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t R\ Arc lllThCTl RAL AND FINE ARTS LIBRARY 
 (ill TOI Si VVKH'R B. Di RSI OlD YoRK LlliRARY 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2013 
 
 http://archive.org/details/sketchoffirstsetOOwood_0 
 
SKETCH 
 
 OF THE 
 
 FIRST SETTLEMENT 
 
 OF THE SEVERAL TOWNS ON 
 
 WITlt THEIR 
 
 POLITICAL CONDITION, 
 
 TO THE 
 
 END OF TFIE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, 
 
 c ^ 
 
 "Willi a, Uioqii'apliiccil IVCernoir and A-dditions by 
 
 AL,r)E::sr j. spooner. 
 
 Portrait antl Photographs of Dwellings. 
 
 PRINTED FOR THE FURMAN CLUB. 
 1865, 
 
200 Copies of tuis work are pristep on small papkk. 
 
INTRODUCTORY NOTE. 
 
 The very limited editions of Silas Wood's Sketch, were published at a time 
 when there was a comparatively slender population in Brooklyn, and upon the 
 rest of Long-Island, and it is believed a much lighter appreciation of the value 
 of History than is felt at the present time. 
 
 As the benevolent and industrious author did not expect to be reimbursed for 
 his outlay in printing, and was never in circumstances above the necessity and 
 wisdom of a careful economy, the paper and mechanical execution of the work 
 are below its proper character and dignity. 
 
 It has been thought but a proper tribute to the earliest Long-Island Histo- 
 rian, (passing by the descriptive essay of old Denton in 1670,) that a fair and 
 sightly edition should be printed, with such remnants of his life and services, as 
 could be gathered after the departure of most of his contemporaries. 
 
 Long-Island has, perhaps, been more fortunate than some portions of the 
 Union in historiographers. Three at least of her sons have framed narratives 
 touching upon pcunts throughout her length and breadth. That of Silas Wood 
 is devoted mainly to the first settlements, and first appeared in 1824. Benja- 
 min F. Thompson followed, with his first edition in a single volume, in 18.39, and 
 his second edition, in two volumes, in 1843. The work of Mr. Thompson is 
 characterized by great industry and research, and is by far the fullest reservoir 
 of local incident, personal memoir, and genealogical deduction, which has yet ap- 
 peared. The history by the Rev. Xathaniel S. Prime, printed in 1845, which 
 could hardly be said to have been published, as it was kept from the bookstores, 
 is peculiarly attentive to tlie tlieolngical record of tlie Ishuul, of which the ven- 
 erable and diitinguishcil author, a minister of several generatious, whose cleri- 
 cal generations follow him, was fitted to be the annalist. These authors have 
 all, within twenty years past, found a resting place in the soil they loved and 
 celebrated. 
 
 The labors of the Hon. Henry C. Murphy, at home and abroad, (who fortun- 
 ately yet lives to continue them,) on various points requiring thorough research, 
 peculiarly in matters of Dutch History, are of the first importance and value. 
 
 Another author survives, who, though not claiming the place of a historian 
 by a combined and symmetrical work, is entitled to an equal place with any otlier 
 
IV 
 
 I,oiif; Isliiml writer, for pi'rsisloiU interest and untiring imlustry in cxiiloring all 
 aoeessil)lc sources of information, and for discrimination in the occasional use 
 of his stores to ilhistratc Iiistoric points. We alhidc, of course, to Henry On- 
 derdonk, jr., of Jamaica, L. I. His " Revohitionary Incidents of Kings, Queens 
 and Suftblk," are materials of pith and point, as shewing the spirit of trying 
 times. It is hoped he may be long spared to continue tho.sc useful labors which 
 to him are recreations. 
 
 To this list of Island works, is to be added a respectable numlx-r of town his- 
 tories and special memoirs, beginning with Gabriel Furman's highly prized 
 ■ N'otes on Brooklyn." Of this a superior edition, learnedly annotated, has re- 
 ci ntly been |)u1)lisliod by " Tlie Faust Club." It is known also, that an abler 
 and much fuller work is in existence, by Henry R Stiles, M. D., which it is to be 
 hoped may soon pass from its chrysalis state of M.S.S. 
 
 Silas Wood's Huntington, Riker's Newtown, Strong's Flatbush, ilandeville's 
 Flushing, Macdonald's Jamaica, Griffin's Orient, Lyman Boechcr's Sermon and 
 H. P. Hedges' discourse of Easthampton, are all eflbrts in the right direction, 
 which should be further expanded, and invite the other towns to similar labors. 
 
 With these initiatory works, and others which are to come, with a Historical 
 Society which has already gathered a largo body of materials in i'\ cry depart- 
 ment of research and illustration, it is to be hoped that knowledge may be 
 sought and imparted in regard to our beautiful Island, which may make it better 
 understood and known to the increasing thousands, who are making it the place 
 of their chosen homes. With a proper pride on the part of the citizens, it may 
 come to be in the State, what it was reported to be by the inhabitants of New- 
 Amsterdam to those of Old Amsterdam, " the crown, of the province." 
 
 e3"Favraan's Notes >>n r,i,.nkl\ii, icin-inted at this office, and some of 
 the same type employ. -1 j- In il,. Mii.in;,! . ilition, which was also here printed. 
 
 It may please the cm I'iM- h. kii..n. th.it tlie same course has been pursued 
 with the present volinm , all thr editions having been printed at this office. 
 
BIOG-RAPHICAL SKETCH 
 
 OF THE 
 
 HONORABLE SILAS WOOD. 
 
 If history has one duty superior to another, it is that of rescuing 
 from oblivion, and preserving for posterity, the pattern and example 
 of those men who, without selfishness or ambition, have devoted 
 themselves to gathering the memorials and remnants of the past, 
 for the benefit of later generations. In this class was peculiarly to 
 be named the Hon. Silas Wood, wluwe name and fame Long- 
 Island will not willingly "let di<'," ■ •i-;h he has himself done 
 his utmost to escape personal noU'; . aJ commendation. 
 
 Silas Wood, author of the Sketch, &c., was born at West Hills, 
 in the town of Huniington, Suffolk Co., L. I., September 14, 1*769. 
 
 Jonas Wood, the ancestor of the family in this country, came 
 from Halifax, in England, between 1630 and 1640, He was among 
 the first settlers of Hempstead, and is named in the patent of that 
 town in 1644. 
 
 He removed to Southampton, Suffolk Co., L. I., about 1649, and 
 from thence to the town of Huntington, about 1655, at a place 
 called West Hills, near the borders of Queens, about five miles 
 south of the present village of Huntington. He purchased the 
 eastern half of Copiague, and the Five Necks east of it, in 165,7. 
 
 He was one of the deputies appointed to go to New-Haven, to 
 solicit a union with that Colony, in 1658, and is mentioned in the 
 town records the 20th April, 1G60. An act of Joanna, his widow 
 and administratrix, is mentioned the 18th of May following, from 
 which it appears that he died between the 20th April and the 18th 
 May, 1660. A family tradition informs us that he was drowned in 
 attempting to ford the Peconic River at or near Riverhead. 
 
 The materials are too scanty to enable us to pursue his genealogy 
 with accuracy in this sketch. 
 
VI 
 
 A lineal dcsfenclant of Jonas, was Joshua AVood, of Unntini^toii, 
 Lorn October 12, 171G, who died September 6, 1779, a!j;ed ()3. lie 
 was married to Ruth Wood, born May 2G, 1724, who died August 
 29, 1807, aged 84. 
 
 These two last named were the father and mother of Samuel, 
 Selah, and Silas Wood, the two first being respectable farmers, the 
 last and youngest being desthied to pursue the associated ciireer of 
 lawyer, statesman, and historian, whicli, with no other ambition on 
 his part than for usefulness, will long liold him in the public 
 memory. 
 
 Uis years, to thirteen, were spent in Iluiiliiiglou, wlieii he was 
 sent for tuition to the llev. Mr. Talmage, of J5rookha\en, with 
 wliom he continued two years. At fifteen, he went to Fairfield, 
 Conn., where he continued one year, and at sixteen entered Prince- 
 ton College, N. J., then under the Presidency of the learned Dr. 
 Witherspoon. Here he continued four years, and pursued a full 
 course of classical studies. He is said, though so young, to have 
 taken the first position in his class, and to have graduated with the 
 highest honors. He was then chosen a tutor in the college, and 
 continued such for five years, severely impairing his health by his 
 duties and his devotion to general literature. In 1795, when twenty- 
 six years old, and two years after he had left Princeton, he was 
 elected to the Assembly of this State, from Suftblk County. lie 
 continued to serve for four years, taking an active and originative 
 part in the business of the house. He introduced the bills for the 
 formation of social libraries, relative to the Treasurer's office, when 
 the office of Comptroller was first established, and a new organiza- 
 tion of the Treasury Department was made. As chairman of a 
 joint committee, he introduced the first general Highway Act, 
 which has since prevailed in the State, with some amendments, and 
 the exemption of a few counties which have secured special acts. 
 
 After leaving the Assembly, he spent a few years in forming a 
 settlement on some lands which he owned in the northern part of 
 Johnstown. W^hile here, in 1802, at thirty-two years of age, he 
 married Catharine Huyck, whose parents were from Kinderhook. 
 This young lady was born November 18, 1785, and died July 18, 
 1803, the year after her marriage, at the early age of oigliteen, 
 leaving an infant son who survived her but three days. 
 
 A friend writes: " 1 nm not positive that this lady died in Johns- 
 
VII 
 
 town. Iler dcatli \v;i< vorv smlJon, while, they were on a journey 
 tliroiin-h some wilJ<'rih'-> in ^^'lut^■lllnery County. He had to bury 
 her without any ciri'/.jcd as-istam-e. This ineident had the effect to 
 partly unliinge his mind ; some supposed it produced occasional 
 insanilv, hut I douljt whether the affection went to that extent." 
 
 This sudden affliction, after a union founded upon the warmest 
 sentiments of love and admiration, is known to have made a pro- 
 found impression upon the deei)ly impressible and atl'ectionate 
 nature of Mr. Wood, to have solemnized him to a stronger sense of 
 duty in this life, and elevated his thoughts of the future. 
 
 In 1804, he was offered the place of Principal in the Academy 
 at Esopus, at a salary of $500, and in 1805, be was chosen a Pro- 
 fessor in Union College, Schenectady, at $800. Each of these 
 positions he declined. Determining to pursue the kw as a profes- 
 sion, he entered the office of Daniel Cady, Esq., of Johnstown. 
 He was admitted to the Supreme Court on the 15th February, 
 1810, his license being dated on that day, and signed by the Hon. 
 James Kent, then Chief Justice of that Court. 
 
 He was made a Master in Chancery March 2d, 1810, Daniel D. 
 Tompkins being Governor; a solicitor in Chancery May 25, 1813, 
 Hon. John Lansing then being Chancellor. 
 
 Immediately after his admission, a partnershij) was proposed to 
 him by his legal instructor, Daniel Cady, which he accepted. It 
 continued till the spring of 1813. Besides attending to the busi- 
 ness of the office, he found time to take part in public affairs, and 
 contributed largely to the columns of the Montgomery Jtejmblican, 
 then a very influential journal. In the spring of 18i3, he returned 
 to Huntington, and there practised his profession. In November, 
 181V, he was elected by the people of his district (the First Con- 
 gressional District) as their Representative in the XVIth Congress, 
 and look his seat March 4, 1819. Here he was continued for five 
 successive terms— the XVIth, XVlIth, XYIIIth, XlXth, and XXth 
 Congresses — a period of ten years, which includes the latter half of 
 Mr. Monroe's first term, the whole of his second, and the whole of 
 the term of John Quincy Adams, ^n 1828, after declining a re- 
 nomination, he was persuaded to stand, by the strongly exj^ressed 
 desires of his constituents. In this election he was defeated by 
 Hon. James Lent, yiOo votes against 2831, and served his last 
 term in 1829. 
 
VIM 
 
 Diiriiiuj tlie most of liis time, in Conj^ress, he was on tlie Libiary 
 Committee, whicli, though an unpretentious .committee, attracting 
 little public notice, was well suited to his tastes, and upon which 
 his kuitwledgc of books and literature enabled liim to be extremely 
 nsi't'iil. His strict views of duty did not allow him to neglect any 
 of till' public business wliile lie was there. 
 
 His principal speeches while in the House were: 
 On the question of admitting Missouri into the Union, delivered 
 February 14, 1820. He spoke upon the amendments in\ i>lving the 
 (ixclusion of slavery. This amendment he sustained in a learned, 
 earnest, and thorough argument, in the course uf which his convic- 
 tions against slavery as a moral and political element, were deci- 
 sively expressed. 
 
 January 21, 1824 : lie spoke a'jainst tlic resolution that Congress 
 ouglit to provide by law for lU'frax in.;- iln' expenses incident to the 
 appointment of an Agent or Ciinunis-iinii r to Greece, whenever 
 tlie President should deem it expedient to make sm li appoiutmenL 
 lie opposed this resolution in a speech whicli is pcrliap^ tiie most 
 brilliant of his Congressional performances. In this he shows with 
 great foresight and power of reasoning, the dangers of speedy dis- 
 solution, if tlio T'nitcd States slioiild intervrnc as the arbiter and 
 champinii cif Lil.i'!i\ all "vri- the \\..iM, in-tcad ot' keeping at homo 
 and promoting ii by just princijilcs and moral example. A learned 
 gentleman, elsewhere alluded to, who represented the same district 
 in Congress with distinction, says, " His speech on the subject of 
 sending aid to the Greeks, was a very able one, and excited very 
 general applause. I heard it greatly applauded iu Washington 
 many years after it had been delivered in Congress." 
 
 April 2, 1824, his speech on the Tarifl'. Iu this, he argues with 
 great force and clearness the desirableness of protection to Ameri- 
 can manufactures, and particularly the policy of being independent 
 of other nations in regard to articles of which we might be deprived 
 in case of war. Upon this point, the following sentout'c is an axiom 
 ■which recent events have made jieculiarlv wurtliv nf alti^ition : 
 
 _ "The establishments n '-ary Inr the fal.iieali.Mi of elulhing 
 
 and arms, should be intri"luced at any saerilicc. Xo imaginary 
 advantage to be derived from clieaiH i- pnHluctions, would compen- 
 sate for the mischiefs that would re-ult Iruiu the want of the means 
 of self-subsistence and self-defence in time of war." 
 
IX 
 
 May U, 1826. On the resolutions of Mr. McDuffie, that the 
 Constitution ouo-ht to be amended so as to prevent the election of 
 President and Vice-President from devolving on Congress ; and 
 that a uniform system of voting by Districts ouglit to be established 
 in all the States, tlie number of Districts in each State to equal the 
 number of Senators and Representatives to which such State may 
 be entitled in Congress, and each District having one vote. 
 
 These resolutions Mr. Wood opposed, as having a tendency to 
 deprive the States of power, and augment the power and influence 
 of the General Government. His analysis of the Constitution, and 
 discrimination of the differing powers of the National and State 
 Governments, are masterly. 
 
 April 5, 1826. On the resolution that it was expedient to appro- 
 priate the funds necessary to enable the President of the United 
 States to send Ministers to the Congress of Panama, and the amend- 
 ment of Mr. Mc Lane, of Delaware, that the Ministers who might 
 be sent should attend in a diplomatic character merely, and not be 
 authorized to discuss any proposition of alliance between this coun- 
 try and the Spanish American Government, Mr. "Wood sustained 
 the Resolution, and opposed the Amendment. He held that it was 
 sound policy to cultivate the best relations of friendship and com- 
 merce with the Spanish American nations ; and that the President 
 and the Senate having agreed to send Ministers, the House had no 
 right to interfere with the treaty-making power in the manner pro- 
 posed by the Amendment. Incidentally, he discusses the whole 
 question with the broadest comprehension of all its relations. 
 
 Each of his speeches is a series of distinct propositions, thoroughly 
 fortified by ancient and modern precedents and examples. There 
 are in them no appeals to passion or prejudice, nor the most distant 
 allusion to any constituency less broad than the Union. They are 
 succinct and pointed, evincing most diligent and careful preparation, 
 and read like treatises or essays. 
 
 There are no speeches of the tinie more valuable for a full, clear, 
 and fair exposition of the phase of the subject he intends to discuss. 
 
 It is difficult to say when he first began to gather materials for 
 his " Sketch." It is probable that he was engaged in this work 
 some eight or ten years before he considered it completed. Very 
 few, not accustomed to historical explorations, can comprehend the 
 time and labor required to ascertain facts, to weigh properly their 
 
VIII 
 
 DiiriiliX tlie most of liis tinu- in Coii:frc\ss, ho was on tlio I ibrary 
 Committee, which, thougli an uium teiitious .committee, attracting 
 little public notice, was well suited to his tastes, and upon whicdi 
 his knowledge of books and literature enabled him to be extremely 
 useful. His strict views of duty did not allow liiin to neglect any 
 of the public business while he was there. 
 
 His principal speeches while in the House were: 
 
 On the question of admitting Missouri ititi> the Union, delivered 
 February 14, 1820. He spoke upon the anicndinents in\ iilving the 
 exclusion of slavery. This amendment he sustained in a learned, 
 earnest, and thorough argument, in the course uf which his convic- 
 tions against slavery as a moral and political element, were deci- 
 sively expressed. 
 
 January 21, 1824 : He spoke against the resolution that Congress 
 ought to provide by law for defraying the expenses incident to the 
 appointment of an Agent or Commissioner to Greece, whenever 
 the President should deem it expedient to make such appointment. 
 He opposed this resolution in a speech which is pcrliap- the most 
 brilliant of his ConnTessional performances. In this he shows with 
 great fore-i^-ht and power of reasoning, the dangers of speedy dis- 
 solution, if the United States should intervene as the arbiter and 
 chainpion of Liberty all over the world, instead of keeping at home 
 and promoting it by just principles and moral example. A learned 
 gentleman, clseAvhoiv alluded to, who represented the same district 
 in Congress with distinction, says, " His speech on the subject of 
 sending aid to the Greeks, was a very able one, and excited very 
 general applause. I heard it greatly applauded in Washington 
 many years after it had been delivered in Congress." 
 
 April 2, 1824, his speech on the Tariti". In this, he argues with 
 great force and clearness the desirableness of protection to Ameri- 
 can manufactures, and particularly the policy of being independent 
 of other nations in regard to articles of which we might be deprived 
 in case of war. Upon this point, the following sentence is an axiom 
 which recent events have made peculiarly worthy of attention: 
 
 " The establishments necessary for the fabrication of clothing 
 and arms, should be introduced at any sacrifice. No imaginary 
 advantage to be derived from cheaper produi-tions, wouM compen- 
 sate for the mischiefs that would result from the want of the means 
 of self-subsistence and self-defence in time of war." 
 
IX 
 
 M:iv 14, 1S26. Oil the resolutions of Mr. McDuffie, that the 
 (.''.ii-ti: ii;i->ii ouii'lit to be ainended so as to prevent the election of 
 l'iv>idi;iii :uid Vice-l'resideiit from devolving on Congress; and 
 tliat a uiiifjnii >v-tein of votinu' by Districts ought to be established 
 in all the State>, the number of Districts in each State to equal the 
 number of Senators and Representatives to which sucb State may 
 be entitled in Congress, and each District having one vote. 
 
 These resolutions Mr. Wood opposed, as having a tendenc}' to 
 deprive the States of power, and augment the power and influence 
 of the General Government. His analysis of the Constitution, and 
 discrimination of the differing powers of the National and State 
 Governments, are masterly. 
 
 April 5, 1826. On the resolution that it was expedient to appro- 
 priate the funds necessary to enable the President of the United 
 States to send Ministers to the Congress of Panama, and tlie amend- 
 ment of Mr. McLane, of Delaware, that the Minister> who might 
 be sent should attend in a diplomatic character merely, and not be 
 authorized to discuss any proposition of alliance between this coun- 
 try and the Spanish American Government, Mr. Wood sustained 
 the Resolution, and opposed the Amendment. He held that it was 
 sound policy to cultivate the best relations of friendship and com- 
 merce with the Spanish American nations ; and that the President 
 and the Senate having agreed to send Ministers, the House had no 
 right to interfere with the treaty-making power in the manner pro- 
 posed by the Amendment. Incidentally, he discusses the whole 
 question with the broadest comprehension of all its relation-. 
 
 Each of his speeches is a series of distinct propositi<jns, thoroughly 
 foi-tified by ancient and modern precedents and examples. There 
 are in them no appeals to passion or prejudice, nor the most distant 
 allusion to any constituency less broad than the Union. They are 
 succinct and pointed, evincing most diligent and careful preparation, 
 and read like treatises or essays. 
 
 There are no speeches of the time more valuable for a fu,ll, clear, 
 and fair exposition of the phase of the subject he intends to discuss. 
 
 It is difficult to say when he first began to gather materials for 
 his " Sketch." It is probable that he was engaged in this work 
 some eight or ten years before lie considered it completed. Very 
 few, not accustomed to historical explorations, can comprehend the 
 time and labor required to ascertain facts, to weigh properly their 
 
X 
 
 importance, and give tliciii their true jilace in the narrative. The 
 mind of Sihis Wood was too faithful to stop short of the fullest 
 eiidcavor. It was industrious, compreliensive, patient, eager, and 
 analytical. He was constant in the pursuit of any information he 
 required, and when it was obtained, it was subjected to the most 
 thorough sifting, none but the vital parts being retained. What- 
 ever other histories of the Island have been or may be, this Sketch 
 has not been and will not be exceeded as a work of thorough labor, 
 faithful discrimination, and honest judgment. 
 
 I add here a letter to his brother historian, Benjamin F. Thomp- 
 son, Esi[., alluding to the sources of authority consulted by him : 
 
 Huntington, August 6, 1841. 
 
 " Dear Sir : — It may be of some benefit for you to know the 
 sources from which I derived the facts in my Sketch of the First 
 Settlement of Long-Island. 
 
 "1. I in person examined the Clerks' Offices of every town on 
 the Island, a number of them twice, and one or more of them three 
 times. 
 
 " 2. The ofKces of the various counties three times. 
 
 " 3. The office of the Secretary of State twice, particularly in 
 relation to the early Dutch Records translated by Vanderkemp; 
 the Journals of the Provincial Congress ; the Records of the Gov- 
 ernor and Council, under the Colony, and the Records of the^ first 
 Assemblies, 
 
 " 4. The Records of the Dutch Church in New-York, and, 
 directly or indirectly, of other churches ; also the early records of 
 the difterent Courts. 
 
 " 5. The N. Y. City Library, the Library of the Historical Soci- 
 ety, New- York, and the Congressional Library, Washington ; How- 
 ard's Collection of the Records of the New-England Colonies ; the 
 Collection of the Historical Society of Massachusetts; Cotton 
 Mather's Magnalia ; Trumbull's History of Connecticut, and all, or 
 ahnost all the histories which have been written in New-England 
 relative to the early settlement of those States, with tlie biographi- 
 cal sketches of the first settlers, the most of which I found in the 
 library of Congress. 
 
 " I obtained considerable information relative to our first ances- 
 tors, from AVinthrop's Journal, Mather's Magnalia, Hubbard's His- 
 
XI 
 
 tory of New-England, Trunibuirs History of Connecticut, and tLe 
 catalogues of the early colleges. 
 
 " 6. I also got friends and correspondents to examine the records 
 of the Colony of Connecticut, of the Colony of Rhode Island, of 
 the General Court of Massachusetts, of the towns of Concord, Fair- 
 field, and Newark. 
 
 " 7. I also had recourse to family records, old wills and deeds, 
 to the inscriptions on tombstones in the old burial grounds, and in 
 a few, but very few instances, to family traditions. I admitted no 
 fact not supported by some one or other of these authorities, 
 although it may be that in a few instances, as in that of Mr. Den- 
 ton, I may have been misled by them. 
 
 " Respectfully Yours, 
 
 " SILAS WOOD." 
 
 B F. Thompson, Esq. 
 
 When the distant points are considered at which these authori- 
 ties had to be reached, it must be for those who have performed 
 similar labors, to appreciate the devotion of the author, and the 
 sacrifices made by him to confer this gift upon the people of his 
 native Island. 
 
 Mr. Thompson, whose History is very valuable for its details, and 
 accumulates a large body of minute modern information, with much 
 of personal memoir and anecdote, gratified his own feelings and 
 sense of justice, by dedicating his first edition to Silas Wood, whose 
 work, more closely limited to the early settlements, may be said to 
 be dissolved and absorbed in the two respectable volumes of Mr. 
 Thompson, with but slight modifications. Mr. Wood, while aiding 
 Mr. Thompson by every means in his power, requested that the 
 dedicatory compliment should be omitted from the second edition. 
 It was from no disrespect to Mr. Thompson, but the result of mod- 
 esty and self-abnegation. Mr. Wood was always characterised by 
 modesty, simplicity, and plainness. When Mr. Thompson's books 
 were published, he was endeavoring more than ever to strip from 
 himself every "robe of pride," and to "clothe himself with humil- 
 ity." 
 
 From June 12, 1818, until some time in 1821, he was District 
 Attorney of Suffolk County, by appointment of De Witt Clinton, 
 Governor. 
 
 In December, 1829, he took for his second wife Elizabeth, daugh- 
 
tor otMosiuli Sinitli, of Long Swiimp. 13y a mysterious I'mvideiieo, 
 be bad by tbis, as by bis former marriage, but one cbikl, wbo died 
 also in early infancy. lie was tbns left witb no descendants to in- 
 herit Ills lamls, or to enjoy tbat better j)atrimoiiy of tlie public 
 respect for Iiis ciuiracter and labors. 
 
 His " SUi'ti'h " was promulgati'd in three editions, all of wbicb 
 were printed and pulilisbed in ]>r()i)klyn, by Col. Alden Spooner; 
 tbe first in 1824, in 66 pages, octavo ; the second in 182G, in 112 
 pages; tbe third in 1828, in 183 pages. The first edition was of 
 250 copies; tbe second and third of but 100 eupics, each — which 
 last were ordered by its conscientious writer, in (H.h r to do fuller 
 justice to tbe memory of General Woodluill, by the ani}i]er memoir 
 in tbe Appendix. 
 
 This book, now so rare, and commanding so high a price, was of 
 very slow sale. The sheets of several copies remained unclaimed 
 in tbe bands of tbe binder, until a year or two ago, when they were 
 discovered by a mousing owl of the L. I. Historical Society, and 
 " snapped up." The views of the author — who himself paid the 
 principal expenses of tbe printing — were amjily satisfied in sending 
 his copies to an appreciative few on the Island and elsewhere, 
 knowing that in good time the tree be had so carefully planted and 
 pruned, would produce fruit which the coming generations would 
 enjoy. 
 
 In the Spring of 1830, Silas Wood formally relinquished his pro- 
 fessional pursuits and public life, and determined to devote himself 
 to meditations which had huig pressed themselves upon his mind 
 as of higher import than earthly ambitions. One inducement to 
 ■withraw from the toils of liis profession might have been the funda- 
 mental change which took place in the law system of tbe State, by 
 substituting the partial Codification, termed the Revised Statutes, 
 for the great body of the Common Law, to which the older prac- 
 titioners had grown accustomed. Certain it is, that this ^leat re- 
 form affected Silas AVood disagreeably. lie was tui, tu adapt 
 himself to the changes. The writer, then a student, recollects his 
 observations on the subject. He remembers very well the pleasant 
 and jocular tone in which he said, " it may do very well for you 
 young folks, but as for us old fellows, we might as well give up!" 
 He did give up, sold his library, and was no longer seen in the 
 courts. 
 
XIII 
 
 Again, there were some things in the fashions of politics which 
 as little suited him. A sect of politicians was desirous of his lead- 
 ership. These would not nominate without certain pledges. To a 
 man of the crystalline honor and purity of Silas Wood, the whole 
 system of pledges was disgusting and revolting. He refused to an- 
 swer a schedule of questions submitted to him, saying that he was 
 no seeker of office, and if his public character was not the assurance 
 and guarantee needed, he did not need the party who sought him. 
 He was an old-fashioned actor, whose pure style was no longer in 
 vogue, and who was at least free from the common error of loitering 
 too late upon the public stage. 
 
 These, with other recollections more grateful, linger in the mind 
 of the writer, whose acquaintance with Silas Wood began in 1824, 
 when the writer was about fourteen years old, and Mr "\\'ood was 
 in Brooklyn, superintending the publication of his first edition. 
 Can the writer ever forget the quiet cordiality and simplicity with 
 which, fiom the moment of meeting, he put himself entirely upon 
 easj'^ terms witli a boy who beheld him for the first time, and held 
 this boy enchanted with pleasant stories, and simple pniKh-ms in 
 science, intended to entertain the mind, and to call intn exercise 
 its practical (jualities ? I perfectly recollect, among other things, a 
 sort of West Point disquisition, in which he demonstrated to me, 
 with pencil upon paper, the force of certain prc_>jeetiles, and described 
 the " parabolic curves " they would make in passing through tli<' 
 air, till they descended upon their destined object. If the writer 
 could have imagined what he has since witnesssed, he would have 
 taken these lessons more to heart. lie must have been an admira- 
 ble teacher. 
 
 The writer never could lose the feeling of right to his fellowship. 
 A little while after his announced retirement into absolute seclu- 
 sion, his stoppage of his newspapers, and sale of his library, the 
 writer, while on a business errand to Huntington, ventured to break 
 in upon his old friend. Did he not find him changed i Not a 
 whit ! Yes, a little, and that was as to his exterior garb. Plain as 
 he always was, his attire was now the perfection of disiegard <>f 
 dress — the very costume of one who had ceased to care for the ex- 
 terior things of life and men. But he doffed his slouched hat im- 
 pulsively — dragged his visitor into his antique, unpainted, low- 
 roofed, shinolcd house, and commenced to talk bv the hour. All 
 4 
 
XIV 
 
 Lis fiiniiruir friends agree that there were few better talkers than 
 Sihis Wood. There have been some, hke Coleridge, who were 
 more bold, imaginative, and sparkling, but few were so clear, affec- 
 tionate, and persuasive. Some cotemporarics of Silas Wood yet 
 live, who will agree with me that few men of his time could so 
 enchain a friend by the dexterity and charm of his conversation. 
 Conversation wilii him was not monologue. It was a justly harmo- 
 nized dialogue. It was sympathetic, delicate, reciprocal, inquisitive, 
 suggestive. He drew his colloqnist out in the best way — giving 
 him every motive and opportunity for tlic fullest cxjiression. 
 
 But there must have been more tli.-m tln' > li;niL;('s in law and 
 politics, to induce the retirement intu M_'rhisiun of such a man as 
 Silas Wood. His mind :ilua\^ dear as to the Divine source of 
 Light and Consolation, HMiluiiliirilly turned implicitly in that direc- 
 tion from piMuiiaiit atlli. tions and disappointments of the tenderest 
 character. lH siilr>, at sixty years old, it was time to part with 
 earthly ambitions. It would not have been unlike his chastened 
 tastes and sentiments, if he had early made it a part of his plan of 
 life to retire at sixty, and by confining himself to books of religion 
 and moral science, and to his farm, 
 
 " To liusljand out life's taper to the close, 
 And keep the flame from wasting b}- repose." - 
 
 Certain it is that lie did close u]>, as far as was easily practicable, 
 without assuming the character of a hermit, every avenue of tlie 
 external world, particuhuly that wide avenue of the newspaper, and 
 exchanged his law books fui- an excellent and profourul selection of 
 works on theology. To the Holy Scriptures and these works, he 
 gave all his leisure time for reading. 
 
 I have his catalogue before me. It comprises one hundred and 
 eighty-two works, admirably well selected. It is headed : " Reli- 
 gious books belonging to the Library of Silas Wood," and classified: 
 
 "The Iluly Bible, Comuicntaries on it, and works in vindication of 
 the truth, inspii'atidn, and doctrines of it." 
 
 " Bnoks connected with the Bible, and illustrating the History 
 of the Bible and of the Church." 
 
 " Sermons and Treatises." 
 
 " Practical Works." 
 
 " Biography." 
 
 Among these books arc four editions of the Bible, Patrick and 
 
XV 
 
 Louth's " Commentaries," " Henry on tlie whole Bible," Scott, 
 Newton " on the Prophecies," Shuckford's " Connection of Sacred 
 and Profane History," Prideaux's "Connection of the Old and New 
 Testament," Witherspoon's, Edwards's, Bellamy's, Dwight's, Davis's, 
 Walker's Works, &c., <S:c. The value attached to these, at a low 
 cost, is $317 75. 
 
 The most of these books he bequeathed to the Presbyterian 
 Church and congregation of Sweet Hollow, near Huntington. This 
 was an old congregation, but organized under the General Church 
 Act, on the 24th of June, 1843. 
 
 Silas Wood was, in appearance, a little above the average height, 
 say five feet ten inches high, of a brownish complexion, weighing 
 160 or 170 pounds. He was erect in carriage, with broad shoulders 
 and fine forehead. The expression of his countenance was amiable, 
 but indicative of great firmness and decision. Jn conversation, he 
 was more animated than in public speaking. His features then 
 sparkled with the various and unreserved play of his mind, not re- 
 strained by any weight of public responsibility. In his younger 
 days, and during his political career, he was neat and plain in his 
 attire, but in his latter years quite negligent in this respect. A 
 leading lawyer in Suffolk says, " ln' caiiir to my weiirnig (in his 
 later years) in a handsome suit of Ma^'k hvna<i'-lt)lli, but his shirt- 
 bosom and cravat were much worn and frayed out." The same 
 gentleman also writes ; " In taste he was a great admirer of female 
 beauty, and frequently entertained my sisters with minute descrip- 
 tions of the belles of Washington. He was exceedingly fluent in 
 conversation, always entertaining, and generally instructive." 
 
 " When I commenced the jiraetioe of my profession, Mr. Wood 
 was the conceded head of the Suflblk County Bar. He was very 
 potential both with the Court and Juries, not so much on account 
 of any extensive knowledge of the principles of law, or readiness 
 in their application, as by reason of his deservedly high general 
 character, and his plausible address. 
 
 " Mr. Wood was firm in his political sentiments, but by no means 
 a warm partizan. He could discern the errors in his own party as 
 well as those of his political opponents. His habit of voting for 
 what he approved, without reference to party, induced De Witt 
 Clinton to compare him to the pendulum of a clock — first on one 
 side and then on the other." 
 
XVI 
 
 Tlic same gentleman sends an encomiiiin on Lis Giock spcedi, 
 (which we have quoted in another place), and apropos of this 
 speech, which was widely approved, tells the following anecdote, 
 which affords a hint to ladies who would pay a literary compliment : 
 " On an occasion when Mr. Wood was to pass the night at his 
 house, the ladies procured a copy of this speech, and took care to 
 place it so that it would be certain to salute his eye with the look of 
 an intimate friend of the liousehold. If the learned and agreeable 
 guest, who li.id ili^ci})liiicd hi^ mind against most forms of Hattery, 
 had nevertheless been susceptible to so delicate a compliment, it 
 would have lost something of its flavor by his discovery, that the 
 leaves were uncut." 
 
 Another intimate friend, and for some time a cotemporary at the 
 bar, gives the fullnwinn' hints : — 
 
 " 'riir litV "I' Sil;i~ W'lHxl was of sucli ail even tenor, while resid- 
 ing in this County, that 1 think it will be difficult to tind any very 
 prominent incidents — any strongly illustrative of character. Who- 
 ever sketches his life will, I think, be cnntined to a delineation of 
 character. I cannot attempt this — it would be quite out of my 
 vocation. 
 
 " Any person, on a slight aequaintance, would have noticed his 
 naturalness and simplicity, almost eliildlike ; in this respect to be 
 compared, I suppose, with the late Chancellor Kent. 
 
 " His pure unselfishness, and untiring industry in meeting any 
 claim for information or assistance, whether professional or other- 
 wise, were remarkable. His aim seemed to be to oblige, and to do 
 good, with little regard to personal sacrifice. 
 
 " To collect facts with relation to the early condition of estates — 
 the pedigree of families — as well as the early history of the coun- 
 try, was with him a passion. In search of these he would travel 
 from one end of the county to the other, in his plain box-wagon, 
 and as plain in his piTsonal apjiearance. 
 
 "A relation of hi-, a comi-cUor-at-law, with his wife (a daughter 
 of old Gov. ElUwortli, of Connecticut), wlien on the Island, called 
 upon him at his residence in West Ilills — a very anrlL-nt -tnieture. 
 They were surprised at the contrast between his publi'' reputation 
 and his private style of life. 
 
 " No person's visits were more welcome than his ; they w ere 
 always too short. Ilis memory was a store-house of facts, on al- 
 
xvir 
 
 most every subject, and always at his command ; and there were 
 few social treats so rich, as a call even, from Silas Wood. 
 
 "I do not believe that he ever made an effort to procure office for 
 himself. He did not belong to the dominant political party here ; 
 and yet, when subjection to party dictation was regarded as of un- 
 questionable obligation, the people sent him to Congress. It was 
 an impulsive recognition of his personal worth, which, for the time, 
 thrust aside all party calculations. 
 
 " I am inclined to believe that ho was a lover of order and method 
 in all his business. A neighbor of his once said to me, ' if Silas Wood 
 should see a spear of his grass bent down, he would straighten 
 it up.' 
 
 '• His perfect integrity was never doubted. lie was correct in 
 his moral conduct. He was subject to fits of asthma, during which, 
 for nights in succession, he could not lie down. In a few instances, 
 in such cases, he became overcome with liquor, taken as a stimu- 
 lant, so as to lose all self-control, and this seemed to be the effect 
 oil him of the first excitement. This spot on his disk was transient, 
 and not to be noticed." 
 
 A biography would bo but a eulogy, if the spots upon character 
 and the frailties of poor human nature were not fairly exhibited. I 
 have taken care, therefore, to put in this sketch all that could be 
 learned of the peculiarities, weaknesses, and inadvertencies of one 
 f)f the purest of Long-Island men. 
 
 Another learned and able lawyer, who has grown old at the Suf- 
 folk bar, says of him : 
 
 " He was at Riverhead in 1825, when I made my debut at the bar. 
 We then became acquainted, and he appeared, afterward, much in- 
 terested in me as a young lawyer of the county. He was a man of 
 very general knowledge, and I always felt profited in his company. 
 I am sure no lawyer was ever more highly esteemed by the mass of 
 the people, for candor and honesty. His personal popularity in the 
 county was very great." 
 
 One, his near neighbor, and who and whose father now deceased, 
 were always intimate friends, sends me more valuable facts than 
 could have been gleaned from any other source. 
 
 From this source, I learn that he gave, by will, direction to his 
 executors, to burn all his " writings," which direction was f;iithfally 
 executed, so f;ir as any of his manuscripts or papers were in their 
 .5 
 
XV I II 
 
 possession. A few of tlicse in some way osr;i])0(l discovery, and 
 were discovered in the rosearclies for tins Memoir. 
 The same friend writes : 
 
 " As to his stature, ray recollections arc, that he was rather more 
 than medium hoiii^ht,say five feet ten, to six feet, broad shoulders, fine 
 for.'liead, and wli«;n ill his prime he must have been a man of fine 
 a[H>caraiu'c. I iia\ o not language at command to describe the ani- 
 mated expression of his llaNliin^- 1 yi's and beaming countenance when 
 he became intriv-tc.l cv. ii du ordinary topics. I never heard him 
 at the bar, nor in the Xatioiial nor State Councils ; but it is easy to 
 imagine how he must have warmed up with any great topic which 
 engaged his thoughts and feelings. He s[)olce rapidly, and his gesti- 
 culation was quick and earnrst, ratlier than iin a^nred or dignilied. 
 I know it was my fatln'r".> o^tinioii that he stoud al the head of the 
 bar of Sufi"olk." 
 
 Another anecdote is in several points characteristic : — 
 " From a high point near the residence of his youth, at West 
 Hills, he had often looked upon the Sound, and the blue line of the 
 main land beyond on the one side, and the broad Atlantic on the 
 other. When he came to hear Plempstead Harbor Hill, (whose re- 
 corded elevation is 319 feet above the le\cl of the Sound) elaimed 
 as the hi'j,lie-t gioand on the Island, he iMt as-ured that a jiolnt at 
 AVest Hills was higher. This is a spot dciioiiiiiialed "Oakley's 
 High Hill Field," which afterwards came into the possession of 
 Zebulon Rogers. In October, 1825, he called to his aid an experi- 
 enced and accurate surveyor, Mr. Abel Ketcham, who took all the 
 elevations from the water level of the Sound, and determined, as 
 Mr. Wood had foreseen, that this point was 354^ feet above such 
 level, and therefore 35^ feet higher than the Harbor Hill. This 
 position of vantage to his native hills was evidently gratifying to 
 Mr. Wood. It touched a feeling of pride and romance in his 
 character. The town records were, in 1832, in the custody of the 
 late Moses Kolph. Mr. Wood in that year, on the I'l'd S. pt. inher, 
 took the pains to have the field notes of this survey, with a certifi- 
 cate signed with his name, entered on the records of the town, by 
 pasting the .same firmly in the book of town minutes. 
 
 " Mr. Wood was always deeply intcroted in the welfare of young 
 people, and constantly gave them valuaMe advice. He A'ould 
 adapt his inaiiner and conversation to the compaiiiuiislii]> and en- 
 
XIX 
 
 tertaininent of cliildreii, and was always a welcome guest at every 
 child's home. 
 
 " If he had any marked peculiarity, it was his precision. He 
 was in all things a lover of order and regularity, observing punctu- 
 ality himself, and enforcing it in others. 
 
 " After he had made up his mind to join the Presbyterian Church, 
 he was ' all Presbyterian.' Several anecdotes could be told to 
 show his tenacity and strictness in regard even to the forms of 
 the Church, and. his strict guardianship against any looseness of 
 practice or latitudinarianism of doctrine. In particular, he was 
 anxious that the councils of the church should be actively main- 
 tained. An anecdote to this purport occurs : The Synod of New- 
 York was to hold its annual meeting at Sag Harbor, I think in the 
 year 1843. It was then a long drive from our part of the Island ; 
 the cars did not run through, as now, to Greenport, and the journey 
 was to be performed with horses. For this reason, or a better one, 
 the elder appointed by Session could not go. Mr. Wood ascer- 
 tained there was likely to be no lay representative, and though only 
 a private member of the church, the thought of this possible neg- 
 lect jarred painfully upon his feelings. He instantly took counsel with 
 the members of the Session, came into my house and read a severe 
 lesson upon the propriety, nay, the necessity, of lay representation, 
 and before four o'clock in the aflernooii one of the elders, with carpet- 
 bag packed, was on his way, with the pastor, towards Sag Harbor." 
 
 In addition to his Sketch of the Early Settlements on Long 
 Island, Mr. Wood prepared a valuable sketch of the town history 
 of Huntington, entitled " A Geography of the Town of Hunting- 
 ton, with a brief history of its first settlement, and political con- 
 dition to the end of the Revolution," printed at Washington, in 
 1824, by Davis & Force, which is in 30 octavo pages. The edition 
 was doubtless very limited, and a part of it was burned in the house 
 of Moses Rolph, his neighbor. 
 
 The miniature from which the engraving is made (with which this 
 Sketch is embellished,) is in the first style of art, painted by a 
 master-hand, on ivoiy, and was probably taken when Mr. Wood 
 was a member of Congress, and forty-five years old or thereabouts. 
 There is a so-called likeness, in profile, among the members of the 
 Legislature in 1798, published in the Documentary History of the 
 State, but his friends fail to trace in it the slightest resemblance. 
 
XX 
 
 A nciitlcinaii of New York, t'oiinerly from Iliintiniiton, says, tliat 
 wlieii a young man he knew Silas Wood ; that while employeil as 
 clerk in a store in New York, Mr. Wood called, in his al)scnce, and 
 left a book for him. It was " Locke on the Human Umlerstandiiig," 
 and was the first book which set him to thinking. 
 
 It is supposed that a great portion of his later writings, which 
 were destroyed by his direction, were upon theological topics. 
 
 In the year 1832, when he was sixty-three years of age, lie made 
 a public profession of religion, and connected himself with the 
 Presbj'terian Churcli in Ilmitington. 
 
 I quote here from the ohitnai \ iiutic-e, from a friendly and com- 
 petent hand, (understood to be that of the Kev. Mr. McDongall, 
 his pastor,) in the Long Islander, just after his death, from which 
 I have already largely drawn : 
 
 " He was a warm advocate of early religious education, and 
 strongly attached to catechetical instruction. He often adverted 
 with interest to the former diys. when parents were in the habit of 
 employing part of every Sabbath day in training their children to 
 this exercise. He was very partial to standard tiicological works. 
 So familiar was he with the writings of \Vitlior>iiii()n and Edwards, 
 that when unable to read for himself, he could name the page con- 
 taining the subject which he wished to have read to him. 
 
 " But if we judge of his estimation of books from liis familiarity 
 with them, we must conclude that the Bible exceeded all ntln i-, fur 
 with no book was he more familiar. The old pocket J>il>le, which 
 h id been his companion since the days of his boyhood, bearing the 
 date of 1783, exhibits signs not only of age, but of faithful use. 
 He had the New Testament almost by heart, and was able at any- 
 time to turn directly to chapter and verse. It was not until late in life 
 that he made a public profession of religi'Hi, tlem-h he had for a long 
 time before manifested a lively interest in ilie ailairs of the church" 
 
 He had been for some time aware nf hi- apiHoaidiing end, and 
 made the most minute preparations for the r )nitni t of his wife after 
 his departure. As illustrative of this kind trait, as well as cf his 
 habits of order, a friend relates that he called to him the man accus- 
 tomed to cart his wood, and directed him after his decease to bring 
 in the wood at a particular gate, to leave it always iii.^ designated 
 place, to have it cut of convenient size, and to give Mrs. Wood as 
 little trouble as possible. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 i 
 
XXI 
 
 His niece says, " lie possessed liis faculties unimpaired to the last, 
 except that the night before he died he was a little flighty. Just hefore 
 he died he called the family around him, but did not address them." 
 
 A friend says, "I was in to see him the morning before he died, 
 lie then appeared to be calm, collected and resigned." 
 
 His decease took place March 2d, 1847, in the 78th year of his 
 age. For some years previously he had been dreadfully troubhvl 
 with the asthma, which often compelled him to sit on his chair all 
 night, and drove him to the use of stimulants as an alleviate. His 
 immediate death was hastened by a severe fall which kept him to 
 his bed for eight months. He is buried in the village of Hunting- 
 ton, in the Old Hill burial ground, which adjoins the Presbyterian 
 parsonage. In this ground, where rest the earliest of the srttlcrsof 
 Huntington, Benjamin Thompson, tlie Tory General (afterward made 
 Count Rumford by the Duke of Bavaria), encamped his troops diir- 
 ing the Revolution, and made sad havoc with the grav e stoiK's, many 
 of which were converted into ovens, and subjected to l>ase uses and 
 wanton destruction. 
 
 His earlier ancestors are buried on a knoll a few nuls north of the 
 old house at West Hills. 
 
 As a statesman he was wise and far-sighted, and no man of his 
 time was more free from party bias or prejudice; as a lawyer, high- 
 ly resp<'rtabl(\ tlinii'^'li liis ability in this department wa-; siilMirdin- 
 atcd \i) lii> i-aii;. 1- a- a politician, and his tastes as a s.-liolar and his- 
 torian. As a liistoriaii he was impartial, patient, induct lious, and 
 devoted to the truth. No man excelled him in lo\e for liis native 
 Island, and no man could have been more careful to leave a reputa- 
 tion which would honor it. 
 
 6 
 
A SKETCH 
 
 OF THE 
 
 OF THE 
 
 SEVERAL TOWNS ON LONG-ISLAND; 
 
 WITH THEIR 
 
 POLITICAL CONDITION, 
 
 TO THE 
 
 EXD OF THE AMERICAN" EEYOLUTIOK 
 
 BY SILAS WOOD. 
 
 A NEW EDITION. 
 
 BROOKLYN, N. Y., 
 
 PRINTED BT ALDES SPOOXER, FULTON-STREET. 
 
 1828. - 
 
ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 The object of the republication of tliis work, is to supply some 
 deficiencies, particularly in relation to the colony government, and 
 the sketch of General Woodhull ; the materials for which were 
 obtained from the Secretary's office. 
 
 A brief statement of the inferior courts on Long-Island has been 
 added in the Appendix, to illustrate the changes of the law relative 
 to them, with the names of the Judges and Clerks, to which I have 
 also added the names of the members of Assembly from the 
 various Counties on Long-Island, from 1691 to 1776. 
 
 I have also given a sketch of the biography of Colonel William 
 Smitii, and William Nicholls, Esqrs., which is identified with the 
 history of that period. 
 
 I embrace this occasion to express my acknowledgments to the 
 Secretary and Deputy Secretary, the Clerk of the Supreme Court 
 at Xew-York, to the Clerks of the several counties and towns on 
 Long-Island, for free access to their offices, and to all those gentle- 
 men who have aided me by their researches, or have contributed to 
 the facts contained in this work. 
 
A SKETCH 
 
 OF THE 
 
 FIKST SETTLEMENT OF LOXG-ISLAND, &c. 
 
 The state of tlie Covntry. 
 
 At tlie time of the lirst f^ettlement of Long-Island, it ap- 
 pears that the western ])art of it, if not the whole, was in a 
 great meusnre bare of timlu-r. 
 
 Tlie Indians here, cverv where else where thev were 
 settled, annually 1»urut over the woods, in order to clear 
 the land, to provide for the deer ami othei' game. 
 
 Tliere are numerous ficts to prove that, at the tinie of 
 the lirst settlement of the l>land, the woo(ls wei'o destitute 
 of underbrush, and that the large trees were so scarce that 
 it was deemed necessary to take measures for their preser- 
 vation. 
 
 The first >ettlcrs in everv town commenciMl tlieir im|trove- 
 ments without any ]>ri'\ ioii> clearing. Tlioy generally en- 
 closeil hirge tract> of land by a eomiiiou feiiee. fur plant- 
 ing, and al>o fir jia-turiiig surh ]iart of their tlock as they 
 did not wi>h to run at large. In lt')4C, the ]>eople of the 
 town of Gravesend, by a vote of the tir>t town meeting, 
 held in the town, ordereil every iidiabitant to make twenty 
 ])oles of fence, to eiu-htse a connnon field of corn ; and in 
 Voted in like manner to make a common pasture for 
 their calves. 
 
 Similar regulations were made in Xewtown. in Hemp- 
 stead, in lluntingti)!!, and ])robably in nio-t. if not all the 
 towns on the Island. In 1<>.'»4. the town of Southold passed 
 a roolntion, that no ]>ei-son should cut trees or sell wood 
 fi'om their common lands, fir ]npe >tave>. or heading, or 
 other purpo>es. to anv person not being a town>nian. with- 
 out thetown"> liberty." In lti:>;t. the town of Huntington, 
 by a vote of town meeting. i-e>olved that no tindier >liould 
 be cut fir sale witliiu three niile> of the >ettlement. under 
 the penalty of fi\-e shilling- fir every ti'ee. In llWid they 
 made an exception of oak timber for }iipe staves ; but in 
 
4 
 
 ir)68tlic mau-istrates, after statiin:- tlioir ap]>reheiifiioiis that 
 the town avus iu danger of Ihmh;!' niinfil l.y the destruction 
 of its timlxM'. ordered that no tiniliei' >hould In' ent, fir trans- 
 ]i'>rtatiun, within three miles of the setth'nieiit, nnder tlie 
 jienalty of live shillinp;s for every tree ; and fm-lud sti'anu;(.'rs 
 cutting!: any timber, within the limits of the tuwu. under 
 the like penalty. 
 
 In Idiio, the town of Oysterbay passed a sinnlar resolu- 
 tion. 
 
 In ItWU, the town of Southam])ton voted that no timber 
 should be made into pipe >ta\i>. tu be carriecl out of the 
 town, under the pcnah\ twenty a tree. 
 
 In KUJS, the town of Newtown \ oted that no one should 
 carry any timber to the water side for tran.-portatiou, un- 
 der the penalty of twenty shillini:- a load. 
 
 The trees in tlie wood^ wvvr ->< thin and spaise, that 
 they aboiuideil witli I'cimK and tlic >t'ttler> depended uu them 
 fir ]ia>tnre Ibr siu-h cattle as were not needed fir domestic 
 l)urposes. 
 
 In 1658 the town of Hempstead employed a herdsman 
 to attend their cattle. There are various resolution- of this 
 town for a series of years, to the sanu- effect. Tliey drove 
 their cattle as far as Cow-Xeck to pa>tiire. and it is sup- 
 posed to have taken its naine from tliat circiiin-taiice.^'' 
 
 In I6G0, the towai of 1 1 iintin--toii. by a \ ote of town meet- 
 ing, ordered that all the yoiiiiu' ami dry catth- belonging 
 to'the town, should be di'iveii to Horx'-Xeck. to ]ia>t)u-e, 
 after tlie second dav lA' .Inin' cii-iiini;'. 
 
 In liii'ii; tow'n of (ir,i\ c-ond cmiiloyed a ]iei'(l>uian 
 to attend their cattle that lain at large, during the >ummer 
 season. 
 
 By neglecting the Indian practice of annual burnings, 
 in a few years young timber and underlirush increased 
 s(_i as to injure the feed in the woods. 
 
 In lii<'i^. the town of Huntington, at a town meeting, 
 voted that every male over sixteen, should a--eiiib]e when 
 warned by the men who were appointed fir that purjiose, to 
 cut dow n liru>h or underwo<id, when it >hould be thought 
 a ht time to de>ti-oy it. Tinder the penalty of five shillings 
 a day fir neglect. 
 
 * The openness of the country was very favorable to the increase of stock, and the great 
 plain around the town of Hempstead is peculiarly so, and their cattle became quite numerous 
 within a few years after the settlement of the town. 
 
 In 165*, the people of Hempstead had S4 ciws, which brought them S2 calves that year. 
 
 In 1059, tlie town consisted of 62 families, and it appears from the accounts of their herds- 
 men for that year, that they had 629 head of cattle of all sorts. 
 
o 
 
 7th October, 1672. The Governor and conrt of assize, 
 h\ an orck^r, after stating that the feed for horses and cattle 
 in the woods on Long-Ishand had decayed by the increase 
 of brush and underwood, directed the inhabitants from six- 
 teen to sixty, to turn out four days in every year, under tlie 
 direction of the town olficers, to cut out the brush and un- 
 derwood, under the penalty of five shillings for every day's 
 neglect. 
 
 In 1674r, the town of Jamaica, by a vote of ti^vn mcoting, 
 resolved that every male upwards of sixteen, >lii)ulil out 
 two days in the year, at the time appointed fur that pur- 
 pose, to cut down brush about the town, under tlie penalty 
 of five shillings for every day's neglect. 
 
 By similar evidence, it appears, that the pine plains were 
 also at the time of the first settlement of the Island, in a 
 great measure unincumbered with underbrush. 
 
 This >tiUe of the country was of iunnense advantage to 
 the fir>t settlers. Had they been obliged to encounter 
 thick forests of large timber, and to wait tlie tardy returns 
 of heavy clearings, the first emigrants would probably have 
 perislied by famine. The openness of the country — the 
 <|uantity of land left imoccupied by the sparseness of tlie 
 Indian population, and tlie rapid growtli and nutritive (jual- 
 ity of the corn found among tlie Iii(b'iUi>, eoutrilmted essen- 
 tially to the preservation, growth, and }>ro>perity of tlie first 
 settlers on Long Island. 
 
