearing them Speak. committed them Close prisoners, who not returning as Your Petitioners father
Expected he did very early the next Morning write to the said Colo Sloughter desiring him to Come
& receive the fort, & according he came & took possession thereof upon the 20th March but presently
After caused the soldiers & inhabitants in the fort & City to be disarmed & Contrary to all law &




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                   241
Justice committed Your Petitioner & Your Petitioners said Father & 26 other persons to Prison
pretending they were guilty of high treasson Against Your Majesty for keeping the said fort as
aforesaid, & the said Colonel Sloughter & Ingoldesby, confiderating with divers disaffected persons to
Your Majesties to put Your Petitioners Said father & others to Death, did in a most arbitrary & illegal
manner cause him & seven others tryed Judged & condemned to Death for some pretended high
Treason & have since most barbarously caused Your Petitioners father & Your Petitioner's Brother
in law, the said Milborne to be hanged & Afterwards Butchered, the said other Six persons (if not
since put to death) remaining in prison under the same unjust sentence of condemnation & have
Seized the Estates & goods and also most unjustly prosecuted Your Petitioner & many others of Your
Majesty's good Subjects confiscating their estates, who for the preservation of their lives have been
forced to leave the said Province, by which cruel & Barbarous practices great numbers of Your
Majesty's Subjects are in danger of their utter ruin, & the Said Country is like to be depopulated
& made desolate, the said colonel Sloughter being dead & the said captain Ingoldesby since his death
commanding in Chief in the Said Province who doth continue to exercise great violence & barbarity
Against Your Majesty's said loyal SubjectsYour Petitioner therefore implore Your Most Sacred Majesty to take the premises into Your princely
consideration & to give such orders therein as well for the preservation of the Six condemned persons
& the relief of Your Petitioner & other Poor Sufferers, as also for the preservation & future good
Establishment of the said Province, as to Your Royal goodness & wisdom Shall seem meet
And Your petitioner as in duty bound Shall ever pray &c
VoL. II.                                31








NJOt-ql~OX-M~IN/ d~I28ii9_'
fi. ZW. MIry;ty7 /
6 f/ -1q^ 7A9o/  y^
/*  FI I
I   LLJZI a
yVafftj
H3J<J~aT:




244                    ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
SIR,-I cannot but admire to hear that some Gentlemen still have a good Opinion of the Late
Disorders committed by Captain Jacob Leisler & his Accomplices, in New York, as if they had been
for his Majesties Service & the Security of that Province; & that such monstrous falsehoods do find
Credit, That the person before in Commission, & didl labour to oppose & prevent those disorders were
Jacobites, or persons ill affected to the happy revolution in England, But it has been often the
Calamity of all Ages [to] Palliate Vice with false Glosses, & to criminate the best Actions of the most
virtuous & most piousmen-So that the truth & Innocency, without some defence, has not proved at all
times a Sufficient Bullwark against malitious falsehoods & Calumnies, wherefore I shall endeavor to
give you a true & brief Account of that matter, As I myself have been a personal Witness to most of
themIt was about the Beginning of April 1689. when the first Reports arrived at New York, that the Prince
of Orange, now his present majesty was arrived in England, with a, considerable Force & that the late
King James was fled into France & that it was expected war would be soon proclaimed between England
& FranceThe Lieut Govenor, Francis Yicholsoh & the Council being Protestants, resolved thereupon to
Suspend all Roman Catholicks from Command & Places of Trust in the government & accordingly
suspended Major Baxter from being a member of Council & Captain of a Company at Albany & Bartholomew Russell from being Ensign in the fort at New York, they both being Papists, who forthwith
left their command & departed the province-& because but three members of the Councill were
residing in New York viz, Mr Frederick Phillips Colonel Stephanus Cortlandt & Col Nicholas Bayard
all of Dutch birth, all Members, & the two last for near thirty years past, Elders & Deacons of the
Dutch Protestant Church in New York & Most Affectionate to the Royall House of Orange - It was
resolved by the said Lieut Govenor & Council, to Call & Conveen to their Assistance all the Justices
of the peace, & other Civil Magistrates & the Commission Officers in the Province for to consult &
advise with them what might be Proper for the preservation of the peace & the safety of the Said
Province [at]l that Conjuncture till orders should arrive from England.
Whereupon the Said Justices Magistrates, & officers were Accordingly convened, & Stiled by the
name of the General Convention for the Province of JewYork; & all matters of Government were carried
on & managed by the Major vote of that CONVENTION
And in the first Place it was by them Agreed. & ordered forthwith to fortify the City of New
YorkAnd that for the better secusity of the fort (since the garrison was weak & to prevent all manner
of Doubt & Jealousies) a competant number of the City Militia, should keep guard in the fort. &
Jicholas Bayard Coll of Said Militia recommended to give Suitable Orders Accordingly-And that
the Revenue should be continued & received by some Gentleman Appointed by that Convention for
repairing the fort & Fortifying of the City. but against this order Capt Leisler, who as a Captain was
a member of that CONVENTION, did enter his dissent with some few othersIt was also recommended to said Colol Bayard to hasten to fortify the City with all Possible Speed,
who upon the credit of the revenue did Advance what money was needful for materials, & by the assistance of the Militia Officers, & dayly Labour of the Inhabitants, had the same finished before the End of
May, Excepting Captain Leisler's Quota
About the Middle of May the Ship Beaver John Corbett Master, being ready to Sail for England, the
Lieut Govenor & Council sent in her Mr John Riggs, & in Several other Ships, that soon followed, letters
to the Earl now Duke of Shrewsbury then principal Secretary of State & to the Lords of the Committee
for trade & Plantations, wherein they Signified their rejoicing at the News of his Royal Highness The




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                      245
Prince of Orange, now his present Majesties arrival in England, in order to redress the grievences of
the Nation, & giving a particular account of the State of Affairs of this Province, & that they would
endeavour to preserve its peace & Security till orders, Should arrive from England, which they humbly
prayed might be hastened with all possible Speed Which Said Letters were most graciously received &
answered by his Majesty's Letter bearing date 30th July 1689But against expectation it soon happened, that on the Last day of Said Month of May, Captain
Leisler having a Vessell with some Wines on the road, for"which he refused to pay the Duty, (lid in a
Seditious Manner Stir up the meanest Sort of the Inhabitants (affirming that King James being fled the
Kingdom all manner of Government was fallen in this Province) to Rise in Arms, & forceably possesses
Themselves of the fort & Stores which Accordingly was effected whilst the Lieut Govenor & Council
with the Convention were met at the City Hall to Consult what Might be proper for the Common Good
& Safety, where a Party of Armed men, came from the fort & forced the Lieut Govenor to deliver them
the Keys & Seized also in his Chamber a Chest, with Seven hundred ye Seventy three pounds twelve
Shillings in money of the Government, & though Colo Bayard, with some others appointed by the convention used all endeavours to prevent Those disorders, all provided vain (for most of Those that
appeared in arms were drunk & Cry'd out, They disowned all manner of Government,) whereupon by
Captain Leisler's persuation, they proclaimed him to be their Commander there being then, no other
Commission officer amongst ThemCaptain Leisler being in this manner possest of the fort, took some persons to his assistance, which he
called the Committee of Safety, & the Lieut Govenor, Francis Nicholson being in this manner forced
out of the Province
About a week after reports came from Boston, that their Royal Highness the Prince & Princess of
Orange were proclaimed King & Queen of England, Whereupon the Council & convention were very
desirous to get that Proclamation, & not only wrote for it, but some of them hearing, that two gentlemen
were comming from, Connecticut with a Copy of said proclamation, went out two days, to meet them in
Expectation of having the Happiness to proclaim it, But, Major Gold f JMr Fitz Missing them, having put
the proclamation into Captain Leislers hands, he, without taking any notice of the Council or convention did
proclaim the same, though very disorderly after which he went, with his accomplices into the fort, & the
Gentlemen of the Council Magistrates & most of the principal inhabitants, & Merchants went to Col
Bayard's House & Drank the health & Prosperity of King W"1 & Queen Mary-with great expressions
of Joy
Two Days after a Printed Proclamation was procured by some of the Council dated the 14 Feby
1688, whereby their Majesties confirmed all Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace Collectors, & receivers of the
revenue &c-being protestants which was forthwith Published at the City Jfal by the Mayor & Alderman,
accompanied with the Council & most of the Chief Citizens & merchants-& Pursuant there unto Matt
Plowman Being a Papist was forthwith Suspended by the Convention & Colonel Bayard Alderman Paul
Richards Captain, Thomas Winham Lieut John Haynes merchants, were by them commissioned &
appointed to Collect the Revenue until orders Should arrive from England, whereupon those gentlemen
were Sworn by Coll Cortlandt, then Mayor of the City they being the first in this province that took the
oaths to their Majesties Appointed, by act of Parlament, instead of their Oaths of Allegiance &
Supreamacy.But as soon as Those gentlemen Entered upon the Office Captain Leisler with a Party of Men in Arms,
& Drink fell upon them at the Custom House, & with naked Swords beat them thence, endeavering to
Massecre some of them, which were rescu'd, by Providence, whereupon Said Leisler, beat an Alarm
crying about the City Treason & made a Strict search to Seize Coll Bayard who made his Escape &




246                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
departed for Allbany where he Staid all summer in hopes that orders might come from England to settle
Those DisordersThe said Captain Leisler finding almost every Man of Sence, Reputation or Estate in the place to
oppose & discourage his irregularities, caused frequent false Alarms to be Made, & Sent Several Parties
of his armed Men out of the Fort, Drag'd into Nasty goals, within said Fort, Several, of the Principal
Magistrates officers, & Gentlemen & others, that would not own his Power to be Lawfull, which he Kept
in close Prison during will & Pleasure, without any Process or allowing them to Bail, & he further Published
Several times, by beat of Drums
That all Those who would not come into the Fort er Sign Their hands, & So thereby to own his Power
to be Lawfull Should be deemed Sf Esteemed as enemies to his Majesties e- the Country, f be by him
treated Accordingly, By which Means many of the Inhabitants, tho' they abhorrd his Actions only to
Escape a Nasty Joal, & to Secure their Estates, were by fear & Compulsion drove to Comply, Submit
& Sign to whatever he commandedAnd Tho Captain Leisler had at first so violently opposed the Collecting of the Revenue, Alleging
it unlawful, as soon as his Wines were landed, & that he got in some Power, he forthwith set up for
himself the collecting of the said Revenue by Peter D Lanoy allowing him a great sallary & all the
perquisites of that officeUpon the 10 of December following Returned the said Mr John Riggs from England with Letters
from his Majesty, & the Lords in answer to the letters sent by the Lieut Govenor & Council above
recited, Directed to our Trusty S well beloved Francis J\Nicholson Esqr our Lieut govenor f commander in
chief of our Province of New York, in America Sf in his absence to such as for the time being. take care
foar the preservation of the peace, & administring the Laws in our said Province whereby his Majesty
Approved of the proceedings, & care that had been taken by said Lieut Govenor, & Council for the peace
& Safety of the Province, with Further Powers, & directions to Continue therein till further orders,
which Said letters the said Mr Riggs designed to deliver on the following morning to the gentlemen of
the Council to whom they properly did belong being an answer to their Said letter, but was Obstructed
therein by Said Leisler, who sent a party of his men in Arms & brought said Riggs, to the fort where
he forced said Letters from him though some gentlemen of the Council that went the same time to
the Fort. Protested against it, but he drove them out of the Fort, calling them Rogues, Papist, & other
approbious names
Soon after the receipt of said letters, said Captain Leisler Stiled himself Lieut Govenor Appointed A
Council-& presumeth to Call a Select number of his own Party, who called themselves the General
Assembly of the province & by their advice & assistance raised Several Taxes, & great sums of money
from their Majesties good subjects within this province which Taxes together with that ~773.12, in
money which he had Seized from the government, & the whole revenue he apply'd to his own use, &to
maintain said Disorders allowing his private men 18d pr Day, & to others proportionally.
On the 20th of January following Coll Bayard & Mr Nicholls, had the Ill fortune to fall into his hands,
& were in a Barbarous manner By a party in Arms, Dragg'd into the fort, & there Put into a Nasty
place, without any manner of process or being allowed to Bail, though the same was offered for Said
Coll Bayard by some of the Ablest & Richest Inhabitants to the sum of Twenty thousand Pounds,
either for his Appearance to Answer, or depart the province, or to go for England, but without any
cause given. or reason assigned, Laid Said Coll Bayard in Irons & Kept him & Mr Nicolls close
prisoners for the space of 14 months, were they with Severall others, that had been long detained
Prisoners were set at Liberty by Govenor Sloughter.
And whilst he kept those gentlemen in Prison, he quartered his Armed men in their houses, were
they committed all manner of Outrages, & to give one instance of many others a Party of twelve men




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  247
were quartered at the house of Colo Bayard with directions to Pillage & Plunder at discretion, which was
bought off with money & Plentifull entertainment, But the same day when the party had received their
money, another Party came in with naked Swords, Opened several Chambers & Chests in said house,
& did rob & carry away what money & other goods they found, at the same time Coll Bayard & Mr
Nicolls were taken, Strict Search was made for Colonel Cortlandt but he with severall Other Gentlemen having made their Escape, were forced to leave their families & concerns, & remain in exile till
relieved by the arrivall of Colonel Slaughter
It is hardly to be exprest what cruelties Captain Leisler & his accomplices, imposed upon the said.
prisoners & all others that would not own his power to be Lawful, Neither could the Protestant
Ministers in the province Escape their Malice & cruelty's; for Mr Selyns Minister of New York, was
most grostly abused by Leisler himself in the Church at the time of Divine Service, & threatened to
be silenced &c-Mr Dellius Minister at Albany to Escape a Nasty Joal was forced to leave his flock &
fly for Shelter into New England Mr Varick Minister of the Dutch Towns on JNassaw Island, was by
Armed Men drag'd out of his house to the fort then imprisoned without Bail,for Speaking (as was pretended) treasonable words Against Captain Leisler S the fort, then prosecuted & decreed by Peter
D Lanoy pretended Judge without any commission or Authority-to be deprived from his Ministerial
Function Amerced in a fine of ~80='f to remain in close prison till that fine should be paid. Yea he
was so tormented, that in all likelyhood it Occasioned & hastened the death of that Most reverend
& religious Man
The French Minister Mr Perret & Mr Dellie had some better Quarters, but were often threatened,
to be prosecuted in like manner because they would not approve of his power & disorderly
proceedingsNone in the province but these of faction, had any Safety in their Estates for Said Captain Leisler
at will & Pleasure Sent to those who disapproved of his actions to furnish him with Money, Provision
& what Else he wanted & upon Denial, Sent Armed Men out of the fort & forcially broke open
Several Houses Shops, Cellars, Vessels & other places where they expected to be Supply'd & without any
the least Payment, or Satisfaction carried their plunder to the fort, all which was extremely approved
of by these poor fellows which he had About him, & was forced to feed & Maintain & he Stiled those
his robberies, with the giled name & Pretence, that it was for their Majesties King William & Queen
Mary Special Service, though it was After found out, that whole Cargoes of those Stolen goods sold to
his friends in this city, & Shipt off for the West Indias & Elsewhere
In this Manner he the said Leisler with his Accomplices, did force pillage, rob & Steal from their
Majesties good Subjects within this province, almost to their utter ruin vast Sums of money, & other
Effects, the Estimation of the Damages done only within the City of JVew York Amounting as by Account
May appear to The sum of Thirteen Thousand Nine Hundred 4 fifty Jine Pounds besides the Rapins,
Spoils & Violences done at Col Willets on NJ\assaw Island, & to many others in several Parts of the
province, & thus You may see how he used & Exercised an Exorbitant Arbitrary, & unlawfull power,
over the persons & Estates of his Majesties good Subjects here, Against the Known & fundamental
laws of the Land, & in Subvertion of the same to the great Oppression of his Majesties Subjects, & to
the apparent decay of Trade & CommerceIn this Calamity, Misery & Confution was this province by those disorders entrawled, near the Space
of two Years until the Arrival of his Majesties Forces under the Command of Major Ingoldesby who
with Several Gentlemen of the Council arrived about the last day of January 1690-1 which said Gentlemen of the Council for the preservation of the peace, sent & offered to said Leisler that he might Stay,
& continue his command in the fort, only desiring for themselves & the Kings forces quietly to quarter
& refresh themselves in the City till Govenor Sloughter Should arrive, but the said Leisler instead of




248                   ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
complying, asked Mr Brooke one of his Majesties Council, who were appointed of the Council in this
Province & Mr Brooke having named Mr Phillips, Colo Cortlandt & Col Bayard, he fell into a passion
& Cry'd What! those Papist Dogs Rogues, Sacrament-if the King should send three thousand such I
would cut them all off Gf without any cause given, he proclaimed open war against them Whereupon
they for Self preservation, protection of the Kings forces & Stores & the Safety of the City, were
Necessitated to persuade to their assistance, Several of their Majesties good Subjects, then in Opposition
against the said Leisler. with no other Intent as they Signified to him by Several Letters & Messages, but
only for Self Security & defence: Yet notwithstanding the said Leisler proceeds to make war against
them & the Kings forces, & fired a vast number of great & Small Shot in the City whereof Several of
his Majesties Subjects were Killed & wounded as they passed in the Streets upon their Lawful
Occasions, tho no Opposition were made on the other Side
At this height of extremity was it when Govenor Slaughter arrived on the 19th of March 1691,
who having published his commission from the City hall with great Signs of Joy. By firing all the
Artillery within & round the City sent thrice to demand the surrender of the fort from Captain Leisler
& his Accomplices, which was thrice Denied, but upon great Threatnings the following day surrendered
to Govenor Sloughter who forthwith caused the said Capt Leisler with some of the Chief Malefactors to
be bound over to answer thereat, the next Supreme Court of Judicature, where the said Leisler & his
pretended Secretary Milborne did appear, but refused to plead to the Indictment of the grand Jury, or
to own the Jurisdiction of that Court & So After Several hearings as Mutes, were found guilty of High
Treason & Murder & executed Accordingly-Several of the other Malefactors that pleaded were also
found Guilty & Particularly one Abraham Governeer for Murdering of an Old Man peaceably passing
along the Street, but were repreived by Coll. Slaughter, & upon Coll Flitcher's Arrival by him Set at
Liberty, upon their Submission & promise of Good behaviourSir,
Al what is here Set down is true & can be proved & Justified by the Men of greatest probity &
best figure amongst us, If I were to give a particular narrative of all the cruelties & Robberies perpetrated Upon their Majesties most affectionate Subjects in this province. they would fill a Volumn,
there were no need of a revolution here, they were all well Known & the Strictest Protestants. & Men
of best figure. Reputation & Estate were at the Helm, it may plainly be perceived by the Several Steps &
Measures were followed at that time, & by their letters to the, then Earl now Duke Shrewsbury. & to
the Lords & the Kings Answer thereunto, the Copy of which Answer, & Some other papers worthy of
your Perusal are inclosed -
As soon as Govenour Sloughter arrived an Assembly was called which upon the 18 April 1691- did
present an address to his Excellency, Signed by the Speaker, together with the resolves of that house
which when you are pleased to read gives the conclusive Opinion & Judgment of the General Assembly
of this Province of all those disorderly proceedings. for which those twvo have suffered Death & their
sentence was since approved by their Majesty of Ever blessed Memory in Council
Many worthy Protestants in England, & other parts of the world. being Sincerely devoted to
interest have yet notwithsanding (unacquainted         circumstances & not duly
apprised of them, have been more easily induced to give Credit to the false Calumnies of Byassed &
Disaffected persons in this province. but in my Oppinion most of those that have come hither so prepossessed- After sojourning      here have been Thorowly convinced of the      & that those
men who Suffered death, did          Zeal for their Majesties interest & the Protestant Religion,
but being of Disperate fortune, trust themselves into power of Purpose to Make up their Wants by
the ruin & Plunder of his Majesties Loyal Subjects, & were so far ingaged in their repeated Crimes,




ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.                  249
that they were driven to that height of Desperation, had not the providence of Almighty God prevented
it, the whole Province had been ruined & destroyed -
I have put this in writing at your request, to Assist your memory & leave it to his Excellency Coll
Fletcher & your own Observations, to enlarge upon the Charracters of those Persons, who have been
the greatest Sufferers, in the time of those Disorders, & of their Patience & Moderation, Since Your
Arrival also of the disaffected, & the Causes which you have frequently observed to hold this province
in Disquiet & Trouble, notwithstanding all which, & the frequent Attacks of the French & Indian$ Upon
our Frontiers, this province have not lost one foot of ground during the War, but have had considerable
Advantage upon the Enemy, which Under God is due to the Prudent & Steady conduct & great Care
& diligence of Coll. Fletcher our Present Govenor-           an eye Witness & have had time
through to enable You to inform others Which if You please to do, I doubt not   credit & be
an extraordinary piece of        to this province I am
Your Most Humble
Servant.
New York, Deer 31. 1697
%* The above Pamphlet is printed from a MS. copy loaned by the N. Y. Hist. Soc., the text of which is carefully followed.
— o —----
AN ACT FOR REVERSING THE ATTAINDER OF JACOB LEISLER AND OTHERS.
[6-7 Will. III. Anno 1695]
WHEREAS in the late happy revolution, the inhabitants of the province of New-York, in America,
did in their general assembly, constitute and appoint captain Jacob Leisler to be commander-in-chief of
the said province, until their majesties pleasure should be known therein. And the said Jacob Leisler
was afterwards confirmed in the said command by his Majesty's letter, dated the thirtieth day of July,
one thousand six hundred and eighty-nine; and the said Jacob Leisler having the administration of
the said government of New-York, by virtue of the said power and authority so given and confirmed to
him as aforesaid, and being in the exercise thereof, captain Richard Ingoldesby arriving in the said
province, in the month of January, Anno Domini one thousand six hundred and ninety, did without producing any legall authority, demand of the said Jacob Leisler the possession of the fort at New York;
but the said Jacob Leisler, pursuant to the trust in him reposed, refusing to surrender the said fort into
the hands of the said Richard Ingoldesby, kept the possession thereof until the month of March then
next following, at which time colonel Henry Sloughter being constituted captain-general and governorin-chief of the province, arrived there in the evening, and the said Jacob Leisler having notice thereof,
that same night (though very late) took care to deliver the said fort to his order, which was done very
early the next morning.
And whereas the said Jacob Leisler, also Jacob Milbourne, Abraham Governeur, and several
others, were arraigned in the Supreme Court of Judicature at New-York aforesaid, and convicted and
attainted of high treason and felony, for not delivering the possession of the said fort to the said
Richard Ingoldesby, and the said Jacob Leisler and Jacob Milborne were executed for the same.
May it therefore please your most excellent majesty at the humble petition and request of Jacob Leisler,
the son and heir of the said Jacob Leisler, deceased, Jacob Milborne, the son and heir of the said Jacob
Milborne, deceased, and of the said  Abraham   Governeur, that it be declared and enacted,
sJnd be it enacted, by the king's most excellent majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the
lords spiritual and temDoral and commons in this present parliament assembled, and by the authority
VOL. II                                32




250                  ADMINISTRATION OF LICUTENANT-GOVERNOR LEISLER.
of the same, that the said several convictions, judgments and attainders of the said Jacob Leisler,
deceased, Jacob Milborne, deceased, and the said Abraham Governeur, and every of them, be and are
repealed, reversed, made and declared null and void to all intents, constructions and purposes whatsoever, as if no such convictions, judgments, or attainders, had ever been had or given; and that no corruption of blood, or other penalties, or forfeitures of goods, chattels, lands, tenements, hereditaments,
be by the said convictions and attainders, or either of them, incurred, any said usage or custom to the
contrary notwithstanding.
"One agent of Massachusetts framed the Bill, while the other sat as Chairman of the Committee, which reported
it." CHALMERS.
DR INCREASE MATHER TO GOV. DUDLEY.
[1 Hist. Coll. Mass. iii.]        Boston Jany 20.
I am afraid that the guilt of innocent blood is still crying in the ears of the Lord against you. I
mean the blood of Leisler and Milburn. My Lord Bellamont said to me, that he was one of the committee of Parliament who examined the matter; and that those men were not only murdered, but
barbarously murdered. However the murdered men have been cleared by the King, Lords, and
Commons. It is out of my province to be a judge in things of this nature. Nevertheless, considering
what the proper judges, who have had an impartial hearing of the case, have said, and what the gentlemen who drew up a bill for taking off the attainder from those poor men, have written to me about it, I
think you ought, for your family's sake, as well as your own, to lay that matter to heart, and consider
whether you ought not to pray as Psalms, li. 14."
To his Excellency Richard Earle of Bellomont Capn Genll Gover in Chief & Vice Admirall of
his Maties Province of New York &c.
The humble Petition of Mary Milborne the Widdow of Jacob Milborne DeceasedHumbly Sheweth-That yor Petitionrs husband was in the time of the late happy Revolution appointed
Secretary of this Province untill his Maties Pleasure should be known therein & Whereas some time after
the arrivall of Major Ingoldesby yor Petitionrs husbands howse was plundered, hee only saving his books
of accompts & other Papers in his Maties ffort, but when the Fort was delivered to Col. Sloughter & yor
Pefitionrs husband Imprisoned the same were denyed unto him & since his death unto yor Petitioner,
which said bookes & Papers are supposed to bee in Custody of Mr Matthew Clarkson Secretary of this
Province the detention whereof is, hath been & may farther be to yor Petitionrs grievous damage.
Yor Petitionr therefore humbly prays yor Excellency that some enquiry may bee made for Said Books
& Papers, to the end they may bee delivered to yor Petitionr, the attainder of yor Petition" said husband
being by an Act of Parliament made in the 6th & 7th year of his Maties Reign reversed.
And yor Petitionr as in Duty bound shall ever pray:-'New York this 14th June 1698.                                       MARY MILBORNE.
By his Excellency &c.
Ordd That Mr Mathew Clerkson appear this day before myself & Counsell to answer
ye allegations of ye above petition.
Giuen under my hand this 16 June 1698.
BELt.LOMONT,




.tt~ ~~~~  ~^~
M"3     = S^   l  ^
rLr
g                 r<
HIc








BATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.                               253
THE LIST OF EAST HAMPTON AUGUST E 24TH: 1675.
~    s     d
Jeremiah Conchling.................... 193-10 —0
Stephen Hodges.................................. 243-10
Joshua garlich sen:.............................. 104-13 —4
Tho: Hand........................ 097-                      3-4
Wm: Mulfrd.................................164-      3-4
Tho: Edwards................................... 091- 3-4
Mr Tho Chatfeild............................  238-16 —
Th: Osborne sen.................... 166-10
John Corte............................             100-10
Wm Miller.....................090-13 —4
John Hoping.....................     169-00
Robert Daiton....................... 205-00
Philip Lekie.......................043-    6-8
Hand......................... 11-            0
Joshua garlich Ju:............0...6-                       0
Rich: Shaw...................................146-13 —4
Rich: Brooke............ 142- 6-8
Wmi fithian....................................     180-   3-4
Samuel Parsons.................................. 085        0
Arthur Croasy....................... 048-   0
Tho: Osborne Ju:................................ 175-      0
John Parsons.................................... 126-      0
Abraham Hauke.......................033-10
John Miller...................................... 103-     0
James Bird............................028- 0
John Theller..................................... 173-      3-4
Benjamin Osborne......................067-      0................................ 138      0
[MS. destroyed.].....................223-                  0...............................146 — 6 —8................................ 318-     0
John Richeson................................... 027-10
Capt. Tho Talmag............................... 255-10
John Stretton Sen:............................. 291       06  8
John Stretton Jun:..................... 090               00
Misses Codnon......................025             00
Reneck garison................................... 042     00
Nath: Bushop....................................177         3  4
James Hand..................................... 058       10
James Loper...*.......*......076                  00
Samuel Mulford.................................. 083 00
Joseph Osborne.......................         044   00




254                               RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
~     s     d
Richard Stretton....................... 264  13   4
Tho diment...................................         225   00
Ebeneser Leek..............   034  00
Natha. dorrony.................   91  00
Samuel Brooke....................... 066   6   8
Wm Perkins.......                    230 0
John Miller Junior..............           030   0
John Osborne.................................. 196          13  4
Enoch fithian............................... 067   00
Benia: Conckling...............................   103, 00
John feild.................................... 040  00
Joanah Hodges..................... 045 00
Tho: dimont Jun:.....................    030  00
Tho: Chatfield......................           018  00
Edward.............................. 018   00
The totall Summe.............. 6842   16  8
Oyster Bay the 27th Augt 1675.
SR —Your Warrant wee haue receued, dated ye 7th Augt for ye sending in to ye Office ye Sum of
our Townes Estate ye wCh wee haue dun & ye Estate of our Townes is 4900~. now sent by this
bearrer Mr Shakerly. not Elce to acquaint your Worship wth but desiering your welfare I rest yours
to Comand12                                                                 NATHANIELL COLE
4900)408-4
20-8-4
Endorsed                To ye Worshipl Matthias
Nichols Mayor these
prsents




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.                              255
A LIST OF YE ESTATE OF YI     TOWNE OF HUNTINGTON FOR THE YEARE 1675.
10.__ ____.0_' _' C_
Capt Fleet.............. 01        00   00   00  00   01  02   02   02  00   08   40  21
Tho: FleeJunr............      00  00   00   00  00   00  00   00   00  00   00   00  00
Steph Jarvis............   00  02   01   00  02   03   03  01   01  00   05   05   16
Robt Cranfeild.............. 01    00   00   01  04   02   02  02   04   00  00   00   18
Tho: Scudder.............. 04  03   01   00  06   04   05  05   05   06  28   00  28
Isaak Scudder.............. 00    00   00   00  00   00   00  00   00   00  00   00   00
Jno Scudder............. 00   00   00   00  00   00  00   00   00   00  00   00   00
Ja: Chichister Sen............ 02   00   00   01  06   04   01  02   04   12  03   00  27
Ja: Chichister Junr........... 02  01   00   01  00    0  00   00   0   00   00   00  00
Nathll Foster................ 02  02  00  00  04  02  01  04  02  00   05   00   19
Jno Finch Senr..............  03  00  00  01  02   02   02  00   02  00   05   05  26
Jno Finch Junr...............00    00   00   00  00   00   00  00   00   00  00   00   00
Joseph Baily................. 02   00   02   00  00   04   02  03   02   02  05   00   25
Tho: Whitson................ 02    00   00   00  00   03   02  02   02   03  01   00  20
Jno Weekes........... 03     00   00   01  04   05   01  03   00   08  09   00   18
Mr Jonas WoodSenr........       04  00   00   02  06   07  04   04   03   17  10   00  48
Jno Wood...............        00  00   00   00  00   00  00   00   00  00   00   00   00
Isaak Patt................  01  00   00   00  05   06  06   02   04   10  19   00   25
Tho: Powers................. 02    01   00  00   05   09  04   04   05  06   09   00   30
Caleb Wood......... 04    00   00  00   05   03  04   01   03  02   00   00  08
Joseph Wood............     02  01   00   00 00    01  01   02   00  00   00   00   07
Sam11 Wood............... 02        00   00  00   06   05  02    0   02  06   16   00  24
Jno Green................... 01     00   00   00  00   01  07   00   00   00  01   00   12
Tho Weekes................     02  00   00   01  04   04  02   01   01  07   06   00   28
Jno Carye................. 00       00   00   00  02   03  00   02   01  06   06   00   12
Epen Platt.................. 03  00   00  00   02   03  03   04   04  07   20   00  39
Walter Nokes.............. 01      00   00   00  00   01  00   00       00   12   00  08
Richd Brush.................. 01   00   00  00   02   03  00   00   04  02   05   00   16
Jonas Wood Junr............. 01    00   00   00  04   05  00   02   02  06   09   00  20
Joseph Whitman............... 01    00   00   01  04   06  02   01   00   13  16   00  27
Thomas Brush.............   03  00   00  01   06   06  01   04   02  22   17   00  36
Jno Brush................... 00    00   00   00  00   00  00   00   00  00   00   00  00
Abigail Titus...............    02  00   00   00  02   04  03   02   03  04   07   00   18
Sam"l Ketchman............... 03   00   00   00  04   04  04   04   00  05   15   00   16
Rich: Williams............... 00   00   00   00  00   06  00   06   01  00   10   00   11
Samr1 Titus................... 02  00  00  01  04  05  00  02  02  03   03   00  34
Jothan Scudder................ 00  00   00   00  00   00  00   00   00  00   00   00  00
David Scudder................ 00   00   00  00   00   00  00   00  00   00   00  00   00
Moses Scudder................00    00   00  00   00   00  00   00  00   00   00  00   00
John Tedd.................. 01      01   00   01  02   01  02   00   02  00   04   00   16
Tomo Conklyn................ 03    00   00  00   02   04  03   00  01   06   11   00   18
Saml Messenger............... 01   00   00  00   02   02  00   02   01  00   00   00   12
Jno Samwayes....02              00   00   00  04   02  04   01   04  07   05   00   18
The Land of Jacob Walker        00  00   00   00  00   00  00   00   00   00  08   00   18




256                                RATE LISTS OF LONG- ISLAND.
A LIST, &C.-(CONTINUED.)
-4     t                                 v CD I 
~Henry Sooper...C.............-0-1 — 1- 21-014        00    00 114
Jona: Rogers.......03 03 00 00- 07 04 03 [05 02 40 20 0045
IV                            a,   b
Geor  Bn.                0              01 
Henry Sooper.................     01   00   01   00   02  03   01   02   02    14  00   00   14
Jona: Rogers................ 03       03   00   00   07  04   03   05   02   40   20   00   45
George Baldwin............... 01      00   00   00   00   00  00   00   00    00  01    00  00
Edw1d Bunce,............         01   00   00   00   04  06   02   02   02   00   08   00   18
John Page...................00         00   00  00    00   02  00   00   01   00   00    00  09
Tho: Martin    r............ 01    00   00   00   00. 02   00   00   02   00   02   00   09
Jno Inkerson............ 02    00   00   00   04   06  00   04   02   00   08    00  16
Adam Whithead......00                 00   00   00   00  00   00   00   00   00   00   00   00
Tho: Scidmore Sen............02       00   00   00   04  07   00   00   02   00        00   21
Tho: ScidmoreJunr............ 00      00   00   00   00   00  00   00   00   00   00    00  00
Philip Udale.................. 00      00   00   00   00  03   00   00   01   00   01    00
Jno Goulden................. 01     00   00   00   00   04  00   00   02   00   02    00  0o
Peeter Floid............  01   00  00   00   00   00   00   00   00   00   00   00   00
Wm Brothrton........... 01         00   00   00   00  03   00   00   00   00   00   00   06
Benj: Jones.................. 01       00   00  00   00   05   00   00   03   00   00    00  07
JonathHeind.............          02   00   02   00   00   02   00  01    00  00   00    00   11
Jno Everit................        01   00 01     00   00   00  00   00   00   00    00  00
Roger Quint.............        00   00   00   00   00  00   00   00   00   00   00   00   00
Richard White....         00   00   00   00   00  00   00   00   00   00   00   00   00
Widow Jones............... 06         00   00   00   04  08   00   04   06    10  14    00  48
Jno Jones............... 01           00   00   00   00   02   01  00   01   00   00    00   13
Jn  Ketcham................. 02        00   00   00   04   03   01  00    00  06   02    00  09
Johannes Race........             01        00  00    00   00   00  00   00   00 0 00    00  00
Mr Bryans Estate............. 00       00   00   00   04   10   00  00    00   00  00    00  00
Mr Kane................ 00            01  00   00    00   00   01  00   00   00   00   00   00
Memorandum     Mr bryan and Mr Wakers
parsons are not heir




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.                           257
SOUTHHOULDS ESTIMATE THE 16TH SEPTEMBR 1675.
John Paine                    Walter Jones              40 acors land...... 40 - -
1 heade......... 18    -     1 heade......... 18-         2 oxen 7 cows.... 47 —
10 acres land...... 10  -    12 acors land...... 12 —      5: 3 yr olde....... 20 —
2 oxen.......... 12 —        1 ox 3 cows...... 21 --      7: 2 yr olde 2 yer5 Cows 1: 3 Yr old 29 --      A a horse......... 06   -          lings........ 20 103: 2 Yr old....... 07 10 -   2: 2 yr olds 4 yer-           3 horses & 1 yerling 39 —2: Yerlings...... 03 —           lings........ 11 —        9 Shepe......... 03 ---
3 horses.......... 36 --                                    1 Swine......    01 —--
10 gotes.......... 04 --                        68 -      --
Giddion Yongs                                206 10 -
119. 10 -    1 heade........... 18   -       Richard Browne
Wm Robinson               35 acors land...... 35        4 heads......... 72 —
1 heade 1 horse... 30 —      2 oxen:5 cows.... 37 -      50 acors land...... 50 --
12 acors land...... 12 -      1: 3 yr 3: 2 yr olds 11 10 -  8 oxen.......... 48 —
3 oxen.......... 18 —        4 yerlings........ 06 - -.10 Cow. w.... 50 —
3 cows.......... 15 - -      2 horses I yerling.. 27  -   6: 3yr ld......... 24 -
2: 3 Yrold....... 08 —       7 Swine......... 07 —        7 2 yr old..      1710 -
3: 2 Yr old....... 05  -. 5 yerlings.......                                07 10
3: Yerlings....... 04 10-                     141 10-      6 horses.......... 72 - -
Abraha Whithere            1: 3 yr old 1 yerling 11 --
92 10       1 heade 25 acors             24 Shepe.......... 08 --
John Greete                    land......... 43- -     10 Swine.......... 10 —
1 heade.....     18 --       1 ox 5 cows...... 31 - -37.
30acorsland...... 30 -        3: 3 yr old....... 12 ----
2 oxen......... 12- -        2:2 yr old 2 yerlings 08 - -      Saml King
6 cows.......... 30 —        4horses........ 54 --          heade-18
6.  acors land..... 40 ---
1:3 Yr old....... 04 —         yerling horse.... 03 -- -acorsland......     40 —
2: 2 Yr olds...... 05-       8 Swine........ 08 - -ox...
6 cows.......... 30 —
4: Yerlings....... 06 —                                    2:3 yr olds.       082horses......... 12                           1595:2 yr lds.....1210
1 Yerling horse.... 03 -        Th: Terry4 yerlings....... 06 —
4 Swine.h... 04                                                                  — heade......... 18-  rss
8 acors land...... 08 - -
124-         2: oxen 4 cows... 32   - -
Caleb Curtis               2: 3 yr olds...... 08 - -
Joseph Maps
I heade 12 acors of           3: 2 yer old 2 yerland....... 30 - -lings.........1010                  1   0 h10 -
2: oxen: 5 Cows... 37 --     3 horses 1: 3 yer old 44  - -20 101: 3yrold:22yrold 09  -       1:2 yr 1 yerling horse 08 —Samll Grouer
4 Yerl.........   06 -       1 Swine..01....... -
1 heade.......... 18 ---
1 horse: 1:3 yr old 20 --.2 acorsland....... 2 —
4Swine.........04 —12 1                                               o29 10w 17-  -. —            John Tuthill.
106 - -      2 heads.......... 36  -                        387 --
VOL. II.                               33




258                            RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
Tho: Moore Junr          9 Cows........... 45 - -       Jeremy Valle
1 heade.......... 18 —-    5:3 yrolds........ 20 —     3 heads.......... 54 —
40 acors land...... 40  -   9: 2 yr olds....... 22 10 -  10 acors land 2 oxen 22 - -
4 oxen.......... 24 --     6 yerling.......... 09 --    6 cows 3: 3 yrolds.. 42- -
9 Cows....... 45 --      5 horses.......... 60 --    1: 2 yrold 3 yrlings. 7 - -
2 Yerlings...... 03 - -     3: 2 yrold horses... 15 - -  1 horse 12 Shepe... 16 - -
4 horses.......... 48 —-   21 shepe.......... 07 —-    11 Swine.......... 11 —
18 shepe..........  06 - -  20 Swine.......... 20 - ---
2 Swine.......... 02 —       1: 3 yrold Bull.... 04 — -152 —
Edward Petty
186 - -      348-10 1 3581-10s- 358 10 -  2 heads......... 36 — -
Jonathan Moore              Jacob Conklinacors land.....               10
2 oxen 5 cows..... 37 —
1 heade.......... 18 —      1 heade.......... 18 —        oe.                --
40 acors land.......                                  I horse........... 12 —--
40 acors land.......40 - -  14 acors land....... 14 -
2 oxen 6 cows.... 42 —      2 oxen 4 cows..... 32 —--
1: 3 yrold 1: 2 yrold 06 10 -  4:3 yr5: 2 yr: 3 yer-        Simon 
4 yerlings........ 06 -       lings33 - -                  eads 5 acors land 41
2 horses 1: 2 yrold. 29 — -  2 horses.......... 24 -    2    s       l    1 —
6 Swine.......... 06 —      3 Shepe 8 Swine... 09 ----
6  Si.....0__      1: 2 yrold 1 yerling 04 --
147 10-                     130 —        1 horse 3 Swine.... 15 —
Capt JoYongs                John ongsry 
3 heads 10 acres land 64 - -  1 heade...     - -        Nathall Moore
2oxen 41cows.   heade..........  18 --  Nathall Moore
2 oxen 4 cows... 32-i ox.............        06 —       1 head........... 18 — -
4: 3 yr2:2 yrld... 21         horse  3 yrold.. 20 -      4 acors land 2 cows 14 --
4 yerlings......... 06 - -
8 horses....,,...  96 -44-                                                32 -
9 Shepe 6 Swine... 09-. Tr                                   r Thomas Moore Senr
Thomas Rider
228 —       2 heads............ 0 36- -  1 head 10 acors land 28 —
6 oxen 5 cows.... 61 -- --
Mr John Yongs Jur      |30 acors land.                6 oxen 5 cows...... 3061 - -
Mr John Yong      6 --— i:::               30-        2: 3 yr 2 yerlings.. 11 —1 heade.........18 —       4 oxen 8 cows..... 64 -      2: 3 yr 2 yerlings.. 11 —
24 acors land......24 --    1: 2 yrold 1: 3 yrold 06 10-  2 horses 3 Swine... 27 
4 oxen: 7 Cows.... 59 --    4 yerlings....    06 —
6 Yrlings........ 09 --    24 shepe 10 Swine.. 18- -  -
2 horses.....   24 — I..... __ Joseph Yongs
2 Yhorses......... 24 -                      160 10-     1 head 12 acors land 30 --
2 Yrlings....0-...... 06- -                           2 oxen 5 cows..... 37 —
15 Shepe.......... 05 - -   John Franklin and John Wigins  2: 3 yrold 2 Swine. 11 --
3 Swine......... 03 -- -   2h2 heads 40 acors land 76 — --
4 oxen: 6 cows...... 54 —                      78 —
148 - -     1 2 yrold 5 yerlings 10 - -     Isack Reeues
Peter Simons             2 horses 1: 2 yrold. 29 - -  1 head 1 horse..... 30 - -
1 heade.......... 18 - -    9 shepe........ 03 -     -
Mr John Conklin          4 Swine.......... 04 --         Samll Yongs
1 head 80 acors land 98 - ---                            1 heade 8 acors land 26 - -
8 oxen............ 48 —                      176 —-      2 Cows.......... 10 —




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.                          259
2: 3 yr 2: 2 yr olds 13-     3:3yrold2 yerlings. 15 --    3: 3 yrolds....... 12 —
1 horse........... 12 --    1 horse........... 12 --     5:2 yrolds....... 12 101: 3 yr 1 yerling... 11  -   6 shepe 6 swine.... 08  -    2 yerlings.... 03 -...-       -. -     3 horses 1 yerling.. 39 --
72 -                         62   -      9 shepe 6 swine... 09 —Stephen Bayly                John Booth                                 171 10
heade.......... 18 —       2 heads.......... 36 —Rid B
Richd Benjamin
13 acors land....... 13 - -  17 acors land....... 17 -  -
2 heads.......... 36 —
2 Cows 3: 3 yerolds 22 - -   3 oxen......... 18-        39 acs land.         39 -.,.,.  39 acors land....... 39 -..
1 horse 1 yerling... 15 - -  4 cows........... 20 —3 Shepe.......... 01 — -     2 2 yrolds 2 yerlings 08 —     3yrold: 6:2yrold 23 —
3 horses 1: 2 yrold. 41 -       yerlings.       0
69 —       3 Shepe......... 01 - -        h.             --
4 horses.......... 48 - --
Mr John Yongs marinr      6 Swine......... 06 — yr: 1:yerlin            132: 2 yr: 1: yerling.. 13
1 heade 2 acors land 20  ---                                                04 -
4 Cows.......... 20 —                        147 —
1 horse 1 swine.... 13 --       John Curwin                                247 - -
2 heads 21 acors land 57 -      Beniam Moore
53 -       6 oxen 6 cows..... 66-        1 heade.......... 18 -
Samll Glouer              3: 3 yrold........ 12 -    14 acors land....... 14 --
1 heade 1 ox...... 24  -     1: 2 yrold........ 02 10-   4 cows: 2: 3 yrolds 28 --
3 Cows.......... 15         5 horses.......... 60-      2: 2 yr: 2 yerlings.. 08 --
4:3 yerold 3:3 yerold 23 10 -  2: 3 yrold...... 16 - -   4 horses.......... 48 --
1 horse 1 swine.... 13 --   1: 2 yrold 1 yerling 08  -   2 Swine.......... 02 --
5 Swine.......... 05 ---
75 10 -    6 shepe.......... 02 —118
-r~Beniam Yongs   -._                    M.~ 1Mr John Bud not being at home
Beniam Yongs
2 heads...... 36 - -228 10 -                               is lumpt at by ye last years
18 acors land....... 18- -       Barnabs Horton             accpt at.        ~ s d
6 oxen 3 cows..... 51 — -    2 heads.......... 36- 
2:3yrolds2:2yerold 13 -     37 acors land....... 37 - -Abraham Cory
Ihorse: 1 yerling hors 15 --  9 oxen.......... 54 -        heade 4 acorsland 22 - -
21 shepe:2 Swine... 09-       8 cows........... 40  --     2 oxen...     12 —
4: 3 yrold....... 16 --     2: 3 yrold 1: 2 yrold 10 10142- -      4: 2 yrold........ 10 - -       horse: 1 yerling.. 15 --
Christopr Yongs Senr      4 yerlings...... 06 -       5 swine.05 --
1heade 12 acors land 30 - - 69 shepe......... 23 - -10
64 10 --
2 oxen 4 cows..... 32  -     6 horses.......... 72 - -Joshua Horton
1: 2 yr old........  02 10   1 yerling......... 03 - -                          -
1 heade 20 acres land 38 - -
4 horses......    48         8 swine......    08 —          oxen 4 Cows.... 68 —
12 shepe 1 swine.... 08 —                     3            7: 3yr 3:2 yr 3
yerlings.....  40 —
120 10 -Jonathan Horton                  3-hoses: 1 2 yrold. 41 - 
Richd Clark               1 heade........  18 -      10 sine.......... 10 --
head............ 18-        36 acors land....... 36 -- --
4 acors land 1 Cow. 09 -     2 oxen 6 cows.... 42-                        197 - -




260                             RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
Barnabs Wines                  Peeter Paine                   Mrs Mary Welles
1 heade 15 acors land 53 --    I heade 6 acors land 24 - -   26 acors land..... 26 - -
2 oxen 9 cows..... 57 -        2 cows.,........ 10 -          4: oxen 6 cows.... 54 
5: 3 yr olds....... 20 --      2: 2 yrold: 2 yerlings 08  -   5: 3 yrolds........ 20 - -
2: 2yrolds6 yrlings. 14 —-     1 horse 4 swine.... 16 —       7: 2 yr 2 yrlings.... 20 10 -
6 sheep 6 swine.... 08  -                                    27 Shepe.......... 09 —
-58 -       5-.5 horses.......... 60 —
152   -         Dainell Terry1: 3 yr 1:2 yr 1 yerIsaac Ouenton               1 heade 12 acors land 30 - -ling horse...... 16 -
ling horse...... 16 - -
2 heades24 acors land 60       4 oxen 5 cows.... 49   -     12 Sine..........    2 --
5 oxen: 6 cows.... 60          3:3yr:3:2yr3 yer4: 3 yr olds......  16lings....                  24 -                          217 10
8: 2 yer 6 yerlings 29         1 horse 1 yerling.. 15  -Simieon Beniam
4: horses 1 yerling 51         8 swine.......... 08 —         1 heade 10 acors land 28 —
20 shepe 9 swine.... 36                          126 - -       2 oxen 3 cows..... 27 - -
232 23 -Peeter Dicisson                         4 3 yrold 1 yerling.. 19 - -
2 heads 20 acors land 56 -     2 horses 1 yr...... 27 - -
Mr Tho Hucisson             8 oxen.......... 48 --        3 shepe 4 swine.... 05 - -
1 heade 14 acorsland 32 - -   12 cows.......... 60 -
5 oxen 5 cows.... 55   -       3:3 yrolds........ 12 -                          106 —4: 3 yr 3: 2 yr 2              6: 2 yrolds'3 yerlings 19 10-     Will Colleman
yerlings........ 22 10 -    1 horse.......... 12 -        1 heade 4 acors land 22 - -
4 horses 19 swine.. 67 —       1: 3 yr 1: 2 yrold.. 13 -      2 cows........... 10 —
176 10-     40 gotes.......... 16 —        2: 2yrolds........ 05 -
Jacob Coy           14 Swine........   14 - -      2 yerlings........ 03 -
Jacob Cory lan   8                                         1 horse 1: 2 yrold.. 17 --
1 heade 10 acors land 28 - -                    250 10        2 Swine.......... 02 - -
4 oxen 2 cows..... 34 -           Richard Cozens
3: 3 yr 2 yerlings.. 15 -  -      heade.......... 18                            59 --
1 horse 4 swine.... 16 -      4 acres land...... 4              Calib Horton
1 heade 80 acorsland 96 - 
93 - -                         22 —        6 oxen......... 36Tho Reeues                     Nathall Terry              12 Cows.......... 60 --
1 heade 23 acors land 41 - -   2 heads 20 acors land 56  -    5: 3 yr olds...... 20 - -
4 oxen 5 cows..... 49 -        7 oxen 8 cows.... 82-         7: yrlds1710
2: 3 yr 3:2 yr 2 yer-          2:3 yrold..... 08            yerlings.......  10 10lings.......... 18 10 —     5: 2 yr 5 yrlings...  20- -       horses 1: 3 yr old
2 horses 5 swine.... 292 horses.24 —                             horse......... 32 —
1: 3 yr l yrling   11 —
-137-S10 -  l      r 18 ylSwine.  18 ~ -   1: 2 yr old 1 yerling
137 10-     18 Swine..........horse......... 08 —--
horse.        08 —
John Reeues                                  219_          2 Swine.......... 02 —
1 heade 1 ox...... 24- -          Samll Wines
1: 3 yr I yerling.... 05 10-    head 9 acors land 27 -                         282
1 horse 1: 3 yr old           2 oxen............ 12- _           Tho Maps Junr
horse.......... 20 - -     4 cows 3 yrlings.... 24 10 -    lheade 15 acorsland 33 --
5 Swine..........05             horse3 Swine.... 15ox:3 Co21 —
2: 3 yr 4: 2 yr 2
54 10-                         78 10-          yerlings...... 21 —




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.                          261
1 horse 12 Swine... 24 -     6 oxen 6 cows..... 66 - -     1 horse 1 yrling.... 15 - -
1: 3 yr old bull.... 04 -    5 Gotes 7 swine... 09 --
99 _ _     5: 2 yr old I yerling 14 —
Thomas Tusteene4 horse             s48                                    77 - -
1 heade 6 acors land 24 - -  20 Swine.......... 20 --         Thors Osman
2 oxen 1 Cow.... 17 - -                                  2 heads 8 acors land 44 - -
1: 3 yr 2: 2 yr: 1                            200 —        4 oxen 4 cows.... 44 —
yerling...... 08 - -John Swasie Junr                   5: 3 yr olds.... 20 —
1 hors 3 Swine.... 15-       1 heade 10 acors land 28 —    6:2 yr...    15 —
-2 oxen 2 cows..... 22-6 yerlings..              09
64 —       1: 2 yr old 4 yerlings 08 10 - 4 horses......... 4  --
Thors Maps Senr           4 Swine..........04 -        1: 2 yrold horse. 05 -
2 heads24 acorsland 60 --.       9 swine...... 09 
6 oxen 6 cows.... 76 —
3: 3 yr olds....... 12 -        Joseph Swasie                               194   -
4: 2 yr old 5 yerlings 17 10 -  heade 8 acors land 26 - -ill Pool
3 horses 2 yrlings           2 oxen 2 cows.....  22 -      2 heads7 acors land 25 -
horse......... 42 —  1: 2 yr 1 yrling... 0oxen8 cows.... 52 —
20 Swine......... 20 —      1 horse........... 12 -      1:3yrold 1: 2yrold 06 10....2 Swine.......... 02 —
227 10S-                                  7 yerlings........ 10 102662 1 horse 8 swine.... 20- -
Thors Terrill 
1 heade 14 acors land 32 - -    Will Halloke                                114    -
2 oxen 3 cows.... 27  -     3 heads.......... 54 —
3: 3 yr old....... 12 - -  70 acors land....... 70 - -       Christopher Yongs Junr
2:2 yr old 2 yerlings 08 —   8 oxen..........48 — 
2 horses 6 Swine... 30  -   14 cows.......... 70 --           yrlds 
4: 3 yr old........ 16-                         26
109 —-     10: 2 yr old........ 25 --                      -
James Reeues              9 yerlings........ 13 10 - 
1 heade 24 acors land 42 - -  2 horses.......... 24 -         John Sallmon
10 oxen 7 cows.... 95 -      4: 2 yr old 1 yrling 11 -     1 heade.......... 18 --
6: 3 yr olds...... 24  -   30 Swine.......... 30 —       1: 3 yr old horse.. 08 -
5: 2 yr 2 yerlings.. 15 10 --
3 horses......... 36 — 361 10-                                               26 --
1: 3 yr old 1 yerling 11 - -    John Hallok                   James Lee
3 Shepe 20 Swine.. 21 - -    1 heade..    18 - -        heade...... e  18-.. —.    4 acors land.    04 -               -
244 10 -    2 oxen 2 cows.....22 - -Benin Horton
Will Reeues               2 yrlings........  03..... -118 —
1 heade 5 acors land 23 - -  2 horses 1: 2 yr old 29      70 acors land70 --
3 cows 1:3 yr old 19 —-      6Swine.......     06 —        4 oxen            24 --
2: 2 yr 3 yerlings.. 09 10-                               8 cows            40 --
1 horse 6 swine.... 18 —82 —                               4: 3 yr olds      16 —
Richard Howell             5: 2 yr old........ 12 10 -
69 10       1 heade 6 acors land 24  -   4 horses.......... 48 --
John Swasie Senr          2 oxen 1 cow..... 17 - -     4 Swine.........04 - --
2 heads......... 36 - -      1 3 yr old......  04 - -
12 acors land....., 12   -   2: 2 yr 2 yerlings. 08 -  -232 10 




262                             RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
Sarah Yongs                 2 Swine......... 02 - -      Endorsed
8 acors land...... 08                    -..-                     Southhold Valuacons
2 oxen 4 cows.... 32                             72 10-       past Octob 25 1675
4: 3 yr old........ 16        The totall Summe is                 10935-10-0
1: 2 yr old........ 02 10              ~.    s. d -45-11-31
1 horse......... 12 —                10935: 10: 00
To the wors1 his ever honrd & much esteemed friend Capt Matthias Nicolls Secretary at N:
Yorke theise prsentSouthampton Sept: 28: 1675.
WORTHY SR-_Wee the subscribed pesent our best respects to you hopeing of & much Desireing
your good health &c: Wee reed your order or warrant for ye makeing up and sending to you the
estimate or waluation of our towne  And at length with care and trouble wee have effected it: And
it exactly amounts to twelve thousand five hundred and fourty one poundes xviS viiid: Wee have
dilligently accompted every mans estate vp, & that is the just totall according to our best inspection;
Wee herein send you not the pticulers, for wee conceive that would bee but lost labour to vs, and
noe advantage, nor more satisfaction, but rather a cumber to you: And therefore according to our
former maner to ye High Shereife wee Send you the Sume in gross, which wee hope will be Sufficient,
& fully answer your expectation: Wee crave yor favour & pdon that wee could not procure it
Sooner into your hand; But hope it will come So Seasonably, that wee haveing your Order by the
bearer our loveing friend and much respected, Justice Topping at his returne, may make paymt: in the
most Suitable maner wee can to the Cu:tries occations; But corne is but Scarce with most of ye
Inhabitants & wee desire that Specie may not bee enjoyned in your warrant. Sr wee have presumed
to write to the Governr respecting our estimate, and therein what we have Sett ye horse-kinde at, &
have made request to him touching that Subject. If his honr bee not well pleased, Wee desire yor
worPP: to bee Instrumentall as you can to excuse our goeing beside that old law or order (which wee
can not but thinke now to follow is excessive hard and oppressive) that rates horses and mares one with
another at 121b a peece. Sr there are so many people everywhere, besides ours, doe Soe exceedingly
complaine that mares Should be rated at 121b ps, when hardly the best will give 41b and many of them'not 40s a peece, emboldened us now to accompt them at 41b a peece one with another which is la:ore
than any one will give - Yet least it should fall out (contrary to our expectation and beleif) that his
honr the Governr Should be dissatisfyed, and that wee may deale uprightly, discharge our Conscience
for the towne and Duty towards ye Cuntry wee have as afforesaid Sumd up the horses and mares at
41b 3 year olds at 3 lb two year'l: at 40s and year'l at 20s ps: And withall we have collected out of all
the bills men pticulorly brought in, the just numbers of horses & mares.- 3 year olds 2 year olds &
yearlings: that Soe, if not witestanding our honebl Governr Shall See cause, & it be his pleasure to
continue them  Still at ye old rate of 121b a ps: &c. We crave yor favour to view the inclosed
acct and ad the difference on yt which remaines (according to ye Sd acct) unto our waluation. And yen
ye estimate will bee compleated: Sr ift is Desired yt at ye Court you will promove the alteration of
valuation of ye horse kind:
Sr Wee are yors to Comand to our power
Wee are greived to heare of ye loss                                THOMAS TOPPING Const
of English blood by ye cruell dam-                                 HENRY PEIRSON
ned pagans and very many are                                       THOMIAS COOPER
Sorry the Indians here have theire                                 FRANCIS SAWYER
guns returned to them.                                             JOHN FAYGAN




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.                               263
(Enclosed)                                                       lb. s. d.
250 horses & mares at 4lb: ps:...................... 1000 00 00
19 of three year old at 31b: ps:................... 0057 00 00
35 of 2 yeare old at 21b: ps:.................   0070 00 00
29 yearlings at 20s: ps:........................ 0029 00 00
1156 00 00
250 --   at 12b: ps:............................  3000 00 00
19 --   at 8lb: ps:...........................  0152 00 00
35 --   at 5b: ps:........................... 0175 00 00
29 -    at 3lb ps: p............................    0087 00 00
3414 00 00
Substracted............ 1156 00 00
Remaines...............         2258 00 00
Endorsed                                                              -
Southton Valuacons brought in Octr 2cd 1675                      (Note by the Gov.)
13667-16-8   Rate 56-18-11                                      The 1156 added.
Past
VALUATIONS OF ESTATES AT FLUSHING 1675.
Cs   0         W    0
I    I    I 1 i      1      i I        J I I o  I    I    I
Ch'arles bridgs...........  08 50    60   07   00   02  00   12   12   10   04  04   06   00
John Furbosh............                     0 0       0   00 00 06  08  03  03  03  00   30
Alias douty............... 01    12  20   00 0  0 00  00   00     12   00   03  00   04   40
John Thorn............... 00          00    10 0                   00        0 002 002  03  06
william noble..............                                  0 1            05 2 01  0 02  04  02  01  1  03  12
Daniell patrek............. 00  04   00   01   00   00   00  00   00   02   02  01   00   00
dorothy farington.......... 00   12  30   03   00   00   00  02   08   03   00  05   16   30
James Clamenes........... 00    04   00   00   00   00   00  00   03   00   01  01   02   00
anthony fellde............ 00   07   20   02   00   00   01  02   05   00   01  00   00   00
Thoma   stlles............       0    0   0    00 10     00 0 2         0   04  04 00     002  3  7 
richard tew............... 00   04   00        00   00   00  0    08   03   03  03   00   30
william danfard............ 00  04 05     01   00   00   00  00   02   00   03  00 00 00
John tere.................       0    10   01   00   00   00  0    02   00 00    0    0    0 10
Rich    wille............00     0    0    01   00   00   00     0  3   02   02  01   004  08
adward grienJun......... 00      12   0   01    00  0 0  00  02   08   03   00  05   10 10
richard stockton............ 01  12  00   0    00   00   00   04  04   00   01  04   05   00
Jonetha  wright..........   00        0   0    00   00   0   00   01   00   00  00   00   00
De nis Holdren............  00  00   0    01   0 00  00  00   0    40 02  00  00 04  00  00  00
Derek Arason............             00    00   00   00   00  00   01   02   00   00  00   00




264                                   RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
VALUATIONS &C.-(CONTINUED.)
r.                      0: ~            GO   G
John Adames.............. 00       08   00   01   00   00   00    01   04   00   01   02   01   00
John depre................        00 06  00  01    00   00   00   02   03   02   02   01   00   12
moses browne............           08   00   01   00   00   00   00    02   01   01   01   06   00
illiam y    ates.............00    02   05   01   00   00   00   02    00   00   02   00   00   00
Thomas     hittiker..       00   08   00   02   00   00   00   00    02   00   00   01   03   00
John emere............ 00  04   00   00    00  00   00    02   03   00   00   00   00   00
Nicholas Parson..        01   14   15   00   00   00   00   02    08   00   05   02   01   25
Thomas Cimse............           04   00   01   00   00   00   00    02   00   00   00   00   00
Thomas ford..........00   01   00   01    00   00   00   0    0    00   0    0     1   00
Arien Cornelus..........       0   06   00 06      00  00   00    00   03   00   00   00   00   08
sauuel Thorn........     04   05   01   00   00   00   02    00  03    01   00   04   00
henry teyler.............. 00      20   10   0    00   00   00   0     0    00   0   0  0   1   20
John boWhittke.......... 00       200   30   04   01   02   02   04    07   07   03   04   10   50
mary smith............... 0        4    0   0    00   00   00   02    0    0    00   00   08   11
John hinchman..........    01   1    15   02    00   00  00    04   04   04   00   02   04   40
illiam haverland.......... 00            06    00   00  00    0    0    0    00   00   0    00
Thomas lawrance..................   01 02 30  01  00   00   00   0     0    0    00   00   0    00
rances bloodgood......... 00      0     0   0 0  00   00   00   02    04   00   04   0    05   40
david R   ow...      00 0...........    00   00   00   02   06   01 02 01 0      0    0
william  Chadderton........ 00    04   05   02   00   00   00    00   01   00   02   00   00   00
simon thewall............ 00      03    0   0    0    00    00   02   03   00   02   00 04 1    2
John gelime............. 00       03   00   01    00  00    00   00   02   00   00   00  03   00
NicholusSnathan......... 0          0 02 1   01   00    00   00   02   03   00   02   02   00   00
John   hoperland........... 00     01   00   00   00   00   00   00    0    00   00   00   00   00
minderdCorto........       00    0   01   00   00   00   00    02   02   01   00   00   00
errethendrekes..........   00   00   00   00   00   00   00   00   03   00   00    00   00   00
Thomaswillia mes rt........        00 00     00   00   00    00   00   00   00   00   00   00   00
simon tewall.............          0 00   0   0 00     00   00    0000  02            00   04   12
willia  begen..........       00   02   00      00   00   00   00 02   00        00   00   00   00
Nicholus Snathan.......... 00     02   10   01   00   00   00    02   03   00   02   02   00   00
John hoper'........    00   01   00   00   00   00   00   00    02   00   00   00   00   00
Joseph Thorn..../....... 00       03   10   00   00   00   00   00   04    01   02   02   01   14
Endorsed
Valuacons of Estates
at Flushing
brought in
Oct. 9. 1675
Exd      lb s d
Rate            18.3.10




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.                            265
bed mone for singel men  richerd tendoll
Elias purrington                           Thomos mam
John farrington                            John tayler
Edward farrington                          Joseph haverland
Jonethon fillepes                          John fellde
Andres depre                                   flushing
pole denorman                                    september 29
Edward grifen Junyer                                     1675
Cap Thors hikes hath not yet prought in a list of his estate
This to Secretarie Nicolls att: N: Yorke Lett bee deliuered
The ACCOUMPTS from GRAUESEND this 14th of the 7th Moth Anno 1675 of all personns
Rateable according to ye Law, as allso of there Lands both vpland and meadow Ground,
With the number of there cattle namely: Oxen; Cows; horses, Mares, and Sheepe as follows
Impris:  of: personns the troopers excepted............................. 30
of: oxen there is.....................................   26
of: Cows there is to ye number off........................... 107
of: Cattle of three yeres ould there is.......................... 20
of: Cattle of twoe yeares ould there is.......................... 32
of: Cattle of one yeare ould there is........................... 55
of: Horses and Mares there is.................   62.
of: Horses of three yeares ould.......................         05
of: Horses of twoe years ould................................. 08
of: Horses of one yeare ould................................ 16
of: Sheepe to the number of.........................  60
of: Acors of vpland & Meadow ground........................  932
By mee nicholas Stilwell Constable ~  s d
and the Ourseers................ 13. 14. 3
Endorsed     Gravesend Valuacons Brought in Septr 20th 1675
Exd    L.   s. d
Rate-13-14. 3
To Mr Mathias Nicoles Secretary at New Yorke this deliver
RESPECTED SIR-According to your order i have herein Sent you the valvation of our townes estate,
in the paper inclosed, So with my Service to you I rest yovrs to comand Hempsted Sept: 7th 1675.
SIMON SARING
ENCLOSURE:-The totall Sume of our townds Esteats doth amount to: 11532-19-4 this yere
deated at Hempsted this 28 day of Agust in the yere of our Lord 1675
Endorsed                                               NATHANIELL PEARSALE Clar
The Returne of ye valuacons from Hempsteed
48-1-1m brought in Sept 9th 1675. Octor 25. past 1532. 119. 4
To. the honed Capt Nicoles at New Yorke
HONRD SR-We haue prentd to your uew the hole esteate of our towne as it is giuen in to us the
ualewation where of doe amount to 57001 the troopers with their horsis being includid which deduct if
you please                                          By order of the Constable and Ouerseer
Jemaica Septr th 8 1675                                               BENIEMIN COE
Endorsed          Jamaica Valuacons Brought in Sept 11th 1675.
past Ocr 25 -    5700 -     23-15-0 -
VoL. II.                                34




26             BRATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
A LIST OFF THE ESTATE OF NEWTOWNE, SEPTR 1675.
0  0        0  0
sB l s  2  5'   I   4).  5-.  o.  ~
Jonathan Hazard..............  1  16  1 0  0 0  0  6  0  0  0  0  1
Johnffarman..................  0  16  0  0 0  1  2  3  0  0  5  2  4
Gershom hazard............  1  3   1  0  0  0  2  2 0  0  0  0  0
Samuell Gray................  0  12  2  0  0  0  0  2  0  1  2  2  2
Jacob Reder..................  2  26  2  0  0  1  2  5  2  2  2  2  3
Lambert Woodward.........  I  8  1  0 0 2 3 0  2  2  6  7
Elaser Leaueridg..............  1  0 0  0 0 0 0 0 0 0  9  4
John Burrougs...............2  40   1  0  0  0   4  4  0  0  4  24  6
Nath:Pettet.................  1  08  1  0  0  1  0  1  2  0  0  2  4
James Way........  20  1  0  0  0  2  4  6  6  3  20  0
Jerimih  Burrouges............   6 2  0  0  0  2  3  0  1  2  00  1
Joseph Reder...1 15  1  0  0  0  2  3  0  1  3  00  2
Calib Leueridg.................  2  29  1  0  0  0  2 4  0  2  1  14  1
Content titus..........   1  20  1  0  0  0  2  3  1  2  2  10  1
Dannell Blomf.........1.....  1  30  1  0  0 0  4  4  2  2  1  4  3
Joseph Sackett................ 1  03  1  0  0  0  0  1  2  2  2  3  1
Isack  Reeder................ 1  13  1  0  0  0  2  3  0  2  4  12  1
John  Scudder........1.e....I  36  1  0  0  0  4  5  4  4  0  18  4
Robart Colwell...............  1 03  0  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  00  0
Richard Owen................  1 14 1  0  0  0  2  5  0  0  0  4  3
Thomas Robarts..............  1  09  1  0   0  0  3  1  2   1  4
Tho: Morrell...............1...   09  0  0  0  0  0   2  0  0  0  0
James Way Junor...........  1  10  1  0  0  0  4  0  1  0  2  3  1
John Denman.......,.....  1   12  1  1  1  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  2
abram ffrost.................  1 07  1  0  0  2  1  1 0  0  0
John alburtis..............  1  20  0  0  0  1  4  4  4  1  0  12  3
arthor alburtis.............  1  8 1  0  0  1  1  0  0  00  2
Thomas pettit.................   15  1  0  0  0  2  3  2  0  0  5  4
John Scudder Jur..............  1  12  1   0  1  2  4  4  1  1  5  4
Btendrick Jonson..............  1 03  1 0 0  0  0  0  3  1  0  0  1
John Reder.................. 1  6  1  0  0  2  3  0  2  2  6  3
Theophi: phillips.............. 1  6  1  0  0  2  2  0  0  0  2  6
John Ramsden...............  2  30   0  0  0  4  5  3  4  3  8  3
John Coe....................  4  22  2  0  1  0  2  4  0  1  0  6  9
Joseph phillips..............  1   12   1  0   0  0  3  1  0  1  2  1
Thon: Wandall........1  93  1  0  0  0  8  5  6  5  5  8i  6
Georg Steauenson..............  1  45  2  0  0  1  4  6  4  3  3  10  -
James Lawrason..............  1  10   0  0  0  2  1  2  0  0  11  00
Thomas Etherington.... 1.04  0  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  20  00
Nathan ffish..................  1 8 0 0 0 0   1  0  0  0  0  3
Nath: Baly...................  1  5  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0 -
John pettit....1  8  1  0  0  0  2  2  0  0  0  2  2
Georg Wood..................   20  0  0  0  2  2  1  0  2  10  0
Joshua hazard............. I  9  1  0 0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
Thomas Larence..............1  40  0 00 4  8 4 3 5  00  14
John Kitcham.................3  45  1  0  0  0  4  5  3  2  3  30  00
William Graues......,,,,,,...  0  16  1 0  0  2  0  10  6




tATE LISTS 0F )ONG ISLAND.  267
A LIST, &c.-(CONTINUED.)
0  -
_ ___      >   X MN^    _co^<
harrik Sibartson..................  0  30  2  2  0  0  2  4  0  0  0  00  1
Sibart harrickson.............  1  24  1  0  0  0  2  3  0  0  0  00  1
Hendrik Marteaceson.....1...  1  16  2  0  0  1  2  2  0  1  0  2  0
CornelusMateace......  10  0  0  0  0  2  4  0  0  2  0  0
John Smith...... *......  2  29  1  0  0  0  2  5  4  3  2  15
Jeri: Reader...............  1  1  0  0  0  1  1  0  0  1  02 
Samuell Scudder..........  1  1 0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  00  0
William Burtis...............   0  1  0 0  0  00 0
Thom: Case................   1  20  1  0  0  0  2  4  0  2  2  20  3
John parsell.................2  40  2  0  0  0  2  4  2  4  4  10  4
Johanes Lorus................  1  10  0  0  0  0  0  1  1  2  1  0  1
John Woodstoncraft............1  10  1  0  0  0  0 0 2  4  0 
-  Buckhood..............  0   9  0  0  1  1  1  0  0  -
John Lorus.........0 12 0 0 0  2 2 0 1 1 0 -
Lores Peterson...........  1  8  0  0  0  0  2  2  0  1  0  0  0
Gershom More............... 20.  1  0  1 2 2 2  3 0 30 3
Joseph Redde...........   1 00 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 00 0
Edwa: Steuenson.....  0  30  0  0  0  0  2  4  0  0  1 
William  hallit...........   1  25  4  0  0  3  2  5  2  2  0  14  3
Will: hallet Junor......0  13  1  0  0  1  2  3  2  2  3  3  2
peter Roulsson................   12  1   0  0  2  4  0  2  2  0  0
Tho: Riders bore......   1  15  2  0  0  0  2  2  0  0  2  0 3
Jona: Strickland.............. 1  15  1 0  0  1  2  4  1 2 2  4 2
John Copstafe.............  0  00  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
Josiah farman.......... 2  15  1 0  0  0 2  4  0  0  2  4
Robart ffeelde................  30  1  0  0  0  2  5  3  2  1  20  2
ffrances Hendrick.............  1  1   0   0  0  0  3  0  2  2  00  1
Tho: Steuenson.............. 1  34  0 0  0  0 4  7  3 2  1  9 5
peter pangburn................  1  00  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
Joseph burrougs................  1  00  0 0  0  0  1   0  0  0 0 0
John Bull...................  1  4  0  0  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0
Samuel More..............  0  14  1  0  0  0  2  3  0  2  1  5  3
John Graues................. 1  00  0  0  0  0  2  3  0  2  6  4
Richard ffidoe................1  1  0  0  1  0  3  0  1  1  3  3
Ralph Hunt................  2  30  1  1  1  0  4  4  4  3  2  16  2
Newtowne Valuations brought in Sepr Beginning
Ex  - 1675.
Rate-26 —6-8.




268                 RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
A VALIJUATION FOR THE CONTRY PARTE OF BROOKHAVEN IN THE YERE OF OUR LORD
GOD 1675.
parsons                    o ^,s    0 
co  00        0 ^ >~0o0   0.  C1  g
________N0  04 O                4 0 f-O.  3
Thomas ward........  1  2  1  2  2  2  1   9  10  0-91- 0
John Thomas.......  1  1                  4  4    0-31- 0
Nath Norten.......  1 2  2  2  2  2  1   4  11  4  0-84-6-8
Saml Daiton........2  5  2  3  2         6  11    1-17-0
Andr Miller........   4  3  3  2            1    1-37-10
hen Rogers.........3  4  5  3  2  1 1  2  8  18  1-5- 0
John Roe......   3 4 4   1 3 2             5 7     1-12-10
Rich Ffloyd........ 1 4 4 2 2 2 3         16 28 15 1-63- 0
Thomas Thorp...... 1 4 3 4 1 2  1         3 11   0-99-10
Luk hawkens.......  1  4  3  1  1  2      5  8    0-98- 0
peter Whirtheare....  1  3  3  1  1  2  1  2  10  0-83- 0
Rich Ffarr..........  1  2     1           2      0-42- 0
will Satterly........2  3  2  1  1  3  3   6  10   1-24- 0
John Tooker.......  2  6  7  3  1  5  1   18  20  15  1-89- 0
Sargent Bigs.......  1  4  2  2  3        2  12   1-02- 0
Robert Akerly... 1 2 2                       7    0-47- 0
Sam Akerly........1 0 3 4                    3   0-42- 0
Mr longbothem...... 2 6 7 5 6 3 5        20 15   2-36-10
John Daves........  1   1                    3    0-28-10
Widow Smith.......  1  2  7  4  1  2  2  1  11  16  1-40-10
Robart Smith....... 1 2 2 2 1             5 4      0-54-10
Will Salyer.........  1  3  3  1             3     0-60- 0
Joseph Daves.......  1  2  3  1  1  12   2  4     0-72- 0
Abr Daiton..... 1  2  2       5           1  3    1-04- 0
Obed Seward.......  1  3  3  2  2           5    0-67-10
Thomas Bigs........  1  4  3  3  2  5  2  5  5     1-20-10
John Bigs......... 1  4       1  1               0-39- 0
Tho Smith..........  1  2  3  2  1  2   1 7  6    0-85-0
Rich Waring........ 1  2  1   2          4 3     0-49-10
John Jeners.....  3  3  4  1  1  5      5  13    1-70-10
John Tomson..  2               2             6    0-66- 0
Endorsed.  Seatalcotts Valuacn  Octr 25t past  3065-16-8
of the Estates, brought in     ~  s  d
the 22d Day of Sept. 75        12-15-5




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.                            269
ASSESSMENT ROLLS
Of the Five Dutch Towns [in King's County] Long Island;
PRIMO OCTOBER, ANNo
1676.
[Translated from the Dutch.]
ASSESSMENT ROLL OF MIDDELWOUT1 MADE UP 20 SEPTR 1676.
s d
No. 1. BAERTELT CLAESSEN
1 poll 2 horses 1 ditto of 3 yrs 2 cows 1 hog........ ~61.
1 morgen of valley................. *......    2.
-   ~63
2. GERRIT SNEDEGER
1 poll 2 horses 2 do. of 3 yrs, 6 cows 4 ditto of 2
year 3 do. of 1 yr. 3 hogs.................. ~*105.10.
20 morg. land and valley.........................  40.
145 10
3. AUWKE JANSE
1 poll 4 horses, 4 cows 6 sheep..............   88.10.
18 morgof land.................................    36.
124 10
4. GERRIT LUBBERTSE
1 poll 4 horses 5 cows 3 do. of 2 yrs 4 hogs...... ~96.10
20 morg. land and valley.............   40.
-- 136 10
5. REYN AERSEN
1 poll 2 horses 4 cows 3 do. of 1 year...........         66 10
6. STOFFEL JANSEN
1 poll 4 horses...................                      30
7. CORNELIS JANSEN ZEUW
6 cows 4 do of 1 year........................... ~99
valley.....................     60
-    159
8. [Paper utterly destroyed.]
1 Now, Flatbush.:




270                               RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAN9.
9. JAN BAERENTSEN
I poll 2 horses 2 cows 1 ditto of 1 yr 1 hog..........      64 10
10. JAN COERTEN
4 polls 4 cows 3 hogs...........................            95
11. ARIE LABERTSE
1 poll 4 horses 5 cows, 2 do of one year 4 hogs....... ~103
22 morg. land and valley.......................  44
--       147
12. JAN JANSEN VAN DITMERSEN
1 poll 4 horses 4 oxen 8 cows 2 do.of 2 yrS 3 do. of 1 yr ~139.10
30 morg. land and valley..........................     60.
-  199 10
13. HANS CRISTOFFEL
1 poll 2 horses 5 cows 2 do of 1 yr 3 hogs............       73
14. ARIE RYERSE
1 poll 2 horses 3 do of 1 y1 5 cows 1 d~ of 3 yra 2 do of
2 yr 2 do of 1 yr 2 hogs......................~90
20 morg. land..............................    40
130
15. AERS JANSEN
1 poll 3     cows 2 do 3yr 3 do of 2 yr of  yr 1 hog  ~88.10
20 morg. land & valley....................   40
----  128 10
16. JAN JANSEN
1 poll 2 oxen 2 cows.......................    45
7 morg. land & valley....................*.   14
59
17 PIETER LOOTT
2 polls 2 horses 10 cows 2 do. of 2 yr 2 do of 1 yr 2 hogs ~120.
16 morg.land & valley............................      32.
-   152
18 JAN STREYCKER
3 polls 4 horses 2   2 horses...................
- cows,3 do of3 year,4 do of yrlhog................ ~196
30 morg. of land & valley.......................  60
-   256
19. HENDRICK STREYCKER
1 poll, 2 horses 1 sheep......................... *~43.14
12 morg of land and valley....................  24.
-   67 14
20 WILLEM GUILLIAMSEN
1 poll 2 horses 2 oxen 7 cows, 2 do of 3 yrs. 2 do of 2
yrs. 2 hogs...................................~104.
19 morg land & valley..................     38.
---      142
21 HENDRICK CORN: SLECHT
1 poll 2 Cows 1 hog..........................,... [MS. destroyed.]
3 morg land....................




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.                             271
22 HARMEN KEY
horses....*.............* [MS. destroyed.]
23 JACOB HENDRICKS
1 poll,4 horses 3 cows 2 do of 1 yr. 1 hog........... [MS. destroyed.]
20 morg land & valley.........................       40
24 STOFFEL PROBASKY
1 poll 2 horses 1 do of 2 yr 5 cows 1 do of 2 yr. 2 do of
1 yr........................................      78
12 morg. land & valley................         24
102
25 CORN: JANSEN BERRY
1 poll 4 horses 1 ditto of 1 yr 8 cows 2 do of 2 yr 3 do
of 1 yr 2 sheep...........................      ~119.7
23 morg. land & valley..........................  46..  ---   165  7
26. LAMBERT JANSEN
I poll..........................................         ~18
27 RUTH ALBERTSE
1 poll.......................................            18
28 SEYMEN HANSEN
1 poll 4 horses 3 cows 2 d~ of 3 yr 3 do of 2 yr 1 do of 1
yr 1 hog................. ~..................     99
14 morg. of land & valey........................     28
--      1]27
29 CLAES WILLEMS
1 poll.........................................             18
30 WILLEM JACOBSEN
2 polls 2 horses, 1 do of 3yrs 1 do of 2 yrs 2 oxen 7 cows 2
doof doof yr6hogs ~137 24 morg. of land.......     48
--- 185
31 HENDRICK WILLEMSEN
1 poll 2 horses5 cows....~.............s ~67
20 morg. land................... 40
-     07
32 JAN HARMENSE
1  poll................................           18
33 ARIE HENDRICKSE
1 poll    [Remr destroyed.]                                  43
34. GYSBERT JANSEN
1   poll..........................................          18
35. JOBECQ JANSEN VAN DE BILDTT
1   poll..........................................          18
36 FLOORES CROOM                                     m
1 poll 2 horses 3 cows 1 do of 2 yrs 1 do of 1 yr. 1 hog  ~662
16 morg. land & valley.......................      32.-        94




272                              RATE IISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
37. DIRECK JANSEN HOGLANT
1 poll 3 horses 1 do of 1 yr 6 cows 1 hog..........89
13 morg. land & valley.....................     26
----- 115
38 CORNS SEBRINGH
1 poll horses 1 do of 4 yr. 3 cows 3 do 2 do of 1 yr..
land & valley.............. [MS. destroyed.]
39       JANSEN
1 poll.........................................              18
40 MINNE JOHANNES
3 polls 1 horse 1 cow...................    X71
16 morg. land & valley...........................  32.. —.    103
41 CATERINNE HEGEMANS
3 polls 4 horses 1 do of 1 yr 4 oxen 11 cows. 4 do of
3 yr 2 do of 2 yr 4 do of 1 yr 4 hogs............. ~215
36 morgen land & valley..............    72
--     287
42 CORNELIS BAERENTISE
1 poll 4 horses 1 do of 2 yrs 7 cows 3 do of 3 yrs 3 do
of 2 yrs 2 do of 1 yr 1 hog......, 129.10
18 morg. of land & valley.................            36
-   165 10
43 DIERCK JANSEN VAN DER VLIETT
1 poll 3 horses 5 cows 3 do of 2 yrs. 2 do of 1 yr.....  ~89.10
14 morg. land & valley.................          28
117 10
44 ELDERT LUYKERSE
1 poll4 horses 4 cows  hog....................      ~687
16 morg. land & valley........................... 32
-    119
45. LEFFERTT PIETERSE
1 poll 2 horses  cows 1 do of 3 yr 4 do. of 2 yr  do
of 1 yr...................................       ~70.
17 morg. land & valley...........................    34
----- 104
46 TITUS STRIX
1 poll 1 horse 2 do. of 2 yr 4 cows 6 do. of 3 yr. 3 do
of 2 yr 5 do of 1 yr 4 hogs...................~103
25 morg. of land & valley.......*................     50.-.- 153
47 PIETER GUILLIAMSEN
1 poll 6 oxen 5 cows 2 do. of 2 yr. 3 hogs......      87
19 morg. land & valley.....................          36
-      123
The whole Property of Midwout amounts to.........   ~4872 11
Taxed @ Id. in the pound Sterlg should amount to 20 pound 6 shgs.
Your obedient Servant         MICHIL HAIfNELLE.




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.                             273
ASSESSMENT ROLL OF BREUCKELEN MADE UP SEPTEMBR 1676.
1 CLAES AERENSE
3 polls 1 horse 5 cows   2 of 2 yrg 2 do. of 1 yr.. ~96.10
14 morg. land &vally............................  28
124 10
2 JAN DE SWEDE
1 poll 1 horse 1 do of 1 yr4 cows 1 do. of 1 yr 1
hog................. s      5i5.10
2 morg. land....................               4
--- 659 10
3 BAERENT HEGBERTSE....
1 poll     1 cow.......................  ~62.
3 morg. land...6*....,, * a...**           6.
--       68
4 JOOST FRANSEN
1 poll 2 horses 1 do of 1 yr 5 cows i do of 2 yr 3 do
of 1 yr2 hogs........,............79.
19 morg.land & valley...........................     38.
---     117
5 ANDRIES JURIAENSE
1 poll 2 horses 2 do of 3 yr 8 cows 1 do of 2 year 2
do of 1 yr.................................    103.10
28 morg. land & valley...........................  56.
159 10
6 LAMBERT JANSEN DORTLANT
1 poll 3 cows.................................    ~33
8 morg. land & valley..........................     16
--         49
7         HENDRICKSE
1  poll........................................            18
8 [MS destroyed.]
9 WOUTER GEISSE[?]
1  poll......................................        18
10 SEIMEN AERSEN
1 poll 2 oxen 4 cows 1 do of 2 yr 1 hog-.........  56
8 morg. of land & valley..,.**..**............ e   16
- 72
11 JEAN PIETTERSEN MACKENZIE [?]
1 poll 4 Cows................,   ~38
8 morg. land..................... *..  16
54
12 JEAN FREDERICKSE
1 poll 2 horses 2 cows........................... 52
7 morg land............... *... ***...    14
—. -.66
VOL. II.                                 35




274                              RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND
13 JOHANNES CHRISTOFFEL
1 poll 2 oxen 2 cows do of2 yr..................  ~42.10
7 morg. land....................            14
---.    56 10
14 Mr PAULUS VAN DER BEECK
2 poll 3 horses 4 cows 2 do of 2 yrs 2 do of 1 yr..... ~100.
20 morg. land & valley............  40
15 THEUNES GISBERTTSE LBOGAERT]                          ---       140
3 poll 4 horses 1 do of 2 yrs 5 oxen,, Cows 5 do of 3
yrs 10 do of2 yrs 8 do of 1 yr 9 hogs............ ~251.
40 morg. land & valley.........................   80.
331
16 SEIMEN CLAES
1 poll 1 horse.. Cows 1 do of 2 yrs 2 do of 1 yr 1
hog............................   ~46. 10
7 morg. land & valley...........................     14
--      60 10
17 JUFFROUW POTTERS
1 horse 1 do of 3 yrs. 4 cows 1 do of 2 yrs 3 hogs.          45
18 JEAN AERSEN
1 poll 3 horses 2 Cows 1 do of3 yr 2 d of2 yr 1 do of
1 yr.......................................       74.10.
18 morg. land & valley.................'36
-  110 10
19 THOMAS JANSEN VAN D[UYN.?]
1 poll 2 horses 3 cows...............             ~57
1 morg. land...................ln............     2
59
20 ACHEYS JANSEN VAN DEICK
1 poll 2 oxen 2 cows 1 do of 1 y.................~41.10
1 morg. land..................................       2
43 10
21 DIERCK HATTUM
1 poll 2 oxen 2 cows do of 3 yrs 1 d~ of 2 yrs....  50.10
1 morg. land................................          4
_-..-       54 10
22 JURIAN BLANCKE
2 horses 1 cow 2 do of 1 yr............           ~32
6 morg. of land................................     12
--       44
23 DANIEL DE RAPPALLIE
1 poll 1 hors  cows............................ [Valuation destroyed.]
24 JERM. DE RAPPALLIE
2 polls 2 horses  cows..................
8 morg of land................................  [Val: destroyed.]




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.                              275
25 PIETER JANSEN
1 poll, 2 horses 2 oxen 6 cows 4 of 2 yrs 3 do. of 1 yr ~98.10.
25 morg. land & valley...........................  50
--       - 148 10
26 JAN JANSEN
1 poll 2 oxen..Cows 1 do of 2 yrs 3 do of 1 yr....  4510.
2 morg. of land.................                4
_- -     49 10
27 HENDRICK CORSEN
1 poll 3 horses 2 cows 1 do of 2 yrs................  466.10
12 morg. land & valley..........................  24
---- 90 10
28 PIETTER CORSEN
1 poll.........................                               18
29 CASPER CORNELISE
1  poll..................................                      8
30 WILLEM WILLEMSE BENNETT
1 poll 2 horses 2 do of 1 yr 2 oxen 5 cows 4 do of 2
yr. 3 do of 1 yr............................ ~99.10
13j morg land and valley.........................     27 -
-- --   126 10
31 RHEM JANSEN
3 poll 4 horses.. cows 5 do of 3 yr8 2 do of 2 yrs do
of 1 yr 2 hogs......................... ~184.10
19 iorg. land & valley...........................   38
222 10
32 TIERCK STOORM
1 poll 1 horse.................................. ~30.
11 morg. land & valley..........................     22.
52
33 MAERTE RYERSE
1 poll 4 horses 8 cows  of 2 yrs 3 of 1 yr 2 hogs... ~117.10
31U morg. land & valley...........................    63
180 10
34 AERENT ISAACK
1 poll.....................                                  18
35 SUSANNE DUBELS
2 oxen 6 cows 3 do of 2 yrs 3 do of 1 yr............  ~62.10
18 morg. land.................................       36 -...-     -.98 10
36 THEUNIS JANSEN
3 poll 3 horses  do. of 2 yr. 2 oxen 4 cows 4 do of 3
yr 4 do of 1 yr 2hogs......................        ~151
23 morg. land & valley..........................     46
197
37 JAN HANSEN
1 poll 2 horses 4 cows 1 do of 3 yr 1 do. of 2 yr 1 hog  ~69.10
18 morg. land & valley......................          36...... —-   105 10




276                             RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
38 DIERCK PAULUSE
1 poll 2 horses 4 cows 4 do of 2 yrs 3 do. of 1 yr....  76.10
12 morg. land & valley............................ 24.
---   100 10
39 THOMAS LAMBERTSE
1 poll2 horses 1 do of 3 yr 4 oxen 8 cows year 2 do. of 1
yr 4  sheep.................................
[MS. destroyed.].......................  147.4
23 morg. land & valley.............,,,........  46
193 4
40  [Name destroyed.]
1 poll 1 horse of 1 yr 1 ox 4 cows 1 do of 2 yrs
sheep...................................  51
15 morg. land & valley..........................  30
81
41 PAULUS DIERCKSE
2 polls 2 horses 2 oxen 5 cows 2 do. of 3 yrs 5 do. of
2 yrs 3 do. of 1 yr. 5 hogs...................,~127
12 morg. land & valley......................         24
151
42 JEAN GERRITTSE
1 poll 2 horses 2 cows 2 do of 3 yrs 2 do. of 2 yrs
2 do. of 1 yr 2 sheep, 1 hog..................  ~70.
11 morg. land & valley..................          23
_.....  93
43 BOURGON BROUCHAERT
1 poll 2 cows........................ ~..        28
11I morg. land & valley......................       23
51
44 ADAM BROUWER
1 poll 3 cows 4 sheep & 1 nrorg. valley..........           37 14
45 WILLEM BROUWER
1 poll.......................................             18
46 JABECQ BROUWER
1 poll......................................                18
47 CONRADUS VANDER
1 poll 2 oxen 2 cows 1 do. of 1 year...............43
14 morg. of land..  a.............................  28
71
48 Captn CORNELIS
1 poll 3 horses  cows 2 do of 3 yrs 1 do. of 2 yrs
do. of 1 yr............................~..84
22 morg. of land and valley....................,  44
128
49 WEYNANT PIETTERSE
1 poll 2 horses 3 cows.......................... ~,, 57
5 morg. land*'......v,.-.,,             10
----- 67




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.                           277
50 PAULUS MICHILSE VANDER VOORT
1 poll 2 oxen 3 cows 1 do. of 2 yrs 1 do. of 1 yr...  49
12 morg. land & valley..........................  24
73
51 PIETTER VAN NEST
3 poll 4 cows 1 do. of  yr.  hog.................  ~80
5 morg. land & valley..........................  11
91 
52 MICHIL HANSEN
1 poll: 2 horses 5 cows 1 do. of 3 yr 2 do. of 1 yr...  ~74
20 morg. land & valley.........................   40
--- 114
53 HENDRICK THEUNESE
1 poll 1 horse 2 cows 1 do. of 2 yrs.............. ~42.10
4 morg. land...................................   8
_ —     50 10
54 JORES JACOBSE
3 polls 4 horses 3 do. of 2 yr 2 oxen 3 cows 2 do. of 3
yr 4 do of 2 yr do. of 1 yr. 2 hogs 3 sheep.....  ~-6
30  morg. land....................................  60
55 DIERCK CORNELISSE
1 poll 2 horses 3 cows........................... [MS. destroyed.]
15 morg. land...................................
56 JAN CORNELISE BUIS
1 poll 2 horses 3 cows I do. of 2 hogs 12 sheep....... [MS. destroyed.J
8 morg. land & valley...........................
57 GERRIT CROES
1 poll 2 oxen  cows 3 do. of 3 yr 2 do. of 2 yr 3 do.
of 1 yr..........................~....  ~76.10
14 morgen land & valley.................          28.
94 10
The whole Property of Breuckelen amounts to............~5067 18
Taxed at Id in the pound stg
should amount to ~21.2.4d
Your obedient servant
MICHIL HAINELLE




218                              RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
ASSESSMENT ROLL OF BOSWYCK MADE UP 23 SEPTEMB. 1676.
1 GISBERT THEUNISSE
2polls 3 horses 2 do of yrs 5 cows 2 do of 3 yrs 4 do
of 2 yrs  do of 1 yr 1 hog 8 sheep.............;~138.8
22 morg. land & valley...................... 44
----     182 8
2 WOUTER GISBERTTSE
1 poll 3 horses 8 cows 2 do of 3 yrs 4 do of 1 yr 4
sheep...........................                109.14
18 morg. land & valley.................   36
145 14
3 VOLKERT DIERCKSE
2 polls 3 horses 1 do of 2 yrs. 8 cows 2 do of 3 yrs
3 do of 2 yrs 4 do of 1 yr 8 sheep 2 hogs........ ~143.18
25 morg. land & valley.................             50
193 18
4 CHARLES HOUSMAN
1 poll 2 horses 6 cows 2 do of 1 yr 2 sheep.........  ~75.18
11 morg. land & valley............................   22
97 18
5 CORNELIS JANiSEN
1 poll2 cows 1 do of 3 yrs 1 sheep................  ~32.8
4 morg. land.................*...............      8
40
6 PIETTER JANSEN
1 poll 2 horses 1 cow..........................              47
7 CLAES CORELISE
1 poll & 5 morg. land...........................              28
8         DE LA FORGE
1 poll 1 horse 2 cows......................             40
9 [MS. destroyed.]
10 [Name illegible.]
1 poll 1 horse 4 oxen 11 cows 4 do of 3 yrs 1 do of 2
yrs 3 do of 1 yr 4 hogs......................;*136
40 morg. land & valley.......................    80
m                                                   ---- 216
11 ALBERT HENDRICKSE
1 poll....................................*. 18
12 JAN CAERLESE
1  poll.....................................               18
13 AMADOR FOUPIER
1 poll....................................               18




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.                                279
14 JAN CORNELISE ZEUw
1 poll 2 horses 2 cows 5 sheep..................    54.2
17 morg. land & valley.....................     34
-    88 2
15 EVERTT HEDEMAN
1 poll 2 oxen 2 cows 7 sheep 3 hogs...............     46
13J morg. land & valley..................               27
73
16 JAN KOROM
1 poll 2 horses 1 do of 1 yr 3 cows 1 do of 1 yr 2 hogs
2 sheep... ~64.8
2 sheep..................................;664.8
3 morg land............                               6
70 8
17 ALEXANDER COQUER
1 poll 1 hog 2 sheep....................         19.18
2 morg. land....................                      4.-..- 23 18
18 JAN LESQUIER
2 polls 2 horses 5 cows 2 do of 3 yrs 1 do of 1 yr 1
sheep............ 9......,.............       ~.103
28 morg. land........,.    56
159
19 Capt. PIETTER JANSEN WITT
3 polls 4 horses 2 do of 2 yrs 1 d~ of 1 yrs 9 cows 4
do of 3 yrs 2 d~ of 2 yrs 7 do ofl yr 18 sheep 7
hogs...............  ~206.3
50 morg. Land & Valley.......................     100
306 3
20 JABECQ DIERCKSE
1 poll 2 horses 1 do of 1 yr 2 sheep.............E45.18
10 morg. land.............       20.
65 18
21 PIETTER SCHAMP
1 poll 3 cows 1 do of 1 yr..................        ~34.10
9 morgen of land........................     18.
52 10
22 JOOST COECKWYTT
1 poll 2 horses 7 cows 2 do of2 yrg 1 do of 1 yr. 7
sheep 1 hog.........................   ~90.10
15 morg. of land & Valley.....................    30.
--- -    120 10
23 SEIMEN HAECKX
1 poll......................................             18
24 METTIE JANSEN
2 cows 1 ditto of 2 yrs 3 sheep 2 hogs...., s...,<   [MS. destroyed]




280                              RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLATD.
25 JAN JANSEN
2 polls 1 horse 2 cows.........................
26 HENDRICK BAERENTSE
1 poll 3 horses, 3 ditto of 3 year 5 cows, 2 do of 3 yr.
4 do of  yr 5 sheep 3 ghos.................. ~141
20 morg. land & valley....................... 40
181
27 JAN CORNELIS DAMEN
1 poll 3 horses 1 do of 1 year 6 cows 1 d~ of 3 yr
3 d~ of 2 yr 4 do of 1 yr 16 sheep 3 hogs....... ~113.3
28 morg. land & valley......................         56
169 3
28 JAN ARIAERSE
1 poll 3 cows 1 do of 1 yr 4 sheep................ ~37.4
3 morg. land.......................      6
43 4
29 CORNELIS HARMENSE VOGEL
2 polls 3 sheep................................               37 5
30 PIETTER PARMENTIE
2 polls 3 horses 2 oxen 5 cows 2 do of 3 yer 2 d~ of 2
yr 3 d~ of 1 yr4 hogs........................... ~130.10
20 morg. Land & Valley.........................  40
170 10
31 JACOB LAROILLE
1 poll 2 horses.................................   [MS. destroyed]
32 PHILIP BERCIELO
1 poll...............................                 18
33 MATTHEIS JANSEN
poll....................                                     18
34 THEUNIS GISBERTTSE BOGAERT
8 morgen Valley.....................**...16
35 OUFIE CLEY
2 polls 2 horses 6 cows 3 ditto of 2 yr 3 ditto of 1 yr.. ~102
12 morg. Land & Valley.......................         24
126
The assessment roll of Boswyck amounts to...... ~2960 14
Rated at Id. in the pound Stg
should amount to ~12.6.9d.
Your obt Servant.
MICHIL HAINuLE.




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.                              281
ASSESMENT ROLL OF NEW UTRECHT MADE UP 29 SEPTR              1676.
1 HANS HARMENSE
1 poll 3 horses 4 cows  of 3 yrs4 do of 2 yrs 2 do
of lyr...................................   97.2
24 morgen land.........................             48
145 2
2 JAN VAN DEUENTER
2 polls 1 horse of 2 yrs 3 cows 1 do of 3 yrs 1 do
of 2 yrs............           ~62.10
12 morg. land.................................      24
--- 86.10
3 JAN VERCKERCKE
3 polls 6 horses 2 do of 2 yrs 4 cows 20 sheep........ ~164.10
95 morg. land & valley..........................    192
--    356 10
4 GISBERTT THEYSE
1 poll 2 horses 1 cow 1 ditto of 2 yrs 1 ditto of 1
year.....................................   ~51
18 morg land................................       36
--     87
5 HENDRICK MATHEISE
1 poll 4 horses 3 cows 3 do of 3 yrs 3 do of 2 yrs 3 do
of  1 year..................................   ~105
30 morg. land...,..................      60
165
6 LAURENS JANSEN
1 poll 2 horses 2 cows....................~....  ~52
12 morg. land..........................        24.-     _   76
7        JOOSTEN
1 poll 3 horses 6 cows...............84
20 morg. land...............    40
124
8 [MS. destroyed.]
6 cows...............  ~104
20 morg. land.................................       40
144
9        RHEIN
1 poll  horses 3 do of 2 yrs 2 do of 1 yr..........  ~46
20 morg. land................................       40.....- 86
VOL. II.                                36




$82                              RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
10 JAN JANSEN VAN DEYCK
1 poll 2 horses 2 cows of 3 yrs 1 do of 2 yrs........ ~52.10
16  morg. land..................................    32
84 10
11 CAREL JANSEN VAN DEYCK
1 poll 2 horses 3 cows.......................... ~57
24  morg. land..................................    48
-   105
12 RUTGER JOOSTEN
2 polls 4 horses 6 cows 2 oxen 2 ditto of 3 yrs 3 do
of 2 yrs 4 do of 1 yr 12 sheep................. ~152.12
100 morgen land................................     200
352 12
13 JEAN CLEMENT
1 poll 1 horse 2 cows 1 do of 3 yrs 1 do of 2yrs....         46 10
14 JACOB BASTIANSEN
1 poll 1 cow...................o....2......*..              23
15 THEYS JANSEN
1 poll 1 horse 2 oxen  cows 1 ditto of 3 yrs 1 hog.. ~80.
15 morg. land..............................o..   30
----      110
16 THEYS LUBBERTSE
1 poll 2 horses  cows of 2 yrs................... ~44.10
12 morg. land..................................   24
—.-    68 10
17 JEAN VAN
lIpoll 2 horses 4 cows 4 ditto of 2 yrs..............  ~72
40 morg. land.................................      80
152
18 CREIN JANSEN
2 polls 2 horses and 1 do of 2 yrs................  ~65
24  morg. land..................................    48
---     113
19 ARIE WILLEMSE
1 poll 3 horses 5 cows, 2 do of 2 year, 3 do of 1 year ~88.10.
24  morg. land.................................. 48
---    136 10
20 PIETTER JACOBSE
1 poll 2 cows..................................              28
21 THEUNIS JANSEN VAN PELTT
2 polls 3 horses 5 cows 1 do of 1 year 4 Sheep.... ~100.4
24 morg. land...........   48
mmm.      148 4
22 HUIBERT STOOCK
1 poll......................................                  18




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.                            283
23 LUYCKES MOYERSE
1 poll 3 horses 5 cows 1 do of 3 yrs 2 do of 1 yr.... ~74.
20 morg. of land...........................     40
-   --  ---  114
24 ANTHONY VANDER EYCKE
1 poll 2 horses 3 cows...............
12 morg. land............................  [MS. destroyed]
25 JORES BOURIER
1 poll 2 cows 2 oxen.......................
12  morg. land..................................
26 ZEGERTT GERRITTSE
1  poll........................................            18
27 HENDRICK JANSEN VAN DEYCK
1  poll........................................             18
28 JEAN MUSEROL
1 poll 2 oxen 4 cows............................  ~50
12 morg. land..........................       24
--- -74
assessment roll
The Property of N. Utrecht amounts to...... i............  ~3024 18
Rated @ Id per pound Stg
should amount to ~12.12.1.
Your obt Servant
MICHIL HAINELLE
VALUATION OF AMSFORTT1 MADE UP SEPTEMBR 1676.
1 CLAES PiETTERSE
1 poll 2 horses 1 do of yrs 6 cows................  ~75.
7 morg. land..............................    14
--         89
2 GILLES JANSEN
3 polls 3 horses 2 oxen  cows.................... ~105
10 morgen land & valley.........................   20
125
3 GERRITT REINERSE
2 polls 4 horses 7 cows 2 ditto of 1 yr 1 hog...... ~125.
23 morg. land & valley...........................  46
--,161
4 WM VAN BERCKELO
1 poll 2 horses 1  cow............................         47
5 DIERCKIE WILLEMSE
1 horse 2 cows 1 do of 2 yrs 4 morg land............         32 10
1 Now, Flatlands.




284                               RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
6 WILLEM WILLEMSE
1 poll 2 horses 4 cows 1 do of 3 yrs 1 ditto of 1 year  ~67.10
11 morg. land & valley................       22 -
----     89 10
7 HANS JANSEN
1 poll 2 oxen 5 cows 1 ditto of 2yrs..............  ~57.10
17 morg. land & valley.......................  34
91 10
8 ALBERT ALBERTSE
2 polls 4 horses 1 do of 1 yr 7 cows do of 2 yr. 2 hogs ~129.
29 morg. land & valley.........................     58...-      187
9 STEUENSE
1 poll horses 1 ditto of 2 yrs 4 cows  ditto of 1 yr ~84.10
20 morg. land & valley..........................        40
124 10
10 [Name destroyed]
1 poll 1 horse 1 cow............................              47
11 ALBERT ALBERTSE the younger
1 poll 1 horse 3 cows...................                45
12 DIERCK JANSEN
1 poll 1 horse 3 cows...........................              45
13 PIETTER CLAESSEN
2 polls 5 horses 13 cows 3 do of 3 yrs 2 oxen 2 sheep ~186.5
59 morg. land & valley...........................     118
304 5
14 LAURENS CORNELISE
1  poll 1 horse..................................             30
15 FERNANDES VAN CICKEL
1 poll 2 horses 2 cows...................                     52
16 JAN BROUWER
1 poll 2 horses 4 cows 3 hogs.............              65
17 ABRAHAM JOORESE
1 poll 2 horses 1 do of 2 yrs 14 cows 2 do of 3 yrs
4 do of 2 yrs 4 do of 1 yr..................... 141
35 morg. land & valley..........................  70
--        211
18 ROELOFF MAERTENSE
2 polls 4 horses 1 do of  yrs 10 cows 2 do of 2 yrs
4 ditto of 1 yr 3 hogs......................... ~152.14
52 morg. land & valley..........................   104
256 14
19 STEUEN COERTTEN
2 polls 4 horses  cows 5 ditto of 2 yrs............. ~129
55 morg. land..................................  110
------ 239




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.                             285
20 JAN KIERSEN
2 polls 2 horses  cows 2 do of 1 year......... ~103
31 morg. land & valley...........................   62
165
21 WILLEM GERRITTSE
1 poll 4 horses 2 do of 1 yr 1 ox,7 cows 3 do of 3
yr 2 do of 2 yr 1 do of 1 year...................131.10
28 morg. land & valley...........................   56
187 10
22 PIETTER MONFORTT
1 poll 1 horse 2 cows......................              40
23 JAN MONFORTT
1 poll....................................                   18
24 ARIAEN PIETTERSE
1 poll, 2 horses 2 cows...............    ~52
8 morg. land and valley....................   16
----  68
25 PIETTER HENDRICKSE
1 poll, 1 horse...............................               30
26 SEIMAN JANSEN
2 polls, 4 horses 8 cows, 3 do of 3 yrs 1 do of 2 yrs 2
do of 1 yr 4 sheep 1 hog...................... ~144.4
32 morg. of land & valley........................    64
208 4
27 PIETER CORNELISE
2 polls, 5 horses 1 do of 3 yrs  cows 2 do of 3 yrs. 3
do of2 yrs  do of 1 yr.4 hogs................
24 morg. land & valley.......................... [MS. destroyed.]
28 SWAEN JANSEN
1 poll, 2 horses 1 cow 2 hogs....................  ~49
5 morg. land & valley..........................     10
-- 59
29 HENDRICK PIETERSE
1 poll 3 horses 2 oxen 5 cows 1 do. of 1 yr. 1 hog.. ~93.10
19 morg. land & valley..........................    38
-  131 10
30 COERTT STEUENSE
1 poll 4 horses 1 do. of 2 yrs 2 oxen 6 cows 4 do. of
2 yrs 4 do.of 1 yr.........................   127.
44 morgens land & valley..............    88
--- 215
31 JACOB & GERRITT STREYCKER
3 polls 2 horses 7 cows 2 hogs.................... ~115
1~ morg. land.................................      3
--- 118




286                              RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
32 JAN MARTENSE
1 poll 3 horses 1 do. of 2 yrs 1 do. of 2 yrs 2 do of
1 yr. 3 cows 2 do of 1 yr...................... ~83
10 morg. land & valley....................      30
103
33 WILLEM HULETT
1 poll 1 horse 2 cows..........................               40
34 WILLEM
1 poll 2 horses 1 do of  yrs 5 cows 2 do of 1 yr. 2
hogs...............................~.....         o77
12 morg. land & valley..........................  24
—.... 101
The Whole Valuation of Amsfortt amounts to........ ~3966 13
PROPERTY RATE.
The property is rated as follows
Each Poll.......................... 18.
Each horse over 4 yrs old....................    12.
between 3 & 4 yrs..................     8.
between 2 & 3 yrs.................      5.
between 1 & 2 yrs..................   3.
Each Ox above 4 yrs old..................  6.
Each Cow above 4 yrs old......................     5.
between 3 & 4 yrs old.................    4.
between 2 & 3 yrs old.................    2.10
between 1 & 2 yrs old................  1.10
Each hog above a year old.......              1.
Each sheep above a year old....................   8.6
Each morgen of land..........................    2.
The property above mentioned of 3966 pounds 13 shillings
@ Id per pound Stg should amount to 16 pounds 10 sh 6  pence.
Your Obt Servant
MICHIL HAINELLE
RATE BILLS OF THE FIVE DUTCH TOWNS; 1ST OCTOBER 1676.
~4872.11........... Rate Bill of Middelwout........... 20. 6.5067.18....... Rate Bill of Breukelen............  21. 2.4
2960.14............ Rate Bill of Boswyck.............   12. 6.9
3024.18......... Rate Bill of N. Utrecht...........    12.12.1
3966.13............ Rate Bill of Amsfort..............  16.10.6 
6~19892.14  Assessment of the 5 Towns @ Id per pound...... ~82.17.8%




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.                             287
RATE LIST OF BUSHWYCK, 8 SEPTR A~ 1683.
Constable Wouter Ghysberts Verscheur; 1 poll, 4 horses 2 of 2 yrs, 8 cows, 5
of 3 yrs, 1 of 2 yrs 3 of 1 yr. 1 hog.........................     114.
22 morgens of land & valley.....................................      44
-— 188.-.'
Jacob Jansen; 2 polls, 2 horses, 1 of 3 yrs, 5 cows, 4 of 3 yrs. 2 of 2 yrs, 2
of 1 yr. 1 hog............................................... ~118
IS  morg. of land..............................................  36
-    154Pieter Jansen Meet; 1 poll.................................               18.Albert Hendrickzen; 1 poll, 1 horse.................................                30.Joost Kockuyt; 1 poll, 2 horses, 8 cows 3 of 3 yrs 4 of 2 yrs, 3 of 1 yr. 9 sheep.~112.6.6
22 morgens of land & valley.....................................      44.-.-    156. 6.6
Charel Fonteyn; 2.polls, 2 horses, 1 of 3 yrs, 1 of 2 yrs, 15 cows, 2 of 3 yrs, 4 of
2 yrs, 4 of I yr. 7 sheep, 1 hog.................................. ~175.-.61 morgens of land and valley.....................................    122.-.-  297.-.Pieter Jansen Wit; 2 polls, 7 horses, 1 of 3 yrs, 1 of 2 yrs, 2 oxen 12 cows, 3 of
3 yrs 3 of 2 yrs 7 of 1 yr. 15 sheep, 2 hogs.......................... ~243.7.6
50 morgens of land & valley......................................  100.-.343.7.6
Jacques Cossart; 1 poll, 2 horses, 1 of 2 yrs, 5 cows, I of 2 yrs, 2 of 1 yr. 1 hog  ~78.-.18 morgens of land...............................................  36
114.-.Pieter Jans Loy; 1 poll, 1 horse, 2 of 2 yrs, 1 cow, 1 of 1 yr............          46.10.
Onvre Klay; 1 poll, 1 horse, 5 cows, 2 of 2 yrs...........................  ~60.-.18 morgens of land & valley..................................     36.-.-..- 96.-.
Claes Cornelis Kat; 1 poll, 1 horse, 1 of 1 yr. 1 cow, 2 of 3 yrs, 2 of 2 yrs....  ~51.-.13 morgens of land..........................                26.-.77.Jan Cornelis Zeeu; 1 poll, 2 cows.....................................8
Cornelis Jansen Loy; 1 poll, 3 horses, 5 cows, 2 of 2 yrs. 2 of 1 yr. 3 sheep.~88.5.6
10 morgens of land & valley......................................    21.
-  109.5.6
Adriaen Laforse; 1 poll, 2 horses, 3 cows, 1 of 3 yrs. 2 of 1 yr. 1 hog, 3 sheep. ~68.5.6
81 morgens of land & valley.............................                17.-.85.5.6
Jacob Dirckx; 1 poll, 1 horse, 7 morgens of land...................                44-.
Symon Haecx; 1 poll..................................*...,              18.1 So in orig. tOught to be ~158.




288                               RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
Joost Dury; 1 poll, 2 horses, 1 of 2 yrs, 5 cows, 1 of 3 yrs 2 of 2 yrs 2 of 1 yr ~84.-.16 morgens of  land &  valley........................................  32
116. —
Pieter Parmentier; 1 poll, 1 cow, 1 hog............................... ~24.-.4 morgens of land...............................                 8.-.1 mill estimated @..............................................      50.-.- 82.
Pieter Jacobsen; 1 poll, 1 cow, 13 morgens of land......................        49.Volckert Dircksen; 1 poll, 1 horse, 1 of 3 yrs, 1 of 1 yr. 6 cows, 3 of 3 yrs, 4
of 2 yrs, 4 of 1 yr. 4 sheep...................................... ~100.14
50 morgens of land & valley....................................    100
200.14.Jan Miserol; 1 poll, 3 oxen, 6 cows, 4 of 3 yrs 1 of 1 yr. 3 hogs..........  ~86.10.
32 morgens of land & valley...................................        64
150.-.Jan Miserol the younger; 1 poll, 3 cows, 2 of 1 yr.............    36.-.-.
4 morgens of land....................................  *..  8
44.-.Jan Loquier; 1 poll, 2 horses, 7 cows, 4 of 3 yrs 5 of 2 yrs, 4 of 1 yr....... ~111.-.28 morgens of land & valley.......................................     56.-.167.-.
Neeltje Jans; 2 cows, 1 of 1 yr.......................................11.10.Theunis Ghysberts; 8 morgens of valley.................................            16.-.Hendrick Barents Smit; 16 morgens of land & valley.......................          32.-.Joost Adriaens' widow; 1 horse, 1 of 2 yrs. 5 cows, 5 of 1 yr................  49.-.25 morgens of land & valley.....................................       50.-.99.10.Jannitje Schamp; 1 cow, 2 of 3 yrs................................                 13.-.Michel Parmentier 1 poll, 2 horses, 1 of 3 yrs, 5 cows, 2 of 3 yrs, 2 of 2 yrs, 2
of 1 yr...............................................   ~85.-.30 morgens of land & valley.......................................     60.-.
-  145.-.The rate is 12 pounds, 4 shil. 3 pence.  Pounds 2931.-.By order of the Constable & overseers of Bushwyck
P. CLOCQ, Clerk.
RATE LIST OF AMESFORT [FLATLANDS] 25 SEPTR 1683.
Roelof Martens; 2 men, 2 negroes, 4 horses, 1 of 2 yrs, I of 1 yr. 2 oxen, 8 cows, 3 of 3
yrs., 6 of 2 yrs 6 of 1 yr 60 morg. of land.................................  ~1. 7.10
Gerrit Strycker; 2 men & one negro, 3 horses, 7 cows, 1 of 2 yrs. 1 of 1 year & I  morgens of land.........................................................11.Albert Albertsen the younger; 1 poll, 1 ox, 2 cows, 2 of 3 years 1 of 1 year.........  3. 6




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.                             2S9
Aryaen Pieters: one man, 2 horses, 5 cows, 2 of 1 years& 12 morg land..............  7. 9
Stoffel Jansen; 1 poll, 1 horse, 4 cows, 2 of 1 yr 3 morg. land...................   4.10
Clas Pieters; 1 poll, 1 negro, 2 horses, 6 cows, 2 of 3 & 2 of 2 yrs. 2 of 1 year and 23
morgens of land......................................................        2. 7
Abraham Jores; 2 men, 4 horses, 2 oxen, 10 cows, 6 of 3 yrs, 6 of 2 yrs. 4 of 1 yr. 8
Sheep, & 46 morgens of land............................................  1. 4.Jan Martens; one man, one negro, 2 horses, 1 of 3 yrs. 5 cows 2 of 3 yrs. 2 of 2 yrs.
2 of 1 yr. & 28 morgens land............................................      11. 9
Jan Teunise; 2 men, 3 horses, 2 cows, 10 morg: land-...........................      8. G
Pieter Maffoort; 1 man, 2 horses, 1 of 2 yrs. 5 cows, 2 of 3 yrs. 1 of 2 yrs. 2 of 1 yr.
& 12 morgens of land...................................................        7. 1
Jan Maffoort; 1 man, one horse................................................        2. 6
Dirck Jansen; 1 man, 2 horses, 3 cows, & 1 of 2 yrs & 20 morg land.................   8, 6
Albert Albertsen; 1 man, 2 horses, 7 cows, 3 of 2 yrs. & 2 of 1 yr & 35 morgens of land  13. 1
Jan Alberts; 1 man, 1 horse, 2 cows & 1 of 3 years...............................  2.11
Fernandes; 2 men, 2 horses, 2 cows, & 4 morgens................................      6. 6
Willem Jansen; 1 man, 2 horses, 2 cows, & 3 morg. land.........................      4.10
Hendrick Agasuerus; 1 man, 1 horse........................................         2. 6
Jan Brouwer; 2 men, 2 horses, 4 cows, 1 ox, 1 of 1 yr & 2 morg. land...............  7. 7
Symen Jansen; 2 men, 2 horses, 8 cows, 4 of 3 yrs, 4 of 2 yrs. 4 of 1 yr & 42 morg: of land.17.10
Jacop Verdon; 1 man, 1 horse, 3 cows.........................................       3. 9
Dirckye Roelffsen; 1 man, 2 horses, 2 cows, 2 of 3 yrs. 2 of 1 yr. & 4 morg. land.....  5. 6
Hendrick Pieters; 1 man, 1 horse, 1 ox, 4 cows, 1 of 2 yrs. 1 of 1 yr. & 12 morgens of land  6.11
Pieter Henldricksen; 1 man, 3 cows, 1 horse, 1 of 2 years........................    3.11
Pieter Cornelis; 2 men & 1 negro, 4 horses, 2 of 3 yrs. 6 cows, 5 of 3 yrs. 5 of 2 yrs.
3 of 1 yr & 28 morgens land...............................                     1 1.Coert Stevens; 2 men, 4 horses, 1 of 2 yrs, 4 oxen, 6 cows, 3 of 3 yrs. 7 of 2 yrs. 6 of
1 yr & 60 morg. land................................ 5.Pieter Classen; 3 men, 5 horses, 2 oxen, 11 cows, 5 of 3 yrs 4 of 2 yrs. 5 of 1 year, 49
morgens of  land......................................................     1.  6.  2
Albert Stevens; 1 man 3 horses, 4 cows, 1 of 3 years, 5 of 1 year................... 7.Steven Coerten; 1 man, 4 cows, 5 of 3 yrs. 4 of 2 yrs. & 55 morgen of land..........  14. 8
Jan Stevens; 1 man, 2 horses, 4 cows, 1 of 2 yrs. 1 of 1 yr. & 9 morg. land..........  6.11
Rutgert Bruynsen; 1 man, 3 horses, 2 cows, 6 morg. land........................      6. 4
Marten  Pieters  1  man, 3  cows,...............................................  2. 9
William Davidts; 1 man, 2 horses, 5 cows, 3 of 3 yrs. 1 ox, 2 of 2 yrs, 2 of 1 yr. & 25
morg: land...........................................................         11. 9
Luyckas; 1 man, 2 horses, & 1 of 2 yrs. 7 cows, 4 of 3 yrs. 2 of 2 yrs. 2 of 1 yr. & 34
morgens  land........................................................      14. 5
Jans Jansen; 3 men, 3 horses, 2 oxen, 6 cows, 3 of 3 yrs. 2 of 2 yrs., 2 of 1 yr. & 26
morgen land....................................                  16.10
Willem Gerrits; 2 men, 5 horses, 2 of 1 yr 9 cows, & 8 of 3 yrs. & 4 of 2 yrs. & 5 of
1 yr. &   30  morg. land..................................................  1.  1.  1
Teunis Jansen;  1 man.............1........................................       1. 6
Pieter Nefyes..........................................................          1. 6
Pieter Tul.......................................                                      6
The list of Amesfort amounts to........  Pounds 19. S. 1
VOL. II.                                37




~90                             RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
VALUATION OF BREUCKELEN TAKEN 26 SEPT 1683.
Jeronimus Jorisen:-            Thomas Vardon:                 10 morg. land
1 poll...... ~18.-             2 horses.... ~24 -& vly.....                 20.
1 horse,....  12               3 cows.....   15.                          --         82.
6 cows.....   30                1 do 2@3yrs   2.10            Hendrick Korssen:2 do of 2 yrs  5               4 do 1 yr.    6.-             10 morg. land         ~20.
I do of 1 yr.  1.10            1 poll......  18.2 Hogs.....    2.-             8 morg: land  16.-             Jacob Brouwer:8 morg. land  16-                                   ~81.10     2 cows.....   10.~84.10    Jacob Jansen Bergen              1 do of 2 yrs  2.10
Jan Cornelis Damen:-            2 horses.     24.               6 morg. land
2 horses.... ~24.              1             18.                 & valley..  12.1 poll......  18.
5 cows.....   25.              3 ow.....                               -     42.10.,_3 cows....  o15.
4 do of 2 yrs  10.              1do of 1 yr   1.10            Pieter Jansen
33 do of                              3 yrs  7.10                poll.......
10 morg. land  20.
10 morg. land  20.   3.10    1 do of 1 yr   1.10             3 horses....  36.Teunis Jansen:-               24 morg land                    18 morg. land
2 horses....  24                & valley.. 48.-& vly....                     36.115.10       6 Cows....   30.5 cows.....   25
6 doof 2 yrs  15.             Joris Hansen:-                   2 do of 3 yrs  8.3 do of 1 yr  4.10              1 poll......  18               1 doof2 yrs    2.10
4 sheep.....   4.-             2 horses....  24                3 do of 1 yr.  4.10
I poll....... 18              3 cows.....  25                                   -  135.20 morg. land  40               2 do of 3 yrs  4               Klaes Arentse:-   130.10    1 do of 2 yr  2.10              2 polls..... ~36.Willm Huicke:-                 2 do of 1 yr   3.-              4 cows.....  20 -
2 horses..... ~24             12 morg. land  24.-              2 do of 2 yrs  5 -
1 do of 1 yr  3.                           --       110.10     2 do of 1 yr   3.3 cows.....   15.             Cornelis Sibbings:-            12 morg. land  24.3 do of 2 yr   7.10              poll......  18.                                     88.2 do of 1 yr   3.102 horses....              24.              Poulus Dirckse
8 morg. land  16.-2 cows.....                10.1 poll.....                 18.--        69.-     3 doof 3 yrs  12.               3horses....   36.
Daniel Rapalie                 17 morg. land                    5 cows... 25.5 horses.... ~60.                & valley.. 34.                2 do of 3 yrs  8.6 cows.....   30.                             -      98.       4 do of 2 yrs  104 do2@3yrs 210. yTryntie Korssen-:       2 do of 1 yr   3.3 do 2 yrs...  7.10            3 cows.....   15.-1 do of 6 yr                 6.2do l yr..,    3.morg. land    48.-             2 do 2 yr...   5.-             25 morg. land  50.---- 158.10       2 do 3 yrs..   8. —-                                 156.Jan Aersen:-                   2 morg. land                   Liesbet Pouse:3 horses.... ~36.               & vly....    4. —             1 cow..... ~5.5 cows....  25                              -       32.-      1 do of 3 yrs  4.2 do of 2 yrs  5.             Pieter Korssen:-                 1 do of 5 yrs  6.4 sheep....    4.1 poll......                18.-              1 do of 2 yrs  2.10
27 morg. land  54.2 horses....                24.-              1 do of 1 yr   1.10
-—. —    124. —    4 cows,....  20. —                                    19, —




RATE LISTS OF LONG TISLAND.                             291
Mattys Brouwer:-                 2 horses....  24.              Jacobus vande Water:1 poll...... ~18.              12 morg. land  24.               1 poll...... 18.
1 cow.....    5.                                      96.-      1 horse....  12.
1 do of 3 yrs  4              Folckert Hendrickse:              4 cows..     20.--      27.-       1 poll......  18.            1 do of 2 yrs  2.10
Jan Frederickse2 horses....                   24.2 do of 1 yr                   3.1 poll.....  ~18                6 cows.   30.-               4 sheep....   4.3 horses....  36                2 do of 2 yrs  5.-12 morg. land              24
6 cows....   30                2 do of I yr  3.-                                -    83.10
2 do of 2 yrs  5               14 morg. land  28.-             Machiel Hansen:
1 do of 1 yr   1.10Jacob Joresenpoll......-18
14 morg. land  28
14118.10          1 poll...... 18.              2 horses..... 24.Joost Franse:-                   3 horses....  36.-              6 cows.  30.1 poll...... 18.-              5 cows....    25.-              4doof 3yrs    16.2 horses.... 24.-               2 do of 2 yrs  5.-5 doof2yr                  12.10
3 cows....   15.-                do of 1 yr   11               5 doof yr     7.10
1 do of 3 yrs  4.-             2 sheep....   2.-20morg.land                 40.-- 148.2 do of 2 yrs  5.-             12 morg. land  24. 
1 do of 1 yr   1.10                                  111.10 
16 mor. land                   Joris Jacobsen:-                   poll...... 18.
& vly...  32.10            3 horses.... ~36.                2 oxen....   12.
99.10   6 cows.....   30.-               1 horse....  12.
Ariaen van Laer:-                2 do of 2 yrs  5.-              2 cows....   10.
1 poll......~18.              16 morg. land  32                2doof 3 yrs   8.
2 cows....   10.                                    103.-      3 do of 2 yrs  7.10
1 horse....  12.            Cornelis Nevies: —               11 morg. land  22.
1 horse....  12.poll...... ~18.                                              89.10
1 yearling.  103 cows....            15.               Hendrick Tysen:1 morg. land 2.1 mor -        43.10     1 do 2 yrs..  2.10              Ipoll......~18.Abraham Ackerman:-               I do 1 yr..   1.10             2 oxen....    12.1 poll...... ~18.       Adam Brouwer-          37. |2 cows....       10.Adam Brouwer:-        -
cow......                       1 poll......                    3 do2yrs..    7.10
---       23.-      Imill        100.               I horse 1 yr  3.Thomas Lammerse:-                3 cows....   15.              12 morg. land  24.2polls...... 36. —                                                                    74.10
3 horses...   36.               1 do of 2 yrs  2.10            Jesies Dregz:1 do of 2 yrs  5.
2 do......    5.-               1 poll....~..18.1 doo2ys  5.           33 sheep....  3.-               1 horse....  12.7 cows....   35..                                   --        30.3 morg. land   6.
1 do of 3 yrs  4                             -      149.10.    Evert Hendrickse:4 do of 2 yrs  10.-            Hendrickse Sleght:-              1 poll...... 18.4 do of 1 yr   6.-              2 horses.... ~24.               1 cow...      5.4 sheep....    4.-              4 cows.... 20.-                1 do yearling  1.18
18morg.land    36                 morg. land  42                                       24.10
-    172.-                            86.-     Akus Jansen
Willem Joresen:-                Rendel Evans:-                   I poll......18.
Ipoll......   18.-              2 horses....  24.               2 oxen....   12.5 cows....  25.                Ipoll......   18.               3 cows....   15.2 do of 2 yrs  5.                           ---       42.    1    do 2 yrs..   2.10




292                              RATE LISTS OP LO —ifAI-. --
2 do 1 yr..   3.               3 horses....  36.               3 do 2 yrs..  7.10
8 morg. land  16.1 do 1 yr...                 3.                4 sheep....   4.---     66.10    2 cows.....   10.              10 morg. land  20.Ariaen Willemse:-               10 morg. land  20.                           --        72.10
I poll...... ~18.-                          --        87.-    Jan Smit:3 horses....  36.-            Frans Abraliamse:-                1 poll...... ~18.
G cows....   30.-              1 poll....... ~18.              1 horse.....  12.
1 ox of 4 yrs  6.-             2 horses....  24. —--                                  30
4 do 4 yrs..  16.-              1 cow....      5.              Tuenes Giesbertse Bogert:3 do 1 yr..   3.               4 morg. land  8                 4 horses.... ~48.25 morg. land  50                                      55. —    13 do yrs..    S.Hendrick Jansen:
159-      Hendck Jansen10 cows....                     50.Jan Gerritse Dorlant:-           1 poll......  ~18.             6 do 2 yrs..  15.1 poll...... ~18.              2 horses....  24                6 do 1 yr..   9.2 horses....  24.2 cows                      10.                2polls....   36.1 do 2 yrs..   5.               1 do 4 yrs..  4.0 morg. land                 80.
1 do 1 yr... 3.                                       56.-                --         246.5 cows....   2.               Johanes Kosperse:-              Marten Reisen:
2 do 2 yrs.    5.                poll......                po.....~18.
2 horses...a 24.
2 do 1 yr...   3.                                               2 horses....  24.
20 morg. land  40.2 do 2 y.                                      2 do 1 yr.    6.
--— ~^123.-        2 do2 yrs..    5.               5 cows....    25.
Simen Aersen:-                  5 morg. land  10.               3 do 2 yrs    7.10
1 poll.     ~ 18.                                     77.do2yrs..             7.10
4'oxen        24               Casper Jansen: —                   do 1 yr     44 cows.....   20                2 polls.....  36.              19 morg. land  38.4 cows.es....                                36.2                                     22.10
1 do of 1 yr  110               1 do 2 yrs..  5.               The widow of Rem Jansen:1 hdoreof.yr   1.10            2 cows..... 10.  3 polls.    54
24 mor. lad    48-              2 do                               o 2 yrs..  5.
J       1"1 ^'2do~yrs..                                          horses.... 672.
24morland      48       29.10   1 morg land   22                12 cows       60.
an Teunisen:-                                        114.       1 do of 4 yrs  4.
1 poll.    ~18.              Juraen Blanck:-                  4 do 3 yrs..  16.
2 horses...   24.               1 poll..... 18.                6 do 2 yrs..  15.,4 cows.....  20. o1 horse.....             12.               6 do 1 yr...   7.10
4 cows.....   20.
2 do 2 yrs.. 3.             2 cows.....   10.              22 morg. land
21 morg. land  42                             --        0.        & vly...morg.  4421 morg. land  42 109.  Winant Pietersen: —                          -   272.10
Jan Jansen:_-.. 2 polls.. X36.              Johanes Cristoffelse:1 poll...... ~18.              1 cow......    5.               1 poll...... ~18.
2 horses....  24.               1 do 3 yrs..  4.                3horses....  36.
2 oxen...     12.                             2cows.... 1...                 0.
7 cows....   35.               1do   yr..    1.10             2 do2yrs.      5.
2 do 3 yrs...                                     49.       9 morg. land  18.
5 do 1 yr...   7.10            Hendricka Sprokels: —-                                 87.21 morg. land  42.-              1 horse 4 yrs ~ 8.             Willem Bennings:-    146.10    1 do of 2 yrs  5.               1 poll...... ~38.
Luickes Teunise:                 4 cows.....  20.2 horses....                 24.
1 poll...    18. 5.2 do 3 yrs.,               8.                 doyrs..      8.




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.              293
1 do 2 yrs.. 5.        2 horses.... 24       Dirck Jansen:6 cows.... 30.                        42     1 poll......~18.
3 oxen.... 18.       Pieter Van Nest:-       3 cows.. 15.
1 do2 yrs..  2.10      2  polls.....  36       do 3 yrs..  4.
dol yr...  1.10        3 cows..    15.         do 1 yr...  1.10
21 morg. land  42.-      yearling...102 horses....    24.
--  149.-   yearling.. 1.10       1 do 3 yrs.. 8.
t G -  --   ~52.10  30 morg. land 60.
Rissicrt Gibs: —                                               30.10
1 poll...... ~18.     Jan Buys:- 
1 horse.....   12       poll.   8.                         5793.10
1 poll..... ~18.
30.   2 horses.... 24 -Jan Coise Damen
Thomas Jansen op Brackelen:-  2 cows..... 10 -  Jan Gerritse van Couenhoen
1 poll.... ~18.                        52.-                as Clerk
RATE LIST OF MIDWOUT [FLATBUSH] 1683.
w  e -' - L _  * 
Nys Teunisen............ 1  1           4               50 100
Loffert Pietersen..........1  2      2   7  3   6  3     54 174 10
Laurens Cornelis  1  2              2      31       36  97
Reynier Arens............                                 0  1 66
Pieter Guilliams..........  1  4    3   7      2  2     160  287
Theodorus Polhemius.....1  2            5  1   2  2         79
Jan van Ditmern........2  3            12  3   7  9     120 295
Dirck Hooglat........... 2  2            1         2     52 120
Jacop Hendrickx.......... 1  4          4  1   1  1     46  140
Willem Guilliams...  2  4      1  1      6  1      5     144 277
Pieter Lot.........  2  4     1         6  7   6  4     140 308
Harmen Key............  1  1             3      2  1     44  95 10
Lowys Jans.............  1  1            2      1  1         44
Jan Auke................  1  2           4  1      1  1  46  114  10
Adrian Reycrse..........2  2   1        5  3   4  3     70 197
Titus Zirachz.........  1  3  1         8      3  2     50 159 10
Jan Rems..........   2  2                4  2  2   3     38 135 10
Hendrick Rycke.......... 1  2  2        4  3  3   3     38 140




294                     RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
RATE LIST, &C.-(CONTINUED.),......,  _,
1.0
Hendrick Wille.  1   4           7  2  2  2    100 217
TJan Vlier..  2  2  2 6.0 2       2. 0  117
Cornelis van der Veer.............*,., 2  4  11  5  4  100 257 10
NCorneli amens          1            8       4  1 5  100 24
W.aillem Ja  cops  2   3   1    9  2  2  3     60  1
Geirck van deer..... 2  2  1          10    2  2  2  9036 136
Jancop Larzlier................ 3 1  6  1  1  1  4  60  16017
Cornelis van der Veer...                        4    100 25710
Cornelis Barents.. 1  2               4   3  2     84 156 1 00 240
Willer Jacops...........  2   3           2    3     60  197
Gerrit Lubbers.........  1  2         6               60 165
Luke Jansvan uys...... 2  3          5   1  3        3  153 1
anem R emse...... 1...                             6  15 1  10
Gerrit Snedeker........... 2  3  1   10  2  2  2     90 236
Jaoo   Lalier.....   1  3  1.6           1.      60  160
Pieter Cornelis sen........                        54 5
Cornils Pieterse........  1  2             3   2     84  156 10
Gerrit  rker........... 1  3          2   2        60  12710
Stoffel Probasco.......... 1  2    6         3     60  146 10
Lymen Hanse..........   3   1              3       1 1   125
Jacn Barensen............ 1                   1     60  10110
Joost Casperse........ 1  2                          30  89 10
Claes Baren s......... 1  2                          30 82 1
Janr Strycker........  1  2            3  5   2     72  176 10
Mr. Tomes Barker........  3          2     2      2 40 111
Mr Mar. s...............1  3        6      3  6    110 21100
Catryna Hegemans........       2 3   9  3      1    132 30010
Jacop Janse........  1  1 I                           32  87
Hendrick Hegeman........1  2                         60 102
Adriaen Hendricks.........2  2      4   12         28117
Pieter Strycker........... 1  3      8     2   5     50  156 10
Adriaen Andriessen........           3               30  131
Aris Janse............ 1  3      3  6   4  5  3     108  243
~7757 10




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.            295
RATE LIST OF NEW UTRECHT; 28th Septr. 1683.
Names                                  2  l | 
Jan Jansen van Dyck..............  1  60  3    6     1  3  3
Baerent Joosten...................   40  5      8     2  2  5
Louris Janssen...............       1 1             12    2
Antony van Peelt...............   1  20  1     2     2     2
Thys Lubbers.................... 2  20  3      4     1  3  2
Heinderyck van Peelt.............  2  50  4    4            1
Lambert Janse..............  1  0               1
Gerret Stoffelsen.............  18  2         3
Heind'k Kamgo..................  1
Antoony Duseen..................  20  34             1     2
Herreman Smyt,...... 1.....                   1
Derck van Sutfon................   12  1        3        2  3
Jan Klement...................                  4
Tomas Farckx...................  1 20  1        3     3     1
Cornelis Wynhat.............. 2 30  2           2     1     2
Ruthgret Joosten..................  2  200  6  2  12  6  6  6  6
Henderyck Matyssen.........   100  4  1  1     5     1  4  4
Jan Verkercke,................... 2 155  6  1  10           5
Toonis van Peelt.................  3  48  3     6  1  3     4
Gerret Cornelissen.................  2  20  2  5
Kryn Janse van Meetsen....... 1 40  2           2        2
Ggsbert Tyssen,.................  1 60  2       3     2  3  4
Tylman Jacopsen.................. 1             1
Jan Kiersen,................  1 70  4          5     3     3
Jan vandeNeuter................ 3  20  2       4     3     2
Jan van Kleef................. 1  80  4         8        2
Karel Jansen van Dyck....  1 60  3    1         3  1  1     4
Jan Hansen......................  2  40  2  1  8        1   1
Meindert Koerte..............   40  4           5     4  3  5
Roelof verkercke..............3                         1
Hendryck Toonissen.a.......' — 1 16           3        1
43 1279 73  2  6  2   1311 9 35 35 61
By order of the Constable and overseers
GESUP STYTEWEERDE
CLAESE VANDER WERSSEN




296                     RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
AN ACCOT FROM GRAUESEND   OF YE PERSONS LANDS AND CATTLES RATEABLE
ACCORDING TO YE LAW
ANNO DOMO 1683.
Raphe Cardall;  ~ s. d.  5 horses........... 0 5 0  2 " of 3 yeares.. 0 0 8
7 Cowes.......... 0  2 11  88acors land........ 0  7  4  1  2 yeares.. 0  0  2j
1 "  of 2 yrs ould0 0 2  1 head............0 1 6  2horses..........0 2 0
3 "  1 yeare ould 0 0 4 —I " of 1 yeare.... 0 0 3
80 Acors of land.... 0 6 8             01711   44 acorsland.... 0 3 8
4 horses.......... 0 4 0 4 0 Barnes JurissonnI person.......... 0 1 6
1 " lyeare..0 0 3     6Cowes..........0 2 6-.......  3 5 " 2 years oulds0 1 01              010 41
0 14 5   1 " 1yeare.... 0 0 11  John Lake Junr
Joseph Goulding         2 horses........... 0 2 0  1 Mare........... 0 1 0
3 Cowes........... 0  1  3  88 acors of land..... 0  7  4  1head............ 0  1  6
1 " of 3 yeares... 0 0 4  1 head............ 0 1 6 —--
2 " of2 yeare.... 0 0 5                                       026
2 " ofl yeare.... 0 0 3                 14 6   Martha Wilkins
3 Horses.......... 0  3  0  William  Goulding  6 cowes........... 0  2  6
41 Acors of land..... 0 3 5  6 Cowes..0 2 6    1    3 yeares..... 0 0 4
1 head............ 0 16  3 " 3yeares...0 10    2    2yeares..... 0 05
-   3 " lyeare.... 0 0 4A   3 " 1 yeare....  0 0 41
0 10 2   ihorse........... 0 1 0  2 horses........... 0 2 0
Peter Sympson;         20 acors land........ 0 1 8  88 acors of land...... 0 7 4
3 Cowes.......... 0 1 3 —--
1 " 3 yeares..... 0 0 4               0 6 6R                  0 12 11
1 "2 yeares..... 0 0 21 Yawcum Goijcliffe
3 Cowes...........  0  1  3
1  o lyeare.  0 0 0  05 Cowes...... 0 2 1
1 "1 3 yeares..... 0 0 4
2 horses........... 0  2  0  1  of 3 yeares.. 0  0  4
44 Acors of land..... 0 3 8  4 "of 2 yeares.. 0 010  1  yeares..... 0 0 2
3    of                   " lyeare...... 0  1  are0 1I
0 77     horse           1 0     horse...........  0 1 0
John Briggs,           25 acors of land..... 0 2 1 44 acors of land.. 0 3 8
4 Cowes..........  0  1  8  1 person.......... 0  1  606        7
2 " 3 years.. 0 0 8                           John Barnes
1 " lyeare......0 0 18                         3 cowes..........  0 1 3
3 horses........... 0 3 0  John Lake senr      1 " 3yeares.... 0 0 4
1 " lyearould.. 0 0 3  7 Cowes..........0 211  2 " 2yeares.... 0 0 5
84 Acors of land..... 0 7 0  5'o of2yeares... 0 1 0  2  lyeare.....0 03
1head...........  1 6  4 " of 1 yeare...0 006  2 horses........ 0 2 0
4 horses........... 0 4 0
4horses..0 4 0~ 60acors of land..... 0 5 0
14 21 88acorsland....... 0 7 4  person.0 1 6
John Emauns             1 personn..........0 1 6....
7 Cowes.......... 0 211 —---                                 0 10 9
1 " 3 yeares..... 0 0 4               0 17    John Briggs Junr
3 " 2 yeares..... 0 0 7~ Clause Johnsonn        1 person........ 0 1 6
2 " lyeare.....0 0 3  5 Cowes..........02 1.




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.                297
Cornelius Boyce        44  acors land...... 0  3  8  1 horse............ 0  1  0
2cowes........... 0  0 10  1 personn........ 0  1  6  9Sheepe.......... 0  0  3
I horse........... 0 1 0' —               2 hoggs.......... 0 0 3
Iperson........  1 6                  0 82    29 acors land...... 0 2 5
John Poling
0 3 4    3 cowes.0 1 3                        0 6 0
William Williamson      1 " of 1 yeare.... 0 0 1  Alse Osborne
5 cowes........  0  2  1  2 horses.......... 0  2 0 2  0 cowes..........0  4  2
1  "   2years......  0  0  2A  17 acos land........ 0  1 5  5  "  3yeares.... 0  1  8
2 " lyeare...... 0 0 3  44 " more of land.. 0 3 8  2  2yeares....0 0 
1 horse.......... 0   1  0  1 heade.......... 0 1  6  5  "   1 yeare..... 0  0  7j
44 acors land....... 0 3 8                      5 horses...........0 5 0
1 personn......... 0  1  6           0  9 11  116 acors land...... 0  9  7
Samm11 Spicer
0 8 S    9 cowes.......... 0 3 9               1 15
Jeremie Stillwell       3 " 3 yeares.... 0 1 0  John Carsonsonn
16acorsland........ 0 1 4  5 " 2yeares...... 0 1 0  2 cowes.......  0 0 10
6 " lyeare...... 0 09   1 Mare.     0 10
Carson Johnson  ~ s.d.  3 horses......... 0 3 0  1 heade.......... 0 1 6
10 cowes.......... 0 4 2  1 " 2 yeares....0 0 5
3 "of 2 yeares...0 0 7  1 14  1 yeare.... 0 0 3              0 3 4
4 " of 1lyeare.... 0 0 6  100 acors land...... 0 8 4  Lawrence Haft
1 " of 4 yeares... 0 0 5  1 heade........ 0 1 6  2cowes........... 0-010
4 horses.......... 0  4  0  5 sheepe..........  0  0  1  22 acors of land..... 0  1 10
1 " 3 yeares....0 0 8                         i —- 1 heade........... 0 1 6
44acorsland........ 0  3  81               2
2 persons....... 0 3 0  Danniell Lake...... 0 1 6           0 4 2.-....... Elias Dawes
17 0~  John Tilton Jur        icowe.............. 0 5
Nicholas Stillwell      7 cowes..........0  2 11  1 Mare........... 0  1  0
6 cowes.......... 0 2 6  3 " 3 years.....0 1 0  personn.......0 1 6
2 " 3 yeares ould. 0 8  3    1 yeare.... 0 0 40
3 " 2 yeares.....0 0 7A  3 horses.......... 0 3 0            0 211
2 " I yeare......0 0 3  1    3 yeares.... 0 0 8  Jonathan Bayly...... 0 1 6
2 horses..........  2 0  1  2 yeares.. 0 0 5  Yawcum Goijliffe.... 0 4 3
44 acors land........ 0 3 8 2  " 1 yeare....0 0.6  William Goulding.... 0 2 0
60 acors land.  0 5 0
0s  9 8cao1 heade      0 1 6
Johannus Michaelson                              WM WILLIAMSON Constable.
4 cowes...... 0 0 8                  015 4    Endorsed
1 "c of 3 yeares.. 0 0 4  Jo: Tilton Senr            Graues Ends
1 Mare............ 0 1 0  5 cowes.......... 0 2 1  m  Estimation 1683
Vot. II.                      38




~98           RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
RATE LIST OF NEWTOWN 1683.
r d  C0;0%
_________f  M 5  CO  C)  L  0  U C)  C  r  2
John Coe.........2......30  1  0  0....  1  4  0  0  0  6  6
John Smith.................. 1  80 2  1  1  1  4  9  9  10  6  30  8
John Ramsden...............  2  30  2  0  0  0  2  9 0  3 4  6  7
Thomas Stevnson.............. 1 40  1  0  1  1  4  8 05  5  420  7
Joseph Bourroughs............. 1 18  0  1  0  1  3  1  2 3  00  0
Samuel Kitsham.......   1  5  1  050   0  3  1  00  0
John Kitsham.................  1  80 3  0 0  1  4  8 4  2 8 20  3
phillip Kitsham.............   1  20  1  0 0 0 2 2 0  1  0 4  2
John Bourroughs..............   10  1  0   0  1 0  0   0  0
Joseph Reede.................  1  00 0  0  1  0  0  1  0  0 0 0 0
Edward Stevenson.............. I  1 40  1  0  0  0  3  6  1  2 1  12  1
Joshua Hazard....1  00   0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
Thomas Robason............  2  40 2  0 0 0  3  3  2  2  1  3  0
Jeremiah Reeder...............  1  10 0  0  0  0  2  3  0  1  0 3  3
Thomas Etherington............   00  0  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0
Joseph Reeder.............. 1  10  1  0  1  0  1  1  3  2  0 0  0
Jacob Reeder.................  1  20 2  0  0  0  2  3  3  0  1  3  2
Content titus..................  1  18  2  0  0  0  2  6  1  2  0  16  3
Caleb Leveridg...............1  24 1  0 0 0  2 4 0  1  115  1
Eleazor Leveridg..1  00 0  0   0  0  2  0  0  0  3  0
Joseph Lacit.................. 1  20  1  0  0  0  0 3  2 2  8  1
daniell blomfield...............1  15  1  0  0  0  3  3  0  2  2  12  3
John Reeder................. 1  10  1  0  1  0  2  6  1  0 3  10  1
Richard owin..........1  10  2  0  0  0.......  1  3  2  0  1  10  0
Lambart Woodward............  1  8  1  0  0  0  1 5  0  1  2  10  0
Samuell More,................ 1  30  1  0  0  0  2  6  2  2  3  12  4
Benimin Cornish.2......  0  0.....2  00 0
Samuel fish...................   6 0  0  0  0  0  0  I  1   0  0  0
Stofoll fon Lawes...  1............  1  0  0  0 0 2  0 0  00  0
John pettit.1   8  1  0  0  0  2  4  1  0  3  6  2
Josiah forman juner........... 110 0  0  0  0  0  3  0  0  0  4  0
Robart feild juner.............. 0  12  0  0  0  0  0  3  0  0  3  6  0
Robart feild sener.............. 1  20  1  0  0  0  2  4  1  2  2  6  1
Jonath: Strickland.............  0 20 1   0  0  0  2  3  2  2  8  0
Jonathan farman...............  0  10 0  0  0  0 2  2  0  0  0  7  1
Josiah farman sener...........  1 20 1  0  0  0  2 3  0  3  0  0  0
Georg Wood.............. 0  30  2  0 0  0  0  0 0   4
Nathaniell bayly.............. 1  10  0  0  0'O  0  4  0  0  0  0  0
Richard fidoe................. 1  16  1  0  1  0  0  4  3  2  0  4  0
Gershom More.............. 1  16  1  0  0  0  2  6  0  0  6  10  1
Nathan fish................... 10  0  0  0  02  1  1 0  2
Thomas Morrell............... 2  25  1  0  0  0 4  2  2  0  1  0  1
Gorg Cook...............00 1....  0  0  0  0  0 0 0 0 0
Gershom  hazard............... 1  3 1  0  0  0  0  1  0  1  0  0  0
Jonathan hazard............... 1 20 1  0  0  0  2  5  0  2  0  8  1
Joseph phillips.........  1......   10 2  0  0  0  2  2  1  1  1  0  1
Theophilusphillips...........  15  1 0 02 6 0 2 01




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.  299
RATE LIST, &C.-(CONTINUED.)
EdwardHu.................  302 00 1 25  2 5  1
Jerimiah bourroughs......... 1  20  1  0  0  0  2  4  2  2  3  6  2
John Copstafe............. 0  6  0  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  1
John Reed...................1  0  0  0  2  3  0  0  0  4  0
John Rosell............... 1  2  1  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0
Samuell Scudder.............  2  30  2  0  0  0  4  10  4  5  2  12  1
John Allburtis..............  3  30  2  0  0  0  2  4  1  1  3  6  2
Thomas Case.........  1  10  2  0  0  0  0  4  2  0  2  12  0
Thomas wandall..........   0  80  2  0  2  0  2  9  1  3 7  40  7
John Denman...............   1  15  1  0  0  1  0  4  0  0  1  8  0
Luck depaw...........10  1 0..  0  0  0  2  0  0 0 6  0
James way junr...............  1  0  1  0  0  2  5  1  1  2 4  0
James way sener.........   1  15  1  0  0  0  2  4  3  2  1  7  0
John way...............   1  15  1  0  0  0  2  4  2  2  2  12  0
Moses pettit.................  1  6  0  0  0  0  0  3  0  0  0  0  1
John farman..................  1  8  1  0  0  0  2  1  1  0  0  0  1
Thomas pettit...1  0  00..2.....   1  20  2  0  0  0  2  3  0  1  1  4  2
Nathaniell pettit...............   1 10  0  0  0  2  4  1  2  3  0
William hallett Senr............  4  25  4  0  0  0  4  8  4  4  4  10  3
William hallett junr..........   1  20  0  0  0  1  2  7  4  4  3  00  0
Samuell hallit................  0  15  1 2 5  3  2  2  00  0
Thomas Laurens..............  3  40  3  0  0  3  4  10  7  6  6  8  0
John Lawrens'...............  0  10  0  0  0  0  0  4  3  0  0  0  0
Thomas skillman..............  1   10  1  0  0  0  0  6  3  0  2  2  0
Arnute webber................  1  00  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
John Harrickson.....1  22  5  0 0 2 0 7.4  5  3  7.0
Hendrick Smith................  2  6  3  2  0  2  0  5  2  4 5  4  1
Nicolos Edds.................  1  10  1 0 0  0 2  3  0  1  1  0  0
Johanis Loroson..............   20  2  0 0  0  0  4  0  0  0  3  0
John woollton Croft............  1  12  0  0  0  0  0  4  3  0  0 0  0
Andrew burd.................  1  4  2  0  0  0  0  2  0  0  1  0  1
Georg Stevenson..............  1  40  3  0  0  0  0  8  2  2  3  8  1
Steuen Georgson..............  1  8  2  0  0  0  0  2  1  0  0  0  1
John Parsell.............  1  6  1  0  0  0  0  3  0  2  0  0  0
widdow Parsell................  1  30  0  0 0 0 2 3  4  2  0  0  3
Thomas Parsell........  2  20  3  0  0  0  0  2  1  0  0  0  1
peter Johnson buckhood.  2  25  2  0  0  0  0  4  0  0  4  I  0
John buckhood................  1  12  0  0  0  0  2  2  2  2  2  -4  1
Robart blackwell...........  1  20  2  0  0  0  0  3  0  2  2  0  2
Abram  Reeck.................  1  14  2  0   0 0  0  3  0  0  2  4  1
hendrick martenson1,......... I  8  3  0  0  1  1  4  1  2  0  7  0
John Johnson fine.............  1  24  1  0  0  0  0  4  2  2  0  4  0
Roullof peterson............. 1  8  1  0  0  0  0  2  0  4  4  0  0
Riner Mill 1001b...........
Newtowne List of their Inhabitants Estates as they haue Giuen it m to the Clerke of ye towne
JONATHAN HAZARD.
Endorsed,  Newtowne Estimations 16i3




300            RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
FLUSHING ESTIMATIONS; 29TH SEPTR. 1683.
U) C.....   -- ___ 4) )____ 
Mr. John Laurence
junior.......  4  60  30  8  -  -  -  6  14  - 2  10  5  10  01-13-11
Mr. Matthias Harvye..........  3  50  30  5  -  -  2  4  7  3  10  6 50  15  01-09-11
Widow Cartwright  4  30  50  2  -  -  14  3  4  -  -  01-03-09
Capt Wm Laurence  2  20  50 4  -  -  2  5  5 4  10  -  00-19-09
Mr Elyas Doughty  3  30  20  -  -  -  -  4  10  -  8  6  20  20  00-19-06
John Hinchman..  1  22  15  3  -  -  -  2  8  8  9  3  3  40  00-19-03
John Bowne.... 3  30  30  4  1  2  1  4  8  4  1  5  6 35 01-04-01
Nicholas parcell,  1  12  20  -  -  -  -  - 8  3  -  4  2  30  00-10-06
Dauid Roe......  1  20  15  1   -   -   4  6  5  3  7  2  20 00-15-03
Docter Taylor...  - 20  15  2  -  -  -  2  8  -  -  2  -  00-10-11
Samuell Thorne..  1  12  10  1  -  -  -  4  8  4  3  1  12  -  00-14-02
John Thorne.....  -  50  10  -  -  -  -  2  7  -  2  2  -  10  00-09-10
Morris Smith....  1  30  10  2  --  4  6  - 2  - 3  8  00-13-09
Anthony Feild..  1  30  20 -  -  -  2  4  4  3  3  4  10  00-12-08
James Whiticker.  1  16-  1 -  -  2  5  3  -  2  6  -  00-08-04
Edward Greffens.  1  20  10  1  2  -  2  5  1  1  4  3  18  00-12-09
John Laurence..  1  12  10  1  -  -  -  5 -  2  4  1  00-07-05
Richard Stockton  1 10  2 - -- 4  7 2  4  2  4 20  00-12-11
William Noble..  1  28  25  2  -2  5  3  2  2  30  00-14-04
John Adams.....  1   21  1  5  3  2  3  1  20  00:-11-08
WowterGilbertson  10  2 - -2 3  3  3  4  6  25  00-11-04
Charles Morgan  2  9  2  -  -  -  2  5  -  - 1  1-  00-08-00
John Marston...   3  3  2  - - -  2  6  2  -  2  3  - 00-08-08
Margrett Styles..  6  7  - -  -  4  5  - 4  1  3  -  00-06-04
Ffrancis Burtoe..  - 2  5  3  -  2  3  2  1  8  00-09-03
Jona Wright....-  12  -  2  -   5  1  2  -  2  0 00-07-05
John Gelloe....  6  2   3  1  3  3  10  00,06-08
Thomas Ford...  4  -    2  1  -  2  4  00-02-09
John hopper....  4  -  -  -  2  2  1  4  5  00-03-07
Samuell Hoyt...  1  16  5  2  -  -  -  3  1  -  1  1  18  00-08-09
Madalin Lodew..  8  1 -  2      2  1  00  00-02-10
Hugh Coppethu.  - 12  4  2  -  - 1  1  2  0  -  6  00-06-03
James Clement..  12  4  -4  7  1  4  4  5  -  00-09-11
Jasper Smith....-  8 - 1  -  -  2  -  -  3  -  1  -00-04-04
Edward Greffin..  -  12  --  -  3  -  1  -  -  00-02-06
Richd Wieday... - 7  5  -  -  - 3 2  2  3  9  00-05-04
Jno: Qreffin.....  1 2  1  1~1- - ~-  - - - 00-02-11
Richd. Tindalle..  10  0  - ~- - -  4 -  2  2  2  -  00-04-10
John Embree....  4  10  - - - - 2 7 -  12  -  - 00-05-07
Wm Heauiland..2  10  6  -  -  2  3  2  -  -  -  00-08-09
Joseph Thorne..  10 15  1  -  -  2  4  - 4  2  -  6 00-07-00
Jno Farrington  10  10  2  -  -  4  0  -  2  5  00-07-01
Dennis Holdron.  5 - — 3   - -   -  -  00-03-02
Tho: Farrington.  - 10  1  -  - — 2  1  2  -  -  00-04-11
Aron Cornelius..  1 6  2  -  -  2  1  -  -  8  00-06-00
Harmanus King..  -I-  5  1  3     1 -  00-04-03
Jno. Harrison.... -I —   - - -  -  2-I-  - -  -00-03-04




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.  301
RATE LIST, &. —(CONTINUED.), —-  |,  --, _ _..  P..... ~:  eq... |..!  ~ s
Ed: Farrington...  -_10  1  -  -  _  _  22 _  -  00-04-02
Tho. Hedges....  8  5  2  4  7    1  6  00-09-09
~  a w,9 oa        0 0  0 ~
Jno. Terry...... 1 7 5 1  _3       _ 2   4  00-07-00
_______  ______  0 &  rt2 S  Xt ffi  0   Oq  W OQ  C
Ed:Farrington  -  -  10  1 ~-~2-~-      -  00-04-02
Tho. Hedges....  - 8 5  2 - - - 4  7  -  1  6 -  00-09-09
Jno. Terry.....  1  7  5  1  -  -  -  -  3  - 2  -  4  -  00-07-00
Francis Colley..  -  1 - 1  3-          00-04-02
Tho: Dauis.....  -  12  -   4  3  2   - 00-06-00
Tho: Kemsey....  4-  2  - - -   2  -  3  00-04-11
Daniell patri  6....  -  1  - -  -  2- 2  00-03-09
WTm Warde.....-. - -  -- 2     2    - - - 00-02-00
Richd. Chew....  -  12  -  1  2  2  1  2-  00-02-04
Jno. Feild  5 -   -  -2       -  2  1  4  00-03-07
Joseph Hedges  -  -  3  -   2        3  -  00-03-00
~26-15-10
Errors Excepted
p J. C.
Endorsed.
fflushings
Estimations
1683
A LIST OF THE TOWNE ESTATE OF JEMAICA.
Anno 1683.                             estates
P.,    0C                 estates....-q   0  o M::  o o o2 
Capt. Carpentor.........  2  1  0 2  5  4  3  3  1  52  2  186-00-00
John Rodes sen.........  0   0  0  4  2  5  2  2  0  40  1  120-00-00
Thomas Smith sen.......  0  1  1  0  2  3  3  3  2  2  45  2  145-00-00
Jonathan Deine......   0  0  0  0  2  0  0  0  0  18  1  58-00-00
John Everit...........  2  0  0  0  0  3  1  4  2  0  30  1  104-00-00
Joseph Smith..........  2  0  0  4  4  4  2  2  0  42  2  170-00-00
Thomas Bayles..........  1  0  0  0  4  5  0  2  1  1  33  1  119-00-00
Thomas Wigens iun.... 0  0  0  0  0  2  0  1  1  0  8  0  022-00-00
John Wigens...........  0  0  0  0  2  1  0  0  1  0  0  1  036-00-00
Girsham Wigens  1  0  0  0  1  1  0  0  0  0  0  1  041-00-00
Edward Higbee.........  1  0  0  0  0  3  2  2  2  1  30  1  092-00-00
Joseph Thurston......... 3  0  0  0  2  3 1  5  1  1  46  2  164-00-00
William Foster.........  2  0  0  0  0  4  2  2  4  0  35  1  116-00-00
Samuell Smith.......... 2  0  0  0  6  6  2  3  3  0  50  3  204-00-00
Nicholas Everit.........  1  0  0  0  4  4  4  4  4  2  50  2  16-00-00
Daniel Whithed  2  0  0  0  0  6.2  3  1  2  45  0  118-00-00
Clem  Salmon...........   0 0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0 10  1 033-00-00
William Creed.......  1  0  0  0  4  6  3  0  0  070  1  160-00-00
Peter Stringham  0  0  0  0........3  0 0 0 0 30   12  1  061-00-00
Beniamin Coe.........  1  0  O 0  4  1  1  1  0  27  1  085-00-00




302             RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
RATE LIST, &c.-(CONTINUED.)
Anno 1683.  I                         estates
0_________,l   CO  0  _  $ l
CYq  CO'4  0  O   C;  D  r/V  _
Samuell Messenger......  2  0  0  1  3  1  0  2  10  1  080-00-00
Nathaniell Lynas....0  0  0  0  0  4  0  1  0  10  0  032-10-00
John Oldfield.......  0  0  0  0  4  4  0  2  2  0  36  2  124-00-00
George Woolsey iun. 0  0  0  0  4  6  0  1  0  0  25  0  081-10-00
John Man.............  2 0  0 0  0 3  0  4  2  1  22  2 11 -00
Sam Mathews..........  1  0  0  0  2  4  3  2  2  2  24  1  108-00-00
John Foster.........0  31  0  0  0  1  2  0  0  02  8  1047-00-00
Jane Foster....... 0  0  0  0  2  1  4  3  1  2  22  0066-00-00
Richard Jones......... 0  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  14  1. 037-00-00
Jonathan Mills..  2  0  0  0  2  6  1  3  3  16  1  119-00-00
Jonathan Wood........ 0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  1  018-00-00
Jonas Wood.........   1  0  0  0 0  4  0  0  5  1051-00-00
John Woo............ 1  0  0  0  0  2  0  1  1  0  15  1  055-00-00
Elias Bayles............ 1  0  0  0  0  2  2  2  1  0  4  0  040-10-00
John Smithes......... 1  0  0  0  1  2  1  1  3  0  8  1  065-00Samuell Denton.........  0  0  0  0  2  4  1  1  1  0  6  1  064-00-00
Alexander Smith....... 0  0  0  0  0  2  0  2  1  0  13  1  047-00-00
Zachariah Mills........ 1  0  0  0  2  2  2  1  1  0  19  1  083-00-00
Abell Galle............ 2  0  0  0  2  4  2  3  0  6  21  1  098-10-00
Fulke Davis............   0  0  0   0  2  0  0  2  0  8  1  039-00-00
Samuell Davis.......... 0  0  0  0  0  3  0  2  0  1  11  1  050-00-00
John  indes............  1  0 0 0 0  1 1  1  0  1  6  1 048-00-00
Richard Denton.. 2  0  0 00  0  0  0  0  0  0  1  042-00-00
Nehemiah Smith...... 1  0  0  0  4  4  3  2  1  0  22  1  116-00-00
Wait Smit............ 0  0  0  0  4  4  1  2  2  0  36 1  110-00-00
John Smithrows.........  1   0  0  0  3  0  2  1  1  26  1  086-00-00
John Jos. Ludly.........  1  1  0  0  6  3  2  3  1  0  30  2  154-00-00
John Carpenter........  1  0  0  0  2  2  2  1  2  0  13  1  078-00-00
Samuell Mils..........  1  0  0  0  2  4  2  0  2  0  30  1  103-00-00
Nath Denton iu........  1  0  0  0  2  3  2  1  3  0  15  1  087-00-00
Sam Deine Sen.........   2 0  0  4  6  0  2  3  0  34  1  139-00-00
Sam Deine Jun.... 0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  4  1022-00-00
John Deine.......1.....  1  0  0 0  0  1  0  03 0  5  1040-00-00
Nath Denton sen........  2  0  0  0  4  6  0  1  0  1  55  1  153-00-00
George Mills....... 0  0  0  0  0  2  0  1  0  0  4  1  034-10-00
George Woolsey sen.....  02  0  0  4  6  2  4  0  0  36  2  168-00-00
Widow Ashman...............  4  3  2  21  075-00-00
John Rowlisson           4    3  3  16  2 104-00-00
and Frederick  1 1 03.             6  2 04-00-00
Thomas Wellin.........   0  0  00 05  0  3  2  0  30  0065-10-00
John Bayles.......... 2  0  0  0  0  3  0  3  8  0  22  1  098-10-00
Sam Ruscoe..........  0  0  0  2  0  0  0 0  16  1  044-00-00
John Hanson..........0  0  0  0  0  8  2  6  3  1  14  2  118-00-00
Derick Powleson........ 2  0  0  0  0  6  0  3  4  0  22  1  107-0-00
Cornelius Barnson........  1  0  0  0  2  0  1  050-00-00
Rich Eerit............   0  0  0  0  0  0 1 022-00-00
Hugh Forde............ 1  0  0  0  0  0 0   0  0  0  0  1  030-00-00




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.              303
RATE LIST, &c.-(CONTINUED.)
_  1,* *.  I,.          *  I..I  C
Anno 1683..       I   estates.
>fl   PO   N  ~-~  0  CO  C  r-i   -
Thomas Smith iun........ 0  0  0  0  1  2  0  0  0  0  9  1 043-00-00
William Bringscel.......1  0  0  0  0  2  0  0  1  0  3  1 044-10-00
Edw Burrows........... 0  0  0  0  0  1  0  1  1  0  5  1 032-00-00
Caleb Carman.......... 1  0  0  0  6  5  0  4  0  0 19  2 198-00-00
John Rodes iun.......  2  0  0  0  0  3  2  1  1  1  9  1 079-00-00
Tho Foster..............   0  0  0  0  0  2  1  0  0  0  1  032-10-00
John Carman...........0  0   0  0  2   0  0   0  0  0   i 028-00-00
Tho Woolsey........... 1  0  0      0 0  0  0  0  00  0 10  1 040-00-00
John Freeman...........  2  0  1  0  0  3  4  1  1  1  6  1  089-00-00
Beniamin Jones.........  0  0  1  2  1  0  0  0  2  6   1 058-00-00
William White......... 1  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  3  1 038-00-00
Hope Carpentor......... 1  0  0  0  2  1  0  1  1  0  4  1 055-00-00
Randolph Evans.........0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  9  0 009-00-00
Barnet Caterlin.......... 0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  1  018-00-00
John Foster...........   1  0  0  0  0  0  0  4  0  0  0  1 046-00-00
Jerem Hubard........  0  0  0  0  0  2  0  0  0  0   6  1 034-00-00
Daniel Denton.......... 2  0  0  0  0  2  1  0  0  0  0  1 056-00-00
AN ACCOUNT OF YE VALLVATION OF THE ESTATES OF THEE INHABBITANTS OF yE
TOWNE OF HAMPSTED ON LONG ISLAND: IS AS FOLLOWETH OCTOBER 11TH: 1683.
The Names of the Inhabbitants  |                               S 
CD4               CA.
John Smith blew.............. 1 30 06 07 03 03 03 02 00 01 00 00 00
John Carman................  2 8  10 015 07 07 07 08 00 02 00 00 00
Widdow Cearl............. 2 66 06 08 04 03 04 03 08 02 00 00 00
Richard Tottne............ 1 00 02 07 02 04 02 00 10 01 00 00 00
John Jackson................  3 130 14 30 16 14 14 20 03 10 000 00 0
John Smith Shon............ 00 00 00 02 00 01 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
Capt. John Ceeman............ 02 266 14 16 07 08 05. 12 70 07 00 02 03
John Ceemans Junior.......... 01 28 04 04 02 04 02 00 00 01 00 00 00
Joseph Ballding............... 00 30 04 06 03 04 03 00 00 01 00 00 00
Thomas Ireland................ 01 18 00 02 00 01 01 00 00 01 00 00 00
Hendrick Dezbrough.......... 02 50 00 05 00 01 00 00 00 04 00 00 00
John Ellisson: Senior..........01 10 02 02 00 00 02 00 00 01 00 00 00
Thomas Ellisson Senior......... 01 30 04 04 00 03 02 01 00 01 00 00 00
John Carman Junior............  00 02 04 03 02 02 00 00 00 00 00 00
Caleb Carman................01  00  2  04  01  0  00  00  00  00  00  00 00
Joseph Pettit.................  00  00  00  03  00  00  04  00  00  00  00  00
James Pine..................  0  8  4 03 05 0    0 02 00 0  0 00   00 00
William Thickstone.......... 02 23 04 02 02 02 00  1 00 02 00 00 00
Daniel Beagle.......... 1 01   904 04 00 03 03  2 12 02 1 0 00 00 00




304                            BATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
VALUATION OF THE ESTATES, &C.-(CONTINUED.)
The Names of the Inhabbitants      14 1          0                                   0 00
R Beal S....... 0  1
n; 0  0  0.                     4
Josias Starr.................. 01  00   04  05   00  02   04  01   00  02   00   00  00
Jeremiah Wood................ 01   36   03  05   03  02   04  00   00  01   00  00   00
Jonas Wood.................01      00   01  00   02  01   00  00   10  01   00  00   00
armen ffiower................ 01   00   04  03   03  02   04  00   00  01   01  00   00
James Mott.................. 01    14   04  05   02  03   03  02   00  01   00  00   00
Richard Gvildersleiff Junr....  00  12   02  02   01  00   02  02   00  02   00  00   00
Robert Beagle Ser............01    00   00  03   00  00  00   00   03  00   00  00   00
Robert Beagle Jun'............. 01  23  04  03   02  00  01   00   03  01   00  00   00
Matohew Beagle................ 01  00   04  06   04  02  04   00   00  02     00 00
Richd. Guildersleiff Ser.......... 02  50  08  07  05  09  02  04   13  03   00  00   00
George Hicks................. 0    00   00  00   00  00   00  00   00  00   00  01   00
Abraham ifrost............ 01   25   00  04   00  00   03  00   00  02   00  00   00
Petter Johnson...............  02  00   00  02   00  01   02  00   00  01   00  00   00
Jeremiah Wood jur............ 01   08   04  04   01  02   02  02   03  02   00  00   00
John Saring................... 01  05   08  08   05  02   03  08   16  00   00  00   00
Joseph Jennings................ 01  15   04  05   00  04   04  07   12  04   00  00   00
Thomas Suthard.............. 02    25   06  08   02  05  03   07   20  03   00  01   00
Joseph Smith................01     01   04  07   06  05  05   02   00  02   00  00   00
Richd Vallentine Ser'............ 01  34  06  08  02  02  04   01   12  02   00  00   00
arman Johnson............... 01    02   00  02   01  00  01   00   00  00   00  00   00
Timothy Halsted..............  01  30   04  08   04  05  02   08   00  01   00  00   00
William Johnson..............01     2   00  00   03  00  00   00   00  01   00  00   00
George Seulitt................ 01  28   07  07  03   07  04   20   00  01   00  00   00
Jonathan Smith Rox............ 00   23   06  10   06  06  07   10   00  02   00  00   00
John Smith Rox: Ser........... 01  50   06  09   05  06  06   12   16  01   00  00   00
John Mott.................... 01   00   02  03   04  05  03   03   00  02   00  00   00
Ellias & Jno. Burling........... 02  00  00  01  00   00  00   00   00  01   00  00   00
William Smith................ 01   25   02  04  00   03  02   04   04  02   01  00   00
Hendrick Johnson.............. 01  12   00  02  00   00  02   01   00  02  00   00   00
John Allin........             01  05   00  02  00   00  00   02     -
Joseph Mott.................01              02  01   02  01            01  = =
Edmond Titus................ 01    29   04  08  02   03  04   00   20  01  00   0000
Abraham Smith................ 00   14   02  05  00   02  06   04   00  04  00   02  01
Hope Williss................. 00   16   04  05  02   02  04   00   00  00  00   00  00
Thomas Cheessman............ 01    00   00  02  01   02  02   00   00  01  00   00  00
Jonas Vallentine............... 00  00  00  00  02   02  01   00  00   00  00   00  00
John Hauckins................ 01   12   00  05  00   00  00   00  00   01  00   00  00
Mordeika Bedient............. 01   04   00  01  00   00  00   00  00   02  00   00  00
Joseph Sutton.................. 00  16  02  01  00  00  00  00  00  01  00  00  00
John Oackissam.......... 0.....    25   02  02   0   00  03   00   00  00  00   00  00
John Bates.................... 01  00   00  00   00  00  00   00  00   02  00   00  00
Jonathan Borge..............   01  00   00 j 02  00  00  00   00   00  00  00   00  00
Samuell Allin................ 01   10    02  03  00  02  02   00  00   02  00   00  00
Thomas Daniell.............. 01    02   00  01   00  0200     00  00   01  00   00  00
John Hubbs................... 01     10  04  04   0   01  0 01  0  00   01 0 0   00  00
Mr John Inians.............. 00     10  02  04   00  00  00   00   00  01  00   0000
Thomass: Hutchinss............ 01   10   00  01   00  02  00   0 000    00       00 00O




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.                               305
VALUATION OF THE ESTATES, &C.-(CONTINUED.)
~=".. -  -                                   ====.==.1
The Names of the Inhabbitants    I       g;                                          j ^
_____r~ s______.I..
Edward Avery...........      01   12   00   04   00  00   02   00   00  02      00     00
Samuel Pines..........    01   00   04   01   03  02   00   03   00  02   00   00   00
Richd. Vallentine Ju.......... 00    06   03   03   02  05   01   00   00   00  00   00   00
Henry Willis............   02   25   04   05   03  05   08   05   12  01   00   00   00
John Beedle..........01              03   04   02   00  04   02   00   00   01  00   00   00
John Marvin.......... 02    20   05   07   06  07   03   02   00   02  00   00   00
George Persson...........   01   15   04   03  03   02   02   00   04  01   00   00   00
Thomas Pearsson..........     01   15   04   03   02  02   02   03   04   01  00   00   00
William Lee................      01   08   06   04   00  02   01   07   00   01  00   00   00
Robert Dingee................01      09   00   02   02  01   00   02   00   02  00   00   00
Nathaniell Pearssal..........01      55   02   07   05  02   06   08   10   02  01   01   00
William Vallentine..........01      02   00   05   02  01   03   02   00   01  00   00   00
Ellias Dorelant............... 00    22   04   08   06  03   04   02   20   02  00   00   00
Charles Abrahams............ 01      00   00   02  01   00   03   00   04   00  00   00   00
Rich Minthorne.............     01   00   04   05   01  02   0 1 00    00   02  00   00   00
John Pine..............     01   32   06   04   03  09   04   01   00   02  01   00   00
John Smith Rox: Jur........... 01    33   06   06   05  04   06   04   13   03  00   00   00
Rogger Pedly...............     01   14   00   01   02  03   02   00   00   01  00   00   00
Henery Linington....02               80   06   18   05  04   00   10   16   04  00   00   00
James Rylei..........01              03   02   05   00  00   00   01   00   02  00   00   00
Joseph Langdon..............         32    4  05   00   02   02   00  00   01   00   00   00
Symon Saring................       00   00  00   01   00   01   03   06  01   00   00   00
Thomass Walliss..............   01  04   00   02  00   00   01   03   00  01   00   00   00
Thomas Hedger................03      13   00   03  04   00   02   06   00  03   00   00   00
Richd Combes................         13   02            02   03   06   00   01  00   00   00
Ralph Haull..................        07   00   03  00   03   00   01   00  01   00   00   01
Hannah Hudson..           01   00   00   02  00   00   01   01   00  01   00   00   00
Robert Miller................ 01     06   02   00       =                       =
Christopher Yeomans........ 01   15   02  03   00   02   00   05   00  02   00   00   00
William Thorne............      01   16   02  04   03   02   04   03   00  02   00   00   00
William Wi: ate...............   00   03   00  01                           03
Robert Hubbs Se...........     02   10   04  04   02   01   00   02   00  01   00   00   00
Robert Hubbs Junior............... 01  00  00  01   04   00   00   02   00  02   00   00   00
Joseph Williams............... 00    24   04  04   03   03   03   00   16  01   00        00
John Smith, Nan............... 01     50   06  05   01   03   01   03   40  02   00   00   00
Jonathan Smith senr............ 00   24   06  05   05   06   03   12   04  01   00    1   00
VOL. II.                                  39




306                             RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
These vnderwritten are ye Remaindr of ye Inhabitants of ye said Towne which having not Brought
in their valluations are Guest att by ye Cunstable and overseirs of ye Towne Aforesd~   s. d.   John March....... 030:00:00   Barnat ye Taylor.. 100:00:00
James Bates...... 054:13:04   Daniel Pearsall.... 125:10:00  Nathaniell Burcham. 150:00:00
Solloman Cemans.. 164:13:04    John Ellisson Jur... 081:10:00  Petter Totton..... 040:00:00
Samuel Emery..... 260:10:00    Mr Adam Mott Junir 100:00:00   Jonathan Wood.... 018:00:00
John Champion.... 100:00:00   Samuel Denton.... 200:00:00   John Tredwell..... 250:00:00
William Jones..... 064:10:00   Joshua Jaioks.... 050:00:00   Obediah Valentine,. 018:00:00
Edward Cornwall.. 060:00:00   Robert Williams.... 040:00:00  Frances Chappell... 018:00:00
John Cornwall...... 040:00:00  Richd Osbourn..... 176:00:00   Mr'Adam Mott..... 390:00:00
Samuell Lancely... 040:00:00   Moazes Emery... 124:13:04      Script as: as pr ordr by mee
William Jaicoks.... 104:13:04  Jeremiah Smith.... 130:00:00    FRANCIS CHAPPELL Clerke
Richd Ellisson..... 190:00:00  Jonathan fferman.... 030:00:00
Benjamin Cemans.. 200:00:00    Samuell Raynor... 080:00:00
Endorsed.
The List of ye
Vallewations of the
Estates of ye inhabbitants
off Hampsted on:
Long: Island
1683.
A LIST OF THE ESTATES OF yE INHABITANTS OF OYSTER BAYE FOR A CONTRY RATE,
THIS 29TE OF SEPT 1683.
Imps..........................  John Roger.............. 058  Richard harcutt........... 080
Josias Latting............ 080  Jeams Cok.............. 100   Tho: youngs........ 040
William Hudson......... 077    Daniell harcutt.......... 079  Jeams weeks............ 050
Aron furman: Jr........ 080   nathanell Colles.......... 070  franses weeks........... 040
Tho: furman............. 039   mary willits............. 220  Tho: weeks........... 050
Simon Cooper........... 100    Richard willits.......... 090  Joseph Ludlam.......... 050
Job Wright......... 040    Edmund wright.......... 060    Georg Townsend........ 050
Adaobm Wright "."'.^. 040  hope williams............ 100  John weeks............ 040
Adamn Wright...........o      hopewiias                100   Jh.......... we040
Henry Townsend: Sr...... 050   John Townsend.......... 090   William buttlar         030
Joseph dickinson......... 03S  John williams.......... 05    Gideon wright........... 040
John ffeexe........... 130    Tho: willits............090   Ale Crab.............100
John underhill.......... 159  John Townsend: J.......  050   Isack hornor........ 040
John MWright........... 073   daniell Colles........... 100  henry Townsend Jr..... 040
John Townsend......... 082    Samuell Andrews........ 100    nathanell underhill....... 030
Georg douning......... 080    mathy prior............ 100   Ben: Birdsall........... 050
John Wood   O....... 039       John prior.............  040  will: hoackshurst.......  030
Jeams Townsend........ 090     Joseph Carpenter....... 100    Samuel weeks........ 040
Isack dotty............ 066    John ffrost...........  030   Joseph weeks...........   040
Samuel dickinson....... 078    John Robins............ 040    John Colles............ 020
Caleb Wright......... 058      Aron furman: Sr......... 060   Larance mott........... 018
Abraham Aling........... 032   Samuell furman......... 050    william frost............ 100




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.                           307
Edward wright.........  020   Robort Colles............ S00  Richard Cirby.......... 090
Samuell tilliar......... 030  nickolas Simkins......... 060  John ffry........... 040
John dauis.............. 00  William willson.......... 020  Tho: Cok.............. 040
Joseph Eastland......... 040  John williams.......... 040  Jeames Bleving........  020
Ephraim Carpenter...... 050  Samuell pell............ 040  John newman.......... 020
moses mudge............ 030   william Crafftt.......... 090
The Inhabytants being at this time sikly and not sending in there lists, Acccording to order, the
ouersears, ye Constable being Absent at roadislond did laye A valewation upon Euery mans Eastate to
ye best of there vnderstanding According to law.
A true list p me                               EDMUND WRIGHT, deputy Constable
Endorsed. < Oyster Baye Publique Rates. 1683."
A LIST OF THE RATABLE ESTATE OF YE TOWN OF HUNTINGTON TAKEN IN YE
YEER 1683.
~  s. d.   Jonathan Harnot... 065 00 00  Edward Higbe.... 034 00 00
Stephen Jarvice JUeir 031 00 00  tho weeks......... 133 00 00  John Betts........ 161 10 00
John michall.......  026 10 00  Jams Smith........ 087 00 00  Jonathan Rodgers.. 204 00 00
Capt tho: ffleete.... 178 10 00  John daucie....... 043 00 00  JamesChichesterJuier073 00 00
Stephen Jarvice Seinr 123 00 00  John Coxe........ 090 00 00  Jeremiah Smith.... 066 00 00
Robert Cranfield.... 115 00 00  Richard daucie..... 033 00 00  George balldin.... 108 00 00
tho: Scudder...... 205 00 00  Leutt Epenetus Platt 211 00 00  Edward Bunce.... 155 00 00
JamesChichester seier 131 10 00  John Brush....... 082 00 00  tho Scidmore...... 081 00 00
Nath: ffoster....... 088 00 00  tho: Brush........ 129 00 00  John Inkersoq..... 154 00 00
Rob: Artor........ 039 00 00  Richard brush....  106 00 00  tho: martin....... 057 00 00
Joseph Wood Cooper 076 00 00  Jonas Wood Jueir.. 114 00 00  John golldin...... 087 10 00
tho: Higbe........ 032 10 00  Joseph Whettman.. 145 00 00    Phillip Bell........ 104 00 00
Capt Joseph Baily.. 077 10 00  Abiell tittus...... 092 00 00  William Brodderton 095 00 00
tho: whitton....... 11- 10 00  Samuel tittus...... 127 00 00  John Green....... 084 00 00
John weeks...... 152 00 00   Samuel Kicham.... 134 00 00   Niccolas Smith.... 043 00 00
John wood........ 038 00 00   Richard Williams... 159 00 00  Edward Rutte..... 078 00 00
Isaac Platt........ 177 10 00  dauid Scudder...... 086 00 00  John Page........ 040 00 00
Josephwood husband-           Edward Kicham... 056 00 00   Jonathan Lewice... 055 00 00
man........... 158 10 00   John Kicham......      01 0 00  John Scidmore Juier. 026 00 00
Calleb wood...... 132 00 00  Moses Scudder..... 054 00 00  John Scidmore Senier 030 00 00
tho: Powell....... 233 00 00  Jonathan Scudder.. 122 00 00  John Anddams..... 035 00 00
Sam: wood......... 137 10 00  John Jones........ 079 00 00  John Joanes........ 018 00 00
Jonathan miller.... 080 10 00  timothy Conklin.... 110 00 00  Samuell Griffin.... 018 00 00
Robart Kellam..... 076 10 00  John Samons...... 133 00 00  tho: Bishop........ 018 00 00
This is A True Account as it is giuen to mee                 ISAAC PLATT Constable
Endorsed' ffor Mr Joseph Lee to bee deliuered at the Secretaries in New Yorke.'