 Of the interferuKj clahii-H of the English arid Dutch to 
 LdiKj-Island. 
 
 The English and the Dutch both claimed Long-Island, on 
 the ground of prior discovery. 
 
 On the dis(>overy of America, it seems to have been 
 adopted l>v the maritime nations of Euro]ie, as a part of the 
 conventional law of nations, thtit new discoveries should 
 entire to the nation under who.-e authority they were made.* 
 
 Xorth America from 38 to 5S degrees uf north latitude, 
 
 * The Pope gare Spain and Portugal all the countiirs iiil<,il-itr(i hy infidels wliich they 
 should discover. The other nations of Europe claimed the ti'joyiuint of the same privilege, 
 and for a long tmie the naked discovery of a country, without occupation or settlemeut, fur- 
 nished the ground ol nri i x, In-ive claim to an indetinite portion of the discovered country. 
 The inconvenience md iii|n-h. t- nf this doctrine by degrees lessened its force, till it has, by 
 common consent, tall' n intn niihvKui. In 1790, when the Spaniards, in pursuance of the old 
 doc rine, had seized i!m -lii|.- ei i . reat Britain at Nootka Sound, the ministry proposed an im- 
 mediate resort !(■ I ' I I 1 Mr. Fox in support of the proposed measure, observed, 
 " That in the pre- I age, the absolute claims of territory by a grant from the 
 Pope, is done a\v:e, - i ^ nt of territory by discovery without absolute settlement. The 
 taking possession li\ h mul- a eross, or any such mark of ceremony, is by the good sense of 
 the iiresent tone not admitted, ami that the only ground of light is absolute occupancy." 
 
 It this doctrine had prevailed in 1004, it might have altered the destiny of the Dutch pro- 
 vince of New-Netherland. 
 
6 
 
 was (li>co\c'i'C'(l in l-l-llT. by Sobastiuii Cahot, in the service 
 of tlie Kiiji-lisli, and various Vdvaiivs were made to ditterent 
 parts of the coast Ity Knirllsh na\ iii-ators previous to tlie 
 yeai- ItinO. 
 
 In IdnC. Kino' .lanu's, l.y letters patent, izraiited all that 
 ])art of the continent which lay lictwceii ami 4.^ (le<:;rees 
 of north latitude, to Sir 'riioina< ( ;ate> and othci->. with i)er- 
 nns.-,ion to divide thcniscKi-? into two conipanio, the fir>t 
 to he called the J.oudon company, and the >econd the 
 IMyniouth coui]>any. 
 
 In l<'>n7, tlie J.oiidon company conimeuced a settlement 
 in ^'iri:•il^a. 
 
 In l(>ii;i. tlu' Kini:- ui'anteil a se]tarate patent to tlie first 
 company, cxtciidiiiu.- tVom Point ( 'omfort two hundred miles 
 each way. and in Icii^i'th from >ca to >ca. 
 
 In lG2n. the >amc Kin-- granted a ^epal•ate patent to the 
 second company, hy the name of " the council c>tal»li~lied 
 at Plymouth in the c.iuiity of I )L'von for the plant iiii:', niliiiir. 
 and goveriiinL^- of New I-hi^'hind in America." fir all that 
 part of the continent lyin^ hetweeii 4n and 4'^ dcLi'rees of 
 north latitude, and extcndini:' from si>a to >ea. In vii'tueof 
 this charter, which is u>ually calle(l the New I'jii;laiid pa- 
 tent, the council of JMymoiith i>sued all the >uhoi-dinate 
 patents of the several col<mie> which were i:rantc(l l.i4ore 
 it was surrendered to the crown, to wit. the Plymouth 
 patent in 1623, that of Massachusetts in U!2S, and that of 
 Connecticut, 1631."^ 
 
 The same coni])any. by order of Charles tlie First, on the 
 ±2d of April, in tin-' 11th year of his reiii'n. i>~iied letter> 
 l>atent to William. Earl of Stirlinii'. Secretary of the J\ iiiir- 
 dom of Scotland." for the whole of Lonii--l>la'iid. 
 
 April L'M. in the linh year of Charlo'l.. the Karl of Stir- 
 ling:- e\cciirei| a ]iower of attoi-iiey to .lame- Karret. to >ell 
 and di-|iMM' m| land- on the Uland. and the eai'lie-t pin'chases 
 made liy the Kiii;li>h on the I>land. were made or confirmed 
 by authority derived from lum.f A certiiied copy of this 
 
 * In .Tun.-, the Plvninutti Coiniianv surrendered their ili.iiter to ili.' Crcuvn, and 
 
 l-i- iihiu' ii.l.-.l llMttli,. ,v nl iihti-.x rn.ln-arcd hy il slioilUIlK- .lhi.l.,1 inlM-i iiiinlir,- „f ,,ro- 
 (.-: ■ . , ' pUi'i 'u'a- I'hil ^Hl-i-!. i ) the 
 .ii- . I II,. K,.,_ ,i|.i..,,iil..i| 111.. \rL.lilii~h.i]. ..r ( .,1, ■ .....i -.line 
 
 culnnk.^ : it does not ii|j|)ear that the Hoar. I .'vci- |. r. . I.-. I t . i .■ \ . . ii' .■ II i. ii liujt.and tile 
 
 different parts of the country that had not l.c-en i. ii.. I l.> il.. l'l>in iiiih Company, were 
 
 after that period granted by letters patent of tlif Khi- oi hi- , , . m. n s 
 
 t William Alexander was born in Scotland in irjs i, was l<ni(;lited b.v .lames VI of Scotland, 
 and James 1 of England, 1614; obtained letters patent for Nova Scotia in Itiil, was made 
 Secretary of the Kint'dom of Scotland in 16J0, Peer of Scotland in IftJl), and was created Earl 
 
7 
 
 powev (if attorne^y, taken from the record of Massaeliusetts, 
 is anions;' tlie papers in the office of the clerk of the town 
 of Southampton. 
 
 In 1609, Henry Hudson, an Enghshman in the service 
 of the Dutch, visited and exph;)red the harbor of New- York, 
 and the river which has since been called by his name.* 
 
 In 1611, the merchants of Amsterdam sent out some ships 
 with goods, and opened a trade witli the natives. 
 
 In 1613, the Dutch were visited by the English from 
 Virginia, and submitted to pay an acknowledgment to the 
 crown of England. 
 
 In 1611, tliey received a reinforcement from Europe, 
 erected a fort, and refused to submit to the English. The 
 Eiiglisli in America did not think proper, or were not in 
 a cDiidition to renew their efforts to reduce or restrain the 
 Dutch. 
 
 In 1615, they sailed up the North River and erected a 
 fort on a small island, a short distance below Albany, and in 
 a short time afterwards erected Fort Orange, at Albany, on 
 the spot, as is supposed, where the mansion house of Simeon 
 De Witt, the Surveyor General of the State of New- York 
 now stands. 
 
 In 1621, the States General granted the Dutch West 
 India Company an exclusive right to trade to America fur 
 twenty-four years, with various other privileges. 
 
 The Dutch seem at their first arrival, and for many years 
 afterwards, to have had no other views in visiting the coun- 
 try than to engross the trade with the natives. It does not 
 appear that they had then adopted any plan for the settle- 
 ment and improvement of the country. No serious attempt 
 at colonization appears to have been made till the latter 
 part of Van Twiller's administration, who arrived in 162y, 
 and was succeeded by Kieft in 1638. 
 
 The first purchase of the Indians on Long-Island that 
 has been discovered, was in 1635, and the earliest deed for 
 
 of Stirling in 1633. He obtained a grant for Long-Island in 1635, and died in 1640. He was 
 succeeded by his grandson, who died a few months after him, wlio was succeeded by his uncle 
 Henry, who relinquished the grant of Long-Island to tlie Crown, or to the Duke of York, he- 
 fore the patent to him in 106i, in which it was inserted. The grant of Long-Island, to Lord 
 Stirling, and the relinquishment of it to the Crown or to the Duke of York by his heirs, is re- 
 cognized in the patent of Governor NicoU to Constant Sylvester and Nathaniel Sylvester for 
 Shelter Island, 3lst May, 1666. 
 
 * According to De Laet, Adrian Block, in 1614, sailed from New-Amsterdam, (now New- 
 Yorkj through the Sound to Cape Cod, and visited the intermediate coast and Islands. If so, 
 he was the first who ascertained that Long-Island was separated from the main. In l(jl'.', 
 Thoma< Dermer, in sailing from New-England to Virginia, passed through the Sound and con- 
 firmed the discovery of Adrian Block. In his journal he states, "we found a most dangerous 
 cataract among small rockey Islands, occasioned by two unequal tides, the one ebbing and 
 flowing two hours before the others." 
 
 8 
 
8 
 
 liuid to individuals, a ])at(_'Jit from Governor Tan Twiller 
 to Aiidrics Iledden and AVolplicrt (lai-ritscn, for a tract of 
 land in Anicrsfort, or Flatlands, liearing date of (Itli June, 
 
 1 6;5(;. 
 
 Jn 1043, Governor Kieft states that tlie Duteli settlements 
 at tliat time, only extended In miles east and wt-st. and 
 seven miles north and south. 
 
 The first mention made of cattle, is a distrihution made 
 l)y Van Twiller in KVdS.f Jtctnie this pei-iod, the Dutch 
 estahlishments seem to have heeii ininciiially, if not purely 
 cdinmci-cial, and were )>i-(ihaiily under the superintendence 
 t>Y a t'acfdr or (•oninifrrial au'cnt. 
 
 It seems tiiat the chums of the Dutch were not limited 
 to any detiiute portion of the country, and that they ex- 
 tended their claim M-ith their purchases and setth^ments. 
 
 In (iovei-nor Stuyvesant complains to the directors 
 
 of the AVe>t India ( 'onijiaiiy. that they wci-c without a patent 
 to support their claim. The J)utch, in order to extend 
 their claims to as much of the country as possible, at an 
 early period made a purchase on the Delaware, and in 
 1C33 on Connecticut river, and claimed the whole country 
 between those two rivers. 
 
 The English a few months afterwards, also nnide a ])ur- 
 chase on Connecticut river, and erected a hou>c a fcM- miles 
 above Fort Hope, which had shortly before been erected 
 by the Dutch. The Knudish commenced a scTtlcincnt at 
 S'aybrook in 1635, at Ilartfoi'd in K;:".!'.. and at .\c\\-ila\en 
 in 1038, and continued to extend their settlement> we>tward 
 until they met the Dutch in Stamford, in 104U. 
 
 Of the Sriflem. nt of thr hhtn<l. 
 
 IJoth powers endeavoiire(| to >ti-cni:thcn their resjjective 
 claims to the Island by extending their >ettlements there. 
 
 The two extremities of the i>land were first settled; the 
 west end under tlie Dutch, and the east end under the Eng- 
 lish. 
 
 The several settlements under the two ])owers M ere neaidy 
 cotemporary, and were all commencei.l within the com])ass 
 of tbi-ty years. 
 
 Jioth the Dutch and English territories on Long-Island, 
 Avei-e settled by villages or towns, nor was there any combi- 
 
 t .lune 4th, 1B38, Governor Van Twiller let George Uapalje have two cows for four years 
 then to be returned with half their increase, with the exception of a heifer, w hich he cim- 
 sented should he retained as a present to one of the daughters of Rapalje. This seeius to 
 bave been a coiinuon mode of furnisliing the settlers with stocl<. 
 
9 
 
 nation of tlie^e into counties Lefore the conquest of tlie 
 English in 166-1. 
 
 I'lie extent of the towns in the English territorv, and of 
 the English towns in the Dutch territory, was regulated Itv 
 the extent of their Indian purchases. The extent of the 
 Dutch Towns was ])rohal)ly regulated by the extent of their 
 grants from the (iovernoi-. 
 
 In the Dutch towns it seems that the lands were gene- 
 rally purchased hy the (loveriior, and were hy him gi-aiitcd 
 to individuals. In the English towns in the Dntcli tci'ri- 
 tory, the lands were generally ])urchased of tlic iialivo bv 
 the settlers, with tlic consnit of tlie Dutch (iovfiMior ; and 
 in the towns undei- the Englisli, the lands were pui-chased 
 of the natives hy the settlers, (U-iginally witli tlie consent 
 of the agent of the Earl of Stirling; and after his death, 
 the ]»ur(']iases of the Indians were made by the }>eople of 
 the >c\eral towns for theii' comnnm benefit. 
 
 In cases of grants to companies by the Dutch (lovernor. 
 the lands wei'e diviiled by lot ; and in all cases of pur- 
 chase, the rights of individuals were deemed to ])e in pro- 
 jiortion to their coiitrilnition to the purchase, or to the patent 
 by M hicli it was confirmed. 
 
 A single family of Erench protestants seems to have set- 
 tled on the Island in the vicinity of Xew-York, as early as 
 
 * The first purchase of Southold was made under the authority of New-Haven, and the 
 purchase of Kasthampton was made by the Governor of New-Haven and Hartford, and the 
 laii(l> were afterwards conveyed to the respective settlers of the two towns. 
 
 Lynn (lanliuer was the sole proprietor of Gardiner's Island. Shelter Island was purchased 
 hy .lames Karrett, and after some intermediate conveyances in Ifi 56, became vested in Na- 
 thaniel Sylvester, Con.stan' Sylvester, and Thomas Middleton. Constant Sylvester resided in 
 Barbadoes, and Thomas Mitldleton in En^'land. During the period of the Dutch power, on 
 the reconi|uest of the colony, the Dutch Governor, on the 2Sth April, 11)74, by a formal act 
 confiscated tlie rights of those two gentlemen, as public enemies, and on the '-'sth of August, 
 soM ihe saiiir to Nathaniel Sylvester for £500, for which he gave his bond. When it was ascer- 
 tained lliat llie Dutch must shortly leave the country, it appears, from a recital in the will of 
 ?;ailiaiiicl Sylvester, dated in 1071*, reciting the confiscation and bill of sale, that the Go-Jernor 
 sent a >hip u itli fifty soldiers to Shelter Island, to collect the money due on the said bond. 
 They lande.l ■m the Is'.and, surrounded the house of Nathaniel Sylvester, and compelled him 
 tn pay them the amount of the bond. Sinithtown was given to Lyon Gardiner by Wyandance, 
 in 1 li.V.i by whom it was sold to Richard Smith, in 16(53, and was confirmed by the Nissa<iuague 
 
 William Nicolls was the original purchaser and sole jiroprietor of tlie greater part of Islip. 
 Eaton's Neck was given to Governor Katon by the Intlians, and Winthrop's patent in like 
 manner to Governor Winthrop. Exclusive of Judge Smith's jiurchases, and a few others, the 
 other lands in the several towns in Sufi ilk County were iiurchased by the first settlers in 
 common. 
 
 The lands in the occupancy of the Indians in the town of Southampton and Easthampton. 
 belong to those towns respectively. The Indians have only a usufi uctuary property in them. 
 
 The peninsula of Montauk contains about OOOO acres, 1500 of which are timber, and lOiio 
 water. It is divide! into three fields; the first, or common lot, contains <iC 10 acres, the other 
 two 12fl0 each. The Indians occupy one or other of the smaller fields as they choose, from 
 the time of planting to the time of gathering corn, and have a right to keep fifty-two head of 
 cattle or horses. The whole is divided into Ihirly-eiglit shares ; each share entitles the pro- 
 prietor to put fifty si-v head of cattle into tlie coinnion field, the first week in April, and on the 
 first of .lune to put twelve of the fifty-six into the fatting field. The fat cattle are taken away 
 the first of November, and others the first of December. One horse is deemed eiiuivalent to 
 two cattle, or four calves, or seven sheep. 
 
10 
 
 1(>2.'). Tn a family rccoi-d in tlii^ liand^; of (reii. .lolinson of 
 P>iM(>I<lyii. it is stiiti'd tliMt the tir>r child of (Te(>r«j;c' .lanseii 
 Dc Ka'paljc. was l)oni at the \Vanal)ojiht tliat year; and 
 it i> a ti'adiliiiii anitniii- the; Dutfli tliat this was the first 
 w hite ehihl that was \tnv\i un the IshuuL 
 
 Tiiis family, and iH'i'ha|i- a tew other-, may have thus 
 early located themselves on the >hoi'c> of the Island oi)j)o- 
 site New- York, hut it is suiniosed that very few emigrants 
 had yet arrived in the Dutcli territ(jries, whose object was 
 the cultivation of the soil. The earliest deed for land in the 
 town of P)rook!vn. is a ^-rant to Aliraliam R\-eken in 1<">-")S ; 
 and the earlie-t' d.'cd on record, i. a -rant to Thonia> I'.es- 
 k(.'i\ in the \cai' H>o'.t. and the eai'liot ^rant for lands in 
 Ivin--- county that has lieen (li>co\-ei'e( 1. \\a> in li;;'.t;. 
 
 Thi- nin-t lie coii>ideri'd a> the connnencemeiit of the 
 Dutch settlement- on Long-island. There is no evidence 
 that any dii'ect and systematic efforts were made for this 
 })urpose, till this period. 
 
 In 1641, tlie Dutch Governor and Council, in order to 
 strenfrthen their claim to the Island, consented that the 
 Knglish should settle there tinder their jurisdiction, on tak- 
 iiiu' the oath of allei:-iance to the States General, and the 
 Dntch West India Com]>any. 
 
 The town of Gravesend, in Kings county, and the several 
 towns of Hempstead, Fln>hing. Jamaica, and Xewtown 
 in Queens County, wei-e originally settled hy Englishmen 
 on these condition> : The other towns in King> ( 'onnty 
 were settled by the Dutch, and all the other towns on the 
 Island were settled nndei' the Kiigli>h. 
 
 The first settlement under the English was made l)y 
 Lyon Gardiner, on Gardiner's Island, in 1039, under a pur- 
 chase made by hiui of the natives, which was confirmed by 
 James Farret, agent of the Earl of Stirling, in ir.lO. 
 
 In October, 1640, the people of Southold conimencecl a 
 settlement on a tract of land wdiicli had been pnrcliased of 
 the native> by the goxcrnment of New-llaven. 
 
 In May. lt;4i). the EnghVh attempted to make a settle- 
 ment on a ti'art ,,t' land on the ea>t side of Great jSTeck. or 
 on the we>t -idr ,,]'( \,w Nrck. in the town of North Ileni])- 
 stead, on the north -ide ot'the Island, which had been pur- 
 chased of the nati\c> by Daniel llow, nndei' an agreement 
 with the agiMit of the Earl of Stirling; but were prevented 
 l)y Ivieft, the ])utch (iovernor, ami the settlers removed to 
 Southampton, purchased a tract of land of the natives, and 
 
11 
 
 commenced a settleiiiciit tlierc in December, 1G40, which 
 was the foundatiiH] uf tli.it town." 
 
 In lOli^ tlie Eni;-iisli aiiceil a?; far as Oysterhay, within 
 tlie tract pnrchased by Captain How, and were broken np 
 by tlie Dntch Governor. 8o]ne of tlie En^b'sli ]ilanters 
 were >eiz('(l and imprisoned, and others driven from their 
 
 Tlic line of division between the respective territories of 
 tlie two p. iwers was a constant sonrce of contention between 
 them, and the })nbhc harmony was interrupted by mntnal 
 complaints ef encroachments on Long-Island, as well as ou 
 the main. 
 
 It was at length attempted to put an end to these com- 
 plaints, and to secure peace and quiet on the borders, by 
 detinitix ely settling the boundaries between their respective 
 territories. 
 
 May 19, 16i3, the four New-England colonies, Plymouth, 
 ]\Iassachu^(■tts, IFai-ttord, and Xc'w-IIaven, formed a union 
 fir their niutual M'curity. and the protection of the settle- 
 ments that were ceiineeted w ith them. 
 
 Public affairs were transacted by two commissioners from 
 each colony. All controversies between the English and 
 th(^ Dutch-' were from that period, on the part of the Eng- 
 li-^li. ni:iii:ii;-ed hv the commissu>ners ot the muted colonies. 
 
 - Wv M, ;, 1. I P 111 i.. aiing date ITtti April. 1W'1. .Tames Farret, agent of the Earl of Stir- 
 in, III 'i.iii . i I'm I I I [iiw. Job Payne, and orlin^ m n- a-*ociates, to purchase lands and 
 
 I ' I iiiL'-IsIand. "with as i-ii r . niierty botli in church order and 
 
 n I 11 - I I j.lantations in Massarl-i : I 
 
 i.i .;i,,i .iji •'.•luent. Daniel How >li.iii\ i . kmiIl- a purchase of the natives on 
 
 tin •■wiiicii rvtiMided from the eastfiii |i.irt ..i (i, -terliav. to the western part of a 
 
 bav called alter him. How's bay. to the middle of the plains, being half the breadth of the 
 Lslanil." and immediately commenced a settlement m the western part of said purchase. May 
 l:^ IHto Governor Kiett sent Cornelius \ an Tienhoven. the Secretary, the under sheriff, a 
 sergeant and tufaitv live soMiers. to Scout's bay. to break up the said settlement. The party 
 set out tin- I Ith :ni i I n 1 1 1 1 1 1 ■ ■ I 1 1 1 e 1 .5t.h. 'I'liev found the company, consisting of eight men 
 
 and a " in «■ . , : III : ,iiii had ei'ected one house, ana were engaged in erecting 
 
 another 'III,. I HI )M n . 1,1 the men with them to the Governor, to wit, Job Sayre, 
 
 (.;enrf.'H W.ll- .Inlni t.n iiiLinn, I'Inlip Cartland. Nathaniel Cartland. and AVilliara Harcher, 
 whoni lie coiilined. and e-\.imiiied on oath. Ou e.\amination. it appeared that they came from 
 Lynn near Boston, and were brought to the Island bv .Tames Farret. in a vessel commanded 
 bv Daniel How. both of whom had returned to New-Haven. On the tilth these men, on sign- 
 ing an agreement to leave the place, were dismissed. 
 
 How's bav was the same as Scout's bay. and is the bay between Cow Neck and Great Neck, 
 and so called in the ancient deeds for land adjoining it. Martin Garretson s bay is the bay 
 between Gi-eat Neck and Little Neck, and is the boundary between Flushing and North 
 Hempstead. , . 
 
 The settlement, tlierefore, must have been on the east side of Great Neck, or the west side 
 of Cow Neck, and probably at the latter place. After their settlement at How's bay was 
 broken up, Daniel How and his associates went to Southampton, contracte t with the natives 
 for the purchase of a tract of land there, and advanced them some part of the consideration 
 to secui'e the bargain. 
 
 December 13, lti4i), they settled the paynn at nf Ihr 1 1 maining part of the considei-ation, 
 obtained a deeil for the land, and comineiicil Hu h settleineiit. They held their first town 
 meeting the tilli of Api-il, 164), and their town iiieetiiins are regularly recorded fi'om that 
 period. 
 
 The acknowledgn>ent to the Earl of Stirling, or his heiis, was fixed by Governor ■V\'inthrop, 
 of Boston, in 1041, according to an agreement with James Farret, at four bushels of Indian 
 corn, payable the last day of September, annually, at Southampton. 
 
 9 
 
12 
 
 A troiit v for tlic adjustment of differences, and the settle- 
 ment of l)oun(laries between tlie two jxiwers, was nef;-ociated 
 hy Mr. I'.radstrect. of Ma<sac!iu>etts, and Mr. Prince, of 
 Plymouth, oil tlu^ |i,ii't oftlic ( \)iiiini->ioiiers, and by Thomas 
 W'illet and (icoi'-v I'.aMn-. uii tlic part of the Dutch Gov- 
 ernor, at Hartford, tliL' I'.Hh of Septend)er, 1650. 
 
 By that treaty it was mutually airi'eed, with regard to 
 the boundaries between the two powers on Long-Island, 
 " That a line run from the Avestermost part of Oysterbay, 
 and so a straight and direct line to the sea, shall be the 
 bounds betwixt the English and Dutch there. The east- 
 erly part to belong to the English, and the westermost to 
 the Dutch." 
 
 "NVlien Oysterbay came to be settled by the English, a 
 di>pute arose between tliem and the Dutch Gover)U)r, 
 respi'ctiii-- till' w (■stcniio>t limit- of rlic bay ; and this, with 
 the delay of the Stato (iciici'al to i-atily tlic treaty, fiir- 
 iiislied the Diiteli (iowruor with a [uvtext foi- not fultilliiig 
 it. 
 
 In 1659, the directors of the West India Company 
 ordered the Dutch Governor to ei'i'ct a fort, or to build a 
 block-house on their ea>r lia\, in onlei' the more effectually 
 to resist the encroachnieiit> of the Kniilir-li. 
 
 In 1661, the Governoi' infornuMl them that lie had not 
 begun the fort on Long-l>laiid, near < )y>terl)ay. liecause 
 our neighl)Ours lay the boundarle- a mile and a lialf more 
 ■\ver>terly than w^e do ; and the more a> your lioiioui'> are 
 not iiicriiied to stand to the treaty of 1 1 artford." aii<l al- 
 though the treat\' \\a- ratitied hv tlu' State- (ieiieral tlie 
 22d i el.niary. I(i:>t;, yet it >eeiii- 't hat the (.ovenior never 
 ■wiiolly relincpiisiied his claim of jurisdiction over that 
 town, or a part of it. 
 
 In June, 1656, the commissioners of the Piuted Colonies, 
 ill answer to a communication of the Dutcli (iovernoi-, re- 
 i)roach him witli still continuing to ehiim ( )ysti'rl)ay, in vio- 
 lati(m of the treaty of Hartford. 
 
 These di>]'utes involved the people of Oysterbay in much 
 dithculty and pei'ple.xity. To avoid giving ott'eiiee to one 
 power or the othei', and to M-eiire peace and ipiictno-, they 
 were com])elle(l tooli>erve a kind of neutrality betw een the 
 conten<liiig ]iai'tics. 
 
 Deeeinln'i- .Hi. 1660, they resolved by a vote of the j^eople 
 in Town meeting, that no p)erson should intermeddle to pint 
 the town either under tlie Dutch or English, iintil the dif. 
 
13 
 
 fei-ence between tliem should be ended, under the penalty 
 of £50 sterling. 
 
 January 8, 1662, they seem to have taken a more decisive 
 part. They avowed their allegiance to the King of Eng- 
 land, and resolved to defend any one who should be molested 
 for exercising authority among them, at their common ex- 
 lK'U>e. 
 
 It is presumed that this town about this period, united 
 with the other Euglish towns on the Island east of Hemp- 
 stead, in tlieir voluutary submission to the jurisdiction of 
 Connecticut. 
 
 Of the order in which the several Towns on the Island 
 ■were settled. 
 
 Tlie time of the settlement of the English towns, is to be 
 collected tVom the dates of their respective purchases of the 
 iiativc>. ami that of the Dutch towns tVom tlio grants of the 
 (lov enior, or from the original rcc-ords of their respective 
 ]irocee<liiigs. From these, it a}iiiears that the first settle- 
 ment of the several towns on the Island, was commenced at 
 
 or near the time, and iu the order following : 
 
 Brooklyn, - 1636 
 
 Flatlands, originally Amersfort, - - 1636 
 
 Gardiners' Island, 1639 
 
 Southold, - 1640 
 
 Southampton, 1640* 
 
 Hempstead, 1644 
 
 Graveseud, ------ 1645 
 
 Flushing, originally Vlusshingen, - - 1645 
 
 East Hampton, ----- 1648 
 
 Flat Bush, originally Midwout, - - - 1651 
 
 Shelter Island, 1652 
 
 Huntington, ------ 1653 
 
 Oysterbay, - 1653 
 
 Brookhaven, ------ 1655 
 
 i^ewtown, originally Middleburgh, - 1655. 
 
 Jamaica, originally Rustdorpe, - - - 1656 
 
 New-Utrecht, ----- 1657 
 
 * Although a few settlements were first made by individuals in the Dutch territories, it was 
 some years before the number was sufficient to require any political organization. Brooklyn, 
 thelatgestof the Dutch villages, did not choose regular magistrates till 16i6, though some 
 kind of authority was established there before. On the contrary, Southold and Southampton 
 were settled by regular organized societies, governed from their ori^n by laws and magis- 
 trates, with regular churches. A house for public worship was erected at Southampton pre- 
 vious to 1645, the first in the Dutch towns was commenced in 1654 ; so that although there were 
 a few settlers in Brooklyn and Flatlands before 16411, they did not become towns till some 
 years after ; and the towns of Southold, Southampton, and probably Eastliampton, were some 
 years in advance of them in numbers, in orgiuization, and social improvements. 
 
14 
 
 P,u>lnvick. ....... ir.OO 
 
 Sinitlituwii, imS 
 
 isiii), _ - - mm 
 
 Till' lands ill tlie several towns in Kinij,s County were 
 ]>iircliase<l hy the Dutch Governor, or with his consent, and 
 it is j>re.-unied wholly of the Canarsee tribe of Indians. 
 
 Jamaica was purchased of the Canarsee and Uockaway 
 tribes. 
 
 Xewtowu was principally purchased of the liockaway 
 Indians. 
 
 Fliishinj^- was ]iurchasc<l by tlic Dutch Governor, it is bc- 
 lievech of "the Matinccoc tril')c ol' Indians. 
 
 Oysterbay was purclia^ed of the Matinecocs. 
 
 Hempstead was purchased of the Kockaway, Merikoke 
 and Marsapeafjue tribes. 
 
 II untiiiiiton \\ as purchased of the Matinecoc, Marsapeague 
 anil Si'caraiiii' tribe. 
 
 Smith Town wa>. by the ^roiitanh sachem, "Wyandance, 
 given to Lyon ( Tardli'ici'. wli- ^hl it to Kidiard' Smith, to 
 whom it wa- conriniird by the X i--a(|naL;uc ^a(•hcnl. 
 
 Brookhaven was purchased of the Satanket and Patchogne 
 tribes. 
 
 South Ohl was luircha^cd of the Gorchaugs. 
 
 Soiuh Hampton iiur.-l.a-i (I df the Sliinecoe tribe. 
 East Hampton wa- purcha>r(l of the Shinecoc, Corchaug. 
 Manha~>cr. and Montaidv tribc>. 
 
 Shelter i>land was purchased of the Manhasset tribe. 
 Of Tnide. 
 
 On the lirst settlement of the Island the snrjihis ])roduce 
 was wanted by the new -cttl.'i-- : iluring this ]icriod they had 
 ■little trade but among l licm-rl\ c-, money wa> \cry >carce. 
 contracts were made in |ii-oducc. and ^n^ine^s wa^ carried on 
 by barter and exchange- ; eoutraet- for the sale of land as 
 well ar- others were made in pro(hice. 
 
 + Some confusion exists in the dates of this period, and an event may have taken place a 
 year before or a year after it is stated to have happened, but the error in time can rarely 
 exceed a y ar. 
 
 When II ■• ••••mi i';..n l.\ II. •• .•l,ri-ii:in era wa- iiitr.^.ln>->-<I. II •.nim<'iir.^m.'(if i.f Hip year 
 
 was ■ •. ir- i' ■•' Mil ■ ! •■, ! ,. 'i ,1- I . 1 - u the 
 
 25th cii ■ ! . I I ■ I • ■ ■ ■ r .tvie 
 
 •in IT."^" ;i, , I , i; .-,,■■.••,... ,.„..„ out 
 
 i.r II •• : . . • . . ,• .1 : I'l , ,: . I , , • : i • • • , i I eb- 
 
 .••■ ^ . :.■ . I :.-,^whO 
 
 I i . ■•• , I . 'i I;. ;..i I : 111. I iiiir, il l.ail I'.Tii n-iial, l.i |.r. -i-l'X a •a.rres- 
 
 p"ii'l' I ••-•■III I.I 1,1 ]■ haiii iils, In \ .' a double dalt- trnin the ]>t of January 
 
 to til. I iiiis Fehniarv tlie ^Ui, IT/l, was written February the Sth, 17«)-, the 
 
 omis.-i : lu.ber would cause an error of a year. w 
 
15 
 
 In 1658, the town of Trcin]i>tea(l au'reed to pay tlie herds- 
 men Avho attriKU'il tlicir cattlr, t\vcl\L' .shilliui>s sterling a 
 week, payable in butter, wlieat, corn and oats, at stipulated 
 prices. 
 
 In 1659, the same town allowed six bushels of corn for 
 killing a wolf. 
 
 In lf;:i'.t, till' town of East Hampton, agreed to give Tho- 
 mas .laiiio, their ^Minister, £60 a year, " in such pay as men 
 raise, as it jia—c- fi-uni man to man." 
 
 In ir>r,;;, the town of Jamaica, contracted with Zachariali 
 Walkei'. tbi'ii' iiiini>tcr, to give him £60 a year, payable in 
 Avheat and coi-ii, at ti\c(l [jrici-. 
 
 In 1 <',64. tlic tow 11 of ( ;nive>end, contracted to give a man 
 and his a->istaiit, 6U0 guilders, to guard their cattle tliat run 
 at large during the sununer season, to be paid in "bacon and 
 corn.'' 
 
 In 1670, tlie people of ISTewtown, agreed to give 10 shil- 
 h'ngs a ]iieco, towards erecting a meeting honse, to be paid 
 " half in corn and lialf in cattle." 
 
 Ill lil^O, the town of Huntington contracted with a car- 
 ])enter to make an addition to their meeting house, to be 
 paid in produce at stijnilated prices. 
 
 In 16SO. the town of South Hampton agreed to give 
 Joseph Tayl.)r. their minister, the use of the ]>arsoiiage, four 
 acres in their ox pasture, one-fiftieth in the cumnionage, and 
 one hundred acres woods. Also, a yearly salary of £100, 
 ])ayable.in winter wheat at five shillings a bushel, summer 
 w iK'at at four shillings a bushel, Indian corn at two shillings 
 and >ix-pence a bushel, tallow at six-pence per pound, green 
 hides at three-pence, dry iiides at six-pence per pound, beef 
 at f M'ty shillings the barrel, pork at £3 10 the barrel, or three- 
 pence the pound, whale bone at eight pence the pound, and 
 oil at thirty shillings the barrel ; to be collected by the con- 
 stable and overseers, or by men to be appointed by them. 
 
 In 1682, the town of Hempstead agreed to give Jeremiah 
 Hobart, their minister, the use of the parsonage, and three 
 or four acres of land, the use of the coiuinon for his cattle, 
 and to give him one hundred acres of land where he chose 
 to take it up, and a yearly salary of £66, 11, payable in corn 
 and cattle. 
 
 Debts wore discharged — executions satisfied, and rates 
 paid in }iroduce. The rate at which produce was taken in 
 payment of debts, was, the price which the merchants gave 
 for the like articles at the time. 
 
 10 
 
16 
 
 In 1654, tlie niaoistrates of East irainpton onloi-od tliat 
 the town rates slioiild he paid in wheat at four s]iilliii<;'s juid 
 six-peneeper buslicd, and Indian corn at three shillinj^s and 
 six-pence. 
 
 In 1665, tlie town eonrt of Jamaica, in an action of tres- 
 ]>ass, <ja\e judniiicnt in favor of the ]ilaintitf for twelve 
 •bnsliels and an lialf ot wheat foi- ins daniuucs. 
 
 In 1(!T'.*, tlie town coui-t of lluntini;ton tiave jndn'inent 
 that the defendant should pay the deht demanded m " good, 
 uiercluintable pay, at the (current ])i-ice."' 
 
 In 1680, the same coui-t <;av(> judgment for the deht, and 
 the Constable sol< I a ln>ii>eitni| lu't . ,n execiit i. m \nv L'ln, 10, 
 to be ])ai(l in " mer'cliant.-dile pay at the eiiia'ent price." 
 
 Executions issuing- out of the court of >e»ioii>, were also 
 levied in jn'oduee, but it \\a> a|i]>rai>ed hy inditi'erent men, 
 chosen hy the ])artie< or appointecl liytlie -heritf, when it 
 Avas deli\-ei-ed to the plaintiff In >at i-i'acl ion of hi> indiiiiient. 
 
 The prices of pi-oduce ivceivahle tor county rates, were 
 generally tixed by the (iovernur ami court of assi/e, hut 
 were sometimes submitted to the court of ses>ions, suhject to 
 the revision and apjtroliation of the (iovcruoi-. 
 
 In 1665, the A»e»oi-s of the r-e\ei-al towns were ordered 
 by law to estimate stock at the following rates : 
 
 A horse or mare, 4- years old and uj)ward, £12 <• 
 Do. do. 3 and 4 - - - 8 
 
 Do. do. 2 and 3 - - - 4 (» (» 
 
 Do. do. 1 and 2 - - - 3 (i 
 
 An ox or bull 4 years old and upward, - 6 
 
 A cow 4 years old and upward, - - 5 (» 
 
 A j-tet-r or heifer between 3 and 4 - 4 <» 
 
 Do. do. 2 and 3 - - 2 10 O 
 
 Do. do. 1 and 2 - 1 10 
 
 A goat one A'ear old, . - - - 8 
 
 A sheep, do. 6 8 
 
 A swine, do. - - - - - - 10 
 
 In 1679, the prices fixed at wliich produce should be re- 
 ceived for county rates Avere as follows : 
 Pork, - - - - - - £0 3 per Ih. 
 
 P,eef, - - - - - - 2 do. 
 
 AVinter wheat, - - - - 4 i)er bushel 
 
 Sunmier do. - - - - 3 6 do. 
 
 Eye, - - - - - - 2 6 do. 
 
 liulian corn, - - - - 2 3 do. 
 
 Oil, - - - - - - 1 10 per barrel. 
 
17 
 
 Contract prices of various articles 
 
 per barrel, or 
 do. 
 (» per bushel. 
 « do. 
 6 per lb. 
 4 do. 
 2 do. 
 
 from 1055, 
 o per lb. 
 2 do. 
 (» per bushel 
 
 'xl per 
 2d (],.. 
 
 lb. 
 
 In 1687, the ])rices of produce receivable for taxes were us 
 follows : 
 
 Pork, - - - £3 10 
 
 Beef, - - - 1 10 
 
 Wheat, - - - 5 
 
 Indian corn, - - 2 
 
 Tallow, - - -00 
 
 Dry hides, - - 
 
 Green, - - -00 
 
 to 1081 
 
 do. 
 do. 
 d... 
 per lb. 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 per week. 
 per meal. 
 2 j)er night. 
 2 ]ier muii". 
 <» for a day ;iiid 
 per (lav. 
 
 Poi-k, . - - - £0 
 Beef, - - - - 
 Wheat, from - - - 
 Eye, - - - - 
 Corn, - - - - 
 Oats, - - - - 
 Butter, ----() 
 Tallow, - - - - (I 
 IIoiTs' tat, - - - - 
 Board, - - - - 
 Victuals, - - - - 
 Lodging, - - - 
 Beer, ....{) 
 
 Pasture,- - - - o 1 (» fm- a dav ;iiid ni-ht. 
 
 Labour, 
 
 The ])ractice of paying in produce continued unti 
 the year 170(1 ; when trade had rendered money plriity, and 
 introduced it into general circulation. 
 
 Of the Character of the first Settlers in the several EiujUsh 
 towns on Lninj-hhiud . 
 
 The English towns on the Lland, both on the Dutch and 
 English territories, were settled by companies of individuals, 
 the most of whom hail Hist laiidni in >oiiic ])artof Xewd'hig- 
 land ; but had remained there only ; 
 in some iii>tances t liaii w a^i iiece>-a i' 
 for a |iei-iiiaiieiit re.-ideiice, and to to 
 ciatioiis adeipiate to tiie coiiiineiicei 
 
 The tir^t settler^ of S.,iith<i|(l. re; 
 Kew Haven. Tho-e nt' Soiithaiii] 
 were some time at Lviin. The ik 
 
 >iiorr rime, iirrie longer 
 to >ele<-t a pi-.^per place 
 111 tlieiii>el\ e.-^ into assu- 
 eiit ot' new M'tt lements. 
 laiiied a .-hort time at 
 loll and Mastham])ton, 
 '[lie of Ilenip.-tead had 
 
 made a sIkuI stay tlist at Wetlieistield, and a-aiu at Stam- 
 ford l»efore they tixed themseKo in those respective towns. 
 The tirst settlers of Easthampton cai7ie from Maidstone, 
 
18 
 
 in Kent. Tlie first eiettlers of Sontluvinpton and of IFein])- 
 stciui. were jtrobably the most of tlieni from Yorksliire ; and 
 llie lirst settlors of most of tlio otli(M" towns, seem to have 
 lieen collections composed of individuals fi'om almost everv 
 part of Eno-laiid. 
 
 "^riiese coiiipaiiics in most of the towns, consistetl at first 
 of only a few liimilic^. 
 
 'J'he first -rt 1 lenient of Kastliampton was commenceil by 
 nine families ; ut' Snntliainpton. hy foni'teeii ; of llnntiiigton, 
 liy eleven ; and ut' ( )y>terliay. by ten ; but in all these eases, 
 theeompany in advance wa> iinnuMlialely followed by others, 
 and the settlements incivased bv the con>tant accession of 
 
 new comers. •• 
 
 The .M-i-iiial >ettler> ill mu-t uf the Kn-dish towns, both 
 ill the hutch and l']]i:;-li-li territoi-ie>, were principally Eng- 
 lish Indepeiident> or i're>byteriaii>. and partook of the s])irlt 
 and temper, which at the time of tlieii- emigration, eharae- 
 terizi'd that (das> of men in Kn-land. 
 
 Many of the fiist settlers in the >cveral towns on the 
 Island, were well educated, and sensible men — they had sus- 
 tained a good -tanding in society, and left reputable con- 
 ueetions in Kngland. 
 
 The early records and public documents of the several 
 towns, evince that the leading men among them had a cor- 
 rect knowledge of the laws and constitution of Kngland. and 
 were well ac(piainted with public bn>iiies>. 
 
 Tlu'y left Kngland during the tui'bulent time-, in the reign 
 of Cha'rio the Kirst ; when both ci\ il and ivligious liberty, 
 wi're prostrated by the illegal and tyrannical e\ten>ioii of 
 the royal prerogative, and by the intolerance of the estab- 
 lished Chui'cli. supported the one by the >tar chamber, and 
 the otIiiM- b\ the lii-h (•.>mmi~~ioned' c(.)urt. before the al)oli- 
 tion of thoe engine- ot arbitrary power. + 
 
 * In lij.ii. in foulh iriiijiii"!., iIm r.' « nv ... « r .inns iii ihr Miiitiii, .-iiMl drew powder 
 
 from the inHf;azine, on an ;,larin i-l l.i tin- li-tilr ..( ih,^ Mm, tank Indians. 
 
 In lii.i'.i. Ill ii. iiMi>h-a'i. iiu ii; \w If I..' hi au.^ ol laiuilii s uiio i-niii rai'i r.i wiMi me herdsmen 
 to atten.l tli.-ir mttlr. 
 
 In iii^i. in iiniiiiiiL n II in. i,' were &4 enrolleu on the assessment hst. the chief of whom, 
 
 prObllliU . v> iTi' In .nK ..1 l.iinilifs. 
 
 In in- I in I n, Mm n,n , 111, iL' wfie il freonoluers who shared in the second division of the 
 
 lands ill II: ,1 i..;u, 
 
 ' In, 11, ,■ iMiinhri- inniiir.',! t,, la];,, iiic oaiii of allegiance to the neniy 
 ! 1. l;i- l.lMi -I. n iilm^li l laHaii,!.-. l^. Itrecht41, GravesendSl, 
 
 ' .ilil- n. .nlnni 111,. (•,.i,..iii,iiini: ,.| il,.. |-I.ni...|i nf FnKlaiid, in 15S1 
 
 estaoi 
 Jail 
 Bu3h\ 
 
 It I 
 
 consianin n.ii la^s, a h\ in,, iiisi s ini. 1111.11- non -rciiiloi iiiitv ; ami siiiiiiussinii lo ti 
 
 tjiiscopal lyranny was enforced uy the nigli coiiiiiiissioiied Conn. 
 This Court, with the Star Chamber, was abolished in 1W2. and these persecution 
 
19 
 
 Tlieylled from tyranny and opi>rt'ssion, and \vere ardently 
 (lev(it(_'<l to tlie cause of civil lil)erty. and zealous for the 
 ])urity an<l siniplicitv of tlie I'rototaiit rcliii'ioii — thev were 
 zealous of their rii;-hts and re>olute in thcii' defence. 
 
 They hcM tliat l)y the IJritish ( 'oii>rirntion. the people 
 were entitle! I toa>harein le^'islation, aiul that their pro] lerty 
 could not he taken from them \vitlionr their con>ent. That 
 every man had a right to adopt that mode of wor>hiii which 
 lie believed most agreeable to tlie scriptures, and that reli- 
 gion was essential to publicorder and >ocial ha]ipine>^. For 
 the unmolested enjoyment of these hles>ings, they had for- 
 saken the scenes of civilization, had broken asunder the ties 
 which b(umd them tu their native soil, had encountered the 
 dangers of the ocean, and had sul)nutted to the hazard- and 
 privations of a new and savage country, and they were 
 anxious to incorporate these })rinciples in their new estab- 
 lishments, and to make them the basis of their social and 
 political fabrics. 
 
 Of tin i'n-il ,in,J Hn;/! iu,i,(l Un,i, of the fieveml toicns 
 ill till' Kiiylis/i 'JVrrlfori/, bcfun- tlic coiKpHNt. 
 
 The several towns in the English territory were not under 
 the control of any C(donial government, nor had they any 
 political connection with each other. Being too remote from 
 the mother country to derive any aid from thence, and with- 
 out connections here, the whole powers of (Tovernment de- 
 v(dved on the inhabitants of eacli town. Self-}ire:-er\ ation 
 rendered it absolutely necessary, that they should a>^ume 
 the exercise of these powers, until a change in their condi- 
 tion should supercede the necessity of it. 
 
 Thus, each town at its first settlement was a pure demo- 
 cracy, the people of each town, exei-cist'd the sovereign pow- 
 er. All questions were determined 1 ly the voice of the major 
 part of the people assembled in town meeting. In this 
 manner they formed such laws and regulations as they judged 
 necessary for the security, peace and prosperity of their in- 
 fant settlements. 
 
 The })eople of Southampton, previous to their settlement, 
 
 pended duiiriL; the Commonwealth; but after tlie restorarinn of Charles II, in 16i)3, tliey were 
 renewed Ijy the act uf uniformity, the conventicle act. and the corporation and test acts, and 
 continued until tlie Revolution; soon after which, in KilU. the toleration act w'as I'assed, 
 which secured to the dissenters a partial and qualifie'l enjoyment of their religious rights, but 
 still left them subject to many ecclesiastical oppressions. 
 
 These oppressions contributed to people the United States. Most of the first settlers on 
 Long-Island left England during the prevalence of these oppressive nieasuies, in the reign of 
 Charles I. They sought an asylum princii)ally f.ir the enjoymcit nf religious freedom; and 
 they and their posterity have ever since retaiii>/d :in aMHii rence of tyraiiiiv in every shape, 
 and have always been the devoted friends of civil and religious freedom. 
 
 11 
 
20 
 
 entered into a social eonti-act witli eacli otliov, to be fiovern- 
 ed by such laws and unlcis ;i> should be made by the vote 
 of the major ])art of the iiiliahitaiits ; and to support and 
 maintain tin- aiitliui-ity of tlie ma^i>ti-;itc>, in executing' such 
 laws and oiili r- a- >liouhl be in force ainoiin- tliem. 
 
 It is supplied thai the people of Soulli Old entered into 
 a similar coiiijiact, ]irc\ iou> to \\\r >ctt lenient of tliat town. 
 
 In 1 (■).").■). the people of Ma-tlianiptoii. did tlic same : and 
 it is presunieil that iNo>t, it' not all the to\vn> in the Kiiii'lisli 
 teri'itory, in the infancy of theii' i-e>pective ^ettlement>, more 
 or less foriindly entered into similar covenants and cond)i- 
 nations, or adojited >((mething of the like nature, as the basis 
 of their social structure. 
 
 In 1653, the town of Eastlnimj>ton sent for a copy of the 
 laws of Connecticut ; and ^elected tVom them >uch as they 
 judged a]iplicalile to tlieircirenmstanco, and ailopted tliem. 
 
 In 1 t'p.M', Sduthamjiton did the >anie ; and the uiiiforniity 
 observable in the laws of tlieM'\ei'al towns. I'eiider it pruh- 
 able that the other town> did the like, or made those laws 
 the model for such as tliey inadi' tlieni-elves. 
 
 The Lii'eater part of thiMi' law -. I'ex i| ntioiis and orders were 
 framed l'\ them-eh (■>. in tlieir I'opective town meetings — 
 they e. .iiipri~ed >ncli provi^ion> as were re(pdred by their 
 pectdiai' -irnatioii and >\u-\i as are necessary to the well being 
 of every S( n-iety. 
 
 The iir>t rla.~'> of aet> relate(l totlie division of tlieii' lands 
 — the enclo>iii'e ot' (•(iiiiiiinii tiehU tor cnltix atioii and pa-ture 
 — to regulation> re-jiecting teni-e>, liighwav- and watering 
 places — resjiecting cattle, slieeji ami hoi--e-. tliat run at 
 large, and in the common tields ; and i-e>pecting tlie de- 
 struction of wild beasts. 
 
 The second class of acts made provision for the public de- 
 fence — for the collection of taxes — for the education of 
 youth — for the preservation of good morals — for tlie support 
 of religion ; and for the suppression and punishment of 
 crime- and offences. 
 
 One (.1' the first measures adopted in every town, was to 
 recjuire e\ cry man to ])rovide himself with arms and ;immuiu- 
 tion ; and tM i tiihic lit an appointeil place, when warned, 
 under a penall \ loi' ueiilcet in any of tlie>e res]>ects. 
 
 In several of the tow tlie fiist >ettlei-> erected a small 
 fort or block hon>e. foi- tlieii- >t'curity. The>e precautions 
 were probably taken to guard against the Dutch, as well as 
 the Indians, at least in the western towns. 
 
21 
 
 The men capable of beariiif!; arm? in every town, were or- 
 ganized into eom])aiiies, under prctper dtticer:- ; and M-ere re- 
 quired to meet at stated times, for inspection and exercise. 
 
 In 1642, the Military Company of Southampton was re- 
 quired to meet six times a year for these purposes. 
 
 The public expenses were defrayed by a tax, the amount 
 of which was tixed by a vote of the people, in a general 
 town meeting ; and the rates were made and gathered by 
 persons chosen for that purpose. 
 
 The salaries of the tirst ministers in most of the towns, 
 seem to have been raised as other taxes, by an assessment 
 on all the inhabitants, according to the (piantity of land they 
 had taken up. 
 
 A school was establislied in Ea>rlianipt(ni. in tlie infancy 
 of the settlement; and the teacher \\-as allowed a salary of 
 £33 a year. 
 
 Among the records of Huntington for 1657, tliere is a 
 draught of a contract with a school master for three years, 
 at a salary of £25 for the first year, £35 for the second, and 
 £40 for the third ; and it is presumed that schools were 
 established in all the towns at an early period of their settle- 
 ment. 
 
 The more eft'ectually to preserve the purity of tlie pi;blic 
 morals, they excluded from their society such as they judged 
 would be likely to injure them. 
 
 The land- were purchased and held l)y the first settlers, 
 and tliey could dispose of them to whom they pleased. This 
 power was an important engine in their hands, for the pre- 
 servation of good morals ; and it seems to have been efii- 
 ciently employed for that purpose. 
 
 In the year 1651, the town of East Hampton ordered that 
 a lot should not be laid out for a certain individual, and 
 that he shoxild not stay in the town. 
 
 In 1662, the people of Huntington, by a vote of the town 
 meeting, appointed a committee consisting of their Minis- 
 ter and six of their most respectable inhabitants, to examine 
 the characters of those who came to settle among them, 
 ■u-ith power to admit or to refuse admission to them, as they 
 judged they would be likely to benefit or injure the society ; 
 with a proviso that they shoidd not exclude any " that were 
 honest, and well approved of by honest and judicious men f 
 and forbid any inhabitant to sell or let house or land, to any 
 one but such as should be approved of by the said commit- 
 tee, under the penalty of £10, to be paid to the town. 
 
22 
 
 III ItiCiS, tlie sMiNc tnwii I'urliid iiiiy iiiliabitaiit to entertain 
 a certain obnoxit. 11- iiidiv iiliial, longer than the space of a 
 Aveek, either <>:ratiiitou>lv nv for pay, nnder tlie i)enaltv of 
 40 sliillings, for the lircacli of tlie orih'r " nuuk' for tlie peace 
 of the town." 
 
 It seems to have liccii adoiilcd a> an iiidis|icii<ahU! ride, 
 in all the KiiL;li>li to\\ii> on the l>laiid, tli;it no person 
 should be admitttMl to >v\\\r aiiiong tlicni w ithout the appro- 
 bation of the inhabitants, or of a uiajority of thcui. 
 
 The tirst settlers in the several towns, also adopted everv 
 lirecaution in their power, to prevent their hou>cs of enter- 
 tainment from beconun^- injurious to the i>ul>lic nioi'als. 
 
 In K!,")!, the town of Kast Hampton ]iasscd an act foi-liid- 
 ding any persons to sell any li(|Uorl>ut >nch a- were deputed 
 by the town for that ])urposc. and a]>o forhidding >uch per- 
 si)ns to sutler youth and sm-h as were under other men's 
 mamigenient, to rt'main drinking at uu>ea>onal ih' hours, and 
 that they should not let them lia\e more than luilf a pint 
 among four men. 
 
 In KJoO, the town of Ilemiistead established a house of 
 entertainment, and enjoine<l it n]}on the keeper " to keep 
 such order that it might not be oftensiveto the laws of God 
 or the place/' 
 
 In 1660, the town of Huntington established a house of 
 entertainment, and to ensure good ordei\ made the con- 
 tiniuuice of the keeper to depend on the correctness with 
 which he ili-eharged bis trust. 
 
 The first settlers of the several towns in Sutfolk County, 
 and the tirst settlers of Hempstead, made provi-ion for the 
 supportof the Gospel among them, in the infancy of their 
 settlements; and the tirst settlers of .lamaica and Xewtown 
 did tlie like in an early period of their settlemi'uts. The 
 tirst settlers were careful in exacting punctual attendance 
 on public woiNhip, and a sti-Ii t olKei \ance t)f the Sabbath, 
 and in preventing every kind ot |iet-onal injury. 
 
 In If.r.d the town of 'Hempstead rt'>ol\ ed that if any per- 
 son neglecteil to attend public worshi|) without a i'ea>onable 
 excuse he should pay fix'e guilders for the tii-t olfeuce, ten 
 for the second, and 'twent\- for the thli'd; and that if he 
 afterwards i-e|>eated the otVence. hi' >hoiiM he liahle either 
 to an agi!'ra\ at ion of the tine, to coi-poi'al ] hi ii id i nient, or 
 bain>hiucnt. About the >aine period the t^w n of Kast 
 Hamilton ordercil that Ho Indian >hould traxel up and ijown, 
 or carry any Inirden in oi- through the town on the ISabbath 
 
23 
 
 day ; and that whosoever should be found so doing, should 
 belialdc tu corporal punishment. 
 