308                  BATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
SMITH'S TOWNE ESTIMATIONS SEPT yE 28 1683.
Q z   o.;        3;       4 3  4.1 0 0,. C..   c..
Richd Smith sen...... 00  60  00  09  02  00  00  07  00  00  00  20  20  201 13  4
Jonath. Smith....... 02  25  06  07  07  06  05  04  00  01  00  80  04  304 06 08
Richd Smith Junr.... 03 33 06 08 07 03 07 06 00 00 00 30 06 306 00 00
Job Smith.......... 01  13  04  04  01  00  00  00  00  00  00  14  00  092 00 00
Adam  Smith........ 01  09  06  03  00  00  01  05  00  00  00  08  00  147 10 00
Sam  Smith.........  01  15  04  02  04  01  03  04  00  00  00  25  00  158 10 00
Daniell Smith........ 01 12 05 04 00 00 00 03 00 00 00 14 00 130 00 00
1340
which at ld p pound amounts to ye sum of  05 10 08
Endorsed
" The Estimation off Smiths Townc."
VALUACON OF THE RATABLE ESTATE BELONGING TO BROOKEHAVEN ANNO 1683
_~..~, - ~~~ ~  ~'.. 
PetrWhitehaire...............   1  24  1  0  0  1  2  5  0  1  1  0  18
Samll Tyrell...........  1  3  1  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  3
Thomas Ward.         0 12 1   0  0  0  2  3  2 2   2  0  6
Thomas Helme.........  1  7 4  0  0  0  0 0   0 0   0  0  5
Jon Thomas............1  4  1  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  1
Richard Hulse..2        2 1   0  0  0 2 2    0 2   2  0  0
Willm Sallyer................  1  11  2  0  0  0 0  3  00   1  0 0
Tho: Biggs Junr..............  1  32  1  0  0  1  4  7  4  3  2  0  7
John  Bennett.................  1 2  1  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  2
Jacob Longbottom............  1  20  2  0  0  1  4  3  2  1  2  0  15
John Biggs.           1 12 1   0  0  0  3 2   0 0   0  0   1
ObedSayward.............  3  2  4  0  0  0  4  3  2  2  2  3  3
Sam   Akerly..............  1  24 1  0  0 0  2  3  0  1  0  1
\Antho Tompson.............  1  7  1 1  0 0  0  0      0  3
Willm Jayne........  2  20  1  1  0  0  0  1  0  1  0  0  6
Jno TookerJunr.......   1  5  1  0  0 0 0  3  2  1     0   1
Thomas Smith.1 14 3           0  0 0   2 4   0 2   2  0  6
Benja Smith           1 22 1   0  0 0   2 2   0  1 0   0 12
John Smith.......1        7  1    0  0.   1          0   6




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.  309
VALUATION OF THE RATABLE ESTATE, &C.-(CONTINUED.)
rel.             I!  ~   " ~  I i |
d    NO         NO 2
Robt Gouldsbury..............  0  0  0 1   0  0   0 1
John  Roe..................... 1  30  0  0  0  2  4  2  2  2 0
Andrew  Gibb................  1  6  2  1  0  0  2  2  0  0  1  0  0
Nat. Norton..................  1  20  2  0  0  1  2  4  3  3  2  0  5
Willm  Satterly.1............   1 20 2  0 1  1  2  5  2  1  2  3  9
Samll Dayton........  1  6  5  0  2  4  1  0  1  0  8
Andrew Miller................  2  20  6  0  0  0  2  3  2  2  3  0  9
Zack: Hawkins..............  2 24  4  0  0  1  4  5  3  1  5  0  20
John Mosier.........  1  6  1  0  0  0  2  2  2  0  1  0  3
Michaell Lane................  2  23  1  0  0  0  0  2  0  1  0  0  2
Walter Jones.................  1  3 1  0  0 0 0 0   0 0  0  0
Henry Rogers............13 1  0 0  0  0  2  0  2  0  0  1
John Wood................  1 10 5  0  0  0  3 0  0  1  0  1
George Wood.............. 1  10  0  0  1  0  0  1  0  0  1  0  0
Richd Clarke.................  1  4  2  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  1  0  0
John Wade.................  1  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
John Toker senr...............  2  36  6  0  0  0  4  4  5  4  5  0  17
Tho: Briggs scnr..............  0  13  3  0  0  0  4  3   ^0  0  2  0  6
Benj Gould................  1  0  2  0  0  0  0  3  0  1  0  0  7
Abra Dayton..................  2  4  3  0  O  0   2  2  0  O  O  0  4
Jonat Rose..................  1  3  8  0  0  0  2  6  2  0  2  0  8
Joseph Davis........  1  30  1  0  1  0  2  2  1  1  2  0  1
Richd Waring................  30  2  0  2  0  2  3  1  0  2  2  1
John Jennons.................  2  15  0  0  0  0  2  2  2  2  1  0  2
Thomas Jennons......   I1  0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 00
Dennes Morphew..............  1  0 0  0 0  0  0  0  0  0  0
Jno Lawrence........0 *........  10  0  00  0  0  0  0  0
Joseph Longbottome...........  1  36  4  0  0  0  4  5  0  0  0  0  20
Ralph Dayton................  1  5  1  0  2  0  2  3  0  0  1  0  2
John Tomson...............  2  26  4  2  0  0  0  2  0  0  0  0  3
John Comes..................  1  06  1  00   0  0  4  2  1  1  0  0
Richard ffloyd  n.............  2  94  10  00  01  00  02  06  06  00  00  15  33
62 742 12  04  07  75 133  46  38  51  23264
~20: 19: 8d




310                          RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
THE ESTEMATION OF SOUTHOLD FOR Y3E YEAR 1683 STEPHEN BAILEY CCNSTABLE:
THOMAS    MOOR SINR BENJAMEN      YOUNGS JONATHAN      HORTON   THOMAS MAPPS
JUNR OVERSEERS.
~   s d    John Reevs....... 076.00.00  John Rackett...... 057.00.00
Mr John Budd..... 350.00.00  Daniell Terry...... 141.00.00  Jonathan Moore.... 202.00.00
Jarimiah Vaell Senr. 074.00.00  Petter Dickeson.... 121.00.00.John Young Junr... 225.00.00
John Paine Junr... 040.00.00  Thomas Dickeson... 083.00.00  Christopher Youngs. 044.00.00
Jasper Griffing..... 131.00.00  Joseph Reevs..... 065.00.00  Timothy Martin.... 057.00.00
Henry Case........ 035.00.00  Nathaniell Ferry.... 073.00.00  John Wiggins...... 068.00.00
Lott Jonsone...... 019.00.00  Willm Wells...... 085.00.00  Thomas Moore Junr. 137.00.00
Simon Grouer...... 073.00.00  Josiah Wells....... 081.00.00  Richard Brown Senr
Nathaniel moore.... 046.00.00  Samuell Winds..... 082.00.00  Richard BrownJunr 386.00.00
Thomas moore Senr. 049.00.00  Simion benjemen... 117.00.00  Jonathan Brown 
Joseph Youngs..... 098.00.00  Garsham Terry..... 084.00.00  John Tutoll Senr... 239.00.00
Samuell Youngs.... 084.00.60  John Goldsmith.... 121.00.00  John Tutoll Junr... 099.00.00
Petter Paine....... 056.00.00  Thomas mapes Junr. 128.00.00  Samuell King...... 150.00.00
Christopher Youngs. 080.00.00  Caleb Horton...... 350.00.00  Abraham Whitter... 180.00.00
Stephen Bailey..... 103.00.00  Benjamen Horton.. 267.00.00  Thomas terry...... 139.00.00
John Bailey....... 018.00.00  Willn Colman..... 078.00.00  Gidion Youngs..... 173.00.00
JohnYoungs mariner 058.00.00  Willm Reeves...... 100.00.00  John Paine Senr.... 94.00.00
Benjamin Youngs... 12%3.00.00  Thomas Tuston..... 066.00.00  Edward Peatty.... 062.00.00
John Salmon....... 041.00.00  Theophilus Curwin. 084.00.00  John Lorring..... 076.00.00
Mr John Booth..... 131.00.00  Thomas Mapps Senr. 244.00.00  Samuell Glouer.... 104.00.00
John Carwine...... 131,06.08  James Reevs....... 228.00.00  Calob Curtis....... 108.00.00
Thomas Prickman.. 042 00.00  Thomas Terrill..... 105.00.00  Cornilious Paine.... 081.00.00
Jonathan Horton.... 440.13.04  Petter Haldriag.... 040.00.00  Richard howell..... 098.00.00
Richard Benjamen.. 133.00.00  Thomas Osman.... 228.00.00  Thomas booth...... 045.00.00
Benjamin Moore.... 080.10.00  John Osman....... 050.00.00  John Liman....... 018.00.00
Jarimiah Vaell Jeur. 103.00.00  Willm Haliock..... 236.00.00  Ebine Dauice...... 030.00.00
John Hallock...... 080.00.00  Thomas Haliock.... 081.00.00  Richard Edgcomb.. 018.00.00
Abraham Corey.... 076.00.00  John Swazey...... 202.00.00  John Booth Juner... 018.00.00
Ann Elton......... 077.00.00  Joseph Swazey..... 099.00.00  Jonathan Reeves.... 030.00.00
Josuah Horton..... 173.00.00  John Frankling..... 033.00.00  ye totall Sume is.. 10819.00.00
Isaac Ouenton..... 100.10.00  Thomas Ridder..... 166.00.00  pr Stephen Bayley town clerk
Barnibus Winds.... 122.00.00  Jacob Conkling.... 101.00.00  Endorsed
Jacob Corey....... 092.00.00  John Hopson....... 083.00.00  So hold the Esteemation for
Theopulos Case..... 109.00.00  John Conkling..... 321.00.00  ye year 1683
ye Widdow Terry.. 097.00.00  Willm Hopkins.... 046.00.00




RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.                              311
THE ESTEMATE OF THE TOWNE OF SOUTHAMPTON FOR THE YEAR 1683.
No. of Poles.                   No. of Poles.                    No. of Poles.
0 Widdow   Hannah                1 Widdow     Mary               1 David Brigs...... 040 00 00
Howell........ 267 00 00       Rainer.......... 166 00 00     1 Samuell   Clarke:
3 John Annings.... 088 10 00     1 Benony Newton.. 067 00 00       old towne.....059 10 00
3 Captn John Howell 442 10 00    1 Samuell Mills.... 032 00 00   1 David Howell.... 077 00 00
2 Lieft Joseph Ford-             1 Samuell Lum.... 076 00 00    1 Josiah Laughton.. 024 00 00
ham......... 459 10 00       1 Edmond Clarke.. 056 10 00     1 Ben: Davess.... 107 06 08
3 Thomas Halsey.. 411 16 08    2 Widdow      Sarah              1 Nathanll Short.... 030 00 00
5 Edward Howell.. 400 Q0 00        Cooper......... 337 06 08    1 Thomas Steephens 080 00 00
2 Peregrine   Stan-              1 Obadiah  Roggers              1 Gersham Culver.. 098 06 08
brough......... 320 16 08       Jun.......... 052 00 00       1 Thomas Goodwin. 030 00 00
2 Job Sayre...... 164 10 00     3 Tho: Travally.... 229 10 00   1 Isaac Cory...... 148 03 04
1 James Topping.. 249 06 08     1 Mr Jonah Fordham 081 13 04    2 John Bishop Junr. 055 13 04
1 Benjamin Palmer. 089 00 00     1 Josiah Halsey.... 125 13 04   2 Samuell Johnes.... 249 16 08
1 Josiah Stanbron... 130 00 00   1 Christopher Leam-             1 Abraham Willman 054 10 00
3 John Davess..... 140 00 00       ing........... 053 13 04      1 HenryPeirson.... 136 10 00
2 John Rose....... 133 00 00     1 Jonathan Rainor.. 197 03 04       SamuellClarke
1 Joseph Post...... 062 03 04   3 Daniell Sayre.... 207 03 04     Sea..... 113 00 00
1 Simon Hillyard... 023 00 00   0 Joseph Sayre.... 023 00 00    1 John Woodroufe.. 160 00 00
1 Benjamin Hand.. 086 00 00      1 Benjamin Pierson. 051 06 08
2 Elnathan Topping 275 00 00
1 Thomas Rose.... 047 10 00         John Laughton... 098 06 08 
1 John Burnett.... 056 06 08   3 Charles Sturmey.. 198 10 00    3 John Bishop..... 214 10 00
1 Joseph More...... 083 00 00  2 Joseph Foster.... 138 03 0                             0 00
WIllmsep Hakelto.. 041 00 00  1 Obadiah Roggers.. 200 16 08   1 Hanah    Topping
2 Willm Hakelton.. 041 00 00     1 Obadiah  oggers.. 200 16 08     widow........... 180 00 00
1 Thomas Burnett.. 119 06 08     1 Joseph Peirson.... 127 06 08  1 Humphrey Hughes 052 06 08
1 Mr Phillips...... 164 06 08.   1 Isaac Mills...... 089 03 04  1 Thomas Reeves.. 101 00 00
0 Mrs Mary Taylor               2 SamuellWhitehead 053 00 00       John Cooke        1690000
Widdow........ 064 13 04        Robert Wooly.... 118 00 00    1 John Mappein.... 112 13 04
2 Francis Sayre.... 178 00 00    1 Thomas CooperJunrl63 00 00    1 Shamger Hand.... 089 13 04
2 Isaac Halsey..... 345 00 00    2 Joshua Barnes and             1 John Else...... 030 06 08
3 JohnJessup...... 360 06 08      Sam........... 232 1304         Benony Flinte.... 060 00 00
2 Henry Ludlam.... 203 13 04     2 John Jagger...... 289 10 00   1 Joseph Hiledreth. 100 00 00
1 Lott Burnett..... 100 00 00   2 Thomas Cooper.. 209 06 08     1 John Carwithy f.. 040 00 00
1 James Hildreth... 030 00 00    1 Widow     Martha              2 Richard Howell., 250 00 00
1 Ezekiell Sandford. 060 00 00     Cooke........... 194 13 04    2 Thomas Shaw.... 060 00 00
1 Peter Norris...... 051 00 00  2 John Foster...... 178 06 08    1 Edmond Howell.. 240 00 00
1 Robert Norriss.... 052 00 00   1 John Lawrison... 254 00 00   3 Xtopher Lupton.. 20000 00
2 Joseph Marshall.. 058 00 00    1 John Howell Junr. 121 10 00   1 GeorgeHarriss... 137 00 00
1 John Rainor...... 094 00 00   1 John Earle...... 046 00 00     1 Richard   Howell
1 John Jennings.... 129 10 00   1 Christo: Foster... 074 00 00     Junr........... 050 00 00
1 Isaac Rainer..... 064 00 00   2 Richard Post.... 100 06 08    1 John Morehouse.. 064 00 00
1 James White.... 092 16 08    1 Abraham Howell. 043 00 00      1 Willm Mason.... 050 00 00
1 John Lupton.... 067 00 00    1 John Post...... 169 13 04     2 James Herrick... 180 00 00




312                    RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
No. of Poles.        Uo. of Poles         No. of Poles
JosiahBarthallomewOl8 00 00  1 Mr Frencham.... 018 00 00
1 William Herrke.. 059 00 00
I Onesipherus Stand3 Benjamin Foster.. 220 00 00              Sum totall is.. 16328 06 03
1 Aron Burnett.... 037 00 00  ley.018 00 os
1 Aron Buett.... 037 00 00   Abram Hauke... 060 00 00  ZEROBABELL PYLLIPS Constable
0 Widow Fowler... 027 00 00  1 Zachary Laurance. 018 00 00  JOHN JAGARR  )
1 Benjamin Haines. 140 00 00  1 Joh Pt  Y 
MathewHowell..0700000   John Pett...... 030 00 00  JON HOWELL Junr Overseers
I ManassahKompton 018 00 00  1 Thomas Shaw Junr 018 00 00  JOSEPH PEIRSON
1 George Owen.... 023 00 00  1 Isaac Willman Junr 030 00 00  Southampton Septr ye 1st 1683
1 Thirston Rainor.. 040 00 00
Thirston Rainork.. 040 00 00  0 Robert Kallem... 010 00 00  A true copy of yc originall
Mr William Barker 060 00 00  0 George Hethcote. 022 00 00 by mee
1 Willm Simpkins.. 040 00 00  John Sanders.,... 012 00 00  JOHN HOWELL Junr Clarke
1 Mr Henry Goreing 018 00 00  1 ohn Wooley.... 018 00 00
1 John Gould..... 040 00 00  1 Edward White... 030 00 00 Endorsed
1 Joseph Whitehead. 030 00 00  1 Jonat Hildreth... 030 00 00  The Estemation of the Town
1 Samuell Cooper.. 035 00 00  1 John Mouberry.. 030 00 00 of Southampton 1683._
SEPTEMBER YE 8TH 1683 THE ESTEMATE OF EASTHAMPTON.,                       -.  -...__..  i _,...,_ _.  _
OI      I0           1 
0 |        3            3  2  1   |    lb  s  d
Capt Talmage..... 4 20  8 12 10           2     6 44 362- 3-4
Tho osborne...... 3 20  8  8 10  7  8  2  0  0  0  9 48 280-10-0
Wm Mulforde.....  2 16  2  4  4  3  4  0  0  0  0 2 26 106-3-4
Tho: Mulford....... 1  00  3  2  2  3  1 0  0  0 05 064- 3-4
Mr Baker..........  21  48  4  7  7  40   3  0  6 30 244- 0-0
Tho Edwards.......  10  2  5  3  1  2  2  0  0  2  5  0  117-10-0
John parsons Sen... 112  0  2  2  0  2  2  0  0  0  0 12 079- 0-0
Jere: Conkling......  3  28  4  8  8  7  8  2  0  0  0  4  35  247- 3-4
phillip Leek....  4  0  3  2   0  1  0  0  0  1 4 12 057-10-0
Nath: Bakere....   15  4  6  4  4  6  3  0  1 2  112 174- 0-0
Joshua garlick...  9  4  3  3  0  2  2  0  0  0  1 14 110-13-4
capt Hoberts....... 2  10 0  4  1  0  0  1  1  0  1  1  3  095- 0-0
Nath donceny.......  13  2  2  0  1  0  1  0  1  0  1  0  73-10-0
John parsons1........       8   7  2  1  0  0  1  27  157-10-0
James Drinent..... 1 13  6  8  4  4  6  2  0  0  0  6 24 180- 0-0
Samu: parsons...... 2 13  2  5  3  4  6  5  2  1 03 15 158- 0-0
Wm Bary..........  13  2  3  3  1  3  4  0  1  10 12 155- 0-0
John Whellen.......  13  2  5  2  6 2  3 0  1 0    25  144- 6-8
Enock fithian.......  1  6  1 4  2  2  3  0 0 00      72-16-8
John osborn........3 13  2 11 10  8  8  2  0   1  0 2 21 251- 0-0




RATE LISTS dF LONG ISLAND.  313
ESTIMATE OF EASTHAMPTON, &c.-(CONTINUED.)....              _   ______ a'| 
0            4
0 o  8  3  2  1  {  3  2  1  _b  d
James Hand........  1 6  2 2 0  4 2  1  0  1  0  2  9  081- 0-0
Rich: Brook........  2  15  2  5  0  3  3  1  0  0 1  112  120- 0-0
Mr Scellinger......  31 6 6 6 7 2  2 6  5  0 1  0  0  54246-0-0
Benia: Conkling...  12  0  5  3  6  4  2  1  3  1  5  17  148-13-4
John Miller se......  1  13  4  4  4  4  4  1  1  1  0  0 28  140-13-4
Arthur Cresy..... 2  0  2  3  1  1  0  0  0  1  2  7 053- 6-8
Ben: Osborne  2  20  4 4 2  9 4  1  1  0  0  3  10162-16-8
Wm Edwards......  1  24  3 5 8  55   2  1 0  1  8  0180-0-0
Joseph Osborne......   1  6  0  3  0  1  1  3  0  0  0.  1  6  082-0-0
John Squire........ 1  6  2  4 0  1  2  2  0  0  0  0  0  085-10-0
John Edwards......  1  13  2 4  4  2 3  2  1   0 3  0 123-10-0
Ebene Leke......  1  2  0  2  0  0  1  2  0  1  1  0  0  063-10-0
James Looper...... 6  0  2  0  0 0  2  0  0  0  2  8  062-13-4
Wm Perkins........  1  13  6 5 8  7 8  4  0 0  0  3  37 216-16-8
Stephen Hand.......  2  13  4 5 4  5 4  2  0 0  0 2  4 174-10-0
Tho diment........  1  6  0   2  2  4 4  1  0 0  00 3  9 076- 0-0
John Miller Ju...  1  6  2  3  3  2  2  2  0  0  0  4  15  104-0-0
Jere: Miller........  1  3  2  2  2  3  1  2  0  0  0  2  5  087-13-4
Edward Joans.......  1  3  0  3  1  0  2  1  0  0  0  0  0  055- 0-0
James Bird.........  1  3 0 2  1  0 0  1  0 0 0 0  2047-13-4
John Stretton.......  3  30  5  8  7  7  7  3  1  0  0  4  37  270- 6-8
John Stretton Ju....  1  10  2  5  5  5  6  2  1  0  0  4  35  154-3-4
Joseph Stretton.....   0  0  6  3  7  3  1  0  0  0  1  15 100- 0-0
Samuell Mulford....  1  20  2  6 3  4  4  2  0  1  1  3  15  148- 0-0
John Hoping.......  1  23  2  6  7 11 6  3  1  1  0  5  23 209- 3-4
JohnFeil.......1  0 0  2 2 0 0 1  0  0  0  2  6  052-0-0
Stephen Hodges...  1  20  6  12  13  14  5  5  0  0  5  23  301-  -4
Anthony Kelley.....   0 00  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0030-0-0
Oliuer Noris........ 1  0 1  0  0 0 0 0  1  023- 6-8
Edward Hare....   0  0  0  0  0  2  0  0  0  0  0  042- 0-0
Widow Shaw.. 2  0  2  2  2  1  1  0  0  0  0  1  6  073- 0-0
Rchard Shaw.......  1  8 0 1  2  0  0  3  0 1  0 1  0  081-0-0
ThoStretton........  1  6  0 3   1  1  3  0  0  1  0  0  086-0-0
Wm Hambleton....  1  0  2  0  0 0   1  0  0  0  0  0042-0-0
Samuell Shery.......  1  7  2  4  0  0 2  3  0 0  0 3  10 102- 6-8
JohnCerle......... 1  7  2  6  1  4  3  2  0  0  0  6  12  119-10-0
John Mulford.......  2  20  8  10  10  8  7  2  1  0  0  8  58  283-16-8
Thomas Chatfield....  2  21  7  9  7  7  8  1  0  0  0  6  44  234-03-4
-e  Ba, Z......  4  4 1 \  2  2  1  0  0  12  118- 0-0
Robert Daiton.....  2  2   7  6  7  6  6  0  0  1  32  261- 3-4
Nath Bushup.......  2  13  4  7  4  5  3  3  0  0  0  2  30  189- 0-0
Rich: Stretton......  1  6  0  3  1 2 4 1  0 0  1 0  4 070-6-8
Tho Hand........  1  8  4  5  2  2  2  2  0  0  1  2  16  121- 6-8
John Brook.......  1116 0 3  2  3  3  1  0  0 0 4  6 087-0-0
Tho Bee..........  1  3  0  2  1  0 2 3  0  0 4  0  081-0-0
Wm Miller.........  1  8 24  4  5  6 2  0 2  2  7  17 148- 3-4
VOL. II.            40




814                      RATE LISTS OF LONG ISLAND.
ESTIMATE OF EASTHAMPTON, &C.-(CONTTNUED.)
I   I  O   I   3      1 i    3   2  1    |    lb   d
georg Miller......  1  O  O  1  3  3  1   1          0  0     056- 0-0
ewlick Osborne,...head and horse -  -  -  -  -  -  -         030- 0-0
John Michell.......                                          030- 00
Tho Chatfield Ju.... — -- ----                         --     030-0-0
Jacob Daiton.....   -.            -   050- 0-0
The Totall is    9075- 6-8
Endorsed.
East bamptons
Estemations
1683




MANUSCRIPTS
or
ir t William        3   u o nae n.
[From the originals on file in the Sectetary of States Dept Albany.]












Filli
~~~~t.I!~PIT,~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~Itr 
Im~~~~~~~~~~yt~
i~~~~~~s~1
15 M.~~~~~~~~ 
IV  I 1




PROCEEDINGS OF COMMISSIONERS FROM          6 PROVINCES MET AT ALBANY ANNO 1754 ON
INDIAN AFFAIRS.
MASSACHUSETTS BAY.
WILLIAM SHIRLEY Esqr Captain General and Governor in Chief in: aid- over his Majesties Province
['L s]     of the Massachusetts Bay in New England.
To Samuel Welles; John Chandler, Thomas lHutchinson, Oliver Partridge, an4Jphn Worthington Esqrs.
Greeting
WHEAREAS in pursuance of Letters from the Right Honourable the Lords Cormmis ioners for Trade'and
the plantations dated the 28 of August & 19 of September'753 to the Governor of several of his
Majesties plantations in North America a General convention of Commissioners for their Respective
Governments is appointed to be held at the City of Albany in the. Month of June next for holding an
Interview with the Indians of the Five Nations and making them presents on the part of the said Governments usual upon such occasions in order to confirm and Establish their antient attachment to his
Majesty and their constant Friendship to his Majesties Subjects on this Continent. And whereas the
great and General Court or Assembly of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay aforesaid have elected
and appointed you to represent and appear for the said Province at the Convention aforesaid for the
purposes above mentioned; as also' for entering into Articles of Union and Confederation with the
aforesaid Governments for the General Defence of his Majesties Subjects and Interests in North America
as well in time of Peace as in war. Now I do by these presents impower and Commissionate you
the said Samuel Welles, John Chandler, Thomas Hutchinson, Oliver. Partridge, and John Worthington
as Commissioners (or any three of You) to appear for and represent the Province of the Massachusetts
Bay aforesaid at the proposed Convention of Commissioners, to be held at the City of Albany in the
Month of June next then and there to concert, with the Commissioners (from all or' any of his Majesties
British Governments) that may be there convened, such Measures as may b- judged proper for the
Purposes aforesd and: to agree upon the same; and herein you must observe such Instructions as are
*ierewith delivered'you, or may from time to time be given you by the'Great and General Court or
Assembly of this Province.
Given under my hand and the Publick Seal of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay aforesaid
the nineteenth Day of April 1754 in the twenty Seventh Year of his Majestys Reign.
W. SHERLEY
By His Excellency's Command                                 SAMUEL WELLES
J. Willard Secry. &c                                      JOHN CHANDLER
A true copy Attst                                         THOMAS HUTCHINSON
OL'R PARTRIDGE
JOHN WORTHINGTON
Province of    I     George the Second by the' Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland
New Hampshire          King Defender of the Faith &c.
[L S]
To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting
WHEREAS we have Ordered a Sum of Money to be Issued for Presents to the Six Nations of
Indians and to direct our Governor of New York to hold an Interview with them for delivering those
Presents, for Burying the Hatchet and for renewing the Covenant Chain, with them and inasmuch as
the Attempts that have been made to withdraw them from our interest appear to us to make a General




318                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
interview more Particularly Necessary at this time, and that all our Colonys whose Interest and Security
is connected with, and depend upon those Indians should be present at, and join in such Interview
Know Ye therefore That we reposing much trust and Confidence in the Integrity and Ability of
the Honourable Theodore Atkinson Esqr. the Honoble Richard Wibird Esqr two of our Council of
our said Province, The Honoble Meshech Weare Esqr Speaker of the General Assembly of our said
Province, and Henry Scherbourn Junr Esqr. also a Member of our said General Assembly, have by and
with the advice of our trusty and well beloved Benning Wentworth Esqr. our Governnr-anCnmmander in Chief of our Province of New Hampshire aforesaid, named, made, constituted, and appointed
And we by these presents name, make, Constitute and Appoint the said Theodore Atkinson Esqr
Richard Wibird Esqr. Mesech Weare Esqr. and Henry Sherburne Esqr. our. true and undoubted Commissioners hereby giving unto them full power and Authority as well as our special Command to repair
to our City of Albany, or other place where the said Interview may be held and carryed on, and there
by the whole of the Major part of those of them that shall be present at the said Interview, for us and
in our name together with such other Commissioners as shall be Regularly appointed from our other
Colonies and provinces in America to attend at the said Interview to agree upon consult and conclude
what may be necessary for Establishing a sincer and lastly Friendship and good Harmony with the said
Six Nations of Indians, and if necessary, for us and in our Name to sign everything so agreed upon and
concluded, and to do, and transact all matters and things which may appertain to the finishing the abovesaid work. In Testimony whereof we have caused the Seal of our said Province of New Hampshire
to be hereunto affixed Witness Benning Wentworth Esqr. Our Governor and Commander in Chief of
our said Province of New Hampshire in New England this third Day of June 1754 and in the Twenty
Seventh Year of our Reign.
By His Excellencys                                              B. WENTWORTH
Command.                                   Copy Exd per      THEODORE ATKINSON
Theodore Atkinson Secy                                         R. WIBIRD
MESHECH WEARE
HEN: SHERBURNE Junr.
CONNECTICUT
fSigilum
Colonie       THOMAS FITCH Esqr Governor and Commander in Chief of his Majestys English
Conecticut      Coloney of Connecticut in New England in America.
ences
To William Pitkin Roger Wolcot Junr & Elisha Williams Esquires Greeting.
WHEREAS you are by the General Assembly of said Colony nominated and Appointed to be
Commissioners in behalf of said Colony to meet such Commissioners as are or shall be appointed by
his Majesty's other Governments in America, at a General Interview at Albany on the fourteenth
day of June next and Join with them in concerting proper Measures for the General Defence and safety
of his Majesties Subjects in said Governments and the Indians in Alliance with them against the French
and their Indians. Therefore in pursuance of said Act of Assembly, you the said William Pitkin,
Roger Wolcot Junr and Elisha Williams Esqrs are Commissioned Authorized and impowered in behalf
of this his Majesties Colony of Connecticutt to meet the Commissioners appointed by his Majesties
other Governments in America at Albany on the 14th day of June next, and in Concert with such Commissioners from his Majesties other Governments as shall meet there to consult proper Measures for the
General defence, and safety of his Majesty's Subjects in said Governments and the Indians in his




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        319
Alliance against the French, and their Indians; and. to use and pursue proper measures in pursuance
of your Instructions from the said General Assembly, relateing to the matters aforesaid
Given under my hand and the Publick Seal of the Colony of Connecticutt in Hartford this
30th day of May Anno Regni Regis Georgij 2di Magn: Brittain: &c 27mo Annoq.
Domini 1754.
By his honours Command.                                          THOMAS FITCH,
George Wyllys Secrety
A true Copy Tests. WM PITKIN   ROGER WOLCOT Junr
ELISHA WILLIAMS.                 Commissioners.
RHODE ISLAND
Locus       By the Honourable William Green Esqr Governor and Captain General of the
Sigilli        English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation in New England
in America.
To Stephen Hopkins, and Martin Howard Junr Esqrs Greeting
WHEREAS the General Assembly of this Colony have on their parts chosen and appointed you
to meet with the Commissioners of the other Governments at Albany on the fourteenth day of this
Instant June and join with them in a Treaty with the Six Nations of Indians in order to Secure the
Interest of his Majesty and his good Subjects in those parts.
I do therefore by Virtue of an act of the General Assembly of this Colony, authorise impower and
Commissionate You the said Stephen Hopkins and Martin Howard Junr forthwith to repair to Albany
aforesaid, and there in behalf of this Colony to meet and join with the other Commissioners in Consulting what Methods are proper to be used, to preserve the Friendship of the aforesaid Six Nations of
Indians and their Attachments to the British Interest in America. and also what else may be necessary to prohibit the French and their Allies the Indians, from encroaching on the Lands within the
Dominions of his Majesty. And in General as far as the Abilities of this Government will permit, to
act in Conjunction with the said Commissioners in every thing necessary, for the good of his Majesties
Subjects in those parts, and to Answer as far as we can the Designs of his Majesties Instructions to
this Colony communicated to us, by the Earl of Holderness.IN TESTIMONY whereof I do hereunto set my hand and cause the Seal of the Colony aforesaid
to be hereunto Affixed this Twelfth day of June, One Thousand Seven Hundred and
fifty four, and in the twenty Seventh Year of the Reign of his most sacred Majesty GEORGE
the Second by the Grace of God King of Great Britain &ca
By his Honours Command                                             WILLIAM GREENE
Tho Ward Secr'y.            A true Copy Exd by STEPHEN HOPKINS
MARTIN HOWARD Junr
PENNSYLVANIA SS
GEORGE the Second by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender
of the faith and so forth.
To our Trusty and wellbeloved John Penn, Richard Peters, Isaac Norris, and Benjamin Franklin of
the City of Philadelphia Esquires Greeting.
WHEREAS the Honoble James DeLancey Esqr Our Lieut Governor and Commander in Chief of
our Province of New-York has received our Directions to hold an Interview with our loving and good
Allies the Six United Nations of Indians at'the City of Albany within our said Province for deliv



320                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
ering to them our Presents and for renewing the Covenant Chain with them, and has fixed upon the
fourteenth day of June Ensuing for this purpose, and it has been usual when an Interview has been
held with these Indians for all his Majesties Colonies whose Interest and Security is connected
with and depends upon them to join in such Interview, and it appears to us that the present disposition of those Indians and the attempts that Have been made to withdraw them from our Interest do
make such a General Interview more particularly Necessary at this time, when the Subjects of
the French King have actually marched into, and Erected Forts, and committed Hostilities within
the known limits of,our Dominions.
KNOW YE that reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, abilities and prudence WE
have thought fit to nominate and Appoint you the said John Penn, Richard Peters, Isaac Norris, and
Benjamin Franklin and every of you our Commissioners on behalf of our Governor of our Province
of Pensylvania aforesaid in Conjunction with our Lieut Governor of New York and with the Commissioners of the other Governments to Treat with the Six united Nations of Indians at Albany, or
with their, or any, or every, of their Chiefs or Delegates, and with them to renew, ratify and Confirm
the Leagues of amity subsisting between us and the said Nations of Indians and to make them the
presents that have been provided for them by the Governor and Assembly of our said Province of
Pensylvania, and further to do, Act and Transact, and finally to Conclude and Agree with the Indians
aforesaid, all and every other matter and thing which to you shall appear necessary for the Engageing
them heartily in our Interest and for frustating any attempts which have been made to withdraw them
from it,-As fully and amply to all intents Constructions and purposes as our Governor of our province
of Pensylvania aforesaid might or could do, being personally present, hereby ratifying confirming and
holding for firm and Effectual whatsoever you the said John Penn, Richard Peters Isaac Norris and
Benjamin Franklin, or any of you shall Lawfully do, in and about the Premises-  In Testimony
whereof we have Caused the Great Seal of our said Province to be hereunto Affixed.
Witness                                                JALMIES HAMILTON Esqr
(by Virtue of a Commission from Thomas Penn and Richard Penn Esqrs true and absolute Proprietors
of the said province and with our Royal approbation) Lieut Governor and Commander in Chief of the
Province aforesaid and Counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex upon Delaware at Philadelphia the
thirteenth day of May in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven hundred and fifty four and in
the twenty Seventh of our Reign
A true Copy                                            JAMES HAMILTON
Exd Richard peters
Is Norris
B. Franklin
MARYLAND
WHEREAS his Majesty has beer pleased to order a sum of Money to be issued for presents to the Six
Nations of Indians and to direct his Governor of New York to hold an Interview with them for
delivering those presents, for Burying the Hatchet and for renewing the Covenant Chain with them and
whereas in Obedience to his Majesties pleasure signified to them by the Lords of Trade His Majesties Several Colonies on this Continent have resolved to join in such Interview and have made a Provision for sending each their Commissioner with such presents as have been usual on the like Occasions
to the said Indian Nations as a means of securing more effectually their Affections to his Majesty
and the Brittish Interest.  Now in dutyfull Compliance with his Majesty's Requisition as well as from
a Sense of the Importance it must be of to us and the several Neighbouring provinces that those
Nations be retained in our Alliance more especially at this time when our Enimies are endeavouring




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        321
to withdraw them from our Friendship; we have thought fit to Commission you Colo Benjamin Tasker
and Major Abraham Barnes fully trusting in your known Abilities and approved Honour to represent
this Province at the Interview appointed to be held at Albany the 14th of June next and then and
there to renew the Covenant Chain and enter into a League of Amity with the said Indian Nations
and you shall deliver to them (with such Speeches as have been used on Similar Occasions) a present
as from his Majesties dutyfull Subjects of this province of Maryland in Money or Goods as to you
shall appear most proper to the value of Five Hundred Pounds Currant Money of his Province, which
Money you will receive from the Treasurer of the Western Shore and for the better conducting yourselves in Regard to the manner and form of the Treaty to be entered into at Albany with the said
Six Allied Nations.  You shall refer yourselves for Directions To the Honoble James DeLancey
Esqr his Majesty's Lieut Governor of New York.
AND WHEREAS I have had intimation that the Commissioners from the several Neighbouring Colonies
will receive Instructions from their respective Governments to concert Measures with the Commissrs
from the other Provinces for the better Securing these Indians for the future in our Alliance and preventing their being Alienated from our Intrest by the Artifices or insinuations of our Enemy, as well
as for the more easy defence of his Majesties LEoninions on this Continent, You shall if any Propositions of that nature are made by the Commissioners in behalf of their Respective Governments let
them know that this Province is also disposed to contribute to the Execution of any General Scheme to
promote such desirable Endls, and you will take care to observe well what Propositions shall or may
be made concerning such General Schemes and commit the Substance thereof to writing for my
Information and to be laid before the General Assembly for their Consideration-But you are to
understand that you are not impowered to Stipulate or engage that this Province will advance any sum
of Money or number of Men towards erecting Forts or Garrissoning them, or to any such purposes.
But you shall only well observe what proposals ae made by the other Commissioners and endeavour
to Learn how far the Execution of what they may propose can be Necessary or usefull, and consider
well the Reasonableness of any such propositions and inform yourselves whether the other Commissioners
are Authorized to Stipulate and agree thereon and at your return you shall inform me of these several
Particulars and any other things that may Possibly occur to your notice; That I may not be Ignorant
after what manner we can best contribute to the success of any such Scheme as shall be proposed at the
aforesaid Interview for the defence or utility of his Majesties Dominions and Subjects.
Annapolis May 30th 1754                                                   HORo SHARPE
A true Copy Examined
By Benja Tasker Junr
A Barnes.
Albany the 19th June 1754
PROCEEDINGS of the Congress held at Jllbany by the Honobls James De Lancey Esqr Lieut
Governor and Commander in Chief of the Province of Jew York and the Commissioners of
the Several provinces now met in this City.
At a meeting in the Court House at Albany on Wednesday the 19ih June 1754. A M.
PRESENT
The Honoble the Lieutenant Govr of New York
Joseph Murray
William Johnson                     Samuel Welles
John Chambers                       John Chandler'VOL. II                               41




322                         MAN'JSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
William Smith                       Oliver Partridge
Esqrs of His                       John Worthington
Majesties Council                         Esqrs
of this Province                    Commissioners for
Massachusetts Bay
Theodore Atkinson
Richard Wibird                       William Pitkin
Meshec Weare                         Roger Wolcott
Henry Sherburn Junr                  Elisha Williams
Esquires                               Esqrs
Commissioners for His            Commissioners for the Colony
Majesties Province                  of Connecticutt
of New Hampshire
Stephen Hopkins &                   John Penn
Martin Howard Junr                   Richard Peters
Esqrs                           Isaac Norris
Commissioners for the Colony              Benjamin Franklin
of Rhode Island                           Esqrs
Commissioners for the
Benjamin Tasker &               Government of Pensylvania
Abraham Barnes
Esqrs
Commissioners for the Government
of Maryland
His Honour the Lieut Governor of New York having yesterday directed Mr Banyar Deputy Secretary
of the said province to wait upon the Commissioners of the Several Provinces above named, to
Acquaint them that his honour desired they would meet him in Council in the City Hall of Albany this
Morning in Order to produce their powers and proceed upon Business
The said Commissioners being now Accordingly met, took their Seats and produced their respective
Commissions which were read.
His Honour then produced a Letter from the Right Honourable the Lords of Trade bearing date the
18th of Septr last out of which a Paragraph was read.
Afterwards were read, Two Minutes of the proceedings of the Commissioners of Indian Affairs in
this City dated the 15th & 18th Inst, also a Remonstrance from the Oswego Traders to his Honour
It was recommended as the first step necessary to be taken at this Congress, that the Commissioners
should consider-of the several matters they may judge proper to be proposed to the Indians at the
intended interview with them, and to prepare the Speech to be made on that occasion, for which purpose
his Honour acquainted the Commissioners he would direct the Secretary or Agent for Indian Affairs
to attend them with the Records of that Office. And the Commissioners of Indian Affairs to meet
together as often as there should be Occasion, in order that they might give them all the Information
relative to Indian Affairs.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       323
At a Meeting in the Court House at Albany on Wednesday the 9th June 1754  P. M.
Present
Joseph Murray                       Samuel Welles
William Johnson                     John Chandlor
John Chambers                       Oliver Partridge
William Smith                       John Worthington
Esqrs                                   Esqrs
of his Majesties Council              Commissioners for
of this Province                   Massachusett Bay
Theodore Atkinson                  William Pitkin
Richard Wibird                     Roger Wolcott
Meshec Weare                        Elisha Williams
Henry Sherburn Junr                      Esqrs
Esqrs                     Commissioners for the Colony
Commissioners for His                 of Connecticut
Majesties Province of
New Hampshi e
Stephen Hopkins &                    John Penn
Martin Howard Junr                  Richard Peters
Esqrs                           Isaac Norris
Commissioners for the Colony             Benjamin Franklin
of Rhode Island                          Esqrs
Commissioners for the
Benjamin Tasker &                 Governmt of Pennsylvania
Abraham Barnes
Esqrs
Commissioners for the
Governmt of Mary Land
The Board proceeded to take into Consideration the Matters recommended by his Honour in the
Morning —The whole Letter from the Lords of Trade was read and is as follows
Whitehall Scptr 18th 1753.
SR A few days after you sailed from Portsmouth We received a Letter from Mr Clinton, inclosing
Minutes of the proceedings between him & a Deputation of the Mohawk Indians, at Fort George
in the City of New York in June last, with the Journals of the Assembly then Sitting
You will without doubt upon your arrival be fully informed of the particular Circumstances of this
Affair, the resentment expressed by the Indians And the Abrupt and hasty manner in which they went
away; and tho' from the Confidence we have of your Vigilant Attention to whatever may Concern
Your Government, We are persuaded you will not have failed to have taken every Necessary and
prudent Measure to Obviate the fatal Consequences which might Attend this Affair, Yet we think it
no less our Duty to embrace the first Opportunity of writing our Sentiments to you upon it and of
pointing out to you what appears to us necessary to be done.
When we Consider of how great Consequence the Friendship and Alliance of the Six Nations is
to all His Majesties Colonies and Plantations in America in General as well as tp New York in
particular, When we consider that this Friendship and Alliance is only to begained and preserved by
making presents to them at proper times and upon proper Occasions, and by an inviolable Observance




32i4                      MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
of all our Engagements with them, And when we recollect the Attempts which have lately been made to
withdraw them from the British Interest, We cannot but be greatly concerned and Surprized, that the
Province of New York shbuld have been so inattentive to the General Interest of his Majesties
Subjects in America, as well as to their own Particular Security, as to have given Occasion to the
Complaints made by the Indians; But we are still more Surprized at the manner in which these
Complaints were received. The Dissatisfactory answers given to the Indians, and at their being Suffered
to depart, (tho' the Assembly was then sitting) without any Measures taken to bring them to temper or
to redress their Complaints
This being the light in which we see this Affair, We think it for his Majesties Service that you should
take the very first opportunity of representing to the Council and Assembly in the Strongest manner
of how great Importance it is to the province of New York to preserve the Friendship and
Affection of the Indians and the fatal Consequences which must inevitably follow from a Neglect of
them, that you should press them to join with and support you in every measure you shall find it
necessary to pursue, in Order to fix them on the British Interest, more especially by making proper
Provision for presents for them, which joined to the presents Allowed by his Majesty, and which
you will receive by this Conveyance, may serve to facilitate this great End, and to wipe away alf
Remembrance of that -neglect the Indians now complain of. As a speedy Interview with the Indians
is from their present Disposition become the more necessary You will no doubt think it proper to Advise
with the Council as to the time and place of Meeting the Indians, in which points We trust you will
have a due regard to their Convenience and as it Appears from their Complaints, that Albany which
has been the usual place of Meeting is Obnoxious to them, You will if you find Sufficient Foundation
for this Complaint, appoint some other place you shall think more for their Ease and Satisfaction,
And we observe from a Report of the Council and Assembly to Mr Clinton that Onondaga is proposed
as the most proper place. We likewise hope that in the Choice of the Persons who are to attend and
Assist you at this Interview, you will have a regard to such as are best Acquainted with the Indians
and their Affairs, and not Obnoxious to them; And as a great Deal depends upon the Intepreter, We
desire you will be particularly carefull to appoint such as are well acquainted with the Indian Language
and Men of Ability and Integrity.
We hope that the Treats of the Mohawk Indians when they left New York have not been carried
into Execution, but think it of Absolute Necessity in Order to Abuiate any ill Consequences which
might attend these Threats That some person of Character and discretion, should be immediately sent
amongst the Indians to acquaint them of your Arrival, Of the presents his Majesty has Ordered to be
delivered to them, and of your Intention of holding an Interview with them, for burying the Hatchet
and renewing the Covenant Chain; that this person should be carefully instructed to endeavour to
remove any prejudices which the Six Nations may have imbibed-from the Representations of the
Mohawks, to Obviate the ill Effects which would attend a General discontent amongst thlcm at so Critical
a Conjuncture, and to put them upon their Guard against any attempts which may be made to withdraw them from his Majesties Interest; And that nothing may be wanting to Convince the Indians of
the Sincerity of our Intentions, You will do well to Examine into the Complaints they have made of
being defrauded of their Lands, to take all proper and legal Methods to redress their Complaints, and to
gratify them by Reasonable purchases, or in such other matter as you shall find most proper and
Agreeable to them, for such lands as have been Unwarrantably taken from them, or for such other
as they may have a desire to dispose of; And we recommend it to you to be particularly carefull
for the future that you do not make Grants to any Persons Whatsoever of Lands purchased by them
of the Indians upon their own Accounts. Such practices have been found in a Neighboring Government to be attended with Great Mischief and Inconvenience; But when the Indians are disposed to




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                         325
sell any of their Lands, the Purchase ought to be made in his Majesty's Name and at the Publick
Charge.
As we find it has been usual upon former Occasions when an Interview has been held with the Indians
for the other Neighbouring Governments in Alliance with them to send Commissioners to be joined with
those of New York, And as the present weavering Disposition of the Indians equally Effects the
other Provinces, We have wrote to the Governor of Virginia, Pensylvania, Maryland, New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay and New Jersey, desiring them to represent to their respective Assemblys
the Utility and necessity of this Measure and to Urge them to make proper provision for it; And
therefore it will be necessary that when you have Settled the Time and place of Meeting, you should
give them early notice of it; And this leads us to recommend one thing more to Your Attention, and
that is to take care that all the Provinces be (if practicable) comprized in one General Treaty to
be made in his Majesties name, it appearing to us that the Practice of each Province making a Separate
Treaty for itself in its own Name is very improper and may be attended with great inconvenience to
his Majesties Service
So we bid you heartily farewell and are
Your very loving Friends & Humble Servants
DUNK HALIFAX
To Sr Danvers Osborn Govr of New York                            J. GRENVILLE
Albany June 1754                                                     DUPPLII
a true Copy of the Original Examd by Gw. Banyar D. Secrey
And also were read the following papers from the Commysioners of Indian Affairs at Albany. (viz)
Albany 15th of June 1754
At a Meeting of the Commissioners of Indian Affairs at Mr Lutteridges.
PRESENT
Collo Myndert Schuyler   Capt Hubert Marshall Commandr of
Robert Saunders Esqr }       the Fort.
Mayor of the City          Cornelius Cuyler 
Sybt Van Schaak  Recorder   John Beekman
John Renselaer         Esqrs
Jacob Conradt Ten Eyck
Peter Winne 
Peter Wraxall Secretary.
His Honour the Lieut Governor The Honourable James De Lancey Esqr having directed Collo
Myndert Schuyler to convene the Commissioners of Indian Affairs that they might consult together
if they had any matters in particular to recommend to his Honour upon the approaching Interview
with the Six Nations.
In Consequence hereof the Commissioners are of Opinion, that the Six Nations who now live dispersed & Confused, should in the most earnest manner be exhorted to unite and dwell together in
their respective Castles, And that the Mohawk Nation should live in one Castle only.
That his honour apply to the Onondaga Indians in particular to direct and exhort them to live
together in one Castle according to their Antient and prudent Custom, and to cause all their friends
and Relations wheresoever dispersed to join them, particularly those who have Separated themselves and live at present at Sweegassie where the French have lately Fortified, have a Garrison and
where a French Missionary constantly resides in order to draw them off from our Alliance. -At this
Sweegassie the French have lately made a Settlement of Indians belonging to the Six Nations of
which the greatest part are from Onondaga & Cayouge.




326                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR 1AtILLIAM JOHNSON.
That whereas the French have long been endeav oring to prevail on the Senecas to come and Settle
at Irondequat in order to have them nearer to their Settlements the more easily to Effect their
design of debauching them from the Brittish 1interest; The Commissioners are of Opinion that
his Honour should insist on the Sennecas, who at present live very remote from one another, to make
a General Castle near the Mouth of the Senneca TAiver, where they have already began to Build a New
Castle. This point has been Several times recommended to them by former Governors and which
they have faithfully promised to do, but have lot hitherto effected.
The Commissioners are of Opinion that t ie most effectual method to restrain and secure the Six
Nations to the British Interest, will be, to Bi ild two Forts, One on the Onondaga, the other in the
Sennecas Country and that each Fort be Supply ed with a proper Missionary.
They are further of Opinion that the Carryi ng and Selling Rum in the Castles of the Six Nations is
of the most pernicious Consequence to the Public Interest of this Colony in particular and to the
British Interest in General with respect to our Indian Connexions.
The Commissioners are also of Opinion that no Frenchnman upon any pretence whatsoever, should
be Suffered to reside or Trade amongst tIhe Six Nations, And that the said Six Nations should be
directed to send those Frenchmen away whibo now Trade or reside amongst them, and to warn them
not to return-Those French Emissarys having always been of fatal Consequence to the British
Interest & amongst the Six Nations.
Albany 18th June 1754.
At a Meeting of the Commissioners of Indian Affairs at the house of Robt Lutteridge
PRESENT
Peter Winne, Sybrant Van Shaik Recorder 
Myndert Schuyler                        E
John Beekman
Jacob Coent Ten Eyck                  j
Peter Wraxall Secretary.
His Honour the Lieut Governor having sent to Collo Myndert Schuyler to know what he should
do with regard to the River Indians at the approaching Interview —Collo Schuyler thought proper
to convene the Commissioners that they might Answer His Honour upon this point.
They arc of Opinion that after The Six Nations arrive in Town it will be time enough to send
a Message.to the said River Indians.
WHEREAS divers complaints have been made to the Commissioners of Indian Affairs that the Indians
at Conoghoheere Castle do forcibly take Rum from the Oswego Traders in their passage by the said
Castle. And also that the Oneida Indians oblige the Traders to let them carry their Goods over the
carrying place, and to pay them double and sometimes, more than double the Customary price which
the Germans are ready and Willing to take. It is the Opinion therefore of this Board that his
Honour be pleased at the Approaching Interview to represent the injustice of those proceedings to the
Six Nations and that it is a breach of their promises solemnly made, and a violation of their Engagements entered into and frequently renewed with former Governors.
A true Copy from the Records of Indian Affairs
PETER WRAXALL Secretary.




MANUSCRIPf S OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       327
A Remonstrance was then Read to the Board, from the Oswego Traders to his honour the Lieut
Governor of New York of which the fo llowing is a Copy
To his Honour James De La: ncey Esquire Lieut Governor and Commander in Chief of the
Province of New York &c.. &c. &c.
We the Traders (or Handlers) to Ciswego most humbly beg leave to remonstrate to your Honour
the many hazzards and Difficulties W e are Subject to in our passage thither from the ill treatment
we meet with from the Indians (i e) in passing the Mohawks and Canajohary Castles, they Board
our Battoes with Axes knives &c anlI by force take what Rum they think proper hooping and yelping as if they had Gloried in their depradations and threatening Murder to any that oppose them:
And on our Arrival at the great carrying place, The Oneida Indians force our Goods from us at
pleasure to carry over, and not cont'ent with making us pay a most exorbitant price for each Freight
but rob us of our Rum, Stores and other Goods with a great deal of invective threatening language, and
are generally so Numerous that wev are Obliged to Submit to those impositions or run the risk of
being Murdered and Robbed of eve ry thing we have; And to put their Schemes the better in Execution they fore away the High CGermans who generally attend with their Horses, that we may be
under a Necessity of employing them and paying whatever they please to demand.
We therefore humbly pray yowr Honour to take these our most severe Grievances under due consideration and fall upon such rmethods to redress them as in your great wisdom shall seem most
Expedient. Accept of our mos t fervent Prayers for your Welfare and Prosperity as we ever remain
with all due Defference, Gratitude and Esteem
Sir your Honours most Dutyfull &
most Humble Servants
Oswego June 1st 1754.                      To which 47 Several Names were Signed.
The following Gentlemen "were appointed a Committee to prepare the Draught of a General
Speech to be made by his Hlonour to the Indians namely
William Johnson
Samuel Welles
Theodore Atkinson
Elisha Williams    Esqr,
Martih Howard Jun  to whom were delivered
Isaac Norris       the aforesaid Papers.
Benja Tasker Jun
Adjourned till to Morrrow Morning
At a Meeting at the Court House in Albany
on Thursday the 20th June 1754 A M.
PRESENT
His Honour and t'he aforesaid Council of New York and Several of the Commissioners.
The Committee appoint ed Yesterday to prepare a Draught of a General Speech to be made to the
Indians not being ready to rrake their Report, the Board Adjourned till to Morrow Morning.




328                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
At a Meeting in the Court House at Albany
on Fryday the 21st June 1754 A. M.
PRESENT
His Honour the Lieut Governor the Council of New York aforesaid All the Commissioners,
And Thomas Hutchinson Esqr one of the Commissioners of Massachusetts Bay.
It was proposed by the Governor that to avoid all disputes about the precedency of the Colonies
They should be named in the Minutes according to their Sittuation from North to South. which was
agreed to.
Peter Wraxall Esqr was Chosen Secretary to this Board.
The Comlmittee delivered in their Draught of the General Speech which was read thro' and afterwards
Paragraph by Paragraph. Objections were made to some parts. The Board not coming to any
conclusion on the same They adjourned till to Morrow Morning.
At a Meeting in the Court House at Albany
on Saturday the 22d June 1754. A. M.
PRESENT
The Council of New York aforesaid, and all the Commissioners Except John Chandler
Esquire one of the Commissioners for Massachusetts Bay.
The Consideration of the Draught of the General Speech was resumed and one being agreed upon,
Mr Hutchinson and Mr Peters were desired to waite upon the Lieut Governor with the same.
Adjourned to Monday Morning
At a Meeting in the Court House at Albany
on Monday the 21th June 1754. A. M.
PRESENT
The Council of New York aforesaid
and all the Commissioners
A motion was made that the Thanks of this Board be given to the Revd Mr Peters one of the Commissioners for Pensylvania for his Sermon preached Yesterday, and that he be desired to suffer the
same to be printed. Which was unanimously agreed to.
Mr Chambers and Mr Peters were desired to waite upon his Honour to request him to Administer
an Oath to Mr Wraxall for the due and faithfull discharge of his Olce of Secretary to this Board.
Adjourned to Three aClock this afternoon.
At a Meeting as aforesaid Monday afternoon
the 24th June 1754.
PRESENT
The Honoble The Lieut Govenor.    And the Council aforesaid of the Province of New
York. And all the Commissioners
Mr Chambers and Mr Peters Reported to the Board that Mr Wraxall had been Swore into his
Office by his Honour conformable to their desire in the Morning
A motion was made, That the Commissioners deliver their Opinion, whether a Union of all the
Colonies is not at present absolutely necessary for their Security and defence.
The Question was accordingly put, and it passed in the affirmative Unanimously.
His Honour the Lieut Governor made a proposal as a Branch of Indian Affairs under the Consideration of this Board; to build two Forts in the Indian Country to protect them, their Wives and
Children, as the best Expedient to secure their Fidelity to his Majesty.
Which proposal The Board determined to proceed upon, after they hadonsidered some method of
effecting the Union between the Colonies.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        329
On a motion that a Committee be appointed to prepare and Receive Plans or Schemes for the
Union of the Colonies & to digest them into one General Plan for the Inspectionof this Board.
Resolved That each Government choose One of their own number to be of that Committee.
Accordingly were appointed.
Thomas Hutchinson Esqr for Massachusets Bay
Theodore Atkinson Esqr for New Hampshire
William Pitkin    Esqr for Connecticut
Stephen Hopkins   Esqr for Rhode Island
Benj" Franklin    Esqr for Pensylvania
Benja Tasker      Esqr for Maryland
It was left to his Honour to appoint one of his Majesties Council for the Government of New
York and he named William Smith Esqr    Adjourned till to Morrow Morning at 11 oClock.
At a Meeting in the Court House at Albany
on Tuesday the 25th June 1754 A. M.
PRESENT
Joseph Murray       Samuel Welles 
William Johnson &  John Chandler    (Esqrs Commissioners
John Chambers       Oliver Partridge,for Massachusetts
Esqrs                   &          Bay.
of the Council of New  John WorthingtonJ
York.
Richard Wibard 
Meseach.. Weare I Esqrs Commissioners for New Hampshire.
Henry Sherburne 
Roger Wolcott     q
Elisha Williams Esqs Commissioners for Connecticut.
Martin Howard Esqr a Commissioner from Rhode Island.
John Penn.   Esqrs Commissioners for Pensylvania.
Isaac Norris)
Abraham Barnes Esqr a Commissioner for Maryland.
The Draught of the General Speech not being returned to the Board from his Honour the Lieut
Governor of New York.                   Adjourned to 5 a Clock this afternoon.
At a Meeting as aforesaid Tuesday
the 25th June 1754 P. M.
PRESENT
All the Gentlemen of the Council of New York & all the Commissioners.
Mr Murray delivered to the Board for their Approbation His Honours Alterations and additions to
the draught of the Speech presented to his Honour by Mr Hutchinson and Mr Peters the 22d Inst. which
were* read to the Board by the Secretary and the further Consideration thereof was Deferred till to
Morrow Morning.                       Adjourned till 11 oClock to Morrow Morning.
VOL. II.                                  42




330                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
At a Meeting in the Court House at
Albany on Wednesday the 26 June 1754 A. M.
PRESENT
William Johnson & John Chambers Esqrs
of the Council of New York.
Samuel Welles, John Chambers, Thomas Hutchinson, & Oliver Partridge Esqrs Commissrs for
Massachusetts Bay.
William Pitkin, Roger Wolcott, & Elisha Williams Esqrs Commissioners for Conneticutt.
Martin Howard Junr Esqr Commissioner for Rhode Island
The Draught of the General Speech to the Six Nations was further Debated, but not being fully
concluded upon.                   The Board adjourned till 10 a Clock to morrow Morning
At a Meeting in the Court House at
Albany on Thursday the 27th June 1754. A. M.
PRESENT
The Four Gentlemen of the Council of New York & all the Commissioners.
The Draught of the General Speech was further debated and not being fully concluded upon the
Board                               Adjourned till 5 a Clock this afternoon.
At a Meeting at the Court House in Albany
on Thursday the 27 June 1754 P. M.
PRESENT
The Four Gentlemen of the Council of New York & all the Commissioners
A Motion was made, that the Commissions or Powers from the Several Governments should be made
part of the Records of this Congress
It was unanimously agreed to and ordered to be prefixed to these Records.
The Draught of the General Speech was Settled, Read and unanimously approved of, and is as
follows.
BRETHREN
I have invited you here by the Command of the Great King our Common Father, to
Receive a present from him, and in his name to renew the Antient Treaty between this and all his
other Governments and you our Brethren; And I have the pleasure to tell you that by his Special
Order, there are now present Commissioners from Massachusetts Bay, New Hampshire, Connecticut,
Rhode Island Pensylvania and Maryland.
Virginia and Carolina likewise desire to be considered as present, altho' some great affairs which those
Governments are engaged in, have prevented their sending Commissioners. We are glad to see our
Brethren here in health and heartily bid you welcome.                            A Belt
BRETHREN
We Condole your and our Loss in the Death of some of your People, since the last
Interview in this Place. We wipe away all Tears from your Eyes, and take away Sorry from your
Hearts, that you may Speak freely.                              Three Strings of Wampum
BRETHREN
We come to Strengthen and Brighten the Chain of Friendship. It gives us great Satisfaction that you have lately added two Links to the Chain; The Shanchadaradighroones and the
Tedderighroones, As it will always give us pleasure to see your Strength increased.  This Chain
hath remained firm and unbroken from the beginning. This Belt will represent to you our Disposition to preserve it. Strong and Bright so long as the Sun and Moon shall endure, and in the name
of the Great King our Father, And in the behalf of all his Majesties Colonies, We now Solemnly




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WLLIAM JOHNSON.                        331
renew, brighten and Strengthen the antient Covenant Chain, and promise to keep the same Inviolable
and Free from Rust. And We Expect the like Confirmation & assurance on your part.
A Chain Belt
His Honour the Lieut Governor explained this Chain Belt to them in the following manner.
BRETHREN
This Represents the King our Common Father, This Line Represents his arms Extended,
embracing all us the English and all the Six Nations, These represent the Colonies which are here
present and those who desire to be thought present, These represent the Six Nations and there is a space
left to draw in the other Indians, and There in the Middle is the line represented which draws us all
in under the King our Common Father.
The foregoing Explanation having been added to the general Speech by his Honour at his delivery
of it, doth not appear in the proceedings of the Congress, But stands in the Records of Indian Affairs
and is therefore supplyed in this manner by                  PETER WRAXALL Secretary
for Indian Affairs
BRETHEREN
We are informed that you now live dispersed from each other, contrary to the Antient and
prudent Custom of your forefathers. And as you are by this means exposed to the attempts of your
Enemies. We therefore in the most earnest manner recommend to and expect it from you, for your
own safety, to collect yourselves together and dwell in your National Castles. We desire you Brethren
of the Onondaga Nation in particular, to call in your Friends and Relations to join you, especially those
of your Nation who now live at Osweegachie, A Brave people separated from each other may easily
fall a Sacrifice, Whereas united they may live secure and uninjured           A Belt
BRETHEREN
We have something to say to you of great Importance. The Treatys subsisting between
us and you our Brethren, as well as the Great Affection we bear towards you, Oblige us to mention it.
The French profess to be in perfect Friendship with us as well as you, Notwithstanding this, they are
making continual Incroachments upon us both: They have lately done so in the most insulting manner
both to the Northward and Westward. Your Fathers by their valour above One hundred Years ago,
gained a considerable Country, which they Afterwards of their own Accord put under the protection
of the King of Great Britain. The French are endeavouring to possess themselves of this whole
Country, altho' they have made the most Express Treaties with the English to the contrary.
BRETHEREN It appears to us that these Measures of the French must necessarily soon interrupt and
destroy all Trade and Intercourse between the English and the several Indian Nations on the Continent)
and will Block up and Obstruct, the Great Roads which have hitherto lain open between you and
your Allies and Friends who live at a distance.
We want to know whether these things appear to you in the same light as they do to us, or whether
the French taking possession of the Lands in your Country, and building Forts between the Lakes Erie
and the River Ohio, be done with your Consent or Approbation.            A large Belt
BRETHEREN
Open your Hearts to us, deal with us as Bretheren, we are ready to consult with you how
to Scatter these Clouds that hang over us. This is a matter of go great weight, that we think it best
to defer mentioning any other Affair till you have considered this, least they should take away part of
that attention which is necessary on so extraordinary an Occasion             A Belt
Adjourned till to morrow Morning at 11 a Clock




332                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
At a Meeting in the Court House
Albany on Fryday the 2S June 1754. A. M.
PRESENT
John Chandler
Oliver Partridge &
John Worthington              Roger Wolcott &
Esqrs                    Elisha Williams
CommissrS for Massachusets Bay          Esqrs
Richard Wibird                Commissioners
Meseke Weare                      for
&                       Connecticut
Henry Sherburne
Esqrs
Commissrs for New Hampshire
Martin Howard Junr Esqr a Commissioner for Rhode Island John Penn Esqr one of the Commissrs
for Pensylvania.                  The Board Adjourned till 5 a Clock this Afternoon
At a Meeting &c Fryday
Afternoon 28 June 1754.
PRESENT
The 4 Gentlemen of the Council of New York.
All the Commissioners from Massachusetts Bay
All the Commissioners from New Hampshire
All the Commissioners from Connecticut
Stephen Hopkins Esqr one of the Commissrs from Rhode Island
John Penn
&Frann     Esqrs Commissrs from Pensylvania
Benja Franklin 5
Benja Tasker Junr Esqr one of the Commissrs from Maryland
The Committee appointed the 24 Inst to prepare and receive plans or Schemes for the Union of the
Colonies, presented short Hints of a Scheme for that purpose, of which Copies were taken by the
Commissioners of the respective Provinces  Adjourned till to Morrow Morning at 9 a Clock
At a Meeting at the Court House in Albany
on Saturday the 29 June 1754. A. M.
PRESENT
William Smith Esqr one of the Council of New York & All the Commissioners.
His Honour the Lieut Governor of New York having given Notice to this Board that he was going
to Speak to the Indians.
The Board Adjourned till 5 aClock this afternoon, & Attended His Honour whilst he delivered the
Speech.
At a Meeting in the Court House at Albany
on Saturday the 29 June 1754. P. M.
PRESENT
Joseph Murray 
John Chambers Esqrs of the Council of New York
William Smith J




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                         333
All the Commissioners from Massachusetts BMy.
Theodore Atkinson    All the Commissioners from Connecticut
&             The Commissioners from Rhode Island
Richard Wibird       All the Commissioners from Pennsylvania
Esqrs           The Commissioners from Maryland
Commissioners for New Hampshire
The Board being informed that a Considerable Number of Indians from Stockbridge, being of
the Nation known by the Name of the River Indians were in Town; A Motion was made that his
Honour the Lieut Governour might be acquainted with the Circumstances of said Indians and desired
to give Orders for their Support
The said Motion was agreed to, And Mr Welles and Mr Franklin were appointed to waite on his
Honour Accordingly.
The hints of a Scheme for the Union of the Colonies were debated on but came to no Conclusion.
Adjourned to Monday Morning at 9 aClock.
At a Meeting at the Court House at Albany
on Monday the 3 July 1754. A. M.
PRESENT
The Lieut Governor & the four Gentlemen of the Council of New York
All the Commissioners for Massachusetts Bay Except John Chandler Esqr
Theodore Atkinson
&? Esqrs Commissioners for New Hampshire
Henry Sherbourne )
The Commissioners for Connecticutt
The Commissioners for Rhode Island
All the Commissioners for Pennsylvania
The Commissioners for MaryLand.
Mr Franklin Reported to the Board, that he had with Mr Welles (Mr Welles was not then present)
waited on the Lieut Govcrnor and delivered the Message from the Board of Saturday last relating to
the River Indians, living near Stockbridge, and that his honour was pleased to Answer, that he had not
sent for those Indians, that he had consulted his Council and enquired of the Commissioners of
Indian affairs and was Informed that it had never been usual to afford Subsistance to those Indians
at any Treaty in Albany; that it was a great expence to New York to Maintain the other Indians,
that these properly belonged to Massachusetts, Bay Governmt and it appeared to him that they should
be Supported by that Government.
Upon a Motion the Records of Indian Affairs for the Province of New York were sent for, and it
appeared that the River Indians have usually been present at the Treaties with the Six Nations, & that
a Speech has always been made to said River Indians, & it was moved to the Lieut Governor of
New York that he would now speak to them in the name of the Commissioners from the Several
Colonies, and also give Orders for their Support. His Honour agreed to the purposals of Speaking
to them, and offered to give Orders for their Support, but was pleased to say that he expected the
Commissioners for the Several Provinces would Contribute to the Charge of it.
His Honour delivered to the Board Copys of Two Minutes of Council which are as follow.




334                        MMUSCRIPTS OF SIR WLLIAM JOHNSON.
At a Council held in the City of Albany
the 27 June 1754. P. M.
PRESENT
The, Honoble James De Lancey Esqr Lieut Governor &Ca
Mr Murray                   Mr Chambers
Collo Johnson               Mr Smith
His Honour being informed by the Indian Interpreter that the lower Castle of the Mohawk Indians
now in this City, had some Bussiness to lay before him, and desired to be admitted to an Audience,
Appointed them to attend at 4 aClock this Afternoon in Council, and they attending Accordingly were
introduced with the Interpreter.
The Governor told them he was very glad to see them. That he was now Met in Council and
ready to hear what they had to say
Whereupon Canadagaia their Speaker Addressing himself to his Honour spoke as follow.
BROTHER
We are here this Day by Gods will and your Honours Order to which place you have led us
as it were by the hand. This is our Old Meeting place, Where if we have any Grievances We can lay
them Open. You are lately come to the Administration and we are glad to see you to lay our
Complaints before you. We take it very kind you have given us this Opportunity to unfold our
minds and will now proceed to declare our Grievances.
BROTHER
We shall now open our Minds, And we beg you will take time to consider what we shall
say and not give us too heasty an Answer or in two or three Words, and then turn your back upon
us. As you are a New Governor We beg you will treat us tenderly and not as the former Governor
did, who turned his Back upon us before we knew he intended to depart, so that We had no Opportunity to finish our Business with him. The reason we desire you would Treat us in this Tender
manner, is because this is the place where we are to expect a Redress of our Grievances and we hope
all things will be so Settled that we may part good Friends.
BROTHER
We told you a little while ago that we had an Uneasiness on our minds and we shall now
tell you what it is. It is Concerning our land. We understand that there are Writings for all our Lands
so that we shall have none left but the very Spot we live upon, and hardly that. We have examined
amongst the Elderly People who are now present if they have sold any of it, who deny that they
ever have. And we earnestly desire you will take this into Consideration, which will give us great
Satisfaction, and convince us that you have a Friendship for as. We dont complain of those who have
honestly Bought the Land, they possess, or those to whom we have given any but to some who have
taken more than we have given them. We find we arevery poor We thought we had yet Land
round about us, but it is said there are writings for it all. It is one Condition of the Ancient Covenant Chain, that if there be any uneasiness on either side or any Request to be made, that they
shall be considered with a Brotherly regard. And we hope you wiil fulfill this Condition on your
side, as we shall always be ready to do on Ours. We have embraced this Opportunity of unbosoming
ourselves to You with regard to our Castle, and we are well assured that the other Castle of the
Mohawks have Complaints of the same Nature to make when they come down. We have now
declared our own Grievances and the Canajoharys will declare theirs, but that we shall leave to them.
By this Belt we desire you to consider what we have said, and by the same we inform you that the
Five Nations have Something to say to you before you speak to them      Gave a Belt




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                      335
The Governor said
You have now unbosomed Yourselves to me. And desire I would seriously consider of
what you have said and not give you a hasty Answer.
I will consider of it seriously and you shall always find me ready to redress any of your Grievances as
far as it may be in my Power. But your Complaints are General. I must therefore desire You to tell
me where those Lands lye and the Names of the Persons of whom you Complain
To which their Speaker answered.
BROTHER
We are told a large Tract of Land has been taken up called Kayadarosseras beginning at
the half Moon and so up along Hudsons River to the third Fall and thence to the Cacknawaga or
Canada Creek which is about 4 or 5 Miles above the Mohawks; Which upon enquiry among our Old
Men We cannot find was ever Sold; And as to the particular Persons many of them live in this town,
but there are so great a Number we cannot name them.
The Governor said,
I will send for some of the patentees or Persons Claiming that Land and hear what they
have to say and Consider the Matter and give you an Answer before you leave this place. It is agreeable
to justice to hear both parties before a Judgment is given. And to Manyfest my Friendship for you, I
will do you all the Justice in my power.
A true Copy Examd By Gw. Banyar Dy C. of the Council
At a Council held in the City of Albany
the 28 June 1754.
PREBENT
The Honoble James Delancey Esqr Lieut Governor &c.
Mr Murray
Collo Johnson
Mr Chambers
Mr Smith
His Honour being informed that the Cannajohary or the upper Castle of the Mohawk Indians, and
Several Sachems of each of the other five nations, attended without, and desired to speak to him, they
were introduced with the Interpreter.
Hendrick their Speaker spoke as follows.
BROTHER
We had a Message from you sometime ago to meet you at this Place Where the Fire
Burns; We of Conajohary met the Messenger you sent with a Letter, at Collo Johnsons and as soon
as we received it, came down running, And the 6 Nations are now here Compleat.
The Governor then said.
BRETHEREN of the Six Nations, you are Welcome; I take this Opportunity now you are altogether
to condole the Loss in the Death of your Friends and Relations, since you last met here, And with this
String of Wampum, I wipe away your Tears and take Sorrow from your Hearts, that you may open
your minds and speak freely                                       A String of Wampum.
Hendrick replyed.
BROTHER
We thank you for condoling our loss and for wiping away our Tears that we may speak freely:
And as we do not doubt but you have lost some of your great Men and Friends, We give you this
string of Condolence in return, that it may remove your Sorrow and that we may both speak freely.
Gave a String




336                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
Then Hendrick addressing himself to the Six Nations said, That last Year he attended Colo Johnson
to Onondaga to do Service to the King and their People. That Colo Johnson told them a new Governor was expected soon, and then they would have an Opportunity of seeing him at Albany, and
laying their grievances before him. That the new Governor arrived soon after and Scarcely had they
heard of his arrival but they had an account of his Death. And that now he was glad to see his
Honour to whom he would declare his Greviances, And then proceeded.
BROTHER
We thought you would wonder why we of Canajohary staid so long. We shall now give you the
reason. Last Summer We of Connajohary were down at New York to make our Complaints, And
we then thought the Covenant Chain was broken because we were neglected; And when you neglect
Business the French take Advantage of it, for they are never quiet.
It seemed to us that the Governor had turned his Back upon the Five Nations, as if they were no
more, Whereas the French are doing all in their Power to draw us over to them.
We told the Governor last Summer we blamed him for the Neglect of the Five Nations, and at the
same time we told him, The French were drawing the Five Nations away to Osweegachie, owing to that
Neglect which might have been prevented if proper use had been made of that Warning, but now we
are Affraid it is to late. We Remember how it was in former times when we were a Strong and
powerful People. Colo Schuyler used frequently to come amongst us, and by this Meanes we were kept
together.
BROTHER
We the Mohawks are in very difficult Circumstances and are blamed for things behind our
Backs which we dont deserve. Last Summer when we went up with Colo Johnson to Onondaga and
he made his Speech to the 5 Nations, the five Nations said they liked the Speech very well, but that
the Mohawks had made it. We are looked upon by the other Nations as Colo Johnson's Councellors and Supposed to hear all News from him, which is not the Case, for Colo Johnson does not
receive from or impart much news to us. This is our Reason for Staying behind, for if we bad came
first, the other Nations would have said that we made the Governor's Speech, and therefore tho' we
were resolved to come, we intended the other Nations should go before us that they might hear the
Governors Speech, which we could hear Afterwards.
There are some of our People who have large open Ears and talk a little broken English and Dutch
so that they sometimes hear what is said by the CLristian Settlers near them; And by this means we came
to understand that we are looked upon to be a proud Nation and therefore stayed behind. Tis true,
and known we are so, And that we the Mohawks are the head of all the other Nations, here they are
and the must own it. But it was not out of pride We Connojoharye staied behind-but for the
Reason we have already given.
His Honour answered,
BRETHEREN OF CONNAJOHARY
You have now told me the reason why you staid behind, because you would not be blaimed
by the other Nations as you have been before. I am Satisfied with what you say that your staying
behind did not proceed from pride.
You tell me you have large open Ears and that some of You understand a little of the Language
of the Settlers about you, But I must caution you not to hearken to common Reports, neither of us or
your Bretheren of the other Nations. I desire that we may all speak freely and open our Hearts to
each other and so remove any Jealousies from amongst us.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       337
I hope that at another Interview you will all be more punctual and keep as near as you can to the
time appointed.  You are sensible it must be very inconvenient to me and the Commissioners from the
other Governments to be detained so long in this Place at so great a distance from our homes.
a true Copy Examined
by Gw. Banyar D C of ye C1
A Motion was made that * Committee should be appointed to draw up a Representation of the
present state of the Colonies. Which was agreed to, and that the Gentlemen who were appointed to
prepare & receive Plans or Schemes for the Union of the Colonies the 24 ulto should be a Committee
for this purpose.
The Plan for an Union of the Colonies was debated, but the Board came to no resolves upon it.
Adjourned to Nine oClock to morrow morning
At a Meeting in the Court House at Albany
on Tuesday the 2d July 1754 A M.
PRESENT
All the Commissioners from Massachusets Bay, New Hampshire, Connecticut,
Rhode Island, Pensylvania, and Maryland.
After debates held on the Plan of an Union, it was moved
If they Board should proceed to form the plan of Union of the Colonies to be established by an
Act of Parliament.
Whereupon it was moved to put the previous Question-which passed in the Negative.
The Question was then put whether the Board should proceed to form the Plan of a Union of the
Colonies to be established by an act of parliament-which passed in the Affirmative.
Adjourned to 3 aClock in the Afternoon.
At a meeting as aforesaid on Tuesday
the 2d July 1754. P. M.
PRESENT
The Lieut Governor, & the four Gentlemn of the Council of New York and all the Commissioners from the Several Governmts above mentioned.
The answer of the Six Nations to the General Speech made to them on Saturday last by his Honour
the Lieut Governor of New York in his Majesties name and in the presence and behalf of the Several
Governments on the Continent therein named was Read and is as follows.
Abraham a Sachem of the upper Castle of the Mohawks rose up and said.
BRETHEREN
You the Governor of New York and the Commissioners of the other Governments, are you
ready to hear us.
They Governor replyed, they were all ready.
Then Hendrick Brother to the said Abraham and a Sachem of the said Castle, rose up, and spoke
in behalf of the Six Nations as follows.
BRETHEREN
Just now you told us you were ready to hear us, hearken to me Brother Corlaer and Brothers
of the other Governments.
Saturday last you told us that you came here by order of the Great King our Common Father,
and in his name to renew the Antient Chain of Friendship, between this and the other Governments
on the Continent and us the Six united Nations; and you said also that there were then present
VOL. II.                                43




338                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
Commissioners from Massachusetts Bay, New Hampshire, Connecticut Rhode Island, Pensylvania,
and Maryland: and that Virginia and Carolina desired to be considered also as present.
We rejoyce that by the Kings Orders We are all met here this day, and are glad to see each other
Face to Face. We are very thankfull for the same and we look upon the Governors of South Carolina
and Virginia as also present.                                           (Gave a Belt)
BRETHREN
We thank you in the most hearty manner for your Condolence to us, We also condole
all your Friends and Relations who have died since our last meeting here.
(Gave 3 Strings of Wampum)
BRETHEREN (holding the Chain Belt given by his Honour and the several Governments in his hand.)
We return you all our Gratefull acknowledgements for renewing and brightening the Covenant Chain.
this Chain Belt is of very great Importance to our united Nations and all our Allies, We will therefore
take it to Onondaga where our Council Fire always Burns and keep it so securely that neither
thunder nor Lightening shall break it. There we will consult over it, And as we have lately added
two links to it so we will use our Endeavours to add as many links more to it as lies in our power;
And we' hope when we Shew you this Belt again, we shall give you reason to rejoice at it, by your
seeing the Vacancies in it filled up, (referring to his Honours explanation of it in the General Speech)
in the mean time we desire that you will strengthen yourselves and bring as many into this Covenant
Chain as you possibly can.
We do now Solemnly renew and Brighten the Covenant Chain with our Bretheren here present and
all our other absent bretheren on the Continent.
BRETHEREN
As to the accounts you have heard of our living dispersed from each other it is very true.
We have several times endeavoured to draw off those our Bretheren who are Settled at Oswegatie but in vain, for the Governor of Canada is like a wicked deluding Spirit. however as you desire,
we shall persist in.our Endeavours.
You have asked us the Reason of our living in this dispersed manner-the reason is, your neglecting
us for these three years past, (then taking a Stick and throwing it behind his Back) you have thus
thrown us behind your back, and disregarded us, Whereas the French are a subtile and Vigilent
People, ever using their utmost Endeavours to seduce and bring our People over to them.
(Gave a Belt)
BRETHEREN
As to the Incroachments of the French and what you have said to us on that Article in the
behalf of the King our Father. As these matters were laid before us as of great Importance, so we
have made a Strict Enquiry amongst all our People if any of them have either sold or given the French
leave to Build the Forts you mention and we cannot find that either any Sale has been made, or leave
has been given, but the French have gone thither without our Consent or Approbation nor ever mentioned it to us.
BRETHEREN
The Governor of Virginia and the Governor of Canada are both Quarrelling about lands
which belong to us. And such a Quarrel as this may end in our destruction. They fight who shall have
the Land. The Governors of Virginia and Pensylvania have made paths thro our Country to Trade
and Build Houses without acquainting us with it, they should first have asked our Consent to build
there as was done when Oswego was Built                                (Gave a Belt)




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                      339
BRETHEREN
It is very true as you told us that the Clouds hang heavy over us, and tis not very pleasant
to look up, but we give you this Belt (giving a Belt) to clear away all Clouds, that we may all live in
bright sunshine and keep together in strict union and Friendship, then we shall become strong and
nothing can hurt us.
BRETHEREN
This is the Antient place of Treaty where the Fire of Friendship always used to Burn,
And'tis now three Years since we have been called to any publick Treaty here. Tis true there are
Commissioners here, but they have never invited us to Smoak with them (by which they mean the
Commissioners had never invited them to any conference)  But the Indians of Canada come frequently and smoak here which is for the sake of their Beaver but we hate them (meaning the French
Indians) We have not as yet confirmed the Peace with them. Tis your fault Bretheren that we are
not Strengthened by Conquest, for we would have gone and taken Crown point, but you hindered us,
We had concluded to go and take it, but we were told it was too late and that the Ice would not bear
us. Instead of this you burnt your own Fort at Saraghtoga and run away from it, which was a
Shame and a Scandall to you. Look about your Country and see, you have no Fortifications about you
no not even to this City, tis but one step from Canada hither and the French may easily com and turn
you out of your Doors.
BRETHEREN You desired us to speak from the bottom of our Hearts and we shall do it, Look
about you and see all these Houses full of Beaver and the Money is all gone to Canada, likewise Powder,
Lead and'Guns which the French now makes use of at Ohio.
BRETHREN
The Goods which go from hence to Oswego, go from thence to Ohio, which further enables
the French to carry on their designs at the Ohio.
BRETHEREN YOU were desirous that we should open our minds and our hearts to you. Look at the
French, they are Men, they are fortifying every where —but we are ashamed to say it, you are all
like Woman bare and Open without any Fortifications.
Here Hendrick ended his Speech, his
Brother Abraham then rose up and said.
BRETHEREN
We would let you know what was our desire three Years ago when Colo Johnson laid
down the Management of Indian Affairs, which gave us great uneasiness. the Governor then told
us it was not in his power to continue him, but that he would consult with the Council at New Yorkthat he was going over to England and promised to recommend our desire, that Colo Johnson should
have the Management of Indian Affairs to the King, that the New Governor might have power to
reinstate him.
We long ewaited in Expectation of this being done, but hearing no more of it, We Embrace this Opportunity of laying this Belt (and gave a Belt) before all our Brethren here present, and desire them that
Collo Johnson may be reinstated and have the management of Indian Affairs, for we all lived happy
whilst they were under his Management, for we love him and he us, and he has always been our good
and trusty Friend
BRETHEREN
I forgot Something, We think our Request about Collo Johnson which Governor Clinton promised
to carry to the King our Father is drowned in the Sea. The Fire here is burnt out, And (turning his
Face to the New York Commissioners of Indian Affairs at Albany who were there present) desired
them to take notice of what he said,




340                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
Which Answet from the Indians was debated Paragraph by Paragraph, and those Gentlemen hno
were Appointed a Committee to prepare a General Speech the 19 Ulto were now appointed to draw
up a Reply.                             Adjourned till to Morrow Morning at 9 aClock.
At a Meeting in the Court House at Albany
on Wednesday the 3d July 1754. A. M.
PRESENT
John Chambers & William Smith Esqra of the Council of New York
Samuel Welles, John Chandlor and Oliver Partridge Esqrs
Commissioners from Massachusetts Bay.
Theodore Atkinson, and Richard Wibird Esqrs
Commissioners from New Hampshire
The Commissioners from Connecticutt
Martin Howard Junr Esqr a Commissioner from Rhode Island
All the Commissioners from Pennsylvania
Benja Tasker Junr Esqr one of the Commissioners from Maryland
A draught of the Reply proposed to be made to the Speech of the 6 nations of the 1st. Inst, which
the Committee appointed yesterday afternoon had drawn up, was Read.
Mr. Chambers desired to carry it to his Honour the Lieut. Governor for his Opinion-which was
agreed to.
Took their seats at the Board.
His Honour the Lieutenant Governor
Joseph Murray and William Johnson Esqrs. of the Council of New York
Thomas Hutchinson & John Worthington Esqrs. Commissioners for Massachusetts Bay.
Meschech Weare & Henry Sherbourne Esqrs. Commissrs. for New Hampshire
Stephen Hopkins Esqr. one of the Commissioners from Rhode Island
Abraham Barnes Esqr. one of the Commissionersfrom Maryland.
His Honour laid before the Board certain matters which he proposed to be inserted in the Reply to
be made to the 6 nations which together with the Draught from the Committee was read & Debated
The Commissioners from Pensylvania also laid before the Board an addition in behalf of their
Province and proposed it to be added to the Reply-The Commissioners from Massachusets, New Hampshire and Connecticut proposed also some additions.
These several Draughts being read and considered, the following Reply to the Six nations was agreed
upon by the Board.
BRETHREN
It gives us great pleasure to see you so ready to renew and brighten the Antient Chain of
Friendship; We wish the farther extention of it, and shall not fail joining our utmost endeavours
for that purpose.
BRETHEREN
We are very sorry that any neglect has been shewn to you, and we hope that nothing of that
kind will happen hereafter, or any misunderstanding arise between you and any of his Majesties Governments. You are our Old and steady Friends. We assure you not one thought hav ever come
into our minds of rejecting you;-Our Hearts have ever been warm towards you, and we now gladly
meet and open our hearts to you. The Covenant is renewed, the Chain is Brightened, The Fire
burns Clear, and we hope all things will be pleasant on both sides for the future.  A Belt




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        341
BRETHEREN
We gladly understand you gave no countenance to the French who went to Ohio and have
entered on your Lands, they are always your and our open or Secret Enemies; you did put this
Land under the King our Father, he is now taking care to preserve it for you; for this end among
others he has directed to meet you here, for although the Land is under the Kings Government, yet the
property or power of~ selling it to any of his Majesties Subjects having authority from him we
always consider as vested in you.
BRETHEREN
You say that the Governors of Virginia and Canada are fighting about Lands belonging to
you, and that the Governors of Virginia and Pensylvania have opened new Roads and Built
Houses at Ohio
What you say is a great surprise to us, we all know that for 5 years past, in the Face of all the Six
nations, in open Day light, the French have been marching Troops into that country which we ever
did and do still acknowledge to belong to you, tho" within Your Father the King of Great Britains
Dominions, and under his Protection, and the French did publish every where their designs to Build
Forts and drive away the English Traders: and they did carry them into Execution, by seizing the
Traders and did last year actually build two Forts in that Country.
But we never heard Notwithstanding these open Hostalities of the French, that ever Virginia or
Pensylvania sent one Soldier or Built one House for their or your Protection, till this present year.
It is fortunate that Mr. Weiser who transacts the publick business of Virginia and Pensylvania with
your nations, and is one of your Council and knows these matters well, is now present. Hear the
account he gives and that will set this matter in a true light.
Mr. Weiser was to say as follows.
C BRETHREN
The Road to Ohio is no new Road, it is an Old and frequented Road. The Shawanese
and Delawares removed thither above thirty years ago from Pensylvania, ever since which that road
has been travelled by our Traders at their Invitation, and always with safety, untill within these
few Years that the French with their usual faithlessness sent armies there, threatened the Indians and
obstructed our Trade with them.
The Governor of Virginia observing these Hostilities in time of full peace sent his Majesty an
account of them. His Majesty was pleased to order his Governor to hold an Interview with the Six
nations to consult measures with them how to put a stop to these French Proceedings, equally
injurious to them as to his subjects; and that they might better know them, it was thought the interview might best be held at some place near the Country where these Hostile proceedings were carried
on. His Majesty likewise ordered a present to the Six nations as a farther token of his affection for
them. Accordingly Mr. Weiser in 1750 was sent to Onondaga by the Governor of Virginia and invited
the Indians to come and treat at Fredericksburgh in that Province, and receive the Kings present, but
could not prevail. The Governor of Virginia finding the French still continuing their Hostilities
sent Commissioners in 1751 to the Indians at Oh o and delivered then the Kings present, and by a
Belt of wampum proposed, that a strong House might be built near the Mouith of Mohongakela for
their mutual protection. The Indians made answer, that they were well pleased with the proposal
and would send that Belt to Onondaga, and join one of their own to it. Nothing was heard of this
Belt; and the last year the French invaded the country of Ohio with a strong hand, whereupon the
Indians residing there your Flesh and Blood, sent repeated messages to tahe Governor of Virginia, to
send his Young Men to their assistance. But he being a Person of great forethought and prudence,
still forebore to do it; and instead thereof sent two Messages by Mr. Andrew Montour to Onondaga,




342                       MAUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
for your advice how to act. It happened that no Council could be Called at either time. The Chiefs
of Onondaga desired Mr. Montour to tell their Brother the Governor of Virginia, to act cautiously
and let the French strike the first blow.
The French then coming nearer and nearer Tanacharisson (otherwise called the half King) was
sent to them by the united nations at Ohio together with the Shawanese & Delawares, to forewarn
them off their Land. In the mean time other Chiefs of these several nations came to Virginia and
Pensylvania, and told us what they had agreed upon in Council; to wit, that they (the rest of their
Chiefs,) should come to us and desire us to call our people from over the Allegheny Hills, to prevent
Bloodshed between the English and French. But when these Indians returned, and found that the
French paid no regard to their warning, but told them possitively that if they opposed their taking
possession of that country, they would cut them off. They sent repeated Messages to the Govrs. of
Pensylvania and Virginia to apprize them of their the Indians imediate danger, telling them they
would find nothing but the ashes of their Houses and their Bones if they did not forthwith send
warriors and build them a House to fly to. Having a late Example before their Eyes, in that the
French had fallen upon their Bretheren the Twightwees on a sudden, and killed them in their Houses
as well is some English who were then trading with them.
On this Melancholy Account the Governor of Virginia agreeable to the request of the Indians, sent
people to Build a House at the Mouth of the Mohongahila, but before they had finished it, the French
came down the River with a thousand Men and Eighteen Cannon and told the people who were
building it, and were but Forty four in Number, that they must either fight or give up possession,
which last they were obliged to do on Account of the Superior Force of the French.
BRBETHEREN
This is the truth which we have thought proper to relate so particularly, that the prudent
and Cautious Conduct of Virginia might be known to the Six Nations. As to pensylvania they have
never sent a Warrior or built a Fort at Ohio. This Belt is given to confirm what is said and that you
May remember what has been now related to you."                               A Belt
here Mr Weiser's relation ends.
BRETHEREN
You tell us we are open and defenceless. We are consulting how far it will be necessary
to Fortifye our Frontiers. At the same time we expeqt you take care to keep your people from
going over to the French.
We are able when united with You to resist any force the French and their allies can bring against us.
The following Paragraphs were to be spoken by the Govr of New York in his own NameBRETHEREN
You have told me, that this is the place of Treaty, that tis now three years ago since you
were asked to smoak a pipe here That there are Commissioners, but they have never invited you to
Smoak with them.
It was their Duty on their Appointment to acquaint you with it and to invite you to smoak with
them and to rekindle the Fire which was then almost extinguished, and if they had done it earlier
and before I sent them Directions it would have been very agreeable to me.
BRETHEREN
You say the Houses here are full of Beaver This is a trading place and the Merchants have
a right to Traffick for Beaver, or other Skins, which they sometimes pay for in Goods and sometimes
in money. But as to what you say about Guns, and powder being sold to the French: I have made
all the Enquiry I could into this matter and am Assured you are misinformed, for that neither Guns nor
Powder are sold by any persons here to the French.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        343
BRETHEREN
You tell me that whilst Collo Johnson had the Management ot Indian Affairs you all lived
Happy; that you loved him and he you, and that he has always been your good and trusty Friend.
I am very sensible you had good reason to look upon him in this Light, and fully convinced that he is
still your Friend. But as this is the place where the Antient Fire was kindled which was nearly burnt
out, and as Collo Johnson for some Reason declined the management of Indian Affairs, it was thought
proper to rekindle the Fire here by appointing Commissioners, whom I shall direct to receive and consult
with you, upon all Business that may concern our Mutual Interests, and I expect that you will for the
future, apply to them according to the Custom of Your forefathers, to tell you News, and in return to
receive from them what shall be thought necessary to be imparted to You. And I will give them directions
that they treat you with the-Affection due to you as Bretheren. I will make tryall of them another
year and if you do not meet with the kind Treatment you have aright to expect, complain to this Government and effectual Measures shall be taken for your Satisfaction.      Gave a Belt
The following was to be spoke by Mr Kellogg Interpreter from Massachusetts Bay.
BRETHEREN
We have agreed to tell all News and take Council together. We cannot part till we have
told you the News from New England tho' at a considerable distance from you. The French have the
same bad designs there as well as at Ohio; They are very fond to get Kennybeck River, We have
News of their beginning a Fort at the head of that river; A priest of theirs has built a House a great
way down that River; Governor Shirley has raised 800 Men and is gone down to drive them away
and to Build an English Fort at the head or far up the said River Kennybec-We have News also
that the French are building a Fort up Connecticut River Northward of Cowass; The Governor of
New Hampshire has now sent a Company of Men up that River to enquire into that Fact, and if true
to drive them imediately off.  In another part of the Government of New Hampshire a Number
of the St Franciss Indians have lately taken a family consisting of a Man and his Wife and three
Children and carried them into Captivity from an out Settlement on Merrismack River, and this contrary
to their solemn Engagement at a Treaty held with them.
We have also News that a Number of Indians had Murdered Twenty one English Fishermen at
Canso and had carried their Scalps to Cape Britton where they were well received and tis said rewarded.
The Board then Adjourned till to Morrow Morning at 9 a Clock.
At a Meeting in the Court house at
Albany on Thursday the 4 July 1754. A. M.
PRESENT
The four Gentlemen of the Council of New York, and
All the Commissioners for the Several Governments.
The plan for a Union of the Colonies was Debated, but nothing finally determined on.
Adjourned to 3 oclock this afternoon.
At a Meeting as above Thursday
the 4, July 1754. P. M.
PRESENT
All the Commissioners for the several Governments.
The plan for a Union was further considered but no resolves made thereupon.
The Board receiving a Message from his Honour the Lieut. Governor of New York that the
Indians were seated in order to speak to his Honour and the Commissioners.
The Board adjourned to 9 o'clock to Morrow Morning and waited upon the Governor.




344                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
At a meeting in the Court House at
Albany on Fryday the 5 July 1754 A. M.
PRESENT
All the Commissioners from the Several Governments
The Rejoinder of the Six nations spoke yesterday afternoon was read to the Board and was
ordered to be minuted as follows,
(The following speech is chiefly a Rejoinder to the
Reply made to the Six nations on the 3d. Inst)
BROTHER of New York and
BRETHEREN of the Several Governments.
We on our side are equally as much rejoiced as you have expressed yourselves
on the renewing and brightening the Antient Covenant chain between all his Majesties Governments
on the Continent and us of the Six united Nations.
As to what the Governor of New York told' us Yesterday relating to the Commissioners of
Indian Affairs at Albany-We are much obliged to him for his promise to direct them to take
due Notice of us for the future-That he will try them for one year longer, and for giving us leave
to acquaint this Government, if they do not treat us as Bretheren
BRETHEREN We have told the Governor of New York how Collo Johnson has beheaved to us and
our Opinion of him, And the danger we thought ourselves in by his leaving off the Management of
Indian Affairs-if he fail us we die-however we agree to what the Governor has proposed to us
-he is Master of all to do what he pleases, And we Submit the whole affair to him.
(Gave a Belt)
BRETHEREN
We are very thankfull to the King our Father for ordering Commissioners from so many
Governments to meet here, in order to ernquire into all matters relating to us and to put every thing
upon a right footing. We rejoice that we have opened our Hearts to each other and we return the
Governor and all the Commissioners from the several Governments our thanks for the same.
BRETHEREN
Sometime ago the King our Father sent a present to the Governor of Virginia, who sent
a Messenger to the Six Nations that we should come down to Virginia and receive it, but we could
not come; We have since been informed that the present was sent to Ohio. (the Speaker then proceeded to repeat the Substance of what was said to them Yesterday on the part of the Governmts of
Virginia and Pensylvania by their Interpreter Mr Weiser.)
We allow that the Road from Pensylvania to Ohio is no new Road but has been travelled these 30
years by the Traders
We thank the Governor of Virginia for assisting the Indians at Ohio who are our Relations and
Allies, And we approve of the Governor of Pensylvania's not having hitherto intermeddled in this
affair. He is a wise and prudent man and will know his own time.
We return the Governor of New York and all the other Governments our most hearty thanks
(here the Speaker made bows to his Honor and all the Commissioners) for the promise of protection
given us of our Lands and the Acknowledgment that the right of selling it is in us. (Gave a Belt)
BRETHEREN
We put you in mind in our former Speech of the defenceless state of your Frontiers particularly of this City, of Schenectady and of the Country of the Five Nations.
You told us Yesterday you were consulting about securing both yourselves and us-We beg you
will resolve upon something Speedily-You are not safe from danger one day-The French have




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        345
their Hatchet in their hands both at Ohio and in two places in New England-We dont know but this
very Night they may attack us. One of the principal reasons why we desire you will be speedy in
these matters is, that since Collo Johnson has been in this City, there has been a French Indian at his
House, who took measure of the Wall round it, and made very narrow Observations on every
thing there abouts.  We think (Collo Johnson) in very great danger, because the French will take
more than Ordinary pains either to kill him or take him prisoner, upon Account of his great Interest
among us, and being also one of the Five Nations (Collo Johnson is one of their Sachems.) Upon this
they give 4 Strings of Wampum.
The Board then proceeded to consider the Plan for a Union but did not go thro' with it.
Adjourned to 9 oClock to Morrow Morning.
The Board having ordered the foregoing Rejoinder of the Six Nations to be only so far recorded
in their proceedings, the remainder of their rejoinder is supplyed as follows, from the Records of Indian
Affairs; that these proceedings of the Congress may compleat all that passed at the publick Conference
with the Indians.
BRETHEREN
There is an Affair about which our Hearts tremble and our minds are deeply concerned;
this is the Selling of Rum in our Castles. It destroys many both of our Old and Young peopleWe request of all the Governments here present, that it may be forbidden to carry any of it amongst
the Five Nations.
BRETHEREN   We are in great Fears about this Rum, it may cause Murder on both sides. We
dont want it to be forbid to be Sold us in Albany, but that none may be brought to our Castiles.
The Cayougas now declare in their own name,that they will not allow any Rum to be brought up
their River, and those who do must take the Consequences.
BRETHEREN   We the Mohawks of both Castles have also one request to make, which is that the people who are settled round about us, may not be Suffered to sell our People Rum; it keeps them all poor,
makes them Idle and Wicked, and if they have any Money or Goods they lay it all out in Rum, it
destroys Virtue and the progress of Religion amongst us. (the lower Castle of the Mohawks have a Chapel
and an English Missionary belonging to it) We have a friendly request to make to the Governor and all
the Commissioners here present- that they will help us to Build a Church at Cannojohery and
that we may have a Bell in it, which together with the putting a stop to the Selling of Rum, will tend
to make us Religious and lead better lives than we do now
BRETHEREN
We have now fully opened our hearts to you, except about the Land belonging to the
Connojohery's which carried us to go down to New York last Year. The Governor knows what our
Complaint is, and we now desire to know when that affair will be settled, as it was promised that Satisfaction should be given us on that Article.
Here Hendrick ended his Speech.
Mr Penn one of the Commissioners from Pensylvania declared that himself in Conjunction with the
other Commissioners of that Government were about purchasing from the Six Nations a Tract of Land
within the Boundaries of the said Government below the Latitude 42-and the Indians also then published their Intention of making the said Sale at the Commissioners Lodgings. The Governor spoke
to the Indians and told them.
That as to what they had said about Rum, he would give them an answer to morrow Morning, that
he had received a present for them from the King their Father, and another from thisGovernment which
he would give to them to Morrow Morning, when he would also give them an answer to those other
particulars which require one. As I have given you Satisfaction with respect to one of your Complaints
VOL. II.                                44




346                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
about your Lands and that you have consented that an Enquiry into any other shall be deferred untill
I arrive at New York, I shall not now say any thing further to you on that affair.
Extracted from the Records of Indian Affairs        By       PETER WRAXALL Secretary
At a Meeting held in the Court House at Albany
on Saturday the 6 July 1754 A. M
PRESENT
All the Commissioners for Massachusetts Bay.
William Pitkin & } Esqrs Commissioners for Connecticut
Roger Wolcott
The Commissioners for Rhode Island.
John Penn, Isaac Norris  Esqrs Commissioners for Pensylvania
& Benja Franklin.....
The Commissioners for Maryland.
His Honour the Lieut Governor sent to the Board the Speech he proposes to make to the River
Indians which the Board agreed to with a small addition which was sent in writing to his Honour.
The Board having been informed by Mr Peters "( That the Licut Governor of New York sent for
him last night and told him  his Provisions were expended and he could no longer maintain the
( Indians and Expected the Commissioners would maintain them, and gave him the List of what had
" been allowed p Day to the Five Nations exclusive of the River Indians."
The Board hereupon Resolved.
That they would take the charge of supporting the Indians upon themselves.
Meseck Weare and Henry Sherbourne Esqru Commissioners from New Hampshire took their Seats.
The Committee appointed the 1t Inst. to draw up a Representation of the present State of the Colonies
with relation to the French, delivered the same to the Board, which was read and ordered to lye upon the
Table for the Consideration of the Commissioners.
The Secretary presented to the Board a Draught of the Speech which his honour proposed to deliver
to the Six Nations this Afternoon-And also the following Message from his Honour "That the
6< Board would please to send him any Alterations or Additions which they might think proper to be
A" made to the said draught —" That his honour intended when he made the Speech to read to them
the Act of the Genl Assembly of New York concerning the Sale of Rum to the Indians, And that
" he also recommended the request of the upper Castle of the Mohawks for a Chu:ch to the Board."
The Secretary also brought back his Honours Approbation to the small Addition proposed to be
made to the Speech intended to be made to River Indians, which Speech is as follows.
CC BRETHEREN
I have sent for you here to give you fresh Assureances of the Great King your Fathers
protection, and that we might with the Commissioners whom you now see Assembled from the Governments of Massachusetts Bay, New Hampshire, Connecticutt, Rhode Island, Pensylvania, and
Maryland, Strengthen and brighten the Covenant Chain.
We are glad to see you at this your old Meeting place and we do now in his Majesties name and
in behalf of all his Colonies renew the Antient Covenant Chain of Friendship, that it may be Stronger
and brighter than ever, which we recommend to you to preserve Clean and free from Rust, by a peaceable and Affectionate beheaviour to all your Bretheren and especially to those who live near you, and
you may then with Confidence rely on the favour of this and all his Majesties Governments.
As aproof of the King your Fathers tender regard to you I shall deliver you a present he has sent
over for you, consisting of such necessaries as you may want. And the Commissioners from each of the




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       347
Governments have contributed towards a present for you also, All which presents shall be here ready
for you in the Afternoon.
Elisha Williams Esqr a Commissr for Connecticutt took his Seat
On a motion made and Seconded That a message be sent to his Honour the Lieut Governor of New
York relateing to the answer he proposes to make to the Six Nations.; Mr Hutchinson and Mr Franklin
were appointed to prepare the same.
Theodore Atkinson &  Esqrs Commissioners for New Hampshire
Richard Wibird....
took their Seats as did also Richard Peters Esqr one of Commissrs for Pensylvania.
Mr Hutchinson reported the following Message.
" May it please your Honour.
The Commissioners from the Several Governments now met at Albany, observe that in the Speech
your honour proposes to make this day to the Indians of the Six Nations, and which you have caused
to be Communicated to the Board by their Secretary, no Notice is taken of the Complaints of the
said Indians relating to their Lands. The Complaint seems by the Letter from the Right Honoble the
Lords of Trade, which your Honour has laid before the board, to have been the Principal Occasion of
this unusual and expensive Meeting of Commissioners from so many Colonies, And it appears by the
last Answer from the Indians that their uneasiness still remains.
The Commissioners therefore think it incumbent on them to pray your Honour that they may be
acquainted with the Particulars of the Complaint, and that they may have an Opportunity of consulting
with your Honour proper Measures for removing the causes thereof."
Which was read and unanimously agreed to, and it was thereupon Ordered that Mr Welles and Mr
Pitkin wait upon his Honour the Lieut Governor of New Yorke with the same.
Adjourned to 3 oClock this Afternoon.
At a Meeting &c on Saturday the
6th July 1764. P.M.
PREyEWT
All the Commissioners from Massachusetts Bay
All the Commissioners from New HampShire
The Commissioners from Connecticutt
Stephen Hopkins Esqr one of the Commissioners from Rhode Island
Mr Welles reported to the Board, that he and Mr Pitkin had delivered the Message they were
appointed in the Morning to deliver to his Honour the Lieut Governor of New York.
The four Gentlemen of the Council of New York 
Martin Howard Junr Benja Franklin and      took their Seats.
Abraham Barnes EsqrS                   )
Mr Murray delivered at the Board, His Honour the Lieut Governor's Answer in writing to the
Message delivered to his Honour in the Morning by Mr Welles and Mr Pitkin which was read and
is as follows
GENTLEMEN
In answer to your Message to me of this Day I acquaint you, that Yesterday I had the
Sachems of the Connajohery Castle before me in Council, to conclude the matter in Controversey
between some Germans and one Teady Magin, relating to an Indian Purchase, that had occasioned the
greatest uneasiness among the Indians of that Castle, which after two Meetings was then formerly and
finally settled to the Satisfaction of all parties.




348                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
I then took Occasion to observe to them, that at their Meeting on the 2d Inst. I desired them to
open their Minds fully and that I expected they would then have laid all their Complaints before me.
That as to what they had mentioned in their public Speech on the 4th Inst. I was not acquainted with
any other particular Complaints, until I came to this place, being abroad on the Circuit at the time they
made them at New York, and then I promised as soon as I returned thither, I would look into them,
and do them all the Justice that lay in my Power, with which they declared themselves well Satisfied
and thanked me.                                                        JAMES DELANCEY
Albany 6th July 1754.
The Board being obliged to attend at the Interview of the Schaticook and River Indians.
Adjourned to Monday Morning at 9 aClock
At a Meeting in the Court House at Albany
on Monday the 8 July 1754. A. M,
PRESENT
William Johnson 
&           Esqrs Two of the Council of New York &
William Smith  )
All the Commissioners
The Speech proposed by his Honour to be made to the Indians of the Six Nations having been again
read to the Board, and the Complaint of the Indians relative to their Lands coming under their Consideration; The Board were Acquainted that Mr William Livingston and Mr William Alexander two of
the Heirs or Devisies of Philip Livingston Esqr deceased the Proprietor or Patentee of the Lands, on
which Canajohery Castle stands, had declared their Readiness to give up all rights to said Patent's
or such parts as shall be thought necessary.  It was ordered that sd Mr Livingston and Mr Alexander be
informed that the Board desired to Speak with them.
Mr Livingston and Mr Alexander being present informed the Board that their Father was one
among other Patentees of the Lands mentioned, That they were interested one eighth each of them in
their Fathers right. The Circumstances of his Title they had made no Enquiry into, but were ready
to make any Resignation which either Justice or the Publick Service required.
The Board being informed that his Honour the Lieut Governor desired a Gentleman from each Government might be appointed to be present with him in making Enquiry of the Indians of the Cannojohery Castle, how far they were satisfied respecting their Lands, Mr Peters,and Mr Howard were
appointed to wait on his honour and acquaint him that the Board agreed to the proposal. Accordingly
Mr Hutchinson was appointed for Massachusetts Bay
Colo Atkinson  "     "     for New Hampshire
Colo Wolcott  "      c     for Connecticut
Mr Hopkins    "      "     for Rhode Island
Mr Norris    "c      a     for Pensylvania
Colo Tasker    "     "     for Maryland
Joseph Murray and John Chambers EsqrS
of the Council of New York took their seats.
His Honours draught of the Speech he proposes to make to the 6 Nations which was delivered to the
Board the 6th Inst was read and after debate had thereon relative to the Sale of Rum amongst them,
and the Connojohary's desire about a Church, some Alterations and Additions to it were agreed to be
proposed to his Honour.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                      349
The Representation of the present stale of the Colonies was again read through, but no final Resolution thereon agreed to.
The Answer of the Scaakticook and River Indians to the speech made them the 6th Inst. were read
and are as follows.
The Speech of the Schaakticook Indians.
FATHER
We are glad that the Governor sees his Children now before him, We are small in Number but
next time we hope we shall be more.
Your Honour may see that we are but young and unexperienced our Antient people being almost all
Dead, so that we have no Body to give us any advice but we will do as our fathers have done
before us.                                                              Gave a Belt.
FATHER
This Belt came from our Forefathers and we will be true and faithful!, to the King as they
were.                                                                    Gave a Belt
They gave also to the Governor a small Bundle of Skins & desired that the Sale of Rum might be
Stopped at Schaackticook and that if they want it, they will come and buy it at Albany.
The Speech of the River Indians.
FATHERS.
We are greatly rejoiced to see you all here. It is by the Will of Heaven that we are met
here, and we thank you for this Opportunity of seeing you altogether as it is a long while since we
have had such a one
FATHERS. Who sit present here We will just give you a short relation of the long Friendship which
hath Subsisted between the white people of this Country and us. Our forefathers had a Castle on this
River, as one of them walked out he saw something on the River, but was at loss to know what it
was, he took it at first, for a great Fish, he ran into the Castle and gave Notice to the other Indians.
Two of our forefathers went to see what it was, and found it a Vessel with Men in it. They immediately joined hands with the People in the Vessell and became Friends. They white people told them
they should not come any further up the River at that time and said to them they would return back
from whence they came and come again in a Years time.  According to their promise they returned
back in a Years time and came as far up the River as where the Old Fort stood, Our forefathers
invited them a Shore and said to them, here we will give you a place, to make you a Town, it shall
be from this place up to such a Stream (meaning where the Patroons Mill now Stands) and from the
River back up to the Hill. Our Fore fathers told them tho' they were now a small People they
would in time Multiply and fill up the Land, they had given them. After they were a Shoar sometime,
Some other Indians who had not seen them before, loked feircely at them and Our Forefathers
observing it & seeing the white People so few in Number, lest they should be destroyed took and
Sheltered them under their Arms; but it turned out that those Indians did not desire to destroy them,
but wished also to have the said White People for their Friends At this time which we have now
spoken of, The white People were small, but we were very Numerous and strong. We defended
them in that low state, but now the Case is altered. You are Numerous and strong we are few and
Weak, Therefore we expect that you will Act by us in these Circumstances as we did by you in
those we have just now related.
We view you now as a very large Tree which has taken deep Root in the Ground, whose Branches
are spread very wide, We stand by the Body of this Tree and we look round to see if there be any
who endeavour to hurt it, And if it should so happen that any are powerful enough to destroy it we are
ready to fall with it.                                                   Gave a Belt




350                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
FATHERS
You see how early we made Friendship with You, We tied each other in a very strong Chain,
that Chain has not yet been broken, We now clean and rub that Chain to make it Brighter and stronger,
And we determine on our part that it never shall be broken, and we hope you will take care that
neither you or any one else shall break it, And We are greatly rejoiced that Peace and Friendship
have so long subsisted between us                                       Gave a Belt
FATHERS
dont think strange at what we are about to say, We would say something respecting our
Lands when the White People purchased from time to time of us, they said they only wanted to
purchase the low Lands, they told us the Hilly Land was good for nothing and that it was full of Wood
and Stones; But now We see People living all about the Hills and Woods altho' they have not purchased the Lands-When we enquire of the People who live on these Lands what right they have
to them, they reply to us, that we are not to be regarded, and that these Lands belong to the King,
but we were the first possessors of them, and when the King has paid us for them, then they may
say they are his. Hunting now is grown very Scarce and we are not like to get our livings that
way. Therefore we hope our Fathers will take care that We are paid for Our Lands that we may live.
Gave a Belt
Make a present of a bundle of Skins.
The Board then Adjourned to 3 o Clock this Afternoon.
At a Meeting &c Monday 8 July
1754. P. M.
PRESENT
All the Commissioners except Colo Atkinson, Mr Norris,
and the Commissioners for Maryland.
The Board proceeded in their Consideration upon the plan for a Union but did not go thro' with it.
The Speech proposed to be Inade to the 6 Nations was returned to the Board from his Honour with
the Alterations and Additions proposed by the Board this Morning.
ORDERED
That the said Speech lay upon the Table till some further matters relating to it be agreed
on by the Board.
The Committee Appointed in the Morning to be present with the Lieut Governor of New York at
a Conferrence with the Connojahery Indians returned f.-om the same and Reported as follows
That his Honour enquired of the Indians whether they had not expressed themselves Satisfied with
the Measures he had taken concerning their Lands and the Promise that he would enquire further
into the Affair when he came to New York.  To which they replyed.  That they were sensible
his Honour was at Albany when they made their Complaints at New York last Year -that he
had told them he had now left the Papers there, but would enquire into it when he came there
That they were willing to try one Year more and if matters were not made up by the Governor whom
they looked upon as their Elder Brother, but neglected as they used to be, they would send to all
their other Brothers (pointing to the Commissioners) for their Assistance-And that they agreed to this the
rather as there were French Indians in Town and they did not think it convenient to have any Difference
before them. Upon which his Honour again assured them he would enquire into their affairs in
order to their being Satisfied especially as he had the Kings orders for it.
The Board receiving a Message from his Honour that the Sachems of the Six Nations were
attending to be spoke to.
The Board adjourned to 9 oClock to Morrow Morning and waited upon the Governor.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       3561
At a Meeting in the Court House at Albany
on Tuesday the 9 July 1754. A. M.
PRESENT
Joseph Murray and William Smith Esqrs of the Council of New York
All the Commissioners Except Collo Partridge & Mr Hopkins
The public Conference between~ his Honour the Lieut Governor of New York and the Commissrs
from the Several Governments with the Sachems of the Six Nations Yesterday Evening was read and
ordered to be entered as follows.
BRETHEREN
You told me your Hearts were deeply concerned at the sad effects which may arise
from Selling Rum in your Respective Countries. I will give Orders, that the Laws already made for
preventing the Sale of this Liquor among you shall be Strictly put in Execution and whatever
further provision in the Law is necessary I will endeavour it shall be made, that you may see I take
care of your Health and your peace, which are hurt and disturbed by the use of this Liquor among
you of the Five upper Nations. And as to what you of the Mohawks have said, I shall consider how
far it may be necessary to restrain the people living round you from selling Rum, and if I can think
of a proper remedy for this evil, I will endeavor to apply it.
BRETHREN of the upper Castle of the Mohawks.
I am well pleased with your earnest request to have a Church Built amongst you, and I shall
do every thing in my power to promote so good a Work. And it is very agreeable to me and the
Commissioners from all the Governments present to find a Disposition in you to receive the Christian
Religion
BRETHEREN
As I have given you Satisfaction with respect to one of your Complaints about your Lands
which lay heavy on your minds, and have assured you that I shall endeavour to do you Justice, as to
the rest when I come to New York, I shall not say anything farther to you on that Affair now.
The Governor being informed by the Interpreter that they choose to have
the pouder divided on the Hill, told them it was in his Opinion better for them to
have it sent to Schenectady.
HENDRICK Answered for them, just as his Honour pleased, who told them, he would order the pouder
to Schenectady and the Rum above the Settlements, with which they expressed themselves Satisfied.
His HONOUR then said
I have now done speaking to You but before I cover up the Fire I must recommend it to
You to behave quietly and peaceably to all your Bretheren and their Castle in your return home.
Hendrick then Replyed
Your Honour told us you now covered up the Fire we are highly pleased that all things have
been so amicably Settled, and hope that all that has passed between us may be strictly observed on
both sides.
BRETHEREN of the Several Governments
We hope that you will not fail in the Covenant Chain wherewith we have mutually
bound ourselves, and now so solemnly renewed and Strengthened.
If we dont hold fast by this Chain of Friendship our Enemies will laugh at us to Scorn.
BRETHEREN
We wish you would All contribute to provide some Provision for us in our way home, which
will Effectually prevent our People from Killing the Inhabitants Cattle, And we desire you will




352                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
provide some Waggons for us to go to Schenectady. We think this Expence will fall to heavy upon
one Province as we have the Presents from all to carry up.
We beg we may all take care of the Tree of Friendship and preserve it by our Mutual Attention
from any Injuries; we will take care of it on our sides, and we hope our Bretheren will do so on theirs
We wish this Tree of Friendship may grow up to great heigth and then we shall be a powerful People.
BRETHEREN
We the united Nations shall rejoice in the Increase of our Strength, so that all other
Nations may stand in Awe of us.
BRETHEREN
I will just tell you what a People we were formerly, If any of our Enemies rose against
us, we had no Occasion to lift up our whole hand against them, for our little Finger was sufficient And
as we have now made so strong a Confederacy, if we are truly Earnest therein we may retrieve the
Antient Glory of the Five Nations.
BRETHEREN We have now done, but one word we must add, the Interpreter, if the French continue their Hostalities will want Assistance, Three or Four to be joined with him but this matter we
submit to the Governor. We have now fully finished all that we have to say.
THE GOVERNOR Replyed.
BRETHEREN
It gives me and all the Commissioners here present great Satisfaction, that this interviem
has concluded so Amicably on all sides. I have Ordered 30 Wagons to be provided for your
Service which I expect here to Morrow Morning, and I have Ordered Provisions for you, to serve
you on your Journey.
I hope by this present Union we shall grow up to a great heigth, and be as powerfull and Famous as
you were of Old.
As to the Interpreter when the Circumstances of this Country require it, he shall have the Necessary Assistance, And I Assure you in the Name of this Government and all the Governments here
present, that we shall endeavour to extend and preserve the Covenant Chain by every possible method
in our Power.
They asked his Honour when himself and the Commissioners proposed to return home.
His Honour answered, That they had some Matters yet to settle about the Union and then they should
set out for their respective Habitations.
The Governor then in his own name and that of the Commissioners, wished them a good Journey
and they returned the Compliment and then the Conferrences broke up.
The Answers of the Lieut Governor and the Commissioners to the Schaakticook and River Indians
was next read and ordered to be entered as follows.
The Answer to the Schaaktecook Indians.
CHILDREN
We condole with you on the loss of your Old and experienced People.   A String
CHILDREN
I and the Commissioners from the other Governmts here present are glad to see that Although
you are Young and unexperienced, yet you are willing to take advice, and are determined to remain
faithfull to the King and friendly to all his Subjects                      A Belt
Answer to the River Indians
CHILDREN
We are glad to find that you Treasure up in your Memories the mutual instances of Friendship between our ancestors and yours. The Remembrance of that Friendship will descend to our




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        353
posterity, and we desire you to hand it down to yours. And altho' there is a great alteration in Circumstances since our predecessors first came among you, yet we have not less affection for you than they
had.                                                                          A Belt.
CHILDREN
Your brightening and Strengthening the Covenant Chain is well pleasing to me and the
Commissioners. We acknowledge you have never broken it, We have likewise preserved it entire
and are determined to continue to do so.                                     A Belt.
CHILDREN
You complain that some of the People of this Province are in possession of your Lands
which you never sold. This is a Complaint which Affects Persons that live at a distance; I have
ordered notice to be given them of it, and if upon Enquiry into the affair, it shall appear that you
have been injured, I will endeavour to get you redressed. But I shall observe to you that the constant
method of granting Lands in this Province is and has been by Licence from the Governor to
purchase from the Indians; and upon the purchase being returned before him in Council, he with
their advice orders a Patent; and that most of these Lands concerning which you complain were
patented when you were Children, some before any of you were born
Ordered tnat the following Minute be made
That the last paragraph of the foregoing answer to the River Indians about the manner of patenting
Lands in this Province, beginning with the words, " I shall observe"- was an addition made by his
Honour to the draught sent him Yesterday by this Board.
Collo. Johnson Mr. Chambers  tk t     
Collo. Patridge & Mr. Hopkins took ther eats
The Plan of the union was Debated and agreed upon and Mr. Franklin was desired to make a Draught
of it as now concluded upon.
Adjourned to 5 oclock this Evening.
At a meeting &c on Tuesday
the 9 July 1754. P. M.
PRESENT
His Honour the Lieutenant Governor
The four Gentlemen of the Council of New York &
All the Commissioners Except Mr. Franklin absent by his appointment in the Morning.
The draught of the Representation &c was read and considered Paragraph by Paragraph, some
amendments made, and the whole was agreed to and ordered to be minuted as follows.
THAT his Majesties Title to the northern Continent of America appears to be founded on the Discovery thereof first made, and the Possession thereof first taken in 1497, under a Commission from
Henry the 7th. of England to Sebastian Cabot.
That the French have possessed themselves of several parts of this Continent which by Treaties
have been ceded and confirmed to them.
That the right of the English to the whole Sea Coast from Georgia on the South to the River
St. Lawrence on the north excepting the Island of Cape Breton, and the Islands on the Bay of St.
Lawrence, remains plain and indisputable.
That all the Lands or Countries westward from the Atlantick Ocean to -the South Sea, between 48
and 34 Degrees north Latitude were expressly included in the Grant of King James the I St, to divers
of his Subjects, so long since as the Year 1606, and afterwards confirmed in 1620-and under this
Grant the Colony of Virginia claims extent as far west as the South Sea, and the Antient Colonies
VOL. II.                                  47




354                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
of the Massachusetts Bay and Connecticutt were by their Respective Charters made to extend to the
said South Sea, so that not only the Right to the Sea Coast, but to all the Inland Countries from Sea
to Sea has at all times been asserted by the Crown of England.
That the Province of nova Scotia or Accadie hath known and Determinate Bounds by the Original
Grant from King James the 1st. and that there is abundant evidence of the Sense which the French
had of these Bounds while they were in Possession of it, and that these Bounds being thus known, the
said Province by the Treaty of Utrecht according to its antient Limits, was ceded to great Britain and
remained in Possession thereof until the Treaty of Aix la Chapelle, by which it was Confirmed;
but by said Treaty it is stipulated that the Bounds of the said Province shall be determined.by Commissarys &c.
That by the Treaty of Utrecht the Country of the Five Cantons of the Iroquois, is. expressly
acknowledged, to be under the Dominion of the Crown of Great Britain.
That the Lake Champlain formerly called Lake Iroquois and the Country Southward of it as far as
the Dutch or English settlements, the Lakes Ontario, Erie and all the Countries adjacent, have by
all Antient authors French and English been allowed to belong to the Five Cantons or nations, and
the whole of these Countries long before the said Treaty of Utrecht, were by said nations, put under
the protection of the Crown of Great Britain.
That by the Treaty of Utrecht, there is reserved to the French a liberty of Frequenting the Countries
of the five nations and other Indians in Friendship with Great Britain for the sake of Commerce,
as there is also to the English a Liberty of frequenting the Countries of those in Friendship with France
for the same purpose.
That after the Treaty of Utrecht the French built several fortresses in the Country of the Five
Nations, and a very strong one at a place called Crown point to the South of Lake Champlain.
That the French Court hath evidently since the Treaty of Aix le Chapelle, made this northern
Continent more than ever the object of its attention.
That the French have most unjustly taken possession of part of the province of nova Scotia and in
the River St. John's and other parts of the said province, they have built strong Fortresses, and from
this River they will have during the winter and spring Season a much easier Communication between
France and Canada, than they have heretofore had, and will be furnished with a Harbour more commodiously situated for the annoying the Brittish Colonies by Privateers and Men of war than Louisbergh
itself.
That they have taken possession of and begun a settlement at the head of the River Kennebeck
within the bounds of the Province of Main, the most convenient situation for affording support and
safe Retreat to the Eastern Indians in any of their attempts upon the Government of New England.
That it appears by Information of the natives, the French have been making preparations for another
settlement at a place called Cohass on Connecticut River near the head thereof, where it is about Ten
Miles distant from a Branch of Merrimack River & from whence there is a very near and easy Communication with the Abnekais Indians who are Settled on the River St. Francois, about Forty Miles
from the River St. Lawrence; and it is certain that the Inhabitants of New Hampshire in which
Province this Cohass is supposed to lye, have been interrupted and impeded by the French Indians
from making any settlement there.
That since the Treaty of Aix la Chapelle, the French have increased the number of their Forts in
the Country of the great Lakes and on the Rivers which run into.the Mississipa, and are securing a
Communication between the two Colonies of Louissania and Canada and at the same time putting themselves into a Capacity of annoying the Southern British Colonies and preventing any further Settlement
of his Majesties Dominions.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        655
That they have been gradually increasing their Troops in America, transporting them in their ships
of war which return to France with a Bare Compliment of Men, leaving the rest in their Colonies, and
by this means they are less observed by the Powers of Europe than they would be, if Transports as
usual heretofore were provided for this purpose.
That they have taken Prisoners, (livers of his Majesties subjects trading in the Country of the
Iroquois and other Inland parts, and plundered such Prisoners of several Thousand Pounds Sterling,
and they are continually exciteing the Indians to destroy or make Prisoners, The Inhabitants of the
Frontiers of the Brittish Colonies which Prisoners are carried to Canada and a price equal to what
Slaves are usually sold for in the Plantations is demanded for their Redemption and Release.
That they are continually drawing off the Indians from the British Interest and have lately persuaded one half the-Onondaga Tribe with many from the other Nations along with them, to remove to a
place called Oswegachie on the River Cadaraqui where they have built them a Church and Fort; and
many of the Sennecas the most numerous Nation, appear to be Wavering and rather inclined to the
French And it is a Melancholly Consideration that not more than 150 Men of all the Several Nations
have attended this Treaty altho' they had Notice that all the Governments would be here by their Commissioners and that a large present would be given.
That it is the evident design of the French to Surround the Brittish Colonies, to fortifie themselves
on the back thereof, to take and keep Possession of the Heads of all the important Rivers, to draw
over the Indians to their Interest and with the help of such Indians added to such Forces as are
already arrived and may hereafter be sent from Europe, to be in a Capacity of making a General
Attack on the Several Governments; and if at the same time a Strong Naval Force be sent from France,
there is the utmost Danger that the whole Continent will be Subjected to that Crown, and that the Danger
of such a Naval Force, is not merely imaginary, may be Argued from past Experience, for if it had
not been for the most Extraordinary Interposition of Heaven every Sea port Town on the Continent
in the Year 1746. might have been ravaged and destroyed by the Squadrun under the Command of the
Duke de Anville, notwithstanding the then declining state of the French and the very flourishing State
of the British Navy and the farther advantage accruing to the English from the possession of
Cape Breton.
* That the French find by experience they are able to make greater and more sure advantages upon
their Neighbours in peace than in War. What they unjustly possessed themselves of after the Peace
of Utrecht, they nowpretend they have a Right to hold by Virtue of the Treaty of Aix le Chapelle
until the true boundary between the English and the French be settled by Commissarys, but their
Conquest made during the War they have been obliged to restore.
That the French Affairs relative to this Continent, are under the Direction and constantly Regarded
by the Crown and Ministry, who are not insensible how great a Stride they would make towards
an universal Monarchy if the British Colonies were added to their Dominions, and consequently the
whole Trade of North America engrossed by them
That the said Colonies being in a divided disunited State there has never been any joint Exertion
of their Force or Counsels to Repel or defeat the Measures of the French, and particular Colonies are
unable and unwilling to maintain the cause of the whole. That there has been a very great Neglect
of the Affairs of the Iroquois, or as they are commonly called the Indians of the Six Nations, and
their Friendship and Alliance has been improved to private purposes, for the sake of the trade with
them and the purchase or Acquisition of their Lands, more than to the public Service.
That they are Supplied with Rum by the Traders in vast and almost Incredible Quantities, the Laws
of the Colonies now in force being insufficient to restrain the Supply, and the Indians of every Nation
are frequently Drunk and abused in their Trade, and their Affections thereby alienated from the




356                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
English; They often wound and Murder one another in their Liquor, and to avoid Revenge flee
to the French, and perhaps more have been lost by these means than by the French Artifices.
That purchases of Lands from the Indians by private persons for small Trifling Considerations have
been the cause of great uneasiness and discontents, And if the Indians are not in Fact imposed on
and injured, Yet they are apt to think that they have been, and indeed they appear not fit to be entrusted
at Large with the Sale of their own Lands, and the Laws of some of the Colonies, which makes
such Sales void, unless the allowance of the Government be first obtained, seem to be well founded.
That the granting or patenting vast Tracts of Land to private Persons or Companys without conditions of speedy Settlements has tended to prevent the Strengthening the Frontiers of the particular
Colony where such Tracts lye, and been predjudicial to the State.
That it seems absolutely necessary that speedy and effectual measures be taken to secure the Colonies
from the Slavery they are threatened with-That any further advances of the French should be prevented,
and the encroachments already made removed. That the Indians in Alliance or Friendship with the
English be constantly regarded under some wise Direction or Superintendency. That endeavours be
used for the recovery of those Indians who are lately gone over to the French and for securing those
that remain.
That some Discreet Person or Persons be appointed to reside constantly with each Nation of Indians,
such Person to have no concern in Tra4e, and duly to Communicate all advices to the Superintendents-Thatothe Trade with the said Indians be well regulated and made Subservient to the Public
Interest, more than to private gain-That there be Forts Built for the Security of each Nation and the
better Carrying on the Trade with them-That Warlike Vessels be provided sufficient to Maintain
his Majesties right to a free Navigation on the Several Lakes-That all future Purchases of Lands
from the Indians be void unless made by the Government where such Lands lye, and from the Indians
in a Body in their Public Councils-That the patentees or possessors of large unsettled Territories be
enjoined to cause them to be Settled in a Reasonable time on pain of forfeiture-That the Complaints
of the Indians relative to any Grants or possessions of their Lands fraudulently obtained be enquired
into, and all injuries redressed-That the Bounds of those Colonies which extend to the South Sea, be
contracted, and limitted by the Alleghenny or Apalachian Mountains, and that Measures be taken for
Settling from time to time, Colonies of his Majesties Protestant Subjects, Westward of said Mountains
in. Convenient Cantons to be Assigned for that Purpose, And finally that there be a Union of his
Majesties several Governments on the Continent, that so their Councils, Treasure and Strength may be
employed in due proportion against their common Enemy. All which is Submitted
Adjourned till 9 a Clock to Morrow Morning.
At a Meeting in the Court House at Albany
On Wednesday the 10th July 1754. A M.
PRESENT.
Joseph Murray and William Smith Esqrs of the Council of New York &
All the Commissioners (Except Henry Sherbourne Esqr one of the Commissioners for New
Hampshire.
Mr Franklin reported the Draught in a New Form of a Plan of a Union, agreeable to the Determination of Yesterday, which was Read Paragraph by Paragraph and Debated, And the further consideration of it deferred to the Afternoon.  Adjourned to 3 oClock this Afternoon.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       367
At a Meeting &c on Wednesday the 10 July 1754.   P. M.
PRESENT
His Honour the Lieutenant Governor. &
the 4 Gentlemen of the Council of New York. &
All the Commissrs for the Respective Governments.
The Consideration of the Plan of a Union was resumed, which Plan is as follows.
PLAN OF A PROPOSED UNION of the Several Colonies of Massachusetts Bay, NJew Hampshire,
Connecticut, Rhode Island, JVew York, JVcw Jerseys, Pensylvania, Maryland, Virginia,
JNorth Carolina, and  South-Carolina; for their mutual defence and Security, and
for extending the British Settlements in JNorth.America.
That Humble Application be made for an Act of the Parliament of Great Britain, by-Virtue of which
one General Government may be formed in America, including all the said Colonies, within and under
which Government each Colony may retain its present constitution, except in the particulars wherein
a Change may be directed by the said Act as hereafter follows.
Presidt Genl.  That the said General Government be administred by a President General, to be appointed
and supported by the Crown
Grand councilAnd a Grand Council to be Chosen by the Representatives of the People of the Several
Colonies, met in their respective Assemblies
Election of  That within    Months after the passing of such Act, The house of Representatives in
Assembies. the Several Assemblies that happen to be sitting within that time, or that shall be specially
for that purpose Convened, may and shall choose Members for the Grand Council, in the following Proportions; that is to say.
Massachusetts Bay.......................... 7
New Hampshire................................ 2
Connecticutt......................................    5
Rhode Island...................................... 2
New York............................ 4
New Jerseys...................................... 3
Pensylvania...................................... 6
Maryland......................................... 4
Virginia.......................................  7
North Carolina.......................4............. 4
South Carolina..........................      4
48
lace of firstWho shall meet for the first time at the City of Philadelphia in Pensylvania, being called by
eeting.  the President General as soon as conveniently may be after his Appointment
New Election. That there shall be a new Election of Members for the Grand Council every Three
Years; and on the Death or Resignation of any Member, his place shall be Supplyed by a new
Choice at the next Sitting of the Assembly of the Colony he represented.
Proortion of That after the first Three Yearbwhen the Proportion of Money arising out of each Colony
Members afterfirs 3  to the General Treasury can be known the Number of Members to be chosen for each Colony
shall from time to time in all ensuing Elections be regulated by that Proportion (Yet so as that the
Number to be chosen by any one Province, be not more than Seven nor less than two.)




358                         MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
Meetings of  That the Grand Council shall meet once in everyYear, and oftner if Occasion require,
Grand Council.     at such time and place as they, shall adjourn to, at the last preceeding Meeting, or as they
Call    shall be called to meet at by the President General on any Emergency, he having first
obtained in writing the consent of Seven of the Members to such Call, and sent due and timely notice
to the whole.
Speaker.   That the Grand Council have power to chuse their Speaker and shall neither be desolved,
continuance. prorogued, nor continue sitting longer than Six weeks at one time, without their own consent
or the Special Command of the Crown.
Members Al- That the Members of the Grand Council shall be allowed for their Service Ten Shillings
lowance.
Sterling p Diem during their Sessions, and Journey to and from the place of Meeting; Twenty Miles to
be reckoned a Days Journey.
Assent of  That the Assent of the President General be requisite to all Acts of the Grand Council;
President
HneDrau  and that it be his Office and -Duty to cause them  to be carried into Execution.
power of   That the President General with the Advice of the Grand Council, hold or direct all
arest and
Grand touncilIndian Treaties in whichthe General Interest or Wellfare of the Colonies may be concerned,
peace&war.and make peace or declare War with Indian Nations.
Indian Trade. That they make such Laws as they Judge Necessary for regulating all Indian Trade.
Indian Pur- That they make all Purchases from Indians for the Crown, of Lands now not within the
chases.
Bounds of particular Colonies, or that shall not be within their Bounds when some of them are reduced
to more Convenient Dimensions
New Settle- That th'ey make new Settlements on such purchases, by granting Lands in the Kings
Name reserving a quit Rent to the Crown for the use of the General Treasury.
Laws to gov- That they make Laws for regulating and Governing such new Settlements, till the Crown
ern them.
shall think fitt to form them into particular Governments.
cais Soldiers That they raise and pay Soldiers, and Build Forts for the defence, of any of the
Colonies, and Equip Vessells of Force to guard the Coasts and protect the Trade on the Ocean,
Lakes.   Lakes or Great Rivers: But they shall not Impress Men, in any Colony without the conNot to impress.   sent of its Legislature —That for these purposes they have power to make Laws and
power to  lay and leavy such general Duties, Imposts or Taxes as to them shall appear most equal and
make laws du-.
ties ca  just, Considering the Ability and other Circumstances of the Inhabitants in the several
Colonies and such as may be collected with the least Inconvenience to the People, rather discourging
Luxury, than loading Industry with unnecessary Burthens.
Treasurer. That they may appoint a General Treasurer, and a particular Treasurer in each Government
when necessary, and from to time may order the sums in the Treasuries of each Government into the
General Treasury, or draw on them for Special Payments as they find most convenient. Yet no money
Money how to issue but by joint orders of the President General and Grand Council, Except where sums
to issue.  have been appropriated to particular purposes, and the President General is previously
impowered by an act to draw for such sums.
Accounts. That the General accounts shall be yearly settled and reported to the several Assembly's.
Quorum.  That a Quorum of the Grand Council impowered to act with the President General, do
consist of Twenty five members among whom, there shall be one or more fiom a Majority of the
Colonies;
Laws to be That the Laws made by them for the purposes aforesaid shall not be repugnant, but as near
transmitted. aS may be agreeable to the Laws of England, and shall be transmitted to the King in Council
for approbation as soon as may be, after their passing, and if not disapproved within Three Years after
presentation to remain in Force.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       359
Death ofprest. That in case of the Death of the President General, the Speaker of the Grand Council
for the time being shall succeed and be vested with the same powers and Authorities
to continue until the Kings Pleasure be known.
Officers how  That all Military Commission Officers whether for Land or Sea Service to act under this
appointed. General Constitution shall be nominated by the president General; but the approbation of
the Grand Council is to be obtained before they receive their Commissions. And all Civil officers
are to be nominated by the Grand Council, and to receive the president Generals approbation before
Vacancies they officiate: But in Case of a vacancy by Death or removal of any officer Civil or Military
howsupplye. under this Constitution, The Governor of the Province in which such vacancy happens, may
appoint till the pleasure of the President General and Grand Council, can be known. That the
Particular Military as well as Civil Establishments in each Colony remain in their present State this
General Constitution notwithstanding; and that on sudden Emergencies, any Colony may defend
Eacyh Colon itself, and lay the accounts of Expence thence arisen before the president General and Grand
may defend
itself o emer-Council, who may allow and order payment of the same, as far as they judge such accounts
just and reasonable.
After Debate on the foregoing Plan
RESOLVED
That the Commissioners from the Several Governments, be desired to lay the same before
their Respective Constituents for their Consideration, and that the Secretary to this Board transmit a
Copy thereof with this vote thereon, to the Governor of each of the Colonies which have not sent their
Commissioners to this Congress.
His Honour proposed to the Board, that agreeable to their Resolutions of the 24 June they
would now   consider, the Expediency of Building Forts in the Indian Country.  It was determined that considering the present wavering Disposition of the Sennecas, it was expedient that a Fort
should be Built in their Country at a place called Irondequat or Tierondequat.  Ordered
That a Committee be appointed to consider what further Forts may be necessary in the Country of
the Six Nations, and that each Colony name a Member for this Committee.
ORDERED
That Mr Chambers and Mr Peters be a Committee to revise the Minutes settled and agreed to. by
this Board.                            Adjourned till to Morrow Morning at 9 aClock.
At a Meeting at the Court House in Albany
on Thursday the 11 July 1754. A. M.
PRESENT
His Honour the Lieut Governor & the four Gentleman
of the Council of New York. All
the Commissioners from the Several Governments Except
William Pitkin Esqr one of the Commissrs for Connecticutt
Mr Welles from the Committee appointed to consider what other Forts may be Necessary.
REPORTED; " That they had carefully considered the present State of the Frontiers of these Colonies
and are of Opinion that Several other Forts at particular Passes are equally necessary with that proposed at Tierondequat. That as there is no probability of their being effected in the present disunited
State of the Colonies, and the General Union may make some of them unnecessary. We Apprehend
some inconveniences may arise. If the Board should go further into the Consideration of that
matter at this Time




360                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
His Honour put the Question, Whether the Board would Accept of this Report. And it passed in
the Affirmative.
Certain proposals from William Johnson Esqr relative to the Six Nations and for defeating the Designs
of the French; Also Certain Considerations offerred by Thomas Pownall Esqr towards a General Plan
of the Measures of the English provinces were read at the Board.
It was thereupon Voted that Mr Franklin be desired to give fhe thanks of this Board to the said
Mr Johnson and Mr Pownall and desire them to Suffer Copies of said Papers to be taken by the
Commissioners of each Colony for the Consideration of their Respective Governments.
ORDERED
That all his Majesties Governments on this Continent may have Liberty from time to time
to take Copies of the Proceedings of this Congress or any parts thereof paying for the same, and that
no Other Copies be delivered by the Secretary.
ORDERED
That upon the Secretarys leaving this Province, The Records of these proceedings of the Commissioners of the Several Governments be lodged in the Secretarys Office in the Province of New York.
Mr Chambers and Mr Peters Reported
That they had Examined these Minutes of the Proceedings of this Congress, and find them right
And then His Honour the Lieut Governor of New York and the Commissioners of the Several
Governments rose without any further Adjournment.
New York 21 Sepr 1754-A true Copy of the Proceedings
of the Congress held at Albany in the Months of June & July.
Compared & Examined by me             PETER WRAXALL Secrety
CORRESPONDENCE, &c.
THE EXAMINATION OF COLLO. WILLIAM JOHNSON taken before a Committee of his Majesty's
Council for the Province of J\ewYork at the City of JNew York the third day of
October 1747.
The Examinate Says, He is of Opinion, That some Person who has Influence over the Indians,
should be sent to Oswego,and intrusted with presents to be distributed among some of the Six
Nations, and the Far Indians, In order to preserve them in their present good Disposition.
That when he first engaged in the Management of the Indian affairs, Their Sachims were chiefly
in the French Interest, and had actually received Belts of Wampum from the French, Which they
have since given up, and in lieu of those, Belts have accepted of others from this Government. That
if some proper Measures be not taken to Secure and preserve them in their present good disposition,
he is of opinion It may greatly discourage them, as they have met with so many Disappointments by
the Expedition not being carried into Execution.
That the Six Nations have been retained from Hunting this Summer by his Excellency the Governour, that they might be ready to Act as Occasion should require, and are now by that means in
want of many Necessarys both for themselves and their Families, For which they would apply to him,
as he has hitherto Supplyed them therewith: That he has not any Goods at this Time for that purpose,
and thinks if they are not supplyed with such Necessarys as they may want, He will be obliged to
leave his Settlement in the Mohocks Country, which he believes from what he has heard the
Inhabitants there say, would occasion them all to abandon their Settlements.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       361
That he is of Opinion, it would at this Time greatly encourage the Indians, if two Forts were
erected as Speedily as may be, One in the Senecas Country, and the other in the Country of the
Oneidas.                                                                 Wm. JOHNSON.
The above Examination was taken before
a Committee of His Majesty's Council the
day and year first above Written.
GEo. BANYAR D Cl Cur.
Copy       Examd. p Gw. BANYAR D C1 Cur.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM        COL. JOHNSON TO GOV. CLINTON.
14th May 1748
May it Please yr Excelly
I am to acquaint You Sir of my return from Onondaga three days ago, after the most troublesome fatiugeing Journey I ever took, but the kind Behaviour of the Six Nations to me in a great
measure makes up for every thing; having receiv'd and Entertain'rl me well I would have wrote to Your
Excelly a day or two Sooner, but when the People heard of my return, my House was constantly full of
Christians, as well as Indians, and Continues so still, that I have Scarce a Minutes time to do any thing,
and then again this News of an Army coming against me, and the Mohawks River in Particular, has
taken up my time much, by the People flocking about me, Women roaring & Clapping of Hands,
begging for Shelter, so that I have a most miserable life of it, besides the great Risque I run of
being hourly destroyed, I would have wrote Your Excelly a full Acct of this News before, but Mr1
Lyddius told me he sent Your Excelly the Original Letters already. I send Your ExcellY herewith
My Speech, & Answer of the Five Nations, whereby you can form a Judgment, and pritty near how
the five Nations stand Affected at present, I assure Your ExcellY I had a great Deal of trouble to bring
them to any reason, being quite out of Humour, at the many Disappointments they have met with
since the beginning of the War, and now again at being stopp'd from going to Canada, for their People
who are in Confinement there, and can have them now for going for, as they are Assured by several
Belts of Wampum, sent them last Winter by the Governour of Canada, whereupon I was obliged (irr
order to prevent their going) to Assure them, Your Excelly would Endeavour to gett them from thence,
so that if Your Excelly does not fall upon some speedy way of Getting them from thence soon, I
fear it may be the means of Sowering their tempers more then any thing Ever happened Yet, as we
hinder them  from doing of it, If Your ExcellY Succeeds in it, there's nothing will please them
more, or Convince them that you have the greatest regard for their Welfare which you always Express.
Wherefore if I may make so free, would Earnestly request your ExcellY would please to take it into
Consideration speedily, as there is nothing can be done at present would be of more Service to our
Indian Affairs, I aml desired by the Six Nations to acquaint Your Excelly of their want of Provisions,
hopeing that You will send them some Indian Corn, Pork or any thing You think proper for their Relief.
I have this Day received Your ExcellY favour with Orders to Employ So many Men of these
Levies, arid so-many of the Inhabitants, to Scour the Woods, which I shall Immediately put in Execution, altho the Men all Grumble much to find Indian Shoes &ca for 6d pr Day, when I was going to
Onondaga I left Orders whenever the Indians Call'd for Megnt Scour the woods, that there should be a
Number ready for that purpose, and Since that time there has been two Parties out with some Indians,
to whom I promised one Shilling pr Day, and 18 pence to the Sergeants, as I could not tell what the
VOL. II                               46




362                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
Allowance was or would be, So hope Your Excelly will not Suffer me to be a looser, tho' it is but a
Trifle. Had the Assembly allowed the same, for them who are to be Employed as Rangers it would
be but reasonable, & then that Service could be done with much more ease and less Trouble for now
it will be with Ill will those Men can be got out. Wherefore I wish there could be an Addition made
to it, I shall also send up Imediately to call the Six Nations down, again the time mentioned, but should
Your Excelly not be here at that time, it would be a great disappointment; As they Come down, they
will require a great deal of Provisions being scant at home, I fear if they are not Supplyed before that
time with some Provisions, they may do a great deal of damage to the poor few Inhabitants remaining
on their Plantations, which would intirely ruin them. I would Acquaint Your Excelly of one thing,
that is whatever Presents you give the Indians now, will be to no purpose, if there be not an Act
made before that time, to forbid all persons whatsoever to Buy or Exchange any Arms, Amunition,
Clothing &ca. from any Indians of the Five Nations, or from any Indian in Alliance with them, or sell
them any Rum or other Spiritous Liquors to the East of Oneida Lake, under pain of Suffering a Year
and a Days Imprisonment, and a fine besides of ~30.-If that is so, the Indians will reap a Benefit
by getting such a Present, but otherwise none at all, I am sorry to find by Your Excellys Letter, that
there is no great hopes of an Expedition which I doubt will be the ruin of this part of the Country
intirely, and the means of giving the Six Nations a worse opinion of us than we can imagine, & all their
Allies also, and I shall now have the greatest difficulty that ever I mett with, to reconcile the Indians,
when they come to hear that we are to do nothing, wherefore shall long much for Your Excellre coming
up, as I assure You Sir they all do.
Captain Lindsay writes from Oswego, that he was told by an Indian, that there was an Army preparing to destroy Oswego, but I dare say that place is in no manner of Danger, this may be that Army
which the Prisoners wrote was to come against me and the Mohawks.           Wm JOHNSON
EXTRACT FROM COL~ WM JOHNSON'S LETTER
DATED 10TH AUGUST 1748 TO HIS EXY THE HONBLE GEORGE CLINTON.
May it please your Excellency.
SIR-I have just now gott rid of all the Indians from my House, except the Senecca, called
the Grota Younga, who stays to be cured of the Ulcer he has in his leg. I had a prodigious deal of
trouble with them all, but thank God the Greatest hurry is now over for a time.
The Flag of.Truce is gone by my House eight days ago all well & go on briskly, I sent my French
Girle along with the rest.
I have agreed with a Smith &ca to go to the Seneccas for 6 Months for ~70,but there isno Bellows
there worth a pin, so cannott tell how to do in that Case. I believe I can gett all the rest of the Smiths
at the same price, but they are desirous to know how they are to be paid.
Sir-If your ExcY thinks to continue the Levys here for any time, I would beg leave to give my
opinion of the best manner of doing it, which I think (as there are many of the Officers, as well as
Soldiers tired of the Place or Service, the only way is to lett so many of the Officers be continued, who
have full & good Companys, or can gett such, for I see there are several of them who have lost almost
all their Men, and indeed it is no wonder, for those are they who had no Command of their Men.
I shou'd be glad to have your Excellency's Directions and Commands therein as soon as you thot
proper? because the men will be dispersing & getting Home, without further certainty. Capt Wiliott




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                         363
& his Company is gone, the most of Capt Church's are gone, & the rest are to go, (as I am told) in a
few days, so there remains none but Capt Slop there, who kept all his Men but four.
I send your Exy inclosed Receipts for the Provisions of the Troops at Oswego, until last May,
and I hope your Exy will grant Warrants, that I may have my Money.  I have sent Provisions for
another Half Year, wch is to next November.
If your Excellency intends to send a Relief to Oswego of the Militia this Fall, as they who are
there expect, I hope you will lett me know it p first, That I may gett the Men ready in time.
I hope your Exy will please to Honour me with a few Lines in answer to this p first Opportunity, as
I shall be governed thereby.                                                WM JOHNSON
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FM COL. JOHNSON.
While writing this I am told by Parson Mills that Mrs Lydius told him that Mons. Pascaud who
was order'd to his room when I was at New York upon suspicion of being a Spy, had a Pacquet of
Letters to forward to Old France relating to the Clashing between the two Crowns, besides he said
at'York he was of the family of the Pascouds or Packo's at Rochell & concerned in the Bourdeaux
Company all which Lydius's family says is false, if so I think he ought to be more narrowly examined
but first to seize his Papers, this you may mention to the Govr from me wth my Compliments if you
please & apologize for my not writing to him abt it being so hurried by the Indls & Express, or else
you may have it fm Mr Sam1 Stillwell to whom   Mr Mills tells me he mentioned it. I should
choose it so, as I dont care that my Name shoud be so Odious to the treacherous French
[Here follows Gov: Clinton's Order, dated Aug. 2, 1749, for the delivery to Col. Johnson of all Papers relating to the Depart. for Indian affairs.]
LT. LINI5ESAY TO COL. JOHNSON.
Oswego 15th July 1751.
This day came here from Niagra the Bunt & the Black Princes Son with their Fighters he first Gave
me an account how it had fared with them, Told me he found two Forts Built by the French Since he
went out one at Nigra Carrying Place & the other by John Cair on the River Ohieo he said he heard
a bird Sing that a Great many Indians from his Castle and others from the five nations were gone to
Swegage all this he said grived him and he Saw things going very wrong & if a stop was not put
to it the five nations wou'd be ruined soon. He Said he was come home for he lookt on this place as
such That he was both hungry & Poor & hoped as I represented the Governor and Coll Johnson
here I would assist him in a little Provisions & Clothing to his Fighters. I told him was sorrey for the
loss he had sustained, but was glad to find his thoughts & mine the same as to the Frenchs Building
Forts and the Indians going to Swegage & told him how wrong it was in our Indjans going to Cannada
& the.Consequencess that would attend it in the best light I could, he agreed with me in all I said &
promised to do Everything in his Power to have things better managed & likewise promised in the
Strongest Terms to all Coll Johnson would desire of him. I gave him Provisions & Cloathing &c:
for his People To the Ualue of five Pounds above what he gave me when he spoke which was three
Bevers 27th. this day came the Couse & some other Sinaka Sacham, in order to go to Cannada he came
to See me & told me he was sent by the consent of the five Nations to go to the Govn. of Cannada




364                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON
about the Building the above said two Forts &c. I told him the consequence of Indjans going there
but as he is Intirely French all I said was to no purpose Though he seem'd to own the force of what
I said as all the other Indians did & I belive all but him might have been stopt but as things are I
could do no more by all the Indjans that have been here I find the French Army landed at Nigra about
the 26th July in 20 Large Cannoes To the number of 250 or 300 French with 200 Arondaks &
Annogongers they are to gather all the Indians as they pase & allso French & will at least amount to
1000 or 1200 French & Indjans, their designs is to Drive the English of that are at or near
Ohieo & oblidge The Meomies to come and live were they shall order them  All the Indjans who
have been here say they and all Indians are to joyn them, while the Bunt was here I had him
always with me and did all Lay in my Powar to oblidge him he showed the Greatist sence of it & said
he would allways do what I asked as he allways had done he is much inclined to us & am Convinced
that if Coll Johnson sends for him he will come & take our affairs in hand Hertily & I think he hath
it more in his Powar then any to bring things to rights nor is it to be (lone without him this is my
Sentiments & I hope you will pardon my liberty in giveing them, if you approve of what I have said &
desire me to bring him down with me ile do my indeavours and he never yet hath refused what I asked
of him, there are some French here who mett the Army about Hundred miles to the west of Nigra.
JOHN LINDESAY
To The Honourable Coll Wm Johnson
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COLL JOHNSON OF          26TH MARCH 1753.
I am surprized that Governour Dinuidde would atempt to disprove the Message delivered your
Excellency from the Five Nations last Spring (" which was that they at a general Meeting at Onon" daga had resolved not to go to Virginia, on said Governours call, it not being customary among
" them to meet or treat of Affairs in the Woods and Weeds (as they expressed it,) but desired he
i might be acquainted, that if he wanted to speak with them and deliver His Majesty's present, as they
" understood he intended, they would meet him at Albany and receive it, where they expected
c your Excellency would be present,") by asserting that his Commissioners mett and treated with
several of the Chiefs of the six Nations last May, at Logstown, and then delivered His Majesty's
Present to them, which he says they were much pleased with, and that the Wampum which he sent to
call or invite the Six Nations to the Conferrence was found remaining in Logstown, when the Commissioners came there last May. The uneasyness which his writeing to you in such a manner gave me,
together with the necessity it laid me under of clearing up so dark an Affair, put me on looking strictly
into it, and after the closest inquiry I could possibly make, cannot learn that one of the Sachims or
Young Men of the Six Nations attempted even to go Virginia last yeare; They also declare that
they have not received any of said Present, but they heard it was given to some Indians living about
Ohio, Shawanees &c: which they don't seem well satisfied at. If the String of Wampum, which he
was to call the Six Nation by, remained at Logstown, I must own I don't understand how they
could receive his Message or Invitation, or return it' by me to your Excellency, it is obvious to all
who are the least acquainted with Indian Affairs, that they regard no Message or Invitatioh be it
of what consequence or nature it will, unless attended or confirmed by a String or Belt of Wampum,
which they look upon, as we our Letters, or rather Bonds. This is a true State of that Affair which as
1 Meaning the String of Wampum which 1. delivered you.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       365
m
a public Concern, should be glad your Excellency would look further into it, and if what I here affirm
should not be sufficient I can get the Interpreters Affidavit who was present when they delivered
me the String of Wampum with said Message. The whole Body of the Six Nations would also
gladly have it in their. power to clear up them two Articles, as they look upon it a great Reflection
cast upon them, &c.                                                       WM JOHNSON
CAPT. STODDART TO COLL. JOHNSON.
Oswegoe May 15th. 1753
Yesterday past by here Thirty odd French Canoes, part of an Army going to Belle Riviere to make
good their Claim there, and by a French man who past this also yesterday in his way to Cajocka,
gives me the following Account which he said he Learned from common report in Canada viz. That
the Army Consisted of 6 thousand French commanded by Monsr. Marin who is ordered to Ohio, to
settle the Limits between us & they that they lay claim on all the Lands on any of the Rivers or
Creeks descendg. or Terminating in the great Lake, that if he meet with any opposition he is to make
good his Claim by force of Arms & to Build Forts in such places he shall think most Convenient to
secure their Right, that one Fort is to be Built at Ka-so-no-tia-yo-ga (a Carrying place) & another at
Diontaroga, they are also to oblidge all the English they meet with, whither Traders or others to
evacuate the place as they look upon all we possess now, as their undoubted right, which they mean to
support by force of Arms. Thlat this Expedition is agreeable to orders Received from the Grand
Monarque late in the Winter, that he particularly orders them that they Molest not this Post at any
Rate in Consideration of Cape Breton, but any other Post the English shall presume to approach or
Settle near where they Claim they are to Reduce if not quitted imediately after warning given. That
they expected a Decleration of War by the first Vessels from France which were not yet arrived, and
was surprised when I told him we had as yet no Intelligence or probability of a War; He also
told me there was about 500 Inds. of the Coghnawagees, Scenondedies Onogonguas Oroondoks and
Chenundies who would not engage to go to War with ye. English etc on Ohio, but are employed at so
much p month to Hunt for ye. Army. Our five Nations are very uneasy & many who were ye. first and
principal Settlers at Swegatsy, are returning to their respective Villages, and seem to have much the
Spirit of resentment in them that the French should offer, to take possession, or Settle & Build Forts at
Ohio, without their Consents, as they look upon it as their property, and many of them are now Eager
to take up the Hatchet, and if they were a little Spirited and Assisted by us, would soon with the
assistance of their Allies, frustrate the Scheme of the French Politicians, in their Intended Settlements,
which if we tamely suffer, we may bid Adieu to all the Indians on the Continent as they will be ye
Masters of them all, and the Consequence will be a Continual Annoyance and Encroachment on our
Frontiers, as there is no doubt but they will extend their Dominions in America as far as possible,
and now seems the verry Crisis of time to gain the Indians or for ever loose them, if I hear any
thing further Conscerning this Army shall not fail to Communicate it to you at all opportunitys.
B: S



366                      MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
MR. WOODBRIDGE TO COL. JOHNSON.
Albany June ye 26th 1753.
HONOURABLE SIR.When I had the pleasure of waiting on you at your Seat Mr Hawley & I propos'd our
designs and desired your advice and patronage respecting the same, we was not insensible of your
influence with the western tribes of Indians, & their dependance on you. Under a view of these things,
we look'd on it as a duty, and a necessary point, to lay our designs of propogating the gospel among
the Indians before you: and we look'd on it favourable, that you was pleas'd to countenance the
business that we were engaged in, when we came to treat with the Indians, and mentioned that difficulty,
that would probably impede, the success of the gospel among them, (viz) their intemperate, use of
Strong Lyquors, and in their reply to that paragraph, they delivered the following words, and a belt of
wompom. In the close of their reply, desired me to negociate the affair for them.
The indians  My Brother Coll Johnson hear-me. Now we are both nations together under one head, at
Speech.  Onuhhuhquaugeh. My Brother Whaurohyauchee here we are assembled under one head;
I say hear me now: the Govourner and great men have took pity on us. and come so far to bring us to
light & religion, that we may go Streight. My Brother, my Dear Brother, pity us, your Batoe is often
here at our place, & brings us rum, & that has undone us.  Sometimes on Sunday our people
drink and cant attend their duty, which makes it extreamly difficult. But now we have cut it off, we
have put a Stop to it.
You must not think, one man, or a few men, have done it, we all of us, both old, & young, have
done it. It is done by the whole. My Brother I would have you tell the great men at Albany,
Skenectetee, and Skoharry, not to bring us any more rum.  I would have you bring us powder, lead
& clothing, what we want, and other things what you please, only dont bring us any Strong Lyquors.
My Brother; I Cant alone, my Nephew was the first that spoke, and told us his mind, and laid down
a long belt of wompom, they got together & consulted when they were here, and Spake to us in
these words:
My unkle, you live nearer your Brother than I do, and you are more intimate together; I would
have you tell him to bring no more rum to my place. He has sent a great deal of it there, & we
die many of us only by strong drink, I would have you take care that no more is brought to us.
Now my Brother pity us rum is not good we have had enough of it.
This is the third time, that I have sent and told you that I would have no more rum brought here.
-Once we sent a String of wompom, of which we never heard Since. Once you told us in these
words. My Brother I have a fire at your place, and I would take pity on you and Send you what you
need, for your Comfort. I desire to supply you and the people round you, with goods. We told you
we should be glad to have you send us powder, lead, & cloathing, what we need, and anything else
what we want; but would send us no rum no strong drink; and now send you a belt of wompom by
our Brother; and desire notice may be given to the great men at Albany, Skenactetee, & Skoharry
that we would have no more rum sent among us.
Sir Being so unfortunate as to be denied the Satisfaction of waiting on you at Albany, which I
had some hopes might have been, as you returned from the court, am obliged to leave the affair
in this manner. Heartily wishing your Honour, all temporal, & Eternal Blessings: and am with great
esteem, Your Honors obliged & most obedt
Humble, Servant,  TIMOTHY WOODBRIDGE
The Honrble Wm Johnson Esqr.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        367
INSTRUCTIONS TO COL. JOHNSON.
BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE HONOBLE GEORGE CLINTON CAPTAIN GENERAL &CA.
INSTRUCTIONS TO WILLIAM JOHNSON ESQR one of the JMembers of his Majesty7s Council of the said
Province By his Majesty's Commission bearing date herewith Commissionated to summon &
invite the six JVations of Indians to a General Meeting at Onondagafor the purposes therein
mentioned.
In pursuance of his Majesty's said Commission herewith delivered to you, You are as soon as may be
to invite or summon the said Nations to a General Meeting to be held at Onondaga at such time as
you shall think will be most convenient for them and expedient for this Service At which Meeting
you are to represent to the said Nations that the Interview proposed with them at Albany this
Summer is now thought proper to be defer'd on account of my Indisposition and Expectation of
the Arrival of a New Governor here from England in a very short time Who you are to assure them
will have an Interview with the six Nations at Albany as soon after as he conveniently can, and make
them the Presents usually given on such Occasions That at this Interview they will have an
Opportunity of laying before him all their Complaints and Grievances in which they will be redressed
without any unnecessary delay And that in the mean time I hope and expect they will all live in
perfect harmony and Friendship with their Brethren the English.  That if the Interview lately
intended had taken Place I proposed then to have taken the Hatchet out of their Hands which was
given them to use against the French But being prevented by the Reasons before mentioned have
thought proper to commissionate you to meet them at that Place in order to perform that Ceremony
which you are to do accordingly and in the strongest Terms to return them thanks for the Assistance
they gave their Brethren in the late War.
And whereas their appears at this time some uneasiness among the Mohawk Nations you are to use
your utmost Endeavours to appease the same and to urge whatever Arguments you shall think may
have a tendency to restore them to good Temper. And Lastly your are further to act and do herein
as you shall in your best Judgment think will be,most conducive to his Majesty's Service and most
effectually answer the Intention of this Meeting. Given at Fort George in New York the fifth day of
July 1753.
LETTER FROM COL. JOHNSON,
WITH lIIS PROCEEDINGS AT A CONFERENCE WITH THE MOHAWKS &C.
Mount Johnson September 24: 1763
May it please your Yr Excellency
I arrived three days ago from Onondaga, and Agreeable to your orders have transcribed what passed
there between me, and the Six Nations, which I take this opertunity (by Doctor Shuckburgh) to lay
before Your Excellency, together with what I said to the Mohawks, & their answer. I mett some
French Men there and examined what Pass they had from the Governour of Canadas which I found
only allowed them to purchase Ginseng for an established Company of Merchants-peculiar for that
Comodity. They told me there were above twenty sails of transports arrived in Canada this Summer,
with People to Settle towards Ohio and that several more were Expected at Mississipi among whom
they supposed there would be a number of Swiss, this being the most Material, beg leave to refer You
to the Doctor for other Occurrences.
I am with the greatest respect
Mount Johnson                        Your Excellency's Most Humble servt.7br the 24th 1763                                                      Wa JoHNSON.
Governour Clinton




368                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
Att a meeting of both Castles of the Mohawks at Mount Johnson July the 26th 1753Hendrick their Chief being appointed Speaker Spoke as followes
BROTHER WARRAGHIIYAGEY.
Tho it is not usual for us to speak first when sent for, yet as our hearts are full, we creave
leave to throw off ye. Burthen
Brother on the receipt of your message two days ago, we were highly rejoiced, to think that you
were again raised up, and impowered to receive, and impart reciprocally the news between us & our
Bretheren the English. Thereupon we agreed without delay to come down to your House, our late
Fire place, kindled at a troublesome time, even in War. Where should we resort to when any thing
lays heavy on our Breasts but where we have always found satisfaction what ever might trouble us.
We have reason to be uneasy, and had the Governour sent for us by the Commissrs. whom we hear
are appointed, we would not at this time hearken, or move a foot-  Gave a string of Wampum
Here follows my Speech to Both Castles of the Mohawks
BRETHEREN AND FREINDS.
I congratulate you on your arrival from New York, am glad to see you all well, and bid you
welcome here, where your Brother the Governour has impowered me to light up a small fire again, so
as to enable me to boil a little Victuals for you while this conference lasts.
BRETHEREN, I am ordered by your Brother the Governour to let you know, that your behaviour
and demands were verry unreasonable and unusual while at New York, and that He, and his Cheif
Men were much affected, to find that you whom they looked upon as most sincere friends, should use
such loud, and foul words, that almost shook and soyled that firm, & bright chain made by our Wise
Forefathers, & continued by their Posterity till now unsullied. I cannot help reproaching you for your
unfriendly and rash behaviour, which put your Brother ye. Governour and his Great Men, in a verry
unsuitable disposition to redress greiviances which were they in ever so good temper, they then had
not time to effect. Wherefore I am Commissioned to tell you that whatever may make you uneasy you
would defer till the arrival of the new Governour, who is shortly expected, and will have more time
to hear all your complaints than the Present, who is prepareing to return to England, that, and his
want of Health, has prevented him from meeting the Five Nations this Summer as he intended, to
renew the antient Leauge between them, & Us, and quiet your minds. From thence it is that I am
appointed by the Government here, to convene the Five Nations at Onondaga, to treat with them there
in the Governour's name. Now as you and I have continued to consult each other, in all affairs of
consequence, I must desire you would join me in considering what are the most proper steps to be
taken with regard to my goeing to the generall Convention at Onondaga. In ye. mean time I insist
upon your liveing in Harmony with us, as usual, who have, and ever will be your best Friends, and
conjure you by this Belt of Wampum, that all differences that may have happened be stiffled, and that
the Link of that bright Chain which seemed to be loose, may be as strongly connected as Heretofore.
Here the Belt was given
BRETHERENI further expect, that you will be ready with a proper Number of Sachems, & Cheif
Men, to attend me thither, and allso att the General Meeting.  Here a string of Wampum
The Answer of both Castles of the Mohawks, to the foregoing Speech Spoke by Hendrick at Mount
Johnson July 27th 1753
BROTHER WARRAGHIIYAGEY.We have with willing Ears heard what you said Yesterday, it has made the deepest impression on our Minds, and will never be forgot even by our Youngest People Whom we brought along to
hear you once more,  Tho we are sensibly affected.by our Bretherens neglecting us for some time




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                      369
past, and the private differences we have had with the Inhabitants. Yet for this time we agree to
everything You request, and shall bury all animosity, and dispute in a deep Pool so as not to be thought
of more. and hope there may never be reason for the like again.  Small provocations shall never
weaken the Chain of Friendship so long subsisting between Us & our Bretheren, and you may be
assured we shall take all oportunitys of dignifying our attachment, as we, and our Forefathers have
done formerly.                                                 Here a Belt was given.
BROTHER WAR'RAGH'II'YA'GEY
You may depend upon our readiness at the first Call to wait on You to Onondaga, & assist Ycu as
much as in our power att the Generall Meeting, haveing pitched upon some of our most Intelligent
& respectable Men, to attend you there.-              Here a string of Wampumand endedSeptember the 8th 1753 Entered the Onondaga Castle bemg mett by the Sachims a Mile on this
Side, who said they were allready to receive me, Soon after I was seated, The Red Head one of the
Chief Sachims of that Castle, rose up, and Spoke as follows.BROTHER WARRAGHIIYAGEY
As You enter our Meeting Place with wett Eyes, & sorrowfull Hearts, in Conjunction with
our Bretheren the Mohawks, we do with this string of Wampum wipe away your tears, and asswage
your greif, that you may speak freely in this Assembly
-Here they gave the String of WampumHere follows what I said to the General Convention of the Six Nations att Onondaga spoke
by Hendrick the Chief of the MohawksBRETHEREN OF THE SIX NATIONSThe great conscern I am under for the loss of our three great and beloved Brothers,
Caghniagarota, Onughsadego, and Gahusquerowana, who in their time made Your Assembly compleat
makes it incumbent on me to condole their death, and as it is a great loss to Us in general, I dlo by these
three Belts of Wampum dry up your tears that we may see each other, clear your Throats that we may
speak together and wash away their Blood out of our Sight, and cover their Bones with these Strowd
Blankets.                                             Here gave the 3 Belts of Wampum
and three Blankets of StrowdsBRETHEREN OF THE SIX NATIONSI am now to acquaint You that the Indisposition of the present Governour, and the
expectation of ye Sudden Arrival of a new one, has occasioned the interview proposed at Albany
between You & him, this Summer to be deferred, upon which I am commissioned to treat with You, and
at the Same time to Assure You that ye Succeeding Governour will meet You as soon as he conveniently
can, with presents as usual, You will then have an opertunity of laying before him wtever is amiss, which
will be redressed you may depend on without any unnecessary delay, till then I expect, all of you will
live in perfect Harmony with Your Bretheren the English.                  A BeltBRETHEREN OF THE SIX NATIONS
It Greives me sorely to find the road hither so grown up with weeds, for want of being used,
and your Fire almost expireing at Onondaga, where it was agreed by the wisdom of our ancestors
that it should never be extinguished. You know it was a saying among them that when the Fire was
out here you would be no longer a People. I am now Sent by Your Brother the Governour to clear
the Road, and make up the Fire with such wood as will never burn out, and I earnestly desire You
would take care to keep it up, so as to be found always the same when he shall send among You.
A Belt.
VoL. II.                              47*




370                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
IBRETHEREN OF THE Six NATIONSI have now renewed the Fire, Swept & clean all your Rooms with a new White Wing, and
leave it hanging near the Fire place, that you may use it for cleaning all dust, dirt &ca which may
have been brought in by Strangers, no freinds to You, or Us-     A String of Wampum
BRETHEREN OF THE SIX NATIONSI am sorry to find on my Arrivall among You that the fine Shady Tree which was planted by
your Forefathers, for your ease & Shelter should be now leaning, being almost blown down by
Northerly Winds. I shall now endeavour to set it upright, that it may flourish as formerly while the
roots spread abroad, so that when we sit or stand on them You will feel them shake, should any
Storm blow, then should You be ready to secure it.                          A Belt
BRETHEREN OF THE SIX NATIONS
Your Fire now burns clearly at the old place, The Tree of shelter, and protection is set
up and flourishes, I must now insist upon your quenching that Fire made with Brambles at Swcgachey,
and recall those to their proper home who have deserted thither, I cannot leave disswadeing you from
goeing to Canada, the French are a delusive People always endeavouring to divide you as Inuch as they
can, nor will they let slip any opertunity of makeing advantage of it;'tis formidable news we hear
that the French and some Indians are makeing a descent upon Ohio, is it with your consent or leave
that they proceed in this extraordinary manner, endeavouring by force of Arms to dispossess your
own Native Allies, as well as yr Bretheren the English, and establishing themselves. A Large Belt.
BRETHEREN OF ONONDAGAI must remind you of a new Custom lately introduced verry inconvenient for our mutual
interest, that is, when you receive news from the Westward, Southward, or any other Quarter, you
send it from one Castle to another, till it arrives quite altered from what it was at first. I therefore
require you by this Belt of Wampum to follow the old Custom, and send it as far as you intend it
should go directly by some of your own Nation                                 A Belt
BRETHEREN OF THE SENECASAs you have always been looked upon as the door of the Six Nations, where all news,
especially from the westward, and southward must enter, and go out, we dont hear this Door open as
we used to do formerly and belive it to be worn out, and think it necessary to hang on a new one of
such Wood as will never decay, the noise of which when it opens, should alarm all the Confederacy,
I must now desire you, that whatever you hear of Consequence, you would send it verry distinctly to
the Sachims of Onondaga, who will send it directly to your Bretheren, I require also as you are nearest
the Western Tribes of Indians that you will endeavour all in your power to draw as many of them
into our interest as possibly you can, by which means the Six Nations may continue their strenght and
credit                                                                       A Belt.
BRETHEREN OF ONEIDAI am now to sett up your Stone strait, and rub off all Moss and Dirt it may have contracted
this time past, My best Advice is to have your Castles as near together as you conveniently can, with
the Tuscarora's who belong to you as Children, and the Scanihaderadighroones lately come into
your Alliance or Families, which makes it necessary for me to fix a new String to the Cradle which was
hung up by your Forefathers when they received the Tuscaroras, as you do now the Scanihaderadighroones to feed, and protect.                                             A Belt.
BRETHEREN OF CAJUGAI could Heartily wish that you would not live so scattered and that you would not listen
to the French, who are a people you never had any Alliance with, or obligation to. It is agreeable




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                     371
news, that you are about to strenghten your Castle by taking in the Tedarighroones, and shall
according to your request give a Pass to those of that Nation here among you, that they, and the
rest of them may come and join your Castle unmolested.               A Belt & a Pass
BRETHEREN OF THE SIX NATIONS
You must imagine I was much troubled, when imediately after my appointment to meet
you at Onondaga to renew, and put in order everry thing relating to your Affairs, to hear that some of
your People were returned with Scalps & Prisonners from the Catabaws, with whom you made so
solemn a peace last year in my Presence, wh. pleased all your Bretheren the Ehglish upon this Continent.
the King yr. Father also approved of it. Now what an everlasting shame must it be to the Six
Nations, if this Bloody affair be not imediately made up, if it be possible, I expect at least that you
return the Prisonners if any you have, and commit no further Hostilities on that Nation  A Belt
BRETHEREN OF THE SIX NATIONS,-As I proceed to reform everry thing relative to the old Covenant between you, & us, I must remind you on your part to hold fast by that strong Chain of Freindship
made by your Forefathers, the Memory of whose Actions you have always regarded, You may
depend upon the part in your Hands, that it shall never slip. I congratulate you in the Name of your
Brother the Governour on the two additional Links to the Old Chain the Scanihdd6r&digh'ro6nes and
Tedarrighroones, who without doubt must increase the strenght of it-         A Belt
BRETHEREN OF THE SIX NATIONSI take this opertunity to return you the three Belts of Wampm. Sent by you to the Governour, with a request to hinder the Rum from comeing among you. He was verry glad to gratifie you
in it, and that you had seen the Ill Consequences of that bewitching Liquor, and hopes you will Continue in that Resolution always, The Proclamation forbidding Rum to be Sent, or Sold Any Where
among you (Except at Oswego) is already published.  Here Returned them their 3 BeltsBRETHEREN OF THE Six NATIONSI have only to recommend what I have said in your Brother the Governours Name, to
your Serious Consideration, and when you are prepared to return an Answer, I should be glad to hear
it by the Lake, where I am encamped, and have a small Present for you, & some provision for your
ChildrenThe Red Head in behalf of the Whole Stood up, & replied thus
BROTHER WARRAGHIIYAGEEYou may be assured we shall take to Heart all your words, & deliberate upon everry
Article, and as it requires some time, you must not think it long, if we do not come down to the
Lake where you lay, as you expect to morrow, it may be the next day, tho we consider it cannot be
agreeable to you to live in the Woods, we shall make what dispatch we canParted for that DayAtt a General Meeting of the Six Nations Held at Onondaga September the 10th. 1753 —
The Answer of the Six Nations to the foregoing Speech, By the Red Head their SpeakerBROTHER WARRAGHIIYAGEEWe are obliged to you for your Speech and Act of Condolence, for the loss of our Three Great
Brothers, Caghniagarota, Onughsadego, and Gahuscaroana and we are the more affected, as it was done
conformable to our Manner.  We are too sensible of what Consequence they were of in this
Assembly, To say more would be to Exaggerate our Conscern, which we wish was intirely
suppressed.                                                                 A Belt.
BROTHER WARRAGHIIYAGEEWe are sorry to hear our Brother the Governour is sick, and we thank you for giveing us
Notice of ye. sudden arrival of a new One, we shall suspend some Matters of Consequence'tillf then,




372                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
some of which we shall mention in order, as we proceed to Answer that part of your Speech
relative thereto, All of us will chearfully attend when he pleases to call, and are unalterable in our
Antient Freindship with our Bretheren the English.                          A BeltBROTHER WARRAGHIIYAGEE
We acknowledge with equal Conscern with you, that the Road between Us has been
obstructed, and almost grown up wth. Weeds that our Fire is scattered; & almost extinct, We return
you our most hearty thanks for recruiting the Fire with such wood as will burn clear, and not go out,
and we promise that we shall with the Utmost Care dress, & keep it up, as we are sensible from what
has been said by oAr Forefathers, that the Neglect of it would be our ruin.  A BeltBROTHER WARRAGHIIYAGEEWe know verry well the Use of the White wing you recommended and are determined
to use it to sweep out whatever may hinder the Fire from burning with a pure FlameA StringBROTHER WARRAGHIIYAGEE
You may depend upon our Care in defending the Tree which you have replanted from the
Inclemency of the high Winds from Canada, we are full of acknowledgements for your Care and
Admonition, and be Assured we shall watch everry threatning Cloud from thence, that we may be
ready to prop it up.                                                          A Belt
BROTHER WARRAGHIIYAGEE    We Rejoice that we See the Fire burn pure where it should do, the
Tree of Shelter look Strong and flourishing, & you may depend upon our quenching that False Fire at
Swegachey, and doeing all we can to recall our Brothers, too often seduced that way. tho we did
not conceive we had done so much amiss in goeing thither, when we observe that you White People
pray, and we have no nearer place to learn to pray, & have our Children babtized than that, however
as you insist upon it, we will not go that Way nor be any more divided, I must now say it is not with
our Consent that the French have committed any Hostilities at Ohio, We dont know what you
Christians English & French together intend, we are so Hemmed in by Both, that we have hardly a
Hunting place left, in a little while i} we find a Bear in a Tree there will imediately appear an Owner
of the Land to Challenge the Property, and hinder us from killing it which is our lively hood, We
are so perplexed between both, that we hardly know what to say or think.   A BeltBROTHER WARRAGHIIYAGEE. In behalf of our Bretheren of this Castle of Onondaga, I am to say,
that we shall hereafter transmit to our Bretheren the English, whatever we hear of Consequence
Invariable & directly, according to the Old Custom.                       A StringBROTHER WVARRAGHIIYAGEEThe Seneka's do know themselves to be the Door of the Six Nations, and thank you for
renewing it, as we are sensible it was much wanted, and with such durable Wood as will not rott, we
shall be quick to hear when it opens, and shall communicate distinctly what news is passing to our
Brothers at Onondaga, in order to be dispatched to our Bretheren the English, and shall be verry
sollicitous to invite all Nations to enter at that Door, & shall endeavour to keep the Roads to it
Clear & Open.                                                                 A Belt
BROTHER WARRAGHIIYAGEE. We thank you heartily for clearing the Oneida Stone, and setting
it up right, and shall agreable to your advice, collect our People together, also the Tuscarora's be
they scattered where they may, and the Scanihaderadighroones we do unite with us, a small Party
of whom are here present to hear you, and to take their share of our Brother the Governours Bounty
We also return thanks for the New String fixed to the Cradle contrived, by our Forefathers to receive
those New Bretheren we intend to nourish and provide for                   A String.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       373
BROTHER WARRAGHIIYAGEE    The Cajugas say they have not been more conversant with the French
than the rest of the Six Nations, they will endeavour to keep themselves as compact as they can,
and thank you for this Intuition, being sensible it is for their own good. They also return you thanks
for the Pass you were pleased to give to the Tedarrighroones to come and unite with them to strenghten
their Nation, Three of whom are now here to partake in the name of their Nation of the Intended
Present.                                                                      A Belt
BROTHER WARRAGHIIYAGEE. We are heartily conscerned with you that some of our People went
out against the Catabaws, and hope you will not take it amiss if we do not give you a difinitive answer
upon that Head, at present we can only desire your Patience till the Fighters are all Home,
there being verry few Here, when we shall in each Castle consult them, and return an answer at the
first meeting with the new Governour This is in part what I proposed to suspend till his comeing, as I
mentioned before I returned the Second Belt.
BROTHER WARRAGHIIYAGEE
You may depend upon whatever can be expected on our part, to bring the Covenant Chain
to its former Brightness. It was high time, being almost eat thorough with Rust, for want ot proper
Care annd Inspection. We are very glad you are pleased that we have connected thereto.,the Scanihaderadighroones, and Tetarighroones. All of whom we daily expect among us.   A Belt
BROTHER WARRAGHIIYAGEE, We Return you a great many thanks for stopping the Rum coming
to the Six Nations and would be verry glad the same Prohibition would have effect at Osswego.
To the last I replied, He intending to continue his speech. That could not be at present, likewise
told them it would do great pleasure to the French, while we were forbid to sell Rum at Osswego,
they sold what they thought fitt at Niagara a place which was forcibly taken from them. I expected
they would first hinder the French Selling Liquor there before they proposed haveing it stopped at
Osswego, especially as it is a place agreed on by all the Six Nations to be in ye Hands of the English,
as a general Mart for all their necessities, as well as for the sunnry wants of all the Indians to ye.
Southward and Southward. They replyed imediately by the same speaker they would go to Niagara,
& forbid the French Selling any more Rum or Spiritous Liquors, and also said that they had not given
that place to the French, but that they settled there without the Consent of the Six Nations.
A Belt
BROTHER WARRAGHIIYAGEE
We are pleased with everry thing you have said, and return you a great many thanks for
speaking in our own way, which is more intelligible to us, because more conformable to the Customs
& Manners of our Forefathers. We earnestly beg that if we call or send for you, or the Mohawks,
or the Seneca's that you will not neglect comeing, We have often stretched out our necks
expecting to see you, but have been disapointed, We hope for the future you and they will always
appear and attend the meeting, as we expect a Mutual Correspondence, we shall not omit sending all
the news that arrives with us, and hope the same from you directly —          A Belt




374                      MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
SUNDRY WARRANTS AND ALLOWANCES IN            FAVOR OF COL. JOHNSON. 1746 TO 1753.
1746.
1 Dec. For supplying Detachments of Militia wth provis: from 15th March 1745 to 15  661 20
Dec. 1746
"    For supplying the dokuble Garrison of regular Troops, at Oswego with provs from  228.23d June 1746 to 23 Dec. 1746.                                     2.-.
1747
April 29 Allowance for arrears due him on ditto                                  24June 19. For supplying the Troops at Oswego from 1st Nov. 1746 to lit May 1747.  2281749
Aug. 8.     For the like from  1 May 1747 to 1 Nov  1747                        228 --
For the like      1 Nov. 1747  1 May   1748                         228.For the like     1 May 1748 to 1 Nov.  1748                         228.For the like     1 Nov. 1748 to 1 May  1749                         228.For the Supplying Detachment of Militia at Oswego from 15 Dec. 1746. to 15  1292.
May 1748 on receipt
For supplying a double garrison of Regulars at Oswego from 23 Dec. 1746 to 23 1
May 1748 on rect                                                   646
For Extraordinary charges in supplying that garrison same date  on rect-  200
1750   For oats   on receit                                                    150.For Maintenance of French prisoners                                      36.8
For    do      their attendants                                          36.8For    do       of Gents who came at another time                        42.For    do       for their attendants                                     42.For money advanced to Gunsmith at Cayuga                                300.-.For Goods furnished to Mohawks                                           60.For supplies to-Militia at Oswego from 15 May to 15 Nov 1748            668.11.4
For Express to Oswego- to withdraw the Militia in  1748, ~4. & money 
advanced for a Birch Canoe.~4
To Capt Dow for advances to Coil Johnson in 1749 for Clothing French Prisoners 646.1753. To Coll. Johnson to be distributed Among the Indians at Onondaga         250.For expences on that voyage                                              200.For Goods furnished the smiths sent among the Indians in 1750 & 1751. For
sundry other disbursements by him for the services of the Colony & what
is still due him for supplying additional Garrison at Oswego exclusive of
what he is to receive out of the Oswego fund for supplying the ordinary
Garrison there with provs                                        733-6.2k




ARNUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON                        3875
COL. JOHNSON TO LT. GOVR. DELANCEY.
8th Septr. 1754.
May it please your Honour
I have this day received yours of the 1st Inst, with your orders which were dated the 14th ulto.
I must beg leave to observe to your Honour, that the Inhabitants of the Mohawks River, (who are
daily in fear of sharcing the same fate of the Eastern Settlements being now the only Frontier) will
think it a great hardship to be sent to Oswego, or any where else, while they are so exposed to the
Enemy. I am certain the Indians would also think the same, being as much afraid as our People.
besides, my sending them to Oswego, on hearing the Frenches design of attacking that place, may be
too late, for the French are very private and expeditious in such attempts. Therefore with submission, I should think it best if yr. Honour approves of it, to detach what number of men you may
judge necessary for the reinforcement of that garrison, out of the several Companies usual and an
active officer to Command them. Those men when so draughted, and the officer appointed, either to
be sent there immediately, or ordered to hold themselves ready to march thither at the first call.
but then, I expect that they will be assured of their Pay, as there are many who served there last
War yet unpaid, notwithstanding they had the Collos. promise, who is now everry day dunned
and threatened by them. In the next place, there is the transportation of them and their Provisions to
be considered, this would be too hard upon me to engage for, and otherwise I dont see how I can
oblidge them to march thither.
As to what is in my power I have done, and shall continue it, vizt. to see that the Regiment be well
armed & equipped agreeable to the act of Assembly also duly exercised, & warned to hold themselves
in readiness to march against the Enemy at a moments notice but unless we have a proper number
of woodrangers continually scouring the Woods, together with some of our best Indians (whom I
beleive may be got for pay) to give us intelligence of the enemys approach, our numbers be them ever so
well armed, and provided will avail but little, for as they live so scattered it will require three or four
days notice at least to muster any considerable number of them  together. Our safety depends
greatly on haveing early Intelligence so that we may be able to guard against a surprise.
I find your Honour was to send a Lieut Colln. Commission to Mr. John Ranslear of Green Bush, and
another to Major Glen, as soon as I hear they have received them, I shall comply with your orders.
Mr. Glen refused the same Commission five or six years ago, o that I dont know whether he will
accept of one now.
Your Honour is pleased to order that I should consult them gentlemen in the choice of officers,
which I shall as far as is consistent with my Duty, and the good of the service & wthout the least
regard to Paity Divisions. I can assure you Sir, that I never made use of any such means, as is
evident by the many Vacancys now in the Regiment, which 1 believe your Honour is sensible I had
in my power to fill up ever since I had the Commission. but I was under no necessity of having
recourse to such measures, tho I belive it has been usual.
My only aim or desire is to have officers fitt to command, and that I could depend upon, whenever
there was occasion for them. As I am sensible the Militia is at present our only dependance or safeguard, you may be assured Sir, of my keeping it in as good order, and readiness as my Power will
admit of, but this I must say, that, were the law relateing thereto, more ample at present it would be
of great service. I am with all due respect.
Mount Johnson                    Your Honours Most obedient Humble servant
7br. 8th 1754                                                      WM JOHNSON
Governour DeLancey
Endorsed     8 Sepr. 1754  From COL. JOHNSON
16 Sepr. Read in Council.




3s76                       &aNUrscRips   c'i stK WILLIAM MsONW.
COL. JOHNSON TO THE BOARD OF TRADE.
New York, 17th. Janry. 1756.
MY LoRDS
I did my self the honour of writing to your Lordships the 18th past from Mount Johnson,
to which I beg leave to refer.
-By the inclosed Copies of Genl. Shirleys Letters & mine your Lordship will see what past between
his.Excellency & me relative to his New Commission & Instructions.
Mr Shirley hath thought proper to agree to my continuing to act under Gerl. Braddocks Commission & upon talking matters over with him, that I shall meet the Indians at Oswego early this spring
and endeavour to dispose them to second such operations as he may determine on for His Majestys
Service.
In one point, & it is a material one, Genl. Shirley will not be so explicit as I wuld wish, it is in
regard to Agents amongst the Indians employed and paid by him. I cannot pretend to carry on this
service in a proper manner whilst I have reason to suspect my measures may possibly be opposed &
probably confused, by Persons not employed by me nor under my Direction. I have told Mr. Shirley
these measures I apprehend are not agreeable to the Tenor of my Commission & represented to him
their ill consequences; his answers leave me in doubts and suspicions. I shall however thus circumstanced do the best I can for the public service & fulfill my Duty to His Majesty to the utmost of my
Power & Abilities.
My Lords
Since I have been at New York I received Mr. Secratary Pownalls Letter to me bearing
date the 9 October: v.hich your Lordships directed him to write.
I think myself extrealily happy that my Endeavours for His Majestys Service in Indian Affairs
have met with your Lordships Approbation; to receive the assurances thereof in Mr. Pownals Letter
before me by Direction 1roln your Lordships, is an honour wAcl I not only highly prize but animates
me with the amrbition of retaining & improving your Lordships favourable Dispositions towards me.
I have lead & (onsidered iite copy of the Instructions given to Sir Charles Hardy our present
Governer upon the complaints of the Indians relative to their Lands. Tho I am fully assured of that
Gentlemans sincere & (lisinterested Inclinations to exert the powers entrusted with him in executing these
Instructions to the full extent of his authority, Yet I conceive that will be ineffectual without an Act
of the Legislature of this Province to destroy the Patents complained of. Whether such an Act can
or will be obtained, I very much doubt.
But on this ioint in general, as well as to my Sentiments upon the important Subject of the British
Indian Interest & that more particularly as i: relates to the Northern Confederacy, I beg leave to refer
your Lordships to the Papers I herewith transmit you. As my Administration of Indian affairs makes
one whole Section in these Papers, & is put in the light of a Justification, your Lordships will permit me
to give you the reasons for my name being so frequently mentioned therein.
I am considerable enough to have Enemies & to be envied. I have been informed that Genl. Shirley
& some other Persons have censured my Conduct since I have had the honour to superintend Indian
Affairs, the unfaverable Terms I have been on with that Gentn. his causeless Jealousies & his unmerited
Resentment, with some other Grounds, give me reason to suspect, my Management has been or may be
misrepresented to your Lordships or perhaps some of His Majestys Administration, hence it came,
that some parts of the second section take more notice of me than perhaps might otherwise have been
needful.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSONo                         377
That of a Fixt Fund I must beg to press on your Lordships as a Point absolutely necessary for
carrying on Indian Affairs, so as to put them upofi a solid footing & extend them to these beneficial
purposes without a steady & connected view to wCh I would neither chuse to dispose of the public
money, nor continue in the Administration of these Affairs, a precarious Fund may not only fail at
a critical Juncture but be attended with Obstructions almost equally fatal; I am willing to be-under the
severest checks & this with regard to my uprightness in money matters wch even mistrust itself can
suggest, for my motives in pushing these points, are the nature of the service & the good of the public.
As to my own appointments, Prudence & justice to myself, make it necessary that I should be
explicit to your Lordships. Every thing of this kind is yet unsettled. While I had no public character in Indian Affairs, I sustained very considerable Expences and these I will be bold to say happily
applied. From the time I engaged under my present Commission to this day, I wholly gave up my
Trade. My attention to my estate and every other Improvement of my private Fortune, have been &
must be if I continue laid aside as far as they relate to my personal application. I am if I continue in
the administration of them, determined to devote my time & Labours wholly to Indian affairs. At
all meetings either at my House or elsewhere, not only the officers belonging to this service but many
other Persons who generally attend on these occasions are entertained at my Expence, & when the
meeting is at Onondaga or Osswego the Expences are increased the journey is long and very fatiguing.
My Lords
A Thousand Pounds sterling p annum I do assure your Lordships will not be Equivalent for the
advantages I give up —& the additional Expences this Employment will put me to. And here my
Lords I crave the honour to introduce the Secretary for Indian affairs, he hath applied himself for some
Sears with great Dilligence & with answerable sucess to make himself master of the Department to
wch. His Majesty's Commission appointed him. I am fully convinced from  my Experience of his
assistance and Behaviour that no Person I know of is more equal or worthy of this Employment, his
abilities, the Importance & fatigue of the office do in my opinion deserve ~200- p Annum sterling
with an allowance for a Clerk and other charges.
Upon these Points both with regard to Mr. Wraxall & myself I do not chuse to apply to General
Shirley for as Mr. Wraxall sign manual is in the form of it not adapted to the present administration of
Indian affairs, I hope your Lordships will judge it proper that both of us may be honoured with special
commissions from His Majesty, provided Indian affairs continue in the channel which is at present
favoured with your Lordships approbation, when our salarys may be determinately fixt.
I return my Lords to the Papers before referred to & to the important affair of the Indians Lands;
to lay before your Lordships all the particular circumstances of the Grants & Patents in the several
Provinces is beyond my power and for effectual Expedients I apprehend His Majestys servants learned
in the Law, may fall on better methods than any which are within the compass of my abilities to
propose.                                               My Lords
To the Right Honble                                   Your Lordships
and Honble                                           Most Obedient
The Lords Commisrs. of                                    & most hum serv5t.
Trade &C.
AMy Lords-having had my time so entirely engaged here since I had ye honor of your Lordships
commands to lay my sentiments before you on. ye Plan of measures your Lordships propose & being
obliged to return directly with ye best Expedition I can to Mount Johnson I am not able at this juncture
to answer to your Lordships Commands. I will do it as sone as I am able. Permitt.me my Lords to
referr myself in general on this head to ye Letters I have had y~ honor to write your Lordships & in
VOL. II.                                   48




378                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
Particular to Mr Pownall who I find is going to England as he knows every particulor of my sentiments & is also perfectly acquainted with Indian Affairs as they stand connected with ye Interest
of ye Continent & His Majesty's service
MINUTES OF A COUNCIL HELD AT ALEXANDRIA.
At a Council held at the Camp at
Alexandria in Virginia April 14th 1755.
PRESENT
His Excellency Edward Braddock Esqr General & Commander in Chief of his Majestys Forces in
North America.
The Honoble Augustus Keppel Esqr Commander in chief of his Majestys Ships and Vessels in North
America.
The Honble William Shirley Esqr. The Honble Robert Dinwiddie Esqr The Honbie James De Lancey
Esqr. The Honble Horatio Sharpe Esqr The Honoble Robt Hunter Morris Esqr'
The Generals Commission having been read and the Articles of his Instructions from his Majesty
relating to a common Fund to be established in the Colonies for carrying on the services under the
Generals direction, and also the article relating to the measures to be taken for engaging the Indians in
his Majesty's Interest. His Excellency the General made the following proposals.
1st That a fund should be established conformable to his Instructions abovementioned and to
sir Thomas Robinsons Letter to the several Governors dated Octobr 26. 1754.
2d It being of the utmost importance that the five Nations of Indians and their Allies should be
gained and secured to the British Interest, that a proper person should be sent with full powers from him
to treat with them, and that Colonel Johnston, appearing to his Excellency the fittest person for that purpose, should be employed in it.
And in order to promote the success of the Treaty, the General proposed that presents should be made
to the said Indians in which he desired the opinion of the Council as to the value to which the said
presents should be made, and the manner of their being Supplied.
3 His Excellency acquainted the Council that he proposed to attack the French Forts at Crown
point and Niagara and desired their Opinion whether it was advisable that the Reduction of Crown point
should be undertaken with the forces agreed to be Supplyed by the Several Colonies concerned in it
amounting in the whole to 4400 Men and whether it was their opinion that Colonel Johnston was a proper
person to Command in Chief the said service.
4h   His Excellency considering the Fort at Oswego as a Post of the greatest importance for facilitating
the proposed attack of Niagara, and securing the retreat of the Troops to be employed in that service,
and having been informed of Its present Defenceless condition & of the weakness of its Garrison
acquainted the Council that he should order it to be reinforced by the two Independent Companies of
New York and two Companies of Sir William Pepperels Regiment, and desired to have their opinion
whether it would not be proper to build one or more Vessels upon the Lake Ontario for asserting his
Majesty's right to that Lake as well as for a Security to the Forces to be employed in the attack
of Niagara, and of what burthen or Force the said Vessels should be.
The Members of the Council having taken into Consideration these several matters in the order
proposed by the General. The Governors present acquainted his Excellency that they had
severally made application to their respective Assemblies for the establishment of the' common fund




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                     379
proposed, but had not been able to prevail upon'em to agree to it, and gave it as their unanimous
opinion that such a Fund can never be established in the Colonies without the aid of Parliament.
They likewise declared that having found it impracticable to obtain in their respective governments
their proportions expected by his Majesty towards defraying the expense of his service in North
America, that they were unanimously of opinion that it should be proposed to his Majesty's Ministers
to find out some method of compelling them to do it and of Assessing the several Governments
in proportion to their respective abilities, their shares of the whole money already furnished and which
it shall be thought proper for them further to furnish towards the General expence of his service They
also assured the General that they would still continue to use their utmost endeavours to raise all
possible supplies but were unanimously of Opinion that the Kings Service in the Colonies and the
carrying on of the present Expedition must be at a stand unless the General shall think proper to make
use of his credit upon the Government at Home to defray the expSnce of all the Operations under his
direction
The Members of the Council likewise agreed that it was highly necessary to send some person with
full powers from the General to treat with the five Nations of Indians and to secure them and their
Allies to the British Interest and that Coll Johnston was the fittest man to be employed in that Business
and for that purpose that the Sum of ~800 Sterl should be paid into his hands to be laid out by him
in such Commodities as he should judge most proper for the Northern and Western Indians ~500
of which should be employed for the five Nations and their Allies and ~300 for the Western Indians to
be given at Oswego. And as to the manner of supplying the presents the several Govrs agreed that
if the General for the sake of Dispatch thinks proper to advance the money the Colonies ought to
replace it according to the proportions settled in the Plan of Union by the Commissioners at Albany
last year together with all contingent Charges attending it, and that it was their opinion that the
several Governments would readily consent to do it within the space of three months.
The Council expressed their Approbation of the Attack proposed by the General upon Crown point
and Niagara as being undoubted encroachments made by the French upon his Majestys Dominions in
America and gave it as their Unanimous Opinion that Coll. Johnston was the properest person to have
the Command of the Expedition against Crown point. They also agreed to the necessity of strengthening the Fort and reinforcing the Garison at Oswego, and advised the building of two Vessels of sixty
Tons upon the Lake Ontario with all possible Dispatch according to a Draught to be sent by Commodore Keppel who desired that an account might be laid before him of the cost of'em and undertook
to defray it and it was agreed that the direction of the affair should be Committed to Goverr Shirley.
It was likewise unanimously agreed that in case of the Reduction of Fort Duquesne whatever Garison
the General should think proper to leave there, should be maintained, and the expence of additional
works which he should think necessary to make there, should be defrayed by the Governments of
Virginia Maryland, and Pensylvania, and that if the General should think it necessary to build a ffort
upon Lake Erie, and to order one or more Vessels to be built for the Defence of that Lake, that the
expence attending both those measures should likewise be defrayed by those three Governments.
Examined
W. SHIRLEY Secrty,




380                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSONS.
COMMISSION APPOINTING COL. JOHNSON MAJOR GENL.
BY His Excellency William Shirley Esqr. Captain General and Commander in Chief in and over
his Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, and the Lands and Territories thereon depending, Vice Admiral of the same, and Colonel in his Majesty's Army,
To William Johnson Esquire Greeting.
Whereas by my Messages on the 13th & 15th Days of last February to his Majesty's Council
& the House of Representatives for the aforesaid Province in Great and General Court assembled,
recommending to them to make provision for carrying on an Attempt, in conjunction with some of his
Majesty's other Neighbouring Governments to erect a Strong Fortress upon an Eminence near to the
French Fort at Crown point, & other Services in the said Messages express'd; In Answer to which
the said two Houses of the aforesaid Assembly by their Message to me on the 18th. of the same February
among other things therein contained desir'd me forthwith to make the necessary preparations for
such -an Expedition; to appoint & Commissionate a General Officer to command the same, to advise
his Majesty's other Govermentstherein after mention'd of the said Design, and in such manner as I
should think most effectual to urge them to join therein, and to raise their respective proportions of
Men as follows, viz. New Hampshire six hundred, Connecticutt one thousand, Rhode Island four
hundred, New York eight hundred, or such larger proportion as each of the said Governments should
think proper, and to cause twelve hundred men to be inlisted for the Service of the said Expedition, as
the proportion of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, as soon as it should appear that the three
thousand men proposed to be raised by the before mentioned Colonies of New Hampshire, Connecticutt, Rhode Island and New York, should be agreed to be rais'd.
And Whereas in consequence of my aforesaid Message recommending the said Expedition, & of the
Resolves of the Assembly of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay thereupon, Copies of both which
I transmitted to the before mentioned four neighbouring Governments together with a Letter to each of
them, urging them to join in the same, as proposed by the Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay, and
nominating you to be the Commander in Chief of the Provincial Forces to be employed in the said
Expedition: The Governments of New York, New Hampshire, Connecticutt & Rhode Island have
agreed to raise in the whole two thousand nine hundred men for his Majesty's Service in the aforesaid Expidition, wch. with fifteen hundred Men since agreed to be rais'd for the aforesaid Service will
make up 4400 Men, and acquiesced in my Nomination of you to be Commander in Chief of the said
Forces; and Whereas his Excellency Major General Braddock Commander in Chief of all his
Majesty's Forces in North America, hath since approv'd of my Appointmt. of you to the said Command: Now reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Fidelity, Courage and good Conduct, I do,
by Virtue of the Authority to me granted in & by his Majesty's Royal Commission under the Great
Seal of Great Britain, and in consequence of the several proceedings of the Governments of the
aforesaid Colonies of New England and New York, and of the Approbation of Major General Braddock,
Appoint you to be Major General and Commander in Chief of the Forces raised & to be raised by
the aforesaid five Governments or any of them for the Service of the aforesaid Expedition; as also of
such Indians as shall assist his Majesty in the same.
You are therefore to take upon you the Command of the said Forces, and diligently to execute the
Duty & Office of Commander in Chief of the said Expedition, according to such Instructions as you
shall receive from me bearing even date with these Presents: and to follow such further Orders as you
shall from time to time receive from me or any your superior Officer herein: hereby also requiring all




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        381
Officers & Soldiers employ'd or to be employ'd by the aforesaid five Governments in the said Expedition to obey you as their Commander in Chief.
Given under my Hand and Seal at Arms the sixteenth Day of April in the twenty eighth Year of
the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the second, by the Grace of God of Great
Britain, France, and Ireland King Defender of the Faith, &ca and in the Year of our
Lord Christ 1755.
By his Excellency's Command
Secdry.
COMMN. OF MAJOR GENERAL TO WILLIAM JOHNSON ESQR.
BY the H-onoble: James DeLancey Esqr. his Majesty's Lieutenant Governour and Commander in Chief
in and over the Province of New York and the Territories Depending thereon in America.
To William Johnson Esquire Greeting
Whereas upon the Recommendation of his Excellency William Shirley Esqr. Captain General
and Governour in Chief of his Majesty's Province of the Massachusets Bay, That Government and
the several other Governments of New Hampshire, Connecticut Rhode Island and this Province, have
respectively raised a body of Men, amounting in the whole to about four thousand, to be employed
in an Attempt to erect a Strong Fortress upon an Eminence near the French Fort at Crown point;
And for removing the Incroachments of the French on his Majesty's Lands there.  And his said
Excellency having nominated you to be the Commander in Chief of such Provincial Forces the said
several Governments have acquiececd therein And whereas his Excellency Major General BRADDOCK
Commander in Chief of all his Majesty's Forces in North America hath since approved of your being
appointed to that Command And I reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Fidelity Courage
and good Conduct Do therefore by Virtue of the powers and authority to me given by his Majesty
constitute and appoint you to be Major General and Commander in Chief of the Forces raised and to
be raised by the before mentioned five Governments for the Service of the said Expedition, as also of
such Indians as shall assist his Majesty in the same. You are therefore to take upon you the Command of the said Forces and diligently to execute the duty and office of Commander in Chief of the
said Expedition duely observing the Instructions which you will receive herewith from me bearing even
date with these presents. And all the Officers and Soldiers of this province employed in that Service
And all others whom it may Concern are required to obey you as their Commander in Chief and to
pay due obedience to this your Commission.
Given under my hand and Seal At Arms at Fort George in the City of New York the
day of         in the twenty eighth year of the Reign of our Soveraign Lord George
the Second by the Grace of God of great Britain France and Ireland King Defender
of the Faith &ca. And. in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and
fifty five.




382                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
GENL. JOHNSON TO LT. GOV, DELANCEY.
SIRI did myself the honour of writing you the 16 Inst. to wh I beg leave to refer.
Upon farther consideration I think Four more 181bS. and Four more Feild peices will be necessary
and I must beg the favour of you to represent this to the Governments concerned that timely care
may be taken to supply them. It is not to be doubted that if the enemy hath not already some
Informations of our Design, they will soon be fully apprized of it & consequently prepare for their
Defence as compleatly as may be in their Power. It appears therefore to me that 6 Eighteen pounders
will be too few to support our attack with that vigor as may facilitate our success. Should we be
so happy as to take Possession of their Fort, they may render their own Cannon unserviceable, or we
may find more than they leave us necessary to defend our conquest and cover our Troops.
Four Feild peices I think too few for the number of Troops destined for this Service, and upon
mature reflection it will I beleive appear so without my entering into the particular reasons.
I dont find there is any Establishment for a Quarter Mast. Genl. such an officer appears to me
quite necessary, and that great judgment should be used in the choice of him and that he should be
dispatched to me as soon as possible to confer upon our future Proceedings.
An Engineer is of equal if not greater necessity, who should without loss of time take a view of
the Artillery &c. & make his report to me.
I hope Sir you will without Delay take the necessary measures upon these Articles.
Albany 29 May                            I am most respectfully
1755                               Sir your Honours most obedt & most
To the Honble                                        hum Servt
James DeLancey Esqr &c. &c.                                       W1. JOHNSON.
I dont write Governr. Shirley on those Heads,
as there is at present no direct opertunity.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
SIR
Seth the Head Sachem of the Indians living near Shohary, and the leading Sachems of the upper and
lower Mohock Castles have made heavy Complaints to me of the white People in those Parts Selling
Rum to the Indians, represented the ill Consequences thereof, and prayed that it may be prevented.
Your Honour I persuade myself is sensible, this Selling of Rum to the Indians has been ever attended
with fatal Consequences to the publick Interest with them, and at this Juncture, must be more then
commonly detrimental;
If an act of the Legislature cannot be obtained to prohibit this Sale of Rum to the Indians without
any Limitation of Time, I do in the most earnest manner request your Honour, that you will apply
to the Assembly to form an Act with such Pains, & Penalties, against this Sale of Rum to the
Indians, during the present Situation of publick affairs, as may be (so far as possible:) effectual to prevent it. Unless such a Law is made, and the observance of it secured in the strongest manner, the




MANUSCRIPTSi OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                      383
General Interest in my humble opinion, will infallibly suffer, and those measures now in agitation for
the Honour of his Majesty's Crown, and the Security & Welfare of his Subjects in these Parts, be
greatly embarrassed.                               I am with great Respect
Sir Your Honours
Mount Johnson 2d of June                                    Most obedient Servant
1755.                                                     WM. JOHNSON.
P. S. there should be a clause in the Act to prevent
Peoples buying their Arms Amunition Cloathmg &ca.
or exchangeing.
To Govr. DeLancey.
SIR
As Mr. Banyar writes me that my Pattent is ready for the seal, I hereinclose a note of Hand for
the amount of your Honours Fees, which I hope you will accept. The many disappointments I have
lately mett with, together with my purchase of Lands, Ginseng &ca puts it out of my power at present
to advance that sum; otherwise I would have paid it with pleasure.
I am yrs
WM. JOHNSON.
--.. -._-j
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
SiR
I returned last night from the Conhogohery Indian Castle having first been at the Mohock Castle.
At both Settlements I have fixt on Places to build them Forts. At the hither Castle I propose it to
be nearly on a Line with Fort Hunter, to take in the Church as a Bastion & to have a Communication
Pallisado between the two Forts, which will be a small Expence & in case of an Attack may be of
great Service by mutually assisting each other, and if drove to the necessity of quiting the One they may
still maintain the other.
At Conogohery I propose it on the Flat Land out of Gun Shot from the Hill where the Old Block
hotuses now stand, out of wch upon the Point of the said Hill 1 propose to erect a good Block House.
On the rear of the intended Fort, there is a clear improved Vale run of more than half a Mile, on the
left Flank it will be assisted by the said Block house on the point of the Hill, a Fire between wch
and the Fort will clear the open Land on that side; the Land is all clear and cultivated in the Front;
On the right side there are a few Bushes & small Wood to clear, when all will be open on that side for
more than half a Mile, One of the Bastions to serve for a Church.
I have not been able as yet to contract for building either of these Forts, but I hope to do it soon
& upon the best Terms I possibly can.
The Indians have expressed great Pleasure & Gratitude upon this Affair & the sooner it is put in hand
the better, and I am persuaded it is a Measure which will greatly contribute to animate their Zeal, secure
these Indians to our Interest & have a very good Effect on the other Nations.
In a Week or 10 days I am in hopes the Six Nations will be down with me as also Deputies
from  those living upon the Susquahanna with a Belt of Wampum.
When I have finished my Conferrencel will acquaint your Honour with the result, but till then I cannot
with any certainty judge what turn they will take, I hope and flatter myself it will be in our favour,
and that a Party may actually engage themselves to assist us.




384                         MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
Capt Mathews came hither from Albany this Morning. his Company was regularly mustered last
Wensday & his Men quartered in the Block-houses., he tells me he applied to Mr DePeyster for
Provisions for them, but he told him, tho a great deal had been sent him from New York, he had
no Orders for Issuing any. Capt Mathews is now obliged to support them at his own Expence, wch
is very difficult for him to procure as well as to pay for. There are no Blanketts, Cloathing &e for
them nor any Commissaries to give them Satisfaction on these Points. How very fatal this may be
to the Service, by disgusting the Men already there & spreading amongst those who are to come, and how
necessary it is to fulfil these public Engagements with Promptitude & Exactness, past Experience will
testifie & the nature of the Case so fully evinces, that I will not trouble Your Honour with any of my
Reflections thereon.  One thing I must beg leave to say with regard to our Military Preparations in
general, that if we are dilatory & remiss, the Consequences will probably be irretrievably fatal.
I am. most respectfully Sir
Mount Johnson                               Your Honours Most Obedt &
6 June 1755.                                       Most hlum Servt
To Governor DeLancey.                                                      WM JoHNsON
THE   SAME TO THE SAME
SIR-Just now I received by an Express from Albany, Your Honours Favour of the 7. Inst. As
that part of it relating to the Cagnawaga Indians, seems to require my immediate Answer, I must
defer the other particulars to the next opportunity.
I have talked with some of the Mohawk Sachems about the Cagnawaga Indians, and they are
of Opinion that those Indians have at present a more favourable Disposition towards the English Interest,
than for many Years past.    And tho I think their uncontrolled Intercourse with Albany, & the
Indiscretions to which some People there (to give it the softest name) may be liable, is a point of no
small Consequence at this critical Juncture; Yet as I expect this day or to morrow Morning the arrival
of our Indians here, 9 Nations of whom the Interpreter tells me are on the Road, more in Number than
he ever yet saw together, that they seem to be well pleased & in a friendly Disposition, and as the
Matter I shall move to them, must be conducted with the greatest Caution & Delicacy, it will be of
the highest Importance to my Success with them, that they should be kept in as good humour as possible & receive no Disgusts which can be avoided. I am affraid if the laudable Zeal of Govr Shirleys
Measures should now take place with respect to the Cagnawagna Indians, it may breed a Dissatisfaction amongst ours & and prejudice my Influence over them, for tis certain they do look on the
Cagnawaga Indians as a part of themselves.  If I should be so happy as to succeed in my Intentions
with our Indians, I then propose to bring the Cagnawagas on the Carpet & put our Conduct relating to
them  on some detirminate footing, in which I hope to have the Concurrance of our Indians.
A few days may enable me to give Your Honour such Lights & Informations, as may point out what
Conduct ought to be observed towards the Cagnawaga Indians at this Crisis.
Capt Ayres went to Albany                       I am most respectfully
the day before yesterday.                               Sir Your Honours
Mr Wraxall presents his Duty                                 Most Obedt & Most hum
to Your Honour.                                                   Servt
Mount Johnson 15 June 1755.-                                               WM JOHnsON




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        385
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Mount Johnson June 16th 1755.
SIR  Since my last to you of the thirteenth Inst: the Parties are returned whom I sent out in
Pursuit of the Onogungeys, they discovered the Places of their Encampment, but could not come up
with them; I still keep Parties reconnoitering.
I have last Night with much Difficulty agreed with three Men, to build the two Forts at the Mohawk
Castles; As wood fitt for that Purpose is very scarse thereabouts, I could hardly get them to undertake
the Work for yt. Sum. The Interpreter tells, and Stoddert: who comes down with the Six Nations 
writes me there are by far a greater Number of Indians coming down on my Summons, then ever
was known to come before on any Occasion: besides a great Body of Indians I expect from the
Southward, which must make it very expensive maintaining them &Cao
I am Sir with the Utmost Respect
Your Honours Most Obedient &
Most Humble Servt.
Govro Delancey.                                                       WM. JOHNSON
MR. BANYAR TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
New York 16 June 1755.
SIR  I wrote you yesterday by Brasier the Express Sent by Mr. Alexander, and at the Bottom of
my Letter I added by the Governors Directions, that if you thought the carriage for transporting the
Cannon which was made at Albany for the last expedition was proper, and could be made as well and
as soon at Albany as at this place, that you should then employ workman to make them there, and that
the Governor would See them paid for. This was on a presumption that the Albany Carriage was
merely for transporting the Cannon, but I now find by Col Roberts's information that the carriages made
there exactly answers the Description of those I mentioned in a former Letter to you & they were to
have had as many of them as they had Guns to carry. This being the case, and as they can be made
sooner and its imagined better here, than at Albany the Governor orders me to acquaint you that he
will have the ten carriages for the heavy cannon made here as soon as possible, and desires you will
not proceed to get them made in consequence of my Letter of yesterday. As to the carriages for
the four brass field pieces he desires you would order them to be made out of hand. Captain Eyre
being on the spot will give the proper directions to the workmen whom the Governor undertakes to pay
as well as for timber and Smiths work. If you have not Spunges Sadles &c there for them mention
what is wanted and I will endeavour they be sent with the other things. Are there any and what Ball
belonging to them? if not enough send down one of the Shot that is a patern.
The ten large Battoes for the cannon must be made at Albany: But as the Governour expects the
Assembly will come to a final Resolution this Day about our Quota of the Train he says he will Stay to
hear what they do before he orders them to be made Those Carriages wee Saw at Alexandria had
apartments in them for Shot powder &c which I think very necessary as the Guns may probably be used
on the March.                                                 I am &c
Gw. BANYAR
P. S. Mr Dies says the Carriages made at Albany
wer done by Garret Lansingh and desires me to
caution you agst. making them too heavy.
VOL. II                                49




386                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON;
18 June Sent copyed the above to Col Johnson & reported that he would order the Carriages to be
made for the 4 brass field Pieces and also proper Carriages for Such other Small cannon as he may take
with him for wll the Gov will order Mr. diers to pay out of the ~20,000 Fund.
To Major General William Johnson
at Mount Johnson
GENL. JOHNSON TO GOV. DELANCEY.
SIR  My last Letter to Your Honour bore date the 16th Inst. Brazier brought me Your oblidging
remembrance of the 15 Inst. he also brought me a Letter from Govr. Shirley with the Opinions of their
two Houses of Assembly relating to the Allowance for my self and the Indian Officers, also a Specification of the Sundrys Provided and Providing by that Government for the Expedition to Crown Point.
My Answer to him on these. Papers I send you herewith a Coppy of and also a List of the Sundrys
necessary for the Artillery which are not Sufficiently provided and do not Stand in the Boston Specification, to all which I beg leave to refer Your Honour.
The remainder of the Indians came this Afternoon and to morrow Morning I expect the hither
Mohawk Castle when there will be 9 Nations and if the Missusagaes come who they tell me are on
the way there will be 10 the Interpreters say they never saw so great a Number before. from what I
can hitherto Judge they are in good humour, but whither they will come into our Measures time must
inform us. I hope the day after tomorrow to be able to make my Introductory Speech.
It is necessary I dispatch Brazier with all possible Speed that my Letter may reach Mr. Shirley in
time, who waits my Answer, he says he proposes not to stay above 24: hours in New York, I hope
what may depend on him to settle there will be done before he leaves it. I have not scarce time to
eat or Sleep such a variety of Business and all of it importunate for my Attention. I am with my best
Wishes Sir,                                  Your Honours
Most Obedt & Oblidged Servt
Mount Johnson 19th June 1755                                            WM. JOHNSON
To Govr. DeLancey
EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER FROM GEN. JOHNSON TO GOUVERNOUR SHIRLEY,
DATED THE 19TH JUNE 1755.
With your Excellencys favour of the 9th. Inst. I received a Specification of the Sundrys which
your Province have provided and are provideing. Herewith I send you a list of those things which
are yet wanting or of which there is not a sufficient quantity in the said specification relating to the
Artillery, and which I must earnestly recommend to your Excellency may be furnished without loss of
time. The Report of the Committee of both Houses, in which they have concurred, & your Excellency consented, I have read and considered & beg leave to observe thereupon.
That the ~600 therein mentioned for the Indian Service, is not specified to be Sterling or what
Currency. I make no doubt it is the former & that the word Sterling is an Omission in this you will
make me positive.
To establish the Indians into Companys of 100 men each with Captains, Lieutenants & Ensigns, is
impossible, that sort of regularity cannot be obtained amongst those People their officers must be Inter



MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHINSONo                      387
preters and take care of them in all respects, besides doing their Duty as officers. Ensigns will be
needless. You may depend I will employ no more officers than what are absolutely necessary for the
service. Herein I expect the Governments will confide in me and they shall have no just cause for
reproach.
The Pay set down for me, their Proportion of which your Province is to be answerable for, I
submit to, but surely your Government doth not intend or suppose these Wages (as they term it)
is to supply me with Equipage, with necessarys, charge of servants and the various other Expences
which the Command will subject me too I am far from intending or desireing a support for a vain or
useless Ostentation, but they will I presume think it necessary that I sustain the honour conferred
upon me with a Decent Dignity; the Troops. will naturally expect to see it, the officers to feel it,
neither my Policy nor my spirit will allow me to disgrace the Character I am placed in. The Province of New Jersey have agreed to give Collo. Peter Schuyler who commands but 500 men ~300.
Currency for his Table &ca. Is not a Secretary, are not Aid de Camps necessary about me, is there to
be no Establishment for them? they must be always of my Table.
I supposed, these matters would naturally occur to the Gentlemen of your Legislature, and I thought
it would with more propriety come from them then be proposed by me. Perhaps thro hurry it may
have been omitted in the Report you send me —for the Wages allowed me are I suppose considered
only as a compensation for my Time & Fatigue: tho I make no objection on that head, yet I must
on this occasion say, that no pay which even *a lavish Generosity might have given me would be
adequate to the loss & prejudice I shall sustain in my own private affairs, and if publick spirit had not
prevailed with me above all other motives, I should have declined the honour which was offered me.
I have already declared to you Sir & permit me to repeat it, that I disavow the least Intentions
or desire of increasing my private fortune by this Command. I laid it to account in the best light,
that I should be a considerable looser. I am contented to be so as far as I can prudently bear. I am
fully sensible and Gratefull for the honour-done me, I am ambitious, and if the Plan agreed upon at
Alexandria is put into Effect, I hope with the Divine assistance to do honour to my Country, and
Contribute to her future Tranquility.
Your Excellency must pardon me for giving you so much interruption on this subject, but I
thought myself 6blidged to be thus explicit.
If the Indians should agree to assist us in our enterprizes, they will throw themselves imediately
upon me for their maintainance, which will be daily a verry great Expence. If the measures agreed
upon against the French, of which in my principal Speech I shall give them some general Notices,
should be laid aside, depend upon it, we shall loose them for ever, nay I fear if we are not successful
their opinion of us will be verry fatal for our Interest. If on the Contrary we should chastize the
Insolence of the French, drive them from their Encroachments and maintain our Conquests, I dare
prophecy wth common prudence on our side, the French will not rule a Nation of Indians on the
Continent, and the Inhabitants of these Colonies will reap a thousand fold for their present Expences, and
enjoy their possessions in uninterupted security.




388                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON,
GENL. JOHNSON TO GOV. DELANCEY.
SIR  This morning I was favoured with your Honours Letter bearing date the 19 Inst.
At this time it would be to the last Degree Imprudent to communicate Govr. Glens Letter to. the
Six Nations. I dread the matters contained therein coming to their knowledge, as it would totally
overset all our present measures with them & give the French a handle to set thema against the
English. Two Mohocks & Four Oneidas went with the half King when he left these parts & I much
fear those are the people destroyed. I hope no certain account of it will come to them yet a while
& then we may be able to take the proper steps with them in regard to this unlucky accident.
I have now 1100 and odd Indians with me, men, Women and Children, and the Interpreters tell
me there are more men than ever they knew at any meeting before.
I have made them an Introductory Speech, to which I have received a very respectful answer.
The 24 Inst I made them another Speech, a very long one, in which I gave them a general view of
the present state of affairs & prepared them by various arguments to comply with the Contents of
General Braddock which I delivered to them the next day. In both speeches I gave the War Belt wch
they took, ever since they have been in seperate & joint Council & have not yet given me their
answer. If it should not be equal to all we wish, it will I hope be more than we had reason to
expect.
I am in private working with the Sachems & leading men from morning to night. The Fatigue I
have undergone has been too much for me. It still continues & I am scarce able to support it. I am
distressed where to get victuals for such numbers, they have destroyed every Green thing upon my
Estate & destroyed all my meadows. I must humour them at this critical juncture.
In my present judgment Govr Shirley dos not want the reinforcement of 500 men more, when I
see & talk with him I shall be able to give my opinion more fully.
The carriages for the Feild peices are in hand at Albany & I shall bespeak the Battoes for the
Cannon.
I send your Honour herewith the Information of one John Hart taken before Col. Lydius & Capt.
Eyre. I beg you will please to communicate it to Govr. Shirley when he arrives as also what I have
wrote about the Indians. I expect to have their answer some time tomorrow. I have already
mentioned it, that those Indians who may engage to go with me, will expect to be maintained
from that time forward during the service, this among many other solid reasons will I hope cause Dispatch in all who are concerned. My time will not permit me to write Govr. Shirley a seperate Letter
and at present I have nothing more to communicate to him than what you will please to inform him from
this with my respectful salutations
Mount Johnson                                 I am Sir your Honours
27 June 1755.                                        Most obedt. hum serv.
To the Honble                                                         W. JOHNSON.
Governor DeLancey.
I have this day wrote General Braddock a Letter & sent him. a Copy of Harts Information &c.
The Packet I have sent to the Post Master to forward to Philadelphia with all possible Despatch.
ENCLOSURE.
Albany 26 June 1755
SIR  The following is the Account of John Hart conserning the Affairs of Canada
Quest1 What Number of Men there may be in Arms against General Braddock
A. 2000 French besides a Number of Indians which he thinks verry Considerable




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                         389
Q What force the Frencn may have with any Conveniency at Niagara to oppose the designs we
may have against that place
A Its impossible for them to send more than 1000 Men there but he thinks it scarcely probable to
Detach such a Number from Canada in their present Circumstances
Q What Number of Men the French have at present or may have to support & defend Crown
Point in case of our Attack
A About 800 besides what Indians they can Muster-that there is about 50 Men in the Fort,
that its verry strong & in good Repair, for there was sent about 5 Weeks ago an Engineer & Gunners
to put the Place in posture of Defence; as to the Number of Cannon he cannot say, but there is room
in the Citadel for 32 only, he is of Opinion if we are able to have Vessels upon Lake Ontario it will
wholly prevent a Single Man from going South from Canada to support any of the french Garrison on
Ohio. he further says when he was at Montreal that there was sent 700 Men from Quebeck towards
Nova Scotia, but cant say how true it may be he is of Opinion the force General Braddock may meet
will be an Over Match for him, as the french are determined to hold that placeMINUTE OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE ASSEMBLY OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY.
At a Great and General Court or Assembly for his Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay in
New England, begun and held at Boston upon Wednesday the 28th day of May 1755, being convened
by His'Majesty's Writts.
The Committee appointed to take under consideration his Excellency's Message to both Houses
of the 6th Instant, have so far attended the Service as to consider the Extract from Major General
Johnson's Letter. referred to in his Excellency's said Message, and report as their humble Opinion.
That a Sum not exceeding Six hundred Pounds be granted and allowed to be paid out of the
Treasury of this Province, for the Service of the Expedition against Crown Point, to be applied
towards engaging the Indians of the Six Nations, and supporting them and their Families during the
Continuance of the said Expedition; and that the Treasurer be directed to reserve the aforesaid
Sum to be always ready to answer any Draughts that may be made on him by Major General Johnson,
for the purpose aforesaid, Provided that the said Major General be accountable therefor, and that he
draw on the Treasurer for so much only of the whole Charge, as shall be in Proportion to the Number
of Troops in the Pay of this Province, compared with the whole Forces of the several Colonies concerned in the Expedition
That for every Company of Indians, consisting of One hundred Men there be allowed Wages to a
Captain at the Rate of Nine Pounds Sterling p Month; To a Lieutenant at the Rate of Six Pounds
Sterling p Month, and, to an Ensign at the Rate of Four Pounds Sterling p Month; their Pay to
commence at the Time when they shall receive their Commissions.
That the Wages of the General or Commander in Chief of the Forces in the aforesaid Expedition
be at the Rate of Twenty five Pounds Sterling p Month, to commence at the Date of his Commission.
That this Province do pay towards the Wages of the General and also towards the Wages of the
Officers over the Indian Forces in the same Proportion as is before proposed in this Report it should pay
towards the Charge of securing & supporting the said Indians.
Which is humbly submitted,
pr Order   JOHN OTIS.




390                       MAANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
In Council, June'7 1755, Read & sent down,
In the House of Represves June 7. 1755. Read & Ordered that this Report be accepted.
Sent up for Concurrence
T. HUBBARD Spkr
In Council, June 7. 1755, Read & Concur'd,
Consented to                                            THOS CLARKE DptY Secry
W. SHIRLEY.
O-;
RESOLUTIONS OF THE ASSEMBLY OF N. YORK.
Assembly Chamber the 5th July 1755.
The House (according to order) proceeded to the consideration of the Letter from Lieut, Govr.
Phips of the Massachusets-Bay, and the Vote of the General Court of that Province sent to this House
Yesterday by his Honour the Lieutenant Governour touching the raising a number ofMen for reinforcing
the Army destined to Crown Point, in case a fresh supply should be wanted, and the said Letter and
vote being read and Considered.
Resolved, that in case the Army destined for Crown Point shall stand in need of Reinforcements
This House will provide ways and means for Supplying the Quota of this Colony of such Reinforcements.
ORDERED that Mr. Verplanck and Colonel Philipse wait on his Honour the Lieutenant Governour
with the aforesaid Resolution.               By order of the General Assembly
A true copy Exama. By                                       ABRM. LOTT Junr. Clk.
Gw. BANYAR D Secry
Assembly Chamber the-5th of July 1755.
ORDERED That Capt. Walton & Capt. Wilane wait on his Honour the Lieutenant Governor and
desire that he will be pleased to acquaint Major General Johnson that on this Colony's having furnished
and Supplyed the Sum of nine hundred and forty four pounds —towards the Train of Artillery for
the Expedition to Crown Point, over and above the sum of Two thousand pounds the proper Quota
of this Colony and the sum of One thousand pounds advanced on the security of Part of the provisions
allowed by the Colony of Pensilvania, His Excellency Govr. Shirley has engaged to furnish and
Supply the sum of ~1652.-New York Currency or thereabouts for the said Train over and above the
sum of ~3500 Lawfull money already provided by the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay for that Service
which Sums Compleat the whole Estimate of the Train of Artillery, and that Major General Johnson
is to Apply to his Excellency Govr' Shirley for the aforesaid Sum of one thousand six hundred and fifty
two pounds                              By order of the General Assembly
ABRM. LOTT junr. Clk




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                         391
LT. GOV. DELANCEY TO THE TREASURER OF N. YORK.
New York 5th July 1755
SIR I have this day given my Assent.to An Act for Providing for several services necessary
towards carrying on the Enterprize of erecting one or more Forts at or nigh Crown Point And other
Purposes therein mentioned  "By which you will perceive there are Several sums directed to be paid
to Major General William Johnson amounting in the whole to ~4451. The sum of ~50 allowed him
for his Table the sum of ~457 for the use and Service of the Indians and ~1500 part of the Sum of
3944~ towards Supplying the Train. I think it Absolutely necessary to be Transmitted to him
immediately His Majesty's Service not permitting the Payment of it to pass in the usual Forms And
therefore I desire you to pay those three sums amounting together to two thousand and seven Pounds
to Captt. Peter Winne who hath promised me to deliver the same to Major General Johnson And
you will take Mr. Winne's Receit for that purpose
I am Sir your very humble servt.
Abraham De Peyster Esqr.                                              JAMES DELANCEY
Treasurer of the Colony of
New York. 
GOV. SHIRLEY TO GENL. JOHNSON.
Albany 16th July 1755.
SIR) Yesterday I rec'ed the Engineer's Report of the State of the Powder in your Stores, with
his Opinion that it is not safe to proceed in the Expedition under your Command without an
Addition of 64 Barrells, as also your Representation to me thereupon: As I have greatly at Heart the
Success of his Majesty's Arms, and particularly of the Command, wch. I have intrusted you with, I
have examin'd into the Stores of the Niagara Expedition; & as I find I may spare you 52 Barrells
of Powder out of'em, wch is the utmost I think I can safely do;- that the Expedition to Crown point
may by no means be retarded, I have now given Directions to Lt. Winder who hath at present the
Care of my Stores, to deliver immediately that Number of Barrells to your Order, taking a Receipt
for the same.                                     I am, Sir,
Your most Humble Servant.
Major General Johnson                                                   W. SHIRLEY.
COLL. JOHNSON TO THE BOARD OF TRADE.
Albany 21 July 1755.
MY LORDS,
I went to Alexandria in Virginia to wait on his Excelley. General Braddock. I received
from and signed by him, a warrant for the sole superintendency and management of the affairs of the
Six Confederate Nations of Indians their allies and dependants, also some Instructions relating to my
conduct; I further received from  him two thousand pounds sterling, part to be laid out in presents
and the remainder for various other expences, which would arise from the part I was to act; besides
this the General has given me an unlimited Credit upon Govr. Shirley for what further sums this
service might call for.




392                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WN-ILLIAM.JOIHNSON
Immediately upon my return home I sent Messages with Belts of Wampum thro' the several Nations,
to acquaint them with my appointment, and to desire they would come down to my house with all
possible dispatch; they came and -herewith I transmit to your Lordpps. an authenticated copy of my
proceedings at this meeting. Tho' I have not General Braddocks Instructions for doing this, yet I
have wrote him I should take this honour upon me, and as he is at a great distance from any of our
Sea Ports Towns, I doubt not but both your LordPPS and the General will approve of this method.
In the monies I have laid out, in those Ishall be obliged to lay out, I have and shall be governed, by
the most prudent frugality, which circumstances will admitt of; my accounts shall be kept with all
possible regularity, and an undeviating integrity shall govern my whole conduct.
I think it my duty to acquaint your Lordships with the following particulars relative to the department
I am now placed in.
From the weakness of the public influence of this Colony over the confederate nations; from the
superior activity, attention and artful conduct of the French, the British Interest hath been long
declining amongst these Indians.
From informations confirmed by my own observations and experience, I am   convinced that
several of the most leading Men in the upper Nations of this confederacy, had entered into
engagements with the French, and would speedily have effected a general defection from us to them
and joined the French against us, and I fear their example would have produced a total destruction of
our interest amongst the confederate Nations.
I think I can now take upon me to assure your Lordpps there are very few, I hope none amongst
the whole confederacy, who in the present disputes between the French and our Crown, do not sincerely
wish us success and are disposed to assist our arms. I hope in a few weeks they will demonstrate
this their present temper of mind by their actions. If we continue to exert ourselves with the spirit
which seem at present to animate us, should be successful, and right measures are pursued with regard
to Indian affairs, I doubt not but the ambitious and deep laid schemes of the French, will not only
with respect to these Indians, but all those various Nations who surround the Domlinion of great
Brittain in America be frustrated but receive a mortal wound. True it is, that to obtain this
desirable end, a great expence for perhaps some years will necessarily arise, but the alternatives in my
humble opinion most glaringly deserve it, and the beneficial consequences will abundantly repay it.
Three things appear to me necessary to be put into execution with all convenient speed, and which
I humbly recommend to ydur Lordpps attention.
First: that the complaints of the Indians respecting their lands, be taken into a speedy and impartial
consideration, and a final determination made therein. They have often and warmly applyed to
Governors here, but met with no redress some very powerful and wealthy people-in this Province are I
believe concerned in these complaints. The two patents which the Indians lay most to heart, are
Cayaderossoras and the Cannojoherry Patent, and till justice is done them therein, I am convinced they
will think themselves oppressed and I fear with some reason. I apprehend the common powers of a
Govr. merely as such, are not equal to this affair. I hope your Lordpps wisdom will fall upon some
happy method to terminate by sufficient authority these perplexing matters, which when the time
grow more calm, will, if not remedied, be of fatal consequence. I gave the Indians my promise
(speaking in their language) that I would write to the King their Father on these complaints alid
that I did not doubt but he-would do them justice, and this they expect.
The second particular which'I would humbly recommend to your LordPPs attention is: To build
wooden Forts at the' Chief residing place of each Nation who can be prevailed on to admit it; to
keep each of them garrisoned with at least a Lieuts. Party; that the office be judiciously chosen, laid




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       393
under certain restrictions, and that to both officers & Men by encreasing their Pay or by some other
methods it be made an eligible duty.
Thirdly: That a provision be made for Gunsmiths or armourers, to reside at each of the said Forts,
that a warehouse of such commodities, Rum excepted, as the Indians are in the most constant want of,
be kept in or near said Forts, to be sold under proper regulations by persons understanding their language who may also act as residents and Interpreters, accountable to the supperintendant of Indian affairs,
and to be by him authorized, and that no other person or persons do presume to interfere in the said'business.
My unwillingness to press upon Your Lordpps patience, and the call of the public upon me at this
interesting juncture, will not permit me to enlarge further upon these hints, to which I beg leave to add,
the securing the Navigation of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, both which I am glad to find are now
on foot.
Since my public transactions I have had a private conference with some Indians who tell me, their
chief reasons against going to General Braddock's assistance, are, that as they doubt not Govr Dinwiddies
Influence over those Southern Nations of Indians who live on the back of Virginia, will procure their
assistance to MirBraddock, and that if those and they were to meet together, as a good understanding
does not at present subsist between them, some Broils might arise, fatal to themselves, and very disserviceable to our Cause. I have advised General Braddock hereof.
Govr Shirley will, I make no doubt find as many Indians at and about Oswego as he will want. In
my humble opinion, his safety does not require any in his way up thither as it lays thro' their several
Countrys. The Indians were of the same opinion as are most persons whom I have -heard speak on
the subject.
I expect upwards of 360 will join me in my March towards Crown Point. The Colonies have
made a provision only for 300 and that not sufficient in many articles.
I have endeavoured to do my duty in the station I am placed with regard to Indian Affairs, to the
utmost of my abilities. I have neither spared myself Day or night,'and have indeed greatly injured
my health by it; I shall however rejoice if my conduct meets with your Lordpps approbation, and that I
may thereby be honoured with his MajtYS gracious acceptance of my duty and faithfulness.
My Lords, Justice and Truth, call on me to acknowledge, the faithfullness, diligence and capacity
of the Secretary for Indian Affairs in the execution of his office, he has at piesent but about ~60
sterlg per annum without any perquisitesLT. GOV. DELANCEY TO GOV. PHIPPS.
New York 6 Augst 1755SR   The Assembly met here this Morning and Just as I was going to Town I received your Letter of
the 30th July which I communicated to the Council they and I am of a different opinion from Govr
Shirley as to the employmt of the Additional Troops to be raised We are here of Opinion they should
without a moments delay be sent to reinforce the provincials under Major;Gena Johnson as we think
they Cannot be soon enough at the River Oudiere to Cause the diversion proposed And therefore can'be mole usefully employed in removing the French encroahmts at the Lake Champlain  There is the
Greater reason to send our Reinforcemts that way as it is probable some of the French Troopsmfrira
France may have escaped up the-River St Lawrence who will undoubtedly be sent to oppose our Troops
at Crown point This Consideration renders it necessary for us to make the Strongest:Effort this way
here our Success will open us a door to enter their Country in case of a War which from the Events in
VOL. II.                               50




394                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
No America appears to me inevitable  The Assembly this Afternoon voted 400 Additionals to the 800
we had before And as I shall be empowered to press or draught Men for want of Voluntiers I have
reason to hope these-400 Men will soon be sent away & Join the other provincials in season. I hope
your Governmt will be of the same opinion with this & dispatch whatever Men you intend for the
Assistance of their Countrymen without delay. I have laid a very Strict embargo upon all provisions here
except to Halifax Annapolis & Chiconicto in Nova Scotia so that besides the Act of Assembly to
restrain all Trade with the French both in North America and in the Islands no Vessels can go hence
to any part even of his Matis Dominions. And I hope we shall starve the French in Luisburgh & by
Gods blessing give them a Chastisement in other places May we have Ample Amends for the disgrace
We have Sustained on the Ohio. Be pleased to inform Governor Wentworth that the Assembly
here have voted 400 Men.                                             I am      Sr &ct
Spencer Phips Esqr.
SECY BANYAR TO GEN. JOHNSON.
New York 6 Augt. 1755.
SIR  The Governor being extremely busy in dispatching Expresses different ways has directed mne to
inclose you a copy of the Assembly's Resolution to raise 400 Men to reinforce the Troops under your
Command, and to acquaint you that all possible Dispatch will be used in raising the Men, who will be
either impressed or Draughted if a sufficient Number of Voluntiers do not offer, so that he hopes they
will be at Albany in about three Weeks or less. It is expected that Connecticut will immediately raise
500 Men for the like purpose and the Governor is now writing to Governor Phips, desiring that the
500 Men which Governor Shirley recommends to be raised by this Goverment to attack the French
Settlements on the River Chaudiere may be ordered forthwith to join you being clearly of opinion
from the distance of the place that the diversion intended by that Measure will not have the Effect
proposed,                                    I am Sir your most obedt.
humble servant
Gen1. Johnson.                                                         Gw BANYAR
Assembly Chamber City of New York August 16th: 1755.
The House according to order Resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House on his Honour
the Lieutenant Governor's Message of this Morning and the several other Papers Referred to the said
Committee after some time spent therein Mr. Speaker Resumed the Chair and Mr. Watts Reported the
Resolution of the Committee which he read in his place and afterwards delivered in at the Table where
the same was again read and is as followeth Vizt
Resolved that it is the opinion of this Committee that there be forthwith raised and Subsisted by this
Colony four hundred effective Men Officers included to Reinforce and Strengthen the Army destined
to Crown Point And the said Resolution being read a second time
Resolved that the House do agree with the Committee in the aforesaid Resolution.
ORDERED that Mr. Watts and Mr. Walton wait on his Honour the Lieutenant Governor with the
aforesaid Resolution.
By order of the General Assembly
Copy Exama.                                                    ABRM. LOTT junr. Clk
Gw BANYAR D Sec'ry




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                      395
RESOLUTIONS OF THE GENERAL COURT OF MASS.
At a Great and General Court, or Assembly, for His Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay,
in New Englandbegun and held at Boston upon Wednesday the 28th. day of May 1755 and continued
by Prorogation unto Wednesday the 6th. of August following, and then Met.
Province of the Massachusetts Bay
The Committee appointed to take under Consideration, His Honour the Lieut Governours Speech,
to the two Houses, are humbly of opinion, that there be forthwith raised, in the pay of this Government, Three hundred Men, in addition to the Five hundred Men, ordered to be raised last Session,
and sent as soon as possible to join & Strengthen the Forces now gone to Crown Point, all which is
humbly submitted in the name and by order of the Committee; and the Committee ask leave to sit
again and to report further                                    EZEK CHEEVER P order
August 7. 3755
In Council August 7. 1755. Read and sent down
In the House of Representatives August the 7th. 1755. Read and Accepted, and Ordered, that
there be forthwith raised, three hundred Men, to reinforce the Expedition to Crown Point, and that there
be paid to each of the said three hundred Men, twenty four Shillings by way of bounty, upon his
Enlistment; & twelve Shillings more, upon his producing sufficient Fire Arms, at-he first Muster; and
that the pay, or wages, shall commence at the time of inlisting, and the subsistance at the time of
Marching from their place of dwelling, to the place of Rendezvouz-: and that no deduction shall be
made out of their Pay for any of the Bounty, they so receive. And that there be allowed three Shillings, to the Officer, for each of the said three hundred Men inlisted by him: And it is further Ordered
that the like Bounty, and Encouragement, be allowed to each of the Five hundred Men, to whom this
Court in their late Session, allowed Six Shillings to hold himself in readiness, for the Service, including
the said Six Shillings: And His Ionour the Lieutenant Governour is desired to give Orders for said
Men, to March in Companies as fast as they are compleated, to join the other Forces already gone on
the Expedition to Crown Point; And to acquaint the other Governments concerned in this Expedition,
of these Resolutions, and urge them to raise a proportionable Number of Men for the said Service.
Sent up for Concurrence
In Council August 7. 1755                                      T HUBBARD Spkr.
Read and Concur'd
THos. CLARKE Dpty Secry
Consented to
S. P'HPS
Copy Examined
p THOs. CLARKE Dpty Secry
GENL. JOHNSON TO LT. GOV. DELANCEY.
Camp at the Great Carrying
Place 15 Augt. 1755.
SIR  I arrived yesterday at this Camp. This morning 1 called a Council of War, the minutes of
which I inclose your Honour. I could not as yet have Returns from the whole Army as some of the
Troops are not yet come up, but by the best judgment we can make, the number of the whole will not
exceed 2850 men fit for marching to Crown Point. The army is in general pretty healthy, but fiom the
season of the year, and upon various other accounts, there is more reason to expect our sick will




396                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSCN.
encrease rather than decrease. From all the Informations I have hitherto been able to obtain, we may
expect a strong opposition. For these reasons & sundry others wCh time will not permit me to enlarge
on, I join in opinion with the Council of War, that speedy Reinforcements will be needful for the
Good of the present service, and I hope they will be accordingly sent us from yours & the other
Governments concerned in the present Expedition. Our Amunition is rather short and our Arms in
general but indifft. It will therefore I think be very necessary that the Reinforcements be sufficiently
provided with the one, & proper Care taken with regard to the other.
We shall loose no time but proceed in our opperations with all possible Dispatch.
I am Sir Your H-onours
To the Honourable                                  Most obedt. hum servt.
Lieut. Governor DeLancey.                                           Wm. JOHNSON.
Col. Cockcroft with his Regt. is not yet come up, but I hope are to day at the great Falls abt. 8
miles from hence. I sent 30 Empty Waggons back from Stillwater to lighten his Battoes for to that
place there is scarce Water to swim a light loaded Battoe. There have been great Desertions in his
Regt. & a great deal of uneasiness) partly owing to the Connecticut Troops & partly to the Commissaries, who were full of frivolous scruples, wh is the mildest I can say of it. The Connecticut officers
say that Mr. 0. DeLancey engaged to their Govt. that their three Companys should in point of Provisions
&c. be put on an equal footing with the other troops of that Govt. Those have fresh Provisions now
here in camp, such as Beeves & Sheep & I doubt not when the others come up that unless some
measures are taken to supply them with the same, that Discontent will arise wh may greatly distress
our Proceedings. I shall a.cquaint them that I have wrote to your Honour upon this Subject & I hope
proper care will be taken therein. When they were ordered to march from the Flatts, they absolutely
refused to strike their Tents until their Billeting money was paid, wh the Pay masters refused to do,
tho the Capto offered to indemnify them for the same, this retarded,our march Two days,
I am Sir Your Honours
Most obedient Humble servt.
WM. JoHNSON.
MINUTE OF A COUNCIL OF WAR.
HEAD QUARTERS                              Camp at the Great Carrying Place friday
the 15 August 1755
At a Council of War held by the Honourable
Major. General Johnson
PRESENT
Major General Johnson
Major General Lyman               Lieut. Colonel Bagly
Colonel Ruggles                   Lieut. Colonel Pomroy
Colonel- Titcomb                  Lieut. Colonel Pitkin
Colonel Williams                  Lieut. Colonel Whiting'olonel Goodrich                   Lieut, Colonel Cole
Lieit. Colonel Gilbert
Capt. Peter Wraxall Seceteary to General Johnson




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       397
General Johnson acquainted the Board that He had received a Letter from the Lieut. Governour of
New York wherein He advises Him, that the Assembly of that Province had made a resolve to
raise 400 Men in order to Reinforce the Troops already Raised upon the present Expedition against
Crown Point; And Major General Lyman laid before the Board a Letter he had reed. from Governour
Fitch of Connecticut, wherein he desires to know if it is the opinion of the Council of War of this
Army that 500 men agreed to be raised by the Legislature of that Colony be Needful to be imediately
sent to Reinforce the Troops already assembled at this Place.
Hereupon General Johnson put the Question; whither the above Reinforcements should be sent to
join the Army with all possible dispatch and are Needful for the Good of the present Service.
Agreed in the affirmative Nem: Con:
General Johnson then put the following Question-whither He should write to the Commander in
Chief of Massachusetts Bay to desire that the 500 Men intended to make a Diversion upon the River
Chaudiere supposed to be raised in the said Province be imediately sent to join this Army.
Agreed in the affirmative Nem: Con 
This Council of War are of opinion that Authenticated Copies of the foregoing Votes be imediately
dispatched to the Several Governments who have raised Troops on the present Expedition and that the
Colony of Rhode Island and the Govt. of New Hampshire be desired to send their Proportionable
Reinforcements as soon as possible.
P. Lyman                        Jonathn. Bagly
Timo. Ruggles                   Seth Pomroy
Moses Titcomb                   John Pitkin
Eph. Williams                   Nathan Whiting
Elizar Goodrich                 Edward Cole
Thos. Gilbert
A true Copy compared & Examined with the original minutes by me
PETER WRAXALL
Secr. to the General,
MAJR. GENL. JOHNSON TO LT GO., DELANCEY,
Camp.t the Great Carrying Place
24th of August 1755
SIR  Herewith I inclose your Honour -the minutes of a Council of War which I called and at which
were present all the Field Officers in Camp. I refer you thereto for particulars.
That we have many natural Obstacles to expect-that the French may of themselves out number ustha-t they -will take post and Fortify themselves in some advantageous Place on this side Crown Point,
probably at Tionderoga that they will greatly out Number us in Indians, and that by the Cognawagas
engaging in their favour, our Indians will in general be less willing to take part with us as they are
very many of them related to the Cognawagas and have Mothers, Sisters, Brothers &c among them,
and that Some of our Indians will upon that acet actually decline engaging-.I say that I incline to
these Opinions and therefore do agree with the Council of War in thinking that all present circumstances collected, very strong and speedy Reinforcements are necessary to obtain the acquisition of
Crown Point.
The Road is now making from this place to Lake St Sacrement where I propose to build Magazines
and raise a defensible Fortification either as a safe retreat in case we should find the Enemy to




898                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
strong for our Force and be obliged to quit our Ground, or upon well grounded intelligence find it the
most prudent measure to halt there till we receive Reinforcements.
As I think the Troops under my Command both Officers and Men Seem to be animated with
becoming resolution and Courage, I hope they will approve themselves in all respects worthy of the
confidence which their country hath reposed in them and I shall endeavour to the utmost of my abilities
to fulfil the Duties of that station in which I am placed. If we should not be so happy as to gratify
the expectations of all, I hope we shall not deserve the reproach of any. Under the conduct of the
greatest human abilities success is very precarious and determined by that Power which no mortal hand
can resist. We are engaged in a Righteous and a Glorious cause and as far as Courage ought to carry
Men I hope it will carry us.
I hope the Governments in General and yours in particular will consider the naked state of their
people who in the approaching season will stand in need of some warm Cloaths and Bedding, surely
they deserve this consideration and relief, and I think it would be an affront to the Humanity and
generousity of your Colony if they needed any arguments to stimulate them on this occasion.
I propose to march to morrow or next day with the first Division of about Fifteen Hundred' Men and
some Indians, and a few Field Pieces for Lake St Sacrament and to order the remainder of the Troops
to follow as soon as Possible with the heavy Artillery and Baggage.
I am Sir Your Honours
To the Honourable                             Most Obedient Humble Servant
James DeLancey esqr &c                                           WM JOHNSON
SIR.-I received your honours favour of the 13th Inst. You will see by the minutes of Council of
War, what they think necessary with regard to the New Hampshire Troops and as they are a fine Body
of Men & we stand so much in need of them, I concur in opinion with the Council of War & have
sent an Express to Col: Blanchard to join us with all possible Dispatch & I doubt not but the Colony
of New Hampshire will readily put the affair of Provisions on an equitable Footing with the other
Govts I have now about 60 Indians with me & expect to day or to morrow 200 more & hope in the
whole we shall have near 400-I am throwing up works here but am afraid the essential part of the
service will not leave time to perfect them before we move. I have ordered 300 men constantly to
work at them under the directon of Capt Eyre  they are to continue at it till General Lyman
marches with the rest of the Troops & the heavy Artillery.
As to Govr Shirleys Conduct and mine with regard to Indian Affairs, I have not time to write
out & put Several Papers in order wCh indeed with Sundry others I thought more prudent to leave at
Albany, but upon the present Face of things I hope my conduct will be justified by my superiors & if
I should throw the new Lights I have in possession upon this unfortunate affair I think General Shirley
will appear very culpable.                  I am Yr Honours most
Humble Servt
WM JOHNSON




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       399
GENERAL JOHNSON TO THE BOARD OF TRADE.
Lake George 3d Sept. 1755.
MY LORDS
As I left all those papers wch were not necessary to the Military undertaking I am now engaged in
behind me I cannot be exact as to the date when I had the honour to write your Lordships with a Copy
of my Proceedings at the late meeting with our Indians. I think it was about the middle of July.
I have now with me about 250 Indians & as small parties are every day dropping in I expect
before I can be able to leave this to have full 300. I sent a Message in conjunction with the Six
Nations to the Cagnawaga Indians who live in Canada in order to persuade them to stand Neuter in our
present Disputes. I have had their answer, that it was not in their Power, that by Religion and
Treaties they were so united to the French that they must obey their orders. The Sachems of the
several Nations now with me have this day sent another Deputation to the sd. Cagnawagas to try if
by fresh arguments they can bring them over to a Neutrality, and this is to be the last Effort. Our
Indians appear to be very sincere & zealous in our cause & their young men can hardly be withheld
from goeing out a scalping wch. is not thought either prudent or politic till the Cagnawagas give their
final answer.
Governor Shirley soon after his arrival at Albany in his Way to Oswego, grew dissatisfied with my
proceedings-Employed one Lydius of that place, a man whom he knew and I told him was extreamly
obnoxious to me, & the very man whom the Indians had [at] their public meeting, so warmly complained
of, to oppose my Interest and management with them. Under this man several others were employed
-these persons went to the Indian Castles, & by bribes, keeping them constantly feasting and drunk,
calumniating my character, depreciating my commission, authority & management, in short by the most
Licentious & abandoned proceedings, raised such a confusion amongstthe Indians particularly the Two
Mohock Castles, that their Sachems were under the utmost consternation, sent Deputies down to
me to know what was the occasion of all these surprising Proceedings, that I had told them I was
appointed Sole Superintendent of their affairs wch. had given an universal satisfaction thro' all their
Nations, but that now every Fellow pretended to be vested with Commissions & authority &c. I sent
several Messages and the Interpreters up to quiet their minds, for my military department would not
suffer me to leave Albany, as I was marching with the troops under my command, or I would have
gone up & should have soon overset all these violent measures. I have at Albany a great number of
Letters and Papers wCh. give particular relations of the Behavior & villainous Conduct of these Agents
of Govr. Shirley, but if I had them here I would not trouble your Lordships with a Detail wch tho'
very shocking would be extreamly tedious.
I shall only say in general, that a complication of more Scurrilous Falsehoods, more Base & Insolent
Behaviour, more corrupt, more Destructive measures to overset that Plan of general Harmony WCh I
had with infinite Pains & at a great expense to the public so lately established, could not have taken
place than did in ye. conduct of these Agents of Govr. Shirley's. I spoke of it to GoVr. Shirley, I
wrote to him of it, but without Remedy. They pleaded his authority for all they did, and said they
had his Commissions, & I can't but presume it must have been done with his knowledge and consent,
in which I am confirmed by his letters to me.
The reason or the pretended reason wch. Govr. Shirley gives for his opposing my Indian management
and employing these Persons, is,that I would not get some Indians to escourt him from Schenectady to
Oswego. 1 had indeed mentioned it to some of their Sachems, who told me that, as his way to Oswego
lay through their severall countries & Oswego itself is in the Senecas Country, they could not conceive




400                        MAtNUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
there was any occasion for their escourting him, & that when he came to Oswego there was no fear
but many of the Six Nations would according to my desire meet him there and assist him. Numbers
of the Troops had gone up without any molestation not the least Interruption had been given to any
one, the Traders to Oswego were daily going & returning with single Battoes. those who are acquainted
with Indian Affairs well know, that it would have been the worst of policy for the French at that time
to violate the tranquility of the country of the Six Nations. Tis true some small parties of enemy
Indians had been discovered between Schenectady & my house, but they are looked upon as a set of
free Booters & Govr. -Shirley's Body Guard would have been a full security to him against any such
-even his primier Lydius when I talked to him on this head told me he saw no want of Indians to
escourt him & that he would endeavour to dissuade him from it.
It is with Reluctance I trouble your Lordships with these matters, bat as I have -been honoured with a
station of great Importance & entrusted with monies belonging to the Crown, it behoves me on every
acot. not to be wholly silent, and I have said as little as I possibly could to give your Lordships some
Idea of affirs for wch. I apprehend myself accountable to your Board.
Govr. Shirleys conduct not only shook the system of Indian affairs, gave me fresh vexation and
perplexity but occasioned considerable and additional Expenses wch. would otherwise have been
saved; the profuse offers wch. his agents made to the Indians in order to debauch them from joining-me,
tho' it did not succeed but with very few, yet gave to all such self-importance, that when I urged to any
of them who made ldemands upon me the unreasonableness of them -&c. they reproached me that they
had refused Govr. Shirley's great oflers from whom they would have had every thing they wanted. Under
these circumstances & the acet. coming at that time of our unhappy defeat on the Ohio, I was-forced
to make compliances wth otherwise they would neither have expected nor I have submitted to.
My Lords, I will hasten to a conclusion. From Govr. Shirley's late Behaviour & his Letteis to me-I
am under no doubt that he is become my inveterate enemy and that the whole weight of his Power &
abilities will be exerted to blast if he can my Character-here and here only am I anxious-Gross
Falsehoods (such he has already asserted in his letters to me,) artful misrepresentations, Deliberate
malice, Resentment worked up by People in his confidence, whose Interest, nay whose -very livelihood
depends upon their inflaming him-these my Lords are circumstances wcl1. I own disturb me-I am
sensible Govr. Shirley has in many respects been an active and a useful servt. to the Crown-his rank
in public Life will natturally give him consequence and gain him Influence. Were I to lay open in,a
particular manner the whole scene of my Conduct with regard to the public & him, and from the Papers
& Letters in my possession to contrast his conduct -with regard to the Disputes between us. I say
were I to do this & any one should think it worth their while calmly to peruse & -impartially to
examine the full state of the Affair between us, I would rest Character, Fortune, & Life upon the
Decision-but I apprehend, unless I am properly called upon to do this, such a voluminous appeal
would not find either leisure or Patience from those Persons to read it & consider it whose opinions
would be of the greatest Consequence, they would rather I believe think me Impertinent & too full of
my own Importance. Therefore my present address on this Subject to your Lordships is to entreat you
will at least receive those accusations against me Wch. I suspect already are or will be transmitted by
Govr. Shirley, with a suspension of your Judgment. If your Lordships are disposed to have the whole
amply laid before you, & I live to receive yr commands, they shall be obeyed with all possible dispatch.
In the mean time I beg leave to declare to your Lordships with the most unfeigned Sincerity as I
did to the late General Braddock-that my only motives for accepting the Commission & powers he
conferred upon me, were to serve my King & my Country at this important crisis. I stipulated
with him for no reward for myself-and whatever Expectations I might indulge they were never equal




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        401
to the fatigue nor the Disadvantages to my private Fortune wCho I foresaw I should & wCh. I have
suffered,
My Lords, animated by my Loyalty, by my Zeal for the public safety and welfare (both which were
at stake) and by some desire of Fame, I accepted General Braddock's Commission & executed the trust
reposed in me Chearfully to the utmost of my abilities & with Integrity. Govr, Shirleys interfering in
the authoritave & ill-judged manner he has done, was injurious to the true system of Indian Affairs, a
violation of the terms of my Commission & an arbitrary Insult upon my Character. And I must beg
leaye to inform yr. Lordships that if His Majesty should think proper to honour me with the management of Indian Affairs, I am in Duty bound to declare, that I do not think I can fulfill his royal
Expectations & do that Service to my Country weh. Majesty may expect from me, if my Proceedings
are to be controuled by any Govr. who may by being ill advised or from Personal Resentments or from
other undue motives, take upon him to counteract my measures.
I must further beg leave to observe that unless the monies appointed to carry on Indian affairs are
confided to my disposal & a certain Fund fixt on, I shall be ever liable to have my measures perplexed
& opposed & often perhaps prevented from bringing into Effect Schemes wch by a precarious Fund
I may be forced to drop & so loose that chain wch may bind the whole Structure.
By Govr Shirley's ill-grounded Resentments; from the imperious Stile he writes to me since Gen1
Braddock's Death, from his threatening Intimations, I am confirmed in this Lesson, that a Subordinate
Power here with regard to Indian affairs & a Fund dependent upon the will & pleasure of his Majesty's
Govrs in these Colonies will be incompatible both with my abilities and Inclinations to Conduct them, &
as I have no private or mercenary views to serve by them, I must humbly beg leave to decline the
Charge unless I am put upon the footing as above intimated.  I shall always be desirous to take
advice from any of His Majestys servtS in these parts & to be accountable for my conduct to any Judicature His Majesty may think proper to appoint, but to be subjected to the Caprice & political views of
Govrs. I cannot think will ever harmonize with one uniform Direction of Indian Affairs, & persuaded I
am if they are branched out into various channels of power, the British Indian Interest in these parts
will be unstable, perplexed, & in the end totally lost, and upon that footing I would not choose to have
the least hand in them.
I am building a Fort at this Lake where no house was ever before built nor a rod of land cleared,
wCh the French call Lake St Sacrament, but I have given it the name of Lake George, not only in honor
to His Majesty but to ascertain his undoubted Dominion here. When the Battoes (certain small Boats so
called) are brought from the last Fort I caused to be built at the Great Carrying Place abt 17 miles from
hence, I propose to go down this Lake with a part of the Army and take post at the end of it about 50
miles from hence at a pass called Tionderogue abt 15 miles from Crown Point there wait the coming
up of the rest of the Army & then attack Crown Point. The whole amount of our Troops fit for Duty
at present are abt 3100-but the colonies are sending Reinforcements, for it is expected we shall have
the main strength of Canada to contend with & great numbers of Indians. Our Battoes must all come
hither by land upon carriages wch makes it very tedious & I believe we have near 600 to come.
I am with the utmost respect
My Lords, your Lordships Most Obet,
VOL. II.                                  l51




402                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
RUMOR OF A BATTLE BETWEEN THE ENGLISH & FRENCH.
New I      Garret Yanzandt of the City of Albany being-examined says he came from Albany thursday
York   ss  last at Sunset, employed by Mr. Hansen to carry Dispatches from  the Camp to the
Governor. That he heard Major General Johnson was attacked in his Camp at Lake George by a
Body of about 4 or 5000 French, on Monday Morning last about 10 oclock, that the Battle continued
about 6 Hours, and then the French retreated precipitately leaving all their Baggage and all their Provisions-That he heard 6 or 700 of the French were killed, and about 100, of the English. Among the
latter are Col Pitkin, Col. Williams, Capt. Jonathan Stevens, Capt. Farrel, Capt. Stoddert, Cap: Wm
MeGennis, That General Johnson was wounded through the upper part of the thigh. That Capt. Butler,
Capt. Teady Magin and Hendrick the Mohawk Sachim are missing & supposed to be kill'd That the
English Army consisted of 2500. That between Pokeepsingh and the Manor of Livingston about
1000 Men passed him in their Way to Albany. That when he left Albany there were about 1000
Men there. That Col. Renselaer went fiom Albany with about 200 Men Tuesday Morning and
believes reached the General's Camp by Thursday Evening. That on his Way he heard there were
about 10,000 New England Men marching to Albany. That 4 or 500 he believes were arrived at
or near Albany before he left it. That he understood all thcse Forces were poing to the General unless
stopt by orders from him. That he heard at Albany there was only 27 of our Indians killed.' That
he heard the French Indians run away after being drove up twice to the Cannon by the French. That
the French General is dangerously wounded and him and his Aid de Camp Prisoners, their Lieutt.
General killed. That our waggoners, who were not armed, as soon as they observed any English or
French fall ran and took up their arms and fought. Where the French were most in Number our
Indians fell upon & attacked them. That on Tuesday last an Express was sent from Albany to Esopus
to Col Gaasbeek Chambers to send Men up to Albany, to which he said he would consult the Act of
Assembly, and at that time had Lawyers with him. On Wednesday another Express was dispatched
from Albany for the same purpose who met an Express coming from Esopus to Albany to enquire
whether the News was true, on which the Albany Express said he had a Mind to kill him. Both
Expresses then wvent to Esopus- and the People were called under arms on Wednesday & discharged
and ordd. to appear next day. But that he met one Capt. Elpendorph with 50 Troopers, on
Thursday Night 20 miles from Albany, who when he first heard the News push'd off with these Men
without waiting for Orders.
BATTLE OF LAKE GEORGE.
[Lond. Mag. xxiv.]
GENL. JOHNSON TO THE GOVERNORS OF THE SEVERAIz COLONIES.
Camp at Lake George, Septr. 9. 1755
GENTL.EMEN)
Sunday evening the 7th. instant I received intelligence from some Indian scouts I had sent
out, that they had discovered three large roads about the South Bay, and were confident a very
considerable number of the enemy were marched, or on their march towards our encampment at the
Carrying-place, where were posted about 250 of the New Hampshire troops, and five companies of the
New York regiment. I got one Adams, a waggoner, who voluntarily and bravely consented to ride
express with my orders to colonel Blanchard of the New Hampshire regiment, commanding officer there,




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                    403
I acquainted him with my intelligence, and directed him to withdraw all the troops there within the
works thrown up. About half an hour, or near an hour after this, I got tno Indians and two soldiers
to go on foot with another letter to the same purpose.
About twelve o'clock that night the Indians and soldiers returned with a waggoner who had stole from
the camp, with about eight others their waggoners and forces without orders. This waggoner says they
heard and saw the enemy about four miles from this side the Carrying-place. They heard a gun fire,
and a man call upon heaven for mercy, which he judged to be Adams. The next morning I called a
council of war, who gave it as their opinion, and in which the Indians were extremely urgent that
1000 men should be detached, and a number of their people would go with them, in order to catch the
enemy in their retreat from the other camp, either as victors, or defeated in their design. The 1000
men were detached under the command of colonel Williams, of one of the Boston regiments, with
upwards of 200 Indians. They marched between eight and nine o'clock. In about an hour and half
afterwards we heard a heavy firing, and all the marks of a warm engagement, which we judged was
about three or four miles from us; we beat to arms, and got our men all in readiness. The fire
approached nearer, upon which I judged our people were retreating, and detatched lieutenant colonel
Cole, with about 300 men to cover their retreat. About ten o'clock some of our men in the rear, and
some Indians of the said party, came running into camp, and acquainted us, that our men were retreating, that the enemy were too strong for them. The whole party that escaped returned to us in large
bodies.
As we had thrown up a breastwork of trees round our encampment, and planted some field-pieces to
defend the same, we immediately hauled some heavy cannon up there to strengthen our front, took
possession of some eminences on our left flank, and got one field-piece there in a very advantageous
situation: The breastwork was manned throughout by our people, and the best disposition made
through our whole encampment, which time and circumstances would permit. About half an hour
after eleven, the enemy appeared in sight, and marched along the road in very regular order directly
upon our center: They made a small halt about 150 yards from our breast-work, when the regular
troops (whom we judged to be such by their bright and fixed bayonets) made the grand and center
attack. The Canadians and Indians squatted and dispersed on our flanks. The enemy's fire we
received first from their regulars in platoons, but it did no great execution, being at too great a
distance, and our men defended by the breast-work. Our artillery then began to play on them, and
was served, under the direction of Captain Eyre, during the whole engagernent, in a manner very advantageous to his character, and those concerned in the management of it. The engagement now became
general on both sides. The French regulars kept their ground and order for some time with great
resolution and good conduct, but the warm and constant fire from our artillery and troops put them
into disorder; their fire became more scattered and unequal, and the enemy's fire on our left grew
very faint. They moved then to the right- of our encampment, and attacked colonel Ruggles, colonel
Williams, and colonel Titcomb's regiment, where they maintained a very warm fire for near an hour,
still keeping up their fire in the other parts of our line, tho' not very strong. The three regiments on
the right supported the attack very resolutely, and kept a constant and strong fire upon the enemy.
This attack failing, and the artillery still playing along the line, we found their fire very weak, with
considerable intervals. This was about four o'clock, when our men and the Indians jumped over the
breast-work, pursued the enemy, slaughtered' numbers, and took several prisoners, amongst whom was
the baron de Dieskau, the French general of all the regular forces lately arrived from Europe, who
was brought to my tent about six o'clock, just as a wound I had received was dressed. The whole
engagement and pursuit ended about seven o'clock.




404                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
I do not know whether I can get the returns of the slain and wounded on our side to transmit
herewith; but more of that by and by.
The greatest loss we have sustained was in the party commanded by colonel Williams in the morning,
who was attacked, and the men gave way, before colonel Whiting, who brought up the rear, could
come to his assistance. The enemy, who were more numerous, endeavoured to surround them; upon
which the officers found they had no way to save the troops but by retreating; which they did as fast as
they could. In this engagement we suffered our greatest loss; colonel Williams, major Ashley, captain
Ingersal, and captain Puter, of the same regiment; captain Farrell, brother-in-law to the general, who
commanded a party of Indians, captain Stoddart, captain M' Ginnes, captain Stevens, all Indian officers,
and the Indians say near forty of their people, who fought like lions, were all slain. Old Hendrick,
the great Mohawk Sachem, we fear is killed. We have abundant reason to think we killed a great
number of the enemy; amongst whom is Mons. St. Pierre, who commanded all the Indians. The
exact number on either side I cannot obtain; for tho I sent a party to bury our dead this afternoon,
it being a running scattered engagement, we can neither find all our dead, nor give an exact account.
As fast as these troops joined us, they formed with the rest in the main battle of the day; so that the
killed and wounded, in both engagements, officers excepted, must stand upon one return.
About eight o'clock last night, a party of 120 of the New Hampshire regiment, and 90 of the
New York regiment, who were detached to our assistance, under the command of captain MIGinnes,
from the camp at the Carrying-place, to reinforce us, were attacked by a party of Indians and Canadians, at the place where colonel Williams was attacked irn the morning; their engagement began
between four and five o'clock. This party who our people say were between 3 and 400, had fled from
the engagement here, and gone to scalp our people killed in the morning. Our brave men fought
them  for near two hours, and made a considerable slaughter amongst them. Of this brave party
two were killed and eleven wounded, and five missing. Captain MIGinnes, who behaved with the
utmost calmness and resolution, was brought on a horse here, and, I fear, his wounds will prove
mortal.  Ensign Falsam, of the New Hampshire regiment, wounded thro' the shoulder.
I have this morning called a council of war, a copy of the minutes of which I send you herewith.
Monsieur le baron de Dieskau, the French general, is badly wounded in the leg, and thro' both his
hips, and the surgeon very much fears his life. He is an elderly gentleman, an experienced officer, and
a man of high consideration in France.  From his papers, I find he brought under his command
to Canada, in the men of war lately arrived at Quebec, 3171 regular troops, who were partly in garrison at Crown-Point, and encamped at Ticonderoro, and other advantageous passes, between this and
Crown-Point.  He tells me he had with him yesterday morning 200 grenadiers, 800 Canadians, and
700 Indians of different nations. His aid de camp says, (they being separately asked) their whole
force was about 2000. Several of the prisoners say, about 2300. The baron says, his major-generalwas killed, and his aid-de-camp says, the greater part of the chief officers also. He thinks by the
morning and afternoon actions they have lost near 1000 men, but I can get no regular accounts. Most
of our people think from 5 to 600. We have about 30 prisoners, most of them badly wounded. The
Indians scalped of their dead already near 70, and were employed after the battle last night, and
all this afternoon, in bringing in scalps; and great numbers of French and Indians yet left unscalped.
They carried off numbers of their dead, and secreted them. Our men have suffered so much fatigue
for three days past, and are constantly standing upon their arms by day, half the whole upon guard
every night, and the rest lay down armed and accoutred, that both officers and men are almost wore
out. The enemy may rally, and we judge they have considerable reinforcements near at hand; so that
I think it necessary we be upon our guard, and be watchful to maintain the advantages we have




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSONo                          405
gained. For these reasons I do not think it either prudent or safe to be sending out parties in search
of the dead.
I do not hear of any officers killed at our camp but colonel Titcomb, and none wounded but
myself, and Major Nichols of colonel Titcomb's. I cannot yet get certain returns of our dead and
wounded; but from the best accounts I can obtain, we have lost about 130 who are killed, about
60 wounded, and several missing from the morning and afternoon's engagement.
I think we may expect very shortly another and more formidable attack, and that the enemy will then
come with artillery. The late colonel Williams had the ground cleared for building a stockaded
fort.  Our men are so harassed, and obliged to be so constantly upon watchful duty, that I think it
would be both unreaipable, and I fear in vain, to set them at work upon the designed fort.
I design to order the New Hampshire regiment up here to reinforce us, and I hope some of the
designed reinforcements will be with us in a few days. When these fresh troops arrive, I shall immediately set about building a fort.
My wound is in my thigh, is very painful. The ball is lodged, and cannot be got out; by which
means I am, to my mortification, confined to my tento
10th
This letter was begun, and should have been dispatched yesterday; but we had two alarms, and
neither time or prudence would permit it, I hope, gentlemen, you will place the incorrectness
hereof to the account of our situation, I am, gentlemen, most respectfully,
Your most obedient servant,
WILLIAM JOHNSON.
[Another account of the above engagement will be found in the N. Y, Mercury Sept 22, 1755 transferred to the Lond. Gent.
Mag. xxv. 518.1
MAP OF THE COUNTRY AROUND LAKE GEORGE.
[From Gent. Mag. xxv.]
The little annexed map shews the situation of the country where
I://,~~ //7~~ il13/D      | the late engagement happened. The French imagined the English;    |army would have crossed the carrying    place from   Fort JVi_ ____| ^cholson at G, to Fort Anne at F, and accordingly had staked
___2   ____        Wood   Creek at C, to prevent their navigation; but General'__A,,.A.:_ _             Johnson being informed of it, continued his route on Hudson's',._ __.__-C,     i  l~ river to IHI  The French marched from  C to attack his advanced
_ __         -A- < 6     -.|- detachments near the lake. The dotted lines shew their march.
A. Lake George, or Sacrament; Bo Hudson's River; C, Wood
J       J  Creek; D. Otter Creek; E      Lake Champlain; F. Fort Anne;
CG. Fort Nicholson; H. The place where Gen. Johnson beat the
(I,J(%                  P F   French; H C. The rout of the French.
Miles 10   20 30   40 50 60




406                      >MAIAUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHINSON.
***Among the Mss. in the Sec'ys Dept. are the original Muster Rolls of the following companies
which served in the campaign of 1755.
Capt Phil. Jno Schuyler's Comp Albany    3 officers 89 rank & file
"   Edmond Mathews'     "    Albany     3 officers 97 rank & file
"   Isaac Corsa's       " Westchester           95      "
"   PieterVanden Burghl's  Dutches      3   c   78      c(
"   Wm. Mn. Ginnis     " Schenectady   3    "   89     "
"   Saml. Dimock        " Seabrook Ct. 3    A   97      "
"    John Slap's       " Durham i       3   "   97      "
"   Street Hall        " Walingford    3    "   97     "
MINUTE OF COUNCIL.
At a Council held at Fort George in the City
of New York the 14th. September 1755
PRESENT.
His Excellency Sir Charles Hardy Knight &ca,
Mr. Alexander                 Mr. Rutherfurd
Mr. Kennedy                   Mr. Holland.
Mr. ChiefJusticeDeLancey      Mr. Chambers.
Mr. Horsmanden
Mr. Murray                )   Mr. Smith.
His Excellency communicated a Letter of the 10th Instant from Peter Wraxall Esqr. Aid de
Camp to Major General Johnson, advising that on the the 8th Instant General Johnson's Army was
attacked in their Camp, that after a conflict of 4 hours the Enemy gave way and fled. That the loss
on our side is about 150 killed, and about 100 wounded. That our Indians lost about 40. That the
French General is wounded, and about 25 prisoners taken, about 70 of their Scalps taken by our
Indians, and.
His Excellency communicated a Letter of the 5th, from Governor Wentwortb, advising, that the
Government have passed an Act to raise 300 Men -And a Letter of the fifth from Governour Phips,
advising that his Government, (Massachusets Bay) have passed An Act, to raise 2000 more besides
800 formerly provided for to reinforce the Army destined against Crown Point.
His Excellency observed that fronm the Great Reinforcements sending to the Army, he was appre
hensive there might be a want of provisions. The Council were of opinion, that two hundred Barrels
of Pork, and Six Barrels of Vinegar, be immediately purchased and sent up to Albany, and that as
other species of provisions may be had at Albany, His Excellency would be pleased on his Arrival there,
to order such quantitys to be purchased, as he should find necessary. Whereupon Mr. Oliver
DeLancey being called in, undertook to purchase and send to Albany the Pork and Vinegar, And his
Excellency by the advice of the Board, directed Mr'. DeLancey to purchase 300 Fire Arms, over and
above the 200, now in his hands belonging to the Province, all which the Council think necessary
to be immediately sent to Albany, and doubt not, but the General Assembly will readily make provisions for these, or any other necessary services. The Council were also of opinion, that his Excellency should order nineteen Barrels of Gunpowder out of the Magazine, and twelve in the hands of
Mr. DeLancey, which latter belong to the province to be sent to Albany.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        407
The Governor recommended to the Gentlemen of the Council if any infectious Distemper should
discover itself among the Inhabitants of this City, during his absence, that they would order the
persons to be removed, in order to prevent its spreading, agreable to the meaning of the Laws lately
made in that case, and that they would make the necessary orders in all cases for Vessels performing
Quarentine and the preventing infection.
The Council advised his Excellency to issue a Proclamation Ordaining and appointing Thursday
the second day of October next, to be set a part and observed throughout this province as a day of
publick thanksgiving to Almighty God for his singular deliverance from our Enemies. Which his
Excellency ordered accordingly.
GENL JOHNSON TO THE BOARD OF TRADE.
Camp at Lake George 24 Sepr 1755
1 Y LORDS
I had the honour to write your Lordships the 3d Inst & thought myself under the necessity of
laying open (to me) a very desagreable Scene.
Since my last Said letter, the Enemy paid us a visit at this Camp. we were So happy as to give
them a pretty Severe repulse & took their General, The Baron De Dieskau who commands all the
French Kings Troops in Canada, Prisoner.
As I make no Doubt but the Genl. Letter w0ch I wrote to the Several Governments who raised
Troops on this Expedition or the particulars drawn from it of the actions & events of the 8th Inst.
has before now been transmitted to his Majesty's ministers, I shall not now interupt your Lordships with
any Repetition of that narrative.
The next day after this affair, the Indians acquainted me that they proposed to returne home as
was their constant Custom after an Engagmt. wherein they had met with any considerable Loss-for
what passed on this occasion in a publick way, I refer your Lordships to the inclosed minutes. They
told me in privat that one o revailing motive for their return home was that as the French Indians &
they had now drawn the Sword against each other they expeced the Enemy might fall on their Settlements, & therefore it was necessary for their general Safety to go home & put their people on their
Guard, call Councills & take every needful precaution. and that when I should acquaint them that
we werready to go forward with the expedition & fix a Day for their Return they would come more
in number & with a Determination of Revenge upon their Enemy-they lost about 30 of their people
& among wch many eminent Sachems & warriors very faithful to our Interest, they Sustained the chief
attack from the Enemy  the morning action, and they compined to me that theiy were Sacrificed by
the Backwardness & flight of our People, & I fear from the most impartial accts they had reasonevery one of their officers who were in the Engagrrt were Slain,
Your Lordships will observe from the inclosed Minutes that they repeat in a verry earnest manner that
the Cagnawagas may never again be suffered to trade either at Albany or Oswego.
In my humble Opinion, to grant their request, to prohibit & to prevent by the Strictest Execution of
law all trade with the Said Cognawagas or Subjects of the French Kings either at Albany or Oswego
or elswhere by any of his Majesty's Subjects in these parts, but more particularly at Albany, will be a
measure of the most useful Kind will highly distress the French, who by the great trade between Canada
& Albany are enabled to Supply the Indians wmith Goods wCh otherwise they could not but under great
Disadvantages, & hereby they make us Tools to the increase & Stability of their Indian Interest. We
might then push a stronger & more successful Interest amongst them & have one of the most powerful




408                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHINSSON.
means in our hands to draw off the Cognawagas from the French reunite them to their Bretheren of the
6 Nations & prevail on them to return to their antient habitations in this Province.
Sr Charles Hardy is come up to Albany in order to push forward the present expedition I hope to See
and hear when I propose to lay this matter before him, but I foresee that if Sr Charles embraces my
Sentiments & tries to push them into effect he will meet with great opposition from the Dutch Traders
at Albany who by their cabals & weight in the Assembly may perhaps Distress or at least vex him.
Those People are So devoted to their own private Profit that every other public Principle has ever
been Sacrificed to it.
I will detain Your Lordships no longer than to assure you of my most Sincere Inclinations to promote what appears to me for the honr and Interest of His Majesties Service and that I am
My Lords Your Lordships
To the Right Honourable                                Most Obet hum Servt
& Honourable the Lords of Trade: &S6.
endorsed
Genl. Johnsons Letter to the
Lords of Trade 24 Sepr. 1755.
THE LORDS OF TRADE TO GENL. JOHNSON.
Whitehall, October ye 9th 1755.
SIR  I am directed by the Lords Commissrs for trade and Plantations to acknowledge the Receipt
of your Letter dated at Albany the 21st of July, acquainting their Lordships with your having been
appointed by the late General Braddock to the sole Superintendency and Management of the Affairs of the
six united Nations of Indians, their Allies and Dependants, and inclosing a Copy of the Minutes of your
Proceedings at the Interview held with them at Mount Johnson in consequence thereof.
The many Proofs which their Lordships had received, not only during the last War, but since, of
your great Ability & Influence in the Management of the Affairs of the Indians, and in keeping them
steady to- their Engagements, notwithstanding the Artifice of the ffrench on one sides and the Abuse
and Neglect of our own Colonies on the other, induced their Lordships to think it their Duty to
recommend you to His Majesty for this important Trust upon the present great Occasion; and when
their Lordships reflect upon the happy Consequences with which that Appointment has been attended,
and that perhaps it was the only means left of preserving the Friendship and gaining the Assistance
of the Indians, it gives them the greatest Pleasure that their Recommendation had the desired Effect.
The Number of Indians which attended the Meeting at Mount Johnson, so much larger than had
ever appeared at any former Interview, at least of late years, was a happy Omen of Success, & their
Lordships hope the manner in which the Treaty with them was conducted, and the prudent and forcible
Arguments which were used to engage them to take part with Us in our Attempts to dispossess the
ffrench of their Encroachments, will have the Effect to fix them stedfast in Our Interest.
If the Indians are really sincere in their Declarations, and We on our part observe a proper conduct
towards them, by seeking the most effectual means of redressing the Grievances and Impositions they so
justly complain of, and by inviolably adhering to Our Engagements with them, this well tim'd Renewal
of the Covenant Chain with them, will, their Lordships doubt not, be attended with all the happy Cons
sequences so strongly m   arkd out in your Letter.
The Transactions at Albany at the last Interview there, clearly marked out the Necessity and
Expediency of a speedy, impartial and effectual Examination into these Complaints of the Indians




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       409
with respect to the Kayoderasseras & Conojoharry Patents, and other like Violations of Our Treaties
and Engagements with them, and that the Indians may be fully convinced that there was no want of a
proper Attention on the part of Government here to these important Matters, I am directed to inclose
to you a Copy of the Instructions given to the present Governor of New York thereupon, which you
will communicate to them in case you think it advisable so to do; How far these Instructions will be
effectual to obtain Redress in these Complaints of the Indians, must depend upon a Variety of Circumstances which do not, nor cannot appear to their Lordships, but if the Directions contained in them
appear to you to be ineffectual, it will be a great Satisfaction to their Lordships to have your Sentiments upon this Matter, and your Opinion, what will be the most effectual Method to obtain this
desirable end.
It has long been their Lordships Opinion, that the Affairs of the Indians ought to be regulated,
established and conducted under some one general Plan and System, adapted to their particular
Situations, and Comprehensive of every thing which can contribute to their Security, Convenience and
Satisfaction, but it will be impossible for such a Plan to take place whilst there is no Fund existing
for defraying the necessary Expences of the Service; Their Lordships however would be glad to
have your Opinion of what shall appear to you to be the most proper plan for the Direction of Indian
Affairs upon such a general System, and if in the mean time,, the Measures recommended by you
shall appear to be immediately necessary as temporary Expedients to engage the Friendship of the
Indians, and keep them firm in our Interest, their Lordships doubt not, but a proper Attention will be
shewn to them, as well as to Mr Wraxhall's Situation (whose Salary appears to be greatly inadequate to
the Hardships and Fatigues of his Office) by Mr Shirley who has now the chief Command in America,
and consequently the Direction of this Service, and to whom their Lordships recommend to you to
apply upon this and every other Matter which relates to this Branch of it. I am, with great truth,
Sir,   Your most obedt humble Servt
JOHN POWNALL    Secry
[Here follow arts. 90, 91, 92 & 93 of His Majesty's Instructions to Sir Charles Hardy, Gov, of N. York, but we have not
room for them at present.]
GENL. JOHNSON TO THE REPRESENTATIVES OF QUEEN'S COUNTY.
Octob. 10. 1755.
GENTLEMEN)
A few days ago I received a letter from Messrs. Schuyler & Depeister, of Albany acquainting
me that you had sent to them 69 cheeses and 200 sheep, being part of 1000 raised in Queen's county on
Long Island as a present to this Army, and which they had forwarded to me. This letter was read
at a Council of War, consisting of all the field officers in this camp, which I summoned yesterday
afternoon.
The most equitable and useful division lath been made of this generous and public-spirited present,
which we could follow.
Tho cattle and a few sheep had been sent by some of the Provinces to their Troops, yet your
sheep were very Seasonable; and highly beneficial to the Arm in general. Your Cheeses.were highly
acceptable and reviving; for unless amongst some of the officers; it was food scarcely known among us,
This generous humanity of Queens county is unanimously and gratefully applauded by all here; we
pray that your benevolence may be returned to you by the Great Shepherd of human Kind, a hundred
fold; and may those Amiable housewifes, to whose skill we owe the refreshing Cheeses, long continue
to shine in their useful and endearing stations.
VOL. II.                               52




410                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
I beg, gentlemen, that you in particular will accept of, and convey to your generous county,
my grateful & respectful salutations for their seasonable beneficence to the Army under my cohrmand.
I am Gentlemen
Your Most obedient and Obliged Servant
W. JOHNSON.
[From the London Gaz.]
Whitehall Nov. 18. 1755.
The King has been pleased to grant unto Wm. Johnson of New York, America, Esqr. and his
heirs male the dignity of a Baronet of Great Britain.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE TO THE KING.
To the King's most Excellent Majesty.
May it please Your Majesty,
In obedience to Your Majesty's Commands signified to Us by Mr. Fox, one of Your Majesty's
Principal Secretaries of State, in his Letter dated the 18th, of November last, We have taken into Our
Consideration the Copy of a Letter from Mr. Thomas Penn, in behalf of himself and his Brother, Proprietaries of Pennsylvania, to Mr. Fox, together with a Copy of a Message from the Governor to the
Assembly of that Province of the 20th. oi July last, relating to an Offer, then made and now proposed
to be enlarged, of a Grant of Lands, in different Proportions, to such Officers and Soldiers as shall
engage in the publick Service. Whereupon We beg Leave humbly to represent to Your Majesty,
That We cannot but greatly approve the Zeal, which Mr. Penn has by this Offer expressed for Your
Majesty's Service, which in the present Exigency of Affairs certainly calls for every degree of Support
and Encouragement which can be given to it; But as the Lands intended to be granted are said in
general to lie to the Westward of the Allegany Mountains, We are apprehensive, that the proposed
Settlement may comprehend within it part of those Lands (being sixty Miles from the Lakes into the
Country) which the six Nations of Indians, by a solemn Deed in 1726, surrendered to the Crown of
Great Britain to be protected and defended for their Use as hunting Lands; And in the quiet Possession
of which, Your Majesty, in your Instructions to Sr. Charles Hardy, Your Governor of New York, has
directed him to give them the strongest assurances of your Royal Resolution to protect and defend them,
forbidding him upon any pretence whatever to grant Lands to any Person within the Limits described
in the said Deed, but on the contrary to use his utmost Endeavours to prevent the making any Settlement
within the same.
In order to remove this objection, by shewing that the Six Nations had voluntarily and fairly
sold and conveyed to him all their Right and Title to the Lands now offered to be granted, Mr. Penn
(by whom We have been attended upon this Occasion) produced lo us a Treaty concluded by
his Agents with the sacnems of all the said Nations at Albany in July 1754, In which Treaty We fin'd
a Deed whereby the said Nations, for the Consideration therein mentioned, convey to the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania all the Lands lying within that Province, bounded and limited as follows,
vizt. " beginning at the Kittochtinny or blue Hills on the West Bank of Susquehannah River, and
"thence by the said River to a mile above the mouth of a certain Creek call'd Kayarondinhagh, thence
" North West and by West, as far as the said Province of Pennsylvania extends to its Western Line




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                      411
s or Boundary, thence along the said Western Line or Boundary to the South Line or Boundary of
" the said Province, thence by the said South Line to the South side of the said Hills, along the said
" Hills to the place of beginning."
We must however beg Leave to observe to your Majesty, that from the manner in which the Treaty
for this Purchase appears to have been carried on, from the unwillingness which We find the Indians
at first expressed to part with any Lands to the Westward of the Allegany Mountains, from the
Declaration which they made to Sr. Wm. Johnson at the Conferences which he held with them in July
last, that nowithstanding they had sold the Lands abovementioned to the Proprietary of Pennsylvania,
they would not part with more than half of them, and from their earnest request that the English
might not be suffered to make any further Purchases, but that the Indians might be allowed to keep
their Lands for themselves, there is great reason to believe that the making any settlement within the
Limits described in the Deed of 1726, would give them the greatest uneasiness and Dissatisfaction.
That your Majesty may be the better enabled to judge of the Expediency or Inexpediency of such
a measure, We beg leave shortly to state to your Majesty the Nature and Situation of this Tract of
Country, the real importance of which to the six Nations will best appear, if We consider it in two
lights, 1, as Hunting Lands, 2dly. as a great pass in the tract of the Indian Country
As to the first Point, the Inhabitants of this Country are Hunters, and as the Interests of a commercial
Nation, in which it is to be protected and by which it may be commanded, is it's Trade, so the great
and main point with regard to these hunting Nations, if the expression may be allowed, is to have
the Command of the hunting Grounds, which so far as regards the Beaver, the most valuable Branch
of it, lie in the Environs of the great Lakes.
With respect to the second Light in which this Object may be viewed, it must be observed, that
there is no way of passing either to the East or to the West, or from the North to the South but
thro' the Lakes, or over the'Streights, Falls and carrying Places in and about them, unless it be by
going round them, which as to all Business or advantage is impracticable. Unless therefore the
Indians be left in Possession of this Country, they must lose not only the Command of it, but also
the Use and Benefit of their Hunting.
Possessed of this Country, they can descend by water-communication with the Streams to any part
of the Continent from the Gulph of St. Lawrence to the Mississippi, for in this Country lie the Heads
of the Delawar, Susquehanna, Ohio, St. Lawrence, anil Hudson's rivers; and the Light in which they
themselves consider it will clearly appear from the account which they themselves gave of it some
time ago to a Person in whom they had Confidence at Onondage, vizt. That it has many advantages
superior to any other part of America, the endless mountains (meaning the Apalachian) separate
us, say they, from the English from Albany to Georgia; the falls of St. Lawrence and Sorrel River
and the Mountains of Almouchousen separate us from the French; If the French should prevail so far
as.to attempt to drive us out of our Country, We can with our old Men Wives and Children come
down the Streams of the Mohawks River, the Delawar, both Branches of the Susquehannah and
the Potowmack to the English; If the English should expell us our Country, We have a like Conveyance to the French, by the Streams of St. Lawrence, & Sorrell River; and if both should join,
We can retire across the Lakes.
From this short description of this Country, the Lines of Indian Politicks may be easily traced out,
And their first Resolution not to part with this Situation either to French or English as Settlers; Their
great Uneasiness when the French attempted to make a Settlement at Niagara in 1719, which gave
rise to that treaty of 1726, whereby they put their Country and Hunting Lands under the Protection
of the Crown of England-Their Difficulties, when the Commissioners on the Part of Pennsylvania
proposed to purchase part of this Country at Albany, and their Declaration to Sr Wm Johnson, that,




412                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
notwithstanding their purchase, they would not part with it, are Circumstances which clearly mark out
what should be the Conduct and Politicks of the English with regard to them viz. to leave them in
Possession of their Country according to the Description in the Deed of 1726, and to undertake the
Guarantee of it to them, protecting them and their Hunting Lands in such manner as to command both
it and them, and Yet most religiously to preserve the Use to them.
Upon the whole therefore We are humbly of Opinion, that at any time, but more especially at,
present, when We ought cautiously to avoid giving any the least Cause of Jealousy or Distrust to the
Indians, and religiously to observe Our Engagements with them, it would not be advisable to attempt
the making any Settlement Upon the Lands, which by the Deed of 1726 are giveni by them to Your
Majesty, to be protected for their Use.  The Regard, which the Proprietarys of Pennsylvania have
at all times shewn for Your Majesty's Interest and the Publick Service, leaves Us no room to doubt of
their Acquiescence in this Opinion, And We have reason to hope that their laudable design of promoting
the Good of that Service by their generous Proposal will not be defeated by it, as We Observe upon an
Examination of the best Geographical Description and Dilineation of this Country, that there is within
the Province of Pennsylvania a space of Land between the Mountains and the Limits of the Lands
described in the Deed of 1726, more than sufficient for this or any larger Settlement which may be
proposed.                               Which is most humbly Submitted.
DUNK HALIFAX.
J. PITT.
Whitehall            }                                (Sign'd)   JAMES OSWALD
Decbr the 11th 1755. ~                                         ANDREW STONEo
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO THE BOARD OF TRADE
Mount Johnson 18th Deer 1755
MVY LORDS
The Season of the year & other circumstances made it necessary to klose the campaign
& discharge the Provincial Troops under my command.
When I first knew of my appointment to Indian affairs, I repeated my desire of being excused from my
military command, I was Sensible & pleaded that it woud, as it actually did, So interfere with my
administration of Indian affairs, that I could not attend them in. the manner I wished to have done.
By my Military Engagements I have not been able to be at my own House or in the Indian Country
one day this four months. And now I-am at last got home & am just entering into the administration
of Indian affairs. so as to form & conduct them to the extent of my knowledge and abilities for
the good of His Majesty's Service, I am again obtructed & everything brot to a stand by Genl Shirleys
Sending me a new Commission & Instructions for the management of Indian affairs & ordering me to
attend him either at New York or Boston, the least of wch is 200 miles distant from hence; this
journey I am but ill qualified for upon acct of my wound the effects of.wch I still feel.
I herewith transmit yr Lordships copies of Mr Shirleys letter, Commission & Instructions & also.
of my answer.
The necessity I am under of going either to New York or Boston, to know upon what footing I am to
go, on with the administration of Indian affairs, or whether I am to go on at all, will continue these affairs
in a State of confusion, besides I am to have a meeting with Some Indians of all the nations at this place
the    of next month,




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       413
I propose to myself the Honour of writing your Lordships another Letter either from New York
or Boston.                                I am most respectfully
To the RightRonble                           My Lord
and Honble                                      Your Lordships most Obedt. &
The Lords Commissioners of                                  faithful Hum Servt.
Trade &c. &c.
Endorsed  Fort Johnson Decbr 18th 1755.
My letter to the Lords of TradeTo the Right Honourable The Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations.
The Memorial of William Johnson of the Mohawks Country in the Province of New York Esqr.
SHEWETH.
That the Memorialist in the year 1746 by the Appointment of the Honoble Mr. Clinton then Governor
of New York, undertook the management of Indian Affairs, at that time in a very unfavourable Situation
for the British Interest; and by great Application and Industry prevailed on the six Nations to take
up the Hatchet and assist the English against the French. That during this Interval he advanced by
Order of Mr. Clinton the sum of ~600 for Presents he distributed among the Western Nations of
Indians, which had So good an Effect on them, that they offer'd to join the English against the French,
if the former would Supply them with Arms and Ammunition. This was neglected, and the Peace took:
Place Soon after. That the Memorialist hath also advanced several other Sums of money for Publick
Services: Accounts of all which have been laid before the General Assembly and repeated Applications
madetothemto allow the same, as well by Recommendations from Mr. Clinton, as since by Lieutenant
Governor DeLancey, but without any other Effect than the allowing of some Articles of his Demand,
others only in part, and the absolute refusal to allow any part of the ~600 abovementioned, the Assembly
alledging that as the Memorialist laid out that sum by Mr. Clinton's Order, to him he ought to apply
for Payment: So that there remains the Ballance of    still due, besides Interest, which being
computed and the whole reduced into Sterling amounts to      That the Memorialist finding all
Applications hitherto fruitless and vain, is obliged to have recourse to your Lordships for Re-dress, begging
leave to lay before your Lordships this state of his Case, with the Account annexed, and that your
Lordships will be pleased to offer the same to his Majesty, or to take such other Method for the
Payment of this just Debt, as your Lordships in -your great Wisdom shall judge proper and expedient.
New York 14th: January 1756.
Endorsed    This;was not sent.
LETTER FROM     SECT. POWNALL.
Whitdhall, March 5th. 1756.
SIR, Since my Letter to you dated the 2d of Decr last, His Majesty has been pleased to appoint
the Earl of Loudoun, an Officer of Experience, Ability and Integrity, to be Commander in Chief of
His Forces in America, and to direct that two Battalions of His Troops should be sent from hence, and
four others raised in America for the defense and protection- of the Colonies against the Hostilities and
Invasions of the French; and as the Success of such measures as His Lordship shall think proper to
pursue upon his Arrival for the general Interest and Security of the Colonies, and the Annoyance of the
Enemy, will in great measure depend upon his having a large body of Our Indian Allies, to act in




414                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
conjunction with the Kings Forces, and such as shall be raised in the Colonies, the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations have thought it their Duty upon this great occasion to propose to His
Majesty, that you should be appointed Agent and sole Superintendent of the Affairs of the confederate
Indians to the northward, by an express Commission from His Majesty, being well assured, from the
experience they have had of your Influence among them, and great Abilities in conducting their
Affairs, that nothing can so effectually answer the great end proposed of fixing them steadily in our
Interest, and engaging them in the Service; and that you may be the better enabled to answer His
Majesty's Expectations, the whole Management of this Branch of the Service will be left entirely to
your Discretion, and the Commander in Chief will be impowered to furnish you with whatever Sums of
Money you shall have occasion for, either for building Forts for the protection of their Wives and
Children, whilst they are engaged in the Service, establishing Smiths and other Artificers amongst them,
or for making such other Regulations as may remove those Difficulties and Doubts in their Minds
which have hitherto operated as an Obstruction to their heartily engaging with Us, and have induced
some to enter into Engagement with the French; and that nothing may be wanting on the part of His
Majesty to manifest his Regard for them, Lord Loudoun will carry out with him a very large Present to be
delivered to them.
The redressing the Grievances complained of by the Indians with respect to the Lands which have
been fraudulently taken from them, is a matter, to which a very serious Attention and Regard has been
paid; and every Measure, which His Majesty could legally and properly take to redress their Complaints, and prevent the like Abuses for the future, has been pursued, as will more fully appear to you
from the inclosed Copy of the Instructions given to Sr Charles Hardy with respect to this important
point; and as a further Proof of His Majesty's Resolution to protect and defend them in their Rights
I am directed by their Lordships to inclose to you a Copy of a Report they have lately made to His
Majesty upon an Application from the Proprietors of Pennsylvania, with a Proposal for making Settlements to the westward of the Mountains upon the Lands purchased by the said Proprietors of the Indians
at the Meeting at Albany. All which Papers you will communicate to the Indians in such manner
and at such times as you shall think most proper.
As to the other Measures which you propose in your Letter of the 21st of July last as advisable to be
pursued for putting Indian Affairs upon a proper foot, their Lordships entirely approve them, and have
no doubt but that those Measures, as well as any other necessary to be taken, will be carried into
execution under the Authority of the Commission which you will receive from His Majesty, and the
Directions which will be given to the Earl of Loudoun to aid and support you to the utmost of his
Power.                              I am, with great Esteem and regard,
Sir Your most obedient
humble Servant
Sr William Johnson, Bart.                                      JOHN POWNALL Secry
LETTER TO THE LORDS OF TRADE.
Fort Johnson March the 6th, 1756.
MY LORDS
Since I did myself the honour of writeing to your Lordships the 17th. of January from New
York, I have had a generall meeting of the Sachems and Warriors of the Six Nations and some of their
Allies, particularly a more considerable number of the most remote nation of the Confederacy than
has appeared at any Publick Meeting for many years past.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                           415
It gives me the most solid pleasure that I can with the greatest truth assure your Lordships that the
Six United Nations at this time give us the Strongest intimations of sincerity, and Fidelity, and that they
are at length highly sensible of the treacherous, and extensive designs of the French, and from what I
more particularly have observed at this meeting, I am convinced there is nothing wanting to cement and
enlarge the Brittish Indian Alliance but unanimous and vigourous efforts against the common Enemy,
to convince them we are in good earnest to put a stop to their encroachments, and at the same time that
we are determined to protect and stand by them as our Friends and Allies.
I herewith transmit to your Lordships a Coppy of my proceedings since I came from Lake George, as
also of this publick Conference, from which your Lordships will be better able to form an Idea of the
present disposition of the Confederate Indians, and from the facts contained therein, what future
expectations we may entertain from our Indian Allies. They seem  sollicitous now to enlarge their
Confederacy by bringing in the Western Indians which I have been advising them to, these severall
years, as a point of the utmost Consequence, and I flatter myself it may now (if we are successfull
next Campaign) be accomplished. In order the better to bring about, and continue such an important
Alliance, the Indian Trade should I think (with humble Submission to your Lordships) be seriously
attended to, and put upon such a Basis, and under such regulations, and restrictions thatit may prove
the greatest means of bringing in the most remote Nations in a little time. Your Lordships will
observe from the Treaty what their Sentiments are upon this important Point.
The intended Congress at Oswegoe is highly pleasing to the Six Nations in Generall, who are now
verry sensible of the necessity of enlarging and strengthening the Covenant Chain by a more extensive
Alliance, and of maintaining that Superiority which their Forefathers by Conquest obtained over so many
and Powerfull Nations. how far they Interest themselves in this, and the many other weighty Matters
I have proposed to them at this meeting, will appear by their Answers to which I beg leave to refer
your Lordships. from the measures I have taken to give notice to the severall nations of my intention
of meeting them at Oswego and the Persons employed for that Purpose, I have reason to expect a
Numerous and I hope a Successfull Congress.
The high opinion I have of the present Good temper of the Six Nations, is entirely grounded on
Facts which are more conclusive than the most sanguine professions. The Onondagas, Tuscarora's
Oneidas and Aughquageys, your Lordships will observe have earnestly desired Forts in their Countrys,
and that they might be properly Garrisoned this can proceed from nothing but a firm resolution of abiding
by our Interest, and I look upon it a singular proof of their Fidelity.  By this method the French
have been so successful in their Indian Interest.-The Grand Monarch has employed his Troops to
good purpose in that way, and I make no doubt all the Expence the Court of France has been at in
Garrisoning the Indian Towns in their Alliance has been sufficiently compensated. I am fully satisfied
this would be a measure of the utmost moment at this important Conjuncture, the Service I confess
would be pritty extensive, and require a regiment, but the good Effects which such a step would produce,
would abundantly make up the expence.
It would be verry necessary to provide every Castle (especially where there is a Garrison) with a
Worthy Person in the Character of Minister of the Gospel. I need not repeat how much the French
have done by their Priests even among the Indians in our Alliance, that we ought to counteract them
in all their measures I think quite obvious I therefore humbly beg leave to recommend this measure
to your Lordships consideration, particularly with regard to Onondaga, and Oneida, that two proper
Persons of unblemished Characters might be sent as Chaplains for those Garrisons, and at the same
time serve as Missionaries to the Indians, how much may be done in that way, may be readily
gathered from the Success the Gospel has had among the Mohawks, who are our most hearty Friends.




416                       MfANUSCRIPTS F0 SIR WILLIAM JOIIsSOGN
I beg the liberty to mention to your Lordships the Reverend Mr. Ogilvie Missionary to the Mohawk
Indians who has upon all occasions done every thing in his power for the promotion of true Religion,
this Gentlemans Sallary both for this place, and the City of Albany is verry inconsiderable, some further
Encouragement to him by some Addition to his Sallary, would be of Service to the common Interest
as it would enable him to proceed in His Mission with greater Spirit, and to support the Expences that
must attend the keeping up of common Hospitallity among so mercenary a people.
At this Critical, and interresting conjuncture I am sensible the utmost attention should be paid to
our Indian Alliance, and no measures left untiyed that may have the least tendency to strengthen, and
increase it. Wherefore I would humbly propose, a Steady, and Uniform Method of Conduct, a Religious regard to our engagements with them, a more unanimous and vigourous Exertion of our Strength
than hitherto, and a tender care to protect them and their Lands, against the Insults, and encroachments
of the common Enemy, as the most, and only effectual Method to Attach them firmly to the Brittish
Interest, and engage them to act heartily in our favour at this, or any other time.
I have the Honour to be with the utmost respect
My Lords Your Lordships
Fort Johnson                            Most obedient and Most Humble Servant
March the 6th. 1756                                                     WM. JOHNSON.
P. S. After I finished my Letter the Chiefs of the Seneca Nation desired they might have a Fort Built
in their Country, which I promised them, well knowing it will be the means of keeping out French
Emissaries from among them and of securing them, and settling their former Weavering disposition.
This moment two Indians arrived here with the inclosed Letters, the one from Onondaga, is wrote by
one of our Interpreters left there on purpose for Intelligence, the other is from an officer of General
Shirleys posted about half way between this, & Oswegoe. I greatly fear we shall loose that verry important
Garrison unless other measures are immediately taken. I dispatched an Express with the Account I
recd. both to General Shirley and Sir Charles Hardy, & hope the former till send imediate Relief
thither.-if not we shall certainly loose that place, and with it all our Indians.
Your Lordships will pardon my taking up so much of your time, & excuse the inaccuracy of
this & the many blunders committed in Copying the transactions of the meeting. Occasioned by the
Number of Indians still about me, which leaves me no time to think, or write.
I am     Your Lordships
Most &ceNOTES FROM     EVANS'S MAP     OF THE    INDIAN   SETTLEMENTS ON      SUSQUEHANAH      IN
ORDER TO FORM      A SCHEME FOR ATTACKING THEM.           14 MARCH 1756.
Great Swamp lyes about 40 miles W: S. W  from Cashuetunk or Station Point: from Bethlehem
about 45 miles N N W: From Gnadenhutten about 23 miles N something W. This Swamp lyes just
over the Mountains which Evans calls Cashuetunk Mountains, and is 25 miles from N to S and 15 from E.
to W: The Bethlehem People say 4 or 500 Indians keep in this Swamp, and from thence tis imagined
they send out Parties to destroy the Settlements.
Sharnokin, lies on Susquehanah River, at the Mouth of the East Branch, on the East side of the
Branch. J\Vescopeky the next Indian Town on the East side the same Branch is 25 miles from thence.
Opolopong is another 5 miles distant. Wioming is on the West side of the same Branch 10 miles
from Opolopong. Matchasaung is on the East side of the same Branch distant from Wioming 13 miles




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSONo                         417
Solocka is six Miles from thence, on a Creek that comes out of the great Swamp, and this place is
distant from the Swamp 18 miles thence to Canowdowsa on the E side of the E Branch is five Miles.
From thence to Owegy the next Indian Settlement is 47 miles, from thence to Osewingo is 18 miles
and from  thence there are no Indian Towns on the E Branch of Susquehanah, according to Evans,
until you come Onochgerage distant from Osewingo 12 miles.
The Great Swamp is 42 miles S: from Onochgerage: and tis remarkable that the situation of all
these Indians Towns is such as renders it highly probable that they rendesvous at the Great Swamp, as the
nighest part of it is but 16 miles distant from the E. Branch. and tis not but about 65 miles from
Shamokin to the nighest part of the Swamp, and almost all the way by Water through the East Branch.
This Swamp therefore ought to be attacked if tis certain or most probable the Indians rendesvous there.
But as the Indians if they hear of our Intentions to attack them in their Post, or if we really attack them
there, will fly to their Towns to secure their Families, (if they are not already moved) the Swamp and
the Indian Towns on the East Branch of Susquehanah should be attacked at the Same time: and the
Parties that attack the latter should go strong as they may possibly meet with the Enemy flying from
the Swamp to their Settlement for their own and the Safety of their Wives & Children.
Cashuetunk on this side Delaware, and Gnadenhutten on the other, seem both proper Places to
ouild Forts at and to lodge Provisions and necessaries for the Army in. Being the nearest of any Place
m either of the three Provinces to the Great Swamp, and the most convenient if the attack be made
on the Indian Towns only. Carlisle the nighest Town to Shamokin is 25 miles from it.
If therefore the Indians have not removed their Families from their Towns, but keep their Wives
& Children & old Men there, and only their young Men and Warriors have betaken themselves to this
Swamp. It seems rational the situation of the Towns considered to pursue the following Method in
attacking them,
150 Pensilvanians to proceed from Carlile to attack Shamokin, and proceed to the other Indian
Towns upon the East Branch until they Meet a Party of the Forces from the Northward.
The remainder of the Pensilvania Troops which will be 316 to rendesvous at Gnadenhutten. & when
joined by 100 more to march from thence to the West side of the Great Swamp.
100 Jersey Troops to march to East Town from thence to Gnadenhutten to join the Pensilvanians
and the remainder of the New Jersey Forces, & the Forces of New York to rendesvous at Cashuetunk
or Station Point, and build a Fort on the West side Delaware and
From thence to proceed to the West side the Great Swamp, there to meet the main Body of the
Pensilvanians, and take their Measures according to the Intelligence they receive
If the Enemy are not too strong at the Swamp a Party of 150 Men should be detached to the
nearest Indian Town which is Candowsa on the E Branch of Susquehanah, distant 14 Miles from the
W. side of the Swamp.
Or if the Enemy have not taken Post in the Swamp, the Forces may divide themselves into three
Bodies to attack the Indian Towns.  Candowsa, Solocka and Matchasaung. After which a Body may be
sent to attack Owegy & Osewingo and the other Indian Towns towards Shamokin.
The New York & the Jersey Forces that march from Cashuetunk to the Swamp, besides carrying 10
days ProvS: each Man, should have a Horse to every 5 Men, which will supply them with 14 days
Provisions more.
The Troops that march from Gnadenhutten should do the like & be furnished with Horses-1 to
every 5 Men.
The Horses must carry besides: Oats sufft. to serve them as long as they will be on the Service: &
Mren must be sent to return with them.
VoL. I!.                                    53




418                           MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
SIR WHM JOHNSON TO THE BOARD OF TRADE.
Fort Johnson, 28th May 1756.
MY LORDS,
My last Letter to Your Lordships bore date the 6 March, therewith I had the honour to
transmit a Copy of my Proceedings in Indian Affairs from the time of my arrival from Lake George to
that date.
I have since received Mr. Secretary Pownals Letter bearing date the 2 Decr wch Your Lordships did
me the honour to direct him to write me.
Genl Shirleys interfering in Indian Affairs & that with so much personal Resentment & such Prejudices
against my management, was a matter of as much surprize as it was Mortification to me. I had many
reasons to think I stood high in that Gentlemans opinion, which I had always endeavoured to deserve &
to strengthen. If my sense of Duty to that part of His Majestys Service wch his Royal Orders had
entrusted to my Management, had not unfortunately obliged me to have differed with Mr Shirley in
Qpinion, I should not have troubled Your Lordships with a Detail on that disagreeable subject-but
as it did affect that part of His Majestys Service I thought I could not consistent with my Duty be
silent to your Lordships thereon.
Tho I have reasons to beleive I have lost Genl Shirleys Friendship & Confidence wch I wish
myself honoured with for the good of His Majestys Service so far as it is connected with my
Department; yet he hath of late silenced those Agents he set up in Opposition to me & of whose
Conduct I complained to Your LordshipsI have the honour herewith to transmit to Your Lordships a Copy of my Proceedings since the date of
the last I sent.
The Slaughters &  Devastations which have been committed on the Frontiers of His Majestys
Southern Provinces, I doubt not yr Lordships have received particular accounts of from their respective
Governors-It is certain that some of the Delaware & Shawanes Indians have been concerned in these
Hostilities. till very lately those Indians were faithful Friends to us & lived in a peaceful & Harmo~
nious Intercourse with his Majestys Subjects. What are the several & real causes of their Defection, I
cannot take upon me at present precisely to ascertain.
I beg leave to offer to Your Lordships my general Opinion from all I can as yet gather on the
SubjectI would premise that the Defection of the Delaware & Shawanese Indians is not general, many I
believe yet remain, if not firm to our Interest, not wholly lost to it.These Indians were settled in the Neighbourhood of the French Encroachments on the Ohio, some
were settled where the French have now Actually built Forts when His Majestys Troops under the
late Genl Braddock were defeated, it gave the French who remained Mastrs of all that part of the
Country an Opportunity to strengthen and increase their Indian Interest & Influence, they flattered
they boasted & by persuasive & intimiditating Acts they won over several of those Indians who were
before in our Interest and some who held themselves as it were neutral till they saw how the Event of
that Expedition would turn out. Of these latter were the Twightwees, the Jenundadees & some
of Chickesaw Indians who are as I am lately informed fallen in with the French Interest, but I apprehend more from hear than Choice.
Those Delaware & Shawanese Indians who live nearest to the Ohio being seduced by the French,
went amongst their Bretheren who dwelt on the Susquahanna, & propagated those prejudices against
the good Intentions of the English wCh the French had furnished them with at the same time making




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        419
them offers & Promises from the French & magnifying their prowess, kindness & generosity; by these
means they won over some & spread a general prepossession amongst the rest against the English.
The Great Patents of Land wch had been purchased & taken up in those parts & our extended
scattered Settlements beginning to crowd upon the Indians, had been a long Eye sore to them,
infected them with Jealousy & disgust towards the English & they prepared them to be more easily
influenced by the prosperity of the French Affairs & the ill success of our Arms; and when they saw
after Mr Braddocks Defeat & Death, our Military Opperations ended as it were to the Southward &
carried to the Northward; they joined the French and their Indians in their Depradations upon the
Open & Defenceless Frontiers of those Provinces.
The Third & last cause I shall suggest is my suspicion that these Indians who used to be more immediately under the direction of the Southern Provinces, had been either neglected or injudiciously
treated at that critical time when the greatest address was requisite; something of this kind is hinted
in the last proceedings wch. I transmitted to your Lordships.
These hints I humbly submit to your Lordships consideration, as this is a very important affair, I
apprehended I might with propriety offer my thoughts thereon. There are some other particulars
relative to this subject for wch I beg leave to refer your Lordships to the Papers herewith. In those
your Lordships will perceive a Meeting at Onondaga wasproposed by the Southern Indians in consequence
of a Deputation sent to them at my earnest request by the Six tRations, at wch. I agreed to be present
& named the Day. but as I was from Informations very doubtful whether the Southern Indians were
come to Onondaga according to their appointment, and the Two Mohock Castles with some other Indians
of all the 6 Nations (except the Onondagas) were so averse to my attending this meeting at this
critical juncture, I thought it would be prudent to be certain whether those Indians were actually at
Onondaga before I undertook my journey thither, as the meeting them was my chief inducement for
promising to go there, Messengers were accordingly dispatcht, & yr Lordships will see the Answer they
have brought from the Onondaga Indians, and that they are so extremely pressing for my coming
up & give such cogent reasons for it that I apprehend the good of His Majestys service will not
dispense with my refusal, I am therefore preparing to set off so as to be there by the time appointed
& I have Gen1. Shirleys concurrence herein. I hope to meet some of the Delaware & Shawanese
Indians there & if so, to talk over & settle matters with them on such a footing as may be very Beneficial
to his Majestys service in general & the Tranquility of the Southern Provinces in particular.  Besides
this general Meeting appears to be necessary on account of those uneasinesses & jealousies wch.
the Onondagas make mention of & which I find more or less prevails at present amongst most of
the Indians of the Six Nations. One cause of which is from the Deserters of Genl. Shirleys & Sr.
Wm. Pepperils Regments in which are I apprehend a great number of Irish Papists & Transports
who were enlisted from the back parts of Pensilvania & Maryland they desert from Oswego & other
Garrisons up this River, shelter themselves amongst the Indians of the Six Nations or pass thro
their Country in their way to the back parts of those Provinces from whence they were enlisted &
where they have'Acquaintances & Confederates. from Malice & Policy, they pretend a great affection
for the Indians, & invent Lying stories to justifie their quitting the service & ingratiate themselves
with the Indians, who seeing they are surrounded by our present Armaments, being naturally prone
to suspicion & the French continually working upon this their Disposition by false and artful representations of our views & measures, render these Reports of the Deserters more credible & pernicious.
I am informed there are great numbers of them amongst the Delaware & Susquahana Indians who have
done a World of prejudice to our Interest. I represented this matter to Genl. Shirley & proposed to
him to impower me to offer the Indians handsome rewards for taking up & delivering such Deserters
as may be or may come amongst them.




420                          MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHINSON.
Govr. Morris has published a Declaration of War against the Delaware & Susquahanna Indians
& a small Body of Men are raised in that Govt. & marched to build a Fort at Shamokin a Branch
of the Susquahanna River. Tho Mr. Morris has worded this Declaration with Restrictions in favor of
all our Friend Indians, yet as it is published & this Fort building without previous Notice & Explanation
given to our Indians it hath circulated amongst them in a confused manner & put in a bad Light by
the Ignorance & probably the Malice of Reporters. And tho I am fully sensible that the horrible Cruelties & Devastations weh. the Southern Provinces & Pensilvania in particular have suffered, call for their
most united & vigorous Resentments, yet I cannot but humbly be of Opinion that M'. Morris' Declaration of War backed with so small a Force as the 400 Men he hath raised, was premature, & that it
would have been more advisable if he had alowed me first to have acquainted the 6 Nations & our
friend Indians living on the Susquahanna with his Intentions especially as Mr. Morris in behalf of
Pensilvania had applied to me to lay the Hostile Behaviour of the Delawares & Shawanese before the
6 Nations at the Meeting last Winter & he was apprized of the Deputation we11. the 6 Nations had
sent, yet before he knew the result of their Embassy, he published this Declaration of War, which
as a friendly Meeting was agreed upon at Onondaga with a Prospect of accommodating all matters
with the Delawares & Shawanese at least such of them as had not left their settlements & absolutely
engaged themselves to the French. I beg leave to observe to Your Lordships that while Affairs were
thus circumstanced, I think Mr. Morris' Declaration of War had better been postponed till the Meeting at Onondaga had been over, when a better Judgment might have been formed to regulate his
Proceedings.
By perusing the Papers herewith I conceive your Lordships will find there is a Foundation for the
Observations I have made on Mr. Morris' Conduct. My sentiments on this matter I have communicated
to Genl. Shirley & Sr. Charles Hardy who have transmitted them to Govr. Morris.
I have reason to believe Mr. Morris' Declaration of War, by Misrepresentations has not only
alarmed the Six Nations, but will prevent the Southern Indians from coming to Onondaga & throw
fresh Difficulties in the way of bringing about an Accommodation with the remainder of those Indians
who were yet in a retrievable state.
Another thing before I finish this interesting subject seems to me of sufficient importance to mention
to Your Lordships.
The half King and some other Indians of the 6 Nations were lately at Philadelphia. Govr. Morris
had a Conference with them, acquainted them with his Declaration of War & gave them a War Belt to
offer the 6 Nations in his name in order to join & assist. At the same time he allowed the heads
of the Quakers who he well knew violently opposed all his Warlike Measures, to have a Meeting with
the same Indians.  They had & they sent me a Copy of what passed & they gave the half King. a Belt
of Peace to present to the Six Nations in their name, telling them they were Descendants of the
peaceable Penn that there were great Numbers of their Brethren in that Province who were averse
to War & whose principles were to suffer Injuries & leave Heaven to protect & avenge their Cause &c. &c.
These contradictory Measures & these Opposite Belts, the half King reported & showed a few days
ago at a small meeting of some of all the 6 Nations (except the Onondagas) at my house, The
Indians could not conceal their surprise that One Province should produce such Contradictions.  And
Your Lordships will I believe be of Opinion that it would do no great honour to our political Talents.
My Lords
I am sensible I am taking up a great deal of your Lordships time, but if I am not greatly
mistaken the subjects I have and shall lay before you are of such importance to the British Indian Interest
as will I hope justifie me in Your Lordships Opinion.
Il my last Letter I gave it as my real sentiments to yr Lordships that the Indians of the 6 nations had




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        421
discovered at the then meeting, the strongest Intimations of their sincerity & fidelity, & that nothing
seemed to be wanting to cement & enlarge our Indian Alliance but unanimous & vigourous Efforts
against the common EnemyI will from no Motives My Lords misrepresent or conceal from yr Lordships what appears to me
the true state of our Indian Interest.  I am  sorry therefore to acquaint yr Lordships that the 6
Nations in general & the upper Nations more particularly do not at present seem to be animated by so
warm & active a Zeal in our favour as I could wish, & which it has been & shall be my unremitted
Endeavours to inspire them with. Some of their Chiefs have in private conversation with me complained
of our want of Vigor & good management in our Military Operations. They murmured at our inactivity last campaign at Oswego —They censured the weakness & knew the Deplorable state
of that Important Garrison towards the latter end of last Winter for want of Provisions & told me they
trembled for its Fate.  They reproached us for laying up our Vessels the beginning of last October
& that they do not yet appear on the Lake tho the French were sailing backwards & forwards the whole
Winter. They were surprised the Great Carrying Place another very important post was so poorly
fortified particularly at one end & such a handful of Troops left to protect it, They told the officers
there that the French would certainly attack them & that it was not in a condition to make a good Defence. the event has shown they judged rightly & complained Justly. They reproach us with the Two
regiments laying encampt at Albany & Schenectady & ask why they dont march against the French.
I mention these complaints & reproaches of the Indians to Your Lordships, as Causes of discontent to them
of their forming unfavourable Ideas of our Military Proceedings WCh tends to damp their spirits towards
us & nourish that Awe of the French which hath & doth too much prevail amongst them. I have
endeavoured by every Method in my power to remove their Prejudices, but as they form their Judgments
from appearances only, it is an extream difficult Task to work upon their understandings.
Another Cause of the 6 Nations standing in so much Awe of the French is the Great number of
Western & Northern Indians in their Alliance & which hath been greatly strengthened since our unhappy
defeat at the Ohio.
These Prejudices My Lords are not the only disadvantages we have to contend with in endeavouring
to raise & keep up in their minds a reputable Opinion of our Power & Consequence. The Cayouge
& Seneca Nation are near neighbours to Niagara; the Onondagas & Oniedas are in the Neighbourhood
of Sweegachie a French settlement on the River St Lawrence to wch numbers of those two Nations
have of late years been debauched & gone there to live. Tho our Indians do not now resort to these
Places as frequent & familliarly as they formerly did yet some amongst them do occasionally visit there
when the French & the Indians in their Interest, poison the Minds of ours with stories not only to the
disadvantage of our good Intentions towards them but endeavour to frighten them with pompous Accounts of the superior prowess & martial Abilities of the French. These things are propagated amongst
them and the truth really is they have had more reason to think highly of the French in this way than
of us.
But my Lords notwithstanding all these drawbacks upon the zeal and attachment of the Six Nations
towards us, I am persuaded at this Instant & I hope I shall have when the approaching meeting at
Onondaga is finished, stronger reasons to be persuaded, that if we were now ready to go upon Action
from Oswego & things wore a formidable & favourable appearance, that the 6 Nations would join us
with a Chearfulness and vigor which at present dos not so visibly appear. And I must beg leave to
give it to your Lordships as my fixt opinion upon the most Deliberate Consideration, that the Six Nations
will never be thoroughly fixt to the British Interest & Arms, until we strike some grand stroke &
thereby convince them that we have ability to protect them & humble the French, without asserting
our Dignity & Consequence in some such way as this, Presents & Treaties a Diligent & Skilful Man



422                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
agment may keep the 6 Nations Friends & Allies, but will not destroy the French Influence and
Attachment amongst them.
Could we but give such a Convincing Proof of our Prowess, I will take upon me to answer for the
Hearts & the hands of the Six Nations & to turn them with such Destructive Rage upon the French as
would soon give a new Face to our affairs for this I am confident that the Six Nations almost to a man
wish we had the upper hand of the French. They would not only I am persuaded thus exert themselves
but bring over many great and powerful Nations to the Southward & Westward wch. might be facilitated
by our management that way.
My Lords
It would not become me to animadvert upon our Military Conduct here & to take upon me to
advise therein might be going beyond my Tether, but what I have said I hope comes from me in character
& permit me My Lords to say in general, that speedy, spirited & active measures are absolutely
necessary to support, strengthen & extend our Indian Interest provided the Sword is to be kept drawn.
I have in the former part of this Letter mentioned to your Lordships, that I am informed the
Twightwees, the Ienundadee & some of the Chicksaw     Indians have been obliged to submit
themselves to the French  since our Defeat at the Ohio & your Lordships will see that the
Messasages who were invited by & promised Mr. Shirley to meet at Osswego this Summer will not
meet there but will at any of the Settlements of the 6 Nations-as the former Indians I fear dare not
and the Messasages will not meet at Oswego, I suspect the intended meeting of the Western Indians
there will not take effect.
It happens very unluckily that by our Ships from England not arriving in their usual time this
Spring, a sufficient quantity of Indian goods & things proper for Presents are not to be purchased, I
have sent to New York, Philadelphia & Boston for several things but cannot get them.
Sr. Charles Hardy has consented I shall give some of the Arms & 600 lb of Powder & lead in his
name out of His Majestys Presents sent by him to the 6 Nations I heartily wish I had the rest of
it, I wrote to him there wuld be scarce a more favourable opportunity of giving said Present than at
this meeting.
I would humbly propose to your Lordships that if His Majesty is pleased to continue me in the
Superintendency of Indian Affairs, that I may be allowed to order such assortments of Indian Goods
from England as are proper for the Service, I am convinced this will be a'saving method to the Crown,
& that the Indians will be much better supplied. The Presents wch. Govrs. have brot. from England
here have been ill sorted, many Articles bad in their kind & some useless, particularly that essential
Article of Arms.
On my return from Onondaga I shall transmit your Lordships Copy of my Proceedings there & gave
you such further Intelligence as may occur.
I am my Lords
most respectfully
yr. Lordships
Forts are now building in the Seneca's Country, at Onondaga, Oneida & Schohere. The Cayouga
Indians have not yet applied, The Fort for the Aughquagas is upon the account of the Disturbances to
the Southward, deferred till the meeting at Onondaga is over.
AMemorandum on the back of the above letter.
100ft. square the Stockads P. or Ok 15ft. long 3 of wch. at least to be sunk in the ground well
pounded & rammed & ye 2 touching sides square so as to lay close Loop holes to be made 4ft disc.;
2 B1. Hses. 20ft. sq. below & above to project 1~ foot over ye Beams well roofd & shingled & a




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSONR                          423
good Sentry Box on the top of each. a good Gate of 3 Inc oak PI. & iron hinges & a small Gate
of Oak Plank of same thicko,
Endorsed.
Fort Johnson May 28th 1756
My Letter to the Lords
of Trade & Plantations
with Indne Proceedings.
EXTRACT FROM     SIR WILLIAM JOHNSTONS PROCEEDINGS AT THE INDIAN CONGRESS AT
ONONDAGA.
The Informations of an Oneida Indian who hath Resided for Some time past at Swegachie and latly
Came from Canada.
That the French had Assembled in the Neibourhood of Cadaraghqui and Swegachie about 800
Indians, Ottowawas and Other Nations, That upon his and the Other Swegachie Indians Return from
Onondaga they were Determined to march 2000 Men to the Oswego falls (about 12 Miles from Oswego)
Their Build a Strong Fort, and Prevent Provisions, or Reinforcements from going by Water to Oswego.
That another party were to March the New Road from Swegachie, and Build a Fort at the West
End of the Oneida Lake, When these Posts were Secured, a Third Party were to make a Descent
upon the German Flatts, Destroy our Magazine there, cut off the Garrison and Inhabitants and bur
the Settlements, A fourth party were to Attack Sr. William Johnstons house, kill or take him, and
Ravage the Settlements on that part of the Mohawk River.
This Account he Said he had received from the Priest and Commanding Officer at Swegachie
alias Gallette.
Sr. William Asked him how the French were as to provisions, He Said he Saw Great Plenty every
where, and that the King Stores houses at Montreal were full of all Kinds. That the French had 3
Sloops, and had Built 2 Large Vessels of 2 Masts, which were ready to Navigate Lake Ontario.
Sr. William then told him, that he would have him return to Swegachie as soon as Possible, and
Gather all the Intelligence he Could, and bring it to him, that this would be a determinate proof of his
Fidelity and Sincere Repentance for what had past, and if he would take pains, and make himself
Master, of the Strength, and Intended Operations of the French &c, he would Reward him According
to the Consequence of his Intelligence from a 100 to 150 pcS. of 8
He engaged himself for this Service, and that he would return as Soon as possible, with the fullest
and best Accounts he Could Obtain.
A true Extract from the Original Minutes
Examined by me
Signed      PETER WRAXALL
Seero for Indian Affairs.
SIR, WILLIAM JOHNSON TO THE LORDS OF TRADE.
Albany 17th July 1756.
MY LORDS.
I had the honour of writing your Lordships the latter end of May last & at the Same time
of transmitting a Copy of my proceedings from the last date to that time. My proceedings at the
late Onondaga meeting & at the Subsequent Treaty with the Shawnese & Delaware Indians at my




424                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
House weh ended 2 days ago, I cannot possibly transmit to your Lordships by this opportunity as they
will require more time to copy than the Stay of the Packet Boat here will ad mit of, They Shall be got
ready to transmit to your Lordships by the next man of War or Packet wCh Sails for England. but
I think it my Duty to give your Lordships the earliest Intelligence in my power of the chief Points
WCh have occurred at these meetings.
In my last Letter to your Lordships I mentioned the Several causes of that Uneasiness & Coldness
to our Interest wch I had reason to Suspect prevailed amongst the Six Nations, particularly the
Upper Nations.,
The meeting at Onondaga confirmed my Suspicions, & I found the French had Made an advantage
of this Disposition as had So much infected the Six Nations, that it required a variety of arguments
my utmost Influence & most vigorous endeavours to compose their Tempers, to expel the French
Poison & re animatethem towards our Interests.
All this however I was so happy as to Succeed in and I can with great Truth assure your Lordships,
that at the conclusion of this important meeting, the Six Nations appeared to me Sincerely disposed
to Second any vigorous attempts which might be made on our Side against the French. They have
engaged to put on foot amongst all their allies, a negotiation to join with them in our favour. They
have promised to make the most vigorous efforts to draw off from the French Interest & Settlements
those of their People who have gone over that way. I have reason to believe they begin to be Somewhat Jealous of the French, a point I have long laboured to bring about & am now in hopes it may in
Some measure take place, if it Should operate to any height it will be attended with very favourable
Consequences to his Majestys Service.
At this meeting I also obtained the consent of the 6 Nations to cut a Road to Oswego thro their
Country with their promise of Assisting in laying it out, and also for building a Fort at Oswego Falls
12 miles from Oswego provided that upon an accommodation with France it Shall be either demolished
or put into the hands of the 6 Nations. The Enemy by the Intelligence I received at Onondaga
are determed to take post there with a considerable Force & build a respectable Fort to cut off
our Communication with Oswego, & if they do, it will very much Distress that Garrison & require
our attempts to beat them off in order to preserve Oswego,
These were the Capital Points I negotiated at Onondaga. Some of the Shawanese & Delaware
Indians were there but until the Congress was upon the point of being closed, did not come in a sufft.
number to enter upon Business & conclude affairs relating to them with proper Authority. That
Treaty was therefore adjourned to my House, & those Indians with a Deputation of the Six Nations
came down to Fort Johnson, where were Present, The Said Six Nation Deputies-the King or Chief
of the Shawanese, The King or Chief of the Delawares, Settled on the Susquehanna & its Branches &
great number of the Mehicander or River Indians whom I lately have drawn up from the Frontiers of
this Province & New Jersey to Settle near to & under the Protections of our faithful allies the Mohocks
-These Indians were originally Delawares & are Still regarded as Bretheren by them.
At this Treaty the Shawanese chief on behalf of his People denied their having been concerned
in any of the late Hostilities committed on the Southern Provinces, that they have & shall continue
to observe in conjunction with their Bretheren of the Six Nations, an inviolable attachment to theii
Bretheren the English-That the Shawanese who are Settled on the Ohio have been many of them
seduced by the Frehch & their Indians to join in their late Hostilities upnn the Southern Provinces
But that he had & should continue to use his utmost Influence to withdraw them from that Interest.
The Delaware King or chief confessed that some of his people had been deceived and deluded b)
the French & the Delawares who lived near to Fort Duquesne, to join them in their late Hostilities
But that the Message:I sent to them by the 6 Nation Delegates last winter & what past in both oum




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                          425
names at the Treaty held in consequence of that Delegation at Otsiningo, had opened their Eyes & that
from that time his People had laid down the Hatchet & ceased from further Hostilities.
He expressed his sorrow & repentance for wt had-past & asked Pardon with all the marks of a sincere
contrition.
"In the most solemn manner he received the covenant chain of Peace, Friendship & Alliance in behalf
of his People-he promised as a convincing Proof of their returning to their Duty & Fidelity to his
Majesty, of their Sincere Intentions to maintain the Engagements now entered into to return such
English Prisoners (wch he said were but few) Wch had fallen to his People's share during the late
Hostilities.
Both he and the Shawanese King accepted the War Belt Sung & Danced to the War Song with
extraordinary Fervor & promised to follow the Example of the Six Nations in our Favour &
whenever I should call upon them to join me at any time or any where in Conjunction with the Six
Nations.
I concluded this Treaty with taking off the Petticoat or that invidious name of Woman from the
Delaware Nation wch hath been imposed on them by the 6 Nations from the time they conquered them,
in the name of the great King of England their Father & on the behalf of all their Bretheren the
English on this continent, & promised them I would use my Influence & best endeavours to prevail
with the Six Nations to follow -my Example, The Deputies of the Six Nations who were present approved
of this measure, but said they were not a sufft number nor properly authorized to it on behalf of their
constituents, however they would make their reports & press it upon them. If this point should succeed
& our military operations strengthen our consequence, I am persuaded the French will not be able to
keep scarcely one Delaware in their Interest.
As my success in this Treaty with the Shawanese & Delewares will be I hope of most happy
consequence to the Tranquility of his Majestys Southern Provinces in particular. The moment it was
ended I dispatched an Express'with a generall acct of it to Genl Abercrombie at Albany desiring he
would transmit it forwards, especially as The Govr of New Jersey to my great surprize had at this
very juncture published a Declaration of War against all the Delaware Nation, of wch the first notice
I had or have since received was from the Publick Prints, wch, as Govr Morris had upon my Represen
tations to Mr Shirley & Sr Charles Hardy, suspended the Execution of any Hostilities against them
in consequence of his Declaration till the Issue of this Treaty however, appeared to me a proceeding
in Govr Belcher of a very extraordinary kind. I wrote also Genl Abercrombie that in my opinion,
if any Hostilities should be committed against the Delawares who had entered into this Treaty, they
not breaking thro it by any fresh Acts of Hostilities, it would I apprehended be of the most fatal consequence to His Majestys Indian Interest in general, & throw these affairs into a state of confusion, from
wch I believe no Person could extricate them.
My Lords,
Mr Secretary Pownalls Letter to me of the 5 March with the Papers therein mentioned I have
received & when I have the Honour of a consultation with my Lord Loudoun, I shall answer to the
articles therein mentioned, as I cannot at present do it with that Distinctiveness with w-h I would always
wish & endeavour to appear with to Your Lordships.
I have the honour to be most respectfully  My Lords
Your Lordships Most Obedient Most humble Servant
Endorsed  Albany July 17th 1756                                          W. J.My Letter to the Lords of TradeVOL. II.                                  54




426                          MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON0
ORDER FOR ADDITIONAL TROOPS FOR THE GERMAN FLATS.
By his Excellency Sir Charles Hardy Knight Captain General and Governor in chief in and over the
Province of New York and the Territories depending thereon in America and vice admiral
of the same.
Whereas I have been enformed that of the five hundred Men lately. ordered by Sir William Johnson
Baronet from the Albany Batalion of the Militia to march to join him at the German Flatts only two
hundred and fifty have as yet marched. And the present posture of affairs requiring a further Force to
withstand the Enemy' attempts on that quarter, which cannot be otherwise supplyed there by the Militia
You are without delay to order as many Men of that Batalion as will complete the number already
gone to five hundred, to march as soon as possible with proper officers to the German Flatts, there to
join the other detachments of the Militia and obey such further orders as they shall receive from their Superior Officer. And in case a still greater Force shall be required from the Militia to protect that part
of the Country. You are to give orders for the marching of such greater Force and even to march
yourself with the whole Batalion if necessary on any Emergency. In which case you are to require
Such aid from the Commanding officers of Ulster and Dutches as you shall judge proper to march for the
security of the City of Albany.
Given under my Hand at Fort George
in the City of New York the sixth
day of September 1756,
To Sir William Johnson Baronet or in'
his absence to the Commanding
officer of the Albany Batalion in
the militia of the City & County
of Albany.                    )
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON TO THE LORDS OF TRADE.
Fort Johnson 10 Sepr. 1756.
My LORDS,
My last to your Lordships bore date the 17th. of July. Therein I gave a summary account of
what had past at my meeting with the Indians at Onondaga & the subsequent Treaty at my House
with the Shawanese & Delaware Indians.
Herewith I have the honour to transmit your Lordships an authenticated Copy of all my proceedings
at the said two meetings.
About the time the unhappy news of the loss of Oswego arrived, I had fitted out several Parties of
Indians, some of woh. were already gone a fighting to Canada, others were on the point of their
Departure. These parties amounted to near 140 men of several Nations, many others were coming
down on the same account, & there was the most favorable appearance of a general active spirit amongst
them.
The first accounts of Oswego put my Lord Loudoun upon designs of releiving it &  by his
directions I gathered all the Indians I could get together with the Militia, & took post at the German
Flatts in order to assist Gen1. Webb who was at the Carrying Place, in such operations as might
be found necessary for His Majestyhs service, and I had between 2 and 300 Indians with me ready for
service. The absolute loss of Oswego, the Garrison & every thing there, was soon confirmed to us.




— V         A~z: — &':. t'"f-.''K>> ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~~~~-ii~~~ aK>u
~~7117                          or~Y'~  o
u~~~7'~ ZL::~.~.:~k~~...........  ~ —~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~......
>'- <K                     — ~W-.4j-WNKVKLY  ~SZ' -'
-~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -L,,,LT..,,.,...': "'. -  --...'                    " 
i-17, —-"  (V'2:-'          5-'L —>
j'".....'- ~l>%.i _V                                                all'








MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       427
This unfortunate revolution in our military affairs entirely disconcerted all my measures & overset the
Pleasing prospect I had, of thoroughly engaging the Indians of all the Six Nations in actual hostilities
against the French, and thereby throwing upon them the necessity of summoning all their allies &
dependants to take up the hatchet in conjunction with them, wch. would have been the natural Consequence when they had entered themselves into the War.
Oswego in our hands fortified & secured by us, & our having a navigation on Lake Ontario, was not
only a curb to the power of the French that way, but esteemed by the 6 Nations, whenever they joined
our arms, as a secure cover to them & their Habitations against the Resentment of the French, weh.
together with the Forts I had built in each of their Castles or Towns, except at Cayouge, and for wCh.
Garrisons were promised them, left them to act for us in full security. This I am persuaded they
were determined to do either in a Body with our Army, whenever that should march upon any Enterprize, or go upon the Scalping Service in separate Parties.
But by our loosing Oswego, weh. I may call the Barrier of the 6 Nations, & thereby the possession
of that part of the Country, they were laid open to the Resentments of the French, who might at any
time they were inclined to it, with facility fall upon their Towns & cut them and their Families to pieces
especially those of the upper nations.
In this light I knew the Indians would view the loss of Oswego, I found they did so, and that the
spirit they had recently shown in our favour was sunk and overawed by the success of the French &
the accumulated power wh.'it gave them.
Under these circumstances I judged the most prudent step I could ake would be to summons a
meeting of some of the Chiefs of each Nation as soon as possible at my House, in order to know their
positive Determinations, & what part they proposed to act. My Lord Loudoun approved of this measure,
& I sent a Belt of Summons thro' the Nations. Whether Delegates from all of them will come I cannot
be positive, & I think it is doubtful; however I expect most will send, & in about a fortnight this
important meeting will probably take place. The Speech I propose to make to them on the opening
of the meeting, I shall first let my Lord Loudoun see & take his opinion and directions thereon as I
look on it to be a delicate & interesting Point.
Notwithstanding this ill fate of our affairs, some of almost every Nation are daily coming down hither
& entering into Scalping Parties wch. I am sending out.
My Lord Loudoun has sent me a Specification of His Majesty's Indian Presents sent by him, & was
pleased to refer to me for the Division.between the Northern and Southern Proportions. I have given
my opinion in favour of - for the former &'- for the latter which to the best of my judgment will be
most advantageous to His Majesty's Indian Service. I have also proposed to My Lord that the Northern
Presents may be given by me at such times, in such Quantities, and to such Persons, as will actually
distinguish themselves in our favour & realy go upon service. As circumstances now are I think this
method quite necessary, and would in my opinion be always best in War time. The Indians are naturally
a mercenary People, & Mr. Shirley's conduct last year gave a keener edge to this disposition; and as
it is now become necessary to buy their assistance, I apprehend it is best to make a sure Bargain
& give to those Indians only who will act with us & for us, wcll. is the method I propose for the future.
I despair of their now engaging nationally with a sincere & active Zeal, & therefore I conceive giving
Presents in the old general way, would be imprudent and an ineffectual Profusion.
As soon as the proposed meeting is ended, I will transmit to your Lordships the result of it, with
my best Judgement of the general Disposition, Views, & Inclinations of the 6 Nations.
In my last Letter I acknowledged the receipt of Mr. Secry. Pownalls favour to me of the 5. March
last, but deferred answering some particulars therein till I had the honour of a Conference with my
Lord Loudoun.




428                        MvANUJSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
I have laid before his Lordship a List of such Officers & Persons, with the Establishments I proposed
for them, as would be necessary for carrying on His Majesty's Indian Service under my direction. But
his Lordship at that time was so much crowded with business that we could not wholly finish that affair;
and indeed the alteration of circumstances since will admit of many particulars being suspended,
till some more certain Judgment can be formed of our Indian Interest than at present.
I received the Copy of Instructions given to Sr. Charles Hardy relative to those Pafents or Grants
of Land in this Province of wch the Indians complain, and also Copy of your Lordship's Report to His
Majesty upon a Memorial of the Proprietors of Pensilvania, both transmitted to me by Mr. Secry.
Pownall.
As to the former, the effectual redressing those Complaints strikes at the Interest of some of
the wealthiest and most leading men in this Province, & I fear that Influence wch may be necessary
to succeed, will be employed to obstruct. I have I believe before mentioned to your Lordships my
humble opinion, that applications on this head on this side the water would I imagined fall short of the
desired End.
I have the honour perfectly to concur with your Lordships in opinion upon the proprietors of Pensilvania's Memorial.
In the Papers I had the honour to transmit to your Lordships by Mr. Thos. Pownall now here.
The Jealousy of the Indians with regard to their Lands, their tenaciousness upon that Article-their
opinion of the present contests between the French and us, our respective Views & Designs-and the
Influence these matters had on the conduct of the Six Nations, was discussed, tho' not in so ample a
manner as the subject deserved & would afford. I am every day more and more convinced of the Truth
of the observations contained in those Papers upon this subject, and fully am I assured, the 6 Nations are
sensible that the Deprivation of what they deem their property will be the consequence of either we
or the French prescribing terms to each other-and hence the chief cause of their Indifference in our
Quarrel. The French ha-e very politically possessed themselves of important Passes, We have openly
claimed large Tracts of Country & attempted Settlements thereon. The Indians have not perhaps reach
enough to foresee the consequences of the valuable morsels the French have pitched upon, whilst our
indiscriminate avidity alarms them with Jealousy, and raises prejudices against us wch are improved
by the French, & by professions only endeavored to be removed by us. After the French had taken
Oswego, they destroyed all our Buildings & sent word to the Onondaga Indians, that they had now
drove the English from their Lands & would not like them, keep possession, but leave rem free to them
and their Posterity- forever.  The French, in fact, did not want that Place, so made their Policy
appear Virtue to the Indians, & the plausibility of it will doubtless influence them in their favour.
I think I have before now hinted to your Lordships my opinion, that the Hostilities ach Pensilvania
in particular had suffered from some of the Indians living on the Susquahanna did, in some measure,
arise from the large Purchase made by that Govt. two years ago at Albany. I have more reason every
day, from talking with the Indians, to be confirmed in this suspicion. I am inclined to believe, tho'
this purchase was publicly consented to at Albany, some of the 6 Nations are disgusted at it & others
repent their consenting to it, and that part of them do underhand connive at the Disturbances between
the Susquahanna Indians and the Province of Pensilvania, whose raising Forces and building Forts
on the Susquahanna River5 tho' it hath very plausible Pretences, is at the Bottom bad policy & really
intended to secure Lands weCh. it would more for the true Interest of the community to give up, at
least for the present. I conceive the most effectual method of producing Tranquility to that Province
would be, a voluntary & open Surrender of that Deed of Sale, fix with the Indians, in the best
manner they can, the Bounds for their Settlements & make them Guaranties to it. I know that this
Land was fairly & publickly paid for & that the Indians are unjust & unreasonable to recant & keep the




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       429
money; but if the Times & good Policy require it, to yield will be more advantageous than to contest, tho
on the side of Justice. Besides'tis private property & the general Welfare suffers by persisting in the
Title to it.
I proposed herewith to have transmitted your Lordships the acct. of the Disbursements of what monies
I have hitherto received, wch. is ~10,000 sterg.; but as I have for some time past been obliged to
be frequently absent from home upon His Majesty's Service, it hath prevented their being closed &
now ready, but they shall go by the next Packet, in the mean time I shall lay them before My Lord
Loudoun for his Perusal.
I have the honour to be with the highest esteem
My Lords your Lordships most obedt. and
Most faithful Servant.
Endorsed,
" Sr. William's Letter to Lords of Trade 10 Sepr.
do.   to Lord Halifax 11 Sepr. 1756."
PROPRIETORS OF PENNSYLVANIA'S OBSERVATIONS ON SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON'S LETTER
TO THE LORDS OF TRADE RELATING TO INDIAN AFFAIRS.
The Proprietors of Pennsylvania have considered the Extract of Sir William Johnson's Letter sent to
them by the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of Trade & Plantations, and are much concerned
to see in it such Jealousy of their Conduct, and that of their Deputy and Agents suggested, without the
least cause given for it, as they can challenge Sir William Johnson & all the World to shew any one
Instance of their Conduct, that has given Dissatisfaction to the Six Nations, and which those Nations
will readily acknowledge in any free Conference, the Proprietors & Province of Pennsylvania having
been so much regarded by those Indians, as to be made choice of by them, to settle the differences
that had long subsisted between them and the Governments of Virginia & Maryland, at ye Town of
Lancaster, in June & July 1744, which Treaty lyes before the Board, & is printed.
They cannot conceive that the last *purchase <made of Land to the Westward of Sasquehannah,
could possibly be the cause of the Hostilities committed by the Indians living on that River, as it did not
include any of the Land on which they were settled, or any near them, which will at once appear
from the Bounds of that Purchase, laid down on the last Map' published by Evans, the course of
the North Boundary of that Purchase having been agreed to, that the West Branch of Sasquehannah
might be reserved to the Indians, beyond the Bend in that River, and the Land sold is at a vast distance
from their principal Settlements, which are at Wyomen, and on the Eastern Branch.
This is beyond any possibility of doubt confirm'd by the.Conferences publickly held between some
of the Chiefs & Agents of the Six Nations, as also ye Delaware King appointed by them all living on
Sasquehannah. & Mr Morris, Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania, in which they have never made
any Complaint, or Objection to, that Sale of Land, nor in the Treaty with Sir William Johnson in
February 1756, wherein Mr Hawley gives the Reason why the Delawares have committed Hostilities
does he once mention that Treaty.
This suggestion of Sir William Johnson appears to be the more extraordinary, from his having consented to a Treaty with the Six Nations, propos'd by Hendrick the Mohawk Chief in the Spring 1755,
on their being greatly dissatisfied with a Purchase intended to be privately made by the People of
Connecticut, to sign which they had gone from  House to House, & persuaded some Indians to put
their names to it, and which Treaty was to be held at Mount Johnson, for the Sale of Land on both




430                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAAM JOHNON.
Branches of the River Sasquehannah, to the Northern Boundary of Pennsylvania, which Proposal
was communicated to the Lieut Governor of New York, who laid it before his Council, and.the Consent
of the Governor & Council to that intended Purchase, provided it did not run Northward above ye
Latitude of 42 Degrees, was sent by' Colo Johnson to the Agents of the Proprietors of Pennsylvania,
but no further Steps were taken to bring on this Treaty, as Hendrick & several other Indian Chiefs
went to the Army, & were soon after kill'd in the Action at Lake George.
In answer to another Suggestion of Sir William Johnson's that " the raising Forces and building' Forts on Sasquehannah by Order of the Government of Pennsylvania, tho' it hath plausible
"Pretences, is at the bottom bad Policy, and really intended to secure Lands, which it would be
~ more for the Interest of the Community to give up;" They beg leave to say, that this Insinuation is
without any sort of foundation, as it never would have been attempted, had not the Chiefs of the
Indians living on Sasquehannah, & Delaware River, on their own motion, intirely, desired they should
be built, at Shamokin, & *near Wyomen, for their own Security as well as of that of the Settlers in
Pennsylvania, & promised at the same time to bring their Families and Friends to settle about, &
between' them, and also urged the Government of Pennsylvania, to declare War against the Ohio
Indians.
The Proprietors have always taken every Method in their Power, to prevent the Settlement of Land
unpurchased of the Indians, and can shew their Orders, Proclamations of their Governors, Reports
of Magistrates, who have remov'd such Settlers in the ma-nner prescribed by the Laws of England
against forceable Entrys, who have burnt their Houses, and destroyed their Settlements, as also the
acknowledgements of the Indians of their Care in this respect, & they assure their Lordships, there
is not the least Intention of granting any of the Lands which are not purchasedand of course not
any about ye abovementioned Places, which certainly are not purchased,-Their Governor has a standing
Instruction never to permit any such Lands to be settled, and therefore must make such Grants at
his own Peril.
They never had any dispute with the Indians, unless with some of the Delawares, whose Ancestors
had sold their Land to the First Proprietor of Pennsylvania, and afterwards had Presents made them
by the present Proprietors for Confirmations, which they readily Signed, as if they were the real Owners
of the Land, but having still been troublesome to some of the Outsettlers on that River, by asserting
a Right to the Land, but not committing any outrages, the Proprietors laid the Case before the Six
Nations at a Treaty held in Philadelphia in July 1742, which lyes before their Lordships, and is printed,
and after they had examined into every Circumstance, they fully approved of the Conduct of the Proprietors, and severely censured those Indians, ordering them to go and live at Wyomen, or Shamokin,
under their Eye, and never to meddle in Land Affairs, to which they had no Right; having been conquer'd
by the Six Nations.
Some of these Delawares went to live on the River Ohio and its Branches, and were kindly used
by the Government of Pennsylvania, and maintained for -some time before the Defeat of General
Braddock, when they were persuaded by the French to assist them, on promise of being enabled to
regain their Freedom from the Subjection they had been brought under by the Six Nations.
The Proprietors believe, those Indians & some of the Six Nations may not be thoroughly satisfied
with the Purchase of the Land on the River Ohio, as they think it a very good hunting Country, and
that the Indians would have been better pleased, had the Boundary Westward been the Allegany Hills,
as they themselves proposed at the Treaty of Albany in 1754, a Copy of which Mr. Penn presented to
the Board.
* That near Wyomen, the Governor, finding it only desired by a few Indians living near that Place, has not agreed to build.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        431
The Proprietors will ever make it their constant Rule, to act such a part as shall be of greatest use
to the Publick, tho' it it may be prejudicial to their Private Interest, but they are very certain His
Majesty's Ministers, and particularly their Lordships, will never suffer any partial considerations to
have an effect upon them, to the Prejudice of the Proprietors; they think it at this time very improper
to make distant Settlements; tho' the Indians were to give their free Consent, but as they, on the
contrary, are not well satisfied with the Sale of those Lands on the Ohio, the Proprietors are willing to
wave that part of the Treaty, provided it be agreed, that if ever hereafter the Descendants of those
Indians shall incline to sell those Lands, they shall be sold only to them, and they will give directions
to their Governor to appoint proper Persons to meet the Chiefs of the Six Nations at Onondago,
Sir William Johnson's or any other Place the Indians shall agree upon, to confer freely, and settle this
Matter in a -manner the most conducive to preserve a good understanding between the English and
the Indians, without on the one hand being obliged to give up every thing they ask, which would make
Treatys with them of no use, but to subject us to their contempt; & on the other, give them full
satisfaction with regard to their hunting Grounds. They will only add, in answer to the last Paragraph,
that they hope, private Property will ever be as much regarded, and as unwillingly given up by the
Crown as Land inr Provinces under His Majesty's immediate Government, and where the Lands are
granted by virtue of his Commission.
The Proprietors now lay before their Lordships the Conferences heldthis Summer above mentioned,
and are ready, as soon as they can be copied, to lay also Copies of every other Conference that has
been held between their Governors and Agents, & the several Nations of Indians, having nothing so
much at heart, as to remove the least Jealousy of their Conduct, and approve themselves worthy
of the Station they hold in Pennsylvania.
London, Decbr. 11th. 1756.
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM PROPRIETOR THOMAS PENN ESQR. OF 12TH. FEB'RY 1757
TO MR. RICHARD      PETERS PROPRIETARY AGENT.
" I shall now write what my Time will allow me on the most important Point now under Considera-;" tion, that of the Dissatisfaction of the Indians, and the Method we think proper shoud be taken to
4 remove all possible cause of it, if Impressions made by wicked People can be effaced, as I had
" received your Letter containing an account of the Complaints of the Delaware Indians. I informed
" Lord Halifax what I knew of these affairs, and desired they might be fully examined into by Sir
" William Johnson at such Place as he shall appoint, and to which the principal People of the Six
"s Nations and those of the Indians who pretend any claim or complain of ill Treatment shall agree
" to come, and that we will appoint Commissioners to attend that Treaty, as a more indifferent Place
" and Person than our Province or our Governor woud be more satisfactory to the Publick and more' to our Honour. I desired they would add to their Letter a Recommendation to Sir William Johnson to
c examine thoroughly into this affair, and make a Report upon it."
In the latter Part of the same Letter of the 12th of February the Proprietor says,
" The Letter from the Board of Trade to Sir William Johnson will not be ready till Tuesday, and
"therefore I think it cannot go in the same Packet with this, unless it is kept, that Letters received
" yesterday by the Ministers may be answered."




432                         MAN-USCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSONX
EXTRACT of a Letter of the 11th March 1757 from Proprietor Thomas Penn Esquire to their
agent Mr. Richard Peters.
c I hope my last Letter by the Packet will get Time enough for you to prevent your holding a
C" Treaty with Teedyuscung and the Delaware Indians, and desire you will inform him that I have
"4 desired, as the charge he makes upon us is of a very high nature, it may be directed by the King's
"6 Ministers here to be examined into before Sir William Johnson, and a Deputation of the Six Nations
6 in an indifferent Place, that the Examination may be most fairly and equally made, we absolutely'" denying the Truth of the Charge, and insisting on full Reparation for it, esteeming such a Charge a
"greater Injury by far than the Endeavour to deprive us of any Land their Ancestors have sold."7
EXTRACT of a Letter of the 12th March 1757 from both Proprietaries Thomas Penn and Richard
Penn Esquires to their Agent Mr. Richard Peters.
" The Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations having communicated to us an Extract of
"a Letter from Sir William Johnson Baronet, relating to Uneasinesses the Indians of the Six Nations
" are under on account of the last Indian Purchase at Albany; we gave to their Lordships an answer
" to it in writing. And in the said Answer having proposed to send Commissioners to any Place Sir
" William Johnson shall appoint and summons the Indians to attend at. We thought it proper to
appoint you &c to be our Commissioners.
( During the Time this Business was under the Consideration of the Lords of Trade, a copy of
6 the Treaty at Easton between Governor Denny and Teedyuscung, the Delaware King, with others
6" of the same Nation arrived, in which we observe, notwithstanding neither the Delawares nor any other
CC nation of Indians ever so much as hinted that they had been induced to commence Hostilities against
" Pennsylvania to revenge any Injustice done them, Teedyuscung did, after being repeatedly called
"4 upon to give a Reason for such a Conduct, assert for the first Time, that the present Proprietors had
c; forged a Deed and made an Alteration of the Courses agreed upon to take their Lands from them, and;"tho' he did not alledge, that was the Cause of their Incursions, yet that it was the Foundation of
" their Uneasiness. We who are extremely desirous that the Rectitude of all our Proceedings with the
" Indians shoud appear in the most publick Light, and that no Suspicion of contrary M\easures on our
" Part shoud ever exist, did instantly acquaint the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations with
"d this new Pretence, and made it our earnest Request to them, that they woud give Directions to Sir
"; William Johnson at the same Time he met the Indians to settle the Bounds of the Treaty at
e" Albany, to examine into the Truth of this Report and inform them of the Result of such Examination."
The above is a true Extract from the Propty Letters to me compared with the originals by me.
RICHARD PETERS.
18th Augt 1757
GOV. HARDY TO SIR WM, JOHNSON.
Fort George, New York 16 May 1757
Sa.
Having laid your letter of the 21st. of April last before the Council, and in consequence of
their opinion conferred with the Earl of Loudain as to the release of the two Indians confined in the
goal at Albany, His Lordship was of opinion it was necessary in the present posture of the Publici
affairs to indulge the Jenango Indians in their request, & on my communicating his Sentiments t(




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                         433
the Council they advised that Vangelder the Father and his Son should both be discharged and tis now
a week Since orders were sent for that purpose to the Sherif. This Complyance in the Government will
I hope be attended with the good Consequences you apprehend from it: but I am Sorry to find that
the Family of this Vangelder Still persist in the Same wicked Practices, as appears by their being
present in a riot wch. happened on the 7th Instant in the Manor of Livingston, in which one man was
killed and several wounded, one of whom it is Said is Since dead of his wounds.  Had this been
known here before the orders were Sent to the Sherif, it would probably have prevented their being
issued. Mr. Livingston represents that the Rioters have lately purchased a considerable part of His
Manor of the Stockbridge Indians, who have undertaken to assist them in Settling the Lands. If this
be the case as is very probable from Vangelder & his Sons being principals, I think it is absolutely
necessary that you use your endeavours to diswade the Indians of Stockbridge from intermedling in
this unhappy affair, and as it must probably have been them. who Solicited the Indians of Jenango to
request the discharge of Vangelder and his Son, it appears to me that the Jenango Indians will think
it incumbent on them to interpose by preventing (as much as lies in their power) the Stockbridge Indians
from concerning themselves in this matter.
Sir William Johnson Baronet
endorsed. 16 May 1757
Lre from Sir Charles to
Sir William Johnson.
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO TIE BOARD OF TRADE.
Fort Johnson June 18, 1757,
MY LORDS
In the last Letter I had the honour to write your Lordships, I acqainted you, that I had just
then finished a Meeting with the Six Nations, wherein I had charged them with their Inactivity in
aiding & assisting His Majestys Arms, & had insisted upon their giving me the reasons for their Back
wardness & Coolness, and also to know possitively from them what their future Resolutions were
without any Disguise. I then acquainted your Lordships, that the Six Nations told me, they looked
upon the Matters I had laid before them, to be of too important Consequence for the Deputation then
present to give me a full & detirminate Answer to —that they were speedily to hold a Great Council
of all the Nations at Onondaga, where what I had then said should be faithfully reported, fully Deliberated upon and when that Council broke up, I should receive their full & Detirminate Answer. That
therefore I defered transmitting to your Lordships what passed at the said Meeting at my House till I
had the result of the Meeting at Onondaga, when I would send you both together. Accordingly My
Lords I herewith transmit the same to you. I was in Expectation to have been able to have done this
much sooner, but the unsettled state of the Six Nations amongst themselves, and the Confusions wCh
the too successful Arts of the French Emissaries have thrown them into, have delayed this Meeting
at Onondaga much beyond the time they gave me reason to expect it would take place and break up.
Your Lordships will see by the Papers herewith, that the Three upper Nations, to wit, the Senecas,
Cayouges & Onondagas, have declared themselves in favour of a Neturality. As no Deputies from
the Tuscarores or Oniedas came down to this Meeting, I cannot say what their Resolutions will be,
it appears probable to me that from their not coming down with those Upper Nations, they do not
wholly agree in Sentiments with them. I expect they will come by themselves when these return, &
let me know their Resolutions, but whether those will be more favourable to our Interest than what
these Three Upper Nations have declared, I will not take upon me to assertain. When I receive their
IResolves I shall transmit them to your Lordships.
VOL. II.                                  55




434                           MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
I beg leave on this occasion to put your Lordships in Mind & refer you to those Papers I sent to
the Board in Janry. 1756, by Govr. Pownal when he went to England, wherein was laid before your
Lordships the declining state of our Indian Interest at the time Gen1. Braddocks Commission put the
Management of Indian Affairs into my hands, and I told that Gentleman at Alexandria, I would exert
my utmost Influence & ability, but that I doubted whether I should be able to prevail on the Six
Nations in general to act with that Ardor in favour of His Majestys Arms wCh might probably be
expected from them. Our Defeat at the Ohio,-the Obstructions thrown in my way by Gen1. Shirleys
opposing my Management —The loss of Oswego, and our having reaped no striking advantages since.
have been all Additional Drawbacks upon my retrieving & advancing his Majestys Indian Interest.
And with respect to our Interest amongst the upper Nations, the Loss of Oswego was a Mortal Wound,
as that Post was both a Curb upon the upper Nations to retain them in our Interest & a Security for
them against the Enemy should they act in our Favour. I am fully persuaded the Loss of this important Post with the consequential Menaces of the French & their Indians, hath produced the present
Neutrality agreed on by the Senecas, Cayouges & Onondagas. And tis probable our destroying the
Works at & abandoning the Onieda Carrying Place last Summer may produce a Neutrality from the
Oniedas & Tuscarores.
My Lords
I am extreamely concerned that the great Expence which this Service hath occasioned should
not have produced more favourable Effects. Permit me to assure Your Lordships that I have acted with
uprightness of Heart, with all the Oeconomy Diligence & address within the compass of my abilities to
retrieve support & extend His Majesty's Indian Interest. I am extreamly sorry my Endeavours have not
been crowned with all that Success wch I was unfeignedly ambitious of being instrumental to. I must
confess all circumstances considered I do not think the Indians altogether so culpable as some People on
this side of the Water seem to do-And I am truly conscious that if I have erred in Judgment, I have
not been wanting in an honest & grateful Ardor for His Majestys Service, the honour & success of
his Arms.
As I have My Lord Loudouns Approbation & Opinion in favour of it, I have told the Six Nations
that I shall dispose of His Majestys Bounty & Rewards only to such Indians as will actually go upon
Service. This I propose to make a fixt Rule hereafter as far as apparent good Policy will permit. This
will probably in some Degree lessen the future Expence. however I must be so ingenuous as to acquaint
your Lordships that even under present Circumstances, I cannot promise that the future Expences
will fall very considerably short of the past. for as the Upper Nations (as yr Lordships will see by
their Speech) solemnly declare that notwithstanding their Neutrality, they are unanimously & firmly
resolved to hold fast the Antient Covt Chain of Friendship & remain Allies to His Majesty & Bretheren
to his Subjects, utterly to cast off all Notice & Expence about them, would in my Opinion be a piece
of Conduct equally dangerous & impolitic in the present Conjuncture. And if My Lord Loudoun or
the Commander in Chief should be determined upon such a Measure, I would beg leave rather to
decline acting than put it in Execution.
If your Lordships should be of opinion, that from the present Face of Indian affairs, the advantages
of this Service will not be adequate to the Expence they have & may bring upon the Crown, I shall
whenever His Majesty may think it proper, with the utmost obedience & the highest Gratitude' for the
many honours he has graciously bestowed upon me, be ready and willing to resign my Commission as
His Sole Agent & Superintendant for the Northern District.
The Upper and lower Castles of Mohock Indians will I am persuaded remain firm to our Interest
and tho their Intemperate thirst after Rum is a great Impediment to their going upon Service when
they can by any means get it, yet almost all their young men are now out & going out to distress




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                           435
the French Settlements in Canada beat up their Quarters & obtain Intelligence of their Numbers &
Motions.
I have taken a great deal of Pains to bring about a Peace between the Delaware & Shawanese
Indians settled on the Susquahanna & the Provinces of New York, New Jersey, Pensilvania, Maryland
& Virginia & I hope it is in a fair way of being accomplished in wCh. Govr. Denny's candid Behaviour
& fair Proposalsif continued & carried into effect will greatly contribute.
Herewith I send your Lordships a Copy of my Proceedings last April with a Number of Shawaneese,
Naticohes & Mohickander Indians who came hither & are settled on one of the West Branches
of the Susquahanna. Also the original minutes of Mr. Croghan my Deputy & Govr. Dennys Proceedings
at a Meeting lately held at Lancaster in Pensilvania. I think it also proper to transmit your Lordships
herewith some Original Papers put into My hands by the said Mr. Croghan relative to some former
Indian Management of his for the Southern Government, as I apprehend they may tend to open to your
Lordships some Original Causes of Recent Events relative to the present War in America.
Enclosures:-1. Conference in Nov. 2. Indian Meeting in June. 3. Meetingwith Del. & Shawan. 4. Croghan's Lancaster
meeting. 5. Croghan's private papers.
REMARKS
Upon the OBSERVATIONS of the Proprietors of Pennsylvania, on a Paragraph of Sir William Johnson's
Letter, To the Right Honourable the Lords of Trade and Plantations, bearing date the 10th
September, 1757The whole paragraph of the above Letter which gave Birth to the Observations, is as follows"I think I have before now, hinted to your Lordships, my Opinion that the Hostilities which PennsylC van, in particular had suffered from some of the Indians, living on the Susquahanna, did in some
c measure arise from  the large Purchase, made by that Government two Years ago at Albany.......
I have more reason every day, from talking with the Indians to be confirmed in this Suspicion.
"I am inclined to believe, tho' this Purchase was Publickly consented to, at Albany some of the
" Six Nations, are disgusted at it, and others repent their consenting to it, and that Part of them do
underhand connive at the disturbance between the Sasquahannah Indians and the Province of
" Pennsylvania; whose raising Forces, and building forts on the Suquahannah River tho' it hath very
cc Plausible pretences, is at the bottom Policy, and realy intended to secure Lands, which it would be
"more for the true Interest of the Community to give up, at least for the Present......I conceive
"the most effectual method of producing Tranquility, to that Province would be a Voluntary, &
" open surrender of that deed of Sale, fix with the Indians in the best manner they can, the Bounds
4 for their Settlements, and make them Guaranties to it.
c" The Proprietors are Pleased to Introduce their Observations with a Challenge, to Sir William
C Johnson, and all the World to shew any one Instance of their Conduct, that has given dissatisfaction
" to the Six Nations, and which they say those Nations will readily acknowledge, in any free;C Conference —Tho' the real intent of the above Paragraph, from Sir William Johnson's Letter, was and its obvious
meaning is, to Assign a Cause to which he suspected the Indian Hostilities in Pennsylvania, were in a
great measure owing......Yet upon Sir William Johnson saying, he was inclined to believe &ca. The
Proprietors are pleased to sound this unprovoked Challenge, which tho' to answer as well as to have
given, is departing from the main argument; yet Sir William Johnson begs leave to say somewhat in
answer to it



436                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
FIRST-He will now presume to Assert, that from many Private Conversations he hath had, with
severall of the Chiefs of the Six Nations, they are not satisfied with the Conduct of the Government,
of Pennsylvania, in General, nor with the afforesaid Purchase, in Particular.
Proofs from  SECONDLY-He will adduce some Facts publick, and upon record, in Support of the above
Nats. have not Assertion.
been satisfied  A ert n.
with conduct
of Penivania  At the Treaty of Lancaster, in the year 1744, the Six Nations complained to Governor
Thomas that the Connoye Indians had not been sattisfied for their Lands. The Governor promised
redress. In the year 1749. the Six Nations renewed the aforesaid Complaint, to Governor Hamilton.
(N B...It doth not appear, upon Record, "That the Connoye Indians, are to this day Sattisfied...)
In the year 1750. Connageriwa, a Sachem of the Six Nations, living on the Ohio, came at the head
of a Deputation. from thence to MIr. Croghan's House, and told Mr. Peters. he was sent down from
Ohio' to enquire about the Purchase, they had heard the Governor had made, on the East side of
Susquahannah, the year before from the Onandago Council, and said, they were entitled to part of the
Goods, paid for those Lands, as well as the Onandago Council, but they had received no Part-That
they were come down,' to desire the Governor, to Purchase no more Lands without giving them notice,
and desired the Governor might send that Belt of Wampum to the Onandago Council, and let them
know what the Ohio Indians had said on the Head.                     Gave a large Belt.
The Indians, of the Six Nations, who were settled on the Ohio, were so Dissatisfied, with the Albany
Purchase, made by the Proprietary Agents, and saw such bad Consequences arising from it, that they
left the Ohio, and returned to their own Country.
In a Speech of the Six Nations, at a Publick Meeting, with Sir William Johnson on the 3d. July
1755.... They said.....'C BROTHER-You desire us to unite, and live togeher, and draw all our Allies near us, but we shall
"b have no Land left, either, for ourselves, or them, for your People, when they buy, a small Piece of
" Land of us, by Stealing they make it large. We desire such things may not be done, and thaw your
" People may not be suffered to buy any more of our Land. Some time it's bought of Two Men,
i" who' are not the proper owners of it.. "The Land which reaches down from Oswego to Schahandowana (Wyoming) we beg may notbe settled
cby Christians.
"; The Governer of Pennsylvania bought a whole Track and only Paid for half, and desire you will
" let him know, that we will not Part with the other half, but keep it. These things makes us Constantly
CC uneasie in our Minds, and we desire you will take care that we may keep, our lands for our selves.
At a meeting between Governor Denny George Croghan Esqr. Sir William Johnson's Deputy, and
sundry Six Nation, & other Indians held at Lancaster, in May 1757, A Copy of the Proceedings of
which, lays before the Board of Trade. There is a Speech of the Six Nations bearing date Thursday
19th. May, from the whole Letter, and Spirit of which, it appears that the Six Nations have been, and
are very farr from, that Satisfaction of mind, with the Conduct of the Province, of Pennsylvania,
which the Proprietors boast of, and sound their Challenge upon.
The Proprietors are further pleased to add to their Challenge this Assertion. That the Six Nations
will readily Acknowledge the truth of it, in any free Conferrence.
As the truth of this Assertion can Depend only upon a Contingent event. Sir Wm. Johnson begs leave
to be of a very diffirent opinion, & from a Variety of Circumstances, is well Perswaded the Six Nation's
never will be reconciled, to the Conduct of the Proprietors, their Deputys and, Agents, unless the Deed,of
the Albany Purchase be Surrentlered, & the claims foundedl thereupon in a great measure, given up.
The Proprietors say. They cannot Conceive that the last Purchase made of Land, to the Westward




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        437
of Susquehannah, could possibly be the Cause of the Hostilities committed by the Indians living on
that River &ca.
Sir William Johnson gave it as his opinion, that the Hostilities which Pennsylva had suffered, from
some of the Indians living on the Susquahanah, did in some measure arise, from the large Purchase
made by the Governor Two years ago.
This is the point to be proved, and more than this, it is apprehended will be proved by the following
Quotations from Authantick Records, & papers.
Proofsthat n- "Before the year 1742 the Delaware Indians complained that they were defrauded out
dian   Hostilities in Pensil-'.of some Lands, or not Paid for them.
vania did in
some measure ("It is well known, that the Purchase made at Albany in 1751, gave great uneasiness
banyPurch'se (to the Susquahannah Indians, & from the time the County Surveyor, began to Survey
" on Juniatta, and up the Susquahannah. The Delawares, Shawanese & Nanticokes, then settled on the
6"River, began to remove father back, some to Tiahogo, some to Ohio."
"The Ohio Indians, at a meeting with Mr. Wiser (the Pennsylvania Interpretor) at Aughwick,
( after the defeat of Coll. Washington asked Mr. Wiser how those lands came to be sold he said in
~ answer, that the Six Nations had only made over their right of Sale, and taken an earnest Piece)
"and that when the Lands came to be settled, that they should receive a Consideration for them. At
u"the same time John Shecelaney, a Delaware Indian, burned some Houses, that were built on
Penn's Creek (below Shamokin on the West side) and said there should be no Plantations made on
their Hunting Grounds, and all the Indians at Shamokin seemed very uneasie, and indeed obliged
"c the Surveyors to come away & quit Surveying.
In the Spring 1756, Governor Morris sent severall Messages, with Belts, and Strings of Wompum,
by an Onandaga Indian, to the Five Nations, amongst which is the following just and remarkable
Confession.
"6 That he found by ivoful Experience, that making Purchases of Lands, was the Cause of much
" Blood having been shed. he was determined therefore, to buy no more,".... As a Confirmation of Sir
William Johnson's said Opinion he reffers himself, to the following extract from Margaret Williams's
Deposition, who was a Prisoner amongst the Delaware Indians, sworn before him the 8th. day of
December 1756" The said Margarett says, she often heard the Indians say & declare most solemnly they never
( would leave off killing the English as long as there was an Englishman living on their Lands" that they were detirmined to drive them all off their Lands, naming Minisink almost to the North
" River East (in the Provinces of New York & Jersey) also Bethelem & the Lands on a paralel Line to
"it West, which the English have cheated them  out of."
In further suport to his Opinion, Sir William Johnson refers himself, to the Treaty Governor Denny,
held with Tediuscung the Delaware Chief, at Easton last Autumn, and which is before the Board
of Trade.
Sir William Johnson also refers himself to the Extract from a Speech of the Six Nations to Governor
Denny & Mr. Croghan (before mentioned in these Remarks page 5-). in answer to their earnest call
upon the Six Nations to assign if they knew, the Cause of the Hostilities & Discontents of the
Susquahanah Indians.
The Indian proceedings this Summer which past at Easton, between Governor Denny Mr. Croghan
and the Sundry Indians therein mentioned, and which Sir William  Johnson Transmitts herewith.
To the Right Honour1be. the Lords of Trade, puts beyond dispute, and Demonstrates the truth
of what Sir William only gave as his Opinion, in his Afforesaid Letter to the Lords of Trade. and he
apprehends it doth very fully, Evidence, the Conclusions of belief, which he then drew from that opinion.




438                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON,
Lastly Sir William Johnson refers himself to the following Extract, from the Examination of John
Morris of Lancaster County, who was taken by, & made his escape from the Delaware Indians, sworn
before him the 27th August, 1757"The Examinant says he often heard the Delawares say, that the reason of their Quarreling with
"& killing the English in that part of the Country, was on account of their Lands which the People
" of Pensilvania Government cheated them out of, and drove them from their Settlement at Shamokin
" by crouding upon them, and by that means spoiled their Hunting, and that the People of Minisink
" used to make the Indians always Drunk whenever they traded with them, and then cheated them out
" of their Furrs & Skins, also wronged them with regard to their Lands. this he has heard from many
" of the chief & oldest men among them both in the English &the Delaware Language wh. he sufficiently
1" understands.> 
The Proprietors say, that as the Six Nations are not well Sattisfied, with the Sale of those Lands,
on the Ohio, they are willing to wave that part of the Treaty Provided &ca
As Sir William Johnson has never seen the Deed of Sale for the Albany Purchase, he cannot to his
own knowledge tell how far the Purchase Extends. but he hath, in his Possession, a Report of severall
Indian Transactions, relative to the'Government of Pennsylvania,signed by George Croghan Esq.
who was for severall years employed as an Indian Agent by that Government, in which Report Mr.
Croghan says as follows"I never understood from any of the Six Nations, that they deemed the Lands West of Susquahannah,
"as a Purchase, but rather as a Deed of trust, and received 1000 Dollars, as an Earnest Price, and
" looked on it, that when the Lands came to be settled, they should receive the Consideration, and the
" Commissioners, who were sent from Pennsylvania to make that Purchase at Albany in 1754, Vizt Mr.
" Morris, & Mr. Peters, with the Interpreter Mr. Wiser, having repeatedly Acknowledged to me, that
" tho the Land west of JAllegany Mountains, cross to Lake Erie, was included in the Deed of 1754,
" that zt was neither Purchased nor Paid for, and which will appear by a Private Conference in Mr.
" Peters's hands at the time of rigning.
Certainly the Proprietors are not apprized of the Fact here asserted, or they woud not have made
an offer, to relinquish Land, they have never purchased nor allowed it to have been put in a Deed of
Sale.
In answer to Sir William Johnsons Opinion about the Government of Pennsylva. raising Forces,
and building Forts on the Susquahannah River.
"The proprietors say. this Insinuation is without any sort of Foundation, as it never would have
" been attempted, had not the Chiefs of the Indians living on Susquahannah & Delaware River, on their
u own motion entirely, Desired they should be built at Shamokin and near Wyoming, for their own
" Security.
" In this the Proprietors must Certainly be misinformed, for none of the Indians on Susquahannah,
" or Delaware, ever requested any Forts to be built there. Indeed after the Defeat of General Braddock,
"c Scarvyadel Coyseuntenego, and two, or three more Ohio Indians, who had left their Country on the
"first approach of the French, in the year 1753, did desire the Government of Pennsylvania, to build
" a Fort at Shamokin, in order to Protect their Interest with the Susquahannah Indians but the request
i" of those four, or five, dispossessed Indians, can never be fairly Construed as an Authority of application
c from the Six Nations, or any other body of Indians. Neither did those Indians at that time desire
" War might be declared against the Ohio Indians. However this request for a Fort, was not Complied
" with, at that time.
In a Message Sir William Johnson received the 23d May 1756, from the Onandaga Indians, they say
as follows -




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       439
" Tell our Brother further, that since we took the Hatchet out of the hands of the Delawares and
C Shawaneese, they have told us there is an Army of the English, coming against them (they mean
C the Provincial Troops of Pennsyla. under Colonel Clapham,) and that they think it unreasonable, and
C' unnatural for us to hold them in our Arms, and Prevent their defending themselves, when People are
"just on their Backs, to destroy them.
" We are informed the English are building a Fort at Shamokin. We can't comprehend the method
"s of making Warr, which is made use of, by our Bretheren the English; When we goe to War, our
"manner is, to destroy a Nation. theres an end of it. But the English Chiefly regard building Forts,
C which looks, as if their only Scheme was to take Possession of the Lands.
Here is an evident proof of the Jealousy which the Pennsylvania Levies, and Fort building occasioned,
and a Strong hint of the ends intended by them, as it stood in the minds of the Indians.
Sir William Johnson, well knowing how extreamly tender, the Indians in General are with regard
to Forts, near to their Country, or hunting Grounds, and, naturally judging a Body of armed Men to
support as it were the Building of those, at a time, & in Places, where he had many reasons to believe
the Neighbouring Indians (as it hath since fully appeared) were dissatisfied with the Government
on the score of Lands, and encroaching by their Purchases, on their hunting Grounds, and crouding
too near upon them by their Extended Settlements. he judged this conduct in the Government of Pennsylvania was Impolitick, and he must beg leave to be still of the same Oppinion, and as he looked
upon those Proceedings to be contrary to the true Interest of the Community, he did~ suspect they were
pushed forward upon other motives. and to conclude, unless the Province of Pennsylvania, is both
able, and willing to maintain their Land pretentions by force of arms against the Indians, Sir William
Johnson, hath not altered his Oppinion, but doth, with a yet Stronger degree of Conviction than,
formerly, humbly offer his Conception of the matter in the the same words as before, namely C that
C; the most effectual method of Producing Tranquility to that Province, would be a Voluntary, & open' Surrender of that Deed of Sale, to fix with the Indians, in the best manner they can, the bounds for
C their settlements, and make them Guaranties to it,"
MR. CROGHAN'S REMARKS ON THE OBSERVATIONS OF THE PROPRIETORS OF PENNSYLVANIA
ON SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON'S LETTER TO THE LORDS OF TRADE.
Albany, September.
C" The Proprietors say, they can Challenge Sr William Johnson, and all the World, to shew any one
C Instance of their conduct that has given Dissatisfaction, to the Six NationsBefore the year 1742, the Delaways complained that they were defrauded out of some Lands, or not
Paid for them, which will appear by the Treaty, which Governor Thomas held, with the Six Nations,
at Philadelphia in June & July 1742; Where Governor Thomas in his Speech to the Six Nations (in
Page 17) tells them, that a Branch of the Delaways Indians gave that Province some disturbances,
on account of Lands, which the Proprietors had purchased, 55 years before, and paid their ancestors,
for which appeared by a Deed, then on the Table, and Requested that the Six Nations should remove
the Delaways, out of the Forks of Delaware, which the Six Nations did, at the Request of Governor
Thomas, and Plac'd them at Weoman & Juniata. the one on the East side Susquehannah, and the
other, on the West side of said River, and gave them, and the Shannas, with their own People, that
were Settled at Shomoken, all the Lands, west of the blue Hills for their hunting Ground, on both
Sides Susquehannah River



440                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOIHNSON.
Complaints further made by Six JVations in Treaty at Lancaster pages 27, 28, 29.
In the year 1749, Governor Hamilton madte a Purchase, for the Proprietors, on the East side Susquehannah, then the Six Nations complained, that the People of Pennsylvania, was Incroaching on their
Lafnds on the West side Susquehannah, and desired the Governor might turn them off, as those lands,
were the hunting Ground of the Susquehannah IndiansAt the same time They desired, by a string of Wompum that their Bretherans might Pay the
Connays for that Land, which their Town stood on, in Dunigan, as they had left it, and Settled on
Susquehannah. and they asserted that them Lands, was Reserved (when they sold the adjoining
Lands to the Proprietors) for the use of the ConnaysIn the year 1750, a Six Nation Sacherne from Ohio, with several Principal Men, with him; Both,
Shannas and Dellaways, came to my House, where they met the Governo.s. Secretary of the Province,
just Returned from Dispossessing the People, who had made Settlements, on Junitia: The Lands
Complained of, by the Six Nations the year beforeConnageriwa, the principal Man of this Deputation, of Indians from Ohio, told Mr Peters, that he
was sent down from Ohio, to inquire about a Purchase, they had heard, the Governor had made, on
the East side of Susquehannah, the year before, from the Onandago Counsel and said they were
Intitled to part of the Goods Paid for those Lands, as well as the Onandago Counsel, but that they
had Received no Part; That they were come Don to desire theo Governor to Purchase no More Lands,
without giving them Notice, and desired the Governor might send that Belt of TWonpum to the Onandago Counsel, and let them Know what the Ohio Indians had said, on that Head-gave a large BeltThey returned the Governor thanks, for turning off the Incroaching Settlers, as they said, if they would
not Remove, that perhaps some of their Young Men might Kill their CattleI think the foregoing Complaints, must Convince the World, that the Six Nations was Dissatisfied
with, the Government of Pennsylvania, on Account of their Lands as well as the Delaways, Shannas
& Connays, all which are facts, and can be made Appear in the Records of the Transactions, of Indian
Affairs in Pennsylvania, between the Indians, and the Proprietors, Lieutenant Governor's, and AgentsAnd I can't help thinking, but that Application of the Six Nations in 1749, to have the Incroaching
Settlers turned off the Juniata lands; and that Complaint of the Ohio Indians, in 1750, so Strongly
Desiring no Purchase might be made, without their knowledge from the Onandago Counsel, should
have been Construed in its true meaning by the Proprietors Agents, which was that they were displeased,
at the Governments Purchasing their Hunting Grounds. Notwithstanding all those Cautions, the Proprietors in the year 1754, by their Agents Purchased that Extensive Purchase, at Albany, by which I
can't help thinking lost the Six Nations, their Influence over the Delaways, and Shannas, and in some
Measure Occasioned a difference between themselves, tho' it was not Foreseen at that timeThe Proprietors say the Building of Forts, would never have been Attempted, had not the Chiefs
of the Indians of Susquehannah, and Delaware desired them to be built at Shamochen and Weomnen,
for their own Security as well as the Settlers in Pennsylvania, and at the same time Urged the
Government of Pennsylvania to declare Warr Against the Ohio Indians...In which the Proprietors must
Certainly be Misinformed, for none of the Indians on Susquehannah or Delaware, ever Requested
any Forts to be built there; Indeed after the Defeat of General Braddock, Scaroyade, Coyseuntenego,
and Two, or three more Ohio Indians, who' had left their Country, on the first Approach of the French,
in the Year 1753, Did desire the Government of Pennsylvania, to build a Fort at Shamolin, in order
to protect their Interest with the Susquehannah Indians; (but the request of those four or five Dispossessed Indians, can never be fairly Construed, as an Authority of Aplication, from the Six Nations, or any
other Body, of Indians, but at that time those Indians did not desire Warr might be Declared Against
the Ohio Indians) but that request was not Complyed with, at that time, and I suppose for the same




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                         441
Reason, that the then Ruling Part of the Government Rejected the building of one at Ohio, in the year
1755, which was that their Religious Principles would not suffer them to build Forts, or take up Arms
against Any Enemy-All that year after the Defeat of General Braddock, the French, and Indians
were Murdering, and destroying his Majestys Subjects, in Virginia and Maryland, and burning the
Settlements, all which time the Government of Pennsylvania did nothing to assist their Neighbours, till
at length the Indians fell on the Inhabitants of Pennsylvania, then the Frontier Settlements was
Obliged to Fly from their Habitations-The Governor called the Assembly. They Passed a bill for
~55000-And raised Troops, and set about building Forts on the Frontiers, to Protect themselves, thoe
their Principles would not Suffer them to take up Arms to Assist their Neighbours, which had they
done in Time when the Ohio Indians Repeatedly Requested it, and was hearty in the British Interest,
they in Conjunction with the Virginians, might have saved the Lives of Thousands of his Majestys
Subjects, and Protected their Tirade, with the Indians, by which means they might Preserved his Majestys
Interest with all the Ohio Indians to Lake Eary; The Spring following the Government sent Colonel
Clapham to build Fort Augusta, at Shamochen, who sent a Six Nation Indian who he had with him,
to Diahogo with Message's from the Government of Pennsylvania to desire leave to build a Fort at
Weomen, and another at Diahogo, and for liberty to Plant Corn about them. If those Indians had
desired the Government to build those Forts, out of their Frontiers, why did the Government apply
at this time by Colonel Clapham, for leave to build them. The Proprietors cannot with justice Vindicate
the Conduct of the Province of Pennsylvania, towards the Indians, as the Government has not taken
one Step to.Preserve his Majestys Interest, with those Indians, since the French first attempted to
settle on the Ohio', as will Appear by the Abstracts from my Journals, and more at large on their
own Records.
With respect to the Purchasses in 1754 at Albany, itis well known, that it gave great uneasiness, both
to the Susquehannah Indians, and Ohio Indians of the diffirent Nations, and from the time the County
Surveyer, began to Survey on Junata, and up Susquehannah, the Deleways, Shannas, Nanteohes, and
all the Indians then settled on the River, began to Remove further back, some to Diohogo, others to
Ohio. The Six Nations drew themselves off, to. their own Country foreseeing some bad ConsequenceThe Ohio Indians at a meeting with Mr Wiser, the Interpretar of the Province at Augwhich. after the
Defeat of Coll Washington asked Mr Wiser, how them Lands came to be sold; he sayi in answer that
the Six Nations, had only made Over their Right of Sale, and'taken a Earnest Piece, and that when
the Lands Came to be Settled, that they should Receive a Consideration for them; at the same time
Johney Shecelemy Burnt some Houses that was built on Penns Creek, and said their should be no
Plantations made on Their Hunting Grounds, and all the Indians at Shomockin Seemed very uneasie,
and indeed Obliged the Surveyers to come away, and quit Surveying.
All the foregoing is facts, and can be Proved which I think is Sufficient to shew the World that the
Purchases gave a general Discontent, to the Indians and I believe the Governments Conduct in immediately Surveying, and Opening an Office for those Lands at a time when the French was in Actual
Possession, of the Ohio, will be thought by every, impartial judge, a very Imprudent Step, and sufficient
to destroy, all his Majestys Indian Interest," The Proprietaries say, as the Indians on the Contrary are not well satisfied, with the sale of those
Lands on the Ohio the Proprietaries are willing to wave that part of the Treaty.
I cannot help remarking here, that I think the Proprietaries with great Justice should disclaim any
Right to thdse Lands they ever had, except their Grant from the Crown.
I never understood from any of the Six Nations that they deem'd the lands West of Susquahanna as a
purchase, but rather as a Deed of Trust and received 1000 Dollars, as an Earnest piece and Loocker
on it that when the Lands came to be settled, they should receive the Consideration, and the Commis
VOL. II.                                    6




442                         MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
sioners who were sent from Pennsylvania to make that purchase at Albany in 1754. vizt Mr Norris and
Mr Peters with the Interpreter Mr Wiser has repeatedly acknowledged to me, that tho' the Land
West of Allegenia Mountains cross Ohio to Lake Erie, was included in the Deed of 1754. that it was
neither purchased nor paid for, and which will appear by a private Conference in Mr Peters hands, at
the time of signing.
GEO. CROGHAN
REFERENCES TO SUPPORT THE           CHARGE    OF INDIANS COMPLAINT AND        DISCONTENT
ABOUT LANDS SAID TO BE PURCHASED IN PENNSYLVANIA.
Vide Mr. Cro-  1742 or before that year. Delawares complained that they were defrauded or not paid
ghans remarks
pag I.   for some Lands. Treaty at Philadel. wth. Six Nats.
vide Treaty  1744. Six Nations mentioned complaint of Connaye Tnds. about not being paid for some
at Lancaster
1744 pag 27. of their Lands.
Vide Croghans 1749. The same complaint again renewed by the Six Nations to Gouvernour. HamilRemarks page 
2        ton.
N. B it doth not appear that the Connaye Indians have ever been satisfied on this Point.
VideCroghans 1750. Ohio Indians of the Six Nations, sent deputation to Govr. Hamilton complaining
emars p  they were not paid for their part of Purchase of Lands on East side Susquahanna &c.
VideCroghans The proprietaries Purchases in 1754, gave great uneasiness to Susquahanna & Ohio Indians.
~imarks pages
v & 8.pa  what Ohio Inds. said to Mr. Wieser & he to them with regard to said purchase
Mr. Norris, MIr. Peters i& Mr. Wiesers Confessions to M1. Croghan that the Lands west of the
vide do page Allegany Mountains were not purchased from the Inds.
Vide their
^peechtoo  Inds. of Six Nations complaint of purchasing Lands & desire yt. certain Lands on Sus3 Jly 1d,7  quahanna might not be settled &c.
66-fol No. 5.
vide Records  Message of the Onondaga Indians to Sir W1n. Johnson about Shawa. & Delewares. & Eng.
fol. No. 5 pag
205 & 206.  possessing Lands.
Vide Records
Seg aso o.  Govr. Morriss. Acknowledgmt. to Onondaga Indians yt. Purchase of Lands had occaClaphams Papers& Letters sioned much of the blood spilt &c.
from Mr. Peters &  Govr.
Morris.
Little Abraham the Mohock Sachems Speech at Lancaster to Govr. Dunny explaining causes of
Vide Records Delewares Quarrels & Hostilities-Lands purchased in Pensilvania cause of Indian Hostilities
Vol. 6.pag 136.
there. see examination of a woman taken Prisoner by Indians taken before Sr. Win. Johnson also
Examinations of John Morris taken before Sir Wm. 27 Augt. 1757.
Teduiscung's various & warm complaints of undue purchases.at Easton last Treaty
MR. WILLIAM    CORRY TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
As I find the Govr courts your Friendship and oifers a new Commission for Justices, and a Commissilo
for the Court of common pleas. which I little expected in the present State of Affairs our Domine ant
I beg you will make the best use of it. Name who you please for Justices and the Mayor and I wil
fill up the list in those places where.you are not acquainted-and Send it to you, and if you approv,




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSONo                      443
of them the list can go down. Mr. Oglevi Spoke to Mr. Bannier about the Sheriff &c, he told him
if others better liked could be found the Gov' was very willing to change themI therefore make no doubt but you can now get us a Sheriff-this is the first grand point. MY
William Rogers Junr is the fitest man, our Domine thinks So too, the Mayor begs the present may
be out.
For the Court of Comnmo pleas        Assistants
John Depeister first Judge         Jacob Ten Eike
Sibrant. G. van Schaack 2 Judge    Volkert, P. Dow
Jacob. C. Ten Eike 3 Judge         John. G. Rosaboom
If you approve of themI forwarded the Mayors and Capt Wraxals letters yesterday Poor Sr Peter has got a bile, he is
hopping about, designs to see you as soon as he is able to travel.
Gen1. Abercrombie is said to be our Govr, soon.
it is spoke on the Street that another French Fleet is arrived at Lewisburgh-Bad News-not yet
certain that our fleet is Sailed.
I Send you a few names for Justices which please to appoint.
Albany August 25th 1757                        Sir your most humble Servto
Endorsed                                                           WILLIAM CORRY
From Wm Corry 25. Aug. 1757.
SIR WILLIAMI JOHNSON TO LT. GOVR. DELANCEY.
Albany 4th October 1757o
SIR
I have just received an acctt by a Seneka Indian whom I sent some time ago to that Country to
bring me intelligence, that a number of their warriors were set out upon a design to join with the
Delewares or River Indians & to fall upon the southern Provinces, Minissinks & Esopus
I thought it proper to acquaint you herewith, but whether this piece of news is a fact to be depended
on or not, is what I cannot take upon me to determine, as many such kind of reports have come from
Indians, which have not turned out to be true; however I do not think something of the kind to be
improbable.
I am Sir
Your most obedient humble Servant,
Wm JOHNSON
To the Honrble James De Lancey, Esqro
LETTER FROM THE ONOHAGHGITAGE SACHEMS TO SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
Onohaghguage October the 6th 1757o
BROTHER
These are to inform you that about three days agoe we had news of a Company of about
30 men being at Cheningo, going to war against Our Bretheren the English, We immediately sent two
of our men to stop them, but in spight of all that we & our Brethern the Nanticokes could do, they
marched along until we met them a second time, wherel after a long Council they all turned back




444                         MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON0
but nine, who were all Cayugas who are now gone along but to what place they are designed we
know not, tis two days now since they passed by, they say they had thoughts of goint to Esopus7
but did not certainly know, untill they met at a place on Delaware River, about 20 miles from
hence where we suppose a number of Delawares will join them, Now we beg of you to be strong
Brother, and not keep this news private, but to give notice to all the Towns round about there; for it is
certainly true, for we saw them with our own Eyes, they also inform us that there is another great
company not far from Tiaogo comeing the same way, mixt with French and will be here in a few
Days, now we being all together, send you Our Loves and Service hopeing they will find you well and
in peace as we are at present.
in great haste from your Bretheren
The Chiefs of Onokaghguage
EXTRACT OF COLL. A. HAASBROO'S LETTER TO LT. GOV. DELANCEY, DATED 14 OCTR. 1757.
u This serves to acquaint you that on 12 instant about ten o'Clock in the morning the Indians attacked
the house of Peter Jan who lived on the south Western part of Rochester. The enemy burnt his housey
killed one of his daughters & two men of the Regiment posted here as scouts. Another Ranger made
a good defence, used all the arms in the house which were charged, beat the Enemy off, brought off
Jan's wife & two daughters to Capt. Broadheads living a mile off. Jan & two sons were in the field.
Next night most of Regt. marched but could discover nothing. desires their case to be taken into
congsideration."
MISS MILLER TO CAPT WRAXALL,
SIR
I have once and again Spoke to the waggoners to take up MS. Wellss chest but they say there orders
from Mr Van Epss, to take nothing but corn until that is all up, they sometimes ride but one load a
week. I hear they are imploid by the Merchants of Schenectady which I am not Surprised at, as
ware it there one father in stead of Sr. William  and they to git Sixpence more they would searve him
the same way.
I was a going to tell you a peace of news, but that I think I ought first to apoligize for my turning
politician, which in petecoats I know you Detest-first then I never make it my business to inquire
about news but unless I would stop my ears I could not help hearing this as every one talks of it,
Secondly did not all think it tru I would not write it you-yesterday an Express arrived from boston
who informs of our troops landing safe at Capretoun [Cape Breton] and having taken two of thear
strongest batereys with a great many &cs. too tedius to mention-I send you a small Bundle which
I think will be very Exeptable as it comes I belive from Mrs Wraxall-MIama & Mrs Willson with me
begs our complemrt. may be Exeptable to you, and the family.
I am Sr yr very Humble Servt.
Albany July ye 6, 1758                                            JENNET MILLEr,
To Capt. Peter Wraxal at Fort Johnson.
Since I does the letter I got a waggon to take Mr Wellss Chest.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                          445
SPEECH OF A CHEROKEE AMBASSADOR TO SIR WM JOHNSON.
Fort Johnson 21st July 1758
At a Meeting of the Cherokee Messengers from the Tsyody, and Rocky Mountains.PRESENT &C
The Cherokee spoke to the Belt of WVampur   addressing himself to Sr Win and the Belt
of Waamp Spoke it out in his own Language.
BROR   We have received your Messages sent by some of our People who have been with you last
Fall, and taken to heart everything you declare to us thereby wth great Joy and Satisfaction, and we
assure you that we will take your Advice and do agreeable to your Desire in every Respect you desire us.
Gave 2 Strings.
BROR   Before we left home We had some Reports in our Towns that you likewise were at War wth
the french, wherefore we took a Resolution to go and find out the Truth of it, and took wth us an old
ax most out of Use wch nevertheless proved so good as to destroy two of the Enemy. After which
the Messages from you reached us and your War Hatchet was delivered to us ins, your Name wch we
immediately received & took up wth the utmost Readiness, and found it proved to be a sharp one as we
immediately killed two others wth it at Ohio, one of the Scalps we thought proper to give to the
Tsyody Nation, and the other to the Genl who is going to Ohio; We then intended to proceed wth
800 of our Nation to you in Order to join His Majs Forces this way, but as we understood that an army
was likewise ordered by our Father the King of England to Ohio agst the French, we listened to the
propositions and persuasions made Us by the English General that way and joined him with the 80G
men, as we thought it equally Service done to our Father the King and we hope you will not take
it amiss.                                                  6 Strings of black Wampm
BRoR   We have maturely considered your Advice of having the Road between Us clear and open,
And we assure you Brother that we have cleared the Road to you so that we can constantly See you
and nothing may be brought in it by our Enemy to obstruct our mutual concurrence, and you may
depend upon we will keep it open on our side & hope you will do the same on yours so that mutual
Friendship & good understanding may forever continue; The Kohy Nation are next to you and the
Tsyody the furthermost as you will see by this Belt of Wampum, We have likewise thought proper
that such Warriors as may come our Road have a Mark of Distinction from the Enemy, and we fixed
upon a bunch of Feathers to be fastened to the Muzzle of their guns, and as they'go along the Road
to cut a Cross here and there in the Trees, that we may know whether Friend or Foe passt along.
Gave a White Belt with one Black Row
of wampm in it signifying the Road & 3
figures of men signifying Sr Wnl Johnson
& the Kophy & Tsyody nations.
BRoa As the Road is now clear between us, we hope you will make the proper Use of it, that
whenever you have any news of Importance & Consequence that you will not fail to acquaint us
therewith without Delay, as you white People have a convenient & quick way to send News on horseback. We assure you Bror we will strictly observe the same and give you Intelligence of everything
we think worth commmnicating to you wCh will give us an opportunity that if either of us is hurted
by our Enemy we may know of it and wash his wounds.                 2 Strings Wampm.
BnPo   As our Resolutions and Minds are new settled according to our Declarations we have made
to you we hope you and the 6 Nations to do the same and be of one mind in the present war, and stand
together then your Enemies wont gain any advantage of you.                  4 Strings
BROR & the 2 Castles of ye Mohs & ye rest of the Confederacy
As atthis present troublesome time we are not sure what our Fate may be, one Day the Sun may shine




446                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNON.
clear upon us, another Day may be Cloudy and dark. Nevetheless Bretheren let us strongly keep
up our mutual Friendship & Agreements we made between us, that if any Tempest should break out
upon us, we may after it is passt come together and renew the Covenant now Mutually agreed upon,
and reap the Benefits thereof.                                               4 Strings
The following is a speech of exhortation from the Cherokee Women to the Women of the 6 Nations.
SISTERS, AS it is our Department to furnish ye Warriors wth provisions whenever they go upon any
Exploit, it being our Duty to do so they being our children & brought forth by us We earnestly
desire & request of you that you will take good Care of them your way, as we shall do here so as
to fitt them out wth such necessaries as Warriors stand in need of so that they man'nt want when they
are upon their march, and when you expect them home again you will have such victuals &c ready for
them as may refresh them after a fatiguing march.         Gave a Bunch of white Beads.
BRoR: By this String of Wampum we acquaint you that we are desirous to know the Place where
our Enemy the french lives in order that we may tell our People of it when we return. Wherefore
Bror. we are resolved after resting ourselves a few Days to rise and find out our Enemy.
One black String.
BROR: We hereby present you with a Calumet and a Wing as the manager of the affairs of our
Confederacy, and beg you will keep it in Remembrance of our nation, at this place of public Consultations of the Confederacy, Light the Pipe whenever you meet upon public affairs, and dont let any
people yt carry false & trifling Reports Smoke out of it. Any time hereafter if we should come to
your Fire Place upon Business we hope to find this Calumet and Wing, in order that we may light
it and remember the agreement now made between each other.
SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON TO COMMISSARY LEAKE.
Fort Johnson 2d Feby 1759
SIR,
I was this day favoured with yours, I am extremely obliged to you for the books you were so kind
to send me, and shall as soon as I have read them, return them safe. I had only time to read a page
or two, and find they are wrote with a great deal of spirit, & in an excellent stile.
We have no news in this quarter worth communicating, more than that the Indians tell us, the French
are preparing for a Winter's expedition, as they think, against Fort Stanwix. The French have a Body
of men about Swegatchy, provided as they say, with every thing necessary for such an attempt.
I have a letter from ye Friend CrQghan dated at Raystown ye 21st Decebr, He has been in the severall
Indn Towns about Fort Du Quesne, and says he was very kindly received by all the Delawares,
who, by their speeches to Him in their Towns, & to Colle. Boquet at Pitsborough seems to have entirely
abandoned the French and promise to drive them from the other little Forts in that part of the Country,
also to return what English Prisoners they have among them.
I have invited the Six Nations to a Generall Meetg at my House, where, I am in hopes I shall be
able to bring them more heartily into our Interest than they have hitherto been. I fear I shall be
distressed for ye want of Pork, unless you could inform me where there is any to be sold, which I
should be much oblidgd to you for.     I am with sincere regard
Sir,
Your very Humble Servant
Robt Leake Esq.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                         441
FROM WILLIAM KELLY.
Feb'y 16, 1759.
SIR
My last to you was of Capt Waxall I have now only the news of the packett (which arrived yesterday)
to Communicate for which youve Inclosed an Extraordinary paper published on the occasion a sloop
Just arrived brings an accot that the Fleets of Transports destined (as is supposed) agst Martinique are
arrived at Barbadoes            I am with due respect Sr
Your most obe'd & hble serv,
N. York Febry 16th 1759                                         WILLIAM KELLY.
ORDER   REFERRING     BENJN. FRANKLIN'S      PETITION TO THE BOARD OF TRADE.
At the Council Chamber Whitehall
the 12th of April 1759.
By the Right Honourable the Lords of the Committee of Council for Plantation Affairs.
His Majesty having been pleased by His Order in Council of the 2d of February last, to referr unto
this Committee the humble Petition of Benjamin Franklin Esqr Agent appointed by the Assembly of
Pennsylvania, relating to the Differences subsisting between His Majesty's Subjects and the Indians
bordering upon the said Province about large Quantities of Land which the said Indians alledge
they have been deprived of, without their Consent, or Satisfaction made them for the same, particularly
of the Lands which are included within the Forks of the River Delawarr, and also of other Lands on
both Sides the said River-The Lords of the Committee this day took the same into their Consideration,
and are hereby pleased to referr the said Petition (a Copy whereof is hereunto annexed) to the Lords
Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, to examine into the same, and Report their Opinion thereupon
to this Committee.                               (signd)
W. SHARPE
PETITION   OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
To the Kings most Excellt Majesty in Council
The humble Petition of Benjamin Franklin Esqr Agent appointed by the Assembly of Pensylvania.
SHEWETH —That the Indians who were formerly possessed of the Lands, which form the extensive
Countries, now enjoyed by Your Majesty's Subjects in North America, having been found willing
for small Considerations to cede amicably large Tracts of those Lands to Your Majesty, Your Royal
Predecessors and the Proprietary Grants under the Crown, it has always been thought good Policy to
make Purchases thereof, from time to time, as the British Settlements have been extended, and the
Indians at the same time, retiring further back into fhe Country, have formed a kind of Frontier,
where, while they continue upon Terms of Friendship, Trade, profitable to this Nation, is carried
on with them by exchanging British Manufactures for their Peltry, they contribute to the Prosperity
of the British Settlements in time of Peace, and are the Chief and best protection of them from the
Inroads of Enemies in time of Warr.
But if they emitertain any Suspicion, that they have been deprived of their Lands without their Consent,




448                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHINSON.
and that no Consideration has been paid for them, or that any Fraude or Deceit hath been practiced
towards them therein, they usually conceal their Discontent until an Opportunity Offers of revenging
themselves, and then, especially if excited by an Enemy, commit the most outragious Acts of Violence,
by Small Parties, who Plunder and Murder without regard to Condition, Age or Sex, and always fly
before a Superior Force, to Places where,their Knowledge of the Country renders it almost impossible
to discover and reduce them.
That as the Calamities of a War, thus carried on, are not easily prevented it is almost equally difficult
to put a Stop to them by Treaty; These Natives being unwilling to disclose the Cause of their Resentment, till they have attained what they deem sufficient Vengeance for the Supposed Injury; and when
the Secret is drawn from them, and Peace is made by a Satisfaction promised, the delay of that
Satisfaction is frequently the Cause of their renewing without Warning, the same Ravages.
That the Delawar Indians and other Neighbouring Nations, having for some time carried on
a cruel War against Your Majesty's Subjects in North America, and having spread Desolation and
Terror through Your Majesty's Provinces of Virginia, Maryland, Pensylvania, and New Jersey, and
thereby unpeopled a great Part of those Countries, a Treaty was at length set on foot for putting an
End to these Devastations, during the Course of which Treaty, several Conferences were held between
George Croghan Esquire the Deputy Agent of Sir William Johnson Bar (whon Your Majesty had been
pleased to appoint Sole Agent for Indian Affairs within the District of these Provinces) and William
Denny Esqr Lieut Governor of Pennsylvania on the behalf of Thomas and Richard Penn, the Proprietaries; and also on behalf of the said Province, and Teedyuscung Chief of all the Delawar, aind
many other confederatedat  Indian Nations, who had been properly empowered by them to make their
Demands, and conclude a Peace.
That at some of their Conferences, particularly at one holden at Easton in Pensylvania the 13th of
November 1756, Teedyuscung complained, that the Indians had been unjustly dispossed and defrauded
of large Quantitys of Land by Your Majesty's Subjects, particularly of the Lands which are included
within the Forks of the River Delawar, and also of other Lands on both Side the said River.
That at another Conference holden at Easton in July 1757, Teedy-uscung having earnestly desired
that all Differences between the Indians and Your Majesty's Subjects might be referred to Your Majesty's
Royal Determination, and that the same might be publishd throughogut all your Majesty's Provinces, It was finally agreed (amongst other things) by the said George Croghan; The said Lieut.
Gov.ernor, and Teedyuscung, That all the Purchase Deeds and Writings by which the said Thomas
and Richard Penn their Ancestors, or the Grantees of their Ancestors, now hold any Lands within the
back Parts of the Province of Pensylvania, should be examined and Copies thereof laid before Your
Majesty for Your Royal Decision, of the Bounds and Limits between the Lands heretofore bought of
the Indians, and those yet unpurchased.
That Your Petitioner, As agent appointed by the Assembly of the Provinces of Pensylvania (in which
as well as in Your Majestys adjacent Provinces, the Lives and Properties of many Thousands of Your
Majesty's Subjects will be in the utmost Danger, should the Hostilities of the Indians be renewed)
begs Leave humbly to represent the Premises to Your Majesty and Prays
That Your Majesty would be pleased to take the Premises into Your Royal Consideration, and
to do therein, as to Your Majesty in Your great Wisdom shall seem meet.
And Your Petitioner shall ever pray &ca.        (signd)
B. FRANKLIN.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       449
REPORT ON THE      PRECEDING PETITION.
To the Right Honble. the Lords of the Committee of His Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council
for Plantation Affairs.
My LORDS,
Pursuant to your Lordships Order dated the 12th. of April last, we have taken into consideration
the humble Petition of Benjamin Franklin Esqr. Agent appointed by the Assembly of Pennsylvania,
relating to the Differences subsisting between His Majesty's Subjects and the Indians bordering upon the
said Province, concerning large Quantities of Land, which the said Indians allege they have been deprived
of without their Consent, or Satisfaction made them, for the same, particularly of the Lands which are
included within the Forks of the River Delawar, and also of other lands on both sides the said River;
And having been attended by the Petitioner, and also by the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania, and heard
what each Party had to offer upon the Occasion, We beg leave to acquaint your Lordships.
That it appears from many Letters and Authentic k Papers in the Books of Our Office, that the
extensive Purchases of Land made not only by the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania, but in other Governments bordering on the Indian Country, have long since occasioned Disgusts and Suspicions of Injury
in the minds of the Indians; And that these Jealousies have been one principal Cause of their Defection
from the British Interest, and of the Hostilities which they have committed on the Frontiers of His Majesty's Provinces.
Sr. William Johnson His Majesty's Agent for Indian Affairs in the Northern District of North
America, has in many of his Letters declared himself of this Opinion in general, And in a Letter to Us
of the 10th. of September 1756, he acquaints Us, that he has the greatest Reason to believe, that the
Hostilities, which Pennsylvania in particular had suffer'd from the Indians living on the Susquehanna, had
in great Measure arisen from the large Purchase made by that Government in 1754, at which, thou
publickly consented to and fairly paid for at Albany, some of the Six Nations appeared to be disgusted,
and others to repent of their having consented to it.
This information We thought it Our Duty immediately to communicate to the Proprietaries of
Pennsylvania, who having, in their answer thereto, made a Proposal to appoint Commissioners to treat
with the Indians in Concert with Sr. William Johnson, upon all Points relative to these Affairs, and to
hear & determine any Complaints which might be made by any Indians who had committed Hostilities
on the Frontiers of that Province; We transmitted the said Answer and Proposals to Sr. William Johnson
directing him to take such measures as should be most expedient for carrying the said Proposal into
execution.
Accordingly it appears, that in July and August, 1757, Mr. George Croghan being deputed by
Sr. William Johnson for that purpose, did in Conjunction with Mr. Denny (the Proprietaries Deputy
Governor) and certain Commissrs, chosen out of, and appointed by the Assembly, hold a Treaty
with Teedyuscung Chief of the Delawar Indians the Complainant mentioned in Mr. Franklin's Petition.
From what passed at the opening of these conferences it might reasonably have been hoped, that all
matters in dispute with the Delawar Indians, whose Hostilities had so long vexed the Middle Colonies,
would have been happily and Speedily adjusted Teedyuscung their Chief declared himself well pleased
with the appointment of Mr. Croghan to hear his Complaints, and willing to submit them to his Decision.
But upon his desiring that the Deeds by which the Proprietaries hold the Lands, might be produced,
read in Publick and examined, that it might be known from what Indians they had bought the Lands,
and what was the real Extent of the Purchase, it appears that Mr. Denny, who in the beginning had
told Teedyuscung, that M1. Croghan was expressly appointed by Sr. William Jo!:nson to hear and
enquire into the Grievances he might have to complain of now said that Sr. William Johnson was:the
VOL. II.                               57




450                         MANUSCRIPTS OF SIPR WILLIAM JOHNSONo
Person appointed to hear the Particulars of his Charge and the Proprietaries Defence; that Mr. Croghan
had informed him that he had no Power to suffer any Alteration upon the Complaint; that it must be
referrd to Sr. William Johnson by whom alone the matter could be heard.
This Declaration put an End to all further Proceeding towards an Enquiry into the matter in dispute,
Teedyuscung refused to go to Sr. William Johnson for many Reasons, but principally because some of
the Indian Nations were there, who had been instrumental to the misunderstanding in selling the Lands
in Question. The Deeds however were produced; and Teedyuscung then proposed to Mr. Denny,
that Copies of them should be sent to Sr. William Johnson to be by him laid before His Majesty, and
caused his own Clerk to send Copies of them to the Speaker of the Assembly of Pensylvania requesting
that would look into the Matter and transmit Copies to His Majesty by his Ministers.
Sr. William Johnson in the Letter with which he transmitted to us Copies of the Conferences held at
this Treaty observes, that as Teedyuscung had refused his Mediation and made Choice of the Quakers
for his Advocates and Agents he had not thought it adviseable to press his mediation upon these
Indians any further. But he complains of the extraordinary Conduct of the Assembly in appointing
Members of their own House to interfere, as Provincial Commissioners, in Indian Treaties; in providing and giving Presents as from their own Body, distinct from those given by the Governor; and in
procuring by Management their Speaker and themselves to be appointed Agents, to sollicit Indian
Complaints before His Majesty and his Ministers.
At a Treaty in October 1758, between the Government of Pennsylvania and the Delawars and
thirteen other different Nations of Indians, Teedyuscung makes a farther declaration concerning the
purchases complained of by the Delawars; but this matter does not appear to have been much agitated
at that treaty, the principal object and result of which was the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania relinquishing to the Six Nations that part of Lands purchased at Albany in 1754, which lyes to the Westward
of the Mountains, and We cannot without injustice to the Proprietaries omit acquainting your Lordships,
that full satisfaction was given by them to the Indians, with respect to this purchase which had been the
cause of great disgust and discontent.
Having thus Stated to your Lordships such facts as appeared to Us to be necessary for enabling you
to form an opinion of the matter in judgment before You, We must beg leave to Observe, that it is
impossible to reflect, tho' but for a moment upon the unparralell'd distresses which have been suffered by
His Majesty's Subjects in the back Settlements of the middle Colonies, from the cruel Hostilities and
devastations of the Delawar and other Indians, without seeing the necessity there is of Steadily pursuing
every measure, which may have a tendency to redress and remove those Grievances and complaints,
which are alledged to have been the principal cause of such Hostilities; it was with this Idea and for
this purpose, that We r6ferred it in 1757, to Sir William Johnson to examine into the Grievances
complained of by the Delawar Indians; and in pursuing this Method, We followed what we conceived
to have been the view and Object of Government in appointing this Gentleman Sole Agent for Indian
Affairs, who might manage and direct our concerns with them upon one uniform Plan, and thereby put a
stop to the mischiefs so long complained of, arising from the irregular and unwarrantable interferings
of particular provinces, and in many instances of particular persons.
The part, which some Members of the Assembly of Pennsylvania appear to have had in the transactions with the Indians in July and August 1757, does, in our opinion, seem to be of this kind, and to have
been one principal cause of the failure of those measures which were taken to examine into and redress
the Complaints of the Indians at this meeting, Jealousys and suspicions appear to have been raised and
excited in the minds of the Indians, and in lieu of that examination and redress, which might have been
expected from the disposition that appeared in all parties at thle opening of the Conferences, no one
essential point was settled, and the whole result of the Treaty was a proposition made and assented to,




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       451
that the deeds and writings concerning the Lands should be transmitted to Great Britain to be laid before
His Majesty for his determination.
It is difficult to conceive what Idea the Indians (unacquainted as they are with the forms of business,)
might have of the efficacy and propriety of this proposition, But it is impossible; that either the
Deputy Governor or the members of the Assembly, who assisted at the Conferences should not know,
that the proposition of sending over the Deeds was irregular as the Examination of and decision upon
them here was impracticable.
The circumstances of fraud suggested by the Indians are, that in some cases the Lands were purchased
by Persons who had no right to sell; and in other cases, that greater quantitys of Land had been
surveyed and taken up than was expressed in the Deeds, which are circumstances that can only be judged
of upon the spot, and by those who are well acquainted with the persons and claims of different Indians 
and it is as impossible in the nature of things, as it would be irregular in the course of business for the
Crown to judge of a matter of this kind in the first instance, and before a regular examination, and
report, in consequence of such examination, had been made by the proper officer.
The Members of the Assembly, who were present at the Treaty, seem clearly to have understood
the matter in this light; for altho' they accepted the proposition from Teedyuscung and actually
received from him the Treaty and deeds annexed, in order to be by them transmitted to be laid before
His Majesty, yet they never thought proper to transmit them, nor to interpose their mediation, until
the application now before Your Lordships.
This being the State of the Case, We would humbly propose to Your Lordships, that further and more
express orders should be sent to His Majesty s Agent for Indian affairs to examine into the complaints
of the Delawar Indians with respect to Lands, which they allege they have been defrauded of by
the Proprietaries; and that for this purpose he should take the earliest opportunity of signifying to them,
that he has, in consequence of what pass'd at the Conferences in July & August 1757, received His
Majesty's orders to inquire into these Grievances, and press them to appoint such time and place as shall
be most convenient to them for that purpose.  That he be directed to give timely notice of such
meeting to the Commissrs. appointed by the Proprietaries to act on their part, to the end they may come
properly Instructed and prepared to support the claims of their constituents; and that when he shall
have made a full and particular enquiry into the Circumstances of'the case, and heard what all parties
may have to offer, he do transmit his proceedings in this business to be laid before His Majesty, together
with his opinion of what may be proper to be done thereupon.
Having stated to your Lordships the several facts respecting the particular case referred to Our
Consideration, together with our opinion upon the whole, it is necessary for Us, before We close our
report, to take this opportunity of Observing to your Lordships, that the frauds and abuses, with respect
to purchases and Settlements of Indian Lands properly so call'd and the fatal effects of such abuses are
not confined to the Province of Pennsylvania, nor to this particular Tribe of Indians; they have been
as much practiced, complain'd of, and almost as severely felt in every other Province, and extend to
almost every Tribe of Indians with whom We have an intercourse, and thoe other Nations may not have
taken up the hatchet against us, as the Delawars have done, yet they have not afforded us any effectual
assistance in the War, in which We are engaged; their Conduct in general has been at best doubtfuil
& equivocal and they have been more or less our Friends, as the Chances of War have been more or less
in our favour.
It is not to be wondered, that the Indians are tender and jealous, in a matter which so essentially concerns their Interest, nay, their very existence; Whilst Our Settlements were confined to the Sea Coast
and those of the French to the lower parts of the River St Lawrence, the Indians entertained little
Jealousy and did not consider Us in the light of invaders; their hunting Grounds lay higher up in




452                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNON.
the interior parts of the Country, and they not only acquiesced in Our Settlements, but encouraged
them from the advantages they derived from tlem, in the supply of many wants which our connections
with them had introduced, But no sooner had the prodigious increase of Our people obliged Us, and
the discoverys made of the richness and fertility of the interior parts of the Country encouraged Us,
to extend Our settlements, and that individuals were, from the want of a proper plan for ascertaining
the mode of acquiring property, left at Liberty to. practice every fraud and abuse in the Obtaining
excessive tracts of Lands from the Indians, then they at once felt the embarrasment, and grew Jealous
of the Consequence of such a conduct.
In this Situation therefore the 5 Nations, who were at the head of a Confederacy of almost all the
Northern Nations, and in whom all their interests were united, did in 1701, resolve upon a measure the
most wise and prudent with regard to their own interests, and the most advantageous with regard to
Ours, that could have been framed; they delineated upon paper in the most precise manner the Limits
of what they called their hunting grounds, comprehending the great Lakes of Ontario and Erie, and all
the circumjacent Lands for the distance of Sixty miles around them, The sole and absolute property
of this Country they desired might be secured to them; and as a proof of perpetual Alliance, and
to support Our Rights against any Claims which the French might make, founded on the vague and
uncertain pretence of unlimited Grants or accidental local discovery, they declared themselves willing
to yield to Great Britain, the Sovereignty and absolute dominion of it, to be secured and protected by
Forts to be erected whenever it should be thought proper.
A Treaty was accordingly entred into and concluded upon these terms by Mr Nanfan then Lieut Governor of New York; and a Deed of surrender of the Lands, expressing the Terms and Conditions, executed
by the Indians.
The advantages of such a concession on the part of the Indians were greater than our most sanguine
hopes could have expected; and had the Judgment Zeal and Integrity of those, whose Duty it was
faithfully to execute the Conditions of the Engagement, been equal to those of him who made it, the
Indians might have been forever secured in Our Interest and all disputes with France about American
Territory prevented; but by neglect of Government on one hand, and the enormous abuses of Individuals
in the purchase of Lands on the other hand, all the solid advantages of this Treaty and concession were
lost, and with them the memory even of the Transaction itself; The Indians were disobliged and
disgusted, and many of them joined with the Enemy in the War which followed this Treaty, and
disturbed our Settlements, whilst the French, to whom this Transaction pointed out what their plan
should be, took every measure to get possession of the Country by Forts and Military Establishments;
and altho' they were compelled at the Treaty of Utrecht to acknowledge in express terms our Sovereignty
over the Six Nations, yet finding We took no Steps to avail Ourselves of such a favourable declaration
either by a renewal of Our Engagement with the Indians, or taking measures to support Our sovereignty
by forts erected in proper parts of the Country, they ceasedinot to pursue that Plan, in which they
had already made so considerable a progress, and it was not'till the year 1725, when they had by their
Establishment at Niagara, secured to themselves the possession of Lake Ontario, that We saw too late
our Error in neglecting the advantages which might have been derived from the Treaty of 1701.
Mr. Burnet, who was then Governor of New York, applied himself however with great assiduity
to recover the Interests and Affections of the Indians, as the only means of defeating the designs of the
French, and such was the force of their inclination to live well with Us, and to renew the Antient
covenant chain, as they express it, that they consented, Notwithstanding all the ill treatment they had
suffered from Us, to enter into the same engagement as they had entred into in 1701, and a Treaty
was accordingly concluded upon the same terms and a new Deed, reciting the former executed by them.
The Experience We had had of the mischiefs, which followed from a want of a proper regard and




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                          453
attention to our engagement in 1701, increased by the danger which now tlreatned Our Colonies from
the daily and enormous encroachments of the French, ought to have been a Lesson to Us to have been
now more carefull of Our Interests but Yet the same avidity after Possession of Indian Lands, aggravated
by many other Abuses, still remained unchecked and uncontroll'd by any permanent Plan; no measures
were taken to erect Forts in proper places, to secure the sovereignity of the Country, and to protect
it against the attempts of Our Enemies, and it is to the same causes producing the same Effects, that
We are now to impute, not only the present unsettled and declining State of Our Interests with the
Indians, but also those disputes with France concerning Limits and Territory which have involved Us
in a most dangerous and critical War.
By the success of His Majesty's Arms in the late expedition against Fort du quesne, a great and
valuable part of the Country included in the Deeds of 1701, and 1726, have been recovered to the
Dominion of the Crown of Great Britain, As no circumstances relative to this event, and the negotiations
with the Indians in consequence of it, have been communicated to Us; We cannot take upon Us to say
what measures it may be proper to pursue to secure the Dominion of this part of His Majesty's territories and fix the Indians in Our Interest; but We have thought it proper to trouble your Lordships with
this narrative of Facts, in Order to shew, how dangerous it may be to make Grants and Settlements
of Indian Lands wch have been ceded for Protection and not Settlement, especially when all the
Political advantages of such Cession may be Obtained without such Settlement.
We are My Lords Your Lordships
Whitehall e                                           Most Obed. andt most humble Servts
June 1 1759 5                       Sign'd,
DUNK HALIFAX.
JAMES OSWALD.
SOAME JENYNS.
W"1. SLOPER.
SIR Wm. JOHNSON TO THE BOARD OF TRADE.
Fort Johnson, May 17th 1759.
MY LORDS
Herewith I transmit your Lordships a Copy of the Proceedings of a Congress I lately held
with the Six Nations & four other Nations of Indians.
From the Declarations & Engagements of the Indians which your Lordships may observe in the Said
Proceedings-from private conferences I had with their leading men, and from a variety of other concurring circumstances, I think I may with great truth give it to your Lordships as my opinion, that not
only from the commencement of the present War, but for many years past, His Majestys Indian
Interests in this Quarter, hath not wore so favourable a Face nor given such encouraging Prospects.
If the operations of His Majestys Arms in these parts, are carried on with Spirit & wear a respectable
appearance on the opening of the approaching Campaigne, I persuade myself the conduct of these
Indians will be conformable to the Promises they have made, and that they will convince the World
by their actions they can be of very considerable Service to the Success of His Majestys Arms.
If an attempt upon Niagara thro Lake Ontario should be a part of the Plan of Operations for this
year, and that our Preparations for it, are projected with judgment & carried on with Vigour, I am persuaded I could join His Majestys Troops that way, with the main Body of the Warriors of the 5 Nations
together with many others of their Allies & Dependants, and that by taking proper measures, I could
not only prevail on those Indians of the 5 Nations, who have been debauched by the French from
their respective Settlements to go & live-under their Protection at La Galette on the River St. Lawrence,