 The tdwii (if East IIam])ton ordained that whosoever 
 should >laii(lci- any uiic. ^IkhiIi] 1m' liable to jiay a fine of £5. 
 
 The --.uwr tdwii nnlaiiK'cl that wl n i-oever should arise up 
 a fabe witii('>- a:^aiii>t any man, to tt'stity that which is 
 Avnuiii', tlici-f :-li(inlil be dune uiito liini as he thuULiht to have 
 done uiitu lii- iiciLililxir. whether it .-huuld he tu takino- awav 
 of life. liiiiK. o-,MMb. 
 
 The -aiiie t«i\\ II oi'dered that if any one should strike an- 
 other he sbould pay a tine often shilliiii:'^ to tlie town ; and 
 that if smiting he >Iionl<l wound, lie >]ionld pay for the cure 
 and the time the pei'son was thereliy ]iindei'e(l. 
 
 To secure the administration of justice, and to p)revent 
 and punish offences, a court was e>talili~lied in every town, 
 in the Knglish territory, called the town court : it was corn- 
 ]Hwed -vnerally of three Ma-i^tratc-. a clei-k ami con-table, 
 who were cluisen annually \>y the people in their re^]iective 
 town meetings. 
 
 The people of the respective towns invested their town 
 (•(turt with power to hear and determine all causes, civil and 
 
 The jirocei'ilings of the courts in the several towns, were 
 governed by the principles of the ( "oinniou Law. The ]>arties 
 were entitled to a jury, if either of them reipiired it. The 
 jury consisted of >e\-en men, and the verdict was decided by 
 the voice of the majority. 
 
 In most of the towns, the decisions of the town court 
 were conclusive; but in South Hampton, an ai>peal lay 
 from the decisions of the town court to the general town 
 meeting, called the general court, which heard the apjieal, 
 and gave such judgment as was deemecl ju>t and right be- 
 tween the parties. 
 
 The officers of the town courts frcipiently made (.>rders 
 relative to matters whicli concerneil the weU'are ot' the town, 
 which seem to have had the same force and etfect a~ the re- 
 solutions of the town meeting, from whicli it i- pre-umed 
 that they were invested with }iower for this purpo.-e. liy the 
 voice of the people. 
 
 The respective town courts were vigilant in repre^sing and 
 punishing all kimb of vice and profanity. 
 
 In 1653, the to\\ ii court of South Hampton ordered that 
 if any pers(in over f mrteen years of age, shoidd he convict- 
 ed of wilful Iviuii-, In- the testimony of two witnesses, he 
 12 
 
24 
 
 should 1)(' fiiioil five sliilliii;i-s, or set in the stocks five liours. 
 
 Tlic siiiiK' (tourt at tlie same time ordered tliat if any ])er- 
 son sliould he convicted of (h'Uid<enness, lie sliould he fined 
 ten shilHngs for the first otfence, twenty for the seC(jii(hHnd 
 tliirty for the tliinh 
 
 111 1(582, the town court of IIuntiiiLituu ordei'ed tlie 
 estate of a certain ])erson who wa> llki l\ t<i >|K'nd it, to he 
 seized, tliat it iniiilit ])e secured, j)rc-fi \ cd and improved for 
 liis liveliliood and maintenance, tmd that the town might not 
 he (Uimnified. 
 
 Tlie same town i-ourt ordcrcil tlnit a iicismi wlm was cdii- 
 victed of hriii-ing a hag nf iiir;d iVdiii ( )y-1rrliay to iluut- 
 ington on the Sal.liatli. >huHld pay a line of ten ^liilling>, or 
 make such acknuwledgmment for th(> otfence as the court 
 would acce])t. 
 
 In rT(»2. the town coui-t of South Old fined a ]H'V>im (Is. 7 
 for a hreach of the Sal.hath. 
 
 In 1711, the same court fined a p)erson three shillings for 
 profane swearing. 
 
 Two cases of witchcraft occurred on Long-Island. 
 
 In ir)r.7, a Mv<. ( ;;,rlickc was hi-ouglit hclo'iv the town court 
 of Ka>t Hampton, on -n-picion <>[' w itclicraft . ami ;i ninnlier 
 of witnc>^c- wci-c cNMniiiicil in >nppoi-i of 1 lie cli;irgc. The 
 Magi~ti-ati-. after lic.-ii-iii- the t(-tlinony. conclndcc] to send 
 her to ( 'onncciicul for Ihnhcr trial, tlu- rc-ult of which is not 
 known. 
 
 In 1665, Ralph Hall and his Avife were accused of witch- 
 craft at Brookhaven. and tlic cause was ti'ic(| hefore the court 
 of assize at Xcw-^'oi'k. and tcrniinatcil in tlicii' ac(piittal; 
 an account of wliii'li pnMi-hcd in tlic Appendix to ^'ato' 
 continnation ot' Smitir~ lii~toi'\ of New-York. 
 
 Cinler the lienign inthicnce of tlie Common Law and of 
 regulat ion> made \>\ tlieni-el\ e- and eiit'oi'ccd hy agistrates. 
 annually eliox'n at tlieirtow n nieei ing-. t lie people ot' tlu; 
 several towns in I he l^ngli>li territor\ >eem to lia\i' enjoyed 
 the usual henefits of good government, and to have prospered 
 as well as those settlements that were under an organized 
 government. 
 
 Of 111 en' f^nlon vifh Connedlctd. 
 The several Knglish towns on Lon^- Island, tliat wei'c set- 
 tled under the autluirity of the l^arl of Siii-ling. iind under 
 the English claim to the Island, w ere exposed to interruption 
 hoth hy the Dutch and Indians. 
 
25 
 
 III order to secure tlie power and infliu'iice of the 'New- 
 Eiiglaiid culonio to lu-utect tlieiii a^'aiii-t tlic perils of their 
 coiiditidii, they very early suiight a, cuuiieftiun witli those 
 colonies. 
 
 The several towns joined Connecticut at different times 
 — Soutli TTaiiii>ton,in IfU-t^East ITaiii])ton. iit 1 (;:)7~-r.ru(.k- 
 haven, in ir,yj — 11 mitiiiu'tmi, in HiCin. and ()\-tcrl>av pruha- 
 bly in lOtL^— South Old jnined X<'\v-ll as fli in Ki-ls, and 
 with that colony was united w ltli ( 'oiineeticut in lUCi!. 
 
 The towns of Hartford. Wind>or and Wetlier>tield, in 
 1639, formed an union foi- their mutual lienidit. and framed 
 a constitution hetter calculated to secure liliei-tyand i^-ood 
 ii'overnment, perhaps, than any that had ever ht'fore been 
 formed. Tlii> cdmpaet eun-tituted the government and ori- 
 ,L;-imd jurisdictiun < d' ( 'on nect ieut. 
 
 Coniu'ctii-ut was at fir>t. and foi' >i>\\tr vears. without tlie 
 autlnu'ityof a. patent, ami in faet, Imd no le^'al jui-ixliction 
 beyond the Ijounds of rlm-e three to\\ ii> and >ucli a> joined 
 them. The several tow ns on the Island were received under 
 her jurisdiction on their voluntarv otfer, aiul at their own 
 solicitation. 
 
 By the union tliey became mendjers of the body p(ditic of 
 Connecticut, and were entitled to the benefits and liableto 
 the duties of the other t( iwns within hei" jurisdiction, and 
 became, in common with them, entitled to the protection of 
 the united colonies. 
 
 The several towns became entitled to seiul de])uties to the 
 <>-eneral Court at Hartford ; and it app(^ars that the towns 
 of South Hampton and h,a>r Hampton av ailed themselves 
 cif the privileue, and sent de[iuties to Hartford as Soilth Old 
 
 * Tlie supreme power was vested in a Governor, Deputy-Governor, and a Council, or assist- 
 ants, to be annually chosen by all the freemen of the Colony, with deputies to be chosen half- 
 .Vearly in each town by the freeineQ of the toun. It was ordained that the General Court, or 
 Assembly composed of tliese otlicers, should meet twice a year, and should have power to 
 make laws and repeal them— to impose and collect taxes— to admit freemen to dispose of the 
 liublic lands— to establish courts— appoint public otlicers, and for good cause to di place them, 
 or punish them, and to do all other acts for the good governiuentof the commonwealth, exceiit 
 that of electing the Governor, Council, and Assembly, which was to remain the exclusive 
 province of the freemen. 
 
 t Deputies or Assistants to the General Court from Long-Island : 
 
 Southampton, 
 
 1655, - - Thomas Topping, 
 ]6")(i, - - do - - 
 
 1057, - - do. 
 1(158, - - Alexander Knowles, 
 165.), - - Thomas Topping, 
 1060, - - do - - 
 
 lf61, - - do 
 
 1662, - - do. - - 
 
 1663, - - Mr. Howell, 
 
 Deputies from South Old to New-IIaveu 
 1662, Barnabas Horton, John I'urrier. 
 
 Mr. Mulford, 
 Robert Itond, 
 
 Mr. Baker, 
 do. 
 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 
 
 
 
26 
 
 Tlie want of Icg-al autliurity in-cvciitcil tlio oxcM'cise of any 
 aiitlidritatiw jurisdiction bv ( ' hi lu i t lent (i \ ci- tlie towns on 
 .Lon^'-Island l)ffore slie ret-cixc-tl the cliaiter granted l)y 
 ("harles II. in l»i(;i>. 
 
 It does not apiiear tliat slie attempted to estaldisli eonnties, 
 ortjani/e cuurt:-, nr lc\ y ta\i'> tlici-c hcfui-c tliat jn'i-iud. 
 
 Tlif iiuiuii x'ciii- t(i iia\ (■ i-(-ciiiMcd an alliiiiirc l',,v niutnal 
 consultarioii and dereiicr. rathci- than a cuiim ilidatr(l "xuvern- 
 mcnt. 
 
 The charter of Connecticut graiite<l l>y C'liai-les II. was re- 
 ceived in I*)(»2. It was very similar in its pi-ox isidii to tlie 
 constitution adopted in 163!>, and was little mure than a de- 
 A'elo[)ment of them. 
 
 The liberal |ir(i\ i>i(>iis of the new charter made llu' several 
 towns on ]j>nii-d-^land \ ery de-ii-oii~ to |iei-|>et iiati' their con- 
 nection M'ith that colony. l.oiiM-l^hind wa-iiot mentioned 
 in the charter, but the name- of >oiiie ot' the nKii;i>ti-ates of 
 one or more of the towns were iii>erted among those who 
 were to admiui-ti'r it. 
 
 Aclause in tlie new charter annexing the adjacent Islands 
 to that colony, al-o t'lii'iii-hed her with a ]irete\t to claim 
 Long-l~land : ' and it \\ a- donbtle>> with the coii>cnt. if not 
 at the instance, of the>e\ei'al towns on tlit/ I>land that had 
 joined her jurisdiction, that she >et up a con-tiaiction of her 
 charter, which, if it could have been su>taim_'(l. would have 
 embraced all the English towns on the Island, and the whole 
 Island after the conqnest. 
 
 After the reception of the I'oyal ehartei-. the gem-ral court 
 of Connecticnt claimed tlie legal jm•i^dictioll i i\ci' the fhig- 
 lish towns on Long-l>l;ind which had put tiieni-el\c> under 
 her ]irotection, and had become member- of her a>-ociarion. 
 
 The^e ti.i\vn> wviv jxn'mittcd to >end depntie- to thegiMi- 
 eral court, and were lialde to the >ame dutie- a- the other 
 towns. Each town was entitled to -end our deputy to the 
 general assendjly, bnt were wholly leit at lihei t x to^endone 
 or not as they cliose. 
 
 The general conrt ai>pointed such ]iublic officers in the 
 several to\vii> a> were not pennitted bv the charter to be 
 cho>en by the pe,.plc. 
 
 Api-il (Jill ItiC,;;, the town of Huntington chose three nieJi 
 whose names were to be sent to I!ai'tf>rd i'n\- the general 
 court to elect two out of the nmubcr a> niagi>ti'ates for the 
 town. 
 
 The general court ordered a contribution to be levied on 
 
27 
 
 the towns on tlie Island. a> well as n\\ tliusf on tlie main, 
 towards the iKivniciit i>\' ]\\v r\\n-]\rr nf ilic new rliartci', and 
 it would .-(.HMii that tlicv were -iiljjcct to ta\r> in tlie same 
 manner as other tuwiis witliiii liei' jiirisdieti( m. 
 
 In lt!64. tlie town (if South Jlamiitun ajipointod men to 
 make the I'ate •■ hoth in i-e>pect to Hartford and tlii- town." 
 
 May ]i!tli. \iU'A. llie L;'euei-al court procecMh^d to o|--;iuize 
 the e()urt> on the I>hind on the phin of tho>e of Couneeti- 
 ent. 
 
 For tliis purpose they a]>])ointed a j^ovenior and three 
 others to -o to the Ishiiid to settle the' Eiiirlisli plantation 
 there uii(h'i' the ;^d\eruinent of ( 'ounecticut, to establish 
 (piai'ter (•ou]'t> and otiiei' court-. t'oi- the adunnistratiou of 
 ju-tice; pro\ ided their jii<l-iiiciit- -hoiild not extend to life, 
 lind), or hauislniieiit and dirt'cteil capital cases to he ti-ied 
 at Fairfield oi- Hartford. 
 
 These Coiiiiiii — ioiier- caiiie upon the IslandinJnne L664, 
 or<i-aidzed coiirl>,-^ e-taldi^hed rule> for the collecti(.)n of rates 
 ami othei- nialteiN; liut theii- arran--eiiieiit> weri' all frus- 
 trate^l hef ire they could he carried into ell'ect, hy the con- 
 (ple^t of the Dutch territoi-ie>, and the annexation of Long 
 Island t(» the -ov.M-nnieiit of the l)id<e of York. 
 
 Lonii'-l>land w a> not coinpi-i-ed in the i;-rant of anv colony. 
 It had l.een -rant.'d hy order of Charles I. to WiU'iani Farl 
 of Stirling, hut had heen reliutpdshed to the cj'own, or to 
 the Duke of York hy hi^ heirs, ami left free to he nuule the 
 subject of anew grant, or to he ineluded in the jtatent to 
 him. 
 
 March iL'th. ICiCi-l-. Charles II. hy letters patent, granted 
 the (-(nniti'v occupied hv tlie Dutch, together with Long- 
 Ishiml. to hi> hrother .lame-, the Duke of ^'oi'k. 
 
 A few nioiitli^ after the date .iflii- patent, the Duke of 
 "^'ork pr<icureil a -(piadroii with xmie land forces, to he fitted 
 out foi' the j'eduction of the territories coni|iri-ed within his 
 grant, under the coniniand of Colomd Richard Xicolh. whom 
 he a[ipointe(l to assume the government of the countr\- as 
 deputy (iovernoi- umler him. and with whom the King as- 
 sociated Colonel (ieoige Cartwright. Sir Rohert Carr, and 
 Samuel Ma,veri(ds'. F-^p. a- ( dnnin»ioner>. w ith power to 
 tlx the boundaries hetweeiithe several colonies, to adjust all 
 differences l)etween them, and to settle the country in peace. 
 
 * The Committee of the General Assembly established a court for the thi-ee towns of East- 
 Uamptoii, South llaiiiptdn, anil South Olil, to be hohlen four times a year, twice at South- 
 Uamjiton, aii4 oiu'e in t-'acli of tlie otlier towns, and appointed three Commissioners, one in 
 each town, to hold the taid court. 
 
 13 
 
28 
 
 Tlic CoininissidiH'is lamled at Boston on tlioir way to 
 Xew-York. and r( i|n('>tc(| that tliat colonv would raise two 
 huiidi-ed men and >cnd tliciii on to assist such troops as they 
 had hruiiii'lit ah)n<i- with tlieni in reducing the Dutch. 
 
 The i'c(|uest ot'tlie (Commissioners was readily assented to, 
 hut siili-( i|iiriit events rendered the aid unnecessary before 
 it cuuld 1m. fiinii-lird. 
 
 Tlic ('(iiiiiiii--iiHi( is landed at Crravescnd, on the west end 
 of Long-I>hii:d. alM.iit tlic niiddlcMf Au-n~t. ]tu;i. They 
 summoned tlic i-ji-Ii-h uu the 1-laiid to attend thcni at that 
 place, and Governor Winthrop, of ( \)nnecticut, met them 
 there. 
 
 Colonel Xicolls exhibited to the (xovernor, and such as 
 were there a->fndilcd. the letters })atent to the Duke of York, 
 with his own n luinii— ii>n. 
 
 Colunel Nicdlh dciiian<lcd a >uiTciidor nf the country. 
 promi>inL:- lite. liliei-t\ and |irii|iei'ty to tlie iidialiitant> i>n 
 their -uliiiii->i( hi. ( iov ,tii( h- \\'iiitlii-<i]i wnite \<> the Dutch 
 (rovei'ih i'ee(iiiiiiieii(liiii:' a >uiTendei' thr tenii~ ottered, 
 and altera lew (la\~ had heen >|ient in iiie->a-e- and letters 
 between Colonel XicoUs and the Uiitch (iovernur. the place 
 was surrendered to the Comnd.-sioners the liTth August, old 
 style. 
 
 Governor Winthrop, after seeing the letter- patent to the 
 Duke of York, informed the Engli>li on heng-I-land. that 
 Connecticut luid no longer any claim to the I>land: that 
 what they had done was for the wellai'e. peaee ami (piiet >et- 
 tlenient of his "NrajotyV subjects, a- they were the neai'est 
 organized gii\'ei'nment t(i them umler hi- Maje-ty; Knt now 
 his Majesty"- jdea^u re wa> fully >ignitie<l l.y hi- letter- patent, 
 their jurisdiction ceased and became null. 
 
 It >eenis, however, tliat the eiilmiy of Connecticut was 
 still doirous of retaining Long-I-laml under her jurixliction, 
 and the several townsonthe l-laml which had been cmnect- 
 ed with that colony, were a> auxiuu- that the couiLec tion 
 should b(- continued. 
 
 ZS'oveudier :!<>. ir;t;4, the Coinnussioners met to settle The 
 boundary between Coiiiu'cticut ami the Duke of York, and 
 and aftei- hearing the allegation- of the deputie- wlio attend- 
 ed from Long-I>land, a> well a- tlm-e who attended iVom 
 Connecticut in favour of connecting boiig-l-laml with that 
 colony, they deternuned that the >outh houmlary of Con- 
 necticut was the Sound, and that 1j iiig-l>land w a> to be under 
 the government ol' his Royal Highness the Didvc of York. 
 
29 
 
 OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL STATE OF THE SEVERAL TOWNS ON 
 THE ISLAND. 
 
 Of the Dutch Towns. 
 
 The people of the Dutch towns professed tlie doctrhies 
 inculcated by the Synod, held at Dort, in Holland, in 1618. 
 and Avere under the ecclesiastical government of the classis 
 of Amsterdam, until 1772, when the Dutch Church of this 
 country established an independent classis and synods on 
 the model of the Church in Holland. 
 
 Each town had its own consistory, but the wliole consti- 
 tuted but one church. Their miiii>tcis were cdI leagues, 
 preached in turn in all the churches, and were supported 
 by a common contribution. 
 
 The first house for public Avorship that was erected by the 
 Dutch, was built in Ncw-Aiii>tci-daiii, 101:2. 
 
 December 17, 1651, the ( idvcnioi', wlio seems to have ex- 
 ercised supreme power iiL ccck'sia^tical, as well as civil and 
 military affairs, ordered a house for public wur-liip to be 
 erected at Flatbush, 60 feet in length, 38 in ln-cadth, and 11 
 feet in height beloAv the beams. 
 
 February 9, 1655, the Governor ordered the people of 
 Brooklyn and Amersfort, to assist the peo])le of Midwout, 
 or Flatbush, in cutting timber tu build the liouse. 
 
 In September, 1660, those w ho had the charge of the 
 building, stated that it had cost 1637 guilders, of Avhich sum 
 .■'.1;;7 had been collected in jSTew Amsterdam, Fort Orange, 
 and on Long-Island. The Governor added 100 more, and 
 there remained 800 to be raised to discharge the debt. 
 
 The next house for public worship Avas commenced at 
 Flatlands in 1663, and one at Brooklyn in 1666. 
 
 October 13, 1656, the Eev. Joannes Theodorus Polhemus, 
 Avas by the Dutch Governor permitted to preach at Mid- 
 Avout and Amersfort. 
 
 In March, 1656, to accomodate the four villages. Graves- 
 end, Amersfort, Midwout. ami BiMohlyu, tlie Hutch Gov- 
 ernor ordered Mr. Polhcnms to preach every Sunday morn- 
 ing at ]Mi(lwi)ut, and in the afternoon alternately, at Amers- 
 fort and Brooklyn. 
 
 In IGCti", the Rev. Henricus Selwyn was installed at 
 Brooklyn, by order of the Dutch Governor, at a salary of 
 600 guilders a year, one half to be paid by Brooklyn, and 
 the other half by Fatherland or Holland. Mr. Sehvyn re- 
 sided in NeAV Amsterdam, and in 1662, the people of Brook- 
 
30 
 
 h ii ])etiti<)iic(l the Govenioi-, that lie sliould he vequirod to 
 reside aiiuiiiij; tliein. To lii^-hten tlieir hunk'iis, tlie (ioveriiur 
 H<>-reed to i)ay 250 <i;uiUlere of his salary, on condition that 
 lie shonld j)reach at Jiowery every Sunday evening. 
 
 It is said that Mr. Selwyn went to Holland, in lt;()4 ; if 
 that was the case, lu^ must hav(> ri'turned to New-Yoi'k sunie 
 time aftcrwanh, as lie was a iHiiii>lcr tiicre from l»iS2 to 
 1700. 
 
 The regular record of haptisms in the Dutch towns, com- 
 menced in U)00. 
 
 From a ni;iiiiisci'iiit of the I{c\ . i'ctci' how. deceased, it 
 a|ipears that the >iiccccilin:;' iiiiiii-tcis in tlic hutch churches 
 on Long Island r-cltU'd licforc iNOO, were ms follows: 
 
 Settled. Died or removed. 
 Joannes Aregajxilensis, 1G08 
 Casperus Van Zuren, 1G77 
 
 Mr. Clark, Mm 
 
 AVilliam Ln])ardus, 17l»0 
 iicrnard Freeman. 1702 1741 
 
 A'icentius Antoiiides, 1715 1741 
 
 Joannes Arondi us 1742 
 Anthony Cortenius, 1730 1756 
 
 ripiiinus Van Sindci'en, 1747 179() 
 .lolin Cnspcr Kiil.cl. 17(!0 1797 
 
 Martiniiis Schooiimaker, 17S5 1S24 
 Peter Lowe, 1787 died is IS 
 
 Since ISOO, the ministers who ha\e settled in the Dutch 
 churches have l.)ccn cMiifiiii^il to the particwlni- c m^i'cgntion 
 in whicli they wcit m-1 t Nd. The mini-tn-- ~ctl Ird -iucc that 
 time, are as follows : 
 
 Settled. Died. Deniored. 
 r,rooklvn. S. lah S. AVoodhull, 1805 1825 
 rtrccht. .ImIiii Heattie, 1809 
 Bushwick. .Inlni Eassett, 1811 1824 
 
 Flathu.-h, Walter Montieth, 1819 1820 
 do., Thomas M. Strong, 1822 
 A Dutch church was erected in damaica in 1715, in New- 
 town slutrtly after, in Nuith llemp>tea(l iiiid Oysterhay, 
 1732, or thereabouts. 4'lie-e cliuiche- >eem to have been 
 snp[died by the ministers cif i\ iiig> ci >unty till 1750. From 
 that period they were united umlei- theii' own ministers, who 
 preached in connnon among 1 hem until isicj, ^ill(•e which 
 lime Jamaica and IS'ewtown have formed (me coiniexioii. 
 
31 
 
 and Nortli Hempstead and Oysterbay another. These min' 
 istei's were : 
 
 Thomas Eomevn, 1750 \ 
 
 Bollan, 1770 / 
 
 Freleifjli, 1774 ^ For the four churches. 
 
 Van Ness, 1784 V 
 
 Zacliaria Coojier, 1784 ) 
 
 .lufl Scli(iiiiimaker, 1802 Jam,aica and JVewtown. 
 
 Mr. ( (luptT, tVdui 1802, to 1812 iV. Hempstead Oxjsterbay. 
 
 David i'.()--ert, 1812 do. 
 
 Most of the early Dutch ministers that were settled on the 
 Island, w^ere born and educated in Plolland, and some of 
 them were distinguished for their talents and learning. 
 
 Mr. Selwyn, who was the first minister of Brooklyn, and 
 who was afterwards settled in New- York, prefixed a latin 
 poem to Cotton Mather's " Magnalia Christi Americana," 
 bearing date, October 16, 1697, and signed Ilenericns Sel- 
 wyn, " Ecclesiie Eboracensis Minister Belgicus." 
 
 Mr. Freeman left a volume of sermons which are in the 
 hands of his descendants, but as they are in the Dutch lan- 
 guage their merit is not generally known. 
 
 If there are any productions of the other Dutch ministers 
 on Long-Island, they are probably in the Dutch language, 
 and no longer read. 
 
 Of the English Towns. 
 
 The original settlers of the several towns in Siifi:blk county, 
 and the greater niimber of the first settlers of the English 
 towns in the Dutch territory, w^ere nnited in their religious 
 opinions. They were uniform in their adlierance to the doc- 
 trines contained in the confession of faith, agreed on by the 
 assembly of divines, who met at Westminster, in 1642. 
 They also accorded with each other on the subject of church 
 govei-ninent. The constitution of the churches in the seve- 
 i-ul towns was ovigiiiany congregational, and so continued im- 
 til 1747, tlic greater luuulier were prevailed onto ex- 
 
 change the congi'egati(tnal form for that of the Presbyterian, 
 wdiicli they were taught to believe to be better adapted to 
 support purity of doctrine, and an efficient discipline.* 
 
 In most of the towns in Sutfolk county and in Hempstead, 
 
 * The experience of Europe since the Reformation, proves that that constitution of Church 
 government which enibraces different churclies. professing the same doctrines, under the same 
 superintending jurisdiction, has contributed much more to preserve purity and unity of don- 
 trine, than that which left every congregation to adopt its own creed, and to prescribe its own 
 discipline. 
 
 14 
 
32 
 
 a minister aocomjianied tlie first settlers, and a church was 
 organized amonii' tlieni, either before or soon after the com- 
 nienconient of their respective settlements. 
 
 In most, if not in every town, a dwelling house was erect- 
 ed and land set apart as a parsonage for the use of the min- 
 istry. The minister of oacli town was allowed tlie use of 
 the parsonage, with the addition ol'a >alai-y payahlc in pro- 
 duce or money. It is prohaMe that tlicaniount oi'tlic >alary 
 was regulated by the value of the iiai'soiiai;c. In Iti.Mt the 
 salary of the minister of East lIani|iTon \va- i'C.da year. In 
 1663 the salary of the mini-ter n|' .lamaica \\a- I'tii). In 
 16S0, that of the ministei' of S.iutli llani|irnii wa^ tlnd.and 
 in 16S2, that of the mini^tel• of Ilen4l^tea(l \va< I'dD 14. 
 
 A house for public M-orslnp was erected in South Hamp- 
 ton, and probably in South Old, previous to tlie year 1645, 
 and these were the first houses that were erected for public 
 worslii]) on the Island. 
 
 A house for public worship was erected in Hempstead 
 probably before 1650, in East Hampton in 1651, in Jamaica 
 in 1662, and in Huntington in 1665. 
 
 The first liousi's that wei'e eiveted for public worship in 
 the >t'\ ('ral to\\ ii> w i^re not hii'-c Tlie ditlieiilty of in'oeur- 
 ing inatcriaU liiiiited them in the eonstruetiou of the build- 
 ings tM the .liCMiiiiii.Hlation of the respective societies, at the 
 
 time 1 hry were d'crteih 
 
 The hnu-e errctcil in Janialea in 1662, was 36 feet in 
 length. L't'i in liivadth. and ITfri't hi-h. The second house 
 erectetl in ilemp-tcail in |tl77. wa- 4o feet in length, 26 in 
 breadth, and 12 feet hi- h. The one erected in Brookhaven 
 
 in 1671, WSS 28 feet >. piai-e. 
 
 At this early perio(h the houses <.f ]nd>lie worshiji Avere 
 without the aeeommodaiion of bell-, and in >e\ei'al ot' the 
 towns, if nut in aU. the people emphiNcd a pei'-'Hi to beat a 
 drum to ap]n-i/,f them ot' the tinio of pnlillc wor-hi]). 
 
 In 1662, the town of .lamal.'a io -ise a person 30s. 
 
 a yeai- for heat in-' a drmn on thr SaMiath ila\ . and similar 
 contract- were made in oihci' town-, and the practice prob- 
 ably continued till l»ells wei'e procured. 
 
33 
 
 Thf fiilloiring is as 
 
 ■t <i j;.f of ih, 
 
 iir,t r 
 
 ,1,1 hr 
 
 inqrrqn- 
 r.'jn 'fin 
 
 s 
 
 here 
 cated. 
 
 ■hen 
 uated. 
 
 
 
 oved. 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 n 
 
 
 M 
 
 
 « 
 
 
 SOUTH OLD. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 John Youngs, 
 
 England, 
 
 
 1640 
 
 
 
 aged 74 
 aged 89 
 
 Josliiia Hobart, 
 
 Harvard, 
 
 1650 
 
 1674 
 
 1717 
 
 
 Benjamin Woolsey, 
 
 Yale, 
 
 1709 
 
 1720 
 
 
 1736 
 
 or thereabouts. 
 
 James Davenport, 
 
 do 
 
 1T32 
 
 1738 
 
 
 1746 
 
 
 William Tliroop, 
 
 do. 
 
 1U3 
 
 1748 
 
 
 laged 36 
 
 Jolin J<torrs, 
 
 do. 
 
 1766 
 
 1763 
 
 
 1787 
 
 
 Josepli Hazard, 
 
 
 
 1797 
 
 
 1806 
 
 
 Jon:iili:tn Hunting. 
 
 do. 
 
 1S04 
 
 1807 
 
 
 
 
 
 England, 
 
 
 1640 
 
 
 
 removed to Branford, and m IbGi 
 
 ,,„,,' 
 
 England, 
 
 
 1(548 
 
 1674 
 
 
 [to Newark, 
 
 
 Harvard, 
 
 166!) 16S" 
 
 
 
 aged 31. 
 
 
 do. 
 
 
 16S-2 
 
 17-'3 
 
 
 aged S2. 
 
 
 do. 
 
 17-J2 
 
 1727 
 
 1782 
 
 
 aged 79. 
 
 
 Yale, 
 
 17S(> 
 
 1784 
 
 
 1790 
 
 
 Rhode Island, 
 
 1788 
 
 1791 
 
 
 1795 
 
 
 
 Columbia, 
 
 1790 
 
 1796 
 
 
 1812 
 
 
 Juhti Jialtitit, 
 
 
 
 1813 
 
 
 1818 
 
 
 Peter 11. Slunv, 
 
 
 
 1820 
 
 
 
 
 Kast Hampton. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 riirihi:i< .Taiiirs,^ 
 
 England, 
 
 
 1C50 
 
 1696 
 
 
 
 
 Harvard, 
 
 1C93 
 
 1699 
 
 1753 
 
 
 in his 78th year. 
 
 ' ; " 
 
 Yale, 
 
 1741 
 
 1746 
 
 1798 
 
 
 aged 82 
 
 
 do. 
 
 1797 
 
 1799 
 
 
 1810 
 
 El" ■ 1 ..|is, 
 
 
 
 1811 
 
 
 
 
 '[" '-' ' ' ''"'^Si 
 
 England, 
 
 
 1058 
 
 
 1670 
 
 removed to Newtown, 
 
 
 
 1677 
 
 1731 
 
 
 or thereabouts, aged 90 
 
 
 Yale, 
 
 1718 
 
 1723 
 
 1779 
 
 
 aged 79. 
 
 
 Nassau, 
 
 170.S 
 
 1766 
 
 
 1773 
 
 a colleague of Mr. Prime. 
 
 
 Yale, 
 
 1775 
 
 17S5 
 
 
 17S9 
 
 removed to Newtown. 
 
 
 Nassau, 
 
 1767 
 
 1794 
 1817 
 
 
 1817 
 
 removed to Oliio. 
 
 "' 
 
 Yale, 
 
 1817 
 
 1824 
 
 
 1823 
 
 
 Ni! , ' I.I .'H-ster, 
 
 Harvard, 
 
 1642 
 
 1665 
 
 '690 
 
 
 
 
 Harvard, 
 
 1GS6 
 
 1697 
 
 1739 
 
 
 
 
 Yale, 
 
 1741 
 
 1745 17.52 
 
 
 or thereabouts. 
 
 cenjaiimi ialmaage, 
 
 do. 
 
 1147 
 
 1754 
 
 1780 
 
 
 
 Noali Whetmore, 
 
 do. 
 
 1757 
 
 17S6 
 
 1798 
 
 
 
 Zachariah Greene, 
 
 
 
 1797 
 
 
 
 
 Ahncr Reeve, 
 
 Yale, 
 
 1731 
 
 
 
 
 
 Napthali Dagget, 
 
 do. 
 
 174S 
 
 1751 
 
 
 1756 
 
 Afterwards President of Yale Col- 
 
 ThiMiias Lewis, 
 
 do. 
 
 1741 
 
 1768 
 
 
 1769 
 
 lege, died 17S0. 
 
 Jo>liiia Hart, 
 
 Nassau, 
 
 17T0 
 
 1773 
 
 
 1792 removed to Fresh Pond. 
 
 Luther (ileason. 
 
 
 
 1797 
 
 
 1806 
 
 
 Heurv Fuller, 
 
 Middlebury, 
 
 
 1816 
 
 
 1821 
 
 
 Rieluu d Nicoll, 
 
 
 1823 
 
 
 
 
 Hempstead. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Richard Denton, 
 
 England, 
 
 
 1644 1663 
 
 
 
 JerL-miah Hobart, 
 
 Ifi.'Si) 
 
 16S2 
 
 
 1696 or thereabouts ; hesettledat Had- 
 
 Jo.-hua Hart, 
 
 Nassau, 
 
 ITTI 
 
 lil'i 
 
 
 1773 
 
 [dam in 1700 and died in 171", 
 
 Samuel Kobinsnn, 
 
 
 
 
 
 1817 
 
 [aged 87. 
 
 Charles Weljiter, ' 
 
 Union, 
 
 181:3 1818 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 William Leverid'ge, 
 
 England, 
 
 
 107n 
 
 1690 
 
 
 
 John Morse, 
 
 
 
 169T 
 
 
 
 
 Samuel Pomeroy, 
 
 Nassau, 
 
 1705' 1709 
 
 1744 
 
 
 
 SimoD Horton, 
 
 do. 
 
 1731 
 
 1746 
 
 1786 
 
 
 
 Bay, 
 
 
 
 1787 
 
 
 1789 
 
 
 Nathan Woodlmll, 
 
 Yale, 
 
 1775 nou 
 
 1810 
 
 
 
34 
 
 William lloardman, 
 John Goldsmith, 
 Jamaica. 
 Zachariali Walker, 
 John I'ruddeu, 
 
 (il:is,-liio,.k, 
 
 George Fatoute, 
 Henry U. Weed, 
 Seymour I'. Funk, 
 
 liUIDCK IIamptos. 
 Ebenezer White, 
 James Brown, 
 Aaron Woolwortli, 
 Amzi Francis,* 
 
 England, 
 Nassau, 
 Union, 
 
 1C63 
 1008 1070 
 1094 
 1095 1098 
 
 removed to Stratford, then to 
 1008 [Woodbury. 
 lOIiM removed to Newark. 
 ir,H7 
 17ii2i 
 |l7-iO) 
 
 1 1730 removed to Philadelphia. 
 
 17t)'J ITT.'s 
 
 1776 17S1I 1815 
 1812 1810 
 1S23 
 
 rtinoved to Norwalk. 
 
 1748 resigned ; died 1756, aged 84. 
 1775 
 
 in the 58th year of his age. 
 
 A hrh f arrniiiif of flu' Jirxf /// hi /'.'^/f'/'s, uikI of .^oiiii' of thdr 
 
 I IK lin il'nif, Klirr, sxni-K hi flit' si I'i'rdI KlKjlhli foir/iNon LoiKJ 
 1x1,111,1, ,lx f,lr ,lx fin h' hixforij roilhl },< tlx,; rfilhli il. 
 
 The liev. .luhii Vouii-s tlic first iiiiiiistcr uf Soutli 
 Old. He lind Ki'i'ii a iMiiii>tci- at 1 1 inu'liain. in >Nnrt(ilk in 
 Enf>:laud, buforc lir ciinL'i'atiMl to tl:i- ci unit ry. 
 
 He earae to ^'cu -1 !a\ .mi u ith i.art mI' lii- ('liiii-cli. in Klld, 
 and there re-ori:aiii/i'i| hi- <-liuicli and with tliciii and .-iicli 
 as chose to ai-i-iini|iany 1 licni. in < )cl ■ il ht ] ia--cd on it to I.on<x- 
 Island, and (-ohiiucik-imI a -ct l Icmont on a t rad ot' land w liich 
 had been piux-hasfd of tlit^ n.itivi's under the authority uf 
 Xew-IIaven. 
 
 Tliey called the town Sonthohl. They ado]»ted the laws 
 and became a brancli of tlie jni-i-dictioii of Ncw lla\cn. 
 
 AVilliani Wen>. lianiaha^ 'i bMlon. Tlionia- Mapo^. .bi],n 
 TuthiU, and ^Iatliia~ ( 'oru in. were the Icadini:' nim w ho 
 tbnned tlie first >ettkMnoiit at South ()l(h and their ].o>terity 
 in that and the adjoiniiii;' town> are nniiieroii> and re>iieet- 
 able. 
 
 This town found it<liflieult to enforce the rule of the juris- 
 diction, wliich excluded all but eliiirch nieinbcis fidiii the 
 privilege of freemen, and their dciiartiirr fidin it cn ated 
 
 * The time of settlement and removal r)fHii> above mini-l. i > i:. ^'.•ni i all,\ lakoi Irmn records, 
 and in cases where they ci.uM li. lii orm i d, m- ili.l nui luruish the liilormatiun, resort has 
 been had to the best somr. ~ Ml ini.n m ii h.n 1 ii:,t . muM iir ailorded, to supply the defect ; and 
 in a few instances the tiim,' i- r..i,j. .jinr. .1 ir.nn i ii\ uiii^t.iucLS. 
 
35 
 
 some difficulty between that town and ^^ew-IIaven, wliicli 
 was removed by the submission of botli towns to the juris- 
 diction of Connecticut in 16P)5. 
 
 Mr. Youiiii's (•(.iitinued the minister of South Old till liis 
 death. He died in l()7i', a-ed 74. 
 
 . Mr. YoiniLi'- li:ul >c\ rr:il r~uns ami dauii'hters, to whom he 
 left coii^idoraMc pr.)i)cil \ . a. iunn[)er of whose posterity still 
 reside in South ( )ld. 
 
 Several of Mr. Youngs' descendants have occupied public 
 stations, and have been distinguished for public useful- 
 ness. 
 
 Colonel John Youngs, his ehh'>t son, was a leading man 
 in the public affairs of the town during his life time. 
 
 He was generally appointed the delegate to consult with 
 the delegates of Southampton and Eastiiampton respecting 
 the difficulties to which those three towns were exposed, botti 
 l)efoi-e and after the conquest of the Dutch territories by the 
 
 It is supposed that he wn- a])iioiiited one of the judges of 
 the court which was e.~tal)li>hc(l by the authority of Con- 
 necticut for those towns, innnediately after that colony had 
 received the charter of 1662. 
 
 In 167:3, when the three towns were again taken under 
 the juri>diction of that colony, he was appointed one of the 
 judges of the court which was then established for the ad- 
 ministration of justice in those towns. 
 
 In 1»!SL he was high sheriti" of Yorkshire, then composed 
 of all Loug-Tsland, and by request of the court of assize, 
 the highc-t judicial tribunal in tiie colony, drew the petition 
 for the priv ilege of hav ing an assembly, which they sent to 
 the Duke of York, and w hich was granted in l<>s;;. lie was 
 maih' a ineinber of tlie c(Uiiicil ot' the colony in ids:',, which 
 station he seems to have retained as long as hecoidd attend. 
 He was also colonel of the n)ilitia of Suffiilk county till 
 1693, when in consequence of his age the office was given 
 to Colonel William Smith, lie died in 1698, aged 75. 
 
 Benjamin Y oungs, another >on of Mr. Youngs, and Joshua 
 Youngs, who is su[i])os<,m1 to have l)een his grandsou, were 
 successivelv judges of the court of common pleas of Sutfolk 
 county, a serie> of yi'ars befort' the >\nu'rican Revolution, 
 and Thomas Youngs. >uppo.-ed to 1 ic another of the de>cend- 
 ants of the Rev. .lohn "\'oungs, was a judge ot' the >;nue 
 court f(U- some time since the revolution. The iiev. l)a\id 
 Youngs, supposed to be another of his descendants, graduated 
 
36 
 
 at Yale Collefre in 1741, became a minister, settled at Brook- 
 haven in 174."), and continued tlicre till his death in 1752. 
 
 Experience Youngs, the daunhter of lU'Djaniin Younirs, 
 and grajid daughter of the liev. .John "^'oungs, was the se- 
 cond wife of the Tvev. Ebenezer Prime, the minister of Hunt- 
 ington from l71!>to 1779, and was graiidiiintlicr of thelvev. 
 Kathaniid Scudder Prime, who i> ;it |irr-riii the |irincipal 
 of the academy at Candjridge, in \Va>liingtoii county, in the 
 State of New- York. 
 
 The Rev. Ezra Youngs, as is supposed, another of Mr. 
 Youngs' descendants, luis recently entered into the ministry, 
 and preaclie- (Ui Sheher l>land. 
 
 The Kev. .lo>]ina 1 1 ol , art succeeded Mr. Youngs iii 1074. 
 He was a son of the \lr\ . I'ctei- lloliart. wlio wa- educated 
 at Cambridge, and ]ireaclic(| at lla\ci'liill and nther jilaces 
 in England till l<;;'..^. wlieii lie with lii> cliildrcii. caiiie ever 
 to Ma--acliu-etf~. and >ettled the town of llingliaiii. where 
 he gatliered a church, and coutiuued a '•faithful pa>tor and 
 an able preacher," until his death in 1679. He had four 
 sons, who became preachers. 
 
 Joshua was bom in graduate(l at Harvard College 
 
 in 1650. He settle(l at South Old in 1<m4, and continued 
 there dnring his life time, lie died in 1717. ageil s'.t. 
 
 The church and congregat ion of South ( )ld. attei- the death 
 of Mr. Yomigs, sent a ine>-eiiger to P>o.-ton to >eek "an 
 honest and goodly minister,"" and in iirocuriug Mr. Hobart, 
 their wishes seem to have been reah/ed. and they had the 
 happiness to enjoy his labors dui'ing a long life. 
 
 Some of the posterity of Mr. HoKart, in the female line, 
 recently resided in the town of South < )ld, and \wre re- 
 spectable, but it is not known that he has any descendants 
 now living. 
 
 The Kev. Abraham Pierson was the first minister of South 
 Hampton. He liad been a unin>ter in "I'ork-hii'e. In l''.ug- 
 land, and came over to Boston in Iti:!'.'. ami joined the church 
 there. 
 
 Some of the English emigrants who had made a stand at 
 J^ynn, in ]\rassachu<otts. having agree(l to f ii-m a settlement 
 on Long-l>laiid. <>\\ a tract <>\' land w liich they had iiurchased 
 of the nati\(-. with the cdii-ent ot' .lame- l-'ari-et. agent of 
 the Earl of Stii-ling. the\ a-i-eed w ith Mr. rier-"n t-i accom- 
 pany them as their mini-ter. He iii-u'ani/.cil a church ainoiig 
 them, and they entei-e(| into a civil coiidiinatioii or covi'uant 
 for the su})port of order and good government, before they 
 
37 
 
 removed to the island. In December, 1640, they removed 
 to the ishind and commenced the settlement of the town of 
 South Hampton. 
 
 The Indian deed was executed to John Gosmer, Edward 
 Howell, Edmund Earrington, George AV^ells, Edmund Xeed- 
 hani, Thomas Sayrc, Joh Sayre, Edmund Ilalsej, Thomas 
 Ilalsey, Henry Walton, l)aiiiL'l Howe, John Cooper, Allen 
 Bread, and William Ilan-hcr. and these, or most of them, are 
 suppdM'd to luive conuncnccd the tiist settlement of South 
 Hamilton, and their posterity, form no inconsiderable propor- 
 tion of the present inhabitants of that town. 
 
 Shortly after the settlement of the town, they found it ne- 
 cessar}' for their security to t'oi'm a connection with some one 
 of the J^ew-Eiigland coloiiie>. and it seems they were divided 
 in opinion relative to the one they should join. 
 
 New-Haven iv>ti-icted all publil' ofKces a> well as the right 
 of suffrage to ineniliei> of the cliurcli, while in Coniiecticut 
 they were connnoii to all the iidiabitants within her jurisdic- 
 tion ; and it seem- that Mr. J-'ierson, with a jiart of the 
 church, wished to join New-Haven. The majority, how- 
 e\ci'. in'eferred an union with ( 'onnecticut, and in 1(144 joined 
 that cMldiiy. In consi'i|uen(H> of M-hich it is supposed that 
 Mr. l*ier-on and a portion of the people removed to Bran- 
 ford, where they coinnienced a new settlement, and put 
 themselves under the jurisdiction of Xew-Ilaven. 
 
 After his settlement at Branford, IMr. Piei-son was em- 
 ployed by the commissioners of the society foi- propagating 
 the gospel in Xew-England, which was established in 1049 
 to instruct the Imliaiis in those jiarts. 
 
 From the ai-counts of the couiniissiouers in Hazard's col- 
 lections, it appears that Mr. I'iei'sdn was employed in the 
 service more oi' less of his time from It'i.'i;! to KKm. 
 
 In 1<!.j7, with the assistance < if Thomas Stanton, an Indian 
 interpreter, he translated into the language of the Indians, 
 a catechism which he had comjxjsed for their use. 
 
 In 1659 he atteiuled a meeting at Koxlniry, in ^rassachu- 
 setts, for the purpose of witnessing the success of Mr. El- 
 liot's labors among the Indians, and assisted in examining 
 the Indian couv^erts in their own language. 
 
 In 1665, Xew-TIaven rclincpiished her independence, and 
 became a memli(U' of the jurisdiction of Connecticut, under 
 the charter granted by the king in 1662. It seems that Mr. 
 Pierson and many others were opposed to this measure, and 
 probably for the same reason that he left South Hampton he 
 
38 
 
 (lettM'iiiiiUMl with ^ucli as were of tlie same opinion, to leave 
 that i)art of tlie eouiitrv. 
 
 In May, Eoliert Treat, of IVIilfnnl, ami Samuel 
 
 Swain of Branford, on hehalf of themselves and a number 
 of the peo])le of Milford, ])ranf()rd, New-IIaven, and (iuil- 
 ford, made a ] >iirclia>c of the native ])ro])rietors of a tract of 
 land on tlic i':i~~:iif ii\cr, in New-rlersev, in oi-di'r to forma 
 new settlement tliciT. 
 
 It is su])posed that some ]>art ol" the >ettl('rs removed to 
 the new settlement immediatelv aftei' the iiurchase. 
 
 October 3(ltli, HWU;, the scttl'crs adopted the law of New- 
 llaven, which inhibited any |iei'>on IVoui bei-oinini;- a free- 
 man who was not a mendiei- of >onie coiii^i'ei^ntioiial church. 
 
 Till' most of Mr. l*ier>oii's cliui-cli ;iiid ci in;^i-eL;:it imi I'c- 
 mo\ed fi'om ]>i-antoi-(l, aiul the settiei> from the otiiei' towns 
 united with them, under liis ministry. 'J'lu'y calhMl the 
 towji New Ark, a> I> >iiiii)osed after the town where Mr. 
 Pierson was ordained in Miiuland. 
 
 From the fact of Mr. Pier-ouV i-eceivlni:- an allowance 
 from the commissioners at their meetinu'. Septendx'i' l.'Ith. 
 1607. for his services dui'Iiii;- the year iii-ece(lini;-. it is su])- 
 posed that he did not renH)ve to Newark, until after that 
 meeting in the fall of that year. 
 
 September 10th, 1668, the people of Xewai-k. at a town 
 meeting, voted to allow Mr. PiiMvou the i'\jieii>e> of his re- 
 moval and diggiuir !n's well, and al>o ^.■^o i\,y lii> services 
 from the tir>t of ( )ctober, UitiT. to the tii'^t of October, lt;68, 
 and >tipulateil to allow him a salary of t>o a year, jiayable 
 lialf-yeai-ly. in produce at the curinMit pi'ice. fi'om the lirstof 
 October. i()<;s; and also to give him a ]>ound of butter for 
 evei'y mih-h cow in the town, and al>o \oted that he -hould 
 be exeiiipicl tVom taxes, while he coutiuue(| their niiiii-tei'. 
 
 It ap]/ear> that Mr. Pierson wa> at this time advanced in 
 years, and stood in need of an as>i>tant. 
 
 July 28th, 1669, the town employed his son, Abraliam 
 Piersim, jun., who gi'aduated at Harvard in 1668, to assist 
 his father in the mini~ti-y. March 4th, 1672, he was regu- 
 larly settled as a colleague Avith him. 
 
 It is su])posed that Mr. Pier>oii ^l adnally (h'clined, so as 
 not to be ca]iable of much sei \ ire atb r thi> period, and that 
 he die(l in 16Sn "s], at an adxaiiced age. 
 
 He i- repre-eiiird l.\ ( 'i.ticii Mather, as ''an able and ier- 
 vent jireachei-, and a> a piou> and [UMident man," and the 
 Rev. Alexander McWorter, one of his successors, in a een- 
 
39 
 
 tiiry sermon, preached Jainiarv ]>t, ISOl, repve>ents liim to 
 have been " a man of learuiiiLf and i>i('ty, of natural aliili- 
 ties al)ove the common level, and eiiiiiiuiit for liib wisdom, 
 prudence and discretion." 
 
 His son ri'iiiained at I^ewark until the summer of 1692, 
 when he removed to Connecticut, and in 1694, settled at 
 Killings worth. 
 
 In 1701, he was chosen rector or president of the new col- 
 lege, which station he occupied till his death in 1708. 
 
 The Rev. John Pierson, a son of the President, settled at 
 Woodbridge, New-Jersey, and was the ancestor of a number 
 of families of that name in that ]iart of tlic country. 
 
 The Pev. Ashbel Green of Philadeliihia, late president of 
 the college at Princeton, is said to be a grandson of Mr. 
 Pierson, of "Woodbridge. 
 
 It is su] i]iosed that the original ancestor left other posterity, 
 whose descendants reside in New-Jersey, New-York and 
 Connecticut, who are generally respectable. 
 
 The Rev. Robert Fordham succeeded Mr. Pierson in the 
 ministry at South Hampton. He visited tlie town in 1648, 
 and acce|>ted an invitation to become their minister, but his 
 salai'v (lid not commence, nor is it probable that he began 
 his stated labors there until the 1st of April, 1619. 
 
 Mr. Fordhain came from England ; and it is related by 
 Johnson, in his " wonder-working providence," that he first 
 went to the west part of tlie Island, and it seems he accom- 
 panied Mr. ])enton to Hempstead. His name is the lirst in- 
 serted in the patent granted by the Dutch Governor, De- 
 cember 16th, 1614, for that town. He was a resident and 
 proprietor there, when he received the invitation of the 
 people of South Hampton to become their minister. Mr. 
 Fordham continued the minister of South Hampton till his 
 death in 1674. 
 
 From the inventory of his pi-opci-ty on rocor<l. it a])pears, 
 that he possessed a large estate for tliat period, amounting 
 to £2,000 and upwards, exclusive of his debts ; and the 
 value of his library, which was appraised at £53 7s. 6d., in- 
 dicates that he was a man of learning as well as |)iety. The 
 Rev. Josiah Fordham, supposed to have been a grandson of 
 Mr. Fordham, preached a short time at Brookhaven after 
 the decease of Mr. Brewster. His posterity still reside in 
 South Hampton, and are respectable. 
 
 The Rev. Joseph Taylor succeeded Mr. Fordham, in 
 March 1680, and died in April 1682. The invitation to liim 
 16 
 
40 
 
 with a sintjfle excejitinn. \\-a> niiaiiiinoii^, which is a decisive 
 proof thathe must lia\c Imch in -n at c-iceiii with thepeo])le 
 of that town. lie caiin' tlici-c iVoiii .\cw-IIavou; but little 
 is kTiown of his history. 
 
 Tlic Rev. ,Ios('i>h Wiiitiuj; was invited to South Ilainpton, 
 ill .June 1()S2, and pi-ohalily ai-ci-ptcd the invitation and set- 
 tled there a short time attciw ai ils. Mr. Whitinji- was the 
 youngest sou of the Kc\ . Samuel Whiting, who was a dis- 
 tinguished preac her in Norfolk in England, came over to 
 Boston in 1(J3(!. ami t led at Lvnn, where he continued 
 till his death in IfiT'.t. lie had thi-(H'son> who were miins- 
 ters. ]\Ir. Joseph Whitin-- ihr yoiin-i-t. li-raduatod at Har- 
 vard in Kifil. lie St udicd t hiMiln- \ with jii.- father, and for 
 nuiny years assi-ted liim in the mini-try. Mr. Whiting con- 
 tinued the mini>terof Sonthami.ton till his death, in April, 
 1728, in the s-_',l year of hi.- a^e. 
 
 Mr. Whitinu' w a- a clo-e >t ndeid, and devoted himself 
 wholly to the (Intie- of hi->aereil t'linetioii. Cotton ^Mather, 
 in his Magnalia, u ritten in l<l',i7, in hi^ aecount of the family, 
 says, "Joseph i-al thi> ilav a worthy and paint'nl minister 
 of thog.ispel at S,,nth 1 1 ai'n [ .t on . oii ' Loi i- 1 >hi nd 
 
 There i> a. tradition anion-' .-ome of the (dderly peo|)le of 
 Sont]iam|itoii. that he so ali>traeted him^elf from the care of 
 all teiniMiral eoneerns, that he was ignor;mt of the lunnher 
 or nature of his own stock. Mr. Whiting h'ft a son, the 
 liev. John \\' hiring, wlio irradnated at Ifai'vard in 17<'",>et- 
 tled at C'oiieord in ITli'.and died in 1 T-'.-j!, agei I 71. His 
 posterity reside in ( 'oneoi-d. It is not known that Mr. Whit- 
 ing has any postei il \ on l,oii^-l>laud. 
 