454                          MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSOS.
to abandon the French interest & return to their native Towns; but that I could also prevent many if
not most of those Northern & Western Indians who form the Ottoway Confederacy from joining the
French against us, & which they have hitherto done. Nay I flatter myself I could prevail on many
of the aforesaid Indians to join with us in our operations from Lake Ontario, the Six Nations in general
& the Chenossio Indians in particular (who are a brave & powerful Tribe of the Seneca Nation & live
near Niagara) are as your Lordships may see by the Proceedings I now send you, very desirous of
driving the French from Niagara & equaly pressing that we should undertake it. I have given General
Amherst Intelligence hereof & wrote him on this subject, nearly in substance what I have now had
the honour to mention to your Lorships.
My Lords
I beg your Patience whilst I pursue this subject a little further. The Reduction of Niagara, and if
well conducted I think we cannot fail of success, will be in the light I view it, a point of inestimable
advantage to the security & welfare of this His Majestys Dominions, and if the'conquest is rightly
improved, will throw such. an extensive Indian Trade & Interest, for they are inseperable, into our hands,
as will in my humble opinion, overset all those ambitious and Lucrative schemes wCh the French have
projected & in the pursuit of which they were interupted by the present WVar in this part of the world.
Whilst the French are in possession of Niagara in vain will our repossession of Oswego & reestablishing an Indian Trade there, enable us to hold the Ballance from them in Indian Interest or Trade.
The many nations of Westward Indians, in comparison with whom, the 6 Nations are but a handful,
might pass by Niagara in order to come to Oswego, where the French stop them & their goods, secure
them by negotiation & engross their Trade. this we felt for some years before the war began when
very few of those Indians came to trade with us to Oswego, and latterly the chief Trade there was
rather carried on with the French than Indians, by which means our Enemies procured assortments &
supplies of Goods from us to support their Trade at & from Niagara.
The advantage of the Indian Trade in general to the commerce & manufactures of our Mother Country,
I need not enlarge upon to your Lordships, you know it is carried on wholly with the manufactures of
our own Country, and that the produce of it, except the necessary consumption here, is all exported
to England.
This may possibly be the last letter I may have the honour to write to your Lordships Board. I would
therefore wish to make it as worthy of your attention as I can. I hope your Lordships will for that
reason bear with me if I make it a long one, tho I will endeavour to be as concise as the apprehended
Importance of my subject will permit.
My Lords, whether the actual extirpation of the French from North America will be effected by
His Majesties Arms, before he thinks proper to lay them down, is a point which I do as I ought leave
in respectful silence.
But I beg leave to offer it as my opinion to your Lordships that should the French be absolutely
extirpated & much more if they should not, the Improvement & extension of Ilis Majestys Indian
Interest & the Trade consequent thereupon, are objects of the last moment to the Security & welfare
of His American Dominions, and how intimately these are connected with the strength, wealth &
Influence of Great Britain, Your Lordships are competent Judges.
An Equitable an Open & a well regulated Trade with the Indians, is and ever will be, the most
natural & the most efficacious means to improve & extend His Majestys Indian Interest.
All manner of Trade with the Subjects of France in these parts ought to be prohibited under the
Severest Penalties.
The Indians ought to be redressed or satisfied, in all their reasonable & well founded complaints of
enormous & unrighteously obtained Patents for their Lands and Treaties of Limitationrs with the respective




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       455
Provinces agreed upon & religiously observed, with regard to the Bounds of our Settlements towards
the Indian Country; in this the Province of Pensilvania & New Jersey lately very wisely & politicly
set an Example.
Missionarys of approved Character, abilities & Zeal, with due encouragement, would be of unspeakable
advantage to promote our Interests amongst the Indians, & subvert that of the French, whose Industry
in this Article has been of infinite Service to them.
A handsome encouragement for Interpreters of Capacity & Education, is extreamly wanted. There
are at present none in any tolerable degree qualified for this important employment.
The Superintendency & Direction of Indian Affairs & Trade, to be under an Authority from the
Crown. Whether this should be invested in One Man or in Commissions to several in those Provinces
which from their sittuation are & always will be more immediately connected with the Indian Regulations & Trade, is submitted to his Majestys Wisdom & Pleasure;-but I beg leave to suggest to Your
Lordships,> that the management herein on the part of the Crown, upon the system I am pointing out,
will in my opinion be to great a weight & of too diffusive a nature for any one Person duly to inspect
& preside over.
Whilst we have Rivals in the Trade, I conceive it ought to be exonnerated from all those Duties
or Imposts which may enable those Rivals to undersel us. And therefore a sufficient Fund should
be appropriated for supporting the Indian Establishment on the part of the Crown, not to arise from
that Trade, until at least it is fixed on a sure & solid Foundation.
Whilst I am upon this subject, I must beg leave to mention my own management to your Lordships
in the Character I have & am still acting in under His Majesty.
That tho very considerable sums have been expended in the Indian service, I have & I shall act
with all the ecconomy & frugality, wch prudence & the Circumstances of affairs admit; if I have failed
herein, it has been rather on the saving side, & if the assistance His Majestys arms have received from
the Indians, has not answered Expectation or been adequate to the Expences, I must take the Liberty
to. say, it has in a great measure been owing to the ill success of our military operations this way,
hence tho the Indians of the Six Nations amongst whom the moneys which have past through my hands
have been chiefly confined, have not seconded our Enterprizes so universaly as they might have done,
yet numbers of them have every Campaign joined His Majestys Troops & some or other of them
been constantly upon service, however had the Expence, which hath already accrued, served only to
prevent the Six Nations as a Body from going over to the French & acting with them against us, which
I am vain enough to think I have had some share in preventing, the moneys laid out have not been
uselessly expended.
To conclude, I am persuaded (from what passed at this Treaty & ye knowledge I have of these sort
of People) to have great confidence in their behaviour this Campaign.
I fear I have trespassed to much on your Lordships Patience, which I hope you will pardon as
my motive is the good of the service. & your Lordships may be assured that there shall be nothing wanting
in me either in precept or example to urge them to the utmost.
I have the honour to be &c.
WM. JOHNSON
To the Right Honourable
The Lords Commissioners
of Trade & Plantations.
Endorsed    Coppy of my Letter to the
Board of Trade 17th May 1759.
recommending some steps to be taken
for promote the Indn Interest.




456                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON,
CAPT WRAXALL TO SIR WV1i. JOHNSON.
New York 23 May 1759
My Dear Sir
I wrote you a few Lines last week by Sergt Ibbit, in a great hurry and in great pain; my Boil is
since better and I am able to hobble about, but the pain and want of sleep has lowered my health.
Two or three days ago M'. Kelley sent me your favor of the 3 May with P. S. of the 6th
When I left you r thought there appeared little hopes of Mss. Katys Life. I condole with you
thereupon & I hope Miss Nancys magagement of your House will supply the Loss you have sustained.
Mr Wade's Brother from Philadelphia dined with me yesterday. he tells me your son is in good
Health that the masters of the Acadamy give a very good Character of his Progress in Learning. I find
he is yet backward in writing & Ciphering as he has not hitherto been much put to it: in my opinion
it is full time he should & it is too important a part of Education to be delayed, also Merchts accounts
shich are necessary to every Gentleman for the regulation of his own private affairs. he gives me
a good Character of his sobriety & virtuous Inclination & that he is constant at Church every Sunday.
he tells me MI' Croghan has left Philadelphia upon Indian affairs that your Letter to him by me fell
into Mr Wades hands & wCh he forwarded by an Express wchl was going to Mr1 Croghan or where he was.
M1 Wade brought us certain accounts that Guadelope had capitulated & the remaining Inhabitants
submitted to the King of Great Brittain to remain in the possession of their Estates & the free Exercise
of their Religion.
That Mr Bompar the French admiral had escaped Commodore Moore's Fleet & was saild no body
knew whither perhaps to make a push to get up the River St. Lawrence.
Paulus' alarm bears the companion of his own character, Drunkeness & Cowardice, & I think with you
that Mr Pavy should have been more deliberate in propagating it.
I dont much regret my namesake Peters Death, for tho he was a fine stout & I believe a brave
Fellow, he was so saucy & Quarrelsome that it tarnished his merit &. obscured his services.
Most People here seem to think Mr Stanwixs Command to the Westward will be attended with no
great ecclat & that the Regulars under him would be more servicable your way. I suspect it so ordered
from home & that the Ohio Faction are pushing a Plan for settling their Great Patent, but if this is
pursued without the previous concurrence & liking of the Indians, I fear it will give them a general
Disgust & Jealousy of us & be hereafter attended with ill consequences. I think if you have grounds
for it & are of this opinion, you should not only mention it to the General but remonstrate against
it to the Board of Trade in your Letter, which with the Proceedings I hope you are getting ready as I
think it ought to go by the first Packet.
I am greatly Pleased Gen. Amherst behaved so politely to you, & tho he has not done so by me, I
yet have a good opinion of him & wish you may harmonize together. let him pass the Rubicon & then
we may fix his character.
I hear you were at Albany & hoped to have had a Letter from you, perhaps I may by the Post to
night or to morrow Morning
We hear the Preparations & Troops are Moving to Lake Ontario & that Bradstreet commands that
way.   I always wished you to Figure in that route as I think it will be in all respects be more
agreeable & advantageous to Yr Character in Indian Afftairs & I imagine you would be pretty sure
of success against Niagara the conquest of which in its consequences would I believe be of more real
Importance than what perhaps Mr' Amherst may be able to compass. Should the French receive the
succors they want, & it is not impossible they may, I dont think Campaign will answer the sanguine




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                          457
Expectations of the public & that the conquest of Niagara in such case, will greatly carry the Ballance
of honour & advantageNews we have none here. no European arrivals.  My Wife joins me in our respectful & affecte
Salutations to You My Compts to your Houshold & I am truly
My Dear Sir Your faithful & most
Obedt Servant
PETER WRAXALL
CAPT. WRAXALL TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
New York, 8 June, 1759.
MY DEAR SIR WILLIAM,
My last was the 23 May, since which I have your favour of the 20 Inst. I wrote you the
29. April a long Letter wch you have never mentioned the receipt of, as there were some things in
it wch no one need see but your self I would not wish it to miscarry, therefore please to mention if you
ever received it, I sent it by the Pos. unless you have any particular reasons your way, your Letters
will reach me safely & more speedily without being under cover to Mr. Kelly, he is often out of Town
& I dont get em till two or three days sometimes after the Post comes in.
You dont mention, & therefore I suppose your Destination this Campaign was not fixed when you
wrote., It is said here you are to go up the Mohock River. My Brother in Law Capt. Smith from
whom I have a very handsome Letter, writes me you go with Brigr. Prideaux, when you see Capt.
Smith please to tender him my best Wishes & Kind Salutations & that I propose writing him when I
have some news to fill my Paper with. I have realy none at present to tell you, but I dont feel clever
when many Posts pass without writing you, how do you feel?  I have had but two letters from you since
I left Fort Johnson, if you are very busy I will put up with a few lines but when time permits
I expect long letters.
No Packet yet arrived, we wonder at it, no Cause assigned, but Winds & Weather, perhaps the King
of Spains Death, Wch tho not certain, is yet very probable, may give a new turn to the political
System of Europe & have detained the Packet. Yesterday it was said a Fleet was off our Port & supposed
to be ours from Guadaloope with soldiers for Cape Breton, I am afraid they will be sickly & instead
of a reinforcement produce Distempers.
We have lost Fort St. David in the East Indies & expected that Fort St George our Chief
Settlement in those parts will follow. it will hurt individuals, but if all our possessions in the East
Indies were gone, it might not perhaps be a national Loss, many judicious Persons think the East
India Trade is on the whole, considered as an exclusive one, no advantage to Great Britain.
I impatiently expect to hear from you what route you are to take, when I know that, I shall
patiently wait the Event of the Generals Plan, without being curious to dive into his Secrets, I think his
reserve proper enough, as I believe it arises from Judgment & not affectation. he is marcht I hear,
from Albany & all the Troops moved.
I hope your Scouts to Crown Point & Sweegachie are returned to your satisfaction.
Smith writes me, that the Indians have delivered up Mr McMickeys murderer, an extraordinary comrn pliance if true. & I hope the General will follow your Advice upon it & not gratify an impudent & impolitic
resentmt have you ever talked to the General about the scheme of building a strong Fort at Ft Du
Quesne   I fear without the Indians connivance it may be an una(lvisable Scheme.-I wish your late
Proceedings & yr Letters for the Board of Trade were finished, as I think it quite proper they should
be sent by the first Packet, Wells might copy the Proceedings & Clause the Letter.
VOL. IL                                     58




458                         MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSONc
I suppose upon aplication you may have your Garrison strengthened, if no Danger the smaller the
better.
Smith writes me Majr Rogers has flung up his Commission, its a shame that worthy man has not
some permanent Provision made for him.  No Money coming from England to the Pay Masters here,
The Contractors write they can get none to send, they know not what to do for money. The French
are attempting to push thro the Straits of Belleisle.one of their Store Ships taken by Sanders Fleet, two
or three men of war & some Transports bound to Quebec taken in Europe.
** Here follows a half sheet of paper endorsed, " Letter from Collo. Eyre, Crown Point, August 14th. 1759'" and addressed,
"S To Sr William Johnson," The letter, we regret to find has been purloined, by some dishonest person, from the bundle.
ORDER IN    COUNCIL TO ENQUIRE INTO CERTAIN COMPLAINTS OF THE DELAWARE
INDIANS.
At the Court at Kensington
(Seal)                                                 the 29th day of August 1759.
PRESENT                       The Kings most Excellent Majesty
Arch Bishop of Canterbury            Eail of Hard wicke
Lord Keeper                           Viscount Falmouth
Lord President                        Viscount Barrington
Duke of Ancaster                      Lord Berkely of Stratton
Earl of Cholmondeley                  Mr, Secretary Pitt
Whereas Benjamin Franklin Esqr. Agent appointed by the Assembly of Pensilvania, did some time
since present his humble Petition to His Majesty at this Board, relating to the Differences subsisting
between His Majestys Subjects and the Indians bordering upon the said'Province, concerning large
Quantitys of Land which the said Indians alledge they have been deprived of without their Consent, or
Satisfaction made them for the same, particularly of the Lands which are included within the Forks of
the River Delawar, and also of other Lands on both sides the said River- His Majesty having taken
the same into Consideration, and received the Opinion of the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, and also of a Committee of the Lords of His Majestys most Henourable Privy Council
thereupon, is pleased, with, the advice of His Privy Council, to Order, as it is hereby Ordered, that His
Majestys Agent for Tndian Affairs, do examine thoroughly into the Coluplaints of the Delawar Indians
with respect to Lands which they alledge they hnve been defrauded of by the Proprietaries; and
that for this purpose he do take the earliest Opportunity of signifying to them, that he has in Consequence of what passed at the Conferences in July and August 1757, received His M4ajestys Orders to
enquire into their Grievances, and press them to appoint such time and Place as shall be mnost convenient
to themt for that purpose. That he do likewise give timely notice of such meeting to the Commissrs'
appointed by the Proprietaries to act on their Part, to the End they may come properly instructed,
and prepared to support the Claims of their Constituents, andt that when he shall have made a full and
particular Enquiry into the Circumstances of the Case, and heard what all Partys may have to offer, he
do transmit his Proceedings in this Business to the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations.
in. order to be laid before His Majesty, together with his Opinion of what may be proper to be done
thereupon - And the said Lords Commissioners f r Trade and Plantations are to signify the same tc
His Majestys said Agent for Indian Affairs accordingly.                         W. SHARPE
Endorsed.     Order of His Majesty in Council dated August 29, 1759, directing that His Agent foi
Indian Affairs should enquire into the complaints of the Delawar Indians for their having
been defrauded of their Lands, and transmit his Proceedings to this Board; and that theih
Lordships should signify the same to the sd, Agent,




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                      459
SEC'Y POWNAL TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
Whitehall Deer 13th 1759
SIR,
I am directed by the Lords Commissioners for Trade & Plantations to send you the inclosed Order
of His Majesty in Council of the 29th of August last, containing His Majesty's Directions with respect
to a Rehearing and Examination of the Complaints of the Indians, inhabiting the western part of the
Province of Pensylvania, of their having been deprived of large Tracts of Land without their Consent or
any Satisfaction made to them for the same: And that you may be fully informed of every Circumstance
relative to the Proceedings upon which this Order is founded, I am also directed to send you at the
same. time a Copy of the Order of the Lords of the Committee of Council for Plantation Affairs,
referring the Petition of Mr Franklin to the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, together
with their Lordships Report upon it.         I am, Sir,
Your most obedient and
most humble Servant,
JOHN POWNALL Secry
SIR W. JOHNSON TO THE BOARD OF TRADE.
Fort Johnson 5th June 1760.
MY LORDS 
As I am in doubt whether your Lordships have Received my Letter of the 17th May 1759
and my Proceedings with the confederate Indians before I took the field last Year with Brigdr Gen1
Prideaux there being no mention made of them in ye Lordships last Letter, I now send Duplicates of
both among which the Treaty at Conojohary may shew to your Lordships that my Labours have not been
in vain, it being concluded on at that time, by a general convention of the Six Nations & their Allies,
after many Solicitations and interesting Arguments Suggested to them by me, to join us against the
Enemy, which they did, last year to the amount of above a thousand fighting men at Niagara, from
whence I sent them home loaden with the spoils of the French: and tho' the Enemy put me to a deal
of trouble, when their Army was near upon us, by sending some of their Indians under pretence of Parley
with ours, but rather to inveigle & intimidate ours, I found means to retain even them, who thol come
into our Camp under French -influence, made them fight against their Old Friends: And after the
suwrender of the Fort & I had Settld the Garrison &c necessary to be left in it; I employed these
Indians very successfully, in sending them to the foreign Nations, on the, over Side of the Lake, and
elsewhere, to invite them to come in to me at Niagara & Oswego, where I appointed, which they
did, and made friends with us, declaring they were sufficiently tired of the war & sorry for the part they
acted against us.
I am now to acknowledge the H-onour of Your Lordships Letter of ye 13th Decbr last; with His
Majestys Order in Council relative to the complaint of Tidescung the Delaware chief, Copy of whose
Letter I also inclose, which was wrote to me in consequence of my apprizing him, that his Majesty had
signified his intentions " That I should look into, & hear his complaint against the Proprietaries of
Pensilvania concerning Lands & transmit them to your Lordships, to be laid before his Majesty."  You
will see by his Letter that business is postponetld, As he has taken on with the Governor & People
of that Colony, to convene some of the Western Indians to a Meeting, which when ended, may be sc
late as to interfere with the Military Branch of my office this Campaign, and may somewhat hindel
myn bringing the Indians in general together this Summer for actual service, altho' very well inclined:




460                           MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
Thereupon cannot help remarking to Your Lordships, " That if the Inds are admitted to be under a
Complicate and Multifarious Influence or Management, especially at this time, it must make any application to them uncertain, the Service liable to many inconveniences, & render the Indians more
difficult to treat with, while the Power of acting seems to be divided, and the Plan of Directing
them, not mutually concerted by me & those who affect & assume to be Supernecessary."
I must beg leave to repeat to your Lordships, the necessity there is of redressing the complaints
of the Mohawks with regard to their Lands, which they are incessantly murmering about, & very
troublesome to me, as they live so contiguous. The Mohegan Indians living in Connecticut Colony,
have also intreated me to Represent their Case to your Lordships, that their Lands may be ascertainedto them, or at least paid for, I understand they have formerly preferred a Petition to the King in
Council, from thence, are apt to believe their affair is better known at your Lordships Board, by means
of their former Agent, than they can Explain it to me, so shall not trouble your Lordships with a farther
Detail.
Envelop'd with this is the substance of the Mohawks late Complaints, from both Castles, made
at a Conference at my house and by Letter from Conojohary, Extracted from the Records in the office
of the Secretary of Indian affairs, to which Office I have appointed Mr Richard Shuckburgh, after'
the Decease of Capt. Wraxall who died the 11th of July last, and would be glad your Lordships
would procure for him a Warrant or Commission for that Purpose, the late Mr. Wraxalls, I believe
was Issued from the Secretary of States Office: the abovementioned Gentleman has resided many years
in this Country, is acquainted with the Customs of the Indians, & every way qualified to discharge the
Duty required, thereupon Recommend him for your Lordships approbation. I acquainted Genl Amherst
of his appointment, to which he readily agreed: should any interest themselves against this Recommendation; I hope your Lordships will discountenance their solicitations, as it may be presumed I am
the proper Judge of an officer, so near me as the Secretary of Indn. affairs.
I have now only to acquaint your Lordships that I have the most favourable answers from the Six
nations and their confederates, on a Message I sent to them some time agoe, to hold themselves in
readiness,'till the time I receive the Generals orders for them to join the army, and have sent this
Spring both to Niagara and Oswego Presents to the foreign Indians I treated with last Autumn at those
Posts, as well as to the Six Nations, to be given at the discretion of the commanding officers there,
and I expect to muster more Indians for the service this Summer, than I did last Campaign by
far, having great expectations from the assurances given to me by the Ottawawas, Missisagoes, Chippeway's, who were in the french interest, till ye surrender of Niagara that they will join his Majestys arms
this Campaign some of whom I have already Employed with several of ye 6 Nations who are now
out on Duty in the French Country.
I am with all'due Respect
My Lds yr Lordships
Most obt. most hble serv.
W. J.
To the Rt. Honbe.
the Lds Commissioners
of Trade & Plantations.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                             461
HONBLE. OLIVER DELANCEY          TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
New York ye 20th. June 1761
DEAR SIR
I Recd. your Favour By the Post and shall by the first Conveyance write to Lady Warren for
Her Aprobation of what you want and as soon as I can Look Over the Paper will send you the Deed
you left with Sr. Peter.
Inclosed is a Copy of a Letter I wrote to Mrs. Cosby with an offer for Her Lands youl. be so
Good as to let me know what Terms you Propose for them all and the Price as she has been so Good
as to write Mr. Ch. Williams that I shall have the Preference to any other Person  If it will not be
wrong in you I should be glad youd. be concerned in the Purchase with me which you might do giving
as much as any other Person will do for the Whole
I am with True Regard Dr. sr.
Your most Obedient Servt.
OLIVER DELANCEY.
The Honle Sr Wm Johnson Bart,.* Govr Cossy of N. York was married to the Late Ld Hallifax's Daughter, (Grace,) by whom he had two Sons & two
Daughters; the Eldest of his Daughters married Ld Augustus Fitzroy third son of the late Duke of Grafton by whom he had
Issue two sons vizt the present Duke of Grafton & CQlo Charles Fitzroy, married to Lady Warrens Daughter. When the
father of these, Augustus Fitzroy Died, Lady Fitzroy married James Jeffries Esqr Commissioner of Customes. The present
Lady Fitzroy is daughter to Sir Harry Liddel, now Ld Ravensworth. MlVS.                         w
Sir WVm. Johnson was appt'd Lady Crosby's Agent in this country 23 August 1763: —Her Ladyship's will, a copy of which
is among these MSS., bears date 4th May 1767. She left the bulk of her personal, and all her real estate to her grand daughter
Elzth. Jeffries, but in case this young lady should happen to die unmarried, or marry without the consent of her guardians,
it was to go to her sisters, Grace and Lucy. Should all these ladies marry without their guardians' consent, the property
was to be divided equally among them. The Trustees to Ladys C's estate appointed Sir Wm. Johnson their Attorney, in
America, by power dated 22d March, 1768. ED.
HONOBLE    OLIVER DELANCEY TO SIR Wi JOHNSON
New York ye 19th Janry 1762
DEAR SIR
I am Favoured with Yours of ye 5th Instant  Your Proposal in Regard to the Purchase of
Mrs Cosbys Land I should without Hesitation have Join'd in but as I am to be in Partnership with
three other Persons in it in Equal Shares I have to Ask that instead of your holding half youd Consent
to Take one quarter or at most one Third and I will oblige myself to Pay you the the Proportion of the'Remainder as soon as the Purchase is made  I press this the more Ernestly as those Concerned with
me are very intent to Offer a Larger sum  could they Accomplish it, according to their First Design
Your Answer I shall hope soon.
I have not heard from  Lady Warren about any Business since I wrote Her about your Bonds as to
the Deed   I will Deliver it to any Person youl Please to Order As I dont think it safe to send it in the
Common Way      I shall be Obliged to You for any Papers You have Relative to Sr Peters Lands, And
will give you a Lease of Seven Years for Mills Lott You Permitting the Man who is Already on to
Live there as he is  Youl let me know what you Propose to Give for the Yearly Rent
I amn with sincerity Dr Sir
Your most Obedient Humble Sert
To Sir William Johnson Bart                                            OLIVER DELANCEY




462                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
SIR Wm. JOHNSON TO THE HONOBLE OLIVER DELANCEY.
Castle Cumberland Feby 10th 1762o
DEAR SIR
Your favour of the 19th Ulto I have received and as I have not yet had an answer to my letter.of last June to Mrs Cosby, I judge it must have miscarried, therefore shall (as I now have some
leisure) proceed to dispose of her share thetract to the best advantage and without being concerned
therein myself readily agree to your purchasing the same,  I shall therefore desire to know by the
first opportunity the highest price which you may chuse to give, as there are several persons who have
signified their desire to buy it.
As I understand by your Letter to Mrs Cosby (a Copy of which you enclosed me) that there is a
Mortgage on the land, I should be glad to know for what Sum, & in whose hands it isI am a good deal surprised, and uneasy at not receiving the bonds from Lady Warren or you which
were so long discharged I must urge the giving them up as soon as may be and hope you'll enclose the
Deed which you can send by the post or otherwiseI can't recollect that I have any papers relative to Sir Peters Lands, but as all my papers are at
Fort Johnson, I shall make a search when I return, and transmit you any which I may find relative
theretoI have asked the Man who lives on that tract of the late XMr Miler, what he was to pay for the
100 acres, he tells me, You promised it to him on the same lay, as the Tenants living on Warrensborough have their lands, if so, I am content, but for seven years, I believe you will expect little or no
rent, Considering it is a thick wood without a foot of clear land, however, you will let me know what
I must pay for it and I shall acquiesce.
I am with great esteem &cThe Honble Oliver Delancey Esqr
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO MRS. COSBY.
Fort Johnson Febry 13th 1762
MADAM
Before my departure for the D'Etroit last Summer, I was honoured with your kind Letter
of March last, which I failed not imediately to answer, but not having received the pleasure of Line
from you since, I herewith enclose you a Copy of that which I then wrote, least it might have misca:ried.
I am very sensible of the confidence you have reposed in me, but being so circumstanced at the
receipt of yours, nothing could be done therein till my return from the D?Etroit except the proposal which
I then made and which I was chiefly induced to offer, from an earnestr desire of serving you
immediately therein.
As Mr DeLancey has obtained the refusal of the land from you I have acquainted him with my
approbation thereof, and am now proceeding to dispose of it to the best advantage.
In case my proposal has met with your approbation and that the lands shall now sell for a higher
price than I offered, I shall notwithstanding transmit you the full sum which they may be disposed
of for, after deducting the Quit-rent, and whatsover may be due thereon.
I understand Mr DeLancey that there is a Mortgage on the Land which must be discharged before
it can be conveyed. I should therefore be desirous to know, what the amoun:t of the Mortgage is & in
whose custody it now remains.-and as to the rest of your Interest in this Coultry, as soon as I can




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                           463
iuform myself thereof I shall not fail to use all possible care & despatch in disposing thereof to the best
advantage. happy in every opportunity which offers to convince you of my desire to serve you as well
as to assure you how much I am                Madam
Endorsed                                        with all imaginable esteem
Letter to Mrs Cosby                         Your Most obedt & most humble Servt
relative to her Lands
Dated
Fort Johnson Feby 13th 1762
MRS. CUMMINS TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
Schenectady 19 February 1762.
Dr. SIR
Your kind favour of the 11 of last month I should have answered long since, but postponed it
expecting still, froln time, to time, a conclusion of my unhappy affairs, which was not at a period until
last friday, tho the effects were advertised to be sold by auction, the 28 of last month, nor realy would
not now but that I posatively insisted on it, but when it did goe on, Mr. lyle exerted his authority
to the very utmost its true he left me a bed, for which Im extreamly oblig'd to him, tho I understand
it was at the request of Mr. Sutter, to whom he swore hee'd sell it, he never even paid me the compliment of a kettle to boil my victuals tho he sold 8, I told him when he came to town, that I
intended giveing him up every thing, my cloaths & linen except'd, & if he call'd for them, he should
have yin, when I mend linnen, I meant what belonged to the house, as well as myself, tho at the
same time had not the least thou't he would dispose of any thing of the kind, he said he would not
deprive me, of what belong'd to my self but every thing else he expected, my assurances did not
satisfye him, he searched every corner of the house, only the back room where I sat, & you may judge
Dear Sir in what condition, there were several of the neighbours wd have bid for things for my use
if I'd allow it, but Mr. Sutter was so good natured he insisted on trying for the cow, she was raised
to ~5-5 & he offer'd to pay the money down, but I declin'd it being under obligations to him before,
did not chuse to add that to the number, which happened very well as to that, for Mr. lyle disposed
of what little was lefi, & then the cow wd be more expence to me than she was worth, as fother
is so excessive deer and indeed scarce any to be had, she was a very good creature, my next neighbour
wd have given ~6-10 for her, but that he heard she was design'd for me,-there was 2 fold Table cloths
left in the Car without design, which he took out & sold, when I heard that I sent him 3 pair of sheets
& 2 cloths more & desired catey adems to tell him had I known he intended selling the house linnen, I
wo-uld have had yln ready but the course sheets were dirty, as I never had sperits nor strength to wash
them, since I cale from the Country, he made no answer but seem'd displeased & keept tantalize
me the whole day asking what more, tho told him from the begin's I was determined but still I could
observe his eyes on the bed and if one can judge from appearances, he thought at that time, he laid
me under obligations to him which never could be enough acknowledged, I hope Dear Sir you will not
jmagine I mention this out of prejudice for it realy was the oppinion of every one prest. when the
fire irons were sold Mrs. Vanlervolake sent a new shovel & tongs before Mr. lyle & has been vastly
civel to me in many respects since my troubles, she has several things of mine such as sheets &
table cloths, & posatively refused letting me have them the day of the vandue, but not to tire your
patience any longer, on the conclusion of the affair M1r. lyle paid me a vast genteel compliment, before
Ms. Stevens & some others, he told me there was half a dpzn. chairs & a settlebead, which might
be of some service to me, I made an acknowledgmnt. as well as I was capable at the time, he order'd




464                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSONO
them to be brought into the room, told me hee'd see me before he left town, & went away, some
time after MrC. Nixon came and ask'd me if I intended keeping the chairs, Mrs. Stevens said, Mr. lyle
had made me a present of ym his answer was, that hee' d order'd him to take them away, if I did not
pay him ~1-1s which was the vandue price the were almost bottomless & when they were repaired
they'd be as dear as new ones, so I let him take them, the effects that were sold came to ~122-10-9.
I now beg to know what kind of a receipt I'm to ask when he comes up, & as I have no father nor
friend to apply to for an advice and as you have always behav d like a father to me since I'd the
honour of knowing you, begs Dear Sir you'll be kind enough to give me your instructions for my
future way of living, & then I shall be able to let sonie people know I'm ready to receive any proof
of friendship they are pleased to favour me with Mr. dunkin in perticular & who Ile defer sending
to, till I've the pleasure of hearing from you.
I'd have wrote the day after the vandue but poor dady morris was taken so ill he was not able to
goe, he was so very bad that I realy almost dispair'd of his life but I thank god he is now much better,
I am Dear Sir with the Greatest
Respect your most obedt, humble
bad pen ink                                            Servant
paper & a sorrowfill                                                 ELINORA CUMMINS.
heart I hope will plead
my excuse for this scroul
HON. OL: DELANCEY TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
New York ye 28th Feby 1762.
DR SIR
I reed. Your Favour of ye 12th Instant in which you Decline being concernd. in the Purchase
of MrS Cosbys Lands and that youd Readily agree to My Purchasing them I am Obliged to you for
the Proposall and am Ready to give for them as Much as you offered for Them or as Much more as
any other Person will give that is Able to Pay for Them So that I have to Ask the favour of You
to fix the Price.
The Mortgage is in Lady Warrens or Lord Ansons Hands The Exact Sum I cant Tell you as I cant
lay My Hands on the Copy I had of it.
As to your Paying any Stipulated Rent for the Lands of Milr I am not anxious about as I am persuaded any thing yo do to it will Rather improve than Hurt it So Shall leave to your own Discretion
what Shall be Done as I imagine youl be the Purchaser when it is Sold
Herein I Enclose you the Deeds you Desire, Viz, Indenture of Release from
Joseph Clement to Sr Wim Johnson
Deed from Phillip Phillips
Deed from      Do
Deed from William & Elizabeth Powell
I shall again Put Lady Warren in Mind of Your Desire to have the Bond Delivered to you. I have
only to Add that I am xSith Greatest Esteem
Dr Sir
Your most Obedient Humble Servant
Sir Wm Johnson Bt.                                          OLIVER DELANCY,
endorsed New York Febry 28th 1762
Letter from Oliver Delancy Esqr, wth oroposals.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHISSONo                       46
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO THE HONBLE. OLIVER DELANCEY.
Fort Johnson 12th March 1762o
DEAR SIR,
This day came to hand your favour of the 2Sth. Ulto. enclosing the Deeds which were among Mr.
Warrens Papers, and shall expect the Bonds, as soon as you have Lady Warrens directions, which I
am surprised has been so long postponed.
there have been numbers of Farmers lately with me, wanting to buy Mrs. Cosbys Land,- and find
they are verry willing to pay ~100 p Hundred Acres,-as the land is verry good, there.are also
Gentlemen, who would willingly purchase ye. whole, as I before observed to you, who I imagine will
give much more for it than you are pleased to offer. the Stop, which I understand, is now put to further
purchaseing Indian Lands. must also greatly enhance the Value of what is already pattented, wherefore I beleive ~6000 Currcy. will not be thought too much for Mr. Cosbys Share of that Pattent. when
I learn the utmost, the others will give for it, I shall write you my final resolution thereon.
As I am told that you are concerned in adjusting and s.ettleing Mr. Shirleys Acetts. I- enclose you
an acett. of expences attendg my going to call a Meeting of the Six Nations at Onondaga in ye year
by order of Generl. Shirley to wh-ich is also added the expence of carrying up the Baggage
provisions &ca of Capt. Pattens Company of Grenadiers, who were ordered as an Escort.-General
Abercrombie offerred to pay the acctt., if they would abate something of the Charge for horse Hire. wch
Conrad Frank who is the principal, was afraid to comply with least the others might compel him to
pay ye. whole by wCh. means the acett. rests still unpaid; as it is a hardship on the People who did that
Service to be so long out of their money; I flatter myself that you and the rest of the Gentlemen
concerned will order them payment.I am Dr. Sir
most sincerely your Wellwisher
& verry HRumble Servt
The Honrble. Oliver DeLancey Esq.-                                          Wo J.
HONBLE OL: DELANCEY TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
New York ye 22d March 1762.
DEAR SIR
By the Post I rec'd Your Favour of ye 12th. Instt. I am Glad You received the Deeds I intlosed
Whenever I have Lady Warrens Directions about the Bonds I will Imediately send Them to You.
I Observe by Yours You have Had Offers for Mrs. Cosbys Lands and that from the Present Circumstances You Value Her share at Six Thousand Pounds Currency Though I am Obliged to You for
Your Hint That I might Expect it for Less if no Person should offer that Price Yet to put an End
to further Treaty about it and that I may not be Disapointed in what I am Pretty farr Engaged
I will Give the Six Thousand Pounds which I think the full Value and pay You the Money as soon
as the Proper Conveyance Can be Drawn for Which End You will send down to some Person You
Can trust here the Necessary Papers to form them by.
I am one of the Commissioners for Adjusting General Shirleys Accounts but they are only.the
Articles Comprehended in his Agents Accounts of Which(hat You Send down is no Part but as I
understand the Genll1 proposes paying all such Demands on the Crown During that Command I shall
take Care to Forward Yours among the rest I am with Great Regard
Dr. Sir Your Most Obedient Humble Sert.
To Sr. William Johnson Bart.                                     OLIrvER DELANcEY
VOL. II.                               69




466                       MASIUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM: JOIiNON.
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO THE HONOBL        GRACE COSBY.
New York 13. July 1762.
MADAM
I am to acquaint you that I have sold to Mr Oliver DeLancey your part in the Manor of Cosby,
for ~6,000 Currency, and two Thousand Acres, which lyes on the South side of the Mohawk River
between Fort Hunter, and Schenectady, for ~500, Currency, of which he has paid me the Sum of
four thousand Pounds Currency and passed his Bond for the remaining two thousand five hundred
Pounds, which sum he is.to pay on demand, without Interest, provided you discharge the Mortgage
and Quit Rent which it is encumbered with; if said incumbrance is to be paid here, I will, as soon
as I can learn how much it is, settle it with Mr DeLancey, and remit you the overplus if any there
should -be.
Enclosed You have a Bill on the Rt Honoble the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury
for ~2119,14,7. which I bought of Mr John Watts of New York at 90 Exchange being the lowest
I could possibly buy bills at. You will find that I was obliged to advance twenty seven Pounds
nine Shillings and Eight Pence Currency of my own to purchase said Bill,
I have the honr to be &c
(Sign'd)                                  Wm JOHNSON
SIR WM JOHNSON TO CHARLES WILLIAMS.
Johnson Hall'Deer 31st 1762
DEAR SIR
I am favored with your Letter together with that of Mrs Cosby, & am glad to hear things have been
done to her satisfactionI should be glad you would apply to Mr DeLancey for the power of Atty which you will please
to send up by the first good opportunity together with the other papers in the hands of Mr Jones.,
You will please to Advertise the Lead Mine, with such Description as you think necessary, & directions
for particulars to apply to yourself at New York or to me at this place as impowered to dispose of
the same, and as you are better acquainted therewith I should be glad you would let me know the
Quality of the Ore, whether it has ever been opened or Worked, & any other particulars relative thereto
Please to offer my Compliments of the Season to all your good family and believe to be with Sincerity
Dr Sir &c
Chas Williams Esqr
HONOBLE OL. DELANCEY TO THEHONOBLE GRACE COSBY.
New York 18th Septr 1663
MADAM
A few Days ago I received the Letter you did me the honor to write the 24th June last in Consequence
of which, I have to assure you that it is equal to me, whether the Mortgage is discharged here or in
England, but it is absolutely necessary it be done as it will always be an incumbrance on the Title
You have given me, for which reason, Ishall take it as a favor you get a discharge for Lord Anson's
Share, and I shall desire Lady Warren to send over the Mortgage to me. and I will take care to settle
Immediately with Sr Wm Johnson, and discharge that Part that is due to Sr Peter's Estate,  I am
Madam Your &c
(Signed]                                           OLIVER DELANCEY




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                          467
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO COMY GEN. LEAKE.
Johnson-hall Feby 9. 1764,
DEAR SIR,
I wrote you sometime ago concerning one Mr. Byrne but least my Letter should have miscarried, I
must again request the favour of your notice on his behalf; he was Commissary at the Royal Blockhouse, Oneida Lake on behalf of the contractors, and being a Man who was once in good circumstances,
I should take it as a favour if you would conveniently continue him on the King's behalf, at any good
post you may think proper, & I am hopefull he will appear deserving your Kindness.
It is not easy for me to describe the variety of business & trouble in which I have been involved since
the commencement of the Indian war, but I have the satisfaction to find that my labours have secured
these Frontiers & Communications, as well as preserved the Fidelity of Five out of the Six Nations,
with those of Canada & many others who have repeatedly desired to be employed against our Enemies,
and as I am now enabled to send them on Service I have accordingly this day, sent off a party of near
200 (with proper Indian Officers) who are destined against the Delawares Shawanese &ca. which party
shall be speedily followed by some others, from whose operations I Expect the neighbouring frontiers
will be rendered pretty secure, & the Enemy reduced to great straits
The utility of employing.Indians agt. Indians will I believe appear plainly to you, since the engaging
them as principals in the War will break their connections hereafter, and end in the destruction of
many of our Enemies, besides, they are the best calculated for attacking one another, in a Country
where our troops must inevitably meet with the greatest difficultys and losses, without being able, to effect
any thing considerable, whilst some partys of Indians accompanied by Experienced and well chosen
Woodsmen will be able to discover our Enemies haunts, compell them to come to an Action, and cut off
their Retreat-at least such party's will greatly contribute to the success of any operations of our troops
in the spring, as will prove a means of breaking their union, & of intimidating those Indians who are
too much elated with the successes of last year.
Whenever your time will permit I shall be' very glad to hear from you as
I am, Dear Sir,
Your Sincere Friend
& Humble Servant
Robt. Leake Esqr.                                                   Wm. JOHNSON.
MRS. COSBY TO     SIR  WM. JOHNSON.
Heneritta Street Feb ye 11th 1764.
SR
I receved yours by Mr Harris. and was glad to hear you was well, and hope by this time all is
quiatt with the Indians. I disire the whole Mortgag to be paid of, as Mr Olliver Delancey writes me
word he must, if Ld Ansons share is not paid, I must be at a good deall of trouble from this side to
get a discharge for the same and think it best to clear it there. I conclude you have received my
letter for the selling my Son Willm lands. for in his state of Lunicey tis in me, to take care of, and
put the monys out for him & his heirs. I hope you will allso part with the lands belonging to me,
and the Shares in the Lead mine. I wish for an opertunitey to serve you and express the grattetude
Of Sr Your most
Ld Halifax                                                 Obliged humble
desires his                                                        Servtt
Complits                                                                   G COSBY




468                          MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
JAMES RIVINGTON TO SIR Wm. JOHNSON.
N York Feb 20 1764
I reed the fav of yr Excellys Letter of y  9th Inst & have forwarded a few pamphlets &c by
this post wch hope may afford some amusement.
The account of your Exclys having engaged the Friendly Indians in an offensive War against
the disturbers of our Tranquillity is received here  ith general Joy & permit me to tell you Sir that
we all look up to you as the Happy Instrument in the hands of providence for terminating a quarrell
which in other hands would have certainly brought ruin & dessolation upon this Infant Country. These
are the Sentiments of the Intelligent world both in Europe & in America.
I have written for a Sett of the Chronicles to be sent to me from the General Post Office & whch I
will forward by every opportunity after ye arrival of a pacquet.
AsI am am now regularly supplied with all the new publications I will take care that you shall be
constantly acquainted with the daily events upon the Grand Theatre. I have taken the Liberty to
enclose a List of Articles in which I deal besides that of Books Paper &c &c  If any of them should
be wanting at Johnson Hall I will not fail to execute the orders wch I may be favoured with on terms
that will afford satisfaction to my Friends & do myself much Credit.
I am Sir
Your Excellencys
Most obedient humble serv
JAMS RIVINGTON.
The 22d Regiment consisting of 300 Men under Majr An Loftus is gone up the Missisipi to take post
(if they can) at Fort Chartres in the Illinois Country, Query, how many will return to give accounts
of the rest.
Col Robinson is on his return from So Carolina by Land, he has visited Augustini Pensacola Mobile
New Orleans &c.
The French Ambasador has communicated to our Court the Exchange agreed upon betwixt Spain
& France of The latters Possessions in Louisiana with New Orleans for a settlement in the Gulph of
Darien nigh ye Isthmus of Panama, & not their Part of Hispaniola as formerly asserted. Col Bouquet
is arrivd at Philadelphia from Pitsburg, he is hourly expected here.
Col Bane in a Speech upon the allowance of Provisions to the American Soldiers insisting upon
the necessity of that measure received the day following a message from the Kinc intimating that
he had no farther occasion for his Services on wch his Patron Lord Shelburn & himself resigned.
Mr Wilkes is growing vastly in popularity & altho he may suffer from the resentments of Lord
& Commens yet he is very much the object of popular affection. Animosity runs very high at home
his Majesty remains very determined in his resolutions of supporting his own Ministry & the opposition
gathers strength daily, but still the bulk of Numbers prevails on the unconstitutional side of the question.
I write in a vast hurry what I have said has been donein the most dissipated manner & greatly
stands in need of your Excellencys Candour wo1l I am certain will be shewn to one whose business
employs every hour of the day without hardly allowing time for meals.
The Ship New Hope arrived from England on Saturday morning; in her came an officer who affirms
that there is an extreem great outcry against General Amherst wch is supported by all the Army that
served in America now in England & that Col Lee late of ye 44th is now employing himself in writing
upon the Conduct of that Officer during his Commaand in this Country.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSSON                        469
SIR WM. JOINSON TO JAMES RIVINGTON.
Johnson-hall May 17th 1764.
SIR
I have received your Letter of the 4th inst and I thank you for the many interesting particulars you
have communicated I heartily wish Gen1. Monckton may meet with ample Satisfaction on account
of the reflections you speak of, which I make no doubt are as false as they are injurious to his
Character.
The Chronicles shall be sent down to you, by the next post. I hope you will soon be enabled to
supply me with those you Expect from England.
The Indians have been for some time in readiness to joyn the Troops, who are hitherto delayed on
account of the Connecticut Forces not being arrived. These delays are very unlucky at this time as.they give the ill disposed Indians an opportunity of Exerting all their influence to form a strong
party. The flying Delawares will probably take advantage of it, by representing our incapacity to raise
men, and by pointing out to the rest the necessity of supporting them as a common cause on which the
power of the Indians will in a great measure depend.' I am at present too much hurried to be more particular but I shall be always glad of your correspondence as                                               I am,
P. S. I should be glad you would procure
a new History of the World by Guthrie & Gray
which is now I find printing off in London,a
vol. each month.
INTERVIEW    BETWEEN     SOME MOHAWKS AND        SR. WM. JOHNSON.
Thursday, September 20th. 1761.
Airaham  Six of the Chiefs and Warriors, of the lower Mohawks came to Sir William  Johnson at
Daniel
tendrick Johnson Hall, and desired a Hearing; which being Granted: ABRAHAM, their chief Sachem,
Aaron
Isaac  Spoke as followsBROTHER GORAGH WARRAGHIAGUY.
WE are come here at the desire of our Castle to Speak to You. Before we enter on the Subject
of our Complaint we would desire to remind You of the first Agreement, and Friendship, Settled
between your Ancestors and ours, which We have ever since closely followed; and flatter ourselves
You can vouch for Us, since your comeing to the Country, and particularly for our conduct in the
old french War; wherein We exerted ourselves, and brought in many Scalps and Prisoners to
You.-On the breaking out of the last War we were again applied to for our Assistance, and told
that it was for our Country, which the French wanted to Creep into by different ways, that the War
was Commenced: and, that, should.You & We be favored so much by the Almighty, as to Lay the
French under, We should then be a happy People, and Enjoy our Lands in Peace.
We were in hopes after the Reduction of Canada, of Seeing that happy Time; but to our great
concern, the \Western, and other foolish Nations, soon removed that wished for Prospect, by falling
upon our Brethren, their Forts and Settlements; on which We were again applied to by You, to
Rise and help to punish those unthinking People. This appear'd to Us so Reasonable, that We
complied (remembering, as We before observ'd, the Elngagements our fore Fathers had entered into)
and fell upon some of Them, and their Settlements, last Winter; in which we were Successfull; and
now our People are with the Army to Assist in punishing or bringing to Reason, those bad People;




470                          MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
thinking that after those Nations were brought to their Senses, We and our young Men should sit down,
& enjoy Peace, agreable to what was told Us. But, Brother, to our very great Concern, We understand
from many People, that in a short time, some of our Brethren are determined to deprive us of the chief
Tract of hunting Land we have left, called-Kayaderossres, with a great quantity of Land about it, which
we never could Learn, from the most strict Enquiry made several Years ago, had been Sold by our
Nation: Wherefore We must Say if that is to be the case, We are much deceived in the Opinion
We ever Entertain'd of our Brethren's Honesty-But after our uninterupted Regard and Attachment
to Them; and the many accounts We have had from You of the Uprigltness of the great King,
and his determined Resolution to. See Justice done to all Well disposed Indians, We can hardly think
of being so Treated and Wronged-What We now Request is, that You will write to the Governor,
and let him & his great People know our earnest Desire; which is,that He and They will not suffer
any People to deprive Us unjustly of our Lan.ds, but to stop any Proceedings now intended, with regard
to Kayaderossres untill the great King's Pleasure is known, Who, we are sure, will not suffer Us to lbe
so greatly Wronged, as it must alarm  all the Nations of Indians, and shew them what a bad Return
We have for our Services to the English-                                        A Belt.
BROTHER
We now acquaint You that as some of our People lately were on the Hunt, about Kayaderossres
Creek and the Lakes in that Quarter, They, to their surprise discovered several Settlements of English
there, —They would not go near them, till they had acquainted Us of it —We now tell You Brother,
that we intend to send some of our Soberst, & most Sensible People, to desire these People to move off
of our Lands, which we hope they will without farther trouble, as they have no Right to it.
Then They Ended
Sir William told them, He would send their Request to -the Lieut. Governor, who, He did not
doubt would do all in his Power to see Justice done to Them: and that as soon. as he Received his
Answer, would acquaint them therewith: then desired, that they would by no means, have any Dispute
with the People living thereon.
A true Copy from the Original
A true Copy                                                       WITHAM MARSH
Gw BANYAR D Secrty                                                Secry for Indn. Affairs
HON: OL: DELANCEY TO SIR W: JOHNSON.
Deer 20. 1764
SIR
The Enclosed Account will shew You the State of the Moneys paid & still to be paid on the Lands
I purchased of You as MArs Cosbys Attorney the Tract on the North side of the Mohawks River which
wvas expressly sold for 21000 Acres appears by Survey performed by one Christopher Yates to contain
only 18000 which makes a Deficiency of 3000 Acres & that calculated at 5s 8s an acre amounts to
the sum 856,5,0 and this sum together with the Quit Rents due on Each Tract the moneys paid
you and the Indians with the Principal and Interest due on the Mortgage to the late Sir Peter Warren
including a debt also due to his Estate from Henry Cosby Esqr deceased for Rent upon a Lease of
Turtle Bay, which Debt is Secured and protected by the Morgage, Make the whole sum amount to
8016,17,2~ when the moneys to be paid Mrs Cosby for the land is no more than 65001 on a Supposition
therefore that I am to pay the Quit Rents, Mortgage, Debt on Lease, there will be a Ballance due
to me from MrS Cosby on Account of these Lands amounting to the Sum of ~1516,17,2k as it will be
extreamly hard for me to put up with my proportion of this Loss it will be equally hard and perhaps




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                          471
more so upon my Partners James Jauncey, Peter Remsen and Goldsbrow Banyar who you well Know
are equally concerned in the purchase with me I must therefore desire you to write to Mrs Cosbyias
soon as possible represent to Her the Hardship upon myself and partners and use all the influence in
your power to prevail upon her to Settle with Lady Warren and pay off and discharge immediately
the Principal and Interest due on the mortgage as also the Debt or Lease for as that debt is secured
by the Mortgage it must be also discharged (if insisted upon) whenever the moneys due on the
Mortgage are paid. I need not mention to you the necessity of being speedy in your application to
Mrs Cosby upon this subject for when you consider her age and the consequence (perhaps) of her death
to my self and partners in the purchase youl see the expediency of it, As I shall write to Lady
Warren by the first opportunity & use my Influence with her to have this affair of the Mortgage and
Debt on the Lease Settled between her & Mrs Cosby in England if you will therefore send your
dispatches for Mrs Cosby to mefthey shall be forwarded with mine.
New York Decbr 20th 1764                                    I am
Sr William Johnson                                 Yor very humble Servt
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO THE HON. OL. DELANCEY.
Johnson-hall Jany 7th 1765
SIR
I have really been remiss with regard to sevl matters which Mrs Cosby has wrote to me upon, but
my great & continued hurry of public business must apologize for it.-by this time I presume you are
informed of the amt of the Mortgage on your purchase, which I cannot hear from Mrs Cosby, If so I
should be glad you'd settle it, with the Quit rent to the time of purchasg, so that the Affair may be
finally settled.I should be glad you would Let me have a Lease for Milrs Tract agreable to your promise,
upon the same Lay, as Mr Warren's Lands have been usually Let, I shall be a purchaser for it
whenever it is to be sold, it lying very Contiguous to my Estate. & in yt. I expect yr. Interest.
Not having heard anything of the Bonds, for sometime past I must beg the favour of You to let
me know whether you have as yet reeeived them from Lady Warren, and if not that you will
mention them again to her whenever you write to England, as it gives me some concern that I am so
long without them.There is nothing at present here in the Way of News, worth Writing  the Inds as usual are about
me, & I am given to understand that the Shawanese and Delawayes, will shortly be here to enter into
a Treaty of peace, tho' I apprehend the former are not very sincere in their resolutions, as they are
better able to receive Supplys from the French, which it appears they have constantly done ever.since
the Commencement of hostilities
Pray offer my best Complimts to Mrs DeLancey, and believe me to be D' Sir
Your Sincere Friend
& very humble Servt.
The Honble Oliver DeLancey Esqr




472                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
HON: OL. DELANCEY TO W,'. JOHNSON.
New York ye 28th Janry 1765.
Dn SIR
I yesterday Received your Favour of the 8th Instant as to MTrs Cosbys affair my Letter of ye 20th
December last (of which I now Send you a Copy) will explain you have also an account Stating how
it is circumstanced in the final Settlement of which I must ask you to use your Interposition or friendship
that I and the persons concerned with me may not be so great -Loosers as we would be could we Gett
no Redress.
I am very willing you should haive a Lease of XMilrs Tract as I am certain its being in your possession
would much promote its value but as the Term for which it can be Lett is so short as about 5 years
when Sr Peters youngest Daughter will be of age and then most Probably it will be sold and you imnay
make the Purichase which I will do you all the good offices in my Power that you have the Preference
which from your Connections with the Heirs you are entitled to If you choose so short a Lease you
can have it by letting me know, as soon as I do I will execute one.
Your Bonds are in my Possession but as Sr Peter by his will bequeathed to your Family a Legacy
of what you should owe him I took advice about the Delivery of them to you and cant with Propriety
Deliver them unless your Relations signify their assent when that appears I shall Readily do it for Lady
Warren or her Children have no Right in them.
I am obliged to you for your Indian intelligence America is much Indebted to you for its Present
Tranquility I Heartily wish this Savage Superintendancy will give you time to See your friends and
that you Lived more at your ease.
Your Bretheren of the Council have for some Time Past been closely Employd by the Lieut Governor
who has been using his utmost Efforts to Introduce a new mode of appeal in a manner that would Influence any impartial by Stander that he had the cause more at Heart Than the welfare of the Country
or the continuance of the Laws of England in the Old & Happy Channel and as the Council Think very
much at the Risque of the Liberty of the subject on this Side the Ocean. I this morning saw Mr
Johnson & Captain Johnson they were So Good as to promise to call on me were it in my Power I
should on Your account do them every Service, be assured that I am  Dear Sir
Your True Friend & Most
Humble Servant
To William Johnson Bart                                             OLIVER DELANCEY.
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO THE HON: MRS. COSBY.
Johnson-hall MTarch 12th. 1765.
MADAM
The very Extraordinary & inconceivable trouble which the Duty of my Office has Engaged me
in for these 3 or 4 months, in particular, & in fact Ever since last Spring has necessarily prevented me
from Writing to you for some time past.
Mr. DeLancey has lately wrote me that on a Survey made of the Tract which he bought & which
was Computed to be 21,000 acres it proved but 18000 so that a Deficiency remains of 3000, which
Computed at 5 -8 N Y Curr. an acre amounts to the sum of;~856: 5:0 Curr. which with the Quit
rents due, the money he has paid & an allowance made to the Inds, with the principle and Interest due
on the Mortgage to the late Sr Peter Warren including a debt also due to his Estate from the late




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                         473
HenY: Cosby Esqr. for. rent on a Lease of Turtle bay which Debt is secured (he says) & protected
by the Mortgage make the whole sum amt. to 8016. 17. 21 that the sum to be paid you was only
~8500. on a supposition therefore that he is to pay the Quit rents, Mortgage, & Debt on Lease there
will be a ballance due to him from you of ~1516. 17. 2- he has therefore applied to me in ye most
pressing manner to represent the hardships it is to himself and partners & to request you would settle
with Lady Warren & pay off the principal & Interest due on the Mortgage as also the Debt on the
Lease which is thereby secured & must be discharged (if required) when the Money due on the Mortgage is paid, all which I must recommend to your Consideration.
The late Indian hostilities which I can hardly consider as yet Settled have prevented my being
able hitherto to do any thing about the other Lands you want sold, the Lead mine I advertised & have
tryed sevl. people about it but cannot get a purchaser as yet, and with regard to the other Large Tract
left by GovrCosby's Will to William Cosby Esqr. I don't apprehend I can set about to Disposing of
it until I have another particular power of attorney, as you now sell it from the Insanity of your Son,
which is said here must be proved in due form but you can doubtless get the best advice in London,
what are the necessary steps to be taken farther (if any) as I am not a sufficient Judge of these
matters, and whenever I am favored with your answer I shall do all in my power to have it well sold.
I heartily wish you all happiness & am
With great respect
Madam, &c.
Honble Mrs. Cosby
9       YmD-^^ - -.
SIR WM. J OHNSON TO THE HONB. OL. D:ELANCEY.
Johnson-hall March 22d 1765.
DEAR SIR
I embrace the first opportunity of answering your favour, of January 28th. in consequence
of which I wrote to Mrs. Cosby agreable to what you desired.
By Sir Peter Warrens last Will, one third of what I should owe him went to my use & the remg
two thirds was bequeathed to my family, and our accts being afterwards settled by Reference before
Mr. Nicholls & Chambers' by desire of the Executors there appeared a just ballance to no small
amount in My favour the origl. of which signed by the aforesaid Gents is now in my Custody which
with the papers thereto annexed sufficiently Exemplify the accts. on both sides. there is also over & beside
the ballance, settled, a considerable acct. which tho' not charged was submitted to Lady Warren, as I
could not be particular, altho' I had a right to make it from the nature of the sevl. charges made
agt. me with all which you are doubtless so well acquainted that I shall not trouble you on that head;
for these reasons I apprehend that my family can have no Expectations or claim upon me or the
Estate of Sir Peter, in right of these bonds the ballance being so much in my favour as may appear
on equal authority with the Charges made against me & therefore I am of opinion the bonds should
be restored but should the Assent of my Relations be still farther insisted on I shall write to my
Brothers and Sisters to obtain the same which will be chearfully acceded to.
I find by a late Survey made of the patent of Caghnawaga in order to give the present owners
thereof their equal shares in the words thereof, they have deviated from the Genl. beginning of the
patente and thrown that of Governeur &c farther back so as to take away all, Milns Tract and the
Improvements thereon, or rather to alter its position much to its disadvantage by giving it in an
unimproved place, for which reason I would deferr the Leases until I hear farther about it, as I
apprehend it will occasion some dispute in the Neighbourhood. I could wish it was in my power to
VOL. II.                               60




474                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNON.
see you and the rest of my friends as you have observed, but I am really the Least master of my own
time of any Labourer in the Country, and from the continued succession of business have no prospect
of visiting New York, at the same time that my remote situation in a Wild Country gives me little reason
to expect seeing many of my Friends here. My Son and Son in law wod. have done themselves of
pleasure of making you a Visit but that they left town in a great hurry & heard you was in the Country.
Pray make my best Compliments to Mrs. DeLancey & believe me to be            &c.
MR. JACOB DYCKMAN TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
Kings Bridge March 22d 1765
SIR
I Wrote you two letters last April About the trees I sent you but fear Were Miscarried thinking
Otherwise I Would have had an answer, I Wrote you the Particulars about them.
I Before told you I would Come and see them safe up but your answer was you thought they would
be taken Proper care of which I fear they were not as Mr Marsh told me they Pined very Very much
last Summer
I would Always be glad to answer your Request About Trees Plants &c I Can now furnish You with
100 Grafted pippins and as many natural trees as you please. Mr Marsh told me (a Little before he
Died) that Captain Johnson & Captain Closs were setling two new Plantations If they Can think of
Any thing I Can Serve them In Their Orders Shall always be Received by me as a favour and Complied
with If PossibleWe have now a famous Breed of Sheep Amongst us  If you want a fine Ram I will send you One
worth keeping of the right Old England Breed I Can also send you a Bull Calf of A Holland Bull
Imported by Alderman Lawrence  no more at present but Remain
Sir Your Very Humble Servent
JACOB DYCKMAN
COL. GLEN TO SIR WMo JOHNSON.
Schonectady, 23d March. 1765
SIR
I Have Received Your favor last Night. I haue this Morning Sent by Charley Breeson In Two
Battoos Seventeen Barrills of Pork and four Do of Flowir, for the use of the Indians. I haue directed
it to be Left at Mr Dow Fonda at Cognawage  as Soon as they Return I shall Send Them again, If
you think four Battoo Load will not do I beg Please To let me Know and I will Immidietly Send You
more. I have acquainted Mr Duncan of the Battoos Sent and will let him know when I send the othirs,
I am Your most Obedient
Humble Servant
To Sir William Johnson Bare                                            Js   GLEN Junr




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIRE WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       47
MR. WILLIAMS TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
New York 14 May 1765.
DEAR SIR
I should have done my self the H-onour of answering your favour sooner but supreme court drawing
on Mr"' Jones was Very busy I forwarded Mrs. Cosbys letter by the next pacquet after it came down
shall send by Mr. Hansanclever all the deeds Mr. Jones says I can send which relates to Capt. Cosbys
lands, But several of them he has relates to Mrs. Cosbys lands as well as the Captains so that they
cannot be sent, Mr. Jones likewise says Mrs. Cosby can give no power to sell Wm. Cosbys land
without a Commission of Lunacy being first Issued Mr. Cosby found a Lunatick by a Jury at the
County where he lives & an Order from the Lord Chancellor to sell his Estate the money to be Vested
in Trustees for his use & Mrs. Cosby not to be Intituled to afarthing during his life as Mr. Wmo,
Cosby has a third in the lead mines with Mrs. Cosby the Capts. Estate thought it was as well not to
advertize them, am Much obliged to you for your Inquiry after my sons had a letter from them on
Sunday last of the 16 April last your oblidging letter was of Great service to them David Dined with
admiral a few days before wch. was the first time since he lost his Wife by a private message had
from my son she dyed in February last was told the admiral had sent an Express to sir Wmo Baker to
make Every thing secure tho she disposed of but ~5000 in Legacies & one of that to himself Every
thing Else falls to him  on Course as the longest liver my son writes he is Very hearty if you have
any commands to him as I write often will at any time forward yours am sorry to see by the Papers you
are so surrounded with Indians which must be attended with a Great deal of trouble Mrs. Williams &
all my Family Joyn one in our humble respects to you wishing you health & success in all your affairs
being very respectfully                      Dear Sir
Your most obedient humble Servant
as Mr. Hansanclever sails so soon                                       CHAs,  WILLIAMS
have the pleasure to forward this
with the deeds mentioned.
HON: OL. DELANCEY TO SR        W. W JOHNSON.
New York ye 5 June 1765
DEAR SIR
Lord Adam Gordon is Desirous of Seeing You in his Way to Niagara and as he has not the Pleasure
of being Acquainted I have taken the Liberty to Trouble Him with the Delivering this to Your Hand,
and to beg of You to Shew Him the Civility he So Much Deserves and is So Much Your Disposition
beleive me Always                           Dr Sir
Your Most Affectionate Obedient Sert
To Sir William Johnson Bart.                                     OLIVER DELANCEY
at Johnson Hall
HONBLR. MR". COSBY TO SR. Wm. JOHNSON.
Hampton Court June ye 11 1765
SR
I receved Yours from Johnson Hall, March ye 12th 1765 and am glad to find you was well after
Your great fatigues, and am sorry my affairs must stil be troublesome to You. but I am sattisfied as Lord
Halifax told me, that You whoe act so well for in all things for the Publique, must doe well for me.




476                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
As for Mr. Delanceys Survey appears exstrydnarey, to be measured at first by Mr. Cosby and leaft
by will that number and pay'd in the Secretarys Office. the same number, feas for the same I must
hope you will find after a purchase is made, a draw bake cant be. but that you know best. & I should be
sorry justice should not take place.
I should be verry happy if you could Clear things on Your Side, as my Affairs hear are extremley
narrow. So beg if possible you will endevour it, if by the land to be sold, & the mine, with the five
hundred pounds sterling Mr. Delancey owes, may make me Easy. for I dont care how undersold they
be, if I was clear
I write this to you Dear Sr as if I was writing to my Brother. When I goe to Town I will have
full & Clear advise, about my Sons lands and will send You word, I must now beg Your forgiveness
for the trouble I have and am stil giveing You. I only can asure You none can have a more gratefull
sence of Your goodness nor a higher Easteam for You then
Sr Your most
Ld Halifax disired when                                      Obliged and Obdt
ever I wrote to you to                                        humble Servtt
give his Complits                                                       G CosBY
what I have had remitted from You, was to thousand pounds Sterling.
Duplicat
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO COMY GENL LEAKE.
Johnson-hall July 18. 1765.
DEAR SIR,
Mr. Byrne delivered me your favour of the 10th Inst & I am Extremely obliged to you for the
desire you Express to serve him, & Mr Frazier. The reduction of your branch may well be supposed to
prevent your good intentions at present, and I dare say if it should hereafter be in your power you
will remember him.
I have Just finished Treating with the Shawanese Delaware & mingos, they appear well pleased, &
the Settlement of my Department on the proposed system will I am confident prove the only means of
Keeping them so.
Mr Croghan is now I hope at the Illinois, I had a Letter from him from the Scioto River, where the
Shawanese delivered up to him Seven French Incendiaries who had been very busy in fomenting the late
disturbances, this I consider as a very strong proof of their present pacific disposition as the French are
so much esteemed by them, and if we get possession of the Illinois it will be a severe blow to the
French, & Greatly Contribute to check the Influence & private transactions with the Indians.
I shall be always very Glad to hear from you whenever your leisure will permit, as I am
With Cordial Esteem & Sincere
regard, Dear Sir,
Your most hearty Welwisher
& verry Humble Servant
Robt Leake Esq                                                        Wm JonsSOoT




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                         477
THE   SAME TO THE      SAME.
Johnson-hall Augst 16th 1765.
SIR
As I have Just heard from Mr. Croghan I would not omit giving you the particulars of his Information.
On the Sth of June last he (with his party of abt 14) were attacked on the Ohio near the Wabache
by 80 Kickapous & Mascoutens who Killed Two White men, and Three shawanese Chiefs besides
Wounding Mr. Croghan, and all the rest they alledged they did this at the desire of their Fathers (the
French) and took him & the survivors prisoners to Ouiatonon where meeting with sevl Indians with whom
he was acquainted they upbraided the rest for what they had done, which induced them to take care
of his Wounds, & shortly after to release him, begging he would use his interest to prevent the Shawanese,
Delawares and Six JVations from attacking them in revenge for their behavior; In short this affair may
prove of good consequence & Mr. Croghan was to set forward to the Illinois, the 14th Ulto. where he
had reason to Expect he should settle all matters.
Mr. Byrne informed me that the Commissaries were to have a Tract of Land each, & has since
wrote to me requesting I would remind you of it, & if possible point out some place; for my part I
know none better at present than that part of JV. Hampshire lately made a part of this Province, the
method directed at present for obtaining Indian Lands is both difficult & Expensive, neither was it
intended that the free Grants of the Crown should be made in any Quarter within Claim of the Indians.
I hope you have had agreable accts. from  home I had not a line by the last Packquet weh I am
surprised at
I sincerely wish you all happiness, and
am yr. Hearty Freind & Humble Servt.
Robt Leake Esq                                                         Wm. JOHNSON.
MR. WILLIAMS TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
New York 23 Septr 1765
DEAR SIR
The Inclosed I reced from Mrs Cosby pr pacqt she writes me She hopes youl Extricate her out
off her difficulties with the Company that Bought her Lands As I find her Circumstances will not
be able to do it unless you can dispose of some of her lands I wish you may be able to do it but
beleive till we hear from her as Mr Jones tells me you must have another Power from her as I wrote
her when I inclosed yours I had the Honour to receive was in hopes of a line in answer to mine by
Mr Hansanclever who told me he had the deeds, & delivered them to you little news but the Changes in
the Ministry which youl have in the papers its said Govr Moore had hired a mercht ship to carry
over himself & ffamily & was to sail about 15 Augt last had a letter from him who said he should
hurry over but mentioned no time  am in hopes this will find you in health  Mr Williams & my
ffamily Joyn in our best regards to you & beg youl beleive me at all times with the Greatest respect.
Dear Sir
your most obedt humble Servant
To the Honble Sir William Johnson Bart                                 CHs WILLIAMS




478                         MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO THE HON.          RS. COSBY.
Johnson Hall Septr 30th 1765.
MADAM
This Letter will be delivered to your hands by my Son whom I Send to England for sometime to
acquire some knowledge of the World, and wear off that Rusticity which must accompany the Actions
of a Young Man, whose Life has been chiefly spent on the frontiers of.A3merica & I am persuaded that
you and the rest of my friends in London, will afford him any countenance or advice he may stand in
need of
The Last Letter I had the honour to Write you was the 12th of March Last, wherein I informed
you that on a Supposition that the Quit-rents Debts, and Mortgages therein mentd were to be paid
by Mr DeLancey there would be a ballance due to him of' ~1516.17.21- Curry & that he pressed me
to request you would pay these off to Lady Warren.-I Likewise informed you that it was said here
that it would be necessary you should take some steps for proving the Insanity of your Son' before you
could dispose of the other tract. Since which I have seen Mr DeLancey who agrees to purchase that
land Likewise, at ye same price of ye former provided you take these Steps, or that it appears in the
opinion of Council that they are unnecessary. This will doubtless be agreeable to you, and I shall be
glad to hear from you thereon.
My Son will be able to inform you of the Success of my Deputy Mr Croghan in obtaining possession of
& a passage to the important Settlement of 11nois on the Mississippi, as for other matters, and party
disputes here, You will doubtless be informed of them before this reaches you, & of the Violent &
unaccountable Conduct of the Americans, occasioned by the Stamp Act, all which has been Excited
by a few pretended patriots & Lawyers in these parts, whose business must decrease from the duties
on Law proceedings. The Populace are inflamed have destroyed Houses of Lt Govrs, & other Officers
of the Crown, & insulted & threatened persons to such a Degree that the Stamp Officers refuse to act,
and where these Commotions will end it is impossible as yet to determine
SIR WM, JOHNSON TO HON. OL. DELANCEY.
Johnson-hall October 9th. 1765.
DEAR SIR
I have just received a Letter from Mrs. Cosby respecting your purchase wherein she Expresses her
surprise that Land formerly surveyed & left by will, & paid for in the office as a certain quantity,
should afterwards turn out so much Less, & that therefore a drawback can't be, however she is determined'to do justice, and very sollicitous that I should sell her other Rights in this Country concerning which
she promises to send me farther opinion. As you spoke to me when at this place concerning the purchase
of the remr. above the German-flatts & promised to have Mr. Joneses opinion upon it I should be glad
to hear whether you have done so & what are your present resolutions, being very desirous to settle
her affairs as soon as possible.
HON: OL. DELANCEY TO SIR WM         JOHNSON.
New York ye 26 Octo. 1765.
DEAR SIR
I this Day Rec'd your favour of the l0th Inst advising your Letter from Mrs Cosby respecting
My Purchase of the Land on the North Side of the Mohawk River which she is surprized should turn
out so much Less which I beleive must hapen by the first Surveyor not Taking the course of the River




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNON.                           479
or Indeed not Giving Himself The Trouble to Survey any of the Lines I made no Doubt She would
be willing to do Justice I am still Determined to make the Purchase of the other side but find she
cant make a Title for the same as it is now circumstanced During Her Sons life nor Afterwards unless
Lady Augustus and ye Duke of Grafton first Convey to Her their Right of Reversion to Wm Cosbys
Lands as one of them is Heir to His Estate after His Death and She has no title in Them I should
imagine She could easily Prevail on Them to convey their Right of Reversion to Her and than I would
Purchase on that Title I thought I had wrote to you before of This but cant find I did.
I have Directed Mr. John R Bleecker to Survey Sr. Peters Patents at Chuctenunda and Lay them
out in Lotts of 100 Acres each, he seems to apprehend some Interuption from the Indians in such case
I beg youl Prevent their giving any Trouble.
As Several Persons live on that Tract by leases from you I shall want the Copys of Those Leases
to give Directions in Laying out their Lotts and be pleased to send me an Act. of what money you have
Rec'd from Any of them that in Stating Their Acts. I may give them Credit for such sums -I shall
esteem it as a favour youd send me any Intelligence about this Land as I propose settling the whole and
at what Rent I should put them at for 21 years after allowing 3 years free of Rent.
If you Think Proper and will Give a Release of any Claim on Sr. Peters Heirs for Past Accouts to
ye time they were settled by Mr. Chamber & Nicholl I will deliver your Bonds to any Person you
Desire which seems to be Lady Warrens Intention and I shall wait no longer about it as soon as I begin
to give out the Leases I shall send you one for Milns Tract youl Please to Lett me know at what part
you Expect it. I am Always Most Truly
Dr Sir, Your Most Obedient, and Most Humble Servt.
To Sr Wm Johnson Bart.                                            OLIVER DELANCEY.
Endorsed
N York Octr 26th 1765
From the HIonble Oliver DeLancey Esqr.
SIR Wm. JOHNSON TO HON: OL. DELANCEY.
Johnson hall 7th Novr. 1765
DEAR SIR
I have just received your favour of the 26th ulto, and cannot acct for the delays my Letters
have lately met with to most of my Correspondents.
I shall acquaint Mrs Cosby with that part of your Letter respecting her, and I hope she will
take the steps you recommend so that you may be able to make the purchase.
In answer to your proposal concerning the Bonds I think myself obliged to speak plainly & candidly
to you,-You know my Connection with Sir Peter, the friendship that subsisted between us, & the reasonable Expectations I had of sharing some part of his fortune, of this his former Wills will be
a farther proof, the assistance he gave me in the way of Credit &ca was I believe you will allow no
more than I might have Expected, since it was at his particular persuasion and even intreaty that
I came to this Country, when he made me very large promises as his Correspondence will shew,
& which is likewise well known to several yet living at JN Yorke &Ca  Whatever motives he might
have had for making the several charges against me, which appeared at his decease, I had no reason
to think they were intended to be considered in any other light, than as Checks upon me to render
me diligent & attentive to my buisness, but not as Sums for which I was actually to be accountable
afterwards & this he intimated to me when he took my bonds; but on his death I was given to




480                     MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
understand otherwise, & thereupon I agreed in opinion with all my friends that I should bring my accts
against the Estate & you know on a Reference they were Examdl & approved of by Men of Reputation and Character, these accts will at any time appear to be fair and honest, and I can Swear to
them  whenever occasion requires, nay more, I can aver that many Articles are therein omitted
which I had a very good right to charge, but neglected making Entrys of them, not apprehending
there would ever have been a necessity for it, from all which I must observe that I cannot consistent
with the Interest of my family give up my Just demand on his Estate witht a proper recompence every
Article of which is as fair and Clear as any brought against me, with this addition that they can be
proved upon Oath, after this declarat" it cannot be Expected that I shod relinquish my claim & indeed
the only reason that prevented me from applying repeatedly for this money was my regard for the Memory of so near a Relation, and my Respect for those he has left behind, & that I have from time to
time Expected they would have in some measure reimbursed, for the ballance which as stated
ammounted to ~93-7-11 — Y. C. in the year 17 51
The same reasons which prevented me from giving them the Trouble of Sollicitation, or taking
any other steps for obtains my Just demands induces me at this time to make them a proposal, that
in case they will give me 2Aliln's tract which cost Sir Peter but a Trifle & is now not worth more than
half my demantl I shall give them a gen1 Release of all Claim upon the Estate, and I hope you -will
do me the Justice to believe that a have no other motive whatsoever for making this offer, but what
arises solely from my Regard for his heirs, & their Connection with me, which from my own natural
disposition would prevent me from taking any other measures unless reduced to an absolute necessity
of so doing, and I hope the plain honest manner in which I have represented the affair will induce
them to Comply with so reasonable a proposal.
Should the Indians give any disturbance to the Surveyor I shall with pleasure use all my Endeavors
to accomodate the matter, & make them easy, and I hope by next post to be able to send you the
Leases &a with such information as you require
I shall push the affair you wrote upon to Mrs Cosby, & shall do all in my power to obtain that Tract
for you, or to serve you in any other shape in my power, and you may be assured that I am,
The IHonble 01. DeLancey Esqr
HON. OL. DELANCEY TO SIR WrW. JOHNSON.
New York ye 25 Deem. 1765.
DEAR SIR
I reed your favour of y" 7th Nov1r Last which I Should have ansd much Sooner but the Turbulent
Situation of Affairs here has prevented me from doing almost every kind of Bussiness No more than
you, can I account for the Delays of Letters Mine are frequently Detained and Sometimes Come
readyopen'dto My hand.
I hope you1 Soon have an Answer from Mrs. Cosby.
Your Answer to My Proposal about your Bonds to Sr. Peter Warren is now before me and I
readily acknowledge the circumstances of friendship that were or ought to have been between you
and what you might have reasonably expected from his Good Inclinations to you Who had Influence
over him in Ireland I cant Say at the time of his Death, It could not be his Lady who was in
England and was not So well considered as in his former Wills I am only an Attorney & must Act
with Security and realy have it not in my Power to do more than I offered in my last to you the
Alteration is wholly between you & your Relations and for me to do more would be improper




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSOiN                       481
I have Carefully Looked over your Account with Sr, Peters Estate and had not I thought my
Proposal Equitable I never Should have made it As to the conveying!Milns Tract to you it is at
Present impracticable as no conveyance can be given untill His youngest Daughter is of Aage and if
you approve of it I will Trasmitt a Copy of your Letter to Lady NVarren which be Pleased to
Signify to me by your next Though I Should look on your (Saying the Plain Honest Manner in Which
You Represent the Affiair will induce them to comply with So Reasonable a Proposal) as consenting I
Should I am much Obliged to you for your assurance of endeavouring to make the Indians quiect
Should they Give the Surveyor any Disturbance I imagine no Danger My Request proceeeded from
a Surmise of his.
I wish you & yours the Compliments of the Season and assure you of my fviendship P&  ega.rd
and that I always am
Dr Sir
Your most Obedient & most
To Sr William Johnson Bart.                              Humble Sevt.
at Johnson Hall                                             OLITER DELANOCrY
Albany County                 endorsed
Decbr 25th 1765
OLIVER DELANCEY Esqrs
Letter.
SIR W". JOHNSON TO THE HONBLE 0. DELANCEY.
Johnson-hall, December 23d 1765o
DEAR SIR
I have had the favour of your Last and sincerely thank you for the friendship you have Expressed
for me, and I make no doubt of your settling the affair if impowered so to do.-Althol I did not write
my last with a View to its going any farther, I cannot have the least objection to your communicating
such part of it as you Judge necessary to the heirs of Sir Peter Warren as in my last I fairly thol
Concisely stated the Case between us, for on the one hand I should be unwilling to enlarge upon my
reasonable. Expectations froi my deceased uncle and on the other very loth to give grounds for doubting
their Good intentions with regard to my being in some measure satisfied a ballance so justly due
concerning which I have not given them the Trouble of even a Letter for many Years.Be assured it gives me no Concern, neither does it abate my affection for my Uncle, or his Remains
that he did not finally consider me as I was Taught to Expect, he was certainly at Liberty to do
what he pleased with his Fortune and if from its Largeness he had considered me It could not have
encreased the Tyes of Nature.-I do not suspect that I had any Enemys about him of my own family,
as they did not partake of any benefit from his Last Will, nor can I believe the family into which he
married would concern themselves about it. Mine are well satisfied with the Case & that they can be
intitled to nothing where so large a ballance appeared agt his Charges, they will therefore without
delay send over proper Acquittance, & I am only sorry that it is thought necessary for obtaining my
Bonds whilst such a ballance is in my favour.You may recollect that in your former Letter you proposed'c that if I would give a Release of
any Claim on Sr Peters Heirs for past Accts to' the time they were settled &ca You wo1 deliver up my
Bounds,   l Noow you know my Bonds can be of no use since the Settlemt neither can I agree to that
proposal with such a ballance in my favor, which ballce is indeed short of the Debt due to me having
omitted sev1 small Charges & one large Article, Lady Warren had whichl I wd not particularize & Attest
VOL. II,                               61




482                          MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
upon Oath, as I can all the rest. I flatter my self my acet can't be doubted & I dare say you intend
the proposal for the best, but if you were possessed of all the necessary papers or thoroughly acquainted
with the whole Affair you would readily agree with me that I cannot in reason or Justice accept of it.The proposal I made concerng Milers Tract I shall adhere to if they approve of it, as it will be
of more Value to me than to any other person.I shall do all in my power with Mrs Cosby for Settling the Affair between You & her to your
Satisfaction and shall be very glad if I can bring it about Agreeable to my inclinations on your behalf.
HON: MRS. COSBY TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
London Feb ye 7th 1766.
SR
I received yours, by the hands of Your Son, whoe was a great sattisfaction to me, as in every
respect appears to give you happyness in him. I dissird he would look on me as an Old Aunt, & for
advise or introduction I should be as hartey as if to my owne son.
You give me sattisfaction that my affairs may be settiled, on Your side I have had advise & tis
in me to dispose of the lands, & will indemnefie Mr Delancey or whoe ever purchas's under my hand
from anny hazard what ever. so commend it to your goodness to act for me, as cant fail of pleasing
me. I am sorry for the disturbances you have I can asure you we are hear in as great clamours,
pray God things may end well, pertikculers you will have from better hands. I have Ruemetism
in my hands can but just write this and to asure you none can have more sence of your goodness to me,
& the oblegation I have to you then her whoe is with best wishes to You and Yours an
Affectionat frind
and Obliged humble
Servtt
G. CoSBYo
HON: OL. DELANCEY TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
New York ye. 15 June 1766.
DEAR SIR
I reed your Favour of ye 3d Instant yesterday in which you say you had Rec'd a Letter from
Mrs Cosby Relative to Her Concerns here and that she has taken advice -that it is in Her to Dispose
of the Lands and that she will indemnify whoever shall Purchase In answer to which I have to say
that by the Advice I have taken the Power is not in Her During Wm Cosbys Life and that an Indemnification from Her Cannot at Her Time of Life, be a Sufficient Security to me for the Risque I
should run from the Heir of William, should She Die before Him it would be agreeable to my wishes
to make the Purchase and will whenever I can have a secure Title  I should be, Glad you would
Advise Her to Take the Oppinion of Eminent Council Wether the Estate Bequeathed to William by
His Late Father, and he now a Lunatic, can be invested in Mrs Cosby his mother unless conveyed
to Her by William before His Lunacy  I am Greatly obliged to you for your Friendship in the offer
but must beg to postpone the Purchase until the Title be Clearly in Her I always am
Dear St' Your Faithfull & Affectionte
Humble *Sert
To Sr Wm Johnson                                                OLIVER DELANCEY.
at Johnson Hall Albany




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                      483
FROM MESSRS. VROOMAN, GLEN & DUNCAN TO SIR WM. JOHNSON. AUTHORIZING                  HIM
TO PURCHASE 100,000 ACRES OF INDIAN LANDS.
Schenectady, Decemr. 24th 1766.
SIR,
This morning Garlock arrived, and on Examining find it much as you observe, from Intelligence of
Mr. Fry and the Indians, but in order that no stop may be on our part, to get the affair fix'd with
the Indians as you may find occasion to proceed, wee at a venture will purchase all the good Land
on the back of yours, between the two Creeks, that can be found in one body not exceeding a
Hundred Thousand Acres & will pay the Indians for the same in proportion to what they lately rec'd
for other Lands, having regard to the great distance, this is from the River as mentioned by us
formerly, which wee intirely leave to you, as likewise we declared before.
Otherwise we will extend from Sarah McGinnis Corner on your Line about seven miles, as farr as
Mr. Vrooman ran for you, to run from thence a north easterly line, about Eight, Ten, or Twelve miles,
meaning as farr as the good land continues, from which period to run a line across to both Creeks parallel
with your Rear Line, then down or along both the Creeks Including them to your north east & north
west corners.
This wee think will enable you to make an end, at least an agreement with the Indians, which
shall be allways acknowledged as a very Particular favour done to
Sir Your Ever oblig'd and most humble Servants.
ISAAC VROOMAN
JNo. GLENN Junr.
To the Honble Sir Willm. Johnson                                  JOHN DUNCAN.
Bant. &c, &c, &c, Johnson's Hall.
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO GENL. GAGE.
Johnson hall Jany 2d 1767
DEAR SIR
Since I had Last the pleasure of Writing to you which was on the 12th ulto I have received
Letters from Niagara informing me of the burning of one of the Vessells at Navy Island on 30th Novr
last which was at first ascribed to the Indians, but the Comissary with others went thither the next
morng to View the remains and made a Report to the Commandg Officer in writing from which and
from the substance of his Letter it appears that a party of Men had set out before day Light on that
day for Fort Erie and it being very Cold and the Crossing tedious had probably kindled a fire wch
was it seems usual & which they did not take sufficient pains to Extinguish, there does not appear any
probability of the Indians having done this, or that they should destroy one Vessel when they might
as easily have burned both, this is all as yet come to my knowledge concerning the affair, a few days
ago I Read a Letter of the Septr from Mr Croghan then at the Ilinois Very unwell, as were the Greatest
part of the Garrison only 3 Officers and 50 Men fit for duty, his state of health was so bad that he
would be obliged to return by way of JV' Orleans He arrived there the 20th of August, & soon after
had the Satisfaction of accomodating matters with 8 nations there assembled divided into 22 tribes, who
shewed the greatest surprise at his Speech, and declared that they had been greatly imposed upon by
the French, but would for the future avoid being Led astray,-the French who endeavored to obstruct
the Meeting had interest enough to prevent Three Nations from attending, but being undeceived by
the rest they came afterwards and appeared equally satisfied, all which he greatly attributes to the




484                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR. WILLIAM JOHNSON.
assiduity and Good behavior of the Six Nation and other Chiefs that accompanied him Hle adds that
Col Read, and himself found it indispensably necessary to incurr some farther Expences there especially
as he had been compelled to make some presents at Scioto.
I have Lately received Two Letters from Lord Shelburne concerning the Conduct of the Frontier
Inhabitants and the redress of Grievances, in one of them I have been honored with his Majestys
approbation of all my late proceedings and informed that the plan is under Serious Consideration. —
As Mr Croghan takes no notice of any Large body of Troops ascending the Mississipi I imagine
that part of my late intelligence was without foundation, as for the rest touching their Secret Artifices,
Belts, Messages, presents &ca it is very strongly confirmed from Every Quarter and cannot be doubted.
I most sincerely Wish you and family the Compliments of the Season, as I arm,
with the greatest Esteem
D. Sir &c,
Genl Gage
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Johnmon-hall Jany 15th 1767.
DEAR SIR
I have received your favor of the 29th ulto and had the pleasure of writing to you on the 2d of
this,.onth concerning Mr Croghans proceedings at the Ilinois, since which I am informed he arrived
at Philadelphia in a bad State of health so that I have not as yet received the particulars of his Transactions.
I am glad to hear that Mr Maturin has laid by the money you mention, and hope some opportunity
may be found to send it up when the'Sledding is good at present we have little or no Snow hereabouts,
I return you by this opportunity the Receipt signed agreeable to your directions: The French were
doubtless at the bottom of the Affair in West Florida, as they are of all other disturbances on the
Continent. by Letters I have Just received from Corny Hay at Detroit I find some fresh instances
of it. he incloses me Copys of Letters by which I find that the french Traders about Wabache, and the
Miamis are doing all they can to set up the Inds to resent our not permitting Traders amongst them,
that one Capucin who has been very busy in Sending Messages to the Indians told Major Smallman he
would trade where he pleased in defiance of any person or Government whatever and that there are now at
Mliamis Lorraint LaJMotte, Potdevin, Capasin, Bartholomi, Bergen, & Richarville all Traders without
passes,  that the Traders do as they please who have no passes, & leave Detroit in defiance of what
is said to them. That Huron AJndrew a very faihtfull Indian well known has delivered up a belt
(now in my Custody) from Rochblave a French Officer at Misore opposite the Kuskuskics to the' Inds
abt Detroit with an Artfull Message one part of which was that he was glad to hear they were in
peace and Quietness but concluded on the other half of the Belt with desiring them to remember
"6 That the french have been their father a Long while and that in a Short time he believed they
would Quarrel with the English."  that the Shawanese had rec' a Larger Belt on which more was said
& that Babie was to receive and forward all belts and Messages that passed between him and the
Indians.
Lt Hay has Likewise sent me a Copy of a Court of Enquiry held at Detroit, Novr 12th concerning
one Abbot a Trader there without a pass on whom Huron Andrew had an Order from Mr Croghan
for Lb 100 Wt of Lead, & 2 Qr Casks of powder, which on being weighed in other Steelyards fell
short the first Lb, 20 wt the second 5 Lb which Steel Yards being Examd. by the Court & Compared




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOIHNON.                         485
with others were proved to be false as before, that he refused to give bond for his future behaviour
& on being desired not to Trade, Said he would Continue to trade till turned out of his House and
that he desired nothing better, that the Comdg Officer placed a Centry on his House & that he did
not make up the Wt to the Indn till compelled to do so  That he since talks of Coming down the
Country, perhaps to commence a suit. That Indians are daily abused but that there is no preventing it
without proper authority.-This Abbot is a Trader from the province without a pass. I could wish a
proclamatn. was issued Giving Notice to the Traders to apply for passes tLherwise not to be passed
out of the Government, and should be Glad you would remind S1 H. Moore of the necessity there
is for it.-I am sorry to See that, differences are Likely to be between the Comdg Officers and
Compys at some places) by what I can find its owing to the Old Stands Orders respecting the duty
of the former, and wch were given out before the Appointment of Commissaries was projected, as the
Latter is now approved of at home, and the rest of the plan by a Second Letter I have from Ld Shelburne is Likely to be so the Comisss will certainly be of no use unless supported in the Authority
proposed for them over Indians and Traders, which is intended cannot interfere with that of an officer
but will Save the Latter an infinity of trouble-the Office of ComissY was first projected by the Ministry,
and his- powers by them particularly ascertained, which cannot be executed should the Comdg Officer
interfere in Matters of Trade and Traders &ca or should he fail of giving him a reasonable Support when
demanded. besides should the latter prove the case the Traders will disregard the ComY who is to
Inspect them, & he will soon Lose all respect with the Indians, which are the Two prinl Objects of his
Appointment-I take the liberty of mentioning this not as what has happened but what probably
may, and from my inclination to prevent disputes arising where either the Officer or Comsy should
be fond of stretching their authority Assigning their Separate dutys will prevent both, and I flatter
myself you are persuaded that I have not nor can I have any other motive for the Liberty I take
in offering my thoughts hereon.
As Michilimackinac Seems now to be our principal Mart of Trade and that for sevw reasons it should
be well and Duly Inspected I think a ComissY there very necessary, and shall be glad of your thoughts
about it, which if agreable to mine I shall remove one of the Comissys to that place early in the
Spring and appoint another in his Stead
GENL. GAGE TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
New York Janry. 19th 1767.
DEAR SIR
I am favored with your Letter of the da. Inst: The burning of the Sloop has been reported to
me from Niagara, which might have been done either by strolling Indians or others Soldiers Sailors or
Traders either by Accident or Design, for anything that cain be discovered about it.  Had either a
Party of Soldiers or Sailors been left with the Vessel, she could not have been lost in this Manner.
You will hear of Mr. Croghan's arrival at this Place and have an Account from him of all his Transactions, As for the Trade of the Ilinois, and in general of the Mississippi, we may dispose of some
Manufactures there, but whilst Skins and Furs bear a high Price at New Orleans, no Peltry gained by
our Manufactures, will ever reach Great: Britain; And if our Traders do not return with the produce
of their Trade to the Northward Provinces, by way of the Ohio or the Lakes, it will not answer to
England to be at Much Expence about the Mississippi. Mr. Croghan has incurred a very great
Expence in this Tour to the Ilinois, of which he is now giving in his Account.
Capt. Maturin sent you by Capt. Stevenson the sum of ~776. 4. 0. which I hope will get safe to you,
and has paid some of your Draughts.




486                        NIANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
My Family join me in thanks to you for your kind Remembrance, and in wishing a series of happy
years. And I am with great Regard,
Dear Sir, Your most obedient,
humble Servant,
Sr. Wm. Johnson Bart.                                                THos. GAGE.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
New York Janry. 25th. 1767.
DEAR SIR)
I am favored with your's of the 15th Inst with the Receipt you was pleased to sign, M1. Croghan is
here and just setting out for Philadelphia, as you will have heard from him, I need not mention his
Transactions. The Temporary Receipt given by Mr'. Wharton will now be.cancelled and returned
to him.
From all I can pick up, out of the Many accts. received from all Parts concerning the Ilinois,
and the Mississippi in general, very little Benefit is likely to arise to Great Britain from the Trade
thereof. Some British Manufactures may possibly be disposed of, but as long as Skins and Furrs bear
a high Price at New-Orleans, they will never be brought to a British Market. The Indian Trade in
general from the observations which I have made, will always go with the Stream; and the whole
will either go down the St. Lawrence or Mississippi Rivers. I don't find that the Furr Trade in these
Colonys is at all increased Since the Reduction of Canada.
I am quite sensible of the Irregular Behavior of the Traders, and have intimated to his XIajesty's
Secretary of State what I told the Board of Trade four or five years ago; that they must be restrained
by Law, and a Judicial Power invested in the Officers Commanding at the Posts, to see such Law
put in Force. And without this, Regulations may be made, but they will never be observed. As
for the Traders from the Ilinois I have given orders to seize them and their Merchandize whenever it
can be done, but you will know the Difficulty of this as well as Myself. If the Entrance of the Ohio
and Ilinois Rivers are shut up by Posts, it will prevent those Traders getting into our Country. And
this is the only Benefit that I can see that we shall gain by possessing the Ilinois Country; unless that
is done, it is better to abandon it. The Traders whom you mention to be at the Miamis are all French
Names, I shall transmit them to Govr. Carleton and to Colonel Reed at Fort-Chartres, they must belong
either to Canada or the Ilinois.
I know of no Standing Orders that can occasion any Dispute between the Officers Commanding at
the Posts and the Commissarys, If each chooses to keep to their own spheres, and not interfere with
each others Business.  I have before wrote to the Posts concerning this Matter.  If People are
disposed to-have Disputes itwill be difficult to prevent them, but I shall do all I can towards it.
Michillimakinak seems to be the most Material Post we have, and certainly more necessary for a
Commissary than any other.
Sir Henry Moore shall be acquainted with your Desire concerning the Traders being obliged to take
Passes.
Capi. Maturin will pay Mr. Byrns the whole Ballance remaining due upon your Account, which will
not amount to quite so much as the Sum, which you desire may be paid to him.
I am with great Regard Dear Sir,
Your most obedient humble Servant,
TuoS. GAGE.
Sir Wm. Johnson Bart. Johnson Hall.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                           487
P. S. I inclose some Letters for the Posts, which I beg of you to forward when you meet an
opportunity.  It is reported that all the Traders who came this year to Missilimakinak have been
permitted to ramble wherever they chose.
T: G:
CAPT MATURIN TO SIR WM JOHNSON.
New York January 28th i767
SIR,
Mr Burns will deliver you the Sum of Seven hundred, Sixty Six, pounds, One Shilling and Seven
pence N: York Currency, which together with the Sum before forwarded to you by Captn Stevenson,
which I had the honor to advise you of, makes up the whole of your Acct of Disbursements sent some
time since to the General. The inclosed Sketch will show you the different payments that have been
made.
I herewith enclose you a Receipt for the whole Sum, which you'll Be pleased to return to The
General, and then all the small receipts will be cancelled. I have the honor to be,
Sir, You most Obedient
Sir Wm Johnson Bart                                         humble Servant
G. MATJRIN.
Sir William Johnson Bart
1766.     Dr
Decemr 30th To Cash paid His Draft in favor of Wm  Darlington................................................  398. 6. 3
1767   To Ditto   cc"   c     Thompson & Alexander,....................................  180. 0. 0
January 16.  To Cash sent by Captain Stevenson 28th Regt.................................  1776. 4. 0
27  To Do sent by  Mr Burne....................................................  766. 1. 7
~3120.11.10
Cr
By amt of Disbursements on Account of the Indians...............~,.,.........,.......,.....  3120.11.10
SIR WM JOHNSON TO GENL GAGE.
Johnson hall Jany 29th 1767
DEAR SIR
I have had the favor of your Letter of the 19th Inst at the same time I received another from Mr
Croghan, with a General Account of his Transactions, & informing me that his bad state of health
would not permit him to send me the Whole till his return to Philadelphia, he has again renewed
his desire signified to me in April of resigning, and is very sollicitous to resign, and have somebody
put in his place. I have for the last time advised him to think farther about it, and indeed I should
be at some loss if he pursued his inclinations from his long acquaintance and influence amongst the
Indians in his Deputation, for it is such people only who are best calculated for that service, but he
seems very uneasy and without assigning more than I formerly mentioned appears determined. I
know he was greatly affected at the Slanders of some persons in Pensylvania sometime ago, when he
declared his inclination to resign as soon as he returned from the Illinois. I must do him the justice
to say that he has ever been ready to offer his Service wherever it was necessary and that he has
formerly suffered many losses on these occasions, neither have I ever been able to find out that he was




488                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
interested, however this may be I shall beg the favor of your advice and direction touching his request,
as I know not whether he has taken the Liberty of mentioning it to you.
I am entirely of your opinion concerning the Trade &c by way of Missisipi whilst the traders
find better Markets at N Orleans &c, but I apprehend it might be remedied by Confining the Northern
Traders to the posts, and if La Baye, f Miami's, were reestablished the Inds would soon resort there
in great numbers and the Furrs would return to the Northwardbut as it would not well answer those
Trading at & about the Missisipi to send theirs by any other way than that River, some restrictions
might I imagine be fallen upon to prevent the French from Engrossing it, and if proper Steps
Could be taken to direct the Channel of Trade in West Florida, where the French are so well supplied
with goods, N Orleans would not Long be the Mart in that Quarter, tho' I own this appears a difficult
task as each Province has a peculiar Interest which must often interfere with the General good of the
Whole.
I have had a Letter from Capt Maturin concerning the Cash, and another from Capt Stevenson
who tells me it is in his hands, & I shall send the Receipt by next apportunity.
Mr Croghan has represented the Case of the Indian Deputys who accompanied him to the Ilinois
to whose Services he was greatly indebted, and who lost their hunting season thereby, I cannot but
recommend this to your Consideration, as a reward for their behavior and an incitement to others to act
in like manner, whatever is ordered for them may be given them at Fort Pitt;-I wish the Services
lately performed at the Ilinois may appear adequate to the expense, the amount of which I am not
acquainted with but I suppose you are furnished with the particularsI have only further to assure you of the perfect Regard with which I am
Genl Gage.                                                  Dear Sir
GEN. GAGE TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
New York Febry. 8th. 1767.
DEAR SIR,
I have received-yours of the 29th ullm: Mr. Croghan has intimated here his Design of quitting
the Service; but I have heard no other Reason given for it but that he does not find it answer; and
that he could do better for himself in another situation.
No better Method occurs to me to prevent the French from interfering with our Trade, or our own
Traders from carrying their Furs and Skins down the Mississippi, than to forbid all kinds of Merchandize
going up the Ohio or Ilinois Rivers, and all Ships from going down those Rivers; and unless Posts
are erected on convenient spots near the Junction of those two Rivers with the Mississippi, with orders
to the above Purpose, the Ilinois will be of little use. At present you can only say that there is a
Fort, which may give us some superiority with respect to the Savages; at an enormous Expence; but
little or no service as to the Trade. The French would then have no way left to come into our
Country, but by the Wisconsin River high up the Mississippi which a Post on the River Renard a
little beyond the Bays might also prevent. To erect as many Posts as the Trade would demand, I fear
would be very difficult as Lake Superior alone would require three or four. Whether the Indians are
spirited up by the Traders; or it is their natural attachment to old Customs, and the ease they found in
getting their necessarys at home, without going so farr for them, I can't say; but they seem every where
averse to the Regulations of trading at the Posts only; especialy those who are at a Distance from
the Posts, and desire Traders to be sent to them.
What you think proper to be done with the Indian Deputys shall be clone, in such manner as you




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSONo                       489
shall direct. Mr'. Croghan's accts: have been inspected settled and paid, I will desire Capt.Maturin
to send you a sketch of them for your Information.
I am with great Regard Dear Sir,
Your most obedient
humble servant,
Sr. Wm. Johnson.                                                      TnoS. GAGE.
THE   SAME TO THE     SAME.
New York Febry. 17th. 1767.
SIR
The bearer of this is Major Gorham who by His Majestys desire (as communicated to me in the
inclosed Letter from the Duke of Richmond) was to be appointed Superintendant for Indian Affairs in
Accadie, but as I thought this appointment would interfere with you, you being Superintendant for all
Indian Affairs in the whole Northern District of America, I took the Liberty to say as much to the
Secretary of State, and that if Major Gorham did Act, that it should be immediately under you, either
as a Deputy or Commissary as you might judge proper, which would prevent any clash in Your Department. In answer to which I have by this Packet received a Letter from my Lord Shelburn who is
Sensible of the Objections I pointed out to the Duke of Richmond and approves of the methods I
proposed. I have therefore sent Major Gorham to you, in order that you may Settle with him the Indian
Affairs for the Accadie Department, and that he may receive such Orders and Directions from you
as you may judge proper for the Good of His Majestys Service
I am Sir
Your most Obedient
humble Servant
Sr. Wm, Johnson Bart.                                                 THos. GAGE.
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO GEN. GAGE.
Johnson-hall Feby 24th. 1767
DEAR SIR
I have had the favor of yours of the 8th inst with the inclosed Sketch of Mr. Croghans Expencesl
from whom I have not heard since my last to him.
Capt Johnson who goes to N York to attend the hearing of the affair of the Wappingers agreable to
Lord Shelburnes Letters to me will mention my thoughts concerning what is necessary for the Indian
Deputys that accompanied Mr. Croghan.
There are good Authorities for proving that sevl. Traders have prompted the Indians to desire the
Trade at discretion throughout their Country, nevertheless there may be some Nations to the Northward
who are so wedded to their Antient Customs, and so Circumstanceed as to require it of themselves,
but this is only the particular case of those Northern Inds. mentioned in a former Letter, I am happy
in finding my opinion perfectly Correspondent with yours respecting the Trade by Mississipi and the
establishing some Necessary posts at the Junction of the principal Rivers which fall into it. The
Coimmunickatn Westward from La Baye is of importance, and the Indians will readily agree to the
erecting a post there, I am sensible that it will not be practicable to erect posts at every place required
but if the Trade of L. Superior is excepted, the posts now held, & those you have mentioned will be
sufficiently Convenient for the rest.               I am &ca.
His Excelloy Genl Gage.'VOL. II                               62




490                      MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
GENL GAGE TO SIR WV. JOHNSON.
New York March 9th. 1767.
DEAR SIR.
I have received your Letter of the 24th of Febry by Capt: Johnson who has been employed
since his`arrival in attending the Council, on the affair of the Wappingers which is pretty near over.
There is little for me to answer in that Letter, and I have only now to acquaint you, that Major
Goreham is returned well satisfied with his Interview with you at Johnson Hall, and will proceed to
Nova-Scotia on his Duty as soon as you shall send him his appointment and Instructions; which matters
I leave entirely to you, and I shall only furnish him with orders to the Military Commanders to give
him all the assistance he shall require in the execution of his Employment. If you send your Letters
for the Major under my Cover they will be forwarded to him.
I am with great Regard, Dear Sir,
your most obedient,
humble Servant,
Sr, Wm Johnson Bart.                                                     THos GAGEO
SIR Wm. JOHNSON TO GENL. GAGE.
Johnson-Hall April: 1st 1767.
DEAR SIR
Herewith I enclose you my Accot of pay & Disbursemts incurred in the Department to the 25th. ulto.
for which I hope to be favored with your warrant as soon as convenient.
Capt Johnson who arrived here the 26th has given me your Sentiments on the sev1. Subjects recommended to him-I am fully sensible of the difficulties which at present attend the Execution of his
Majestys Orders respecting Indian Affairs and that both the Officers and Commissaries are in many cases
liable to be called to an accot for their Support thereof whenever they go down the Country, at the
same time I do not See how Affairs canl be carried on unless something can be fallen upon for remedying
the Abuses & Disorders which now are, and which will increase till the Offenders find themselves under
proper control, as a farther proof of which I have just received Letters from Fort Pitt acquainting
me that all the Traders have left that post and are gone amongst the Inds. In defiance of the Commissary who used all the means in his power to prevent them and applied to the Conmd Officer for
Assistance for that purpose but could not obtain it, to remedy which I know nothing more effectual than
for the sevl Governors to put the bonds of such Traders in Suit, and to mention the place of Trade
in their passes in which case I submit it to you whether a Commandg officer may not on receipt of
your Orders, without risque to himself assist the ComY in preventing the Traders from exceeding the
Latitude prescribed them, and for the preventing any disputes between Comdg Officers and Comnmissaries, the Regulations of Trade and Indian Affairs to be transmitted to the posts & confined as intended
to the Latter who should report to the former all Material Occurrences and be Assisted by him in the
manner I have mentioned, with sufficient Quarters for the Corny, Interpreter, andI Smith, as also firewood
& provisions and I am of opinion it would create a saving in other Articles to the Crownif the Comy was
permitted to give out to the Indians in most Want some of the damaged provisions, the Onondagas have
now sent me a Deputation representing that they are in Great Want at present, and if there are any
damaged provisions at Ontario I am certain some wod be very well applied to relieve the Necessities
of that Nation,
If I have proposed more than you see fitting, or than is practicable I err throg a desire of rendering




MANUSCRIPTS OS SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                     491
the Indians contented, & of enabling the Indn; Officers to discharge the Trust reposed in them, in the
mast effectual manner, and I persuade myself that you will View it in no other point of Light, but
kindly give me your farther Sentiments hereon.-Amongst other Betters I have just received one an
Extract of wch I Judged it necessary to inclose to you respecting the intentions of the Virginians to
form a Large Settlement near Monongahala. I am alarmed for the Safety of these imprudent people,
but much more so on accot. of the public tranquility wch must be disturbed should they attempt to
Execute their illjudged plan, and as it evidently tends to renew our Troubles, I Wish it may be in your
power to prevent so dangerous a procedure, and that the Colonists may see how deeply they are interested
in putting a Stop to it in which case I hope they will make a requisition of Troops if (as I suppose)
they cannot otherwise Check so Lawless a people.-I am induced to be of opinion that where any set
of people are taking measures which may Affect the whole & which must in their consequences be
productive of a War they should doubtless be prevented by Order, & by the forces of the Crown, should
the Colonists be so blind as to disregard it, or the American Govts, want powers to reduce their people
to order. I observe this from a Conviction that a War must be the consequence of these transactions and
that Great Britain must in that case be at the Expense of its blood and Treasure to no small amount
before the Indians are brought to reason.-I heartily wish that the Government may be sensible of
the necessity there is for some more vigorous Measures which by ensuring peace to the Colonies will
produce so many advantages to itsself.
Major Gorham has applied to me for a Draft on you for ~300 Ster to carry on the Affairs in his
Deputation, and also represented the necessity for provisions to' be had when Inds, are on public
business, the latter I think a reasonable request and as to the Cash I cal have no objection to giving
him the Draft if you approve it. This Leads me to observe how disagreeably I am circumstanced on the
Cash accot. The Officers in the Department are not raonied Men, they are under the necessity of incurring
some Expenses the particulars of which they may not from their situation be able to transmit within
suffict time for my Accots altho' the Draft may come upon,me at a time when I must either advance my
own money, or injure their future credit. These have so distressed me so oftdh that I perceive the
necessity there is for my having Some Cash always in hand to answer Exigences, and relieve me from
the disagreeable necessity, of taking up money for the public Service on my private accot as I have been
often compelled to do, I know I need not to enlarge upon this Subject if it is in your power to remedy
it and I am confident you will excuse my representation of it.
Mr. Croghan is now here and is to continue in his office, he will set out in a few days and wait upon
you to receive your Commands for Fort Pitt whither he proceeds immediately.
I have (chiefly in consequence of my sev1. Letters from the Ministry) drawn up some necessary regulations. for Trade & the Commisys duty such as may I apprehend be enforced among others I have left it to
the discretion of the Commissy to the Northward to admit a few such Traders as he may find absolutely
necessary to go to the Winterings North of Lake Huron & the Ottawa Rivr. from the Severity of the Winter
there, but this indulgence not to be Extended to the Southwd, As the Traders seem bent on this &
that I don't see how they can be prevented I Judged this a necessY article, but must beg the favor of
your directions on that head.
Genrl. Gage.




492                         MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSONo
THE SAME TO TIHE SAME.
Johnson-hall, April 3d. 1767.
DEAR SIR
Altho' I have wrote you pretty fully by this opportunity I could not refuse Mr. Croghan my
sanction in favor of his accots. herewith sent.
He apprehends that the Malice of some of his Enemys may have prejudiced him both in youl
opinion and mine weh. he declares has hurt him  much; and jtis to this Cause that he expressed
a desire to resign his employment, a mistake which I have cleared up, but at the same time he is
extremely desirous to know ithe Authors of so many bad reports concerning his Conduct, and in fact I
believe he has been used very ill, and traduced at a time when he was doing his utmost for the service.
The accots. I now enclose are partly Expences which he should have given in on his return from N
Orleans, the rest are part of his acct. of Losses in the Service for some time past, the whole of which
amounts to Double the Sum but such articles only are selected out of it as appear to me unexceptionable,
and I have not the least reason to doubt them to be just, having examined the Vouchers, so that I am
persuaded they will be admitted.
I am well satisfied that a great part of the cash for which he sold his Lands has been at different
times advanced for the Service, and I could say much in favor of several large articles which he has
not included in the present accot as he had so long neglected them from a Confidence that they would
be paid at any time. But I need not to enlarge upon this subject to you, who will be able to judge
sufficiently of the propriety of his application, and will doubtless favor me or him with directions on
that head. In justice I cannot say less of his readiness in the discharge of his Duty and the reasonableness
of his accots. and I hope you will excuse my freedom  in writing you upon a subject"which I cannot
help viewing in a favorable Light, and which I thought it my duty to recommend to your attention.
Genl Gage.
Endorsement.
"' April 3d 1767. To GENL. GAGE concerning Mr. Croghan's Accots.."
SPEECH OF THE MOHIAWKS AND SCOHAREE INDIANS, TO SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON BARONET
&ca, RELATIVE TO A LATE       PURCHASE    MADE AT SCHOHAREE.
Abraham Speaker,
BROTHER GORAH WARRAGHIIYAGEY
We are come-to acquaint you with a very extraordinary Affair which we were Yesterday made
acquainted with by some of our Neighbours of Scoharee, and as it concerns, us, We would be glad to
hear from You the reason of such doings. It is concerning the Lands we Sold when the Governor was
at your House last Fall, for the use of Hannis Lawyer and his Associates, from whom we then received
the full consideration for which we agreed, and now we understand that Lawyer and his friends, are to
have but one half of it-To us, such doings appear strange, and I believe You would think hard of us
were We to act so, We cannot therefore in Justice to them  People (who have been long about that
Tract, and at a good deal of Expence besides, the purchase money) allow the Land to be Surveyed for
People with whom are not acquainted neither did we ever hear of the least intention they had in purchasing
them Lands, and if they had applyed, we could not think of leting them, or any other sett of People
have the Land which we had so long ago promised. to the purchasers, which you may rememberBROTHER we declared to the Governor at the time the Deed lay on your Table ready to be Signed,
and gave him our reasons then for it. which together with the carefull mariner everything was then done;




MIANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                      493
We imagined there never could be any the least squable about it hereafter, but in-short Brother, we
are sorry to see that the white People (who have more sense than we) will for the sake of geting Land
wrong one another, since that is the case, what are we Indians to expect from You.
BROTHER
WVe have no more to say to the Subject but to request you will let us know if you can the reason
for such doings, if you cannot, We would then beg of you to enquire of the Governor, who no doubt
is acquainted with every thing relative to that affair, as it was transacted in his presence.  Ended.
Sir William told them that he was an entire Stranger to the cause of such a division as was now
proposed to be made of the Land they mentioned, but would at their request transmit what they now had
*said on the Subject, to the Governor, whose answer he would communicate to them on receipt thereof.
Johnson Hall the 9th day
A true Copy Examd                             of April 1767.
by G Johnson
Dep. Agt acts as Secy.
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO GEN'L GAGE.
Johnson Hall April 18th, 1767.
DEAR SIR
Before the receipt of your favour of the 5th, instt. I had received an acct. of the Murder
of the Traders by the Cherokees, they have neither plundered or Scalped them which shows that it
has been done by way of retaliation, —Tis certain they have exceeded the number of those who
were killed by the white people, but they never act on equal principles on such occasions, and it was
of this I have been all along so apprehensive, for as the Life of an Individual is of much more consequence to them than those of Ten in our Estimation, their thirst for Revenge is without bounds, Nor can
I well see how satisfaction can be easily obtained from them. A Genl. War has taken its rise from
a smaller Cause, for they imagining that War is intended & being once entred seldom recede, and the.
Lawless persons who have been the Authors of it would be the last to rise it defence of their Country
if invaded, as experience has shown. The Westrn Nats. may not follow the Cherokees Example, on
account of the murder of the 2 Squas at Detroit by a negro who is now in jail, but I believe will escape
punishment for ye want of prosecution. I believe Col. Campbell and his officers, who were then at
Detroit, know ye. affair as well as any.
I have had a particular information of the murder of the Delaware Indian at Redstone Creek,
it appears from the information of sev1. White Men that the Quarrell arose thro' the Instigation of Coll.
Cresap of Maryland who trades on that frontier &, (probably from interested motives), had actually
told the deceased that if he met with any Traders in the Country or going to it, he should take their
Liquorfrom them & cause the Kegs to be staved. This is one of the consequences of suffering Traders
to ramble wherever great profits may seduce them, and I consider it as only a prelude of what is to
follow unless they are timely and effectually restrained.
Althol it is a necessary step, Yet I have but Little hopes from Proclamations, as I have some reason
to think that there will not be Vigorous Measures pursued agt. those who disregard them.
In all probability the late affair may obstruct the fixing the boundary between North Carolina &
Virginia. The Northern Confederacys have no just claims to the lands South of the mouth of Ohio, for
altho' they have long been at War with the Southern Indians, whom they greatly overmatch, particularly
in abilities-yet they never made an absolute Conquest of that Country. Mr. Stewart has wrote to




494                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNON.
me that Deputies are to be sent to the Northward to sue for peace, if it can be effected. I know
them to be so implacable in their Resentmt. that it will be of very short duration, and the demands of
the Northern Inds. are the Latter shall submit to be their slaves, and acknowledge that their Country
is conquered, otherwise they will continue the War.
Lieut. Roberts sets off immediately as Commissary for Michilimackinac, Capt. Lieut. 3/lLeod,
removes to JNiagara, and I have appointed Mr. Michl. Byrne, who is a person of good character, some
time in this country, who has been a CommissY of provisions on the frontiers, and is become somewhat acquainted with the Inds., to succeed him at Ontario.
A few days after I transmitted my last accts. a Draft was tendered me for payment of ~300 N.
Y. Curry, from a Mercht. at Montreal, for Presents as I understand, purchased & given lately to some
Inds. by order of the Governor, as I have no Letter of Advice from any person on the subject, and
that I don't apprehend I have any thing to do in it, I gave the Drafts back, until I should receive your
directions respecting it.
I am,
His Excelloy. Gen1. Gage.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Johnson hall April 24th 1767.
Dear Sir
I have had the favor of your Letter of the 13th inst and have forwarded the inclosure to
OntarioThe Orders you have sent to Niagara and to Fort Pitt, will I expect prove of great service towards
the better conducting of Affairs, I am far from thinking that the Article of provisions should become a
general rule for all Indians, it is only meant when there is a real necessity for it.In my Instructions to Major Gorhara I have restricted him from incurring any unavoidable expenses,
he is only to See them once a year, in Meeting, when his Expenses will be limited for he can do nothg
without some Expense and,t other times when they shall come on business to him he will regulate
himself by the former practice, I have likewise restricted all the Commissarys throughout the Department
and given them the best orders I could respecting their Conduct so that (unless some change happens)
the Expenses of this Year will fall far short of the last which was chiefly increased by the Ilinois Treaty
&c-I have hitherto transmitted a regular Acet half yearly. of the pay due to all the officers at present
in the Department but some of them are so distant that they are obliged to take up money from Merchts
or Traders Who draw upon me before I have recd it, and should I not advance my -own money,
or borrow as I have often done, the officers credit is hurt, and he will not again be supplied when in
the utmost need, for which reason I am entirely of opinion, that to have Cash in hand I should either
be empowered to draw for certain Sums on the Treasury, or they to remit money for the Departmt
this should in my opinion regard the officers pay &c only, as the Disbursements & occasional expenses
will pass very well thro' the present Channel.  If you approve of this I could wish you would
recommend it to the Government as I purpose to do & I imagine if they agree to it, it will greatly
facilitate the Service.-Should the plan be laid aside, I must. Indeed lay before the Govt the necessity
there is for my being impowered to purchase Goods in England to a certain Annual Amt for the annual
public Congress, and such expenses as may be nearly ascertained, Thro' the want of this I am necessitated to take up Goods in sAmerica in a hurry at double the Charge, which greatly inflames the public
Accots of the Department, the Saving which I propose is worthy attention, and I flatter myself it will
meet with your recommendation



MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM, JOHNSON.                        495
I have given Mr Croghan positive orders for retrenching Expences and I am certain he will Strictly
follow them, Whilst affairs remain as they are the prest expenses will be very small compared with the
past, I am only concerned abt the duration of the present Tranquility, which seems at best a matter
of Great doubt from the different advices I have lately received.Amongst the rest I have certain accots, from some Indians who never yet deceived me, & who are
returned from the War agt the Southern Indians that they have discovered a general discontent arising
amst all the Nations thro' which they passed on acct of the many late Murders committed on the frontiers & the Settlements making in their Country,-that the spirit of resentment prevails universally
throughout the Warriors,that the Sachems being averse to a War have done and are still doing all in
their power to restrain them from committing hostilities, but that they are very doubtful of success.I shall enquire as far as possible into these matters and endeavor to prevent it if I can, and with that
View shall talk the 6 Nations who are to meet me. in a few days at the Germanflatts on my Summons
in consequence of the request made to me by the Qovrs of Pensilvania and Maryland that I would
endeavor to obtain the consent of the Indians to run the Division Line to the Westermost Extremity
of these provincesI am well informed that Chabert Joncair is preparing to set out with a Cargo of goods for Niagara,
and heartily wish he could by some means be prevented, for I am convinced that no good can come
of that Journey, and that he will be as ready to infuse dangerous Sentiments into the Minds of
the Indians as they will be to give credit to all he says from the great esteem in which he is held by
them-I had almost forgot to mention that there are at the posts some Cloathing which was long since
sent up, to be given to the Indians, but are now a good deal damaged by Lying by, I would
therefore desire your directions respecting them & whether you would not think it best to have the same
delivered to the commissaries for the use of the Indians, as it would be a Saving to the Crown.
I inclose you an Extract of a Letter from Fort Pitt-mentioned to have been sent in one of my late
Letters, but which was forgot till this time.I am, with the Greatest Esteem
Dr. Sir, &c.
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO CAPT. MATURIN.
Johnson-hall April 24th. 1767.
SIR
I have received your Letter of the 13th inst. and now enclose to Mr. ComY Genl Leake an order
on you for ~1732. 11. 10. N York Curr. being the Ammount of Mr. Croghans last Accot. given in to
the General, who Mr. Croghan writes me allowed of it and required my Order on him for the payment.
I also Enclose to Mr. Henry White an Order on you for ~1568. 13. 7. Y Curry. being the Ammount
of the pay, Expences &c of Mr Cole Commissary at the Ilinois, which (according to the Letters I
have received) you was to pay so soon as you received my Order.
I am in much want of the pay of the Officers and my Disbursements, as I am daily obliged to advance
cash for both, but I make no doubt of your readiness to settle the whole as soon as you have it in your
power, and I thank you for the readiness you have Expressed in these Matters.
I am, with Esteem, Sir,
G Maturin Esq.




496                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNS05tO
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO GEN'L GAGE.
Johnson-hall May 20th. 1767.
DEAR SIR
Your favor of the 4th. Inst I received at the German Flatts, and that of the 11th. on my arrival at
home.
I have with much difficulty obtained the Inds. consent to permit the divisional lines of Pensilvania &
Maryland to be run to the Westward of the Allegany. The- number of Inds. that attended was
627, which was much more than I expected or desired. Previous to my setting out I received
very unfavorable accots of their disposition & unwillingness to come down, which obliged me to take
such steps as would shew them that we continued our friendship as usual, I accordingly purchased
some Goods which added to the present from the Provinces of Maryland and Pensilvania afforded
them all a part and sent them away Contented, after having wth. much difficulty settled the differences
between them and the frontier people, and prevailed on them to agree to a peace with the Cherokees.
The Exigency of the occasion prevented me from consulting you hereon or waits. yr. ansr., which I
know you will Excuse on that accot. and as soon as possible I shall send down on accot of the Expenses,
wh. are not considerable on such an occasion. I -have not for a considerable time past discovered so
general a discontent- amongst them, the causes of which have been daily increasing, and retaliation
seemed resolved upon. There is a French lad at Detroit who saw the Negro murder the Squaws of
which I thought it necessary to acquaint you. I wish the fellow who fled to Virginia may be apprehended, & the Intruders near the Ohio, removed, which will have a good Effect,
The Expenses of North America, is doubtless a matter of serious Consideration at home, the more so
from the proceedings of people here,-It will nevertheless be a great pity & a general loss should they
affect the public Service or the Security of the Country, which must be the case if they. are
hasty in their Resolutions. The withdrawing the Garrisons from the Small posts may not be attended
with ill consequences; but care certainly should be taken of the frontiers otherwise such a scope will be
given both to Indians and French, as will leave them at Liberty to form Designs and even put them
in Execution before we are able to take any precautions for the public security.
I have had lately two Letters from Govr. Carlton who mentioned the presents he gave the Indians
& sent a Certificate of the authenticity of the Accot, I think he ought to have fallen on a method
to have discharged it without bringing it into the AccotS, of the Department, according to the Custom
of other Governments, however I was obliged to promise that I would answer the Draft, if you approved
of it, or else suffer it to be protested,-Govr. Carleton has answered me on the subject of the Conduct
of the Canadians to the Westward. It seems the latter have given an Extraordinary good Character
of themselves, and appeal to Lt. Coll Gladwin for their past Conduct this appears pretty odd as he
made the most particular Charges against them, and transmitted the strongest proofs to support them.
I wish (from the tenor of the Govrs. Letter) that the Inhabitants of that Government may not have
prejudiced him in their favor, which I am. induced to think they will do, having one Common interest
to support, and all aiming at going.where, or doing what they please, as well as making false charges
agt. ComissYs. never yet complained of.
The consequences of Traders going where they think proper have been felt both to the Northward
& Southward, the fairest Dealers may be robbed & murdered, how much more have those to Expect
who act otherwise, yet these private murders finally produce a War, which it is our business to prevent
by preventing the cause. Trade with people beyond any Civil Government, under the'immediate protection
of the Crown, and these people uncivilized incapable of giving Evidence or of obtaing. Justice but by
Retaliation, without such Officers and Inspectors ought Surely to be seriously to, be attended to, and
under these circumstances it can be no infringement of the liberty of the subject that we guard against




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                         497
the dangers in which all might be involved by the misConduct of a few. If the officers of the Crown
differ in Sentiments with the Government, as well as with one another, the Service must fail in its
principal object, and the Commissaries unsupported, & of Course Complained of from all Quarters must
prove a needless Expense. These appointments did not originate with me and I have no reason to enter
into the Merits of the affair but that it was a Judicious System proposed & approved of by Government,
I have heard no complaints but of Lt. Hay who I have ordered to prepare his (lefence, and who should
not be condemned unheard on a charge brought by a Man who deserved punishment himself, I have
received a very different acct. from Capt. Turnbull of the affair, which cannot yet be determined on
either side. Govr. Carleton could not with propriety in my opinion write me to desire " that no Violence
be offered to the Trcaers."  The Comissy. (admitting the Complaints true) not having Exercised as
much power as required by the plan, neither can it be insinuated that I should give any officers of the
Department the least countenance to do so.
I have reed. and forwarded the Order respects. the Cloaths remaining at the posts, & shall write
to Major Rogers to incurr no more Expenses, as you desire, Agreeable to which likewise I have wrote
to Mr. Henry Cuyler at Albany to receive the Cash, of which I am in the utmost want.  Be assured
that I always am, with perfect esteem,
Dear Sir &c
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Johnson-hall June 12th. 1767,
DEAR SIRa
I have had the pleasure of yours of the 1st. Inst, and at the same time received one from Capt
Maturin advising me of the Cash for which I have now sent to Albany.
Capt Turnbull will I dare say, send down the French Lad with any other Evidences necessary for
the Tryal of the Negro. That Lad as it has been reported to me was passing by and actually saw
the Murder committed, if so, there will be little farther proofs required.
I cannot but agree with you in Opinion that Lt. Govr'. Carleton is new in Indian Affairs, and I believe
he either came over with strong prejudices, or has been imposed upon by a people whose interest ii
is to deceive him,-I cannot otherwise account for the Tenor of his late correspondence, where ams
other matters he has thought proper to advice me to prevent the Commissaries from being guilty of
Acts of Violence, particularly to the Canadians who assure him that they are the best of Subjects &
appeal to Lt. Col Gladwin for a Character during the late Indian War-this is really Extraordinary at
no Gentleman was more acquainted with or discovered more resentment at their Conduct of which h(
was daily transmitting proofs,-I have now just recd. a Copy of a Letter from Mr. Carleton to somni
Traders, wherein he Expresses his Astonishment that the Commissrs. shod. have any thing to do witl
them sends them passes to Trade wherever it is convenient observing however that he cannot ye
dispense with the Regulatns adds that he has wrote to the Secy of State &c about it, with many othe
particulars which from my Letters appear contrary to the Sense of the Government who first createi
these appointments & shod. Annihilate them if they are not supported in Correcting the abuses in Trad
& Indian Transactions.-he says the Complaints agt the Commissaries are General, and particularl:
as to their severe Treatment of those from his Government. Whereas it is well known no ComissY
was hitherto at Michilimackinac the prin'. Rendezvous of the Canadians, and as for the rest I hav
never heard any Complaint but agt Mr Hay & that for the very reverse of what he is charged, th
Complaints made to me against him by petns, signed by sundry persons being for manifesting a blin
VOL. II.                                63




498                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
& bigotted partiality to the Canadns. all w ch they offer to prove circumstantially on Oath & for which
he is now to answer.
Had there been the least plausible pretence for Exhibit'g Complaints agt the Comisss. of Niagara &
Ontario I should soon have had petns. Letters, &c on that head from the Traders, but it is well known
that the 2 Latter posts have little or nothing to do with those from that Governmt. & as no Commissary
was at Michilimackinac it must rest on Mr. Hay, who is accused to me by a powerfull number of
persons for a conduct diametrically opposite to the Canadian charge. In fact the Traders both English
& French, but particularly the latter generally do as they please and it is not in the power of the Comissys to prevent them One of the consequences of their Liberty is the murder of Jadot, & the Indian
we must Expect many such accidents if they Trade where they please with people who have it not in
their power to obtain justice from us be their Conduct what it will, and who are so sensible thereof &
so revengefull that they will not hesitate to do mischief, when they think themselves aggrieved,-I have
had the particulars of Jadots Affair, and wish it may go no farther, the Indn. murdered is Son to the
Chief of Cheneessio, a Troublesome people who have much influence, Two, or Three such instances
may bring about such consequences as will open the Eyes. of the public, and convince the Government
of the necessity there is for having the Trade with Inds under some Limitation & Inspection or otherwise
Leave the whole to chance.
Capt Browne writes me that he has at ye. request of Comissry Roberts caused Two Traders to be
apprehended at Toronto where they were Trading contrary to Authority I hope Lt. Govr. Carleton will
agreeable to the Declaraon in one of his Letters have them prosecuted and punished as examples to
the rest-I am informed that there are Several more from Canada trading with the Inds. on the North
Side of Lake Ontario; and up along the Rivers in that Quarter, which if not prevented, must entirely
ruin the fair Trader.                                 I am &c.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Johnson-hall July Ist. 1767.
DEAR SIR
Since my last of the 12th Inst Mr. Chabert arrived here together with Lt. Carleton nephew to
the Govr. with Letters Very much in favor of the former, representing his quiet and good behavior, the
11l treatment he met with in France which must prejudice him against that nation, that having now
bought a Large Cargo for the purposes of Trade he & family must be ruined unless allowed to dispose
of it, from all which and from his repeated intreatys and assurances of behaving in such a manner as
should render him worthy that indulgence, I was at a loss how to refuse him, and therefore have wrote
by him to Brigr. Carleton, acquainting him that I should give you notice thereof. If Mr. Chabert will
act the part of a Wise man, & a man of honor as I am willing to hope. I imagine he will not abuse such
indulgence, and therefore as I cannot take upon to make any further objections to him I must submit the
matter entirely to your consideration.
By Letters from  the Commissarys I am  informed that the Comdg Officers have told them that
they could not issue out any provns, to them, or to the Interpreters, or Smiths.
I know it is an Article of Expense but I am really at a Loss what to do without it for it is absolutely
necessary that the CofmissY Should be able to give some out to the Ind8. who come on business, and
must be fed in his House, which he cannot afford to give them out of his own pocket, neither is it to
be procured at any reasonable price at the posts.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                            499
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Johnson Hall July 11th 1767.
DEAR SIR
Your favour of the 28th ulto was handed me. by Mr Croghan, who will have the honour of
delivering you this, & to whom I must beg leave to refer you for the particulars, as sent to me, of
that unhappy affair of the murder of Capt St Clairs Servt by 2 Mississagays or Chippaways in Lake'Huron as well as for several other things wch I really have now no time to write, owing to the Melancholy scituation of my Family, which he can also inform you of.
As I understand that the Comdg officers at Detroit is sending the Two Indian Prisrs to me, I shall be
glad to receive yr orders concerning them as soon as convenient, It is a most unlucky thing at this
time. & their sending em down here makes it worse I hope it may not be the means of a fresh breach
between us, & the Nations in yt Quarter, if not with more.
I heartily wish that Capt Murray may be able to persuade the Virginians to abandon their Encroachments at Red Stone Creek, & Cheat River, as such an Instance of the governments good intentions
of doing the Inds Justice would certainly at this time have a good effect.
Mr Croghan laid before me an acet of Indn Expenses at Fort Pitt from ye 3et June 1766, to 3d
June 1767, by order of the Commanding officer of that garrison, amounting to ~1 744-10-33 N York
Curcy, wVch I have examined, & find just. Wherefore have signed it, & doubt not of ye ordering it to be
paid.
A few days ago, I received a letter from Mr Cole Comisry at the Ilinois enclosing an acct of the
Expences which he says he has been unavoidably put to, by reason of ye great number of Inds who
resort that Post since Trade with us has been opened.
It amts to;~3721-12 Y. CurcY, as you will see by the enclosed which is vastly more than I could
have thought of, or wished him to have expended in so short a time & wch makes me imagine, He
must not have received my letter wherein I strongly recommended the greatest Economy that the nature
of the service would admit of & Mr Croghan to whom I have committed the care of that quarter of my
Department, tells me that he also recommendedto him the greatest frugality, He has drawn upon me
for yt amt in favour of Messrs Baynton Whayton & Morgan of Philadelphia who write me very
pressingly for it.-You will therefore please to let Mr Croghan know your intentions regarding it,
that he may acquaint them Gentlemen with them.
There are still some Deserters & others amongst the Nations living about Detrolt, Michilimacinac,
&c who are endeavoring to stir up the Indians to do mischief as Mr Croghan can inform you. It would
be of great service to have them secured & sent down, for which end an order to the officers commanding the out Posts would I think be necessary.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Johnson-hall Aug. 6th. 1767.
DEAR SIR
I have had the pleasure of your Letters of the 12th & 20 ulto, and am much obliged to you
for the kind concern you Express for Lt. Johnsons misfortune, he offers his best respects to you, &
notwithstanding his Second Accident so soon after the former is now in a very fair way of recovery.
Capt Claus is Quite Well & sets off tomorrow for Canada.
I sent imediately to the Oneidas to speak with them concerning Lt Gallands information and shall
in a day or two endeavor to Settle the point with them, I know their Jealousy of Settlements so well
that I hope any dwellers there, (as I hear there are some) will be very circumspect, and cautious of
inflaming it.




500                          MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
As I wrote you before concerning the Indians who were sent down, charged with the Murder near
Detroit & have now the favr of yr Sentimt which are entirely Correspondt with my own need only
add that on their Arrival here I Judged it best to secure them at Albany for a few days and shall now
send for them and make the restoring them to their people as meritorious an act on our side as possible
& Give Mr. Hay instructns how to act on their Arrival at Detroit which is all can be done at present,
Indeed I have since reed Sundry particulars from persons there sufficient to invalidate the charge brought
against them, and that notwithstanding the Seeming indiference of their Chiefs both they and their
neighbors are greatly incensed inasmuch as they have lost so many of their people without obtaining
satisfaction particularly One killed by a Battoeman at Detroit near the Fort 2 years ago & the 2 Squaws
by the Negro Since These Circumstances as well as the encroachments and murders committed by the
Virginians &c occasion much discontent, & are often heard by Traders & others to whom the Indians
are more communicative than to the Officers, for before the Latter they are generally shy of expressing
their Sentiments.
Amongst others I have taken the Examination of a man made pris'. in 1763, who is Just come down
the Country from Powtiwatama a Village West of St Josephs where he has ever since resided Who
after declaring the Strong inclinatn. the Indians in that Quarter have for the French & the hopes they
still Entertain from that Quarter adds that last year they sent to N Orleans to enquire of the French
into these matters who dismissed them with valuable presents, plenty of Ammunition & assurances
that they would shortly attack the English & that the Inds. shod. hold themselves in readiness that this
Spring they were assured of the same by the Comdg Officer near the Illinois in the Names of the
French & Spaniards & that when he has expressed a desire to leave them they have advised him to
consider their Village as a place of Safety, & not go among the English where he would be killed
Adding that they wod. Exert themselves with more Vigor and be better Assisted than in the late War
-As he well understood their Language, & that they had for a Long time expected he would never
Leave them he had an opportunity of hearing their Real sentiments, & observes that the Prinl cause
of their dissaffection is owing to the French Traders & others amongst them who fill their minds with
the strongest prejudices Amst others that the mortality in 1757. was owing to our havg poisoned the
Rum, & that Disorder since was occasioned by sending the Small pox amongst them, That they were
well pleased on hearing wt I had said at Ontario last year but that the French assured them it was false
and only calculated to amuse them, the better to destroy them  hereafter, & that they are daily
abused with the grossest misrepresentations of us by the Canadians, the French in their Neighborhood,
and those from Mississippi &c.
I Expect that Mr. Croghans Accot will be the last to Such an Ammot under the present State of
Affairs, as to Mr. Coles it is really considerable, & I dont know Justly what to say to it till we hear
farther-the Conduct of the Virginians, & the desire to win the Indians over may have contributed
to them, but I hope we shall hear something more fully on that head.
Enclosed you have an Acet of the expences since March last, I should not have troubled you with
this until 7br were it not for the Several Drafts drawn upon me by Commissry Hay for his pay, & that
of the Interprs. Smith &ca till March last, which I did not receive time enough to include in my last
acctt. also Two Accts. from Major Rogers one of the Lt. Govr. Carleton &ca, the wholeamtg to 
which I must request you will order to be paid as soon as convenient. Should an opportunity offer of
sending it to Mr. Henry Cuyler of Albany it would answer extremely well.
Genl Gage




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                      501
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Augt 21st 1767.
DEAR SIR,
Since my last I find by several Accots I have received that the restoring the Indians who are
prisoners will be highly pleasing to all the Nations, & I am persuaded that if the Matter be properly
conducted it will have a very good Effect In order to accomplish which, I Judge its best that Mr.
Croghan do proceed from Fort Pitt to the [Detroit which is a Journey of only 6 Days as he is not only
better Acquainted with the steps to be taken but also can there Examine into the Abuses and Disputes
concerning the Traders, in which he apprehends he can do good Service,-I find as well from the sevl
Letters I have received as from Major Bayard & other Gentlemen from thence that these Indians are
far from being as Criminal as was first reported & that the person who was Murdered was a Man who
had often used the Indians ill, and bore a very bad Character.
Should you approve of what I propose Mr. Croghan shall proceed with full Instructions on the
foregoing heads and he mayarrive at the Detroit about the time the Indians can by this communication.
I am now on my way to the frontiers of N England-having for some time past been much disturbed
with my former Complaints & a Swelling in my Leg, I thought a Little ExcUrsion to the lately
discovered Springs might prove of Service, and that should I receive no benefit from the Waters,
the change of Air might prove of Some Service to me. As my Stay will be but a few days Your
Answer will I hope find me at, or near home.
THE   SAME TO THE      SAME.
Johnson hall Septr. 6th 1767.
DEAR SIR,
Being Just returned from the Springs from whence I think I have received some benefit, I Judged
it proper to Write by Mr. Croghan who is the bearer of this and who in case you approve of the Journey
proposed for him to the Detroit will be in Want of about a thousand Pds. Sterling, for paying off the
Department there to the 25th wch will be the best opportunity & save much trouble. I Left the Springs
Sooner than I should otherwise have done on acct. of Some Letters &c transmitted me by Lt Johnson
which were received from the frontiers and from some Accts received from the Indians which I
don't much like. on my Arrival at Albany I was Surrounded by people with Drafts drawn on me by
Major Rogers to a very considerable Ammt. those I have already Seen come to between 2, & 3000~.
I must deferr saying any thing farther on this Subject for the present, but referring you to Mr. Croghan
for other particulars conclude with Assuring You that I am with the utmost Regard
Dear Sir &c.
His Excellcy Genl Gage.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
(Private.)                  Johnson hall Septr 11 1767.
Dear Sir
Thoe I wrote to you a few days ago by Mr. Croghan Yet I could not avoid saying something again
on the score of the Vast Expenses incurred, and as I understand Still Incurring at JMichilimackinac
chiefly on pretence of making a peace between the Sioux & Chipeweighs, with wch I think we have




502                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
very little to do, in good policy or otherwise. By Letters I have this day received from Capt Claus I
find that farther drafts on me have been shown to him at Montreal to the amount of ~1100, and I
hear the whole Exceeds ~5000. In short from the several acctS I have received I am induced to think
there must be some particular motives for this Expense, and indeed the method practiced in conducting
Affairs there tends to strengthen that opinion, The Traders have been vastly indulged to procure their
Esteem, but are nevertheless very importunate for their Money and I am at a loss what to say to them
upon it, for Expences seem to have been made & Inds called purely to shew authority and gain reputatn
the business was given into the hands of the Commissy with a bad grace, and much has been done to
draw the latter into large Expenses, which however he is sufficiently armed against by his Instructions,
as was also the Major upon the whole I have reason to apprehend some thing more than common
is in View (which may not be mattter of surprise to you) & I should have Given the Secy of State a
Hint of it so that he might at least be sent some where else, but that I would not do it witht your
knowledge & approbation-I cannot help having more than ordinary apprehensions at present on the
score of the Indians, from some Intelligences I have lately received particularly from a few Indian
Chiefs with whom I have been well acquainted near 30 Years, whose interest it is to be faithful, and
who never once deceived me in that long period. These men have I am pretty certain given me a
candid accot of the, sentiments and purposes of the Warriors throughout the whole Confederacys, who
are brought to such a pitch from their not being redressed on the score of Lands, Trade, and Insults
on the frontiers that they are about some associations of a Mischievous nature, and Indeed this accot is
greatly strengthened by Letters from persons in Sundry Quarters, who have the best opportunity of
discovering their secret Views & designs. The Government are I believe at a Loss what to do about
the Department from the representations of Traders &c perhaps you have received by the pacquet
some advices on these heads-I have said enough on these Subjects to explain fuilly the Conduct of
the Inhabitants, Traders &c with their effects upon the Indians, which sufficiently point out the means
whereby we can live in any security from the Latter, and if after all this nothing can be done to strengthen
the Hands of the Officers of the Crown, I cannot think of risquing my own Character, when it is not left
in my power to Serve his Majesty and the publick, as my Duty and inclination requiresGEN GAGE TO SIR Wm. JOHNSON.
New-York Sept 21st: 1767.
DEAR SIR,
I am favored with your two Letters of the 6th and 11th Inst: and am glad that you have received
Benefit from the Waters, and perhaps a little gentle exercise would contribute to your perfect Recovery.
Mr. Croghan set out yesterday for Philadelphia in his way to the Detroit, and I have been for some
Hours busy in writing Letters for him to carry there. The officer Commainding will give him every
assistance in his Power to compleat the Commissions with which he is charged, and if it shall be found
necessary, the better to authenticate any examinations or enquirys Mr Croghan is directed to take, a Court
of officers will sit for that end.
With respect to the Commander of Missilimakinak, I could devise no better means to stop his
Proceedings, and put an immediate End to all the Mischiefs he may create, than to remove him immediately from his Command. I have therefore done this, and ordered him to meet Mr Croghan at
Detroit; at which Place my Letter to superseed him in the Command of Missilimakinak will be
delivered to him The Bills which he has thought proper to draw to so great an amount, pretended to have
been incurred on a trifling affair, undertaken soly by his own Authority, the expence of it by the same
Powers only, contrary to the orders and Instructions given him by you as well as by me, must be pro



MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        503
tested; and I acquaint him that they are protested, and will not be paid. I have sent orders that he
shall return no more to Missilimakinak, or be permitted to hold any Conferences publick or private
with any of Indian Nations, and to watch his motions very narrowly. Of all this you will take no
Notice for some time to come. I have wrote very fully to Lieut Roberts to send the fullest Information
upon every part of his Conduct. and given Orders to the officers to assist him in his enquirys.
I am sorry that you find the Indians in the Disposition you mention, what Complaints they have
concerning their Trade I have never heared, by all accts lately transmitted, they have never had for many
years so plentifull or so cheap a Trade, as this year. I am as ignorant of their Complaints about their
Lands, unless it is the old affair of Kayadorossoras and the encroachments of the Virginians at Redstone
and cheat Rivers. They know of the Removal of the Virginians by force from those encroachments,
as many of their Chiefs were present with the Detachment. The Insults they have received on the'
Frontiers should no doubt be redressed, and every method has been taken to do it, But in some of the
Quarrells which have happened, the Indians were in fault, and the first aggressors, as far as I have been
able to learn.
I have received no advices from the Government on the subject of your Department these many
Packets; am inclined to think with you that they may be in doubts what orders to send, from the
different Representations made them.
I am at present so hurryed that I can only add, I am with great Regard,
Dear Sir,
your most obedient,
humble servant,
Sir William Johnson Bart                                                   Tnos GAGE.
SIR WM JOHNSON TO GENL GAGE.
Johnson hall Septr 224 1767.
DEAR SIR
I have had the pleasure of your favor of the 7th Inst, a few days ago. I hope Lt Gallard
will as he becomes better acquainted with the Indians be more reconciled to their behavior, which I
shall to the utmost of my power prevent from going to any extremity. The Indians are much more
dissatisfied at the appearance of Settlers than even at a Garrison, as the former increases and overspreads
the Country, these people having no Legall title where they are, are with all very imprudent, and so
oft as the Indians buy rum from them they will be troublesome.
The Character of Capt Sinclairs Servant is certainly no Justification of the murder, but the particulars
in Mitigation of the offence, as fully shewn to me, are sev1. such as his constant ill treatment of the
Indians, and that he received but one blow from an instrument which it was not probable would
have produced such effects;- as the affair is now to be settled and according to the Instructions
delivered to Mr Croghan I expect that it will appear we have taken the Wisest Step, without neglecting
a due regard to the honor of the nation.
I believe that the Indians have sense enough to see that the French have often imposed upon them,
but we are to consider that these French are their particular favorites, who can easily accot for their
having been hitherto disappointed in a manner which the Indns. cannot possibly disprove. —The Indians
are in fact at Bottom much discontented & as fond of the French as ever, and whatsoever they ardently
Wish for it is natural for them to expect even after several disappointments. Indeed the Discontent
now amongst them is the more dangerous as it is carried on under disguise and their conferences




504                      MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
secret. The want of settling the Boundary Line & the Neglect of establishing many other points
of the Plan, as well as redressing Grievances of which agreable to my orders I gave them assurances
long since, appears to me to be the principal cause of their jealousy, I have often spoke to them to
remove the French family's and Mr Croghan shall have farther directions on that headl, as they do us
much harm.
Mr Croghan has full directions Concerning the Trade and is to make enquiry into the complaints
Exhibited agst Lt Hay, The traders there as also at ye other Posts are I believe only quiet because the
most of those that chose it have gone out without Liberty on this and many other subjects I have now
wrote Ld Shelburne and offered my thoughts as he desired towards such a remedy as I judge might be
applied without much Clamour In my last from his Lordship he writes me that he has sent positive
orders to the Govr of N. York concerning Lands, and to you, to cooperate & give yr assistance in
removing the Southn Intrusions &c the difficulty attending which from the unwillingness of the Cols.
to call for military aid I have observed to him.
This moment I have received advice of the death of the chief all the Senecas, the Messengers
dispatched on that occasion being not yet arrived, I know no particulars but I expect that it will
occasion some considerable change for the worse amst these suspicious troublesome people. From
the many particulars I have heard I intend imediately to go towards the Onondaga Country, as if for
change of air, where I hope I shall have an opportunity of making some farther necessary discoverys,
and Lt Johnson at Guypark will forward your Letters or receive your Commands, during my absence
wch will be as short as possible.
Endorsed
Septr 22d. 1767
To Genl Gage.
JOURNAL OF INDN TRANSACTIONS AT NIAGARA, IN THE YEAR 1767. FROM 2D JULY
TO THE 24TH SEPTEMBER.
July 3d. A Drunkin quarral happened on the Carrying place betwene some Sinecas and a Messesagas,
the latter got much wounded was brought to this Post & was under Cure till the 1Sth. one of the Sinecas
got wounded in the shoulder, by all accounts. The Messesaga began the riot by wounding one of
the Sinecas first.
July 5th. Nane bo jou a Chief of the Messesagas formerly a Chippewa came in seemingly discontented
at the bad usage his Country Man met with. He made a long Speech: the perport of which was, that
he was much dissatisfide at the behavour of the Sinecas: that he was very glad to see me: thal
he was.very hungry, and beged I wold give him some provisions, rum, powder and Shott: Then gave
four Strings of wampom: he again spoke much to the Same purpose with this addition that he was
going to Toronto to Consult with Wabacommegat what was best to be done on the Occasion repeated
his displeasure at the behaviour of the Senecas, and desired as sone as their Chief should come in thai
the Heads of the Messesagas should be sent for that whatever dispute should hapen betwen or had
already hapened betwen them might be settled. and gave me ten strings of wampom which was to be
shown to the Sinecas Chief's and with it to demand their intentions and their reasons for behaving
so badly towards the Messesagas. I promised them some provision and Rum a little powder and Shott
told them it was only a drunken quarel and ought not to be taken further Notice of, espetially as th(
Messesaga was the agresser, and I desired that nothing Should be done in the affair without first Consult.
ing me. gave them five Strings Wampom, They promised nothing should be done without my being
first Acquainted with it.




PA R T OF E-Ai H- OTA TAO. 
X  4  v  E  R'~~~~~~'-&\,:V. ~:: -:..  j,,,,:i,,,.;!..r<S..ii,
/' \\V&\AsSE\-\;.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~t'~~~~~'.\1' s Yt,  Xg~', ~  ~~.-.:..........   " "...'.....''~'~;~~~~~~~~~~~~~~::.:......,:::  ~...~..
t S~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.:.'i".2,\<\S'.".:,9.F':-:~':"'"""X~ze t~7~.......,,,s..............
(>.
I....,                   ~4   Io, I-E  I,`C  I -.~~~~~~~~~~~:~~~~'. ~:~:::~~  ~i:
_ E
al~~~~~~~~......:    n.....'-.".'"'~a  7, Th.......
~~      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.?:.......',:.:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.:..::::..:....
a_~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~''......''..
~~~"':":::.:':':~~~~~~~~~~~~ —.~..!''.....':~'.,                           ~:'i':   "...
~-~~~";;~~....
o"`            ~ ~~~ ~ ~~~~~ ~ ~..'"':::: ~'::..-, O....
~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~.~.......~....~
IS;   o~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.''''~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-..,.....-...'":              ",:...:,.'..
c~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~,............................:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:''~~~~~~~~~~~~~....-...-:,~.;..... n:::::::..::...'~ "...-.,  ~~~~~-.....   "  
>?:?:.~::i   ~~.3 —h  ~~,:.,....,,
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~... -   ~.. ~. 
c~ ~ ~'o:'
\ ~ ~ ~  ~  ~   ~   I,..":'.3:~.,,
—, ~- ~:~r ~m-.p~-7 —'": ":-. ~   ~''..
~~~~~..~.... "








MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       505
This day I sent four strings of wampom to Casteehe Chief of the Genesees to Acquaint him of My
being arrived at this place.
July 17th. Arrived Wabacommegot Chief of the Messesagas.
July 18t. Arrived Asheushan head warior of the Senecas belonging to the Caiadion Village, this
day Wabacommegat came to Speake to me but was so drunk that no body could understand him.
July 19th. Had a Small congress with Wabacommegat. Present Normd: MIClod Esqr. Mr. Neil. Mac
Lean Comry. of ProvS. Jean Bapt. De Couagne Interr. Wabacommegat spoke first, and after the usual
Compliments, told that as soon as he had heard of my arrival he and his Young Men Come to see me.
then ask'd me if I had any news, and desir'd I should tell all I had, then give four strings of wampom.
I then told them Children I am glad to see you. I am sent here by your Father Sir William Jonson
to take care of your Trade and to prevent abuse's therein, I have no sort of news for I suppose you have
heard of the drunken Chippewas that kiled an English man and wounded his Wife very much; above
Detroit; they are sent down the Country by Consent and approbation of the head Men of the Nation, I
am sorry to acquaint You that some of your Nation who came here with Nane bo jou killed a Cow and
a Mare belonging to Captain Grant on the Other side of the River. I am persuaded that all present here
think it was very wrong and a very bad return for the many good Offices done by the English in
general towards those, and in particular by Captain Grant who had that day fed the Men that was
guilty of the theft. I hope and desire that Wabacommegat and the rest of the Chiefs andWarriors
here present will do all in their power to discover the thif, and bring him in here to me the next
time they return, that we may see what satisfaction he or they may give Captain Grant for the loss of
his Cattle  give seven strings of wampom
Children I am sorry to hear You have permitted People to trade at Toronto. I hope you will prevent
it for the future, all of You know the reason of this Belt of wampom being left at this place, I then
shewed them a large Belt, left here five or six years ago by Wabacommegat, by which belt he was
under promise not to allow any body whatever to Carry on trade at Toronto. Now Children I have
no more to say but desire you to remmember and keep Close to all the promises You have made to Your
Father The English. You must not listne to any bad news, when You hear any good or bad; come
to me with them, You may depend upon it I shall alway's tell You the Truth. give Four strings of
wampom
Father, we have heard You with attention; I think it was verry wrong in the People to kill Captain
Grants Cattle I shall discover the men that did it and will bring them in here in the fall: We will
allow no more Trade to be Carried on at Toronto. as to myself its well known I don't approve
of it, as I went with the Interpreter to bring in those that were tradeing at that place: we go away
this day, and hopes our Father will give us some provisions, Rum, powder and Shott. and we will bring
You Vainson when we return. N. B. this speech was made by Wabacommegot. I told them it was
not in my power to give them much; but as it was the first time I had the pleasure of speaking to
them, they should have a little of what they wanted. Wabacommegat thank'd me and said that the
drunkin Quarrel on the Carrying place was forgot and no more thought of, as it was rum did it.
July 20th. Aseushan one of the head warriors of the Senecas came to me told me he was verry Sick
and begged he might be cur'd; as the white People are better doctors then the Indians. and said he
would remain here untill he should Recover, I told him he might stay here and we should do what we
Could towards removeing his Complaint. he left this post ye 31st July../ugut. 1st. Received a Message from Castesh by two Young Seneca warriors, acquainting me he
would be here in Three days.
J/ugt. 5th. Castesh arrived with seventy Seneca Men Women and Children: the Chief Came to visit
me, and said as I acquainted them of my arrival here, they came to see me. that the Shawanese had killed
VOL. II.                    ~~~~61




506                          MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
a number of the uper Nation Indians somewhere near Fort Pitt, that two of their squas meaning the
Sinecas had been kill'd lately by the upper Nations near the same place, and also told me there was
a great many Men with Arms arrived at the above Fort. I told them I was glad to see them but
sorry to here that the Indians were so idle as to destroy there own flesh and blood. as to the People
in arms that were going to Fort Pitt, I could not with Certainty give any account of, but I believed
they were going to disposses some People that were living on the Indian lands with out haveing any
right so to do. Castesh answered that might be so, as them people were still living on the Indian lands..lugt. 6th. Castesh came to me alone, said they had in spring received a good deal of Cloaths
and other presents from Sir William Johnson: but that they were now wore out, and hopped I would
have pity on them and give them some Cloaths, and other things, for the use of there old People,
Women Children and warriors, I answered him I would tell him in Councilhow far it was in my power
to give presents, he then beged of me not to allow the Traders to give any rum to his Young Men,
as a great many of them were verry foolish when drunk, I immediately comply'd with his request and
told the traders not to give the warriors a drop until they were going away.
PROCEEDINGS of a Congress held at Niagara Saturday ye 8th Augt. 1767 With Castesh and the Chiefs
of the Sinecas
i Normand Mac Lod Esqr Comry of Indian affairs
Capt. John Brown Royal Americans
re   Capt. William Lee Royal Artillery
rMr. Neil Mac Lean Comry of Stores & Provisions
I  Jean Baptest De Couagne
Interportors. John Blaker
The useual Compliments being past, The Commissary of Indian affairs spoke to them, as follows.
BRETHREN I am glad to see you, and I hope you will give ear to what I am going to say.
BRETHEREN You allready have heard of my being appointed by Sir William to take care of the Indian
Trade at this place to heare your Complaints, to redress your greivances, and transact all business
with you under Sir William, It shall be my studdy to serve you, and promote your intrist as long as
you behave well
BRETHEREN I am asham'd and sorry to hear of the foolishness of some of your young People, who
make it too often a practice to steal the Kings Cattle from this place, I hope and desire that what
you have of the above Cattle at your villages, may be returned as soon as possible,'and that there may
no such theft happen for the future, as You must know Yourselves that such offenders ought to be
punish'd. amongst us thefts of that kind are punished with severe Corporal punishment, and often with
death. I therefore hope the Cheifs will advise and pervent their Young Men from Commiting such
folley, I also hope the Young Men will listen to their Cheif's advice in that, as well as their advice
of allway's doing good, and never think of harm, I strongly recommend peace and friendship to
You, with all his Majesty's subjects, as I can with truth assure you there's no violence intended or will
be permited, on either your persons or propertys, no fraude in trade shall go unpunished on proper
Complaints being made to me: Therefore I hope you will no more give Ear to idle stories of whites
or Indians but rest assured of Sir William's good offeices and attention to your Intrist and the attention
and good offices of all the officers in his department whilst you continue to deserve it, which I hope
you will always do.
BRETHERN it is my Instructions from Sir William Johnson not to incur any expenceses without orders
from him, the reason for them instructions, is on account of the great expences the Crown is at; by
the appointment of all the Gentlemen that has the care of you, and of the Interpreters, and smiths,
who act gratis for you at the diffrent Posts.  Sir William hopes that You will be convinced of the




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        507
Extraordinary Expence occasioned by these appointments; and that they are all intended for Your
benifets and he farther hopes that when You are convinced of the above it will prevent your making
unnecesseary demands for presents or provisions. - Notwithstanding the strictness of my orders, as it is
the first time I have had the pleasure of seeing You, and in hopes You will not expect any such thing
for the Future, I here make you a small present, I then laid. the present before them, and told them.
BRETHEREN after what You have heard and what You see before you, I hope You are fully convinced
of the good intentions of the English towards you. I therefore hope you will allways keep close to their
Intrest. Now Bretheren I have no more to say only beg of You to remmember all You this day have
heard.
Castesh Chief of the Senecas immediately made answer
We have heard what You have said and think it is very good, I shall lett Sir William know of the
good things You have said, and of the good respection we have met with at this place; we are
Convinsed of the good intentions of the English towards us, and will stick to their interest. as to the
Cattle that have been taken from this place, whatever theres of them at Our Castle's shall be returned,
we shall advise our Young People not to do any maner of harm to the English, but there are bad
men every where, and among us as well as elsewhere, we have no Stort of punishment for offences, so
that we can only advise, and if our Council is not followed we are not to blamed, as to News, when
theres any in our villages You shall know of them, and we expect when there is any among You, that
You will send us intelligence of them, I promised I should.
The 9th 10th & 11th I had private meetings with Castesh and Segowa the two principal Chiefs of
the Senecas, in which they gave the greatest assurence of their invoilateble attachment to the English,
I made them small presents; and they went away well satisfied 13th Instant..lugt. 14th. They got drunk on the plain..Jugt. 15th. Monsr: Chabiere arrived here, Castesh and a good number of others came the 16th: and
spoke to him, he afterwards spoke to them in public before Nord Mac Leod Comry: of Indian affairs,
and Capt. John Brown of the 2d: Battn: of the Royal Americans, who Commanded the Garrison;
he having first told the Commery: and Commanding Officer, that it was by desire of Sir Willm: Johnson
Baronet, that he wanted to spake to the Indians. One Mr: John Blaker acted as interpreter for the
Comry, his then being on business at little Niagara. Mr: Chabiere spoke to the Indians told them it
was a shame for them to behave as they did, in carrying away and killing the King's Cattle on the
Carrying place, and begged of them never to be guilty of the like folly again, told them to adhear to
the English intrist and not to believe anything about the French's comeing again to this Country if
they Could come it would be to digg a great Hole and put them all into it. desired them to be on their
good behavior as all the mischief they would now do would be laid to his Charge, He then told them
by the desire of Captain Brown that there was a ComrY: appointed by Sir William Johnson to take care
of them, and if they had any reason of Complaint in any way whatever against the English, they
should address themselves to him as he is the Man that has the Care of You, and he will if posible
redress all your grievances. The Indians made Mr. Chabiere the same answer as they made me on
the 8th of August.
The Indians remained on the plains till Mr. Chabiere went off.
J.ugt. 20th. Mr: Chabiere went. away from this place he carryd Castesh the head Chief with him in his
Boat; the rest of the Indians followed him byland and I believe some of themn went as far a Fort Erie
with him. some were to have gone to Detroit but they fell sick and stay'd behind him../ugt. 24th. I was informed of some bad belts having come amongst the Sinecas (from the Delaways) I heard that the two great Cheifs ofthat Nation was still on the Carrying place, I sent my Interpreter Mr: De Couagne to spake to them and try if he Could get any Certain intelligence about




508                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
the above mentioned Belts, he overtook them a few miles from the Road, they told him the Belts had
not yet Come to their Villages but that they had passed to the Onoidas and they thought they would
return soone to their Village, that there were two Belts but did not imagin they contained any great
harm, that one of their Nation had seen them at a place Called Tatieronno at the end of the Cayouga
Lake, they also desired that De Cougne should go to their village and if there was any news he should
there be told them: and get possession of the Horse amongst them that had been taken from This or
the Carrying place. They said that Monsr. Chabiere had appointed a place for them on the south side
of Lake Erie where they may Carry all their News to; and where they would get all the news that
was amongst us as he intended to winter there, I was informed this day that Mr: Chabiere had made
the Indians some presents when on the Carrying place. I this day received a Message from Wabacommegat Chief of the Messesagas that he was to come and see me in a few days and bring me News that
was not good.
J/ugt. 25th. Received a message from  Shawitohon an Catshigueoton to sineca Chief Warriors;
acquainting me that they had stolen two Horses from the Carrying place and said if I would send for
him I might have them and two others formerly took away, but they were so sickly they could not
send them themselves, as I Expected the Messesagas every day I could not send my Interpretor and
had nobody else to send. I this day discovered that notwithstanding the fine promises they had made
to the Country, the Senecas had stole five Piggs two horses and killed a Bullock.
Sepr ist. I was informed that the old Women of the Sinecas had stopt their Young Men from going
to War.
Sepr 3d Nanebojou a Chippawa Chief came and told me that Wabacommegat would be in soon
he told DeCouagne the Intirpretor that there had some bad Belts gone amongst the upper Nations, but
they had not come to his band or to the Messesagas. when I spoke to him he told me he could tell me
no news untill such time as, Wabacommagat came in. I was this day informed by Tacudese speaker to
the Sinecas of the Genesee, that Castesh had the bad Belts at the time He was here at Counsil, that one
of them is a span and two fingers broad, and near a Fathom in length, He said Castesh was an old
rogue for not having told me the truth, I desired He might stay here till Wabacommegat should come in,
and then he may carry all the News home to his Village, as I had promised to send them all the News
I should hear, I shall keep my word and never tell them any lyes, and I hope they will do the same
towards me. I told him I should send De Couagne Out with him to the village to bring back the Stolen
Horses and get all the News.
Sepr. 10th. Wabacommegat arrived in the Evening
Sepr. 11th.- He came to visit me and told me he could not speake to me as he Expected Three
more Canoes that day, but as soon as they should come He wold tell me all the News, if I wold mine.
PROCEEDINGS of a Congress held at Niagara 12th Sepr 1767
With Wabacommegat and other Messesaga Chiefs; and some Chiefs of the Chippawas.
( Normand MacLeod Esqr Comry of Indian affairs
P   John Poison Lieut of the Royal Americans.
Interprer Jean Baptist De Couagne
After the useual Compliments Wabacomegat Chief of the Messesag5 shew'd the same strings of
wampom I had formerly given Him, desiring He should let me know all the News that should be amongst
them, and said that in obedience to my request, he had now come in; to tell me all the News he had.
He then told me that the Poutawatamis of St Joseph were still drunk and doing mischief wherever they
went to, that the Saguina Indians had killed a Young Huron that the Saguinas had sent a Belt to the
lurons to try to make a reconitiation for that murder. that the Hurons had receiv'd the Belt but would
make no answer to it. That the Indians about Detroit had very bad harts, but whether their bad designs




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSONo                          509
were against the white People or some Indian Nations he could not pretend to tell. That the Shawanese had sent bad Belts amongst the upper Nations, but the Chippawas and Messenger did not agree,
When they were just about accepting of the Belt, and going to shake hands some diffrence arose and the
Chippawas refus'd the Belts, and the Messenger carry d them away again, Wasson was the Chippawa
Chief that refused the Belts. He then said Sir William Johnson desir'd when any News came to their
Ears to bring them into this place as there is a great Man here to hear us and take care of us. He also
desir'd we should be Close Connected with the English and hold them fast by the hand; But say's he
holding them fast by the hand, is not enough as the hand may slip but our arms be so tyed fast together
that if a large tree should fall upon them, the Chain of Frendship should so Cover them that the weight
of the tree should do them no hurt.
Now Bretheren its a shame that this should be the only Post where the Indians hav no presents; in
the Posts up the Country, they get every thing they want in great abundence. I hope therefore You
will not do as You did last time I was at this place, which was to give me only about as much powder
as would once loade my firelock. I am ashamed to return home, and tell my Young People I have been
well received by my Brothers the English'always take care of us and use us well, and at the same
time I have not so much as one load of Powder and Shott to give them to show our Brothers have been
keind to us. I hope therefore You will now give us, as we are going a hunting, a Cagg of Powder
and some lead also, a little rum to enliven us on the Road      Sixteen String of wampom
Then addressing himself to Tacudase spaker of the Geneseis who was then Present, told him they
had sent a Belt of wampom  to their Nation lo know their sentiments on affairs in General and in
particular concerning the Murder of the Squas but we have received, no answer. The Speaker made
him no answer.
I then told them as it was late in the day, I had not time to give them an answer that night but the
next day I should speak to them.
Sepr. 13th. The Congress met again.
Nord. Mac Leod Esqr. Comry. of Indian affairs.
Jean Baptt. De Cougne Interpretor.
Capt. John Brown of the Royal Americans
Present   Lieut. John Polson of the Royal Americans
Capt. Sower Engineer
Capt. Lee Royal artillery
Capt. Alexr. Grant Commanding the Brunswick
The usual seremony being over the Corry of Indian affairs spoak as follows.
BRETHEREN I thank You for the News You told me yesterday, the more so as they seem to come
from a good hart, it gives me pleasure to see your hearts good. I hope they will always continue
so. as to the Poutawatamis of St. Joseph they have been a long time drunk. But they have lately sent
two prisoners to Detroit which they took when going to War against the Southren Nations, they have:
not long ago been drunk and killed some English men comeing down the Ohio, but when they sent the
prisoners to Detroit they asked pardon for the Crimes they had commited, by which I hope they
will be wiser for the future, or the Bung will be put in the Barrel, which will prevent their geting any
more liquor out of it, and consequently will make them keep sober. I allso heard of some Belts
from the Shawanese and Delawars having been sent amongst the upper Nations. I am glad to heal
from you that the Chippawas refused them. I should be glad to know from You what Nations have
received them; and whither they passed through Your Nation or not. if any of Your People have seen
them, and to what end they were sent amongst the Nations.
All this I hope (from your useual goodness of hart towards the English You will inform me of, and




510                         MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON0
seep nothing within You of what You know concerning the before mentioned Belts, as I shall never
conceal any News from You which comes to my Ears.                Nine Strings of wampom
BRETIEREN I am sorry to here the People about Detroit have bad harts a little time will discover
their intentions. I wish the Senecas had made an answer to the Belt You sent them, as theres one of
their Nation here present on this place, I shall by him let the Nation know what You have said, I hope
he will use his intrest amongst them to desire them to let You know their sentiments, which I hope is
good, I hope you will always keep the stringsof wampom I gave You when last here, they will put
you in mind of bringing or sending your News to this place; when you shall always hear the truth,
when the last time at this place I spoke to You about some of your People who had killed a Cow of
Captain Grants; have You brought the offender according to promis, I hope You' 11 keep the promises
made me when You was formerly at this place, which was that You was to allow no person whatever to
Trade at Toronto or on the other side of the Lake within Your boundarys with this wampom I desire
that, that promise may be strictly observed Bretheren as to presents it's contrary to my orders to give any,
as all presents must be given by Sir William Johnson or his order; but as You have allways behaved
well espetialy at present, in bringing me Your News I shall venter to give You a little powder and lead
a little Rum with some pipes and Tobaco.
After they got the present Wabacommagat made answer.  BROTHER the Belts did not pass by Our
nation, we had the News of them from Other people, I know not what Nations have received.the Belts,
but it is my opinion that the Hurons at Detroit have keeped a little bit of it, we know not the meaning
of the Belt as it did not come our way: Brother when you know the sentiments of the Sinecas I hope
You'll let us know them;
as to the Men that killed Captain Grants Cow, they belong to an other band and not to mine; I
therefor have nothing to do with them.
Sepr. 15th. Tacudace the Genesee speaker came to me told me he was going away. I desired he
should tell the Nation what the Messesagas had said, and they should (by De Couagne who was to
sent off to their Village in two or three days) send me word what they intended to do in that affair,
as well as concerning the Belt they had received from the Delewars; at the time the Speaker and I
were in Close Conversation Capt. Brown came in, told the Speaker to tell him all he knew about the
Belts sent by the Delewars The Speaker said it was none of his business to tell any News as the great
man of the Village ought to have told all their News themselves, and that what he had told was to be
keep'd private; but Capt. Brown insisting on his telling every thing he knew about them belts, in reather
too positive a Maner; the Speaker was mech affend'd. and went away reather in a passion. Tho' I gave
him some Tobacco, and powder, and some provisions. The Man had formerly told me all he new about
the belts. and I told it Capt. Brown.
Sepr. 17th. The Speaker left this Post; and Stol one of De Couagnes Horses.
Sepr. 19th. Asueshan came in with a quantity of Curious Oyl, taken of the top of the water of some
very small Leake near the Village he belongs to.
Sepr. 20th. I sent for him and asked him his news, he told me he had none, but that if I had any he
hoped I would tell it to him, I told him what Wabacommagat had said to me and to Tacudase and also
told him what Castesh had said to De Couagne on the Carrying place, He then said there was so much
bad News, that he pityd me as I had all the Indian affairs in my hands I must be greatly at a loss
how to act, ispetilly with regard to the dispute between the Sinecas and Messesagas, He then gave a
very broad hint that the Sinecas and Messesagas would certainly go to War against each Other, that
they were going to send some Negroes they had amongst them to Sir William Johnson he seemed to be
much afraid that the Negores would tell SH. William maney lyes and that he would believe all the bad
storeys they would tell Him, they told Ascushan that they would soon return from Sir Williams with a




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       511
Charge of goods which he was to give them to trade amongst the Sinecas, and that if he had not goods
ready he would employ them as ComrY of Indian affairs
Sepr. 21st. I ask'd Ascushan if he knew any thing of bad Belts haveing gone amongst the six Nations
he answer'd no but there was allways People enough amongst them to propegate bad News whither true
or false, it was his own Opinion'that the Indians at present ment no harm to the English, whatever
they did towards one an other; at all events no harm was to be done this winter he did not know what
might happen in the Spring, but then he would come into this place and let me know what News would
then be amongst them, I then told him I intend'd to send my Interpreter Mr. De Couagne to the
Genesee Castle: to get all the News they had their, and bring back some Horses stolen from this
place. he said he would go with De Couagne, and speak for him to the Indians. I then gave De
Couagne a belt of wampom of seven Rows upon which he was to speak to the Genesee and get their
News. and also sixteen string of wampom left with me by the Messesagas, In Order to be sent to
the Senecas to know their Intentions Concerning Affairs in General and in particular about the murder
of the four Squas.
Sepr. 22d. Ascushan and De Couagne set off for the Genesee Castle.
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO GEN'L GAGE.
Johnson-hall Oct. 22d. 1767.
DEAR SIR
Having been absent for above three Weeks at the Oneida Lake for the purposes mentioned in
my former Letter, I could not earlier Answer your two Letters of September and last of the 4th Instant.
I have received the sevl. enclosures therewith transmitted, with the Head piece &c from these partioulars, and the State in which I now find the minds of the Indians I have reason to think that the
charges agt some of the Northern Indians may be true. I did not receive that Letter, regarding the
Cherokees &c till I was at Fort Stanwix on my way home consequently it has not been as yet in my
power to lay the same before the Six nations, but I shall do so as soon as possible.  I imagine Mr
Stuart has not yet received some of my last Letters otherwise he would have found that the Deputys
have been expected here & may come with safety & treat about an accommodation. I reserve the Subject
of affairs at Michilimackinac for a separate Letter which is herewith inclosed, and herein answer the
remainder of yours of the 21St. Septr. and 4th of this Inst which chiefly regard the motives of discontent
amongst the Indians.
The Indians are divided amongst themselves with regard to Trade, some being desirous to have
Traders amongst them, others not sensible of the ill effects of which it has been & may be productive,
the Trade is plentiful, & may in General be cheap, but sundry Traders are guilty of frauds, and ill
treatment to the Indians, for which there is no remedy, althol they have been repeatedly assured that
persons shod. be appointed Vested With Ample powers for that purpose; as well as that a Total Stop
should be put to the Conduct of the frontier inhabitants. The Greatest Grievances with regard to
Lands are the Kayaderosseras patent.& the Grant of the Lower Mohock Flatts to ye corporation of
Albany the several Intrusions made & threatened to be made in almost every Quarter to the Southward
occasions likewise a Gen1 discontent. on all these points they were assured of Speedy and Effectual redress,
which they have in Vain Expected these four years. The large patent before mentioned is circumstanced
exactly as you describe, nor can anything be Expected to be done in their favor here therein or indeed
in anything else, for the judicious reasons you assign. The Indians proposed frequently that We should
not Exceed Certain Limits in our purchases &ca and the Govt was so Sensible of this that the Establishment of a Certain boundary Line between each of the Colonies throughout the whole Continent and




512                          MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSONo
the Indian Nations was made an Article of the plan. This is the boundy, I have so often spoke of, not
that between Pensilvania & Maryland which is a private affair, & Concerning this Genl. Boundary (agreeable to my Orders) I conferred with the Whole Confederacy & Assured them that it would forthwith
be settled, and Lines determined on, beyond which no purchases whatsoever should be attempted As
nothing appeared better calculated for preventing farther disputes than the redress of present Grievances,
and the fixing such a boundary as would prevent future encroachments to which end the Inds. proposed
to Cede Lands to most of the Colonies they have expected it with impatience for a considerable time,
& finding themselves disappointed therein, & on every other head they suspect that it was done to
lull them into a State of security & cannot be persuaded out of the opinion, that we have hostile
designs which we are about to put into Executn. The people on the frontiers may not always be
agressors, but they certainly are so very often, this serves to confirm the Jealousy & Resentment of the
Indians, and our Enemies who are very busy amongst them greatly increase both, for however absurd the
Inds may appear in believing a people who have so often deceived them, it is most certain that they do so &
give credit to all the reports they receive. As to what you mention of the Shawanese and Delawares
refusing to Accompany Capt. Murray the reasons they gave were Just, them Lands being the Sole
property of the Six Nations, and the Mingoes (as the Six Nations are called there) were the people
agreable to their practise who should have attended him altho' such intrusions were equally disagreable
to the rest. Some of their people may at times be brot. to encourage Settlements & even throl
Lucre dispose of Lands, which is highly disagreable to the rest, & therefore we should put a stop to them,
at least they Expect that from us having no regular mode of their own for preventing it, other than by the
murder of the parties. I met the Indians at the Tuscarora Creek in Oneida Lake, they were greatly
affected at the death of a remarkable Chief of the Onondagas, and I was obliged to perform all the
Ceremony on that occasion after which they told me of the various Reports & Injuries they had received,
that their heads were quite turned with them, that they had in Vain waited the fullfilling of our promises,
& that every agreable hope seemed now fled as the Nations to the Westward & would probably soon
create disturbances & draw others in to retaliate the Injuries they had received, that they had received
a very large belt from an Officer on the MTississipi with a message to inform them that they need not
longer be trifled with by the Inglish for that he (by which is meant the Govt. to which he belonged)
having sat down quietly for some time & being about to rise up, luckily discovered his Axe beside him
& found that it was as Sharp as ever, therefore Exhorted them to take up theirs Likewise-each Nation
pretended seperately to be better disposed than their Neighbour, but upon the Whole I see nothing but
a General tendency to a Rupture which I am at a loss how to prevent, as my Influence & Credit must
decline in proportion, as they find that the promises made them prove abortive
I Should have sent Down my acct by this opportunity but that I have not yet reed those from Niagara
-the present Method of payg off the department. is attended with the greatest inconveniency to methe Officers at the Outposts draw occasionally, I must ansr. them or-hurt their Credit & I have been often
obliged to take up money for that purpose. I think it will be best to Give you an Estimate for the
future of the Ann'. Amt. of Sallarys &c that I may have the Ammt. of that at Least in my hands to
ansr. those purposes of the Department.
Gen'. Gage.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                         13
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
(Private)                  Johnson hall October 22d 17670
DEAR SIR)
On my return I found a pacquet Just arrived from Montreal inclosing me the Depositions of Mr
Potter taken before the Chief Justice of Quebec relative to Majr Rogrs Schemes & Conduct a Copy
of which I am informed hos been Sent to you, and also that Potter is gone for England on that occasion.
The Deposition is long and with the other papers transmitted (one of which is a Letter to my Deputy,
Lieut Johnson) fully shew his Views & Confirm the Strong Suspicions we had before entertained concerning him. It appears to me necessary that the Governmt should be fully informed of these particulars,
and you will doubtless agree with me concerning the necessity there appears for preventing him from
putting his resolutions into practice or eluding the plan you proposed for bringing him from thence. He
is a weak, Vain man, and however romantick his scheme may appear, I believe him capable of undertaking it or in short any thing else, and in the present State of affairs shod he escape he might I am
certain give us some Trouble. The Traders there tho ignorant of his particular project, begin to be
greatly alarmed on accot of their persons & propertys from some discoveries they have made, and my
opinion is, that as he now knows he is discovered, he will be driven to any thing thro' despair, & that he
will Leave the Garrison imediately having concerted a plan with those Seduced to follow his fortune
& as I am given to understand with the Assistance of some Inds to plunder the Traders & so go down
the Mississipi or put some of the rest of his plan in Execution. Potter with great difficulty escaped from
his Clutches & got to Montreal, but on the presumption that you will have received all Informations
hereon, I will add no more, but beg to be favored with your ansr as soon as convenient & as my present
hurry will not allow me to send Copies, should they not be come to your hands I shall send them in
my next.
I am greatly distressed for want of provisions for the Indns resorting this way, some of them have
been here for a Considerable time, and I am obliged to buy up Cattle for them which is a greater
Expence to the Crown than Kings provisions. I must beg you will Order some this way as there are
none to be spared from this Quarter or from Albany or Schenectady.
Gen1 Gage.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Johnson hall October 30th. 1767,
DEAR SIR
The 22d. of this month I wrote you two Letters, the one on Indian Affairs in General, the
other concerning the Commandt of Michilimackinac, and I now inclose you my Accots of pay and
Disbursements for the whole Department to 25th Sepr. (Ilinois, Fort Pitt Sy Detroit excepted, on a presumption that you had given Mr. Croghan orders concerning them agreeable to a former Letter of mine)
for the amt. of WCh I beg the favor of you to order a Warrant being really much distressed for cash
to answer them.
Since my last I have received more Letters from Michilimackinac concerning Affairs there by which
I find that the CommissY has been Led off the parade by a File of Men & Confined on accot of some
words between him & the Commandant concerning a Cargo of Rum which was seized on the North
Shore opposite the Fort, the particulars of which are I apprehend contained in Letters which go by
this post
In the present critical situation of affairs with the Indians I am at a Loss what Step first to take,
VOL. II.                              65




514                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
the Ministry are fully apprized of every thing but the time will not permit me to receive their answer
concerning the Calling a Genl Congress, to meet next Year, as this must be attended with a considerable
Expence I would willingly have your Sentiments & direction concerns it, I have thought of it as what
would for a time divert their attention, and the issue of it might prove to their satisfaction or in the
mean time somewhat else might be done in their affairs.
His Excellency Genrl. Gage,
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Johnson-hall Novr. 24th. 1767.
DEAR SIR,
I have had the favor of both your Letters of the 9th Inst. and I think as you do concerning the final
consequences of the Boundary line, It would however have its advantages for a time,.and the Indians
think so, but whether that or any thing wee can fall upon will fully answer is to me a matter of doubt,
the feeble state of the Governments, and the Interests and pursuits of the people of all which you are
fully sensible must prove a bar to the most salutary measures, If a Government was formed on the plan
you mention it would prove a good barrier against the Encroachments of others, and have strength
enough in itself to -restrain its own people within just bounds. the powers of the Old Governments
seem to grow daily weaker, & the Inclinations of the people to do justice to the Indians lessen and
therefore we cannot expect they will apply to the military of whose power they seem so Jealous-The
Settlers about Redstone Creek increase which is what I apprehended for these people when they
have once found a Spot where they are not under Landlord or Law will soon draw other Idle persons
about them, I shall cheerfully concur with you in pointing out the ill Consequences of such Settlements
to the Governors of which I wish they may take notice, but for the reasons aforementioned I almost
despair of it.
I have wrote to Major Gorham about hisaccots and the Establishments he has made some of which I by
no means approve of, Such an expence in that Quarter may I think be well dispensed with.
What I meant with regard to the Officers Sallarys was that agreeable to the Estimate I should furnish
I might have a sum of money put into my hands to answer their several demands.
The Expectation I had of some plants taking place hitherto retarded many necessary regulations
with regard to the Numbers and Sallarys of the Officers. All the Commssys intended by the plan, are
not as yet appointed but some of the posts proposed lying in Nova Scotia &c. are indeed less material.
The office is almost useless unless the Traders are confined to the posts. My Deputys require some
alterations in their office, as my immediate representatives it is not easy to conceive the expences they
must incurr, and the charge they are at from the resort of the Indians to them, from their travelling
and other Charges, purely incidental to their office. Such is the Nature of Indian Employments thas
they are not to be weighed with others of the same sallary where men have to do with a reasonable
people.
As now circumstanced, few or none in the character of Gentlemen, and thoroughly acquainted with
the nature and cost of attending that duty would incline to it if subject to the same expense and trouble.
These lesser Expences amt. to so much annually that they are introduced into the public accots. and
sev1. of them serve to augment mine, which besides its giving a Latitude I don't approve of, Creates
Irregularities in accts and therefore I long since intended to rectify it by a fixed augmentation to their
Sallary of ~100 p ann. for all their Travelling charges & Expenses of a private Nature, and I now think
it absolutely necessary, as a saving of much expense and trouble & a proper check upon them, So that
I shall state it in the next Estimate.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                           515
The present practice of the Traders & the want of power in the Commissrys. defeat one of the material
purposes of their appointment, I think it needless to take any farther trouble about it, but leave it to
time to shew its effects. All that the Commissaries can now do, is, to hear the Complaints of the Indians,
to report the forfeiture of the Traders bonds, & to Gain and Transmit Intelligence, & as the spirit for a
free trade prevails daily more & more thro' the distressed Circumstances of the majority of them, whose
Credit failing they wod. undertake anything for delaying their fate, we must manage as well as the
slender powers we have will allow to prevent such Toleration from producing the ill effects which is
apprehended, by preventing such from going into the Indn. Country as cannot give good security for their
behavior, & prohibiting all such whose fortunes and Characters render them dangerous.
If the Trade is to be more general, I think a Duty on Spirituous Liquors might very well be laid especially what went into the Indian Country, (The Like was done formerly by this province on all carried to
Oswego,) and the monies arising therefrom might be applied towards defraying the Expenses of the
Department. Mr. Chabert notwithstanding his promises to me, and the plausible speech he made in
public to the Indians at Niagara, afterwards assembled them privately told them that what he had
said he was compelled to by the presence of the English, but that they might be assured of the King of
France's design to assist them, & advised them to be ready to begin upon us. This I have had from
Indns of different Nations whose accts all correspond. I shall do what I can to keep the Senecas quiet
as well as to retard their private meetings, at the same time I can't but think that a Genl. Congress
would disperse these Clouds in some measure or at Least give us time to receive some powers if any
will be given by the Crown for removing the causes of the present discontent.
I do not doubt but that Potter will make the most of his discovery from his Character, at the same
time I believe his accot is within Compass, & that probably he could say more if he choose it. Majr.
Rogers has Goods trading for his benefit in the Indn. Country to a very considerable amount, and the
Returns may soon be in, as I am informed; for which reason I thought it best to hint, that it would not
be amiss to have them secured for his Creditors. I have a Letter from Capt Spicemaker on the subject
of Lt. Robert's Confinement, I hear the latter is near this place on his'way down.
His Excellcy Genl Gage.
GENL. GAGE TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
New York Deer, 6th. 1767.
DEAR SIR
As I conceive the main objects of the present Resentment of the Indians to arise from the Insults
they have received from the Frontier People of Virginia, and the Encroachments made by those People
and others upon their Lands; I have wrote in the strongest Terms to the Governors of Pensylvania
and Virginia to grant Redress to the Indians upon these Points. Shewing them the conduct of their Provinces before with respect to Encroachments, for which no Justice could be obtained: which at length
obliged the Indians to throw themselves into the arms of the French for Protection, and had occasioned
the Hostilities commenced upon us in 1754 & 1755, and the war that followed. If their Laws were
insufficient, that others should be made more effectualy to secure the Indians in their Persons & Properties,
and if the coercive Powers of Government are weak, that I would assist with any force that should be
demanded to remove these Disturbers of the Publick Tranquility forceably, and bring them to Punishment. Whether they will lay my Letters before their Assemblys? or what else they will do with them
I know not, but I am determined to exert my utmost Powers to put affairs in a proper way, and shew
the King's Ministers that I do not trouble them with complaints without using all my endeavors to remedy
them.




516                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON,
The General Boundary must be left to the Government at home to manage and we must wait their
answer. I have talked here of the affair of Kayadorosseras, & lower Mohock Flatts. People say,
that the first might be settled between the Patentees and the Indians to mutual satisfaction. You will
know this best, and if you send me proper Information and your opinion concerning it, I will move in it.
I can say nothing to the Trade, unless there is proper Information against any particular Trader
whereby he may be prosecuted, In which case I will push it.
Brigadier Carleton tells me if any thing can be fixed upon any People from his Province that he will
prosecute them. but he can do nothing in a general Complaint of the Conduct of Canadians, the majority
of whom may be People who have fled the Country and mixed with the Indians. I shall send him
the Paragraph of your Letter of 24th. Novr. concerning the Indian Trader Mr. Chabert. I received
the above Letter yesterday.
With regard to all Salarys, they cannot be paid till they are due,and sending an Estimate half yearly
of those officers who are in Pay a month before the time, The money may be in hand by the Day it is
due.
I am to beg that you will not advance the Pay of your officers till you have proper Consent and
Authority for it. Their present sallarys have been laid before Parliament and an Increase thereof
without knowing by what authority it is done, will probably occasion Questions and heighten the Complaints already made in Parliament of the Latitude in Expences that is even now given.
Mr: Roberts will no doubt lay his Complaints before you, I have near twenty affidavits sent by
Major Rogers. which most in fault I can't say, most probably both of them so in some Degree, But I
am apt to believe that the Major would be glad of any excuse to rid himself of an Indian Commissary
I am with great Regard,
Dear Sir,
Your most obedient
humble servant
TUOS. GAGE.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
New York 14th Deer. 1767.
DEAR SIR,
The little Carpenter, Great Warrior, and seven other Cherokees are arrived with one Watts their
Interpreter. I have taken Care of them here, and shall if wind &ca permits, embark them for Albany
after to morrow. But as the Ice will probably prevent their getting up so far, they will its likely,
land at the Manor or Claverack and proceed to Albany by Land, from whence they will be forwaded
to you. I have provided each with a warm Jacket, a Pass, and Letters to Albany.
You will hear of the ten men belonging to Wharton's Boats, that they were killed by the Indians of
Saguinam Bay, as also two Indians who accompanied them, of what nation is not said. They have
sent Excuses to Detroit, saying that they took the white men & two Indians all for Ch'erokees, againsl
whom they went out to war. But they knew well enough who they were Cherokees don't go upon the
Ohio with loaded Batteaux.  These ten, with the one killed at Detroit, a Trader in the Shawno(
Country, and one lately in a Field whilst asleep near Turtle Creek, by a Delawar Indian said to be 
half Brother of one Powell who lives near Turtle Creek, makes in all thirteen white men killed by the
Indians within four or five months; so that upon the whole, they seem pretty even with us in the artich
Ef murder. The above Delawar attempted the life of another man also asleep who luckily awoke a




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       517
the Explosion of the Indian's Gun, which he discharged in the Head of the Deceased whose name was
Mc Donald. The second man is a good deal wounded, but got to Fort Pitt.
There was a demand made a long time since, and lately renewed, for some Arms taken by Colonel
Bradstreet at Oswego from a French Trader for the use of the Indians. The Colonel would not pay it,
but if I remember well gave a Certificate, which was transmitted to you If the Demand has not been
paid by you be so good to look out for the Certificate, for the money is justly due; and somebody
should pay the Trader; but Colonel Bradstreet objected, that the Price demanded was too high. If you
can make out an affair of so long standing I should be glad that you would pay the Trader what is
reasonable.
I am with great Regard,
Dear Sir,
Your most obedient
humble servant,
Sr Wm Johnson Barte                                                    THos GAGE.
THE   SAME TO THE      SAME.
New York December 16th 1767.
DEAR SIR,
I wrote to you on the 14th Inst to acquaint you that the little Carpenter, Great Warrior, Raven
King, and Six other Cherokees, with one Watts an Interpreter arrived here on friday last from Charlestown; They have been taken care of, and are warmly cloathed, and I expect, will embark this day on
board a Sloop, to proceed as far as they can by water towards Albany. As my former letter went
by post, I have no doubt, it will reach you, long before they will arrive, and deliver you this, which in
that case, will serve only to inform you, that I have advanced the Interpreter Thirty pounds Y Curry, in
order to defray their Expenses to you, For the Expenditure of which, he is directed to account with you,
and you can add it to the charge of any other Disbursments you shall be obliged to make upon their
Accounts, and charge it all together. You'll Be so good to give Captain Maturin a credit upon Mr
Mosher for this thirty pounds, When you have recieved a Warrant from Me, for the Amount of your
half Yearly Expenses, In which those incurred upon this Occasion, will of course be included.
I am with great Regard
Dear Sir,
Your most Obedient
humble Servant
Sir William Johnson Bt                                                 THos GAGE.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
New York Dec. 20th. 1767.
DEAR SIR
Since my last to you, I wrote to Governors Penn and Fauquiere, setting forth the Calamities which
threatened their Provinces from the encroachments which had been made by the People from both, upon
the Indians Lands; the necessity to remove them forceably, and if the present Laws were not sufficient
to protect the Indians in their Persons and Properties, or the Coercive Powers of Government too weak
to restrain such a Lawless Banditti, it seemed to me proper to make new Laws, and strengthen the Hands




518                          MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
of Government: and offered all the military aid in my Power to effect so salutary a work. I have not
yet heard from Mr. Fauquiere, but Governor Penn shews the greatest readiness to cooperate with me,
and tells me that he shall lay the matter before his Assembly, & recommend it in the strongest manner
to them, to concur with him in the most certain expedients for the Removal of all the People settled
on the Indian's Lands within the Province, which has been hitherto attempted in vain by Proclamations,
and Threats of Military Execution and also in order to enable him effectualy to exert the Powers
of Government, to frame such a Law as will be fully sufficient to compel those Intruders to pay due
submission to the Civil Authority.
There are hopes therefore that something effectual will be done in this Business, which appears to be
one of the main objects of the Indian's disgust, and may be said to be a real Grievance.
I am with great Regard Dear Sir,
your most obedient,
humble servant,
Sr. Wm. Johnson Bart.                                                  THno. GAGE.
SIR Wm. JOHNSON TO GEN'L GAGE.
Johnsox-hall December 24th. 1767.
DEAR SIR,
I have your favors of the 6th and 14th of this Inst. and I am very glad to find that you have
wrote in the manner you mention to the Governors which will I hope produce more attention to the
Redress of the Grievances complained of.
The main object of the Indians resentment is what they will not probably be so ingenious as to confess.
-But it is obvious to me that the first principle of their discontent arises from the natural apprehensions
they have of our growing power, which they cannot view without the utmost jealousy, accompanied by
a fear which they will not however acknowledge, under! these Circumstances they are doubtless alarmed
upon every Occasion How much more must such alarms be increased when so many of those who are
now his Majestys Subjects, as well as others, find an Interest in contributing to strengthen their Suspicions
& render their discontent subservient to their private purposes, when so many of his Majestys natural
born Subjects, have-been guilty of Murder, fraud, and Intrusion, and when they are not only disappointed
of the promised redress, but also of the presents favors and benefits they were told of if we succeeded
in our War with France-Many promises were found necessary to be made by the Government, & by
Commanders in Chief &ca which they see no prospect of our performing, these together with the Wrongs
& Intrusions they continue to meet with are to them a plain manifestation of our dislike & of our intentsion to destroy their Libertys —Thus Excited by Revenge for present Injuries, and alarmed at their
Apprehensions of the future their politicks Lead them to make incursions upon us for the Gratification
of their darling passion, and to destroy & retard the Growth of these Settlements which they fear will
finally swallow them up. These are my real sentiments in the matter, and the Case between us now
is Whether the Government think it worth attention to remove their apprehensions and reconcile them
to a pacific Life by a redress of Grievances, & by some Efficacious plan for preventing the Like
hereafter, with an occasional attention to their affairs & distribution of some favors amst them, or to
leave Matters as they now stand, and the Frontiers & Trade exposed to the constant apprehensions
of a fate which they have several times experienced on that account, and which they have more than
ever reason to dread inasmuch as our present encrease & power has Excited the Jealousy of Nations,
whose Names were a few years ago unknown to the majority of the Colonists.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       519
As to what you say on the particular Case of Kayadarosseras,I have been already applied to by the
Pattentees, and have in consequence thereof endeavored to effect an accommodation between them,
and the Indians by the formers relinquishing their Claim to a part of the Tract, but there are so many
Claimants under the Origl Grant that it will be difficult if not impossible to get a Suffict Release wch
wod bar all future pretensions, & therefore were the Inds. heartily disposed to such Terms, an Imposition
of that nature, (an Instance of which has lately been experienced) woa. not only destroy their opinion
of the Officers of the Crown, but be productive of very dangerous consequence, the Whole Confederacy
having interested themselves warmly in it.
Particular Instances can be given of Frauds, & Misconduct of Traders, but should they come to posts
without having given Security, or if there is any reason to apprehend they would be acquitted, it is
better to let them alone,-this I have Experienced, & am certain of it that in matters regarding the
Inds. who are incapable of allowing for the prejudice of a party, or the Nicetys of the Common Law,
should the accusation be reasonable, & yet thro' some defect in the Laws, or other reason redress
is not obtained, it were better never to Attempt it-The want of power in the Laws which were not
framed with an Eye to the peculiar compact between the Inds. & us, has been admitted by sevl.
Gentlemen learned in that profession, & the necessity there is for making a particular provision in these
Cases has been pointed out.
The Saguinam   Indians doubtless knew those they killed, I consider that as a prelude to what we
are to Expect, & that these Excuses are only to gain time,-I have a Letter from Lt. Govr. Fauquiere
inclosing a Speech sent by the Delawares, wherein they are desirous to meet him having (as they say)
Sundry Grievances to complain of.
The Approach of the Cherokee Deputys at this time is a little unlucky, as it is a bad Season to
assemble the Six Nations however I shall do it imediately, but am greatly distressed about provisions,
there is none at Albany, or the posts & Cattle neither being plenty or Cheap here I shall be obliged to
send for them to New England, & as It will be a good opportunity for me to do something with the
Six Nations, & that the'peace with the Cherokees is recommended to me so strongly by Lord
Shelburne I must beg to be furnished with abt. ~500 Sterling for defraying the Expenses & getting
the necessary articles in time.
From what you have said I shall not augment the Sallarys till I hear farther notwithstanding I considered it as a saving to the Crown, and a much more regular method than the present which was
the only reason for my proposing it, & this I signified to the Secy of State.
Genl. Gage.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Johnson-hall Dec. 26th. 1767.
DEAR SIR
This will be delivered to you by Lieut Roberts who arrived here some days ago. It is Judged necessary
that as he was sent as a prisoner from Michilimackc. he should wait upon you notwithstanding he was
not received as such by the Comdg Officer at the Detroit, to whom he was ordered to be delivered up, but
was left at Liberty to go where he pleased.
From the Conduct of the Commandant of Michilimackinac it is evident that the principal cause of
the difference arose from his aversion to any Officer who might detect or interfere with him. The
principal dispute which arose on the Seizure of the Rum is certainly in favor of Mr. Roberts who aE
he discovered & Seized it was liable to answer for the same, and indeed if A Commanding Officer will




520                         MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
interfere in matters of Trade, or any other points which falls within the Limits of Duty prescribed & approved of by Government, the Appointment of a Commissary is only an Unnecessary charge to the
Crown-besides that Such Treatment Lessens a Commissary in the Eyes of the Inds. who have been told
agreable to Orders that that Officer was to have the sole Management of their Indian Affairs & Trade.
Mr. Roberts might have been more Cool, but when we consider the Man he had to deal with, and
the discoveries he had Just made concerning his designs, it will in a great measure accot. for his conduct
and the Letters I have received in his behalf as will from the officers & Traders appear much in his favor.
lie thinks himself Greatly Injured but you will be the best Judge on hearing what he has to Say & Examining the papers which he'll lay before you As the Bonds &c. entered into by the Traders are in his
hands & that the most necessary time for a Commissys presence is Early in the Spring I think it best that
he should return to his post after waiting upon you without any other delay than what the Season may
create, and I believe the most Expeditious way for his return will be by Montreal & the Ottawa River
which is Generally open sometime before the Straits of JViagara.
Mr. Roberts has been not only injured in his character but put to a Great Expense by his Journey
the amount of which I think he should be allowed for & therefore take the Liberty to recommend it to
you, he has likewise accots of expenses incurred Lately, which if paid now would do him real service.
Genr1. Gage.
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO THE EARL OF HILLSBOROUGH.
Johnson-hall, July20th 1768.
MY LORD,
Mr Johnson my Deputy has during my Absence received your Lordships Letters Numbrs one,
two and three, and acquainted you with the occasion of my going to the sea side from whence I returned
a few days ago somewhat recovered of my late Indisposition-he likewise reported in General terms to
your Lordship the steps taken towards effecting the Boundary Line with the Indians, and the Occurrences
since my DepartureIt remains for me now, more fully to Acknowledge the receipt of your Lordships Letters with the
Report of the board of Trade, Sincerely to Congratulate you on your late Appointment and dutifully
to Submit my thoughts, on the Reform which as an Old, and I believe a most faithfull Servant to the
Crown,  I am enabled and bound to offer to his Majestys Consideration, wherein I shall Speak without
the Smallest Interest or prejudice beyond what in me naturally arises for the true Interests of the Crown,
and the happiness of the people as far as they depend on the pacific disposition of the Indians within
my District, Should any thing that I offer appear worthy Attention it will in any'Situation of Life
yield me the highest Satisfaction, & by its Effects point out its Utility, but should it on the contrary
meet with a different reception, The Consideration of the importance of the Subject, the necessary
Connection I have with it, the Experience I may be supposed to have acquired in these matters, and
above all the laudable Motives which induce me to the Task will I persuade myself Justify my intention,
whilst it affords me the pleasing reflection that I have faithfully discharged my Duty.
Your Lordship will please to recollect that the plan for the more effectual regulating of Indian affairs
which came out in 1764 was formed under your Lordships direction & honored with his Majesty's Approbation when you so Wisely presided at the head of the Board of Trade, and hasbeen since in part carried
into Executn attended with as much Success as could have been possibly expected from the powers
committed to me on which subject I have often since Wrote, and at sundry times offered my humble
Sentiments towards such Amendments therein, as seemed most reconcileable to the different Views &
Interests of the Americans That Agreeable to my Instructions I did then & since give the strongest




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                         521
assurances to all the Nations of Inds tho' out of my District that the same would be firmly-established
by such Authority & in such manner, as to effectually remove all their uneassinesses, That on these
Assurances the Majority of them relied, and from the Expectation of that Establishment they have been
hitherto withheld from committing Outrages, the consequences of their own Unsettled minds, their Strong
Jealousies of our Power and Views since the reduction of Canada, and the Misconduct of sundry Persons
in the Colonies which has daily encreased. That notwithstanding I was not impowered to Carry this
plan effectually into Execution and that some parts of it however Judicious & political appeared from
reasons that occurred since impracticable to be inforced, yet I have still received Assurances that something Similar thereto was under Consideration, & that I should speedily receive such powers as would
Answer those ends & that in the interim I should give the Indians such Assurances & take such Measures,
as would make them easy till the same was Established, By taking Great pains, and by repeating these
Assurances I have been hitherto enabled, notwithstanding their impatience to preserve peace, which has
been solely owing to these Measures & to their Expectations founded thereon.
The present Reform, proposed by the Lords of Trade for the Indian Department seems very Judiciously
framed according to the Object it seems to have had in view by Committing Comercial affairs to the
care of ye Colonies with intent principally to the retrenching Expenses, founded on an Expectation that
the Colonies sensible of their former errors will manage better in future.
Now, my Lords, was I governed by Interest, or did it in any manner influence my Representations,
I should not offer any farther thoughts upon it seeing that my Sallary is augmented, and my Careg
and Trouble in some measure Lessened, Considerations of no small Weight with the generality of Mankind, but when I reflect that this Reform is a matter of the most serious Consequence, That its final
Operations, require the strictest Canvassing, That the Consequences of mismanagement have such Weight
with the board of Trade as to induce them to say That were it probable it should again take place
"I They would not hesitate in declaring their opinion against the propriety of suffering the management
of this Concern ever to revert into the hands of the Colonies." I say my Lord, when I duly consider
all this I cannot but Conclude it my Imediate Duty to offer my humble thoughts, and throw all possible
Light on the Obscure parts of Indian Affairs which being a Terra Incognita, inaccessible to the Generality
of even inquirers is thereby more Liable to Misrepresentations than any other subject.
I shall therefore proceed to take a short View of the state of the Colonies & Indians previous to the
late War with The Changes produced in the politicks and Sentiments of both, from a Consideration
of which I flatter myself some Conclusions may be drawn relative to the Event of the present System
& its future Operations.
The General misconduct & Neglect of Provincial managemt. is too well known and has been repeatedly
Expressed as the sense of Government, It is however said by some that they formerly managed the
Indians at a very Cheap & Easy rate, & that they were in gen1 peaceable the conclusion to be drawn
from thence is, That they had best to have them again in their hands which I am not at all Surprised
that many persons concerned in Trade should wish for, I own I shall readily admit that their Transactions
were attended with very little Expense, and I know what they lost by their Economy, the manner and
success of their management will require to be more particularly discussed.
The English were unknown to the Western Confederacy before this Century, and the Nature, of Our
Government, Genius & pursuits of our people, prevented them from being objects of Jealousy to
the Six Nations & others with whom they were somewhat acquainted, The little we had to do with them
was easily & reasonably transacted whilst they had few suspicions of our designs, a slender opinion of
our power and Abilities, and whilst the Inhabitants & Traders thro' fear were cautious of giving
them offence, On the other hand they saw a small but Vigorous enterprising Colony in Canada, whose
Government, Pursuits, and Genius, Led them to make bold advances, to carry War into the midst
VOL. II.                               66




522                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
of their Country, and whose Politicks set one Nation against another which enabled them to penetrate
into the Western Territory, and to form Alliances and Trade with Nations entire strangers to us With
one or other of whom they were nevertheless Generally at War. These were a people suffict to alarm
the Jealousy of Indians, Their Eyes were fixed upon them, & they were glad to see an other European
power in the Country, and Indeed for the Greatest part of this Century I cant find that the Inds. were
undeceived concerning us, Nevertheless in proportion as they became acquainted with Europeans, and
courted by both parties, their Wants encreased, as did the Expences attending them for the French
spared neither pains or money upon these occasions, whilst we avoided both, & what little was given
was so ill timed, and passed thro' the hands of such Avaricious, Ignorant & Slothfull managers, as rendered it of little or no purpose, So that whoever shall peruse the Records of Indn, affairs will find
that their Complaints have been encreasing from the Comencemt. of this Century & their defectn. from
our Interest is as visible till at the breaking out of the late War they were totally alienated from our
Interest At which time the Inds. were so far improved in Knowledge & Avarice that their Services
became very Expensive & some Gentlemen contributed thereto by unsuccessfull endeavors to acquire an
undue Influence amongst them, The Western Inds. even at this time were little known, and much
prejudiced against us throl the Suggestions of the French, & our own misconduct to those few who
sometimes resorted to Osswego as I once before related, and as for those who were better acquainted
with us, altho' they still retained but a Slender Opinion of our Abilities, they nevertheless grew alarmed
& suspicious on observing our encrease and the advancement of our settlements, which joined to a Dislike
that had been gradually encreasing rendered the appointment of a Superintendt extreamly necessary
had no War broke out with France. The Conquest of Canada being compleated in 1760, we were to
enter into alliance, which would make a Tenfold addition of Indians, Our Troops took possession
of the Forts, in the Western Country, & our Traders flocked thither with Goods. The French saw that
they must share with other Colonies that Trade which they before held unrivalled, and many of
them flattering themselves with the hopes of a Change & stimulated by interest spread false reports
amongst the Indians, at thesame time those residing in the Western Country & some of their Partizans
who had retreated thither on the reduction of Montreal were very busy in alarming the Jealousies of
these our new allies, occasioned a GenI. Confederacy agt. us, on which I went to Detroit in 1761.
where I held a Treaty with them gave them strong assurances of his Majestys favor, & that measures
wod be taken for preventing abuses, Encroachments &c whereby I for that time prevented their designs,
and on my return represented the necessity for such Establishments, as wod. remove their suspicions &
preserve peace and Order, but before any thing was done therein, the Artifices of the French, misconduct
of our people and Suspicions of the Indians (all which have been often represented) produced the
War in 1763. which thro means of a Vigorous Expedition, and by employing one Nation agt another
was terminated the year following. One of the principal Causes of this War was the Apparent Change
in our behavior to the Indians, the Want of proper Agents with fit Power amongst them, and the
Alarming Circumstance of our being the Sole Europeans here by the reduction of Canada,-Those
Numerous Nations to whom we were introduced by the Conquest had their Natural aversions-aggravated
by this circumstance, & our Old Allies began to be much alarmed at it This was one of the Natural
consequences of our great Encrease of our advancemt into this Country & of the Enlargement of our
connections with them & could only be surmounted by degrees by favors & a seeming Attention to their
Interests, establishments for their Affairs, & some summary Method of Obtaining Justice our people are
not inclined to do this, They began to think them unworthy attention they Encroached upon them,
Insulted, & wronged them, and altho they paid dear for this during the Indian War, yet no sooner was
it terminated in 1764, than elated thereby, & by the Conquest of Canada, and seemingly insensible that
this Conquest had encreasetd the Number of our Indian Enemys & rendered the Managing them an




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        523
Affair of much more difficulty than before they pushed on their Encroachments, & at last began to proceed
to Rob & Murder them wherever they met them the Genl turn & Sentiments of our people will in spight
of convictn Lead them to those Errors,-The plan wch came over that Year met with Sev1 delays, and
thereby time was given to all those whose imediate prospects of advantage might be frustrated by its
Establishment to represent the Necessity of a Gen1 Indulgence to Trade where they pleased, The
French in the Indian Country were at the bottom of this, they knew that if once they were permitted to
bring Goods there they could secure that part of the Trade to themselves by their Politicks, The event
has Justified this, The IndnS have began already to murder our Traders & the French have aided in
plundering them & persuaded the Indns to threaten all English with death who shall enter their Country,
In short they have been only hitherto prevented from taking arms thro their reliance on my Assurances
from time to time in the Name of Governmt That their Affairs were under Consideration, that they
might be assured that such Authority shod be given.to the Managers of their Affairs as would remedy
those Abuses of which they have so often Complained, and of which the Crown seems to be so sensible.
Their Reliance is & has been entirely on the Crown thro' the powers Vested in its Officer, founded
on a Certainty of the utter impossibility of receiving it at other hands whether the same be owing to
Inexperience, Want of Leisure, disinclenation, The want of Legal provision adapted to the peculiarity
of their Affairs, or to that particular biass of the Colonists which operates so much to the disadvantage
of the Indian3, throughout their Various subjects of Contention, whether in the Ordinary pursuit of
their Landed or Commercial Interests in America.
These points in the Course of my Correspondence with his Majestys Ministers have been more than
once enlarged on and I see with satisfaction that your Lordship & the Board of Trade are persuaded
of their Genl. truth, and therefore I might have avoided giving your Lordship the Trouble of perusing
so long a detail, did It not contain some Circumstances which will point out the difficulties I must expect
to encounter, in reconciling the whole of the Measures according to the reform to the minds of the Ind3.
& produce some thoughts from the Consideration of which I flatter myself that your Lordship will think
it necessary to the public Quiet, that the Colonies have ample directions for the good Management of
Affairs of Commerce as there is reason to apprehend they will not incline to be at much trouble or expense
about them. These thoughts are-with all becoming deference Humbly submitted to your Lordship. I
am to assure your Lordship that I shall Lose no time in compleating & fulfilling his Majestys orders
touching the carrying the Reform into Execution omitting no pains necessary for explaining & reconciling
it to the Indians relying on his Majestys support for the more effectual discharge of the rest of the Dutys
remaining under my Super Intendancy which I shall always endeavor to perform in the best manner but
there are some points necessary thereto which it is my Duty to lay before yr Lordship.
The Northern & Southern Departments are put on the same allowance, altho The Northern has been
always considered & admitted to be by much the Most Considerable & respectable whether as to the
Number of Indians Their Dispositions, or the Circumstances attending their Affairs & Management. And
as ann1 presents must be given to the Western Inds. Six Nations, Those of Canada & the Shawanese &
Delawares, I submit it to your Lordship whether there is a possibility of doing this & providing for all
other necessary Contingencies on ~3000. p An. In the next place The absolute necessity there is for
my having some subordinate Officers for the Carrying on the various operations & dutys of this Office,
Those Deputys & Interpreters who are Essential thereto do not appear to have a provision made for
them the sum I formerly proposed for a present alone was ~4000 The Contingencies are besides as
uncertain as they are innumerable, & as I am directed to remove all those Officers who  ere established
for the Indn Trade, which are the Commissarys, Smiths at the posts &c the future Want of those Corresponding Agents, will in many respects add to the Trouble as well as the Expense of Management, so that
the Deptys who are long Established cannot be paid out of the amt ~3000. witht omitting some othel




524                          MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
Essential part of the Service, nor can theirs be dispensed with. But that the service may not suffer
thro the Want of what is necessary & reasonable I shall endeavor to settle the matter with the Comr,
in Chief of the Army in the best manner I can, hoping it will merit approbation.
The other Affairs of the Department, the necessity for continuing the boundary Line Northerly from
Owegy so as to Establish bounds between them & New York in such manner as the Inds. shall be
prevailed upon to agree to, I hope to receive your Lordships ComdS. upon.-As to the other objects
of Concern & the Extraordinary Intelligences received I am doing all in my power thereon, and hope
to lay them & other matters more fully before yr. Lordship in my next,-but the subject of this letter
having a ready drawn it out to an immoderate Length I must for the present draw to a Conclusion by
Expressing my Humble Gratitude to his Majesty for the Augmentation of my Sallary & my sincere
thanks to your Lordship, assuring you that I should not desire it, longer than I was able to do real service
& that as all my proposals have been directed with that view the same shall ever remain the invariable
rule of my Conduct, thro' which I persuade myself of his Majestys favor and the Continuance of yr.
Lordships Countenance.
I have the Honor to be
Endorsed, July 20th. 1768.
To the Earle of Hillsboro.
Points out the Necessity of an addl. allowance for the DeptYs &c.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Johnson Hall Augt 17th 1768.
MY LORD
I had the honor of addressing a Letter (No. 2) of the 20th ulto to your Lordship, imediately
after my return from the Sea coast, therein I took the liberty to offer some thoughts concerning the
present Reform and Arrangements Some of which I flatter myself would prove Seasonable.
Since I wrote that Letter a Chief of the Chipeweighs the most powerful Nation to the westward
arrived here on an Embassy with Sevl. others, as he is a man of much Influence and can bring some
thousands of his people into the Field, I took particular notice of him formerly at Niagara Since
which he has behaved very well, and now came t o be informed of my Sentiments, on the uneasy State
of the Indians to the Westward, he told me that his people would quietly wait his return before they
took any resolutions, Confirmed all the Accots I have received of the practices of the Spaniards and
French, of the Assurances they give them of assistance from Europe, and of the Belts, Messages and
presents sent amongst them, They are endeavouring to encrease the spirit of distrust Jealousy &
Aversion by every means in their power, amongst the Indians & it will be utterly impossible to
keep them all quiet without silencing those Incendiaries who are amongst them.
I wish the Colonies may act wisely in the management of the Indian Trade as a good deal will
depend upon it at this time. This will require much pains & Expence, else they must not expect to send
any Traders into the Indian Country, altho the Much greater part of those'who go a Trading are men
of such circumstances and Dispositions as to venture their persons any where for Extravagant gains,
yet the consequences to the public are not to be slighted, as we may be led into a Genl. Quarrel thro'
their means. The Indians in the parts adjacent to Michilimaclinac have been treated with at a very
great Expence for some time past. Major Rogers brings a considerable charge agt. the Crown for
Mediating a peace between some Tribes of the Sioux and some Chippeweighs which had it been attended
with success would have been only interesting to a verry few French & others that had Goods in that
part of the Indian Country, but the contrary has happened, and they are now more Viole~nt than ever agt.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       525
one another, which perhaps is not an unfavourable Circumstance for us at this Juncture, but the Inds.
on finding that they are to receive large presents for promising to lay down their Arms will never want
occaisions of Quarrell with one another.
I should inform your Lordship that agreable to a former Letter of mine to the Earl of Shelburne, the
patentees of the disputed Tract called Kayadarosseras sent an agent to Treat with the Indians whom my
Deputy summoned to attend for that purpose in the presence of Sir HenY Moore during my absence
from home, but the Agent not having brought an Original Indian Deed, or a proper Survey of the Tract,
they did not agree, Since my return having found an Origl. Indian Deed & had their Line run the
Patentees, again applied to me, and the same was recommended by Letter from Sir H. Moore in
consequence of which on the Arrival of their Agents they met the Mohocks who on Examining the
Indian deed & Survey, & receiving a handsome sum of money were at length prevailed on to yield
their claim to the Patentees in my presence, This will save some trouble, and Expence to the Crown
as according to the opinion of the Lawyers there were not sufficient grounds to proceed agt. the Patent
with any prospect of success in a Court of Law.
In addition to what I formerly mentioned, concerning the Boundary Line on which I expect shortly
to meet the Indians, I have only to express my desire of hearing from your Lordship concerning that
part relating to the Province of New York Should I not be honored with your Commands previous to
the Congress I shall endeavour to do it in the best manner I can-as I have all along conceived & as it
is understood by the Commander in Chief, the Boundary is a matter of a General Nature, Negotiated
on the part of his Majesty with the Indians & that whatever Cession they make is in Consideration of
an Adequate present to be solely at the disposal of the King in all Royal Governmts & may be Granted
by him to any of his Subjects by Mandamus or otherwise without farther purchase from, or treaty with
the Indians, I am hopefull that this construction is the Sense & Intention of Government, as I believe
it to be the most effectual means of preventing disputes, At the same time it is presumed that all those
UnLocated Land at the Back of the Colonies which Shall be So ceded to his Majesty by the Indians
will be added to and become a part of Such Provinces as have just claims, or pretensions to Comprehend
them within their bounds, or with which they may be most naturally conected, but with this I apprehend I
have nothing to do, and that my duty is solely to treat with & obtain a Cession for, and on behalf of the
Crown of a Tract of Country along the frontiers, the rere of which is to be the Boundary Line between
the English in General, and the Sev1. Indian- Nations, agreeable to wch I mean to act, according to my
best judgment, and as correspondt. as possible with the Line described on the Map Transmitted by your
Lordship, hoping that the Commissioners from the Governments who attend the Treaty will be enabled to
give the Strongest & most Satisfactory assurances to the Indians that no Encroachments Shall be made by
any of the Inhabits on their Lands beyond that Line, and this cannot be too firmly Guarded & secured
for should it hereafter be invaded, and the agreements violated on our parts it were better they had
never been entered into.
In my last I took the Liberty to observe to your Lordship concerning the Slender provisions made for
the Expences of my Department which had been always considered as the most considerable & by much
the most important of the two Superintendencys, That no mention is made of my DepyS or of Interpreters
without whom the business of the Department, could not be conducted, that the former were officers
indispensably necessary for the managemt of affairs in the Distant & Different Quarters for many year,
past, and existing long before any Plan for Trade was adopted, & that the Interpreters, must be always
considered as wanting.
The Commissioners were the only officers appointed for the Management of the Trade & their expenses
far Exceeded that of all the rest of this Departmnt. occasioned principally by our havg. newly go
possessn. of the out posts and they are now to be discontinued but a due consideration of the importance




526                      MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
of the other dutys to be performed by the department, and of their Multifarious Nature will evince the
Necessity there is for some proper Subordinate Officers & Interpreters, which cannot be provided for
out of the sum allotted, one thousand pounds p ann of which being for my Sallary, the remaining ~300,
will I fear be found an inadequate sum for Annl. presents to three large Confederacys of Indians, & other
incidental Expences on which the public Tranquility here does in a great measure depend, without a
possibility of applying any part of it to the support of such Officers & Assistants as I have repeatedly
Shown the Necessity for. But to Manifest my Zeal & readiness to carry on the Management of Indian
affairs on a New Arrangement in the manner they ought to be Conducted, I presumed to propose an
addition of ~1000. p Ann for the Sallarys of 3 DepYS & Interpreters, and Small as the other Sum may
appear resolved to endeavor my utmost that it should answer the purposes of promoting Tranquility
&Extending his Majesties Interest, with this View I transmit to Genl Gage Commander in chief an
Estimate of the Expenses & application of the Sum proposed on the New Arrangement wherein I
have proposed the additn of ~1000 p ann for 3 Depys 4 Interpreters & a Messenger In this (besides
the Sallarys & expenses of the Commissaries now to be discontinued) there is no provision made for a
Secretary, Clerk, Storekeeper, Smiths, charges of Transportation of Goods &c., and one Depy. is Likewise omitted because as my 4th Depy. has been very lately instituted by direction of his Grace the Duke
of Richmond for the peculiar province of Nova Scotia the necessity of his continuance is submitted to
your Lordship, as to a Secretary he cannot be dispensed with, the Entrys of proceedings and preserve.
the Records of all Indian Transactions being as necessary as it is troublesome, but I have not included
his Sallary it being usually paid out of the Receiver Generals Office of the Provce of N. York at the rate
of ~100 Ster p ann to wch I generally procured an addition, as no man properly Qualified will undertake that troublesome duty in this Country on Such a Sallary. My Depys considering their respective dutys,
the Expences to which they are liable & that there is no allowance for Travelling charges &c. will find
200 Ster p ann a very Slender provisn for them, & every other Sallary is rated as Low as men can be
procured Qualified for their offices. So that I flatter myself your Lordship will find that the Moderate
addition I propose wch will make the whole Annl. Expence but ~5000 Ster including my own & officers
Sallarys, is a very trifling Sum for conducting affairs of Such publick importance. From my sense
of the State of Indian affairs I humbly recommend it to your Lordship, and I have only to wish that it
may be found sufficient for preserve. peace and order, and promoting those objects of publick concern
that depend on the Establishment of proper men, & the pursuit of proper measures in the discharge of
the various dutys appertaining to my office.
Endorsed                                  I have the Honr. to be &c.
To Ld Hillsborough
17 Aug. 1768.
LORD HILLSBOROUGH TO SR WM. JOHNSON.
Whitehall 12th October 1768.
SIR
The experience the King has had of your ability and zeal for His service, in the department of Indian
affairs, will always induce His Majesty to give attention, to whatever you may think fit to submit upon
that subject. His Majesty has therefore fully considered the remarks you make in your letter to me
No 2, upon the present state of the service under your direction; and it gives His Majesty great satisfaction to find, that the arrangements pointed out in my letter of the 15th of April, are, in your opinion,'udiciously calculated to answer the object they have in view.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       527
It is not however upon the propriety of the propositions themselves that the advantage of
them altogether depends, it is upon the execution of them, and upon the regulations, which the
colonies shall think fit to adopt for the management of the commercial part, that we are to rely
for those benefits which are intended to be the result of them.
The relieving this kingdom from every expence, that can with safety be avoided, is, in its present
state, a consideration of the greatest importance, it is one great object of this plan, and I have it in
command from the King in an especial manner to recommend to you the strictest (Economy in those
services, the expence of which is to be defrayed by this Kingdom;  and it is His Majesty's pleasure
that, after consulting with General Gage, you should make out some certain Estimate of what you think
the state of the service in your department may require, to be laid before His Majesty for His consideration, in order to the determining whether any greater sum than that recommended by the Board of
Trade, should be finally allowed for this service. In the mean time, and untill you receive the King's
further commands, it is His Majesty's pleasure that the annual expence of the service should on no
account exceed that sum.
His Majesty observes by General Gage's letters, received at the same time with your's, that you have
estimated the expence of running the boundary line at no less a sum than ~10,000 Sterling, which,
without knowing the ground on which this calculation is made, appears to imply demands on the
part of the savages, which cannot but be thought very unreasonable, when it is considered that the
settlement of this business has been so long earnestly solicited by them, and that the line proposed does
in many places preclude from settlement lands that were before supposed not to be contested by them,
and does in others add less to His Maje~sty's dominion than what themselves proposed in the negotiation
with you in 1765.
If however, notwithstanding all the attention His Majesty is persuaded you will give to (Economy,
in resisting every exorbitant demand, such expence is to be incurred, and the gratifications to the Indians
on this occasion are so far to exceed what might reasonably have been hoped for, it becomes highly
expedient that the colonies interested in this measure, and whose limits of settlement are extended
by it, should be early apprized of what will be required, in order that they may make timely, provision
in proportion to the benefit they are respectively to receive from it; for it cannot, upon any grounds of
reason or justice be expected, that this Kingdom should take upon itself.the whole, or indeed any part
of the expence of a measure calculated for the local interests of particular Colonies.
His Majesty entirely approves the continuing the boundary line northward from Owegy, so as to
include the province of New York, and thereby render the line perfect and complete; and I am to
recommend to you that no time be lost in bringing this negotiation to a conclusion, in the conduct of
which it will be necessary that Sir Henry Moore should be consulted, so that there may be a perfect
agreement of all parties, by which alone those difficulties may be overcome, which occurred.upon this
subject in the negotiation of 1765, and which have hitherto made it impossible to give any precise directions from hence.
Having signified to you His Majesty's commands upon all those parts of your letter, upon which you
desire instruction, I cannot avoid taking some notice of the observations you make upon the plan for
Indian Affairs, prepared by the Lords of Trade in 1764, when I had the honour of a Seat at that Board:
But before I make any remarks upon the plan itself as applied to the present state and circumstances of
America, you will give me leave to observe to you, that the Lords of Trade did not consider it as a
measure ripe for execution, and therefore did not report it to the King; but in order to enable themselves to form a more complete judgement of it, they transmitted it as minutes of their board to yourself
and the Governors of the Colonies, for your consideration, and to receive your opinion upon the several
propositions it contained: What you say therefore of its having met with His Majesty's approbation




528                         MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
of its having been carried into execution, and of the assurances given that it should be finally established,
are circumstances of which I am entirely ignorant.
The propriety and practicability of carrying that plan into execution depended upon the possession
of the interior country by posts and establishments, upon the concurrence of the colonies in an opinion
of the commercial advantages of it, and upon the creating a fund in those colonies to defray the experice.
But since it has been thought advisable to withdraw the troops from and to abandon the posts; since the
colonies themselves do not think that a general regulation for commerce consists with their interests,
and have each for itself desired to make its own regulations, and since it is become more difficult in the
present state of the colonies to create a general fund to defray the expence, I must confess that I do
entirely concur in the measures which have been proposed by the Board of Trade, and are the foundation
of those instructions which I have it in charge from His Majesty to recommend to your attention, not
doubting but that, through your assistance and with your advice, the colonies will be induced to adopt
such regulations for the commercial part, as will improve the trade and fix the affection of the savages,
and in the end produce all those advantages which you seem to think would have been derived from the
execution of the plan suggested by the Board of Trade in 1764.
I am with much Esteem & Regard
Sir Your Most Obedient
Humble Servant
Sir William Johnson Bart.                                            HILLSBOROUGH.
SECY. POWNALL TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
Whitehall 13th. October 1768.
SIR,
Your dispatch to the Earl of Hillsborough numbered 3, was received at this Office yesterday, and
immediately communicated by express to his Lordship who is in the country at some distance.
I have his Lordship's directions to acquaint you that it will be impossible for him to write to you
upon the subject of this dispatch before the departure of the Packet for this Month which has been
already detained beyond the time; but that he will take the first opportunity of laying it before the
King & transmitting to you such commands as he may receive from His Majesty thereupon.
I am with great Regard
Sir, Your most obedt.
humble servant
Sir William Johnson                                                  JOHN POWNALL.
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO LORD HILLSBOROUGH.
Fort Stanwix October 23d, 1768.
MY LORD
I was in hopes that about this time I should have been enabled to transmit your Lordship the agreable
account of my having setled the boundary Line between Us and the Indians, but a train of unforeseen
Accidents, together with a Variety of Obstructions given to it by the Spaniards and French at the
Misissipi, and other Lurking amongst the Indians have, as yet, denyed me that pleasure, and rendered it
a matter of difficulty sufficient to deterr many from the prosecution of it.
Not Expecting to have been detained here so long, or to have occasion to write to your Lordship




MAMNUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                          529
before my return I have neither your Letters, hor my own at this place, but I recollect llat my long
letter No. 2 was the 20th. July and that I since wrote your Lordship about the beginningof last month.
On the 19th ulto. I arrived at this place having appointed the 20th for the Indians to meet me,
The Commissioners from Virginia set out before me, the Governor of New Jersey accompanied me, and
I was followed by the Governor of Pennsylvania, The Goyr. of N York thought it unnecessary to send
Commissioners as I was to transact the business,-After waiting here sev1. Days during which many
Indians came in & Encamped I heard that the Shawanese, Delawares, & Senecas, with many others were
still at a Considerable distance, & that sevl. private Affairs & Conferences which they held at the
Towns they passed thro,' would retard them for a mUuch longer time than could have been Expected,
by the beginning of this month we had 805 Indians here, but the much greater part & those of the
most consequence were still behind, I dispatched Messengers to hurry them, by whom I was informed
of the sudden death of a Seneca Chief, and that the Condolances usual on such Occasions would
detain them some days more in the Senecas Country which they had then reached, I was much concerned
on this occasion by reason of the great Consumption of provisions & the heavy Expences attending
the maintenance of those Indians on the Spot whose numbers amounted by the 14th of this Instant to 930,
each of whom consumes daily more than Two ordinary men amongst us, & would be extremely dissatisfied if Stinted when convened for business,-but altho' this circumstance alone was very disagreable,
from the difficulty of getting provisions, there being none nearer than Albany & very little there,
except some Cattle at an Extravagant price  I had yet more cause to be uneasy from the certain
discovery I had made of the minds of many of the Nations, of the private belts and messages passing
from the one to the other, of the purport of their Secret Councils, and of the false Reports & misrepresentations circulating amongst them, As my last and former Letters will shew their disappointment
that no plan had been hitherto adopted (as they had been promised) with due regard to the peculiar
circumstances of their situation, with proper powers in the Department for the discharge of their sev1.
affairs I need not to add more than that it has had a Visible Effect upon them all, and that their
Suggestions arising therefrom have a bad tendency, When this is considered together with the errors
misconduct & frauds which they must Experience thro' the want of those powers and regulations, the
encouragement' thereby given to our Natural Enemys and the success of their endeavors to withdraw
the Indians from us will appear rather a matter of concern than of surprize, Tht this is really the case
at present I am but too well satisfied. I have for a considerable time past represented, the secret practices
& endeavors of both Spaniards & French in the names of their respective Sovereigns to render us
Odious to the Indians, to unite them against us and to persuade them to renew hostilities under the
prospect of aid which it is more than probable they would afford them the first occasion that offered,
to effect this they avail themselves of every circumstance in the affairs of dAmerica, of every instance
of our ill treatment, & of every uneasiness manifested by the Indians, The Reduction of Officers
& Retrenchment of Expences in the Indian Departmt has been already represented by their Agents as
Instances of our parsimony, Neglect & Contempt, and the want of any powers for their relief as marks
of our Injustice and disregard, The unrestrained conduct & cheats of the Traders have been given, as
characteristick proofs of our dishonesty & want of authority, The neglect of sending Missionaries of
our Church amongst them, as an Instance of our Irreligion, in short there is nothing within the compass of
their knowledge of which they have not made use, thro' the means of Agents of much Influence,
supported by Gentle Treatment, and confirmed by handsome presents, All this is carried on with a
secrecy which renders it the more dangerous, the public in general are ignorant hereof, & unguarded
against them, & thus American affairs are represented as best suits the views of party, or the pursuits
of Interest.-It has been admitted & is most certain that the Colonies can neither attend to these
matters or correspond in sentiments so as to defeat these designs. All these affairs are properly the
VOL. II.                               67




530                           MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
Task of a person under his Majestys imediate direction & is it possible, my Lord, that such person
can oppose himself to an Enemy so powerfull without proper support & some Assistants, It may appear
improbable that the French or Spaniards shod. act this part, and still more so that they should act by
authority; whilst a peace is subsisting between the British Crown & them, but be this as it will, certain
it is that not only several known Partizans & many Traders but also some officers of their Troops
have actually come into the Indian Country, where they have conducted themselves as is represented,
and their Councils have not only greatly retarded the measures we are now taking but threaten this
country with farther Calamities.-The Indians who seemed most desirous of a boundary line, are now
either indifferent about it, or apprehensive that we have something thereby in View which may be
dangerous to their Libertys. The French & Spaniards have given them a formal invitation, and used
every means in their power to draw them to a Gen1. Congress at the Misisipi. And I have undoubted
authority for assuring your Lordship that had not my Belts and- Messages arrived when they did to the
Southward, the Chiefs would have complied with the Invitation.
The accots, fromn all Quarters corroborate, the Indians dissatisfied with us for the reasons I have given,
& Intoxicated with the storys and promises of designing Men seem to wait the event of this Congress,
as of an affair which is to determine their conduct, and to Expect at this time some final & certain
assurances of an attention to be Given to their Affairs, and a Redress to their Grievances, to which
the Boundary is foreign being a single Object the advantages of which (If the Colonists should pay
due regard to it) cannot be felt by any of the Indn. Nations for some time, and are at best Local, &
confined to one Confederacy.
Notwithstanding this disagreeable aspect of affairs, the difficulties I have to encounter, and the want
of authority for giving the Inds. a satisfactory assurance on many subjects of their concern, I am
determined to persevere, in the Execution of my Orders as well as in every endeavor which shall appear
to me most necessary at this Juncture to the best of my Judgment, & the utmost Extent of an Iufluence
which properly supported could I am fully persud. do his Majesty & the public good service & afford
me better pretensions to your Lordships friendly regards an honor in the highest Estimation with My
Lord
Your Lordships most obliged,
Obedient & faithful hum Servt.
W. J.
P. S. Octr, 25th. This Letter having Lain by till this day for want of Good opportunity I have
only to add that our proceedings appear Loaded with fresh difficultys from the belts in the Inds. hands
&c we have only opened the Conference & the Inds. continue coming in, Their N~. now here is near
3000.
LORD HILLSBOROUGI TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
Whitehall 15th. November 1768.
SilR
Since the departure of the last Packet, your Letter to me No. 3 has been received, and laid before
the King.
The unfriendly and unsettled disposition of the western Indians towards the British Interests and
Government, occasioned, as you represent, by the artifices and intrigues of the French and Spaniards:
is a matter of a very serious nature in whatever view it is considered, whether in reference to the
present inconveniences arising out of the great expense of presents and other gratifications to keep them
quiet, or in reference to the consequence that would follow from an open rupture with them.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                         531
From the accounts given of this matter by General Gage; and from the assurances he has received
from Monsieur Aubry and Don Ulloa, there is great reason to suspect that our own new Subjects
are the Authors of all the mischief, and therefore their conduct and proceedings in the Indian Country
cannot be too narrowly watched, nor their treachery if detected, too severely punished.
If on the contrary there should notwithstanding the assurances given to General Gage, be any settled
plan of seduction of the Indians adopted and attempted by France or Spain, every possible diligence
and vigilance should be exerted to trace it to its source, and to verify the information by such facts
and evidence as may justify the strongest representation and complaint.
As to the other matters contained in your Letter, and in particular what relates to the allowances for
your department, and the continuation of the boundary Line so as to include New York, I have already,
in my Letter No. 6, been very explicit thereupon, and I have now nothing further to add.
Inclosed I send you by the Kings command, His Majestys Speech to His Parliament at the opening of
the Session on the 8th instant, together with the addresses to the King from both Houses, one of which
Addresses passed nemine contradicente, and the other without a division.
I have the pleasure to acquaint you that the Queen was happily brought to bed of a Princess on
Tuesday last, and that both her Majesty and the young Princess are as well as can be desired. I most
heartily congratulate you upon this increase of the royal Family; an event that affords the greatest
satisfaction to all his Majestys Subjects.
I am Sir
Your Most Obedient
Humble Servant
Sir William Johnson                                                  HILLSBOROUGH.
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO LORD HILLSBOROUGH.
Johnson Hall November 18th 1768.
MY LORD,
I had the nonor to write your Lordship (No 4) from Fort Stanwix Just before the opening
the Treaty, wherein I represented the many difficulties in the way to the settlement of the Line, which
however I have at length Surmounted and Settled in a manner which will I hope be agreeable to
his Majesty for the particulars of which I beg Leave to referr your Lordship to a Copy of my Transactions
which I have now the honor to inclose together with a Deed of Cession to his Majesty for the Lands
Yielded up to the Crown.
Your Lordship will find that the Six Nations, insisting on their right to the Lands as far South as the
Cherokee River have Ceded the Same to his Majesty, and Notwithstanding that the Report of the board
of Trade Spoke of Great Kanhawa River as their Southern bounds I found from what passed at sev1
private Meetings, that I could not deny them the Liberty of asserting their pretensions to the Southward
without highly disobliging them, and preventing the Settlement of the rest. From many former enquirys
& disputes on these Subjects I never could find that the Cherokees claimed to the Westward of the Greal
Mountains or North of the River of their Name but that the Six Nations always did Claim thereto, ]
therefore Judged it for the interest of his Majesty to Acquiesce for these reasons That by their Cession
of the Country below the Kanhawa to his Majesty Their pretensions must in future cease Whereas should
the Cherokees now or hereafter undter Colour of a Claim farther North be treated with and Surrender
it up, It would occasion much Expence and Trouble to obtain the Consent of the Northern Indians
who are a muchmore formidable people, all which is as I apprehend prevented by the present Cession




532                          MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSONi
which is nevertheless submitted to his Majesty, The next point I have to observe to your Lordship is
the Continuation of the Boundary line Northward from Owegy, The necessity of this I formerly remarked,
and the Indians insisted on it, it is now Carried to Canada Creek, where it falls into Wood Creek,
which last mentioned Water emptys into Oneida Lake, I found it Extremely difficult to get it so far to
the Westward from its Vicinity to their own Towns) and indeed the Whole of the Line as it approached
them cost me more pains and trouble than can be conceived, whilst at the same time the necessity of
Establishing it where Intrusions would be most affecting to them was selfevident, Their To'wns &
Settlements are therefore secured to their satisfaction by Extending the Line to the Waters which
discharge themselves into Lake Ontario but it is not Continued so as to Close, First, because I found that
many of them were for Closing it by running to the Next Patented Lands which would have Limitted
the Province of New York in such a Manner as must have produced some Complaints, Secondly, because
as the Country North is the property of the Oneidas           a Jfiohocks It can at any time hereafter be closed
at a very moderate Expence Should his Majesty require it, as I find that the Mohocks are desirous to
have it Closed & could be brought to do it Advantatgiously on any future occasion,-I beg your
Lordship will beleive that in all these matters where I had not particular Instructions I have acted
to the best of my juLdgrent for his Majestys Interest, Thao difficulties I had to Struggle with, by
the artifices of the people at the Mississipi, and the doubts and surmises of the Indians themselves
thro' the late misconduct of the frontier Inhabitants anl the Length of time elapsed since e teboundary
was first spoken of can only be known by thoe who were eye witnesses of it, as the greatest part of
the business Transacted at private meetings with the Chiefs where the principal affairs are resolved
upon & adjusted could not be committed to Writing or comprised in any moderate bounds. I have
staked my reputation with the Indians that the several Articles they have made shall be observed,
without which the Charges attending the Assembling them at this time and all other endeavors would
have been Ineffectual, They have at length relied on my assurances and I am confident that the regard
paid to them will be the only security for the observance of the Line,-The Indians likewise rely
chiefly on his Majestys Power and inclination for the performance of these matters and for their
future happiness and security, they have many apprehensions concerning the Colonies which I have
endeavored to remove but I find it a difficult task, for they have Experienced how far private interests
operate here, are not ignorant that the Colonies are Governed by different Maxims and politicks,
and havg been often disappointed in matters where they apprehended they deserved redress, are not
apt to repose a Confidence a second time where it has been once abused.
The Provisions & other Incidental Expences attends this Treaty were unavoidable from the Number
of Indians, & the Length of time it took up, The Amount of the Goods and Cash given on the part.
of the Crown was the most moderate that could have been offered for so Valuable & Extensive a
cession, Upon the whole I flatter myself that this Transaction will be honored with his Majestys
Approbation, from a consideration of the difficulties that attended it, & the important advantages to be
derived from it if strictly adhered to.
As I am now busied in Giving some necessary belts and Messages to'the Shawanese, and some
others who have taken this rout back to their Country, and at the same time desirous to communicate
by the earliest opportunity an event of such Importances I must for the present deferr saying any
thing farther on this subject, and' with a perfect reliance on your Lordships favorable reception of this
pacquet, Beg leave to subscribe myself with all possible respect, My Lord,
Your Lordships most obliged
The Rt honble                                                & most faithfull humble servt,
The Earl of IIillsborough.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        533
THE SAME TO THE SAME. CONCERNING THE LAKE SUPERIOR COPPER MINES.
Johnson-hall, December 20th, 1768.
MY LORD)
On my return from Fort Stanwix I had the honor to receive your Lordships of the 13th. August
(No. 5) with the enclosures concerning the Application to his Majesty for a Grant of Copper Mines
near Lake Superior directing me to make enquirys concerning the same, to which I shod. have paid all
due obedience sooner, but for the Pacquets & Dispatches I had to make up, and the multiplicity of
affairs I had to order and regulate in consequence of the late Treaty.
I now proceed to consider the subject of your Lordship's Letter and the papers therewith transmitted.
And first, as to the Ore. I have long since been well assured that there is not only a large Quantity
of Copper Ore in the Environs of Lake Superior, but that on trials made on Samples of it, some of
which I have seen, it has been found extraordinary good and rich. I likewise about 3 years ago saw
an Estimate of the Expenses of taking up, & transporting &c. the most accessible of that Ore, of
which I am well assured there' are to all appearances entire Rocks; but this Estimate, which I have
unluckily mislaid, was, to the best of my Recollection founded on the expectation that it wod. Continue
to be obtained with very great ease, and that it could be transported, Refined &c. at rates which from
the increased Value of Labour &c. in Canada since the reduction of that Country may now be much
doubted, admitting that the Vein of Ore would continue equally rich and accessible. I have likewise
understood that the Indians themselves would at a very trifling rate procure large Quantitys of it, to
which I may answer that the Indians are a Lazy people, & naturally Enemies to Labour, and therefore
it is much to be doubted whether interesting them in it would be attended with advantage, altho' the
Inds. of that Country can be satisfied on much more reasonable terms than those who are more accustomed to receive favors from Europeans, particularly the French. I have also heard that some persons
in Canada did formerly bring away a good deal of Ore from thence, and that they lost by it, but
whether this was owing to the Expense of bringing it down, or to bad management I can't say. The
River Ottawa being obstructed by 42 Portages, small and great, would much retard & Enhance the
transportation of so heavy an article, & give place to the carrying it by the Lakes as the most Elligible,
notwithstanding the latter are at some seasons very uncertain & the navigation often tedious. The
length and severity of the winter at Lake Superior will likewise require consideration both with regard
to the provision to be made for those that shod. remain there & for their Cattle & Beasts of Burthen,
and the very low wages of Battoemen & all Labourers in the time of the French when compared
with the usual hire at this time, is also a matter that shod. be attended to.
I come now to consider what effect it might have as to his Majesty's Interests with respect to the Inds.
Touching this, I am of opinion that if the Object in View is deemed worthy the pursuit, It cannot
hereafter be prejudicial to his Majesty's Interests with the Indians, provided their consent is first obtained,
that the utmost Care is taken to prevent their being wronged or ill-treated by any Concerned, and that
no Settlements be undertaken, or Lands cultivated beyond what is barely necessary (& this too with their
previous consent) until the times become more favorable, all which may be Effectual prevented by the
Residence of an officer of the Indian Department on the part of the Crown, & by such Instructions
and Authorities to the Super Intendant, or such other officer of the Crown as is most likely to remove
any Cause of Complaint and afford them justice, and for the farther satisfaction of the Inds. & removing
any suspicions they might entertain from the Conduct of any of the Company's Residents or Servants:there, That an Appeal might lye before the Super Intdt. or such other Officer as the Crown shod. direct.
With regard to the next consideration, as to the proper means to Induce their agreement to such
Establishmts. as wd. be necessary for obtaing. the advantages stated to arise from that proposal as I




634                      MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
have understood it, the principal advantages that may be Expected depend upon the Value & Importance
of good mines rich in Copper, as any advantages to his Majesty's Interests with the Indns resulting from
the proposals must be the effect of time, & swill solely depend upon the good Conduct, Civil Treatment,
& Strict Integrity of the'Company's factors who if they can be expected to concur in so doing will
doubtless by degrees acquire the system of the Indians and give them favorable prepossessions of the
English, to which the adding some small presents occasionally, or making it in some measure their
interest, would greatly contribute: but this must be as yet merely matter of speculation and uncertainty.
On the other hand, the neighboring Nations, who are not interested in any andvantages which those
of Lake Superior may be supposed to enjoy, will probably prejudice them as much as possible against
it, & use endeavors from tine to time to distress the Company, in which they may be sometimes successfull, for it is most certain that the Jealousy of the alItd augments as we encrease, & however they
may outwardly appear reconciled to such Settlements They consider every Beginning of ours in a very
dangerous Light, & are thereby Led to commit acts of Violence before they allow us sufficient time to
manifest, by a series of good treatment. the purity of our Intentions. I Judge it my Duty to remark
what may happen. At the same time I am of opinion that provided the object is worthy attention, and
that the Distance from the Sea, with the other Obstructions and Expences attending it, do not render
the plan unprofitable, a Circumstance on which I cannot positively (lecide, the Inds may be reconciled
to the Opening & Working those Mines, and that if strict care be taken to do them Justice in the
manner I have already proposed, without any attempts to Private Settlements, or insisting upon Charter
Rights as conveying property of soil, there is a prospect of its being enjoyed in security; and that to obtain
their Consents the Chiefs of those Nats interested shod be assembled, when the whole shod be laid before
them without Disguise, or making any promises but such as, could and would be fully performed, and
that on giving them a present & obtaining their Consent some persons of Interest amongst themr
shod accompany those who are to prosecute the design and carry the plan into execution, the future
Success of which must depend upon the manner in which it is conducted, and upon the Temper not
only of those Inds whose property it is, but of many other nations.
I could have wished it were in my power to have more diligently enquired and to have offered more
particular remarks regarding this proposal, but when it is known that I have scarcely had a moment's Leisure, from the number and importunitys of Inds since my return last month from the Treaty at Fort Stanwix,
I persuade myself I shall be in some measure Excusable shodl it appear that I have not been able to
give it all the attention that was necessary; and as I was desirous of Complying as soon as possible with
his Majesty's orders by offering my thoughts upon the matter, which with the hopes of your Lordship's
favorable Indulgence I now humbly submit to his Majesty's consideration.
The Rt Honble The Earl of Hillsborough.
Endorsed,
" December 23d 1768. To the Earl of Hillsborough. No 6. Concerning the Mines near Lake
Superior.55
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO LT. GOV. COLDEN.
Johnson-hall Jany. 26th 1769.
DEAR SIP,
I thank you most kindly for your Letter of the 10th. Inst nor ever meant to stand on punctilios
with you about a Letter as I must from my sevl. avocations often trespass in my Correspondence, and
indeed I should have wrote you long since but that ever since my last severe Illness I have been abroad




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                          535
either to try for health, or on publick business, and the Delays at the late Treaty kept me at Fort Stanwix
two months-Indeed my remote situation furnishes me with very few topicks except as to Indian matters
and the late Treaty, of which you have had an opportunity of hearing, and from which I am scarcely
yet disengaged,-In return for your friendly wishes on the entrance of the new Year, I most cordially
salute you with my sincere desires that you may pass through it with the full enjoyment of your health,
and every other blessing you require.
I am of opinion that the (in some measure) dear bought Experience I have acquired of Indian affairs
may yet be found wanting, and altho' I cannot think so favorably of myself as your friendship may induce
you to do, I cannot help agreeing in the opinion of the impracticability of the Trades being conducted in a proper manner on the footing now proposed for reasons which I have little occasion to point
out to you, nor is it probable they will ever come into the expence attending such establishments as
are from the present state of our Indian connections absolutely Necessary, any more than they are likely
to fall upon such prudent & Impartial Regulations as are or shall be wanting to secure the peaceable
enjoymt, of that branch of Trade. The referring that matter to the Albany Members, a circumstance
which I had not before heard of, is a very unpromising beginning, and without the Gift of prophecy
one may naturally draw the conclusion. In short the whole system of Indian politicks is changed Since
the reduction of Canada we have now to do with a Vast body of new Allies, (or whatever they may be
called) who with the rest View us in a perfect new Light, and if we do not do so by them, and establish
one general management for the whole, we may soon feel the consequences, for admitting that those
who are to have the direction of the Indian Trade are men of Experience in that way, & Influence
amongst the Indians, neither of which can I believe be presumed yet the Independant Views & Interests
of particular Colonies or bodies of men, must by frequent clashing defeat the intention of Government,
and involves the whole in confusion.-I do not know that I have expressed myself with so much freedom
except to yourself for as on the one hand I have no inclination for the additional trouble it occasioned(, Some men might attribute my remarks to Interested motives,which I could sufficiently demonstrate
is not the case, on the contrary, I am sorry to say that I believe there are men in the WVorld thatlwould
in my situation regard the late System with a Malicious pleasure as what must in its final consequences
Exalt their own Reputation, and enlarge their Authority, but I thank Heaven I have ever thought my
self Love a small sacrifice to the publick.
The business of the late Treaty was attended with many difficulties & obstructions. The Indians
were thro' the former delays, very suspicious of our Views, respecting the boundary, & the difficulties
to the Northward, where our Settlements are already so far extended and where so many Tribes are
settled is not easily to be conceived. The New England Missionaries who I have, good reason to think
were very seriously bent to have something favorable to the old Views of Connecticut within.the province of Pennsylvania, and who were doubtless eager to get an opportunity for extending into the
Indian Country endeavored to dissuade them from establishing the Line in any wise favorable for this
province, & memorialled me agt extending it far North, or West, this extraordinary behaviour in opposition to the Orders of the King and the Interests of the Province, deserved to be taken notice of,
however I contented myself with pursuing the Task recommended to me & happily effected it as
advantageously as could possibly be expected. The Ascertaining this Line so far as it regards this
Province by Monuments & Accurate descriptions, is absolutely necessary as well as that Sev1. of the
Indian.Chiefs should attend upon the occasion, but the Sum of ~100 would little more than defray
the Expense of provisions for that Service.
I am much obliged to you for the Judicious remarks you make on the affairs of last Session, and I
concurr entirely with you in opinion from  my Experience of the Views & Interests of the parties.
The Schenectady Election is carried again in favr. of Myndertse the late Member, who as far as I




536                          MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
know him seems to be honest & inoffensive. You know we have as yet few or none, of any Talents
hereabouts. I know of no new Candidates for the County, If there were, The unusual badness of the
roads, & the short notice given by the Sherriff, would render it impracticable to Assemble the freeholders
of a county so very extensive,-I wish they may come to a favorable resolution concerning your Losses,
& think the persons you attributed them to was the most favorable for the reputation of the Province,
which in my humble opinion is bound to make you full Restitution.-I thank God my health has been
much mended since my Tour to the sea side, and I am very happy to hear that you enjoy both it &
Spirits of both which I very sincerely wish you the continuance, and hoping that I may long enjoy your
friendly & esteemed correspondence I remain with perfect truth & regard
The Honble Lt Govr. Colden.                          Dr Sir, &c.
THE PURCHASERS OF COSBY MANOR TO SIR            WM. JOHNSON.
New York Febuary 8th 1769.
SIR
It having appeared by the Survey of the lands on the North Side of the Mohawk River which Mr.
Delancey in the year 1762 purchased of you as Attorney of the Honoubl Mrs Cosby Since deceased,
that there are 3000 acres deficient of the Quantity for which they were Sold; and the amount of the
monies for which those lands Stood Mortgaged to Sir Peter Warren, greatly exceeding the Sum imagined
to be due thereon; there must in Consequence; be a considerable Ballance due to Mr Delancey, and those
concern'd with him in that purchase, By an account Stated we make this Ballance including Interest
from the Time of the Purchase, ~1507-1-4-and not having it in our Power to recover it Without
transmitting a State of the matter, to England, to be laid before Mrs Cosbys Executors, of whom alone
we apprehend it can be recovered; We beg leave Previously to inclose and Submit the account to your
consideration, and if any Error appears therein to desire that you will be pleased to point it out, that
we may State the account agreeable to your own Sentiments, which being done, we shall then hope
that you will grant us Such a Certificate as the nature of the case requires in order to facilitate the
Recovery of the real Ballance you shall think justly due
We are with very great Regard
Sir Your Most Obedient Humble Servts
OLIVER DELANCEY
JAS JAUNCEY
PETER REMSEN
To Sir William Johnson Bart                                  Gw BANYAR




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON6                                  537
Messr. Oliver Delancey, James Jauncey, Goldb Banyer 4 Peter Rensen Their J/ccot. Currt. With Miss
Grace Cosby.
DR.
1762
Augt I To 21000 Acres of Land Bought of Miss Grace Cosby by Power of Attorney to Sir William Johnson
for....................................................................................................  600
To 2000 Acres of Land more Bought of Ditto............................................................  500
6500
Ballance over paid Miss Grace Cosby by Messr. Oliver Delancey. James Jauncey. Goldb. Banyer &
Peter Remsen...........................................e  1150-8-91
~7650-8-95
CR.
1762
Augt I By Cash paid Miss: Cosby................00.....................................       4000
By Cash paid to the Indians by Peter Remsen by an Agreement with Sir Willm Johnson...............  102-16-4A
By a Deficiency in the 21000 Acres of land being 3000 Acres at 5s 8 Curry. p Acre..............  856-5
By Cash paid for the Quit Rents due on 18000 Acres of Land from 1st Januy. 1734 till 1st. Augt 1762 Being
28 years &  7 months at 29s 2d..........................................................................  750-6By Cash paid for the Quit Rents due on 2000 Acres of Land from 1st Augut. 1735 to 1st Augt. 1762 Being
27 years at 29s 2.....7-....................................                           78-15-0
Augt 1 By Cash paid for a Mortgage
due to Sir Peter Warren..........................................................  Str. ~662-3-0
Interest on the Above Mortgage for 11 years-& Smonths 5 p ct..............................  372-9-4
Str. 1034-12-4
advance a 80 p cent "  827-13-10
1862-6-2.
~7650-8 —91
1762 
Augt l Ballance over paid Miss Grace Cosby By Mess Oliver Delancey. James Jauncy. Gold Banyar & Peter
Remsen...................................................... 1150-8-9
Interest duefrom -Augut 1st 1762 to Octob. 15th 1768 is 6 years 2 months & 14 Days a 5 p cent............ 356-12 —7
~1507-1-4
SIR  WM. JOHNSON       TO LORD    HILLSBOROUGH.
Johnson-hall Feby 15th. 1769.
MY LORD,
Since my last of Decr 23d. No. 6, I have had the honor to receive your Lordships Letters
No. 6, in answer to mine No. 2, containing his Majesties Commands that I should make out some
certain estimate of what I thought the Department might require in order to the determining whether
any greater Sum should be allowed than that recommended by the board of Trade, and that in the
mean time the Annual Expence should not Exceed that Sum,-The first is already done as I long
since transmitted a short Estimate for that purpose to Genl Gage who informs me that the same is now
before his Majesty,   The second is in part and will very soon be entirely complied with by the Total
removal of the Commissaries and all other officers of the Department at the out posts & Frontiersbut as on the first receipt of the Plan for the reform  It was Judged most adviseable by the General
and myself that the Provinces should have some little time to consider in what manner they should carry
that part relating to Trade into Execution as the Withdrawing those officers abruptly without any to supply
their places would beyond all doubt have proved of very ill Consequence, it was not till the rect of your
VOL. II.                                     68




538                         MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
Lordships Letter of the 12th. Octr. that we could withdraw them, and some must of necessity remain
until the Lakes and Rivers are open; I am Extremely happy to find that those Remarks which I humbly
offered on the subject of the reform have been honored with his Majestys attention-It would much
Exceed the bounds of a Letter to enter minutely into so multifarious a subject, or to point out the
various arguments that might be brought in proof of the Weight of any.Remarks, Whatever I have presumed to offer in that way was perfectly disinterested & arose from a conviction of their necessity. The
arrangemts. pointed out in your Lordships Letter of April last, were in my opinion judiciously calculated
to answer their object which to me appeared to be the relieving the Kingdom from a Large Expence
by transferring the management of Trade to the sev1. Colonies on a supposition that these Colonies
would do every thing necessary therein, but if my Experience in these matters here, joyned to my
opportunitys of knowing the State of Indian affairs at this time gave me reason to apprehend that the
wise measures of Government were liable to be frustrated, or would not be carried on so as to answer
their Good intentions, or the Publick Security I thoughtit my duty to offer ry thoughts to avoid a
charge of remissness in a matter of so much moment.
MY LORD, I would willingly avoid any reflection on the people here, especially those amongst them
whose Errors may be imputed to ignorance of the consequence & importance of a subject laid before
them but when your Lordship considers the Characters disposition and practice of those who grant
money for publick service in America it will not appear new or Extraordinary to suppose that they
will not see the necessity of being at any expence adequate to the importance of the subject I could
have recourse to undoubted authorities to prove their Extreme parsimony & backwardness, on the most
alarming occasions, when their all was at stake, but I persuade myself that enough of this is known, to
Justify my apprehensions concerning their Conduct, in matters which appear of less consequence, on the
subject of which they are in general totally ignorant, and will of course judge the necessary (or perhaps
any) Expence as needless, it is my duty to represent this as it will in its Consequences affect the
Crown,-I gave Sr H Moore a Sketch of my Regulations for the Trade & the last Instructions to my
officers, who laid it before his Assembly, and they have as I am since informed, committed it to the
Management of the Albany Representatives, I Likewise conversed on the Subject with the Govrs. of
New Jersey & Pennsylvania, and from all that I can hear, there is little prospect that the Assemblys
will do what may have been Expected from them on this subject, Thus my Lord it stands at present,
Whatever Resolutions they may take I shall do all in my power to second, and promote them but 1
found that the dutys expected from the Colonies are so complicated with many others, and the Execution
of them so uncertain that I fully persuade myself your Lordship will pardon me for the Liberty I have
taken in declaring my thoughts as to the Event,-If the duty of Commissaries could be dispensed with
until the provinces make some provision for officers of that kind, The Smiths & Interpreters appear
always wanting & the Interests of the Crown require that the Latter in particular should be under the
direction of its own officers.
Any. Apology for the Liberty I have taken in these matters will be needless as I rely entirely on your
Lordships indulgence to the Motives of Duty & Fidelity which have produced them.
As to the Boundary, and purchase from the Indians, as I lost no time in Calling together the sev1
Nations necessary after the rect of my orders, It was not in my power to Act otherwise than I did as
from all the Intelligence I ~could procure It was deemed the Intention of the Crown to purchase the
soil in all the Royal Governments, had it been otherwise I believe it would have appeared, that the
Adjustment of the Quotas of the respective Colonies with their Local Views and Interests if they became
the purchasers, would have greatly retarded the proceeding, and possibly Rendered the Congres~
abortive which must have greatly incensed the Inds. who were assembled from a great Distance for thai
purpose.-The Inds. did for the most part desire that a Line shod. be settled to which the prospect of a




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        539
Large present was no inconsiderable motive, but as I observed in a former Letter, the Length of time
from its being first proposed till the final orders for its Settlement, created so many doubts amst them &
gave such opportunitys to Evil Minded persons to misrepresent it that the Ind,. were very far from
being unanimous upon it and a variety of difficulties arose on which occasion I did the best I could for
the Interests of the Crown, and I persuade.myself that on due Consideration of these difficulties,
and of the Value & great Extent of the cession beyond wt. had been ever claimed by us in Right of
purchase, it will appear to be a very reasonable consideration and in order that the Crown might be
Reimbursed give me Leave to suggest to your Lordship, That an Instruction to the Govrs. of the Royal
Colonies directing that all future Grants within such cession be Liable to a fine, Suppose ~10 Ster. for
each Thousand Acres,. over & besides fees & Quit rent, (which Sum, is about the usual Rate of the
Indn, purchase and will on a Million of Acres produce ~10,000. Ster) That in such case, the Crown
will be very soon reimbursed without reckoning the annually accruing from the Grants.-This is humbly
offered in case his Majesty should not demand a Reimbursement from each Province of its particular
Quota,-and the private Grantees can have no reason to complain as the terms I have suggested, are
full as moderate as Indian purchases have been for some years past.
I am Glad that his Majesty is pleased to approve the Continuing the Boundary line so as to include
the Province of N York, as I could not receive his commands in suffi'ct time & as I found that the Inds.
more immediately affected by it were for continuing it in a manner I looked upon to be very disadvantageous. I thought it best to Stop at the Mouth of Canada Creek till I received the Kings Commands,
which may be carried into Execution, on which occasion I shall Consult Sir Henry Moore,
Since the rect of the plan prepared by the Lords of Trade I did conceive from some Letters I had the
honor to receive that either that plan, or something similiar thereto would have been adopted, which I
communicated to the Inds. as Information which must prove highly satisfactory to them, as they consider
the Interposition, & management of their Affairs by the imediate servants of the Crown as best calculated
for their happiness & Interests from the Very high Opinion they entertain of his Majesty which I thought
it my duty always to promote. It was therefore natural for them to found their expectations on such a
plan as seemed best for their Interests, this was all that was meant by the Observation in my former Letter
In order to Shew as I thought it my duty to do that the hopes & desires of the Inds. were founded on
an Establishmt. under the immediate direction of his Majestys Servants, not as any remark of mine on
a reform, which is the best calculated for relieving the Kingdom of a heavy burthen. As the present
plan seems Calculated for the purposes, & from the Circumstances mentioned in your Lordships Letter,
It is my Duty & Inclination, & it shall be my particular study to recomend it in the most favorable Light
to the Inds. & to promote the Execution of it to the utmost of my power.
The reasonableness & necessity of the Small add1. Expence I have proposed will I presume appear
evident for the enabling me to execute the sev1. duties which fall under my Superintendency which I
shall discharge to the utmost extent of my power & the fund allowed, as becomes a Good Subject;your Lordships &ca.
The Rt. Honble
The Earl of Hillsborough.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Johnson-hall Feby 25th. 1769.
MY LORD,
In my last which was wrote a few days past I had the honor to answer your Lordships Letter (No 6)
and now have that of Novr last (No 7) with inclosures which I did not receive till a few days sincee




540                     MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
The Representations in my Letter No 3 to which your Lordships last is in answer, and which regarded
the Intrigues & Practises of the French and Spaniards with its effects upon the Indians I have always
thought a matter of the most Serious consequence and have studied to detect as well as to frustrate to
the utmost of my power, and I shall endeavor as far as is in my power to obtain such Evidence of
Facts and other Information as may be necessary, but your Lordship is doubtless Sensible that such an
enquiry must be involved in many difficulties as the information of Indians may not be admitted as
sufficient proof and those who intrigue with them are at such a distance and Act with So much Caution
that few, (if any) White men have had occular demonstration of it, notwithstanding the Variety of
Corresponding Accounts and other Circumstances leave little reason to doubt the fact.
It may be that these proceedings are not by Authority of the French or Spanish Courts it is likewise probable that they may be in some circumstances exaggerated, but the effect is unluckily the same,
as the Indians believe that they are all by Authority of these Crowns, and the large presents they have
from time to time received, farther confirm them in the Opinion that they don't come from private Adventurers There are a Number of Renegado,french and Canadians, who reside about the Misisipi & the
Western Lakes, many of whom dare not make their appearance in any of the Colonies These Men are
ready to undertake any thing, and find an Advantage in every Rupture, and as it is agreable both to their
Interest and inclination to disturb the Tranquillity of the British Government, they would be guilty of
so doing without any Authority how much more if connived at or perhaps countenanced by France or
Spain, which My Lord is far from being improbable if either of these Courts, have a War in View, in
that case the incursions of the Indians would prove of infinite use to them, as it would not only prove
the ruin of our frontiers and Trade, and give a Check to Privateering from hence, but involve us in a
heavy Expence, and draw part of our attention to the back Country, even Should we Suppose that the
Canadians would all remain faithfull to their Allegiance, or that the Enemy could not Land Troops
in any part of the Continent.-As to any Assurances given by French or Spanish Governors in America,
experience & their Conduct previous to the Two last Wars make me very doubtfull of them, as they
gave the same Assurances at those, periods whilst they acted the like part, and tho' their disavowal of
such Seductive practises prevailed over all the Intelligence given of them, yet, the Event justified the
Information, every Indn War is of some Advantage to those who would rival us in Trade and Stops
the Sale of the British Manufactures, but in case of a Rupture With the Crowns I have mentioned, as a
Revolt of the Inds would then be of the greatest importance to them, it is their interest to render the
Indians during a peace dissatisfied with our Government, and to continue to seduce them till they have
occasion for their services, to counteract them in time is our business but this cannot be Effectually done
without some Expence and employing sev1 persons of integrity influence and Capacity in the Indian
Country, or at the outposts.
I humbly offer'my most dutifull regards for the Kings Speech, and the addresses which I had the
honor to receive, the firmness of the former, and the Unanimity expressed in the latter afforded me high
satisfaction and gave me reason to hope that the unhappy disputes, excited by some Turbulent Zealots in
this Country will be speedily terminated in a manner consistent with the honor of the Crown and the
true happiness of the people.
It gave me infinite pleasure to hear from your Lordship that her Majesty was happily brought to bed
of a Princess. I beg leave most sincerely to Congratulate your Lordship upon an Event which must
add to his Majestys Domestic felicity and that of all his faithful subjects.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                         541
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO THE PURCHASERS OF COSBY MANOR.
Johnson Hall Feby 25th. 1769,
GENTLEMEN
I am favored with your Letter of the Sth Instant concerning the Lands you purchased of me
as attorney to the late Mrs. Cosby.
As I some time ago wrote Mr Commissioner Jefferies (from whome and Mr Montague I have received
a fresh power of Attorney) and desired that he would give me particular Instructions forthwith, concerning
the Deficiency Mortgage & other matters I cannot be as explicit as I could wish until the receipt of his
Answer which I may shortly expect;-In the mean time give me Leave to observe that on Examg the
Accot. of Fees for that patent which with other papers were lately transmitted to me I find that the
North Tract which you purchased was made to contain 20,000 Acres, & that on the South Side 22,000,
and I am the readier induced to think it may yet be found so, as I know that your Surveyor at the
time he run the Lines was but a beginner in that business, and has since been faulted by the SurveyorGeneral for some errors of that nature, from this and the former circumstances I should think that a
resurvey would be necessary, Indeed I formerly understood that both Tracts were equal in quantity,
however I hope all these matters will be Settled in a Satisfactory manner and that I shall be enabled
to write you soon thereon in consequence of my Letter to the Gentlemen who are the late Mrs Cosbys
Executors.
Messrs DeLancey, Jauncey, Banyar & Remsen.
HON. OL. DELANCEY TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
New York ye 26 Feby 1769
DEAR SIR
By the Decm. Packett that arrived Last Thursday I received a Letter from Lady Warren Dated ye
4th December of which the following is an Extract that Relates to you (viz) I am supeand by Abraham
Sterling who maryed a Sister of Sr' Wm Johnsons to make Him pay the Legacy His uncle left them
but as there does not appear to be any thing due by His Account I dont know how this affair is to End
These People give me a great Deal of trouble he certainly was in His Uncles debt he ought to Rectify
this affair that I may not be Perplexed with these People They come me as Executrix & say I ought
to see they have Justice done them they have put me in the Court of Chancery  I acquainted them long
ago that Sr William had made out an account that he did not owe any thing but they say very Justly
that Sr Peter Warren would not have Left them what was due from Sr William unless he had been in
His Debt and indeed I am of their opinion in that Respect I must advise with a Lawyer about it as I
am supcenad to appear upon penalty)
by the above Extract youl see that Lady Warren is made very uneasy by your Relations on Act of
the Supposed Demand on you I hope youl write fully on this matter that I may send- a copy of your
Letter to Her that she may be able to satisfy the Claimants and free Her self from the uneasiness she
Labours under from MriSterlings solicitations I have nothing to add but that I always am Dr Sr.
Your most Obed Humble Sert
OLIVER DELANCEY.
To the Honbl Sr William Johnson Bart
at Johnson Hall Albany




542                           MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM ITOHNSON.
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO OL. DELANCEY.
Johnson-hall March 20th 1769.
DEAR SIR,
I have had the favor of your Letter of the 26th ulto concerning Abraham Sterlings
having Subpcenaed Lady Warren on my account. As to her being at any trouble with regard to any
other of my Relations, there certainly is no such thing as they are all too sensible of my own great disappointment from the disposition my Uncle Last made of his fortune, Gentlemen still living can evidence
from his own repeated declarations what he had taught me & indeed what I had reason to expect,
as well as Sundry Testimonials under his hand in my posession;-but all this is foreign to the subject
Sir Peter Warren most certainly & most assuredly died Considerably in my debt & nothing but a regard
to delicacy & connection has hitherto prevented me from Demanding it. I believe every body must
allow that the Inspection of his Accot against me alone can not determine such a matter, mine against
him has already been before Gentlemen of reputation & Character, his own friends, & one of them is still
Living. I am ready to prove it on Oath, as well as to Shew that many considerable Articles have not
been charged by me which would have made the ballance still more in my favor.
According to the Extract you favored me with Lady Warren speaking as I take it of my Relations,
used the Word (They) as if it was a general complaint of them all, or at least of more than one, I
wish I knew what I am to understand by it because (They) write me directly the Contrary as for Sterling
I have not so much as heard of him till very lately, and look upon it that his desperate fortune may
drive him to any thing.- Should any other of my Connections attempt to follow his Example a Circumstance I do not believe (having evidence to the contrary in my hands,) I should be glad they were
pointed out to me.
I beg you may assure Lady Warren that I esteem her too much to wish to occasion her any perplexity,
& hope I may not be reduced to that necessity, and I have that respect for my Uncles reputation &
memory to suppose that coolly he would never have disappointed his Relations by so Extraordinary a
Legacy, but the Circumstances & manner of his death will sufficiently Justify me in supposing that he
did not then advert to the nature of his Accot with me & only thought of his own against me without
regard to mine against him otherwise I cannot account for his acting so Contrary to his repeated declaration in my favor, and the constant assurances I had ever since he persuaded me over to this country of
sharing a part of his very large fortune, which I might have done without any sensible prejudice to the
rest of his family, My Esteem for his memory induce me to accot in this manner for his Last Will, as I
really think I have been the greatest Loser by it, If a man may be said to Lose that which he was not
actually possessed of.- I imagine that a thorough knowledge of the affair will free Lady Warren from
future Trouble with Sterling, & me from the necessity of taking measures which regard for Sir Peters
memory & connections would induce me to avoid unless compelled of necessity to do myself Justice.Be assured that I am always
Dear Sir, &ca.
The Honble Oliver DeLancey Esqr.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON,                       543
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO LT GOV. COLDEN.
Johnson-hall April 4th 1769.
DEAR SIR
I thank you very kindly for your Favor of 26th Febry, and for Your thoughts on the Subjects
of my former Letter.-As to the Affairs of my Department, (as you Justly observe) time will shew
how far the Change with regard to that part concerning the Indian Trade will answer the Intention, It
can be no Loss to me as the attention to that added to my trouble, without the least private advantage.
I wish the publick may find it as Little Loss to them.
Tho' Patriotism is the pretext on most such occasions I look upon it as you do that the late Contest
was really of another nature, but in this Patriotic Age, no point can be carried under any other Colours,
it is a Charm with which the populace have been often led to Measures highly dangerous & Injurious
to their true Interests & it will always be the Case in free Governments —I know the principles upon
which the party you Mention have acted, & I believe always will act,-I fancy they have got a Check
already and probably will meet with more & I believe however favorably the Gentleman you Speak
of may have represented them, they will not long find their Account in it.-The Resolves of the Lords
are Warm, but we must wait a little longer I apprehend before we can Judge of the Event.
I thank you for your Opinion concerning the Erecting my Estate into a Mannor, & presume it may
not Succeed for the reasons you Mention, I shod have thought so from the beginning but that I saw
within this Province Mannrs erected so long after the Abrogation of the feudal Tenures, and Imagined
that mine might be so to with such priviledges as they have, for the rest I shall think of it and doubt
not of the friendship or Assistance of your Son & Mr Banyar on the occasion.Whenever it is agreable to you I shall be very Glad to hear from you & shall always Cultivate your
friend by Correspondence by writing you any thing that may be of the least use or amusement to you,
& Sincerely wish you the Continuance of your health Being withh great Truth Dr Sir
Your faithfull friend
The Honble Lt Govr Colden.
LORD HILLSBOROUGH TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
Duplicate.                                                           Whitehall, May 13. 1769.
SIR,
Since my letters to you of the 4th of January and 24th of March last No 8 and 9, the Lords of Trade
have made their Report to His Majesty upon the proceedings of the Superintendants for Indian Affairs
in settling a final Boundary Line between His Majesty's Colonies and the Indian Country.
This Report has been referred by the King's command to the consideration of such of His Servants,
upon whose advice His Majesty relies in matters of the greatest importance; and I am thereupon to
signify to you, that if you have not been able, in consequence of my letter of the 4th of January last
No 8, to induce the Six Nations and their Allies to except out of the cession to His Majesty the lands
lying South of the Ohio below the Kanawa, upon the ground and argument suggested in that letter, or
if you shall be of opinion that insisting upon such an alteration will have the effect to excite Jealousy
and Discontent; in that case His Majesty, rather than risk the defeating the important object of
establishing a final Boundary Line, will upon your Report of this matter, give the necessary directions
for the confirmation of it as agreed upon at Fort Stanwix: It is not however His Majesty's intention,
that the settlements of His Subjects should be carried beyond the Boundary of Virginia, as proposed
to be fixed near the Kanawa River.




544                         MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHt0SON.
As to the Grant of Land made to the Indian Traders and to Mr Croghan, it is His Majesty's pleasure
that you should acquaint the Indians, that His Majesty does not think fit at present to confirm those
Grants, reserving that matter for further consideration, when those persons shall make application to His
Majesty thereupon and when the nature, extent, and situation of the Grants themselves, and the foundation.on which they have been solicited shall be further explained.
With regard to what appears, in the proceeding at the Congress, of the wishes of the Indians to have
their commercial as well as their political concerns managed in the manner. suggested in the Plan of
1764, I have already so fully explained to you the Reason and Necessity for departing from that Plan,
that I have only in command from the King to desire that you will not fail in your endeavour to
represent this matter in such a light to the Indians, as to convince them that His Majesty adopted the
Plan at present recommended for regulating the Trade by Laws of the Colonies, not merely upon what
was suggested by those Colonies, but upon full consideration of what was represented to be most desireable for the Interests of the Indians themselves, in respect to their commerce with His Majesty's
Subjects, the improvement and extension of which for the benefit of the Indians will ever be an object
of the King's Attention and Regard.
I have only to add that I have received and laid before the King your Letters No 7 and 8, but
have not any commands from His Majesty to signify to you thereupon.
I am, Sir,
Your Most Obedient
Humble Servant
HILLSBOROUGH.
Sir William Johnson Bart
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO LORD HILLSBOROUGH.
Johnson Hall June 24th 1769.
MY LORD
Since my last of the 25th Feby I have had the honor to receive your Lordships Letter of the 4th
JanY. in consequence of which I shall endeavor to execute his Majestys Commands respecting the Surrender of the additional Cession in the best manner possible So as to Shew the Indians, that the Same is
Solely declined from the regard his Majesty has for them, and his tenderness for their posterity.
I make no doubt of its being readily accepted by them, and am only concerned Least the Virginians
especially the frontier Inhabitants should take possession of and begin Settlements on those Lands,
If this is done after the Indians are informed that his Majesty declines them, it will create very Strange
Suspicions amongst them & doubtless produce ill consequences, I ought to observe this to your Lordship
because I have been well assured by Gentlemen from that Country that the frontier people who have a
great desire for these Valuable Lands would at all events make Settlements there, and as it is most
certain & that there are Sev1. recent instances of the weakness of Civil Authority & the little regard
paid to it by these people together with the disinclination of many persons of consequence to promote
Such Settlements & in that I Saw a Deed in the hands of the Virginia Commissioners for great part of
these Lands which they assured me had formerly met with Encouragemt. from his Late Majesty & the
then Ministry of which numbers were determined to avail themselves forthwith, it (lid not a little Contribute to induce me to accept of the Cession of that Country to prevent the general ill consequences
which must attend the establishment of Such Settlements without the Indians consent, as judging it
best to take that opportunity for enabling his Majesty to accept or reject it as he might thinlk necessary;



MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       504
At this distance as it is often impracticable to wait for particular Instructions in many occurring cases
So it is as impossible to forsee every event, & of course Instructions cannot be expected in every circumstance, his Majestys Indulgence has therefore often left it in the power of his Servants to do many
things for the good of the Service till his Royal pleasure is more fully Signified in the premises, I
observed in a former letter that the Minutes of private Conferences with the chiefs where the principal
matters are first resolved on, were by much too Voluminous to be ever transmitted, it would there
appear, that the Indians insisted in Such Warm Terms on the justice of their Claim to the Cherokee
River that I was necessitated either to disoblige them in a high degree or to observe to them that the
Southern Indians made Some pretensions to the Lands in Question, besides this & the designs of the
frontier people with the Virginia Claim before mentioned I did humbly conceive it to be the desire of
Government to get as extensive a Cession as was practicable, & altho In the Letters I had the honor to
receive, mention was made of the Kanhawa River to prevent a dispute with the Cherokees &c, Yet as
I had always understood & had myself actually heard the Cherokees above 20 years ago acknowledges
that the River of their name was the Extent of their pretensions, as I found it was so understood by the
Colony of Virginia, & as the Northern Indians would not be Satisfied till this their claim was mentioned,
I acted to the best of my Judgment under all the circumstances in accepting of the Cession to be Submitted to his  ajesty, for admitting the Cherokees do claim to the Northward a circumstance which is
quite new & which I have reason to believe they would not avow before the Northern Ind Yet as the
latter are more powerfull more Jealous more Warlike & capable of doing us infinitely more mischief
than the former, I them thought the complying with the claims of the Northern Confederacy a measure
of the least dangerous tendency, and I flatter myself that his Majesty will for all these reasons honor
me with his Indulgence in believing that I acted as in my Judgment appeared best for the Service.
I have already observed that I shall forthwith execute the orders transmitted in your Lordships last
Letter, in the best manner I can as I shall every other part of my Duty particularly endeavouring to
discover the designs of all Secret Enemies who by their Machinations threaten us with danger, among
other Instances of wch I find from the examination of a man who is lately returned from the Misisipi
& well acquainted with several of their proceedings that Indians arrived last January at the place
he wintered, who brought belts from the French Settlements, which were imediately forwarded thro the
nations to the Lakes, the purport of which tho' kept very private was to promote a union for the Execution of some plan, & that those Messengers made particular inquiry concerning the strength & number
of men at the outposts There has likewise been an alarm at Detroit which put a stop to the Traders
going to the Westward for some time & occasioned the Inhabitants to fortify themselves, this seems to
have arisen from the claim the Indians have to the possessions of sundry French Inhabitants at that
place but thoe their apprehensions are at present somewhat abated, there is good reason to think they
are far from being over, from the concurring accots from all Quarters amongst which I have just received
Information from Detroit communicated by Huron Andrew an Indian of good sense, much respected
for his attachment & Services to us, That Monsr Vercher formerly a french officer who was Trading
last Winter at Sandusky on Lake Erie without Leave had distributed two Belts with 2 Kegs of Rum
amongst the Hurons desiring them to retain their Courage for that they would soon see their old French
father when they wd. have occasion for it,-These things are so common, that the best disposed Inds.
become poisoned with their principles & all this arises from the want of the proper Regulations for
Trade, & the pernicious practice of permitting the worst sort of men, to go where they please into the
Indian Country-The state of things here induces me to think that my going into the 6 Nation Country
VoL. II.                                 69




546                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
may be of some service, I shall therefore set out imediately and at my return which I expect will be
within a few Weeks shall communicate any material Intelligence which I may have reed.
am with the utmost respect, My Lord &c.
The Rt. Honble the Earl of Hillsborough.
Endorsed
June 24th 1769
To the Earl of Hillsborough.
Your Lordships last letter acquainting me that my proceeds. were still before the Lords of Trade, is
just come to hand.
THEAE T T SAME TO TE SAME.
Johnson Hall Augt 20th 1769
MY LORD,
On my way from the Country of the Senecas, whither in my Letter of the 24th June (N~ 9) I informed
your Lordship I was then destined, I had the honour to receive your Lordship's of the 13th May (No
10) and I herewith inclose a separate Letter on the Issue of my Journey and proceedings, humbly
requesting that your Lordship will so far indulge me as to allow the Subject of this to be a farther
Explanation of the Transactions at the Fort Stanwix Treaty which from what I have heard seems
necessary for the Justification of my Conduct. I even persuade myself that under these Circumstances
Your Lordship will rather approve than condemn me for endeavoring (as every Man of Honour and
Integrity ought) to remove any the least misinformation on that head and to set the whole in as clear
a light as the bounds of a Letter will admit of; and I have some hopes that in so doing your Lordship
will be still farther enabled to judge of the propriety of future measures respecting the objects of that
Treaty; and tho' I may be obliged in some places to Extract the substance of former Letters, yet I
hope the placing the whole in one View will attone for it.
In order to this, permit me to remind your Lordship, That in former Letters I shewed that between
the first mention of a Boundary Line (which was soon heard of throughout the Colonies) and my
receiving orders for concluding it, so much time had elapsed as gave our Enemys opportunity to misrepresent our Intentions to the Indians, so that after procuring and Transporting a large valuable present
to the place appointed for the Congress I found the Indians' sentiments so much altered as to render
the success of my negociations very doubtfull, Under the disadvantageous Circumstances I was obliged
to act as the Exigency of affairs required, and the apprehension of being obliged in some measure to
deviate from my Instructions gave me great uneasiness. My health, already reduced to a very low
state from severe fatigue in his Majesty's service, was on this occasion rendered much worse by being
obliged to sit whole nights generally in the open woods in private Conferences with the leading men.
As here the principal matters are first agitated, and the sentiments of the'rest best known, I found that
their jealousy was not to be removed but by permitting them to make mention of their claim extending
to the Cherokee River. At this time I had suggested nothing to them on that subject, but as from the
Circumstances of time, & place, the greatest part of the Transactions at these private Conferences can
never be committed to writing & if they were their enormous bulk would render them unfit to be transiitted. These Conversations and previous Transactions did not make their appearance in the Copy
I transmitted, which according to the Custom hitherto observed contained only the public Treaty, &
therefore it might have been imagined that this was of my first suggesting whereas I was obliged to
admit the mention of their Claim thro' necessity in consequence of what had passed, & as that was the




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        547
case I cod not I am certain have given them a more favorable Idea of his Majesty's goodness than his
declining so fine a Tract to remove the possibility of Dispute, rather than from a Doubt of their Title
& I have since repeatedly found that this was highly pleasing to them, but as they came with fixed
resolution on that head, which I have already observed, & as I cod not put off, or wait the farther Sense
of Govt thereon, without Consequences for which I could never make attonement I was compelled to
act as I did & I thought my Conduct farther justified on the following principles. First, That in
transactions with such a people at such a. distance from Court, some Latitude was often given to his
Majesty's servants, & that the same was never more necessary than on that occasion. Second, That
my ortlers on that head seemed to be founded on a belief that the Cherokees Claimed a right to that
Country, If this could be made to appear otherwise, of which I was certain, it removed that objection.
Third, That the Inhabitants of Virginia laid Claims thereto in virtue of old purchases some of which
had been formerly countenanced by the Crown, & that the back Inhabitants of that colony, who are a
very encreasing & enterprising people, had a strong desire to establish themselves in that country, had
already made many advances thereto, & in case the Indians had not ceded it would soon begin
Settlements thereon, which would certainly be productive of a War.-At the same time I was but
too sensible of t i o ans o the ineacyof any measures of the Colony to prevent such Settlements, and of the
Interest that many persons of consequence had in wishing them to be extended. Fourth, That the
removing the claim of the Northern Confederacy by a Cession to his Majesty at a time when they
were so much disposed for it, would be gaining a great point, the only means of carrying on the
Treaty, and the least productive of any ill consequences. When I considered all these points, & that
whatever might have of late been said of the pretensions of the Cherokees, the Northn Confederacy
were more powerful & more inclined to dispute, and their dispute of more dangerous consequence, I
could no longer hesitate as to the part I had to act, and I fully persuade myself that on due consideration
of the premises, the motives from which I acted will appear strongly in Justification of my measurese
For the rest I have only to say, that besides some private sales ratified by the Governor, and made
according to the usual mode, with which I had nothing to do, there were two Grants or Indian Deeds
against which I was not aware any objection would be made. The one to Mr Croghan was only a
Confirmation of Two former Grants which the Indians particularly desired to make, and believe they
did witht any influence; I am certain it was witht mine; and which as he told me he took for the
satisfaction of the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania, in order to the obtaining a Grant in the usual way,,
he farther assured me that he had laid his old pretensions before your Lordship. The other Grant
was to the Traders who suffered losses in the Indian War of 1763. It was made an Article of the
peace with them afterwards, and was judged a very prudent measure by obtaining from them a
Retribution in the only way in their power, and thereby furnishing a precedent that might be of use
hereafter shod they Commit Depredations. It was well known to Government and approved of, and
was mentioned to me in the Lords of Trades Plan, and Chearfully agreed to by the Indians who
were disposed to give the sufferers a Greater Extent of Land than is in the Grant, had I not interposed,
throl an apprehension that there were not wanting Malicious persons who thro' -Envy or Illnature
might take occasion to lessen the importance of the Transactions at the Treaty by remarks on the
Extent of a private Grant, tho' such Grant could not prove any loss to the Crown, as it must be subject
to the same Quit-rent of any other, and thol it was an act of Justice and policy and did not reach
within 100 miles of the Great Kanhawa. Some of the Indians thro' principle, & all of them from an
Inclination to shew their regard to Treatys, made particular mention of these Grants in their Speeches
recommending them to his Majesty, as they did every thing that seemed necessary to their Interest, &
this I can safely assure yr Lordship they did of their own meer motion. They observed to me that




548                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM. JOHNSO1N
from what they knew of the present price of Lands here they were sensible they could not receive the
10th part of the Value of the Cession, that therefore they had the strongest reliance on his Majestys
attention to their humble requests. I have upon all occasions given as nearly as possible the Literal
sense of the Indians as delivered in their speeches, but in this case I softened them, without deviating
from their meaning, because I found them rather more animated than they often are, or than I desired 
and altho' this could not surprise any man acquainted with the particular mode of Expression of that
Confederacy in matters of much moment, I was aware that it might be liable to misconstruction
unless due allowance be made for them as Savages who have the most extravagant notions of Freedom,
property, and independence, and who cannot as yet be persuaded to give up their hopes and expectations from the Crown; and any person who well understands and impartially represents them must admit
that in all Such Treatys, they endeavour to maintain their own importance by the most forcible
expressions, to which I may with truth add that as their words for fear of offence have been often
Glossed over before they were committed to Writing by many others, I was the first that in the most
critical periods took upon me to check them in their Sallys of that nature, whilst at the same time
I took care so to conduct myself as to point out their error without driving them to Extremitys. I
know there are too many people within these few years past that either think it necessary to their
Importance, to the Interests of their party, or to the Gratification of private resentment, to' affect a
knowledge of Indian Affairs, however ridiculous or partial their reports might be rendered by any
competent judge, as their representations cannot be fully known, they are not easily refuted at 3000
miles distance. There is scarcely one other subject where a man of sense and observation who has
been on the spot cannot afford many remarks that may be of use. But these qualifications, without
miany others, can only mislead in Indian affairs, to speak candidly. It is not during the period of a
Governor's residence at an American Capital, of a Commandant at an Outpost, or of a Traveller in
the Country, that this can be gained. It is only to be acquired by a long residence amongst them, a daily
intercourse with them, and a desire of information in these matters Superseding all other considerations.
That this is not the Case of any of those orders of men can be easily shewn, & consequently they are
not sufficient judges. But as this would lead me further than (I still flatter myself) there is occasions
I shall only assure your Lordship that all I have presumed to offer is capable of much enlargement,
and can be sufficiently amplified and proved whenever occasion requires; and that I should not
have presumed to add so much to all I have formerly said hereon, but from a Delicacy, arising from
a thorough conviction of the Strictest Probity and Zeal for my King's Service & a perfect disinterestedness, that as it has often procured for me the Royal favor & approbation, renders it my continual
wish to be favorably understood, and my peculiar study to merit, the only Object of my painfull
endeavours. This, my Lord, is not a bare assertion. It is easy for me to Demonstrate that private
Interest governs none of my representations —that they flow from Duty to the Crown, & regard for the
public Security, the way to whch I am the better Enabled to Judge of, from the nature of my office
& my long acquaintance with the state of the frontiers & the neighbouring Indians.  The honest
motives which induced to detain your Lordship so long on this subject will I persuade myself find a
favourable Construction from your Lordships candour; on this I must rest my Justification, whilst they
plead my apology. I shall therefore only add that I shod not have a Moment hesitated executing my
last Orders for signifying to the Inds his Majesty's Inclination to decline that part of the Cession but
that I was fearfull of the Consequences when as I know that the Virginians would at any rate settle
on these Lands, in Consequence of which the Inds would all think the whole a Delusion, & that
since the late reform I did not think myself authorized to incurr so great an Expense as is necessary
for Convening all those Indians who should attend on such an occasion, without particular Orders, and I
have the Satisfaction to find that herein I acted forthe best, as from your Lordship's last Letter I observe




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        549
that in case I am of opinion that it may be of ill consequence, His Majesty will ratify the boundary
agreeable to the Treaty, to which I have only to add that since my last Tour into the Indian Country I
find my former opinion so much strengthened, that I think it highly prudent to decline the mention
of the affair unless I receive yr Lordship's orders to the contrary, or that something should occur that
may justify me in so doing.
The Rt honrble The Earl of Hillsborough
Endorsed
"(No 10.) August 21st 1769.
To the Earl of Hillsborough."
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Johnson Hall Augt 26th 1769.
MY LORD,
Having had the honor to write your Lordship on the Subject of the Boundary & Cession which Letter
accompanys this I am now to give your Lordship an Account of the Transactions during my late tour
through the Countrey of the Six Nations.
I left home on the 26th June and after many delays arrived at Onondaga the 10th July where I
found the Chiefs &C of that nation with Sev1 others from the Neighbouring Villages who being in great
want of Indian Corn from a failure of their Crops I gave them a Supply of that & Sev1 other Articles,
& previous to my Genl Meeting held Sev1 private conferences with the Chiefs at their Hunting Cabbins
returning from one of which in the night, My Canoe overset, & in ascending the bank I reed a very
Severe Cut by a fall on my wounded leg which had very nigh rendered me incapable of proceeding,
however on finding myself a little easier I held a Congress with them 2 days after which they
opened with a Speech wherein they made many enquiries after news, & whether a War was not to
be commenced between England France & Spain, They said they were well assured of this, & that
there were many things which gave them much concern, amongst the rest That some of ye. nation
continued Obstinately bent on War, and that they feared it would Compell them to disturb the Cherokees
& others with whom they had made peace. That the Intrusions of the New Englanders into Pennsylvania
they were afraid would draw Some of their people into a War, and that it gave them concern to find
that those persons who had the Management of the Trade were removed:-I gave them   all the
satisfaction in my power on these heads & afterwards proceeded for Cayuga where there were about
500 Indians Assembled, with whom I had a meeting to much the Same effect as with the Onondagas
only I observed that the further I advanced into the Indian Country, the more earnest the Indians
appeared in their Sev1 discourses. I next went to Seneca, where I had Summoned the chiefs of that
nation as also those Indians living near the head of Ohio to meet me, who Soon Assembled to the
number of 2000 & upwards, before I met them in publick I was visited by two Chiefs in whom I have
always had reason to place much confidence who told me that they had laboured hard for Some
months to keep their people in order and to prevent their receiving Sev1. belts which had been Sent to
their Country for very bad purposes, but that nevertheless many came to their hands which had occasioned
a Spirit of Discontent amst them as I would find on opening the Congress, about the Same time
Messengers arrived notifying the approach of a number of Cherokee Chiefs who were coming to attend
a Genl Congress to be held at Onondaga at the beginning of next month to which the chiefs of all the
Canada confederacy & other Northern Indians were Summoned to renew & Strengthen Alliances. When
we Assembled the Senecas began with a long detail of what they called Grievances, They Said that




550                         MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
they found the Conduct of all people altered for the worse towards them, That not a Season had
passed Since the late peace without the murder of Some of their people by the Inhabitants, That by
withdrawing those who had the inspection of the Trade &c Frauds & abuses would be more common
than ever; That no business could be Transacted without Interpreters at the posts & that they could
not do without Smiths, to mend their arms and other implements used in Hunting That they were well
assured that a War was near at hand, & that they were courted to engage in it, which thol contrary to
the Sense of their Chiefs might probably be agreed to by to many of the Warriors, If those affairs
which gave thent So much uneasiness were not adjusted for they saw there was no provision made for
their redress, I then explained to them what I had in Gen1 made known before to the Confederacy,
Touching the present System for Indian affairs. That they would find the Colonies heartily disposed
to make what Establishments were necessary and to prevent frauds or Injustice of every kind, but that
they ought to make allowance for the importance of these matters as they required Some time to be
put on a proper footing & that those whose Interests & Trade were So materially Connected with them
would certainly pursue the wisest measures for promoting peace & Commerce. They answered that I
had told them So before, That they well knew how Slow our people here were, & that altho' Some
of the Old people of every nation were still disposed to believe all this, They found the Majority of the
rest particularly of the other Confederacies were not. They gave me a long State of the Politicks of
the other Nations, on which they observed that the fact was the Indians expected to meet the same
treatment from us which they had done from the French, That the latter repeatedly told them they
would not, That they found it too true, & that they were full of Resentment thro' Disappointment.
It may not be amiss here to remark that when Inds. are Disposed to Quarrel they collect all the
materials they can as Grounds for their conduct & often ipsist on things as Grievances, which in
reality have given them little Concern  The true Cause is often misrepresented, & therefore the proper
remedy is Wanting. They are Jealous of us & envious of one another, & I dont doubt but that the
late Great present may prove a means of dividing the Councils of the Six Nats. with the rest, for tho'
the sole right was in that confederacy (& double the sum wod. not have. contented all who desired to
partake of it)  The rest will probably be Jealous of it of which I am in hopes a proper use may
be made.
During my stay at Seneca, I saw and spoke with sevl Indians from different Nations who brought
belts of union & messages, & after having settled matters for obtaining a knowledge of what is
to pass at the Congress before mentioned, I took leave of the Indians & arrived here about 10 days
ago, much indisposed nor am I yet recovered from the Hurt I received at Onondaga, so that I hope
your Lordship will excuse any defects in this Short Sketch which is extracted hastily from my Journal.On my way home I was overtaken with the news of a Murder of a Young Seneca Lad who was fired
upon on the River Susquehanna by some of the frontier Inhabitants without the least provocation given
(of which I have since reed. an acet. from Pensylva.) as the father of this Lad has generally lived
within the Settlements, & with the whole family demonstrated the most zealous attachment to the
English, & were much respected by the Indians, the murther is a very unlucky accident at this time,
but it is not alone, sev1. others having been lately committed by the Infatuated & Lawless
Inhabitants,on the frontiers of Virginia &~. who as they have hitherto acted with Impunity are
encouraged to go on.-And tho' the effects of all this have not been Sensibly felt for some time, they
at length begin to make their appearance particularly about the Illinois, Ohio &c of which your Lordship
will doubtless receive information from the Commander in Chief, the Indians having killed sevl. people
attacked & plundered sev1. Traders boats & in short blocked up the C(mmunication of the Ohio so that
it is no longer practicable for the Traders, whilst at the same time They are endeavouring to form a
more strict alliance than ever for purposes that are but too obvious, seeming only to wait the success of




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        551
their negotiations for the Commencement of Hostilities, and altho' upon these occasions they use much
caution and secrecy, yet some part of their late conduct does not exactly agree with it, but shews an
Extraordinary degree of Confidence from some Quarter, of which the answer herewith inclosed to the
Speech of Lt. Col Wilkins Commandg. at Illinois furnishes some instances, to Illustrate which I have
annexed some notes. I have recd. a Copy of the Speech of Mon9. VerChere formerly a French officer
to the Indians of Lake Erie as now delivered by them; this Speech was made known to me by some
Spies I have who with many others since positively affirm that he gave them a present in the name
of the French King and desired them to hold themseves in readiness, but on my communicating it to
the General who wrote concerning it to Canada, the Indians who esteem Verchere came to the Com.dt.
at Detroit delivered up Vercheres belt, and also the Speech in the manner sent me, and was evidently
altered to prevent his meeting with punishment, nevertheless thol they have certainly suppressed much
of what he said to them enough remains which to a man conversant in their Idiom would be a
convincing proof without any thing farther.-In short as I suspected & frequently represented would
be the case, none but Frenchmen can go into their Country to the Westward, & the Indians positively
and publickly declare, to all people that they will suffer no others into their Country. I was informed
that the French were at the bottom of the representations artfully prepared to get the Genl. Liberty for
Trading at Large in the Indn. Country which I then observed was calculated for them to Engross it all.
In the mean time the Colonies have as yet done nothing Except ~150 Voted by N York for the
defraying the expenses of officers of Trade a sum scarcely worth mentioning & the Govr now writes me
that he mentd his apprehensions of the Indns uneasiness for want of Commissaries to the members of
Assembly but without effect & adds that the Inadequate provisn made for Interpreters & Smiths shews
how little the matter in agitation was understood-In short none of those conversant in these matters
expect they will do anything material I ought the rather to mention this because in your Lordships Letter
of Octob' 12th 1768. (No 6) you observe that the reliance on the benefits Intended to be the result of
the late measures was not upon their propriety but "' upon the execution of them & upon the regulations
which the Colonies shall think fit to adopt for the management of the Commercial part."  I kept people
on the frontiers as long as I possibly could consistent with his Majesties Instructions & gave timely
notice to the Colonies concerned that they must be withdrawn, as did the Commander in Chief, but
without effect, and I persuade myself that your Lordships long knowledge of American affairs will
render it necessary for me to point out the little expectation of these measures having the effect desired
be the consequences what they will. Tis my sense of these consequences alone that induces me to offer
a word in addition to what I formerly said hereon, for I aver upon my honor I never had the smallest
advantage in the appointments that formerly existed, but add1 trouble in Corresponding with the officers,
constantly sending them instructions & paying their accts & settled sallarys when I reed them from the
Comr in chief, and very often obliged to advance them money befor I reed it myself. Your Lordship
will then judge how little I ought to have Coveted this from any other motive than the better execution
of the public Service.
This moment I have advice that the people have abandoned their settlements from Bedford to Fort
Pitt, in consequence of some Robberies committed by some partys of Indians, and also fearing their
resentment for their own late conduct towards them, That a party of Inds coming from war had robbed
a HIouse whereere was only one Woman, whom thee as  y threw into the Potowmack, on which a party of
tne Inhabitants pursued & killed three of the Indians, That they had then resolved to augment their
number & proceed to cut off a Mingo Village not far fromn thence, If so, a War is inivitable. In short
there is but too much Licentiousness on all sides for by the same acct. I am assured that Callender a
Trader on his way to Fort Pitt with 25 Horses Loaded with Indian Goods was attacked near Bedford by
30 WVhite men disguised & painted like Indians who destroyed & Carried away the Greatest part of




552                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
his Goods declaring they would suffer none to pass on to the Inds. That this circumstance has greatly
exasperated the Inds & contributed to alarm the peaceable part of the White Inhabitants. When we
consider the state & disposition of the Indians a people without Laws, or Government very revengeful
and influenced much by French Councills & very Jealous of us, We may conclude that as these people
cannot in Genl be kept in order without an Expence that may be deemed greater than its Object,
All we can do is to divide their Councils & retain a part of them in our Interest, which I am pretty
confident I have Interest and Influence to do at all events; It is highly necessary to prevent a too Geni
union amongst them, and I should rather have declined taking the pains I did to effect a peace between
the Six Nations & Cherokes, because we enjoy the most security when they are divided amongst
themselves At the breaking out of the late Indian'War I proposed to raise Indians to be employed against
the enemy, It was thought giving them too much Consequence, however I took upon myself to send
out a few parties which notwithstanding the pains generally taken to allow them as little merit as
possible Contributed Essentially to bring that war to a Conclusion. For altho' it may be said & is in
part true that Inds are unwilling to fight against one another in our Quarrells, there are many exceptions
to this Opinion. There are some to be had who will join with ardour against any Enemy, & many
more whom it is policy to retain in our service, who tho' at first unwilling to act offensively from
maxims of policy, Yet if by any means blood is drawn will become principals in the war, & this the
Indians are so sensible of that there is nothing of which they are more apprehensive.
I hope that whatever is the Issue of the present Alarms I shall be able to retain a large body in his
Majesties Interest, & even to get them to act against the Enemy if it is required of me, and so soon as
I receive any farther information that may be material, I shall communicate it immediately
I have the honor to be &c
The Rt. honble
The Earl of Hillsborough.
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO LT. GOV. GOLDEN.
Johnson hall, Oct. 4th 1769,
DEAR SIR,
I sincerely congratulate you on your once more entering upon the Administration of Governmnent
and I most Cordially wish you health, Success, and Satisfaction in the discharge, of it tho' as you Justly
observe there will be doubtless some who will endeavor to throw difficulties in your Way, but I expect
you will Surmount them. The pleasure of seeing you, would I do assure you be no small inducement
to my undertaking a Journey to New York At present however it is not in my power, as you have
probably heard that on my late Tour thro' the Six Nation Country as I returned from holding a private
Meeting in the Night, my Canoe was overset & in ascending a Bank I got a fall by which my Leg was
very dangerously Cut with a Stake which has hitherto Confined me to the House, as it did for some
time to my Chamber. The advice you give me tho' I take it Extremely kind, is founded on the
Expectation of an Event, which would give me real concern, and therefore I must be very far from
desiring it.
Sir H Moore sometime ago promise'd that he would take some Measures for effectually Securing to
the MAohocks and Conajoharees the Lands On and about their Villages, this the Ind. spoke of at the late
Treaty at Fort Stanwix and I am persuaded that you will do whatever is best for that end, with a View
to wch I shall send you the Surveys wch Sr' Harry directed me to get made in order to know their




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        553
exact Contents. There are 2 or 3 other Subjects which I shall take the Liberty of touching upon.
You know the Assembly fiamed a Bill for dividing the County of Albany, by forming a County on
this River, the bounds they proposed seem evidently the Work of a party for private purposes they
Extended Albany Co. to Aries Kill by which means they not only Cut & divide a Number of Patents,
but by carrying it so far up the AMohock River must rende.r it a hardship on the people of the New
County to Erect the buildings necessary, and greatly hurt the New Settlements,-All the principal
people of this Country have subscribed a petition to the Assembly which is in the hands of Capt De
Lancey to be laid before the House Setting forth the Case, & praying that the Boundary may be
Extended either with, or without Scohare, that in Running from Hardenberghs Patent on either Side of
Scohare thence along the Patroons Line to the West bounds of the Township of Schenectady thence
North along the West Line of that Township. This I can Assure you is the best, most Natural, and
Convenient boundary that can be formed, and I therefore take the Liberty of recommending it to your
patronage.
The next thing is with regard to the Militia, Govr. Moore formed Sev1 regiments, as the Old ones
were overgrown he divided the province into Two Districts, giving me the Command from the frontiers
to the Highlands as Brigadier General (which in fact was no preferment it was going backwards) What
was done with respect to the Militia was really Necessary in order to make them decent and respectable,
I however heard sometime ago of farther Intentions of his, wch I can't say much for, but perhaps I
was misinformed, Much favor was Shewn to certain persons in these Appointments but what I have
principally to observe at present, is, that there seems to be a Law necessary for inforcing Obedience
& subjecting them to fines, as I understand some insinuate that the prest Militia bill can't operate or
Extend to the New Regts tho' I should think otherwise & that it must Extend to all the Militia that
shall be in the Province, This you can easily explain to me. Sir H Moore Expressed his desire of
putting the Militia upon a more regular footing than formerly, he politely sent me blank Commissions
for sevl Regiments (as Indeed all the Govrs have done) & he paid regard to my Recommendations in
favor of sevl of the field Officers, but in some Instances that Method & Uniformity was forgotten Some
Whole RegtS were formed within the Dist of my Command, without even my knowledge, neither do
I as yet know their bounds, and I am told Mr Schyler of Albany who seemed to Influence mudh in
these Matters got some principal Officers Commissions, who really were not Extremely fitting for itIn the Regiment of Horse I have heard of a Majors being appointed that is by no means equal to Sev1
persons I could Mention, I should be glad to recomend to you for this Majority Lt Augustin Prevost
late of the 60th Regt who is settled & has a good property near Cherry Valley, There is a Vacancy
also of a Major in Col Sternberghs Regt. at Scohare, for which I take the liberty to recomend Peter
B Vrooman who was Mentioned to S' Henry who promised to send his Commission but his death
prevented. There are some more Vacancies & other Matters to be mentioned on this subject which I
shall refer to another opportunity Concluding at present with Assuring you that I am ever with the
highest Esteem Dr Sir,
The Honble Lto Govr Colden
VOL. I,                               70




554                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHINSONE
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Johnson hall Novr 2d 1769
DEAR SIR
Mr Croghan my Deputy now going to Fort Pitt to enquire into the State of Indian Affairs, begs to
have the honor of an Introduction to you, having some Land matters to Settle and Patents to take out at
N York In which he hopes for your Countenance, as he is a Gent that is Well known, and one for
whom I have always had a great regard, I persuade myself he will meet with your notice.
I had the pleasure of writing you a pretty long Letter on the 4th ulto and as I may soon Expect to be
favored with your answers I have only at present to add that I am always with Cordial Regard
Dear Sir &ca
COL. DUNCAN ON SIR WILLM JOHNSON'S HEALTH; NOV. 1769.
yr friend Sr Wnm Johnson is gore fail'd he is every now & then in a bad way, wherefore is thot not
to last many years more, which will be a great loss to mankind in general, but particularly to this
neighbourhood & I don't see that any one of the Family is capable of keeping up the gen1 applause
when he is gone.
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO LT GOV. COLDEN.
Johnson hall Novr 23d 1769.
DEAR SIR
I have had the pleasure of receiving your kind Letter of the 5th Inst and am much obliged to you
for the friendship you Express in it on the subjects of my last. I hope that this will find you a little
rested after the formalities & troubles on entering upon Government.
I am really at a Loss which will be the best method for securing the Lands of the two Mohock
Villages, It should Certainly be done in the way that is likely to be most Effectual as well as
Satisfactory to them, and in this point your Judgment will better direct you as to what is most likely to
be the strongest security thereof, against any future attempts to deprive them of it.
You may be assured that the Division petitioned for, for the County of Albany, is the most rational,
& liable to the fewest Objections of any that could be thought of, and that should it be Carried through
the House it will be of advantage to the Settlemts and property this Way, without prejudice to the rest.
The affair of the Militia in my Opinion deserves some Serious Attention as well from the present
Aspect of Indian Affairs as for the Credit of the Province, and it would give me pleasure that it was
completed under Your Administration. Sir H Moore divided the Province into Two Brigades, over the
Northern of which Extending from the Highlands to the North & West Bounds of the Province he
placed me as Brigadier, which you know was going down rather than preferrment to me did I stand
upon Nicetys, but I flattered myself Ahat I might be of some Service & shall endeavor it,-The very
Extensive County of Albany till then one Regiment of 2 Battns & Containing abt 6000 Men fit for Arms
he divided, into several Regiments of a reasonable Number from 500, to 1000 men, whose Districts being
small, they are easy assembled without inconvenience to the Inhabitants & therefore can be under much
better Comand & Discipline To Explain the Whole of which Col: Guy Johnson who was appointed
Adjt Gen1 of the District incloses you a Return of their General state as nearly Corresponding with




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       555
the Regular forms as the difference of the service would admit, at the same time It is necessary for me
to observe to you that there were some Regiments formed, of which I had not any previous notice
neither have the Colonels ever made a return of them or their District, tho' since they were formed Two
Orders have been issued for that purpose. In particular a Regiment formed about Fort Edward South
Bay & its Environs of which I hear Major Skene is Colonel, a Regiment formed of the Inhabitants of
Ranslaerwyck, another of the Mannor of Livingston Another of Claverack Kenderhook &ca & the
Regiments below it have not made any return. I don't as yet know what is the State of the Militia of
Cumberland Co: or whether it is Certainly Regimented, or not,-The same Divisions that were made
for the County of Albany, appear necessary to be made in Dutchess or Ulster Countys in proportion to
their Extent and Numbers, I Understand the Dutchess Co: or Coil Hoffmans Regt. consists of 2
Battns which considering the increase of population &Ca will now I dare say make four Regiments, and
from the best enquirys I have hitherto, made, the same may be done with Col Hardenburghs & Ellisons
Regiments in Ulster, whether any thing in that way Was done lately or not I cant say but doubtless it
can be easily be known at N York whether any, or what Comns were issued for that purpose in the office
of Sir Henrys Private SecY who did all that business during his administration.-If not done, I do really
think it necessary for the safety & reputation of the Province.-The Regt. of Horse given to my Son, is
to be formed throughout the District, there are already a Troop at Albany, one at Schenectady & one at
Esopus which shod Certainly and wh I have ordered to be incorporated into it, & the remainder raised
throughout the District in the best manner.-I don't Apprehend that there is much need of a bill to
mforce Establishmt always admitted to be a Royal prerogative, but that the Militant body, however
divided, or United, must be obedient to Command. —The Major I wrote about in the Regt of Horse is
actually appointed tho' by all accts unfit for it when Compared with the Gents I recommended, for I
think Where there are Gents of property who have been in the Military service they are the fittest
persons.
I should be glad you would furnish me with such Orders as you may think necessary in any of these
Matters, as I think it a matter of some importance that will if properly Executed do honor to the
Kings representative jin proportion as its necessity becomes more universally felt.
The Regiments in the forming of which I had a particular hand were those this way, of these the
Scohare Regt wants still a Major occasioned by Sr Harrys death, for this majority I recommended &
take the Liberty to recomend to you Peter B. Vroman, & for the Regt. for the City of Albany
Rostboom, I don't know of any other Vacancies from Alby Westward, except that by the death of
the Patroon concerning whose Regt I have as yet no return, but there will be many Commissions
wanting should you approve of dividing those of Dutchess & Ulster Counties as the rest.
In the return herewith transmitted the Total of the Columns is not cast up, there were of necessity,
such a number of Blanks As this return was intended to give you a Gen1. Idea of the Whole until one
more perfect could be made, and in the forming of those Regiments who now are Less than 500 men,
regard was had rather to the Circumstances of their Situation & future encrease than to their present
numbers which are daily Augmenting.
The Honble C. Colden Esqr Lt Govr, New York.




556                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSONo
THE SAME TO THE HON. OL. DELANCEY.
Johnson-hall Deer. 1st. 1769o
DEAR SIX,
You may recollect that I formerly wrote to you concerning Milns Patent of 500 acres adjoyning
my Estate, when you was so kind as to say that you would then Lease it till Sr Petr Warrens Children
were of age, and afterwards befriend me in case I became a purchaser.-As they are now of Age, I
would willingly buy that Tract, because tho' of little consequence in itself it in some measure interferes
with the Lots of two of my Tenants, and is so situated as to be of more value to me than to any body
else, As I presume it will be sold, I know you can settle this matter for me, & I dare say will do it as
a friend.
I have nothing material to add from this Quarter at present but with my sincerest wishes for your
health and happiness I remain always Dear Sir
Your affectionate
The Honble                                          and very humble servt.
Oliver DeLancey Esqr.
LORD HILLSBOROUGH TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
Duplicate~                                                   Whitehall, 9th. Deer. 176.
SIR,
Mr. Pownall having acquainted you in his Letter of the 6th. of September, that your dispatch No,
9 had been received and laid before the King; I am now to acknowledge the having since received
your Letters Ns. 10, & 11, which having been read by the King, His Majesty was graciously pleased
to express, that he had no doubt of the uprightness of your intentions in the execution of the Instructions
relative to the Boundary Line, and in giving way to the motives which you say induced you to deviate
from those Instructions; I have therefore only to add upon this subject that since you have thought fit
not to mention to the Indians His Majesty's wish to decline the Cession of the Lands below the Kanawa,
it is His Majesty's pleasure that you should declare the Royal Ratification of the Treaty at Fort
Stanwix in such manner as has been usual on the like occasions, with an exception however to the
private Grants, to the Traders, and to Mr'. Croghan, which, as I have before mentioned to you, His
Majesty reserves for further consideration, when the persons interested shall apply for his Majesty's
confirmation of them.
Your vigilant attention to what passes in the Indian Country is much approved by the King, and His
Majesty considers your holding an interview with the Indians at Onondaga, and making a Tour through
their Country with a view to discover their present temper and disposition, as a well judged, and
expedient measure.
Your apprehensions that the Commotions amongst these Savages proceed from foreign influence and
intrigue, render the continuance of that watchfull attention to what is passing amongst them highly
necessary. The King has the fullest confidence in your activity on this occasion, and I am commanded
by His Majesty to desire you will omit no opportunity of communicating to General Gage, (to whom I
write on this subject by this Packet,) every circumstance of intelligence of this nature that can be
collected.
Tha      t       twhich is so distinguishinga part of an Indian's Character will not allow me to
suppose that the idle messages and Talks of French Agents can operate materially to wean their




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        557
affections from the British interest; it rather leads to a belief that Reports of such connection are merely
calculated to create foundation for those Demands, which it is so difficult to satisfy; but from
whatever cause it arises, His Majesty has the fullest reliance that with your knowledge of the temper and
character of the Indians, and the just confidence they have in your regard for their true interest you
will not find it very difficult to disappoint any expectations that may be entertained of inducing them,
in case of a sudden Rupture, to turn their Arms against us.
I am, Sir,
Your most obedient
humble servant
Sir William Johnson Bart.                                             HILLSBOROUGH.
SIR Wm. JOHNSON TO LT GOT. COLDEN.
Johnson-hall Jany 5th 1770.
DEAR SIl5
Tho' I had the pleasure of Writing you pretty fully on Militia Affairs in General yet from a late
Letter from M1 Banyar I find you would be desirous of more particular information especially as to the
Regiment at Claverack, I need not give you the Trouble of reading the Case & petitions of the
Inhabitants of that Neighbourhood as I understand they have been laid before You, but I inclose you a
Copy of Capt Hogebooms letter to me which I laid before Sir Henry Moore but as he died about the
Time It must have reached New York it went too late;I before observed to you that Sev1 of the Colonels within my Brigade having neglected to make me
returns my Information concerning some of the Regiments is collected from the Accots of others, which
however I have reason to think I can depend upon.
The necessity of dividing the Overgrown Regiments, and the divisions that had already been made
for that purpose furnished a pretence for creating that Regimt for Col. Ranslaer, A Regiment there was
necessary, but the Mode of Establishing it was very faulty. It appears to have been concerted to favor
his Claim in the disputed Lands there, at Least so it is conceived by the Inhabitants, and the manner in
which it has been conducted Justifies that Apprehension, as first the Commissions by Ante dating them
are Countersigned by Mr Livingston several Months before he was Secretary, The Commissions of the
Inferior Officers are dated before the Colonels and Consequently they are made Officers in a Regiment
that did not then Exist, but I conclude it was necessary to get off the Commissns as quick as possible for
private reasons, for it should be observed that the dates of all the Comnl given to the inferior Officers
living on the Contested Lands were previous to the Trial of the Crown's Cause against M'. Ranslaer,
another Circumstance is, that they have left out Kenderhook intirely, and that they have taken the Officers
from such places and in such manner as Joyned to what I have already Mentioned manifests a Notorious
partiality arising in all probability from very Interested motives, and I have ye greatest reason to think
that Col Schuyler made himself very busy on that occasion as he does on many others, and that to his
eagerness & ignorance in these matters some of the egregious blunders may be attributed.-he found
means to attach himself very Closely to Sir H Moore, who I presume thought he might be of use &
therefore I am informed suffered himself to be influenced and directed by him in many matters, with
which he had no pretensions to Concern himself.
Upon the Whole I should think that the bounds of that Regiment would be well to be altered & made
to begin where the Regt to the Northward ends, & to Extend to Livingstons Mannor, and in case the
Number of Inhabitants are too large within these Limits to divide it into 2 RegtS, and I submit it to




558.                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
you whether some of the Gents shod be Continued in their present Commissions, & whether new Ones
should not issue to be filled up at N York in a more equitable manner, The Readiest way to do which
will be to Issue New Commissions for the Whole Regiment, describing its bounds so as to give no
appearance of.favor to any Land Claim, & putting in or Leaving out such of the Officers as are most
fitting. Capt Hogebooms Case deserves Consideration as I know him to be an old Unexceptionable
Officer, & a man of property in that Country-and that I may in future be enabled to know & report
the true State of the Militia within my District, I could wish you would please to Issue an Order to
all the Colonels within My Brigade to pay due regard to the orders they shall receive from me or from
the Adjutant General of the District, which some of them I imagine purposely neglect, & which I think
ought to be taken Notice of.-I know you will Excuse the freedom of my hints on this Subject, and
as to sending blank Commissions for the Militia, I am equally convinced of its Impropriety, I think it
my duty, from my Station & acquaintance in the "Country to recommend Officers to the Governor
for the time being, and tis true that I Generally received them blanks, of which I flatter myself it
can appear that I never made a bad use, but I am really of opinion that such a Practice should not be
Extablished, as I am aware of its ill Consequences, of which there are recent proofs. I hope that
what I have said on the subject of the Claverack Regiment may be satisfactory, to which I shall
add any farther Informations that I may receive being with the most perfect regard,
The Honble Lt Govr Colden.                                                   Yrs W J
P S. I take the liberty to remind you of the Majors Comssn for Peter B. Vroman of Col Jacob
Starnberghs Regmt at Scohare, that for    Roseboom  of Col David Van Derheydens Regmt at
Albany, & that for MP Augustine Prevost in the Regmt of Horse, provided you approve of Superceding
Scermerhorn, a person unfit every way for that Comisn.-N B the two former are Vacant.
THE SAME TO LORD HILLSBOROUGH.
Johnson hall Feby 9th 1770.
MY LORD,
I was sometime ago honored with your Lordships Letter in favor of Major Gorham, whose Good
Conduct & services I am very sensible of. Your Lordships favorable opinion of him with his own
merit are motives so powerfull in his favor that I have still continued him as Dep. Agent for Nova
Scotia and purpose to do so notwithstanding the present Limited allowance for the Department would
oblige me'to dismiss many Officers who could not be dispensed with, with due regard to the publick
safety; Major Gorham is therefore continued in his Office, & pay as before.Lieut Benjn. Roberts late of the 46th foot who has for near 4 Years Served as a Commissary, latterly
at Michilimackinac in my Department now going for England being dismissed in consequence of the late
reform has requested the Honor of presenting this to your Lordship, an Honor which I could not
refuse him because during the time he was employed he faithfully and diligently discharged his duty
and had he met with the necessary support would have proved of great use in that Country I know
that I cannot give him a higher recommendation to your Lordship than by saying that he was a faithful
servant to the Crown, and with the strongest sentiments of Gratitude for your Lordships favor and
Esteem
I have the honor to be
My Lord, &Ca
The Rt honble
The Earl of Hillsborough.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAMB JOHNSON.                      559
THE SAME TO LT GOV COLDEN.
Johnson hall Feby 9th. 1770.
DEAR SIR,
I thank you for your kind Letter of the 28th ulto. and am sensible that your Attention to the Affairs
of the Assembly must have prevented you from applying your thoughts to any other matters for
sometime past. I am very happy to find that matters have turned out so much to your satisfaction and
that your Sallary has received such an Augmentation, The mover in that had doubtless his reasons for so
Singular a Step so that I fancy you owe him no obligation for so doing.
As to Militia Affairs I don't think it probable that the Assembly will incline to pass an Act agreable
to the late Instruction, tho' I should think an act of some years Continuance should be preferred to that
Continuing it from year to year, His Majesty on knowledge of these circumstances, & from the necessity
there is for a well regulated Militia here may probably give such other Instructions as will be better
relished by the House, In the meantime, altho' some may be obstinate and for want of a Law neglect
to obey orders, I apprehend they can be dealt with in such a manner as to prevent the like hereafter,
for should a Colonel, or Officer Commanding a Regiment refuse or neglect to make the necessary
returns, or to do any other essential part of his duty it is in your power to remove him, which would
not only be a sufficient mortification to him, but would prove a Caution to his Successor against offending
in like manner, And indeed the man who takes advantage of the Want of a Law in matters of that
nature is unworthy the Command of a Regimt.
The people of Kenderhook not only think themselves Affected by the Nature of the Claverack
Regiments bounds, but from the Neglect put'on some of the principal Inhabitants & old officers by the
Nomination of men in a particular Interest as Well as the Appointment of young men never before in
any service. I find upon strict enquiry that there is near 2000 men living within the Province between
the South Bounds of the Patroons Mannor, & the North Line of Livingston Including Kenderhook,
Claverack &Ca, such a number-would be best formed into 2 Regiments considering the increasing state
of the Province, & twas on this principle that all the new Regiments were formed, for Regiments of
Extensive Limits & above 1000, cannot with so much Ease & Convenience be Assembled, Disciplined,
or Commanded, I therefore take the Liberty of Suggesting to you, as the best way to Carry the
Remainder of the Militia plan into Execution, that a Regimt be formed from the South of the Mannor
of Ranslaer to a Line drawn from Hudsons River East across Major Abrahams falls to the Bounds of
the Province, and that Col Ranslaers Regiment Comprehend all the men South of that line as far as
Livingstons Manor, & this I take to be the most Equitable & best division that can,be made there, A
Regiment might Likewise be formed from the West Side of Hudsons River from the South bounds of
Renslaer to the South'bound of Albany County, and to pursue the plan already begun, which for the
reasons I have formerly given I cannot but approve of, it will be Equally necessary to divide the Militia
of Ulster County, which from what I can find at present will make 4 Regiments, The like may be done
in Dutchess County and the Militia will be found the better for it, in all respects which is my Sole Motive
for recommending it to your Consideration-I should likewise remind you that the Regiment lately
formed out of the Mannor of Ranslaer being Vacant by the Patroons death; It will be necessary to
put in a New Colonel for it.
Sir H Moore when last here spoke to me concerning New Magistrates to be appointed in this Country,
and I       recommended a List to him of a few in consequence thereof I have since mentioned the Matter
to Mr Banyar ana (If I recollect right) to yourself, Shod you approve it I can Send you an Ample List
of the most fitting persons within the compass of my knowledge in case you are disposed to issue a
New Commission of the Peace. I had almost forgot to tell you that Sir H Moore issued his Dedimus




560                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
Potestm. to me, Col Johnson & Lt. Col Frey for Administering the Oaths to all officers Now appointed
or hereafter in the County. Nothwithstanding which I am informed that Col. Ranslaer & his friends have
lately gone about with Commissions & had sev1 of his Officers Sworn in down the Country.
I shall be glad to find that the Resolutions of the Commissioners for Concerting the plan for Indian
Trade may be such as will Answer the importance of the Object, but the Expence necessary for the
Execution of a proper plan and the differing sentiments & Interests of Colonies will I fear render it of
little use.
At yoiur Leisure I shall be very happy to hear from you on these Subjects and remain with great truth
& Affection
Dear Sir,
The Honble Lieut Govr. Colden.                                                   &ca.
THE SAME TO LORD HILLSBOROUGH.
Johnson hall, Feby 10th 1770.
MY LORD
In my last of 26th August (No 11) I gave your Lordship an account of my Journey thro' the Country
of the Six Nations to Seneca, with my proceedings at Sundry Conferences with the Indians, &
acquainted you that Deputies were arrived from the Cherokees to request a meeting with the Six Nations
& Canada Confederacys at Onondaga, which has since taken place, agreable to their desire, the result
of which I waited for, as Judging it might be necessary for his Majestys+Information. At this Congress
the Cherokees Spoke on 20 belts to the Six Nations to ren'ew & Strengthen the late Treaty of peace
entered into between them and earnestly to request that in Consequence thereof the Six Nations should
unite their Arms with them in order to attack sev' of the Southern and Western Nations who had acted
as Enemys to both, after some time spent in deliberation, the Six Nations returned for Answer, That
before they cod come to any resolution agreable to their former engagements they must first Conferr with
me on the Subject, to which end they would take care of their Calumets & belts, & Send Deputys
to me to desire a General Congress in my presence, & accordingly their Deputies have since come here
with some of the Cherokees, earnestly requesting on the part of the Whole that I would as speedily
as possible Assemble the W-hole Confederacy, and after hearing what they had to say give them My
advice and opinion on the subject, to Support their request, they observed that we were as much
Interested as themselves in the matter having suffered repeated Insults from these people, as they
Instanced in Mr Croghans being attacked & made prisoner by them on his way to Ilinois, & in their
attacks upon our Traders on Ohio. In short I observed that they were much inclined to Unite & attack
those people, which gave me the more Concern because I knew that when Indians were resolved on
War, if they could be diverted from their favorite pursuit they would be apt to turn their Arms another
way, perhaps against ourselves, besides I was sensible of the great Expense that must attend such a
Congress altho' of their own proposing and that wh cod be spared out of the fund allowed for the
Department could not defray the Charge of so large & unexpected a Congress, In this situation I
Consulted Genl Gage who is of opinion that as any Sum that can be spared out of the Annual Allowance,
will be inadequate to the Expense that may attend it, I should first obtain his Majestys Orders for that
purpose, but as the Indian DepYS are very pressing, & that it will not be in my pow-er to have an
Answer within sufficient time to satisfy their importunity, whilst on the other hand I cannot refuse their
request without occasioning a Genl Discontent amongst them I have resolved to Treat with some of
the Chiefs only mith all the Oeconomy I possibly can consistent with the public Safety, trusting that




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        561
his Majesty will be graciously pleased, to consider the peculiarity of the Occasion, & not suffer me to
be a Loser Thro' the Necessary Discharge of my Duty.
It is a disagreeable Circumstance that we must either agree to permit these people to Cut each others
Throats, or risque their discharging their fury on Our Traders & defenceless Frontiers, for certain I am
from the disposition they are in & from the Conduct of the back settlers the Latter may prove the Case,
but however disagreeable the Alternative is, Common policy & our own Safety requires it, and under
such Circumstances I shall endeavor to govern myself in the manner that appears best Calculated for
the Gen1 Security of all his Majestys Subjects here.
The Situation of Affairs Since I had last the Honor of addressing your Lordship on these subjects has
not Varied materially Altho' the Severity of the Season & the Embassy from the Cherokees keep them
at present quiet, yet the Motives for their discontent Still Subsist, and the Lawless conduct of the frontier
Inhabitants is the same whenever an Opportunity offers, so that the Event depends upon Circumstances
that are as hard to forsee as to prevent, and as there is no prospect of any Imediate remedy to be
applied for these disorders, & the. Licentiousness of some of our own people, my Endeavors Must be
directed to prevent Their operation on the minds of the Indians till a more favorable period when the
Orders of Government will be treated with more respect, and the people brought to a better sense of
their Duty.
The Rt honble
The Earl of Hillsborough
LORD HILLSBOROUGH TO SIR WM. JOHNSON.
Whitehall April 14th. 177(0
SIR,
I have received and laid before the King your Dispatch of the 10th of Febry No. 12.
The matter proposed to the Confederacy of the six Nations by the Cherokees is of great Importance -
and it is with Concern His Majesty observes that the answer to be given to the Cherokees is made to
depend upon your opinion and advice, by which the King will stand committed in measures which, if
they adopt the proposition of a War against the Southern & Western Indians, are irreconcileable with
the principles of humanity, and if on the contrary they tend to union of Indian Interests and Politicks,
endanger the Security of His Majesty's Colonies by enabling the Savages to turn their Arms against Us.
This consequence however, which you seem to think would follow from discouraging a War against
the Southern and Western Indians, is certainly to be avoided if possible, and therefore the King, however
unwillingly, cannot but approve of your adopting the Alternative, and making the security of His
Subjects and the Peace of the Frontiers, the principal Object of your attention at the Congress, but it
would be most pleasing to His Majesty if it could be attained without encouraging the Savages in their
barbarous attacks on each other.
It would have been more fortunate, upon every consideration, that this Congress could have been
avoided, not only as it does in it's consequences involve His Majesty. as a Party in a Business of so
disagreeable a nature, but also as it will, I find, be attended with an expence beyond what your stated
allowance will admit of.
The King however relies upon your assurances on the one hand that this Expence is unavoidable,
and, on the other, that' the Service shall be conducted with all Frugality and CEconomy that is
possible, consistent with the public Safety; and, under these assurances, His Majesty approves of your
VOL. II.                                 71




562                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON..
applying to Major General Gage who will have Orders to defray what Expence shall be absolutely
necessary on this occasion.
It is to be hoped that it will not be long before those Colonies, whose security depends upon the good Will
and Affection of the Savages, will see the necessity of such regulations as will be effectual to Drevent
those abuses which at present give so much Discontent to them. In the mean time you will not fail to
exert every Influence in your Power to prevent these Abuses from having such an operation upon the
Minds of the Indians, as to disturb that Tranquillity which is so essential to their true Interests.
I am with great Regard Sir,
Your Most Obedient
Humble servant
HIILLSBOROUGIH.
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO LORD HILLSBOROUGH.
Johnson hall July 12th 1770.
MY LORD
Since I wrote your Lordship on the 10th of feby last (No 12) I have been honored with your
Lordships Letter -No 12 inclosing his Majestys Speech for which I offer my most humble thanks, as also
your Letter N~ 13 in answer to my Dispatch concerning the proposed Congress, on which Subject I
am Extremely happy to find that his Majesty approves of the alternative which I thought was the only
one that under the circumstances I have had the honor to represent could be adopted with safety to
the public.
As I was so fortunate as to foresee the sense of Government on this embarrassing Occasion, I do
assure your Lordship that I took infinite pains,' to avoid the Congress, but I find that It cannot be
either set aside, or postponed with safety, and above 500 of the Indians, being already come to the
place of rendezvous I purpose to set out to morrow to meet them, Judging that about the time of my
Arrival there which is 50 miles from hence the Whole will be assembled, and I am very sorry to hear
that There will be a Considerable number of them, because there is a Great Scarcity of all provisions at
present throughout these parts, the Crops being almost totally destroyed by Caterpillars, & in the Indian
Country many Corn fields are entirely ruined by them. After great trouble & difficulty I have at length
got out of the hands of the Committee of non Importers at N York a Cargoe of Indian Goods without
which I don't know how I should have gone to the Congress for whatever is the occasion, we cannot
meet those people without some proofs of his Majestys Esteem more especially at some periods as now
when Indn Goods are so scarce that sev1 parties have gone thro' all the stores & shops within 100 ms
witht being able to procure one Doz" of blankts it has been industriously propagated amst them by some
Very Weak people that the Scarcity is occasioned by the King who has ordered that no goods shall be
sent over to them This very dangerous report is so universal amongst them that I have been told of it
in very Warm terms by above 100 Indians within the course of the present Week, many of them have
brought down their peltry & returned almost naked, & full of resentment, The effects of which I am
so sensible of that I thought it my Duty to undeceive them in the best manner I could on a point of
such delicacy when the occasion of their present Wants & disappointments cannot be transferred from
one, to another, without some danger to the publick.
You see mray Lord Some of the difficulties in which my station involves me, but I have firmness
enough to Support me under greater, when his Majestys Interest demandsit of me and the Confidence
which the Indians repose in me will I trust enable me to Clear up these disagreable matters so as they




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIl WILLIAM JOHNSON.                       563
may not have any ill consequences to which End the presents will greatly contribute by removing their
apprehensions till more favorable times shall set all matters right, I purpose at the Congress when
Agreable to his Majestys Orders I proceed to the Ratification of the Fort Stanwix treaty to convince
them that he has no desire for the Lands they Ceded to the southward of the Kanhawa River, and to
explain these points in a Way that I hope will be Satisfactory to the few of their Insatiable Dependts
Who have pretended to be discontented at the Extent of a Cession so fully Agreed to in the largest
Assembly that was ever yet held of the true & real Proprietors, and as I hear from the Southward that
the Cherokees deny that their Depys, have orders to draw the Northern nations into so Extensive a War
as has been represented to me I shall study to avail myself of it, in altering their purposes, but should it
appear that the Authority of these Depys is indisputable & that the Northern Inds cannot be diverted
from their purposes With any safety to the publick, I shall in that case make it as much their own affair,
as possible, and endeavor to act in the manner most agreable to his Majestys Inclinations as Expressed
in your Lordships Letter to me. I foresee much trouble and difficultys in the Course of the intended
Congress, as well from the discontent shewn for so long a time by many of the Indians, & The very
disagreable report, before mentd as from the want of any Appointments for the Regulation of Trade &
the little prospect there is, of its ever being duly attended to but on all these matters I shall endeavor
to give them the utmost satisfaction in my power, to prevent their operating to any disagreable purposes.And his Majesty may be assured that on this or any other occasion I shall never presume to recommend
or incurr any Expense, unless I am convinced from Experience, of its necessity, and in that case I shall
conduct myself with the strictest Honor, & Integrity, and with a Frugality proportioned to the Exigency,
and importance of the Service.
As I hope Within a few Weeks to give your Lordship an acct of the result of my Transactions, I
have only at present to add that I am with all Imaginable respect,
My Lord &c.
The Rt honble
The Earl of Hillsborough,
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Johnson Hall August 14th 1770.
MY LORD
On the 12th ulto I had the honor to write your Lordship my Letter No (13,) previous to my
Journey to hold a Congress with the Northern Indians & Depys from the southward, from whence I
returned some days ago, attended by so many Tribes, and Messengers on the private business of each
Nation, that it was not in my power earlier to transmit the proceedings which I now have the honor to
Inclose.
From My last Letter your Lordship has been enabled to form some Judgment of my Embarrassment,
arising from the disagreable nature of the business I had to engage in, on which account I held many
Conferrences, (too long to be inserted) with the Leading men of each Nation upon my Arrival at the
place of Congress, to which the Issue.& Determination of the Indians as contained in the papers herewith
Transmitted must be entirely attributed, They having at length agreed thro' the pains I took and the
extraordinary prudence & good Conduct of some of the Chiefs whose abilities & Influence were
peculiarly Exerted upon that occasion, To Stop proceedings against the Southern Indians, until they
shall propose terms of accomodation & to decline their intended Application.for our Assistance &




564                         MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
Support in the War a Circumstance which gave me much uneasiness at first as I found that they came
with a determined resolution to demand it in publick, and that not so much from necessity as with
design thereby to Judge of the nature of our Friendship, and the regard we paid to former Engagements,
of which they entertain great doubts, Concluding upon this to be a favorable occasion that must finally
determine, & direct their Conduct towards us for as Strict Alliances with them are Considered both
Ofensive & Deffencive Any Evasion or refusal from us would undoubtedly in their present disposition
have so far encreased their Suspicions & Resentment as to make our Trade & frontiers Severely feel the
effects of that Spirit of War which now predominates amongst them, At a time when we are very ill
Calculated to defend {he one, or the other, howsoever matters may be misrepresented with regard to
our Strength or their Weakness for whilst they Exist in their present State they are able to make us
Severely to feel their power without the possibility of their Sustaining a proportionate Loss even
from a Vigorous Exertion of our Abilities, So that My Lord disagreable as was the Alternative on which
the issue of the proceedings first Appeared to depend, I found that a trifling Circumstance when
compared with the prospect of either drawing his Majesty contrary to the principles of humanity to be
an Actor in their Quarrells, or to see at least a Temporary end put to the Indn Trade, and the Total
ruin of those Settlements which Industry & peace have added to the Colonies, this I thought myself
bound to prevent as well from humanity as duty and I hope the measures I pursued for that purpose
will be honored with his Majestys Approbation, as In so doing I carefully avoided discovering what
would have been the resolutions of the Crown, & so Conducted it as to make the Issue of the Congress
flow froln their own resolutions, on a farther & more mature consideration of the business proposed.
The Number of the Inds. who attended upon this occasion being, the great scarcity owing
to the destruction of the farmers crops this year, and the particular obligations, I was under to the
steadyness & good behavior of so many Leading Men amongst them which I was under the necessity
of rewarding over & beside the present, but particularly the distress they were in for cloathg, from the
total want of Indn. Goods, have encreased the Expence of this Congress much beyond my Inclinations,
but as it was unavoidable, I trust all things considered, It will be found cheap, salutary & advantagious
to his Majestys Interest, without a due regard to which I should not have incurred it.
The,rest of the proceedings which consisted in the Ratification of tne Treaty at Fort Stanwix, and the
subject of Grievances will require my saying some little upon.'As to the first, your Lordship will observe
sufficiently from the publick conferences, the satisfaction Expressed by the Inds. at the whole of that
Treaty with the resolutions they have taken to render it permanent & acceptable to all their Dependants.
The latter are only the principal Grievances which were spoken in publick, besides which there were
many others of an Inferior Nature not inserted, as they would have added much to the bulk of my
Transactions & might be deemed unworthy the attention of Government,-they nevertheless gave me
such Trouble, & occasioned great delay, which was of most concern to me, as the daily maintenance
of such a number of Inds. amounted to a large sum, to abridge which I gave them my whole time both
by Day & Night, & thereby considerably shortened the Time of our Setting.
Your Lordship will find that the principal Grievances complained of in publick regarded the conduct
of our frontier Inhabitants towards them, & the state of the Indn. Trade, The first (as I have
repeatedly observed) is what they have but too much reason to Complain of & which they have
retaliated in a very few Instances, Thol I know the contrary is too often represented. I have on
former occasions said so much of the Licentious Spirit of the Inhabitants on the Southern Frontiers, that
I need only add that it still continues, & their malevolence & disregard to all Treatys is still Demonstrated:
whensoever they fall in the way of any small Partys, or single Inds. Even since I began this Lettel
I have reed dispatches from Mr. Croghan at Fort Pitt acquainting me that a soldier had shot an Indian
here & that another was killed by a Virginian two days after near to that River. The continuance of




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        565
-which proceedings will render all Transactions with them abortive, and altho' agreable to their Wishes
some farther directions to the Govrs. would give pleasure to the Inds. Yet I fear it is not in the present
state of things in the power of our Governments here to put a stop to these Evils.
As to the Affairs of Trade I wish I could say that they had no cause of Complaint, but the contrary
has been too often manifested of late. Commissioners are indeed appointed to meet from some of the
Colonies, but it is not Expected that an Expence will be incurred adequate to the Service, in which case
it is much better to do nothing, But a still greater & more alarming circurstance arose from the wants
& disappointmt of the Inds. in consequence of the non importation Agreemts. Those with whom they
Traded embraced that opportunity of accounting for the cause-of their wants, as prejudice dictated, &
therefore had I not fallen upon a happy mode of Explanation, or they been accustomed to doubt the
Veracity of the Traders, It would have had the Worst Consequences. These Secret Negotiations
which from their bulk cannot appear on the face of the proceedings are the Ground Work of the Whole,
& the beforementd. Circumstance proved no small addition to the Expence, as I was Willing to falsify
a representation of so dangerous a Tendency persuaded that in so doing it should be approved of.Another Circumstance much complained of as well during the Treaty, as since by those Indians who
accompanied me to this place is of the great Cargoes of Rum wch (of late in particular) are sent amst
them to their ruin, as they call it, Many Traders carry little or nothing else because their profits upon
it are so Considerable, and whatever resolutions they enter into, the Inds. have not Virtue enough to
withstand the Temptation when it comes arst them, They therefore beg it may not be suffered to come
to their Castles, or huntg places, & indeed the Licentious abuse of the sale notwithstanding its peculiar
profitis Extremely hurtfull to the Trade in Gen1. from its eects upon the Inds. besides its giving
Encouragement to the meanest most profligate Traders to go amost hem,ad to gin themat neither capacity
or knowledge of the Inds. or their Language is necessary for the sale of it, but very little remedy can
be Expected here agt. the abuse of that Liquor, tho' its effects are daily nanifested.-Again, whenever
Inds. are assembled on publick affairs, there are always Traders secreted in the neighbourhood & somee
publickly who not only make them intoxicated during the Time intended for business, but afterwds. get
back great part of their presents in Exchange for Spirituous Liquors, thereby defeats the Intentions of
the Crown, & causing them to commit many disorders as well amst the Inhabitants as themselves  This
is Grievously complained of by the Inds. but I know of no final Law at present subsisting for restrains
the sale of that pernicious Liquor even during publick business, which I humbly conceive should be
recommended to the immediate attention of the American Legislatures, As well as some Law for the
more effectual apprehendg & punishing offenders on the frontiers in a summary way.Another Head of which your Lordship may find the Inds. make mention, is their want of Religious
Teachers; on this subject they greatly enlarged, at sevl. Conferences I had with them & appear to
consider it as so great a neglect in Govt. that I judged it most advisable to give them better hopes, &
thereby put an end to their murmuring, The majority of Inds. tis true, do not as yet request it, but
even they consider our neglecting to Gratify those that are so disposed, as a farther instance of our
indifference & disregard. I have formerly mentioned this subject on applications from some of the
Tribes, It is now become a matter of more serious concern from the earnestness with which the whole
were about to second the desire of a few, and when so fair an opportunity is afforded, I apprehend it is
unnecessary to enlarge on the advantage it must be of to the State to secure those who have been already
instructed in its Religion, and to render diffusive those Religious & Civil Sentiments, that are best
calculated for its advantage & support. The Mohocks have hadl Missionaries of the Church of England
amongst them from the Reign of Queen Anne till within these few years, they are now without any,
& from the scarcity of Clergymen or some other cause, the Society cannot procure them on the Sallary
which their small funds have limitted them to, whilst at the same time the Inds. find that their Brothers




566                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAtM SOHNSON.
in Canada &ca, who were our Enemies, are regularly supplied, & one lately appointed in Nova Scotia at
the Expence of Government as tis said, I therefore cannot help at the Intreaty of the Inds. humbly
recommendg to his Majestys consideration, the affordg some allowance for the Mohock Mission which
has always been under the imediate protection of the Crown, declaring it as my belief that if any
farther provision could be made to employ others in so good a work it would increase their reverence
for the Crown, and their attachment to the British Interest.
The other matters spoken upon during the Treaty (tho' they occupied a good part of my time then,
& occasioned sevl. hundred Inds. to follow me home,) are such as I trust may be Settled without any
Trouble to Govt. The Messages which the Inds. have resolved upon to send to the South & Westward,
supported by the Steps I shall take will I hope have weight & prove Serviceable in a high degree, and
in order to be armed against any thing that may in another Quarter threaten to disturb the publick
Tranquility, I have taken measures to be informed as early as possible with the proceeds. & Issues of
the Congress, which they are about this time to hold at the Great plains of Sciota near the Ohio, where
some are endeavoring to form Confederacys, for very bad purposes, Secretly countenanced & Supported
by French Traders, Renegadoes, & all those Inds. who have not hitherto been Seriously attached to the
English, but with wonderfull Art have for a time past endeavored to Shake the fidelity of the Six
Nations, thro' the means of some of the Seneca Towns that are most dissatisfied with our Conduct
I have in the Course of this Letter touched upon the principal Subjects of both the public & private
Conferences at the late Congress this is as much as I could do from the Variety of matters that occur
upon such occasions which however trivial in Appearance demand my particular attention, upon the
Whole I must observe that the Indians are at present in a state of uncertainty as to what course they
shall take, The Measures lately taken have Strengthened the fidelity of our Friends, and afforded a
temporary Satisfaction to others, but it is on the Continuance of them and the Adoption of the Wisest
measures for their redress & Satisfaction we must solely rely for the Securing their fidelity; which tho
Comparatively. of little moment when weighed with the great Objects of Concern wherein the Crown
is so deeply interested, is nevertheless in a relative View, from a Variety of peculiar Circumstances
worthy the most serious Consideration, and therefore I most humbly recommend the heads herein
treated of, as what may be productive of the most happy Effects to this Country, If by any means they
can be carried into Execution under the Auspices of the Crown. To promote which My Lord my
Whole Influence & the Small remainder of my health shall be most Willingly devoted.
I hope to be honored'wth. your Lordships Comds on the foregoing subjects, & am with the
highest respect,
My Lord, Your Lordship's
most Devoted & most humble Servt.
To the Earl of Hills Burgh.
14 Aug. 1770.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WVILLIAM JOHNSON.                       567
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO HON: OL. DE LANCEY.
Johnson hall Novr. 9th. 1770.
DEAR SIR,
In Answer to your favor of April, 1769, 1 wrote you on the 20th of March in that year on the
Subject of a Suit Commenced by Abraham Sterling against Lady Warren, to which Letter, as I have
not had the pleasure of receiving your Answer, as well as on account of a Letter I have lately received
from Ireland I think it necessary to give you the trouble of another on the Subject.
This Last Letter is from Mr Sterling who writes me that he has received Lady Warren's Answer to
his Bill, and that he is to Collect the Vouchers & Accots against me & to be Supported-with her Aid
to recover his demand Concluding with the usual Apologies, and the best he can make for so doing:To prevent a repetition I beg to referr to my Letter of the 20th of March before mentioned, only again
repeating That he is the Only Connection I have that is not perfectly Satisfied of those Truths I have so
often repeated, and that he does not appear to be so, must be entirely attributed to his unhappy
Circumstances and perhaps his Character, which however I know very little of,-Allow me to add
that whatever trouble Lady Warren has had thro the Necessitys of an unhappy Individual (because I am
persuaded she has never been troubled by any of the rest) yet I cannot but conceive that my own Case
is much harder, if I am to have the Smallest trouble on the Score of that Extraordinary Legacy of my
Uncles, whilst his Estate was, as it still is, in my debt, and which I have more than once Assigned the
true reasons for my hitherto neglecting to Sue for, and recover my Just demands.-If it must be
Litigated it will appear that I have acted with perhaps uncommon delicacy, far exceeding what the case
was entitled to, and that purely thro' a tender regard for my Uncles Memory & Character, because my
Acct agt,hbim was Short of what I could have Justly brought, & particularly in a few Articles which
If Lady Warren cannot recollect I shall never mention Whilst his Acct agt. me altho' I was so
generous as to admit it, contains many Articles which I never sent for, or desired, and which were
Solely appropriated to his use but never to mine. His Alcct for a variety of reasons which at present it is
unnecessary to enlarge upon, will appear very Extraordinary whilst every particular of mine can be proved
upon Oath with some other matters I would willingly suppress-I am not sufficiently acquainted witl the
Legal Mode of proceeding in this Case, but I think it necessary that Lady Warren should be made
acquainted thro' you with my resolution to take such Steps as the Law directs for doing myself Justice,
and you may be assured that It is abundantly in my power to satisfy you, or any other Gentleman of the
propriety of my Conduct and the Justice of my Cause.
I shall for the present quit a Subject which must be disagreeable to us both, Assuring you that it will.
give me great pleasure to hear from you not meerly on the foregoing but on any other that occurs, and
for which doubtless you will have Sufficient materials, as I believe you will all be busy enough at
the Capital in a little time on which occasion 1 sincerely wish you and your Friends, success in any of
their undertakings, being with true regard,
Dear Sir,
The Honble
Oliver De Lancey Esqr.
P..S Having been much hurried whilst writing ye foregoing, & forgot to Ask whether you wrote to
Lady Warren for my Bonds as you were pleased to promise you would, also about that piece of Land
wh. was Milns, & now Joins to some of mine, wh is ye reason I would willingly purchase it.




568                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
SIR WILLIAM    JOHNSON TO LORD HILLSBOROUGH.
Johnson hall Feby 18th 1771
MY LORD,
Since I had the honor to receive your Lordships Letters Nos 14. and 15. The last of which
came to my hands a few days Since I waited to receive such Informations as I had reason'to Expect
from the Southward in order to Communicate the same thro' your Lordship to his Majesty.
The Advices I have now received enable me to acquaint you that the Great Council lately held at
the plains of Sioto is ended. That the designs and endeavors of the Indians in that quarter, was to
promote such a Union as I before apprehended and endeavored with all possible Caution to
Obstruct; but that the advice given to those of the Northern Alliance joyned to their private aversion
for some of the rest, had occasioned it to end after many Debates in General resolutions for promoting
peace, amongst all the Nations as a necessary Introduction to a more Strict Alliance between the
Northern & Southern people, which is to have for its Object some particular undertaking, for which
matters did not appear during the Congress sufficiently ripe, and of this I can have no reason to doubt
from the present Maxims of Policy and Sentiments adopted, by the more Belligerent Nations of both
Alliances.
The Deputies which were sent from the Northern Confederacy with Sundry belts &ca from them &
myself, agreeable to the resolutions at the Treaty I held last July at the German flatts, met the Indians
from Scioto at Fort Pitt in December last, and have agreeable to their Instructions in a Spiritted
Speech Summoned them all to reassemble at Scioto without delay, when, and not before they would
Comnmunicate to them the Determined Resolutions of the Northern Inds entered into at the German
flatts Treaty together with the Subject of the Embassy, on which they have One hundred 1belts. As I
have great Confidehce both in the fidelity and Abilities of sev' of these Deputies I have good hopes that
when they meet those Nations to whom they have been sent, they will be able to defeat any dangerous
Schemes or Resolutions which are yet in View in that Country, and awaken those Nations fears who
have given Offence to the Northern Confederacy, which will prove a Sufficient check to their other
designs, and if I am disappointed in my Expectations It must be thro' some Accident or Occurrence
against which no provision can be made at this time.
The Apprehensions which I long since communicated of a Union between the Northern and Southern
Indians, and which your Lordship makes particular mention of in your Letter N~. 14. is really a matter
of the most Serious Nature, for if a very Small part of these people have been capable of reducing us
to such Straits as we were in a few years Since, what may we not Expect from such a formidable alliance
as we are threatned with, when at the same time it is well known that we are not at this time more
Capable of defence, If so much, as at the former period. This is in some measure the consequence of
their becoming better acquainted with their own Strength, and united Capacity to preserve their
importance and Check our advances into their Country, for at the beginning of the late War through
the rapid advances for sometime made by the French &ca, The Indians did really conceive that we
should be totally reduced, but as they discovered the increased population of this Country, even in the
midst of its distresses and that our Army was Still recruited with fresh Regiments, their sentiments
altered; They began to entertain more respectable Ideas of us & of our Resources, and thbro the
imprudence of our own People & their Natural Suspicions, have gradually become more & more
alarmed for themselves, Tho' they still believe that it is in their power to give us such a Check as may
prevent us from attempting what they apprehend we have in View. Many will talk, some will think,
and a lesser Number will act otherwise, but this is nevertheless The Tiue political State of their




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        569
sentiments in general at present. As I' know the nature of their unions, and that the Southern Ind"
found many of the rest in Sufficient employment during the Long war that subsisted between them so I
could not help suggesting my Apprehensions of the Consequences of the peace I had orders to effect
between these people; but the Laws of Humanity, The entreaty of the Southern Indians and the
earnest desire of some Colonies who represented themselves as affected by that War, being powerfull
Considerations prevailed over, what might be judged as a distant, or simple Apprehension; I sincerely
wish it may not Contribute to any ill consequence, and Shall Constantly and Steadily use all the means
in my power to prevent it; but altho' it may be treated as a Chimera at this time, Yet I can positively
assure your Lordship that both Spaniards & French, the latter of whom act the part of Agents did and
do still Continue to make presents to all the Nations to whom they can have any access by the
Rivers which discharge themselves into the Misisipi, and that they do constantly endeavor to thwart our
Measures by various Stories & Misrepresentations, which being Supported by favors & coming from a
people of whom they entertain no Apprehensions, against a people from whom most of the Inds
imagine they have every thing to fear, renders it almost impossible to prevent them from having some
effect.
The Indians have for sometime discovered that a War is probably at hand, Many of them think that
it has already Commenced, but that we conceal it from them on acct of some Advantages the Enemy
has gained, and in Consequence of this during last week I was Visited by Deputations from most of the
Six Nations, to whom T gave such Answers as I judged best Calculated for the purpose in any
Event that may happen in Europe, If a War commences & that any attempts.are made in America,
or in case the Inds Shod be seduced to disturb our frontiers, to draw part of our attention that way,
I am confident (as I formerly proposed) that I can from the measures I have taken, & the influence I
possess secure & Attach to our Interest if impowered so to do, such a body of Indls as if not so numerous
as those against us, will give a Severe Check to their Attempts & as the dist Inds dread nothing so
much at present as a quarrell Amongst themselves, I am equally confident that the Very
Appearance of some, in the Character of Vigorous Allies, will in any Quarrell whether thro' the
Intrigues of a European power, or of a Confederacy amst the Inds. themselves prove greatly
advantagious to us, and tend to defeat their purposes as much as any Measures that can be adopted,
which I most humbly Submit to your Lordships Consideration in case my Apprehensions should be
realized by future Events or Occurences.
In consequence of a former Letter wherein your Lordship signified his Majestys Inclination that the
Indian boundary Line should be continued from where it was made to terminate by the Treaty of 1768.
(at Canada Creek or Wood Creek) I have Conferred with the Chiefs of the Nations Interested, over
whom I have in general so far prevailed that I believe they will when Assembled for that purpose,
admit of its Extension far to the Northward perhaps to the River St Lawee. I therefore hope to be
honored with instructions respecting my Conduct previous to my taking any farther Steps therein, and
~main with profound respect My Lord
Yrs &c most faithfull
& most Obedt Hile Sert.
The Rt honble The Earl of Hillsborough
VOL. Ii.                                 72




570                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSOX.
THE SAME TO GW. BANYAR, ESQ
Johnson hall June 28 1771
SIR
I have received your letter communicating your Directions from the Council concerning the Indian
who has applied to his Excellency the Governor for protection, which I wish it was in my power to
answer to the full Satisfaction of the Board, but it is impossible at present to know any thing with
certainty. Some time ago, this Indian came to my House, and produced a Pass from the Lt Governor
of Pensilvania. On my asking him some Questions He told me that he was then lately returned from
the Ohio, where he had been Visiting his Friends ye Shawnese & others, who advised him not to return
to this Province, but that he had resolved to return to Albany as it was the place with which he
was best acquainted, and that he would endeavour to procure a livelyhood by becomeing a Battoe Man,
but tho he endeavoured to be considered as a Shawanese I found he could give little or no Acct of
that country, or ye People, and verry soon after he was seized, I sent down ye Country. The bill of
Sale and other Papers you mention are Circumstances that appear strongly against him, and he cannot
prove his assertion from any knowledge of the Language, or other particulars concerning his Tribe in the
Shawanese Nation, It is certainly a constant practice amongst the Western nations to sell their Captives
of the Panie Nation, as well as some others their next neighbours under that Denomination, and
Canada &ca depends a good deal on their labour, but there is no Instance of their selling any others,
neither would they offer to do so, unless some person too young to give an Account of Himself should
be found amongst the Panies, whether he falls under that Predicament, or indeed of what Nation he
actually is no certainty can be obtained at this distance of time, unless by Enquiry amongst those who
sold him, which would take up a good deal of time, & perhaps prove to little purpose; But as I
understand that the Person w'ho claims him, is more desirous to remove him out of his neighbourhood,
than to make any advantage of him, I should think that if he was sold within these Colonies, or Suffered
to pursue the Inclinations he has expressed, paying his Master out of his Labours, what may be Judged
reasonable, It would Savour more of Humanity than to send him as a Slave to the West Indias, whilst
any doubts remain concerning his People or Origin.
I am Sir,
Your most Obedient
Humble Servant
Golds Borrow Banyar Esqr                                                W. JOHNSON.
My Compliments to the Cheif Justice & let him know that I have sent his letter by a Safe Hand to
Mr Lyne.
SIR WM. JOHNSON TO LORD HILLSBOROUGH.
Johnson Hall August 9th 1771.
MY LORD,
I was lately honored with your Lordships Letter (No 16) which I delayed answering for some days,
that I might at the Same time acqt yr Lordship with the Issue of a Congress I was then about to hold
with the Six Nations, which was occasioned by Informations received by my Deputy at Fort Pitt from
a Shawanese Indian & others, The Substance of which was that the Six Nations, were concerned in




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        571
Exciting the Shawanese, Delawares, & many others to make war upon us, & altho this had been
formerly propagated without any just grounds or foundation, I judged it best policy to Call the Chiefs
to a Congress thereon, in order to shew, that such designs by whatsoever nation carried on, could not
be totally concealed from us, which might prove a Check on the nation that first excited it, and render
them Suspicious of each other. The Chiefs only were Summoned, but many more attending to the
number of 350. I opened the Conference the 14th ulto which held for several days;-I began by
acquainting them with the obligation they were under to give me the earliest Information that was in
any wise Interesting, & that I was Surprized to hear from another quarter of some dangerous Transactions
wch might prove the ruin of those concerned, adding that I expected to have the certain particulars
from them.-On their appearing ignorant of what I hinted at I gave them to understand that I had
received an accot of their.being engaged in promoting a rupture with the Inds the event of wch must
have proved very fatal to themselves,-They gave me many assurances to the contrary and requested
to know their accusers, On which I related to them wt I thought sufficient to convince any that might
have been privy thereto, that no designs of any Ill tendancy, could long remain a secret to the English,
This produced many speeches on both sides, The last of which being the most material, I herewith
inclose as I did not judge them of sufficient importance to give your Lordship the trouble of perusing the
Whole:-After this I told them that I should not think their answer Satisfactory, until the belts
mentioned in their speech were delivered up, Which they promised to see strictly performed, & after
renewing the Covt Chain, the Congress ended.
On this Congress I have only to observe that altho there is some cause to doubt of the friendship of
the Senecas on the Ohio, & at Chenussio, for reasons formerly given, Yet I had not neither have I any
reason to suspect the rest of the Senecas, or any other of the Confederate Nations Besides I know it
to have been before the practise of those Nations more remote from us, & who are apprehensive of the
Six nations, to propagate Stories much to the disadvantage of the Latter with a View to Exasperate us
against them, and thereby draw them into their associations, and I am confident that if an opportunity
offered I could give a demonstrating proof of their fidelity from the part they would take in our quarrells
If required so to do.
I have always been intirely of your Lordships Opinion with regard to the advantages we may
Expect from the jealousies subsisting between one Nation & another, and I have more than once,
observed the like to your Lordship, I have been also allways averse to entering into any of their private
Concerns.-It would therefore give me great pain could I have the least reason to accuse myself of
deviateing from  your Lordships sentiments, and my own so repeatedly Expressed, and I am
persuaded it can be sufficiently made to appear that no part of my proceed(ings If they have been Justly
Expressed in my pacquets, could have a tendency so contrary to the Political practise I have allways
adopted,-Indeed it is extremely necessary & gives the Indians a favorable Idea of our justice &
friendship to appear concerned at their private divisions & Differences & desirous to see them composed,
but I never interfere in any where his Majestys Interests, & the public tranquility is not materially
concerned which was peculiarly the case in the affair of the Deputies sent to Scioto, where the chiefs
of the most powerfull nations on the continent were assembled for purposes that were too Interesting to
be overlooked, so that it appeared highly necessary to me that they shod know we were not ignorant of
their designs, & that they shod be reprimanded for their past conduct, & cautioned agt any future
undertakings, & the means by which this was ordered to be effected, as well'as the agents made use
of were in my Judgement, the best calculated for that purpose as well as for keeping up that Jealousy
which contributes so much to our security. Those DepyS are shortly expected home when I shall
transmit the result of their Embassy, and I flatter myself that my long experience in these matters, &
zeal to acquit myself as a usefull servt to the Crown will continue to me your Lordships favorable




572                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
opinion of my Capacity, for the office I have the honor to hold,'as after a series of successful services,
nothing cod be a more sensible mortification to me than the thought of having incurred your Lordships
Censure. Could my authority extend to the redress of Grievances in any thing material we shod have
much less apprehensions from the Indians, but as my Authority cannot be- so far extended Your
Lordship may rely on my doing every thing in my power for the Interests of the Crown & the public
within the Limits prescribed to mee, and that faithfully according to the best of my Judgment.
The Rt honble The Earl of Hillsborough.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Johnson hall Septr. 24th. 1771.
MY LORD,
I am hopefull that the Motives which induce me to give you this trouble, will apologize for the
Liberty I now taken in Introducing the Inclosed memorial & its worthy author to your Lordships
knowledge.
The Revd Mr. Chas. Inglis one of the Established Clergy of the City of N York, a Gentleman of
much real piety and distinguished Abilities having lamented to me the State in which the Inds. in general
are, and observed that there appeared not only a Religious, but a political necessity for the adopting
some good System under the sanction of the Crown for the more effectual Christianizing them, I then &
afterwards communicated my thoughts on the subject, in consequence of which he has drawn up the
Meml. herewith transmitted, but with a View that it should be introduced in my name, flattering himself
that it might intitle it to a more favorable reception, —This I could by no means allow of, for altho the
Modesty and disinterested Zeal of Mr Inglis, did not Lead him to seek for any reputation to himself,
tho' he eagerly wished for y1r Lordships Patronage of the proposal, I thought it necessary that you
should know the real author as well as his ingenious performance; which coincides with the sentiments
& wishes of many persons of Consequence in this Country and from its object has a peculiar title to my
recommendation, Independant of its particular merit which I humbly conceive must render it worthy
the attention of Government.
Under these hopes I shall only add that as I understand the Revd. Dr. Cooper Presidt. of N York
Colledge will have the honor to present this to your Lordship, I should be wanting in Friendship, if I
omitted mine in addition to many other Testimonials of his worthy character & distinguished Genius
which renders him an object of General Esteem in this province.
As the accts I have just received will occasion me to make a short Tour amst the Indians and to
write on publick business within a little time, I have omitted Numbering this Letter from the peculiarity
of its subjects for which I must again beg your Lordships Indulgence, at the same time assuring you
that if I had not thought it worthy the attention of the Crown I should not have yielded to any other
motives by giving your Lordship this Trouble.
I have the honor to be &c.
The Rt honble the Earl of Hillsborough.




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                         573
LORD HILLSBOROUGH TO LORD WM. CAMPBELL.
Whitehall January 1 th. 1772.
MTY LORD
I have received your Lordships Letter of the 18th of October 1771, & have laid it before the King,
& have only to add, that it will be very agreeable to me if your Lordships choice of Mr. Cunningham
to be Commissary for Indian Affairs in Nova Scotia shall be confirmed by Sir William Johnson, within
whose Department it lyes to appoint to that office.
I am My Lord
Your Lordships
Most obedient
Humble Servant
Lord William Campbell.                                                 HILLSBOROUGH.
--------— _      - 1
SIR WM JOHNSON TO LORD HILLSBOROUGH.
Johnson hall April 4th. 1772
MY LORD,
I was lately honored with your Lordships Letter No. 17. in answer to mine N~. 16. since which
I took the Liberty of addressing you by a few lines on a more private Subject; From that time I
waited with much Impatience for the return of Thos King the Indn Chief, who with others went as
Depys to the great Congress at Scioto, as I mentioned in my last Letter, but in October to my great
Concern I received the disagreable news that Thos King died at Charles-Town S. Carolina after having
discharged the Embassy committed to him This I considered as I still do, as a sensible disappointment
because the fidelity of that Chief, Joyned to his Superior Capacity gave me good hopes of receiving a
Circumstantial Acoot of all Matters at his return, which I could not Expect so perfect from the rest of
his party;-After waiting Some Months More, I found that his party who had taken shipping at Chas
Town were Landed at Philadelphia, and in Feby the Greatest part of them with many others came to
my House, here I found that Anawaske, the Next in Authority to Thos King had died on shipboard and
that another was so Afflicted with a lameness that he could not as yet make me a Visit. I was therefore
obliged to Content myself with such Accot. as the Young Men who survived could give, who after
laying before me a Considerable Number of Pipes, belts &ca began to repeat the proceedings of
Thos King, first with the Shawanese at Fort Pitt on his way to Scioto, where these people assured
him that the Wawiaghtonos, wd shortly send Depys to the 6 Nats & myself to sollicit a Continuance
of Friendship. They next recounted that upon Thos Kings arrival at Scioto he assembled all the
Nations, and first addressed the Shawanese whom he upbraided for retiring so far down the Ohio, & for
Confederating with people unmindfull of their Engagements, and in short repeated to each of the Nations
faithfully all that he had been charged with by the 6 Nats. & myself.-The Shawanese answered
That the 6 Nations had long seemed to neglect them, & to disregard the Promise they formerly made
of giving them the Lands between the Ohio & the Lakes: That thus distressed they went on board of
their Canoes determined to go whither soever fortune shod drive them, but were Stopped (many Years
since) at Scioto by the 6. Nations who shook them by the heads & fixed them there charging them to
live in peace with the English, but that to their great surprise they soon after saw the 6. Nations In




574                         MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOIHNSON.
Arms & Coasting along the Lakes with the English, [i e assisting us & acting offensively last war,] That
when the War ended the ill treatment of the 6 Nations increased, to whom thereupon they sent Belts,
to Strengthen their Union but that they supposed Agastarax the Seneca Chief who recd them did not
make them public, for that they never reed any Answer thereto; The Shawanese & the rest then
*shewed some Emblematical belts representing themselves & the Ilinois Indians with 10 Confederate
Nations between them, they also delivered a belt from the Chickesaws who promised to be guided by
the 6 Nations. Thos King then after accusing them of Misrepresentation Ansd them by a full detail of
all their hostile Acts, as also of those of the Powtewatamis, Kickapows &ca Concluding with telling
them that He & the other Depys were come to restore them to their senses & strengthen the Union
of those who affected the English Alliance by opening a Road to the Council Fire at Onondaga, &
from thence to my House for the use of those who chose to live at peace & be happy, but that the first
Nation that shod obstruct the same or look another way wd assuredly be punished by the rest. To
this they made reply on sevl belts &ca excusing themselves on various pretences, ending with strong
assurances of their pacific intentions & promising faithfully to abide by all that was recommended to
them & forth with to bring all their Confederate into the same Sentiments. The Cherokees particularly
Thanked the 6 Nat8. & myself, for the peace they had obtained in 1768. whereby they began once
more to enjoy themselves, And the Chief of the Creeks who met them at Gohi, Expressed much
satisfaction at seeing the Deps promised to make use of the Road they had opened & to adhere stedfastly
to his engagements.  After this & many other matters, The Catawbas escorted the Deps to Charles
Town, where Thos King died, & the rest proceeded as before mentioned. This, My Lord is a brief
Summary of the report made to me by Nickaroondase the principal Survivor, the 2 Chiefs being dead,
& one of the principal Men yet behind from which & some farther Conversations I have held with the
Depys who returned It appears to me that the Shawanese iwho to my knowledge Grasped at the Lands
on both sides oft the Ohio, th  at the late conference they only mention the North side repenting of
the Sale of the Land on the South of that River ad sent belts to the Senecas to Stir up the 6 Nations
to disavow their own act, propogating at the same time reports which might tend to alieniate us from
the latter; That Agaustarax & his Tribe approved of this, but that the rest of the Confederacy would
not give ear to it, is evident from the Speech made to the Depys at Scioto, that thereupon Agastarax
Sent belts to the other Nations to set them up, which gave rise to the Story of the Seneca Plot &
the belts sent by Agastarax a little before his death. These belts I am assured will be speedily
delivered those who promised to see the same performed only waiting the return of the DepS. from the
southward, I have also reed Notice that another Gen'. meeting is appointed to be held at Sciato, which
the Inds in that Quarter declare to be intended( to Communicate the Sentiments of the 6 Nats. to those
who were not present at the last Conference, & to take measures in consequence of their engagements,
however I have already taken care that those who go from the Northwd in consequence of their
Summons are more to be depended on, & I shall have a strict eye over their proceedings.
I ought to remark that as amst other fallacious pretences the Shawnese have spoke of the Sale to
the Crown extending to Ohio, that it is not of that part which for the sevl reasons I formerly gave I
ventured to Continue from Kanhawa to the Cherokee River, but their pretended objection is to the part
above Kanhawa, to which I was directed to purchase by his Majestys Orders & indeed no other part
could Affect them; but even this is a Weak pretence, for the North side of the River which they still
occupy is more than they have any Title to, having been often moved from place to place by the Six
Nations, and never having any right of Soil there, so that the admitting of any part of their Title as Just,
w1 introduce a variety of other Claims as weakly founded which wd create a Gen' confusion in the
Colonies.-I considered the Defection of the Kickapous & Potewatamis under the Gent denomination
of their Confederacy of whose fidelity I have but a slender opinion; Their Miurders & Robberies are




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        575
however much owing to the Jealousy of French Traders, & to that lawless Colony of that nation on
the Wabache, who are daily increasing in numbers, & whilst they particularly hate us as English,
are really enemies to all Governmt These men shod If possible be removed, but possessing the
esteem of the neighbourg Indians and acquiring a Confidence from their remote Situation; I believe it
will be a very difficult task to affect it completely, or in a proper manner. I understand that Gen1
Gage has this in View, and your Lordship may be assured that I shall most chearfully Obey his
Majesties Orders by Cooperating with Genl Gage in this or any other measure which the Kings service
may require.
The Complaints made daily by the Inds of the Abuses and Irregularity of Trade are many &
Greivous & will doubtless be made use of by them in case of a defection in any Quarter, The Injuries
which our own Traders sustain to the South Westward thro' the Superior Influence & Artifices of the
French, who engross the Comerce of that Country is likewise worthy serious attention, for all which
there appears no prospect of remedy, as the Commissrs did not meet last Decr as was expected, neither
according to the best accots that I have is there any likelyhood that they will do so, or if met that
any thing effectual will be agreed to from the different Interests, & Systems of policy prevailing in
each Colony which must ever prove an obstructs to establishments that depend on a perfect union of
Sentiments & on proportional Quota's of Expense, I am persuaded that such Negligence in a matter
of Gen' Concern could not have been foreseen by Governnt And I am happy to find that my sentiments
correspond with those of your Lordship in the Necessity there is for a redress of such Grievances as
must endanger the public Tranquility.-I never Covetted, neither shall I ever wish for Authority,
but where the public Service requires it, to reach abuses that may not otherwise be easily removed & The
attention which the prest duties of my office requires wd rather Incline me to Wish that these
Important points could be effected in any other Channell, of which I Express my doubts with real
concern.
The Event of the Public Negociations in wch the Inds propose to be Occupied the ensuing Season,
are for many reasons as yet extremely doubtfull, they require to be strickly enquired into & I shall
give them  my whole attention, Highly encouraged by the favorable Sentiments with which yr
Lordship has honored'my proceedings, I cannot sufficiently express my Gratitude upon that occasion;
but by a perseverance in my attention to his Majestys Interests & those Duties wch have procured me
so flatters a distinction.
I am also much obliged to your Lordship for the Confirmation of the most agreeable news of the
Recovery of his Royl Highness the D. of Gloucester, an Event which so nearly regards his Majesties
domestic felicity, & which is so interesting to every faithfull Subject affords me the most sensible
Satisfaction.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord &ca
The Right Honble
The Earl of Hillsborough.




576                        MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
THE SAME TO THE SAME.
Johnson hall June 29th 1772.
MY LORD,
Since I had the honor of writing to your Lordship my Letter No. 17. of the 4th of April concerning
the Embassy to the Southward & death of Thos. King, Chief of the Deputies, The Six Nations have
sent Delegates from every Nation to attend the second General Congress at Scioto, as mentioned in
my last, where my Deputy is gone to be present, Whilst my Resident on the Ouabache has Instructions
how to govern himself on any event that may arise from the intended Negociations, till when we were
likely to have remaind in a state of suspence; but for a late unlucky Transaction the particulars of
which (as it may be productive of very ill consequences) It is my duty to lay before your Lordship.
A certain man of the name of Ramsay who formerly lived amongst the Indians, and was by Capt
Brown late Commandg officer at Niagara sent away to Quebec, to prevent his doing farther mischief
amongst them, has since found means to get a small cargo of goods upon Credit with which he went
to Lake Erie where he Traded for some time with the Chipeweighs & Misisagas at a considerable
distance from any Fort, or place of Inspection or Controul, but being of a disagreable Temper, and
probably endeavoring to over reach them, they warned him to remove, otherwise they would maltreat
him, of which however he took no notice but seemed to set them at defiance which shortly after
occasioned a quarrel between him & some of them who were in Liquor, of whom he killed three;
upon this he withdrew to another place on Lake Erie apprehensive of their Resentment, and last April
a party of the Misisagas called at his Trading hut where they drank very plentifully, and as is usual
with them on all such occasions quarelled, and threatened him as he says with Death to which he
adds that they laid hands on him & bound him, however he freed himself, and killed three men, one
woman, and an Infant, and as an aggravation of the same took off their scalps which he brought into
Niagara, where he was imediately confined by order of the Cormmanding officer,-This accot is partly
taken from his own confession to that officer, and from the accot given of it by his Brother and others,
before the story was new modelled as it has been since to favor him,-To Excuse his having scalped
them which with Indianss is considered as a National Act, and Declaration of War he says he was told
that War had been actually commenced between the English and Indians, and that in his hurry &
confusion the Woan & Child were killed,-bu it t appears clearly to me, and it is likewise the opinion
of his ExcellY General Gage, that he has been" guilty of these murders thro' Wantonness & Cruelty.
For, in the first place the Indians whenever they meditate mischief carefully avoid Liquor, whereas it
appears that they were very much disguised, and tho' apt to use Threats & quarrel at such times, yet
incapable of putting them in execution, as is evilent from the number he killed of them, and in the next
place he could have but little Temptation to kill the Woman, and not the least inducement to murder
the Child but what has arose from sentiments of Barbarity superior to the most Cruel Savage, who
seldom puts an Infant to death.-The General has directed him to be sent to Canada to be tryed, but, (as
is usual on such occasions) the Interest which his Creditors will make with those who are his Jurors, and
the prejudices of the Commonalty against Indians will probably prove the means of his being acquitted,
altho' he makes use of threats that he will do much more mischief when enlarged. The nation
imediately sent down 15 Deputies to lay the matter before me, & to assure me that they had given strict
orders to prevent any sudden act of Resentment, and that they relied on our Justice in affording them
such satisfaction as the Case required, as well as in preventing the like for the future, to which end
they (after complaining much of the want of any Regulation for Trade) requested that Traders might not
be suffered to go where they pleased but confined to the Posts and there duly Inspected.-I enlarged




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        577
much on the circumstance alledged by Ramsay, that the Inds. threatened his Life In which case I
observed that not only the English Laws, but the Laws of Nature justified his defending himself, and
after adding every thing I thought prudent or necessary I covered (according to Custom) the Graves of
the 8 Persons whom he killed, and dismissed the Deputies with a large & handsome present, and with
proper messages & belts to their Nation.-The Indians at parting expressed themselves very favorably
and I am willing to hope that the affair may be accommodated, nevertheless I am so sensible of their
Resentments that I have judged it necessary to be thus particular, because the Chipeweighs and
Misisagas, are by far the most numerous & powerfull nation with whom we have any connection in North
America, being second only to the Sioux in numbers, and from their situation capable of affording great
Encouragemt. to Trade, or putting an entire end.to it, nor could it be expected that others wod. enter
warmly into our alliance when they considered the Cause of their defection,-The Traders are all come
into Niagara &ca to avoid the Resentment they apprehend from the Indians, I have allready described
what may reasonably be apprehended, whilst I use every endeavor in my power, to prevent its being
realized; but I leave your Lordship to judge how difficult a task it is to Calm the passions of Incensed
Savages, and to keep them faithfull to engagements, whilst they find themselves exposed to the
Licentious outrages of our own people against which no remedy is as yet provided.
The Rt. honble
The Earl of Hillsborough.
LORD HILLSBOROUGH TO SIR Wm. JOHNSON.
Whitehall, July 1st 177T.h
SIR,
I have reed your Dispatch No 17 and have laid it before the King.
Had any thing of moment been transacted at the great Congress at Sioto, the Deaths of the Principal
Indian Chiefs, upon whom you relied for a faithful Report of the Proceedings at that Congress, would
have been unfortunate; but, if the Accounts given by Nicaroondase are true, very little of Importance
was transacted, and the whole seems to have ended, as such Meetings generally have done, with Excuses
on the part of the Indians for past Irregularities, and with Promises, which are seldom or never kept, of
behaving better for the future.
I must confess to you that, after the very full Assurances I had received, that all the Indians concerned
in the Treaty at Fort Stanwix had fully pledged themselves for the Cession to His Majesty of the Lands
in Virginia to the West and South West of the Allegany Mountains, it is a very great Surprise to me
now to find that the Shawanese are at least dissatisfied with, if not disposed to disavow that Cession, so
far as it regards the Lands on the Ohio above the Kanawah.
Every Day discovers more and more the fatal Policy of departing from the Line prescribed by the
Proclamation of 1763; and the Extension of it on the ground of a Cession made by the Six Nations,
of Lands, their Right to which, is denied by other Nations equally powerful and more numerous, instead
of being attended with Advantage to this Kingdom and Security to the Colonies, is now likely to have no
other Consequence than that of giving a greater Scope to distant Settlements, which I conceive to be
inconsistent with every true Principle of Policy, and which I clearly see from your last Letter, will
most probably have the Effect to produce a general Indian War, the Expense whereof will fall upon
this Kingdom.
VOL. II.                               73




578                       MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
The King's Commands have been already.signified to General Gage for the Removal of the French
and other vagabond Traders on the Ouabache, and His Majesty having also approved of an Indian
Officer being established in that part of the Country, you will probably before this reaches you have
received General Gage's Instructions to you for that purpose.
You well know, Sir, what are my sentiments with regard to the Regulation of the Indian Trade, but
as the plan which I had the Honor, in Conjunction with the rest of my Brethren at the Board of Trade,
to suggest for that purpose (and which I am vain enough to think would have operated as a Remedy to
the Enormities which have been complained of,) was not adopted, it must depend upon each Colony to
take care of its own interests in that respect.
I am, Sir,
Your most Obedient
Humble Servant
Sir William Johnson Bart                                             HILLSBOROUGH.
ORDER IN COUNCIL.
AT THE COURT AT ST JAMES'S THE 14TH DAY OF AUGUST 1772.
(L S)                      Present,
THE KING'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY in Council
WHEREAS there was this day read at the Boardr  a Report from the Right Honourable the Lords, of
the Committee of Council for Plantation Affairs dated the first of last month in the words
following Viz.
l" " YOUR MAJESTY having been pleased by Your Order in Council of the 24th of MTay 1770 to refer unto
c this Committee the humble Memorial of Thomas Walpole Benjamin Franklin John Sargent and Samuel
Wharton on Behalf of themselves and their Associates, Setting forth that the Memorialists and others
"presented a Petition to your Majesty in Council praying a Grant of Lands in America (parcel of the
*C Lands purchased by the Government of the Indians) in Consideration of a price to be paid in purchase
of the same; that the said Petition was referred by Order of Council to the Lords Commissioners for
<4Trade and Plantations; that the memorialists in pursuance of a Suggestion, which arose upon
"Consideration of the said Petition at tlhat Board, of making a Purchase of a larger Tract of Land
"sufficient for a Separate Government were directed to apply to the Lords Commissioners of the
" Treasury in respect to the Price to be paid for the purchase of such Tract and the Quit Rent to be
" reserved thereon; that the 1Memorialists in Consequence thereof did on the 4th day of January last
"present to the said Lords Commissioners of the Treasury a memorial and Paper containing a
description of the Lands they were desirous of Purchasing as follows, Vizt
C ( "4 Beginning on the South side of the River Ohio opposite to the mouth of Sioto, thence Southerly
"( "through the pass in the Ouasioto Mountains, to the South side of the said Mountains, thence along
""the side of the said Mountains North Easterly to the Fork of the Great Kenhawa, made by the
" "junction of Green Briar and new River, thence along the said Green Briar River, on the Easterly
"" C side of the same unto the Head or termination of the North Easterly branch thereof, thence Easterly
i" to the Allegheny mountains, thence along the said Allegheny mountains, to Lord Fairfax's Line, thence
" " along the same to the Spring head of the North Branch of the River Powtomack, thence along the




MANUSCAIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JCHNSON.                        579
es "s Western Boundary Line of the Province of maryland to the Southern Boundary Line of the Province
c" " of Pensilvania, thence along the said Southern Boundary Line of the Province of Pensilvania to tihe
"( " End thereof, thence along the Western Boundary Line of the said province of Pensilvania until
" " the same shall strike the River Ohio, Thence down the said River Ohio, to the place of beginning "
" And for which they offer to pay the Sum of ~10,460-7-3 being the whole of the money paid by
c( Government for all the Lands purchased of the Six Nations at Fort Stanwix; and the Memorialists
"( did further offer to pay a quit rent of 2 Shillgs for every 100 acres of cultivatable Land within the said
"6 tract, praying an exemption from the payment of the said Quit rent for the space of 20 years, but
" offering to pay the said purchase money to the order of the Treasury; That the said Lords Comc missioners of the Treasury, after long & full deliberation had thereupon, did on the 7th day of April
" last acquaint the Memorialists that the Board had no objection to accepting the proposition made by
" the Memorialists for the said tract of land with respect to the purchase money & quit rent to be paid
Ct for the same, if it should be thought adviseable by those Departments of Government to whom it
"c belongs to judge of the propriety of the Grant both in point of policy & justice, that the Grant should
"c be made-In consequence whereof the Memorialists humbly renew this application to your Majesty
" that a Grant of the said Lands may be made to them, reserving therein to all persons their just &
u legal rights to any parts or parcel of said Land which may be comprehende.d within the tract prayed
c' for by the Memorialists" THE LORDS of Committee in obedience to your Majesty's said order of reference this day took the
L said Memorial into consideration, & having received the opinion of the Lords Commissioners for
" Trade & Plantations, & heard what the Memorialists had to offer thereupon, do agree humbly to
c Report to your Majesty that it appears to this Committee, upon full & mature consideration of the
" Evidence which the petitioners have produced in support of their petition to your Majesty for a Grant
" of Lands in America (parcel of the Lands purchased by the Government of the Indians) the most
< material part of which evidence was not produced at the Board of Trade
1st. 4 THAT the Lands in question have been for some time past, & now are in an actual state of
" settling, numbers of families to a very considerable amount removing thither continually from your
" Majesty's other Colonies:
2d. " THAT the Lands in question do not lye beyond the reach of advantageous intercourse with
" this Kingdom, it appearing from divers policies of insurance laid before this Committee that sundry
"< commodities the produce of those Lands are exported fromn thence to a considerable amount, & Evidence
cc having been likewise produced of a person being employed to collect & ship from hence a cargo of
cc British Merchandize for the use & Consumption of the said Settlers and the natives: And it is the
c< opinion of this Committee, in case your Majesty shall be graciously pleased to make a Grant of any
" part of these Lands, that the petitioners are best intitled to such mark of your Majestys Royal
( Favour, in regard they are the first who have made proposals for the purchase from Government of
" Lands in your Majesty's Plantations in North America, and have agreed to take the whole expence
"~ of the Civil Government on themselves: But the Lords of the Committee submit it as their opinion,
"( at the same time that they recommended to your Majesty to comply with the prayer of the Petitioners
that orders should be sent to the Superintendant for Indian affairs to apprize the Tribes of the Six
". Nations and their Confederates of such intended Settlement; and that the Lords Commissioners for
" Trade & plantations should be directed to prepare a proper Clause or Clauses to be inserted in the;; Grant, saving & reserving to the respective Occupiers all prior claims to Lands within the limits of
" the said Grant, whether derived from equitable or legal titles; and further strictly prohibiting the; petitioners & their associates, & their & each & every of their heirs & assigns froln settling, occupying
6 or improving any part of the lands lying between the Line which has been settled bv Treaty as well




580                         MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
" with the Tribes of the Six Nations and their Confederates, as with the Cherokee Indians, as the
s boundary Line between Your Majesty's Territories & the hunting Grounds of the Indians, & the Line' proposed by the Petitioners beginning on the south side of the River Ohio opposite to the mouth of
" Sioto & running thence southerly thro' the pass in the Ouasioto mountains to the south side of the said
6 mountains But that all that part of the said Lands comprehended between the said two Lines shall
remain wholly unsettled and unoccupied by the petitioners & their associates, & each & every of their
Heirs & assigns, until such time as your Majestys allowance & permission for the settling and
" occupying the same shall be first obtained.
" AND LASTLY the Lords of the Committee are of Opinion, to the end that the several persons
" actually settled, or that may hereafter settle on the Lands in question, may be more properly &
quietly governed, that the said Settlement and District should be erected into a Separate Government
" in such form and manner as to your Majestyvs Wisdom  shall seem meet, and under such other
" restrictions & regulations as the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations shall advise."
HIs MaJESTY taking the said Report into Consideration was pleased with the advice of His Privy
Council to approve of what was therein proposed, and accordingly to give the necessary directions to
the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations for carrying the same into execution-And His
Majesty is hereby pleased to order that the Right Honble the Earl of Dartmouth, one of. His Majesty's
Principal Secretaries of State, do receive His Majesty's Pleasure for directing His Majesty's Superintendant for Indian affairs to apprize the Chiefs of the Six Nations & their Confederates of His Majesty's
Intention to form a Settlement upon the Lands purchased of them by His Majesty in 1768.
Signed
STEPH: COTTRELL.
EXTRACT OF THE MINUTES OF A CONGRESS WITH THE CHIEFS OF THE SIX NATIONS
HELD AT JOHNSON HALL APRIL THE 17TH. 1773.
But, Brother, we must observe to you, and we request it may be seriously considered that the misconduct of these Nations (that is to say, those to the South West) is much owing to the English themselves,
for these nations were never hearty, and some of them, not even pretended friends to the English,.
Yet the English Traders, and also the French have of late years rambled in great numbers all over
their Country for the sake of Gain, and are but too often guilty of frauds which inflame their
Resentment.
In the French time, their Traders rambled in that manner: they were often plundered, and killed;
but the French did not resent it, knowing it was their own faults,-and we must again remark, as we
have often done lately, that there is no certain way of preventing this, but by having fixed Posts, and
proper Regulations for the Traders. Whilst these subsisted there were seldom any Outrages, the Indians
were better pleased, and the Traders had Profit enough. We heartily wish you would consider these
things, as matters of great Importance to the general Peace.
A Belt of 7 Rows.
BROTHER.
When we first saw ethe White People, and fastened the Ship to the great Tree, the Band of our
Union, was a fair Trade: when we strengthened our Alliance with the English, and fastened the Ship




MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        581
wvith an Iron Chain, which was afterwards made of Silver, Trade was our mutual object, and in most
subsequent Treaties it was provided that Trade should be plentiful, and that we should not be cheated.
the places of Trade were few, and the Traders well known. the like Promise was made us, whenever
Canada should be reduced. —for a time it went on pretty well, but of late, the Traders go about where
they please, and sell at the most extravagant Rates, besides following us to our Hunting Grounds to
take advantage of our People, by means of the Liquor they bring with them. Of this, all the Indians
complain; for as they live by Hunting, it becomes a more heavy Grievance to them, than it would do
to others. We have often complained of this, but we find no Redress, and therefore if these repeated
Impositions obstruct our good Intentions, the fault is not ours. Brother, we beg you will consider our
case, so as that the Governors concerned may do what has been promised; we must likewise solicit the
favor of the General, thatboth he, and you may lay our Hardships before the King who I trust will relieve
us.-In this Hope we now on behalf of all our Confederacy, renew, strengthen, and brighten the
Covenant Chain, —and the Senecas particularly assure you that they, and all their Dependants, do now
take hold of it, and brighten the same, firmly resolving to contribute all their Endeavors, in
conjunction with the rest of the Confederacy, to keep it bright, hoping that you will be. assisting
therein, for our mutual Interest, and the Preservation of Peace.
A large white Covenant Chain Belt with
12 Squares, 11 Rows.
To which Sir William answeredBROTHERS.
I am well acquainted with the nature, and Terms of your first Treaties with the English, and that
Trade was always considered as an article of much importance * neither can I find that it was ever
withheld from you.
After the Reduction of Canada it was greatly enlarged by the addition of many new Traders, whereby
Goods were plenty, and cheap. among such a number, there are doubtless some that will deceive you,
especially so long as you continue your Passion for that Liquor which is the Source of so many Evils.
There is however no doubt, that when the Colonies are agreed as to the nature of the Regulations,
provision will be made against the Abuses you complain of-and in the mean time I recommend it to
you to endeavor at reforming yourselves by a more moderate use of that Liquor in which case the
Traders will bring less into your Country, and you will be more on your guard against their frauds,
whilst I use my endeavors, as I have hitherto done to procure you the Salutary Establishments you
require —Your case has been already fully laid before the Governors, and I can assure you that the
Governor of this Province, and those of the other Colonies that are concerned in the Indian Trade,
are heartily disposed to promote the Regulations.-the General who commands the Army, is
also much your friend, and as he is shortly to go over the Great Lake, he will I persuade
myself recommend these points to the Great King, who is heartily disposed to protect, and favor all
faithfull Indians. I thank you for your renewing and brightening the ancient Chain of Friendship,
and particularly, in that the Senecas are so wise as to take a firm Hold of it. Whilst they value
themselves & their confederates, I hope they will retain it firmly; and I expect, that as the tVestern
Door, they will hereafter take care that they admit nothing among them that may give offence to those
in the middle, or at the East end of the Chain, but hearken to good advice, and follow it. To promote
all this, I do now, on behalf of the Great King, and his subjects, renew, strengthen and brighten this
Chain, assuring you that it shall be held fast, and kept bright, on the part of the English, and that it shall




582                         MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
last for ever, if you do your parts to preserve it. I hope that you have too much sense of its value to
expose it to any danger, and that you will Treasure up my advice' as essential to your own
Happiness.
A large Covenant Chain Belt
A true Copy from the Records                               13 Rows black, with white Squares.
Examined by Mr Rd SHUCKBURGH Secry. for Ind. Affairs.
SPEECH OF DECHARIHOGA CHIEF OF THE CANAJOIHARIES TO SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.
ON MONDAY THE 11TH JULY 1774 A FEW HOURS BEFORE SIPR WM'S DECEASE & IN PRESENCE OF THE
SIX NATIONS.
BROTHER
It is with Pain I am under the necessity of Complaining again against that old Rogue. the old
Disturber of our village, George Klock. You are long acquainted with his Artifices, and evil Conduct,
and you have often assured us you had appliedl for Redress; but whatever is the Reason, we
never yet Obtained any Satisfaction, and we begin to be doubtful whether the English will afforl it to
us, for which reason we are driven to the necessity of mentioning our Grievances to you in the Presence
of the whole Confederacy, that they who know our Rank, may espouse our Cause, as it is their duty
to do, and convince the English that we have flriends, and deserve Attention.
Brother-I will not take up your time with telling you, & your Brothers here present, the many
Artifices he has made use of to Cheat us of our Lands, and to create Divisions among ourselves. I
shall only mention his last actions. This evil Spirit, last Winter by his Cunning, seduced one of our
foolish young ffellows to Steal away withhim to England, where he exposed him for a shew, and Cheated
him out of his Money. Klock has since Stolen home like a Rogue as he went out, and when we had
notice of it, and applied to him to sign the Release, (which all the rest did) of the Lands wch he Stole,
he appointed a time for it, but when we came to his House, and brought a Justice of Peace to be
present, he refused Admittance to him & us, and has since ran away, and propagated a Story that
some of us threatened his Life.  It is true, Brother, that the man he Cheated went and took some of his
own Money, and probably, some of our young fellows after his own evil Example, might have used
angry Threats to induce him to sign the Release, but we disavow it, as we do all his falsehoods, and
are ready to wait for Justice. It has been often promised, but never afforded us. We beg that the great
Men who manage the White People, may obtain Justice for us, and cause him to sign the Deed, and
let us alone,-And. if we thought this would still be done, we would willingly wait awhile patiently,
otherwise, we cannot answer for the Consequences.
To which Sir William Johnson answd.
That they need not have mentioned this Matter to their Confederacy, who had no business with it,that he would again lay the Matter before Government, and use all his endeavors for their satisfaction,that they Should patiently wait without attempting any act of Violence, which wou'd be highly
Resented, and that he was Authorized to tell them that Klock's Conduct was disagreeable to the King.
When Sir William's immediate Deputy Col. Guy Johnson reasumed the affairs of the Congress
after the Interment of Sr Wm the Canajoharies reminded him of their Speech concerning Klock, and
were answered with Assurances that the same Should be laid before Government.
Taken from the Records                            G JOHNSON
Super Intendt of Indn. Affairs.




hvir~~c^Y ^STPC^-~~' TO jo  i'  / H_^ ^ ^ ^^ - -- ^  - -- ------------- --------— ___'i W *0 0$14              ^-^                         1~^
62,!     i i  r
^t~t';l^^~s^ ^  g''V'all,,\ ~:~';'j      l.....
1/f<=/6                                   -~'=? —'e              ~;.... —.  ",''o/*( _'o'o'  >^d^^,  ^ ^.^ / W                   -,
J'                                   o ~'011' ~'  $ 
l^     /6'  0  ----   --- - ^ - - -- ^ --- - ------  -- - -''- ---— ^ --- ^ - - - l-  f'     7.........
i i     1t   ~0l    9./;  ----- ----
p~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'O'PO'AO'8O    10t w  ^   ~'-. ~.  j  o,~ /  ^   W   *!!/   W  S/f
i  20'"*-,,$  6  L-J_.- -__,. t- ---—. —--— o-~ - - ^. —@ -- -  ^-  -----— 8 —— ** —-— X —-  --  ---------— a —— t — l -  
J~~~~~~~'*          \ _ ______1.1  ___r___            ___ _''__'___- -''.'          i - - 0 f  O*  -.  t /  *'o'~  i  /1 y''o/~  j I
____.        47     OrrW/  y ~""/
S           X,ry  &2/v4, a,,2227//i   j1: Mt








MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR WILLIAM JOHNSON.                        583
COL. GUY JOHNSON TO LT GOV. COLDEN.
~~~~~~~~~SIP~~~~~R.S~~,  ~Guy Park Augst 2d. 1774.
SIR)
Since I had the honor of Writing to you last, I have received his Excellcy Genl Gages Orders
Appointing me to the Superintendency of Indian affairs till his Majestys pleasure is known,
concerning which he has Likewise wrote to the Secrety of State as Sir Wm Johnson had done agreeable
to the desire of the Indians sometime before his death;Having been much indisposed for some days past it was not sooner in my power to write to you on
a matter complained of by the Indians at the late Congress respecting the conduct of their old Antagonist
Geo: Klock; It would take up too much of your time to enter at present into the relation of his
repeated Offences, these were highly aggravated by the circumstance of his seducing one of their People
to accompany him last Winter to England and Exhibiting him as a Show, but Lord Dartmouth having
sent in quest of Klockc he returned hastily to America, & defrauded the Indian of his Money on the
Passage, of this the Indian complained & went (with some others) to his House where they took part
of that Cash away, and insisted on his signing a Release for part of the Lands of their Village included
in the Patent of Van Horne and Livingston which all the other Proprietors had long since (lone,He at length promised to comply and appointed a time, but when their Chiefs attended for that purpose
with a Justice of the Peace, they were refused admittance, & Shortly after he went to Albany from
whence he transmitted an Affidavit of his Danger with a View to have the Canajoharee Indians
Indicted by the Grand jury,'tho' Sir Wm Johnson had given them a strict Caution against offering him
any Insult, promising that the Affair should be laid before Government as it had been before, tho'
without effect, he having refused to Execute the Release,
Klock has since returned to his House where he keeps close, so that the Indians have nothing to expect
from his Justice, & thro' repeated disappointments are in doubt of relief from Government, this has
induced some of their People to throw out threats, which I have hitherto prevented them from putting
into execution, but the Neighbours are much alarmed & have lately proposed to Petition your Honor,
requesting'that he may be compelled to satisfy the Indians, or that some step be taken for freeing the
Neighborhood from the apprehensions occasioned by his quarrel.-The Copy of the Speech made by
the Conajoharees which I now enclose, will explain their sentiments, but I am concerned least some
accident should happen as I can't see how they can be relieved, & he now gives out that he has
Mortgaged, or sold the Lands in dispute. I could however wish I was enabled to promise them some
relief, whilst I am endeavoring to prevent mischief, as their public complaint to the rest has made it a
matter of serious concern.
I had the pleasure to conclude the Treaty (which was interrupted by the death of your Worthy friend
Sir Willm Johnson) in a satisfactory manner, and Deputies are sent from each of the Nations to accornodate the Breach to the Southward, but those Tribes who took up Arms there, are using all their
influence to form a strong Association there, which it shall be my utmost endeavors to prevent by
seperating their Interests.
I shall be glad to be honored with a Line on the subject of this Letter, and I beg Leave to assure
you of the perfect Esteem with which I am
Sir, Your most Obedient an(l
Sir Jno Johnson offers                             most HIumble Servt
his best respects.                                                          G JOHNSON
The IHonble
Lt Governor Colden.




584                                  MANUSCRIPTS OF SIR         WILLIAM     JOIHNSON.
MISSING PAPERS.
At* On the 16th April, 1801, seven Bundles of Sir WM. JOHNSON'S papers were deposited in the Secretary's office, with the
list ot the contents of each Bundle. What remain of these MSS. are now              published, except the Journals of Indian
proceedings, some powers of attorney and a few other legal papers.
In comparing what has been preserved with the original list, on file, the following appear to be missing:
Letter from the Board of Trade to Sir Wm. Johnson,.............................. 2 Dec.         1755
Examination of Margaret Williams..........................................           8 Dec.   1756
Letter from Sec'y Pownall to Sir Wm. Johnson,.................................. 22 Dec.   1756
"      Board of Trade to Sir Wm Johnson, (2 Copies,)...................... 10 March 1757
Examination of John Morris,..................................................... 27 Aug.  1757
Letter from Capt. Wraxal to Sir Wm. Johnson,...........................        3 May    1759
cc     Comy. Genl. Leake to Sir Wm. Johns6n,............................ 7 Aug. E159
c"    Col. Eyre to Sir Wm. Johnson,................................... 14 Aug. 1759
c"    Warren Johnson..........................................e.... 15 Oct.  1759
cc    Mrs. Cosby to Sir Wm. Johnson......................................  7 Feb.  1760
cc    Sir Wm. Johnson to Lord Hillsborough,......................... 15 Feb.  1767
cc    Genl. Gage to Sir Wm. Johnson,........ 0......................... 5 Apr.  1767
"     Capt. Maturin to        cc..................................... 13 Apr.     1767
cc    Genl. Gage to.................................... 17 Apr.      1767
cs          cc    to......................................  4    M ay  1767
cc          C      to          c....................11 May 1767
cc    Ld Hillsborough to...................................... 13 May     1767
sc    Genl. Gage        to...................................... 1 June  1767
I'    Capt. Maturin     to...................................... 3 June     1767'c    Genl. Gage        to    c........ 28 June 1767
G G to..................................... 12 July  1767
cc          cc          to    cc..................................... 20July  1767
sC~                     to   -...............................    7 Sept.  1767
C.          cc         to'c....................................  14 Sept. 1767'c    Sir Wm. Johnson to Genl. Gage,.................... 3 Oct.  1767.c    Genl. Gage to Sir Wm. Johnson.................................    4 Oct.   1767
C     Genl. Gage to Sir Wm. Johnson, (2 Copies,).......................... 9 Nov. 1767
"     Lord Hillsborough to'....................................... 23 Jany. 1768
CC            "            to  Cc.................................... 12 Mch. 1768
"     James Jeffries, Esq. to c"...................................3 May    1768
~     Lord Hillsborough    to.........................................   12 Aug. 1768
sC    Sir Wm. Johnson: to James Jeffries, Esq,...........,..............   18 Nov.  1768
cC    Lord Hillsborough to Sir Wm. Johnson,..........1..........   12 Dec.  1768
cC            Cc          to...............................  4  Jany.  1769
cc    Lt. Gov. Colden     to         "...................... 10 Jany. 1769
cc    Sir Wm. Johnson to Lt. Gov. Colden,.................................. 26 Feb.       1769
cc    Lord Hillsborough to Sir Wm. Johnson,............................... 24 Mch. 1769
Sir Wm. Johnson to Lord Hillsborough,.........................   17 May    1769
Sec'y Pownall to Sir Wim. Johnson,.................. 26 June   1769
cc    Lord Hillsborough to'..................................   5 Aug. 1769
c     Sec'y Pownall       to................................... 6 Sept. 1769
cc    Lt. Gov. Colden     to     cc.................................. 23 Sept. 1769
CC    Lt. Gov. Colden     to     CC...................................  5 Nov. 1769
Proposals by Thos. Hutchins for publishing a Map of the Interior of N. America.
Letter from Lord Hillsborough to Sir Wm. Johnson,....................... 15 Nov. 1769
"C            " Cto                  "............................ 17 Jany. 1770
cC            CC           to       c".....................  18 Jany. 1770
S      Lt. Gov. Colden     to        CC............................ 22 Apr.  1770
Cc           cC           teo'....................~ 28 Sept. 1770
cC    Lord Hillsborough to,"           (2 Copies,).................... 3 Oct.   1770
Cc           CC            to..........e.................   15Nov. 1770
C.       to.............................. 9 Dec. 1770
Speech of Oneida Indians to Lord Dunmore,..................................... 31 Dec.          1770
Letter from Lord Hillsborough to Sir Wm. Johnson,.......... 4 May      1771
cC           "c           to    "     s............................... 4 Dec.  1771
As the files of the Colonial MSS. in the State Department are now in progress of arrangement in order to be bound, an
catalogued, persons happening to have any of the above papers are respectfully requested to return them, addresse(
under cover, to the Secretary of State, Albany, N. Y,