 The Rev. Richard 1 )( ■ntoii was thetirst nunister of Hemp- 
 stead. He had heen a mini^ler ill I lah'f i\, in Kiigh.ud. He 
 came over to Warreiitowii hetweeii Iti.'lOand '■'<■>. In lH."!."), 
 he, with some who had joine(| the ehiiivh there, umha- the 
 charge of the Rev. (ieoi-^c I'hilHiis. and others, emigrated 
 to Coiiiieetient and (-omnuaieed tlie M'ttlemeiit of Wethers- 
 tield. Mr. Denton, with some pai-t of tlie ]ieo|ile of Weth- 
 er sfield, in 1641,remo\ed to Stamford, and in 1 fi44, he, with 
 part of his church and eongrei^at ion, removed to IIem]i>tea.d 
 on Long-Island, and >etthM| on a tract of laml wliich they 
 had purchased of the liulians. and for which they received 
 a patent from the Dutch, w ho e\erci-ed juri-did i. .u over 
 that part of the Island. Matthia- M itdiil.'Thoma- Ka\ ner, 
 Andrew AVard, Robert Coe. and Richard ( iilder>leve. were 
 some of the leading men who accompanied Mr. Denton. Mr. 
 
41 
 
 Denton continne<l tlip iiiiiiistci- ,,f ir('iii]i^t(';i(1 till his death, 
 iu 1663. Pie is it| ii\'si'iitc(l liy ('ntiMn Mntlicr as an able 
 preacher and an exi-fllfut man." lie >tatcs tliat Mr. Den- 
 ton left a manuscript system of divinity, entitled " Solilo- 
 qiiia Sacra," wliich was well spoken of by tlm.-e who liad 
 seen it. Mr. Denton's posterity are numerons and respect- 
 able. 
 
 TheEev. Jeremiah ITolnirt settled at TTeniitstead in 16S2. '^ 
 ITe was the sou of tlie Ke\. i'eter llobart, of llin-liam, 
 Massachusetts, and brother. .f Mr. .b.^Ima Il.ibart. of S., nth 
 Old. lie was born in Knulaiid in 1 *!•">< >, and eamc over a 
 child in 1635. He u-i-aduate.l at Ilarvai-d in lt;.">ii. He first 
 preached at Topstiehl in .Ma"ai-liu>ett>. He removed to 
 Hempstead in l(;.s2, where lie eontinned till l<i:tt;, there- 
 abouts, when he removed to lladdam, in ( 'onneeticnf, w here 
 he was installed in 17<h», and preadied till his (k>atli. He 
 went to])ublie worship in the forenoon, and died in hisehair 
 l)etweiMi meetings, in 1717, a.^'ed ^7 years. He was the 
 l^raiidfither of the celebrated missionary, the Rev. David 
 l!i-ainard. 
 
 The liev. Thomas James was the first minister of East 
 Hampton. His ancesti'y i> not known. It is conjectured, 
 however, that he was a ^on ot'the Rev. Thomas James, who 
 }>reached at ( 'harle.~to\\ ii , in .Ma>-aehnsett-, in It'i.'i;!, who 
 went to ^'ir^■inia as a. mi^^i.lnal■y in \*'A'2, and who, as is >np- 
 |)Osed, afterwards returned to MiiM-land. It is the tradition 
 that he came from England beloi-e he had finished his studies, 
 and that he completeil his edncation with some of the niin- 
 i-tei's wh(_> at that time adorneil the chui-ehes of XewJ-hig- 
 land. Ea^t Hampton was pnrcliased of the mitive proprie- 
 tors in 1618, and a settlement was shortly after formed 
 there. John Hand.dohn Strt'tton, Thomas Taluuioe, jun., 
 Robert Bond, Robei't Ko^e, Thomas Thomp^.>n,^ Jo'shua 
 l!anie.-, dohn Mulford and Daniel Howe, rommeiieeil the 
 tir?-t settlement at Ivi-t Hampton. It i> not known when 
 Mr. James first eami.' tliei-e. In l»i.">l, it a[ipears from the 
 town records that the inhalntaiit> ot' that town agreed to 
 give him £50 a year, f u' lii> labors in the mini>ti'y anmng 
 them. Itisnot probable that he had been long there, per- 
 haps not longer than was necessary to form an acqnaintancc 
 with each other. It seems probable that the church was not 
 
 * It is probable that the people of ITempsteail employed a minister after the death of Mr. 
 Denton, before the settlement of Mr. Hobiiit, but no records have been found that throw quy 
 light on the subject. 
 
42 
 
 regularly orginiizcd, nor was Mr. Jainert settled in East 
 Hampton iiiilil 1 <;:,(» Kinl. 
 
 Ill 1055, the inlialiitants entered into a civil c(ind)iiiation 
 or social contract for the siii)|iort ol" good government among 
 themselves. 
 
 Mr. James seems to have been the tirst person employed 
 to instruct the Indians on the Island. 
 
 In the accounts of the society for proi)agating the gospel 
 in New-England, for 16()1, there is an allnw niicc of £10 to 
 Mr. James of East IIam])ton, for prejMiriiig hiiiix'lf for that 
 dithcnlt eni])l(iynH'nt ; and in the account- tor tlu- succeed- 
 ing thi'cc ycai'>. thiTc i>;ni allow iuicc of t'-jo a \ rar tor each 
 of those years to Mr. -laiiio for >ahii'y for iiisti-ucting 
 "the Indians at Loiig-l>huid." 
 
 Mr. Beeeher, in liis sermon of 1S()6, states "that Mr. 
 " Janu's \\ ;i> niii|iir-tioiialily a man of strong natural pow- 
 "ersjiad ;i l;.hm| i I iica t ioii, iiiidcr>too(l pul il ic 1 lusiness, and 
 " was ri'pcatciIlN ciiiploycd Ky tlu' town as a tiaistee, and to 
 "act for tlicni with tlicir <'oiiiniittt'c> on ditHcult cniergen- 
 "cies." It may l»e a(ldc(l that the rccoi'(l> of the town' fur- 
 nish ample evidence of uncommon tirmness and decision of 
 character. 
 
 Mr. James seems to have been very zealous for the pre- 
 servation of civil liberty, and the pi-otestant religion, M'hich 
 he saw endangered by the ai-bitiary measures and bigoted 
 principles of James II. and his catholic governoi-s, and ]irob- 
 ably freely and boldly ex])res>('d his ap]ii-cli('ii>ioii- in tlie 
 pulpit. In the colony record>, in the minutes ot' the coun- 
 cil for Novembef 18th, 1680, it i- stated that on tlie I'ecep- 
 tion of two depositions charging the Rev. Thomas James 
 of East Hampton, with having ])reaclied a certain seditious 
 sermon on the 17th of October ])rece(liug, an oivlei' was 
 passed by Governor Dongan and the council, for a warrant 
 to be issued to a messenger to have Mr. Jaiues before the 
 council that day fortnight to answer the ])remises. The re- 
 sult cannot be a-certained from the records, and i> not hnown. 
 
 Tlieic i~ \rvy littU' known of Mr. Jauie>"> ministerial 
 cliaractei-. luit >utHcient indicatitnis of it remain in the re- 
 cords of the town to evince that he was a faithful preacher 
 and a pi'udeut man. 
 
 Mr. dam.- cMiitiiMied at Ka^t Hampton tiil lii- death in 
 1696. The I pi,- rni|i|MV, <l a Mr. done- to ;i"i-t l.ini dur- 
 ing the la>t thi-ee year>o|'hi> lift', in conse(]Uence of lii>age 
 and infirmities, he having relincpiished £40 of his salary to 
 
43 
 
 enable tliem to do it. Mr. James ordered his body to be 
 laid in a position contrary to that of his people, and' he was 
 buried in that manner. 
 
 iSTovemln'i- I'otli. KiitS, Mr. James sold and conveyed his 
 real estate to .lolm (iardiner, of (Tardiiier's Island, for i'.')*"!!, 
 one half which was paid inime<liatcly, and ^Iv. (iai'diiier 
 obligated himself to pay tlie otlicr lialf to the ^^^■.v/^///^• of 
 Mr. James within one montli next after liis dcccax'. From 
 his selling his estate, and especially fi'oni tlic oini^-ion of any 
 terms of relationship in the description of the }>crsoii- to 
 whom Mr. Gardiner was to pay the residue of the purchase 
 money, it is inferred that Mr. James did not leave any pos- 
 terity. 
 
 The Rev. Nathaniel Hunting succeeded Mr. James in the 
 ministry at East Hampton. Mr. HuntingV grandfather eame 
 trom England to Massachusetts, jirol^ably in hV-W. lie was 
 ordained the ruling elder in the church at Deilham ; at the 
 same time Mr. Allen was ordained the pastoi- of that church. 
 
 Elder Hunting had a brother and brother-indaw in King- 
 land, who were niini>tei's. ami be was cousin to the fmiuus 
 minister John IJogcj-s, of l)e(lham, in Phigland. Mr. Hunt- 
 ing graduated at Harvard in li'.'.t:!. He came to East Hamp- 
 ton in IHIm;, and was ordained the minister of that town in 
 September, l&.KK and continued the sole mini>ter of that 
 place till 1740, when the Rev. Samuel Buell was called to 
 assist him, on accomit of his age and infirmities. Mr. Hun- 
 ting died in 1753. 
 
 The character of Mr. Hunting is thus drawn l)y the TJev. 
 Lyman l>eecher, one of his successors in the miiu^try at East 
 Hampton, in a sermon preached at East Hampton in iSdO. 
 
 •"Mr. Hunting was a man of stiMng and di>tinguishing 
 mind ; firm and independent, without rashness ami ol)stinacy; 
 he was a hard student, an<l accurate xholai', and of exten- 
 sive theological learning. IHs sermons, of which more than 
 100 volumes are now extant in manu>cri]it. are \\ ritten in a 
 close and nervous style. They are the re^ult of careful -tudy ; 
 are written with great particularity and critical accuracy, 
 abound with scripture references, and reference.- to the most 
 approved authors and conunentator-. They inculcate abun- 
 dantly the depravity of human nature — the nece»ity of re- 
 generation — the ao'eney of God, and his sovereignty in this 
 work — the insufficiency of works to justify, and that we are 
 justified by faith only." 
 
 It is not known that Mr. Hunting ever published anv of 
 17 
 
44 
 
 liis sermons, nor is it known tliat he wrote on any other sub- 
 ject. J I is niaiuiscrijits are in tlie hands of some of his de- 
 scendants. 
 
 Mr. lluntiiiii; liad five sons and one daiigliter. Two of las 
 sons became farmers ; one of them settled in East Hampton, 
 and the other at South irain])ti>n. Tlircc oftliciii received 
 a liberal education. Nat lianirl and .lunatliaii studied di- 
 vinity and became preaclici',-, Imt Initli wci'c uhliy-ed to de- 
 sist from preaching on account of thcii- health. Jonathan 
 died at East Hampton in 17.")n. in the t liirty->i.\th year of his 
 age. Xatlianiel also di('(l at I^a^t llam[)ton in 1770 aged GS 
 years. Edward was a ]iliysii ian. and died at East Hampton 
 in 17-i5, in the42d yeai- of liis age. 
 
 Mr. Hnntiiig''s daughter nuirried a Mr. Coit of New-Lou- 
 don. 
 
 The several families of TFuntings iu East Ilaniptun and 
 South Hampton, and the Jlw. .lonatliaii 1 1 iint iiii:-. tlic pre- 
 sent minister of South Old, are (k'seeudaiits of Mr. Hunt- 
 ing. 
 
 The Eev. William Leveridge is supposed to have been the 
 first minister of 1 Iuiitin:j:ton. llecaiiie tVoiii Kiiglaiid with 
 captain AViggiu and coiiipanv, in ]<''•'!•">. w ith a \icw to set- 
 tle at PiM|natai|na, l)Ut not lia\ ing >ii iHcient encouragement 
 to remain rhere, came to l!o>ton and joined the church there, 
 Augu-t '."til. If,:;:,. j-'roni tlieiice he renu)ved to Plymouth. 
 
 .ludge Davis in a note to lii~ edition of Morton's history 
 of Plymouth, state- that it appeal'- tVoin the Plymouth re- 
 cords, that Mr. Les'eridge a>si^ted Mr. Parti'idge. the nunis- 
 ter of Duxbury, a short space before he i-eino\cd to Sand- 
 wich, and that he was teacher of the chuich of Sandwich a 
 considei'ahle time. 
 
 ]\Ir. I'.ii triilu'e arrived at Boston in 1030. It is probable 
 that he settled at Duxbury the next year, where Mi'. Lever- 
 idge assisted him, and that he settled at Samhv I< li in l';.'!S. 
 
 Wentworth, in his Journal, mentions Mr. Le\ei idge as 
 the minister of Sandwich in 1639. 
 
 Aforton, in his liistory of Plymouth, states that in 1642, 
 the colony was adorned with a number of able and godly 
 miinsters, and enumerates Mr. Leveridge among the num- 
 ber. 
 
 TluM-e were a considei-able iiuniher of Indian- in or near 
 Sandwich, where Mr. he\ ei-idge \\ a- -et t leil. :in<l thi- led 
 him to make some exertions to (pialify hini>elf fur their in- 
 struction. 
 
45 
 
 Mr. Elliott, of Roxbury, tbe celebrated Indian preacher, 
 who translated the Bible into their language, in a letter of 
 September 3d, 1651, to the commissioners of the society for 
 propagating the gospel in New England, informed them 
 that Mr. Leveridge and Mr. Blinman were fitting themselves 
 for the work of the gospel among the Indians, of which 
 they inform the society in their letter of the 10th of that 
 month. 
 
 It seems that Mr. Leveridge did not continue at Sandwich 
 a long time after this period. 
 
 In April, 1653, he visited Long-Island, and with certain 
 others from that part of the country where he was settled, 
 made a purchase of the natives of a large tract of land at 
 Oysterbay, with the design of forming a new settlement or 
 plantation there. 
 
 The deed for the land bears date April, 1G53, and was exe- 
 cuted to William Leveridge, Samuel Mayo and Peter 
 Wright; the deed for Huntington was obtained the same 
 month, and was given to Richard Holdbrook, Robert Wil- 
 liams, and Daniel Whitehead, who, with Peter Holdbrook, 
 Anthony Wright, Charles Armitage, William Washborne, 
 Daniel Washborne, and John Washborne, seem to liave com- 
 posed the same company that made both purchases, and 
 probably came from the same part of the country. 
 
 Shortly after the purchase, Mr. Leveridge removed from 
 Sandwich in order to commence the settlement of the new 
 plantation at Oysterbay. 
 
 The vessel ^vluch conveyed him and his goods went to 
 Hempstead Harbour Avithin the Dutch jurisdiction, and land- 
 ed the cattle and the goods there, " because there was no 
 house erected at Oysterbay, in which the goods could be re- 
 ceived."* 
 
 It would seem that after his removal to Oysterbay, Mr. 
 Leveridge devoted more or less of his time, either on Long- 
 Island or elsewhere, to the instruction of the natives. It is 
 probable that the English settlements in the neighborhood, 
 in their infancy, were unable to support a settled minister, 
 and that he divided his labours between them and the native 
 tribes. 
 
 * During the year 1653, war prevaUed between the English and Dutch in Europe, and Rhode 
 Island took part with the mother country. The vessel which carrie i Mr. Leveridge belonged 
 to Capt. Thomas Willett, Samuel Mayo, William Paddy and John Barnes, of Barnstable, and 
 was taken while within the Dutch limits, by Thomas Baxter, who was cruising against the Dutch 
 commerce, under a commission from the authority of Rhode-Island, and the commissioners of 
 the united colonies were obliged to interlere to procure the restoration of the vessel. — Hazard's 
 Collections. 
 
46 
 
 From the accounts of the cominissioTiers presentefl to tlie 
 society for j)niji:ijiatiii>; tlie ir()8})el in New Enji'laiid, it ap- 
 ]^>ears that thev allowed ^Ir. Leveridge, from time to time, 
 trom l()o;^ to 165S, several small sums for his service anujng 
 the Indians. 
 
 In 1057, the conmiissioners wrote to him to ciiiin^c him 
 to mulertake the iii>tructioii of the C'oi'cliaii::' iiml JMuntauk 
 trihes at the east end of the Island, if hi- .-ituatiou woidd 
 admit of his being emidoyed in tli;it >ci \ ice. 
 
 It seems his settlement at 1 1 unt iniiT. in ahniit this jieriod, 
 prevented Ills accepting the iii\ itatimi of the (•(Uiniii^inncrs. 
 
 In 1658 he seems to liave hern (■>tahli>lic(l ;i> tlic minister 
 of Huntington. During that vear. the [ie(>|)lc ot'tiiat town 
 appropriated land for his use, and in lt'>G2 enlarged the 
 cpiantity. 
 
 In lf)58, Mr. Leveridge also had a grist mill erected on a 
 stream that ran through the town, which was the first mill 
 erected in the town. 
 
 Mr. Leveridge continued the minister of Ilimtington until 
 1670, when he removed to Newtown, and is supposed to 
 have hccn tlir hist niiiii^tcr of that town. 
 
 He rciiiaiiir,! ;it NcuImw n till ]ii> death, the datr of which 
 is not preei>el_v known, hut appeal's froni the I't'cords of the 
 town to have been previous to 1694. It is probable that it 
 was not long before that year, and that he died at an ad- 
 vanced age. 
 
 In one of the books among the town records of Xewton, 
 there is a commentary on a considerable ]iurtioii uf the < )ld 
 Testament, which is presunuMl to lia\f ln'cn made l)y Mr. 
 Leveridge. If so, it is no incon>idcralih' | n'. ,t' < 'f hi- h'arn- 
 ing and industry. He is characterized hy lluhhard. in his 
 history of Xew England, as "an able and worthy minister." 
 
 The circumstance of his having lieeii die df the original 
 proprietors of ( )y-terbay, and of iia\ iiig erecteil a ui'l-t mill 
 in the infancy of tlietown ot liiintingtun, would >eeni tn indi- 
 cate that Mr. Leveridge must have })ossessed a cousiderahle 
 estate. 
 
 Some of Mr. Leveridge's posterity still reside in Xewtowu, 
 and rank among the most respectable people of the town. 
 
 The Kev. Eliphalet Jones succeeded Mr. Leveridge in the 
 ministry at Huntington. He wa- a -mi i.f the Rev. .luhn 
 Jones, who arrived at Boston in Itl;',,".. ,iii<l -rttird at Concord 
 in connection with the Rev. Peter iiulkley, in IdoT. ^Ir. 
 Jones did not continue many years at Concord. It seems 
 
47 
 
 that ail unusual number of people settled at Concord. Tlie 
 Eev. Ezra Tviplev, the minister of that town, in ;i di>cour-e 
 delivered Januarv 2-i:th, lTlt-2. states tliat a (•oii>i(lfi'ahk' pro- 
 portion of the cliurcliand peoph- tindiiii:- tliL- placr too scanty 
 for the comf )rtal>le snl»sistrnce of sonmiiy. a tew years nftfi- 
 the first settleniriit of the town, xild their i m — idie^. we :*" 
 Avit]^]VIr. Jones to ('oiineeticiit. and >ett led tlie tMWii (,f l-'ai,-- 
 field. From a petitii.m of tlie iiiliahitant> of ( 'oiieoi-d, dated 
 in 1645, on file in the otfice of the Secretary of State of Massa- 
 chusetts, it appears that the emigration took phiee in the 
 summer or fall of 16-^, and consisted only of a seventh or 
 eiii'hth part of the inhabitants, a much less proportion than 
 Mr. Ivipley supposed. 
 
 Mr. Jones wa^ tlie first minister of l"'aiifiehl, and fi intinued 
 thei'e till his death, the pre(•i^e date of wliicli i~ not known. 
 
 Mr. Wakeman, tlie next minister, settled in ](;(;:,; kv.t 
 might liave >ettled as an assistant. It i> prokalil.- tliat Mr. 
 Jones die(l jirevions to 1668. In that year land- were laid 
 out in Faii'field, to a Mrs. Jones who is -nppo-i d t.. have 
 been tlie widow of the nninster. In 1(17."-. Kliplialei .lones, 
 his Son. conveyed a home lot of two acre-, in Fairfield, to 
 his nephew, dohn IJuikley, which wa> iirokahly his fatheFs ; 
 and in Kl'Jl, he conveyed t<i hiiiL two other tracts of land, 
 in the same town, which are stated in the riM-Mi'd to hav-' 
 been left him by his hoiiorecl hither, .lolm -lone-." 
 
 From a record <A' liirth> in Concord, found in the conrt 
 recor(ls in I'oston, it ajtpears that the Kev. Flipliah/t .lones, 
 was l)orn the '.ttli of the 11th month. ICln. It i- not kn<.wn 
 where he received ]ii> education. It is ni_)t improliakle tlint 
 he was educated ly the Kev. Feter Fulkleyand hi> -on who 
 succeeded him — the first, if not both of whom, -war- a dis- 
 tinguished scholar, and with Avhich fannly he >eem> to ha-^ e 
 Ijeen in some Avay connected. 
 
 In 1669, Mr. Jones was stationed at (Greenwich, eitlier as 
 a missionary or settled nnnister. During that year tlie [leo- 
 ple of Jamaica voteil to send a messenger to (-freenw ich to 
 give him an invitation to visit that town in order to Jii- set- 
 tlement as their minister. 
 
 In May, 1724, Mr. Jones conveyed fifteen aero of land 
 in Greenwich, to Eliphalet Hill, which he conveyed to Jo- 
 seph Marshall, of that place, the same month. This land is 
 supposed to have been allotted to him as one of the pr(_iprie- 
 tors of the town, or to have been granted to him as a settle- 
 ment, or as a remuneration for his services while he preach- 
 ed there. 18 
 
48 
 
 Tu April, 1673, the people of Iluiitinirtoii authorized their 
 ina<jist rates, with certain others nanu'd for that purpose, to 
 use their endeavors to procure a minister for the town. 
 It seems that they invited Mr. Jones to come among them, 
 
 January of that year, the people of ]Iuiitiiii;ton i;ave him 
 an invitation to cc/ntinue among them as llu li- iiiiiii>tcr. and 
 at the same time voted to give him twenty -miw^ of land 
 Avliere he chose to take it up. 
 
 Mr. Jones seems to have been very reluctant in assenting 
 to a settlement, until lie was assured of tlic t:-ciicral appro- 
 bation of the peoiiK\ It •ri'iii-. that he coii t i ii iic< 1 witli tliem 
 another year without clo-iuM- with their lu'opoal. 
 
 In June, 1677, the <piestion was ai:aiii put to the people 
 at his request, wdiether they still (k'>ired lii> cout iuuaiiee 
 with them as their minister, and was answered in the affir- 
 mative by all but one who were present. 
 
 Mr. Jones then settled among them, and continued the 
 sole minister of the town until .lime L'Ut, ITl'.'. when, on 
 accoimtof his age and infirmit ier-. I'^heiiezer i'riiiie ^\•as em- 
 ployed to assist him, and continued in that capacity imtil 
 June 5th, 1723, when he was ordained as a colleague with 
 him. 
 
 Mr. Jones gave the cliarge to Mr. Prime at his ordination, 
 with which he was so much pleased that he entered it on the 
 church records; and this, with the skeleton or outline of a 
 singh' -ennoii. t'oiiinl among the town records, and siipposed 
 to be his, ai'e the only productions of Mr. Jones that have 
 been discovered. 
 
 At the time of Mr. Prime's settlement, the church con- 
 sisted of forty-three members. 
 
 It is not probable that Mr. Jones was capable of mucli 
 service long after Mr. l*rinie's settlement, although he lived 
 a number of years after tliat period. 
 
 It appears from a receipt of a store-keeper with wliom he 
 traded, that lie w a- living in April 1731, when he nuust have 
 been upwanU nf ninetv. 
 
 The tradition of tlie family, whose ancestor lived witli 
 him, is that he liv^ed till he was nearly an lunidred year- old. 
 
 Mr. Jones seems to have been a man of great purity and 
 simplicity of maiiueiv. and a faithful and >iirr(.~>lii I |.i-. ac]H"r. 
 
 It is pretty well a-c.Tt aiued, that Mr. d-iie- did not leave 
 any posterity, and that he gave his estate to I'diphak't Hill, 
 who is supposed to have been his kinsman, whom he had 
 
 and that 
 
 town some time before 1676. In 
 
49 
 
 brou<i::lit up, and who managed his business and took care of 
 him in his okl age. 
 
 The Rev. Natlianiel Brewster was the first minister of 
 Brookhaven. His ancestry seems to be involved in some 
 obscurity. He is supposed to have been a son of Jonathan 
 Brewster, and grandson of the distinguished ehler William 
 Brewster, of Plymouth. It is sn])}i(»se(l that Jonathan Brew- 
 ster conducted or accompanied tiie settlers who commenced 
 the settlement at Windsor, on Connecticut river, under the 
 authority of Plymouth colony, in 1633, and that he contin- 
 ued to reside there some years, perhaps till 1643, when it is 
 supposed that he formed a settlement at M(Jiegan, now Nor- 
 wich, lie died in 1659. The Ilev. Nathaniel Brewster is 
 supposed to have been the same person who graduated by 
 that name in the 1st class of Harvard College, in 161:2. 
 
 About that time, the laws enforcing uniformity were re- 
 pealed, and others adopted which subjected the episcopal 
 clergy to impositions inicompatible with the rules of that 
 church ; in consequence of which great numbers relinquish- 
 ed their charges and the vacancies were supplied by presby- 
 terian and independent ministers. 
 
 Some of those who had come to this country to escape 
 ecclesiastical oppression, and to secure the enjoyment of re- 
 ligious freedom, returned to England and resumed tlie ex- 
 ercise of their ministerial functions; and others who had 
 been educated in this country went over to England, during 
 the suspension of episcopal authority, and settled in some 
 part of that country. 
 
 Hutchinson, in his hist(n-y of Massachusetts, states that 
 most of those who graduated in the first class at Harvard 
 College, went to England, and that Nathaniel Brewster was 
 among the number, and that he was a settled minister at 
 Norfolk, and of good report." 
 
 He received, while in England, the degree of Bachelor in 
 Divinity, at tlie college at Dublin, while it was in the hands 
 of the dissenters. 
 
 In 1662, after the restoration of Charles II., episcopacy 
 was restored, and the laws of uniformity re-enacted ; in con- 
 sequence of which, the })res](yteri;iii and iiKkqieiident min- 
 isters were in their turn obliged to leave their churclics. 
 
 It is supposed that Mr. Brewster was among the number, 
 and that he shortly after returned to tliis country, and t^et- 
 tled at Brookhaven in the fall of 1665. At a town meeting 
 held October 21:th, 1665, the town voted to purchase the 
 
.50 
 
 ]ioii>e iiiid lioiiie lot of !^^ilttlle^\• Prior, for tlie accommoda- 
 tion (if Mr. lirewsiter the minister. Ifc contimied the miii- 
 i>ter of I'.n.okhuveu till liis death, in 1()90. 
 
 It i> a ti-adition of the family that Mr. Brewster married 
 Sai'ali Ludlow, a daughter of lioger Ludlow, who was one 
 of the most eminent men in New-England. He was aiiiem- 
 l)er of the conneil, and deputy governor of Ma--ai liii-i tts 
 while he remained in that eolony. life removed tu \\ ii;(l>(n' 
 in 163.) — to Fairfield in 1640, and to Yirginia in 1654. He 
 ^\•as a member of the council and deputy governor, while 
 he remained in Connecticut. He also principally contri- 
 huted to the formation of the original constitulinu df 
 and to the original laws of that colony. In l<'>4'.t. In- was 
 employed by the assembly to reduce their vari()U> arr> a 
 cude or system, which they adopted. Mrs. liicw-tn'. his 
 daughtei-, is said to have been eminently di>tiiigiii-h( d fur 
 her talents and accjuirements, and is sup|Hi--cil to Ii;i\c had 
 the chief or sole management of the coiicoiii- ot'tlic family. 
 Mr. Brewster left three sons, John, Tiuiotliy and I )ani( l, to 
 whom he left considerable property, fioui whom the liicw- 
 sters on Long-Island, in Oi'ange ( 'oiinty, and in New -Icr- 
 sey are descended. His son l)aniel \\a- a inaL:i~t rate in 
 Brotikhaven for many yciirs, and his de^(•(■lldaut^ generally 
 sustain a respectable rank in >ocictv. 
 
 The Kev. George riiilllp- MKcee.ied Mr. Brewster in 1697, 
 and for some time preache(l a ]>ai't of the time at Smith 
 Town. Mr. Phillii)s was the son of the Uw. Saninel Phil- 
 lips, of Itowle_y, in Massachusetts, and a gi'ainl-on of tlie 
 liev. George Phillips, who preached at i!o\furi|. in 1^-ex, 
 in England, before he came to this country, and canic o\er 
 with (Tovernor Winthrop to liostoii, in MoO. and -cTtlcdat 
 AVatertown, where he continne(l ciniiuaith- n>efnl to tlie 
 time of hi> death, in 16-1-1-. The fathei' of \\v. Phillip>. the 
 lieverend Samuel Phillips, of K'ow 1. y. died in IC.m;. aged 
 71 ; he left anumber of childron. among w hom were Samnel, 
 John, and (rriirge. ( )ne of the t wo tir-t I> >aid t,, liaxc hrcn 
 a gohUmit h, and ^eltled at Salem. 11 i> >on Samurl \va- the 
 iirst nuni^terof Amluver; he di(Ml in 1771, in the M^l year 
 of his age. Ilis grandson Sam ml \\a~ the founder of the An- 
 dover academy ; he died in 1 7'.'". aiicd 76. His gramlsun, 
 John Phillips, was the foundn- of the Lxeter academy in 
 New-Hampshire; he died in 17'.i:>. aged 7i' : and hi- gi'i-at 
 grandson, Samuel, was the late lieutenant go\ i'rnor of .Mas- 
 sachusetts ; he died in 1802, aged 50. — Of which branch of 
 
51 
 
 this family of the PhilH^s', Doctor Miller in his review ob- 
 serves, that few families in this country have been more dis- 
 tinguished for liberal donations to religious and literary in- 
 stitutiuiis tliiin tliey. 
 
 Thu llijv. (ic'orge Phillips was born in 166-t — graduated 
 at Harvard college, 1686. He preached at Jamaica a few 
 years before he settled at Brookhaven. He settled in tliat 
 town in 1697, and continued the minister there until his 
 death, in 1739, aged 75. 
 
 Mr. Phillips was distinguished for a peculiar vein of na- 
 tural wit. His ordinary discourse was tinctured with this 
 peculiarity ; and tradition has preserved many of his speeches 
 that exemplity it. 
 
 Mr. Phillips seems to have been a faithful preacher. He 
 not only served his own church and congregation, but 
 preached lectures in destitute congregations. He left three 
 sons and three daughters. His descendants are numerous. 
 The Rev. Ebenezer Phillips, of Easthampton, "William Phil- 
 lips, Esq., of Brookhaven, and George S. Phillips, Esq., of 
 Smithtown, are his only male descendants on Long Island. 
 The Phillips family in Orange county, and some of the name 
 in Xew Jersey and Connecticut, are his descendants. 
 
 The Rev. Zachariah Walker was the first minister of Ja- 
 maica. Mr. AValker probably came from England before 
 he was ordained ; and it is supposed preached at Jamaica 
 as a licentiate. He came to Jamaica in 1663, aud is ^up- 
 posed to have removed to Stratford in 1668, where he was 
 ordained. It is also supposed that he removed from Strat- 
 ford to Woodbury in 1670. 
 
 The Rev. John Prudden succeeded Mr. Walker, at Jamai- 
 ca. Mr. Prudden is supposed to have been a son of the 
 Rev. Peter Prudden, who came to New-Haven in company 
 with the celebrated minister John Davenport, and settled at 
 Milford, in 1669. 
 
 Mr. Prudden graduated at Harvard college in 1668. He 
 settled at Jamaica in 1670, and continued there until 1692, 
 Avhen he left that place and removed to Newark, in New- 
 Jersey, and settled in that town. 
 
 Mr. Prudden had been a class-mate at college with the 
 Rev. Abraham Pierson, jun., the minister of Newark, wh'i 
 removed from that town during the summer of 1692. About 
 this time, or shortly after, Mr. Prudden seems to have vis- 
 ited Newark, probably with a view to obtain a settlement 
 there. 
 
 19 
 
52 
 
 August 23d, 1G92, tlie people of Xewark, at a town-meet- 
 iuir, agreed to invite Mr. J'ruddeu to l)ecome tlieir minister 
 and settle among them, and otiered him £50 a year and his 
 tirewood, for his encouragement and the comfortahle sub- 
 sistence of his family ; and also voted that he should have 
 and hold sucha " propriety " and otlicrcdiivciiiciiccs for his 
 accommodation in the town, as sIimuM l.c n-rc. il upon be- 
 tween him and the committee appimiti il to cMur, !' with him 
 — who reported his acceptance of tlu ir inv itatinn and otfer 
 to the same town-meeting, or to our Ik M tlu> ^aiiic day. 
 
 Mr. Prudden continued the minister of ^'cwark, until 
 June 9th, lOlMJ, when, for some cause or other, not now 
 known, he relincpiished his charge. 
 
 lie continued to reside in tlu'tuw ii attci' hi> I'c-ignation. 
 and seems to have enjuycil t!n' c-tccni and cuiitidnn-c uf tlie 
 people. It appears from the recordsuf the town, iliat w Ir'U 
 a vacancy in the ministry occiirred, he was gcnnally ap- 
 pointed one of the committee to i)rocnre anothci- niini-tcr 
 — that he was actively ciiLi'a-cd in tliu x^'ttlcnu'iit nftwo who 
 successively succeeded liim : ami tliat lie wa^ nnifin'nily em- 
 ployed to supply the pulpit in tlir intfr\als. 
 
 Mr. Prudden continued tn !T>idc at Newark, in a private 
 capacity, until his deatli. He died Deeenilier lltli. 1725, 
 aged 80 years. Dr. McWorter, in his sernniii of l>t nt' .lan- 
 iiary 1801, states "that he sustained a wurtliy cliaiacter. as 
 a man of sense and religi(>ii. tlmugli lie t\i>v- not appear to 
 have been a po]iulai- pi-eacliei'."' it i- .-ii]>]m.:-(^>,1 that In- pos- 
 sessed a considerable estate, wliieh enaliled liini tn live mi his 
 own means. His descendants are numerous — they diietly 
 reside in Morris county, N'ew-Jersey, and are generally \ ery 
 reputable ; and some of those in the female line, are said to 
 have been distinguished as very useful and worthy mendjers 
 of society. 
 
 The Eev. Abner Reeve was the first minister of Avhom we 
 have any certain knowledge that preached at Smith Town. 
 It is supposed that he was born at South Old. He gradu- 
 ated at Yale College in 1731. It is said that he preached 
 at Smith Town, West Hampton, the Firc-Phiee, Islip, and 
 Huntington South; but it is not known that ]\v w.i- ever 
 settled at any one of these places. It i^ >uppM~c,| that he 
 removed from LMni;--I-land to l')l(Hiniin-'-i:rM\ c. in ( )range 
 county, and from that plnci' t" I Iratt leliMi-MU-h, In \'i-i niMnt. 
 Very little is known .it lii> hi>tnry. It i> ^aid that the late 
 Judge Reeve, of LitchHeld, in Connecticut, was his son. 
 
53 
 
 The Rev. Napthali Dagget, settled at Smithtown in 1751. 
 Mr. Dagget came from Attleborougli, in Mass acliusetts. lie 
 graduated at Yale College, iu 171:8. He remained at Smith 
 Town till 1756, when he received an invitation from the 
 trustees of Yale College to the professorship of theology in 
 that institution, which he accepted. After the death of the 
 Rev. Thomas Clapp, in 1766, Mr. Dagget officiated as pre- 
 sident till 1777, when he resigned his office. He died in 
 1780. 
 
 The British troops, in their incendiary expedition against 
 the several maratime towns of Connecticut, among other 
 enormities that stained that transaction with infamy, after 
 having taken Mr. Dagget and others prisoners, wanton!}- 
 and shamefully beat and insulted him. 
 
 It is said that Mr. Dagget was a good classical scholar, and 
 a learned divine. 
 
 Of the Episcopal Ch urch on Long Island. 
 
 There was not an Episcopal church, or an Episcopal min- 
 ister in the colony of New- York, at the time of the concpiest, 
 in 1661:, and if there were any Episcopalians among the in- 
 habitants, the number must liave been very small. The in- 
 habitants either belonged to the Dutch reformed church, or 
 were English non-contormists. 
 
 While'^the colony was under the government of the Duke 
 of York, the Catholics were encouraged, and very few Epis- 
 copal families emigrated to the colony. 
 
 After the revolution in 1688, the Governors, and usually 
 most of the members of the council were Episcopalians, and 
 the patronage of the government was almost exclusively con- 
 fined to those who were of that persuasion. Tliis lield out 
 a strong inducement to emigration to people of that deno- 
 mination. 
 
 The Episcopal population was for some time pretty much 
 confined to the city of N"ew-York, and the first Episc(.)pal 
 church was erected there in 1696. 
 
 Altlictugh the statutes of uniformity did iiot extend to the 
 colonies, and although the religious constitution of the 
 colonv was perfect equality among protestants of all deno- 
 minations, yet the colony governors struggled to give some 
 legal ascendancy to the Episcopalians over other denomina- 
 tions. They incorporated their churches, which they refused 
 to the Presbyterians. They obstructed the Presbyterian 
 Ministers who came into the colony in the exercise of their 
 
54 
 
 iiinctioiis, aiul under pretence of ecclesiastical authority, 
 reciuired tliein to ai'ply to them lor a license to ])reach. In 
 ITCT. Lord Cornburv tyrannically and illegally iin})risoned 
 two Presbyterian Ministers, and on some such })retence sub- 
 jected one of them to great vexation and expense. 
 
 They were incessant in their appHcatiun to th(^ asseml)ly 
 for the establislimeiit of a revenue for the >n]i|iMrt of the 
 Episcoi)al clergy until they worried the as^enilily in some 
 measure into a comi)liaiiee with their wi^hes. 
 
 In 1693, the colonial a»enilily. snliduiMl by the ini]>ortunity 
 of Governor Fletcher. pa-M-il an act for the set t Ictiient of 
 ministers, and rai>in:i a iiiaiuteiiaiice for them in t!ic city of 
 Xew-York, and in the counties of Westchester, Kichnioud 
 and Queens. 
 
 It is apparent from the language of the act, as well as 
 from the history of the tinie>. tliat it was not tlie intention 
 of the assendjly ( the Li reatn- part of whom were ot'i it lici' de- 
 nominations), to coiitine the benetit of the stipond exclus- 
 ively to Episcopal ministers, and some etlbrts were ni;i(h'to 
 give the act ageneral operation. In 161t5,the assembly re- 
 solved that the benefit of the act extended to dissenting pro- 
 testant ministers, but the Governor rejected that con^tiaic- 
 tion, and a})plied it solely to the Episco})al clergy, who con- 
 tiiUied to engross the lienefit of it till the revolution. 
 
 By this act. Queens county was divided inti> two precincts, 
 Ilemp-tead and Janiaic-i. The ] )i'ecinet of IIenip>tead com- 
 prised the t'lwnsof llemiistead ami ( )ystei'l)ay, and the pre- 
 cinct "f Jamaica comprehended the towns of .Jamaica, 
 Flushini; and Newtown; and each precinct was reipiired to 
 raise L'tio l,v a general tax on all the freeholders, tor the sup- 
 ])ortof the ministry. 
 
 There were at this time l)Ut a few families of Episcopa- 
 lians in the several towns of Queens county, and it was 
 deemed a grievance that the great mass of the people should 
 be obliged to contribute to the support of ministers of an- 
 other church. 
 
 In 1773 the people of Jamaica refused to pay the stipend 
 to the Episcopal minister and made an appeal to the court 
 of Chancery to be relieved from the burden, but it d.M not 
 appear that they obtained any redress before the re\ iilution 
 relieved them. 
 
 There was no authority in the colonies that could, by the 
 constitution of the Episcoi)al church, confer the ministerial 
 office. The tirst Episcopal ministers that came to this 
 
55 
 
 country, had heen ordained by the bishops in England, and 
 were sent out as missionaries by the society for propagating 
 the gospel in foreign parts.* 
 
 Tlie ecclesiastical concerns of the colonies were commit- 
 ted to the care of the Bishop of London. The native col- 
 onists who wished to take oi-dcrs in the Episcopal church, 
 were obliged to go to Ktigluml fur them, and this contin- 
 ued to be the case until the revolution. 
 
 Some time previous to that event, some efforts were made 
 to have bishops sent to this country, hut it was opposed by 
 other denominations, imder an apprehension that the mea- 
 sure would lead to the establishment ot the Episcopal church, 
 witli the same prerogatives over other denominations with 
 whicli it w as invested in England. It is also intimated that 
 the nicasui e was opposed both by the American and British 
 state>iueii, liut on quite ditlereiit and opposite grounds. By 
 the tii'st, on the gr(_>und tliat, a> it could oidy lie rH'cctiMl by 
 an act of Parliament, an admissii.tu of the ]h,\vci- of parlia- 
 ment to do this would involve an admission tliat raidiament 
 ])Ossessed power over the colonies, ineomiiatiMc \vitli the 
 secui'ity of liberty, life, property and religion; liy the last, 
 on the ground that such an establishment would lessen the 
 dependence of the colonies on Great Britain, and would re- 
 move a iiow ei-ful obstacle to their independence. 
 
 The e\elu>ioii of any connexion between church and 
 >tate. and the etpudity of religiiuis privileges, secured 1o all 
 denomiuations c)f ( 'hri>tians hy the cou>titutions of the sev- 
 eral states, precluded all (ibjectiou to the introduction of 
 Bishops into the United States after the revolution. 
 
 * In ITi'J. \\vv<- I-.' Cu Episcopal missionaries in those parts of North America, wliich now 
 comijo.-' I 1,1' 1. to wit. : In Connecticut in Ni w-York ic, in Pennsylvania 9, in 
 Massarliii \ .i Jersey S, in North Carolina 5, in South Carolina 4, in Hhode Island 4, 
 
 Georgia J, iiinl III Nru -I lanipshire I. 
 
 In 1T7:; tin' |ii.[.ulation of the colmix "I N' \v \' nk was estimated at 15',000, and not more 
 than one liftecnth part of itwas snpii i ' ■ iin.sed of Episcopalians. 
 
 At that time there were twenty (II h \, i n ches in the colony, supplied by as many 
 
 missionaries; most of them were vcr\ mill, Imt those in the city of New York, and per- 
 
 haps (Jueens county, were at that tiim ai.li- lo Mi.iport their ministers without the aid of the 
 tax, or of contrihutions from the society for propagating the Gospel in foreign parts, and all 
 received some support from the society. 
 
 The state of the different sects of religion in the colony of New- York, in an estimate formed 
 
 -, was as follows ; 
 
 
 
 
 Ministers. 
 
 Vacant Congregations. 
 
 Presbyterians, 
 
 48 
 
 15 
 
 Dutch Reformed, 
 
 23 
 
 24 
 
 Episcopalian, 
 
 21 
 
 
 Quakers, 
 
 17 
 
 
 Anabaptists, 
 
 12 
 
 4 
 
 Moravian, 
 
 2 
 
 
 Lutheran 
 
 
 10 
 
 Congregational, 
 
 •2 
 
 
 All the frontier settlements not organized into churches, were composed of Presbyterians 
 and Congregationalists. 
 
 20 
 
56 
 
 Tlio Rev. Saimirl Scaluirv of Ciniiicctlcnt in and 
 the liev. Samuel riMv..~t ..f' Nf\v-^',irk, and the llw. Wil- 
 liamWliite of JAmiu.-n Ivania, in 17^^, vi>ited (ii-cat Uritain, 
 and were consecrated Bishops of the Episcopal church in 
 those states respectively. 
 
 The consecration of tlieso T^.islii)])s furnished tlie number 
 necessary l)y tlie rules of the Mjii-( M|ial cliurch, to confer tlie 
 Episcopal otHce, and they shoi-tly after consecrated otlier 
 Bishops for otlier states, and since that period the Episcdpal 
 church in the United States has beensupplied with subordi- 
 nate "officers in each diocese, by ordinations by the Bishop 
 of the diocese. 
 
 In 1789, the Bishops, clergy, and the representatives of 
 the laity, of the Episcopal chiiivli. ill ilu' I'liittM Si ,ii c-. met 
 in convention, and made sucli altiiai i..',- in !!,,■ . aM itiii ion 
 of t!i. ' ' ' al church as e>talili-lic(l in I ji-land, a.- ren- 
 der- ' a'ormable to our polit ical iu-tit utiMiis. 
 
 Til' 1 1 1 M iilurs of the town of ileinp^tead were inde- 
 pendents, and had successively settled two coiii;-rt uational 
 ministers. They had appropriated lands for the -iippMi t of 
 the Gospel, which those ministers had enjoyed, and had 
 erected a house for public worshi^j in which they had ofH- 
 ciated. 
 
 Mr. Ilobart, the last of those ministers, had left the town 
 about tlie year 1796, and the people were some years with- 
 out a niiiii-tcr uf any (hMioiniiiation. 
 
 The iirw -viiiTat iiHi that had sprung lip since the first 
 settlenuail of the t(_)wn. m'ciii t(;> have had no predilection 
 for the peculiar tenets of their ancestors. 
 
 In 1701, some of the inhal)itants petitioned the society 
 for the propagation of the Gospel in foreign parts, to send 
 them a minister. 
 
 In 1701:, the Bcv. John Thomas arrived among them as a 
 missionary from the -aid -.M-i, i\. 
 
 Mr. Thomas imiiiri liai i l v amiienced his ministerial labors 
 at that place, and <-oiitiniad ihi re during his life time. 
 
 Mr. Thomas dii'il in I 7l' I, and was succeeded by the Rev. 
 Thomas Jenny, with whom the regular records of the church 
 commence. 
 
 Mr. Tlionias and his successor performed their ministerial 
 duties in a house which had been oivctcd foi' the n-r of the 
 congregational ministers, witlnait ii|i]),i-iti(in cMniiilaint. 
 
 It would seem tliat most ot' the people were in a >hort 
 time reconciled to the discipline, rites and ceremonies, of the 
 
57 
 
 Episcopal chnrcli, by the zeal and prudence of Mr. Tho- 
 mas and Mr. Jenny. 
 
 The public lands being under the control of the majority 
 of the people, as soon as they joined the Episcopal church, 
 fell into the hands of the Episcopal ministers. 
 
 In 173-i, they erected a new church, and the next year a 
 royal charter was obtained, whereby the freeholders and in- 
 habitants of said town who were in communion with the 
 church of England were incorporated, and constituted a 
 parish by the "name and style of St. George's churcli, 
 Hempstead," and whereby the house then built, toucthcr w ith 
 half an acre of common land on which it st.xKl, ami on 
 which the present parsonage house now stands, were grant- 
 ed to them. * 
 
 In 1803, a liouse for public worship was erected by tlie 
 Episcopalians in ISTorth-Hempstead, and was consecrated by 
 the name and style of Christ cliurch, but they continued in 
 union with the people of Hempstead till 1819, wlien they 
 became a separate and distinct congregation. 
 
 The introduction of the Episcopal church in Jamaica was 
 attended with more difficulty. 
 
 The people of Jamaica were still generally Presbyterians 
 or Independents. 
 
 In 1676, they set apart a tract of land and meadow for a 
 parsonage, which they voted should continue " at the dis- 
 posal of the town." 
 
 In 1700, they erected a stone edifice for public worship by 
 subscription, without restricting the use of it to any par- 
 ticular denomination. 
 
 ^ In 1702, Governor Cornbury, in consequence of a great 
 sickness in JSTew-York, removed to Jamaica ; and to ac'com- 
 modatehim, Mr. Hubbard, the Presbyterian minister, gave 
 up to him the use of the parsonage house while he remamed 
 there. 
 
 During the time the Governor was at Jamaica, the Epis- 
 copalians got possession of the meeting house, and refused 
 the use of it to the Presbyterians, and" the Governor on his 
 return to New- York gave them possession of the parsonage 
 liouse. ° 
 
 The Presbyterians were anxious to regain the property 
 wiiich they considered had been unjustly wrested from theni, 
 and the Episcopalians were determined to retain what tliey 
 supposed the law would protect them in holding.* 
 
 * In l*!fi9, the people of Jamaica appointed certain persons to circulate a subscription to see 
 what people would freely give towards building a new meeting house. 
 
58 
 
 These conflicting claims continued to intermpt the liar- 
 monv of tlic town nearly thirty years. After nnu-h lieat 
 and controversy, and several unsuccessful law suits, the E})is- 
 copaliaiis ahandoned the contest, and in 1735 erected a house 
 themselves for public worship, which in 1761, was incorpo- 
 rated by Lieutenant Governor Golden, by the name and 
 style of Grace Church. In 1737, when the seats of the new 
 cliurcli were disposed of, the congregation consisted of 
 twenty-four families. 
 
 This unpleasant contest, so contrary to the catholic s]»irit 
 that 111 i\v clKti-actorizcs tlic ilitiVrciit dciH mi illations uf ( 'iLrist- 
 ians. i - Im !„■ iiM-rilicd tu I hr tciiiiici' nf t he t iino. and \\ a> pi'ub- 
 ably for-tiTiMl if not r.xcited by the- higotry of the Go\i'riior. 
 
 St. George's church at Flushing, and St. James' chni'ch 
 at J^^ewtown, were built shortly after the one at Jamaica, 
 and the same minister ofKciated one third of tlie time in each, 
 until the year 1797. 
 
 In IT'.h;, Xewtowii so]iarated from the other towns, and 
 employed Mr. Van \ )\ Vr a- I heir niini>tor. 
 
 In 18(12, Newtow n and i'"hi>hing united in the settlement 
 of a lllini^tel•. and in I'^li', tliey sei>arated, since which time 
 each town ha> liad it> own mini>ter. 
 
 Tile several Ej.iseopal eliurclu's on the Island were erected 
 at the times, and consecrated by the names and titles fol- 
 lowing : 
 
 In Brookhaven, CarMlinc ( 'Imrch, 1730 
 In Hempstead, St. ( mm .i -vV ( 'hurch, 173-1 
 In .lamaiea, Grace ( hni-cli, do. 
 
 Ill Newtown, St. .Iaine>" Chiu-eh, do. ( or shortly 
 
 111 yiushing, St. ( o'oi'i;-e"> ( hureli, do. i after. 
 
 In Huntington, St. .lohnV ( liiircli, 1761 or there- 
 in Islip, St. .l.ihnV Clnirch, 1766 [abouts. 
 In Brooklyn. St. Ann'M 'Imreh, 1787 
 In Xorth ilempstead, ( In-i-t ( hureh. 1808 
 
 Some of these churches havt' iiiidergone repairs, and seve- 
 ral of them have been relniilt. Xew and elegant cliurelies 
 were erected in Hempstead and Jamaica in 1822, and in 
 Brooklyn in 1821:. 
 
 February 6th, ITIO, the town appointed three men to demand the key of the stone meetini; 
 house, frciin the jutsdi; in wlioso pnsscssion it was, and to keep the house for the town. 
 
 April, K-^ 'Im I..',. !i ;n,|Miiiii,M ll,r. ,. mrii tn |M,--,-^inii of lliu town iiarsona^je lot and 
 other 1 I ' ■ ' ' . , ' 
 
 Janii ; I' I i - I'.: iiiiiii-i.'i-, i:iil...l in "-veral 
 
 ejeclni' . ■ • • II..- p: .-i-j.- hill.! 'li. town 
 
 voted ■ ■ . ! i:..ii. I II:. 1) Mll.i^tur. 
 
 Mr. V' I! . -,, .1 1 
 
 Fel.i I ,!..! . ■ i.-h it 
 
59 
 
 A li><f of tlif Ji/'nf Ephi-itpal ^['in'isiei'if and their successors, 
 in till xri-i rid finri,.'< <>n tin IxIiukJ (IS far as the same 
 
 COUhl he 2>l'"<'i( l'<_ (/ . 
 
 Europe, 
 
 Harvard, 
 
 Pembroke, 
 
 Columbia, 
 
 Nassau, 
 
 Yale. 
 
 Europe. 
 
 1 Harvard, 
 lEnjiland. 
 1 Columbia. 
 
 its: 
 
 1786,1803 
 11805 
 17S3il806 
 180T 
 lS04|lsn8 
 180811809 
 180s!l8l0 
 
 
 Union. 
 
 ISll 
 
 isl-j 
 IS-JO 
 
 
 
 
 Yale. 
 
 1-54 
 
 1767 
 
 1773 
 
 
 
 
 
 1824 
 
 
 
 \V X ,1, 1. . ( ,n„i.bell. 
 
 England. 
 
 
 175.5 
 1729 
 
 
 
 
 do. 
 
 
 1733 
 
 
 1747 
 
 
 Ireland, 
 
 
 1747 
 
 17SG 
 
 
 And'r.Mv'Fiinier, 
 
 Harvard, 
 
 1-83 
 
 1787 
 
 
 17SS 
 
 . Bur.L'e's, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Charles Seabury, 
 
 
 
 1S14 
 
 
 
 ISLIP. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Tliomas L. Moore, 
 
 
 
 1781 
 
 
 1785 
 
 Brooklyn. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Georire 'Wright, 
 
 Ireland, 
 
 
 17S7 
 
 
 1792 
 
 Mr. Doty, 
 
 
 
 1793 
 
 
 1795 
 
 Samuel N'esliit, 
 
 Scotland, 
 
 
 1795 
 
 
 1797 
 
 .John Irelaufl, 
 
 En^'land, 
 
 
 1798 
 
 
 1806 
 
 Henry I. Feltus, 
 
 Ireland, 
 
 
 l8l)7 
 
 
 1S14 
 
 John P. K. Henshaw, 
 
 Middlebury, 
 
 180311814 
 
 
 1817 
 
 Hugh Smith, 
 
 Columbia, 
 
 1S13|181T 
 
 1819 
 
 Henry U. Onderdonk," 
 
 do. 
 
 1S10|1S19 
 
 1827 
 
 * Missionaries from Society for 
 propagating the Gospel. 
 
 Bishop of New York. 
 
 Bishop of Connecticut. 
 
 Si.K months each, 
 j One year each. 
 
 Preached at Newtown and Flush 
 
 The church served by supplies. 
 
 Removed to Newark. 
 Served by supplies. 
 
 Removed to Philadelphia, 
 
 * In some cases, the time of settlement and removal of the above ministers has been insert- 
 ed on verbal information, and may not be exact. 
 
 In most Instances the facts are taken from records, and in cases where the records furnished 
 no information, or were not to be procured, pains have been taken to get as correct information 
 as possible. 
 
60 
 
 A h'i''f account of some of the first Episcopal Ministers 
 that settled on Long-Island. 
 
 The first Episcopal Ministers who settled on tlie Island, 
 as was before stated, were missionaries sent over by tlie so- 
 ciety for tlie ])ropao,-Htion of tlie (rospel in foreiijn parts, and 
 were supported at the expense of the said society. They 
 were born and educated in (ircat Jiritain or Ireland, and 
 were generally well educated nicii. 
 
 The first Episcopal Church on tlic Island was estalilished 
 at Hempstead — and the tii'st Minx-opal niiiii>tci' w lio -cttled 
 on the Island, was the Kc\-. .lolm 'FlKiiiia--. \\ lh> -mras 
 a missionary to thir- counrry at the soliciratioii of ihc peo- 
 ple of Hempstead. 
 
 Mr. Thomas arrived at TIem])stead in 1704. Jle found 
 very few persons anionu'thc iidialiitants who were aci|iiaint- 
 ed with the discipline, rites and eereiiioine,-- of' tlio l\|.i-co- 
 ])al Church. He found the children without tlir iii. an- <»f 
 education, and the state of society such as is u-iiall\ tin- re- 
 sult of the want of public instruction and an e:-talilidied 
 ministry. 
 
 Mr. 'hionias had to encouiitci- the dithcult task ol' uniting 
 a mixed and <li>coi'(lant [lopulation into one society, and of 
 reducing tlu-ni t'l onlei' ami reuiilavity. 
 
 He immediately -et ah. ml oi'-ani/ing a church, and intro- 
 ducing ordei' and attention tn i-eliui'Mi- duties. 
 
 In 17i;>. at hi- -ollritatlim. the -nciety foi' pro])agating 
 the (xospel. made a grant of tin a year for the p\triPo-e of 
 aiding the c^-tal>li>hnient of a school and sn])port of a com- 
 petent teachei'. for which the vestrv returned them their 
 thaidcs. 
 
 Mr. Thomas seems to have been l;d,>orions and successful 
 in his efforts to meliorate the condition of the town. 
 
 In 1720, he infoi-nied the -.i,-iety that within eighteen 
 months he had baptized (,ne hundred and sixty ptMvous, 
 many of whom were adults. 
 
 Mr. Thomas continued at Hempstead till his death. He 
 died in 1724. 
 
 The ]{ev. Thomas Jenny succeeded ^Ir. Thomas in 1725, 
 and continued in that church till 1742. when he removed 
 from there. Lirth' i- known .,f the eharaetei-of ?kli-. Jenny. 
 
 The liev. Samuel Seaimry -neeeeded Mi', .ieiiny in 1742. 
 Mr. Seahury gr;iduated at Harvard College in 1724. and 
 shortly afterwards settled as a congregational minister at 
 
61 
 
 -Groton, in Connecticut. After some time spent in that 
 station, lie became a convert to the discipline, rites and forms 
 of the Episcopal church, and resigned his charge. He soon 
 after joined the Episcopal Church, took the necessary steps 
 to obtain orders, and was appointed to preach in New-Lon- 
 don, April 10th, 1732. Mr. Seaburv left Xew-London, and 
 came to Long-Island and settled at Ilempstead in 1742. Lie 
 continued at Hempstead till his deatli in 1701. 
 
 Mr. Seabury was a popular preacher, and contributed to 
 strengthen and extend the influence of the Episcopal Church 
 in that part of the country. 
 
 The Rev. Thomas Poyer arrived at Jamaica in 1710, as a 
 missionary from the society for propagating the Gospel in 
 foreign parts, and was the second Episcopal clergyman who 
 settled on Long-Island. He found the town distracted witli 
 a controversy between the Episcopalians and I'l-csliyterians 
 respecting the legitimate owinTsliip of tlu' land- ^vlli(•ll liad 
 been set apart for the support of the go^pul in that tiiwn, 
 and (if the building that had been erected in 1700, by a gen- 
 I'l'al >ulisci'iption, for public worship. These had been seized 
 by the Episcopalians in 1702, for their exclusive use, and 
 their right to tliem was vigorously contested by the Presby- 
 terians, who at that time constituted much the most numer- 
 ous proportion of the inhabitants. 
 
 Mr. Poyer, probably under the impression that the Epis- 
 i-upal ( 'liurch in the colonies was entitled to the same ascen- 
 (liMicy dissenters as in England, joined the Episcopa- 
 lians, and became their organ in their controversies with the 
 Presbyterians. 
 
 This controversy disturbed the harmony of the town dur- 
 ing the life time of Mr. Poyer, and was calculated to di- 
 minish the beneficial effects of the sacred function. 
 
 Mr. Poyer was strongly attached to the church, and had 
 he not been imhappily entangled with this controversy he 
 might have contributed probably essentially to her increase 
 and extension. He died in 1731. 
 
 The Rev. Thomas Colgan succeeded Mr. Poyer in 1732. 
 Mr. Colgan was also a missionary from the society for pro- 
 pagation the Gospel in foreign parts. He arrived at Jamaica 
 in 1732, about the time the Episcopalians relinquished the 
 struggle for the church and parsonage land in that town, 
 and wvve directing their efforts to the erection of a cliurch 
 of their own, which they completed in 173-1. 
 
 The Episcopalians in Newtown and Flushing about the 
 
62 
 
 same time or sliortly after, erected clmrclies in those par- 
 ishes. 
 
 Mr. Colgan, freed from the distracting cares which had 
 engrossed liis predecessor, was left at liberty to devote his 
 whole time to his ministerial duties. Mr. Colgan continued 
 in the charge of the three ])arishes till his death in 1755. 
 
 The Rev. Samuel 8eal)urv. jun., lirst hisliop of the Epis- 
 copal Church in the United States, and IJishop of Connecti- 
 cut, succeeded Mr. Colgan in 175G. Mr. Seahury was the 
 son of the Rev. Samuel Seabury, of Hempstead. He was 
 horn in 1728, and graduated at Yale College in 1 74S. He 
 shortly after visited Scotland with a view of .-tii<lyiiig phy- 
 sic, but soon turned his attention to (li\ inity. He went 
 from thence to London, and was admitted to the order of 
 deacon and priest in 1753. On his retuKiJ, Mr. Seal)ury 
 preached two or three yeai-s at l!i'uii>\vick. in Kew-.Iersey. 
 In 1750 he removed fnuii tliat ]il;(ce ■a\i>\ >i-\\\r'l at .lamaica 
 on Long-Island. In 17<')5 he left .lamaira and settled at 
 Westchester, in which place he contimied until the Kevulu- 
 tionary War, when he retired to jS'ew-Vork : after the i-e- 
 turn of peace he settled at New-London. In 17^4 he went 
 to England for consecration as^ Bishop of Conneetieut. In 
 consequence of the occurrence of s(Mne difficulties (nut of a 
 personal nature) to the accomplishment of his wishes, he 
 went to Scotland, and was consecrated by three nonjuring 
 bishops. On his return lie fixed his residence at New-Lon- 
 don, where he (•oiitiinied in tlie faitht'ul discliarge of the 
 duties of his elevated function, till his death in 17*,'<'>. 
 
 Bishop Seabury was held in high estimation — he was 
 warmly attached to the interests of the clnireh, ut' which 
 he was an ornament, and M^as indefatigable in his exertions 
 to extend its limits, and to add to its reputation and in- 
 fluence. 
 
 The Bishop published a few detached discourses, and two 
 volumes of sermons in his life time, and another volume 
 was i)ubli>licd al'tri' his death. 
 
 Within iMity years past, there have been a number of 
 Meth(idi>t s(K-ietie^ formed on the Island, but the number is 
 not exactly known. 
 
 There are a number of parishes in the several towns, and 
 there are several congregational societies in the eastern part 
 of Suffolk county, but the number and names of the minis- 
 ters are not ascertained. 
 
 The Friends formed societies in Flushing and Oysterba} 
 
63 
 
 at an early period of those settlements, which have increased 
 and form a large proportion of the population of those 
 towns, but the number of the societies is not known. 
 
 There area number of Baptists scattered about the island, 
 but no organized societies are known except at Oysterbaj 
 and Brooklyn. 
 
 Of the several tribes of Indians on Long- Island. 
 
 When the first settlements were made on the island by 
 the Dutch and English, it appears, from the original Indian 
 deeds, that the principal tribes that occupied it, were as fol- 
 lows : 
 
 The Canarse, the Rockaway, the Merikoke, the Marsa- 
 peague, the Secatague, and the Batchague, on the south side 
 — the Matinecoc, the Nissaquague, the Satauket, and the 
 Corchaug, on the north side ; the Shinecoc, the Manhanset 
 and the Montauk, from the Canoe Blace to Montauk point. 
 
 The Canarse appears to have been the only tribe, or the 
 only tribe of any consequence, in Kings county. This tribe 
 claimed the chief part of the lands in Kings county, and a 
 part of the lands in Jamaica. 
 
 The Rockaway tribe claimed the territory around Rocka- 
 way, and more or less of the lands in Newtown and Jamaica. 
 
 The Merikoke and Marsapeague tribes extended from 
 Rockaway through Queens county into Suffolk, on the south 
 side of the island. 
 
 The tejTitory of the Matiuecoc tril^e extended from 
 Flushing through Queens county to Fresh Bond in Sulfblk, 
 on the north side. 
 
 The Nissaquague tribe extended from Fresh Bond to 
 Stony-brook. 
 
 The Satauket tribe claimed from Stony-brook to thq Wad- 
 ing river. 
 
 The Corchaug tribe extended from the Wading river 
 through South Old on the north side. 
 
 The territory of the Manhanset tribe was Shelter-Island. 
 
 The territory of the Secataug tribe adjoined that of the 
 Marsapeagues and extended to Batchogue. 
 
 The territory of the Batchogue tribe extended to South 
 Hampton. 
 
 The Shinecoc tribe extended from the Canoe Blace to 
 Montauk, and that peninsula was the seat of the Montauk 
 tribe. 
 
 There are one or two other tribes named in the old records, 
 
64 
 
 but tlie place they occupied cannot l)e ascertained, and it is 
 evident from that circumstance, tliat tliey must liave heen 
 very small, perhaps the mere remnants of tril)es which liad 
 been destroyed in their wars. 
 
 Those above enumerated are the ]>rinci]>al ti'il)es that oc- 
 cu])ied the island when the English and Dutch commenced 
 their settlements there, and the original purchases of the 
 several towns w'ere made of these tribes. 
 
 The Indian settlements were all mi the l)ays, creeks and 
 harbors on the north and south sides ul' the i.■^land, and their 
 territories were divided from each other by the middle of 
 the island. 
 
 At the time of the first settlement of the Island, the whole 
 Indian population was considerable, but by no meaiis as 
 great as the facilities of subsistence M'ould have authorized 
 us to expect. ii(ir as i^i'oat as it ])rnlialily had tbrincrly been. 
 
 The shell Kaiik- u liicli indicate the Htesuf tlicir villages, 
 on the western half ul' the island, ai'e large and iiunieruus, 
 and beds of shells of some size or other are found at inter- 
 vals of a few miles all around the margin of the island. 
 From tliese it would seem tliat the population of some parts 
 of the i-lainl \\a-<'iicr \ei-y numerous, or must have been 
 statiunary tlieri' a long time.'--" 
 
 The state of the Indian population must be ascriljed to 
 their perpetual wars, by which they had been diminished. 
 
 All savaiiv tiatiuns are addicted to war. The causes of 
 war anions ilu in are numerous., and the mode of carryingit 
 on destructive to their nuiuliciv. 
 
 It appears that Long l-laml had been over-run by hostile 
 tribes, and many of the iiati\ e,~ must have been destroyed 
 by them. 
 
 Of the Political State of the I/uNans. 
 
 The confederacy of the five nations extended their con- 
 quests as far south as Manhattan Island, and had passed 
 over to the west end of Long-Island, and subdued the Can- 
 arse Indians. 
 
 There is a tradition among the Dutch, that at the tinie of 
 the first settlement of the island, the ("anarse tribe paid the 
 Mohawks an annual tribute of wampum and (li'ie(l clams, 
 and that they discontinued the payment of it on the persua- 
 
 * The shell banks in the western towns of SufTolk county are much larper and more numer- 
 ous than in the eastern towns, where shell fish are as abundant : wliicli proves that the western 
 part of the island had been the longest settled, and that the Indian emigration jiroceeded from 
 west 10 east. 
 
65 
 
 sion of the whites, in consequence of which a party of the 
 conqnerers came and destroyed the whole tribe, except a 
 few who happened to be from home. 
 
 Some writers have supposed that tlie conquest of the Mo- 
 hawks extended to the whole island, but there is no tradition 
 to support it, and it is believed that the conquest never ex- 
 tended beyond the territories of the Canarse Indians. 
 
 This may have been owinij to the fact that all the other 
 Indians were in subjectiuu to tin- Pequots. It is well known 
 that this tribe never wa> >ub(lii('(l by the five nations, and it 
 would have been a viulat'un of their rules of warfare, to 
 have turned their arms ai^-aiiista tributary people, when they 
 had not subdued the power that held them in subjection. 
 
 The Montauks had probably been the most warlike tribe 
 on Long-Island, had overrun the other tribes on the island 
 east of the Canarse territory, and had reduced them to 
 some kind of sulijection. 
 
 At the time of the first settlement of the island, the Mon- 
 tauk sachem claimed and exercised some kind of sovereignty 
 over the whole territory, and it is stated that he justified his 
 claim l)efore the governor and council in virtue of a former 
 conquest of the country. *In 1059, he conveyed the terri- 
 tory which constitutes the town of Smithtown, then occu- 
 pied l)y the Nissaquague Indians, to Lyon Gardiner. 
 
 It was under a belief of his superiority over the chiefs of 
 the other tribes, that the first settlers were anxious to have 
 their }>urchase deeds signed by that chief, as well as by the 
 sachem of the tribe of whom the land was purchased. 
 
 The confirmation deed of Hempstead in 1G57, the deed 
 for Lloyd's neck, and others, are executed in this manner, 
 and in some of the original deeds the Montauk chief is stjded 
 the sachem of Long-Island. 
 
 The superiority ascribed to the chief of that tribe after 
 the settlem.ent of the country, might have arisen in part 
 from the distinction conferred on him or recognized by the 
 commissioners of the united colonies. 
 
 In 1651, it is stated in some of our early records, that they 
 constituted one who is supposed to have been the Montauk 
 chief, grand sachem of the Long-Island Indians. 
 
 * It IS a little im^-rrtHin niinf was the general Indian name of Long-Tsland. In several old 
 deeds Mm- Mmhi < Ih-i i- -n i h,,- sachem of " Paumanacke, or Long-Island." Hubbard,in 
 hishistiii \ i 'i . that at the time of the grant to the Karl of Stirling in 1C:JS, 
 
 it was . 'i ii uiwake, and in the patent to the Duke of York 10C>1, it is 
 
 called Ml i; livax. It 1.- I" li'i i-l tliat the name given by Hubbard was the general Ind an name 
 for the i^lalul. 
 
 By a statute passed April lOth, 1698, it was enacted that the island should be called Nassau, 
 and should be so styled in all legal proceedings, which has never been repealed, but has by 
 general consent been snffereU to become absolete. 
 
66 
 
 It is probalile that the commissioners only rooo<rnizecl or 
 confirmed an aiitliurity witli which they tbiuid him invested. 
 
 It is evident frum the early writers ot" Ni'W iMiiihind, tliat 
 the*Pe(]uots, avIio occupied the country around Xew-London, 
 and was the most warlike tribe in ( ''nuuct icut, had subdued 
 the Montauks with their tributaries, and that at thf time of 
 the first settlement of IVew-Kuixland, the J>uiii^-Island Indians 
 Avere in subjection to the Pe(juots, and i>aid them a tribute. 
 The victory over the Montauks involved the subjection of 
 all the tribes that were under them, and the conquest of the 
 Pequots must have einbraced all the tribes on the island east 
 of the Canarse territory. 
 
 In 1()8T, the New-England colonies made war on the Pe- 
 quots, to avenge the murders and other hostile aggressions 
 which they had committed on the whites, and subdued and 
 dispersed the whole tribe. The Long-Island Indians who 
 had been subject to the Pe(|Uot>. inmuMliately rcpairecl to 
 theEnglishto make their ])eace willi them, ^\'inthl•o]>. in 
 his journal, -talo that on the reduction of the l'e<|Uots in 
 1637, "saehi'iii> tVdin Long-Island came vuluntarily and 
 brought a tribute to us of twenty fathom of wami)uni each 
 of them." 
 
 Frotu this time they seem to have considered themselves 
 to be in snbirct ion to ili,- I ji-li.-li. and to have paid them 
 tribute, perlia].- thr >aiiii' \ liad paid to the Pequots. In 
 1044 they ;i|iiilic(| t,, ilir roiiinii--io!iei-s tor some evidence 
 
 of theii- i-elatioii to ilu in. and the co li^ioiieiv gave tlieni 
 
 a certilicate in wi'iting, in elieet ]tronusing them security 
 from injury by the English, and all others in friendship 
 with them ; at which time they assured the commissioners 
 '* that they had been tribiitarie.> to tlieLiiglisli ever since the 
 Pequot war. and that tliey had never injui'ed the English or 
 Dutch, but had been friendly to both,"" which implied that 
 thev had been subject to tiie Pequots and followed their 
 Me. 
 
 In 1G50, the commis^ioiiei'- sent captain ^Ta^oii to Lon^-- 
 Island to require [layment of' the ti'ilaiti' dne troni the In- 
 dians there, and to >ettle a way in which it might be punc- 
 tually discharged in future. 
 
 In 1G56, the Montauk chief visited the commissioners at 
 
 •"The Pcfiuni- «.!.,, wvy wililik,. and potent people about 4'i vn- -iii<' < 1 1:.' 1 1. at 
 which time lhe.v «. I . i]. 111. ir iMihii.iii. Tliuir chief sachem held iloiriini.ui .Ardiiii. |.,ttv 
 sagamores, as uvci /w,/ ,,/ /,,,„,,./,/,/,,/, over tlie Mohegans, and ov. i Ih. - uaiii .ns of 
 Quinai)ak, yea ovur all lli,- |ieo|,le tl.al dwell on Connecticut river, undovur some ot tl.o most 
 southerly inhabitants of the .Nipiuuck country about Quinabaug." 
 
 GooKiN's History. 
 
67 
 
 Boston, and in answer to an inqxiiry whether he had paid 
 the tiilnite due from him stated that he liad paid it at 
 Hartford for tlie space of ten years, and that it was in 
 arrear for the four Last years, wliich tliey remitted in consid- 
 eration of his distressed condition ]»y the late war in which 
 he had been eiiii-age<l witli the Xarragansetts. 
 
 In 1653, Xiniii<;-i-ate, the chief of the Xehantic Indians, 
 who were eitlier a tribe of the Xarragansetts or closely con- 
 nected with them, made war on the Lon£!;-Island Indians, 
 which lasted several years, and reduced tlieni to great extrem- 
 ity. He invaded the territory of tlie Montauks, and would 
 have extirpated the whole tribe, if they had not found pro- 
 tection in the liumatiity of the people of East Hampton. 
 
 They were obliged to abandon their villages, and to llee 
 for refuge to East Hampton, where they were kindly re- 
 ceived, sustained, and protected. They continued to reside 
 in that town for several years, before they deemed it safe 
 to return to Montauk. 
 
 In 1655, Mr. Thomas James, the minister of East Hamp- 
 ton, and others, wrote to the commissioners and informed 
 them that the Indians on the island must submit themselves 
 and their country to the Xarragansetts, unless the}^ should 
 speedily have some assistance. 
 
 The connnissioners sent millitary supplies to the towns of 
 East Hampt(jn and South Hampton, and to the Indians. 
 They stationed an armed vessel in the sound under the com - 
 mand of Captain John Youngs, with orders to stave Xinni- 
 grate's canoes, and to destroy his forces if he attempted to 
 pass over to the island. 
 
 The commissioners also gave orders, that in case the en- 
 emy should pursue the Indians within two miles of any of 
 the settlements, the inhabitants should immediately repair 
 to their assistance. During the same season they sent a 
 small force against Xinnigrate, which was rendered intfec- 
 tual by the mismanagement of the officer who was entrusted 
 with the command. 
 
 • It is not easy, at this distance of time, to perceive the justice of the imposition of this tri- 
 bute imposed on the Montaulis, who, with a few exceptions of individuals of mischievous dis- 
 position, appear to have been uniformly friendly and faithful to the English. In 1G50 the 
 Pequots remonstrated against the tribute exacted of them, and inquired why it was imposed, 
 and how long it was to continue, and whether their children unborn were to be subject to it. 
 In answer to these inquiries, the commissioners stated that it was imposed in 163" for the mur- 
 ders they had committed and which they had agreed to pay. They agreed, however, to re- 
 mit all that was in arrear, and that it should only continue ten years longer, during which time 
 it was exacted. It is not probable that the tribute was continued longer on the Montaulis than 
 on the Pequots, and the only cause of its imposition seems to have been their former sulijec- 
 tion to that tribe, and that it probably ceased to be exacted in relation to both tribes after 
 1660. 
 
 23 
 
68 
 
 111 1(550, Massachusetts declined fiirtlier aid in siip])ressiiig 
 the war of N iiiiii<):rate a<rainst tlie JMoiitanks, and the wIkjIc 
 burden ot'tlieir defence devcdved on the colonies of Connec- 
 ticut and New-lJaven. They generously continued Ciiptain 
 Youngs with his vessel on the same station that year at tlieir 
 sole exi)ense, and the war seems not to have ceased until the 
 end of the year It'iotl, or ]ierhaps some time in 1657. 
 
 In one of their eiiterprizes, the Narragaiisetts, among 
 others, took the daughter of Wyaiidancc, the diicf ^aclicm, 
 prisoner, Avho was ransomed by the aid of l-ymi ( lardiiicr, the 
 tirst proprietor of GradiiierV Island, in gratitude for which, 
 the chief, in 1659, presented liiiawlth adccclfor the terri- 
 tory which now forms the tow n of Smith Town.* 
 
 These various and success! vr gcnci'al \\ ars, with such as 
 may have taken place between x'paratc tiiho. inu>t have con- 
 tributed greatly to itmIucc their iiiiinliers, and to render the 
 whole island inuch less populous than it would otherwise 
 have been at the time of the first settlement of the eountry. 
 
 Of the tribes that were found on Long-l>laud, there re- 
 main only a few families of Montauks and IShinecocs, with 
 
 * Lyon Gardiner was a Scotchman, and had served as a Lieutenant in the British army in 
 the low countries : he came over in 1635, and erected the fort at Saybroolf, under lords Say and 
 Seal, Brooke, and othere, and had the command of the garrison until the fall of 1639, when he 
 removed to the island that has since been called after liim, which he had purchased of the na- 
 tive proprietors, and was confirmed to him by a deed from James Farret, " deputy of the Right 
 Honorable the Earl of Stirling, Secretary of the Kingdom of Scotland," bearing date the 10th 
 of March, 10!!). 
 
 Lyon Gardiner's son David, born at Saybrook 29th April, 1636, is supposed to have been the 
 first white cliild born in tlie bounds of Connecticut, and his daughter Klizaheth, born on the Is- 
 land, September 14th, li)41, may have been the first English child born within the territory of 
 New-Vork. Lieutenant (iardiner carried several families with him to the island, probably for 
 security, as they nniMvi il to Ka-<t Hampton as soon as tliat town was settled. 
 
 He seems to have hmi in lii^jli estimation both with tlie English and Indians. 
 
 Wyandance, in Hir',', in. -.nied hira a deed for the territory which now forms the town of 
 Smith Town, in gratitude lor the favors he had received from him. He removed to East Ilamp* 
 ton, in 1655, and was freciueutly, if not uniformly, chosen to the magistracy of that town till his 
 death in 1663. 
 
 Gardiner's Island, which at the time of the death of Lyon Gardiner, in 1663, was appraised 
 at £700, now pays about one-sixth part of the taxes of East Hampton. The island contains 
 iOOO acres, of which 600 are refuse, and about the year ISOO maintained on an average yearly : 
 In Winter, 200, and in Summer, 340 head of neat cattle, 
 do. 60 do. 80 horses, 
 
 do. 40 do. 60 swine, 
 
 do. 1500 do. 2-20(1 sheep. 
 
 There was at that time commonly raised on the Island yearly : 
 
 511 acres of wheat yielding about 17 bushels per acre. 
 25 acres of Indian corn, do. 3."i bushels per acre. 
 15 do. of oats, do. 30 do. 
 
 10 do. of flax, do. 8 bushels seed per acre. 
 
 It yielded about 250 tons of English and 100 tons of meadow hay, and employed on an aver 
 age, winter and summer, about sixteen hands. 
 
 This island has continued entire in the same family, and the present owner, David Johnson 
 Gardiner, is the eighth owner, and seventh lin. ,il ie^'( , n lnnt from Lyon Gardiner. 
 
 The celebrated pirate Kid called at this islan-l nn hi- to lioston, when he returned from 
 his cruise in 1699, and deposited there a bux ..| -.,1,1, er, and precious stones, under the 
 charge and at the risk of the then owner, an account I «hich w.is found among his papers 
 when he was taken up at lioston, and the box was delivered to the commissioners who were 
 appointed to secure his treasures.— See appendix. 
 
69 
 
 a few scatterings ones, at different places on the south side 
 of the island.* 
 
 Of the state of Society among the Indians. 
 
 Tlie Indians on Long Island raised corn and vegetables, 
 and these with tlie deer, wild fowl, and various kinds of 
 shell fish and other fish that abounded on the Island, must 
 have afforded them easy and ample means of subsistence ; 
 yet notwitiistanding these advantages, they still continued 
 in the hunter state, and had made no advances in the arts, 
 which are usually first cultivated in the infancy of society. 
 They were not distinguislied by their dwellings, their cloth- 
 ing, their domestic utensils, or weapons of war, from the na- 
 tives of the interior. 
 
 Except their canoes, of which those that belonged to the 
 chiefs, were very large, and their arrow heads, which were 
 curiously wrought out of the hardest stone, the only mate- 
 rials of art among them, seem to have been some rude ves- 
 sels of earth hardened in the fire, and these are sometimes 
 found in their shell banks. 
 
 The Indians on Long Island seem to have abounded in 
 wampum, the Indian substitute for money. It was made 
 out of the shells of different species of shell fish, of the size 
 of beads, and perforated like theni. The beads were black 
 or blue, and white, and the black were double the value of 
 the wliite, and this fact clearly shews that some standard of 
 value is essential to social intercourse in the rudest state of 
 society.f 
 
 The Dutch and English both, either from necessity or con- 
 venience, resorted to the use of this Indian money, and the 
 value of it was fixed either by law or custom. In the early 
 stages of the settlements, three black beads or six white ones 
 passed for a penny. 
 
 Belts made of wampum were exchanged at the treaties 
 between different tribes, as symbols to perpetuate the me- 
 mory of the transaction. 
 
 The same causes that diminished the numbers and pre- 
 
 * At the first settlement of the island, the Montauks were considerably numerous; their num- 
 bers were diminished by their war with Ninnigrate, in 1(555, and by emigration from time to 
 time to the Indian settlements on the main shore. In 1761 they amounted to thirty-eight fami- 
 lies, and to 11)2 souls; subsequent to that time, the tribe was still further reduced by the emi- 
 gration of a number with Sampson Occum and other Indians to Brothertown, in 1736. They do 
 not at present exceed half a dozen families, nor amoimt to more than thirty souls. 
 
 t The Indians upon Long-Island seem to have abounded in this article. Winthrop in his 
 journal states, that Massachusetts in 1634, sent the bark Blessing, which appears to have been 
 the first vessel that was built in that colimy, to Long-Island ; and that the Indians there had 
 " store of the best wampum, white and blue, and canoes that would carry 80 men." 
 
70 
 
 vented tlie increase of the Indians, eontrihuted to retard 
 tlieir progress in iuiprovenient and ei\ ilization. 
 
 The religious notions of tlie Long-lshmd Indians, are pre- 
 served in a communication of Sampson Occum, an Indian 
 minister, Avhich is ]Hiblislied among the collections of -the 
 historical society of ^Ia--aclnHctts. 
 
 Thev had a plurality ot' {;.m1>, but believed in one great 
 and good being, who had the control over all the rest. They 
 believed in an evil spirit, and had their conjurors or pawaws. 
 They believed in a future state of existence, aiul that tliere 
 wouhl be a (li>tiiictiun accoi-diiiL;- tu llicir lu'liavior here. 
 
 They niailc -.-iiTi lii-c~ 1m i hr i r < U. uihI pcrfornu'd such 
 other acts of worship, a> arc (•(uuiuuii anitnig the Indians in 
 general. 
 
 Their conjurors were said to liave intercourse with the 
 evils])irit. and l)y the DukcV laws of ItiOr). it was enacted 
 "that no Indian >houl(l l>c >uti'crcd to pawaw oi- jierform 
 Avorshij) to the dc\ il in any town within the government.'" 
 
 The language of the Montauk I iidiaii< i> su[)posed to have 
 been the common laiiuiia-c of all the Long-Island Indians, 
 and ditfered but little from tliat of the Narraganset, the Mas- 
 sachusetts, and other New -I ji^laiiil triltes.f 
 
 -•.1 tliat tl„T.. urn- unl 
 
 t It 
 north 1 
 of Nc' 
 diUeri' 
 
 gether, s(i as to m 
 
 These languiiL'- 
 junctions and a i 
 expression, anil i 
 
 The followint; ] 
 Esq., deceased, who took tin 
 
 men of the language that could be obtained : 
 
 H I) original Indian languages in the United States, 
 tlie Iroiiuois. The languages of the different tribes 
 tribes from the Mississippi to Nova Scotia, are only 
 
 ilift'ereiit from that of all known languages, ancient or 
 hi' resiH-o. between tho>e that are radically distinct. 
 i\e \ i and have no distinetion of genders. The 
 n male anil female, but between animate and inani- 
 blend several words to- 
 
 nly pronouns but adjectives, con- 
 ■n.luce a great variety of forms of 
 
 useript of the late John Lyon flardiner, 
 I the lips of the Montauk Chief, and is the only speci- 
 
 Massakeat mund 
 
 Machees cund 
 
 Saunchem 
 
 Seaunskq 
 
 Wonnux 
 
 Wonnuxk 
 
 Inchun 
 
 ■\Vewauchum 
 
 Mausqueseets 
 
 Ausgoote 
 
 Quauhaug 
 
 Suxawaug 
 
 Tobaugsk 
 
 Cheaganan 
 
 Kiep 
 
 Eeagh or eage 
 
 Mashuee 
 
 Mahaweeskt 
 
 Tunks quash 
 
 Squashees 
 
 Weenai 
 
 great good spirit 
 
 evil spirit 
 
 king 
 
 queen 
 
 whiteman 
 
 white woman 
 
 an Indian 
 
 Indian com 
 
 beans 
 
 pumpkins 
 
 a round clam 
 
 a long clam 
 
 tobacco 
 
 a hatchet 
 
 water 
 
 land 
 
 mucquit 
 
 nceze 
 
 nisk 
 
 yuaw 
 
 nepaw 
 
 conma 
 
 nusus 
 
 swans 
 
 passecucond 
 
 pyunck 
 
 ehee.«k 
 
 chiauk 
 
 weegan 
 
 muttadeaio 
 
 wedaums 
 
 cut daus 
 
 seaunip 
 
 yeokeheag 
 
 two 
 four 
 
 eight 
 Dine 
 
 ten 
 
 small 
 
 large 
 
 bad 
 
 roast corn 
 boiled corn 
 pounded corn 
 roast corn pounded 
 
71 
 
 Of the measures adopted to preserve peace with the Indians. 
 
 The Indians on Long-Island seem to liave been less trou- 
 blesome to tlie whites than those north of the sound. 
 
 It does not appear that they ever formed any general 
 combination against the first settlers, or materially inter- 
 rupted the progress of their improvements. The records of 
 that period, furnish no account of any general war against 
 the Long-Island Indians, by the Dutch or English. 
 
 There is no reason to believe that this exemption from 
 Indian hostilities was owing to a better disposition or milder 
 character of the natives of the Island. Individuals and 
 small parties were sometimes troublesome to the settlers. 
 
 In 1649, a murder was perpetrated at South Hampton, 
 and the town was greatly alarmed at the hostile appearance 
 of the Indians for several days, and several murders were 
 C(jmmitted in the Dutch towns in 1652. 
 
 The towns were frequently jealous of them. 
 
 In 1645, the town of South Hampton ordered one half 
 of their military company to bring their arms to meeting 
 with them every Lord's Day alternately for some time. 
 
 In 1651, the town of East Hampton ordered the inhabi- 
 tants to bring their arms with them on the Lord's Day, 
 under the penalty of 12d. for every neglect, and other towns 
 are said to have done the like. 
 
 The Indians sometimes committed depredations on the 
 property of the whites. 
 
 In 1657, they did considerable damage to the people of 
 
 Massakeat Mund suraana Inshun wewachum.— Great spirit give Indian corn. 
 
 At the time the' above words were taken down, there were no more than seven persons 
 among them wlio could speak the language, and it may now be considered as extinct. 
 
 From the following table exhibiting the same words in the Massachusetts, Narraganset and 
 Montauk languages, it is evident that they are all kindred languages, and that the three last 
 are, with very little variation, the same dialect. 
 
 Massachusetts 
 
 Narraganset 
 
 Nequit 
 
 Neese 
 
 Nisk 
 
 Yoh 
 
 Nepanua 
 
 Qutta 
 
 Enada 
 
 Showsuck 
 
 Paskugit 
 
 Piuclc 
 
 Sachem 
 
 Saunks 
 
 Ewachim 
 
 Auke 
 
 Montauk 
 
 Nucquit 
 
 Neese 
 
 Nisk 
 
 Tuaw 
 
 Nepaw 
 
 Couma 
 
 Nusus 
 
 Swans 
 
 Passecucond 
 
 Pyunck 
 
 Saunchem 
 
 Seaunskq 
 
 Wewauchum 
 
 Keagh or eagh 
 
 Neip 
 
 Mashuee 
 
 Squashees 
 
 Yunk Squash 
 
 Weenai 
 
 one 
 two 
 three 
 four 
 five 
 six 
 seven 
 eight 
 nine 
 ten 
 king 
 
 Nequit 
 Neese 
 Nisk 
 Yau 
 
 Nepanna 
 Negutta 
 Nesausuk 
 Shw suk 
 Paskoogun 
 Piuk 
 
 queen 
 
 land 
 water 
 C9noe 
 
 Ohke 
 Nippe 
 
 Mishoon 
 Squasese 
 
 a girl 
 young woman 
 old woman 
 
 Nunksqau 
 
72 
 
 Soutli lTaiii[)ton, and in 16S1, four Indians plundered a store 
 in Iliuitington, and threatened tlie lives of tlie family.* The 
 first settlers in every part of the Island, were in the ])rac- 
 tice of guarding their cattle f which run at large, and it 
 might have been to prevent the depredations of the Indians, 
 as well as to guard them against injuries from wild beasts 
 and other accidents. 
 
 The securit}' of the whites must be ascril)ed to the means 
 they employed to pi'c-iTxc \n-.u-r with the Indians. 
 
 The English and Diitcli 1m, th eii(lc;i\(irrd t<> secure unin- 
 terrupted peace with the Indians by treaty. 
 
 The reception of the Indians on tlicca>t end of the Island, 
 mider the protection of the Connnissionei's of tlie United 
 colonies in 16J4, and their snbsequnit api)( lintiiiont uf the 
 Montauk chief grand sachem of the Ldug-lsland Indians, 
 ]uust have augmented the iiiHueiirc wbicli lie Ix'tni-c ]im~-(_'.-s- 
 ed over more or Ir— ,<]' the Indian tribes (Hi tlir I-I.-hmI. and 
 must have enableil and di>p(ised him to curb any diVp(i>ition 
 manifested by them to annoy or intrrrupt the whites. 
 
 In 1643, the year before the Dutch war M irh the Indians 
 north of the sound, the Dutch Governor made a treaty with 
 Pennowits, sachem, as is supposed, of the Matinecock In- 
 dians. 
 
 In 1G56, the Dutch Governor made a treaty witli Tacka- 
 pausha. the sachem of the Marsapeague Indians, and the 
 rcpre-ciitati VI' of five other tribes. 
 
 TliM- the Dutch on the west end, and the English on the 
 ea-t end (.>f the Island, maintained a constant friendship 
 with the natives in their respective neiglibdrlioiMU. Mud 
 \\ hile they were friendly Avith each other, the Indian> tVom 
 one end of the Island to the other were friendly with both.:J; 
 
 • In 1657, the Montauks committed depredations, and burnt a number of houses at South 
 Hampton, and the people were obliged to betake themselves to their arms and stand on their 
 own defence. Captain Mason crossed the Sound to cjuell the disturljunce, and imiioseil a fine 
 of £700 on the Indiana as a remuneration for the damages, and as a i>unishment for the aggres- 
 sitm. 
 
 The chief sent a messenger to the Commissioners, and alledged that the damige was occa- 
 sioned by a mischieTous Indian, who had since destroyed himself and a negro woman, and 
 jirayed that he might be relieved from the fine, which was referred to the general court of Con- 
 necticut. 
 
 t In .I.>!:nsrm'^ " Wonder Workinf.' Prnvidence," it is stated that when the English first com- 
 mencf'l ■' m, ,,., i, hiiI " the Indians did much annoy their cattle with the 
 
 ■ualtiiii : ! : , 1 1 liy were young wolves brought up tame, continuing 
 
 of a \ i 
 
 ^Voh i I In file account of the committee con-isting of a 
 
 commis>ii :,t i !; i , .-;,!, - 'ii.. .'xprnsL'S of the county of Sufli.lk N.i\ rniln-r HI, 
 
 10S5, the item I ' - 1, 1 1|. . i ,i - i s hi Kiist llani]ilnii 1'' s-uili II uriit.in 
 
 3, South Old 1, I.- I "HI. aii.l ill linntiiigtun 1ft; lii all H: »..m.,j ;ii„I oW 
 
 killed, during ih 
 
 + Considerable exertions were very early made to instruct the Long-Island Indians, particu- 
 la/ly those of the Montauk tribe, in the principles of the Christian religion. 
 
73 
 
 Bcitli the En<ylisli and the Dutch on Long-Ishind, respect- 
 ed the rights of the Indians, and no hand was taken up by 
 the several towns, or by individuals, nntil it had been fairly 
 purchased of the chiefs of the tribe who claimed it. 
 
 The consideration given for the land was inconsideraljle 
 in value, and usually consisted of different articles of cloth- 
 ing, implements of hunting and fishing, domestic utensils, 
 anXl personal ornaments ; but appears to have been such in 
 all cases as was deemed satisfactory by the Indians.* 
 
 It 13 supposed some efforts to this effect were made by the Rev. Abraham Pierson, during the 
 three or four years he continued at South Hampton. 
 
 Mr. James, the first minister of East Hampton, was the first who was regularly employed in 
 this business. Mr. James was employed by Commissioners of the society for propagating the 
 Gospel in New-England, for several years, to instruct the Indians on the Island, 
 
 In 1741, the Commissioners of the same society employed Azariah Horton as a missionary 
 among the Long-Island Indians ; and under his labours there was a great reformation among 
 them. They then renounced their idols, and '-in the course of two or three years it is said 
 that he baptized thirty-five adults and forty-five children ; religion however afterwards declined 
 among them, and the mission was given up in 175-i." 
 
 In 1755, or thereabouts, Sampson Occum, an Indian of the Mohegan tribe in Connecticut, 
 was employed to keep a school among them, and afterwards to instruct them in religion till 
 1761. 
 
 No other missionary was regularly employed among these Indians until about ISOO, when Paul 
 CuEfee, a Long-Island Indian, was employed as a religious instructor among them by the mis- 
 sionary society of New- York. Paul continued his labours among them till his death. He died 
 March 7th, IS 1 2, aged 55 years. 
 
 Sampson Occum was born in 17-23, was educated by Mr. Wheelock of Lebanon and Mr. 
 Pomeroy of Hebron. A weakness in his eyes prevented his going to coll.ge ; about 1765, he 
 went to Montauk and established a school among the Indians. In the Spring of 175S, he was 
 licensed to preach by the Association of Windham county, Connecticut, and on the i^.lh August 
 1759, he was ordained to the ministry by the Presbytery of Suffolk county, with a view to senl 
 him as a missionary among the southern Indians. This plan being defeated by a war between 
 the whites and the Cherokees, he remained the most of his time between his ordination and the 
 Spring of 1761 with the Montauks. He then engaged in a mission to the Oneidas, and contin- 
 ued with them until 1765, when he accomi)anied Mr. Whittakef to Europe to solicit funds for 
 the Indian charity school. They remained there two or three years, and collected upwards 
 of +5000 for that charity in England and Scotland. 
 
 The Rev. Samuel Buell gives his character as a preacher, in a letter to the Rev. David Bost- 
 wick, of New-York, dated May 9th, 1761, he says : " as a preacher of the Gospel, he seems al- 
 ways t J have in view the end of the ministry, the glory of God and the salvation of men; 
 his'manuer of expression when he preaches to the Indians is vastly more natural and free, clear 
 and eloquent, quick and powerful than when he preaches to others. He is the glory of the In- 
 dian nation." It is added by another hand, that '• while in England he was an object of much 
 attention , he preached in the crowded chapels ol London, and even occupied the pulpit of 
 Whitfield with acceptance." 
 
 In March 176S,he returned and resumed his missionary labors among the Indians in Con- 
 necticut, and in 17S6 he removed with the Indians under his care, consisting of the Mohegans 
 and the remnants of some other tribes, to Oneida, in the Stale of New- York, and settled on a 
 tract of land given them by the Oneida tribe for that purjiose, which from the union of differ- 
 ent tribes that formed the setilement, they called Brothertown. 
 
 Mr. Occum continued in the charge of the Brothertown Indians until within a few years of 
 his death. He died at New Stockbridge in Oneida county, in July 1792, aged 69 years. 
 
 * The first purchase of Huntington in 165.3, comprized nearly six miles square ; the con.sid- 
 eration paid to the Indians, consisted of six coats, si.t bottles, six hatchets, six shovels, ten 
 knives, six fathom wampum, thirty muxes and thirty needles. 
 
 The first purchase of East Hampton, embraced about 30:20 acres, and the articles given in 
 payment consisied of twenty coats, twenty-four looking glasses, twenty-four hoes, twenty-four 
 hatchets, twenty-four knives and one hundred muxes. 
 
 The first purchase of Oysterbay, embraced upwards of 20000 acres, for which the first pur- 
 chasers gave six Indian coats, six kettles, six fathom of wampum, six hoes, six hatchets, three 
 pair stockings, thirty awl blades or muxes, twenty knives, thre e shu-ts, peague £i sterling. 
 
 The decrease of the Indians is sometimes represented as if the whites were blameable for 
 purchasing their lands. The decay of their numbers is a consequence of the settlement of the 
 country by an agricultural people — the improvement of the country must diminish the game, 
 lessen the means of their support, and drive them into the interior with the wild beasts that 
 furnish their sustenance, while they retain the character of hunters. Providence certainly 
 never designed that the earth should be kept desolate by erratic nations, but should be so used 
 as to afford support to the greatest number of human beings. 
 
74 
 
 Botli ]iowers endeavored to ]>i-o\ ciit tlie evils wliicli usually 
 result I'roin the use of sjiirit mm- > l)y the ludiaus. 
 
 The Dutch (iovernor in 1(14;), and the English Ciuveruor 
 in 16(!r), prohibited the sale of spirituous liquors to theui. 
 
 In 1{k)G, the town of Jamaiea iin]iosed a tine of 80 guild- 
 ers on any one -who should sell sti'ong drink to an lndi;in. 
 
 The number and character uf tlif liMlian-- nn.Kiid it prn- 
 dent for the first settlers to guard again^t ^ul■jlri^^•. and t(j be 
 prepared to resist any attack by them. The several towns 
 required every man t^ liirni>h himself with arms and am- 
 munition, and to assemble at an apointcil placr in case of 
 an alarm. In some of the EngH-h tnwn- a Mmc!.; house or 
 small fort was erected as a place ni r-ccni'ily in t inn- .if danger. 
 
 The people of < ii-ax c-cn,!, in the inlaney of their settle- 
 ment, inclosed tlicir \il!agc w ith pali-adoes. 
 
 The Dutch Governor in ii»i5, and the English Governor 
 in 1005, forbid the sale of arms and ammunition to the In- 
 dians. 
 
 In IGJrl, the town of South Hampton resolved that it' any 
 one should sell any warlike imjdements to the lndian>, he 
 should forfeit his whole persoiud effects. In Id.jH, thctuwn 
 of East Hampton resolved that \vhM>.u'ver >li(nild >v\\ pow- 
 der, lead or shot, sword or llint to any Indian, he shonhl be 
 liable to the penalty of 20s., and if any one should sell a 
 gim or pistol to one, he should pay £'10. 
 
 It may have been partly in cdnMNjUL-nce of the doti'ue- 
 tion of their warriors, in tlicir recent ^var^. and .it tlieir 
 military spirit being broken by their >nbjectiiin t.> >nc<-e->ive 
 con([uerors ; but it was principally by cultivating l he tViend- 
 ship of the chiefs, and i)articii]arly of the graml >aciicni of 
 the w hole. Iiy respecting tlieir riglit>an(l treating them w ith 
 uniform justice and kin(hi(>>. by prewnting excitement by 
 artiticial meaiif-, and Ijv reinlering success hopeless by with- 
 holding the means necessary to insure it, that the whites 
 
 Thu I . i . ,•: i-, ;,.T,r;i Uir IiHliaiis within tlie 
 
 limits : , i: rulers, to 
 
 make ■ i . . . : , . .i to our laws, 
 
 and ar.- ' ...-'i.;.. ,i ... i,. 1 1 ,ii -iii.n . .i i.. I'.iaiii their iiule- 
 
 dendeii.e, .-ul h, our j.i ...icchon .lud cunirol, ?o lur <>t„\ .i> ihiir c.un wellare and the pub- 
 lic safety require. 
 
 The government concedes to them the right of occiii.aii^ 
 ultimate domain. It Mifl. is no advantai-'t' tc. taken m il 
 Viduals, liv the h-.iii.l . I i ■ .1 1 .u r n rii i/, n- 
 
 _An Iniiian !. M , , .,,,,] raimut be sol.l by inilividuals. The 
 
 alienaii'.ii I.I tl). , ■ ,;, ,,,| . ,i..n,- h\ treat\'. The extinguislanent 
 
 of Indian dam.- n ..n.i 1.. imrehase made l.v an unauthorized 
 
 iudivi.lua 
 
 • .1 ' ua-aii\ pun lia.-.' eler considered a.s legal from the firstsettle- 
 t of the country, wl.ieh wasm de without authority, uutil it was confirmed by patent or 
 ! other act of government. 
 
75 
 
 were exempted from any hostile combinations of the Long- 
 Island Indians. 
 
 In 1655, a large body of Indians consisting of 500 and 
 upwards, from Jersey and the north river, landed at New- 
 Amsterdam, where they were provoked into hostilities and 
 did much injury. They then went to Staten-Islaiid and 
 committed gi-eat havoc there, and a party of tliem passed 
 over to Long-Island and threatened Graveseiid, but retired 
 witliout doing much injury. Tlie fortifications of New- Am- 
 sterdam, and of the villages in its vicinity, by enclosures of 
 pallisadoes, was to secure them against the same Indians, 
 wlio troni li'Ao to 1663 committed many acts of hostility on 
 the Dutch settlements.* 
 
 That none of the Long-Island Indians were concerned in 
 these depredations is evident from the admission in the Dutch 
 records, that tliose Indians had originally no hostile designs 
 against that ])lace, Imt were then on their route to the east 
 end of Long-Island to make war on the Indians there. 
 
 This belief is corroborated by the fact, that in the treaty 
 made at Hempstead, March 12th, 1656, with Tacapausha, 
 the Governor stipulated not to make ])eace with tliose In- 
 dians who did the damage at ^[aiiliattau in Sejiteinber 1655, 
 without including them, for which no other reason can be 
 given than that they were the enemies of the Long-Island 
 Indians. 
 
 Of ihe Buttle at Fort Ned-. 
 
 The only rencounter of any importance between the whites 
 and the Indians on Long-Island, of which we have any ac- 
 
 * The statement, in the text is supported by the authority of the Dutch records. August 1640 
 several planters were massacred by them at Staten Island; 1613 the Governor ordered an 
 attack on the savages. 
 
 February 'ieth, I&4.3, the Governor complained of the insolence of the savages for two or 
 three years past— that they came in droves of 50 in sight of the fort— that they had taken horses, 
 cows, hogs and geese, and had murdered seven persons and refused to give up tlie murderers, 
 and ordered preparations for an attack. 
 
 In 1644, a general war was commenced with the savages north of the Sound and west of the 
 Connecticut settlements, which lasted till the summer of 1646, and was terminated by a great 
 battle at Strickland's plain, in llorseneck, in which the Dutch with difficulty obtained the 
 victory. 
 
 September 5th, 1655, a body of Indians landed near the fort of New .\msterdam in 04 
 canoes, consisting of more than 5 >o warriors, on an expedition against the Indians on the East 
 end of Long-Island. Some of them broke into an house which provoked an artray. The 
 Indians were attacked by a detachment from the fort, and compelled to embark, but they 
 continued in the neighborhood three days, killed tifty persons and took one hundred prisoners, 
 burnt forty-eight houses and destroyed cattle and did much damage. They then landed on 
 Staten-Island, massacred sixty -seven persons, crossed the Narrows and surrounded Graves- 
 end, which was relieved by aid from the city. 
 
 February 7th, 101)0, the Governor states that during his administration of twelve years, 
 upwards of twenty persons had been killed by the Indians. 
 
 January 7th, 166:J, the Governor complains that the Indians had killed eighteen persons and 
 taken ten prisoners within a short time before that date, and had burnt and destroyed houses 
 and other property. 
 
 June 7th, 1663, the Indians attacked Esopus, burnt part of the town, killed and wounded a 
 number of the inhabitants, and took many of them prisoners. 
 
 25 
 
76 
 
 count from In'storv or tradition, is one that took place at 
 Fort Xeck, on the snuth side, in ( ) vstrrbay, wliicli seems to 
 have l)een tlie in'iiicipal seat of the Marsapeague Indiaiis. 
 
 Tlie WAV ill l-Jirope, between the JJutcli and English, 
 which continurd iVoiii 1652 to 1654, had an influence upon 
 their respective (colonists. 
 
 In the spring of 1653, it was believed that the Dutch 
 government contemplated the expulsion of the English from 
 the territories which they claimed, extending from the Del- 
 aware to Connecticut river, including the whole of Long- 
 Island. 
 
 A Dutch fleet was expected from Europe, and the Dutch 
 governor was suspected of tampering with the Indians, to 
 procure their co-operation. 
 
 The Indians, in many places, suddenly began to manifest 
 a h(i>t lie cai-rinu'c towards the EiiL^-lisli. Sevci-al cliicf- on 
 Lon-'-Maii'l M'lit a iiic»ciiu'ri' to ' 1 1 arl fo.'d. to iiKonii the 
 Engli>li that they had lieeii oll'crc(l mni>, swords, aiiiiiiiiiii- 
 tion and clothing, by the Dutdi tiscai. or treasure)', it they 
 would join them to destroy tlu' I']ii^li>h. It seeiii> al>othat 
 great efforts were made ami in -omc ca-o with >iirc('--.. \o 
 induce them to reiiouiicr t hrir - rand sacht'iu the Moiilaul< 
 chief, who was the iiii wavei'iiig tVieiid of the Kiiu'li>h.'"' 
 
 ('aplaiii .ImIiii I 'iidi^rliill, who had the iii-iiici|ial coiiiinand 
 in the ivcriit war of the Dutch with the Imliaii.. and liad 
 rendered them e»eiitial service, had settled at hhi>hin;i-. ami 
 observed the change in the di>po>itioii of the Indian-. He 
 obtained from them the secret of the Dutch machin;itions 
 to enlist the Iiidian> aualn>t the Knglish, and communicated 
 the fact> to the coinnii->ioiiers of the united colonies. 
 
 In con-e(jUcnce of the disclosure of the intrigues of the 
 Dutch trca-iircr with the Indians, by Ca})tain rnderhill.he 
 was seizt'd at |-'hi~hin-- hy a guard of soldiers, and cari'ied 
 to New-xViii-lcnlain. and ct m liiie(l until the ca>e wa^ I'xam- 
 ined, wdien the tad- i-cpoi-tcil h\ him were proved oy the 
 testimony of the Indians, to be true. He was then coolly 
 
 • The Piitrh Cnvprnor cietiifil the existence of any such plan, or of any concert with the 
 Indiati-i; •.:,■] [.iii |„isons should be sent to examine into facU. Three persons 
 
 were -i I ! ,1 ; h.- appointed three to act with them. The English commis- 
 
 sioner- ', ■ 1 ., ,1 I > (if tlie Dutch commissioners, nor with the manner in which 
 the (...V . I . ! . i : i,, : Mil Miiv ti. he t:ikcii. anil returned without accomplishing tlie 
 object 111 I i .ii, 111 ir ^i|-|iirii.iis iliniirii-li'-il. 
 
 That .,. ' I |. .> .. 1 I ,. ■.•..,1. 1 .. ! ... I. : .• I land at the time, nor can the 
 
 chan.-i'iii'l ',,,1,,;,,,: i;,; , _ ,,!.,, ,! r rniuiicititioii of the aiilhurity of 
 
 IJie .M'.M i •• !,•.«:,. ., «,„.„ ., , , : u... i-v accounted for in any other way. 
 
 Tlie Duljii i.im iiiiii- II, a\ liaM; Iillii i-ii,,raiit (.f the iiitriKUes of the liscal with "the Indians, 
 but that such iatriguea took place can hardly be doubted by any one who will examine the 
 oridence. 
 
77 
 
 dismissed, and tlie treasurer was suffered to go witliout re- 
 proof or pniiisliuient, 
 
 Tlie Euglisli towns on the island, as well as those which 
 had been settled under the Dutch as the English, vv'ere 
 alarmed for their safety. 
 
 March 26tli, 1653, the town of East Hampton resolved 
 that no person should sell any kind of provisions to the In- 
 dians, " during the time of the neighbors' plantation being 
 in this posture." 
 
 April l.")tli, tliey ordered "that there should be a watch 
 and ward, that two men should watch every night, and one 
 to ward every day." 
 
 April 2'Itli, tliey resolved " that no Indian should come 
 to the \<>\v\\ unless on special occasion, and that none should 
 come :ii'me(l, hecause that the Dutch have hired Indians 
 oqii'nist fjn: Kinjlhli^ and because the Indians have cast off 
 tiieir >arlieni."' 
 
 May <Itli, tliey agreed to send to Connecticut for a firkin 
 of pdwiler. and sh-ot equivalent, and ordered "that every 
 mall <>u any alarm, should appear forthwith at the meeting- 
 house, and tluat no man should go from the town to woi-k, 
 or stay in an(.>ther town, under the penalty of 40s. for every 
 day's absence. 
 
 April l-tth, 1653, the town of South Hampton passed a 
 resolution, " that every male between 16 and 60 should 
 watch ami w ard a^- (k (-a^iou is, and that no one should sell 
 auv ciirn to tlie I pending the war hetween the Emj- 
 
 r,sl, ,ind Lndhln.r 
 
 Julu' Ifitli, they sent a messenger to Captain John Mason, 
 at tlie mouth of Connec^ticut river, to procure a stock of 
 ammunition. 
 
 Captain Undcrhill,'^ early in the spring, wrote to thecom- 
 
 • Captain .Tolm UmlerhiU came from England to Massachusetts soon after the first sett lenient 
 of that colony. lie hail served as an olflcer in the British forces, in the low countries, in 
 IrcUiiiil, .uiil at Cadiz, and had a cora:iiand in the war with the Pequots during the year l(i3T. 
 He had some difficulty with the church at Boston, which seems to have been adjusted before 
 he left that part of the country. 
 