,      1 7  __   ""  * —_:  ='
— i. —--- C —---' *.'
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -   - ---- -- - - - - -- " * - - -
Fijll  i r ^i..:.1.._...
i;5::~~~.':2,~-:-:?-:,: >'?'
\ \\
i) $ s-Ai  a.ms.  o  4e',XtL@9 -2-9-1




A
SHORT 
TREATISE
on the application of
STEAM,
WHEREBY IS CLEARLY SHEWN
FROM
ACTUAL             EXPERIMENTS,
THA T
-So T E A M
MAY BE APPLIED TO PROPEL
BOTS OR VESSELS
OF ANY BURTHEN AGAINST RAPID CURRENTS WITH GREAT VELOCITY
The same Principles are also introduced with effect, by a Machine of a
simple and cheap Construction, for the purpose of raising Water
sufficient for the working of
GRIST MILLS, SAW        MILLS,;c.
AND for WATERING MEADOWS and other PURPOSES OF AGRICULTURE.
By JAMES RUMSEY,
of Berkely County, Virginia.
PHILADELPHIA,
PRINTED BY JOSEPH JAMES: CHESTNUT STREET
MDCCLXXXVIII.
VOL. IL.                              74




AD VERTISEMENTo
THE following pages are taken from a pamphlet published in Virginia, to prove the author's prior right of applying Siteam to propel boats, &c., as
well as to establish the principles on which he has done it, a few copies were then thought sufficient for that purpose, but as Mr. Fitch intends to
answer the pamphlet, it is therefore necessary to republish as much of it as respects Mr. Fitch, which is done with no other variation, from the
original, than to correct a few of the omissions and mistakes that were introduced into the first publication, from the hurry in which it was done, (as
the author at that time could not attend the press) and was circulated with an Apology annexed to the postscript, for the imperfection of the
impression; of these Corrections, perhaps, Mr. Fitch may take some notice, if he should, such part of the old pamphlet shall be reprinted (verbatim)
to convince the Public that the subject has not been varied; but a little better explained. The sophistry in Mr.. Fitch's reply (should it contain what he
informs me it does) is evidently Calculated to make impressions unfavorable of me, on the Public Mind, and to wound the reputation of several
respectable characters, I must therefore beg the Public's indulgence, to suspend their opinion for a few weeks, when I shall have it in my power to lay
before them such an additional statement of facts, supported by such respectable testimony, as will incontestibly prove the unjustifiable Steps Mr. Fitch
has taken, to deprive the author of his discoveries, and to injure the reputation of sundry gentlemen.
No. 19 is added to this publication, it is part of a letter wrote by the Editor to his Excellency General Washington, dated the tenth of March 1785
which will shew that the Editor had fixed on a method of applying steam to propel a boat, before Mr. Fitch knew (from his own account of the
matter) that steam had ever been made use of for any purpose whatever; how then is it possible le should have the prior right to this discovery?
if it is asked who made the most promising experiment? it would be found that my experiments two years since exceed the best he has ever made
must I then be deprived of my discoveries which are substantial, because I endeavoured to keep them secret until perfected? justice will never suffer
it. I therefore with the greatest confidence look up to my countrymen for their support, according to the Merits of my Cause, and have the honor of
subscribing myself their                                                                  most devoted humble servant
JAMES RUMISEY.
Philadelphia., My 7, 1788.




A
SHORT
TREATISE.
ON
THE APPL1CATION
OF
S 1 EI A M 9 o 
To the PUBLIC.
THOSE who have had the good fortune to discover a new machine, or to make any material
improvement on such. as have been already discovered, must lay their account to encounter
innumerable difficulties; they must arm themselves with patience to abide disappointments; to correct
a thousand imperfections (which the trying hand of experience alone can point out) to endure the
smarting shafts of wit, and, what is perhaps more intolerable than all the rest put together, (on the least
failure of any experiments) to bear up against the heavy abuse and bitter scoffs of ill-natured ignorance.
These never fail to represent the undertaker as an imposter, and his motives most knavish: Happy for
him if he escape with so gentle an appellative as that of a madman.
This is the fate of the unlucky projector, even in the cities of Europe, where every material is at
his command, and every artificer at his service. A candid public will then consider my situation, thrown
by hard fate beyond the mountains, and deprived of every adva-rAtg4 wbich, that grand mover, moneyj
produces, they will easily perceive how my difficulties have been multiplied, which is the only reason
of my not exhibiting my long promised BOAT before this; and which I hope will be a sufficient apology.
Even now, these difficulties render my machinery very incomplete but Mr Fitch's endeavoring to
procure patents for his boat by uncandidly representing to the different Assemblies, that my boat had
nothing to do with Steam, although he had been informed that I was before him, both in the idea and
application of Steam, and he had actually procured an exclusive right froim two respectable Assembles,
who had granted me the same in the year 1784, before I was aware what he was about, such treatment
obliged me, circumstanced as I was, to make an experiment, in order to secure my own discovery, by
shewing my principles, as Mtr. Fitchl's conduct gave me reason to fear that he would adopt my plan, as
soon as he found his abortive.  And my machine, with all its misfortunes upon its head, is abundantly
sufficient to prove my position; which wTas, "c that a boat might be so constructeld, as to be propeilled
through the water at the rate of ten miles in an hour, by the force of steam; and that the machinery
employed for that purpose, might be so simple & cheap, as to reduce ithe price of freight at least oAne




588                              EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
half in Common navigation; likewise, that it might be forced, by the same machinery, with considerable
velocity, against the constant stream of long and rapid rivers."
Such a machine I promised to prepare, and such a boat to exhibit; this I have now so far performed,
in the presence of so many witnesses, and to the satisfaction of so many disinterested gentlemen, as to
convince the unprejudiced, and deprive even the sceptic of his doubt.
If the reader will please to turn to the annexed certificates, No. 1, 2, 3, he will be convinced that on
Monday, the 3d day of December last, my boat was propelled with near half her burthen on board,
against the current of Potomac river, at the rate of three miles in an hour, notwithstanding the bad
order the machinery was then in; and by the certificates No. 4 and 5, on the Eleventh of the same
month, by what little repairs I could give it, in a country where conveniences were not to be had, her
progress against the same stream was encreased to four miles in an hour, with more than half her burthen
on board. What addition may not be expected, if I am enabled, by the generosity of the different
Assemblies to perfect my plan?
In the month of September, 1784, I exhibited the model of a boat before his Excellency General
Washington, at Bath, in Berkeley County, calculated for stemming the currents of rapid rivers only,
constructed on principles very different from my present one. Satisfied with the experiment of her
making way against a rapid stream, by the force of the same stream, the General was pleased to give
me a most ample certificate of her efficiency. And though the great utility of such a boat will appear,
if ever a fair trial should be given it; and at the time of that exhibition it was fully my intention to
complete this boat, yet, in the course of that fall and winter, I made such progress in the improvement
of some steam engines, which I had long conceived would become of the greatest consequence in
"navigation, that I postponed it till experiments should determine whether the steam engines could be
reduced to such Simplicity and Cheapness, as to make them of public benefit, not being certain of this,
though perfectly convinced of the power, was my only: reason for not mentioning this scheme also to the
General, at that exhibition; and I flattered myself this invention, if it answered my expectation, (the
truth whereof experiments have now established) would render my labours more extensively useful, by
being equally applicable to small boats or vessels of the largest size, to shallow and rapid rivers or the
deepest and roughest seas, (indeed, in large vessels, compared with the value of freight, the Expence
of the machinery proportionably decreases) I applied myself with unremitted attention to perfect my
Steam Engines, and made such progress in that fall and the ensuing spring, that my experiments assured
me the perfection of such a machine was within my reach. I therefore wrote to General Washington,
the 10th of March, 1785 (No. 19) that I intended applying-both powers to a boat built after the Model
of the one he saw at Bath; but as I was under many disadvantages, arising from my remote situation,
and could gain truth only by successive experiments, incredible delays were produced; and though my
distresses were greatly increased thereby, I bore the pelting of ignorance and ill-nature with all
resignation, until I was informed some dark assassins had endeavoured to wound the reputation of his
excellency, and the other gentlemen who saw my exhibition at Bath, for giving me-a certificate. The
reflections upon these worthy gentlemen gave me inexpressible uneasiness, and I should certainly have
quitted my steam engines, though in great forwardness, and have produced the boat for which I obtained
the certificate for their justification and my own, although I had actually made several experiments on
a boat with steam, but Mr Fitch came out at this minute with his steamboat, asserting, that "he was
the first inventor of steam, and that I had gotten what small knowledge I had from him, but that I had
not the essentials.: (vide No. 18.) There was no time to lose, for had I delayed a momrent, all my
time which was several years with the closest attention, all my expences, which had been very
great, to the most of all I had, would have been irrecoverably lost; besides had I exhibited my first
boatt it would have been construed into an acknowledgment of Mr1'. Fitch's assertion, by producing a




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.                              589
boat with which steam  had nothing to do.   These considerations compelled me to pursue the
perfecting my Steam Engines with encreased ardor, and happy am I to inform the public, they are
now so far completed, as to manifest their valuable purposes for the navigations before-mentioned,
applicable to vessels of all dimensions, equal to forcing boats by the assistance of poles, worked by
the same machine, against any rapid the same boats can with safety come down; and for raising
water, for grist or saw mills, watering meadows, or purposes of agriculture, cheaper than races can be
dug of any considerable distance, or damrns made, No. 9 whilst Mr. Fitch was praying the different
Assemblies for four years longer to perfect his machine. The difference there is in weight, machinery
and expences, between his Steam Engine and mine is enormous (to be satisfied in this particular, the
reader will be pleased to turn to the annexed papers, No. 6 & 7.
Lest it should be suggested that I have borrowed my principles from Mr. Fitch (though I believe the
fact to be exactly the reverse) I have been at the pains to prove incontestibly, that my idea of a boat to be
worked by Steam was a considerable time before his, and that it had been mentioned at Kentucky (from
whence, I am told, he brought his) by a gentleman to whom I communicated it, previous to his departure
to that country. For the former, the reader will be pleased to refer to the annexed affidavits No. 8,
10,'11, 12 and to a paragraph from his excellency General WVashington's letter, in answer to mine,
of the tenth of March, 1785, No 13. and to Governor Johnson's letter, No.14, for the latter (that is my
intentions being mentioned at Kentucky) to Capt. Michael Bedinger's affidavit, No. 15.
I have been unavoidably led to mention Mr. Fitch for my own justification, and to prove my prior
right to the application of steam for propelling boats, and I should have said no more, but let
experience determine whose principles are soundest, had not Mr. Fitch, equally void of decency and
truth, asserted l I got what small knowledge I have of steam boats from him." No. 18. By the
respectable testimony of his excellency General Washington, No. 13; by Governor Johnson, No. 14,
and by certificates and affidavits from many other gentlemen, hereunto annexed, I prove my idea was
nearly matured, before steam had ever entered his imagination, by his own confession to Governor
Johnson, No, 14. Nor was my priority unknown to Mr. Fitch, for General Washington informed him,
" though he thought himself not at liberty to disclose my principles, yet he would assure him his
thought was not original, and that I had mentioned the application of steam to him before.7"  (No. 14)
and therefore he declined giving Mr Fitch an introductory letter to the Assembly of Virginia. What
dependance can the public put in the promises of a man, who has knowingly and unprovokedly
(for I never saw Mr. Fitch) treated an individual so unworthily. Now I can, with truth assure the
public, that Mr. Fitch's boat so loaded with machinery, complexity and expense, (granting his machine
all the properties he ascribed to it in his publication) can never be useful; as his machine, by his
own publications, allowing for frictions and the necessary slipping of his paddles through the water,
will not propel his boat, at the rate of more than three miles in an hour, where no current opposes.
If Mr. Fitch did not get his first idea of a steamboat from what Capt. Bedinger said respecting mine,
at Kentucky (which circumstances leave little room to doubt) and thought himself justified in making
an application of it to his own advantage, as it was not delivered to him in confidence, yet surely nothing
can be said in his defence, for endeavouring to rob the first inventor of his right, and by changingl persons
with him, attempting thereby to transfer the odium of plagiarism from himself to the real proprietor.
1. Qu. Charging?




590                              EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
EXPLANATION
OF THE
STEA M-BOAT.
The following explanation will give a general idea of the principles by which steam acts on my boat;
accurate calculations of the particular powers, seem not necessary here to be given.
IN the bottom of the boat, on the Kelson, there is a trunk, the after end of which is open, and
terminates at the stern post; the other end is closed, and the whole trunk, according to its
dimensions, occupies about three fourth parts of the length of the boat. On the closed end of the trunk
stands a cylinder two and a half feet long, from this cylinder, there is a communication by a tube to
the river or water under the boat, on the top of this tube and within the cylinder there is a
valve to admit the water from the river into the cylinder, and it likewise prevents it from returning
again the same way. There is another communication which lets water pass freely from the cylinder
to the trunk, through which it is discharged by the stern; on the top of this cylinder there stands
another of the same length, which is fixed to the under one by screws; in each of these cylinders
there is a piston which moves up and down with very little friction; these pistons are connected
together by a smooth bolt, passing through the bottom of the upper cylinder; the lower cylinder acts
as a pump, which draws water from the river through the tube and valve, before described. The
upper cylinder acts as a steam-engine, and receives its steam from a boiler under its piston, which is
then carried up to the top of the cylinder by the steam (at the same time, the piston of the lower
cylinder is brought up to its top, from its connection with the upper piston, by the aforesaid bolt,)
they then shut the communication from the boiler, and open another to discharge the steam for
condensation; by this means the atmosphere acts upon the piston of the upper cylinder, and its
force is conveyed to the piston in the lower cylinder, by the aforesaid connecting bolt, which forces
the water, then in the lower cylinder, through the truink, with considerable velocity; the re-action of
which, on the other end of the trunk, is the power that propels the boat forward.
To prove the use of the TRUNK.
It is well known that a heavy body falling near the earth will pass through a space of about
fifteen feet in the first second of time; if the same body was acted upon iti a horizontal direction, by
an impulse equal to its weight, it would move in that direction the same distance in an equal time; it
follows, then, that the water in the trunk, will have the effect proportionable to its veight, of retarding
the water from being discharged from the cylinder in too short a time.
Near the cylinder, on the top of the trunk, there is a valve to adtmit air, which follows the water
that is then in motion, and gives time for the water to rise gradually into the trunk through valves, at its
bottom, for that purpose; this water has but little motion with respect to the boat and is therefore capable
of resisting the next stroke of the engine.
Thus I have laid the principles of my boat before the public, and can assure them, by the wonderful
force of steam, issuing in incredible quantities, from an entirely new constructed boiler, no doubt
remains but all the advantages which I before mentioned, both witlh respect to navigation and the
raising of water will be produced. The one I have effectually proved by a loaded boat being
propelled against a stream, with the velocity of four miles an hour, in the presence and to the great




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.                              591
satisfaction of numerous spectators, and the other by models now ready to be produced, which admit
not of contradiction.
If the public think these inventions, which must be productive of the greatest usefulness, worthy their
patronage, I cannot fear but an exclusive right will be granted me, by the different Assemblies of the
United States, for a given number of years, which they may think right, for the erecting of these
machines of my own invention, to compensate me for the trouble, for the time, for the expence and
for the fatigue which they have cost me.
If a committee of experimental philosophers should be appointed in each state, to examine me, it
would give me infinite pleasure to attend, and convince them of the practicability of all I have
proposed of the simplicity of my machines & of the smallness of their expense.
I am, with the greatest respect,
the Public's most devoted,
and obedient humble servant,
JAMES RUMSEY.
Berkeley County, Virginia, January 1, 1788.
PROOFS, &c.
Berkeley County, ss.
WE the subscribers, Justices of the Peace for the county aforesaid, do certify,that the annexed
affidavits, certificates and extracts of letters have been examined by us; and are true copies from the
originals.                                                            JOHN KEARSLEY,
CATO MOORE.
Decem-ber 28, 1787.
Virginia, Berkeley County, ss.
[L.S.]  I MOSES HUNTER, Clerk of the said County, do hereby certify, that John Kearsley and Cato
Moore, Gentlemen, who have subscribed the above certificate, were at that time, and still are
Justices of the Peace, for said county, and that all due faith and credit is and ought to be given to
all probates by them so signed, as well in Justice Courts as thereout. In testimony whereof, I have
hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said county, this 29th. day of December, 1787.
MOSES HUNTER.
CERTIFICATES, &c.
Berkeley County, Virginia, ss.                                                (Jo. 1.)
ON, Monday, December 3, 1787, I was requested to see an experiment on Potowmack river, made
by Mr. JAMES RuSIsEY7S Steam Boat, and had no small pleasure to see her get on her way, with near
half her burthen on board, and move against the current at the rate of three miles per hour, by the force
of steam, without any external application whatever. I am well informed, and verily believe, that the
machine at present is very imperfect and by no means capable of performing what it would do if
completed: I have not the least doubt but it may be brought into common and beneficial use, and be
of advantage to all navigations, as the machine is simple light and cheap, and will be exceedingly
durab!le and does not occupy a space in the boat of more than four feet by two and a half.
HORATIO GATES
Late Major General in the Continental Army.




592                              EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
Berkeley County, Virginia, ss.                                               (JVo. 2.)
ON Monday, December 3, 1787, I was requested to see an experiment on Potowmack river, made
by Mr. JAMES RUMSEYyS Steam Boat, and I had no small pleasure to see her get under weigh with
near half her burthen on board, and move against the current at the rate of three miles per hour, by
the force of steam without any external application whatever: I am well informed, and do verily believe,
that the machine at present is very imperfect and by no means capable of performing what it would do
if completed: I have not the least doubt but it may be brought into common and beneficial use, and be
of great advantage to all navigations, as the machine is simple, light and cheap, and will be exceeding
durable and does not occupy a space in the boat of more than four feet by two & a half.
ROBERT STUBBS
Teacher of the Academy in Shepherds-Town.
Berkeley County, Virginia, ss.
The Rev. Robert Stubbs, Gent. Teacher of the Academy at Shepherds-Town, acknowledged before
us, magistrates for said County, that he did subscribe the above writing. Given under our hands,
14th. Dec. 1787.                                                        CATO MOORE,
JOHN KEARSLEY.
Berkeley County, Virginia, ss.                                               (No. 3.)
Being requested to see an experiment made by Mr JAMES RUMSEY S Steam Boat, on Potowmack
river, on Monday, the 3d of December, 1787, it was with great pleasure that we saw her get under
way, with two tons on board, exclusive of her machinery, and move against the current at the rate of
three miles in an hour, by the force of Steam, without any external application whatever: We are well
informed, and believe, that the machinery at present is very imperfect, and by no means capable of
performing what it would do if completed. We are persuaded it may be brought into common.and
beneficial use, and be of great advantage to all navigations, as the machine is simple, light and cheap,
and does not occupy a space in the boat of more than four feet by two feet and a half.
ABRAHAM SHEPHERD,               JOHN MORROW,
WILLIAM BRICE,                  HENRY BEDINGER,
DAVID GRAY,                     THOMAS WHITE,
CHARLES MORROW.
Berkeley County, Virginia, ss.
Personally appeared before us, John Kearsley and Cato Moore, Justices of the Peace for the county
aforesaid, the sundry subscribers to the above certificate, who are all gentlemen of reputation, and by
us supposed to be competent Judges of what they have set forth, and they acknowledge the same to
be their voluntary act, we were likewise present at the exhibition, and certify the truth of the above
certificate. Given under our hands this 13th of December, 1787.
JOHN KEARSLEY,
CATO MOORE.
Berkeley County, Virginia, ss.                                                (JVo. 4.)
Being requested to attend an experiment made by Mr JAMES RUMSEY with his Steam Boat, on
Potowmack river, on Tuesday the 11th day of Dec. 1787, it was with great pleasure we saw her advance
against the current, with about three tons on board, at the rate. of four miles an hour, without an oar, or
any thing but the force of steam, either to generate or assist the motion; if the machinery had been




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION..593
in good order, we have reason to believe, she would have gone much faster, and as the machine is
light and cheap, we are well persuaded that it may be of great advantage in navigation.
MOSES HOG-F,            JOHN MARK,               JOHN MORROW,
CORNEL WYNICOOP,        BENONI SWEARINGEN,       JS: SWEARINGEN.
N. B. We think the machinery does not weigh more than six or seven hundred weight, and is not
included in the burthen mentioned above.
Berkeley County, Virginia, ss.
Personally appeared before us, two of the Justices of the Peace for the county aforesaid, the sundry
subscribers to the above certificate, who are all gentlemen of reputation, and by us supposed to be
competent judges of what they have set forth; and they have acknowledge the same to be their
voluntary act.
December the 13th, 17S7.                                              CATO MOORE,
JOHN KEARSLEsi,
Berkeley County, Virginia, ss.                                               (J'o. 5.)
Being requested to see an experiment made by Mr. JAMES RUMSEYlS Steam Boat, on Potowmack
river, on Tuesday the 11th of December 1787j it was with great pleasure we saw her get under way
with upwards of three tons on board, and move against the current at the rate of four miles an hour, by
the force of steam, without any external application whatever: We are well informed, and believe, that
the machinery at present is very imperfect, and by no means capable of performing what it would do,
if completed; we are persuaded that it may be brought into common and beneficial use, and be of great
advantage to navigation, as the machine is simple, light and cheap, and does not occupy a space of more
than four feet by two and a half.
CHARLES MORROW,          ROBERT STUBBS,        HENRY BEDINGER,
THOMAS WHITE,           ABRAHAM SHEPHERb.
Berkeley County, Virginia.
Personally appeared before us, two of the Justices of the Peace for the county aforesaid, the sundry
subscribers to the above certificate, who are all gentlemen of reputation, and by us supposed to be
competent judges of what they set forth, and they acknowledge the same as their voluntary act. Given
under our hands this 14th December, 1787.                               CATO MOORE,
JOHN KEARSLEY.
Berkeley County, Virginia, ss.                                               (JVo. 6.)
The affidavit of William Askew, of Berkeley County, and State of Virginia, sheweth, that he was in
the city of Philadelphia, as well as he remembers, in the month of September last, when he had an
opportunity of seeing what is called the Steam Boat, said to be constructed by Mr. Fitch; on taking
a view of which boat, (and from the information of a gentleman, who appeared to be concerned in the
said machine) this deponent is of opinion, the boiler will hold five hundred gallons of water. From
what he was informed from the gentleman aforesaid, and from his own view, his opinion is, that the
machinery of Mr. Fitch's boat, on a moderate calculation, will, on its present construction, weigh
seven tons, exclusive of the quantity of wood necessary for the boiler. This deponent further saith,
that he verily believes the machinery of Mr. Fitch's Steam boat must necessarily cost three hundred
pounds.-This deponent hath lately seen the steam  boat constructed by Mr. James Rumsey, of
Berkeley County Virginia, and believes, from good information, as well as his own opinion on examinaVOL. II.                                 75




594                              EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
tion, that Mr. RUMSEYrS steam machinery will not, on its present construction, weigh more than eight
hundred pounds, and may be worked with a very inconsiderable amount of wood or coals, perhaps not
more coals in twelve hours than four bushels; and that Mr. RUMsEY's boiler need have no more water,
at one time, than one pint, or perhaps not so much, to keep the machinery in sufficient motion to stem
the streamn of a river, sufficiently fast to be safe with a cargo of goods. This deponent is well convinced
that the whole of Mr. Rumsey's machinery may be made for twenty pounds, nor will it occupy more
space in a boat than four barrels of flour.
Berkeley County, Virginia.
This day William Askew came before me, one of the Justices of the Peace for the county aforesaid,
and made oath that the above testimony, as far as came within his own knowledge, is true, and so he
believes is the information he received from others.
Sworn before me, December Sth, 1786.                                 JAMES WILSON.
Berkeley County, Virginia, ss.                                               (.No. 7.)
To whom it may concern.
On application of Mr. James Rumsey and sundry other gentlemen, requesting my opinion, whether
Mr. Fitch's or Mr. Rumsey's Steam Boat, agreeable to the present different plans of working each
boat, would be of the greatest public utility; I have, at their importunities, consented, (as far as my
knowledge of the matter will admit) to give my opinion, without reserve, to the best of my judgment;
and as I have seen both Mr. Fitch's and Mr. Rumsey's steam boats, with the machinery, or at least so
much thereof as could be observed, by a common examination, I presume that Mr. Rumsey's plan is
much more eligible, simple and practicable. Mr. Fitch's machinery appears bulky, weighty, and
complicated, leaving little room in the boat in which I saw it for loading. The Weight of the whole
apparatusI suppose to be five tons-whereas the whole of Mr. Rumsey's machinery, at the time of
exhibition publicly, with every aparatus complete, could not weigh more than five-hundred pounds.
It is obvious therefore that a machine weighing one twentieth only, and of small size, comparative
with the other, and by many degress less complicated, must prove of the greatest public utility, and'will be practised in preference to the other.
I do therefore give it as my opinion, that Mr. Rumsey's plan is to be preferred to Mr. Fitch's. Given
under my hand at Sheperd's-Town, this 6th day of December, 1787.      HENRY BEDINGER.
Berkeley County, Virginia. ss.
Captain Henry Bedinger, acknowledged before us, Magistrates for the said county, that he subscribed
the above writing. Given under our hands, this 14th day of December 1787.
CATO MOORE.
JOHN KEARSLEY.
Berkely County, Virginia.
We, the subscribers, have long been acquainted with the within mentioned Captain Henry Bedinger,
and have ever found him a worthy gentleman.
HORATIO GATES,                 CHARLES MORROW?
THOMAS WHITE,                  JOHN MARK,
JOHN MORROW,                   ROBERT STUBBS,
BENONI SWEARINGEN,              Jos. SWEARINGEN,
ABRAHAM SHEPHERDS              JOHN KEARSLEY.
December, 14, 1787.




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.                             595
Berkeley County, Virginia. ss
The above gentlemen, who are all of good fame, subscribed the above certificate in my presence.
Given under my hand this 14th December, 1787.                             CATO MOORE,
Berkeley County, Virginia. ss.                                                (JV'o. 8)
This day came George Rootes, before me, one of the Justices of the peace for the county aforesaid,
and made Oath, that Mr. James Rumsey informed him, in the year 1784 that he was projecting a boat
to work with steam, and the said George has heard, and verily believes that the said Mr. Rumsey, from
the time of his leaving the agency of the Potomack Company, has pursued his intention of perfecting
his Steam Engine for that purpose with unremitted attention, which the said George is informed is now
in great forwardness. Given under my hand, this 24th day of November, 1787.
WILLIAM LITTLE,
Berkeley County, Virginia. ss.                                               (JVo. 9.)
This day came CHARLES MORROW, before me, one of the Justices of the Peace for the said County,
and made, oath, that in the beginning of the year 1785, Mr. JAMES RUMSEY told him that by making
use of steam he could raise WATER for MILLS, and that he would do it as soon as he had completed
his steam boat.                                                   CHARLES MORROW.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 13th of December, 1787.
JOHN KEARSLEY.
Berkeley County, Virginia. ss.                                              (.No. 10.)
This day came Charles Orrick, before me, one of the Justices of the Peace for the County aforesaid,
and made oath, that Mr James Rumsey informed him in the year 1784, that he was proposing a boat
to work with steam, and that the said Nicholas doth know that the said Mr. Rumsey from that time
has pursued his intention of perfecting his steam engine for that purpose, and that the said Nicholas has
been on board of the said Rumsey's boat, when going by the power of Steam, and has reason to
believe it may answer a valuable purpose when completed. Given under my hand, this 24th day of
November, 1787.                                                        WILLIAM LITTLE,
Berkeley County, Virginia. ss.                                               (JVo 11.)
This day came Charles Morrow, before me, one of the Justices of the peace for the aforesaid county,
and made oath, that in the course of the summer 1785, Mr James Rumsey, had a boat built near the
town of Bath, that early in the fall he had her brought down the river to Shepherds-Town, and shortly
after Mr. Joseph Barnes was sent to Baltimore, in order to have some machinery cast; that he then
understood the boat was to be propeled by steam; that shortly after Mr. Barns returned from
Baltimore he was sent to Frederick-Town, in order to have some other things made, agreeable to Mr.
Rumsey's directions, and thinks he returned from thence about the middle of November; that he the
said Charles then saw the machinery Mr Barns had got made, viz: a boiler, two cylinders, pumps,
pipes, &c. That about the First of December it appeared to the said Charles, that the whole of the
Machinery was ready to be fixed to the boat, which came down to the Falls of Shanandoah for experiment, but the ice then Commencing prevented it for the winter. That in the winter Mr Rumsey told
him he had made sundry improvements; in particular, that he had invented an entirely new Constructed
boiler; that the said Rumsey sent to a forge for iron, and set two smiths to work, with directions how
to make it; but when it was ready to be put together, he found, upon examination, the workmanship was so badly executed that it would not answer the purpose; he therefore concluded to try an




596                               EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
experiment with his old boiler; and the said Charles says, that Mr. Barns (Mr. Rumsey's principal
Mechanic) Continued during the winter to execute the different improvements Mr. Rumsey had made;
in the Spring, 1786, the Machinery was put on the boat, and the first trial made, the said Charles being
on board; that she went against the current until the steam escaped, by the then imperfectness of the
machine. Upon an experiment made with the new boiler, the heat of the Steam was so greatly
increased, that it dissolved the soft Solder, which had been thought, and before had proved, sufficient
for cementing the sundry parts of such machines; and as hard solder was obliged to be used in the
repairs, delays were necessarily created. July 1787, Mr. Rumsey had his new-constructed boiler
repaired, which he the said Charles conceives to be the most capital contrivance to make steam that
can be invented, for when the Machine is not at work, the whistling of the Steam may be heard at
least half a mile; and he is convinced that it does not hold more than three gallons of water; and the
said Charles further saith that Mr. Rumsey has for several years steadily pursued his boat scheme, to
the, total Neglect of every other Kind of business, which has very considerably injured his circumstances,
having Mr. Barns employed at five pound per month; since the year eighty-five; and that he conceives
the boat to be now near her completion: And the said Charles has not a doubt but Mr. Rumsey is
equal to the task of making her perform according to the original position.
CHARLES MORROW.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, December 8th, 1787.
JOHN KEARSLEY.
Berkeley County, Virginia, ss.                                               (JVo. 12.)
This day came Joseph Barnes before me one of the justices of the peace for the said county, and
made oath, that he was employed by MNr. James Rumsey, in May, 1785, to build a boat on Potowmack
river, near the town of Bath, and that he was then informed by the said Rumsey, that the boat, when
finished, was to be propelled by steam, and that he had built the boat. Soon after (he thinks in
September) he went, by the request of Mr. Rumsey, to Baltimore, to get some machinery cast for the
boat; and in October and November in Frederick-town, he got all the other machinery made for an
experiment by Steam. In December it was put on the Boat, at Shanandoah Falls, but before it could
be got ready for trial, the ice began to drive, which prevented it: Also, that Mr. Rumsey, during
the Winter invented his new constructed boiler, and had it made ready to put together before the
Spring, but it was so badly executed, that he declined making the experiment with it, but proposed to
try his old boiler; accordingly in April 1786, the experiment was made, and the boat went against
the current of Potowmack, but many parts of the machine being imperfect, and somie parts rendered
useless by the heat of the steam, he was obliged to have it repaired, which was done at the Great Falls,
and she was again tried, but failed in the repaired work though it made many powerful strokes before
it failed, and sent the boat forward with such power, that one man was not able to hold her. The
next experiment was attempted in December, with the new constructed boiler, but the violence of the
heat was so great, from the steam, that it melted the soft solder that great part of the machine was
put together with, and rendered it entirely useless, until repaired with hard solder; about this time the
ice drifting, carried off the boat which the machinery was made for, and destroyed her in such a
manner, that the repairing her was equal to one half of the expense of building a new one: That the
boat was, in the spring, 1787 repaired, the machine also, and was ready for trial in September, when
the boat moved up the river, against the current, with about two tons on board, besides the machinery,
at the rate of two miles per hour; but the new boiler was so badly made, that it opened at several
of its joints, which let great quantities of the steam escape: and the said Barns further saith, that to his
Ktnowledge, the machine at the last trial, on December 3, 1787, was very imperfect in many parts, as




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.                              597
the same boiler was then made use of, after receiving some repairs: It is his opinion it may be brought
to answer very valuable purposes, as it will be simple, cheap, light and durable, and may be applied
to a ship of the largest size to advantage, having no external application whatever. And the said
Barns further saith, that Mr. Rumsey has, to his Knowledge, injured his circumstances very much, by
quitting all kinds of business to pursue the boat; that he the said Barns, has received of the said
Rumsey five pounds per month besides his board, from April, 1785, to the present time; which in
his opinion, is but a small part of the expenses the said Mr. Runsey must have been at in the prosecuting his plan. His new constructed boiler must exceed every thing of that kind yet extant, as it
will not hold more than twenty pints, and in his opinion will make more steam than a five hundred
gallon boiler in the common way: and from the observation he has made, has reason to believe,
that six bushels of good coals will serve it for twelve hours. The Weight of the present machine is
about seven hundred pound, and will not occupy more space than four flour barrels.
Sworn before me, this 10th December, 1787.
CATO MOORE.
(Jo. 13.)
A PARAGRAPH from GENERAL WASHINGTON'S Letter, in answer to mine of the 10th of
March 1785.
s It gives me much pleasure to find by your letter, that you are not less sanguine in your boat
project than when I saw you in Richmond, and that you have made such further discoveries as will
render them more extensively useful than was at first expected, you have my best wishes for the success
of your plan."
(JVo. 14.)
ANNAPOLIS, December 18, 1787
SIR,
In compliance with your request I mention the principal facts and circumstances, with which I am
acquainted respecting your Steam Engine, and your expectation of its effect in boat navigation. I was
entirely ignorant of the principle on which you were to gain your power, and your manner of applying
it, till our return from the Great Falls together, in October or November (but I think October) 1785,
when you told me that you relied' on steam for your first power, and wished me to promote your
having cylinders cast at my brother's and my works; the attempt did not succeed. I considered myself
under an obligation of secrecy till in the progress of making copper cylinders in Frederick-Town some
time after, when I found, that the designed purpose of the cylinder was a subject of pretty general
conversation.
Being on the committee appointed to consider and report on Mr. Fitch's petition, I thought it my
duty to mention what was in my memory, of your telling me that you had communicated your principle
to General Washington, as I thought, tho' perhaps mistakenly, at the time your model and experiment
were exhibited before the General; and with the approbation of the committee, wrote to the General
on the subject; his answer now before me, is to this effect, that "at that time, September, 1784
nothing was intimated of Steam; that the November following, in Richmond, you spoke to him of the
effect of steam, and of the conviction you were under of the usefulness of its application for the purpose
of inland Navigation," but the General seems to have thought it an immatured idea, that he did not
then imagine you relied on.




598                              EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
Mr. Fitch having often mentioned the time (I think April 1785) when the idea first struck him, and
yours being prior, the committee could not report in favor of Mr. Fitch, the Gen. added to his answer,
It is proper for me herewith to add, that some time after this Mr. Fitch called on me, in his way to
Richmond, and exIlaining his scheme, wanted a letter from me introductory to the Assembly of this
(Virginia) state, the giving of which I declined, and went so far as to inform him, that though I was
enjoined not to disclose the principles of Mr. Rumsey's discovery, yet I would venture to assure him,
that the thought of applying steam was not original, but had'been mentioned to me by Mr. Rumsey.
I esteem myself no ways competent to decide on philosophical or mechanical principles, but if you
can simplify the steam engine, render it cheap, and apply its powers to raise water in great quantities
for the purpose of agriculture and water works of all kinds, or apply the powers more immediately,
as has been much the subject of conversation between us at times, every man may easily perceive a
vast field of improvement will thereby be opened, which I most sincerely wish you may largely reap the
good fruits of,                            I am Sir, your most obedient servant,
THOMAS JOHNSON.
Berkeley County, Virginia, ss                                               (JNo. 15.)
This day came Miclael Bedinger, before me one of the Justices of the Peace for the said county,
and made oath, that Mr. James Rumsey informed him, in, or before the month of March 1784, that he
was of opinion that a boat might be constructed to work by Steam, and that he intended to give it a
trial, and mentioned some of the machinery that woul(l be necessary to reduce it to practice: and the
said Michael further saith, that he set out for Kentucky, immediately after, in order to survey some
lands, and resided there upwards of Eighteen months, and that during the time of his stay there, he
frequently mentioned Mr. Rumsey's boat scheme: He believes that he also mentioned, that it was to
be wrought by steam.
The above was voluntarily sworn before me, by Capt. Bedinger, who is a gentleman of reputation.
November 28th 1787.                                                   JOHN KEARSLEY.,
We whose names are hereunto subscribed, certify, that the within mentioned Michael Bedinger is a gentleman of
reputation and veracity.
HORATIO GATES,               CHARLES MORROW,
THOMAS WHITE,                JOHN MARK,
JAMES KERNEY,               PHILLIP PENDLETON,
JOHN MORROW,                ROBERT STUBBS.
JOSEPH MITCHELL.
(JVo. 18.)
The underwritten is a paragraph of a letter from a Mr. Daniel Buckley, living near Philadelphia,
to a gentleman of Berkeley county, Virginia, and "Dr McMechen,"' whom   Mr. Buckley is so
concerned for, is a partner with Mr Rumsey in his steamboat.'Tis copied and annexed, to prove how
busy Mr Fitch has been in calumny, and how easily he found credit and propagators. Should he incline
to assert hereafter, what credit he will deserve has been so clearly proved, that future impositions may
be avoided; and those who spread slander they do not believe, deserve the contempt of all honest men.
" Please to give my sincere respects to Doctor McMechenn and his worthy lady-he is my mosl
particular acquaintance and truly I am sorry he has been deluded by a person, who I have reason to
believe is a deceiver, as Mr. Fitch, of Philadelphia, says, Mr. Rumsey got what small knowledge he has
of steam from him, but he retained the Essentials, without which, he says MI Rumsey cannot succeed.:
We do certify that the above paragraph was taken from the aforesaid letter, and copied in our presence.
CHARLES MORROW,                     GEORGE ROOTES.
1. In the 1st edition of this pamphlet this name is printed " MeMahon." —ED.




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.                              599
POSTSCRIPT.
It was not my intention, at this time to present to the Public a description of some improvements I
have made upon the construction of Water  ills of several kinds, andan would not have introduced the
small sketch given here, of some part of such plans which I now have, and hereafter may propose, and
exhibit to the world, but as I find by experience, that there is danger of being supplanted or undermined
in any useful and profitable discovery, where the inventor cannot preserve to himself, the plan entirely
until he has brought it to that perfection which would authorise his producing it to the Public and
claiming the reward they might consider his invention merited, I therefore, from the solicitations and
advice of several friends have ventured to drop the following hints relative to some of them.
On considering the common method of applying water to work mills of every sort, or any other
machines, I have found there is but a very small part of the power applied, inadequate greatly to what
might be had, from the quantity of water expended, especially for undershot wheels; I therefore
endeavoured, by a practicable examination to find whether a method might not be discovered to remedy
the defect, so as to apply the power of water in a more effectual and advantageous manner.
On investigation of Doctor Barker's thoughts on a new invented mill, that if a few difficulties (which
appeared insuperable in his plan) could be removed, it would be the most powerful method of directing
water to turn mills, or other machinery (where circumvolution is required) that has been yet discovered
or made use of. These apparent difficulties I have been happy enough to find out effectual means to
obviate, by an application of the water, on nearly the same principles as those suggested by the Doctor,
though more simple and less expensive. The utility of these propositions I have proved by experiments,
whence I found, that a fourth part of the expended water, and a tenth part of the expense usually
accrued, will pay the cost, and answer every purpose of all the work or mechanism, at present made
use of, for grist mills, &c.
With regard to a Saw Mill, or any other machines that have retrograde movements, I have contrived a method of supplying them with water, in such a manner, that one twentieth part of what is
generally expended, will answer every intent and purpose requisite-My new invented Machine for
raising Water, is simple; the cost will not be more than twenty guineas, to complete the mechanism
of one sufficiently large to raise water to work six saws, or turn a grist mill. Models of these
machines I have, and purpose taking them with me to the next meetings of the different Assemblies, to
whom I mean to apply, for encouragement, and at the same time convince them of the truth and utility
of my proposals.
(Jo. 19.)
The following is part of a letter wrote by the editor, to his Excellency General Washington, dated
the 10th. of March, 1785.
After mentioning that kind of machine for propelling boats which the General had seen a model of, I
proceed to say,-i' I have taken the greatest pains to perfect another kind of boat, upon the principles 1
mentioned to you at Richmond in November last, and have the pleasure to inform you that I have
brought it to great perfection; it is true it will cost something more than the other way, but, whien in
use, will be more manageable, and can be worked with as few hands; the power is immense-and I
have quite convinced myself that boats of passage may be made to go against the current of the
AMississippi or Ohio rivers, or in the Gulf Stream (from the Leeward to the Windward-Islands) from sixty
to one hundred miles per day. I know this will appear strange and improbable to many persons, yet I
am very certain it may be performed, besides, it is simple (when understood) and is also strictly
philosophical.




600                                     EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
The principle of this boat I am very cautious not to explain, as it would be easily executed by an
ingenious person.
The plan I mean to pursue, is to put both the machines on board of boats* built on a large sqale, and
then, sir, if you would be kind enough to see them     make actual'performances, I should not doubt but
the Assemblies would allow      me   something handsome, which would       be more advantageous to the
public than to give me the exclusive right of using them.
* There were two boats connected, in the model I exhibited in September 1784, which is the reason I speak of boats
in-the plural, as experiment has convinced me that a single boat would not succeel on that principle.
FIVIS.
NoTE.-The preceding pamphlet was first published by Rumsey January 1, 1788, under the Title of "A PLAN wherein
the power of Steam is fully shewn, By a new constructed Machine, for propelling Boats or Vessels, of any burthen, against
the most rapid streams or rivers, with great velocity. Also a MACHINE, constructed on similar philosophical principles, tny which
water may be raised for Grist or Saw-Mills; watering of Meadovs, &c. &c." pp. 20.
It is this Edition that Fitch alludes to in his "Preface, post. p. 604." But it is identically a reprint of the above, with
the exception of a paragraph complaining of some person in Baltimore who in June, 1787, borrowed his plan of raising
water by steam, and then had a machine made on Mr. Rumsey's principle. This person " had the audacity to petition the
Maryland Assembly to give him an exclusive right for the emoluments of another's invention, so surreptitiously obtained;
but he received the denial he so justly merited." The  Postscript " and the Extract of General Washingtons Letter of
10th March, 1785, are not in the first Edition.
Whoever desires to consult this last mentioned Edition of Rumsey, will find it in "cPamphlets," Vol. 82, N. Y. Soc.
Library, to which Institution we are indebted for the copy of Rumsey published above. A copy is also mentioned in the
Catalogue of the Library Company, Philadelphia.-ED.




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.                             601
THE RUMSEIAN      SOCIETY, PHILADELPHIA, TO THE       SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF
ASSEMBLY, N. Y.
[N. Y. Assembly Papers, Miscel. Vol. 3.]
September 23d 1788.
James Rumsey an ingenious Gentleman a native of Maryland but lately from Virginia in December
last exhibited before a number of respectable characters in Maryland and Virginia the effects of Steam
in propelling a boat of considerable Burthen against the Current of the River Powtomack, and models
of machines for the Raising Water to a great height and in large Quantities by the force of Steam, in
both which a Boiler upon entirely new Construction invented by himself is used with the greatest
apparent probability of far Exceeding all others heretofore known, not only in point of Force but in the
Smallness of the Quantity of Fuel necessary to generate the Steam.
He came to this City some months ago with Drafts and descriptions of his Several Inventions and
communicated them to a number of Gentlemen here who Struck with the Simplicity of-his several
Contrivances and the great advantages with which they might be applied to many useful purposes
agreed to afford him Some Assistance in carrying his schemes into Execution. To this end the
persons a list of whose names is herewith sent formed themselves into a Company by the name of the
Rumseian Society and appointed us a Committee of Correspondence to further the design in distant
places.
As steam Engines are now used in Europe not only for the purpose of raising water from Mines
of Great depth but for a variety of other mechanical purposes where a strong force is necessary and
where water Falls were formerly appliedWe thought it advisable that James Rumsey should immediately go thither to secure himself any
advantages which might result from an Invention so extensively useful in that Country and he
accordingly sailed in the month of May in a vessel bound for London: before he took his Departure
he signed a Petition which will be presented to the honorable the Legislature of your State stating his
several Inventions and praying an Act may be passed granting him the exclusive priviledge of making
and vending them for a reasonable Term of years-And at the same time a Power of Attorney was
Executed and sent by him to Doct' James M'c Mechin, Joseph Barnes and Charles Morrow Esqr
authorising them'or either of them to attend in person and Solicit for him the granting the Prayer of his
Petition. Joseph Barnes we are informed is a very ingenious mechanic who has been employed by
James Rumsey in Constructing his several machines and is perfectly acquainted with all his Inventions
and has abilities adequate to the Construction of them in the absence of the Inventor. He is also in
possession of the models and Drafts necessary to show the Utility of them and as soon as Exclusive
Rights therein for a reasonable Term of Years shall be obtained from the honorable the Legislature of
the State of New-York, he will be ordered to attend as well to carry the said machines into Effect as to
instruct suitable Persons to Construct them in his absence.
As the promotion of useful Discoveries in the Arts and sciences is an Object worthy the Attention of
Enlightened men and accordingly has in all ages and Countries met with Patrons amongst those most
distinguished for their knowledge, good sense and Patriotism, we doubt not but that a Scheme, that
promises so much improvement will meet with advocates and support in the general Assembly of NewYork, over which you so honorably to yourself and to them preside —And we therefore take the Liberty
to request your Countenance to James Rumsey's Petition so far as the prayer thereof shall seem to you
Consistant with the public good, and if it should not be Contrary to the Rules of the House, we should
VOL. II.                                 76




b02                               EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
take it a particular favor that this Letter be read from the Chair in order to bespeak the favorable
attention of the Honorable members to the Subject,
We are With the greatest Respect
Your assured Friends and
obedient humble servants
MIERS FISHER
BENJAMIN WYNKOOP
The Honoble John Lansing Esq                                    LEVI HOLLINGSWORTH
Speaker of the House of Assembly
A LIST OF THE -RUMSEIAN SOCIETY.
His Excellency Benjamin Franklin Esqto      William Barton
Arthur Sto Clair                            Richard Adams
William Bingham                             Samuel Wheeler
Benjamin Wynkoop                            Samuel Magaw
James Tunchard                              Adam Kuhn
John Jones                                  Miers Fisher
Levi Hollingsworth                          M. F. for Robert Barclay of
Joseph James                                Charles Vancouver
John Wilson                                Burgis Allison
Geo Duffield                               John Vaughn
Reed & Forde                               John Ross
Woodrop & Joseph Sims                       William Turner
William Redwood & Son.
Endorsed
A Letter from Miers Fisher and others of the Rumseian Society at Philadelphia to the Speaker of ohe
Assembly in New York.
In Assembly Dec 18th 1788.
Read & referred with the Petition of James Rumsey to Mr. Livingston Mr. Havens and Mr. Van
Cortlandt.




THE
O R I GI NA L
S TEAM.BOA T
SU PPORT ED;
A    REY R
A    R  E  P L Y
T 0
MR. JAMES RUMSEY's PAMPHLET.
S  EW ING  T HE
T R U E     P R I O    IT Y
0 F
J O HN    F I TCH,
AND  T HE
F A L S E    D A T I N G,   &
O F
J A M E S   R U M   E Y.
P   H   I  L./ D   E   L   P   H   I./e
PRINTED BY ZACHARIAH POULSON, JUNao ON THE
WEST SIDE OF FOURTH.STREET, BETWEEN
MARKET AND ARCH-STREETS,
M DeC CLXXXIII.




P R            E       F      A       C       E.
A GREEABLY to a promise made in the Independant Gazetteer, I now present to the Public a reply
to the Pamphlet published by Mr. Rumsey, of Virginia,-and as I have no matter to conceal, or
disguise, and wish my Readers to have a full and fair view of the whole controversy, I have reprinted
and annexed Mr. Rumseys Pamphlet, which will discover, to every impartial person who will take the
trouble to examine the subject, that he hath no sort of just pretensions to the claims he hath exhibited.His skill in the mechanism of a Steam Engine, may possibly be greater than mine, and in the article of
CONDENSATION I freely acknowledge he is my superior, having acquired the art of condensing (with the
dash of his pen) one whole year into the compass of six days.
JOHN FITCH.
Philadelphia, 10th. May, 1788.




TH E
OR          I G        I N        A     L
ST E                  A                 B O A                 T
S U   P   P  O  RT     ED,        &c.
It is the duty of every man not only to avoid the commission of a crime, but so to conduct himself
through life as to bear the strictest scrutiny.
In a Pamphlet published by Mr. James Rumsey and lately circulated in this City, as well as
probably in other States, I am charged as the perpretator of crimes attrocious in their nature, but of
which my conscience fully acquits me. It is an exercise of malevolence in the extreme thus publicly
to prefer charges against an innocent person Wvithout previously knowing or enquiring for the defence
of the supposed offender, and shows an inability in the accuser to support his charges. Unfortunately
for Mr. Rumsey, I trust we are now before an impartial Public, where Justice, unbiassed by party
or undue influence, will decide between us-Conscious of my conduct, in the prosecution of this
business, being that of an honest man, it is incumbent on me to recite the circumstances, and facts
relative thereto.
I confess the thought of a Steamboat, which struck me by mere accident, about the middle of April
1785,* has hitherto been very unfortunate to me; the perplexities and embarrassments through which
it has caused me to wade, far exceed any thing, that the common course of life ever presented to my
view. After pondering some days on the thought, I made a rough draught, but not daring to trust my
own opinion too far, I consulted Mr. Daniel Longstreth, the Revd. Nathaniel Irvin and sundry other
Gentlemen of Bucks county Pennsylvania.
About the beginning of June 1785, I went to Philadelphia and shewed it to Dr. Ewing, M'r
Patterson and other respectable characters in the city, from whom I met with no discouragement
In June and July I formed models and in August laid them before Congress, as will appear on their
Files. In September I presented them to the Philosophical Society, as per certificate.
* Yide No. 1 and 2.