 After the termination of the Pequot war, he removed to Connecticut, and settled at Stam- 
 ford. He was a delegate from that town to the general court at New-Haven, in 1043, and was 
 appointed an assistant justice there. 
 
 During that year he was sent for by the Dutch governor, to take a command in the war in 
 which the Dutch were then engaged, or were about to commence, with the Indians situated 
 north of the sound and west of the Connecticut settlements. This war lasted till the summer 
 of 1040, and was terminated by a great battle at St.-icltland's Plain, in llorseneck, in which 
 the Dutch with ditflculty obtained the victory. 
 
 It is supposed that Captain Underbill ha I the chief command under the Dutch governor in 
 this war. and it is stated by Trumbull, in his history of Connecticut, that he destroyed three 
 hundred Indians north of the sound, and one hundred and twenty on Long-Island who had 
 crossed the sound in order to ravage and destroy the Dutch plantations there. After the 
 conclusion of the w:ir, he settled at Flushing, on the island. He discovered and disclosed the 
 intrigues of the Dutch fiscal with the Indians, in order to detach them from the English, and 
 to excite them to hostilities against them m 1053. 
 
78 
 
 missioiiors of tlie iinitod colonies, to a])]n-ize tliem of the de- 
 si<rii>; of the Dutch, of tlicii- t!iiii]iei'inj;- witli tlie Indians, and 
 ot the danger to which the Enghsh on Loiig-Ishuid were 
 exposed. 
 
 April inth, 1G53, the coniinissioncrsof the united colonies, 
 at a s])ecial meeting at Boston, took the state of the (■(Hiiitrv 
 into their consideration, and six nf the i !i:lit wi ic f^n- em- 
 barking in the national quarrel w ith tlie I )ut( li. liiit were 
 restrained by the refusal of Massiicl:ii>ett>. \\li(i>e reiiiute- 
 ness from the scene of danger rendered liei' iii>eu>ilile t.ithe 
 condition of hei' coinitrvmen who were more exposed to the 
 incuisioii- ot' the ciiciiiy. 
 
 The other eohiiiie> deemed the refusal to be a breach of 
 the articles of their union, and the dispute threatened the 
 dissolution of the c<^>nfederac_v. Massachusetts, however, 
 after tlie (lam^cr was passed, and she coidd doit Avithout the 
 risk of rvpeii-c ill iiirii or money, reliii(iiii>heil hei' eoii>truc- 
 tion of the article> of union, and thus appeased her allies, 
 whom she, on more than one occasion, treated with the like 
 indignity. 
 
 Captain Cndei-hill ]ii'oliably, immediately after lie found 
 that the (•oiiimi>>ioiier.-. were <li\ i<h'(l in ojiiiiioii ropeeting 
 the e\|MNli,.iii-y of eiiiliarkiiig in tlie wai\ wrote to the colony 
 of liln"lc-Ul;iii(|. where it i> sup})o>ed that sc.iiue if not must 
 of the oi'ii; iiial i]iliahitaiit> of Flushing, and also some < if the 
 people ot' ( »\ Mci'i.ay, had iv^ided x.ii'ie time hefoi'e tlicir^et- 
 tleiiieiit ill tiio-e town-, and wlierethey prohahly had frieiid:^, 
 t(.> inform them of thr (hmger t(.( which they were ex]Mi>ed, 
 and to solicit some a--i-tance for their security. In conse- 
 (pience of this iiitoi iiiat idi. it seems a Mr. Dyer, with a few 
 resolute men, voluntarily went to Mushing to aid them in 
 caseof an attack. The people (,f Khode-l>iand had I'eceived 
 letters from the council of ~tate in Knglaiul. in voting them 
 wdth discretionary jiowcr in I'elatioii to their taking part in 
 tlie war agamst the i)i;t<-h. and thev came to tlie roolutiou 
 
 On the refusal of the coin ) • i ; i],r unituii colonies to embiirk in the war then sub- 
 sisting between England II ■ : :ipi)lied to Uhode-Island, which colony had taken 
 part wiih ilie mother conn'! 
 
 or OiicMi^ . ..iHiU . 
 which bus reniainec 
 ants that bears his i 
 
79 
 
 so far to embark in the support of the mother country, as 
 to issue letters of marque and reprisal against the Dutch 
 commerce on the high seas. 
 
 On the 17th of May, 1653, the assembly of that colony 
 took the application from Long-Island into consideration, 
 and generously agreed to afibrd them what help they could, 
 to enable them to defend themselves against the Dutch, the 
 enemies of the commonwealth, or to make aggressions on 
 them if the assembly should deem it necessary. 
 
 They also granted commissions to Captain John Fnderhill, 
 William Dyer, and Edward Hall, to go against the Dutch, 
 or any enemies of the commonwealth of England, and allow- 
 ed them to take twenty volunteers out of the colony, with 
 certain pieces of ordnance, subject to such orders as the as- 
 sembly should prescribe. 
 
 In the early part of May, the town of Hempstead sent 
 Eichard Gildersleve and Alexander Rhodes, and IN'ewtown 
 sent Robert Coe and Edward Jessup to the commissioners 
 of the united colonies, to apprise them of the danger with 
 which they were threatened, to solicit a supply of arms au'l 
 ammunition, with the aid of a few men, or an officer cap- 
 able of disciplining their own militia. 
 
 ]\Iay 23(1, Ca])tain T^nderliill wrote again to the commis- 
 >inii(_'r>. >tatcd tliut all the English were in extreme danger, 
 that ]if had >eiit for some small assistance from Rhode-Island 
 to preserve things in safety, and informed them " that he 
 had put his life in his hands to save English blood,""" and 
 urged them in the most pressiiig manner to act with vigor. 
 
 The application was again rendered inetfectual by the ad- 
 herence of Massachusetts to her resolution to decline any in- 
 terference in the national quarrel. 
 
 The English towns were thus compelled to rely for their 
 securitv upon their own resources, and such assistance as 
 they had received from the disinterested friendship and 
 patriotism of Rhode-Island. 
 
 It does not appear that the Dutch ever made any attack 
 upon the English towns, or that Captain Underbill and his 
 companions were under any necessity of repelling any as- 
 saults of the Dutch. 
 
 It seems, however, that the Dutch had neglected or were 
 unable to allay the hostile temper of the Indians, which they 
 had excited, and that it became necessary to make an ex- 
 ample of such as were most forward in their meditated hos- 
 tilities, in order to subdue the refractory spirit that prevailed 
 among them. 26 
 
80 
 
 The public recurds fiiriiisli no fiirtlier llulit on the >ul)ject, 
 a!i(l we are coiiipelled to resort to tradition to learn tlie re- 
 t-idt of the state of things that tlien existed in relation to 
 tlie English and Indians on I,(iii:^-I>hiiid. 
 
 The tradition is that a numlM r .^f Indians, wljo^e inten- 
 tions were sui)i)osed to beho>tile tn the English, had (•(dlect- 
 ed at or near Marsapeaguc, at which place they had a fort, 
 ou a neck called from that ]»eri()d, in c(.ii-ideratl(iii of that 
 circumstance, FortXeck, tlic i-cuiains nf w hich arc >till verv 
 distinct, which they had (•()ii>ti-iict(Ml fur their di'fenci', or 
 which had been ei'ected uiimiihc rnriiKM- ncca>i<in for the like 
 l)nrpose." That ( 'attain . I. ihn 1 ' iidci-liill led a party against 
 them, attacked ami dr-trovcd a iiuihIht ot' them, took the 
 fort, and kcjit im'--c— ion of it in oi-ih-r in prcNciit the re- 
 imion of thi' I miiaii.--. to watch their hk i\ ciiu'iit-, and to 
 guard the Iji-li-h x'ttlenients agaiiL-t their iiiciir^ii iii>. 
 
 April It'ith'. Ifa;:;. tlie Dutch ' gn\ci-ii(M' cnmphiined that 
 (rovernor "W iiit hrM|. Iiad imt. according \i< agrcciiieut. de- 
 livered Fort Solniiiiin, (in Lung-I>land to Dutch. It is 
 
 1)resnmed that I'ort Suhnndii w a> tlu' one on Fort ^^eck. 
 t was in Oysterbay, to more or les> of w hicli the I )utc]i laid 
 claim, and was the only fort in po~>e»ion of flic !-jiuli>h 
 within the territory which the Dutch pri'tcndcd to cUiini. 
 
 It is impossible, at this distance of time, to judge of the 
 pro])riety or necessity of this attack upon the Indian>. The 
 measure may have been warranted by the state of things at 
 the time, ami may have saved the English settlement^ from 
 massacre and devastation. 
 
 It is probable that these Indians had been gainei] o\ cr by 
 the intrigues of the Dutch, and Inul a.-seiiibie<l in order to 
 aid them in their ])rojected enterpri/.e against the Knglish, 
 and that the tran>action took ]ilace in the >unimi'r of l(;."j:3. 
 
 The project of the Dutch miscari'ied by their inability to 
 unite the Indians in the scheme, by the defeat of the Dutch 
 fleet in Europe, and by the subseijuent peace. 
 
 After the w ar, tin- colonists resumed their friendh inda- 
 tions, but the iiiipi-e-^ions made on the mind- of the l j:_li-h. 
 by the sanguinary project of the Dutch go\ eninieiit. were 
 never etiaced but by the con(|Ue>t. in Kltii. 
 
 June 11th, 16()G,' the Engli>]i ( iovernor held a treaty at 
 Hempstead with Takapausha, the Mai >apeague saclu'm. and 
 
 • Tlie fort is situated near the meadows, about the ccntrt- of llje nci-k. Its form i- .|UMilran- 
 pular. n-ith an opeiiir.g of about iwelve feet wide at llie south east anple. The .litcli is now 
 three feet deep, and the erabanknient as much as tliree feet above llie level of the ailjoiniug 
 plain. It probably extends about ten rods one way, and six the other. 
 
81 
 
 otlier tribes wlio had proliaLIv tlirowii off the authority of 
 tlieir i>Taud saelieiu. and had united witli tlie Dutch ;ii:ainst 
 tlie Enghsli, l»_v whicli they made peace -with the English 
 and submitted to their government. 
 
 "We have no furtlier account of any difficulty with tlie 
 Long-Island Indians tmtil the time of King Pliilip's war. 
 This was the most destructive Indian war in which the Xew- 
 England colonies had ever l»een involved. It commenced 
 in June 1675, and lasted till August, 1076, and during its 
 continuance was attended with great destruction of property 
 and the loss of many valuable lives. 
 
 Erom the proximity of Xarragansett to Montauk, it was 
 ap[)rehended that the Long-Island Indians might be seduced 
 by the Xarragansetts to aid them in their Ik utilities against 
 the whites. To prevent this the governor of Xew- York de- 
 termined to cut off all intercourse between them. 
 
 December 13th, 1675, the gdvenmr ordered all the canoes 
 east of Hell-Gate to be seized, and delivered to the con- 
 stables, to be laid u[> and -cciirrd within three days, and also 
 ordered that all such can(ir> a- >li(Uild be found in the sotmd 
 after that time should be destroyed. 
 
 Thi> nica>ure ilrprived the Indians of the means of cross- 
 ing the :^<_mnd. and effectually prevented their lending any 
 a>:^istance to the liu>tile Indians. 
 
 Since that period, no danger seems to have been appre- 
 hended from the Indians on Long-Island, and from that time 
 they have gradually diniiinMied and disappeared, till only a 
 few families are left. 
 
 Of the j)<)liticcd condition of the several towns in the Dxitcli 
 Territor;/ on Lon<j-Island. 
 
 The states general of the L^nited Belgic Provinces, in 
 tlicir grant to the Dutch "West India company, in 1621, re- 
 ^(.'rvcd til themselves the power of commissioning the gov- 
 ernor whom they should a[>point. 
 
 The object of tbi> I'c-ervation was to connect the interests 
 of tlie company with the mother country, and to secure the 
 supreme control over the whole empire. 
 
 The first governor mentioned in the Dutch records, is 
 "Wouter Van Twiller, who arrived at Xew-Amstei-dam, n(jw 
 Xew-York, in Jime, 1620. 
 
 It is intimated in a letter of Governor Kieft, that Peter 
 Minuit, preceded Van Twiller, and very probably he was 
 
82 
 
 ])rc('e(le(l l)y otliois, oillicr !i> coininci'f-ial or political supor- 
 iiitoiuleilts of the hiitdi (-l:(lili>liiiuMiT^. 
 
 William Iviel't Miccfcdrd \ auTu ilkT in March 1G;3S, and 
 lie was succeeded by I'eter Stiiyvesant in May 16i7, who 
 continued in power till the conquest by the English, in 1664. 
 
 All the powers of a'overnment, executive, legislative, and 
 judicial, civil and ecclesiastical, were vested in the governor 
 and council. 
 
 The governor, directly or indirectly. appMintiMl all public 
 officers, framed all the laws, and (Ifciilcd all iiii|Mirtant con- 
 troversies, heard appeals tVoiii snbui-diiiatc iiia- i-t I'atcs, and 
 required tlicni \<> r-ciel >urli ca-i-- .-i- wciv licinlliiii- before 
 
 them, to tllr (•..lllicil tM |,(. dr. -i, led a- lie tliMU-lit lit. 
 
 April 1-Jrli. \r,r.n_ tlir -w. ,.i-,ior ..rdrivd tlu' nm-I-t i-atr> of 
 Rustdorpe, I'T I'l l-rl'tTa crrtain call-t/ t Ih.'M [U'lliliug 
 
 before them. t.. i hr rMuiM-il t.. I.r dflcriiiined. 
 
 April 2tltli. till' iiiii-i-trair^ ut' Middleburgh, or jSTew- 
 Town, were ur(!ci-c(l \n do tlic ^auie. 
 
 The goveiMior ordered churelie^ to l)e built — lie installed 
 ministers, and directiMl where and wlien they slioidd preach, 
 and he excluded such from teaching, whose tenets he did 
 not approve. 
 
 The governor hail the sole prerogative over the public 
 lands. The Iiidiim title was extinguished by him, or by in- 
 dividuals witli lii- (-"iisent. 
 
 The govcMMK ii- u r:inti'd such lands as had been ])urchased 
 of the Indian-, to individuals or c(,iu]iaiiic.- for settlement. 
 These grants were generally, if not nniforndy. made sub- 
 ject to a reservation or ipiit-rent of one tenth of the pro- 
 duce, to become pa_)"al)le ten years after the date of the 
 grant. 
 
 From the complaints of the delegates who met in 1653, to 
 lay their gi-ievances before the governor and council, it a])- 
 pears that tlu' governor exerci-cd lii> jirerogative in a capri- 
 cious manner, sometimes rel'u>ing lands to settlers, and at 
 other times making large grants to favorites. 
 
 Of the Dutch Towns. 
 
 It appears that the Dutch towns were settled by the cas- 
 ual concurrence of individuals, without any previous regu- 
 lations relative t(i tlicii- oi'ganization, or tlic adiniiiistratii.)n 
 of justice aup 111- I liciii. N.jr does it a[iprai- tliat tlicy en- 
 tered into any bond ol' union among themselves f<.ir self-gov- 
 ernment. 
 
83 
 
 In the infancy of tlie settlements, the governor appointed 
 magistrates in tlie several villages, with more or less power 
 as he judged proper, without any iiniformity as to their 
 number or title of oftiee. 
 
 In IGOO, on a })etition of the inhabitants of J^ew-Utreeht, 
 the governor appointed a scout or constable, a secretary, and 
 an assessor, with power to divide the land that was held in 
 common, by lot among the proprietors — to see that tlie 
 fields were fenced — to open a common street through the vil- 
 lage — -to erect a block house in the centre, with a mill in it, 
 and a well by it, at the common expense, and to decide all 
 difterences, and to do as all other subaltern village courts 
 are accustomed to do. 
 
 From this it ajipcars that the lirst magistrates in the sev- 
 eral villages, had full power to regulate the police, and pro- 
 vide for tlie security of the village. 
 
 After the settlers had become more numerous, and the 
 towns were enlarged, they were permitted to choose their 
 own magistrates, subject to the approbation of the govern- 
 or. It would also seem that the powers of the magistrates 
 were then enlarged, but were not defined by any general 
 law, and were in a great measure discretionary. 
 
 In 1(U8, Brooklyn was permitted to choose two magis- 
 ti MtH-. wlio were authorized " to give judgment in all events 
 
 tliev -liould deem proper, not contrary to the charter of 
 Ncw-Xctlierlaiid and to give complete effect to their nu- 
 rliority. tlic governor ordered that if any one disobeyed the 
 (ieei>ioii ( if the magistrates, he should forfeit his right to the 
 lands within the village.'^ 
 
 In 1661, the governor enlarged the powers of the magis- 
 trates, or rather established a new court with larger and 
 more definite powers than ho had before granted. The magis- 
 trates who were chosen and allowed for this court, were au- 
 thorized to decide all controversies between master and ser- 
 vant, master and apprentice, buyer and seller, landlord and 
 tenant, and also to take cognizance of breaches of the peace, 
 and other misdemeanors. 
 
 The Dutch courts proceeded according to the rules of the 
 civil law, which was the Dutch common law. 
 
 The Dutch towns seem to have been governed principally 
 by the ordinances of police enjoined by their magis- 
 trates. 
 
 *Tliis privilege seems not to have been extemleil to any other town, from which it is presumed 
 that no otner town was at that time so populous as to require them. 
 
 27 
 
84 
 
 Of the Enylhli tovms \inderthe Dutch. 
 
 Tlie English who settled the towns of Hempstead, Graves- 
 eud, Flusliing, Jamaica, and jSTewtown, liecanie Dutch sub- 
 jects, and were ])erniitted to hold land, ciijny lilicrty of con- 
 science, and to clioose their own magistrates, suhjcct to the 
 approbation of tlie governor. 
 
 ITem})stead and Gravesend were incorporated towns, and 
 were authorized to choose tlieir own magistrates, who were 
 to be presented to the governor for his approbation, and also 
 a scout and clerk. 
 
 The magistrates were vested with power to hold courts, 
 civil and criminal, with a limited jurisdiction, and to make 
 ordinances for tlie welfare and good government of the 
 towns respectively. 
 
 Flushing was also partially incorporated, but was Ijy its 
 charter only authorized to elect a scout or cuiistaMe with 
 power to preservegood order, heal differences, and rejxtrt all 
 cases (if impni't-ance to the governor. It is probable that 
 the pr(i|.lc (if Flusliing were afterwards indulged with the 
 power (if cliMii.-ing magistrates like the other towns. 
 
 Jamaica and Newtown were permitted to choose their 
 own magistrates, sul)ject to the confirmation of the gover- 
 nor. It was the ])ractice in these, if not in all the English 
 towns, to choose ddu ile the number to which they were en- 
 titled, out of which the governor named those that should 
 serve. 
 
 In all the English towns, the people chose a certain num- 
 ber of men, whom they called townsmen, to superintend the 
 civil concern- ot' the towns for which they were elected. 
 They co-o]ierateil with the magistrates in tlie incorporated 
 towns, and in the other towns made all such regulations as 
 they judged beiiefieial to the town ; (except such as related 
 to the adiiii-sioii of settlers, and the granting of lands,) 
 which were to Ke -iihiuittcd to the people in town-meeting 
 for them to eonliriii or annid.'''' 
 
 It is probable the courts in tlie English towns for some 
 time decided without a jury : but towards the latter part 
 
 * The power of the to^ 
 the police of the towns 
 regulainl tin- time wlu n 
 
 presi-i-51- : . ,;, - i, , 
 
 iI.mI to 
 
 - iliev 
 ii, .aid 
 
85 
 
 of the time they were under the Dutch, they seem, in one 
 town at least, to have made au effort to adopt the principles 
 of the common law. 
 
 December 1st, 1663, the town of Jamaica resolved, in 
 town raeetino;, that the magistrates of that town should pro- 
 ceed " according to the laws of England, as near as they 
 could." 
 
 The English towns under the Dutch government, seem to 
 have been governed principally by the ordinances of their 
 tovvnsmen, and the acts made at their town meetings. 
 
 Of the Tijranny and Imbecility of the Dutch Government. 
 
 It seems that the governor sported with the rights of the 
 people, by Avantonly rejecting such magistrates as they had 
 chosen, merely to gratify his humor or caprice. This arbi- 
 trary exercise of authority was deemed an abuse of power, 
 and was reprobated both by the magistrates and the people. 
 
 It would also seem that the government was not suited to 
 the wishes nor adequate to the protection of the people. 
 The laws were not adapted to the state of society, nor equal 
 to the exigencies of the times, or were badly executed — and 
 the governor and council were incompetent or indisposed to 
 remedy the evils ; and there was a great defect in the ad- 
 ministration of justice. 
 
 Public insecurity produced general discontent ; the people 
 became dissatislied with the existing state of things, and 
 languished for the blessings of good government. 
 
 They at length determined to lay their grievances before 
 the governor and council. 
 
 On an invitation of the burgomasters of New-Amsterdam, 
 a convention of delegates from several towns met in that 
 city, November 26th, 1653, and adjourned to the 11th of 
 December ensuing, when delegates appeared from the city, 
 Brooklyn, Flatbush, Flatlands, Gravesend, Newtown, Flush- 
 ing, and Hempstead. 
 
 They agreed on a remonstrance to the governor and coun- 
 cil on the subject of their grievances, which was well drawn, 
 and expressed in spirited but decent laniiuage. 
 
 They remonstrated against the exclu.'-ioii of the people 
 from all share in legislation — again.-t thf (i]u_'i-atiuii of old 
 and obsolete laws — against withholdiii-' i;iaiit> of land t<i set- 
 tlers, and making extravagant grants t(.» particular individ- 
 ttals — against the appointment of magistrates without the 
 
86 
 
 consent of the people, and against tlie neglect oi' effectnal 
 provision for the defence of tin- countrv. 
 
 To this the governor and cuuiicil ^ave no answer to the 
 deputies, but entered a reply on tlicir iiiinutcs, denied the 
 right of some of the towns, particulai iy I'.rwoklyn, Flatbus-li, 
 and Flatlands, to send deputies, and protested against the 
 meeting. 
 
 In their observations on the remonstrance, the governor 
 and council reflect much on the English as tlir antliois r.f 
 the public discontent, and particularly on Glmii;:c IJaxti'r. 
 one of the deputies from the town of (rraveseml. tu whuui 
 tiiey evidently impute tlie draught of the rfinonstraiicc. 
 
 December l^th, the (le])Uties ])reseiitr(l another reniuu- 
 strance in which they di'clai'c, that it' tlicy couhl nut obtain 
 redress or protection fruiii the goNcniur and council, they 
 must appeal to their suiio-iors in the Xetlierhuids. This so 
 irritated the goveriKH-, that he ordered them to disperse and 
 forbid their assembling again. 
 
 At this period, tlie country seems to have been overrun 
 with robbers, and that there was no adequate authority to 
 redress the evil. 
 
 April 7tli, 1654, the magistrates of Brooklyn, Flatbnsh 
 and Flatlands, united in forming a military company against 
 "robbers and ]>irati'S," and agreed that there should be a 
 sergeant in each village. 
 
 April stli. li;.")4. the go-\ ei-iior ■^>ned a iiroelamation against 
 certain robbers, who (a> he >rate>.) had lieen banished tVoui 
 Xew-Eiighuid, and were wandering about on Long-Island. 
 
 In 1654, the governor refused to contirm the election of 
 George Baxter and James Hubbard, who had been chosen 
 magistrates that year for the town of Gravesend. 
 
 These two men were among the original ])atentees of tlie 
 town, and had been freijuently chosen magistrates, and had 
 uniformly enjoyed the coniidence of their fellow citizens * 
 
 ' George Baxter had been an ensipn, and James Hubbard a sergeant in the British service, 
 and are so named in the charter of Ciravesend.— They both seem to have been men of consid- 
 erable capacity, and were generally entrusted with the management of the public affairs of 
 that town. 
 
 Baxlr-i--.j..in^ fn hnvf a ninn -t t;,lpiit. nnd H,lMrail..ii —In lii4'', Cnvernfir Kieft ap- 
 
 consi'i' ■ I !•■ was 
 appiii) , . , . I , . I , , . T.-aty 
 of H:ii , , ; I , i . was 
 estaiiK- . ! : : i.. . ■ griev- 
 ance- ■ ' ,,,,,, I , . ' , I . ■ ' ,^ _ ..I ri-nor 
 
 aSCrit"- - ;;,,!>,;,, • ! , [ | | , i ,i I, raiisB 
 
 of hi- I.. ,1, •,M,„„, l.r ...h. 1...,.,, .,,(;, „,,lrii , i - ^ , h • : : , U-cl . 
 
 Ba\i. ; vvi i.. .1, ,...1,.. H, i:„ |...i„;|,i,- .,1 KDgli-li lil.iTi> aiMi c.mlil eii.luri' the ty- 
 ranny of the iJutch governoi' ; his oppu.>iiiou to it maiie him the victim ot liis persecution, and 
 It is supposed that he was obliged to leave the colony to escape his resentment. 
 
87 
 
 The rejection or removal of these magistrates, excited so 
 great a ferment in Gravesencl, that the Governor thought 
 it necessary to go there to appease it. November 23d, 1654, 
 the governor went to Gravesend, and to etfect his purpose, 
 he was obliged to avail himself of the influence of Lady 
 Moody, a connection of Sir Henry Moody, one of the origin- 
 al patentees. He conceded the nomination of the magis- 
 trates that year to her ; and her popularity reconciled the 
 people to the measure, and produced submission to the arbi- 
 trary act of the governor. 
 
 November 1st, 1663, the governor, under the apprehen- 
 sion that it was the design of the English to invade the 
 Dutch territories, convened a meeting of the magistrates of 
 most of the Dutch villages at IS ew Amsterdam. The meet- 
 ing was composed of tlie magistrates of New-Amsterdam, 
 Rensselaerwick, Beverwick.Harlaem, Bergen, Staten-Island, 
 Flatlands, Flatbush, Brooklyn, Utrecht and Bushwick. 
 
 This convention, after hearing what the governor had to 
 communicate, adjourned without doing anything. 
 
 The government had become unpopular ; the Dutch were 
 disgusted with it, and the English were anxious for a change. 
 
 The English towns under the Dutch jurisdiction, had for 
 some time determined to withdraw themselves from the 
 Dutch government. Tliey had held a meeting at Hempstead 
 the preceding winter, and had agreed to put themselves 
 under the jurisdiction of Connecticut ; in consequence of 
 which, the general assembly of that colony, March l(»th, 
 1663, appointed two commissioners, " to go to Long-Island, 
 to settle the government on the west end of the Island, ac- 
 cording to the agreement at Hempstead, in February last." 
 
 In N'ovember, 1663, the English embodied at Jamaica, in 
 such foi-ce that the governor did not deem it prudent to at- 
 tempt to disperse them. 
 
 The colony continued in this perplexed and unsettled state, 
 till the ensuing year, when the English vessels arrived, and 
 on the 27tli August, Old Style, 1664, a treaty was signed, 
 by which the colony of New-Netherland was surrendered to 
 the crown of Great-Britain. 
 
 28 
 
88 
 
 Of the English Government after the Conquest till the 
 American Revolution. 
 
 I. Of tlie government of the Duke of York, and after he 
 
 had ascended the throne, till the revolution. 
 
 II. Of the revolution in the Colony in 16S9. 
 
 III. Of the Colony govennneut after the revolution. 
 
 1. By the conquest, the whole of Long-Island was incorpo- 
 rated with the colony of New- York, and became subject to 
 the Duke of York. 
 
 The English towns wliicli hiid been subject to the Dutch, 
 rejoiced that tbcy wci'c t'ri'cil iVmii their >ubjection to a gov- 
 ernment which they disHked, and the uther English towns 
 rejoiced that they were relieved from all further apprehen- 
 sions, from the jealousy and ambition of a foreign power in 
 their neighbourhood. 
 
 The eastern towns would have preferred the continuance 
 of their connection with the colony of Connecticut, and re- 
 luctantly submitted to its dissolution. 
 
 All the English towns, as well those that had been set- 
 tled under the Dutch, as those that had been connected with 
 Connecticut, flattered themselves with the expectation tliat 
 they should be admitted to the cumniun privilege of j>ritish 
 subjects, of participating in the formation of the laws by 
 which they were to be governed. 
 
 It was not long, however, before they discovered that they 
 had l)een too sanguine in their expectations. 
 
 Itichard Nicolls, the deputy governor, under the Duke 
 of York, on the first of March, 1665, convened a meeting 
 at Hempstead, of two deputies from every town on the Is- 
 land, and two from Westchester, for the purpose of organ- 
 izing the government, of adjusting interfering purchases, 
 and settling the limits of the several towns.* 
 
 At tliis meeting, it is presumed that Long-Island and Sta- 
 teu-Ishaid, and |)iMb;il)Jy the town of At^estchester were 
 erected into a -hire, liy the name of Yorkshire, which was 
 divided into tlii'cr riding>. 
 
 Stateu Island and Newtown, with the several towns in 
 
 * While at this meeting, the deputies signed an address to the Dulce of Torl£, full of grati- 
 tude anil I '.VMlty, whiiij a- soon a.- Ilieir oristitueiits found that they were not to have the choice 
 of Ihci: ■ ) : ,ij -ir I ' :i' . -l[,Li-.' Ill li-L'i>lation was severely reprobatuii. and tin- (h.-piities 
 were - : -iL'naiuics to it, that it was ik. ni' '1 nr, . ,. ,iy to 
 
 check • — I lir ,;,,urt of assize, in Octolit-r I'-'n'i. i .^ l .-.l that 
 
 wh",- . ,, - il. ; I art nr -peak against any of the ih'puri.;,-. >i;:!i;n,L' ttie 
 
 address!' u.- K.ivu lli^i m -., a: liie (general meeting at Hempstead, they sliall he presented 
 to the next court ol sessions, and if thejustices sliall see cause, they shall from thence be houud 
 oyer to the assizes, there to answer for the slander upon plaint or information. 
 
89 
 
 Kin^s county, formed the west riding — tlie towns of Jamaica, 
 Flusliing, Hempstead, Oysterbay, and as is supposed, West- 
 cliester, formed tlie iSTortli Riding, and the several towns in 
 Sutfolk formed the East Hiding. 
 
 The several towns Avere recognized, and were required to 
 take out patents from the gijvernor for the lands which they 
 had purchased within their limits. 
 
 The governor appointed a high slierilf for the whole shire, 
 and a deputy sheriff or high constable for each riding, and 
 a justice of the peace for each town. 
 
 The high sheriff and deputy sheriffs were appointed year- 
 ly. The justices of the peace were appointed during plea- 
 sure. In 1666, the office of under sheriff or high constable 
 was abolished. In 16S3, the office of high sheriff" was done 
 away, and a sheriff was ordered to be appointed in each 
 county. 
 
 At this meeting the governor promulgated a code of laws, 
 which were principally compiled from the laws of the other 
 English colonies, and which he had caused to be collected 
 and digested for the government of this colony.f 
 
 These laws with the alterations and additions made to 
 tliem from time to time, by the governor and council, con- 
 tinued to be the laws of the colony until October 1683, 
 when the first colony legislature met, and the people were 
 admitted for a short time, to a share in the legislative power. 
 
 These laws which are called the Duke's laws, authorized 
 the several towns annually on the first or second day of 
 April, to elect a constable, and at first, eight, and by a sub- 
 secjuent amendment, f.mr overseers, who were the assessors 
 c>f the town, and with tlie constable were empowered to make 
 
 * By an order of the governor and court of assize, in 16T5, Staten-Island was detached from 
 Long-Island, and permitted " to have a jurisdiction itself," and in I0S3, was erected into a 
 separate county. Newtown continued attached to Kings county, until the organiziition of the 
 counties by the first general assembly, in 16Si, when it was made a part of Queens county. 
 
 + This code of laws was evidently calculated principally for Yorkshire, comprehending Long- 
 Island, Staten-Island, and probably the town of Westchester. New-York and Albany had some 
 sort of municipal government. E.vclusive of these, Long-Island, Staten-Island, and Westches- 
 ter, contained the chief part of tlie inhabitants of the colony in 1665. No other county e.xcept 
 Richmond, (which was detached from Long-Island in 1675) was organized until 16s3. No magis- 
 trates attended the court of assize in 16Si, north of New- York, but from the towns of Albany 
 and Esopus. 
 
 In 16S3, an estimate was taken of the property of the inhabitants ; and in 1654, a ta.\ of £202 
 10s. was levied on the colony agreeable to the said estimate ; and if property was in proportion 
 to numbers, will furnish some rule by which to estimate the population of the colony at that 
 period. The proportions of the several counties were as follows : 
 
 New-York, £35 Suffolk, £35 
 
 Albany, 27 10 Queens, 25 
 
 Clster, 25 Kings, 2.5 
 
 Richmond, 15 
 
 8T 10 Westchester, 16 
 
90 
 
 ro"-iilatit)ns respecting matters wliicli concerned the jxtlice 
 and i?(X)d government of the town. Tlie constable and 
 overseers were required annually to appoint two of the over- 
 seers to make the rate for building and repairing the church, 
 for the maintenance of the minister, and for the support ot 
 the poor.* , i • i 
 
 From tlie overseers, the constable selected the jurors wlio 
 attended the courts of sessions and assize. 
 
 The principal courts established by these laws,_were the 
 town court — the court of sessions and the court of assize. 
 
 The town court was cmnpu^cd .,f tho c.-n^table, and bv an 
 amendment of the ori-inal law. ..f tw,. ..sn-eers; and had 
 coijnizance of all cause. <,l d. lit and nv-pass^ under live 
 pounds, and the justice of the peace was authorized, but not 
 required, to preside in this court. , . ^■ 
 
 The court of sessions was established in eacli ridmg, and 
 was to be held twiee a year. It wa^ .-.miiM.M.l of the 
 iusticesof the peaeeof the several town. n. the i iding, each 
 of whom wa- at tii-t alluv.e.l l-Jn a vrur. uliiel. in 1660. 
 was altered intM ;ni allowance inv their exix iier^.t- 
 
 This court had juriMlietion of all eriniinal eaii.es, and ot 
 all civil caii.e. over ari.in- in the ridln.i:'. ( aiises Avere 
 tried in this court in civil cu.es, and in criiniiial cases not 
 capital, by a jury of seven men, and the verdict was deter- 
 mined by the voice of a majority ; but in capital cases the 
 jury consisted of twelve men, and they were required to be 
 unanimous. 
 
 The judgment of this court for sums under £20, were 
 final; from such as were for more than that sum, the parties 
 might appeal to the court of assize. 
 
 * From the origin of the colony, each town was required to support i's "T" ,rhv Jnll 
 money necessary for that purpose, was directed to be raise.i in each town re»pectn'el} , iT those 
 who from time to time, adjusted the contingent expenses of the several counties. Jiy tne 
 Duke's laws of 1 CC5, the constable and overseers were required to take charge ol I he poor. 
 
 By the act of 16s3, the commissioners of each town were requued to perform the same 
 
 "By"the act of 1691, the assessors and supervisor seem to have been required to perform 
 that du' v :„A =eems to have been the practice until overseers were authorized to be 
 
 iriis in Suffolk were authorized to choose overseers of the poor. Soon 
 
 '''"^'^ I iriis in Suffolk were authorized to 
 
 r, •■,..= wprp ftiitlinrizHfl to do the sam.. 
 
 zed to choose overseers of the poor, 
 
 aftei , 11 i.-5 were autliorized to do the same. 
 
 of the poor, was adopted. 
 
 and the -loi,, « hid. has ever sit..-. .i -i 
 
 t The recor<is of this court, as . . - re-organized by the act of 16S3, 
 
 arc still to be found in the clerk.- ■ ' Suffolk. In Kin^ there is a reg- 
 
 "ar series of them from 1669 to U , ^ l I'ears to h:ve ,een a common 
 
 practice for the secretary of the cul iiy. 1 'ii ' i, ikth 
 
 Set in Court with the justices. In the reo- " wS he'd at 
 
 167 1, Mathias Nicoll, the secretary, is stj 1. i ' „ „ „f th. 
 
 Oravesend from its origin till when it i.r nf ivl 
 
 colony legislature. There is also in the cl. , ' In ' . . "f "'"^t "le 
 
 acts of the first assembly, passed in 16S3 and in 10s4, with on. or t«o, «i;.ch were passed by 
 the second assembly in I6s5. 
 
91 
 
 Tlie members of tlie council, the secretary of tlie colony, 
 and the high sheriff, were respectively authorized to sit with 
 the justices of the court of sessions, and when either of them 
 was present, he was required to preside. The courts of ses- 
 sions also took the proof of wills in the respective ridings.* 
 
 The court of assize was composed of the governor, coun- 
 cil, and the magistrates of the several towns, and was held 
 once a year in the city of New-York. 
 
 This court received, heard and determined appeals from 
 the court of sessions and other inferior tribunals. 
 
 Suits for demands above £20 might be commenced in this 
 c<jurt on the warrant of the governor : so that it had origi- 
 nal as well as appellate jurisdiction, and was a court of 
 e(juity as well as common law.f 
 
 Of the Tyranny of the Dulce's Government. 
 
 The Duke's laws made no provision for a general assem- 
 bly. The people had no voice in the government. 
 
 The governor had unlimited power, executive, legislative 
 and judicial. He was commander-in-chief All public offi- 
 cers were appointed by him, and most of them held their 
 offices during his pleasure. 
 
 The governor also, with the advice of the council, had 
 the exclusive power of legislation, and could make what 
 laws he pleased, and could alter and repeal them when he 
 pleased. 
 
 * By the Duke's laws, the court of sessions in each county took the proof of wills, which 
 was transmitted with the wills to the " oIDce of records " at New-York, and the executors re- 
 ceived a copy thereof with a certificate of its being allowed, attested under the seal of the 
 office. 
 
 By an act of November llth, 1C!>2, the power of taking the proof of wills, and of granting 
 letters testamentary and letters of administration, was vested in the governor or a delegate ap- 
 pointed by him. in all the counties except New-York, Orange, Richmond, Kings and West' 
 Chester, the proof was permitted to be taken by the courts of common pleas, or by a judge and 
 two justices out of court, and was transmitted to the governor ; on which letters testamentary, 
 or of administration, were to be granted by him. It became the practice for the governor to 
 appoint delegates in other counties who took the proof of wills and granted letters testament- 
 ary and letters of administration before the revolution. 
 
 In 1T7S, by an act of the legislature of the state, suiTogates were ordered to be appointed by 
 the governor and council of appointment in every county, and our present system was estab- 
 lished. 
 
 t Smith, in his history of New-York, supposes this court was established by Gov. Lovelace. 
 This is a great mistake : It was established by NicoUs in the code he had compiled for the gov- 
 ernmentof the colony, and published in the assembly at Hempstead March 1st, 1C65. In the 
 fall of tue same year, the three last days in September, and the se -ond, third and fourth days 
 in October, a general court of assize was holden at New-York, composed of Richard Nicolls, the 
 governor, the members of the council, and the justices of the three ridings of Yorkshire, on 
 Long-Island and Staten-Isiand. 
 
 The number of justices who attended this court rendered it a grievance . In the act of 16S4, 
 passed for its repeal, it is alledged that it had " become a great charge and expense to the pro- 
 vince ; and by reason of the great number, not so fit and capable to hear and determine mat- 
 ters and causes of a civil nature, usually brought to the said court;" and it was for that reason 
 abolished. 
 
 The last Court of assize held under Sir Edmund Andross, October 6th, 1080, was composed 
 of the governor, five councillors, the mayor of New-York, five aldermen and seventeen 
 justices. 
 
92 
 
 Some of the amendments to the original code, purport to 
 have been made at the eonrt of assize, of which the justices 
 of the several towns formed a part. This was not a legis- 
 lative but a judicial body, and the power of the justices, 
 with regard to legishition, was probably like that of the par- 
 liament of France before the rcvulutidii, merely to register 
 the edicts made by the -.in i rn.ii' ami (•(Uiiicil. 
 
 So far as they were pi rniitr.l to inlei-fere, the indulgence 
 was calculated, if iii-t intendeil. to l( ~-t'n the responsibility 
 of the governor, wit hour dimiiii-liiiiu' his ])ower. 
 
 It is certain tlint their iire~eiice . n- I'oueiin-enee was not 
 necessary, and that tlie act iiii|Mi-iiii;' ilmie^ e~talili>hiiig an 
 excise, andmany otlier iiupoftaiit acts, were adopted by the 
 governor in council, and not at the court of as>i/.e. The 
 people never considered the justices as their re[ire-eiitatl\'es. 
 and censured the acts made at the court of as>i/.e. a- nmeh 
 as others. The governor presided in the court of a<-ize, 
 which, by appeal, had the control of all inferior trihuiials. 
 The judgments ami ilccrc(- ..t'thi- com't were piMhaMy r-iich 
 as the governor flic! at CI 1 ; hi- a--i-iaiit~ not hciug culleagues, 
 but merely ad\ i-eis. who held their authority inider him 
 
 anil Wcl'c ilcpclnlelit oil hiui. 
 
 In thi> court the go\eriior united the character of b(»th 
 judge and legislator. He interprered lii- own acts, and not 
 only pronounced what the law was, but w hat it should be. 
 
 Of the PiMic Discontent. 
 
 The people on Long-Island considered some rtf the laws 
 established by the original code, as arbitrary ami oi)i)re->ive ; 
 and tliev deeiiie(l some that were made \)\ Col. LoNclace. 
 ■who coiniiiciiced his administration in May 1007, as still 
 more exceptionable. 
 
 They at length I'esolved to represent their grievances to 
 the governor and council, and to pi'ay for redre-s. 
 
 October 9th, 1669, the towns oi' I Icmp-tead, Jamaica, 
 Oysterbay. Kbishing. ^vewtowu, ( > i a \ , -i ihI. \Vestchester 
 and East'Chc-tcr. -(•\erally pctitiMud f.,r redi'o-. 
 
 They euuiiiei-ated the detect- in the exi-ting laws, which 
 they wished to be remedied. >tated the ]>rovi-ion- w hich they 
 wished to be adopted — renion-trated agaiii-t the re-ti-ictious 
 which the governor had impo-ed on trade; ami re]>rohated, 
 as thegreatc-t .it' their - riex ances, the exclusion of the peo- 
 j)le from any >hare in legi^latitni.'"' 
 
 • In their petitions they refer to the proclamation issued to the people of Long-Island and 
 others, by the commissioners, on their first landing at Gravesend, before the surrender of the 
 
93 
 
 The governor and council received the petitions, granted 
 some of their minor requests, but in the most important 
 cases refused any redress. 
 
 The town of Southampton was purcliased and settled 
 under the authority of the Earl of Stirling while he held tlie 
 Island, which circumstance thepeojile of that town sTipposed 
 exem[ited tliem from the nccc»ity (.)f taking our a intent 
 for tlieir hinds, from tlic governor, as was rcfpiircil of otlier 
 towH> l»y the hiws of l(;i'i:>. and neglected to do it; in con- 
 se(jiieiice of wliich, the governor and couneil, at the court 
 of a»ize, ()ctol)er sth, 107<», declared the titles to lands in 
 that town iiivalii], unless a patent was obtained for them 
 within a limited time. 
 
 l!y another act made at the same time, a levy or contri- 
 liutioiL wa- ordei'e(lto he maile in the several towns on Long- 
 Island, to repair tlie fort at Xew-^'oi'k.-'-- 
 
 colony promisiii!.' tliiit tln-s ■■-h .iil.] eui-.v all li |m\ il('u. < as his majesty's other sulgects in 
 
 America enjovfil ' Hi'- ni' ' i nt ni \' Inrli i tir\ a lli-ii::!'. is a participation in tlie power 
 
 of inakin'j tlie I iv. . I. , ! a -i- i.i 1. j-, . i n. il. I. v -iich deputies as shall lie vearly 
 
 clioseii by the li. . . . : - i i I'.wij an.l ;.aii-li. aii.l iliov claiiiieil a fulhlnieut of that 
 promise. 
 
 Thevalsocom|.l . :, . . i - aa -.-. that anv a.:i~ -lioul.l he made hv the governor under 
 pretence of his . . -i i . ai • i.i lie ml.. nned what is required uf them by vii- 
 
 tue of the comini- i n _ t .1 . i i.v : I: x al Ihtrlmess the Duke of York." 
 
 * The charge- ' , — : . . . .niiti-s uii.I.t the Duke of York, were defrayed by 
 
 a direct tax on til... i . ■ . 1. .1 an. I -..rial ..I th.; mliahttaiits. ai;.;.ii .liuL' to an 
 
 estimate made by tlie e.jii-i,... 1 ••. 1 i.ial ■» r..nl..iM,M> • ••! tarn 
 
 rules prescribed by law. la 1 a a : , . .1 by 
 
 the governor and council, I. \ \ 1 lally 
 
 suffii.ient for the i.nri...-.a i ■ ■ ...a. ..I n. 1 ■ a.-' n. aial |.aal ..\ - i- 1.. .-uch 
 
 , |..M,. ... - !.-. la. a ..,.,11 ,iii;ii.ai;\ . 1.1,; il,.. :i!t-.-mi.t uii-t ttith.-o iiiucli (.pposition, that it 
 
 COul.l li...t be .aim... I llil" ..•II...--1, 
 
 The colony charges were paid out ol the raoiiies arising from duties imposed by the governor 
 and council on exiiorts andmiiiorts. In the iall of Iti .I. (.Tnyernor Nicolls established a tarift 
 of duties on goods e.xported to the Netherlands; anl sliorlly after, on other goods, exported 
 and imported. 
 
 August (ith, 16611, Governor Lovelace imposed an excise on wmes, which was soon after ex- 
 tended to other liquors. 
 
 October l.Mh, lOW), he imposed a duty of two guilders on every hogshead of tobacco exported, 
 payable in wampum, "1- percent, ad valorem on beaver; an.l on :ill other goods eximrted 
 per r.-lit. a.l viilorem. 
 
 Mav ;.i.' ;i.,.'i.— It was ordered that goods from I'.ai: .; .1 na . ami n 1 . e Is- 
 
 lan.l- -li.ail'l lie imported duty free, exce|it rum an.l . ;■ : ■ I . - , , \, ith 
 
 the I...-- ol pat I'lits and other fees ot oflice, yielded a re\ iiu..' a. Ii:i[iiai.: tu th.; 01 .liiaii ■; -n[.port 
 of the executive government. 
 
 The Imposition ol duties by the governor without the consent of the people, was deemed a 
 grievance : and was complained of by the people of Jamaica in their remonstrance of Decem- 
 ber '.Ith H'lTn a<_';iiii-t till' inii.nsition nf a direct tax for the reparation of the fort by the same 
 anthorit\ mi aS..! . ili ■ |.h,.|,i.. ,| >, utliampton, 111 their remonstrance of February 15th, 
 KiTl .T la-;.!.. a!,;, a I, j ' I ■ ; a ■ : , 1 k e ou t a He w patc u t. 
 
 Iiil.- I ,1 - r . il.il the Duke's law relative to rates, and passed a 
 
 new act i ., - ..a - a . a. h respective city, town and county, thruiiu'liout the 
 colony, alal f. .! naiiia .iinin- tin- [ 
 
 By this the a.ssessment was to lie made by a certain number la i- i; . . . i e to 
 
 be chosen by the town, fhe amount of the tax lor the publi. . I i.y a 
 
 committee composed of a commissioner from each town, llieia • . t v the 
 
 constables of the several towns, and paid to a treasurer appointeil i..v the . ..iiiiiii--i..iiei-, who 
 wa« to pay the same over to those wliose accounts had been allowed, on the warrant ol the com- 
 missioners. 
 
 May 13th, 16D1.— The tirst assembly, after the revolution, passed an act authorizing each 
 
94 
 
 Tlie Eii<i-lish colonists on Long-Island brouglit Avitli tliem 
 the (loctriiie that taxation and representation were insei)ar- 
 able — that the i>o\ver of disi)osing of liis own money, was 
 the birthright of every British subject, and one of the ele- 
 mentary principles of British liberty, and that taxes could 
 
 town to choose two assessors and a freeholder. The estimate was to be made by the assessors, 
 and the public charge of tlie county was to be adjusted by the said freeholders of the several 
 towns. They were to choose a treasurer, to wlioiii the taxes were to be paid by the constables, 
 who were to collect the same— and thu tri ii>un i « <>, tlmn ovt r in their order. 
 
 By an act of tJctober ISth, n»l, e.u li t iun u.i- an' Imi i/. li ii. , two assessors and acol- 
 
 lector. The public charges of the rniiiin ik i. i., 1. .niju ir.i I .\ i h.^ justices, at the court of 
 sessions, who were to ajipoint the tiiM-ui n , tn u i h, , rini h as to pay the ta.xes, and 
 who was to pay the accounts that wert- alldu i .1 In ih. lu-n, , -, 
 
 By an act of March "th, 17"3. each town was < Imm.^. i \\ . > a ■ - < — "r>. a cNll.cinr run! a -uper- 
 visor. The supervisors were to adjust the puMi.' ■ -. an l [|.|h,)i,i a ■■•'u\,t\ ii. a-un r, to 
 
 whom the collector was tn jmv the taxes, ami « la. \\ a> i^- | ay \ . a iia -an;, hi lia [aiMi. , red- 
 itors, on the warrant "f lb'- -up. i v i-iu>. 
 
 This act has Cilia I >s im\- vari:ili..ii lill ihi- | i.i ti Tl.r l:r -i .' I. 'n 1rt><!, 
 
 also passed an ai'i I .a , •, i, . ' i .a,iri,iir iliai - ..i i la iimaaii / ■ ■ • \ m-w 
 
 modelled the form i ; .1 :' li'. ai.i-.-. iMmirv ,ai \ ai aai- - ... 'I lii'y 
 
 imposed a duty ol ^ n p' i i - iii on i:iMHi> iuijM.rlMl liir iIil- Iinlian u.iil-' , aial -lijui tn have 
 contemplated relying wholly on this source of revenue for the oidinar^ suiipurt ol govern- 
 ment. 
 
 Similar acts were passed from time to time ; and the government in time of peace, during 
 the colony administration, was generally supported by the revenue derived from duties and the 
 excise. 
 
 In time of war, which occurred very frequently, the colony assemblies had recourse to other 
 taxes, but principally to direct ta.xes and emissions of paper money, redeemable by direct 
 taxes. 
 
 October 2d. 1600. the assf-mhly under Ltisler, levied a direct tax of three pence in the pound 
 to defray the exiH-n-. - of iln- ti nnp^ r.iised to go against .Montreal. 
 
 In 1706, the cnlonial li L-i>laturc . tnitieil £tAH«> in paper money, to be redeemed in a given 
 time, which practiia- was nltin rtpi-atfil during the colonial government. 
 
 The practice was nn issuing a given sum in paper, to provide tor rai^inj: tlie same sum, pay- 
 able by instalments, by a direct tax, so as to extinguish the debt in a L-iveii jieriod. On the 
 collection of every instalment, it was exchanged for tlie same anmunt i f paper, which was 
 destroyed. 
 
 In 1765, the colonial legislature emitted -€6:3,000— in 1750, £62,110"— in 1 7.js, £1ihi,000— in 1759, 
 jCIOO.i'O'J— and in 17tiO, £60,0ii0, in paper money for the support of their truops employed in 
 the French war : Other colonies did the Uke, nor could the war have been supported without 
 that resource. 
 
 In 175ft, the colony legislature, on the application of Sir Jeffery Amherst, issued £1.50,000 in 
 pap. r iiiiiney, and loane<l it to the (leiierai fur the jiurpose of forwardint: the i>ublio service, 
 
 It appear- rn.m the rep.irt to'tle- a--. iiil.l\ in ITi li. tliat the various sums i.f jiaper money is- 
 -ii-.l l.y the i nl.iiiy of New-Vork, frum 171 t ti. ITd ImiIIi im lusiie, ainimiited to £6 il,0li7, of 
 which sum, on the 1st of November 17Ci5, £li;-.T i> lid, had been redeemed, and £1S2,906 
 Ills. Cd_. remained in circulation. 
 
 In 1787, the colonial legislature issued £4i'.iiiiii in paper, appnrtinned it among the several 
 counties, and loaned it to the people on laniled -rrui iiy at an interest of hve per cent., payable 
 annually, with a provision for the re-payment of the principal by four instalments of one-fourth 
 each ill j747, '-IS, '49 and '50, which when paid in was destroyed. 
 
 In 1771 the colony legislature issued £120,000 in paper, and loaned it to relieve the wants of 
 the people. 
 
 In tiiu'-s uheii niniiev was sraree.it was tisual to resort to loans of paj^er money to supply 
 
 the defi.-i. i„ •. tla , i,.„|.,ti.,L- ni.-iliuin, and to reli-ve ii,.. ■>:... .,f ,|,.. mbabitant-. The 
 
 money • ,, ,i i in laml-. « ha b « .a - a. ■. alio I b.- < .a laiiity 
 
 ofitsr.-l. ,: ■ I,,. : .] ,■■ .i- proiaatirai, ■Hieinti-.' • >.. publir i ■ i .ana.', and 
 
 the circa; , la 1, , a la iumim i nn ij.airate,l the indllslrv , a • l, i al -.l t inipi cment, and aug- 
 mented the wealtli and piosperity of the colony. 
 
 In 170O, the revenue of the colony appears, from the treasurer's report to the assembly, to 
 have been derived from the following sources : 
 
 Duties on tonnage, ........£ 2,040 
 
 On wine, rum, brandy, cocoa, negroes, and dry goods, imported from the 1 oo cm 
 British Islands, - - . / " . ' '. . \ «2,643 
 
 Direct tax, and monies derived from loans, .... 83,896 
 
 The excise, ........ 8,700 
 
 An emission of paper money, ...... 60,000 
 
 £132 279 
 
95 
 
 only 1)0 inij^oscd with the consent of the people, bv their re- 
 prrsciitativerf in a i;-enenil iisscnil)l_v. 
 
 They had for Sdiiie yeai's ]iai(l a direct tax of a penny in 
 the ponnd to defray the ]iiililic cliai'-c- nf'tlie several towns 
 and counties, of which they had not cDiniihuned. 
 
 The u-nverniir had also inipo-ed diitio on u'oods iin})orted 
 and exported according to lii- ph-a-nre for the >upport of 
 government, and was now attempting to rai>e money In' a 
 direct tax for other purposes without the consent of the peo- 
 ple. 
 
 SoN'eral ot the towns were alarmed at the precedent about 
 to he otahH-lieil. as dangerous to their liberties, and deter- 
 mined to I'esist it. 
 
 The towns of South Old, South ITamj)ton, and East 
 Hampton, in a joint meeting by their delegates at South 
 agreed to contribute to' the repaii'ing (if the fort, "if 
 they iiiight have tlie ]ii'i\-ih'ges that other of liis majesty's 
 subjects in the>e ]iarts lia\-e and do enjoy " — alhiding to the 
 goveriiment> of Xew-Kiighmd. 
 
 June libth. \i'i~'2. — The town of P]ast Hampton, to whom 
 the proceedings of the delegate> were commuincated. ap- 
 proved of the decision of the (h'puties, and agree(l to com[)ly 
 Avitli the order "if the privih'go may he obtained, but not 
 oTher\\'i>e."' The towns ot' I luntiiigtoii. l''hi-liiiig. Ilem]i- 
 -tead and damaica. by tlie vote> of tlieir re>[iective town 
 meet iuL;--. I'efiixMl to comply with the onkn-, and comniuni- 
 (■ate(l the i-ea-oii- of tlieir refn>al in writing to their respect- 
 ive CI iii>tal)h.'s and over>eeis to whom tlie order was sent. 
 
 The pet.i[ile of Iluutiiigtmi a>>igned tlii> among other rea- 
 sons fortlieir refusal, viz. ; •• becau-e tliey were dein-ived of 
 the liberties of Englishmen "' — intimating that they deemed 
 it a violation of their con>titutional rights, that their money 
 sliould be taken froni them w ithout their consent by their 
 rei>reseiitatives in general assembly. 
 
 The ]ieople of Jamaica, in justification of their refusal, 
 ■-tatiMl that they considered themselve> already suthciently 
 burdene(l. by the eidianced price wliich they paid for 
 their goods, in con>e(pience of tlu' duties which the gov- 
 ernor had impt»ed on them, in addition to a penny in the 
 pound, which they paid towards the public charges. That 
 a compliance with tlie ordei- would be contrary to the King's 
 instruction^, which Ibrhid any law to be eidbi'ced on the 
 country that was contrary to the laws of the nation — mean- 
 ing that no law for taking the money out of their pockets 
 
96 
 
 witlioiit their consent hx their representatives, Avas consist- 
 ent with tlie I'ritisli constitution. " Tliat on tlie saine prin- 
 ciple tliat this order was imposed tliey niitjlit he recpiired to 
 maintain tlie jjarrisDii. and wliatcver else we know not. till 
 there be no end; Imt if it may appeal- to us that it is the 
 Kiiiir's ahsohite orcU-r to im|io>c tiic said hiirdt'iis. iuid dis- 
 privileji'e us, contrary to lii~ foniifi- i:do(l intciitioiis and in- 
 structions, and contrary to the lihcitii's his majoty's subjects 
 enjoy in all his territories and dominions, we shall, with 
 patience, rest under the said burdens imtil address be made 
 to the king for relief.'" 
 
 The votes of Flushing and Hempstead have not been dis- 
 covered, but there is no doubt they were to the like effect. 
 The constables of i'ln-hini:-, 1 Icnip-tcad. and .laiuaica, laid 
 the resolutions of tlicir rc>pi'cti\c to\\ ll> before the ell-uillg 
 court of sessions of tlie iioi-th riiling. held at Jamaica ; liut 
 it seems that the court ilid not ait on them. They then laid 
 them before the court of >(->ioii> of the west riding, which 
 met the next week, l)eceml>er iM-l. It'i7<'. at ( i i-a\ c-eiid. 
 That court, under the intliience of the -ecretai'y of the colony 
 who presided, and a nieiid)er of the council, after exaiiiin- 
 ing the writings containing the proceed ini:-- of the >aid 
 towns, adjudged "That the said papers were in themselves 
 scandalous, illegal, and seditious, tending only to disaf- 
 fect all the peaceable and well-meaning subjects of his 
 majesty in these his royal highness' territories and domin- 
 ions." And the court further ordered " that the said papers 
 should be presented to the governor in council, for them to 
 proceed oil a~ they shall conceive will best tend to the sup- 
 pression of' tal>e suggestions and jealousies in the minds of 
 peaceable and well-meaning subjects in alienating themfrom 
 their duty and obedicnct' to tlie'la\v>." 
 
 Agreeably to this illegal order, the }iapers were presented 
 to Cxovernor Lovelace, and were by him and his council ad- 
 judged to the flames, and ordered to be publicly burnt be- 
 fore the town house of the city, at the next mayor's court to 
 be held there.'" 
 
 Of the lieconquest of the Colomj hij the Dutch. 
 
 During the war between the Knglish and the Dutch, 
 which continued from 1672 to Feln iiai-y HiT-l-, the Dutch 
 attempted to recover their aiithoi Ii \ in this countiy. For 
 
 * It was this sage and humane Governor l.m . hu e u Im, as Smith in history of New-Jersey 
 informs us, in IGCS wrote to Sir Robert Carr, wlu) wastlnTi in uutlmrily there, that the best 
 method to keep the people in order was "to lay such taxes on them as may not give them 
 liberty to entertain any other thoughts but how to discharge them." 
 
97 
 
 this purpose they sent a small squadron with troops to retake 
 i^ew-York. 
 
 They arrived July 30th, 1673, and the comuiandant of 
 the fort most cowardly surrendered it to them without tiring 
 a grin or makinj;' any kind of defence. 
 
 The comniandei's of the squadron appointed Captain 
 Anthony Colve to be governor of the colon\', who immedi- 
 ately set about reinstating the Dutch government. 
 
 August 14, 1()73, he issued a proclamation to the several 
 towns on Long-Island, requiring each of them to send two 
 deputies to New- York, with full powers to make their sub- 
 mission to the states general and the prince of ( )range on 
 behalf of the town. 
 
 The Dutch towns, and the English towns that were set- 
 tled under tlie Dutch, submitted to the new government. 
 The English towns seem at first to have paid some attention 
 to the proposals of the governor, l)ut soon (k'cliiied them. 
 
 October 1st, 1073, the Dutch governor sent AVilliam Knyff 
 and Anthony Malypart to the English towns, requiring them 
 to take the oath of allegiance. Oysterbay complied ; Hunt- 
 ington and Brookhaven offered to sign an agreement to be 
 faithful to the Dutch government, but refused to take any 
 oath that would bind them to take up arms against the crown 
 of Great-Britain. 
 
 The three eastern towns declined any conqn-omise, and 
 sent deputies to Connecticut to solicit that colony to take 
 them under her jurisdiction, and to funiish them with aid 
 against the Dutch, if they should attempt to enforce their 
 demands. 
 
 October 9th, 1673, the general court referred their appli- 
 cation to a committee consisting of the governor, assistants, 
 and two others, and authorized them, with the concurrence 
 of ]\[assa('liusetts and Plymouth, to grant their request, and 
 to (111 wliat s]i(»iild be most advantageous to the mutual benefit 
 of the ])arties. 
 
 The connnittee agreed to take them under their jurisdic- 
 tion — erected the three towns into a county, established a 
 county court, appointed judges and such other civil and mil- 
 itary officers as they deemed necessary, and sent a military 
 force to their aid. 
 
 (Jctober 25th, the governor sent "William Knyff and 
 Nicholas Yoss to the towns of Huntington and Brookhaven ; 
 and, to induce them to comply with his wishes, promised 
 them liberty of conscience, security of property, the choice 
 
98 
 
 of tlieir ofticors, in tlio same manner as the like privilege 
 liad been enjoyed l»y tlie Dutcli, with the same share in the 
 government as the Diitcli, and also consented tliat tlie oath 
 of allegiance should he somoditied as to accomnioilate their 
 scru])les. 
 
 Ilnntiniiton and Brookhaven consented to yield to the 
 wishes of the <iovernor, on concHtiini tliat none hut tlie ma^ris- 
 trates sliould take tlie oath i-('(|uii-cd of them. This was 
 conceded, and those two town- ^ulnnittrd on thu-.(> terms. 
 
 October 30th, the Dutch rnoi' x nt ('orncliii> Stceii- 
 wyck, first councillor, and two othiM--. td the (■a>tri'n towns, 
 to persuade them to com|ily w itii the -anic term-. 
 
 They sailed down the >ound and e;illed at Slu'lt er-Island. 
 where they fell in with Sammd Wylli- and ( "attain Wiiithro]). 
 who had been sent to the Island. l>y ( '(Hiiiectient. le cai'i'y 
 their resolution> into etfert. Tlie liuteli r(imiiii--i(.ner- v is- 
 ited St)nthold, ami lound the lienple a--emlile(l ali'l ill arms. 
 They offered to take iheii' -iilimi-^iMn in w rit iiii;-. ainl To ac- 
 cept of the oath of alle- iaiu-e iV-mi the ma- i-t rates. The 
 people of that town, huwrser. i-efii-iMl all maimer ut'sulunis- 
 sion, and the commissioners ri'tiirned without effecting' the 
 object of their mission. 
 
 In the mean time, the ijovernor of Connecticut wrote to 
 the Dutch governor, and remonstrated against his attempt- 
 ing to extend his jurisdiction over the Ln<rlish towns that 
 never had been >nliieet te the 1 )uteh Li'uvei-iiment. Thi> pro- 
 duced a ea[itioii- e(i|-re-|M)iideiice bi'tweeii tlie \ \\i> > veri loi's. 
 
 The Dutch -..veninr uiiderto„k to reduce tlie ea>tern 
 towns by fuivi'. ami ( 'Miiiieeticnt assisted them tn repel his 
 attempts. The 1 )utch threes sailed down the xuiiid tow ards 
 the ea-t end >,{' the Island, and attempted >e\-eral de>cents, 
 hut etlected nothing e.Kcept the collection of a >um of iiionev 
 of^'athaniel Sylvester of Shelter 1 dand. for the property 
 of his brother (Constant Syl\ c-tcr. and 'idiunia> Miildletoii. 
 which the Dutch governor had ille-ally eoiiti>cated and >old 
 to him." 
 
 November 20th, 1G73, ('onuecticut. in conjunction with 
 her confederates, declared war ai;'ain-t the |)iitc|i.and made 
 preparations to commence h<'-tile Mpi rati.ni- in the -priiig. 
 
 * Trumbull, in hKioi-v of ('nMiiTt;,-iii !(,• lh;r,i, ilj-iiimr^i ri,. ..i.ti_-rn 
 
 towns with desinir' . ■ ,, .,.i - « . ,i i 1, i.ithe 
 
 states general : .1. . . n-l ..i 11,. M.md, 
 and made sevtT., : , 1 1 . > u 1.: 1 > Con- 
 necticut, they « . ,1 : , l-I.L) 
 
 October 14tli. l'.,.', lu. ..1.. 1,1 r,,.,,! ..| 1 i;, ui rgiini..:.! MajoL^ Tru:it public Ihanks for 
 
 his good conduct in delending the colony and ilie towns on Long-Island against the Dutch, and 
 for his subsequent services. 
 
99 
 
 The Dntcli governor seems to have been alarmed at these 
 preparations. March 2Tth, 1674, he ordered all vessels to 
 be removed to a particular place, lest they should hinder the 
 defen(;e of the citv, and made provision for the transporta- 
 tion of the inhabitants of the neighbouring villages "in 
 case of an attack." 
 
 Peace was concluded in Europe February 9th, 1674, and 
 the news ot it suspended hostilities, although no official ac- 
 couTit ot it was received till several months afterwards. 
 
 By the treaty, all conquests were to be restored to their 
 toniK'i' owiKMs; l)ut. no jierson being sent to receive the 
 surrcihlci- (if till' cdltiiiy, t!ic liritish government was not re- 
 iii>t;itc'(l until the ensuing full. 
 
 Tlie jieople of Southold, Southampton, and Eastliampton, 
 di-eaded the prospect of a return to the duke's government, 
 ami determined to use their utmost efibrts to resist it. They 
 accordingly chose delegates and sent them to Connecticut, 
 to solicit tiieir continuance under the protection and gov- 
 ernment of that colony. 
 
 Mav llrth, 167-t, the general court took their application 
 into consideration, and consented tliat they should continue 
 in association with that colony, with tlie same jirivilcgcs as 
 othei- towns, as far as was in their power to make the gi'ant. 
 
 The general court also appointed or re-appointed Captain 
 John 1 oungs, Captain John Howel, and Mr. John ]\rulford, 
 judges of the county court, and appointed Samuel Wyllis, 
 John Talc. lit, and the secretary, or any two of them, to go 
 over to the Inland to order and settle the afiairs of the i>eo- 
 ple there, and to establish such military officers among them 
 as they >honld judge necessary. 
 
 June Km'K tlie town of Easthamjiton aiijH linted a com- 
 mittee w li.i Wi re (.r(lei'e(l. in conjunction w ith Southani]>ton 
 and Sdutliold, to [letition the king to suffer them to euntinue 
 under the jurisdiction ot' ( 'oiinecticut. 
 
 The>e ti'>wn> coutiuned attached to Connecticut wdien the 
 colony was restored to the duke of York. 
 
 Of th< r<slui'i(fioji (if tin: Duke's Government. 
 After the conclusion of peace June 29th, 1674, the duke 
 of York, to remove all doubt respecting his title, obtained a 
 new patent for the territories which had heen granted to him, 
 by the patent of March 12th, fCCi, and shortly after ap- 
 pointed Major, afterwai'ds Sir Edmund Andross, governor 
 of his territories in America. 
 
 31 
 
100 
 
 ()ctnl)or ;51st, 1074, Sir Edinuiid arrived !it New York re- 
 ceived the surrender of the c-(jh)iiy from the Dutch autliori- 
 ties and reinstated tlie duke's former system of government. 
 Sir E(hiiund immediately sent to tlie three eastern towns, 
 recjuiring them to return to the government of the duke of 
 York. 
 
 The deputies of the three towns sent a memorial to the 
 governor, in which they state "that, by the aid furnished 
 tiiem by the kindness of Connecticut, they had i (']icll( il tlie 
 Dutch I tliat they had joined them and come umli r t -dv- 
 ernment; tliat that u-ovennncMit had appointiMl huth llieir 
 civil and military uliiivr>; that tlicy h;i(l !>,•(■,, inc l.ound by 
 oath to that culuny. aii<l cduld wot dis-nlvc the connexion 
 without their a| i| >!•« >1 latiun." 
 
 November 1 7th. the iieuple of Southold, by avote of their 
 town-meetin--, derhiivd t liciii~el\ •• t,i be imderthe govern- 
 ment of hi> iMai(--i \ cmI.hin c.r ( Mill,, . ] iriit, and that they 
 would use all law ful meini-- -i 1m >■> >]'.\ wwu'. 
 
 The town l-;:i-tli;illipt..ll l-Urtcil I 1 1 e i r d e] .11 1 i e>. wllO 
 
 were appoint! '4 tc i cwn-ulr \\ it h i li' i-e t he ot hci' Imwh-. w hat 
 course tliey shoidd take " to see that all law ful endeavours 
 be put forth to the utmost for our continuance under that 
 government." 
 
 November 18, 1674, the governor and council ordered 
 that a messenger be again sent to the three towns, recpiiring 
 them to restore the former ovei'-cci'- and eun-tables to their 
 places, " under the penalty ..r In in- drrlaivd rri.el-:" and 
 ordered the three deputie> who r~i^ned the memorial on he- 
 half of the respective towns, to Avit John Miillord. .lolm 
 Howell, and John Youngs, to appear and an>wei- In t'oi-e 
 the council, on tlie like penalty. 
 
 Tluis the endeav our- of tin' i ■a -tern towns to continue un- 
 der the jurisdiction of ('oiineeticut were unavailing, and 
 they were obliged, however reluctantly, to return to the gov- 
 ernment of the duke of York. 
 
 Sir Edmund pursued the same arbiti-ary course that his 
 predecessor had done. 
 
 November l'i;. 1<I74. he >n>i>ended a tei'in of the court of 
 sessions in the ea-t i-idinu' of ^'o^k-!lil■e. aii.l ordered the 
 towns of 1 1 lint i nut on and ih'ookliax en to haxe tlieir Imsiiiess 
 for the term transacted at the eii>nin-- eoui t ol' -e--iMiis at 
 Jamaica in the north riding, becaii-o tiie tlnvc ca-tein lowns 
 had not returned the accounts of the eon>tai)les and over- 
 seers of those towns according to his orders. 
 
101 
 
 In April, lAsi, the same 2;<>veninr arbitrarily summoned 
 Isaac Piatt, I''|ieiietu> I'hitt, Saiiuicl Titus, Jonas Wood, and 
 Thomas Wicks, iuliuhitaiits of liiiiitiii,i;-ton, to IN'ew York, 
 ami ( allied tlieui to be imprisoned without trial and without 
 liciiiu' chargeable with any legal offence, but as is supposed 
 merely for having attended a meeting of delegates of the 
 several towns for the purpose of con ti'ixiiig ilic means of 
 procuring a redress of grievances. Sir EdmumI seems short- 
 ly after to have left the colony. June 29, 1681, Anthony 
 Broekholst presided in the court of assize as commander in 
 chief. 
 
 Of the jird Colony Assemhlij. 
 
 June 29, 1681, the grand jury, at a special court of assize, 
 in which Anthony I!rockhol>r ]ne>iile(l, presented the want 
 of a general assembly, as a grievance, and the court a])])oint- 
 ed Captain John Youngs, the higli >lieriff of "^'oi'k^liire, to 
 draw a petition, to be sent to the duke of ^'ork, for the 
 privilege; which he did, and it was -igne(l the clei'k. l)y 
 order of the court, and forwarded to hi- ro\ aI hi-iiiie<>. who 
 seems to have listened to the prayer of tiie peliiion, and in- 
 structed the new governor to sunnnon a general assembly 
 as soon as he arrived iu the colony. 
 
 Gol. Thomas Dongaii, tlu;' new governor, arrivi'.d August 
 27th, 1683, and soon alter i^-^ued or(ler> to tlie high >heritf 
 to summon tlie frcehohjer> of tlie several ridings to meet, 
 to choose re|>i'e-.eiitatives to meet him in assembly the 17th 
 of Octobei' cn>uiitg. 
 
 This first a-^-emhlv met acconlin-- to t1ie summons, in Js^ew- 
 York. ( )ctMber ITrh'. ICs.".. and eh'cied Matthia> Xicliols, one 
 of the repiVM>iirati\c> troin New ^■ork, their speaker. 
 
 Tlie assendd V. at their tii'~t >e>-ioii. a(hii.ted a lull of rights, 
 established com-t> of justice, I'ejiealed >ome of the most ob- 
 
 * By the act of October 29th, 16S3, a court was establislied in every town, for the trial of 
 causes of debt and trespass under 4tts., to be hokien the first Wednesday of every month, by 
 three persons commissioned for that purpose, without a jury unless demanded by one of tlie 
 parties, and then to be granted at the expense of the party demanding it. 
 
 By an act of 1C84, the commissioners were to be chosen by the several towns, and the court 
 miglit be holden by any two of them. 
 
 By an act of November 4th, 16S5, tlie jurisdiction of the court was raised to ,£5. 
 
 By an act of May Gth, 1091, the jiower of holding this court was vested in the justices of tlie 
 peace. The justice of each town, on the hearing of a cause, was required to take to his assist- 
 ance a freeholder of the town, and the jurisdiction of the court was restricted to 40s., with a. 
 jury at the expense of the party requiring it. 
 
 By the ordinance of May 15th, 1099, every justice of the peace was authorized with the 
 assistance of a freeholder of the town, to hear, tr.v and determine, all causes of debt and tres- 
 pass, to the value of 40s. and under, without a jury. 
 
 By an act of December 16th, 173T, the same jurisdiction was given the justices of the peace 
 of tlie several towns, without the assistance of a freeholder. 
 
 By an act of December 16th, 1T5S, the jurisdiction of the justices was extended to causes of 
 the value of £5 and under, which, by an act of December 20th, 1T63, was continued to January 
 1st, liTO. 
 
102 
 
 noxious of tlie duko's laws, altered ami aineuded others, and 
 passed such new laws as tliey judi:-ed lliat the circmiistaiu'es 
 of the colony required. 
 
 This assenililv had another ses>inn in O.-toI.er, 1084. At 
 tliat session they aholi^-hed the eoiii-t of a»ize, made further 
 alterations in the duke's hiws, and enacted several new 
 ones. 
 
 A new assend)l_v was snn:n:one(l in Septemher, KIS."). and 
 met at New-Vork the eii~uin-' ( )i-toK(T. and eho-e AVilliam 
 Pinhorne their speaker, 'i'hi^ a^:-enl!)ly pa>>ed ^ev( lal at-ts, 
 among which were the two following-, to wit : An act, passed 
 
 An act of May lOtli. ITfiP, extended the jurisdiction of this court to cases of the value of 
 £10 and uiicUT.'wIii-ii .lUallnued Ij.v the king, December 9th, 1770, and publislied liere 
 Maicli4tli, 1771 "l.i-ii i tin- act of 1737. 
 
 Marcli P.'ih, ITTi'. m i. ( j.assed, extending the jurisdiction of this court to i5, which 
 
 pleas, and general i 
 in those counties. 
 lU c I 
 
 bUSlIK'^- ' : : i ' ' I.' ! .1 ll .^TiH I'll ILii-lil l.r .nriyli,litU nr.M I, ^lii.'l.ini' 
 
 continui il, uiiIm.hi ;u]\ material alleration e.\cepl in the times of liolding tiie courts in the sev- 
 eral counties, until the revolution. 
 
 0/ me Supreme Conn. 
 By the act of October 29th. 1683, a court of general jurisdiction was established, called a 
 court of oyer and terminer and general gaol delivery, with power to remove all causes and 
 judgments over £5 from inferior courts, and to examine, correct or reverse, the same ; to be 
 
103 
 
 NoveniTter 4tli, 1(1'~!5, for rejjiilatiiia: the profpedinn:^ of 
 luoiitlily courts tlir((U<i-liout the ]ir(iviiice. l)y which the juris- 
 diction of tlie court was extended to xT) ; and an act, jiassed 
 November 7th, 1(585, for removing tlie court of sessions of 
 Kings county from Gravesend to Fhxtbusli. 
 
 There is no evidence that this asseinhly ever met again, 
 or that any other was summoned, except one hy lA'iskn-, 
 during liis exercise of snpreme power, until the arrival of a 
 governor under William and Mary in 
 
 Charles II. died February 6th, 1085, and the duke of 
 York succeeded him by the title of James II ; and, as he 
 
 holden by a judpe and four justices of the peace, to be commissioned for tliat purpose in each 
 respective county once in every year. Either by a law or an ordinance in 16Si, two judges 
 were appointed to hold this court. 
 
 Uy an act, passed in 16S4, £202 10s. was raised for the payment of the salaries of the judges 
 of this court. 
 
 In U'lS.') Matthias Nicliols and ,Iohn Palmer presided in this court in Queen- r iwnt; , 
 
 Ily the Met of May (>th, IGlll, a supreme court was established, to eon-l-' i iii<tice 
 and ftiur juil^M's. t\\ (t of whom with the chief justice to fonii a quoruiu, \\ i ■ - n n of all 
 cases. ei\il. criminal and mixed, as fully and amply as the courts of lun^ - i i, ^ ..ninion 
 pleas arid excliei|Uei-, witliin their majesties' kingdom of Kiigland, have or nn^lit to haie ; to be 
 held at the city liall ol lie- rit\ ot New-York, on ttie first Tuesday of April and October, nei- 
 ther term to continn- ion,- i idan ei^'lit days, with pow er also, by writ of certiorari or otherwise, 
 to correct the deei-ion- of inl' i ioi- ecjurts. 
 
 By an act of lUHJ, tlie jml^'es were required to hold a circuit once a year in each county in 
 the colony. In a short time the number of judges was reduced to three. 
 
 By the ordinance of May 15th, 1699, the same arrangement of the supreme court and circuits 
 was aiio])ted, as was established by the acts of 1691 and '92, except that the terms were limited 
 to five davs: and the times of holding the circuits, and courts of over and terminer, were 
 fixed. 
 
 By an ordinance of April 3d, 1704, the supreme court was required to hold four terms, which 
 were to commence respectively on the first Tuesilays of .Tune and September, and on tlie sec- 
 ond Tuesdays of March and October; and to continue five days each. 
 
 By an ordinance, April 1.5th, 1715, the .September t( 
 commence the first Tuesday in June and the last Tues 
 days of March and October ; each to continue five days. 
 
 By an ordinance of March 19tb, 1732, the terms were ordered to commence on the third 
 Tuesdays of .laiuiarv, Ai.ril an.l October, and on the last Tm^sdav of .lulv. 
 
 By an oiMini.nr,-, .\u-u>t liih, IT.".", it «-a< nrdere.l iliat fh.' .lanniirv and .Tulv terms continue 
 till Satnrcla\ ol tli..- -aliie week ; a)id lliat the Api'il and Ortoli,_T t.a nis continue till the end of 
 Thur-.l)n in llie s. r,,n,l 
 
 Hx an oi,1ii,m, I ' i.i nl mi- Ttl,, 1 Ttil , it was ordered that the .lanua.v an.l .lulv t.Man^ con- 
 tinn.- I.. • ... 1 ' ■ ii.i iimilay of the same wrek ; and that ,)„■ \,„n ,: .-toher 
 
 t,,rn!- i : ■ • ni,. H lay of the second week, i hir ,„ na.ic . ,| : ) , ,, ,^ - .lir.-ct- 
 
 ,■,1 hi h..M . :.a,:;a : , ' i ' \ . I o trv all CaUSCS broM - h I I o I ■ - n . ■ n i 1 1 1 . n ■ ,1] and 
 
 the com t nil jlil r jnn-na nl in the next or any subsei|nenl linn, to \ir IimMcm loi my lime 
 not exceeding six ilays ; the time of holding the circuit courts lo be tixed hy rule at the term 
 next preceding. 
 
 This arrangement of the supreme court continued till the revolution, and was recognized by 
 the constitution. 
 
 Of tlie Court of Chancery. 
 
 By the act of November 29th, 16S-3, the governor and coiuicil 
 chancery, with an appeal to the king. The governor was .author 
 other officers. 
 
 By the act of Ma\ r.th, li;:il, the same arrangement a.lo|.h- 
 By the ordinaiu 1 ,„iMa- '.M, I7nl,the powers,,! ,l,an,-,.l 
 
 ,ir,iinances, regulating the fees of the dillerent courts, having expired, 
 ,1 bv an ordinance of April loth, 1768. 
 
 32 
 
104 
 
 determined to have as little to do witli parliaments as pos- 
 sible, so it is ])rol)able that he revoked the power wliich he 
 had f^iven to his <;overnors to call assemblies, and deter- 
 mined that they should rule the colony by his instructions 
 alone, without admitting the people to any participation in 
 the public councils. 
 
 Duriilii- the reifjn of James II., tlie rights of the people, 
 civil an(i religious, were sacrificed in the claims of the ]u-e- 
 rogative and the bigotry of the king. His govcrnuis re- 
 sembled their master in their religious and ]i(iliti( ;il prin- 
 ciples, and seem to have studiiMl tn imitate him in tlieir 
 contempt of the rights of the |h m|,|c. 
 
 In 1686 or '87. (Tovernor Dmi-aii, w ith his cnuiicil, ]iassed 
 an act for levying a tax of a lialt' penny in the ])()nnd for 
 colony exi)eiises. Tliis was Sd Hagraiit a viohition of the 
 princiides lield inviolable by the people of Long-Island, that 
 it is not believed that the hiw was ever executed. 
 
 Novembei' 18th. lf)8<!. (Tovernoi" Dongan Issued a warrant 
 to a messeiiu'er. \n li;i\c ^^r. .l;mie-. the ininl-tri' uf East- 
 hampton, befoi'e llie i-oiiin-il tli;il day foM n i- 1 1 1 . lo answer 
 for a sermon which he liad preached the 17th of the preced- 
 ing month, in which he had uttered sentiments which did 
 not suit the governor or his friends. 
 
 The governor, with the advice of the council, had the 
 disposition of the public lands. No purchase could be made 
 ■without his license, and no ])urchase was of any avail unless 
 contiriiicd by iiatnit. ami tor these they charged such sums 
 as their avarice dictati'd. 
 
 The fees of patents constituted the principal perquisites 
 of the governor, and the quit-reuts charged on them pro- 
 duced no incoii>iderable revenue to the crown. The inter- 
 est which the i:ii\eriior liad ill tli(>e oi)ei-att'd a- an iinhice- 
 ment to multiply tlie ininilier of patents, and t(j CJilarge the 
 quit-rents as much a- pM^-ible. 
 
 In 1685, the governor i-sued a patent for lands in the 
 town of Huntington, which in 1075 had been adjudged by 
 the court of assize to be w ithin the limits of the original 
 patent of that town. 
 
 In 1B8G, he ordered the ]H'ople of that town to purchase 
 the lands within the town which had not been purchased of 
 the Indians, in order that they might be compelled to take 
 out new patents for them. 
 
 The original patent of Huntington was made subject to 
 such (piit-rent as should be afterwards iixed, and the amount 
 
105 
 
 whicli tliat sliould be became a subject of altercation be- 
 tween the people of tliat town and tlie governor. To com- 
 pel them to consent to its being fixed agreeable to his 
 wishes, Grovernor Dongan, in 1686, seized their patent, and 
 before he would consent to grant a confirmation of it, they 
 were obliged to agree to raise £29 4s. 7d. in satisfaction of 
 their quit-rent, and for the expense of a new patent, in which 
 the quit-rent was fixed, which passed the council August 
 2d, 1688, and was one of the last acts of his administra- 
 tion. 
 
 In 1686, Governor Dongan ordered the same lands to be 
 surveyed in East Hampton, in order to dispose of tliem to 
 certain persons to whom the town had refused to grant 
 lands. Some of the people published a protest against this 
 proceeding, and on 18th October, 1686, he issued his war- 
 rant to a messenger, to have Samuel Mulford, Robert Day- 
 ton, Samnel Parsons, Benjamin Conklin, Thomas Osborn, 
 and J ohn Osborn, before the council that day fortniglit, to 
 answer the premises. 
 
 Most of the towns on the Island, not excepting those set- 
 tled under the Dutch, whose lands were secured by the 
 treaty of surrender, were induced by one pretext or another 
 to take out new patents ; and in cases wliere the quit-rent 
 had been fixed in the original patent, it was usiially enlarged 
 in the subsequent one. 
 
 The extravagance of the patent fees continued to be a 
 subject of complaint during the colony government. The 
 expense of the last patent of Huntington, which was ob- 
 tained at a subsequent period, amounted to £56 18s. 3d., of 
 which sum £50 was paid to the governor and public ofii- 
 cers. 
 
 11.— Of the Bevolution of 1689. 
 
 The arbitrary measures of the Governors of James II., 
 the denial of general assemblies, and the appointment of 
 Catholics to office, alarmed the people for the safety of both 
 their liberties and religion, disgusted them with the govern- 
 ment, and prepared them to welcome tlie revolution in 
 favour of William and Mary, which promised a new era in 
 favour of civil and religious libert}^, and which terminated 
 in the fall of 1688 in the expulsion of James II. from the 
 throne, and forever put an end to his authority. 
 
 The friends of despotic power in England had long con- 
 sidered that the charters of the Jfew-England colonies 
 
106 
 
 •jrantefl tooinucli lihcrtyto tlic ]>('o])le ; iiiid it liad hopn for 
 some time tlie intention of the crown to revolve tlieiii atid 
 make them royal i;overnments. 
 
 Cliarles II., in liis life time, liad made some efforts for this 
 purjiose in relation to IVIassachusetts ; and James II., as soon 
 as he ascended the throne, detei-mined to carry this purpose 
 into effect. 
 
 In accordance with this (letermination, in ItiSd the char- 
 ters of the New England colonies were revoked or sus- 
 pended, and Sir Edmund Andross was appointed governor 
 (jf New-England. 
 
 In the s])ring of 1688, New- York was added to his gov- 
 ermnent. July 28th, 1088, an oi-der of the king was read 
 in the council of New-York, direct iiii;- Cul. Dungan, the 
 governor, to deliver the seal of the [iroN im-c to Sir Ivliniiiul 
 Andross. He shortly after visited New-York and assuiued 
 the government. 
 
 August 25tli, he issued new commissions to the civil offi- 
 cers of Kings and Queens counties. 
 
 On his return to Boston, the affairs of N^ew-York were 
 conducted by Nicholson, the lieutenant governor, and 
 council. 
 
 It is supposed that C<>1. Dongan immediately retiivd to 
 his farm as a private cit i/cii. where lie remained nntil the 
 spring of 1090 or longer. hetMi'e lie K'ft the couiitrv. 
 
 The news of tlie aec — ioii of WiUiani and M,-'iry to the 
 throne reached l!ii-toii ill Ajii'il lUMi. and the jieople innne- 
 diately i'o>e, >ei/.ed the gos-ei'iior. wlio>e tyi'ainiy had become 
 intolerable, and imprisoned liiiu. whei'e they detei'mined to 
 detain him till tliey could hear from Knizland. 
 
 The new> of the proceedings in i!n-ton prompted cei-tain 
 persons in Xe\\-Y<.rk. who-e zeal or ambition ua- to<, ini- 
 patient of delay to await the changes which wouM neces- 
 sarily have succeeded the revolution in Mngland. to w rest 
 the government out of the hands of jSTichoUon. tlu' lieuten- 
 ant governor. 
 
 May 31st, Capt. Jacob LcisU'r jmt himself at the head of 
 the party, seized the fort and kept po-.-.e~>ii,n of it. .lime 
 3d, he was joined by the other ca]'t ain- ^.f the militia, with 
 their companies. They innnediately i>-iied a proelaniat ion, 
 stating that their intention in seizing the fort wa- to kicpit 
 for king William, and that they would surreinler it to the 
 governor who should be appointed by him. Nicholson im- 
 mediately retired aboard a vessel, and returned to England. 
 
107 
 
 June 12tli, Leisler and liis friends wrote to the several towns 
 on Long-Island, inviting them to send two men from each 
 county to meet the deputies of the other counties at Isew- 
 York, on tlie 26th instant, to form a committee of safety, 
 and also to send two men from each town to assist in guard- 
 ing the fort. 
 
 It is supposed that Kings and Queens complied with the 
 request, although there was a jjowerful opposition in Queens 
 to the measure. 
 
 The several towns in Suffolk met by their deputies at 
 Southampton, June 20th, where a majority of them refused 
 to send deputies to New- York, and immediately opened a 
 negotiation with Connecticut, and made another unsuccess- 
 ful effort to put themselves under the jurisdiction of that 
 colony, the laws and institutions of which were more con- 
 genial with their ideas of good government than those of 
 any royal province. 
 
 The counties of Albany and Ulster also refused to co- 
 operate with Leisler, or to send deputies to the general 
 meeting. 
 
 Most or all of the other counties, it is supposed, sent their 
 depiities to New-York. 
 
 The committee of safety, which met at New- York, June 
 26th, 1689, gave Leisler the superintendance of things, and 
 he managed the public affairs according to their advice till 
 the ensu.ing fall. 
 
 In December, letters were received from England, directed 
 to " Francis Nicholson, or in his absence to sucli as for the 
 time being take care for preserving the peace and adminis- 
 tering the laws in their majesty's province of New- York, in 
 America," and authorizing Nicholson " to take upon him 
 the chief command, and to appoint for his assistance as 
 many of the principal freeholders and inhabitants as he 
 should think tit." 
 
 Leisler chose to consider these letters, in the absence of 
 Nicholson, as addressed to himself, and immediately assumed 
 the title and power of lieutenant governor. He selected a 
 council, appointed public officers in the several counties, and 
 commis>ii)iKMl them in his own name, and demanded an en- 
 tire suliniissiou to his authority. 
 
 He demanded the possession of the fort at Albany from 
 the magistrates, who vowed their intention to keep it for 
 king Will iam, and were as zealous for the revolution as 
 hinaself, and quite as disinterested. He exerted the patrou- 
 33 
 
108 
 
 age of liis station to reconcile tliose parts of tlie colony that 
 ■ncre disaffected with his authority, before he proceeded to 
 enforce it. 
 
 While Leisler was thus engaged in contriving means to 
 secure his power, the defence of the colony was neglected, 
 in consequence of which the town of Schenectady, Febru- 
 ary the 8th, lf)90, fell a sacrifice to the barbarity of the 
 French and Indians. 
 
 In the spring of 1690, Leisler wrested the fort at Albany 
 out of the hands of the magistrates, and confiscated the 
 property of such as had 0])]">-c<l hi- h.iviii;^- tlic fcit. and 
 had fled from the province to i--i-,\\<r hi- I'ocnt nicnt , ;iihI lie 
 imprisoned others, who questioiuMl the iL'gality i>i' hi> aiithur- 
 ity, or the propriety of his measures. 
 
 lie summoned a general assembly in the spring of 16i)0, 
 probalilx' til procure supplies t'orthc jirotccrion nfthc tVoiiticrs, 
 which iiM't ill New-York the 1' II !i ot' A pril. ami clK.-e.lolin 
 Spratt iheir -pcakei'. It is iml known that any thing was 
 done at thi- niect iiii;-. 
 
 They were mm.h proi-ogiiod to the first of September. 'No 
 members atteinleil tVoiii Siitfolk, Albany and Tlster ; and 
 one tVoiii NewA'urk. ami one fmni ( Jueen>. ret'u-ed t" -ei've ; 
 so that it ciiiild not have consisted of more than eight or 
 nine iiiriiiln'r-. 
 
 May Ul. ICi'.M). an enter])rise was concerted with Leisler, 
 by the ^.'ew-l ji-laiid c( ih m ie-. against ^fonti-eal, in co-oper- 
 ation with an e\pe(lit ii 111, tip lie cuiiiliicted at the same time 
 by water, by tiie ea-tern colonies, against (^)uebec. The 
 mimber of troop- -ign-ed ..n was 850, of which -iOO were to 
 be furnished by .Xew Adrk. 
 
 The enterprise was defeated by ],ei-ler"s neglect'-, m' tlie 
 neglect of those under him, to make piM\ i-i(iii liir the -ii[)- 
 port of the troops, and for their tran>poi'tation acr(i>s the 
 lakes. 
 
 During this period the towns in Suffolk county had sever- 
 al meetings to consult about the course which it would be 
 
 * The tif.n|.. ,v,.r. rr.min.nHlo.l liy M;iior fieneral .Inlin WiiHhr.ip. .-.inirc, who, wlirn lie iip- 
 
 proaiiii' I ■ ■ ' , r ,.] II,,.,,. ,,1 ,.| ,. M..il Im r I.M.il. -uMM'l..rit In riirri llirin, Iniv | in n i-i, ms to 
 
 fUiMi.H' ■ . ' . \ , 
 
 Til.' . .i . .. . . , I. l.,.i-l,.|. ,,:l,, -lirl, a 
 
 rage, , . i,. , i . ., ., . i \i. . ,.|,„i,,,., ,| ;, ,,. ,-e- 
 
 buki- t- : ' . 1 . ..i ' . ; "... I I., -i I ■■ ^"ou 
 
 nece.--.- ■ . I . - ! , ' i .- ■ . I ■ - . much 
 
 used !''. I i .., i: - .. , ' , ,iild 
 
 leave^l, ; • . . ,-. r,, |, i IL- ,..,|i-, ,,11, i,,- - 1,,. vih ,1 (h, V nil. hi , "If 
 
 tor3 ol the major's honour^ be greater than to ourselveii aud the gentlemen of the liay, you 
 may boast of the exchange by what profit you find." Tkcmbull's ArrKSDix. 
 
109 
 
 proper for them to pursiie, without oominjr to any agree- 
 ment. The summons to clioose assemblymen was received 
 March 15th, 1690, Avliicii they refused to obey. 
 
 The people of Huntington, in April, 1090, signified their 
 willingness to recognize the authority of Leisler. 
 
 The people of Easthampton came to a resolution, the 
 third of May, that they would not sulMiiit to Leisler, but 
 would continue as tliey were. This town consented, how- 
 ever, SeptemliiT Mth, Itl'.td, tliat certain moneys which they 
 had formerly r:ii>e(l for ])ublic u>e, and which had not been 
 paid to the government, should be paid to Leisler, or to his 
 order. 
 
 The county sent no members to the assembly, and does 
 not seem to have been reconciled to Leisler's authority; but 
 continued in a divided and neutral condition during his ad- 
 ministration. 
 
 Tlie ojijio-ition in Queens seems to have increased, and 
 remained in full vigor in Albany and Lister. 
 
 January 1st. Iti'.M), Leisler issued a v,arraiit to have An- 
 drew Gibb, the clerk of Queens county, lirought before him, 
 to answer for not delivering the papers belonging to the 
 office to Mr. Denton, the new clerk, whom ne had ap- 
 pointed. 
 
 I'cbi uary 15th, he issued orders to the sheriff, and to the 
 civil and military officers of that county, to secure Col. 
 Thomas Dongan, the late governor, in his own house, and to 
 bring Col. Thomas Willctt, Capt. Thomas Ilicks, Daniel 
 Whitehead, and Kdward Antill, esquires, before the couiu-il. 
 
 Felii-iiarv I'l-t. he issued onlers to ha\e Col. Dongan, 
 Steiihen \'an Cortland, Anthony Lrockholst. and Matthew 
 Plownian. esquire, >ei/.cd and brought l)etoi-e liini. 
 
 August '.(th, li'i'.Mi, kci^ler issued a proclamation, requir- 
 ing tiie members of Assembly to meet at ^^ew-York the 
 first day of September ensuing, to which day they wei'e 
 prorogued. 
 
 August 11th, after reciting that I^athaniel Pierson, one 
 of the deputies elected to the assembly for Queens county, 
 and Wilhelmus Beekman, one of the deputies from New- 
 York, had refused to serve at the meeting in April, he 
 ordered those counties respectively to choose others in their 
 room, to meet with the deputies of the other counties, at 
 their ensiling session in September. 
 
 Augirst 13th, he sent a summons to Albany, and probably 
 to the other counties that had not chosen deputies in the 
 
110 
 
 spring, to choose dcpntios, to iiu'ct with the other (le])uties 
 in September. It docs not appear, liowever, tliat tlie siuu- 
 mons was coni])lie(l with in owe of tliose comities. 
 
 The assembly met in September, by which the two fol- 
 lowing acts were passed : 
 
 All act, passed October 2d, 1090, for levying a tax of 
 three pence in the pound; one half to be paid the I'ntli of 
 January, and the (jtlier half the 2r)th of March, ensuing. 
 
 An act, passed ()ctul)cr Itli, imposing a iiiie of £7(1 on 
 every person who should rctii-c tu >cr\ (.\ iii a ci\ il ov mili- 
 tary capacity, under ;i cninmi~-inii i>~ucd by L;'i>lcr: also, 
 imposing a tine of on c\-cry pcisoii w Im -liould I'rniuve 
 
 from the counties of ^Mbaiiy and bbtci': and, in cax's of 
 inability to pay that sum. leaving it to the disci-ction of 
 Leisler to tis the fine ; al>o, ^n'ohibitiug the tran.-itortation 
 of goods, except certain >iiecitied ai'ticlc>. from the said 
 COuntie>. under tlie penalty of tlieii- coidix-ation. 
 
 The last act wa> intemled to iv~ti'aiii tlie iKMiple of those 
 counties from going to ( 'oinieei icut, where they I'e-oiii'd in 
 
 order to avoid the | leiveelltioll of Lei>U'l' and hi- ollieel-,-. 
 
 It seems that the opiio-itioi: in (^)ueeii> \va- not ^up|ll•ess- 
 ed by the iiiea-iii-e- lictore taken lor that ]Mir]io>e. 
 
 Octohcr jstli. IG'.io, Lei>ler oi'dered Major Milbourn "to 
 take -w liat force he could raise, to suppress the opposition in 
 Queen- county." 
 
 October :.^<'), he su>peniled the court of oyer and terminer, 
 about to sit in King- c.miity, " until the counties on Long- 
 Island should be re(lnccd to oltedience." 
 
 October 30th, L<'i>ler. after stating that a rebellion exist- 
 ed in Queens couiit\-, i->ne(| order> to Samuel Staat> and 
 Capt. Thomas AVilli'am- -Mo ^ui-j^re-s it."" Jle al>o oi'dered 
 Thomas AVilliam> and Saniiiel Kd-dall to go to Flu-liing bay 
 to examine tin' \e--cl- there, t.i r-ee that none were em|iloy- 
 ed in a way |.n'jiidi.-l:il to hi- intere-t. ('a]it. Kichai'd In- 
 
 folsby arrixcil in Xcw ^'ork w ith hi> conijiany tlu' la-t of 
 anuary, IG'Jl, and demanded possession of the fort, which 
 Leisler refused ; whiqh added a new subject to the public 
 contentions. 
 
 Tlie colony seems to have continue(l in this convulsed con- 
 dition to the end of Leisler's admini-tration. 
 
 Lei-lei'"- authority was tei'minate(l by the arrival of Henry 
 Slaughtei'. the ne\\'(.ovei-iior. March 'llMh. K')'.'!. 
 
 He ri'fu-i'd to deliver up the fort to the new governor ; 
 and thus violated all his former protessions of zeal for King 
 
Ill 
 
 William, forfeited ;\\] olaiiii to any merit for services, and 
 incurred the reproadi as well as the penalty of usurpation. 
 
 Leisler, and Millxiurn his son-in-law, wci-c tried and con- 
 victed of high treason; and the warrant tui' tlu'ii- execution 
 was issued by the advice of both tlie Cduueil and assembly. 
 
 Leisler's son preferred a complaint against the liovei-nor, 
 which was referred to the lords of trade; wlio reported, 
 March 11th, 1692, "that they were humbly of opinion that 
 Jacob Leisler and Jacol) Milbourn, deceased, were condemn- 
 ed, and had suft'ere(l, aeeoixling to law." 
 
 November 12th, lOy-1, the parliament, on the application 
 of Leisler's son, reversed their attainder; and, in compas- 
 sion to their families, restored them their estates. 
 
 From the history of that period, it appears that the revo- 
 lution in England was then completed, and the people of the 
 colony were generally, if not unaniinously in favour of it. 
 
 The members of the council and tlie lieutenant governor 
 were friendly to it. They, however, were disposed to wait 
 for the changes which they anticii^ated, without disturbing 
 the public peace by any violent measures. 
 
 Leisler, on the other liand, on pretence that those in power 
 were in the interest of Iving James, raised a party among 
 those whom he could inlluence and control, to expel them from 
 office, and to take the government into their own hands.* 
 
 * It is intimated in a note in Hutchinson's history of Massachusetts, that Nicholson, the 
 Lieut. Governor, was well affected to the revolution, but that Leisler wished to wrest the gov- 
 ernment out of the hands of the Lieut. Governor, in order to evade the payment of £100, 
 which he owed for duties, or at least to avoid paying it to the person who then held the office 
 of collector, who, as he alleged, was a papist. 
 
 That to effect his purpose, he caused it to be reported at the east end of Long-Island that the 
 Fort at New- York was in danger of being delivered up to the enemies of the revolution, and 
 solicited the people there to aid in its reduction. 
 
 It is further stated that a military company marched to Jamaica, where they halted till the 
 officers had an interview with the Lieut. Governor and council, who satisfied them that the re- 
 port was unfounded, and they immediately returned home ; and that Leisler was forced on 
 other false alarms to induce the people of the city to aid him in his enterprise. 
 
 This account i.s countenanced by the records of Easthamplon. May 8, 1089, "heard f(om 
 New- York that the fort is in hands wliose fidelity is suspected. Voted that soldiers go to York 
 to assist to reduce the place, that it might be better secured for the safety of the country." It 
 was not till the 31st of .May that the militia of New-York seized the fort, from which it is evi- 
 dent that the militia of Kusi Hampton must have performed their tour, and returned home be- 
 fore the seizure of the Fort. 
 
 It was probably owing to this intrigue of Leisler, that the people of Easthampton, who were 
 devoted to the revolution, distrusted the purity of his motives; and, even after their negotiation 
 for a union with Connecticut had failed, resolved, on the 3d of May, 1(590, that they would not 
 submit to Leisler, but would continue as they were. 
 
 The above representation is still further confirmed by the appointment of Nicholson to the 
 government of Virginia, shortly afterwards, by King William, which shows that he had no sus- 
 picion of his attachment to the revolution. 
 
 That the excitement in New-York, which led to the taking of the fort was created by artifice 
 and management, is to be inferred from the letter of Nicholson, Phillips, Bayard and Van 
 Courtland, to the people of liostcn, dated New-York, May 1st, 1690, in which they state, " For 
 this part of the government, we find tlie people in general inclined to peace and quietness, and 
 doubt not the people will remain in their iluties." 
 
 Smith also states, in his histury, that Leisler, while he was contending with the convention at 
 Albany for the possession of tlie fort there, in order to procure succour from Boston, " falsely 
 represented the convention as in the interest of the French and king James." 
 
 34 
 
112 
 
 V>\ tlieir assistaiico, lie wrested the fjovernment out of tlie 
 liainls of tlie lieutenant governor, in detiance of the opinions 
 of those whose talents, experience, and standino; in society, 
 entitled them to respect. 
 
 These were unwi]lin<>; to recognize an authority Avliich 
 they considered illegitimate, and a— umcd merely to forestal 
 the favour of the new kin-. dei-lined id in the as- 
 
 sembly whic^h Leisler suniniuned. <ir under any cuunnission 
 issued by him. 
 
 To sustain his authority, Leisler had recourse both to civil 
 penalties and military force, and was hurried into the same 
 exces>e> foi- whieli the former governors were so much re- 
 proached. 
 
 It is not probable that he at lirst anticipated the rui'cer 
 that led to Ins ruin, but that he oidy asjiii-ed to ilie .li-tiiic- 
 tioii of liein-- ei m-idei-ed the tVwemost in hi- /e:il tor the 
 revoliil i.m. Wlim. Ny the delay of tln' go\ei'noi-"> arrival, 
 and the jiarl iiilil \ of hir- friends, lie found liini-elf in ])os- 
 session of the i-ein- of government, and especially aftei' the 
 letters from Kngland to Nicholson fui-in>lied him with a 
 pretext for lii> authority, he became fond of power; and 
 %yas so infatuatetl liy it> e\ei-ei~e. that lie lo-t the remem- 
 brance of his duty as a subject, and fell a \'ictim to hi^ am- 
 bition. 
 
 The assumption of power by Leisler was a misfortune to 
 the colony. It was of no beiielit to the revolution ; it de- 
 ranged the operation- of rlie -d\-ernment, set one ]iart of the 
 community against the othei-, and laid the foundation of di- 
 visions which destroyed the harmony of the colony for nuxny 
 years. 
 
 If the o-o\ernnieiit had been >ntfei-e(l to continue in the 
 hands of Niclio|,,,n an<l the ohl rMunrih it i> i^robable that 
 the colony would have heeii pi-oterte(| again-t the ra\ ages 
 of the French ;ind Indian>. The expedition ai^'.-iin^t (Que- 
 bec might have succeeded, and M^cicty would not have beeu 
 disturbed by party animosity. 
 
 III. — Of the Colonij Government. 
 
 The commission of Governor Slaughter, dated dan nary 
 9th, 1689, constituted the fouudation of the colony govern- 
 ment after the revolution ; which continued as it was theu 
 settled, with few innovations, until the American revolu- 
 tion. 
 
 The executive power w^as vested in the governor, and the 
 
113 
 
 legislative power in tlie governor, council and assembly, 
 subject to tlie revision of the king, to wlioin all laws were 
 to be sent within three months after their passage. 
 
 The council at lirst consisted of seven members, which 
 number was afterwards increased to twelve, and were ap- 
 pointed by the king. 
 
 The assembly was composed ot delegates from each county, 
 chosen by the freeholders. The number was regulated by 
 law. The term of service was indefinite until 17i3, when 
 it was limited to seven years. 
 
 Tlie governor could suspend the members of the council, 
 and appoint others, subject to the king's approbation. lie 
 had a negative on the acts passed by the assembly and 
 council. He had power to summon, prorogue, or dissolve, 
 the assembly ; to appoint all public officers ; and, with the 
 consent of the council, to establish courts of justice, to dis- 
 pose of tlie public lands, and to disburse the public moneys 
 raised for the support of government. 
 
 For some years, the public revenue went into the hands 
 of a receiver general, who was appointed by tlie crown, and 
 was not accountable to the assembly. The acts for raising 
 revenue for the support of government were continued for 
 a series of years without appropriation ; and the council 
 exercised a concurrent power over revenue bills, as in other 
 cases. 
 
 This mode of managing the revenue was liable to great 
 abuse. An indefinite support enabled the governor to dis- 
 pense with the assembly, and rendered him in great measure 
 independent of them during that period ; and the omission 
 of specific appropriations enabled the governor to fix the 
 salaries of all public officers, to dispose of the public moneys 
 as he pleased, gave him the entire power over the civil list, 
 and led to misapplication and embezzlement. 
 
 The assembly also soon discovered that their influence in 
 the government depended on a vigilant exercise of their 
 power over the public suj)plies ; and they resolved to correct 
 these abuses. On their petition, queen Ann, in 1706, gave 
 them permission to appoint their own treasurer, to receive 
 and pay all such moneys as they should raise for extraordi- 
 nary purposes. 
 
 As the quit rent charged on the patents for the public 
 lands was the only ordinary revenue, the power of the trea- 
 surer was construed to extend to all the monies raised by 
 the assembly for public uses. 
 
114 
 
 111 1700, tlie assonil)ly assumed the control of tlie money 
 raised by them for the support of j;-overnment, hy ai)iir()])ri- 
 ating it to s])ecitie purposes. It was usual to ])ass one hill 
 to raise the money recpiired, and another to appropriate the 
 payment of it to the particular purposes for which it was 
 raised. 
 
 In 1711, the assembly resolved to disallow any alteration 
 to be made by the council in rovoinie l)ills. In re])ly to the 
 claim of an equal right over tlic -ulijci i by tlic (•(Uiiicil. tliey 
 observed "that the power nf tlir (-(Miiu-il IImwciI IVuni tlie 
 pleasure of the prince, si<>'iiilic(l liy the ui of the 
 
 governor; but that the power of the asscniKh. in rclalioii to 
 taxes, flowed from the choice of the pfoplc. who could not 
 be divested of their money without tlnMi- (•oii-cut ."' and they 
 seem uniformly to have adhered to tlii> (Ictcniiination ever 
 after. 
 
 In 1737, they resolved not to continue the revenne for a 
 longer term than one year; and in reply to Governor Clarke, 
 who demanded an iiuleiinite support, tiu-y say, " we will not 
 raise sums unfit to be raised, nor put it in the ])0wer of a 
 governor to ini>apply them, or continue the revenue for any 
 longer tn-ni than one year." 
 
 In 17-1-1, the asseniMy, in reply to the same governor, who 
 renewed the demand for an iiidcfinilc -ii|i|>oi't, w ithout ap- 
 propriation, state, "that tlic (■..ui'-o hr rrconiinciKlcd had 
 formerly l)C('ii pursiUMl, and liad ItMl to the nii>a|iplIcation 
 and eiiilicz/.loiiiciit of the public money, and that the ]irac- 
 tice of providing public >nppliL's by annual grant-, ami the 
 receipt and ])aynient of the public monies by their own 
 treasurer, with appi'opriatiou to specific purpo-e>. w a- the 
 only method to coi-i-ect the evil;" and they intimate their 
 deteriniinititiii to adhei'e to it. 
 