606                              EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
No. 3.
Philadelphia 1785.
September 27th. 1785. At a special meeting of the American Philosophical Society:
A model accompanied with a drawing and description of a machine for working a boat, against the
Stream, by means of a Steam Engine, was laid before the Society by JOHN FITCH
At a meeting of the American Philosophical Society, on December 2d. 1785.
A copy of the drawing and description of a machine for working a boat against the current, which,
some time ago, was laid before the Society by Mr. JOHN FITCH, he, this evening, presented to them,
Extract from the Minutes
SAMUEL MAGAW
One of the Secretaries.
In October I called on the ingenious Mr. Henry, of Lancaster, to take his opinion of my drafts, who
informed me, that I was not the first person who had thought of applying Steam to vessels; that he had
conversed with M1' Andrew Ellicott as early as the year 1775, and that Mr Paine, author of Common
Sense, had suggested the same thing to him in the winter of 1778; that some time after, he (Mr Henry)
thinking more seriously of the matter, was of opinion it might be easily perfected and accordingly
made some drafts which he proposed to lay before the Philosophical Society and which he then
showed me, but added as he had neglected to bring them to public view, and as I had first published
the plan to the world, he would lay no claim to the invention. The following I have been favored
with from MAr Ellicott:
No 4.
Baltimere, April 26th 1788.
I do( hereby certify, that early in the year one thousand, seven hundred and seventy five, Mr William
Henry, of Lancaster, conversed with me on the subject of steam and intimated that he thought it
might be advantageously applied to the Navigation of Boats.
(Signed)                     ANDREW     ELLICOTT.
From Lancaster I went to the Assembly of Virginia, first waiting on Governor Johnson, of
Maryland, who, notwithstanding the letters he has since \vritten in favour of Mr Rumsey, acknowledged
a merit in my invention, and that it ought to be encouraged, as will presently appear. During my
journey through Maryland, in October, I passed through Frederick Town, and every where published
my Plan. In Virginia I waited on his Excellency General Washington, who, in the course of
conversation, informed me, that the thought of applying steam was not original, that Mr Rumsey had
mentioned Steam to him; but nothing that passed in the conversation with General Washington had the
least tendency to convey the idea of Mr Rumsey's relying on Steam, and General Washington's letter,
page 10, in Mr Rumsey's Pamphlet, clears up the matter-for the General himself did not conceive
any such thing. Knowing that the thought of applying Steam to Boats had been suggested by other
Gentlemen long before, I left his Excellency General Washington with all the elated prospects that an
aspiring projector could entertain, not doubting but I should reap the full benefit of the project, for
although I found that some had conceived the thought before, yet I was the first that ever exhibited a
plan to the public; and was fully convinced that I could not interfere with Mr Rumsey, otherwise
the known candor of General Washington must have pointed out to me such interference. I immediately applied to the Legislature of Virginia for assistance, to execute my plan, who signified their
wish to encourage my designs, but that the state of their finances prevented it-the then Governor of
the state, Patutck Henry, Esq received from me an obligation with provision, that if I procured in thai




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.                              607
state a sale for one thousand of my Maps of the N. W. part of the United States, at 6f 8 each, I should
exhibit a Steam Boat on the waters of Virginia, within nine months or forfeit and pay to the State of
Virginia ~350. as appears by the following certificate:
No. 6.
I certify that John Fitch has left in my hands a bond payable to the Governor for the time being for
~350. conditioned for exhibiting his steam Boat when he receives subscriptions for 1000 of his maps,
6 f 8 each.
November 16th 1785.
(Signed)                   P. HENRY.
I then returned to Maryland and acquainted Governor Jonnson of my expected assistance in Virginia,
and that I intended applying to the Assembly of Maryland then sitting, to promote and patronise my
scheme-Governor Johnson gave me the following Letter to General Smallwood, the then Governor of
the state.
No. 7.
Frederick Town November 25th 1785
SIR
Mr John Fitch of Bucks county, in Pennsylvania, called on me in his way to Richmond; he has gone
through a variety of scenes in the back country, which has enabled him to collect a knowledge of a great
part of the new states, on which and other helps he has made a map useful and entertaining; his
ingenuity in this way strongly recommends him, but his genius is not confined to this alone, he has
spent much thought on an improvement of the Steam-engine, by which to gain a first power applicable
to a variety of uses, amongst others to force vessels forward in any kind of water; if this engine can be
simplified, constructed and made to work at a small expense, there is no doubt but it will be very
useful in most great works, and amongst them in ship building. Mr. Fitch wants to raise money to
make an experiment on Boats, the countenance that he has met with in Virginia he hopes will enable him
to do it, he wishes also to make other experiments, and is willing to enter into engagements to apply a
large proportion of the sales of his maps, his principle fund. I believe his passion for this improvement
will be ample security for his applying the money in that way;-all that I have to request of you Sir,
is, that you will give him an opportunity to converse with you, you will soon perceive he is a man of real
genius and modesty, your countenancing him will follow of course.
I am Sir Your Excellency's
(Subscribed)                           most obedient and most humble
His Excellency Governor Smallwood.                          Servant
Favor of                                                   THOS    JOHNSON.
Mr Fitch.
From hence it plainly appears that Governor Johnson could not at that time have any idea of ramy
scheme interfering with Mr. Rumsey's as seems to be now insinuated in that gentlemans letter to Mr.
Rumsey, No. 14 of his Pamphlet.
I attended the session of the legislature about three weeks after receiving this letter, and on my
petition for assistance to execute my plan, they made me the following report or nearly in these
words (as may appear by examining their minutes) " However desirous it is for liberal and enlightened legislators to encourage useful arts, yet the state and condition of our finances are such that
there can be no advance of public money at present." From this report it is proved beyond all doubt,
that the Assembly of Maryland did not conceive my plan the same as Mr. Rumsey's-findling that I




608                              EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
was undoubtedly the first person in America that could be termed the inventor of a steam Boat, either
agreeably to custom, or equity, I thought it prudent to apply to the different states for the exclusive
privileges for the emoluments of such invention, which were granted by New Jersey in March 1786
by Delaware, New-York and Pennsylvania, in the winter and spring following, and by Virginia in
October 1787.
I have from the time of my first thought pursued my scheme with unremitted application, without
a suspicion of an interruption, until the circulation of Mr. Rumsey's invidious Pamphlets, the contents
of which I now find it necesssary to take under consideration, not doubting but that the design and
tendency of that production will be a sufficient apology for the plainness with which I shall treat it.
Mr. Rumsey says in page 2, "That in the, month of September, 17841 he exhibited the model of a Boat
to his Excellency General Washington at Bath in Berkeley County, calculated for stemming the
current of rapid rivers only, constructed on principles very different from (his) present one; satisfied of the
experiment of her making way against a rapid stream by -the force of the stream the General was pleased
to give me a most ample certificate of her efficacy."  Here it is to be observed, that no mention was
made to General Washington of steam at the time of such exhibition; the principles on which the
Boat was propelled, were entirely unconnected with, and distinct from steam; being simply a model
propelled by water wheels, cranks, and setting poles; a mode which was many years ago tried on the
river Schuylkill by a farmer near Reading, but without success. From an exhibition of this plan it
was that Mr. Rumsey procured the certificate from General Washington, and on that certificate were
Mr. Rumsey's laws founded. In his petitions to the several legislatures, he prayed for no exclusive
right, for the use of Steam Boats; neither did he make mention of Steam, to their committees; or evenr
suggest an idea of the kind; as proof of which, I offer the following petition to the Assembly of Pennsylvania, the certificate from General Washington, accompanying it, and the certificate of Manuel Eyre,
Esquire, who was one of the committee of Assembly, who reported in Mr. Rumsey's favor.
No. 8.
I have seen the model of Mr. Rumseyes Boats, constructed to work against streams: examined the
powers upon which it acts, been eye witness to an actual experiment, in running water of some
rapidity; and give it as my opinion (although I had little faith before) that he has discovered the art
of working boats by mechanism   and small manual assistance against rapid currents; that the
discovery is of vast importance; may be of the greatest usefulness in our inland navigation, and, if it
succeeds, of which I have no doubt, that the value of it is greatly enhanced by the simplicity of the
works, which when seen and explained may be executed by the most common mechanic.
Given under my hand at the town of Bath, County of Berkeley in the State of Virginia this 7th of
September 1784.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
No 9.
To the Honourable the Representatives of the State of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met.
Gentlemen,
Whereas your petitioner has formed a plan for facilitating the navigation of rapid rivers; he
therefore doth propose to construct a certain species of Boats of the burthen of ten tons which shall
sail or be propelled by the combined influence of certain mechanical powers thereto applied, the distance
of between twenty-five and forty miles per day, against the current of a rapid river, notwithstanding
the velocity of the water should move at the rate of five miles per hour and upwards, with the burthen
of ten tons on board, to be wrought at no greater expense than that of three hands; and as a premium




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.                              609
of so useful an intention, your petitioner prays for an act to pass this honorable house, granting to
your petitioner, his heirs and assigns, the sole and exclusive right of constructing, navigating and
employing boats constructed upon his new invented model upon each and every creek, river, bay, inlet
and harbour within the limits and jurisdiction of this commonwealth, for and during the term of ten
years, fully to be completed and ended, to be computed. from the first day of January next; provided
always, that the legislature of this commonwealth may, at any time within the term aforesaid, abolish
the exclusive right herein prayed for by the payment of - pounds in gold or silver. And your petitioner, as in duty bound, shall pray.                                 JAMES RUMSEY.
The foregoing is a true copy of the original petition remaining on the files of the General Assembly
and read in the house November 26, 1584.                          J. SHALLUS, Ast. Clk.
No 10.
Philadelphia, 6th May, 178,S
This may certify that I the subscriber was in Assembly for the year 17S4, and was appointed one
of the committee to report on Mr James Rumsey's petition for his boat to go against the streams of
rapid rivers, and that there was no mention nor any idea held up to the committee that it was to be
propelled by the force of steam.
(Signed)                     MANUEL EYRE.
Now I ask, whether it does not amount to a positive proof that Mr Rumsey had no sort of reference
to, or dependence on Steam?  General Washington says, "It is so simple that it may be executed by the
most common mechanic;" which certainly his excellency would not have said of a Steam-Engine; a
machine that has cost me two years to understand and compleat. If we examine the Petition, we shall
find, that it confirms the General's idea of simplicity; for Mr Rumsey says " it may be wrought at no
greater expense than that of three hands," plainly indicating, that the expense of fire was not in contemplation; and to put the matter out of all doubt, Mr Eyre declares," There was no idea held up to
the committee that it was to be propelled by Steam."
All Mr Rumsey's laws were obtained, in consequence of his model, shewn to General Washington
at Bath; which, as I have said, was nothing but water wheels, cranks and setting poles; therefore
he could have no pretension to the use of Steam, under those laws. With the same propriety, his
claim might extend to every power and every machine in the United States; as soon as any man had
invented one that would suit his purpose. So that upon his plan of law making, no other man would be
safe in expending his money, but all must be swallowed up by his pretendedly ambiguous laws.
But I am happy in knowing, that his laws as well as his claims, cannot interfere with mine, for had
he professed any reliance on Steam; or any intention to apply it to his boats, he certainly would not
have neglected inserting so important a part of the scheme, in his petitions to the different legislatures.
Nor would he have prayed to be invested with the exclusive privilege, to use boats, constructed on
such different principles from those he really intended to pursue. In Mr Rumsey's act passed in Pennsylvania, it is stiled (c The exclusive right of constructing, navigating and employing boats built and
to be built on his new invented mode," and this new invented mode (viz. cranks, water wheels and
setting poles) is all he was entitled to under that law. Can it be supposed that the legislature would
not have included Steam in their laws, if they had been informed by Mr. Rumsey that it was his grand
dependence; the essential, the vital part of his scheme as he now professes. That they had no such
intimation given them, is very evident from their encouragement to me; and the laws since passed, are
the fullest proofs of tile received meaning of Mr. Rumsey's petition, viz. that they had no connectioa
VOL. II.                               77




610                               EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
with steam. And that Mr Rumsey did not think himself misunderstood, must certainly be granted;
because he made no objection to any of my petitions, as interfering with his Laws, which, agreeable to
his own declarations, were founded on principles very different from a Steam-boat That he had no claim
to Steam under his laws, is evident, from his confession in page 4, line 31, where he says "I find
my idea of Steam was nearly matured before Steam had ever entered his head by his confession to
Governor Johnson viz. April 1785."  Now can it be supposed that Mr Rumsey had made considerable
improvements on Steam-engines in 1784, or that he had obtained laws securing a right to the use of
Steam to Boats, when at the time of his petitioning for, and the passing of those laws, he confesses
his idea of Steam was not matured.
He says in page 3, line 1, CI In the course of that fall and winter (of 1784) he made progress in some
Steam-engines, and page 16 line 7, of Governor Johnsons lettei, 1 I think in October 1785, you told me
you relied on Steam for your first power, and wished me to promote your having some cylinders cast at
my brother's and my works; the attempt did not succeed."  Speaking of General Washington, the
Governor adds " But the General seems to have thought it an immatured idea that he did not imagine
you then relyed on" (viz. in November 1784.) These two last acknowledgements on the part of Mr
Rumsey, must destroy the facts alledged in the first, viz. that 4 He made progress in Steam-engines
in the fall and winter of 1784."  For the information given to General Washington in confidence
respecting the boat, was such that the General " Did not think he then relyed on Steam," which is fully
confirmed, by his making use of the General's certificate to the Assemblies, wherein the discovery is
treated as being " enhanced by its simplicity, and may be executed by the most common mechanic"
which surely no person would say of a Steam-engine.
His application to Governor Johnson for castings for a Steam-engine, is insinuated to have been in
October or November 1785, which I must deny, and refer to the Governor's own letter for the proof;
being confident that no such application had been made to that gentleman by Mr Rumsey, previous to
my obtaining the letter of Recommendation to Governor Smallwood, But even had it been true it goes
no further back than October or November 1785, which was the very time I was publishing my plan
through Pennsylvanis, Maryland and Virginia, and was near three months after the time I laid it before
Congress-And yet this attempt to have a cylinder cast, at Governor Johnson's works in October or
No-vember 1785, is the first essay towards bringing forward a Steam-engine, that is offered in proof,
admitting it to have been at the time Governor Johnson supposes, which I cannot allow for reasons I
shall presently offer in addition to what I have already said on this head. Then how are we to
reconcile the assertion of M' Rumsey's having made considerable progress in Steam-engines " in the fall
or winter of 1784,7 when it appears his first attempt (by this account) was not made until October or
November 1785 as mentioned by Governor Johnson's letter. I shall hereafter show to a demonstration,
beyond all possibility of doubt, that this same engine, said to have been completely made in Frederick
Town in December 1785, was not begun until March 1786. On comparing Governor Johnson's letter,
sent under my care to General Smallwood, dated November 25th, 1785, (a considerable time after I
first explained to him my model and acquainted him of my intentions of pursuing the scheme) with
his letter to Mr Rumsey, dated December the 18th. 1787, it must unavoidably call in question the
memory or candour of the writer, the latter I most certainly ought to acquit, and should have been
happy had I obtained the last explanation on this head, when I lately made a journey to his house;
expressly to procure it; possibly it may still be received. If Governor Johnson knew, and believed
the legal priority of Mr Rumsey's claim, to a Steam boat, and was entrusted with his secret, how was it
possible he could hav-e encouraged a man " of real genius and modesty i (as he was pleased to term me)
to proceed on an experiment, which terminate as it would, must inevitably end in loss and disappointment.
For should the experiment fail, which was then thought very doubtful, the small fund, which I should




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.                              611
raise by the sale of my maps, must likewise fail; for I was to expend it in Virginia as appears by
Governor Henry's certificate page 5. Should the experiment succeed to the utmost of my wishes, I
should suffer more severely, not in my money and time only, but in my reputation; and meet the
treatment of a man trespassing on the rights of a fellow citizen, who had a law in his favour. Had
Governor Johnson at the time he encouraged me, known the priority of claim to be fairly and justly
in Mr Rumsey, had he been then in possession of his secret, or had he believed any title vested in Mr
Rumsey, to the exclusive use of Steam, under the law of Maryland, so recently passed in his favor, the
Governor certainly would not have requested a gentleman of General Smallwood's rank to countenance
me, not only to trespass on the rights of MrRumsey, but to violate a law, which as Governor of the state
he was bound to support. Another circumstance corroborates my assertion of misrelation of facts, as
to time.
It will be recollected that Governor Johnson's letter recommending me so very minutely and warmly
to the patronage of Governor Smallwood, was dated 25th November 17S5. And in his letter to Mr.
Rumsey, the Governor says, " In October or November 1785, you told me you relied on Steam for
your first power and wished me to promote your having some castings at my brothers and my works~
the attempt did not succeed-I considered myself under an obligation to secrecy,'till in the progress of
making copper cylinders in Frederick Town, some time after, when I found that the designed purpose
of the cylinder was a subject of pretty general conversation."-Now the Governor's letter in my favour
was dated 25th. November 1785, and the whole machinery is sworn to have been compleated on the 1st
December following, only six days after the time of my getting this letter of recommendation —and
as the cylinder was a subject of "pretty general conversation,"  I could not have been kept in
ignorance by the Governor from his " Obligation to secrecy" because it was no longer a secret in
Frederick-town. The thing was impossible in its nature, that the cylinders and copper works should
have been making, and a subject of general conversation, in Frederick-town, on 25th day of
November 1785, the time I was obtaining my letter of introduction to Governor Smallwood, in that
very town; and must have heard it myself if Governor Johnson had been so disengenuous as to conceal
it from me; which is absurd to suppose; for I made my business publicly known in that town, and
therefore, if.Mr. Rumsey's cylinders were the subject of general conversation, I must have heard it
from every quarter; therefore it clearly follows, that the conversation about casting of the cylinders, the
obligation of secrecy, and the general conversation about the design of the cylinders in Frederick-town,
could not have happened in the year 1785.-If Mr. Rumsey had made Governor Johnson his confident
4 In October nor November 1785,") it is highly improbable that he would so far have deceived Mr.
Rumsey and me, as to encourage my pursuit of a similar nature, within so short a time as six days of
its being compleated.-And it is equally improbable that Mr. Rumsey should have communicated this
secret and requested his assistance in procuring castings immediately after my being with the Governor,
as there was not time for it-the engine being sworn as I have said to have been all compleated six days
after that visit-Then the following conclusion may be safely drawn, that Governor Johnson did at some
subsequent day (so long after as that he forgot the letter he had given me) offer to assist Mi;. Rumsey
with castings; which not succeeding, an application was made to coppersmiths in Frederick-town the
ensuing spring, who in the course of the summer 1786, delivered their work to Mr. Rumsey.-About
this time it was that the matter became a subject of " general conversation;"-and if winter stopped the
putting of the whole machinery into motion as was sworn to by Messrs. Barns and iMorrow, it was
the winter of 1786, which is long after my boat was built, and my model of a Steam-engine compleated.-Of this my readers will soon be fully convinced —and a further weighty proof is-that as
M1r. Rumsey professes his hurrying on his engine, was on account of my setting up pretensions, it cannot
be believed that he would suffer my petition to lay before the assembly of Maryland, and be reported




612                               EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
on in my favour about the 20th December 1785, nineteen days after he says his boat and engine were
finished-Mr. Foy the member from Frederick-town must have told the tale, and laid in a claim for his
countryman,-but I repeat it again, that I was in that very Frederick-town on my way to the Assembly
in the fall of 1785, every where publishing my scheme, and no Engine was began there during that
year, nor until March following, as will be fully shewn-but before I come to my proofs I wish to
confute him out of his own writings.
Let me pursue his explanation still furthers and ask, what could be the use of secresy in this business,
if Mr. Rumsey, as he alledges, was secured in the use of the invention by law? Could he expect any
countenance from the public, for a scheme wrapped up in secresy and which is confessed by
Governor Johnson to have remained so until after I had published my plan, both in Maryland and Virginia
-Mr. Rumsey and his confidential fiiends might have died, and then no advantage could have arisen
to the community; and until such advantage was publicly imparted, certainly nothing could be expected
from the public.
In page 16 he inserts part of a letter from General Washington in answer to his of the 10th. March
1785: "It gives me much pleasure to find by your letter, that you are not less sanguine in your boat
project, than when I saw you at Richmond, and that you have made such further discoveries as will
render them more extensively useful than was at first expected "-but still it is plain that the General
-only alluded to the setting pole plan, for in his answer to Governor Johnson (even after my petition
was before the Assembly of Maryland) he still thought that Mr. Rumsey had " No reliance on Steam"The General's saying that he thought Mr. Rumsey's idea of steam was " Immature" in November, 1784
(the time they were at Richmond) is a proof that Mr. Rumsey's "being not less sanguine" must have
alluded to his setting pole scheme because no man can be said to be sanguine in any thing of which
he has but'".in immatured idea;" and " Further discoveries" will not apply to Steam, because
Steam could be no new discovery, and was mentioned to the general at Richmond; nor is any thing
mentioned of Steam in the General's Letter; at least in the extract. It is reasonable to suppose, if
Steam had been the dependable discovery, it would have been treated on more largely, and have
produced a more pointed answer; the truth is, Mr. Rumsey placed no dependance on Steam, until
my plan came forward, and his own had failed; conscious of the weakness of his claim, and the
futility of his arguments to support it, he found that something more was necessary than merely an
"lmmatured idea"; therefore to add weight to his plea, he endeavours to establish himself under the
solemnity of oaths, and attempts to prove, that the machinery for his Steam-engine, was executed in
Baltimore and Frederick-town, so as to be compleated and put together on the 1st. of December 1785.
These solemn and. positive declarations are contained in the depositions of Charles Morrow and Joseph
Barns (No. 11 and 12 of his pamphlet) who are probably interested in the scheme, The reader will
please to examine these depositions; they are produced to support facts, which he is conscious ought to
have existed at the time they specify, otherwise his pretensions would consequently fall. These two
witnesses testify to absolute facts, and yet affix different periods of time for one and the same
transaction. Page 13. line 14. of Charles Morrow's deposition, he says "About the first of December
(1785) it appears to the said Charles that the whole of the machinery was ready to be fixed to the boat
which came down to the falls of Shanandoah for experiment; but the ice then commencing prevented
it for the winter:" and line 28 of the same deposition he says, " In the spring of 1786, the machinery
was put on the boat and the first trial made, said Charles being on board," Page 15, line 11 of Joseph
Barn's deposition he says, "In December (1785) it was (put on the boat).at Shanandoah falls,"
These different declarations or different times affixed, at which the machinery was put on the boat, of
themselves tend much to destroy the validity of their oaths, for the time the machinery was put on
board, must have been a fact, so notorious, that it could not admit of mistake, in a mind properly




EARLI STEAM NAVIGATION.                              61X
impressed with the importance of an oath. In page 10 &   11 William Askew swears that Mr.
Rumsey's machinery will not weigh more than eight hundred pounds, and that he is well convinced
that it may be made for ~20. It is a well known fact that of Mr. Rumsey's machinery, the greatest
part, must consist of copper, or Brass such as cylinders, tubes, cocks and valves, together with curious
wrought iron; niow 800 pounds (were it all made of Iron) could not cost less than double the sum. As
this evidence is not brought to prove anything about Mr. Rumsey's priority it is of no importance, and
the-absurdity it contains might have been spared. Whether his machine or my machine are best, is
nothing to the purpose;$ I have been daily altering, and never watched his motions and blunders, as it
is evident he did mine. He it seems made a secret of his doings, whilst mine were open to all the
world.
It is proper I should not pass over this part of my work, without acknowledging, that I have been
greatly indebted to the assistance of my ingenious friend Mr. Henry Voight of this city: who has
uniformly, from my first undertaking to build a boat, afforded me valuable hints; and has united with
me in perfecting my plans. To his inventive genius alone, I am indebted for the improvement in our
mode of creating steam; a thought which struck him above two years ago, the drawing having been shewn
to several persons; for we never made a secret of any part of our works; but a fear of departing from
old established plans, made me fearful of adopting;it, until I had found by his invention of creating
steam, that a condenser might be constructed on the same principles (viz a spiral pipe or worm) only by
reversing the agent, for the best way of applying fire to evaporate water into steam, must also be the
best way of applying cold water to condense steam, that is the bringing the greatest quantity of fire into
action upon the greatest surface of water-or the contrary-And we had an additional inducement to
study this subject bacause the common way of fixing boilers, required so great a load of brick work,
that it over-loaded our boat. Therefore, the first thought that must occur to every man, attempting
to raise steam on board a boat, must be to acquire that method which would require the least weight.
Since Mr. Rumsey has been in town I have been told, that he says I have got his mode of creating steam:;
whether that be the case or not (or whether he has got mine) I do not at present know. But as both Mr.
Rumsey and Mir. Voight laid their drawings and plans before the Philosophical Society the same day, it
will appear how far they are alike. And Mr. Voight made a prior entry of his plans in the Prothonotary's office, in this city. If there should happen to be any similarity between them, it would be
nothing surprising; having the same load on both their min(ls, they both sought relief; and, as sick
persons, lacking a doctor, chance might have led them to the same man; and I had an undoubted right
to apply every medicine that suited the disorder-but I will proceed with the pamphlet.In page 17, Henry Bedinger says, that Mr. James Rumsey informed him in or before the month of
March 1784, that he intended to give a trial to a steam-boat, and he believes he mentioned such
intention of Mr. Rumnsey's in Kentucky; which seems to have been a breach of honour, as it must be
supposed Mr. Rumnsey gave it to him in confidence; for he treated his idea of Steam as a secret to
Governor Johnsoin long after; thus on the disclosure of this friend, Mr'. Rumsey builds a charge againstme as having filched his scheme in Kentucky; this like his other charges is founded in falsehood for it
is a well known fact, that I have not been in Kentuckey since the year 1781. The depositions of George
Rootes, No. 8, and Nicholas Orrick, No. 10, testifying to his having informed them, in the year 1784,
of his projecting a steam boat is quite useless for reasons already given.'Messrs Henry and Paine
projected it before him; and if bare projection was sufficient to build a claim on, I have no doubt
but there are people now in their graves, whose heirs might set up more early claims than either of us.
If Mr. Rumsey was in 1784, projecting a boat to work by steam, with a view of carrying it into actual
execution, why did he not apply for the use of steam in his laws? the reason is plain-General
Washington gives it for him, " it was an immatured idea and on which he thought he did not rely." I




614                               EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
must therefore contend that these depositions, lose their weight, and the whole of his conduct proves to
a demonstration, that he could not have been engaged in making steam engines at the time mentioned
by those witnesses, with a view of applying them to his boat. In page 20, No. 18, he inserts a
paragraph of a letter said to have been written by a Mr. Daniel Buckley, near Philadelphia, by which he
fixes the time of his applying himself to the "perfecting his steam engine with much ardour." In part of
said inserted extract, speaking of me he stiles me, ".3 JA. Fitclh of Philadelphia;" now his letter, if
the facts it recites are true, must have been written after the 17th. of April 1786, and not in 1785, as
insinuated by Mru Pumsey, for I was not an inhabitant of Philadelphia until after that period; nor did
I ever hear that Mr Rumsey was eimployed in making a -steam boat until long after that time; consequently I could not have used any expressions about it until April 1786. This is a very important part
of the prevarication, and carrying the air of great plausibility, I must beg my Reader's close attention
to it, as I shall prove it to be false. Page 3, he says, "I wrote to General Washington the 10th. March
1785, that I intended applying both powers (meaning steam  as one) to build a boat after the model of
one he saw, at Bath, &c. and as I could gain truth only by successive experiments, incredible delays were
produced, &c. I bore the pelting of ignorance and ill-nature with all resignation, until I was informed
some dark assassins had endeavoured to wound the reputation of his Excellency, and the other gentlemen,
who saw my exhibition at Bath, for giving me a certificate. The reflections upon these worthy gentlemen
gave me inexpressible uneasiness, and I should certainly have quitted my steam engines, though in great
forwardness, and have produced the boat, for which I had obtained the certficate, for their justification
and my own, had not a M I' Fitch came out at this critical minute, with his steam-boat, asserting that he was
the first inventor of steam, and that I had gotten what small knowledge I had from him, &c.:) Now
this embarrassment being confessedly subsequent to the letter to General Washington, just mentioned,
viz. 10th. March, 1785. The letter asserted to have been written by Mr Buckley is incontrovertibly
fixed between this date and the 1st. of December following, the time sworn to for compleating of the
steam engine; therefore as Mr Rumsey quitted his setting pole scheme and " pursued the perfecting his
steam engine with increased ardor (page 3) on the receipt of this letter; it becomes of moment to ascertain
its exact date; and I shall show that this letter which set Messrs. Rumsey and Barns to work in such haste
and with such 4( increased ardor" was not written until near a year after the time it is pretended, and the
copper works said to have been made in 1785, were not begun until 1786-so that this machinery
completed so briskly and sworn to have been on board in December 1785 has made a jump of just
twelve months, in order to persuade the public into a belief that Mr Rurnsey's works were begun time
enough to supplant mine.-" At that critical minute" says he 1" Came out a Mr Fitch asserting I had
got what small knowledge, I had from him"-At what critical minute I ask?  Mr Rumsey's third page
will tell us-In March 1785 he informed General Washington by letter that he intended applying steam
to boats; in December following, Messrs Barns and Morrow swear the boat was ready; and his
exhibiting this boat, he confesses was hurried on by the intelligence received from Mr Buckley; consequently this work and this "L Encreased ardor" was subsequent to the date of the letter from Mr Buckley.
Then if I can fix the time of Mr Buckley's writing the letter, I shall establish a certain fixed period at
which Mr Rumsey acknowledges his works were not on board his boat. And I felicitate myself in
being able to do it so incontestibly as to prove from his own writings that he has given false dates and
assigned false reasons for his movements.  He knew at the time of inserting that quibbling account,
that it would not bear the light, and therefore did not dare to give the date of MI Buckley's Letter,
wrote at that "Critical minute," for Ml Buckley's letter would have shown this "Critical minute" was not
in 1785, when they swear the steam-boat was ready, but in the summer of 1786, full twelve months
after I had made my plans public, and was procuring patterns for my present cylinder, and had made




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.                              615
a complete model of a steam-engine in brass and iron.-I have been at the pains of walking 66 miles to
Pequa and Lancaster to see Mr Buckley, that I might obtain an additional proof (to the many others
I shall produce) that Mr Rumsey has transposed the order of time and antedated facts.  Mr Buckley
frankly told me all he knew of the matter and fixed the time of writing his letter, so circumstantially,
to have been in 1786, and not in 1785, that not a doubt can remain-and it will further appear from the
certificate he has given me that the colouring as to fact, as well as to date, has been grossly disingenuous,
as will be seen on comparing his certificate, No. 18, with the following:
No. 11.
This may certify that the paragraph that Mr James Rumsey has copied from my letter, which he
applies to the injury of Mr John Fitch's character, was not told to me by Mr Fitch, but by other
persons, who for reasons were convinced of his priority of invention. And as to the time of writing
the letter it was when JIrf Samuel Brigs was making patterns for Mr Fitches castings. As witness
my hand this twelfth day of May, 1788.                             DANIEL BUCKLEY.
On my return to Philadelphia I applied to Mr. Brigs in order to ascertain the Time of his making my
patterns, and he freely gave me the following certificate:
No. 12.
This may certify whom it may concern, that in the summer of 1786, I performed some turning work
for John Fitch, being patterns for castings for his steam boat, and before that, time I made no work for
the said John Fitch; That I am acquainted with Daniel Buckley and saw him at my shop during
that summer and at sundry times since, and we have frequently conversed about James Rumsey, but
the particulars of any conversation with him I do not recollect.
SAMUEL BRIGGS.
Affirmed the 15th. May 1788. that the foregoing is just and true, before
PLUNKT. FLEESON.
Thus, independant of all other proofs. have I brought a conclusive evidence out of Mr. Rumsey's own
writings and from his own testimonies, that the steam machinery, sworn to have been board in December,
1785, could not have been ready until December 1786; and here I might safely rest my defence, and
very properly quote'Mr. Rumsey's own words (annexed to the certificate No. 18.) viz "Should he
incline to assert hereafter, what credit he will deserve, has been so clearly proved, that future
impositions mnay be avoided, and those who spread a slander they do not believe, deserve the contempt of
all honest men.)
But I will proceed and must not omit remarking, that this third page of his work is very fatal to him.
He says " I should certainly have quitted my steam engines (engines only in idea) though in great
forwardness, and have produced the boat for which 1 had obtained the certificate, &c. had not a Mr.
Fitch come out at this critical minute with his steam-boat, &c."  And further adds;" Had I exhibited
my first boat it would have been construed into an acknowledgement of Mr. Fitch's assertion, by
producing a boat with which steam had nothing to do; these considerations compelled me to pursue the
perfecting my steam engines with increased ardor."  Thus I have a proof from himself, that the certificates
from General Washington, &c. (which procured his laws in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania) had
no reference to steam  consequently my laws for the exclusive use of steam applied to boats, cannot
interfere either with his laws, or his expectations at the time of asking'for them. I applied to the
several legislatures openly and unguardedly without friends and without patrons; and from the pure
merit of my pretensions, met with success, without a whisper being breathed, that I was interfering




616                               EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
wiitlh Mr. Rumsey. I am confident that he never conceived me to be a rival in navigating boats, until he
found his own plan hopeless and inme likely to succeed.
In his third page he says, " I wrote to General Washington 10th March 1785, that I intended applying
both powers to a boat built after the model of the one he saw at Bath; but the disadvantages before
merintioied still remained and as I could gain truth only by successive experiments, incredible delays were
produced-and though my distresses were greatly increased thereby, &c."-It is truly amazing that
though he had long before this letter, been making progress in Steam engines, and gaining truth by
successive experiments, and incredible delays, insomuch that at the time of his proposing to get cylinders
cast at Governor Johnson's works in October 1785, he had the principal part of his work untouched; I
say it is amazing, that these incredible delays should all vanish as in an instant, and that between the time
of his failing at Governor Johnson's works in October or November 1785, and the first of December
following, he should have completed his whole machinery, ready to be put on board.-A Steam-engine
is a complex piece of work, and: his subsequent transactions show that he found it so; for it has taken
him from the summer of 1786 (when he removed his works from Frederick-town) to the winter of
1787 to make them ready for a fair experiment. No person therefore can be brought to believe, that
his first machinery could have been conjured together in little more than 30 days.-No such thing
happened -I have already sufficient proof to the contrary, and have no doubt but a multitude of
corroborating witnesses will voluntarily offer themselves, when this pamphlet gets down to Fredericktown and Shepherds town where I shall take some pains to have it circulated. It is truth alone I am in
search of, in order to wipe off the imputation from my own character; for as to stability of title to my
exclusive rights, I shall not cast away an anxious thought about it.-I am secured by my laws -and
my' coadjuto'rs)' as Mrr. Rnmsey is please'd to term them, I am sure have no sort of apprehension about
the monies they have risqued; and only wish that I should remove any aspersions that may be unjustly
cast upon- me-Thus far it may be said they have an interest in my success, because a law in my favour
in Maryland is yet depending.
I mlust not yet quit the subject of Mr. Buckley's letter in his third page, from whence it is plainly to
be gathered, that subsequent to his letter of 10th March 1785, to General Washington he meant to tell the
world he was busily employed in private experiments on Steam Engines, and that although his first
setting pole boat "4 Bore the pelting of ignorance and ill nature," yet he (lid not set about making
a Steam-engine, for this boat, until (as he calls it) the critical moment when a Mr. Fitch with his
Steam-engine came out, asserting that he was the first inventor of Steam, and that " I had gotten what
small knowledge I had from him." —Now as all his experiments were privately conducted, and he does
not pretend to have begun his boat engine, until Mr. Buckley had sent notice that I charged him with
stealing knowledge from me; I would ask any man where I was to obtain the grounds for my charge 1
it could not be until I had begun my own engine, and made it every where public-then it follows
that my pretended complaint against him must have been subsequent to my own works and prior to the
beginning of his works for his boat in JNovember (as he calls it) which from his own statement has
laid a fair and just foundation for my claim of public priority, for private priority is out of the question,
as Mr. Henry, Mr. Ellicott and Mr. Paine are before us both.
Nay even after the real Steam-engine for his boat was actually begun, we find it kept as the most
profound secret, and from Charles Morrow's deposition it is declared, the boat came to Sheperds-town
early in the fall of 1785; that Mr. Barns went to Baltimore shortly after to have some machinery cast;
and on his return from Baltimore was sent to Frederick-town in order to have some other things made
(which could not consistently with Governor Johnson's letter be earlier than the beginning of November)
and about the middle of November they were all finished viz. a boiler, two cyliniders, pumps, pipes,




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.                              617
Bc.-T confess this is very brisk work for a -country town-more than ever I could get in the city of
Philadelphia.
At Baltimore four large cocks were bespoke by Mr. Barns and the brass founder was told they were
for the warm springs of Virginia as will presently appear; Governor Johnson was entrusted with the
scheme in confidence, and copper-works were carried on in Frederick-town with great secresyinasmuch that a citizen hearing it rumoured that they were for a Steam-engine, applied to see them, but
was refused (as will be shown) and the matter still remained a secret until, as Governor Johnson says,
c( The designed purpose of the cylinder was a subject of pretty general conversation in Frederick-town "
-Then during this interval of privacy, surely any man that should have conceived the same idea and
brought it forward to public view, ought to be entitled to the right and advantages of the discoveryfor all these confidential persons, as I have already said, might have died and the world have lost the
benefit-Let me consider the danger of admitting this new doctrine of claims-A man makes a valuable
discovery-he pursues it at a great expense and publishes it to the world - a set of men combining
together shall afterwards come forth, swear for each other, that they had been making the same kind
of engine, many months before, and bring proofs from respectable characters, that they had hinted at the
practicability of such a scheme, even before their private experiments. Will any man of the least
particle of understanding allow, that this private workl shall be admitted to contain sufficient evidence
to overset the public works of a fair and open artist? Surely not-If it was once allowed, men would
not be wanting to swear away from the real inventor, the most valuable discoveries in the world. All
they would desire from the public claimant would be, for him to fix the earliest date to his discovery,
and if it was 20 or even 50 years back they would prove that they themselves, their fathers or
grandfathers, or some distant friend, had communicated it many years before.-There is no end to this
kind of proof; and both reason and law unite in defending the first public discoverer.-It would be
dangerous in the highest degree to deviate from this rule.-If Mr Rumsey did really and in good faith
and conscience intend to carry into execution, the secret he communicated to General Washington, I
can only say he was unlucky in delaying it so long, as to let me, with my subsequent discoveries, come
forward before him; what I did was public-it was notorious to all Virginia and Maryland and not a
murmur was raised against me, not a syllable uttered (that ever I heard) charging me with interfering
with Mr Rumsey.-The Assemblies of Virginia and Maryland encouraged my scheme, and nobody told
me I should interfere with him.-My petitions laid long before the Assembly of Virginia, and a law
was ultimately passed in my favour, without objection or complaint. Mr Rumsey has insinuated that I
got my first thought from Captain Bedinger in Kentucky, who went there in 1784 —nay he goes so far
in one place, as to say, he "Was told so" and in another that "-Circumstances leave little room to
doubt it."  I have already declared that I have not been in Kentucky since the year 1781  t thus falls
to the ground this part of his "'Plagiarism" allegations-But I will suggest to him, that it is much
more probable, that all his determinations of beginning his Steam-engine, might have come to him in a
much straighter line, than from Kentucky to me. Captain Bedinger is so uncertain about the matter
of his ever having mentioned steam in Kentucky, that he only says, coldly, that he;; believes' he also
mentioned " that it worked by steam."  I will remind Mr. Rumsey, that I not only believe that I
presented my plan to Congress, before the time he pretends to have spoken to Governor Johnson about
getting cylinders for him, and before his copper works were bespoke, but the files of Congress will
prove that in August 1785, I laid my plan before them; and nobody will suppose it was a very indirect
road from Congress to each of the United States. A very few days after my plan was laid before them,
Mr Rumsey might have been furnished with a copy of it; and if any member of Congress should
know of such a transaction (certainly very innocent in itself) he will confer a great obligation on me by
communicating it.-But in Philadelphia it was public before it went to Congress, and long before Mlyr
VOL. II.                                 78




618                               EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
Rumseyes orders went to Frederick-Town or Baltimore. I have a fair right to suppose all these thingS9
and Mr Rumsey's giving me no opposition in my application for exclusive laws, and even permitting his
law to expire in Pennsylvania, without trying to derive any benefit from it, amount to positive proof
that he had no serious thoughts about applying steam until it was too late.-I promise him I shall not be so
dilatory in exhibiting my boats in Virginia conformably to my law. I trust to the goodness of my cause
and the honor and generosity of my country,-and that I not only have a substantial right by exclusive
laws, but by justice and equity.
The affidavits from William Askew, No. 6, and Henry Bedinger, No. 7, to prove that Mr Rumsey's
boat is much superior to mine, is acknowledging on the part of M'I Rumsey, that his pretensions to the
invention are but weekly founded. However faulty my works might be, and however perfect his own,
it would have no force in the determination of our title to the invention; but argues a wish in him to
gain an advantage on principles different from those on which our dispute must be ultimately
decided in the opinion of the world.-But even this position of Mri Rumsey's I will not allow; for on
a comparison of the velocity and bulk of both boats and the force applied it is evident that mine
exceeded in the proportion of more than two to one. I had a bulk of water to remove equal to above
12 tons, whilst he had to contend with no more than 3 tons, if I am rightly informed; and our cylinders
or (moving powers) were nearly, if not quite, equal; yet my boat was urged forward with nearly the
same;velocity of his boat;-therefore his mode hath hitherto no superiority. As to his drawing water
in at the bottom, and pushing it out at the stern of a vessel, it is no new invention, but was long before
presented to the Philosophical Society at Philadelphia. The thought came originally from France, of
which I was acquainted before he bespoke any of his works for steam, and contended the right of using
it with Mr Arthur Donaldson, in the beginning of 1786, before the Assembly of Pensylvania, as he
attempted at that time, to assume the discovery to himself.
No. 13.
I well remember when Mr Arthur Donaldson proposed before the Committee of Assembly, a method
of navigating boats by a stream of water forced through by means of a steam engine; that you appeared
to be acquainted with the principle, which was said to be originally Dr Franklin's, and that you then
declared it had been your intention to have made an experiment upon it.
M' John Fitch                                                        EO. CLYMER.May 17, 1788.
In spite of all opposition I was left in full possession of that or any other way I chose, provided 1
worked by steam, and no man can take it from me until my laws expire. I conceive we have by no
means come to the greatest perfection of applying our power. I am now trying an experiment, and the
machine is nearly finished, to propel a boat not by expelling zater, but ailr, and hope Mr Rumsey will
allow that this is a mode peculiar to myself; but if he pleases he will deny it and assert that he had
privately tried some experiments to ascertain its practicability-I further hope that the publick will
make great allowances for my not being more forward in my plans, especially when they consider the
great difficulty of procuring proper workmen, together with the new and unexplored grounds that I had
to travel over, but hope shortly that I shall have it so perfect as to give full satisfaction of its utility.
In page 5, he asserts, that my boat will not be propelled at the rate of more than three miles an hour
when no tide opposes; this assertion, I believe, will shortly be proved both rash and envious; I can
make her go not only three but three times three.
But as I have before mentioned, this is taking up the dispute upon (diffrent principles, than those
MIr Rumsey found necessary to hold up to public view,viz. That he was the inventor of the steam boat
This leads me to consider the principles on which exclusive privileges are founded, agreeably tc




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.                              619
justice and policy. If we have recourse to the enlightened nations of Europe, and more especially to
England, whose laws respecting the title to property are (with little and in some cases with no variation)
in force amongst us, we shall find that their laws imply that no species of property ought to be held
more sacred than the property of inventions; for having their origin in the imagination of man, uncertain
in their operations, and expensively perplexing in experiment, it becomes necessary to have some mode
established to secure to the owner the full benefit of his invention, which might otherwise prove his
ruin. To prevent which, justice and good policy have pointed out a remedy, and custom has established
it on a permanent basis.-The inventor can claim no benefit from his thoughts or inventions, before he
makes a public declaration of such invention in some placne of record established for such purposes,that is-he who invented and published a Steam-engine will have an exclusive right for a certain
number of years for all steam engines; at the expiration of which, each improver has an undoubted
right to the benefit of any improvement.  On these principles he who first invented and published the
idea of a steam-boat, invests himself with a fair and just title to all steam-boats for a certain time, which
in justice and policy government is bound to support.-The state of Pensylvania hath given her
sentiments on this head, and hath declared such to have been her explanation of the title to inventions by
rejecting Mr Arthur Donaldson's petition to have me confineql to a certain mode of applying my power.
It was not the mode of using theforce of steam which had any merit in this invention; but it was the idea
of connecting steam withy navigation, that justly claimed the public patronage as soon as that idea was
made public, and the benefit of it applied for.
I shall now introduce the proofs I have promised, and show to the world what degree of credit and
countenance ought to be given to a man, who in order to deprive me of my just rights, has brought
forward evidences to swear to facts which are totally false-You will see that transactions are ante dated
and a deception intended, with a view both of disgracing and robbing me-Confident that gross
misrepresentations had been made use of, I was at the expense and trouble of two journeys to
Frederick-town in Maryland, the scene of his operations, and there I was soon confirmed in my
suspicions that this plausible pamphlet was built on a falsehood, and that the patrons whom Mr Rumsey's
address has procured him in this city, have committed themselves too unreservedly to a stranger. I now
find the reason of his so long delaying to put in his claim-it was that a period might elapse sufficient
for memory to be uncertain, and for facts to be transposed in the order of time; the death of one of his
principal workmen also rendered it probable that some of his pretended proofs might be difficult to
detect. A love of justice has induced a number of persons to step forward and testify in the most
unequivocal manner that. the works sworn by Mr Rumseyes evidences to have been finished the first
December, 1785, were not begun until March following, when he must have been very fully possessed
of a knowledge of my pretensions.
The ten following certificates will fully prove the antedating.
No. 14.
The affidavit of Frederick Tombough, Smith and partner of Mr Zimmer, the Copper-smith of FrederickTown who made the copper work for Mr Rumsey's steam-boat.
Maryland, Frederick County, April 18th. 1788. Then appeared before the subscriber, a justice for
said state, & county, Frederick Tombough aged about thirty-nine years, who being sworn on the holy
Evangelists of Almighty God, deposeth and sayeth, that some time in March 1786, he, this deponent was
in partnership with Mathias Zimmers, now deceased, in a blacksmith's shop, adjoining said Zimmers'
coppersmith shop-and that he remembers two copper pipes being brought into his shop by said
Zimmers to fit the seams-which pipes he was told were for Mr Rumsey's Steam boat-and further that
he knew of no work being done in Mr Zimmers' shop on account of said boat previous to the time
above mentioned.                               Sworn before           GEORGE SCOTT.




620                               EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
No. 15.
The certificate of Mrs Zimmers, widow of Mr Zimmers, which is corroborated, and the time
established, by the next certificate:
This may certify, that I the subscriber, wife to the late Mathias Zimmers, deceased, have no accounts
in my books so as to ascertain the time of Mr Rumseys bespeaking his machinery for his Steamboat, or
as to the time of his taking it away-but that Michael Baltzel turned works to finish the first machinery
said Rumsey had of my husband according to the best of my knowledge.-As witness my hand, this
29th, April 1788.                                               ELIZABETH ZIMMERS.
No~ 16.
The certificate of Michael Baltzel, Turner, which establishes the time of Mrs Zimmers' fact.
Frederick-town, 17th. Alpril, 1788.
This may certify that I the subscriber turned works for Mr James Rumsey of Virginia, for his Steam
boat viz. a round piece of wood about eight inches diameter and about four feet long, &c. to round his
copper works upon-said turning was done in March 1786. As witness my hand
MICHAEL BALTZEL.
No. 17.
The certificate of Mr Jonathan Morris, inn-keeper, which confirms the assertion of Governor Johnson's
letter, that the " Designed purpose of the cylinders was a subject of pretty general conversation 5 in
Frederick-town, and therefore had it been prior to my petition to the assembly of Maryland the middle of
December, 1785, Mr' Foy, the member of assembly resident in that town must have known it, and the
house have received information from him, when probably they might have assigned other reasons for
rejecting my petition than mere bareness of finances. If all the machinery was ready to put on board,
as Mr Morrow swears, on the first December, it'must have been a fact'notorious to the whole town; but
the following declaration shows that so far from being on board in December, 1785, it was shut up as a
secret even so late as the latter end of March following; so that this " pretty general conversation,'S
which Governor Johnson speaks of, could not have happened until about this time, and all the evidences
I produce confirm my assertion, that Mr Rumsey did not begin his steam-engine, until I had published
my plan all through Maryland and Virginia.-The certificate is as follows:
Frederick-town, 18th..April 1788.
This may certify that I the subscriber was towards the latter end of March 17S6, informed that Mr.
Matthias Zimmers had begun some machinery for Mr. Rumsey's Steam-boat. Accordingly I called on
Mr. Zimmers to see it, but was refused the sight of it, as it was then retained as Mr Rumsey's secretbut was informed that it was begun in the beginning of the same month, this I declare to be the truth as
near as I can recollect-As witness my hand.                        JONATHAN MORRIS.
No. 18.
The deposition of John Peters, who performed such parts of Mr. Rumseys machinery as were
made of tin.
Fredericl C ounty, Maryland, April 1Sth. 1788.
I the subscriber was a journeyman and worked for M'. Matthias Zimmers-and began to work in the
tin business, at the same time Mr. Zimmers did begin the copper works for Mr. James Rulnsey, of
Virginia, for his Steamboat, which said coppers and tin works were begun in March, in the year 1786.
JOHN PETERS.
Sworn before me, JACOB YOUNG, one of the justices for Frederick county, Maryland.




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATIONo                             621
No. 19.
The deposition of John Frymiller who was apprentice to Mr. Zimmers at the time he made the
copper works for the steam engine, shewing not only that the works were begun and finished in a shop
next to Mr Tombough; but that no part of said machinery was begun before the spring, 1786.
State of Maryland, Baltimore County.
On this twenty-sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty
eight, before me the subscriber one of the justices of the peace for the county aforesaid, personally
appeared John Frymiller of Baltimore town in said county, and made oath on the holy Evangelists of
Almighty God, that during the time he was an apprentice to the late Mr. Matthias Zimmers of
Frederick-town, in Frederick county, and state aforesaid, deceased, when he the said Matthias
Zimmers made Mr. James Rumseyes machinery for the Steam-boat-That he, this deponent, did work
at the said James Rumsey's machinery-That it was begun in the spring of the year 1786, and that no
part of said machinery was begun before the time above mentioned by the said Zimmers, to the best
of his knowledge-and further that the said machinery was begun and finished in a shop adjoining
Frederick Tombough's smith-shop (which said Tombough was, as the deponent has been informed, in
partnership in the smith's business at said time with said Zimmers) in which said Matthias Zimmers had
his copper-smith's fires for brazing &c. and further this deponent saith not.
Sworn before me          JOHN MOALE.
The following certificate proves that Mr. Rumsey's machinery was made by Mr. Zimmers, in
Frederick Town in the spring of 1786, their being but two Copper-smiths in Frederick Town, viz.
Messrs. Matthias Zimmers and Joshua Minshall, the certifier.
No. 20.
This may certify, that I the subscriber, copper-smith have resided in this town about three years,
during'which time there has no copper-smiths resided in the town except Mr. Matthias Zimmers and
myself and that I was knowing to Mr. Zimmers making copper works for Mr. Rumsey's Steam boat,
and am of opinion it was late in the spring or summer before said Rumsey took said works from Mr.
Zimmers in the year 1786. As witness my hand, 29th. April 1788, at Frederick-town, Maryland.
JOSHUA MINSHALL.
The foregoing testimonies I presume, will carry full conviction that Mr. Rumsey has shifted his dates,
and has got two of his workmen to swear to it-for Messrs. Barns and Morrow, if they had consulted
their accounts, must have found that they had made a lapse of a whole year at least, and that the
December, 1785, which they speak of must have been December, 1786.-The circumstance of being
stopped by the ice proves it to have been in the winter, and therefore must inevitably have been in the
winter of 1786. But this was too late a date to serve their purpose of supplanting my claims and
just rights, which I mean to maintain under the laws I have already obtained and have no doubt of
succeeding in my applications to the other assemblies when they come to see my proofs and Mr.
Rumsey's false datings. He has mentioned the obtaining part of his works from Baltimore, where I can
also shew he has used the same want of candor, and it will confirm the proofs from Frederick Town.
It appears the four large cocks for his steam pipes and works, were bespoke of Christopher Raborg,
in Baltimore, by Mr. Barns, who the better to conceal the " designed purpose of the cylinders," told him
they were for the warm springs in Virginia,-perhaps a little mental reservation might cover this deviation
from fact.-But Mr. Raborg had no account thereof an(l could not give the time with precision-though
he believes they were made in the fall of 1785;-the certificates, N~. 20 and 21, which follow, prove
that the time was certainly in the spring of 1786. As these certificates appear to refer only to cocks




622                              EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
made for the warm springs, I had considerable doubts about admitting them into my defence; because
Mi. Rurnsey on finding that I proved them to be made in March, 1786, might (if he pleased) adhere to
Mr. Barn's declaration of their being made for the warm springs and not for the steamboat: But I am
now happy in having a confirmation under Mr. Rumsey's own hand, published in Mr. Oswald's paper of
the tenth instant, where he informs the public, " Mr. Raborg was the person who undertook to make
cocks for my steam boat, and by him I shall prove that they were finished at the time he mentioned to
Mr. Fitch, viz. the fall of 1785."
Christopher Raborg's certificate is as follows:
No. 21.
This may certify, that Mr. Joseph Barnes did bespeak of me four brass cocks, which he said were for
the warm springs;-that being disappointed by my journeyman, I got them made by Mr. Charles Weir
& Co.-said cocks I do believe were made in the fall of 1785, but have no charge made of them to
ascertain the time with precision-this I assert, as witness my hand, at Baltimore this 26th day of April
1788.                                                              CHRIST. RABORG.
N~. 22.
The certificate of Charles Wier, who speaks with tolerable certainty of the works being made in the
spring of 1786.
This may certify, that when I was in partnership with Isaac Causten, I made four brass cocks for Mr.
Christopher Raborg, for which I received the Money and charged myself with it-that my books are
destroyed and I cannot exactly recollect the time of their being made, but am persuaded it was early
in the spring in the year 1786 - this further may certify, that I never made the exact number of four
cocks for said Raborg, except only that one time. As witness my hand, at Baltimore, 26th. day of
April 1788.                                                          CHARLES WIER.
No. 23.
The certificate of Isaac Causten, who ascertains upon good grounds that the said work was done
and charged on the 29th March 1786.
This may certify, that I the subscriber with my partner Charles Wier, made four brass cocks for Mr.
Christopher Raborg, and charged them on the partnership account-said book has since been destroyed,
but from some loose papers I found charged to Mr. Raborg on the company's account, on the 29th
March 1786, four brass cocks, which with other accounts I have drawn out into my day book. Neither
have I made the exact number of four cocks for him at any other time. In witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand this 26th. day of April 1788.                  ISAAC CAUSTEN.
The reader will doubtless, on an examination of two pamphlets perceive things in their true light,
and that Mt. Rumsey made no pretence to use steam till after the failure of his boat on the principles
exhibited at Bath, after I had invested myself with an undoubted title by exhibiting the invention to
Congress in August, 1785, and had published it to the states of Virginia and Maryland, who became
virtually bound to secure me the right. M. Rumsey prosecuting his works in secret, and appearing at
this late day with antedated facts is a full proof that he had no claim to the invention, nor is there any
one principle of law or equity, on which he can found his pretensions. If he claims it on his thought
Mr. Paine, Mr. Henry and Mr. Andrew Ellicott are long before him; if on forming drafts without
communicating them to the public, he must acknowledge M1r. Henry's priority; but if it is to be
decided, as it certainly must, by the established mode of public declaration on record, my title is
indisputable.  Being, therefore, certain of the stability of my claim, founded on the modes established




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.                             623
in justice and policy, I have not a doubt but my country will secure and protect the right she has so
deliberately granted to me. - Under this security I embarked my time, my fortune, and reputation, and
thus embarked, I am certain I have nothing to fear; but shall depend with full confidence on a
continuance of that justice which is due to the rights of the citizen, and the honor of my country.
Philadelphia, 10th. May, 1788.                                        JOHN FITCH.
MS. JVote. —Philadelphia December 12th. 88.
N. B. the publication of James Rumsey alluded to in my preface, is not annexed as it is expected his
friends will send them forward. I am preparing a full confutation, as I believe, to the pretensions of
said Rumsey to the steam-boat, or boiler, which will shortly be published, until when I apprehend
nothing will be done by any legislature to my prejudice.                     Jn~: Fitch.
POSTSCRIPT.
Since this Pamphlet went to press a second edition of Mr. Rumsey's has been printed in this city, in
which a short advertisement is prefixed and an extract of his own letter to General Washington which
are as follow:
ALD VERTISE.MENT.
The following pages are taken from a pamphlet published in Virginia, to prove the author's prior right
of applying steam, to propel boats, &c. as well as to establish the principles on which he has done it, a
few copies were then thought sufficient for that purpose, but as Mr Fitch intends to answer the
pamphlet, it is therefore necessary to republish as much of it as respects Mr Fitch, which is done with
no other variation, from the original, than to correct a few of the omissions and mistakes that were
introduced into the first publication, from the hurry in which it was done, (as the author at the time
could not attend the press) and was circulated with an apology annexed to the postscript, for the
imperfection of the impressions; of these corrections, perhaps Mr Fitch may take some notice, if he
should, such part of the old pamphlet shall be reprinted (verbatim) to convince the Public that the subject
has not been varied; but a little better explained. The sophistry in Mr Fitches reply (should it contain
what he informs me it does) is evidently calculated to make impressions, unfavourable of me, on the
Public mind, and to wound the reputation of several respectable characters, I must therefore beg the
Public's indulgence, to suspend their opinion for a few weeks, when I shall have it in my power to lay
before them such additional statement of facts, supported by such respectable testimony, as will incontestibly prove the unjustifiable steps Mr Fitch has taken, to deprive the author of his discoveries, and to
injure the reputation of sundry gentlemen.
N~. 19 is added to this publication; it is part of a letter wrote by the editor to his excellency General
Washington, dated the 10th. of March 1785, which will show that the editor had fixed on'a method of
applying steam to propel a boat before M1l Fitch knew (from his own account of the matter) that steam
had ever been made use of for any purpose whatever; how then is it possible he should have the prior
right to this discovery? if it is asked who made the most promising experiment? it would be found that
my experiments two years since exceed the best he has ever made; must I then be deprived of my
discoveries, which are substantial, because I endeavored to keep them secret until perfected? justice will
never suffer it, I therefore with the greatest confidence look up to my countrymen for their support
according to the merits of my cause, and have the honor of subscribing myself their
most devoted humble servant
Philadelphia, May 7, 1788.                                        JAMES RUMSEY.




624-:ARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
As to his advertisement I have fully proved that he made no experiment on his boat with Steam
two years ago, his machinery being at that time in Frederick-town-And his boat so far exceeding mine
will also appear a wrong assertion as the greatest distance he pretends to have propelled his small boat
per hour is four miles, and that appears to be mere ideal estimation. In my boat, by the same force
applied, I let out three miles and a quarter per hour by the log line. This is departing from the merits
of the dispute, but to convince the public of his assertion on this head being absurd, I shall introduce
certificates No. 24, 25, 26. As to his request of suspending the public opinion, I rest my cause on
solid and fair conclusions drawn from his pamphlet, a very safe and candid judgment may be formed
of the merits of Mr. Rumsey's pretentions, it being evident that all his false assertions and false
datings will never prove that two and two are not four.
No. 24.
These may certify, that the subscriber has frequently seen Mr. Fitch's Steam boat, which with great
labour and perseverance he has at length compleated and has likewise been on board when the boat
was worked against both wind and tide, with a very considerable degree of velocity by the force of
Steam only. Mr. Fitch's merit in constructing a good Steam-engine and applying it to so useful a
purpose will no doubt meet with the encouragement he so justly deserves from the generosity of his
countrymen, especially those who wish to promote every improvement of the useful arts in America.
Philadelphia Dec'. 12th, 1787.                              DAVID RITTENHOUSE.
No. 25.
Having also seen the boat urged by the force of Steam and having been on board of it when in
motion, I concur in the above opinion of Mr. Fitch's merits.           JOHN EWING.
No. 26.
From the well known force of Steam. I was one of the first of those who encouraged Mr. Fitch to
reduce his theory of a Steam-boat to practice, in which he has succeeded far beyond my expectations.
I am now fully of opinion that Steam-boats may be made to answer valuable purposes in facilitating the
internal navigation of the United States, and that Mr. Fitch has great merit in applying a Steam-engine to
so valuable a purpose and entitled to every encouragement from his country and countrymen.
Philadelphia, December 13th 1787.                            ANDREW     ELLICOTT.
Copy of Mr1. Rumsey's Extract JVo. 19.
The following is part of a letter, wrote by the editor, to his Excellency General Washington, dated
the 10th. of March 1785.
After mentioning that kind of machine for propelling boats which the General had seen a model of, I
proceed to say-" Ihave taken the greatest pains to perfect another kind of boat, upon the vrinciples 1
mentioned to you at Richmond in November last, and have the pleasure to inform you that I have
brought it to great perfection; it is true, it will cost something more than the other way, but, when in
use, will be more manageable, and can be worked with as few hands; the power is immense-and I
have quite convinced myself that boats of passage may be made to go against the current of the
Mississippi or Ohlio rivers, or in the Gulf Stream (from the Leeward to the Windward-Islands) from
sixty to one hundred miles per day. I know this will appear strange and improbable to many
persons, yet I am very certain it may be performed, besides, it is simple (when understood) and is also
strictly Philosophical.
The principles of this boat I am very cautious not to explain, as it would be easily executed by an
ingenious person.




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.                             625
The plan I mean to pursue, is to put both the machines on board of boats* built on a large scale, and
then, Sir, if you would be kind enough to see them make actual performances, I should not doubt but
the assemblies would allow me something handsome, which would be more advantageous to the public
than to give me the exclusive right of using them."
As to the extract of his letter to General Washington of the tenth of March 1785, it is nothing more
than a declaration that he intended something;-that even if it was steam he meant to make use of,
it was a profound secret which he was then cautious not to explain. But let us take a view of this letter
and I have no doubt but from the very wording of it, it will very clearly appear, that the utility of
steam (if that was what he meant to convey) was with him at that time very doubtful and upon which
he could have no kind of dependance: and holding up the idea of secresy so punctually, lest some
artist, more ingenious than himself, should compleat a steam boat before him shews indubitably that he
conceived it as an agent at a great distance from him and upon which he had no reliance or from
which the public could then expect no advantage, and indeed I am confident that his ideas of a steam
engine, (if any he had, which I much doubt) were very inferior to Messrs. Henry's, Ellicotts, Paine's
&c. in the year 1778. but as no publication to the world took place by them, they are candid enough
not to claim it as an invention of theirs. But should I even go so far as to admit he had thoughts
of applying steam, and that he intended exhibiting a steam-boat to General Washington, it was
nothing more than an invention he held in secret, on the 10th. of March 1785, and even by his
declarations to Governor Johnson, if they were as early as October or November, 1785, he kept it then
a secret-nothing was imparted to the Public, therefore nothing due from them.  I had long before
declared my intentions through Congress, and thereby invested myself with the indisputable title to my
invention throughout the United States. Maryland and Virginia had virtually pledged the honor of
their states to secure me in this right.-Virginia has since supported that honor by cheerfully passing a
law for that purpose, and Maryland I doubt not, as also other of the United States, will pay equal regard
to justice and policy.
N. B. As the application of steam to vessels will undoubtedly claim the early attention of the
world, as the least expensive and safest mode of navigation,-I doubt not but the impartial public will
yet, with pleasure, secure me in those rights, for which security, had I applied on the first exhibition of
my scheme, would have been granted without murmur or delay; but as a confidence in the honor of
my country, and a want of finance, were then the preventatives, the delay certainly will not now operate
against me; as the utility of the invention more clearly appears, and thereby the attention of my
country more reasonably claimed.
The following certificates were omitted in their proper places.
No. 1
I do certify that I was returning with John Fitch from Neshamany meeting some time in April,
1785, as near as I can recollect the time, when a gentleman and his wife passed by us in a riding chair;
he immediately grew inattentive to what I said. Some time after he informed me that at that instant the
first idea of a steam-boat struck his mind.                         JAMES OGILBEEi.
No. 2.An extract of a letterfrom James Scout.
You are desirous of knowing from me when the first thought of a steam boat came in your head;
this I cannot tell, but this you told me, that in the month of April, 1785, you was travelling down
* There were two boats connected, in the Model I exhibited at Bath in September 1787, which is the reason I speak of
boats in the plural, as experiment had convinced me that a single boat would not succeed on that principle.
VoL. II.                                   79




626                              EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
Street road in company Mr James Ogilbee and Mr Sinton passing you on Street road, that then the
first thought occurred to you of a Steam-boat, and the month of May or June following you shewed me
a plan of your machine on paper, this truth I shall seek no further testimony to support;'tis too
generally known; let them that doubt it come and hear more from
Your humble Servant,
~lpriil 15th. 1788                                                   JAMES SCOUTNo. 5
This is to certify, that Mr John Fitch called upon William Henry, Esquire, my late husband in his
life time, about two years and a half since, when Mr Fitch shewed to him drafts and a model of a machine
how to propel a boat through the water; And further, that I have frequently heard Mr Henry applying
steam as a mean to urge boats through the water by force of it, and that he had proposed laying a
model of a machine, for that purpose, before the Philosophical Society long before Mr Fitch called
upon him.
Witness my hand, this 12th. day of May, 1788.                         ANN HENRY.
Test.
Jiso. Jos. HENRY.
FI~IS.
-------- ------
[N. Y. Assembly Papers.]
Philadelphia October 18th 1788.
No 1
We whose names are hereunto subscribed do certify that we have been in John Fitch's Steam
boat of 60 feet in length in the River Delaware when the said boat was propelled through the water
mwith a considerable degree of velocity regularly & uniformly without any manual Labor, by the force
of Steam and We are Clearly of opinion that the Rivers of America may be navigated by the means
of Steam Boats and that the present Boat would be very useful on the Western waters.
John Ewing                   James Huchenson
Robt Patterson               T. Y. Matlack
Andrew Ellicott              Chass Pettit
John Smilie                  J. B. Smith
David Redick                 D)avd Rittenhouse
No 2
This may Certify that on the twelfth instant we the Subscribers went in Mr John Fitch's Steam Boat,
from this city to the city of Burlington twenty miles in the space of three hours and ten minutes, there
being upwards of thirty passengers on Board, and that said Boat was propelled thro' the water entirely
bty the force of Steam; and from our own observations we are of opinion that the discovery which Mir
Fitch has made may be of much service to inland Navigation.                   John Poor
Philadelphia Octr. 18th. 1788                                              John Ely.




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.                              627
No. 3.
On the 16th. Instt, I was on board Mr. Fitch's Steam Boat in the Rixper Delawar saw it perform)
and I do Certify that it was impelled by the force of steam at the rate of at least four miles an hour
against the strength of tide and am fully convinced the force applied to that boat, would be sufficient to
carry it against the most rapid waters, between the mouth of French Creek on the Allegany & the Mouth
of Muskingum on the Ohio, and that on an average it would carry it between Three and four miles an
hour on any of the Western Waters.                                      Jola. Heart Capt,
Philadelphia 18th. Octr. 1788.                                         1 U. S. Regt
No. 4.
This may certify that I the Subscriber was one of the Committee appointed in March 1786 by the
General Assembly of this state, on the petitions of John Fitch and Arthur Donaldson respecting their
several schemes for the Improvement of navigation by means of Steam Engines, When Mr. Donaldson
produced his plan to the Committee for drawing Water in at, or near the Bottom and forcing it out
abaft as a means of propelling a Vessel forward.
The Committee having fully heard the petitioners and afterwards viewed Mr Fitch's model of an
invention for moving a boat by means of a Steam Engine, agreed to make a report to the House in
his favour.
Philadelphia Augt 7th 1788                                                James Irvine.
No. 5.
Mr Fitch in his explanation of this draft, to me, before he presented it to the Philosophical Society.3
mentioned that his intention of conveying the waters from his forcing pump in a Tube that passed
thro' the fire, was that it might thereby be set a boiling before it entered in the receiver, lest the cold
water mixing with the boiling water in the receiver should impede the generation of the SteamIndorsed                                                          John Ewing,
Presented to the Society Sept. 27th 1785
R. Patterson Sec'y
No. 6.
I William Cavenagh notary and Tabellion public in and for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by
Lawful Authority duly admitted and sworn dwelling in the City of Philladelphia in the said
Commonwealth Do hereby Certify and attest unto all whom it doth or may Concern That the aforegoing writings from No 1, to 6 Do Contain just and true Copies of Original Certificates to me the said
notary bona fide produced by John Fitch in the said Certificates named, and that I have Carefully
Compared the said Copies with their respective Originals and do find them exactly to agree with each
other. And I do hereby further Certify that the several Gentlemen who have signed and Subscribed
their names to the said Certificates now are, or heretofore have been in the posts, Trusts or employmnnents
hereinafter following their respective names vizt John Ewing Provost of the University and vice president
of the Philosophical Society.Robert Patterson professor of Mathamatics and natural Philosophy —and one of the Secretaxries of
the Philosophical Society.
Andrew Ellicott professor of Mathamaticks and Astronomy in the Episcopal Accad'y



628                              EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
John Smilee (present) member of the Honrble the supreme Executive Council for the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania,
David Redick, Vice President of the S. E. Council aforesaid.
James Hutchinson one of the Secretaries, of the Philosophical Society.
Timothy Matlack (late) Secretary to the S. E. Council aforesaid.
Charles Pete (late) member of Congress for the Commonwealth aforesaid.
Jonathan Bayard Smith (late) prothonotary of the Court of Common pleas for the City & County
of Philadelphia.
David Rittenhouse Treasurer for the Commonwealth aforesaid,
John Poor, Teacher of the young Ladies Accd'yJohn Ely, Teacher of Arch Street SchoolJonathan Heart Captain of the first United States, Regt
In Testimony whereof I the said notary have hereunto set my hand affixed my seal
of Office of notary at Philadelphia aforesaid the twelfth day of December in the year of
our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty eight
Wmn Cavenough, Notary Public &c 1788.
To the Honorable the Representatives for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
The petition of John Fitch of the city of Philadelphia humbly Sheweth
That he hath this morning seen with surprise in the public papers, that a petition has been presented to
your honorable body by James Rumsey praying you to grant him an exclusive right to the use of Steam
boats, the very right which by special Act of Assembly passed the 28th of March 1787, is vested in
your petitioner, who is confident he need do no more than remind the Honorable House that such a law
exists, when he conceives it will be even unnecessary to pray that you will not grant that to another
which has already been granted to him-Justice, Honor and dangerous president forbid the depriving
an honest citizen of the fruits of his dear earned labour and to whom the faith of the government
hasbeen so solemnly pledged-the very attempt to draw the House into such a measure, is your petitioner
conceives offering them the greatest indignity-Your petitioner's property in the exclusive right to all
Steam boats in the State of Pennsylvania is as firmly established in him as the right of any man in the
state to his House or his Farm he therefore trusts that Honor of the House to protect him from so cruelly
an intended injury-and your petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray.
Philada September 6th 1788.                                               JOHN FITCH.
A true copy from the original read September 6. 1788.
J. SHALLUS Asst. Clk.
of the General Assembly.
To the Honorable the House of Representatives of the Freemen of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
The petition of Henry Voight of the city of Phiadelphia, humbly sheweth.
That your petitioner has long turned his attention to improvements in mechanics and he presumes was
not an unuseful Citizen during the war as his various manufacturing machines will evince Since the
building of Mr Fitch's Steam boat your petitioner has been much consulted, employed and part interested
in its completion. That during the many experiments and consultations about the best mode of constructing an engine on board a boat your petitioner foresaw the great inconvenience of the usual mode
of boiling water and amongst a number of other projects your petitioner conceived that water might be
boiled in a pipe, a drawing of which he made in the spring of 1786 and in June showed it to Timothy




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.                              629
Matlack Esqr & lMr John Nacarrow both of them Gentlemen of great mechanical knowledge from whom
he hath obtained Certificates but MMr Fitch was advised not to go out of the old way. The attempt
therefore first made on the Steam boat was with the accustomed heavy boiler which so loaded the
boat that Mr. Fitch determined to take it out and introduce a boiler more suited to the purpose
accordingly preparations were made for a Pipe boiler which is now executed and the boat working with
it exactly on the principles and form exhibited to Mr Matlack and Mr' Nacarrow-Your petitioner
hearing that a Mr Rumsey was to come to town and that he pretended to the exclusive right to a Pipe
boiler your petitioner made an entry of his said boiler with the Prothonotary of the Court of Common
Pleas of the city of Philadelphia being told the copy rights of books were there entered and he
conjectured such entry in a public office might secure to him in Pennsylvania the exclusive right to the
same as death in such case would not deprive the public of the discovery.
Your petitioner therefore humbly prays your honorable House will be pleased to grant to him and his
Heirs the exclusive right to the emoluments of the same for the term of fourteen years or such term as
the honorable House may think it deserves-and your petitioner as in duty bound &c,
Philada. September 6th. 1788                                            Henry Voight.
A true Copy from the Original
J Shallus Asst Clk
of the Genl. Assembly.
The committee to whom was referred the petition of James Rumsey, John Fitch and Henry Voight
beg leave to reportThat having examined the said petitions and with great attention heard the Parties in support of their
Respective claims are unanimously of opinion that the law which grants to John Fitch an exclusive
Right to all Boats propelled by Fire and Steam, hath not only secured unto him his Heirs &c. the
exclusive right to the method he had then invented for the purpose of applying the powers of Fire or
Steam in order to propel Boats, but also whatsoever improvements he may make himself or obtain
from others during the time limited by said Law. And however improper so extensive a Law may be
in its principles yet considering that upon a faith of the said Law several Citizens have spent much labour
and money for which they are not yet reimbursed-and notwithstanding the Legislature may have a
right to Repeal Laws which convey grants that are highly injurious to the General Welfare yet the
resuming such Legislative grants ought never to be done unless upon the most pressing necessity.
Your Committee therefore beg leave to offer the following resolutions, viz.
Resolved that the prayer of the petition of James Rumsey be granted, excepting so far as it respects
the propelling of Boats by the force of Fire or Steam.
Resolved that the prayer of the petition of Henry Voight cannot be granted.
The above   a true Copy of the original report remaining on the files of the General Assembly.
J. Shallus Asst Clerk.
Philadelphia 13th, December 1788.
Honoured Sir:
As it is so very inconvenient for me to attend your Assembly this Session to answer the repeated
vexatious Claims of James Rumsey I have taken the Liberty to enclose to you a petition to your
Honorable House, several Certificates: a Pamphlet, a Report of the Committee of Pennsylvania &c all
which I pray you to lay before your Honorable House.
There is one part of the pamphlet which may require a little explaining as they hinge much and
their whole dependance of the Pipe Boiler rests on it where speaking of Mr. Voight and the Pipe




630                              EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
Boiler Page 14 I say that I am indebted to him alone for the improvement yet it cannot be denied but
I laid a Drawing of a Pipe Boiler before the Philosophical Society many months before he pretends to
have [done so] therefore I hope your House will not Lconceive his words] to convey more than the very
expression itself [and that they] may not be construed instead of an improvement that they shall convey
the Idea that I am indebted to him for the invention.
I am hardly let in a belief that your Honorable House will take up his Petition but refer it over to
Congress, yet should they do it, I pray that I may be notified of it.
I also pray you Sir as soon as this shall come to hand to let me have information by Post otherwise
for fear of miscarriage in a reasonable time I shall have to be at the expense and trouble of forwarding
another Package to you which will ever lay me under the obligation of subscribing myself
your most devoted much obliged
and very humble Servant
To the Honourable the Speaker                                           JOHN FITCH.
of the Assembly of New York.
Endorsed,
John Fitch
Papers and certificates
relative to his steam
Addressed,                       Boat.
Hon'ble Speaker of the General Assembly
of the State of New York
at Albany.
This may certify that I have been made acquainted with Mr. John Fitch's plan of Propelling
vessels thro' the water by the force of steam and if it should answer in practice as well as in theory I
am of opinion that it promises success and deserves the notice of the Legislature.
New-York February 22d. 1787.                                        Christopher Colles.
State of Pennsylvania
In General Assembly
Friday September 8th. 1786 A. M.
The report read September 6 on the petition of John Fitch was read the second time as follows. viz.
The committee on the petition of John Fitch, report That they have received his model of an
invention for moving a boat by means of a steam-engine, of which they entertain a favorable opinion
That the said Fitch represents to the committee, that he has begun a boat for navigating on the river
Delaware; but which from the narrowness of his funds he shall not be able to compleat without some
public assistance.
The committee conceiving the design, if executed will be of considerable public utility recommend
the following resolution:
Resolved that a committee be appointed to bring in a Bill to authorise the supreme executive council
to direct payment of John Fitch's drafts to any amount not exceeding in the whole the sum of one
hundred and fifty pounds, on proof made to them that the money so drawn for has been applied to the
purpose of compleating his steam-boat, they taking his security for repayment thereof in twelve months.
And on the question will the house adopt the same report?
It was carried in the negative                        Extract fiom the minutes
J. Shallus Asst Clerk.




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.                              631
Your Committee on the Petition of John Fitch report,
That they have viewed his boat, which he proposes to propel against the Stream by the agency of
Steam, and altho' the apparatus necessary to the same is not yet so compleat as to afford demonstration,
yet your committee entertain no doubt of a full and effectual Completion thereof.
In order therefore to encourage a further improvement in so useful an Art propose the following
resolution.
RESOLVED, That the petitioner have leave to bring in a Bill agreeably to the prayer of his petition.
The above is a true copy of the original remaining on the files of the General Assembly and
whereupon the Resolution of the House of the sixteenth of November last was founded, Philadelphia
February 20th, 1787                                             J. Shallus Asst Clerk,
of the Genl Assembly.
The Committee to whom was referred the petition of John Fitch of Bucks county in Pennsylvania
Report
That having examined the certificates and other papers presented to your Committee by the said John
Fitch, they are of Opinion that in order to encourage a further Improvement in so useful an Art; a
Bill be brought in for the purpose of granting to the said John Fitch an exclusive right of Navigating
boats by the force of Steam or Fire for a certain time, agreeable to the prayer of his petition.
To the honorable the Legislature of the state of New-York in Senate and Assembly convened.
The petition of John Fitch of Bucks county in the state of Pensylvania humbly sheweth.
That your petitioner has lately invented a method of propelling vessels through the water by the
force of steam which he flatters himself is reduced to a moral certainty and will be a very great
improvement on navigation and that he has a boat nearly completed to navigate on the river Delaware by
the agency thereof.
That the states of New Jersey and Delaware have patronised his scheem so far as to give him an
exclusive right for said boats for the term of fourteen years and the state of Pennsylvania have passed
a law for public consideration similar thereto-That your petitioner has invented a method of rowing
boats by oars worked by cranks which was never heretofore used which applies not only to the force of
steam but the strength of a horse or any other power to equally as good advantage as men with oars
whereby inland navigation must be benefited nearly as much as the labour of horses is cheaper than the
labour of men. Your petitioner therefore humbly prays that your honourable body will take into their
consideration said improvements, and grant your petitioner such encouragement as in their wisdom
shall seem proper-And your petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray
New York February 21St 1787                                                JOHN FITCH
Endorsed,
A petition of John Fitch
Praying an exclusive Privilege for a limited Time of constructing vessels to be propelled thro9 the water
by the force of steam.
In Assembly February 2lth 1787 read and referred to Mr Sickles Mr Jones & Mr Hamilton
February 27th 1787.
Mr Sickles reported-see the Report annexed-a Bill was bro't in pursuant to the prayer of the
petition.




6'32                             EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
To the honourable the representatives of the state of New York in General assembly met
Gentleman whereas your petitioner has formed a plan for facilitating the navigation of Rapid Rivers
he therefore doth propose to construct a Certain Species of Boat of the Burthen of Ten Tons, which
shall sail or be propelled by the Combined Influences of Certain mechanical powers thereto apply'd the
distance of Between Twenty five to forty miles per day against the Current of a rapid river notwithstanding the velocity of the water should move at the Rate of five miles per hour and upwards; with
the burthen of Ten tons on Board to be wrought at no greater Expense than that of three hands; and
as a premium for so useful an Invention your petitioner prays for an act to pass this honourable house of
Assembly Granting to your petitioner his heirs and assigns the sole and Exclusive right of Constructing
navigating and employing Boats Constructed after his new invented model upon each and every Creek,
River, Bay Inlet & harbour within the Limits and Jurisdiction of this commonwealth, for and during the
term of Ten years fully to be Compleated and ended to be Computed from the first day of January
1785 provided always that the Legislature of this Commonwealth may at any time abolish the Exclusive
Right herein prayed for, by paying to your petitioner his heirs or assigns the sum of ten thousand pounds
in gold or silver & your petitioner as in duty bound shall pray.
Endorsed,                                                            James Rumsey.
James Rumsey's Petition to the State of JVew York.
GENL. WASHINGTON'S OPINION OF MI. RUMSEY'S INVENTION.
I have seen the model of MI: Rumsey's Boats, Constructed to work against Stream examined the
powers, upon which it acts; been eye witness to an actual experiment in Running water of some rapidity;
and give it as my opinion (altho I had little faith before) that he has discovered the art of working Boats
by mechanism  and small manual assistance against Rapid Currents; that the Discovery is of vast
Importance; may be of the greatest usefulness in our Inland navigation; and if it succeeds of which I
have no doubt that the value of it is greatly enhanced by the simplicity of the works; which when seen
and explained to may be executed by the most Common mechanic.
Given under my hand at the Town of Bath, County of Berkely in
the State of Virginia this 7th of Septr 1784  G~. WASHINGTON.
A true Coppy Compared with the orgl
New York Deer 3, 1784-I do certify that I have seen the original, of which the within is a copy,
and believe the whole to have been writen by General Washington with whose handwriting I am
perfectly acquainted-                                        Ben Walker formerly aid De
Endorsed                                                   Camp to his ExcelPy
A copy of Gen Washington's                                    Genl Washington
voucher.
Philada Decr 9th 1788
SIR
I think it proper to inform you that I am about to set off for Albany where I propose to be on the
15th inst in Order to present a Petition to the Legislature of the State of New Yorlk in Behalfof oMr
James Raumsey praying a grant of the exclusive Privilege of constructing and using within that state his




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.                             633
model of propelling Vessels by the Force of Steam & the Boilers by him invented for generating Steam,
in Order that you may be heard if you think proper to attendyours &e Joseph Barnes
Mr John Fitch                                       attorney for James Rumsey
On the tenth day of December Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight; Before me
Clement Biddle esquire Notary and Tabellion public for the commonwealth of Pennsylvania duly
commissioned and qualified, and one of the Justices of the court of common pleas for the city and County
of Philadelphia dwelling in the said city Personally came George Kemp who being duly sworn on the
Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, did depose and say That on the day of the date hereof at the
request of Joseph Barnes attorney for James Rumsey he went to the dwelling or Lodging of Mr John
Fitch and in presence of Joseph Barnes attorney for James Rumsey as aforesaid delivered to the said
John Fitch a true copy of the paper writing contained on the other side hereof and further saith not
George Kemp
Sworn as above before me
Quod attestor
Clement Biddle
NotPub & J.C. C.P. 17S8S
Richmond November 17th 1784
Virginia
To all whom it may concern
I do hereby certify that a Bill Cc giving unto James Rumsey his heirs and assigns the sole and
exclusive Right of constructing navigating and employing Boats after his new invented model for the
term of Ten years to be computed from the first day of January next" has passed the House of Delegates
of this state with this Proviso " that the exclusive right therein granted may at any time be abolished
by the Legislature of this Commonwealth upon the payment unto the said Rumsey his Heirs or assigns
the sum of Ten thousand Pounds in Gold or silver, and that the said Bill is to be sent up to the Senate
for their concurrence as soon as they shall have formed a House.
Jno Tyler, S. H. D.
New York ss:
James MeMechen of Berkeley County in Virginia being duly sworn on the Holy evangelists deposeth
and saith that the above is a true Copy of a certificate in his possession subscribed with the name of
John Tyler speaker of the House of Delegates of Virginia, that the Deponent knows the Hand writing
and subscribing of the said John Tyler and does verily believe his name subscribed to the said Certificate
to be of the Hand writing of the said John Tyler-That the said Certificate was delivered to the
Deponent by the said James Rumsey therein named at the City of Richmond in Virginia at which
time and place several of the Gentlemen of the House of Delegates were present and did see and read
the said Certificate-and further the Deponent saith not.              James McMechen,
Sworn the third day of Deer 1784 
before me                  5
John McKesson Not$ Pub,
VOL. II.                              80




634                              EARLY STEAM NAYIGATION.
To the honourable the Legislature of the State of New York in Senate and Assembly convened
The Petition of JAMES RUMSEY of Berkeley County in the State of Virginia by Joseph Barnes at
present of the City of Philadelphia his attorney for the special Purpose duly constituted
Most respectfully sheweth
That your Petitioner hath invented a mode of raising Water in great Quantities to any Height from
below or above the surface of the Earth by means of Steam acting upon two pistons at the same time,
whereby mines may be drained, Cities or farming Grounds be watered, and mills supplied with a
constant Stream at an expence far less than by any mode hitherto used or invented, a Draft or Specification of which Invention with an Explanation of its Use is ready to be delivered to this H-onble House
& to be filed on Record in any public Office which they may think most proper to preserve the same;
Your Petitioner therefore prays that this Honble House will be pleased to give him Leave to introduce
a Bill to be enacted into a Law granting & securing to your Petitioner his Executors Administrators and
Assigns the Exclusive right and Privilege of making constructing and using machines for raising Water
for all Purposes whatsoever by the Action of Steam applied to two Pistons at the same time, in the
manner and upon the principles by him invented & defined in the said Draft Explanation and
Specification.                                          And your Petitioner &ca
James Rumsey,
By Joseph Barns.
his attorney.
Endorsed,                           No. 52.                                1788
A petition of James Rumsey by Joseph Barnes his attorney praying an exclusive Right of making
constructing and using machines for raising water (by means of steam) for all purposes whatever.
In Assembly December 23d 1788. Read and Referred to Mr G Livingston Mr. Havens and Mr
Van Cortlandt
The Committee to whom were referred the Petition of James Rumsey setting forth that he hath
invented a new method of propelling Boats by Steam, and hath made improvements in divers Engines
atnd Machines and Praying for an exclusive Right to the same for a limited time, and the Petition of
John Fitch praying that the Prayer of the Petition of the said James Rumsey may not be granted; and
the Petition of John Stevens setting forth that he hath invented a methodl of propelling Boats by steam
that he does not interfere with the pretensions of either the said James Rumsey or John Fitch-Report
That they have examined the Petitions of the said James Rumsey and John Fitch with the papers and
affidavits accompanying the same and are of opinion that the said James Rumsey hath by actual
experiment ascertained the practicability of propelling boats by the agency of Steam in a mode and on
principles different from those heretofore used by the said John Fitch, but that the act securing to John
Fitch the exclusive Right of propelling Boats by the force of Fire or steam for a limited time, is
conceived in such general terms that it would be improper to vacate any part of the said grant without
giving both the Parties a hearing; but the Committee are further of opinion that nothing in the said
Act securing to John Fitch the exclusive Right of propelling Boats by Fire or Steam can be construed
to prevent the Legislature from securing to James Rumsey for a limited time the exclusive right of
generating steam by his new invented method of a Pipe Boiler, and further that they have examined the
Petition of John Stevens and the Draughts accompanying the same alld are of Opinion that the method
proposed by him for propelling boats by steam does not materially differ in its principles from the
mode proposed by James Rumsey and that he standls in the same situation with respect to John Fitch as




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.                             635
the said James Rumsey and further that the committee have prepared the araught of a Bill securing
to James Rumsey the exclusive right to his inventions for a limited time which they have directed their
Chairman to report to the House.
To the honourable the Legislative Council and General Assembly of the state of New York
The Petition of JOHN FITCH of the City of Philadelphia humbly sheweth
That your Petitioner received notice on the 10th of this Inst from Joseph Barnes attorney for James
Rumsey, that he was about to petition your honourable House for an exclusive right to a Steam Boat
and a Pipe Boiler.
Your Petitioner humbly begs leave to represent that by a law passed in the year 1787, your
honourable Legislature vested in your Petitioner the exclusive Right for a term of years of propelling
Vessels through the Water by the agency of Steam, which exclusive Right hath also been granted him
in the States of New Jersey, Pensylvania and Delaware, to whose several Legislatures James Rumsey
had made application with a view of destroying the Right of your Petitioner, under the pretence of using
a different mode in application of Steam to the propelling of Boats and also under a pretence of an
invention of boiling water in a pipe for the purpose of creating Steam, which idea of boiling in a Pipe
was by your Petitioner laid before the Philosophical Society in Philadelphia some months before the timne
assum'd by the said Rumsey, as the period of his first invention, and that the mode of propelling by
forcing water out abaft, which he claims as his invention, was published by Mons. Bernoulli in the
year 1738, consequently was open to common use, and thereby included in the Law to your Petitioner.
Your Petitioner hath successfully opposed the said Rumsey in his applications to the said Assemblies,
and hath hitherto preserved his Rights inviolate, the report of the Committee of Seven leading Members
of the honorable Assembly of Pennsylvania, after a debate of five days, supported on the side of
Mr. Rurnsey by an eminent Attorney at Law, your Petitioner begs leave to annex herewith. Since
which he has made two fruitless attempts to destroy my just and legal Rights in the state of Delaware
and New Jersey;
In Virginia your petitioner hath also obtained an exclusive Right being the State in which said
Rumsey resided, without the least opposition from him or any of his friends, notwithstanding from my
first petitioning that Assembly, to obtaining the Law was more than one Year and Eleven Months, your
Petitioner hath not hitherto been informed whether he has made application in that State or not, but doubts
not from  the justness and stability of that honourable Body that they will not take his just Rights
from him without hearing the defence of your Petitioner.
Your Petitioner therefore humbly prays, that in case a Petition should be presented by the said
attorney, which may intefere with your Petitioner's Rights, either in the Steam Boat or the Pipe i  Boilers
so long in use in your Petitioners Boat on the River Delaware and a Machine necessary for the
completion of that design for which your Law was given, le humbly prays to be heard in the defence
of his Rights. Your petitioner is perfectly willing to rest the justice of his claim, either before your
honourable House or before the New Congress, if your honourable House should judge it most
expedient to refer the same to them.
Your Petitioner begs leave to observe, that such repeated vexatious applications seem calculated to
divert your Petitioner from pursuing the business of the Boat, or to promote a clashing of Laws amongst
the different States, or to destroy his resources in defending his just Rights, and prevent him from
compleating the great undertaking he has now on hands.




636                              EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION,
Your Petitioner humbly begs leave to represent, that he hath expended a great portion of his time,
and a great sum of money in perfecting said Boat, in full confidence of enjoying an uninterrupted
possession of the several grants to him made.
Under the said confidence a number of Gentlemen have advanced money to a very considerable amount
hoping to benefit themselves as well as their Country thereby. Your petitioner therefore humbly prays
that the grant made to him, may not be permitted to be violated or invaded by a subsequent pretender,
and. considering the very great and expensive journey, and my inabilities to perform it, not only on
account 6f the great expense but the infirmities of body occasioned by Rheumatick pains, and the great
confidence reposed in your honourable Legislature of keeping inviolate the solemnitys of their Laws.
However convenient it might be for me to attend, I am of opinion that it would be altogether
unnecessary.
But should your honorable House think proper to take up the business, I humbly pray that I may
be seasonably notified by your honourable House for the defence of my just and Legal Rights, and that
they may not be taken from me without the opportunity of being heard in my own defence.
Your Petitioner humbly begs leave to refer your honourable House to the annexed Papers and
Pamphlets, accompanying this
And your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.                  JOHN FITCH.
To the Honorable Legislature of the State of New-York in Senate and Assembly convened.
THE PETITION OF JAMES RUMSEY OF BERKELY COUNTY, IN THE STATE OF VIRGINIA)
Most Respectfully Sheweth,
That your petitioner has been several years employed, with unremitted attention, and at a great
expense, in inventing, and bringing to perfection, sundry machines and engines; namely, one for
propelling boats on the water, by the power of steam, which has been already accomplished in experiments, on a boat of about six tons burthen; another machine, constructed on similar principles, for
raising water at a small expence, to be applied to the working of mills of different kinds, as well as
to various useful purposes in agriculture; a new invented boiler for generating steam; and also
other machines, by means of which Grist and Saw Mills may be so improved in their construction,
by a very cheap, and simple machine, as to require the application of much less water, than is necessary
in the common mode.
Your petitioner humbly conceives, that advantages of great importance to the agriculture and
mercantile interests of the United States, may be derived from the use and employment, therein, of the
before mentioned engines and machines; but he begs leave to represent to the honorable Legislature,
that, without some encouragement and support from the government, he will not be enabled to
prosecute his discoverys, and to carry his aforesaid inventions and improvements into execution;
whereby the public would be deprived of the benefits that might result from them; and your petitioner
greatly injured, by the sacrifices he has made of his time and property.
Your petitioner deems it unnecessary, in this stage of his application to your honorable body, to enter
into a detail of the nature and principles of the improvements, to which his present petition relates:
He therefore takes the liberty of referring to the printed papers, herewith presented, for further
information on the subject, and he flatters himself, that on mature consideration, your honorable body
will be fully satisfied, both of the practicability of his plans, and of their importance, as an object of,reat public utility-Under this impression, he respectfully solicits the patronage of the Legislature of
this state.
Your Petitioner therefore prays, that the honorable Legislature, as the guardians and trustees of the
public prosperity, will be pleased to enact a lagw, granting as a rewardt for his before mentioned




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.                              637
inventions and improvements, an exclusive right to him, his executors, administrators and assigns, of
constructing, navigating and employing, for a certain'term of years, within this state, the several boats,
engines, and machines, by him invented and improved.
And your petitioner humbly submits to the judgement of this house whether in consideration of the
great expence he has already incurred in the prosecution of his objects, and the further charges which
must necessarily attend the completion of his plans, the exclusive right prayed for should not be vested
for such a term, as might afford him an honorable compensation, proportioned to his services.
JAMES RUMSEY.
Endorsed,                      1788
James Rumsey's Petition
In Assembly Dec. 18th 1788
Read & Referred with the Pamphlet & papers attending the same to Mr G. Livingston Mr. Havens
& Mr. Van Cortlandt
Extract of the printed minutes of the Assembly of the state of VirginiaSaturday Novr 15th 1788.
A petition of James Rumsey, by George Morrow his attorney in fact, was presented to the house
and read setting forth, that he is the original discoverer and inventor of sundry machines and engines,
for propelling boats on the water by the power of steam; for which an exclusive priviledge was granted
by an act of the last assembly to a certain John Fitch, that he is well prepared to prove his prior claim
to the said discovery, as also to manifest the advantages thereof, and praying that the act in favour of
the said John Fitch, may be repealed.
Ordered that the said petition be referred to Mr Trage, Mr Henry, Mr Randolph, Mr Carlins, Mr
Bland, Mr White, Mr David Stuart, Mr. Carrington and Mr. King, that they do examine the matter
thereof & report the same with their opinion thereupon to the House."'
Thursday the 20th of November, 1788
"The speaker laid before the house a letter and petition of John Fitch, praying that he may still
enjoy the exclusive priviledge of conducting steamboats within this state, which was granted to him,
by an Act of the last session of Assembly; and, that all attempts to interfere with this right, may be
disregarded; which was read and ordered to referred, to the committee to whom the petition of James
Rumsey was referred."
Fryday the 21st of November 178S."Mr David Stuart reported from the committee to whom the petitions of James Rumsey and John
Fitch were committed, that the committee had according to order, had the same under their consideration, and had agreed upon a report, and came to several resolutions thereupon, which he read in his
place, and afterwards delivered in at the clerks table, when the same were again twice read, and agreed
to by the house as followeth:"
"Whereas James Rumsey hath complained to the General Assembly, that the exclusive priviledge
granted to John Fitch, by the Act intituled " An Act Granting to John Fitch the exclusive privilege of
constructing and navigating boats impelled by fire or steam for a limited time,55 hath been obtained to
the injury of him the said James Rumsey, upon a misrepresentation, that the said John Fitch was the
original author of the invention therein mentioned.




638                              EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
And whereas it appears to the satisfaction of your committee, from the testimony produced to
them, that the said Rumsey's representation is just, and that he is the original author of the invention
mentioned in the said act.Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee, That the act passed at the last session of the
general Assembly, intituled " An act granting to John Fitch the exclusive privilege of constructing and
navigating boats impelled by fire or steam, for a limited time" ought to be repealed.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, That the petition of the said John Fitch, in
opposition thereto be rejected.
Ordered that a Bill or Bills be brought in, pursuant to the last resolution, and that the said Committee, do prepare and bring in the same."
A true extract from the minutes
examined
By Gilbert Livingstone
Endorsed,                                            11th. February 1789-Albany.
Extract from the minutes of the House of Assembly of Virginia on the Petition &c. of James Rumsey.
Ain ACTfor vesting in JAMES RUMSEY, Esquire, the exclusive right and privilege of malcing, using
and vending divers engines, machines and devices, by him invented, or improved, for a term of years
therein mentioned.
WHEREAs James Rumsey, of Berkeley county, in Virginia, hath represented to this House, that he
hath invented, or improved (livers engines, machines, and devices, hereinafter particularly mentioned, upon
principles and constructions not before used, and by actual experiments, hath demonstrated the practicability and utility thereof, and hath in the office of  plans of the said several inventions and
improvements, with explanations thereof, in order particularly to designate and distinguish them from
other engines, machines, and devices heretofore used for purposes somewhat similar. Which engines,
machines and devices, are called by the following names, and known by the following distinguishing
characters, viz.
RUmSEilS PIPE BOILER, for the more ample and easy generating of steam, by passing a small quantity
of Nater through an incurvated tube, placed in a furnace, whereby the action of fire is communicated
to the water and steam in all its passage from the entrance to the exit, and which kind of boiler can be
easily adapted to every species of fire or steam engines.
RUMSEY~S STEAM BOAT, a practical mode of propelling vessels by means of the reaction of a stream
of water, forced by the agency of steam through a trunk or cylinder, parallel to the keel, out at the
stern.
RUMSEY'S IMPROVEMENT UPON SAVERY'S MACHINE, or steam engine, whereby water may be raised
in great quantities to any reasonable height, for the turning of mills, or for agricultural or other
purposes.
RUMSEYeS IMPROVEMIENT UPON DOCTOR BARKER'S MILL, a mode by which millstones and other
machinery, requiring a circular or retrograde motion, may be turned by or worked with a smaller
quantity of water than by any plan yet exhibited to the public, and entirely free from the difficulties
which prevented Doctor Barker's invention from coming into use.
RUMSEYoS CYLINDRIC SAW MILL, or a mode by which mill sas   and all other machinery, requiring
an alternately opposite motion, whether perpentlicular or horizontal, may be workled without the loss
of the weight or force of any part of the water used.




EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.                               639
AND WHEREAS it is highly proper, that ingenious men who by their labours and study contrive
and invent improvements in arts and sciences, should be rewarded by the community, in proportion
to the advantages resulting from the usefulness of their inventions; and as the most proper mode of
ascertaining the utility of any new invention or improvement, must be experience; and as the exclusive
right and privilege of making, using, and vending to others, such newly invented engines, machines and
inventions, is not only the most cheap and frugal, but the most certain way of rewarding inventors
according to their several merits,
It is therefore hereby enacted, by the                      and by the authority of the same,
that from and after the passing of this act, the said JAMES RUMSEY his executors, administrators and
assigns, shall have the sole and exclusive right, liberty and privilege within the state, of making, using
and vending to others, the said BOILER for generating steam, so as aforesaid described, and called
RUMSEY'S PIPE BOILER; the said STEAM BOAT to be propelled through the water, by means of the
re-action of a stream of water forced by steam through a trunk or cylinder from the stern of the boat,
against the surrounding water, so as aforesaid described, and called RUMSEY'S STEAM BOAT  the said
improvement of SAVERY'S ENGINE, for raising water for the turning of mills, or for agricultural or other
purposes so as aforesaid described, and called RUMSEY'S improvement upon SAVERY)S machine, or
STEAM ENGINE; the said mode for turning mill stones, and other machinery requiring a circular or
retrograde motion, called RUMSEY'S improvement upon DOCTOR BARKER'S mill, and the said mode of
working saw-mills, and other machines requiring an alternately opposite motion, perpendicular or
horizontal, called RUMSEY)S SAW MILL; all which engines, machines and devices, are more particularly
defined and described in the said plans, and explanations so as aforesaid filed of record in the office of
and to which definitions and descriptions, for farther certainty, this act particularly refers.
And it is hereby further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that no person or persons whomsoever,
shall make, use, or vend to others to be used, any or either of the inventions or improvements so as
aforesaid described or defined in this act, or in the plans or explanations filed of record in the said
office, and hereby referred unto; or any engine, machine or device whatsoever, formed or contrived
upon the same principles therewith, although the form thereof may be varied, under the penalty of
forfeiting to the sail JAMES RUMSEY, his executors, administrators or assigns, the sum of
lawful money of this state; and moreover forfeiting to him and them, all and every such engine,
machine and device, so as aforesaid to be contrived, made, used or vended within this state; the said
penalty to be recovered by action of debt, founded upon this act, wherein no essoine, protection or wager
of law, nor more than one imparlance, shall be allowed, And in the execution to be issued upon any
judgment obtained in pursuance of this act, a clause shall be inserted, commanding the sheriff or other
proper officer to deliver the said engine, device or machine, to the plaintiff'if it can be conveniently
removed; but if not, that then and in such a case, the said sheriff, or other proper officer, shall cause the
same to be prostrated, destroyed and rendered useless, any law to the contrary notwithstanding..And it is farther enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the sole and exclusive right and privilege
for making, using and vending the engines, machines and devices aforesaid, by this act granted to the said
JAMES RUMSEY, his executors, administrators and assigns, shall continue for the term of  years from
the time of passing this act, and no longer: And that all actions to him or them accrued, or accruing within
the said term, shall remain in full force during and after the expiration of this act
Endorsed,
Act for vesting in
James Rumsey &c. &c.




640                              EARLY STEAM NAVIGATION.
To the Honourable the Legislature of the State of" New-York in Senate and Assembly convened.
The Petition of JOHN STEVENS Junr of Hoboken in the State of New Jersey.
That your Petitioner has bestowed a great deal of Time and Thought towards perfecting a Machine
for propelling a Vessel through the Water by means of Steam. That he has at length brought his
Invention to that degree of perfection. That as he conceives little or no further Improvement can
be made on it-That to the best of his Knowledge & Belief his Scheme is altogether new or at least
does not interfere with the Inventions of either of the Gentlemen who have applied to your honourable
Body for an exclusive Right of navigating by means of Steam.
That your Petitioner has made an exact Draught of the different Parts of his machines, which with an
Explanation Thereof he is ready to exhibit, provided that after the Exhibition Thereof, no one be suffered
to lay claim to any Invention therein described unless he shall have before exhibited a draught or model
Thereof to your honorable body-and your petitioner therefore prays That in case his machine should
appear to be a new and useful Invention, That the Honble the Legislature would be pleased to grant to
him an exclusive privilege and Right of using the same for the purposes of navigation throughout the
State of New-York for such term of Years as shall seem meet
And your Petitioner
shall ever pray
presented-9 January 1789                                       JOIN STEVENS Junr




18                         "II ~'OA
S     ad JY av












~~~~li~~~~iil~~~~~iiiiii;:i~~~~~~~~~~iiiiii'li ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~...................~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~   ~   ~  ~   ~   ~  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~;.............................................. ~~f   i;........................ ~  a~i::::i:-ii-il:i::i~i::i~iii:: l~i:::::-:::  -:::-::::.....................................~ii~iiili~si lsii:..........::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::....................-      -ii I~~f            B~~:~iii:iil:iii~i~.......................... ~ ~ ~ ~ ~::::::::::::::- -:..........................................................~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~I-::_:::j           j..........:        ~-~1-::::: ~:~::..................... i~  ~  ~::i:~ii~a~8aa.J~ B -''d;~.............:::::::::::::::::::-......................................:::::::.......................::::::::......................... ~      l~~i~ii~l i~l................................._::j::::::::::::::::...............:::::::::::::ii.............::::::::::::::,~ii,:i:iii:i............j    ii)) iiii~ ~ ~   ~iii~ii:i  iiliiiiiiiilii:.ii:i~-~~~j:1;:::.i:-iiiiii:ii::::i i::.........................................................................................- i:  i:::..............................::::::r::::~:::::j: j-.......... -..............- ~~:~1~:i: I:~::i 8 P~iI~~-i:;  ~:::::::::::::::::................................i:   ":::::::::::::::::............................................ ~ -~-~~~ — ~-~..............-:~::#i:i~ j~::::~.:1iii-~~~l:::~~~iil:::........................................ -............::::::::::..................................................................::::::::::::.......................................................   X.   j:......................................................
---.............~~~~~~~~~~~~~:i::::I:i-:..................................................................... --............................................................................ ~ ~ ~ ~ i~  -: —i::i —i-i::::-::-::iiii::(-I~:~!~~,.idi~ll:i,:lijiii.............i13::~~I:8jiiiiiij jiiiiS ii i~iX~: ~................................................................................... %..................................... ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~      ~      ~      ~     i...............................~~ ~::..................................i:i:...........~;:i~::                             jj...................................................-:~  ~::  i::::::::i..................................................................................................................................::::i:i-i~iili:ii i~iii-::::~ii-~ ~~l ~'l ii~i'i i ii~ ii6~8   i............~:~~~~:~i~:~r l
T~l:.~~:1:~:~::::::~#:I~ij::~:218 1j:::::l::::i::::..........j.....................................~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~:_:.................~l~i::::::::..................................................................................~i:........................




DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTRY BETWEEN           ALBANY & NIAGARA IN 1792.
[1 Mass. Hist. Coll. I.]
I am just returned from Niagara, about 560 miles west of Boston. I went first to Albany, from
thence to Schenectada, about Sixteen miles; this has been a very considerable place of trade, but is
now falling to decay: It was supported by the Indian traders; but this business is so arrested by traders
far in the country, that very'little of it reached so far down: it stands upon the Mohawk river, about
9 miles above the Falls, called the Cohoes; but this I take to be the Indian name for Falls: Its chief
business is to receive the merchandize from Albany, and put it into batteaux, to go up the river, and
forward to Albany Such produce of the back country as is sent to market. After leaving Schenectada,
I travelled over a most beautiful country of eighty miles to Fort Schuyler, where I forded the Mohawk:
This extent was the scene of British and Savage cruelty, during the late war, and they did not cease,
while anything remained to destroy. What. a contrast now! every house and barn rebuilt, the
pastures crowded with cattle, Sheep, &c. and the lap of Ceres full. Most of the land on each Side of
the Mohawk river, is a rich flat highly cultivated with every species of grain, the land on each side the
flats, rising in agreeable Slopes; this, added to the view of a fine river passing through the whole, gives
the beholder the most pleasing Sensations imaginable.
I passed next through Whitestown. It would appear to you, my friend, on hearing the relation of
events in the western country, that the whole was fable; and if you were placed in Whitestown, or
Clinton, ten miles west from Fort Schllyler, and see the progress of improve!nent, you would believe
it enchanted ground. You would there view an extensive well built town, surrounded by highly
cultivated fields, which Spot in the year 1783 was the " haunt of tribes" and the hiding place of wolves,
now a flourishing happy Situation, containing about Six thousand people-Clinton stands a little South
of Whitestown, and is a very large thriving town.
After passing Clinton, there are no inhabitants upon the road, until you reach Oneida, an Indian
town, the first of the Six Nations; it contains about Five hundred and fifty inhabitants; here I slept,
and found the natives very friendly. The next day I went on to Onondaga, leaving the Oneida lake
on the right, and the Onondaga lake on the left, each a few miles distant. I slept at Onondaga, at the
house of a Mr. —, who is employed in boiling down the waters of the Salt springs, which are about
7 miles north of his house, for supplying the country with Salt-he told me that he made about fifty
bushels per week, which he sold at five shillings per bushel, but that any quantity may be made, and at
a less price; these springs are in the State reservation, and are a wonderful benefit to the country, every
part of which is so united by lakes and rivers as to render the Supply of this bulky and necessary
article very easy. Independent of our own Settlements, we can supply the British in the whole of
Upper C(ana la.
Thirty five miles from this place I struck the Cayuga Lake. The road is tolerable for a new country;
the land excellent, and very heavy timbered. There are but three houses upon this road. This lake is
from about thirty five to forty miles along, about two miles wide. and abounds with Salmon, bass,




644                       PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.
catfish, eels and many other kinds of fish.  This lake empties itself into what is called Three Rivers,
joining the waters of the Oneida Lake, and then proceeds by Oswego into Ontario. On each side
the Cayuga Lake is a ferry house and good attendance given.
Twelve miles west of the Cayuga I struck the Canada Saga lake-no inhabitant upon this roadthis lake is the handsomest piece of water I ever beheld; its length and breadth nearly that of Cayuga,
into which it empties.  Upon a pretty slope, on the new part of the lake, stands a town, called
Geneva; it has a fine effect from the opposite shore, but disappoints you when you arrive at it. It
consists of about twenty log houses, three or four frame buildings, and as many idle persons as can live
in them. Eighteen, miles lower, on the same side of this lake stands the Friends' Settlement, founded
by Jemima Wilkinson; there are eighty families in it, each has a fine farm, and are quiet, moral,
industrious people. There is a road from  the Friends' Settlement nearly completed, across the
country to Genesee river, forty-five miles. I went from Geneva to Canadaqua, sixteen miles,
crossing the outlet of Canadaqua lake, just as I entered the town. This is a settlement made by Mr
Phelps, and promises to be a very flourishing one; there are now about thirty houses situated on a
pleasant slope from the lake, and the adjacent farms are very thriving. The Indians are settled on all
the reservations made by this state, and are to be met with at every settlement of whites, in quest
of rum!
From Canandaqua I travelled about twenty six miles through a fine country, with many settlements
forming; this brought me to Genesee river. On this river a great many farms are laying out; sixtyfive miles from its mouth is a town marked out by the name of Williamsburgh, and will in all
probability be a place of much trade; in the present situation of things it is remote, when considered in a
commercial point of view; but should the fort of Oswego be given up, and the lock navigation be
completed, there will not be a carrying place between New-York and Williamsburgh. The present
carrying places are as follow, viz. Albany to' Schenectada, sixteen miles-the Little Falls, on the
Mlohawk river, two miles-from the head of the Mohawk to Wood creek, one mile-Oswego Falls, two
miles-Genesee falls, two miles. Thus you see there is only twenty-three miles to cut and lock, in
order to carry commerce by water, through an extent of country, capable of maintaining several millions
of people. The famous Genesee flats lie on the borders of Genesee river; they are about twenty
miles in length, and about four miles wide; the Soil is remarkably rich, quite clear of trees, and producing
grass near ten feet high. I estimate these flats to be well worth 200,000 1. as they now lie. They are
mostly the property of the Indians. Taking a view of this country altogether, I do not know such an
extent of ground so good. Cultivation is easy, and the land is grateful. The progress of settlement
is so rapid, that you and, myself may very probably see the day when we can apply these lines to the
Genesee countryit Here happy millions their own lands possess,
No tyrant awes them, nor no lords oppress."
Many times did I break out in an enthusiastic frenzy, anticipating the probable situation of this
wilderness twenty years hence. All that reason can ask, may be obtained by the industrious hand, the
only danger to be feared is, that luxuries will flow too cheap.
After I had reached the Genesee river, curiosity led me on to Niagara, ninety miles-not one
house or white man the whole way. The only direction I bad was an Indian path, which sometimes
was doubtful. The first day I rodte fifty miles, through swarms of musquetoes gnats, &c beyondl all
description. At eight o'cloclk in the evening I reached an Indian town, called Tonnoraunto-it
contains many hundreds of the Savages, who live in very tolerable houses, which they make of timber
and cover with bark. By signs I made them understand me, and for a little money they cut me limbs




PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.                       645
and bushes sufficient to erect a booth, under which I slept very quietly, on the grass. The next day I
pursued my journey, nine miles of which lay through a very deep swamp; with some difficulty I got
through, and about sun-down arrived at the fort of Niagara  Here the centinel inquired from whence
we came; upon his being told, he called the sergeant of the day, who escorted us to the captain of
the guard, he asked our names, (a Mr. ---  of ---   was with me) and said he supposed we
came upon our private business &c-he sent us to the commandant who entered our names, and offered
us a pass to go over to the British side, which we accepted. Quite fatigued we were happy to find a
tavern, and something to eat; a few hours sleep brought me again to myself. This fort is now
garrisoned by the 5th regiment, commanded formerly by Earl Piercey, and had the honour of dancing
yankee doodle on the plains of Cambridge, 19th April 1775.  The commander of the fort is a Col.
Smith. The day after our arrival we crossed the river Erie to the town of Niagara where probably the
British fort will be built, when the present one is given up. We met Col. B.1 This is the man who
did so much execution in the late war with the Indians, upon the Mohawk river, Schohary and Cherry
Valley. We found him holding a council with a body of chiefs who were at Philadelphia in April
last, informing him what they had done there. A Mr Johnson, some relation of the famous Sir John
Johnson, interpreter to the Indians was also present; and I have no doubt remaining but they effaced
every favourable impression made on their minds by presents from Congress. I see enough to convince
me of the absurdity of our endeavours to hold the Savages by presents, while the British are situated at
Detroit, Niagara, &c. They have all their clothing, cooking utensils, ammunition, &c served almost as
regularly as the troops in garrison; if they want provisions, they get it free.
Those tribes called the Six Nations we are at peace with, and take much pains to cultivate a good
understanding, but we deceive ourselves. The old men, the women, and the children remain at home
inactive, while all the young warriors join the fighting powers against us-this is all they could do, if
we were at open war with them. An Indian becomes a miserable being when deprived of his hunting
ground, and surrounded with cellars of rum or whiskey. The whole Six Nations live on grounds, called
the State Reservations, and there are intermediate spaces settled on both sides by white people; this has
a tendency to drive off the game and if by chance they kill a bear, or a d.eer, his skin goes at once for
rum; in this way they are become poor enervate creatures. They cannot keep together a great while,
and I expect they will quit all this part of the country, and retire over the lakes Ontario and Erie.
Their whole number is about 6000, of which 1000 are warriors-how contemptible compared with their
former greatness! The leading men of these Six Nations, or what they call Chiefs, were on the road
with me going to Buffalo Creek, to hold a council; their object I was informed was to use their
influence with the hostile tribes to make a peace. This will have no effect!. Power is.the influence with
Indians; this alone will give us peace. I see some of the Indians who fought the battle at the Miami;
and by an interpreter received a very tolerable account of the action; they were of opinion that our
troops did not do-their duty.
Col. B. told me that the only way to make a peace with the Indians was to apply to Lord Dorchester,
or the commander in chief at Quebeck, and let him appoint some of the Commanders of the garrisons,
say Detroit, Niagara, &M, to meet on the part of the British, to draw a line that shall be deemed right
and reasonable between the Americans and Indians, and have the treaty guaranteed to the Indians by the
British. I spurned at the idea, and told Col. Butler, that it was my wish, whenever America became so
contemptible, that the whole country might be annihilated.
I visited the great curiosity, the Falls, and must refer you to Mr. Elicott's account of them in the
Columbian Magazine for June 1790.
1 qu. Col. Butler?




646                        PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.
I cannot help being of opinion that Indians, (or what are called Redmen,) never were intended to live
in a state of civil society. There never was, I believe) an instance of an Indian forsaking his habits
and savage manners, any more than a bear his ferocity.
The Rev. Mr. Kirkland, who acts as missionary among the Oneidas, has taken all the pains that man
can take, but his whole flock are Indians still, and like the bear which you can muffle and lead out to
dance to the sound of music, becomes again a bear when his muffler is removed and the music ceases.
The Indians will attend public worship and sing extremely well, following Mr. Kirkland's notes; but
whenever the service is over, they wrap themselves in their blankets, and either stand like cattle on
the sunny side of a house, or lie before a fire. This is their mode of passing life: even the bold energy
of their forefathers, which was conspicuous in the chace, is unstrung in their descendants, and instead of
sliding to the grave " like a shock of corn in its full ear,": they become ripe for it in youth and often find
it by the most disgraceful means.
THE GENESEE COUNTRY
AN ACCOUNT OF THE SOIL, Growing Timber, and other productions of the lands in the countries
situated in the back parts of the states of New-York and Pennsylvania, in North America; and
particularly the lands in the county of ONTARIO, known by the name of THE GENESEE TRACT, lately
located, and now in the progress of being settled.
[Imlay's Topog. Descrip. of the Western Territory of N. America.]
The lands generally known by the name of the Genesee tract, are situated in the back parts of the
state of New-York and contain upwards of 2,000,000 of acres, mostly good arable land, forming
nearly an oblong square of 80 miles in length from south to north, and 42 miles wide from east to west.
These lands were granted to AMessrs. Gorham and Phelps, the original purchasers from the state
of iMassachussets, in the year 1788. And this grant was afterwards confirmed by the six nations of
Tndians, who, on receiving a valuable consideration, alienated, the whole of this property, and soon
after these nations removed themselves and families to a distant country.
The south-east corner of this tract is in latitude 42,0 longitude S2~; lying west from the river
Delaware; and 77 miles west from Philadelphia.
The actual distance of the eastern boundary, from the Hudson's river or Albany, is about 140 miles.
From  Philadelphia, by the nearest road, the distance may be about 1SO miles; and not more than 200
miles north of the proposed new city of Columbia, the intended seat of government of the United
States.
But the peculiar advantages which distinguish these lands over most of the new settled countries of
America, are these following:  1. The uncommon excellence and fertility of the soil. 2. The
superior quality of the timber, and the advantages of easy cultivation,, in consequence of being generally
fiee from underwood. 3. The abundance of grass for cattle in the woods, and on the extensive
meadow grounds upon the lakes and rivers. 4 The vast quantities of the sugar maple-tree, in every
part of the tract. 5. The great variety of other fine timber, such as oak, hiccory, black walnut,
chesnut, ash of diferent kinds, elm, butternut basswood, poplar, pines, and also, thorn trees of a
prodigious size. 6. The variety of fruit-trees, and also smaller fruits, such as apple and peach orchards,
suc  apl an pac orhads




s~~~~~~~~~~'I,,~7PZ' ~t_                1 4  1  14
3 E    0  N. 1\ ^, 13  -=  _,, - 13
s                  s
2                     Iri~~~~~~~~~~1
/                             2' N'I \ ^  4 A7v —-- - -^   12
/ \ / -    )     r -   -1                    Ii    /    -— i 
/            _Z3/  pe ^2/ j____^                   6 <^
l
o q 6 Milzes swqztare &contcdjnif 23. 040; 9 )  4j, < |}  \^ ^,\,!  <cl^ ^~
j Repr7esen2ts t7Ze. Tewnzslups seold  & h Av  S  _,. V  _  T~^^^ A _^^"' ^  I  iT-? To  1  10
s  hi~~~~~~~~~~~~~
settlemenzts already mZade eznch~ffeient  /  \   J  \^ S  - v i   / "$  J   \i  ^'  "1zp? 
"^Itt                    III T3'r    -                ~7'^     ^
[~~~~~ *e7s^js 3 9, 3-      ^ ^^^ t \ 3',^.3   |^~Y3.J1 | 
S.1 Tow7Rships seolct Sc Zi thze pwegr7ss  8\  sA..^ Jv / ^  C  {  ea  | il  ff  *^  y~^1 --.r" —......y~'~
of t' heizg sett~led,. * ^     ^  ^ _-^  i*<?l A^i;'t \M       it i
t l7 8Z 19  &  7DI9 0  t hz  Settle rs  e n.  te,  \               e@; < <5| |'t  ". ^ L,. 1999~
| 7W~erent' Towns<hips' amzeuntedm te  \ 2  > ~"'f }~;9;&^  v> 2  l it,y  2-^, 1f  - S  l k
|J. Tze Spuers' ef th^AeS ghany2.tneatezins (< -< RSS^- - -^^ - - — ^ - ^-t --- A- -9 --. X-V-I t —-— f --  - r.^-^-:"
t un Tr^ zcpPTL the^ th~veirmi tv ranzget7  \/  \j'^  + ^-^-' —J  f. ^ />~'^.  <  ^^\' ^- F  \~o'k  JC l| t-.  Lanzdz ezvhzeit hilL& alnt  wit/2   f^.  e>>  <  ml  | 7^~^ ^  -;^,  l % l^s8^  |  ^''^\'t< <0\;X-^
f f z -tops of the. rising9 gwuznes.  \^ -;j| _^ <- _- j;'$_ _^_3_..y-^  -i-^ ^'   |
\7 1a7 g^^'/W\W  7/zge   ^rt7a~zg^'^-,/-4 *iMz7zg-<?/  3jR^e^^e > \  t72J7an g 7 7  ent 
l.                                                   11~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EaA MAP a ftin.^     E           t//e COI1t o ONfARIO and State ftEW      YAPK
I  aZ^^;r~ZZZ/7.t- az/7?,ctgr^^~te  Q^^-zX./Qu^(?.t>/<'cn^ 7tu.7j/g m >a^- ^w,7',zZ/-^'  /'/Za..P.  ~.
9  R.Pz'R.Yt., 7Lt7. 11  S'iiz/;  21,,7.{7.n.}y.................................~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'L
j-                                 c~~~~'
sa m il/............
V 17 ag e............................








PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.                          647
in different places, which were planted by the Indians, plum and cherry-trees, mulberriesi grapes of
different kinds, raspberries, buckle-berries, black-berries, wild goose-berries, and straw-berries in vast
quantities:-also cranberries, and black haws, &c. 7, The vast variety of wild animals and game
which is to be found in this country, such as deer, moose deer, and elk of a very large size, beavers,
otters, martins, minxes, rabbits, squirrels, racoons, bears, wild-cats, &c., many of which furnish excellent
furs and peltry. 8. The great variety of birds for game, such as wild turkies, pheasants, partridges,
pigeons, plovers, heath-fowl, and indian hen, together with a vast variety of water-fowl on the rivers,
and lakes, such as wild geese and ducks, of many different kinds, not known in Europe. 9. The
uncommon abundance of very fine fish, with which the lakes.and rivers, abound; among which are to
be found excellent salmon of two different kinds, salmon-trout, of a very large size, white and yellow
perch, sheep-heads, pike, succors, and eels of a very large size, with a variety of other fish in their
different seasons.  10. The excellence of the climate in that region where these lands are situated,
which is less severe in winter, and not so warm in summer, as the same latitudes nearer the sea.-The
total exemption from all periodical disorders, particularly the fever and ague, which does not prevail in
the Genesee country, on account of the rising grounds and fine situations.  11. The vast advantages
derived from the navigable lakes, river, and creeks, which intersect and run through every part of this
tract of country, affording a water communication from the northern parts of the grant by the Genesee
river one way, or by the Seneca river another way into the great lake Ontario, and from thence by
Cataraqui, to Quebec, or by the said Seneca river,the Oneida lake and Wood creek, to Schenectady on
the Mohawk river, with only a short land carriage, and from thence to Albany, with a portage of 16
miles; affording also a water communication from almost every township of the southern part of the
grant, by means of the different branches of the Tioga river, which joining the Susquehanna affords an
outlet to produce, through an immense extent of country on every hand, to Northumberland, and all
the towns upon the great branch of this river, down to Maryland and Virginia: and (with a portage
of 12 miles) even to Philadelphia with small boats; and when the improvements are made in the
Susquehannah, and the projected canal cut between the Schuylkill and that river; there will be an
uninterrupted good water communication for boats of 10 or 15 tons from the interior parts of the
Genesee country, all the way to Philadelphia.  12. But above all, the uncommon benefits these lands
derive from the vicinity to the thick settled countries in New-York and New-England governments on
the one hand, and Northumberland county in Pennsylvania on the other, from all which quarters, from
the great advantages that are held out, there must be an overflow of emigrants every year, until these
lands are fully settled: which expectation is already completely evinced, from the rapid population that
has taken place on the east boundaries of the grant upon the Tioga river, and between the Seneca and
Cayuga lakes, up to lake Ontario,* where, in the course of three or four years, above 800 families
have fixed themselves in this fertile country, most of whom having emigrated from the eastern states of
New-England, New-York and Pennsylvania, have all the advantages which are to be derived from a
perfect knowledge of the country, and from that kind of education and local resource, which soon renders
the situation of a new settler comfortable and happy, enabling them, at the same time, to assist new
comers, who may be less acquainted with the nature of the country.
As a proof the estimation in which the Genesee lands are held by the neighbouring inhabitants, it
is only necessary to state the following facts, relative to the population soil, and produce &C. which
have been extracted from letters and public documents, upon which the utmost reliance can be placed.
* These lands are part of the tract of country which was granted to the officers and soldiers of the continental army,
for military services. The soil is in general the same as the Genesee pre-emption: but they do not possess equal advantages
in being exempted from the land-tax for 15 years. These lands are not only subject to the usual taxes of the state, as
soon as located, but settlements must be made, and houses built, within a limited time, otherwise they revert back to the state.




64-18                        PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.
The information is in these words   "There are already settled in this particular tract, upwards of
1000* people, in different townships, although two years ago there was not a single person on the
whole of the Genesee lands. This winter there is to be a great addition to the number. The return
made by the deputy-marshal of New-York, shews not only the precise number of inhabitants that have
made settlements in these lands, but also the different townships upon which these settlers have
established their farms, and fixed their residence. Of this return the following is an exact copy.
l're!urnz of the settlers on the pre-emption lands in the county of Ontario, December 1790.
~Males Males  2                No. of Total
RANGES,.   above under Cd   C             Town- number.
16.    16.  ~'     bl      ships.
In  the  1st  range.........................................  10  22  11  26  0  0  0  No.  2  59
ditto............................................  12  24  16  25  0  0  0      7     65
ditto                                           3   312   4    9    0    0    0      8     25
ditto............................................  10  30  13  7  0  0   0      9     50
ditto............................................   8  33  5  17  0  0  0    10     55
ditto............................................  2  4  3  4  0    0    0     11     11
In   the   2d  range,..............................  6   8    7    12   0     0    7  No. 1    34
ditto............................................  5  9  7  9  0    0    0      2     25
ditto............................................   1  2  6         0    0      5      9
ditto............................................  2 4  0  0   0    1    0     1 1     5
In  the  3d  range,............................................  18  70  8  20  0  0  1  No. 10  99
ditto............................................  12  32  10  13  0  0  0     11     55
ditto............................................  4  10  1  3  0   0    0     12     14
In  the  4th  range,.......................................  4  18  2  0  0   0    0  No.  8   20
ditto................................     3    7    4    2    0    0    0      9     13
ditto...........................          10   38    6   20    0    1    0     10     65
ditto..................................4    13.   2    4    0    0    01   11     20
In   the   5th  range.............................................  1  2  0  0  0  0  0  No.   9  2
ditto...........................................  7  18  4  4       0    0     10     26
ditto............................................  2  5  3  2  0    0    0     11     10
di to............................................  8  15  4  9  0   0    0     12     28
ditto...........................................  4  10  6  4  0  0   0      13    20
5th   and 6th,..........................................  10  17  12  21  0.  0  0  3and4  50
In  the  6th  range,.......................................  4  7  5  11  0  0   0  No. 10   23
ditto............................................  9  26  12  18  0  0    0    11     56
ditto................1                          3    1    4    0    0     0    12      8
ditto...........................................  8  18  15  26  0  0   0     10     59
WVest of Genesee river,..............................  7  10  9   15   0    0    0      0     34
ndian lands oposite to No.5, 8 & 9 in the 7th range........        6    0     0    0     0     17
Total...........................................  21  523  192  318  1  2  11 —   10471
" Besides these settlers who actually occupy the Genesee tract, there is an establishment of quakers,
called the Friends settlement, situated on the eastern ridge of the giant, and at the outlet of the Crooked
lake, consisting of 260 persons, who are very industrious, and have already made considerable improvements, having completed an excellent grist and saw mill some time since. It is expected there will be
double that number before a twelvemonth.     To the northward of this settlement, 12 or 15 miles
distant, at the north-west corner of the Seneca lake and about three miles from the boundary of the
grant, is the town of Geneva, in the neighborhood of which there are many settlers, and so on northerly
to lake Ontario, and in different directions for about 30 miles.   About 20 miles south from    the
Friends settlement, near the head of the Seneca lake, is the village of Culvers, and four miles further
on is Catharines town.  In the neighborhood of these villages there is a district of country bounded by
the Pennsylvnia line on the south and the heads of th e Seneca and Cayuga lakes on the north, an1
* In 1793 the inhabitants were six times that number.-EDIT.
n By advices received In March 1793 the inhabitants had increased to 7000, and settlers were daily going on the lands
In two years hence, the Genesee lands may be estimated to contain 15,000.-EDIT.




PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.                                 649
running east from   the Genesee southern boundary to Owega creek, in which there are near 600
families settled.  Between the Seneca and Cayuga lakes, and particularly to the eastward of the latter,
the country is settling very fast, and so on along the east branch of the Susquehanna, to its source at
lake Ocsega. It would be difficult to ascertain the present population of the lands adjoining the
Genesee grant, but it may be safely concluded from the progression of settlements for two or three
years past, that in the course of a very few years, the whole country to the eastward of the preemption line will be well and thickly inhabited.* The New England settlers who have already fixed
themselves on the Genesee tract, have made such favorable reports of the climate and soil, that there
are vast numbers of their countrymen preparing to remove thither.   Some of these, who at first bought
townships of the original grantees, are selling farms to new settlers from two to three dollars an acre,
according to quality, situation, and other local advantages.
c( It is in contemplation at present to make a water communication between the Susquehannah and the
Schuylkill,t which if effected, will lay open the market of Philadelphia for the reception of the produce
of all the Genesee country. And as the soil and climate are supposed to be the best in the world for
raising large and productive crops of hemp, flax, indian corn, wheat, rye, barley, oats, buck-wheat, peas,
beans, and every other species of grain produced in North America, much benefit will be derived to
the settlers, by every improvement which can be made in facilitating carriage by inland navigation.
" At present wheat can be sent from the Genesee Settlements to Philadelphia, at one shilling sterling
per bushel; but if the water communication be opened between the two rivers, the cost will not exceed
four pence.
" Dry goods can now be sent to these new settlements at about eight shillings sterling per hundred
weight, which will probably be reduced to three shillings when the navigation is completed.
" No country in the world is better adapted for raising cattle than the Genesee grant.   One of the
first settlers in that country asserts that he can every season cut wild grass, on his own farm in the
Genesee flats sufficient to maintain 2000 head of cattle through the winter; and that such hay, with
rushes and vegetables which are found above the snow, generally keep the cattle fat without any
expence. Hogs can also be reared in the woods at little or no expence to the farmer.
4 As the distance from Philadelphia (between which and the Genesee lands a road was to be completed in 1791) is somewhat less by land than two hundred miles, there can be no difficulty in driving
fat cattle and hogs to that market for sale: as they can transport themselves at a very small expence,
and as the demand for provision increases every year, and a liberal price is given for beef and pork,
there can be no doubt but the rearing of cattle and hogs, as well as horses, for sale, in the low
countries, will soon become a great object of profit to the settlers, as the extensive ranges of meadow
* An idea of the rapid population may be formed, from a detail of the towns and villages which have been built within
the last three years, and which are now in a state of progressive increase, namely
1. The town of Cannandarqua, at the north end of the lake of that name, lying within the Genesee grant, and
intended to be the head town of the country of Ontario,..............................................  99
2. The Friends settlement at the outlet of the Crooked lake,.......................................................  260
3. The town of Geneva, at the north-west corner of the Seneca lake (supposed to be)...................  100
4. The village of Culvers, near the head of Seneca lake (supposed to be)..........................  70
5. The village of Cathrines town, situated on the head of the Seneca lake, 4 miles from Culvers,...................  30
6. Newtown, a beautiful village on the eastern forks of the Tioga river (supposed)...............................  100
7, Cheeming town, three miles below New-town,.......................................................  50
709
The settlements on the lands surrounding these towns, in a square of about 80 miles............................  5931
Total........................................................................................  6640
t 1793. This communication is actuallybegun, and promises the greatest advantage to the Genesee lands. EDIT,
VOL. II.                                    82




~6D5~0~             PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.
ground on the flats and the blue grass, white clover and pea vine in the woods, must enable the farmer
to feed almost any number he can raise, or find capital to purchase.*  In many parts of the tract there
is little or no underwood, and excellent pasture in the forests between the trees, in consequence of their
being in general of an enormous size, and of the considerable distance between them; thereby affording
even a wide range for cattle in the upland country, as well as in the flats and meadows, which have
already been represented to be luxuriant beyond description, in a species of coarse grass, very fit for
hay.  It is said that there are many wild horses upon the tract, which is an additional proof of there
being winter food in the flat lands and in the forests."
The farming lands exhibit a variety of different soils adapted to every species of cultivation. The
bottoms between the rising grounds being universally rich, and the soil deep in every part of the tract,
xnay be turned successfully to the raising of hemp and flax of the very first quality, also indian corn.
On the rising grounds, wheat, rye, oats, barley, buckwheat, potatoes (which are said to be the best in
the world,) turnips, and all kinds of vegetables, may be cultivated in the greatest perfection; and considerable advantages may be derived from making ashes from the timber consumed in clearing the grounds.
Indleed the woods of America furnish much resource independent of agriculture not only in the article
of pot and pearl ashes, and in the sugar extracted from the sap of the maple; but also in furs and skins,
from the woods surrounding the farm and such articles always produce ready money to the new settler,
to assist him in his agricultural pursuits. On the Genesee lands, iron ore has also been discovered, which
at a future period, may be productive of great advantage to the proprietors. Already very good ore
has been found on one of the townships, and information has been actually received, that iron founderies
are soon to be erected on another township, situated upon the property of a Mr. Facit.
" Every part of the tract abounds with springs of excellent water.
0 It has also been asserted, that there are salt springs on the grant and that some of them are now
worked by the new settlers, so as to supply the whole with good salt at a moderate price.
u There is likewise a natural sulphur spring in the tract.
" The present setlers have already got a fine stock of cattle and hogs, and find that they thrive and
increase very fast: but as yet, there are few sheep, although, it is supposed, they would succeed well
on the hills, after the country is more fully peopled. Several genteel families are preparing to settle
on the tract this season, which will greatly facilitate the population of these lands.; The crops of wheat, Indian corn, and other small grains were very abundant last year; so that the
present settlers are in a situation to assist and to supply the wants of new comers.
4 The market for grain and provision raised in the Genesee country will be on the spot for some
time to come, and the constant influx of setlers, who may be expected, until the whole of these lands are
occupied, will, at least for a time, consume all the surplus produce; afterwards the city of Philadelphia
w.ill probably be the best market; and while the country is in the progress of being settled, the hemp
and flax raised by the Genesee farmers, and also the ashes and sugar made upon these lands, and the
skins and furs procured by hunting, must ultimately go to Philadelphia and New-York; but this will
be the business of the. merchant, who will receive all these articles from the farmer in return for dry
goods, implements of husbandry, salt and rum, and such other'articles as the settlers may want."
It is the constant practice in America, for small traders to establish what is called flying stores, for
the sale of goods wherever new settlements are made. And already there are actually such merchants
established in the Genesee country, at the county town of Canandraqua, at the north end of the lake of
that name, where all kind of produce is bought and sold by the merchants already settled there.
1793. Sheep are also found to prosper on these lands, and the gentlemen who reside there have a vast number, besides
hogs, cows andI poultry. &c. EDIT




PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORI.                          651
WVheat is at present, 1791, one dollar per bushel (4s 6d sterling;) indian corn, 2s 6d, ditto; salt, from
the Onondago works, 60 miles east of the grant, is half a dollar a bushel, in time it will be cheaper.
At a future period, when population shall have rendered various markets necessary, the heavy articles
raised on the northern part of the grant, will probably be transported to Quebeck, by the way of lake
Ontario, Catoroqui, and Montreal; and such articles as will bear land-carriage, by the way of the
Mohawk river and New-York. As the crops are extremely uncertain in Canada, it is by no means
improbable that this country must often be resorted to in order to supply the Canadians with bread.
It has been already mentioned, that the climate of this country is reckoned more mild in Winter, and
less sultry in the summer, than the same latitudes nearer the atlantic ocean; and as agriculture advances,
and the country becomes more open, the climate will improve. At present it is extremely healthy,
and none of those periodical disorders are known among the settlers which prevail in those parts of
America which are nearer the sea such as intermitting fevers, agues and bilious complaints.
The severe weather generally sets in about the beginning of December, with sharp cold, black frost,
and falls of snow. About christmas the grounds are covered with snow, which continues about two
months, or till the first week in March, during which interval there is a clear serene sky with fine
weather. It is then that the farmer transports his corn and other produce to the market, or to the
granaries and stores at the landing-places, to be in readiness when the weather opens for water communication. This transportation is managed with great ease by means of slays over the snow, where
one horse will perform more than four times the number in those latitudes in North-America, where
snows do not lie in the winter.
This period, when the snows are upon the ground, is also the season of festivity with the American
farmers, as it affords an easy and expeditious, as well as a cheap mode of travelling, and of paying
visits to one another, and in holding a friendly intercourse with their relations at a distance, in which
they appear to have more real enjoyment than the same class of people in any other country in the
world.
These snows are therefore reckoned extremely beneficial; for while they meliorate the ground, and
assist the farmer in removing his heavy timber and produce, at an easy expence, they contribute much
to his comfort and happiness, in the intercourse with his friends and neighbors, in the facility of
travelling from one place to another, and in the fine, serene, and clear atmosphere which is experienced
dluring the whole of the winter.
The snows are generally off the ground about the middle of March, when the spring weather commences, by mild showers of rain, which continue occasionally during the whole of the months of April
and May, gradually becoming warmer and warmer; which occasions a quick vegetation. During this
season the country is delightfully beautiful, with the whole fruit trees in bloom, as well as every shrub
or vine which bears any wild fruit in the woods.
In June the weather begins to grow warm. In July anl August it is occasionally sultry, with frequent
thunder showers, which are succeeded imnmediately by fine serene weather, without the intervention of
any settled rains. During this season the flies are very troublesome; but this will be less and less the
case as the country is cleared.
The months of September, October, and November, are delightfully pleasant. The mornings and
evenings are sometimes foggy; but the middle part of the day is clear and serene, without any rains
to distress the farmer in saving his different crops, or to prevent him from reaping the full extent of the
fruits of his industry.
The great variety of fruits and game also, at this season of the year, adds not a little to the pleasure
and comfort of the settlers. But still these comforts are not to be acquired without industry and
labour.




652                        PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.
The Genesee country, making a part of the new county of Ontario, in the state of New-York, is
consequently under the government of the congress of the United States, which government is
perfectly free. Every inhabitant is eligible to be chosen a member of the legislative body, or to be
appointed a public magistrate. Religious opinions exclude no man from any public situation in the
government, and every sectary or society are at perfect liberty to exercise their own mode of worship,
under the protection of the same laws which give the most perfect security to their property.
The native Indians have wholly retired from the Genesee country.* In this particular quarter of
America, these tribes are now perfectly tranquilized, and disposed to cultivate the arts of peace and
civilization. After ceding any tract of country, for a valuable consideration paid, and after a treaty
signed for that purpose, as in the present case, no instance occurs of these Indians ever settling upon the
same lands. They are remarkable for keeping faith in this respect. Indeed they always retire from
the settled countries, on account of the scarcity of game, upon which they principally depend for
subsistence.
But above all the extended society of white inhabitants, amountin to upwards of he ing o6000 persons,
already established in this new country, half of whom may be presumed able to bear arms, gives the
most perfect security to the settlers, and the more especially as their numbers will daily increase.
With this increasese will also be introduced in a greater degree every year, public schools and other
seminaries of learning for the education of youth of both sexes, as well as places of public worship.
Some churchpes and chapels are already built in this new country; and the latest advices state that the
rev. Mr. Ross was to establish an academy for the education of youth, in the county town of Cannandarqua, in the Genesee tract, in the course of the spring or summer 1791.
To these improvements in civil society are added, courts of justice, and public magistrates; and
judges for the new county of Ontario; where court-houses, and other public buildings, are either
erected or in progress, so as to extend to the inhabitants the same civil and political privileges, in
well-executed laws, and in sending representatives to congress and to the assembly, which are enjoyed
by other citizens of America.
In addition to what has been already said concerning the maple-sugar, it may here be remarked that
no cultivation is necessary; that no contingency, such as hurricanes or bad seasons, can disturb the
process; that neither the heavy expense of mills, engines, machinery, or a system of planting,
which occupies negroes for the whole of the season, is necessary at all to make the maple-sugar:the process occupies six weeks, from the middle of February to the end of March; and the whole of the
buildings, and other articles necessary for carrying it on, are to be obtained at so trifling an expence, as
to be within the reach of any person of common industry, whose conduct in life can entitle him to the
most moderate credit.
Upon the scale of four men. and for the purpose of making 40 cwt. of sugar, all the implements
that are necessary, are these following:
" The Genesee lands are nearly 800 miles from the Kentucky lands, and are by that means distantly seated from the present
war with the Indians (1793).-EDIT.
j This number is almost doubled, and last year upwards of 500 Germans went from Hamburgh, &c., for the purpose of
improving the lands, and were to be embodied as militia.-EDIT,




PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.                        653
Expence.
1. Sixteen kettles of 15 gallons each, to boil the sap, with pot racks for each kettle, o.. ~16- 0-0
2. Two iron ladles, with bowls of a gallon, to shift the sap from one kettle to another,..  1- 5-0
3. Four screw augers, to i inch, for boring the trees....**...................  0- 6-0
4. Ten buckets with covers, of three gallons each for collecting the sap, and yokes for
carrying two between the shoulders,..................................... 2-10-0
5. Sixteen hundred wooden troughs, of three gallons each, to receive the sap from the trees,
three pence each,......,..........................................          20- 0-0
N. B. One man, acquainted with the business may cut down wood and make 20 troughs
in a day (or eight days work of ten men.)
6. Six wooden troughs, dug out from large timber, like a canoe, for holding the sap,.....  4-10-0
In a new country, where cisterns cannot be had, such large troughs, made of well seasoned
timber, (of which there is vast abundance, of an uncommon size, wherever the
maple tree grows) answer the purpose very well. Upon the top of this cistern
there should be a linen strainer fixed, through which the sap brought in the
buckets should pass.
7. A shed and walls for the fire places, to be erected of stone or clay(of both which there
are plenty in the country) of sufficient length for the 16 boilers; which shed should
be covered so as to keep out the weather,................................ *  10-10-0
8. Sugar moulds may be made of seasoned boards, until earthen ones can be procured,  1-10-0
9. Pickers (so called by the sugar-bakers,) to run up the moulds, may be also made of
hard-wood found in the country,........     a....................* a*........ 0- 9-0
10. Spouts for the trees, 3,200 in all,......................................*.....   6-10-0
11. Wooden gutters and narrow troughs for facilitating labour,...................  1-10-0
Total cost,...........................65- 0-0
These are the whole implements that are required for a sugar work in America, all which, it is to
be observed, excepting the 16 kettles, the two iron ladles, and the four augers, are prepared by the
workmen themselves, from the resources they find in the country. If, however, a large work were to
be established, the expence would probably be less in proportion, than upon the scale of four men
engaged in this pursuit.
SEASON FOR TAPPING.-By trials in February each year, it will be discovered when the maple-tree
ought to be bored, for the purpose of extracting the syrup or sap; as in that month, sometimes earlier
and sometimes later, it begins to yield a sufficient quantity for commencing business.
TAPPING OR BORING.-Four hundred trees, each tree bored with two holes on the south side, and also
with two holes on the north side of the tree in the early part of the season, with screw-augers from half
to one inch, according to the size of the tree. And towards the middle of the season a like number of
trees to be bored in the same manner. This upon the scale of four hands; eight hundred trees in all,
to be tapped.
The sap of the second tapping will be found richer and more productive than the first.
At first, the auger should go no deeper into the tree than 3 of an inch, and to be deepened afterwards
to the extent of two inches and a half, as the manner of the sap's running may render necessary.-The
hole to be made in a slanting or descending position, that the sap may run freely in frosty weather.-In
these holes there should be fixed spouts to project from the tree 12 inches, but not to enter the orifice
more than half an inch. Elder wood spouts to be prepared in the season.




654                      -PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YOR.1o
PRESERVING THE SAP OR SYRUP.-In the early part of the season, the sap will keep during frost, but
as the spring advances it will be necessary to boil it the day after it is drawn from the tree, to prevent
souring and fermentation.
BOILING THE SAP.-A smart fire should be kept up while the sap is boiling, and a table spoonful
of slacked lime put into each 15 gallon kettle, while the sap is warming, and before it boils, to raise
the scum, and give the sugar a grain.
When the scum rises, it should be skimmed off. When the liquor is reduced one half, discharge
it into the one half of the kettles, continuing the process till the whole is placed in one kettle, filling up
the empty ones as soon as possible with fresh sap.
When the liquor in the last or aggregate kettle becomes a syrup, it should be strained through a woolen
cloth, before it becomes too thick.
When thus cleaned, it should stand in buckets or other proper vessels 12 hours, that the whole
sediment may fall to the bottom, and the clarified syrup to be poured off into a kettle or boiler.
The sediment to be boiled up again with fresh sap. In graining, cleaning, and whiteing the sugar, the
method of the sugar-bakers to be used.
In graining the sugar, pour the syrup into a boiler after having stood 12 hours, and place it over a
smart fire of charcoal, so as to prevent any flame, using butter or hog's lard to keep down the sap
when it rises to the top. This should be carefully attended to when the sugar is graining.
The mature state of the boiling is known by taking a little of the syrup from the boiling stick, and
trying if it ropes or draws into a thread between the finger and thumb; then it should be put into a tub
or cooler, and stirred incessantly until the grain can be felt, when it is in a fit state to be poured into
the moulds.
MOLASSES AND VINEGAR.-When the trees of the second tapping becolne poor, which may be about
the 31st, of March, or perhaps not till the 10th of April, the number of fresh tapped trees will yield a
sap, of which may be made good molasses, and excellent vinegar
Rum has also been made of an exceeding good quality from the rich sap.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
In maple plantations, it may be useful to cut down all other timber which grow intermixed with
the sugar trees, and also those of that species which are not thriving.
It is not yet ascertained from experience, how long a tree may be tapped with success.-But there
are instances among old settlers on the North river of trees being tapped for 50 years, and still continue
to yield their sap in season, the same as new trees; and it is even asserted by persons of some
experience, that these trees become more valuable, yielding a sap of a richer quality the more they are
tapped.
How far a careful cultivation in plantations may still increase the quantity and enrich the juices
drawn from this valuable tree, remains to be ascertained by experiment.
The presumption, however, is in favour of still greater advantages from cultivation and art.




DESCRIPTION
OF THE
S E T T L E M E N T
OF THE
GENESEE COUNTRY,
IN THE
STATE    OF  NEW-YORK.
IN A
SERIES OF LETTERS
FROM A
GENTLEMAN TO HIS FRIEND.
JVE WfYORK
Printed by T. & J. SWORDS, No. 99 Pearl-street,
1799.








DESCRIPTION, &c.
LETTER I.
DEAR SIR,
I with pleasure comply with your request; and will endeavour to furnish you with such information
relative to the soil, climate, situation, and present state of the Genesee Country, as may enable you to
judge of the propriety of making it the place of your future residence. From the following plain
statement of facts, whichhave fallen within the sphere of my own observation, you maybe able to form
some idea of the rapid growth of this part of the United States. Any apology for the plainness of the
style I consider unnecessary. It is useful information you are in quest of, and such only I shall
attempt to impart.
In the year 1790, the Legislature of the State of New-York formed into a county, by the name of
Ontario, all that part of the State lying west of a meridian line drawn from the eighty-second milestone
on the Pennsylvania line to Lake Ontario. Within this is included the tract known by the name
of the Genesee Country, bounded on the north by Lake Ontario, on the west by Niagara River and
Lake Erie, on the south by Pennsylvania, and on the east by the counties of Tioga and Onondago.
The year previous to the formation of this county, Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham: Esqrs. of New
England, purchased from the State, and from the Seneca Indians, their right to that part of the country
which lies between the meridian line above mentioned and the Genesee River; including, on the northernmost part of the country, a tract extending twelve miles west of the river, as will appear by the
plan, forming a tract of country forty-five miles from east to west, and eighty-four from North to
South, and containing about two million two hundred thousand acres of land. Within these limits
are contained the country now settling, which is as remarkable for its natural advantages, as for its
fertile soil and moderate climate. The northern part of the county of Ontario is watered by the
Genesee River, Rundigut Creek, Flint Creek, Mud Creek, Salmon Creek, and many other inferior
streams, and also by a number of lakes, some of them from forty to fifty miles in length, the outlets of
which afford not only a good navigation to Albany and Lake Ontario, but also valuable mill seats. The
south part of the country is watered by different branches of the Susquehannah, viz. the Conhocton,
Canisteo, Tuscarora, and Cawanisque; all of which unite at the Painted Post, and are navigable from
the middle of March to about the first of July, and from the middle of September till late in November.
The distance from Albany, New-York, Philadelphia or Baltimore, does not exceed in a direct course3
one hundred and eighty miles, and, by the roads now in use, not much above two hundred miles; and
to the Federal City the distance is about two hundred and sixty five miles: and the improvement of the
intermediate country will not only facilitate the travelling, but by opening new and more direct roads?,
will considerably lessen the distance. At present the journey to any of these cities is generally
performed in five or six days.
The settlement of this country was first attempted by Mr. Phelps, in the year 1789; but this
attempt was attended with great and almost insurmountable difficulties: there was no access to the
VOL. II.                              83




658                       PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.
country but by Indian paths, and the nearest settlement was above one hundred miles distant: the
Alleghany Mountains, then never passed, lay on the south, and Lake Ontario to the north; to the west
was one boundless forest. It is not to be wondered at, that, under such circumstances, the country
made little progress in population and improvement for some years. By the census taken in 1790,
it appears that there were only nine hundred and sixty souls, including all travellers and surveyors,
with their attendants, who happened at that time to be within the bounds of the country. That you
may form some idea of the progres of improvements in this country since that period, I shall give you
an account of the journey of a gentleman into the Genesee Country in February, 1792, in his own
words.Cc On the 15th February, 1792, I left Albany, on my route to the Genesee River; but the country
6 was thought so remote, and so very little known, that I could not prevail on the owner of the sled
t I had engaged to go further than Whitestown a new settlement on the head of the Mohawk River,
" one hundred miles west from Albany. The road, as far as Whitestown, had been made passable for
" waggons; but from that to the Genesee River. it was little better than an Indian path, just sufficiently
G opened to allow a sled to pass, and the most impassible streams bridged. At Whitestown I was
a obliged to change my sled; the Albany driver would proceed no farther, he found that for the next one
" hundred and fifty miles, we were not only obliged to take provision for ourselves and our horses, but
c also blankets as a substitute for beds. After leaving Whitestown we found only a few straggling huts
~ scattered along the path at the distance of from ten to twenty miles, and they affording nothing but
" the convenience of fire and a kind of shelter from the snow. On the evening of the third day's
" journey from Whitestown we were very agreeably surprized to find ourselves on the east side of the' Seneca Lake, which we found perfectly open and free from ice as in the month of June: the evening
a was pleasant and agreeable; and what added to our surprise and admiration, was to see a boat and
u canoe plying on the lake. This, after having passed from New York over three hundred and sixty
" miles of country completely frozen, was a sight pleasing and interesting.' We then crossed the outlet of the lake, and arrived at the settlement of Geneva, consisting of
- a few families) who had been drawn thither from the convenience of the situation and beauty of the
t adjoining country. The Seneca Lake, on which Geneva is situated, is forty-four miles long by four
" to six wiEde; and to find it navigable at this season was a sight as pleasing as unexpected. It appeared
a that the inhabitants of this delightful country would, by the slight covering of snow then on the ground,
" have all the convenience of a northern winter, and, by the waters being free from ice, the advantages
(; of inland navigation; a combination of advantages perhaps not to be experienced in any other country
6 in the world. From Geneva to Canadarqua the road is only the Indian path, a little improved the
" first five miles over gentle swellings of land, intersperced with bottoms seemingly very rich; the
i remainder of the road to Canadarqua, the county town, sixteen miles, was, the greatest part of the
( distance, through a rich heavy timbered land. On this road there were only two families settled.
" Canadarqua, the county town, consisted of only two small frame houses and a few huts, surrounded
" with thick woods. The few inhabitants received me with much hospitality. I found there abundance
" of excellent venison. From Canadarqua to the Genesee River, twenty-six miles, it is almost totally
u niimnhabited, only four families residing on the road. The country is beautifully diversified with hill
u and dale, rnd, in many places, we found openings of two and three hundred acres, free fiomn all, tiniber and even bushes, which, on our examining, proved to be of a rich, deep soil. It seemed' that, by only inclosing with one of these openings a proportionable quantity of timbered land, an
{: inclosure might be made similar to the parks in England.
~ At the Genesee River I found a small Indian store and tavern; the river was not then frozen over,
" but was low enough to be forded. As yet there are no settlements of any consequence in the Genesee




PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.                       659
u Country. That established by a society of Friends, on the west side of the Seneca Lake, is the most; considerable: it consists of about forty families. But the number of Indians in the adjoining country,
^ when compared with the few inhabitants who ventured to winter in the country, is so great, that I
"a found them under serious apprehensions for their safety. Even in this state of nature, the county: of Ontario shows every sign of future respectability. No man has put the plough in the ground
i without being amply repaid: and, through the mildness of the winter, the cattle brought into the
" country the year before, are thriving well on very slender provision for their subsistance. The
" clearing of land for spring crops is going on with spirit. I also found the settlers here abundantly
supplied with venison."
Such, it appears, was the situation of the county of Ontario in the year 1792. Its present
appearance, contrasted with what it was at that period, I intend for the subject of another letter from,
Dear Sir
Yours &c.
LETTER II.
DEAR SIRl
Messrs. Phelps and Gorham having sold, to Robert Morris, Esq. of Philadelphia, nearly two thirds
of their Lands, Mr. Morris resold them in England; and the purchaser of Mr. Morris having arrived in
America, began, early in the summer of 1792, to put in execution the plan he had formed for the
improvement of the country. This gentleman having landed in Baltimore, was, at an early period,
impressed with the idea that this new country, situated immediately north of the centre of Pennsylvania
and Maryland, must reap great advantages froin opening a communication across the Alleghany
Mountains; and his first attempt at improving the Genesee Country was to examine, in person, the
possibility of opening the communication. Not discouraged by the information he had received of the
impracticability of the object, with four companions, on the third day of June, 1792, he left the settlement at the mouth of, Lycoming Creek, on the west branch of the Susquehannah, and entered the
wilderness, taking a northerly course. After ten days laborious exertion they fell on the Cawonisque
Creek, and, from the course of the waters, they soon found they had entered the county of Ontario,
Tt appeared by the map of the adjacent country that a direct road across the mountains would shorten
the distance of the Genesee Country from the settlements in Pennsylvania at least one hundred miles, and
the advantages attending the opening of this communication were so obvious, that, difficult as the
undertaking was, he determined, without delay to try to effect it.  By the month of November, of the
same year, thirty miles were made sufficiently good to admit the passage of waggons; and by the
following August the road was completed to Williamsburgh, a distance of one hundred and seventy
miles from the mouth of Lycoming Creek, where they had entered the wilderness to explore the route.
It is only from this period, which opened to the Genesee a communication with the settlements
in Pennsylvania, that we can trace the beginning of that singularly rapid progress in population and
improvements, which has so eminently distinguished that country, The opening of this road from
Pennsylvania over a chain of mountains before reckoned impassable, excited the curiosity of the inhabitants
in the adjacent country, and many were tempted to explore the Genesee lands, that, previous to this,
had scarcely ever given them a thought. The idea of the immense distance was at once destroyel.
At this early period, however, it was only men of observation that were pleased. Many returned
disgusted with the extreme inconvenience of travelling through a country almost destitute of inhabitants,
for the distance of one hundred and seventy miles, and particularly when they found the only settlementl
in that part of the country depending on the Indlians for subsistence.




6[60                       PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.
In the spring of the year 1793, the scarcity of provisions that was felt so severely at the end of the
preceding season, was considerably increased by the number of families that emigrated at this time
into the county of Ontario. To keep the settlements together, an additional stock of provisions, consisting of flour and pork, was procured from Philadelphia and Northumberland, in Pennsylvania. By
the assistance of this timely supply, several settlements were begun in the south part of the county, the
principal of which was on the Conhocton Creek, on the road from Pennsylvania to Williamsburgh. In
this place, then the centre of a wilderness of nine hundred thousand acres, the town of Bath was laid
out; and before.the end of the season not less than fifteen families were resident in the village.  Early,
in the season, a saw-mill had been finished; and previous to the setting in of the winter, a grist-mill
with a saw-mill nearer the town, were in great forwardness. In the year 1794, those who had moved
into the country the preceding years, finding a ready money market for their produce, had made great
exertions, and a considerable surplus was furnished by them to the new comers.  Of the new settlements,
begun this year, the principal were those of Sodus, Honeoy Lake, Braddock's Bay, Canascraga,
Tuscarora, and Pleasant Valley.*  At the same time the population of the older settlements was
increasing with rapidity: on the most convenient mill-seats mills were building and roads making to
"unite the different settlements: indeed the whole country seemed one scene of exertion.
Every situation which nature had pointed out to possess superior advantages, was the scene of action,
under the direction of some enterprising characters.  This year several settlements where begun on
the Indian line, and one was commenced under the direction of a Mr. Bartles, from the Jerseys, on the
outlet of Mud Lake, one of the branches of the Conhocton. Towards the end of summer a set of
merchant mills were in considerable forwardness, and lots laid out for a village, called Frederick's TownS
after the name of the founder, Frederick Bartles; before winter the saw-mill had got into complete
operationnt and several excellent mechanics were settled in the town. The number of emigrants that
had, by this time, moved into the new establishments in every part of the country, and the respectability
of many individuals now resident, induced the Legislature of the State to agree to a division of the
county of Ontario; the north part retained the name of Ontario and the part struck off was called
Steuben, after the Baron of that name: the town of Bath, only two years before the centre of a
wilderness, was fixed on as the seat of justice.
Roads were cut this year in many directions, to connect the different establishments, and many grist
and saw-mills were building on the streams adjoining the settlements.
As early as the year 1796, the various settlements had begun to assume an appearance of respectability never before instanced in so new a country.  On an enumeration being taken of the inhabitants
in the town of Bath, and the district eight miles round it, by the assessors, there were found above
eight hundred souls; also, within the same distance, two schools, one grist-mill, and five saw-mills.
Nearly all the settlements had increased in a similar proportion; the number of emigrants each year
was supposedl to be not less than three thousand souls; these were either engrafted on the old settlements,
or, under some enterprising man, formed distinct settlements of their own.
Of those begun in 1796, there were two worthy of notice: that of the Rev. Mr. Gray in Township
No. 4, seventh range, who moved from Pennsylvania with a respectable part of his former parishoners,
anii a Jersey settlement on the head of the Canascraga Creek; both of these exhibit instances of industry
an   i e:oterprize, rare as uncommon. The ensuing season, on the organization of the militia of the county
Situated on the southern extremity of the Crooked Lake; the other settlements are designated by the original names of the
parts of the country in which they are situated.' It is not unworthy of notice, that in the month of May, 1798, Mr. Bartles proceedle fiom his mills, ih the centre of
S.tenben county, with 100,000 feet of boards, for Baltimnore, where le arrived safe, and met with so good a market, that he
engaged to tdeliver the sanme quantity the next spring.




PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.                        661
of Steuben, this Jersey settlement turned out a company of grenadiers, all in handsome uniform, and
completely equipped, composed solely of the young men belonging to it, and the same season, a troop
of horse and a company of light infantry were formed at Bath, and attached to the battalion of
Steuben county.
Much pains were taken to induce the different settlers to erect mills at an early period of their
settlement, and every encouragement was given to put it in their power to carry them into effect; indeed,
in no new country were the settlers so well accommodated with mills. The consequence was evident,
both in the appearance of their houses and farms: a greater number of framed houses and barns were
to be found in these settlements than in many that were twenty years old. This had not only a good
effect in beautifying and enriching the country, but by the erection of comfortable houses, much was
done towards the preservation of the health of the inhabitants.
This year a printing-office was established in. the town of Bath, and a newspaper printed, entitled,
"4The Bath Gazette."  The county of Ontario having several years the start in settlement, and the
advantage of many Indian clearings of great extent, had already the comfortable appearance of an
old settled country: the old Indian orchards had been dressed up, and the fruit secured from
depredation. Fruit was in such abundance, that one farmer, near Geneva, made, this year, one hundred
barrels of cyder.
The town of Canadarqua, from consisting of a few straggling huts, as described in 1792, had now
assumed the appearance of a very handsome village: a court-house and goal were already built; and an
academy founded on a subscription of thirty thousand dollars was now building. The whole adjacent
country was rapidly settling with a most respectable yeomanry, but particularly that part lying between
Canadarqua and the Genesee River. This tract of country, about six miles from north to south, and
twenty seven from east to west, for well cultivated farms, a thick population, and respectable inhabitants,
may already vie with any part of the United States.*
In this year (1796) the town of Geneva received a great addition by the laying out a street on the
summit of a rising ground, along the west bank of the lake. At the south termination of the street a
handsome country house was begun, and finished the year following; and in the corner of the square,
a large and convenient house, for a tavern and hotel besides, many other large and well finished houses.
About this time a sloop of forty tons, burden, was put on the stocks, intended, when finished, to run as'
a packet between Geneva and Catherine's Town, a small village at the head of the lake, about fortyfour miles distant from Geneva. Towards the close of the season almost all the new buildings were
finished, and the sloop was launched. The circumstance of the sloop, however trifling in itself, was of
sufficient importance to assemble several thousand people, and no circumstance having occurred to draw
together the different settlements, the people composing them were not a little surprised to find themselves in a country containing so many inhabitants, and these so respectable. Natives of every state in
the union, and of every nation of Europe, were to be found in the assemblage, all ambitious of the
same object, the aggrandisement of the Genesee Country.
This season a printing office was established at Geneva, and a weekly gazette published, supported
by eight hundred subscribers, who, before six months, increased to one thousand.  Of the settlements
begun this season, one was sixteen miles south from Geneva, on the outlet of the Crooked Lake,
which here empties into the Seneca; a village, called Hopetown, was laid out on a rising ground
adjacent to the creek, and within half a mile of the lake; at the same time a set of merchant mills
were begun on the outlet, about half a mile from the village. No situation in the world can be better
* This tract of country has continued to increase with great rapidity; one hundred and fifty families moved into it in
the space of a fecw weeks last winter, 1797.




662                        PAPEPRS RELATING TO WESTERN NErW-YORIN.
adapted for an establishment of this kind, having not only an excellent mill-seat on a powerful and
never failing stream of water, but it is in the centre of a rich and flourishing settlement, and possesses
the advantage of a good navigation from any part of the Seneca Lake to the mills, and fronm thence
to Albany; and also, with a trifling land carriage) to the Crooked Lake. These mills are intended as
a depository for all grain taken in this part of the country, in payment for lands sold, where it can
either be manufactured into flour, or distilled, as may answer best for sale to the new-comers, or for
exports to Canada or Albany.  One floor of the mills will be solely appropriated for the use of the
merchants residing in the adjacent country, who may sell their merchandize for wheat delivered at the
mills, and pay storage for the advantage they derive. Mills of this kind, in countries where such vast
crops of grain may be raised, are highly useful to the farmer, the merchant, and the great land-holder.
On the north side of Geneva, about the same distance as Hlopetown, a set of mills, on a similar plan,
were built this season. These last are situated on a very important navigation, the outlet of the
Canadarqua Lake, near its junction with Mud Creek, both of -which are very considerable streams, and
— run through a great extent of rich country already well settled. In the settlement of Mud Creek alone)
there were for sale, last fall, not less than ten thousand bushels of wheat, of an excellent quality.
From the junction of the two rivers, Mlud Creek affords good navigation for boats of four or five tons at
least, twenty miles; and the navigation downwards for boats of ten tons, is good to Schenectady
sixteen miles only from Albany.  The settlements in this part of the country derive great advantage
from the Western canals, which the State has patronized at much expense.  On the bank of MTud Creelk
near the junction of the two streams, is laid out the village of Lyons, so called from the similarity of
its situation to the city of that name in France.  The vicinity of this place to the mills and to the salt
%works, and the command of the navigation, both to the interior country and to Albany, contribute
to imake it a place of importance: such has been the success of this settlement, that though only begun
two years ago it is now almcst one continued village from Geneva to Lyons, sixteen miles. From Lyons
to Sodus there is a direct road, but only a few families are, as yet, settled on it. The town of Sodus is
however, making considerable im,,provements; a set of mills are finished, and other considerable
improvements are carrying on. This place is situated on a bay of the same name, which is well
known as the best harbour on the south side of Lake Ontario.  Few or none, even on the sea coast,
exceed it for spaciousness and beauty. The extent of the bay, from north to south, is about six or
seven miles, and from east to west, from two to four miles. The grounds around the bay rise considerably high, and the entrance is not above half a mile over.  So completely is it protected from the
wind, that when the lake is agitated with a storm, the bay may be passed safely in a canoe. Vessels,
may anchor near the town in tweuty-five fathom  water, on a sandy bottom, and in many places a
vessel of fifty tons mi'ht lay afloat near enough the shore to land on a plank. In this bay there are
several islands,0 covered with timber, which with the head lands stretching into the bay afford
picturesque views from the town, scarcely to be equalled. The town stands on a rising ground, on
the west point of the bay, having the lake on the north, to appearance boundless as the ocean, and the
bay to the east, romantically intersected with islands, and parts of the main land stretching into it. The
first view of this place, after passing through a timbered country twenty-eight miles, strikes the eye of
the beholder as one of the most magnificent landscapes human fancy can picture, and the beauty of the
scene is not unfrequently heightened by the appearance of large vessels navigating the lake. At the
sight of these immense bodies of water, tie mlin  of a reIecting man must be struck with arlmiration,
With only the interception of the portage of nine imiles at Niagara Falls they may be navigated to
- Some of these islands contain fifty acreS, all of very fine soil: they prodluce vegbetables in great ahbunndance, particularly
onions.




PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.                          663
the we'stward at least two thousand miles; and at one place the portage between Lake Michigan and
the navigable waters of the Illinois, does not exceed half a mile. I was at Sodus some time ago, when
a boat, with a number of families on board, put into the bay, they appeared to be French. Being
questioned as to their business, they said they were bound for the Spanish settlements on the Illinois
River, some of them  had been there the year before, and stated, that, excepting the Falls of
Niagara, they had only a carrying-place of half a mile from Lake Michigan to a branch of the Illinois
River. They said they had still one thousand five hundred miles to sail. What an extensive
navigation 
You will find the Genesee Country abounding with situations both valuable to the farmer and amusing
to the gentleman and man of leisure: but amongst the variety it affords, they must all yield to Sodus;
for fishing, fowling, sailing or hunting, this latter place stands unrivalled; and perhaps no place in
America can equal it.  Fish of various kinds, many of them from the ocean, can be had at pleasure;
and a species of soft-shelled green turtle* may be procured in plenty, little inferior to the green turtle
brought from the West Indies. In the spring and fall, all sorts of water-fowl are innumerable in the
bay. In the adjacent woods are abundance of deer; they may be easily drove by dogs into the
bay, and the chace is continued by water greatly to the amusement of those who are fond of such sports.
Strangers going to Sodus, will now find good accommodation, in a house built for the purpose; and they
w~ill find handsome sail-boats, and every apparatus necessary to accommodate the sportsman in
pursuit of his amusement.
The lands about Sodus are a black sandy loam, very deep: a soil not very common in this country,
but of an excellent quality for every species of cultivation: it affords the finest gardens.t
In one of the creeks running into the bay there was, some time ago, discovered a fine body of
chocolate marble, which has been found to bear a good polish, and the blocks sufficiently large for
any sort of building ornament.  On this Creek, now called Marble Creek, there are some excellent
mill-seats, accessible to boats from the lake, which, as the settlement increases, will come into use.
The present mills are on a creek, west of the town, called Salmon Creek, and consist of one gristmill and two saw mills.
The only part of the Genesee country, that seemed, until now to have escaped the general
improvement, was that contiguous to the Genesee River, below Hartford or Canawagas: a set of very
good mills, however, had been built at the falls, and some settlers were to be found in'that neighbourhood, on the fertile plains by the side of the river: but the idea of exposure to Indian depredations on
a frontier is always sufficient to prevent the man of industry and property from  settling.  The
luxuriance of the soil will not always tempt him. The moment, however, the western posts were given
up to the United States, and this part of the country rendered safe, the industrious settlers turned their
attention to the lands west of the river; and they now bid fair to prove one of the best settlements in
the western country,
I am &c.
LETTER III.
DEAR SIR)
The emigration that took place in the year 1797, into this Western Country, not only exceeded
former years, as to numbers, but also as to the respectability of the emigrants; a very great proportion
of the settlers were the most substantial farmers from Pennsylvania, Maryland, the Jerseys, and New
*This species of turtle weighs above 20 lb.
n It is very common to see onions in gardens at Sodus from fourteen to fifteen inches in circumference, and from the seed
not solwen above four months.




664g                      PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.
England. The country had already been so far improved, that the inhabitants lived in comfort, and
even luxury; regular weekly markets had been established in Geneva, Canadarqua, and Bath; and were
well supplied with meat of all kinds. The flour from our mills was inferior to none on the continent)
and the merchants' stores were regularly supplied. The United States had established a weekly post,for the carriage of letters: in fact, we found no inconvenience but that the access to the country, for
near one hundred miles on each side, was through settlements, in point of improvement, far behind
those in the Genesee Country. To improve our communication with the coast seemed to be all that
was necessary to render this country equal to any part of America, for comfort and convenience: in
many things, particularly the climate, we had much the advantage. To remedy this inconvenience as
to roads, the Legislature of the State had, by an act passed in the session of 1797, taken the road from
Fort Schuyler to Geneva under their patronage. A;lottery had been granted for the opening and Improving
of certain great roads; among these, this road was included.:The inhabitants of the country through
which the road passed, made a voluntary offer of their services, to aid the State Commissioner, and
subscribed four thousand days work, which they performed with fidelity and cheerfulness. By this
generous and uncommon exertion, and by some other contributions, the State Commissioner was enabled
to complete this road of near one hundred miles, opening it sixty-four feet wide, and paving with logs,and gravel, the moist parts of the low country through which it was carried. Hence the road from
Fort Schuyler, on the Mohawk River, to Genesee, from being, in the month of June, 1797, a little better
than an Indian path, was so far improved, that a stage started from Fort Schuyler on the 30th of
September, and arrived at the hotel in Geneva, in the afternoon of the third day, with four passengers.
This line of road having been established by law, not less than fifty families settled on it in the space
of four months after it was opened. It now bids fair to be, in a few years, one continued settlement
from Fort Schuyler to the Genesee River. All last winter two stages, one of them a mail stage, ran
from Geneva and Canadarqua to Albany weekly.
A wilderness changed, in so few years, to the comfortable residence of a numerous body of
industrious people, who enjoy the comforts and conveniences of life in a degree superior to most parts
of the United States, affords matter of curiosity to the intelligent traveller, and many respectable characters
undertake the journey from no other motive. To them, therefore, it must be highly gratifying to find
entertainment and accommodation equal to any thing of the kind in America. Very few places of the
size now exceed Geneva, either as to the stile of the buildings, the beauty of the adjoining country, or
valuable improvements.
The number of sail-boats have greatly increased on the lake, and the sloop finds constant employment: and, in addition to their comforts, a person from Scotland has established, at Geneva, a very
respectable brewery, which promises to destroy in the neighbourhood, the baneful use of spirituous
liquors. The apple and peach orchards, left by the Indians, yield every year abundance of fruit, for the
use of the inhabitants, besides making considerable cyder; so much so, that one farmer near Geneva
sold cyder, this year, to the amount of one thousand two hundred dollars.
So respectable are these establishments in this western country, that any one of them would be
sufficient to give a stranger a high opinion of its progressive state: but the traveller of observation
cannot fail to be highly gratified to find, on passing the counties of Ontario and Steuben, at least twenty
respectable and distinct settlements, each under the direction of some enterprising man, whose greatest
ambition, and that of his fellow settlers, is to distinguish their settlement above the others. Water, in
the town of Geneva, is brought, in pipes, from a remarkable spring, at the distance of a mile and a half,
so that each house is plentifully supplied at the door; and a number of farmers in the adjoining country
bring water into their farm-yards and kitchens. These conveniences show the comfort in which they
live.








MEI~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
U.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~i:~............~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~",..........        -Y, -'K, i"
-Z  i,...................................................... ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~'
R  70.~..................:s:I~~::P~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~..........................~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:..........::~~........................................................ -~ ~.~.' ~il'.ii iii i'                                              -.........
B ~ ~~iiiii 7:.-::::::::::::::::.....................................:::::::::::::~.....................................................:~~-::I~~~~i.::::: ~~~~~.~~~~~i ~ ~........
~~~~:::::::::::::::::::::                                                           i~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.t~-~~~~~~~~~~anil.............iiii
I::::.::   -~rX ~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~......
t'i~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:':::~'~::: -z3i:i~i:~-I — r:~~...............:::a:::...................... iii ii~ ii~.............~ ~ ~ ~ ~.:l~~~~~":::..:::::~~j:i::::.~iii;~:,
pi~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~..........~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~::
iiii:~iiiiiiiiii~~"iiiiiiiiiiiiii l     ~i~............   ~ ~.............................:::::::::::::...............................:s,I~a'-:~~:::::  ":"'~:~...........~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'::8i:~-~~:..




PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.                         665
A new settlement was this year begun on the west side of the falls of the Genesee River, about
nine miles from Lake Ontario, and at no great distance from the mills already built. Several of these
settlers, being from the sea-coast of New England, particularly a Mr. Granger, turned their attention to
the navigation of the lake, and its communication with the Genesee River. The navigation of the river is
here intercepted by four successive magnificent falls, the highest of them ninety six feet: around these
falls a^carrying place was made, and the inhabitants on the Genesee River now receive their salt from
the Onondaga salt works, and their stores from Albany, with a very trifling land carriage compared
with what they were necessitated to undertake from Gefeva. The opening of this navigation has also
furnished them with a ready water communication for their surplus produce. Mr. Granger, last
winter, built a schooner of forty tons, which was launched early in April: before the middle of May
she made a trip to Niagara, with two hundred barrels of provisions, and there were then laying on the
beach two hundred barrels more, ready to be put on board on her return. If we calculate on what has
been experienced in the other settlements, the port on the Genesee River bids fair, in a very few years,
to be a place of considerable importance.
Should the inhabitants of the immense flats on the Genesee River and the adjacent country turn
their attention to the cultivation of hemp, and the manufacturing of it into cordage, which may be sent,
with very trifling land carriage, either to Quebec or Baltimore, both of which are advantageous markets,
it is not possible to calculate what may hereafter be the value of this country.
1798. The number of families that came into this country last winter far exceeded any former year.
Not less than three thousand people are supposed to have come into the counties of Ontario and
Steuben in the course of six weeks last: winter; and this spring families were coming in the moment
the navigation was free from ice. A Mr. Thayer, with a number of families, moved into a new
settlement on a tract of land south of Braddock's Bay. As a necessary measure, and to follow. the
footsteps of others, they are already building their mills, having brought with them all the materials.
Another settlement of Germans, from Pennsylvania, was this season begun at the south-west
extremity of Steuben county, where they have a rich, unequal country, but well watered. These lands,
being remote from  the roads leading into the country, have heretofore been undervalued; but the
opening of a communication from that quarter to Pennsylvania, which is already partly effected, will make
it a commodious situation.
The rapid progress of this new country, in every comfort and convenience has not only caused the
emigration of vast numbers of substantial farmers, but also of men of liberal education, who find here,
a society not inferior to that in the oldest country settlements in America. The schools are far from
being indifferent, and even the foundations of public libraries are already laid. The gentleman fond of a
rural life, or the amusements of the field, may here gratify himself; he may find a situation for a
country-seat, that will please the most romantic fancy: the excellence of the climate and soil will
afford him every certainty of a great return for his trouble and expense as a farmer, and with little
trouble his garden may equal'any gentleman's in England.* Indeed, with the advantage of climate and
soil, the great variety of situations can only be equalled in the finest parts of England.
You will find the climate of the Genesee Country not only forms a very interesting part of its
advantages, but also of its natural history: those parching heats that, on the south side of the Alleghany Mountains, seem to dry up every particle of nourishment from the plants; are never known in
this country: in almost every instance a hot day is succeeded by a plentiful shower, which preserves
throughout the summer, a constant verdure and affords to us the finest pastures and meadows on the
continent: the nights are proportionately cool, and a traveller from the sea coast is surprized to find,
Miuslk and water-melons, and all the delicate plants produced in the interior of France, come toperfection in our gardensd
VOL. II.                                84




666                        PAPERS RELA'TING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.
in the dog-days, a couple of blankets a comfortable covering. Late frosts in the spring, and early
ones in the fall, are uncommon, and there is scarcely an instance of the fruit or corn suffering by them.
The peach trees, the great test of a climate free from severe and late spring frosts, come to great
perfection; in one orchard, at an old Indian town near Geneva, the occupier of the farm sold, last
year, to a neighboring distillery, one hundred bushels of peaches.
In the winters of 1796 and 1797, two gentlemen kept regular diaries of the weather, the one at
Bath in Steuben countly, the other at Lancaster in Pennsylvania, the result was, that at Lancaster the
cold was greater than at Bath, from 11~ to 13~ during the winter; but the spring commenced ten
days later. If more proof was necessary to establish this important fact: viz. the moderation of the
climate, it might be stated, that the settlers have, in many parts of the country, been in the custom of
turning into the woods part of their cattle before winter, at a distance from their farms and they
have been found, in every instance, in good order, and with less loss than might be expected from the
same number of cattle if kept about the houses. The frosts have never been so severe as to stop the
operation of the mills, provided very trifling precaution is used. So remarkable was this circumstance in
1797, that a number of sleds came from Pensylvania to the Bath mills, a distance of seventy miles.
Except in shallow places the lakes never freeze: and the navigation of the Seneca Lake has not been
impedlel since the settlement of -the country.  This will appear the more remarkable, when,
frequently within that period the North River has been frozen at New-York, the Delaware forty miles
below Philadelphia, and the Chesapeak Bay as low  as Annapolis. All this is owing to the relative
situation of the Genesee Country. The country is bounded, on the north and west by great bodies of
water, which do not freeze, and in this direction there is not one mountain. The northerly and
westerly winds, which si:ourge the coast of America, by blowing over the Alleghany Mountains late
in the spring and early in the fall, covered with snow are tempered by passing over these waters; and
these mountains to the. south of us do, at the same time prevent the destructive effects of the southerly
breeze in winter, which by suddenly thawing the frozen wheat-fields, destroys thousands of bushels.
While the Lakes and Alleoghany Mountains are in existance, so long will the inhabitants of the
Genesee Country be blessed with their present temperate climate. The town of Bath has, this
season, increased considlerably, and much improvement has been made on the different roads leading
to it. The opening a market to Baltimore for our lumber and fat cattle, has also raised a spirit amongst
the inhabitants to improve the navigation of the Conhocton. A handsome court-house, and a very
secure and convenient goal, are added to the number of our buildings; and the inhabitants have
recently encouraged a clergyman to settle amongst them. Thus from year to year we improve.
I am &c.
LETTER IV.
DEAR SIR,
It has very erroneously'been supposed, that the face of the Genesee Country was flat and level,
full of swamps and stagnant waters; but, in fact, the direct contrary is the case. The face of the
country fromn Geneva to the Genesee River appears to be a succession of gentle swellings of land,
running mlost frequently from north to south; and the intermediate spaces afford considerable bottom or
meadow Ilndl, andl generally a small stream of water. This furnishes the best situations imaginable
for farms, there being a tlue proportion of high land and meadow.  The upland, as it is termed, is
timbered chliefly with hickory, oak, and walnut; and the interval with elm, basswood, sugar-tree, &c.
The stone fountd on these ritlges mostly inclines to lime-stone, which is a certain indication of the best
land for every species of grain. The openings, or large tracts of land, found frequently in this




PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.                        667
country free of timber, and showing great signs of having been once in a state of cultivation, are
singularly curious. This sort of land, fiom the ignorance of the first settlers in regard to its quality,
was supposed to be barren, and was therefore little valued: necessity, however, obliged some to attempt
the cultivation of it, and they were agreeably disappointed on finding they had got a good crop, and
in numberless instances they have continued to reap plentiful crops every year for seven years past.
This kind of land, which, six years ago would not have sold for a quarter of a dollar an acre, is now
reckoned cheap at ten dollars an acre. It is difficult to account for these openings, or for the open flats
on the Genesee River, where ten thousand acres may be found in one body, not even encumbered
with a bush, but covered with grass of such height, that the largest bullocks, at thirty feet from the
path, will be completely hid from the view. Through all this country there are not only signs of
extensive cultivation having been made at some early period, but there are found the remains of old
forts, where the ditches and gates are still visible. They appear to be, in general, well chosen for
defence. From the circumstance of swords being found in them with French inscriptions, it is concluded
they are of French origin. I do not recollect that the French had ever so great a force in this part
of America, at so early a period; for these forts, from very large decayed timbers lying in them,
and large timber growing over those fallen down, must be at least two hundred years old: the forts are,
besides, too numerous for mere stations; and great collections of human bodies are found in them, which
shows they have been occupied for many years. An accurate examination of this country, by men of
observation and science, might throw light on the history of this part of America, now so little
known.
The soil of the country has, in every instance, proved favourable to the raising of grain: the long
and moderate summers seem particularly adapted to bring to perfection wheat, barley and oats; the
two last, so inferior on the coast to the English, are here of a quality equally as good. The crops of
timothy and clover hay are superior to most in America; an(l have been known to produce from three to
four tons per acre, of excellent well dryed hay.' The price of grain and average produce per acre is
nearly as follows:
Priee per bushel                         Dolls. Cts.  Produce in bushels per acre.
Wheat,).............................     1        from 25 to 30
Rye,..............................  75         40 to 50
Oats,...............................   50          40 to 50
Indian corn,...........................   50          30 to 60
Barley,..........................      70          60
Ten dollars per ton for timothy and clover hay; the product is from two to three tons per acre on an
average. That you may be able to ascertain, with some accuracy, the advantage that may be reaped
from an expenditure of capital in this country, in improving a farm, it is necessary to make some
calculation, founded on the expence and probable return.
It has been found, by repeated experience, that when wheat is about one dollar per bushel, an acre
of ground, taken from a state of nature, and well timbered, will require, with great economy, fourteen
dollars per acre to put it into a crop of wheat or rye, including every expense: this I have seen
ascertained with great accuracy, in a field of forty acres, near Geneva: these forty acres may be, at the
least, expected to yield one thousand bushels of wheat; and after deducting two tenths or two
hundred bushels, for reaping and threshing, leaves a balance of eight hundred bushels to defray the
expense and as profit for the value of the land used; and the land is left in complete order for a
second crop, without any more expense than the trifling one of plowing and sowing.
~ This season a field of twenty acres was averaged at Bath, and found to bear of good hay three tons 8 cwt. 46 Ib. per
acre. In many places the red clover was four feet seven inches long.




668                           PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.
It is also found, that the temperate climate, and richness of the pastures, particularly adapt the
Genesee Country for those branches of farming dependant on cattle.       No part of America is better
adapted for dairy farms; for at no time is the weather so hot but butter can be made and preserved.
The quantity of cheese already made is considerable; several farmers keeping from twenty to thirty
cows.   The cattle brought into the country from     the neighbouring States thrive well, and some
bred in the country have grown to a great size.*      The mildness and short duration of the winter,
when compared with that of the great cattle countries in the New-England States, are much in favour
of the Genesee Country.    When we consider the ease with which every thing can be sent to market,
the surplus grain, the product of the dairy, the salt provisions, and fat cattle, will at once appear a
fund of wealth to the country.
The settlements already formed on the principal navigations, and whose inhabitants are used to business,
and respectably connected, finld, at an early period, the most advantageous markets for their surplus
produce.   To Canada, beef, salt, pork,t flour, and whisky, are already sent to a great amount.:   To
the county of Steuben, nature has pointed out a market by the Susquehannah River.        Several of its
branches afford good navigation to the most westerly parts of the county.     They may be navigated
almost to their source, for five or six months in the year, by boats carrying from five to eight tons;
but when the surplus produce requires the carriage of heavy articles, to Baltimore, the natural sea
port of this part of the country, for six weeks or two months in the spring, while the waters are kept
high by the melting of the snow on the Alleghany Mountains, a species of boat~ may be made to
descend the stream that will carry from two to five hundred barrels of flour.  Lumber for the Baltimore
market can be sent down with ease, and at little expense, when compared with the high price of
boards, &c.
The opening the navigation to Baltimore, and the ease with which bulky articles can be carried to
one of the best markets in the United states, places the county of Steuben in a situation highly
flattering to its future prospects.  The land-holder will receive, in payment for his lands. articles fit for
the Baltimore mnarket,l1 and the settlers will be encouraged to make great exertions to pay from the soil,
for the land they have purchased.
The success of every individual who has emigrated to the Genesee Country, has stamped a greater
value on the lands than ever was known in any place so recently settled, and so distant from   the old
settled country; but this has, in a great measure, been owing to the convenience and security afforded
to the settlers at the earliest period of their emigration.
*A four years old bullock was killed at Bath in November last that weighed 12 cwt. 28 lb. And this spring a bullock
was killed at the same place that measured seventeen hands and a half high, eleven feet six inches from the root of his~
horns to the root of his tail, and nine feet six inches in the girth-he sold for two hundred and forty-seven dollars cash.
f The salt works at Onondago are now under the direction of the State. As the salt can be brought to the Seneca Lake
or the Genesee River by water, it can be procured here at little more expense than on the sea coast, and equally as good..
A. great quantity of spirituous liquors is necessary for the supply of the western posts, and Indian trade in Canada..
The whisky, for some years back, has been sent from Northumberland, in Pennsylvania: after a carriage of four hundred,
miles it is sold for one dollar and fifty cents per gallon at Niagara, and two dollars and fifty cents at Detroit. The county
of Ontario, from its communication with Lake Ontario, has a very decided advantage; and the distilling of whiskey has
already become an object to our farmers.
~ A Mr. Kryder, of Juneata River, invented these boats about six years ago; the high price of flourand lumber induced
him to make the experiment, and he arrived safe at Baltimore with his load. They have been used every year since that
time, hnd are made of plank: they are broke up after discharging their cargo, and sold for lumber, with little or no
loss: they are navigated by three or five men, and will float down at the rate of eighty miles per day; they are called Arks,
15 The proper articles for the Baltimore market are lumber, such as ship plank boards, scantling, lath and shingles-f t
~attle, barrelled beef and pork, flour, barley and hemp, may also, at little cxpence, be transported on the rafts.




PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.                           669
In several instances I have advised the following plan for the settlement of a few families of
Europeans. In this I have considered their apprehensions and difficulties, when scattered in a woody
country, and the advantage they may gain by being mutually able to aid and encourage each other. I
proposed that the whole body should, instead of scattering in the woods, fix themselves in a village,
and bestow their first labour on improving the village lots, which, to save the labour of fencing, should
be worked up in a number of small portions by the settlement under one common fence, but each lot
to belong to the individual proprietor.  Houses could be built at-a small expence on each town lot, to
accommodate families.  Foreigners will find much advantage from following a plan of this kind: one
third the number of cattle will be sufficient for the purposes of husbandry, and a great deal more
produce will be raised in a large enclosure than in a number of, small separate ones, making the same
extent of land. In small fields, surrounded with woods, one half will be overshadowed, so as to bear
little crops. As the settlers find it convenient, they can improve, and afterwards move to their farm
lots, and lease or sell to mechanics their town lots.
One mill, one blacksmith, and one road will serve the settlement, at a time when every shilling is
valuable, and every hour's labour of much consequence; and the satisfaction of a society labouring
together, who are bound to each other by the strongest motives to friendship, will lighten the most
arduous task.
I have no idea that you can reap any benefit from my attempting to give you information on the mode
of farming in this country; that you must condescend to learn here; but it is requisite that you know
the prices of the implements, necessary for a farmer.
A good log house,* with two rooms if made by hired men, will cost  100 Dollars
Oxen per yoke,.......................,,....        70
A cow..............................,.                       15
Farming utensils necessary at first.......               **.20
Anrox cart,.......a................  *.......,.......  30
This is the least any family can do with, unless a number combine together. The wealthy man may
add what he pleases.
If the dam is not difficult, a small grist-mill and saw-mill may be built for one thousand dollars.
I am &c.
LETTER V.
DEAR SIR,
When a census of this state was taken, in the year 1790, the number of inhabitants in the county
of Ontario was estimated at nine hundred and sixty souls; but even in this small number, there were
included Surveyors and their chainbearers, &c, and even those whom curiosity had drawn into the country.
Every year since that period considerable additions have been made to the number of inhabitants 
but for the last two years the increase has been proportionably greater than the preceding. Within
the space of five weeks last winter, five hundred and seventy sleighs, with families passed through
Geneva.
The great number of settlements into which the new inhabitants spread themselves, renders it
impossible to ascertain the present number of souls; but considering the great difficulties we had to
encounter for many years, and our distance from.the old settlements, our population is astonishingly
increased. It may be nearly judged of by concurrent circumstances;but, until our census is taken, it
cannot be exactly ascertained.' A small log house, twenty feet square, will cost fifty dollars; a number settling together can do with one yoke of oxen,
and of course, one set of farming utensils, for every two families, the first years




670                        PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.
We find, amongst the circumstances from which our population can be ascertained, that the printer
of the Ontario Gazette disperses, weekly, not less than one thousand papers, and the printer of the Bath
Gazette, from four to five hundred. From this some judgment may be formed, not only of the number,
but of the respectability of the people settled in the country. As it is several years since the militia of
the county of Ontario was organized, we cannot judge of the population by the number of regiments;
they are at present formed into a brigade of three complete battalions, and a very excellent troop of
horse. The militia of Steuben county'consists of only one battalion of infantry to which are attached a
troop of horse, a company of grenadiers and light infantry, and a company of riflemen. These
companies, and a troop of horse, are in complete uniform.
A very just idea may be formed of the population and respectability of a settlement, by the number
of mills. Within my knowledge there are in Ontario County nineteen grist-mills, and twenty-eight
saw-mills, and some of them equal to any in America: in Steuben county there are only ten grist-mills
and twenty saw-mills.
All the first settlers in this country were from New-England: this circumstance probably arose from
access to it being from that quarter only, and the purchasers from the State being New-England people.
Indeed, until after the opening of the road to Pennsylvania, over the Alleghany Mountains, there was
scarcely one instance to the contrary. But the opening of this communication, and the means that have
been taken to make the inhabitants of the adjoining States acquainted with the country, have induced a
great many to immigrate from the Jerseys, Pennsylvania and Delaware, and this season a considerable
number from   Maryland.   The settlers from New-England, a people remarkably enterprising, long
supposed that no others would venture into a. country so remote from their homes; but since the
improving of the waggon road to the southward, it is found to be considerably easier to remove from
Philadelphia, Lancaster, Trenton and Baltimore, than from New-England.  The number of emigrants
from Pennsylvania, Maryland and New-Jersey, has been greatly on the increase, and custom has made
the distance familiar. I have known several persons above sixty years of age, ride, with ease, in
seven days from Baltimore to Bath. When they compare this with the difficulty of reaching the new
settlements on the western waters, and the little value of produce there, the comparison is highly in
favour of the Genesee.*  Here they find the inhabitants enjoying more comforts and conveniences than
is at this moment experienced in many settlements of twenty years standing. The most advantageous
markets are courted, and recourse is had to them by such exertions, that men of respectability and
property are drawn into the country, nhot only from the neighbouring States, but from Europe.
An European, who contemplates moving to America, has a vast field before him. The United States
offer a variety of soil, climate and people. It is difficult to select from these, the situation most comformable to his opinions and habits.  That country whose climate requires exertion and industry to
procure the comforts of life, and whose geographical situation admits of its produce being easily
transported to market, certainly bids fair for having an orderly and well regulated government.  The
certainty of reaping a moderate profit, is the only security for industry.
This is very far from being the case on the western waters. Their corn, the common food of the
inhabitants, is sometimes 621- cents per bushel and sometimes 12k, and everything else in proportiont
The distance from any large city is too far to drive fat cattle, and the climate too warm for the dairy,
or to allow salting or barrelling beef, could salt be procured. That country seems also to have a
*It is found that the price of lumber, fat cattle, butter and clieese, is at least fifty per cent higher in Baltimore than in
Albany; a circumstance mutch in favor of Steuben county, when compared with the counties North of Albany.
t Since the army left the Western Territory, all grain has fallen in price, so as not to be worth the raising, except for
the consumption of the inhabitants, while all European goods and salt are very dear. It will take the produce of one acre
to buy a pair of breeches.




PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.                         671
different interest from the Atlantic States. With the Genesee Country these objections do not hold good:
droves of fat cattle can be sent at any time to Philadelphia, New-York, Albany, or Baltimore. The
distance is not so great as the best grazing countries in Massachusetts, from whence they have, for many
years past, drove their fat cattle to Philadelphia. From the south part of the Genesee Country, cattle,
as well as every kind of produce, can, in the spring, be sent down the Susquehannah, either for the
Philadelphia or Baltimore market. The Onondaga salt-works being in the immediate vicinity of the
Genesee Country, afford salt at an easy rate for curing beef and pork, either for home use or for
exportation; and no country is better suited for the dairy. These are advantages to a new country,
which are incalculable, and afford the means of bringing thousands of acres into cultivation. For my
own part, after having seen great part of the United States, and resided six years in the Genesee
Country; seen it a dreary wilderness, and seeing it now possess every comfort man can desire, who
divests himself of the foibles and follies of large cities, I must decidedly give this country the
preference. With a moderate climate, it is in this country as Yorkshire is to England: it is near
enough to the large cities to draw a revenue from their markets, but too distant to be affected by
their vices and follies. A little industry will make the roads excellent, in a country where, for sixty
miles in any direction, you cannot find a mountain or a swamp, or any barren land; and thick
population will give conveniencies and luxuries. Our vicinity to Maryland and Pennsylvania procures
us the finest horses in America; and we have had the same advantages in a breed of cattle from NewEngland. The lakes and rivers supply us abundantly with fish, the woods with venison,* the maple
tree with sugar,t and our industry with abundance of grain.
The most convenient route for Europeans to come to the Genesee Country will be to land at NewYork; they will with much ease reach Albany by -water, and from thence they can either hire wagons
or take navigation by the canals, or the Mohawk River, to Geneva. Unless the water be in good
order, I should certainly prefer the land journey.  A waggon, with two oxen and two horses will go
twenty miles per day with a load of 30 cwt. The accommodation by the state road will be found
very good; and should any accident happen on the road, assistance can be procured at every stage. The
great secret of moving with facility is to carry nothing but bedding, clothes, and cooking materials;
all the articles of household furniture can be procured in the country at less expense than would carry
it from the coast.                                                  I am, &c.
LETTER VI.
DEAR SIRa
The Genesee Country, I find has not failed to engage the attention of foreigners, and those from
Great-Britain in particular. Many respectable characters from that part of the world have already
come into this country, with the intention of establishing themselves in it; and what has added much
to the advantage of emigrants of this description, is the law passed by the Legislature at the last session,
by which foreigners, though aliens, are enabled to hold real property within the State of New-York.
This indulgence shows the liberality of this country, and, it is presumed in the present state of Europe,
is a circumstance in its favour that will not be overlooked by those who may wish to secure an
asylum for themselves or their families on this side of the Atlantic. To such, this part of the United
States is particularly suited. The climate and soil are by no means inferior to their own, and the
laws and customs of the State of New-York bear a striking resemblance to those of England. In
* For three several years back five hundred deer have been killed in the neighbourhood of Bath annually.
f A settlement of fifteen families, in No. 4, seventh range, made this year two tons of sugar from the maple tree% some
families made 5(X) lb.




672                       PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.
this delightful country, societies of old countrymen have it in their power to choose fertile situations
for their establishments, where they may indulge their own fancy as to the arrangement of their
respective farms, and where they can enjoy without interruption, their own manners and customs. To
these distinct establishments, the laws and customs of the country are highly favourable. In many
instances such societies are found for half a century to have preserved their native language in great
purity. Though these circumstances may appear trifling, yet they are of material consequence to the
comfort of those who change their country at a period of life when both habits and manners are formed,
and to those who have, by prudential motives, been induced to change their country, but who cannot,
with the same facility, change their feelings as men.
On a plan similar to the one above mentioned, a Scotch settlement was projected two years ago, and
a considerable number of persons of that country have already joined it. This settlement is formed
on the west side of the Genesee River, about eight miles from the River, and is called Caledonia. The
village is built around a remarkable spring, which issues from a limestone rock, and forms a body of
water covering about two acres, from whence, a stream takes its rise sufficiently powerful to work, at a
short distance from the spring, a set of merchant mills. The plan for this settlement occupies about
ten thousand acres, distributed in the following manner.
For the ministry............................    100 acres
For the school, about...........................      60
Ten gentlemen, 500 acres each....................    5,000
Ten farmers, 100 acres each.,.................       1,000
Forty farmers, 78 acres each........................  3,120
For the village, sixty lots of 12 acres each....,.....  720
10,000 acres.
Men of property anxious to secure to their families estates in America, will experience great
satisfaction in joining their countrymen, perhaps their former friends and neighbours, in such a colony.
They can, as opportunity offers, improve their respective purchases, according to their fancy; and they
will not only enjoy advantages from their own industry, but finally be enriched by the industry of their
neighbours. Those who have been born to labour for their livelihood, with a few years continuance
of the same industry as was necessary for their existence in Europe, will find themselves rich and
independant; and at their death, instead of leaving their families, as is generally the case in Europe,
the same hard and scanty means of existence, they will leave them real property, and the means, by
industry, of living in ease and plenty.
At the most early period of the settlement of this country, establishments were formed at much
difficulty and at great expense; and even money could not obviate the difficulties emigrants had to
encounter. During the two first years my companions and myself scarcely ever slept in a bed, and
could seldom command the common necessaries of life. But the exploring of the navigations, removing
the incidental obstructions, opening roads, and building mills, not only procured an easy supply of
necessaries, but, by inducing a rapid settlement, ensured the cultivation of the country. What would
four years ago have been impracticable, is now easy; and all the new settlers are supplied with every,necessary at moderate price. Mechanics of every description are to be found throughout the country,.and no country was ever so well supplied with mills.
It is necessary for all those who propose removing to new settlements, to make a calculation of lhe
expence of their removal, and the quantity of provisions which will be necessary, until they can raise
crops from their own labour. The great object is to reach their respective destinations as near the




PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.                       673
opening of the spring as possible, as their cattle will then in a short time be provided for without any
expence, and in a very few months they can reap the fruits of their industry. The European must
expect to encounter difficulties; but the greatest of these, perhaps, will be to overcome his prejudices in
favour of the customs of his own country. A little observation will, however, convince him that the
most ordinary customs of the country have not been adopted without good reason, and by no means
should be deviated from by new settlers.
It is a true observation that, practice and example are ever to be more depended on than theory,
I shall therefore, to be some guide in your future business, give you a short detail of the operations of a
gentleman who left England only last April, and settled himself in the Genesee Country, where he is
now comfortably established. M. B. left England early in April, and arrived with his family at NewYork, about the middle of May: after having purchased a few necessary articles at New-York, he took
a passage for himself and his family, on board an Albany sloop, and in two days he arrived in Albany;
from thence he went, by land to Schenectady, a small town on the Mohawk River, sixteen miles
fiom Albany, where he engaged a three ton boat to carry him to Geneva, at which place he arrived
early in June. Mr. B. from the plan of the country, had selected a lot of six hundred and forty acres,
situated on the east side of the west branch of the Crooked Lake. On viewing this spot, Mr. B. who is
a man of observation, saw, notwithstanding its perfect state of nature, both its beauties and adyantages:
he found it extending one mile on the lake, from which the ground rose with a sufficient ascent, of a rich
soil, and a fine stream of water nearly intersecting the lot. He immediately fixed on a situation for
his buildings and garden, and marked reserves of handsome trees in different places so as to give it the
appearance of an English country-seat.  Mr. B. having fixed his family at Geneva, procured five
young men to begin clearing off the timber around the place allotted for his buildings, and also to put
in a field of wheat.  This gentleman, although unused to business of the kind, by the end of
October had put into the ground forty acres of wheat in good order; and before the first of December
had his house finished for the reception of his family. The continuance of the same exertion for one
season more, will place this gentleman in a situation that his family will be abundantly supplied wNith all
the necessaries that a farm can be supposed to furnish in any country; and he will have the satisfaction
to reflect, that he owes it entirely to his own exertion and industry.
I am &c.
LETTER VII.
DEAR SIR,
The different communications by water from the Genesee Country to the sea I shall endeavour to
explain to you in as few words as possible. From the country known by that name there are three
that are now used. 1st. To Baltimore by the Susquhannah; 2d. To Albany by the Seneca and
IMohawk Rivers; 3d. To Montreal by Lake Ontario and the River St. Lawrence; and from the southwest part of the country boats may descend the Allegany River, which is a branch of the Ohio, to
New Orleans.
The Susquehannah enters the Chesapeak Bay at Havre de Grace. Few rivers embrace a greater
extent of country within its various branches; and none afford better navigation to so near their source.
At Northumberland the west and north branches of this river meet, affording a very advantageous
situation for trade. The branch which heads in the Genesee Country makes, from Northumberland, a
course almost directly north, and is called the North Branch. At Tioga Point a junction is formed
between the waters of the Otsego Lake, known by the name of the East Branch of the Susquehannah,
and Tioga River, and form a situation very similar to that of Northumberland. At the Painted Post,
VoL. II.                              85




6i74                      PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.
a small village on the most easterly bounds of Steuben county, the different branches of the Tioga, or
Chemung River, form a junction, and are all navigable for a great distance into the Genesee Country.
The Conhocton River rises in the north-west part of the County of Steuben, and taking a southeasterly
course, passes the town of Bath, the county town, to which place it is navigable for boats of eight tons:
about five miles below Bath it is joined by Mud Creek, so called from a lake that forms its source; and
even this small stream is navigable for boats, to Mr. Bartles's mills, built on the outlet of the lake, eleven
miles from its mouth. Mr. Bartles, from these mills, rafted one hundred thousand feet of lumber,
last spring, to Baltimore, by the Susquehannah, and found the business so advantageous, that he is now
preparing a much larger quantity for the same market. As you descend the Conhocton, from the
accession of many streams, the navigation betters, until you reach the main river at the Painted Post.
The Canisteo, which is the next River to the North, rises from a marsh in the north-west corner of the
county of Steuben, and, taking a south east course, joins the Conhocton at the Painted Post. It is
somewhat singular, that this river is navigable almost to its source. From the opposite side of the marsh,
the Canascraga also has its source. This is a branch of the Genesee River, which falls into the River
St. Lawrence; while the Canisteo, a branch of the Susquehannah, falls into the Chesapeak. Both
are navigable for boats of ten tons to within nine miles of each other, and the portage now in use may,
with very trifling labour, be reduced to five miles. The navigation of the Canisteo has been more used
than any of the other branches of the Susquehannah that water the Genesee Country, and has added
much to facilitate the moving of the Pennsylvania emigrants; but the recent settlement of the country
has not permitted them even to clear out, much less improve the navigation in the manner it will
admit of.
This country has now drawn the attention of some very respectable characters in the mercantile towns
on the Susquehannah, and at Baltimore; and there is no doubt but the farmers will be induced to turn
their attention to those articles which are most in demand in the markets on the coast. One of the most
respectable mercantile houses in Baltimore made a purchase, last year, near Tioga Point, in order to
draw to that quarter the trade of the western country: they have built a set of mills, and are establishing
an extensive work for the manufacturing of ship cordage. If we consider the vast body of rich flats on
the Susquehannah, where its various branches pass the Genesee Country, and the ease with which the
produce of the Genesee River can be brought to the navigable part of the Canisteo, it will appear
that the quanity of hemp which may be collected at Tioga Point, or the Painted Post will be
incalculable. The flats on the Genesee River and Canascraga Creek alone, cannot be estimated at
less than eighty miles in length, and about two in breadth, forming a body of about eighty thousand
acres: and every acre is, I suppose, eighteen feet deep of black mouldt In such land the Indians raise
one hundred bushels of corn on an acre, and they never have been known to make any change of the
spot. Where such land under proper management, and turned to the cultivation of hemp and flax,
the returns would be immense. To forward this object, it is intended, this season, to begin an
establishment at the extremity of the navigation of the Canisteo; and to induce the farmers on the
Genesee River to cultivate hemp and flax, proper boats will be provided to carry those articles to
market. To those who object that three hundred and fifty four miles* is too lengthy an inland
navigation to carry such bulky acticles to market, I reply, that the United States are at present supplied
with hemp from Russia, and that it there bears an inland navigation of one thousand two hundred
miles before it reaches a sea-port.
Some years ago the high price of flour and lumber at Baltimore, induced a Mr. Kryder, a farmer on
the Juniata River to try an experiment in the mode of transporting flour from his mills to Baltimore:
he built a sort of a boat, which he called an AJrkl; it was long and flat and constructed of very large
e The diatance from the head at the Canisteo to IIavre de Grace.




PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.                          675
timber, such as he supposed would suit the purpose of builders. This vessel, or float, carried three
hundred barrels of flour. This man had the courage to push through a navigation then unknown, and
arrived*safe at Baltimore, where he received from the merchants a premium of one dollar above the
market price for every barrel. Thus encouraged-the same person has been down every year since,
and has made so considerable improvement on this sort of boat, that arks are now used which carry
five hundred barrels. From  the most diligent inquiry, and from the ease with which Mr. Bartles
carried down his lumber last spring, there does not exist a doubt but that the navigation of the
Conhocton and Canisteo will serve, for boats of this kind, carrying from three to five hundred barrels.
As they are never intended to be used but for descending in high water, they are navigated with few
hands, and go down with great rapidity. It is intended that two shall go from the county of Steuben
this season: they will be loaded with valuable lumber, and a few fat bullocks. It is supposed they will
reach the tide water, at Havre de Grace, in five days. In a few years, flour, and every other article of
produce in demand at the sea-ports, will be sent the same way. In every other back country of
America, where there exists a possibility of sending the spare provisions abroad, particularly on the
0hio, the difficulty of procuring salt to cure the beef and pork will prevent these branches of farming
from yielding any profit.  The situation of the Genesee Country, and, indeed, the whole western part
of the State of New-York, is, in this respect, highly advantageous. It is supplied with salt in such
abundance, that the price is not higher than on the sea coast; and the intermediate country, till within
one hundred miles of tide-water, is also supplied from these works.  Thousands of barrels pass every
year through the Genesee Country, for the use of settlements fifty years established, and one hundred
miles nearer to the sea coast. So highly are these waters impregnated with salt, that eight pounds of
water, when evaporated, make one pound of pure salt; and the springs are so abundant, that it was
calculated by a very ingenious and correct gentleman, that from a single spring three hundred thousand
bushels might be made in one year; and at least twenty springs are now used.-But to return to the
navigation.
The south branch of the Tioga has a north course from the Alleghany Mountains, and joins the
Conhocton and Canisteo at the Painted Post, as also does the Tuscarora and Cowanisque.  These
streams, at this uniting place, form  a great, and, in time of high water, a magnificent river. From
this place boats of any size could be sent to Baltimore; there being to this navigation no interruptions
of consequence until we get below Wright's Ferry; from which place for Havre de Grace the State
of Maryland is making great exertions to render the navigation safe and beneficial to the trade of
Baltmore. The method which the gentlemen employed in this business has taken will, I have no
doubt, be crowned with success. The obstructions are formed by bars of limestone rock, running
across the river, from east to west, and the whole water of the river pours over them. In the dry
seasons, the drift wood which collects on these ledges, is gathered and piled on the rocks, and burnt
until they become quite heated: water is then thrown on them, when they immediately split into pieces:
the rocks are then broke up and thrown into the pools below. These breaches are made one hundred
yards in length, so as to allow rafts of any size to pass with safety. Large subscriptions have been
matle to carry on these works; and there is no doubt but a few years perseverance will complete a safe
navigation from the head of the Canisteo to Baltimore.
The navigation from the county of Ontario to Schenectady, sixteen miles from Albany, has been
of late years much improved, and is of great advantage to that part of the country. The outlets of
Seneca Lake, Canadarqua Lake, and Mud Creek, join together, and form the Seneca River, which,
* Of so much importance did these salt-works appear to the Government that, two years ago, they took the businos
entirely under their own direction, and appointed a Commissioner to superintend the salt-makers, and restricted the pric
to sixty cents per bushel, at which they are obliged, by their contract, to supply the country.




676                        PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.
through its whole extent, is a very useful navigation.  At the Three River Point it is met by the outlet
of the Oneida Lake, and, after passing Oneida Lake, the boats ascend Mud Creek, from which there
is a canal, to unite its waters with the Mohawk River, on which two other obstructions are canalled, to
make the communication good to Schenectady. These improvements are made on the scale of boats
carrying ten tons being used on this navigation. Considerable quantitCes of flour, potash, and salt, are
every year sent down by this navigation, and thus the merchants are enabled to make their remittances.
So much has the navigation been used, that one hundred boats have been known to arrive at the little
town of Geneva in six weeks. In the beginning of the settlement of this country, families, moving in
these boats,: suffered much from want of shelter in the night; but the number of travellers has
induced'persons to settle and keep taverns at the most suitable places, where the accommodations are
far from being bad.
The navigation from the interior county of Ontario into the lake of the same name, is by the Genesee,
Rundigut, and Seneca Rivers. The Seneca River is formed by the waters of the Seneca Lake,
Canadarqua Lake, Mud Creek, and the Cayuga Lake, each of which are large and deep streams,
affording great convenience to the country adjoining them: these meet the Oswego River at Three
River Point, which falls into Lake Ontario at Oswego Fort.  The importance of this place induced the
Legislature of the State of New York to lay out a town, which already affords great convenience to
persons trading to and from Canada.
The Rundigut' lies about five miles east of'the Genesee River, and runs into the country about six
miles: at the south extremity of the bay Rundigut Creek forms a very handsome fall of about twenty
feet, affording a fine situation for mills, which may be so placed that boats might be navigated from
Canada to the mill, and there loaded without any trouble. A convenient store-house has already been
built, and, during the two last summers, very considerable quantities of provisions and distilled liquor
were sent from this place to Canada. In the neighbourhood of this place are several bodies of iron
ore, and it is presumed that works will soon be established for the making of iron.
The Genesee River is navigable for sloops of sixty tons from the lake to the falls, a distance of six
miles. These falls, which are formed by a continuance of the same ridge thatforms the Falls of Niagara,
are a succession of four distinct falls within the space of one mile: the highest' is ninety feet, but, with
the ra ids above, the total height is three hundred feet. These falls, for beauty, are not inferior to those
of Niagara. A carrying place is made on the west side of the river, and it has already a considerable
employment. Immediately above the.falls the river is navigable for large boats, and continues so for
twenty-five miles above Williamsburgh, where it is again interrupted. At the village of Williamsburgh
the Canascraga Creek joins the Genesee River: this creek affords good navigation for near twenty
miles, to Dansville, a settlement in the north west corner of Steuben county, only nine miles from the
navigable waters of the Caniskeo River. The quantity of provisions and distilled liquor sent from the
mouth of the Genresee River is very considerable. Last summer a small vessel was kept in constant
employment in this business.
The counties of Ontario and Steuben have also the advantage of being, by a particular law.
exempted from all taxation for sixteen years from'the year' 1790; so that, until the year 1806, they
are free of all public burdens, except what may, be necessary for the support of their internal regulation
and we find by a late Law for raising by a direct tax,' the sum of one hundred and twenty thousand
dollars, that this privilege in favour of these counties is expressly guaranted
pIron can be brought, by the Susquehannah, from Pennsylvania to Geneva or Bath, and afforded at nearly the same
price it is sold for in New-Yorlk or Philadelphia.




e..~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.,
~~ ~.i::~:~:::-i ~~~~:-?:~: ~  ~I~  ~:~(.i~:.'G.I..C:~i~~:Y~;:.:  ~.:::::::.~f;;:~.~   c ~t. ~ ~~.~::  rl?:  g-:"i:.:'ii::A
a:k:~i~c:~:  L.~~~l\;.~..~ ~I~''............................ ~'~ j~'~:'  ~~ —::  i~$::  ~:~~:;~
mill:          ~:                                 -~..........~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.irii::'!;i~:~:',~~::';::............~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~+: ~..........~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~"
iliriri':rirrr~liliiiiiiiiiiili~i...........................~~:...........................~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~*t~z............................~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ftt~!l...................~r:::Ii~~l,:i~liir   t   i.........................iiii iiii
~~~~m~~~~~~~: ~ ~ ~          ~           ~           ~........................................:i~...................................:i l............~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
i~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.............................. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~i~~~~~~~~~~~il~~~Lablte:..........~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~...........i~~ii:j~:~~:~.................... ~ ~ ~. gS~:
~~~i'~~i~~'i~~~'~~i~~i~~'~i~~iiii ~ ~ ~   i..............................~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~z:~:a:~::...........................................IIII~.....................~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.......................~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~..............~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:~~Flliii
~i::~~~~~~:.r~:~:~:~:~:~:~........................................................................................................~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ii.......................~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:::u.......................~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~ ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~i~~n~~:::::        i':::...........~"~~ij:~ii~ ~2i:(iii................................. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~:..........................................  -..............................I..........................~~~~~~~~~~~~~:~:~:~:~:: ~~: ~~:~: ~...................................................... ~ ~ ~ ~:ii~ii;:~ri:L:: ~ ~~::::'la~......................................................................................................................~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:~:~~:~'"~'''z~i'~s ~~:
~~.~~~i~~~)iii~~~~~~iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii j                                                r~~~................................:s.~~~~~:s~~~~~~~~i~~~~~~~ii~~~~i~~~liiiII~~~~~~~~liiiii.........................................................................................................................~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~at...........................................................................................................
~~~~~~~i~~~~~~~~~~~iiiiL~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~...................................................








PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.                        677
LETTER VIII.
DEAR SIR)
I Shall now endeavour to give you some idea of the route and distance to the Genesee Country from
the city of New-York.
There are shorter roads than by Albany, but this route being the best and most convenient, the
additional travelling is fully compensated for. During the summer months sloops are constantly passing
from New-York to Albany: they generally run the distance in two days; and sometimes in one. The
road from Albany to the westward goes by Schenectady and the Mohawk River; but at Utica, ninetysix miles from Albany, it is intersected by the Great Genesee Road, at which place you are ninetynine miles from Geneva, the whole of which distance you will find a well settled country; but, for
your guide in making comfortable stages, I have annexed a list of the best taverns on the road, with their
respective distance from each'oher.
Should curiosity induce you to visit the Falls of Niagara, you will proceed from Geneva, by the
State Road, to the Genesee River, which you will cross at New-Hartford, west of which you will find
the country settled for about twelve miles; but after that, for sixty-five miles, to Niagara River, the
country still remains a wilderness. This road was used so much last year by people on business, or
by those whom curiosity had led to visit the Falls of Niagara, that a station was fixed at the Big
Plains to shelter travellers. At this place there are two roads that lead to Niagara River; the south
road goes by Buffalo Creek, the other by Tanawandoe Village to Queen's Town Landing. The road
by Buffalo Creek is most used both because it is better and because it commands a view of Lake
Erie; and the road from this to the Falls is along the banks of Niagara River, a very interesting ride.
The river is in no place less than a mile over and the picture is enlivened by a variety of landscapes.
Niagara River is the only outlet of Lake Superior, and all those immense lakes that afford, from the falls,
an uninterrupted navigation of near two thousand miles to the westward. As you approach Chippaway,
a military station two miles above the falls, the rapidity of the river increases bounding to a great height
where it meets with resistance from the inequality of the surface; and this vast body of water at last
rushes over a precipice of one hundred and Seventy feet. The falls can be viewed from several
different places: but they are seen to most advantage below. You can with safety, approach the very
edge of the fall, and may even go some distance between the sheet of falling water and the precipice;
but this experiment requires caution; the footing is unequal and slippery; and blasts of condensed
air rush out with such violence as to deprive you, for some moments of the power of breathing.
From the falls to Queens-Town, the nearest place to which shipping approach the falls, the river is
confined within a chasm in the rocks, one hundred and fifty feet deep, and to all appearance cut out by
the force of the water. Queens-Town is a neat village, and has all the appearance of a sea-port: it is
not uncommon to see at that place several brigs of one hundred tons burthen, and many smaller
vessels. The territory opposite to Queens-Town, on the east side, is a reservation belonging to the
State of New-York, which the Legislature directed the Surveyor-General to lay out into small lots, for
the accommodation of settlers. This place is the key to the trade of the western lakes, and numbers
of teams are daily employed between it and Chippaway: the distance by the carrying place now in use,
on the Brittish side, is eleven miles: the carrying place formerly in use, on the American side, was only
six miles; but the mountain forming the falls is more abrupt.
Some persons, interested in the countries beyond the falls, had this interruption to the navigation
examined by a very respectable engineer, for the purpose of discovering the practicability of making a
canal to open the navigation of the western lakes. The fall was found to be three hundred andj




678                        PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.
twenty feet from Steedman's Landing, above the falls, to Queens-Town Landing below: the distance
to be cut did not exceed four miles, nearly three of which is on level with the navigable part of the
river above the falls.                                                I am, &c.
The principal Taverns on the Road from Albany to Geneva, and from thence to Niagara, with their
Distances.
Albany to Schenectady,............,..a,.. e....a.........   16
Schenectady to Bents...................*a............ *.* *  14
Bent's to -—,.............................................  10
D)ewight's.....                                           5 0. 16
udson's IndianCastle,.........................................     14
Hudson's Indian Castle, e****.***.a*** ***a**. *** Z.,*********. **  14
Aldridges, German-Flats,..............o......................  10
Hotel, Fort-Schuyler,.........................................  16
-96
From Fort-Schuyler to Laird's on the Great Genesee Road...........  10
Van Epp's, near the Oneida Reservation,...e. a., *******.  6
Wemp's, in the Oneida Reservation,............... 0 *.......  6
Sills's, at the Deep Spring,......................                 11
Keelers, junior........ e *.................... e  *.       12
Tyler's, Onondago Hollow,.....................................       10
Rice's, Nine mile Creek,....................... 0.... 10
Cayuga Ferry,...............................................   20
Powel's Hotel, Geneva,................................    13
- 98
From Geneva to Canadarqua.
Sanburn's,................................................  16
Searson's, on the State Road,..................................  14
New-Hartford,..................0..........                    11
Peterson's, at the Big Spring,...................... 4...........  6
Ganson's,..........................................            6
To the Station on the Big Plain,.................................  27
To Buffalo Creek,...................,,   43
123
Miles,     317
*1* The following note from the Hon: JOHN GREIG to T. ROMEYN BECK Esq. M. D. indicating the author of the foregoing
Tract, is annexed to the copy in the State Library.
MY DEAR SIR                                                " CCANANDAIGUA 29, October 1846.
I am favoured with your letter of the 27, instantI very well remember the Pamphlet on the "; Settlement of the Genesee Country" to which you
refer, and my own recollection of it, and of the Author of it, is fortified by that of Judge Howell, to
whom I have shewn your letter.
It was written by Capt. Charles Williamson, who came to this country as the Agent of Sir Wm
Pulteney and Governor Hornby for the settlement of their Lands in the Western part of the State of
New-York, in the year 1792. He remained as their Agent until the year 1802, when he returned to
Europe. He afterwards made occasional visits to this Country, until the year 1807, when he died
of the yellow fever, while on a mission from the British Government to the Havanna.
Believe me with much regard  Yours Sincerely.       JOIN GREIG.




A
DESCRIPTION
OF THE
Aenesee ICountry
IN THE
STATE OF NEW-YORK:
IN WHICH THE SITUATION) DIMENSIONS) CIVIL DIVISIONS) SOIL, MINERALS, PRODUCER LAKES
AND RIVERSY CURIOSITIES) CLIMATE) NAVIGATION) TRADE AND MANUFACTURES; POPULATION, AND OTHER INTERESTING MATTERS RELATIVE TO THAT COUNTRY; ARE IMPARTIALLY
DESCRIBED.
TO WHICH IS ADDED
AN APPENDIX
CONTAINING A DESCRIPTION OF
et) lt       ilitari          ~an b.
BY ROBERT MUNRO.
NEW-YORK:
PRINTED FOR THE ATHOTU
1804.
(Copy-Righ secured.)












\<bz "^T                 a  I T IO'
Ij/~~ -9- ^ ------ i — ^ —----
\ - g^ —^^.^ ^-^o. —""
\.....,.............




REFERENCES TO THE PLATE.
A. Genesee River,                       S. Chataughqua Lake,
B. Tioga River,                         T. Seneca River,
C. Conhocton River,                     U. Oswego River.
D. Canisteo River,                      V. Onondaga River.
E. Canawisque River,                    W. Cayuga Lake,
F. J1lleghany River,                    X. Owasco Lakce
G. Canowongo River,                     Y. Skaneatlis Lake,
H. JMud Creek,                          Z. Salt Lake,
I. Tonawanda Creek,                    AA. Oneida Lake,
K. Buffalo Creek,                       BB. Wood Creek,
L. Cattaraugus Creek,                  CC. Mohawk River,
M. Lake Ontario,                   DD, DD. Susquehanna Rives,
N. Lake Erie,                             1. Genesee County,
0. Sireights of Jniagarat                2. Ontario County,
P. Seneca Lake,                           3. Steuben Connty,
Q. Crooked Lake,                          4. Military Tract.
R. Canandarqua Lake,
THE country to which the name of GENESEE is given, is the most westerly part of the State of NewYork, and is situated between 3 degrees and 5 deg. 50 min. longitude west from New-York city, and
between 42 deg. and 43 deg. 15 min. north latitude. Its greatest length from east to west is 125 miles,
and its greatest breath about 95 miles, containing nearly 5 millions of acres. It is bounded south on the
north boundary of the State of Pennsylvania; north by the southern shore of Lake Ontario; west by
the eastern boundary of Presque-Isle (a flourishing settlement in Pennsylvania) 18 miles; north-west
by the south east;shore of Lake Erie, 70 miles; west by the streights of Niagara, upwards of 37
miles; and east by a meridian line running due north from the north boundary of Pennsylvania, at
the 82d mile-stone, to the south shore of Lake Ontario. Its least distance by road is-to Albany
190 miles, to New-York 245 miles, to Philadelphia 230 miles, to Baltimore 250 miles, to Washington
city 280 ihiles, to Pittsburgh nearly 100 miles, and to Montreal by water 250 miles.
I VOL. II.1                             86




682                       PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORKo
Its name is taken from the river Genesee, and signifies in the Indian language a pleasant valley.
In the year 1789, Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham, Esquires, of New England, purchased from
the State of Massachusetts the pre-emption right of a large tract of land in the eastern part of this
country, under the jurisdiction of the State of New-York; but little was done in the settlement of it
until the year 1792, when the roads leading to this country were made and improved, and other extensive
improvments were effected; the progress of the settlement of this country has since been uncommonly
rapid.
Nearly one half of this country, situated nearest the southern boundary, is generally hilly and
broken, consisting however of many fertile tracts of land. The face of the other parts is generally
even, a considerable part, on the east of the Genesee river, consisting of low ridges, or gradual swells
running parallel with each other, which form handsome uplands and meadows; and on the west of
Genesee river the country is more level.* On both sides of Genesee river are large openings which are
thinly timbered, very fertile, and could easily be put under cultivation. In the eastern part the
country in many places makes a pleasant and flourishing appearance, the settlers having a prevailing
practice of building adjoining the public roads, and cultivating lands nearest them. From Canandarqua
to Genesee river, a distance of 25 miles, the country has the most flourishing appearance, that part
being earliest settled, and abounds with very substantial improvements, which are seldom equalled in
the United States, in the pleasantness of their appearance.
The quality of the soil is various, but in the better or most even parts of the country before mentioned,
a rich loamy soilis the most common, and it is sometimes covered on the top with a loose black mould,
from six to ten inches deep. The most common sorts of timber in these parts of the country is as
follows: sugar maple, beech, lyn (here called basswood) oak, ash, and elm; and the hilly parts are
mostly timbered with oak. Where the sugar maple and basswood are most common, the land is
generally esteemed best for grass, and probably for grain, and is experienced to be durable; and lands
which produce mostly beech timber, are considered as generally clayey, wet and cold. A considerable
portion of the better part of the country is timbered with oak, and lands on which it is of a large growth
are by many esteemed the most durable, although at first not productive of as good crops as maple
lands, and harder in tillage. Grain is frequently put into the ground without ploughing, the ground
being only broke with a heavy harrow, and often yields, with this cultivation, upwards of twenty bushels
of wheat from an acre. In a considerable portion of the country a rock of limestone lies from 2 to 6
feet under the surface of the earth, and  rge quantities of the loose stone are sometimes found above
the surface, which is manufactured to advantage, and some of the best quality is now used in building.
But although the growth of timber usually denotes the sort of soil on which it grows, yet it sometimes happens that the soil varies materially in different places where the same sort of timber grows;
and it is observed in some parts that the growth of the young timber is of a different sort from the old.
Lands on which the growth of timber almost entirely consists of maple, basswood, and beech, appear
to be attended with a scarcity of timber most suitable for fences; although a quantity of oak, elm,
ash, &c., is usually found on land of this description, sufficient for the purposes of fencing and building,
and basswood rails, when the bark is taken off, are tolerably durable.
The most useful sorts of timber are, the sugar maple, oak, pine, yellow poplar, (here called white
wood) wild cherry, white and black walnut, chesnut, hickory, wild plumb and dogwood. Of shrubs
and plants the most noted are, sassafras, wild hops, fox grapes, in some parts, elder, sumac, raspberry,
ginseng, sarsaparilla, snakeroot, spikenard, mandrakes, in taste and flavour much resembling a pine
apple, strawberries, whortleberries, cranberries, and wild gooseberries. The sorts of trees and shrubs
i According to the geographical descriptions given of this country, it is erroneously reported as being "c a dead
level," a description that is only applicable to a small proportion of it,




PAPERS.RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.                         683
which are most scarce, are hemlock fir, cucumber tree, white poplar, white and black birch, turmeric
tree, spruce pine, locust tree, prickly ash, spice wood, hazel nut, willow, and alder. Fruit, as apples,
peaches, plumbs, cherries &c. grows to much advantage, and in some parts are orchards that were
raised by the Indians; but fruit trees, in this country, were mostly destroyed in the expedition of
General Sullivan against the Indians in the revolutionary war. This country is very favourable for the
raising of grass, the uplands usually producing from a ton and a half to two tons an acre, and sometimes
three tons. It is uncommonly favourable for wheat, of which, when it is well and early put into the
ground, from twenty to twenty-five bushels are usually raised on an acre; but it has been known to yield
forty and frequently thirty bushels an acre, and the grain is generally large and of good quality.
Corn generally grows to the amount of 30 to 40 bushels on an acre, and in some instances, on the flats
of Genesee river and of Mud Creek, it is said, to the extent of 70 to 80 bushels an acre, and is very
heavy and substantial in quality. Rye commonly yields a less quantity than wheat; oats, buck wheat,
-and other sorts of grain, are very productive.  Flax and hemp grow very luxuriantly, though in some
years the crops of flax are indifferent. Potatoes, turnips, cabbages, onions, and other productions of
the gardens, grow to great perfection.  Tobacco is raised of a good quality, but as yet not in large
quantities: a gentleman from Maryland has raised some thousand plants of it, last fall, and it is believed
that it might be advantageously raised for market. - Maple sugar is manufactured in such quantities that
some of the Inhabitants make from five hundred to upwards of a thousand pounds of it in a season.
A tree produces, by boiling down the sap, from two to five pounds of sugar, and it is made near the
end of winter, when but little of any 6ther work is done on a farm. The sap of the maple also
affords a supply of vinegar, and excellent molasses.
Of wild animals, the most remarkable are bears, wolves and deer, which abound most in the hilly
parts; also, elks, a large species of deer, weighing five or six hundred pounds, and a few panthers.
Foxes, martins, minks, otters, and muskrats, are found here. Sheep are sometimes destroyed by wild
animals; but as a liberal reward is allowed for killing these, they become scarce, as population increases.
Squirrels are so numerous in some years as considerably to injure corn; and upwards of 2000 of them
have sometimes been killed in a day, which is occasionally appointed for that purpose by the
inhabitants; the most common kinds of them are the black, and the red; the grey coloured being
very scarce. Of reptiles, the most remarkable is the rattle-snake, which is seen mostly in the hilly
country. Large numbers of pigeons frequent the country in spring and fall, of which a great many
are caught by nets and shooting, and beds are sometimes made of their feathers. There are partridges
and quails; and wild fowl and fish are abundant in lake Ontario and the other lakes and in the rivers.
In reference to horses, those which have been raised in this country are very thriving. It has been
supposed that this country is unfavourable to the raising of horses which are brought from other states,
when they are put to feed on the natural pasture and herbage; but it is reported that when they are
well kept, and have salt sometimes given them, they are then as healthy as elsewhere. Oxen grow
uncommonly large, frequently measuring from six and a half to seven feet and upwards, round the
shoulders, and are mostly used for work, being very manageable, and perhaps most suitable for the
working of new lands. A larger breed'of horned cattle has lately been introduced, and is how raising,,
Sheep and hogs are very thriving. The growth of cattle is rapid, from the abundance of the herbage.
natural to the woods) and the excellence of the improved pasture; an(l a cow commonly brings forth,
a calf at the age of twenty four months and frequently of twenty months.
Several mineral springs have been discovered, one of sulphur situated 12 miles north west of Geneva,
is of a sufficient size and fall for an overshot mnill, and its scent is conveyed by the wind nearly the
distance of two miles. This spring issues out of the ground in different branches, and adjoining it
are two large bogs of sulphur, into which a stick may be thrust upwards of six feet deep. It is




684                          PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.
supposed that at this spring the manufacture of brimstone would be considerably important.  Near
this spring a house for entertainment is opened, which is much frequented, either from  motives of
pleasure, or the medicinal qualities of the spring.  A  spring is reported to be discovered near
Canandarqua lake, the water flowing from it forming a crust of allum on the adjoining rocks.  A salt
spring is said to be discovered west from Genesee river; but the Inhabitants are at present plentifully
supplied with that valuable article from the salt works in the military lands, at the distance of 10 to
60 miles, and is sold and also exchanged for grain, near Geneva, at a dollar a bushel.  Near the head
of the Genesee river there is a remarkable spring, the water issuing from it being covered with a sort
of oil called by the Indians Seneca Oil, which is excellent for wounds and other medicinal uses.  A
considerable quantity of Plaister of Paris was lately discovered near Geneva, which is reported to be
of a good quality.
This country is considered as indifferently watered in regard to springs and running water; but it is
expected that the further clearing of land will cause a greater plenty of that article, which at present
frequently runs under ground by the hollowness which' is occasioned by the roots of trees; and a
considerable quantity is now probably consumed in the nourishment of timber.  Water, is however,
readily found by digging wells, commonly 15 to 20 feet in depth, and is not worse in' quality than
in many of the most populous parts of the United States.  The practice of the inhabitants of building
adjoining the public roads, often occasions too great a distance from springs, and they might frequently
be conveniently supplied with water, were they to build on other parts of their farms.  There is however
a considerable number of streams suitable for mills, insomuch as the greater part of the inhabitants are
not farther distant than a few miles from mills which are plentifully supplied with water in all seasons.
As to curiosities, the falls of Niagara and Genesee river, are very remarkable; the falls of Niagara
being the greatest curiosity of the sort in the world, falling 157 feet perpendicularly, where the river
is three quarters of a mile wide, and are sometimes heard at a distance. of 40 or 50 miles.  There are
many remains of antient fortifications, a chain of which appears to extend from the lower end of lake
Ontario to the west of the Ohio river.  These forts afford much speculation concerning their origin, but
the most probable conclusion is that they were erected by the French upon their first settlement in
America, about 200 years ago.
The following are the principal rivers and lakes:
Genesee river, rising in Pennsylvania, runs a northeasterly course of above 100 miles, and empties
into lake Ontario..It- is situated 40 miles west from Seneca Lakeand is boatable nearly 50 miles, but
its navigation is interrupted by some falls.  On this river are extensive;and very rich bottoms, which
are in some part nearly two miles wide, and are partly overflowed in the spring season; in consequence
of which the inhabitants near them  are subject to agues:and other bilious complaints.  Its flats are in
some parts cleared of timber for several thousand acres, which are covered with very high and
thick grass.
The Tioga river receives the waters of the Cawanisque, Canisteo, and Conhocton rivers, and flows
about 8 miles through the south-cast corner of this country to the Susquehanna river at Tioga Point.
From this river, arks are loaded with 1200 bushels of grain,'boats and-rafts of lumber, proceed to
markets on the'Susequehanna river, and even to the city of Baltimore.;  -In the spring of 1804, it is
supposed that 50'or 60 arks and boats, laden with produce from this country, besides many rafts,
were floated down this river to the Susquehanna.
* It is expected that a great part of the produce of this country, will soon be transported to the Philadelphia market, by a turnpike
road, which is'nearly:completed, -beltweern Niscopack, on the Susquehannah,. and the'river Lehigh, which discharges itslIf into the
Delaware riverl;the-:distance&of the road being 23'miles. By this route, it is said, the most difficult falls on the Susquehannah may
be avoided, and produce will command the highest prices. Produce which is transported dowcn Susquehannah river, is insured by ]Mr.
Goldsborough at Newtoywn.




...........'^.,-y~~-.;...-~
WWORZ'<
n~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~i








PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.                         685
Conhocton river rises near the east of Genesee river, and running a south easterly course, empties into
Tioga river. From this river, arks loaded with 1200 bushels of wheat, boats and rafts of lumber, and
floated by Tioga and Susquehanna rivers to markets in the lower parts of Pennsylvania and Maryland,
every spring, sometimes in summer, and commonly in the fall, and loaded, boats navigate from Susquehanna into this river until midsummer.
Canisteo river rises south from Conhocton river, and running nearly in the same direction empties
into Tioga river. It is navigable for arks, boats and rafts, for about 40 miles in spring and fall.
The Canawisque runs south from Canisteo, empties into Tioga river, and is navigable in spring and
fall.
Mud Creek rises east from Genesee river, and runs a north easterly course to Seneca river. It is
navigated by boats from Lyons, 11 miles north from Seneca Lake, and about 15 miles from its junction
with Seneca river; from whence boats proceed to the neighbourhood of Albany, or into Lake Ontario.
On this creek are very fertile and extensive flats, which are overflowed in freshets.
Alleghany river rises ii Pennsylvania, near the Southern boundary, and runs in this country a
westerly course 46 miles, thence southerly to Pittsburgh, on the Ohio river. It is navigable by arks
and boats in the spring season, from this country to the Ohio, or to the Gulph of Mexico.
The Conowongo river rises east from Lake Erie, running southerly to its junction with Alleghany river.
This river at the distance of only 9 miles from Lake Erie, is boatable into the Alleghany river.
Tonawanda creek rises west from Genesee river, runs a westerly course and falls into the streights
of Niagara; it is navigable by boats several miles.
Buffald creek rises south from Tonawanda creek, runs a westerly course, emptying itself into the
streights of Niagara. The land on this creek are remarkably good in quality.
Lake Ontario; by which this country is bounded on the north, is about 180 miles in length, and
about 60 miles in breadth. Its shores are watered by manycreeks and inlets, which form excellent
harbours for vessels; and the adjoining lands are generally fertile. It is navigated by several sloops
and schooners, and a British armed brig, pierced for 16 six pounders. From this lake large boats
proceed by the River St Lawrence, nearly to Montreal, a large, populous and commercial city in
Canada, where considerable quantities of produce and lumber from this State and Vermont, are sold, and
shipping take in cargoes for Europe and the West Indies.  From this lake, also, by Oswego and
Onondago rivers, Oneida lake, Wood Creek, and Mohawk river, navigation is extended to the Atlantic
Ocean, only with the interruption of 16 miles by land from Schenectady to Albany. Navigation is
continued from this lake, with the intervention of two carrying places not exceeding the distance of 23
miles, by lake Erie, to the waters of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.
Lake Erie, by which this country is partly bounded on the northwest, is nearly 300 miles in length, and
nearly 40 miles in breadth. It is navigated by some sloops, and from hence there is carrying place of
14 miles to Le Beuf, in Pennsylvania, near the head waters of French Creek, which is navigable by
boats to Alleghany river, and from thence to the Ohio; and by this route quantities of salt, which is
transported from the Military Lands, are conveyed to Pittsburgh. This communication was used by the
French before the taking of Fort Pitt from them by the English in 1758, and it is probable that by it,
goods could be transported from New York and Albany to the Ohio, at less expense than by any other.
There are also communications from the waters of this lake to the Ohio, by the Muskingum and Scioto
rivers. Navigation is interrupted from lake Erie to Lake Ontario by a carrying place of 9 miles at the
falls of Niagara.
Seneca lake is situated on the Eastern line of this country, and is 35 miles in length, and from 2 to
4 miles wide. It stretches in a direction nearly from south to north, forming a handsome sheet of
wholesome water, of great depth, and never freezes over in winter; and in summer, a bottle being




686                       PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.
let down under the surface, is filled with cool and pure water. It is navigated by a sloop and perriauger,
besides boats, and by its outlet boats proceed by Seneca and Onondago rivers to Schenectady. From
this lake also, boats proceed by Seneca and Oswego river into lake Ontario, and from thence to
Montreal, &c. From the head of this lake, there is a Carrying place of 22 miles by land, to Newtown,
on Tioga river, to which place considerable quantities of produce are transported, and from whence
they are floated to markets on the Susquehanna river.
Crooked lake is situated 8 miles west from Seneca lake, is 20 miles long, and 2 or 3 miles wide.
From this lake there is a carrying place of 7 miles to the Conhocton river, where it is boatable in spring
and in fall to the Susquehanna. A considerable part of the lands adjoining it are reported to be of the
best quality. Canandarqua lake is situated 20 miles west from Seneca lake, is nearly 20 miles in length,
and 2 miles in breadth.
Chataughqua lake is situated near lake Erie, and is nearly 15 miles in length. The lands near this
lake are very rich.
Mud lake, Honeyoy, Hemlock and Canesus lakes are situated from 10 to 35 miles west from Seneca
lake, are from 6 to 10 miles long, and from them are easy carrying places by land to the boatable
waters of Susquehanna.
The climate appears to be subject to changes, which is probably caused by the neighbourhood of the
immense bodies of water contained in the lakes by which this Country is partly bounded.  These
lakes also are probably the cause of the mildness of the climate in summer and winter; for the air
passing over extensive bodies of water which are of nearly the same degree of coldness in summer as
in winter, and freeze not in winter, is more uniform in its temperature than it would be if'it passed
over land. The northerly and westerly winds which occasion an extraordinary coldness in winter,
spring and fall, on the East side of the Alleghany mountains, by blowing from the high and cold
tract of country composed of those mountains, are tempered in this country by passing over the extensive
bodies of water which are situated on the northern and western bounds; and the south wind does not
produce those frequent changes in winter which are injurious to the raising of grain in the easterly
parts of the states.-Whilst the neighbourhood of these lakes also renders the air in summer cool and
temperate; and the nights, very few excepted, are so cool as to admit of sleeping under blankets.  The
heat of summer in this country is accordingly more temperate than in the eastern parts of the states,
which are situated even in a more northerly latitude; and the frosts in winter are remarked as less
violent than in the middle states.
In most parts the climate is healthy, particularly as a newly settled country, of which an inconsiderable part is yet improved; though in the neighbourhood of marshes and stagnated waters the
inhabitants are subject to agues and other bilious complaints.  Once in three or four years, as is the case
in most countries, it has been sickly in many parts. The fall of 1801, was probably as sickly a season
as any one since the earliest settlement; which is imputed to an uncommon wetness of the weather,
occasioning much stagnated water. The prevailing sickness, which was the bilious fever, proved however
not very mortal to the sick; and the number of deaths was most probably not more than one for every
two hundred inhabitants.
Trees usually put forth leaves, the earliest sorts in the first week of May, and oak and other later sorts
near the 25th of that month. Corn is planted from the 15th to the 25th and by some near the 1st of
May. Rye begins to ripen, and hay is begun to be cut near the 4th of July, and near the 20th July
wheat harvest is begun. Water commonly begins to be frozen near.the first week of October, and snow
usually falls near the 20th of November; but cattle are sometimes kept in pasture until January, and on
the flats of Genesee, nearly the whole winter. Snow commonly lies about nine inches deep.  In the
beginning of the year 1800, snow fell in most places about three feet deep but there is no other




PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.                        687
instance known of so great a fall of it. The continuation of snow, besides its usefulness to grain,
renders sleighs common and convenient for the transportation of produce to market, a pair of horses
travelling, with thirty bushels, at the rate of 35 or 40 miles in a day. The winters usually break up
about the middle of March.
The cheapness and fertility of land in this country, together with its easy communications with
different markets, and the temperateness, and healthiness of the climate in general, are advantages,
not possessed in an equal degree in other new settlements, which render this country an object worthy
of attention to those who wish their estates in a few years to increase in extent and value. The price
of the best lands, not improved, on the east of the Genesee river, is commonly from two to four dollars
an acre, and one hundred acres, having twenty or thirty acres improved, and a house and barn, are
sold from six to twenty dollars an acre. On the west of the Genesee river, the best unimproved lands
sell from one and a half to two and a half dollars an acre, and may be purchased on a credit of six to
ten years.  Lands that are now selling at four dollars an acre, were sold twelve years ago at only
the same number of shillings an acre, and the advance of their value in the course of 10 or 15 years
hence will most probably be very considerable. A farm may probably be puchased in the cheapest
manner by buying land without any improvement. Three men with a yoke of oxen may clear and
fence, and sow or plant ten acres in five or six weeks, and also build a comfortable house; and such
improvement may be hired at the rate of ten or twelve dollars an acre and 50 to 100 dollars for a log
house. If an improvement is made in the early part of spring, a sufficient supply of corn and spring
wheat may be raised the first season for a family, and cattle may be well kept in the woods. There
are many instances of cattle being kept throughout the winter only by browsing, or eating the tops of
basswood and some other sorts of trees cut down for them; although hay may be purchased cheap and
in abundance.
This country contains three counties, viz.: Ontario, Steuben and Genesee, which are subdivided into
townships, commonly six miles square. The whole number of inhabitants is nearly 30,000, of which
number the county of Ontario alone contains about 20,000, in the limits of 45 miles square. The
number of votes given in Ontario and Genesee counties in spring 1804, for 3 Members of assembly, by
which an idea may be formed of the population of each township, is as follows:-Canandarqua, 272,
Hartford, 134, Bloomfield 405, Palmyra 198, Genesee 118, Jerusalem 37, Easton 163, Williamson 51,
Charleston 173, Bristol 188, Northfield 168, Sodus 53, Augusta 120, Middletown 87, Seneca 303,
Pittstown 183, Farmington 142, Vernon 217, Phelps 265, Sparta 95, Batavia 220, Leicester S1, Southampton 114, and Northampton 80. In all 3865 votes, of which 1838 were republican, and 2027
called federal.
Canandarqua is the chief town of Ontario County, and consists of about 70 dwelling houses, many
of which are well built, and some are elegant. The principal street is spacious, extending in a straight
line upwards of a mile from the lake of the same name) and rising by a gradual ascent, makes a very
pleasant appearance. The houses have generally a lot of land under cultivation belonging to each, and
many of its inhabitants are wealthy in circumstances. It has a convenient court house, in which
public worship is performed by a Minister of the Congregational persuasion; a handsome jail, a large
academy nearly finished, which is said to be well provided for; several well supplied stores, in which
goods are sold on moderate terms; several considerable distilleries, a large tan-yard, in which is
manufactured a large quantity of leather, a market for butcher meat, several convenient inns, and two
printing offices, in which have been printed nearly 1,800 papers weekly.
Geneva contains about 70 dwelling houses, and is handsomely situated near the outlet of Seneca
lake. It has a large and elegant hotel, kept in the best manner, two school houses, one of which is
occasionally used for public worship by a presbyterian minister, several well supplied atores, 




638                       PAP ERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORKo
considerable distilleries, a brewery, and a market for butcher meat, of which 1,500 pounds is killed
weekly. It is a place of considerable business, and from hence large quantities of wheat and other
produce are sent to the head of Seneca lake, and thence to market on the Susquehanna. Flour, potash,
and other productions of the country are also transported from this place to Albany &c.
Bath is the chief town of Steuben county, and is situated on the Conhocton river. It consists of
about 30 houses, and thence many arks, boats and rafts, are floated in Spring and sometimes in fall to
the Susquehanna; and flour has been transported from this place to Baltimore at less than a dollar
for the carriage of a barrel.
Batavia is the chief town of Genesee County, and is situated 30 miles west from Genesee river. It
contains about 30 houses built within a few years, and a handsome Courthouse.
The most noted place besides these, is Niagara, situated at the mouth of the Niagara river, and
remarkable as an antient fortification, and one of our principal posts.
The manners and customs of the inhabitants are different, and resemble those in the several States
from which they have emigrated; the greater part being from the New England States. Between Geneva
and Canandaigua are many families from Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, and Maryland; and there are
several families from England and Scotland. The Inhabitants are generally an industrious and civil
people. There are but few black people, and those that are born in this State are by law allowed their
freedom after the age of 28; but those from other States continue as Slaves during life. The blacks have
an attachment to this country, as they live well, and have an example of industry from the settlers.
There are but few ministers of the gospel yet settled, but schools are numerous and well provided for.
A turnpike road is now completed from Albany to Canandarqua, at a great expense, which is
discharged by tolls, and renders traveling and carriage of produce to market much easier when the
rivers are not navigable.  Waggons now frequently carry loads of fourteen barrels of flour to
Albany, and return with an equal weight, and sometimes carry two tons, going and returning in
fourteen days. A mail stage runs from Canandarqua-to Albany twice a week.
Trade is yet in its infancy and has much increased within a few years. Grain is sent in considerable
quantities from Seneca lake and the Cohocton, Canisteo, Canawisque, and Tioga rivers, to markets on
Susquehanna river; and flour, potash, and other produce to Albany; and a considerable quantity
of grain has for some years past been exported by sleighs in winter to the west of Albany. Whiskey
is distilled in considerable quantities, and mostly consumed in the country, and is also exported to
Canada ant to Susquehanna. The produce of the country is received by storekeepers in payment for
goodls, and with horses and cattle, is paid for land. Several thousand bushels of grain have been
purclhst:e  in the winter beginning this year, 1804, for money at Newtown and at mills near Cayuga
lake.  Hemp is raised on Genesee river and carried to Albany. Droves of cattle and horses are sent to
different markets, and a considerable number of cattle and other provisions, are used at the markets
of Canandarqua and Geneva, at Niagara, and by settlers emigrating into the country. Cattle commonly sell for money at a good price, and as this country is very favorable for raising them, they
will probably become the principal article for market; many being of opinion that the raising of stock
is more profitable as well as easier than any mode of farming.  The following is a list of prices
of articles, and the rates of wages since January 1801 
Wheat, from 62 cents to 1 dollar a bushel-Corn from 37 to 50 cents a bushel-Rye from 50 cents
to 62 cents, a bushel-Hay from 6 to 12 dollars a ton-Butter and Cheese, 10 to 16 cents a pound-a
yoke of oxen, 50 to 80 dollars-milk cows from 16 to 25 dollars-Cattle for driving, 3 to 4 dollars a 100
lb-A: pair of good working horses, 100 to 125 dollars-Sheep from  2 to 4 dollars-Pork, fresh killed
in winter, 4 to 6 dollars a hundred, and salted in spring, 8 to 10 dollars-Whiskey from 50 to 75
cents a gallon-Salt, 1 dollar a bushel weighing 56 pounds-Field ashes, 4 to 9 cents a bushel:




PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.                         689
600 bushels may be manufactured into a ton of pot or pearl Ash, which has been sold at market at
125 to 150 dollars; and some persons by saving their ashes, or by manufacturing them, have nearly
cleared the cost of improving land-The wages bf a laborer, 10 to 15 dollars a month,- and board —A
suit of clothes made at 4 to 5 dollars-A pair of shoes, 175 to 250 cents, Store goods are sold at very
moderate prices, the expense of carriage from Albany to New-York being about two dollars a hundred
weight.




ap P ni         x,
CONTAINING A DESCRIPTION OF TIIE MILITARY LANDS IN THE STATE OF NEW-YORK
The military tract was granted by the Legislature of New-York as a gratuity to the offhc, auld
soldiers of the line of this state, which served in the American revolution. This tract contains a
million and a half of acres, and is divided into 25 townships, containing 60,000 acres each, which
are again subdivided into lots of 640 acres each. It is bounded west by the counties of Ontario, and
Steuben in the Genesee country, on the north by lake Ontario about 10 miles to fort Oswego; thence
on the east by Oswego river; thence on the north by Onondago river and part of Oneida lake; on
the east by Oneida and Chenango counties, and on the south by Tioga county; and is in length 60
miles, and 55 miles in breadth.
The face of the country is generally even, but not level.  On each side of Cayuga lake the land
rises very gradually for some miles, and in the other parts it generally consists of gentle swellings;
but the eastern parts are broken into hills of gradual ascent.
The quality of the land is, with little exception, of the best sort, being in general loamy, and is nearly
the same as described in Genesee; as are also the timber, productions and animals.
The following are the rivers and lakes:The Seneca river issues out of Seneca lake.  It is joined by the outlet of Cayuga, and Mud
Creek from the west; and by Onondago river fiom the east. From the junction of Onondago river to
Oswego, where it discharges itself into lake Ontario, it is called Oswego river. The course of navigation from this river to Schenectady, by Onondaga river, Onedia lake, Wood Creek and the Mollawk
river, is already mentioned.
Cayuga lake, situated 10 miles east from the western bounds, is 40 miles in length, and from 2 to 4
miles in breadth, extending in a north-westerly course, and makes a handsome appearance.  It is well
stored withfish. From this lake boats proceed by Seneca river &c. to the neighbourhood of Albany,
or into lake Ontario; and from its head, produce is transported 30 miles to Owego, on the north
branch of Susquehanna, from whence arks, boats, and rafts are floated to markets on Susquehanna
river.
Owasco lake is about twelve miles long, and is well stored with fish. The lands adjoining it
are remarkably excellent.
Skeneatelis lake is nearly 16 miles in length.
Otisco lake is about 8 miles in length.
Onondago lake is situated near the north eastern parts.  Salt is manufactured at springs adjoining
this lake, in a reservation of land belonging to the State, in very considerable quantities. The sail
weighs 56 pounds a bushel, and it is sold at the works at two dollars a barrel, containing five bushels:
and sometimes cheaper. From  these works the western parts of this state are cheaply supplied
nith salt, and considerable quantities of it are transported to Canada in the neighbourhood of lake




//  3t.ston
1;;~  ti~~zt ~27~ ~tir~i'   P zt s,2 Stzzi of  based  ~ ~E-14-," 3-.'-'::Mexi~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~co%:~-~-~'''"'-'-~'`-'"''''`'-~-~-~-  -~-~-~-~-g
F ~.Us:'                             ~
oaisa
~ _s~" -r _....r  ~. \ ~ ~   - - -- ~ l. _ v -   f,~
CZ~~~~
43  cwat.
Po~~~~
07-a'ZO                              ene-a   uau a
Take,   Rolzd ~ ~ ~  ~   ~   ~:     ~     e,
-salW.. -~?g................
69 to a~         -NWES TERN -NEW YORK  Is.109.  uhrpws....








PAPERS RELATING TO WESTERN NEW-YORK.                        691
Ontario and lake Erie and to the Ohio. The salt springs appear to be inexhaustible, and sufficient
for the supply of works of any extent. Iron ore has lately been discovered in the neighbourhood
of this lake, where a furnace has been erected, and is worked to advantage.....Slate appears to
abound in some places between Seneca and Cayuga lakes, and adjoining the head of Seneca lake.
Seneca lake, which is situated on the western bounds, is before described.
The eastern and southern parts are partly watered by Chenango river, which is boatable in spring to
Susquehanna river, and from thence boats and arks proceed to Baltimore; and by Salmon creek, Fall
creek, besides many lesser streams.
This country is divided into three counties; viz. Seneca, Cayuga, and Onondago. Population
has been uncommonly rapid, notwithstanding the discouragements proceeding from disputed titles to
these military lots, several deeds having been frequently granted for the same lots, and nearly one third
of these titles are yet undetermined, though they are expected to be shortly ascertained by commissioners
who are appointed for that purpose by the state legislature. The number of inhabitants amounts nearly
to 30,000. Between Seneca and Cayuga lakes, the settlers are mostly from Pennsylvania, Jersey
and the Eastern parts of this state, and in the other parts, they are mostly emigrants from the New
England States.
The most considerable village is Aurora, which is pleasantly situated near the Cayuga lake, and
contains about 25 dwelling houses, several stores and an academy. Cayuga village is situated near
the outlet of Cayuga lake, and consists of about twenty dwelling houses, and several stores. The
Cayuga bridge is built over the lake at this village; it is in length nearly a mile, and cost 25000 dollars,
which is defrayed by a toll. Levana village contains 20 houses. At this village, Mr. Richardson
some years ago had 425 acres under a crop of wheat, which produced 12,000 bushels. The turnpike
road to Albany is before described, and on some parts of it are buildings and improvements closely
adjoining to each other, which have the appearance of villages. This road in the year 1792, was
only an Indian path, a little improved, and settled only with a few stragling huts 10 or 20 miles
from each other, for the distance of nearly 100 miles; and was then the only road leading to this
country and Genesee. Many parts of the country are well improved and make a pleasant and flourishing
appearance.
From this country a considerable quantity of produce is transported to Owego on Susquehanna
River and to New town at which places a considerable part was, in winter beginning 1804, sold for
money, and from those places was floated in arks and boats to markets on the lower parts of Susquehanna.
Wheat is also sold for money at mills, at which it is floured; and wheat is transported to Albany.
A considerable quantity of produce is carried by sleighs in winter to markets on the Mohawk river.
Potash is often manufactured and transported to Albany. Whisky is distilled in considerable quantities.
Cattle, particularly cows, and sheep, always command a liberal price in money, and grain and other
produce are sold for money to settlers emigrating into this country. The prices of produce is nearly
the same as in the Genesee country.








INDEX.
A.
Abrahai-a'h bIewl Chief, Speech of, 339.            dividing the county of, 553; description of the counAcadia, operations of the French on the coast of, 28.  try between Niagara and, in 1782, 643; distance
Act, an, reversing ith  Attainder of Jacob Liesler and  from the Genesee country to, 646; from  Ontario
others, 249.                                       county to, 657; description of a journey to the
Address, an, to the English freemen of the Prov., affixed  Genesee country in? 1792 from, 658.
to the door of the Custom house of N. Y., 30.    Agricultural produce, prices of in Western New-York in
Admiralty, proc. of a court of, in Leisler's time, 164,  1791; 651; in 1799, 667.
166.                                             Alexandria, minutes of the council of Governors held
Affidavits against Lt. Gov. Nicholson, 8, 17; against  at, 378.
Col. Bayard et al., ib.                          Aliens allowed to hold real property in the State of
Agreement between the Col. of Conn. and the Conven-  New-York, 671.
vention at Albany, concerning troops, 67; between  Allegany mountains, the line separating Pennsylvania
New-York, Maryland & New England regarding ope-    from Maryland to be run west of the, 496; a new
rations against the French, 134; between Leisler's  Prov. proposed to be erected west of the, 578; river,
Commissioners and John Winthrop, 157.              course of the, 685.
Albany, King William and Queen Mary proclaimed at, Alien, John, secy. of Connecticut, letter from Jacob
5; King James' soldiers keep the fort of, 19; an   Leisler to, 10'; from, to Leisler, 20, 44, 105, 130,
election of Mayor and aldermen of, ordered, 31;    143, 160, 162, 189; from, to Secy. Clarkson, 188.
names of the persons recommended by Leisler to be  ANDROSS, Sir E., charged with having carried away
chosen Magistrates of, ib.; proceedings of the Anti-  the New-York Records, 3; reported to have escapLeisler Convention at, 46, et seq. (see, Convention);  ed, 14; legality of the commissions of, vindicated,
answer of the magistrates of, to the Onondagoes, 49;  22; the friends of, offer a reward for his rescue, 23;
assists the Mohawks to build their new castle at   ordered to England, 28; all persons holding comTionondage, 50; Measures adopted for the repair    missions from, to be arrested, 41; sails in the Mehiof the fortifications of, ib.; subscriptions of the citi-  tabel, 42.
zens of, 53; proposals of the Convention to the  Animals, wild, in Western New-York, 647, 683
inhabitants of, 61; answer thereto, 62; letter of the  Anthony, N., letters of, to the commissioners at AlbaCom. of Safety of N. Y. to the Magistrates of, 64;  ny, 129, 131.
excitement at, 68; Jochem Staats elected Captain  Anti-Leisler party at Albany, proceedings of the, 46,
of the fort at, ib; reasons given by the mayor for  et seq. (see, Convention.)
securing the fort of, 72; orders issued by Leisler's  Antil, Edward, ordered to be arrested, 41.
Commissioners at 107, et seq.; two representatives  Appointment of a council, by Lt. Gov. Liesler, 27.
for, elected, 114; the Leisler party take possession  Arks on the western waters, description of the, 668, 674..
of the fort at, 127; small pox prevails in, 142;  Arrests ordered by Leisler, 27, 35, 42, 106, 148, 149,
dysentery prevalent at, 143; writ for the election  154.
of an additional member of Assembly for, 159;   Assembly, Leisler's proc. convoking a legislative, 158,
names of the aldermen and assistants when Leisler  163; writs fox the election of new members of, 158 
got possession of 171; proceedings of the Prov.    resolves against Leisler and his party, passed by the
Congress at in 1754, 317, et seq.; Indian account  New-York, 207; execution of Leisler and Milborne,
of the grant of ground to the whites to build a town  approved by the, 212; James Rumsey's petition to the
at, 349; the Indians dissatisfied with a purchase  Pennsylvania, 608; petitions of John Fitch and
of land concluded by Pennsylvania at, 437, 441;    Henry Voight to the Pennsylvania house of, 628;
the lower Mohawk flatts granted to the Corporation  letter of John Fitch to the speaker of the Newof, 511; Sir Winm. Johnson's obs. on the bill for  York, 629; report on John Fitch's petition to the




694                                             INDEX.
Pennsylvania, 630; petitions of John Fitch to the   petition of John Stevens Jun. to the New-York,
New-York, 631, 635; petitions of James Rumsey       640.
to the New-York, 632, 634, 636; report on the    Assessors, order for the election of, 181.
petition of James RIumsey and John Fitch to the   Attainder of Jacob Liesler and others, an Act reversing
New-York, 634; votes regarding the petitions of    the, 249.
James Rumsey and John Fitch in the Virginia, 637; Aurora village, 691.
B.
Bane, Colonel, dismissed by the king for having insis-  Birthplaces of the soldiers newly enlisted by Leisler, 6.
ted in a speech, on further allowance for American  Blagge, Capt. Benjamin, captures a French ship, 24;
soldiers, 468.                                      memorial to his Majesty sent by, 33; sent delegate
Barbadoes, Leisler's letters to, 24, 28, 137.         to Connecticut, 43; proceeds to Boston, 139; sent
Barley, price of, in 1799, in western New-Yorl, 667.  by Leisler as his agent to England, 151; memorial
Bartles, Mr. Frederick, commences settlements near    of to the King, referred to Gov. Sloughter, 203;
Mud Lake, 660; quantity of timber exported by,      answer to the memorial carried to England by, 220.
674.                                             Blathwayt, Sec'y, letter from governor and council of
Batavia, description of, in 1804, 688.                New-York to, justifying Leisler and Milborne's exBath, first settlement of the town of, 660; shiretown.  ecution, 216.
of Steuben county, ib; population of, in 1796, ib;  Blue Stocking, speech of, to the Albany magistrates,
first, newspaper at, 661; weekly market at 664;     86.
further improvements in, 666; Gazette, circulation  Board of Trade, letter from the, to Sir Danvers Osof, in 1799, 670; number of deer killed annually in  borne, 323; from Gen. Johnson to the, 376, 391,
former times in the neighborhood of, 671; descrip-  399, 407, 412, 414, 418,423,426, 433, 453, 459;
tion of, in 1804, 688.                              from the, to Gen. Johnson, 408; report of the, to
Battle of Lake George, official account of the, 402;  the King, regarding lands west of the Alleganies,
officers killed at the, 404; map showing the locality  410.
of the, 405; list of certain companies that served at  Bollen, George, appointed to the command of a sloop
the, ib.                                            in the expedition against Canada, 141.
Baxter, Captain, a papist, 20, 244.                 Bonrepos, Rev. D., minister at New Rochelle, letter
ayard, Colonel N., affidavits against, 17; denounces  from, to Leisler, 171.
Leisler and vindicates the commissions of Andros,  Boston, Leisler's letters to, 3, 4, 14, 15, 19, 23, 103,
22; absconds from New-York, 24; warrant issued      125, 127; proceedings against Sir E. Andros at,
to arrest, 35; is arrested, 36, 101; petitions Leisler,  approved by the King, 28; small pox, prevails at,
explaining his conduct, 37; writes- to the Earl of  42; governor of, warns the people of Albany of their
Shrewsbury and Sec. Blathwayte, 38; why he re-      danger, 55; fits out vessels against the French, 128;
turned to New-York, ib; lays claim to the King's   troops from, ordered to New Hampshire, 145.
letter addressed to Lt. Gov. Nicholson, 39; dis-  Boudinot, Elias, ordered to be arrested, 148.
claims all intention of overthrowing the government;  Boundary  of the Genesee country, 681; of tne
complains of being confined in irons, and prays for  military tract, 690.
pardon, ib; representations against Leisler supposed, to  Braddock, Gen., appoints Col. Johnson agent for Inbe from, 220, 222; claim of, for damages suffered   dian affairs, 376; attends a council at Alexandria,
during Leisler's administration, 223, 342.          378; proposes an attack on Crown Point and NiaBeekman, Gerard, one of Leisler's Council, 27, 29;    gara, ib; defeat of, alluded to, 440.
letter of, to the people of Queens, 189; arrested,  Braddock's bay settled, 660.
petitions Gov. Sloughter, 203, 204, 209; his wife  Bradstreet, Gov., communicates intelligence of the
petitions Gov. Sloughter in his behalf, 209; peti-  French operations on the coast, 28; letter of, to Leistions Gov. Fletcher to be released, 238; claims the  ler, 146.
protection of government, ib.                     Brockholst, Major Anthony, a rank papist, 20; orderW- illiam, writ to elect a representative for the  ed to be arrested, 35, 42.
city of New-York, in the place of, 159; bond en-    -     Matthys, ordered to be arrested, 106.
tered into by, 210.                              Brookhaven, antient rate lists of the town of, 268,
Bellomont, Earl of, petitions of Leisler men to, 238,  308.
239.                                             Brooklyn, rate lists of the town of, 273, 290.
Bermudas, Leisler's letter to the Governor of the, 153.  Browne, Thomas, a member for Westchester ordered
Bethlehem, a fort ordered to be erected in the towli of,  to be elected in consequence of the decease of, 159.
51.                                              Buffalo creek, course of the, 685.
Bill, a, confirming to the inhabitants of New-York the  Bull, Capt. Jonathan, 55; arrives at Albany, 74:;
full benefits of the Laws of England, 200; a, fining  withdraws with the Connecticut troops, 117.
all persons who refuse commissions under Leisler, or  Bushwick, rate lists of the town of, 278, 287.
who may depart from the counties of Albany or Uls-  Butler, Col., treats with the Indians at Niagara, 645.
ter without leave, 201.                           Byrne, Mr., commissary at the Oneida blockhouse, 467




INDEX.                                           G95
C.
Caghnawaga patent, boundary lines of the, disturbed,  Church, Joseph, Gov. Sloughter's reprimand of, 211.
473.                                             Clarkson, Secy, Matthew, 42; letter of, to Gov. Treat,
Caledonia, a Scotch settlement in Western New-York,  185; urges Col. Willet to bring in his men to Newparticulars of, 672.                               York, 188; John Allyn recommends patience to, ib;
Canada, journal of Capt. John Schuyler's expedition  calls men from Flatbush, 190; from Suffolk, ib;
into, 160; John Hart's information regarding, 388;  writes to Col. Townley, ib; to 1Major Ingoldesby,
effects of the conquest of, on the relations of the  191; to Capt. Jackson, of Hempstead, for men? ib 
English towards the Indians, 521.                  urges Governor Treat, of Conn., to send a force
Canada-saga lake, (see, Seneca.)                     against Leisler, 192.
Canandaigua, facts relating to the early settlement of,  Climate, the, of western New-York, 647, 651, 666,
644, 649, 650, 652, 658, 661, 664; distance from   686.
the Genesee river to, 682; lake, 686; description  CLINTON, Gov., letters of, to Col. Wn. Johnson, 361,
of, in 1804, 687.                                  362, 364, 367; orders all papers and records relatCanandarqua, or Canadaqua, (see, Canandaigua.)       ing to Indian affairs to be delivered to Col. Johnson,
Canascraga river, 674, 676.                          363; orders a general Indian council to be held at
Canastagione attacked by the French and Indians, 132.  Onondaga, 367; is about to return to England on
Canawisque river, course of the, 685.                account of ill health, 3I68
Canesus lake, 686.                                 -   -  town of, 643.
Canisteo, course of the river, 674, 685.           Coddrington, Col., Gov. Sloughter's letter to, giving
Capitulation of the Albany garrison to Leisler's com-  his reasons for executing Leisler and Milborne, 216.
missioners, 107.                                 Coe, sheriff, ordered to search for the records of
Carleton, Lt. Gov., prejudiced in favor of the Cana-  Queens county, 34.
dians, 496; is new in Indian affairs, 497; authori- Cohoes falls, 643.
zes traders to go wherever they please, ib; sends his  COLDEN, Lt. Gov., endeavors to introduce a new mode
nephew with letters to Gen. Johnson, in favor of a  of. appeal, 472; Sir Wm. Johnson's letters to, 534,
Canadian, 498.                                     543, 552, 553, 557, 559; Col. Guy Johnson, to,
Carrying places in 1792, between Albany and Gene-    583; missing letters of, 584.
see, 644.                                        Collectors of taxes, order for the election of, 181.
Casco bay, the English post at, destroyed, 146.    Colonies, union of all the, proposed, 328; committee
Catalogue of the books and papers in Boston belonging  appointed to draft a plan for a union of the, ib; a
to New-York, Leisler demands a, 103.               plan for the union of the several, 357.
Catharine's town, 649, 661.                        Commissions, to Jacob Leisler, as captain of the fort at'.Cattaraqui fort, N. Rust commissioned to destroy, 31;  New-York, 7; as commander-in-chief, 14; validity
abandoned by the French, 76, 77, 78; Indians       of Gov. Andros', vindicated, 22; of Jochem Staeas
march to the attack of, 146.                       as Captain of the fort at Albany, 30; of N. Rust
Cawonisque creek, 657, 659.                          to destroy Fort Cadaraqui, 31; issued by Govs.
Cayuga, number of houses in 1792, between Ononda-    Andros and Dongan, revoked by Leisler, 32; to
ga and, 643; in 1804, 691; Lake, descrip. of, 690.  search for suspected persons, ib; to hold courts of
-----  Bridge, length and cost of, 691.              Oyer and terminer, 3 6; to Messrs. Vermelye, Blagge,
Ceremony observed by the authorities of Albany in pro-  & Milborne as delegates to Conn., 43; from the Contesting against Leisler, 86.                       vention at Albany to K. Van Rensselaer and Gerrit
Chain belt presented to the Six Nations, explanation  Teunise as delegates to Conn., 58; to Reynier
of the, 331.                                       Barents as delegate to New-York, 97; to R. LivingChambers, Major Thos., ordered to raise men in Ulster  ston as delegate to New-England, 99; from Leisler
county, to defend the frontiers, 177.              to Ja'b de Bruyn and others to be commissioners for
Chamblee Lake, a French force on the, 151.           Albany, 101; to Jacob Milborne as Major of the
Chataughqua Lake, 686.                               forces raised against the French, 135; to Captain
Cheeming town, population of, in 1791, 649; river,   Win Mason to command a ship against the French,
674.                                               141; to Captains Frs. Goderis, Geo. Bollen, Gerret
Cheese manufactured in western New-York, 668.        Hardenburgh, John Swinton, to command vessels, ib;
Chenossio Indians, location of the, 454.             to John Winthrop to command the forces against the
Cheerokees, Speech of the, to Sir William Johnson,   French, 158; for holding a court of admiralty, 164,
445; traders murdered by the, 493; never claimed  166; to appraise vessels, 168; to Jochem Staas, J.
the territory westward of the mountains, nor north  Wendel, J. Bleeker, P. Bogardus, Ryer Schermerof the river of their name, 531.                   horn, to be commissioners for the city and county of
Cheseldyn Kenelm, speaker of the Maryland Assembly,  Albany, 171; to Arnout Viele, to be Indian agent
letter to Leisler, from, 117.                      at Onondaga, 177; to Major Ingoldesby to comChuctenunda, mention of Sir P. Warren's patents at,  mand the troops against Leislerat New-York, 192 
479.                                               list of the, issued by Lt. Gov. Leisler, 196; of the




G96                                            INDEX.
delegates to the Prov. Congress at Albany, in 1754,  the Mohegan Indians undelr, demand paymnt for
from Mass., and N. Hamp., 317; Conn., 318; B.      their land, ib.
Island and Penn., 319; Maryland, 320; to Hon.    Conowongo river, course of the, 658.
Wm. Johnson, as Major-General of the Prov. forces,  Counties in the Genesee country, in 1804, 687; in the
380, 381.                                          Military tract, 691.
Commissioners, (Leisler's,) names of the, at Albany,  CONVENTION at Albany, proceedings of the, 46; names
107; resolve to retain the Connecticut troops, ib;  of the members of the, ib., et seq.; the members of
forbid all recriminations between citizens, ib; and  the, furnish each a gun to be hung up in the church,
the departure of any persons from   the county,    ib; issues warrants against certain frenchmen, 47;
between the ages of 14 and 60, 108; call on R.     forbids all persons able to bear arms from quitting
Livingston to deliver up the Rec. of the city of   the county, 48; sends messages to the adjoining
Albany, ib; make a requisition on New-York and     settlements with certain intelligence, 49; answers
Albany for certain stores, 109; order a party to   of the, to the Onondaga Ambassador, ib; resolves
Crown Point, 110; to Otter Creek, 113; prohibit    to assist the Mohawks in rebuilding their castle, 50;
retailing rum  to the soldiers, 121, 123; order I.  orders the city fortifications to be repaired, and that
Livingston to appear, 122; the Patroon's Mill to be  an express be sent to Capt. Leisler for aid, ib; orders
fortified, ib; R. Livingston's lands to be attached,  the erection of divers forts in the vicinity of Albany,
ib; order various effects to be provided for the   51; prohibits the sale of intoxicating liquors to the
expedition against Canada, 123, 124; resolve to    Indians, 52; Leisler declining to send men, resolves
defend Schenectede, Connestigione and the Half     to apply to New England for reinforcements, 53, 55;
Moon, 125; letters of Leisler to the, 133, 152;    and to call up the River Indians, 55; orders oath of
from  New England and Maryland, at New-York,       allegiance to Win. and Mary to be taken, 56;
134; agree to prosecute war against the French, ib;  appoints Lieut. Sharp, commander of the fort, which
at Albany make a treaty with the Five Nations, 177;  is not to be delivered to any one else, 57; gives a
to the Prov. Congress in 1754; proceedings of the,  bond to R. Livingston for his disbursements, 58;
317; names of the, to the Prov. Congress, 321, 2;  receives information that a body of men is coming
on Indian affairs, proceedings of the, 325, et seq.  from New-York, 60; resolves to inform the Burghers
Committee of safety at New-York, names of the mem-   thereof, 61; calls the Burghers together and combers of Leisler's, 7,15; appoint Leisler commander-  municates with them, ib; answer of the citizens to
in-chief, 14; order the municipal officers of that city  the, 62; news received by, of the approach of three
to be elected, 21; letter of the, to the convention at  sloops with the King's Jack aboard, 63; interview
Albany, 64.                                        of Jacob Milborne with the, 64; agreement made
Congress at Albany in 1754, Journal of the Prov., 317;  with Connecticut by the, regarding a military reinjournal of a, with the Indians at Niagara, 504.    forcement, 67; further discourse between Jacob
Conhocton, the course of the river, 674, 685.        Milborne and the, ib; declines to meet the people at
Connecticut, delegates from to Leisler, 10; govern-  the City Hall, 68; threatened by the citizens, 69;
ment of, recalls the men sent to Leisler, 20; Leisler  articles submitted by the, to Jacob Milborne, 70;
sends delegates to, 43; proposals of Leisler to, ib;  answer of the to the proposals of Jacob Milborne,
answer of, to Leisler's proposition, 44; Leisler   71; letter of the, to the same, ib; further interdenounces the governor and magistrates of, as abet-  view of the, with Jacob Milborne, 72; appoints a
tors of the Albany rebels, 45; reply of, in self vin-  clay of fasting and prayer, 74; invitation from the
dication, ib; sends eighty men to Albany, 55;      Onondaga and Oneida Indians to the, 78; answer
agreement between the convention at Albany and,    of the, thereto, ib; sends messengers to Onondaga,
concerning the troops to be sent from, 67; is accused  with their propositions, 80; receives a letter from
of aiding the partizans of G-ov. Andros at Albany,  Leisler, 81; orders of the, thereon, ib; calls on
103; Easthampton desires to be reannexedto, 104;   Capt. Staas to produce the authority which Leisler
recalls its troops from Albany, 105; sends another  has received from King William, and Staas' reply,
detachment to Albany, 142; objects to Jacob Mil-   ib; refuses to obey Leisler, 82; vote of the, whether
borne, and proposes Mr. Winthrop, as commander     they should acknowledge Leisler as Lt. Governor,
in chief of the expedition against Canada, ib; frag-  ib; despatches a force in pursuit of the French who
ment of a letter from Leisler to, 147; is accused by  burnt Schenectady, 87; measures adopted by the,
Leisler of juggling and double dealing, and with   after the Schenectady massacre, ib; sends letters to
having spit in the face of New-York, 170; severe   the governors of New England annd Virginia, 89;
animadversions on, ib; cries like fiends fearing to be  orders several houses to be pulled down, ib; measures
tormented before their time, 179; compared to those  adopted by the, regarding the River Indians, 90;
hypocrites, spoken of by St. James, who give advice  fails in obtaining aid from.Esopus, why, 91; receives
when called on to give charity, ib; warned not to  the condolence of the Mohawk Indians, ib; resolves
trust to fig leaves as a covering for her evils, 180;  to send agents to New York and New England
letter of, to Secretary Clarkson, 188; and to Leisler,  requesting their co-operation against the French, 95;
189; is called on for men to put down Leisler, 192;  appoints a board to manage the affairs of the county,
letter from Gov. Sloughter to the Gov. of, 217;    96; Leisler's proclamation against the, 100; and




INDEX.                                          697
representation to Maryland against the, 102; is  Country between Whitestown and the Genesee river in
succeeded by Leisler's commissioners, 107, (see,  1791, description of the, 658.
Commissioners); the Mohawks discover the delusions  Court martial ordered to sit in Flatbush, 175; in New
put on'them by the, 128.                          York, 181.
Coode, Col., of Maryland, letters of Leisler from, 25,  Cow, price of a, in Western New-York in 1799, 669.
126, 140, 150.                                  Croghan, Mr., remarks of, on the obs. of the propr. of
Cooper, Rev. Dr., president of New York College,     Pennsylvania, 439; attacked and taken prisoner by
visits England, 572.                              the Indians, 477; testimony of Sir Wm. Johnson
Copper Mines of Lake Superior, Sir Wm. Johnson on   in favor of, 487; intimates his'intention of quitting
the, 533.                                         the public service, 488; consents to continue in
Correspondence of Sir Wm. Johnson, 375.              office, 491; cause of his dissatisfaction, 492; is
CosBY, Gov., some particulars of the family of, 461;  recommended to be sent to Fort Pitt, 501; proceeds
minute of the last will of Mrs., ib; one of the sons  to Detroit, 502.
of, a lunatic, 464, 473, 475, 482; Mrs., cannot sell  Crooked lake, 686.
her son's lands without an order from the Chancellor,  Crown Point, a party of outscouts ordered to, 110;
475; manor sold, 465; account with the purchasers  the French build a fort at, 354; the Hon. Wm,
of, 536.                                          Johnson appointed major-general of the expedition
Council, names of the members of Leisler's, 27;      against, 380.
minutes of, 28; three members of Leisler's, sent to  Culver's village, 649.
arrange matters at Albany, 102; names of the mem-  Cuyler, Hendrik, 66; John, clerk to Leisler's combers of Gov. Sloughter's, 202.                    missioners, 107.
D.
Dansville, 676.                                      open, 480; advises Mrs. Cosby to take legal opinion
Darnall, Revd Mr., 26.                               as to her power of disposing of her son's property,
Dartmouth, Lord, interferes in behalf of aCanajoharry  482; communicates to Sir WVm. Johnson an extract
Indian exhibited in England, 583.                  of Lady Warren's letter, 541; Sir Wm's reply to,
Dauley, Rev. Mr., threatened by Leisler, 247.        542; further communication from Sir Wn. Johnson
D'Eau, Chev., seized by the Indians and sent to Leisler,  to, regarding Sir P. Warren, 567.
138, 142, 150; interview between Leisler and, 151;  Delaney, Stephen, joint commissioner of the court of
endeavors to prevent the cruelties of the Indians  admiralty, 164, 166.
towards women and children, 152.                Delanoy, Peter, elected mayor of New York, 21; appointDeclaration of Leisler and his party in favor of King  ed collector of the revenue, 29; judge, 36,164, 166.
William and Queen Mary, 3; of the Trainbands of  Delaware Indians, Sir Wim. Johnson takesthe petticoat
New-York, 7; against Major Ingoldesby and coun-   off the, 425.
cil, 193; Council's answer to, 196.             Dellius, Rev. Dom., intervenes between the Indians and
Deerfield in great danger, 146.                      Milborne, 73; forced by Leisler to fly to New EngDELANCY, Hon. James, holds a congress at Albany,     land, 247.
321; orders the commissioners on Indian affairs to  De Milt, Peter, petition of, to Gov. Sloughter, 208.
meet, 325; orders a reinforcement for Oswego, 375;  Depositions against Pobert Livingston, 114, et seq.
attends a council at Alexandria, 378; commissions  Description of the country between Albany and Niagara
Col. Johnson to be major-general, 381; Gen. John-  in 1792, 643; Williamson's of the settlement of the
son applies to him for munitions of war, 382; and  Genesee country, 655; of a journey from Albany
to prohibit the sale of rum among the Indians,'ib;  to the Genesee country, in 1792, 658; Munro's, of
further letters to, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 388,  the Genesee country, 679.
395, 397, 443; orders the treasurer to pay certain  Dieskau, Baron de, taken prisoner, 403; badly wounded,
~moneys to Gen. Johnson, 391; urges Gov. Phipps    404.
to forward reinforcements to the army at Lake   Distances in 1799 between the several taverns on the
George, 393; receives inbfrmation of an attack by  road from Albany to Canandaigua, 678; to the
the Indians on a settlement in Ulster county, 444.  Genesee country, 681.
---, Hon. Oliver, directed to make purchases for the  Domestic Cattle in western New-York, in 1804, 683.
army on Lake George, 406; in treaty for Cosby   DONGAN, Col., lying in N. York bay, 3; arms seized
manor, 461, 464; purchases it, 465; requests Mrs.  in his mill on Staten Island, 5; arbitrary power of
Cosby to discharge a mortgage on it, ib; complains  denounced, 7; his servant arrested, 13; said to have
that the land does not contain as many acres as was  established a Jesuit College, 14; in Rhode Island,
paid for, 470, 536; Sir Wm. Johnson requests him  19; returns thence to New-York, ib; invited Maryto give up his bonds, 471; declines to comply with  land and Virginia to unite against the French, 25 
Sir Wm's request, 472; further correspondence be-  ordered to be arrested, 41, 42; all who hold com'ns
tween Sir Wm. Johnson and, 473, 475, 478, 479,    from him also to be made prisoners, 41; several per480, 481; complains that his letters come to him  sons leave N. York at the same time as, 103.
88




698                                            INDEX.
Dutch towns on Long Island, rate bills of the five,  Dyckman, Jacob, offers to furnish fruit trees and a
269, et seq; an Indian account of the first visit to  new breed of sheep to Sir Wm. Johnson, 474.
the Hudson river of the, 349.                    Dying speeches of Leisler and Milborne, 213.
Duycking,Gerrit, member ofthe court ofAdmiral ty 164,  Dysentery supposed to proceed from bad pork, 143.
166; appointed Capt., 197; further reference to, 233.
E.
Easthampton, the town of, desires to be re-annexed to  men of Albany ordered, 31; of representatives,
Connecticut, 104; rate lists of, 253, 312.         order for the, 42.
Election of the Mayor and common council of New    Emmott -       ordered to be arrested, 42.
York. by the freemen, 21; of the mayor and alder-  Erie, Lake, description and trade of, 685.
Exports of western New-York in 1799, 668.
F.
False weights, the traders in the Indian country make  Flushing, rate lists of the town of, 263, 300.
use of, 484.                                     Flying stores in western New-York, 650.
Pasting and prayer, a day of public, ordered in Albany,  Fort Hunter, Indian name for, 50, 88.
74.                                              Fort James seized by Leisler, 3, 4; condition of, 10,
Fines and forfeitures imposed on some of Leisler's   15; turretts of, fired, 11.
party, 224.                                      Fort Schuyler, 643.
First visit of the Dutch to the Hudson river, an Indian  Fortifications, antient, in western N. York, 684,
account of the, 349.                             Forts building in the country of the Six Nations, 422.
Fishes, the, in the Genesee country, 643.          Fowl, wild, the several sorts of, in western N. York, 643.
Fitch, John, dimensions of the machinery of the steam-  Franklin, Benj., petition of, to the king, 447; report
boat of, 593; the original steamboat supported by,  of, the Board of Trade on the petition of, 449; and
603; certificates in favor of the claim of, to the  others, propose to erect a new province in western
invention of the steamboat, 615; length of the     Virginia, 578; approved by the crown, 580, memsteamboat of, 626; letter to the speaker of the As-  ber of the Rumsaan Soc. of Philadelphia, 602.
sembly of New-York from, 629; petitions of, to   French emissaries among the Onondagoes, 144; prithe several assemblies, 628, 631, 63.              vateers fitted out in New-York against the, 141,
Flatbush, a court martial ordered to sit at, 175; rate  155; a ship belonging to the, captured at the mouth
lists of the town of, 269, 293,                    of the Canada river, 153; enumeration of the enFlatlands, rate lists of the town of, 283, 288.       croachments in America by the, 354; intrigues of
FLETCHER, Gov., petition of Thomas Statham to, 234;  the, in the western country, 484.
of the members of Leisler's council to, 235; of  Friends' settlement on Seneca lake, 644, 648, 650.
Peter Delanoy to, 237.                           Fruit trees in western New-York, 643, 683.
G.
Gage, General, news from the western country sent to,  652, 687; Col. Williamson's letters on the, 657;
483, 484; his views of the course of Indian trade  boundaries of the, 657, 682; date of the first setand the irreg. proc. of Indian traders, 486; method  tlement of the, ib; a road opened from Pennsylva.
recommended by, to prevent the trade between N.    nia to the, 659; scarcity of provision in the, 660;
Orleans and the western country, 488; recommends   the, compared to Yorkshire in England, 671; routes
Major Gorham as Indian agent in Acadie, under Sir  to the, 671, 677; a Scotch settlement in the, 672;
Wm. Johnson, 489; and removes the com'y at         water communications from the, 673; road to NiMichilimakinac, 502; offers the Governors of Vir-  agara from, 677; Robert Munro's description of the,
ginia and Pennsylvania his co-operation against the  679; latitude and longitude of the, 681; meaning
frontier people, 515; gives intelligence of Indian  of the word, 682; physical appearance of the, ib;
excesses in the west, 516.                         lumber in the, ib; fruit of the, 683.
-ansevoort, Harme, and other citizens of Albany, make  Genesee Falls, 665, 676.
arrangements for the quartering of Milborne's sol-        fiatts, estimated contents of the, 674.
diers, 74.-                                                river, 644; number of stores on the, In
Gates, General Hor., certificate of, regarding Rumsey's  1792, 658; the port on the, 665; the course of the,
steamboat, 591.                                    684.
Gazette, the Bath, established, 661; the Ontario, eir-  Geneseis (or Genesee) Indians, 509, 510; castle of
culation of, in 1799, 670.                         the, 511.
Gemoenepa, 39.                                     Geneva, facts relating to the early history of the town
G-enesee country, in 1791, an account of the, 646;   of, 644, 648, 658, 661; a sloop built and a newsfirst Quaker settlement in the, 644, 648, 659; popu-  paper established at, 661; a weekly market at, 664;
lation of the, at various periods, 647, 648, 649,  the first stage runs to, ib; a brewery established at, ib;




INDEX.                                           699
manner in which water is conveyed to the houses  Gordon, Lord Adam, introduced to Sir William Johnat, ib; a sulphur spring near, 683; plaster of paris  son, 475.
found in the vicinity of, ib; description of, in 1804,  Gorham and Phelps, (See Phelps.)
687.                                            Gouverneur, Abm., clerk of the common council of NewGerman flatts, additional troops ordered to the, 426;  York, 21, 198; depy. sec. 156, 175; arrested,
treaty with the Indians at the, 568.              202; petitions Gov. Fletcher, 235; attainder of,
Ginseng, French traders purchase, in Western New-    reversed, 249.
York, 367; Gen. Johnson speculates in, 383.     Granger, Mr., 665.
Goderis, Frs., commissioned by Leisler, 141, orders to,  Gravesend, rate list of the town of, 265, 296.
in operating against the French, ib.            Gray, Rev. Mr., 660.
Goffe, Christopher, appointed to command a ship against  Greenbush, a false alarm at, 49.
the French, 154; petition of, 155.              Greig, Hon. James, letter of the, to Dr. T. IEomeyn
Gold, Major Nathan, 3, 9; delegate from Connecticut  Beck, 678.
to Leisler, 11                                  Grist mills in Ontario and Steuben cos., 660, 670.
Goods supplied by New-York to the Schenectady re-  Gunpowder plot, rejoicings at New-York, on the annifuges, 111.                                       versary of the, 25.
H.
Half Moon, the fort at the, to be removed, 51.       Prov. Congress, in 1754, 335, 337, 344; killed at
Hardenberg, Gerrit, appointed to the command of the  the battle of Lake George, 404.
Royal Albany, 141.                              Hicks, Capt., ordered to be arrested, 41.
HARDY, Sir Charles, Gov. of New-York, 406; visits  Hill, Rev. Mr., 26.
Albany, 408; orders additional troops to the Ger-  Historical Society of New-York, MSS. of, how to be
man Flatts, 426; communicates particulars of a riot  distinguished, 7.
at Livingston Manor to Sir William Johnson, 433.  Honeoye first settled, 660; lake, 686.
Hawley, Rev. Gideon, visits Johnson Hall, 366.     Hopetown, Yates co., 661, 662.
Hay, price of, in Western New-York, in 1799, 667.  Hour glasses, use of, in Albany, 110.
Hemlock lake, 686.                                 Huntington, rate lists of the town of, 255, 307.
Hempstead, men called from, the town of, to put down  Hurley, power of attorney from the inhabitants of, to
Leisler, 191; rate lists of the, 265, 303.        their representatives, 27.
Hendrick, the Canajoharie Chief, speeches of, before the
I.
Immigration, early, into Western New-York, 663.      368, 371,492, 580; protest against the sale of rum at
Inchiquin, Earl of, Gov. Sloughter's Letters to, giving  their castles, 345; the account of the first visit of the
an account of the affairs of New-York, 211, 217.   Dutch to this country given by the, 349; Col. JohnIndian corn, price of in Western New-York, in 1791,  son sent to Onondaga to take the hatchet out of the
651; in 1798, 667.                                hands of the, 367; the discontinuance of the counIndians, the New-York, defeat those of Canada, 19;   cil fire at Onondaga the sign of the disappearance as
Pemaquid taken by the, 49; answer of the Albany   a people of the, 369; the number of, at the meeting
magistrates to the Onondaga, ib; three people kill-  at Johnson Hall, 388; every green thing there eaten
ed at Saratoga by the, 51; an order prohibiting the  up by the, ib; number of, at the battle of Lake
sale of rum to the, 52; Milborn's men threatened to  George, 399; names of the settlements on the Susbe fired on by the Mohawk, 73; intelligence re-   quehannah river belonging to the, 416; the proprieceived at Albany from the, 76; proposals received  tor of Pennsylvania chosen as umpire between Virfrom the Onondaga and Oneyda, 78; answer sent to  ginia and the, 429; neutrality declared by the three
the, ib; propositions sent to the meeting at Onon-  Upper Nations of, 433; presents only to be given
daga of the, 80; sent to Lake Champlain in pur-   to the fighting, 434; proofs of the dissatisfaction
suit of the French, 88; address of condolence, on  entertained against Pennsylvania by the, 436, 442;
the burning of Schenectady, delivered by the, 91;  the land south of the mouth of the Ohio not belongthe answer of the Albany magistrates to the Mo-   ing to the Northern Confederacy of, 493; the divihawk, 93; minute of the appearance before Lt. Gov.  sional lines of Pennsylvania and Maryland, west of
Leisler and council of certain, 132; Casco bay at-  the Alleganies, permlitted to be run by the, 496;
tacked by the, 146; proceedings of the commissioners  journal of the proceedings at Niagara with the, 504;
for the affairs of the, 326; insolence towards the  the patent of Kayaderosseras and of the lower MoOswego traders by the, 327; the treaties with the Six  hawk flatts, complained of by the, 511; the effect
Nations usually attended by the River, 333; demand  of the conquest of Canada on the relations with the,
that Col. Johnson be agent for the, 339; speeches to  522; the number of, at the treaty of Fort Stanwix,
the, 330, 335, 336, 340, 345, 346, 352, 368, 369,  530; policy pursued by the, when disposed to quar581 from the, 334, 335, 337, 344, 349, 351, 366,  rel, 550; to be encouraged to cut each other's throats




700                                            INDEX.
rather than those of the English traders, 561; alli-  the authority of, ib; allowed to quarter his troops in
ances considered offensive and defensive by the, 564;  the City Hall, New-York. 185; reasons of the Lt,
the northern, are dissuaded from their hostile mea-  Gov. and council of New-York to resist, 186; Secresures against the Cherokee, ib; ratification of the  Clarkson to, authorizing him to raise the militia, 191;
treaty of Fort Stanwix with the, ib; principal griev-  commission to, as commander of the troops at Newances in 1776, of the, ib; complain of the great   York, (fragment) 192; declaration of Leisler, &c.,
quantity of rum and the small number of clergy-    against, 193; answer by the council of, 196; sent by
men sent among the, 565; a congress at the Great   Gov. Sloughter to demand the fort from Leisler
Plains of Sciota, about to be held by the, 566; the  202; letter of, and council to the Board of Trade,
result of the Sciota Congress, 568, 573; an union to  communicating Gov. Sloughter's death, 219; widow
be deprecated between the Northern and Southern,   Leisler's petition to, 224; denounced as a murderer,
568; the western tribes of, sell their Pawnie prison-  233.
ers, 570; view taken of scalping, by the, 576; ad-  Instruction of the Albany Convention to their agent
ditional complaints of the Six Nations of, 580; death  to New-York, 96; to their delegate to New-England,
bed of Sir Win. Johnson attended by the Canajo-    97; to Coll. Johnson to take the hatchet from the
hary, 582; effects of civilization on the, 645; Rev.  hands of the Six Nations, 367.
Mr. Kirkland, missionary among the, 646.         Inventory of Father Valiant's property seized at AlInglis, Rev. Chs., presents a memorial on the subject  bany, 116; of the ship Resolution, 175.
of christianizing the Indians, 572.              Ireland, news received at New-York of the total reIngoldesby, Major, Leisler's protest against, 181; an-  duction of, by King William, 178.
swer of, to Leisler's protest, 182; reply of Leisler  Irish refugees, proceedings at Maryland regarding
to, 183; proclamation of, to the people of New-    some, 101, 126, 137.
York, ib; Leisler's order for the reception of the  Irondequat, a fort to be built at, 359.
troops of, ib; Leisler's refusal to surrender the fort  Iron ore in Western New-York, 650, 676.
to, 184; Leisler's proc. against persons acting under
Jamaica, rate lists of the town of, 265, 301.        report of his proceedings there, ib; various Indian
James II., peculiar mode of drinking the health of,   ceremonials alluded to in a speech by, ib. et seq.;
after the Revolution of 1688, 28.                   warrants issued from 1746 to 1753 to, 374; letters
Jenango Indians request the release of some prisoners,  to Lieut. Gov. Delaney from, 375, 382, 384, 385,
433.                                                386, 388, 395, 397, 443; attends the congress at
Jesuit, a, at Oneyda, 78.                             Albany, 321, et seq.; the management of Indian afJesuit college, a, said to have been erected by Gov.  fairs resigned by, 339; the Indians demand the reDongan. 14, 147.                                   appointment as Indian agent of, ib; letters to the
Johnson, Gov., letter of, regarding James Rumsey's    Board of Trade from, 376, 391, 399, 407, 412,
claim to the invention of the steamboat, 597; in-  414; is reappointed Indian agent by Gen. Braddock,
troducing John Fitch to Gov. Smallwood, 607.       376, 378, 391; has enemies, 376; gives up his In-, Guy, deputy agent of Indian affairs, 493;   dian trade, 377; demands ~1000 sterling per annum,
appointed superintendent on the death of Sir William,  and an allowance for secretary, ib; council at Alex582, 583.                                          andria recommend that he be sent to treat with the
-—, Sir John, 583; a relative of, Indian interpre-  Indians, and that he command the expedition against
ter at Niagara, 644.                               Crownpoint, 379; is commissioned as major-general
---, SIR WILLIAM, manuscripts of, 315, the Mo-     of the provincial forces, 380, 381; calls on the govhawks accused of being the counsellors of, 336; a  ernment to prohibit the sale of rum among the Insachem of the Six Nations, 345; proposals regarding'dians, 382; speculates in ginseng, 383; certain forts
the Six Nations and the defeating the French, sub-  in the Mohawk valley located by, ib; erection of
mitted to the congress at Albany by, 360; is ex-   those forts contracted for by, 385; writes Gov.
amined before the provincial council, ib; recom-   Shirley about his pay and allowance, 386; endeavors
mends that a person be sent to Oswego with presents  to induce the Indians to take up the hatchet, 388;
for the Indians, and that forts be erected in the Seneca  allowance from  Massachusetts to, 389; Lt. Gov.
and Oneida countries, ib; reports his return from  Delancey orders the treasurer of New-York to pay
Onondaga, 361; a French attack on the Mohawk       certain moneys to, 391; a certain policy towards the
valley expected by, ib; letters to Gov. Clinton from,  Indians suggested by, 392; calls for reinforcements,
361, 362, 364, 367; a smith sent to the Senecas by,  396; summons a council of war, ib; another council
362; all records and papers relating to Indian af-  of war called by, 397; marches to Lake St. Sacrement,
fairs ordered to be delivered to, 363; complains of  398; complains of Gov. Shirley to the Board of Trade,
Gov. Dinwiddie, 364; is instructed to hold a gene-  399; Lake St. Sacrement called Lake George by, 401;
ral meeting of the Six Nations at Onondaga, 367;   rumor of a battle between the French and the troops
report of his conference with the Mohawks, ib; In-  under, 402; official account of the battle of Lake
dian name of, 368; arrival of, at Onondaga, 369;   George by, ib; is wounded, 403; acquaints the Board




INDEX.                                            701
of Trade with the results of the battle, 407; appointed  resentment prevails among the Indians, 495; is disby the Crown sole superintendent of Indian affairs,  satisfied with Gov. Carleton, 496, 497; sends Gen.
408, 414; thanks the representatives of Queens for a  Gage further intelligence from Detroit, 499; comnsupply of provisions sent to the army from  that    municates further intrigues of the French and Spancounty, 409; is created a baronet, 410; was origi-  iards in the west, 500; visits the New-England
nally appointed in 1746 to manage Indian affairs,   frontiers for the benefit of his health, 501; com413; is authorized to draw on the commander-in-     plains of the expenses incurred at Michilimakinac,
chief for whatever money he may require as Indian   503; and repeats his' uneasiness about the Indians,
agent, 414; copy of proceedings with the Indians   ib; visits Oneida lake, 511; proposes a boundary
communicated to the Board of Trade by, 415; re-     between the whites and Indians, ib; minutes of
commends that the Indians be provided with minis-   the meeting with the Indians at Tuscarora creek,
ters of the gospel, ib; the loss of Oswego antici-  512; his opinion of major Rogers' schemes, ib;
pated by, 416; plan of, for attacking the Indians on  makes further suggestions regarding the Indian trade,
the river Susquehannah, ib; complains of General    513; a duty on spirituous liquors sent to the InShirley's interference, 418; reason given for the de-  dian country, recommended by, 515; his opinion
fection of the Indians, by, ib; Gov. Morris' decla-  as to the cause of the discontents of the Indians,
ration of war against the Delawares, condemned by,  518; endeavors to bring about an accommodation
420; proceedings of, at Onondaga, 423; obtains the  regarding Kayaderosseras, 519; writes in favor of
consent of the Six Nations to cut a road to Oswego,  the commissary at Michilimackinac, ib; congratu424; takes the petticoat off the Delaware nation,   lates the Earl of Hillsborough on his return to the
425; ordered to send additional troops to the Ger-  ministry, 520; gives that nobleman his views of the
man Flatts, 426; ascribes the Indian hostilities    changes produced on the state of Indian relations
against Pennsylvania to land purchasing, 428; an-  in consequence of the conquest of Canada, 521;
swer of the proprietors of Pennsylvania to the repre-  settles the difficulties about Kayaderosseras, 525;
sentation of, 429; remarks on the observations of  is about arranging a boundary line between the Inthe proprietors of Pennsylvania by, 435; letter from  dians and the whites, ib; transmits an estimate of
the Onohaghguage Indians to, 443; speech of a       the number of officers necessary for his department,
Cherokee to, 445; the reduction of Niagara recom-   526; his estimate of the expense of settling the
mended to the Board of Trade, by, 453; various      boundary line, 527; informs Lord Hillsborough of
improvements in the Indian department suggested     the progress of the negotiations relative to the bounby, 454; ordered to enquire into the complaints of  dary line, 528; Lord. Hillsborough communicates
the Delawares against the proprietors of Pennsylva-  the news of the birth of a princess to, 531; connia, 458; declines a share in the purchase of Cosby  cludes the treaty with the Indians regarding the
manor, 462; writes to Mrs. Cosby relative to the    boundary, ib; transmits particulars thereof to the
sale of that estate, ib; fixes a price on part of Cos-  British government, ib; sends information to Engby manor, 465; acquaints Mrs. Cosby he has sold    land regarding the copper mines of Lake Superior,
her lands on the Mohawk river, and remits the pro-  533; his brother-in-law sues him for the legacies
ceeds, 466; employs Indians against Indians; his   left by Sir P. Warren, 542; thinks of having his
motives for so doing, 467; orders books from James  estate erected into a manor, 543; views of, as to the
Rivington, 469; interview between some Mohawks      proposed recession of the lands south of the Kanhaand, ib; claims a balance to be due him  by Sir     wa to the Indians, 544, 547; further views of, in supPeter Warren, 473; communicates news from the       port of the boundary line as concluded, 546; dewestern country, 476; sends his son to England,    fends grants of land made by the Indians to Mr.
478;. his opinion of the stamp act riots, ib; is of-  Croghan and certain traders, 547; difficulty of acfered his bonds in favor of Sir P. Warren, if he will  quiring a knowledge of Indian affairs, ib; describes
release his claims against that estate, 479; declines  his tour in 1769, through the country of the Six
giving up his claim on Sir P. W's estate, 479, 481;  Nations; 549; his observations on the bill for dividoffers to give it for a certain tract of land 480; is  ing Albany county, 553, 554; and on the militia,
authorised by certain parties to purchase a large  ib; health of, reported to be failing, 554; his further
Indian tract in the Mohawk country, 483; sends    observations on the organization of the militia, 554,
intelligence from  Niagara and the western country  557, 558, 559; the royal ratification of the treaty
to Gen. Gage, ib, 484; bears favorable testimony of  of Fort Stanwix, announced to, 556; proposes to
Mr. Croghan's public services, 487; concurs in the  furnish new lists for magistrates, 559; considers it
propriety of establishing posts at the mouths of the  is preferable that the Indians should cut each other's
rivers falling into the Mississippi, 489; further in-  throats than those of the traders, 561; assembles
telligence from the Indian country communicated by,  an Indian congress, 562; communicates the result
490; draws up some regulations at the request of   to the British government, 563; resolves to resist
the ministry, for the Indian trade, 491; speech of  the attempt of the legatees of Sir P. Warren, to
the Mohawks and Sechoharie Indians to, 492; an ac-  obtain the amount of the legacies from him, 567;
count of divers murders in the western country,     communicates to Lord Hillsborough the result of
transmitted by, 493; states that a general spirit of  the Indian congress at Sciota, 568, 573; hdcds an



702                                            INDEX.
other congress with the Six Nations, 570; pacifies  Josephs, Rev. Mr., 26.
the Mississages, 576; speech of, in reply to the Six  Journal of Capt. John Schuyler's expedition into CaNations, 581; death of, 582; last speech of, to the  nada, 160; of Indian transactions at Niagara, in
Indians, 583; missing ISS. of, 584.                1767, 504.
Jones, William, letter from Jacob Leisler to, on the  Journey in the year 1792 from Albany to Niagara,
revolution of 1689, 5.                             description of a, 643; to the Genesee country, 658.
K.
Kayaderosseras, location of, 335; the Mohawks corn-  King's birthday, rejoicings in New-York on the, 25.
plain that the whites have taken possession of, ib;  King's Co., part of the militia of, ordered to Albany,
the Indians renew their complaints against the patent  41; assessment rolls of, 269.
of, 470, 511; Sir W. Johnson endeavors to bring  Kingston, Ulster county, letters from, 129, 131.
about an accommodation regarding, 51.9; statement  Kirkland, Rev. Mr., missionary to the Oneidas, 646.
of the differences regarding, 505.               Kittery, the French and Indians attack, 146.
Kierstede, Lucas, ordered arrested, 148.           Klock, George, inveigles a Cannajohary Indian to EngKinderhook, the people of, invited to repair to Albany  land for exhibition, 583.
to receive liberties and privileges, 67.         Kryder, Mr., invents a peculiar sort of boat called an
King, Thomas, an Indian chief, death of, 573; his pro-  Ark, 668, 674.
ceedings at Sciota, ib.
L.
Lake George, why so called, 401; battle of, 402; map  cates to the Governor of Boston Indian news, and
of the country around, 405.                        the state of things in New-York, 15, 19; asks Gov.
Lakes, the principal, in western New-York, 685.       Treat for a letter to the agent of Connecticut in
Lamberville, Rev. Father, 77, 78, 79, 144.            England, and sends an account of a massacre in
La Motte, fort, 162.                                  Maryland by Indians, 15, 19; causes several houses
Lands, granting large tracts of, to private persons pre-  in New-York to be searched, seizes papers addressed
judicial to the public interests, 356; recommenda-  to disaffected persons, also provisions, 500 men being
tions of the Congress at Albany relative to the    in arms, 16; expresses great fear of the Catholics,
future purchases of Indian, ib; description of the  19; proclaims William and Mary in New-York and
military, 691.                                     Albany, ib; sends a party to capture a pirate, 20;
La Prairie threatened by Capt. John Schuyler, 162.    Connecticut re-calls the men it sent to aid, 21, 44;
Larkin, James, arrested by Leisler, 13.               confirms the election by the citizens of New-York
Lawrence, Major Thomas, ordered to impress a force    of their Mayor and Common Council, ib; is defor defence of Southold, 154.                      nounced by Col. Bayard, 22; sends a force to
Laws passed in Leisler's administration, 200.         Albany to reduce the fort, 24; seizes a ship belongLawyers, the, why they fomented opposition to the     ing to some Irishmen, whom he orders to be taken
Stamp Act, 478.                                    to Barbadoes, ib; Maryland communicates to the
Lead-mine on the Mohawk river, 466; on the Cosby      Secretary of State the great service done to his
estate, 475, 476.                                  Majesty's interest by, 26; issues a warrant for
Leake, Com. General, letter of, to Sir Wim. Johnson,  the arrest of NI. Plowman, ib; assumes the title of
446.                                               Lt. Governor and commander-in-chief of the ProLEISLER, JACOB, papers relating to the administration  vince of New-York, 27; and selects a council, ib;
of, 1; particulars of his seizing the fort at New-  on receipt of their Majesties' letters, 28, 33, 102;
York, 3, 9; declaration of, in favor of William and  minutes of the council of, 28; orders King William
Mary, 3; reports of, on the state of the fort, 4;  and Queen Mary to be again proclaimed, 29; conorders all papists to be disarmed, 5, 6; sets about  tinues the duties imposed by Dongan, 30; his prorepairing the fort, 5; states himself to be a German,  clamation to that effect torn down and proceeding in
6; effort of the Jacobites against, ib; declaration  consequence, ib; orders Capt. Jochem Staas to take
of the soldiers of, as to the causes which led them  possession of Fort Orange, ib; orders a free election
to seize the fort, 7; commissioned as captain of the  of Mayor and Aldermen for Albany, 31; and of
fort, ib; letter from secretary Allyn to, stating that  municipal officers in Schenectady, ib; commissions a
certain delegates are sent from Conn. to N. Y., 10;  party to take Cataraqui, ib; calls in all commissions
who approve his proceedings, 11; writes to Gov.    issued by Gov. Dongan or Sir E. Andros, 32; anTreat, giving an account of the improvements he    nounees a hellish conspiracy to subvert the governmade in the fort, 13; arrests Col. Dongan's servant  ment, and issues a general search warrant, ib;
for reporting that king James was joined by the    memorial vindicating the proceedings of, 33; menaced
Protestants of Ireland, ib; sends the Governor of  by several of the opposite party, 34; who are inmBoston an account of the state of things at Albany,  prisoned and fined by, ib; proceedings of, termed a
14; appointed commander-in-chief, ib; communi-     Dutch plot, ib; Albany pays little regard to the




INDEX.                                             703
commissions of, 35; warrants against Bayard, Van     Albany, ib; enlists none but such as have had the
Cortland and other leading opponents, issued by, ib;  smallpox, 144; forwards advices from the Indian
calls courts of oyer and terminer, 36; arrests Bay-  country to the other colonies, 145; defends Milard, Nicolls, and the ferryman's wife, 36, 102;      borne against secretary Allyn's attacks, ib; the
petitions of Bayard to, 37; orders the seizure of    Governor of Boston writes to, advising him of the
gunpowder belonging to John Pell, 39; complains      Mass. quota being countermanded, on account of the
of Capt. Bull, ib; commuinicates intelligence of the  French attacking the eastern frontier, 146; violent
burning of Schenectady, 40, 41, 102, 137; issues     assault in the street on, 148, 151; issues a proclawarrants against Col's Dongan, Willet, et al. 41;    mation for the arrest of sundry persons, 148; calls
and orders the arrest of all reputed Papists, ib;    on the inhabitants to sign the declaration in favor of
sends deputies to Conn. with certain proposals, 43;  King William, ib; agrees to the appointment of
accuses the Gov. and Mag. of Conn. with having       Winthrop as Major-General of the expedition against
encouraged the rebellion at Albany, 45; and calls    Canada, 149; orders all deserters to be arrested,
for the arrest of sec'y Allyn, ib; answer of Conn.   150; sends Capt. Blagg as agent to England, 151;
to the " angry letter " of, ib; writes to Albany in-  letters previously sent by, taken by the French, ib;
viting delegates to be sent to New-York, 53; de-    interview between Chev. D'Eau and, ib; urges on the
dines to send any of the militia there, ib; notified  expedition against Canada, 152; sends to Bermuda
by the convention at Albany that they will resist    news of his operations against the French, 153; orhis attempts to overthrow them, 59; protest of the   ders the arrest of certain disaffected persons in
Albany convention received by, 60; commissions       Queen's county, 154; sends a force to protect SouthCapt. Jochim Staas to command the fort at Albany,    old, ib; impresses vessels to operate against the
and again orders a free election for mayor and alder-  French, 155; commissions  Tajor-General Winthrop
men in that city, 81; the convention at Albany pro-  as commander-in-chief of the expedition against the
tests against, 83; a proclamation against that body  French, 158; calls an assembly, ib; issues new writs
issued by, 100; appoints Jacob De Bruyn and          for elections, 159; secretary Allyn writes to, conothers commissioners to manage the affairs of Al-    plaining of the want of canoes at Wood creek for
bany, ib; and Ulster, 101; writes to Maryland,       General Winthrop's army, 160; arrests General
giving an account of his proceedings, the burning of  Winthrop and sends him down to New-York, 162;
Schenectady, &c., ib; and demanding aid, 102; writes  prorogues the assembly, 163; justifies his arrest of
to Boston on the same subject, ib; disarms and im-   Winthrop, whom he accuses of inefficiency, of being
prisons several persons who held commissions under   an adulterer, and of being a supporter of Sir E.
Sir E. Andros, 103; requests a catalogue of the      Andros, 169; passes a severe censure on Connectibooks and papers in Boston belonging to New-York,    cut 170; appoints an Indian Board, 171; postib, 128; calls on Gov. Bradstreet to aid in arresting  pones the holding a court of oyer and terminer in
Livingston, 104; sequestrates Mathew Plowman's       Kings county, 173; issues a proclamation against
property, 105; issuesa warrant against Mathys        certain seditious persons in Queens, ib; sends forces
Brokholst, 106; sends troops to Albany, and his      by land and water against the same, 174; orders
ensign with letters to his Majesty, ib; invites the  reinforcements from Ulster county to Albany, 177;
other colonies to appoint commissioners to meet at   appoints agents to reside at Onondaga, ib; Jacob
New-York to adopt measures for the public defence,   Melyn recommends moderation to, 178; another
117, 126; letter from the speaker of the Maryland    sharp reproof administered to Connecticut by, 179;
Assembly to, 117; from the Gov. of Maryland to,      orders certain county officers to be elected through126; gains possession of Albany fort without blood-  out the province, 181, protests against Major Inshed; is visited by a delegation from the Mohawks,   goldesby, ib; calls out the militia, 182; Major In127; refers to a Jesuit's property seized in Albany,  goldesby's answer to the protest of, ib; reply of,
ib; the Five Nations espouse the cause of, 128;      thereto, 183; orders for the reception of Ingoldesby's
secretary Allyn acquaints him that a force is de-   troops issued by, ib; refuses to surrender Fort
spatched from Connecticut in aid of Albany, 130;     William, 184; issues a proclamation against those
supplies forwarded to Albany by, 132; resolves to.   who act under Ingoldesby, ib; reasons of, and his
carry on the war against the French, ib; minute of   council, for resisting Ingoldesby, 186; sec'y Allyn
the interviews between tLe Indians and, ib; proposal  writes to, recommending him to submit to Ingoldesby,
of, to the New-England commissioners, 134; ad-       189; several towns on Long Island called on to aid
dresses a circular to all the western governments,  in resisting, 190; declaration of, and party against
136; orders all the pork in New-York to be seized    Major Ingoldesby, 193; answer to the declaration of,
for his Majesty's use, 137; sends particulars of the  196; list of commissions issued by, ib; laws passed
burning of Schenectady to Barbadoes, ib; and of      during the administration of, 200; a letter brought
his designs against Quebec, 138; the Indians seize  to Gov. Sloughter from, 202; called on to surrender
Chev. D'Eau, and send him to, 138, 142, 150;        the fort, is brought prisoner before the council, ib;
commission from, to Capt. Mason, and to others,     letter to Sloughter from, 203; petition of, to Gov.
141; surrenders a fugitive from justice, 142; secre-  Sloughter, ib; a court ordered for the trial of, 204;
tary Allyn accuaints, of the sickness prevailing at  committed to prison, 205; plea of, 206; resolutions




704                                          INDEX.
passed by the House of Representatives against, 207;  gistrates of Westchester county to Col. Graham, 187;
Gov. Sloughter's letters to Lord Inchiquin concern  secy. Clarkson to Col. Willet, 188; secy. Allyn to
ing, 211, 217; is ordered to be executed, 212;   secy. Clarkson, ib.; Major Beekman to Queens co.,
petition of, for a reprieve, 213; dying speech of, ib;  189; secy. Clarkson to Flatbush, 190; the same to
demeanor of, on the scaffold, 215, (see, Slozghter;)  Squire Platt, ib.; the same to Col. Townley, ib.; the
letter of Ingoldesby and council to the Lords of  same to Major Ingoldesby, 191; the same to Capt.
Trade on the execution of, 219; adverse representa-  Jackson, ib.; the same to Gov. Treat, 192; from
tions on the administration of, 220, 222, 243; pe-  Leisler to Gov. Sloughter, 203; from Gov. Sloughter
tition of the widow of, 224; the Indians threaten  to Lord Inchiquin, 211, 217; to Joseph Church,
to avenge the blood of, 226; sundry depositions in  211; to Col. Coddrington, 216; to Mr. Blathwayt,
defence of the conduct and character of, ib., et seq;  216; from Gov. Slouohter to the Gov. of Connectipetition of Jacob Leisler, Jun., to the king in vindi-  cut, 217; from M ajor Ingoldesby and council, to the
cation of, 240; copy of a pamphlet published in  Lords of Trade, 219; from a gentleman in NewNew-York, against, 243; an act reversing the attain-  York to another on the troubles in that province,
der of, 249.                                     243; from the board of trade to Sir D. Osborne,
Leisler, Jacob, Junr., petition to the king by, 240.  323; from Col. Johnson to Gov. Clinton, 361, 362,
Le Roux, Bartholomew, deposition of, against Col.  364, 367; from Lt. Lindsay to Col. Johnson, 362;
Bayard et al., 17; claim of, 225.               from Capt. Stoddart to Col. Johnson, 365; from
Letters from, Lt. Gov. Leisler to the Gov. of Boston,  Mr. Woodbridge to Col. Johnson, 366; fiom Sir
3, 4, 14, 15, 19, 23, 103, 125, 127, 138; to Major  William Johnson to Lt. Gov. Delancey, 375, 382,
Nathan Gould, 4, 9; to Win. Jones, 5; of the con-  384, 385, 386, 388, 395, 397, 443; to the board
mittee of New-York to certain agents in London, 9,  of trade, 376, 391, 399, 407, 412, 414, 423, 426,
sec. Allyn to Leisler, 10, 20, 44, 105, 131, 142, 143,  453, 459; from Mr. Banyar to Genl. Johnson, 385,
160, 162, 169, 189; the Connecticut delegates to  394; Sir Wim. Johnson to Mr. Banyar, 570; from
Leisler, 10; from L. V. Schaick to Arnout Cornelis,  the board of trade to Genl. Johnson, 408; from
12; Leisler to Gov. Treat, 13, 15, 16, 40, 130,  secy. Pownall, to Sir Wm. Johnson, 413, 459, 528;
145, 149, 151, 179; to Maryland, 19, 20, 22, 101,  from Gov. Hardy to Sir WVm. Johnson, 432; from
128, 150; to Capt. William Harris, 20; to John   Win. Corry to Sir Wm. Johnson, 442; from the
Fatham, 24; to the Gov. of Barbadoes, 24, 28,137;  Onaghguage Sachems to Sir Wm. Johnson, 366,
Col. Coode to Leisler, 25, 126; Leisler to Albany,  443; from Sir Wm. Johnson to Coim'y Genl. Leake,
30, 81, 133, 139, 152; to Capt. Staats, 31; Sheriff  467, 476, 477; from Hon 01. De Lancey to Sir Wm.
Pretty to Jacob Milborne, 35; Leisler to Jacob   Johnson, 461, 464, 465, 470, 472, 475, 478, 480,
Melyn, 36; from Wim. to Jacob Milborne, 42; from  482, 541; from Sir Wm. Johnson to Mrs. Cosby,
Lt. Gov. and council of New-York to the Gov. of  462, 466, 472, 478; from Sir Wm. Johnson to 01.
Connecticut, 45, 117; from Gov. and council of Con-  De Lancey, 462, 465, 471, 473, 478, 479, 481,
necticut to the Lt. Gov. and council of New-York,  542, 556; from Mrs. Cummins to Sir Wm. John45; the committee of safety of New-York to the   son, 463; from Sir Wnm. Johnson to Chs. Williams,
mag. of Albany, 64; Jacob Milborne to the same,  466; from 01. De Lancey to Mrs. Cosby, ib.;
65; Adam Vrooman to Jacob Milborne, H. Cuyler    from Mrs. Cosby to Sir Win. Johnson, 467, 475,
to Schenectady, 66; Jacob Milborne to the Albany  482; from Jas. Rivington to Sir Wm. Johnson, 468;
convention, 69; Mayor Schuyler to J. Milborne,   from Sir Wm. Johnson to Jas. Rivington, 469;
71; Jacques Cornelissen to Mayor Schuyler, 77;   from Col. Glen to Sir Wim. Johnson 474; from Chs.
Leisler to the authorities at Albany, 81; the town  Williams to Sir Wm. Johnson, 475, 477; from Sir
of Easthampton to Leisler, 104; Leisler to Major  Wnm. Johnson to Genl. Gage, 483, 484, 487, 489,
Winthrop, 106; commissioners of Albany to J. Mil-  490, 492, 493, 494, 496, 497, 498, 499, 501, 503,.
borne, 110; commissaries of A-lb. to Leisler, 114;  511, 513, 514, 518, 519; from Genl. Gage to Sir
the council of New-York to the governors of the  Wnm. Johnson, 485, 486, 488, 489, 490, 502, 515,
other provinces, 117; the speaker of the Maryland  516, 517; from Capt. Maturin to Sir Win. JohnAssembly to Leisler, ib; R. Swartwout to Milborne,  son, 487; from Sir Win. Johnson to Capt. Maturin,
129; N. Anthony to the commissioners at Albany,  495; from Sir Win. Johnson to the Earl of Hillsib, 131; Gov. Treat to Leisler, 130, 155; Leisler  borough, 520, 524, 528, 531, 533, 537, 539, 544,
to the New-England commissioners, 134; Leisler to  546, 549, 558, 560, 562, 563, 568, 570, 572, 573,
Tathem, 135; Leisler to the western governments,  576; from Earl of Hillsborough to Sir Wm.. John136; Messrs. Edsall and Pembroke to Gov. Treat,  son, 526, 530, 543, 556, 561, 577; from  Gov.
ib, Gov. of Maryland to Leisler, 140; Leisler to  Johnson to Jas. Rumsey, 597; from the Rumseian
Major Walley, 142; Milborne to Leisler 144; Gov.  Society of Philadelphia to the Speaker of the NewBradstreet to Leisler, 146; Leisler to Dirck Wes-  York Assembly, 601; from Gov. Johnson to Gov.
sells, 149; Leisler to the Gov. of Bermuda, 153;  Smallwood of Maryland in favor of Jno. Fitch, 607;
commissioners of Albany to Milborne, &c., ib.; Rev.  fiom Jno. Fitch to the Speaker of the New York
M. Bonrepos to Leisler, 172; Jacob Melyn to Leis-  Assembly, 629.
ler, 178; secy. Clarkson to Gov. Treat, 185; ma-  Levana Village, 691.




INDEX.                                           705
Lindesay Lt., to Col. Johnson, 362.                  of the city of Albany, 108; depositions against, 114;
List of volunteers for the frontier, 52; of the citizens  outlawed, 121; property of, sequestrated, 122; house
of Albany who subscribed to the public defence, 53;  of, searched, 127; sundry effects belongingto a French
of stores required by Leisler's commissioners, 109;  Jesuit found in the house of, ib; (See Valiant);
of the Schenectady refugees, 111; of soldiers for the  goods sent from Barbadoes to, seized, 133; accomCanada expedition, 118; of persons who left Albany  panies Maj. Gen. Winthrop to Albany, 170; attends
without leave, 121; of the commissions issued by   the execution of Leisler and Milborne, 215; is
Leisler, 196; of the killed and wounded in the force  accused by the latter as the cause of his death, ib.
employed against Leisler, 206.                   Long Island, rate lists of the several towns on, 251.
Livingston Manor, riot about land in, 433.         Lottery, a, granted for opening roads in Western New---       Robert, the convention at Albany give him a  York, 664.
bond for his disbursements, 58; sent a delegate to  London, Earl, appointed commander in chief of the
New England, 95, 97; arrest of, ordered by Leisler,  forces in America, 413; directs Genl. Johnson to
100; Capt. Blagge and Lt. Terneur sent in pursuit  collect a force at the German flatts, 426
of, 103; condition on which Gov. Treat will issue a  Lyons village founded, 662.
warrant against, 105; call on, to give up the records
M.
Manors erected in the Province of New-York long after  tween him and the convention at Albany, ib; adthe abolition of the feudal tenure, 543.           dresses the people again, and insists that there ought
lap of the country around Lake George, 405.          to be a new municipal election, 68; accused of
Maple sugar, manufacture of the, 652; amount manu-   deluding the people by promising them liberties and
factired in Western New-York, 683.                 privileges, 69; letter from, to the convention, with
Narius, Peter Jacob, ordered arrested, 35.           terms, ib.; articles proposed, in return, by the conMarsh, Witham, sec'y for Indian affairs, 470.        vention to, 70; answer of the convention to terms
Maryland, several families massacred in, by Canada   offered by, 71; marches his company into Albany,
Indians, 15; Leisler's letters to, 19, 20, 22, 101,  72; and demands the fort, from which he is thrust
128, 150; letters to Leisler from, 25, 117, 126, 140;  out, 73; plants the King's Jack at the city gates, ib;
three priests obliged t.o fly from, and two imprisoned  protest of the mayor of Albany against, ib; returns
in, 26; the principal catholics fly to Virginia from,  to New-York, 74; one of Leisler's commissioners to
101; an aid voted to New-York by, 118; list of     Albany, 107; commissioners at Albany require him
men who were sent from, 120; agents appointed by,  to forward certain necessaries for the soldiers, 110;
to reside at New-York, 140.                        list of the soldiers departed for Albany under, 118;
Mason, Wm., appointed commander of a ship against    R. Swartwout'.s letter to, on the state of things at
the French, 141.                                   Kingston, 129; appointed major of the expedition
Mass, Lt. Gov. Nicholson accused of having several    against the French, 135; intelligence received fiom
times attended, 17.                                Albany that the widow Schuyler beat, 139; ConMassachusetts Legislature votes an allowance to Genl.  necticut objects to, as the commander of the expediJohnson, 389; and reinforcements to his army, 395.  tion against Canada, 142; sends advices to Leisler
Mayors, the, of New-York and Albany elected for the  from the Indian country, 144; proposed to be sent
first time by the citizens, 21.                    by Leisler to England, 151; letter from the commisMcGregorie, Major, account for the. burial of, audited,  sioners at Albany to, 153; sent against certain rebels
205.                                              in Queens county, 174; summoned by Gov. Sloughter
Mehicanders, or River Indians, originally Delawares,  before the council, 202; committed to the guards,
424.                                              ib; petitions Gov. Sloughter, 203, 204; ordered for
Mehitabel, Sir E. Andros, sails from Boston in the, 42.  execution, 212; petitions Sloughter for a reprieve,
Melyn, Jacob, Leisler's letter to, 36; letter to Leisler  213; dying speech of, 215; parting observation to
from, 178.                                         Robert Livingston on the scaffold, ib; act reversing
Memorandum how Jacob Leisler was to plead, 206.      the attainder of, 249, (see, Leisler.)
Memorial, a, of occurrences at New-York since King  Military lands in New-York, 690; divided into counWmi's arrival in England, 33; an answer to, 220,   ties, 691; population of the, in 1804, ib.
Michilimakinac, the most material of the English posts,  Militia, Sir Wim. Johnson's suggestions regarding the,
486; the commissary of, imprisoned, 513; recom-    553, 554, 557, 558, 579.
mended to be restored, 520.                      Miller, Miss, letter of, to Capt. Wraxall, 444.
Milborne, Jacob, appointed secretary of the province,  Mohawks reported to have accepted presents from the
and clerk of the council, 28; sent delegate to Conn.,  Onagonques, 11; statement of some ambassadors
43; arrives with an armed force at Albany, 64;     from the, regarding the Onagonques, 12; ask aid to
harangues the people in the City Hall, ib.; invites the  erect their new castles, 50; Milborne and his soldiers
people of Schenectady to repair to Albany to receive  threatened to be fired on by a party of, 73; news
their rights and privileges, 65; sends a similar in-  received from the, 76; condolence of the, on the
vitation to Kinderhook, 67; further proceedings be-  burning of Schenectady, 91, 94; answer of the
VOL. II.                                   89




706                                           INDEX.
Albany authorities to the, 93; the, visit Leisler, 127,  552; divided the provinces into two military brigades,
132; the small pox prevails among the, 143; ac-   554; Col. Schuyler attached himself to, 557; adcused of being Sir Wm. Johnson's advisers, 336,;  vises with Sir W. Johnson relative to the appointthe head of all the other nations, ib; great constern-  ment of new magistrates, 559; death of, referred to,
ation prevails among the, 361; Gen. Johnson lo-  557.
cates forts in the valley of the, 383, 385; conferences  Morris, Gov., declares war against the Delawares and
held by Sir Win. Johnson with the, 368, 469; dis-  Susquehannahs, 420.
satisfaction with certain proceedings regarding lands  --—, Robert, purchases land in Western New-York
at Sehoharie expressed by the, 492; church of Eng-  and resells it in England, 659.
land ministers since the time of Queen Anne among  MSS. of Sir William Johnson, 315; missing, 584.
the, 565; the country of the, in 1792, 643.     Mud creek, course of the, 662, 685.
Monongahela, the English expelled by the French from  -- lake, first settlements on, 660, 686
the mouth of the, 342.                          Munro, Robert, a pamphlet on the Genesee country
MOORE, Sir Henry, proposes to leave New York, 477;   by, 679.
referred to, 486; promises made by, to the Mohawks,
N.
Names of persons ordered by Leisler to be arrested,  New Utrecht, early rate lists of the town of, 281.
(see, Arrests); of the members of Leisler's council,  New-York, Leisler seizes the fort of, 3; the mayor
27; of the soldiers who took oath of allegiance at  and common council of, resolve to act under king
Fort Albany, 57; of the refugees from Schenectady,  James' commission, 6;  MSS. of the Historical
111; of those who held commissions under Leisler,  Society of, how distinguished, 7; the mayor of,
196; of Gov. Sloughter's council, 202; of the heads  quits, 14; aldermen and assistants elected in 1689,
of families on Long Island, 1675, 1683, 253; of   21; William and Mary proclaimed a second time in,
the delegates to the provincial congress at Albany,  28; report that some men of war are coming to take,
321.                                               146; reinforcements voted to the Crown Point army
Nanfan, Lt. Gov., purchases the hunting grounds of   by the assembly of, 390; papers relating to Western,
the Five Nations on Lakes Erie and Ontario, 452.   641.
Nantaskett, prizes taken from the French at, 160.  Niagara, a fort built by the French at, 362; a French
Narrative, a, of grievances, addressed by Easthampton  army lands at, ib; surrender of, mentioned, 460;
to the King, 104; against Leisler, in an answer to  journal of Indian transactions at, 504; names of the
their Majesties letter, 222.                       officers at, 506; description of the country between
Navigation, tracts on early steam, 585, 603.         Albany and, in 1792, 643; between the Genesee
Navy island, a vessel burnt at, 483.                 river and, 644; English garrison at, 645; Falls of,
New England, arrangements entered into with New-     677, 684.
York against the French,by commissioners from, 134.  Nicholson, Lt. Gov., quits New-York, 3; accused of
New Hampshire, part of, annexed to New York, 477.    threatening to fire the city, 7; depositions against, 8,
New Hartford, 677.                                  et seq; the health of king James drank by the
New Rochelle, letter to Leisler from the pastor of, 171.  brother of, 28; memorial against, 33; answer to,Newspapers, the first in western New-York, 661, 670.  the memorial against, 220.
Newtown (L. I.) early rate lists of, 266, 298; in the  Nicolls, Wm., warrant issued against, 35; arrested,
Genesee country, 649.                             36, 101.
0.
Oats, price of, in 1799, in Western N. York, 667.  Oneida, a fort building at, 422; population of the
Observations of the proprietors of Pennsylvania, on  Indian town of, in 1792, 643.
certain statements regarding their land purchases,  Oneida stone, Sir W. Johnson sets up and clears the
429.                                              moss from the, 370; the Indians thank him for cleaning
Occurrences at New-York, a memorial of the late, 33;  the, 372.
answered, 220.                                  Onogunqueys, 11, 12, 660.
Ogilvie, Rev. Mr., missionary to the Mohawks, 416.  Onohaghguage Sachems inform  Gen. Johnson of a
Ohio, date of the removal of the Delawares and Sha-  marauding party going toward Esopus, 443. (see,
wanese to the, 346; the French build a fort at the,  Onuhhuhqcuageh.)
362; and design to drive the English from the, 364;  Onondaga, answer of the Albany magistrates to the
a French army passes Oswego on its way to the, 365;  Indians of, 49; proposals of the Albany Convention
orders to the expedition against, ib.             to the general Indian meeting at, 80; French emis0il, a curious natural, found in Western New-York,   saries sent to, 144; Leisler appoints agents to reside
and brought by Indians to Niagara, 510.           at, 177; Col. Johnson sent to, 367; proceedings at,
Onagonque Indians, who, 11; propositions of the, to  368; popular belief regarding the continuance of
the MIohawks, 12.                                 the council fire at, 369; a fort building at, 422




INDEX.                                           707
proceedings of Sir Wm. Johnson at, 423, 549; in  Oswegatchie, the French draw half the Onondaga tribe
1792, 643; lake, 691.                              to, 355; a great many Indians gone to, 363; the
Ontario, the county of, description of the lands in, 646;  excuse of the Indians for going to, 372.
population of, in 1791 and 1793, 649, 659; erected,  Oswego, remonstrance of the traders to, 327; rumor
657; rivers of, ib; distance from divers points to, ib;  of an army coming to destroy, 362; a French army
description of, in 1792, 658; divided, 660; estima-  passes, 365; the English excuse for selling rum at,
ted population of, in 1790, 669; militia of, in 1799,  373; Sir Wm. Johnson anticipates the loss of, 416;
670; number of grist and saw mills in, ib; extent  a road to be cut to, 424; consequence of the loss of,
of Lake, 685.                                      427.
Onuhhuhquaugeh, or Broome Co. Indians, ask that rum  Otisco lake, 691.
may not be brought amongst them by the traders,  Otter creek, scouts sent to, 113.
366.                                             Owasco Lake, 691.
Oquaga (see, Onahuhquageh.)                        Ox cart, price of an, in Western New-York, in 1799,
Order to Kings county to raise men for Albany, 41;    669.
for a draft of every tenth man, 42; issued by Leisler's  Oyer and terminer, a court of, ordered, 36; suspended
commissioners, 107; in council to enquire into certain  for Kings county, 173.
complaints of the Delaware Indians, 458.         Oysterbay, rate lists of 254, 306.
P.
Paepskanee, a fort to be erected at, 51.              of B. Franklin to the King, 447; of John Fitch,
Painted Post, the village of, 673.                   628, 631, 635; of Jas. Rumsey, 608, 632, 634,
Pamphlets, on the Leisler troubles, 243; on early steam  636.
navigation, 585, 603; on the Genesee country, 656,  Phelps and Gorham, Messrs., purchase lands in West680.                                               ern New-York, 646, 657, 682; sell part thereof to
Papers relating to Lt. Gov. Leisler's admiistration, 1;  Robt. Morris, 659.
to Long Island, 251; to Western New-York, 641.   Philadelphia, people of, declare it to be contrary to
Papists, all reputed, ordered to be arrested, 41.    their principles to fight, 20.
Patcook, 51.                                       Philips, Phil., appointed to the command of a vessel
Pawnee prisoners, the, usually sold by the western   against the French, 154.
tribes, 570.                                     Phipps, Sir Wm., victory gained by, at Port Royal,
Pay of men employed against the French, in 1748, 36.  146.
Pell, John, gunpowder of, ordered to be seized, 39.  Pitt, fort, attack on traders to, 551.
Penn, Thos., report on certain proposals from, 410.  Plan of a union of the several colonies of North AmerPennsylvania, Indian hostilities against, ascribed by Sir  ica, 357.
W. Johnson to the land purchases of, 428; answer  Pleasant Valley settled, 660.
of the Propr. of, to that charge, 429; remarks of Sir  Plowman, Matthew, ordered arrested, 26, 43; escapes
W. Johnson on the answer of the Propr. of, 435; of  101; property of, to be sequestrated, 105.
3Mr. Croghan on the observations of the proprietors  Pomponick, a fort ordered to be erected at, 51.
of, 439; petition of Benj. Franklin, to the King, on  Pope, the, burnt in effigy in New-York, 25.
behalf of, 447; report of the board of trade on the  Population in the year 1770, of the country between
petition of the agent of, 449; order in council on  Rensselaer's and Livingston's manors, 559; in 1791.,
the petition of the agent of, 458; divisional line west  between Cayuga and Seneca lakes, 647; of the counof the Allegany mountains to be run between Mary-  ty of Ontario in 1790, 648; in 1793, ib; of the
land and, 496; petition of Henry Voight to the As-  several towns in the Genesee Country, 649; of the
sembly of, 628.                                    Genesee Country in 1791, 652; in 1804, 687; of
Perret, Rev. Mr., threatened by Leisler, 247..       the counties of Cayuga, Seneca, and Onondaga, in
Peters, Rev. Mr., thanks voted to, for his sermon, 328.  1804, 691.
Petitions of N. Bayard to Leisler, 37; of Christ. Goff  Port Royal taken by the English, 146.
to Leisler, 155; of Leisler and his council to Gov.  Post, a weekly, to the Genesee Country established,
Sloughter, 203; of Peter de Milt to Gov. S., 208;  664.
of Gerrardus Beckman and Magdaline Beekman to    Pownall, Thos., submits to the Congress at Albany
Gov. S., 209; of Gab. Minvielle to Gov. S., 210;   certain considerations towards a general plan  of
of Jos. Sacket to Gov. S., 212; of Leisler and Mil-  measures for the Eng. Prov., 360; returns to Engborne for a repiieve, 213; of the widow Leisler to  land, 378; encloses an order to Sir W. Johnson to
Lt. Gov. Ingoldesby, 224; of John Jleronison et    enquire into the complaints of the Delawares against
al. to Ingoldesby, 225; of Thos Statham of West-   Pennsylvania, 459.
clmester to G-ov. Fletcher, 234; the members of  Powtawatama village, where, 500.
Leisler's council to Gov. Fletcher, 235; of P. de  Pretty, Richd., reports the disaffection prevailing in
la Noy to Gov. Fletcher, 237; of Jacob Maurits to  Albany against Leisler, 35.
the Earl of Bellamont, 238; of I. Provost to the  Prideaux, Brig. G-en., accompanied in his expedition
ameae. 239; of Jacob Lcisler s son to the King, 240;  against Niagara by Sir Win. Johnson, 457,




708                                           INDEX.
Prices of agricultural produce in western New-York   182; of Major Ingoldesby to the people of Newin 1791, 651; in 1798, 667; fluctuation of, 670;   York, 183.
of land in western New-York, 687; of produce in  Produce of the Genesee Country, 670.
1804, 688.                                       Proportions of men to be raised by the provinces
Priests, persecution of, 26.                         against the French, 134.
Privateers fitted out at New-York against the French,  Protest of the Albany convention against Jacob 3il141, 156.                                          borne, 73; of the mayor and aldermen of Albany
Proclamation of William and Mary in Albany, 5;       against Leisler, &c., 83; manner of publishing the, 86.
confirming the elections of the mayor and common  Protestants only have the right of suffrage under Leiscouncil of New-York, 21; continuing  Gov. Don-     ler, 21.
gan's duties, torn clown, 30; against tearing down or  Provinces, Leisler's circular to the several American,
defacing public placards, ib; annulling all commis-  117; a new, proposed to be erected in Western Virsions issued by Andros or Dongan, 32; forbidding   ginia, 578; approved, 580.
people to leave Albany without a pass, 48; con-  Provincial Congress at Albany, in 1754, proceedings
yoking the Prov. Assembly, 158, 163; against       of the, 317.
rebels in Queens co., 173; calling out the militia,  Pye, Rev. Mr., 26.
Q.
Quaker's settlement, early, in western New-York, 646,  tive for, 158; early rate lists of the several towns
648, 659.                                         in. (see, Long Island.)  Genl. Johnson to the repreQueen's county, records of, ordered to be recovered,  sentatives of, 409.
34; Leisler's writ for the election of a representaR.
Ramsay, a trader on Lake Erie, excesses committed by  Rivers in Western New-York, 658, 684.
one, 576.                                       Rivington, James, 468, 469.
Rate lists of the several towns on Long Island from  Rochester, (Ulster county,) attacked by Indians, 444.
1675 to 1683, 251.                              Rogers, Major, designs of, on the western country, 513.
Reasons, Leisler's, for resisting Ingoldesby, 186.  Route from Albany to the Genesee country, 677; from
Rebels in Queen's county, proclamation against, 173.;  Geneva to Niagara, ib.
Major Milborne sent against, 174.               Rum keeps the Indians poor, 345; the Indians comRefugees from Schenectady, names of the, 111.        plain of the sale among them of, 366, 565; excuse
Reply of John Fitch to James Rumsey, 605.            of the English for selling, at Oswego, 373.
Representatives, order for the election of, throughout  Rumseian Society of Philadelphia, letter of the, to the
the province of New-York, 42; new, ordered for    speaker of the N. York Assembly, 601; members
Queen's county, 158; and New-York, Westchester     of the, 602.
and Albany, 159.                                Rumnsey, James, a short treatise on the application of
Resolutions of the New-York House of Representatives  steam by, 587; John Fitch's reply to, 605; petiagainst Leisler and his party, 207.               tion of, to the Penn. Assembly, 608; General
Revolution at New-York, in 1689, depositions regarding  Washington's opinion on the invention of, ib.
the, 226.                                       Rundigut Point, 676.
Riot in New-York against Leisler, 148, 151; against  Rye, price of, in western New-York, 667.
the Stamps, 478,
S.
Salem, the French burn some houses near, 128.        letter to, ib; Lt. Talmage sent to, 74; a fort orderSalt, price of, in western New-York, in 1791 and     ed to be built at, 125; harsh proceedings towards a
1804, 651, 684.                                    poor widow at, 463; in 1792, 1105.
Salt springs at Onondaga, 643, 691; proportion of salt  Schoharie, a fort building at, 422; Indians dissatisfied
in a certain quantity of water of the, 675.        with the proceedings regarding lands sold at, 643.
Saratoga, the French living at, to be removed, 47; a fort  Schuyler, Abram, Capt., ordered with a party to Otter
ordered to be erected at, 51.                     creek, 113.
Saw mills, number of, in Ontario co. in 1799, 670.  --,Brandt, ordered to be arrested, 148.
Scalping the dead, considered by the Indians a declara- ---, John, Captain, journal of his expedition into
tion of war, 576.                                  Canada, 160.
Schenectady, names of persons recommended by Leis-  -, Marg., widow, advances funds to pay the troops
ler for office in, 31; burning of, 41, 42, 44, 87,  at Albany, 76; reported to have chastised Jacob
102, 103, 118, 137; delegates from Albany sent to,  MIilborne, 139.
51; people of, invited by Milborne to attend at Al- -- -, Peter, appointed commander of the fort at Albany to receive'their privi.leges, 65; H. Cuyler's  bany, 63; refuses to surrender the fort to Milborne,




INDEX.                                           709
73; protest of, ib.; letter to, on Indian affairs, 77;  Southampton, rate lists of the town of, 262, 311.
allowance to Col., in the expedition against Crown  Southold, a force ordered to be raised, for the defence
Point, 387.                                        of, 154; rate list of, 257, 310.
Sciota, an Indian congress at, 566; result thereof, 568,  Staas, Capt. Jochem, ordered by Leisler to take pos571, 573.                                          session of Fort Orange and to be commander thereSelyns, Rev. Mr., abused by Leisler during divine ser-  of, 30, 81; Leisler's instructions to, 31; these
vice, 247.                                         commissions but little regarded at Albany, 35; or.
Seneca Indians, the, the western door of the Six Na-  dered by the convention there to Saratoga, 51;
tions, 370; desire a fort in their country, 416, 422.  notified by the convention that they will resist all
-   lake, 644, 658, 661, 685, 691.                Leisler's efforts to change the government in Albany,
--  oil, brought to Niagara, 510.                 59; accompanies Jacob Milborne and party to Al--  river, how formed, 675; course of the, 690.   bany, 64; elected captain by the people, 68; the
Sewall, Rev. Mr., 26.                                 convention propose to appoint him captain, which
Shirley, Gov. Wm., secretary of the meeting at Aley.-  he refuses, 70; remains in Albany with his compaandria, 379; Sir Wim. Johnson writes to, 386; fur-  pany, 74; differences between a delegation from the
nishes a supply of powder to the Crown Point expe-  convention and, 75; visits. Schenectady, 76; calls
dition, 391; complaints against, 399.              on the convention to proclaim William and Mary,
Shuckburgh, Richard, secretary of Indian affairs, 460.  and demands if they acknowledge Leisler as lieut.,
Skaneateles lake, 690.                               gov., 82; the convention at Albany protest against,
Six Nations, population of the, in 1792, 645, (see, In-  83; ordered to keep 60 men always under his corndians.)                                            mand at Fort Albany, 109.
Slate near Seneca lake, 691.                       Stage, the first public, to western New-York, 664.
Slaves, few in western N. Y, 688.                  Stamp act riots said to be fomented by a few lawyers,
Sloop, the first, built on Seneca lake, 661.         478.
SLOUGHTER, Henry, Col., alluded to, 152; sworn in  Stanwix, treaty of Fort, ratified, 556, 564.
as governor of the province of New-York, 202;    Staten Island, people of, afraid of a popish plot, 17.
orders Major Ingoldesby to demand the fort from  Steam navigation, early, papers on, 585, et seq.
Leisler, ib.; commits Milborne and Delanoy, ib.;  Steuben county erected, 660; why so called, ib.; the
arrests Leisler and his council, ib.; Leisler's letter  Rev. Mr. Gray moves into, ib.; first newspaper ins
to, 203; letters of, to Lord Inchiquin, 211, 217;  661; militia of, mills in, in 1799, 670.
to Joseph Church, 211; letter of, to Col. Coddring-  Stevens, John, petition of, for an exclusive right for
ton, on the execution of Leisler and Milborne, 216;  his steamboat, 640.
to Sec'y Blathwayt, on the same subject, ib.; to  Suffolk county submits to Leisler, 139.
the governor of Connecticut, giving an account of  Sulphur spring in western New-York, 650, 683.
his proceedings, 217; death of, 219; public senti-  Superior, Lake, copper mines on, 533.
ment regarding him after his death, 234.         Susquehannah river, the names of several Indian setSmall pox prevails at Boston, 42; at Albany, 142;     tlements on the, 416; the course of the, 673.
among the Mohawks, 143.                           Swartwout, Roelof, delicacy of, as to freedom of elecSmith, Rev. John, catholic chaplain to Lt. Governor  tions, 129.
Nicholson, 17.                                   Sweegachie, a French settlement on the St. Lawrence,
Smithtown, rate list of, 308.                        421, 423, 446.
Sodus, settlement of, 660, 663.
T.
Talmadge, Lt. Enos, ordered to Schenectady, 74.    Title of the king of England to North America set
Taverns, the principal, between Albany and Canan-    forth, 353.
daigua in 1799, 678.                             Tobacco, price of, at New-York, in 1689, 20; raised
Ten Broeck, Wessel, ambassador under Dongan, 23;     in western New-York, 683.
appointed commissary to the expedition against   Tonawanda creek, course of the, 685.
Canada, 108.                                     Tonawandoe village, 677.
Thanksgiving for General Johnson's victory at Lake  Tonnoraunto, 644.
George, a day of, ordered, 407.                  Toronto, traders arrested at, 498; no person to trade
Three Rivers Point, 676.                             at, 510.
Tiaogo, 444.                                       Townly, Richard, ordered to be arrested, 43.
Tidescung, chief of the Delawares, enquiry ordered  Townsin Ontario and Genesee counties, votes of the, in
into,the complaints of, against Pennsylvania, 458;  1804, 687.
postponed, 459.                                  Trainbands of New-York, declaration of the, 7.
Timber in the Genesee country, 646, 682.           Treat, Gov., letters from Leisler to, 13, 15, 16, 40,
Tioga river, 673; course of the, 675, 684.           130, 145, 149, 151, 179; orders Livingston's conTionondage, the Mohawks demand aid to build their    ditional arrest, 105; has only the name of governor,
new castle at, 50, 88.                             127; letter to Leisler from, 130, 155; Messrs. Ed



710                                           INDEX,
sal and Pembroke's letter to, 135; secretary Clark-  Tuscarora settled, 660.
son's letter to, 185.                            Tuscaroras, a cradle hung up in the council house of
Treaty at Fort Stanwix ratified, 556, 564.           the Five Nations on the adoption of the, 370.
Turtle bay belongs to Sir P. Warren, 473.          Twightwees, the, 342, 418.
U.
Ulster county, drafts of men and provisions ordered to Union of all the colonies, plan for a, 357.
the frontier from, 177; attack of the Indians on  Utica, 677.
some settlers in, 444.
V.
Valiant, Rev. Father, 114; a list of property seized  Erie, 551; belt and speech of, sent to Sir Wm.
belonging to the, 116.                             Johnson, ib.
Van Cortland, Mr., called on by Leisler to repair the  Vermillye, Johannes, sent delegate to Connecticut, 43.
king's fort, 6; ordered to be arrested, 85, 42; makes  Virginia, a new province proposed to be erected in
his escape, 36, 101.                               western, 578; extracts from the minutes of the asVan Schaick, L., letter from, regarding Indian move-  sembly of, on claims of Rumsey and Fitch, 628.
ments, 11.                                       Voight, Henry, applies for a patent for a pipe boiler,
Varick, Rev. Mr., imprisonment by Leisler of the, 247;  629.
deposed and fined, ib.                           Votes cast in 1804, in Ontario and Genesec Counties,
Verchere, Mons., intrigues with the Indians of Lake  687.
Vroman, Adam, letter of, to Jacob Milborne, 65.
W.
Wages in western New-York,in 1804, rates of, 689.  Westchester, the election of a new member ordered for
Walley, Major, Leisler's letter to, 142.             the county of, 158; letter of the magistrates of
Wandelaer, Johannes de, deacon at Albany, 111,       against Leisler's partizans, 187.
War proclaimed between France and England, 22.     Western New-York, papers relating to, 641.
Warrant to arrest Matthew Plowman, 26, 43; Nicho-  Weyman, John, appointed to command a vessel against
las Bayard, Peter I. Marius, Wim. Nicolls and Ro-  the French, 154.
bert Reed, 35; John Jennings, Samuel Palmer,     Wheat, price of, in Western New-York, in 1791,
Thomas Bedient, Col. Thomas Willet, Capt. Hicks,   1799, 651, 667, 688.
Daniel Whitehead and Edward Antil, 41; Anthony   Whiskey, in western New-York, price of, in 1799, 668;
Brokholst and Stephen V. Cortland, 35, 42; Col.    distilled there in large quantities in 1804, 691.
Dongan, 41, 42; Richard Townley, -       Emmot,  Whitehead, Daniel, ordered arrested, 41, 148.
43; to fetch Lafleur and Villeroy from Sarachtoge,  Whitestown in 1792, population of, 643; road to, in
47; to arrest Matthys Brockholst, 106; of forcible  1792, 658.
entry into Wm. Teller's house, 123; to seize on all  Willet, Col. Thomas, ordered arrested, 41, 148; eskettles in Albany, 123; to provide Indian shoes, ca-  capes, 101; Sec'y Clarkson desires him to bring in
noes, boxes for his Majesty's service, 124; to seize  aid against Leisler, 188.
pork, 137; to arrest T. de Key, Jerry Tothill, D.  William and Mary, Leisler's declaration in favor of, 3;
Lambert, Edward Tailor, John Crooke, Elias Bou-    proclaimed in Albany, 5; Leisler's order to prodinot, Thos. Wenham, Wm. Taylor, L. Kiersted,      claim, 29; petition of Leisler's son to, 240.
Brant Schuyler, J. de Key, et al., 148; to seize a  Williamsburgh, 644; a road made from  Lycoming
brigantine, &c., 149; to convey Laforay, a French-  creek to, 659.
man, to Plymouth colony, ib.; to arrest Peter Du-  Williamson, Col., a description of the settlement of
mont, Andrew ffalourdell, and Michael Antony, 154;  the Genesee country by, 655; some particulars of,
to pay Col. Johnson, 374.                          678.
Warren, Sir Peter, nature of his legacey to Sir Wnm.  Winthrop, Major-General, John, Leisler's letter to,
Johnson's relatives, 472; debts due by the Cosby   190; proposed by Connecticut as commander-in.
family to, 473, ib.; patent of, at Chuctenunda, 479;  chief of the expedition against Canada, 142; agreed
Sir Wm. Johnson's remarks on the will of, 473, 479,  to by Leisler, 149; terms entered into between
481.                                               Leisler's commissioners at Albany and, 157; comnWashington, Gen., certificate of, in favor of James  mission appointing commander in chief of the expeRumsey's invention, 588, 599, 608; extract of a    dition against the French, 158; the want of canoes
letter from James Rumsey to, 597.                  at Wood creek complained of by, 160; is put under
Weiser, Mr., speech of to the Six Nations, 341.      arrest by Leisier at Albany and sent to New-York,
Welles, destruction of, by the French, 146.          162; Sec'y Allyn's defence of, ib.; Leisler justifies
Wessels, Direk, Leisler's letter approving the conduct  his proceedings against, 169; accused of inefficiency,
of, 149.                                           adultery, &c., 170; served in the Duke of York's




INDEX.                                             711
guards, ib; is accompanied to Albany by Livings-    aid-de-camp to General Johnson at the battle of
ton, ib.                                            Lake George, 406; Miss Miller's letter to, 444;
Women, Cherokee, speech of the, to the women of the   letters to Sir Wm. Johnson from, 456, 457; his
Six Nations, 446.                                   opinion of the value of the British possessions in the
Woodbridge, Timothy, communicates to Col. Johnson     East Indies, 457; death of, 460.
certain requests from the Oquaga Indians, 366.    Writs for the election of new members of assembly, in
Wraxall, Capt. Peter, appointed sec'y to the provincial  Leisler's time, for Queens county and for New-York,
congress at Albany, 328; sworn, ib.; recommended    158; for Westchester and for Albany, ib.
for the office of secretary of Indian affairs, 377;