 July I4th. 1747. the a— end)ly. in their answer to Gover- 
 nor Clinton, who i-eiiion-t ratei I again-t tlieii' adliereiiee to 
 specific appro|ii-iation-. alb^i- admitting appropriation> to be 
 for general uses in Kngland, and the ]>artieular application 
 of the money left to the king, they say, "the ca>e in the 
 plantations is very dilfei-eiit ; tlie governoi-> -eldom haxc any 
 estates in the colonies, and their interot i:- entii-ely distinct 
 and different from that of the people, and therefore it is 
 that they seldom renai'd the welfare of' tlie people, otherwise 
 than as they can make it r-nli-er\ ieiit to their ow ii particular 
 interest; and as they know the time of their continuance 
 in their governments to be uncertain, all methods are used, 
 
115 
 
 and all engines set to work to raise estates to themselves ; 
 and therefore, should the public monies he left to tlieir dis- 
 position, wliat can be expected but the grossest misapplica- 
 tion under various pretences, which will never be wanting. 
 This has often been actually the case in this colony, and 
 when such misapplication liappens, there are no means of re- 
 dress." "We cannot answer it to our constituents to pass 
 any bill for raising money on them, and leave it to be dis- 
 posed of at the will and pleasure of a governor." 
 
 The strife between the respective governors and assem- 
 blies, respecting a permanent support, continued to vex the 
 colony until September 24tli, 1T5(), when Sir Charles Hardy, 
 the governor, informed tlie assembly that he had received 
 instructions allowing him to assent to their temporary bills 
 for the support of government.* 
 
 These contests ai'ose tVom the tyranny of the motlier conn- 
 try over the colonies, and wnc the result of the European 
 colony system. The relation between the mother country 
 and a colony ought to lie ni(>(]itie(l in the same manner as 
 that which subsists between a parent and child, and the re- 
 lation ought so far to cease, when the colony becomes com- 
 petent to her own self-subsistence, as relates to the regula- 
 tion of their internal concerns. To enforce the continuance 
 of the entire subjection of the colony, after that period, is 
 as incongruous as to hold a child in a state of pupilage after 
 he has arrived at the age of manhood ; reduces the colony 
 to a state of i>olitical vassalage, and is a despotic exercise 
 of authority on the part of the mother country. 
 
 A monopoly of the trade of a colony is the only remunera- 
 tion that can be made to the mother country, compatible 
 with the well-being of the colony, and is an ample equiva- 
 lent for the care and protection of the mother country. 
 
 The American colonies, at the conclusion of the peace in 
 1763, had become fully competent to the management of 
 their own internal concerns. They were desirous to maintain 
 
 * Smith, in liis history of New-Yorlf, page 371, allows that the reasons of the assembly for as- 
 suming the control of the public raone.v, were plausible ! 
 
 This author pretty freely censures the personal character and party policy of some of the 
 later governors, but'is spiring of his remarks on the despotism of the colony system, by which 
 they were controlled; nor does he attempt to shew the practicability of so modifying it as to 
 render the internal improvement of the colony compatible with the political supremacy of the 
 mother country, without which there was no alternative for the colonies, but vassalage or inde- 
 
 ^ Contrasting the political reflections which occur in his work, with the course which he took 
 when the crisis arrived which put his patriotism to the test, makes the remark which he ajiphed 
 to Lieutenant Governor Delancy, on account of his opposition to the plan of union of 1754, 
 peculiarly apphcable to his own case, viz. : " Many had conceived him to be most inclined to 
 the popular branch cf the constitution, but now discovered that he had his eye to the other side 
 of the water." 
 
 35 
 
116 
 
 a ])olitical conTiectioii with tlic iiidtluM" ('(luiitrv ; tliey ac- 
 kiio\vle(lf2;e(l lier jiMlitical -uin'cnincv, ;iih1 .■k-i | u ii -(•(■(! in her 
 power to reii'iihitc their cxtrriial rclat i<in-. t lici r InnMu-n eoin- 
 nierce and iiavii;:iti(ni, but contended t'ni' the ri-lit to rc■^■u- 
 Lxte their own iuti'nial affairs. The nuit her (•(niut ry, on the 
 contrary, chiinied tlie rii;-ht to eoiitiMl thcii' internal reii'iila- 
 tions, so as to render tliem -Mli-ei-\ lent \i< hei' iutei'e-l-. and 
 to prolong tlieir subjection to her aiitliorit v. it wa- for tlie 
 first of these purposes that si I e pi-ohil.ited the r-taMi-linient 
 of such manufactures as would iiiterfei-e with lu i' "W n ; that 
 she refused lier assent to law- impo-Iim- dutie- on the ini|ior- 
 tation of her manufactures; tliai -he .,|.|Mi-e(l the act- tV)r 
 issuing paper money, or roipiii'ed tliem to he, st.i luoditied as 
 to suit her interests; and that -he made lands assets for the 
 payment of debts due to hei' ineichaiits. It was for the 
 second purpose that she refu-ed hei- a— eiit to annual a— ein- 
 blies ; that she required tlu' e-talili-lnneiit oC a pei'inaiient 
 revenue, that she objected to -[.eeilic a|.]ii'o]ii'iat ion of the 
 public monies, which limited the |iu]i!ii- I'atrMn.r.c of the 
 governor; and that she requii'ud the jud-c-" eoiinni -.-ions to 
 be issue(l duriiiu" ]ilea-ure.''- 
 
 It \\a- by |>i-e--iiio- ihi- interference in the internal aflairs 
 of the coldiiie-, until >he assumed the power of imposing- 
 taxes on them w ithoiit their consent, that forced them upon 
 resistance foi' >elt' jn'esorvation. 
 
 The coImii x m-ci\ ei'noi'< were bound by tlieir insti'uetions to 
 enforec .n,.!, niea-mv- a- w ere i^i joinrd by the policy of the 
 mother country, and wei\' required to withhold their assent 
 from all such acts as infringed the claims of the royal pre- 
 rogative. 
 
 A ue^'lL'ct of hi- instruction- exjiosecl a c-r)\-ci'nor to the 
 forfeiture ofthe I'oyal lavoi-. and ih,. l,,-,,fln- oHice. How- 
 ever well di<j)osed he mii!,-ht be to favor the interests of the 
 
 In iM'li >,,-.'ri,:...,i •.' -!:,MwlHi..-nt Mf 
 
 In it: ■ ■ . ■:: ii,.- 
 
 lu IT ,,i i:,,ii.h debts. 
 
 It » ' ■ .,uc, without ap- 
 
 propri ( 
 
 Till i iiisUuctcHi to refuse tlieir a.-seiit to ;liiv emission of paper money, 
 
 with " . ' 
 
 In ' T il his assent to an act passed liere in 173T, for triennial assemblies. 
 
 The K'^' ' , -li d to i-.ue tlicir commissions of the judges duriii;.' pleasure 
 
 InlT'W.Ni. ii iMi.j ' ii.ort, say that to grant comiiii--i.Mi- Im iIm- i-olony 
 
 judges during ^ -ubversive of all true poliev, I i n.i n . i i i li.- ii',. 
 
 tcrestsdf his n. lo lessen that just depeudeii. , tl,. . -.|,,i,ies 
 
 ought to have up 
 
 The governors. i:i - ^ . . in . , , ., departed fr.im their instructions in relation to the 
 
 judges' commissions, and from public necessity were compelled to do it generally with regard 
 to paper money. 
 
117 
 
 colony, and to secure tlie good oi)inion of tlie people, he liad 
 a stronger interest to promote tlie views of the mother coun- 
 try, and to secure the favor of the crown. 
 
 Those who at first felt some regard for the rights of the 
 colonists, were soon forced by their station to lend their tal- 
 ents to tlie enforcement of the colony system. 
 
 Few of them understood the policy necessary to the im- 
 provement of a new country, or made any efforts for that 
 purpose. 
 
 The internal improvement of the country, the advance- 
 ment of the liberal professions, and the cultivation of liter- 
 ature and the arts, seem alike to have been overlooked and 
 neglected by them. 
 
 A few solitary suggestions were sometimes made by them 
 on these subjects, but what few exertions were made towards 
 public improvements were made by intelligent and public 
 spirited individuals. 
 
 The smallness of our numbers indeed greatly obstructed 
 the iiiiprovoiiieiit of the country or society. Yarious causes 
 ("oiitriliutc'il to this t'tfect. The smallness of our torritory 
 nnoccii|)i('il by tlie Indians, the extraordinary iiiilit;iry ser- 
 viet.'> iiiipo.-rii on our citizens by our li>ca] sit until iii, the 
 constant exjiosm-e of the tVontici-s to tlie (k'i>rr(latioii> of 
 the French and Iii(lia]i>. lirlori' tlic coiKiiic^t of ( 'aiiada. the 
 difficulty of obtaining lands for >ottk'nicnt. in ci 'n>e( juciice 
 of the practice pursued by the governors, of granting them 
 in large tracts to favorites, who would only U'n>o i>v sell tliein 
 at a high price.* To these may l>e added a dislike to the 
 government, which was less free than the diartered govern- 
 ments of New-England, from whence emigrants were chiefly 
 to be expected. The apprehension al>o of tlie probability 
 of a legal establishment of the I''pi>c.,pal elnirch, w itli ex- 
 clusive privileges, in the colony, induced by tlie eliiirr^ made 
 by the governor to have the ministers of that eliiireli sup- 
 ported by taxes levied on all other denominations, eomhined 
 with ancient prejudices engendered by controversies between 
 the jSTew-England people and the Dutch, before the conquest 
 of the colony, prevented inueh emigration into the colony. 
 Few efforts were made l>y tho colony governors to remove 
 these obstacles to the increase of our iiiimberr^ and prugress 
 of society. 
 
 * The governors charged £12 10s. patent fees for every thousand acres of tlie public lands, 
 1,0 which £5 were added for surveying fees. Gi-ants weie refused to settlers who were unable 
 to advance the office fees, and the settlement of the country was retarded by the avarice of 
 the governors. 
 
118 
 
 Tlu' chief re<2;ar(ls of our colony governors were confined 
 to iiieiisiires calculated to secure an ascciKlancv over tlio 
 Five Nations, to undermine tlie Frencli ])u\vcr in Canada, 
 and to guard the claims of the royal prerogative, and the 
 interests of the mother country. Measures wliicli were 
 merely calculated to iin]>i-(iv(' the country, or to mclioi-ate 
 the nu)ral condition of the inhahitants, were of lc'» nuimcnt, 
 in their estimation, tlian such as wwc calculated to secure 
 their own emolument or continuance In imwcr. 
 
 While the governors were \ii:ilant in urging such mea- 
 sures as wi're suhservicnt to their ow n \ icw s and the claims 
 of the mothci- conntrv. tlie colonial assemhlies cmlcavorcd 
 to withstand >\u:\i of then) as were (leenie(l to intVinLic on 
 their constitutional rights and liherties. On tlioc -niijccts 
 they were frequently at variance with the a>>cinlilic>, and 
 often liarrassed them by proi-o^ations and (hV-ohitions in 
 order to wori'y them into a (oinpliance with tlicii- favoi'ite 
 measures; and the whole colony a(lniini>tration cxhiliits a 
 constant conflict between the claim- and cncroacliniciit> of 
 power, on the one hand, and the ^[lii'it of liberty ^trnu^ling 
 to defeat them, on the (ither. 
 
 Their I'e-idencc in tlie country was in most cases expect- 
 ed to be teni|HH ary, and as the a,ssembly state, in their ad- 
 dress to the loi-(l> of ti'a<le. in 1753, they very often seem to 
 have "con>i<lered the ollice as a post of profit,"' and their 
 chief study seems to have been to make the most of it, and 
 to carry as much money out of the colony as was in their 
 power. 
 
 The whole history of the colony government evinced that 
 it was in vain to expect a patriotic devotion to the public 
 welfire. frnni men who wei'e not bomnl to the country by 
 any lie- <,\' iM i'-diial iutei'e-t, oi- re>|Min>ible to the country 
 for till- faitlilul (li-i liai;-c of tlieir public trn>t : and that sub- 
 serviency to the crew II, and a (li-re;iai'd of tlie ]>e.i|i|('. were 
 vices inhei'eiit in the \ciw iiatui'e uf coliuiv i\ crn ineiil . 
 
 These contest^ bet\veen the cohmy u'oNciaiois and a— em- 
 blies taught the pe.!] lie to invc>ti--ate and mideistaiid thi'ir 
 rights, to a])preciate the danger of the mea-m'e> of the 
 motliei' counti-y to theii' liberties, and prepared them fur the 
 revolution, which ternunated in the independence of the 
 country." 
 
 * The constant ilanger to which the colonies had been exposed by the ambition of the French 
 in tlieir neighborhood, and their influence with the Indians, from the massacre of the people of 
 Sclienectady in 1090, until the conquest of Canada in 1760, kept them dependant on (ireat 
 Britain ; and the necessity they were under for her aid to their security, prevented her being 
 jealous of ttiem. 
 
 After Canada was added to the number of the colonies, she began to be jealous of their grow- 
 
119 
 
 Of the Sufferings of the Peojyle of Long-Island during the 
 War of the Revolution. 
 
 The powers of the colony governor were suspended in 
 October, 1775, and until the adoption of the constitution, 
 the government was administered by a provincial congress 
 or convention, aided by town and county committees. 
 
 Public spirit supplied the place of authority, and gave the 
 recommendations of those bodies the force of law.* 
 
 The island was evacuated the night of the 29th of August, 
 1776 ; and in October following, the county committees, and 
 the committees of the several towns, were, by force or fear, 
 prevailed on, by written declarations, to revoke and dis- 
 annul all their proceedings, and to renounce and disavow 
 the authority ot the provincial and continental congresses, 
 and the members of the several committees, and the people 
 generally, Avere obliged to take the oath of allegiance to the 
 king.f 
 
 From 1776 to 1783, the island was occupied by British 
 troops. They traversed it from one end to the other, and 
 were stationed at different places during the war. 
 
 The whole country within the Biitish lines was subject to 
 
 ing strength and importance, and then for the first time, perceived that the means which she 
 had adopted for the enlargement of her power were calculated to endanger and abridge it. 
 Immediately after the treaty by which Canada was ceded to Great Britain, in 1763, she de- 
 termined to maintain a military force in the colonies, to overawe them, and to raise a national 
 revenue from them, "for the better support of government and the administration of the colo- 
 nies ;" the eBfect of which would have been to render the governors, j^lges, and other officers 
 appointed by the crown, independent of the colony legislatures. The surplus revenue was to 
 be at the disposal of Parliament. In 1764, the British Parliament imposed a duty on sugar 
 and molasses. In 1765, the stamp act was imposed, which, in consequence of the determined 
 opposition with which it was resisted, was repealed the ensuing year. 
 
 During the same year, 1766, an act was passed requiring the colonies to provide quarters, 
 and certain enumerated supplies for the troops stationed among them. The assembly of New • 
 York provided barracks for the troops stationed there, but omitted to make provision for a few 
 of the articles enumerated among the supplies. 
 
 In 1767, an act was passed restraining the governor and council from assenting to any bill 
 until the assembly furnished the supplies required. 
 
 In 1T67 also, new duties were imposed on paper, glass, painter's colours, and tea, and a board 
 of commissioners were appointed to enforce the collection of the duties. 
 
 The colonies repeatedly remonstrated against these acts, as destructive of their rights and 
 liberties. 
 
 In 1770, all the duties were repealed, except the duty on tea, and this involved the principle 
 that the parliament had the power to pass laws to bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever. 
 
 The colonies held that taxation and representation were inseparable, and tha , as they were 
 not represented in parliament, they could not be rightfully taxed by parliament. 
 
 A determination to re.-ist the violation of this principle, on the part of the colonies, and a 
 determination to enforce their measures by the sword, on the part of the British ministry, led 
 to a union of the colonies, and to the war of the revolution, which resulted in the acknowledg- 
 ment of the independence of the United States by Great Britain, in 1783. 
 
 * The first Continental Congress met at Philadelphia, September 4, 1774, and the second met 
 May 10, 1775. The Provincial Congress of New- York met the 22d May, 1775, and on the 27th 
 they recommended to the several counties, to appoint county and town committees, which was 
 immediately complied with. Governor Tryon withdrew from the city of New-York, and went 
 on board a British ship on the 13th of October, 1775, which day has been considered as the 
 date of the dissolution of the colony government. 
 
 + General Howe issued a proclamation soon after he landed on Long-Island, promising secu- 
 rity and protection to such as should remain peaceably on their farms, and most of the inhabi- 
 tants availed themselves of it, and remained on the island during the war. 
 
 36 
 
120 
 
 martial law, the ailiniiii^tration of justice was suspended, 
 the army was a saiictiiarv tor crimes and robbery, and the 
 grossest offences wcfc atoned by enlistment. 
 
 The massacre of Cjeneral Woodhull, in cold blood, was a 
 prelude to what others were to suffer, wlio had taken an 
 active part in favor of the revolution.- |Scc A | ipcndix. | 
 Many of those who had served as ofhcci - in ilic militia, or 
 as members of the town and county coiiiniii tic-, lied Into 
 the Anierican lines for safety. Tlio-c w Ik i i-ciiiai nci| :\t lioine 
 were harrassed and jdundered of tlicii' |iro|M'il \, ami tlic in- 
 habitants generally wci-c sulijcct to the ordci^, and their 
 property to the disposal, ot the I'.riti^h olHcers. 
 
 They compelled the inhaltitant- to do all kinds of })er- 
 sonal services, to work at their lori-. t,, w iih tlu-ir teams, 
 on foraging parties, and to ti-an-pMi t tla ii- i-.-mnon, annijuni- 
 tion, ]>rovi^ions, and baii'-'a-e. iVom |ilace to place, a^ they 
 changed theii' ipiartei'-. and to mid come on the oi-<lei- of 
 every petty otheeT who had the chai-ge of the ])iost trilling 
 business. 
 
 In 1781, the town of Huntington was compelled to raise 
 £17^) liv a ii'eneral tax, as a eommntat ion loi- ]ier>onal labor, 
 toward'- di-L:ing a well in the ton ,,,, IJosd"- Xc-k. 
 
 The othecr- -eized and oceii|ii(M| the lie.-l rooni> in the 
 hon>e-o|- ill,, iiihahitant-. They eompelle.l them to fni-nish 
 blanket- and fuel for the -oldimv' nn,] hay and grain for their 
 horses. Tlu-y pre>-ed their hor-e- ami w a-. ins tor the use 
 of the army. They took aw ay thi'ir cattle, -heep, liogs and 
 poultry, and M'i/.ed w ithout ceremon\ , and w ithout any com- 
 pensation, or tor >uch oidy as thev cho.-e to make for their 
 own use, whate\ei' they tlesired to gratify their wants or 
 wishes. 
 
 In April, 1783, Sir Guy Carlton instituted a board of com- 
 missioners for the ]>ur]>ose of adjustiiiu' such demands aii'ainst 
 the r.riti-h aimiN.a- had not heim -ettlcd. 1'1 ic arc, .u n t> of 
 the pe,. J.!,- of ill,' t,,\\ii ,,f II lint in-1,.n alone, toi- pr.ijiei-ty 
 taken from them. \nv the u-,' ot" ih,' aiaiiy, A\hich were sup- 
 ported by I'cc.api- ,,r llrili-h ,illi,-,.r-, or by other evidence, 
 wdiich wei-,. pr, pai-c,| tn Ije laid lieloi-c the boai-d, amounted 
 to i'T.L' 1 im],. an,l these acciunts were not >nppo-,'il to 
 compi-i-,' oii, -i;,iirtli part of the property wliich w a- taken 
 from then I \\iili,iiii i-^ 'U i] lensation. 
 
 These ac( nt- ^\ , r, -< nt to New- York to be laid before 
 
 the board of connni>>ioners, but they sailed for England 
 without attending to them, and the people from whom the 
 
121 
 
 property was taken were left, like their neighbors who had 
 no receipts, without redress. 
 
 If the other towns on the island suffered half as mnch in 
 proportion, the whole island must have sustained actual losses 
 by the war exceeding $500,000, besides innumerable other 
 injuries. 
 
 The inhabitants suffered great abuse from the British re- 
 fugees, who, whenever they could shelter themselves under 
 any color of authority, did all the injury in their power. 
 Many of these devoted themselves to robbery and pillage, 
 and if they were detected, they enlisted, and this arrested 
 the arm of justice, shielded them from punishment, and en- 
 abled them to bid defiance to those whom they had robbed 
 and abused. 
 
 During the whole war, the inhabitants of the island, es- 
 pecially those of Suffolk county, were perpetually exposed 
 to the grossest insult and abuse. They had no property of 
 a moveable nature that they could, properly speaking, call 
 their own ; they were oftentimes deprived of the stock ne- 
 cessary to the management of their farms, and were deterred 
 from endeavoring to produce more than a bare subsistence 
 by the apprehension that a surplus would be wrested from 
 them, either by the military authority of the purveyor, or 
 by the ruffian hand of the plunderer. 
 
 Besides these violations of the rights of person and prop- 
 erty, the British officers did many acts of barbarity, for 
 which there could be no apology. 
 
 They made garrisons, store-houses, or stables, of the houses 
 of public worship in several towns, and particularly of such 
 as belonged to the Presbyterians. 
 
 In the fall of 1782, at the conclusion of the war, about 
 the time the provisional articles of the treaty of peace were 
 signed in Europe, Colonel Thompson, (since said to be Count 
 Eumford,) who commanded the troops then stationed at 
 Huntington, without any assignable purpose, except that of 
 filling his own pockets, by its furnishing him with a pre- 
 tended claim on the British treasury for the expense, caused 
 a fort to be erected in Huntington, and without any pos- 
 sible motive except to gratify a malignant disposition, by 
 vexing tlie people of Huntington, he placed it in the cen- 
 tre of'the public burying-ground, in defiance of a remon- 
 strance of the trustees of tiie town, against the sacrilege 
 of disturbing the ashes and destroying the monuments of 
 the dead. 
 
122 
 
 IIar(h'hij)s imposed hi/ the State Legislature. 
 
 Much, however, as the people of Long-Island had suffer- 
 ed from the injustice, cruelty, and oi)]ircssi()ii of the com- 
 mon enemy, they were not sutlbred to t:\-ir llir cuii ..f lil)crty 
 until it was, in some measure, end)ittere<l liy thu uiikindncss 
 of their friends. 
 
 It was their lot to be abaiidoned !)y their connti-y, and 
 left in the power of the enemy. It was tlu'lr iiii>tMrf mie, 
 and not their fault, that they were not within the .\iih ricaii 
 lines; that they were disarmed, and in siihjcct inn {n the 
 enemy, instead of heing in the tented lield, and in anus 
 against them. 
 
 By an act of the legislature of the State (if Xew-'^'oi-k, 
 passed March 17, 1783, in action- fm- damaLi-c- to the piMp- 
 erty of persons within the Anieriean lines, tho-e w ho hud 
 been compelled by military orders, and even hy military 
 force, to contribute to the damage, were pi-ohihited iVom 
 pleading the same in jiistitieatiou, or from giving the same 
 in evidence on tlie L;-eiieral i->ne. 
 
 By another act. iia~>ed May it. 17.S+, a tax of £100,000 
 was iin|H,MMl Mil the >ontlienuli>ti-ict. £'-'57,000 of which was 
 assign nl t,. I.(iiii;-l~hin<l, as a ciimpeiif-ation to the other parts 
 of tlie -tate. l\<v iiMt ha\ iiiii- l»een in a condition to take an 
 activi' pai r in the w ar a:;ainst the enemy ! ! I 
 
 Both tlie^e act> were viohitions of public law. and the im- 
 mutable principles of justice ; were partial and oiqHv-r-ive 
 in their operation, and fully proved that an alni^e ot' power 
 was not ])eculiai' to tlie Bi'itish parliament, but a connnon 
 infirmity ot hiiinaii nature; and in conflicts of local inter- 
 ests, fomented iiy local Jealousies, might sumetimes occur 
 under the freest forms of government. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 Of General Wna,lh»]L 
 
 T^athaniel Woodhull was a (Ic-rriubiiit of Ricliard "VYood- 
 luill, esq., who is supposed to liave left Eng'land in conse- 
 (|uence of liavino- taken an active part in favor of liberty, 
 nnder Charles I., a short time before the restoration of 
 Charles II., in 1G60. 
 
 lie is named in the original deeds for Jamaica, as one of 
 the lirst proprietors of that town, bnt seems to have settled 
 at Brookhaven soon atu i- tlie settlement of that place. An 
 oi'iginal letter, written by Lord Crew, to the said Richard 
 Woudhulh in 1687, in answer to one of his, is among the 
 papers of the late Abraham Woodhnll, esq., of Brookhaven, 
 in which he styles \\\m cdusin. and speaks of his relations, 
 among whom he enuni('iatr> a lii-liop, and a number of 
 families of tlie first rank and res[iectability in society. 
 
 Mr. "Woodhnll liad three brothers younger than himself, 
 Iticliard, Jesse and Ebenezer. Richard graduated at Yale 
 College in IT.")!', was a tutor tliere some yeai's, and died at 
 New-Haven. ,Ic->c and Ebenezer settled in Orange county, 
 and tlieir ]Mi-;trrity icside tliere. 
 
 XathaiiicI wa> IkH'ii in ITiii'. and spent his youth with his 
 father. w]i(>\\ a> an upulcnt fanner at Mastic, in Brookhaven, 
 and hi> oducatiou was ^uch as was calculated to tit him for 
 the duties of active life. 
 
 He was (Midoweil \)\ nature witli a strong discriminating 
 mind, aiul a -ouml jiidLiiiieiit, w liieli ^ooii attracted the notice 
 of his fellow citizen.-, ami pointed him out as peculiarly 
 qualified for ])ul)lic usefulness. 
 
 His iirst public employment was in a military capacity, 
 in the wai' between Creat Britain and Fi'ance, which com- 
 menced in 1 7ri4. and terminated in 1700. 
 
 It is not known tliat Mr. Woodliull entered the army be- 
 fore 17^»S. rreviou>ly to tliat yeai'. tlie war had l)een con- 
 ducted without much >\Meni oi- \ igoi', and the French had 
 the superiority in every canipaign. 
 
 The defeat of Braddock in 1755 — the acqiiisition of Os- 
 wego in 1750, and of Fort William Henry in 1757, gave 
 the'm the command of Lake Champlain, the western lakes, 
 
124 
 
 and of the whole cuuiiti-y hetwecii Canada and Lonit^iaiia, 
 west of tlie Allciihiiii V iiiuiiutaiiis. Tliis secured to tlieiii 
 the aseeiidancj o\i'i- tlu' Indian ti-il)es, and they threatened 
 to confine the colonies to very narrow limits, or to wrest 
 tliein from Great Britain. 
 
 In 1758, nnder the achninistration of William Pitt, it w^as 
 determined to make more vii;orous efforts to limit or reduce 
 the French i)0wer in America. 
 
 For this purpose, a large body of regular troops, witli well 
 appointed officers, and a powerful fleet, were sent iVnm I-^ng- 
 land. iiinl tlic niii'thern eolitnii's wore called on to I'ai^e their 
 resjH'cti\r ]irii]Mii'tiiiiis uf I'd. oui I men. to aid the rcii'ular 
 forces in their operations a-i'aln>t tlic l^'rcncli. ()ftlii> num- 
 ber 26)50 were allotted to ^'cw A'ork. ihirin:^- tlic \car IT.'.S- 
 59 and 60, of which 657 were a-l-ncd to Lon--l>hin(l ;!()0 
 to Queens, 289 to Suffolk, and 08 to Kings. Tlie colony 
 had only furnished 800 in 1755, 1350 in 1756, and 1<)(mi in 
 1757. 
 
 During the year 1758, Louisburgh w^as taken by (xeneral 
 Amherst, aided by the fleet under admiral Boscawen. Fort 
 Ihi (Jnc-nc wa~ taken by(;eneral I'^orhes. and its luinie 
 chaiiLi-ed to [''(.I't I'itr. (.oiiei'al A 1 lei'ci'oi n 1 lie was j-ej m Ised 
 in ]ii> ell'oi-t~ a-ain>t I'iconderoga, the Sth of July; but Fort 
 Fronteiiae \va> snb~ei piently reduced by a detachment from 
 his ai'iny tlie •JTtli of August, under the command of Colo- 
 nel r.ra'.l-tivot. 
 
 "J'hi (h i.ii liinent consisted of 3000 men, chiefly provincial 
 troops, and I 1 of tlicm of the IN'ew-York levies. 
 
 In IT-^'.*. (Teiicral Amherst succeeded General Abercrom- 
 bie a> conuuanih'f-iiechiet. and the conquest of Canada was 
 resolved on. The plan of the canqiaigu was to make the 
 attack atthe same time l>y the upper lakes. Lake Cham])lain, 
 and by the St. Law i-encc. 
 
 During thi~ -cii-oii. .\i:i--;;i-a was taken hy a detachment 
 under General Tri. Iran \, w lio \va> kibe<l iiy a ca>nalty. and 
 was succeeded by Sii' William Johnson, wiio coiupletcd the 
 conquest the 25th of .Inly. Tirondcroga and Crown Point 
 were taken by the troop- nnder (u-iiei-al A mhci-st. .1 une 23, 
 and (Quebec was surrenilcred. Septeiidiei- f"^, to the army 
 connnanded by Gen. Wolt'e. w ho tell in the attack. 
 
 In 1700, the plan adopted the pi-eceding year w as vigor- 
 ously prosecuted. The French foi'ce~ wei-e eom entrated at 
 Montreal, and the three detachments of the ai-niy by way 
 of Ontario, Champlaiii, and up the St. Lawrence, untler the 
 
125 
 
 command of Generals Amherst, Haviland and Murray, re- 
 spectively arrived before Montreal within 48 hours of each 
 other. 
 
 . The united forces were so formidable, that M. De Yau- 
 dreul, the Governor-general, deemed it improvident to risk 
 an action, or to sustain a siege ; and on tlie 8tli of Septem- 
 ber, 1760, he surrendered the whole province of Canada and 
 its dependencies, to the united regular and provincial forces, 
 under General Amherst, which was coniirmed to Great 
 Britain by the treaty of Paris, February 10th, 1763. 
 
 In 1758, Mr. Woodhull was a major in one of the Ncav- 
 York battalions. He was with the troops under General 
 Abercrombie at Ticonderoga, the 8th of July, and he ac- 
 companied Col. Bradstreet in the expedition, wliich he con- 
 ducted against fort Frontenac, and assisted in the reduction 
 of that fortress, the 27th of August ensuing. The army 
 left Schenectady the 28th of July tor the Oneida carrying 
 place. On their route on the night of the 5th of August, 
 150 of the Jersey troops deserted from the encampment, 
 near the German Flats. Major Woodhull was despatched 
 on the morning of the 6th with a detachment of 300 of the 
 New- York troops in pursuit of them, and overtook and re- 
 turned with them on the night of the 7th. This expedition, 
 both in respect to the splendor of the achievement and its 
 beneficial effects in weakening the influence of the French 
 witli tbe Indians, in interrupting their intercourse with their 
 iip[>cr forts, and in lessening their ability to furnish them 
 with military supplies as well as in diverting the course of 
 the fur trade, was one of the most important events that 
 occurred during the whole war. It contributed, in a great 
 measure, to efface the disgrace which the army had just sus- 
 tained by their repulse at Ticonderoga. In this expedition 
 the venerable Col. Marinus "Willet, who was a lieutenant 
 and one of the party, states, that the conduct of Major 
 "Woodhull was that of " a first rate ofiieer."'^' 
 
 * The expedition under Col. Bradstreet consisted of tlie following troops : Regulars, 135— 
 royal artillery, 30— New-York provincials, 1112— Massachusetts do. 675 — New-Jersey do. 412 — 
 Rhode-Island do. 318— batteau men, 300, and about 60 rangers— in all 3035. The regulars were 
 commanded by Capt. Ogilvie, and the artillery by Lieutenant Brown. 
 
 The New-York troOps consisted of two detachments, The first commanded by Lieut. Colonel 
 Charles Clinton, of Ulster, amounting in the whole to 440, under Capts. Jonathan Ogden, of 
 Westchester, Peter Dubois, of New- York, Samuel Bladgley, of Dutchess, and Daniel Wriglit, 
 of Queens. The second was commanded by Lieut. Col. Isaac Corse, of Queens, and Major 
 Nathaniel Woodhull, of Suffolk, amounting to 668, under captains Elias Hand, of Suffolk, 
 Richard Hewlett, of Queens, Thomas Arrowsmith, of Richmond, William Humphrey, of Dutch- 
 ess, Ebenezer Seely, of Ulster, and Peter Yates and Goosen Van Schaiek, of Albani-. 
 
 The troops left fort Stanwi.t, August 14th, IToS, and the fort capitulated the '27th, by which 
 the garrison, artillery stores, and two schooners, fell into the hands of the victors. The com- 
 mander of the fort was e.xchanged for CoL Peter Schuyler, who had been taken the year before, 
 
126 
 
 In 1750, two battiilioiirt of the New- York troops accom- 
 paiiied (ieiieral Prideaiix to Niagara; and one went witli 
 (ion. Amherst to Ticon(k'roii-a ; and, it is suppo-^cd, tliat 
 Major AVoodhull was made a lieutenant coh)n('l, and accom- 
 panied the troops who went on one or other of tliese ex- 
 peditions. 
 
 In ^^areh, 1760. lie was ])romoted to the rank of colonel, 
 and commanded tlie third reii'iment of Xew-York troops in 
 the expedition against Camuhi. 
 
 After the conqnest of (^anada, lie was dischari>'ed witli 
 the provincial tiMops. and returned to the dntie- and eni- 
 ])l()_vments ol' a pi'i\ ate <-iri/.en. with the I'epntal Ion of having- 
 discluirgcd the duties of hi> niilitarv >tatit.>n- with honor and 
 ability .' 
 
 Soon after this period, the <i;ovei'nmont of (4reat T>ritain, 
 not >ati-He.l with ha\ ill-- the c'-ontrol of the ti-afle .,f the <'olo- 
 nies, (Ml K-fi \ e( 1 1 1 h ■ pi'wji M-t (if I'ai^iiii;- a |-e \ en m ■ frm 1 1 i heni, 
 by the inipo-iiiiiii i.l dntie- on theii- iniporl-, to he re-ailated, 
 as to their extent and amount, solely by the discretion of the 
 Britl,-li I'ai'lianu'ut. 
 
 A doctrine -o ho>tile to the principles of the P.ritish con- 
 stitution. :i> well a> to the fi-eedoiu ami >eciirity of the colo- 
 nies, create<l a i^-eiieral excitement, and rou>ed a s]>irit of 
 resistance throughout the colonies. 
 
 December :.'>tli. IT*!'^, the a»end)ly of New-York adopted 
 a number of >piriteil re-olfition- ; and anioiii;' othi.'r thiiiLi's, 
 they in ^nli-tam-e. I'ooh oil uiianiinou-!\ that the people of 
 the colonio enjo\ed iho >;(nie i-iuht- a- the piMiple o]' K)\jf- 
 land in not bein-' hahle to ho ta\e(| Imt 1,\ their own re|ire- 
 sentatives; that tlie rl-ht- :ind pri \ ilo-v- of the le-i-lat ures 
 coidd not be ahriil-cil, -upei.-ei ioi h alu-.i-ated. or annulled; 
 and that they had a la-ht to con-idt w ith the other colonies, 
 in nuittcrs wherein their lihertio mii;-ht be atfected. In 
 consequence of Avhich. the -(.senior, Sir Henry Moore, on 
 the 2d of January, di-^'dsed them. 
 
 The people of Suifolk connty. from their iir-t M^ttleineiit, 
 had held that there could he wn taxation A\illioiit rcpre-ent- 
 ation ; and, in ItiTti, had refu>e(i to ]>i\y a lax inipo-ed on 
 them by Governor Lovelace, before they were permitted to 
 
 and fii 1 1 !■ ' ' li' ' 1-;, trt avail itself of tli(; ■ ; , i . n, . , ■ i ' ; , , ■ t . (luring the two 
 ensuii 
 
 C'>1 ' 'iiiL'iii^Iied tiiiii-' I' Mlth a pact of 
 
 Iiis ti" ! I .-i-cct a battt-i.\' in i . .1 ihe unemy's 
 fire, Ill 1 111 iiiiii iiiiij; coiniiiauded tlit-ic Im 1 uj l h .1 1 . m ihhim- li r . -m 1 1 iidur. 
 
 The Col. luccived a slight wound, but nut so severe as to uiiht Idiu for duty. The detaoh- 
 meot returned to fort Stanwix the Wlh of September. 
 
127 
 
 have an assembly, and their descendants were now deter- 
 mined to withstand a simiUw violation of their riglits by the 
 British Parliament. 
 
 The bi-avery, prudence, and patriotism of Col. Woodhull, 
 had procured him the confidence and esteem of his fellow 
 citizens. They now deemed his qualifications peculiarly 
 fitted for the crisis, and manifested their confidence by elect- 
 ing him one of their representatives to the new assembly, 
 that was summoned in the spring of 1769. 
 
 March 1st, 1769. — The people of Suffolk adopted certain 
 instructions for William Nicoll, esq., and Colonel Nathaniel 
 Woodhull, their members to the new assembly ; and, among 
 other things, expi'ess their confidence that they would exert 
 their abilities " to preserve their freedom and the command 
 over their own purses." 
 
 Col. Woodhull continued a member of the assembly for 
 the county of Suffolk, utitil the dissolution of the colony 
 government in 1775 ; and the firmness and patriotism he 
 displayed during that turbulent period, endeared him to the 
 friends of freedom, and he received the cordial approbation 
 of liis constituents. 
 
 The people of Suffolk, April 6th, 1775, appointed him 
 one of the delegates for that county, to the convention 
 which met in the city of New- York the 20th of tliat month, 
 to choose delegates to meet the delegates of the other colo- 
 nies, at Philadelphia, the 10th of May then ensuing, in order 
 to concert measures for the restoration of harmony between 
 Great Britain and the colonies. 
 
 In May, 1775, he was chosen one of the delegates of the 
 said county to the provincial Congress, which first met at 
 New- York, the 22d of the same month, to co-operate with 
 the continental congress, in such measures as they should 
 devise for the public good. 
 
 August 22d, 1775. — The provincial congress re-organized 
 the militia of the colony, and soon after appointed Col. 
 Woodhull brigadier-general of the brigade composed of the 
 militia of Suffolk and Queens ; and at the same time ap- 
 pointed Capt. Jonathan Lawrence one of the delegates from 
 Queens to the provincial congress, his major of Brigade. 
 
 Col. Woodhull was also proposed for the office of briga- 
 dier general in the continental service, June 9th, 1776, wlien 
 Gen. Scott was elected to that station, and received the 
 support of the members who were acquainted with his 
 merits. 
 
 38 
 
128 
 
 Aufjiist 2Stli, 1775. — Goiioral AYoodlinll was elected pre- 
 >i(lc'iit of tlie J*i-o\ iiicial (.\>wj:vv>^, and coiitiiiued to preside 
 in that IkkIv until the Mth (.f Aupist, 177<). 
 
 July 9th, 1770. — The Provincial Congress met at the 
 AVhite Phiins, and on tlie first day of their ineetin_2:, ratified 
 on the I'ai-t of tlie peoj^le of this state, the dcchiration of 
 Indc'|HMiil('iirc which had heen adopted l)y the ('.mtiiicntal 
 Congrt'ss on the 4th Inst., and iniinrdiat cly a>>unicd the 
 stj'le of " the comTiitioii of the [ic(i|ilc of tliu state of Xew- 
 1l ork ;" and set almut framliiL;- a ^tnt(■ (■(in>1 it ut ion. which, 
 in consequence (tf tliL' intenaii it ii of tlic w ar. and the pub- 
 lic (hiti(;s of the niendjcrs, wa> ii'>\ i-i-iiiplcfcil till April, 1777. 
 
 In the spring of 177(5, it wa> a|i|ii'ch('iidtMl that the l)i'it- 
 ish would shortly attempt tlu' in\a>ion of New-York, and 
 preparations were made to n|Ml them. 
 
 July 20th, 1776.— The CMnsriitiuii ,,n],>red one fourth of 
 the m'ilitia of Long-I>laii.| Im l.c di'aficl, aii.l to ready f>r 
 immediate service. Tlic-e aim uniteil to eight or nine hund- 
 red men, and were MrLiaiii/.ed into two regiments, under Col- 
 onel Josiah Smith t<i' Suti'dlk, and Colonel Jeromus liemsen, 
 of (Queens. 
 
 These troops marched to Brooklyn early in Augn.-t, and 
 were placed under the continental officer who comTiianded 
 tliere. 
 
 July 29th, the convention met atHarljem, to which jJace 
 they had liefoi'e adjuuriied. 
 
 Augii>t lotli - (reiieral Woodhidl ohtained leave of ab- 
 sence in order, it would seem, to visit liis family and arrange 
 lus domestic affairs, probably imdei- a'l iiiipressiou that liis 
 services would shortly be reijiiireij in the field. 
 
 Augu>t L'l'd. — The convention were informed tliat the 
 P>ritisli ti'(in|i~ were landing, and that they were su+fering 
 for provisions, and they deemed it of great importance to 
 prevent their obtaining sup])lies. 
 
 August 21.- — The convention ordered out tlie militia of 
 Queen-, the two troops .if lior>e. of King- and ( Jin'en>. and 
 one lialfnf ilir \\(-|ei-n I'egiiiieiit uf Sntfolk. with ti\c days 
 provi^ioll^, under the command ot' (.eiiei'al W.i<i(llinll. wlio 
 was ordered to march into ■•tlie western ].ait> nt' (Jneeiis 
 county," and to " use all po--ilile diligence tu prevent the 
 stock and other provisions tVnni lallin-' into the hands of tlie 
 enemy, either by removing <ii' de-irMX ing them." 
 
 The same day, the convent inn ]ia>-ed sev eral resolutions, 
 prescribing, in detail, the mode in which they wished their 
 
129 
 
 orders executed. They also sent William Smith and Samnel 
 Townsend, esq'rs. two of their members, to General Wash- 
 ington, witli a copy of their resolutions, who were instruct- 
 ed to state to him, that the convention were of opinion that 
 it would be " extremely difficult, if not impracticable, to 
 effect the objects of their resolutions, without an additional 
 force, and to submit to his* Excellency's consideration the 
 propriety of ordering Col. Smith's and Col. Eemsen's regi- 
 ments to join the troops under General Woodhull." 
 
 Sunday, August 25th. — General Woodhull wrote to the 
 convention, and from their answer, it would seem, stated 
 what woukl be necessary to keep the troops togetlier, and 
 to enable him to execute their orders. 
 
 On the 26th, Messrs. Smith and Townseiid reported that 
 they liad waited on General Washington — that to tlieir re- 
 quest respecting Smith and Eemsen's regiments, he replied 
 
 that he was afraid it was too late," but that he would im- 
 mediately give orders for those two regiments to marcli 
 into (Queens county to join General Woodhull. 
 
 On tlie same day. the convention wrote to General Wood- 
 hulh and informed him that they had applied to General 
 Washington to send Smith and Eemsen's regiments to join 
 him, t(» which lie had assented, and that they expected that 
 they were by that time on the ground. On the same day, 
 tliey also sent him the resolutions which they liad adopted 
 on the 24tli, with instructions, which seem not to have reach- 
 ed him till the next morning. 
 
 On the morning of the 27th, General Woodliull wrote to the 
 convention from iTaraaica. He acknowledged the receipt of 
 their resolutions, and stated that he had removed all the cat- 
 tle west and south of the hills — that he did not believe that 
 Smith and Eemsen would be able to join him with their regi- 
 ments, and that unless they could send him some other assis- 
 tance, he apprehended that he should soon be obliged to quit 
 that part of the country. 
 
 In the afternoon of the same day the General again wrote 
 by express, and stated that about 100 men of the western 
 regiment of SiilFolk had arrived the day before ; that about 
 40 of the militia of Queens county had joined him, Mdiich 
 with about 50 of the two companies of horse, of Kings and 
 Queens, composed his whole force, and were nearly all that 
 he expected — that he was within six miles of the enemy's 
 camp — that their horse had been within two miles of him, and 
 that without more men, his stay could answer no purpose. 
 
130 
 
 Tlie General, at the same time sent .Tonatliun Lawrence, 
 eM[., his brigade major, to tlie convention, to enforce liis 
 icj)resentations. 
 
 lie tliat day removed the cattle from Xevvtown, and sta- 
 tioned his troops that night about two miles east of Jamaica, 
 where he himself remained. 
 
 The convention unfortunately never met on tlic '^Ttli, and 
 business was transacted by tlie connnittee of safety, whicli 
 was probably the icii-i'ii wliy the cxin-t'ss, vvlio returned on 
 the morning of tlic Ll^ih. Iumh-IiI ik. tiling but a copy of the 
 communications of t lie li. \\ liich Imd been befoi-c I'ccci vetl. 
 
 On the same inuniin- ofilic I'^lh, (iciu-i-al \V llnill 
 
 wrote his last letter to the con \ i'iit ion, in w hlcli he oun- 
 plaiued of their inattention to his situation — that in the let- 
 ter received by his express, they had only reiu ;itc(l what 
 they had before coniminiicateil, witlioiit answering lii> hit- 
 ters, or the message by hi- bi-igude major, lie >tate(l that 
 he had collected and >cnt oif about I |no cattle witli u-nards 
 to the eastward ; and liad ordered the inliiibitaiir- that, in 
 case he should not receive a reinforcement, to i-eniii\e the 
 remainder — that his troops were reduced to le^s than 
 men, and were daily diminishing, and that both men and 
 horses were worn down by fatigue. 
 
 On the morning of the 2yth, the convention sent Major 
 Lawrence to (lieneral Washington with a letter, enclosing 
 (General Woodhuirs letter of the pi'eceding evening, and 
 stated it to be their o])inion that the >tiick on the I-land 
 might be saved from the enemy by the aid of Smith and 
 Kemsen's regiments, and that it was practicable to send 
 them there. 
 
 On the receipt of General \\' llmllV letter of tliat morn- 
 ing, tlie c. .n \eiition appointed .li.lin Sid-- llobart and rlames 
 Town.-eiid, cMj'rs., two of their membeiv, to repair to (iene- 
 ral WoodhuU to aid him with their counsel. They, however, 
 unhappily, never reached him. 
 
 The convention also sent David (^elston, es([.. another of 
 their member-, to the governi.ir of ( 'onnei-ticut. to >olicit him 
 to send over liiOO of the militia of that state to aid the mili- 
 tia on Long-Island. 
 
 Under tlie ini])ression that Smith and Kemsen's regi- 
 ments would be sent to reinforce General Woodliull, the 
 convention sent Mr. Van Wyck, a niemlx i' lium (Jueens 
 county, to Flushing, to make arrangement> tor their trans- 
 jtortation. 
 
131 
 
 At 5 o'clock in the afternoon of the 28th, Major Lawrence 
 returned with a letter from General Washington to the con- 
 vention, in which he informed them that his situation was 
 such that Smith and Remsen's regiments could not be 
 spared. 
 
 The convention immediately appointed Samuel Towns- 
 end, esq., another memher from Queens, to convey the in- 
 telligence to General Woodhull, then too late to be of any 
 service to him. 
 
 Tlie same evening the convention resolved to adjourn, to 
 meet at Fishkill the ensuing Monday, the 2d of September, 
 which was suspended by notice of a motion to I'e-consider 
 the vote, which, on the morning of the 29th, was put, and 
 lost, and they adjourned agreeable to tlie resolution of the 
 preceding evening. 
 
 At this critical moment, tlio situation of General Wood- 
 hull was peculiarly eniliai-ni—iiig. If he had not received 
 encouragement that he >liould be relieved, the smallness of 
 his force would have justified an immediate retreat. 
 
 Every communication from the convention, from whom 
 he received his orders, iniported it to be their wish that he 
 should retain his station in the western part of Queens 
 county, and encouraged him to expect a reinforcement. 
 The omission of any intelligence to the contrary, with the 
 delay of the return of his brigade major, who was detained 
 by the convention, was calculated to strengthen that expect- 
 ation. 
 
 To have retreated under these circumstances would have 
 been a violation of military rules, and in case of reliefs being- 
 sent, would have been deemed highly dishonorable. 
 
 In this emergency the General had no counsel but his own 
 huncirable feelings to consult, and he adopted the course 
 which they dictated. He resolved not to make a linal re- 
 treat until he heard from the convention. 
 
 On the morning of the 28th, the General ordered his 
 troops to fall back, and take a station about four miles east 
 of Jamaica, and there to remain till further orders. 
 
 The General remained at Jamaica till afternoon, in mo- 
 mentary expectation of a message from the convention. 
 He then retired slowly with oidy one or two companions, 
 still indulging the hope of intelligence from the convention, 
 until he fe'll a sacrifice to his reliance on their vigilance and 
 his own high sense of military honor, which forbid his aban- 
 doning the station assigned him, however perilous, before 
 
132 
 
 lie was assured that relief was hopeless, or he had orders to 
 that effect. 
 
 A severe thunder sliower, as is supposed, obliged liim to 
 take refuge in a puhlic house about two miles east of Ja- 
 maica, and lu'tuie he left it, he was overtaken by a detach- 
 ment of tlic 17th regiment of British dragoons, and tlie 71st 
 regiment Ih-itisli iiitaiitry, accompanied by some of the dis- 
 atiected iidiabitants as ])ilots. 
 
 The General immediately gave up his sword in token of 
 his surrender. Tlie ruffian who first approached him, (said 
 to be a Major Baird, of the 71-t.i a- is i-ciMirtcd, ordered 
 him to say, "God save tlif Kin- ;"" the (.ciici-al I'ciilicd, 
 "God save us all," on whicli iic m.i-t (-(.wai'illy and ciaiclly 
 assailed the defenceless General \\ \\\\ hi- l)rci;iil -wcinl. and 
 would have killed him upon the >iMit. it' lir had imt Itcen 
 prevented by the intci-fciciico of an officer of mure honor 
 and humanity, (said {<< Ik- Maj.ir Delancey of the dragoons,) 
 wlio arrested his savage v iMlcncc. 
 
 Tlie General was hadl v wdunded in the head, and one of 
 his arms was mangled fimii 1 lie shoulder to the wrist. He 
 was then taken to Jamaica, w In rr his wounds were di-cssi>d, 
 and with other prisoners, wa> cuiitiiicd in the ^tmic (dnireh 
 there, till some time the next day. He was then con\eyed 
 to Gravesend, and with about eighty other prisoners, (of 
 which nund)er Col. Bobert Troup, of New- York, was one,) 
 was ciintiiM d in a \\liich had been employed to trans- 
 
 port -i.m I, Imi' tlic ii-c (if the army, and was without ac- 
 eomnio(iati(in> lur hralth nv comfort. 
 
 The General wa- iflca>iMl W-mn the vessel, on the remon- 
 strance of an othcer w lio bail more humanity than his supe- 
 riors, and was removed to an house near the church in New- 
 Utrecht, where he was permitted to receive some attendance 
 and medical assistance. 
 
 A cut in tip j.iint nt' the elbow rendered an amputation 
 of the arm ni i ('--ary. As soon as this was resolved on, the 
 General sent for his wife, with a rc([ne>t that >lic \\nuld 
 bring with her all the money that she liad in liei- |".--e--iiin, 
 and all that she could ]>i'ocure, \vln(di \\a> cnmiiliiMl with, 
 and he hail it di-ti-ilmted anmng the Aniei-ieaii i-ri-unei-s, to 
 alleviate their :-uffi'ring-. tlni> funii-liing a le--(in nf huniaii- 
 ity to his enemies, and ch i-ing a n>et'ul lite \>y an act of charity. 
 
 He then suffered the aminitatidii. w hich mkmi i->ue(l in a 
 mortification, which terminated his life Septcndjer the 2<lth, 
 177f', in the o4th year of his age. 
 
133 
 
 The General left only one cliild, who is now living on her 
 paternal estate at Mastic, in Brookhaven, and is the widow 
 of the late General John Smith, deceased. 
 
 It is said that one of the battalions that was employed in 
 this inglorious warfare against an unresisting individual, or 
 some other one, was commanded by a Major Crew, a distant 
 kinsman of the General, and that when he came to be ap- 
 prized of that fact, and of the circumstances of the case, he 
 was so disgusted that he either resigned his commission and 
 quit the service, or obtained permission to leave the army 
 and returned to England. Tlie whole of the transactions of 
 that period, bear the marks of inexperience and improvi- 
 dence, of precipitation and alarm. 
 
 The talents of General Woodhull were adapted to a mili- 
 tary station. With personal courage, he possessed judg- 
 ment, decision, and Knuiiess of cliaracter, tempered with 
 conciliating mainici's, wliicli cnimiiaiiiled the respect and 
 obedience of his tn)(i[>s, and at the same time, secured tlieir 
 confidence and esteem. 
 
 He had naore military experience than most of the early 
 officers of the revolutionary army, and no one in this state, 
 at that time, promised to make a better general officer. 
 
 The nature of the service in which the General was em- 
 ployed and the force placed under his command, were alike 
 unworthy of him. 
 
 The object of the expedition was to compel the enemy 
 to retire, or to weaken them and bring them to terms, by 
 preventing their obtaining the means of subsistence, either 
 by removing the supplies out of their reach, or by destroy- 
 ing them. 
 
 It was not intended that the troops under his command 
 should join the army, or engage any portion of the enemy, 
 except such as should be detached in pursuit of supplies ; 
 nor would his force, if it had all been collected, have been 
 adequate to more important exertions. The expedition was 
 more suitable for the command of a subordinate officer ; and 
 prudence would have dictated that the General should have 
 been reserved for a service in which his talents and experi- 
 ence were needed, and in which they could have been ex- 
 erted. 
 
 Before the 27th, while the American army held the enemy 
 in check, and prevented their detaching any considerable 
 force from their main body, there was some ground for the 
 convention to believe that a reinforcement of Smith and 
 
134 
 
 lioinsieii's roiriiiients -would euaMe General Woodluill to 
 effect the olijec-ts of tlie expedition, and tlie want of infor- 
 mation that tlie clianjies in the army before that time i)re- 
 vented those regiments being sent to reinforce General 
 "VVoodhull, agreeable to the encouragement which they had 
 received from the commander-in-chief, authorized them to 
 re(jnire him to keep his station. After that day the scene 
 was changed. The fatal neglect to guaid tlie left wing of 
 the American army in the aclinii ut tlic I'Ttli. furnished an 
 inroad for the enemy, by wliidi they intciTcptiMl and sur- 
 prised the troops engaged with their cent re and left wing — 
 surnnmded the American eiicanipnient cut otf all connnu- 
 nication with (ienei-al W'nodhnll, and were at liherty to send 
 what force they ]ilea>ed again>t liini. 
 
 The General, in hi< lettei-> of that date, intimated his be- 
 lief that the relief tliey -nu^ht had become im])ractical)le, 
 and evidentls indicate'd a w i>h foi' onlers to retire. .\ dis- 
 regard of Id.- >ugge~tiMii~ liv the convention, cau>e(l the de- 
 lay which resulteij in Id- capture. 
 
 If the aid of Smith and Remsen's regiments conld have 
 been obtained, it would liave been unavailing. It was in 
 vain to expect that louii militia could withstand a force be- 
 fore wdiich the American army had retired, and it was idle 
 to make further ettbrts to procure the reinforcement. 
 
 The change effected in the relations of the two armies by 
 the action of the I'Tth, iiuloed defeated the object of the ex- 
 pedition, and rendered tlie furtli(>r prosecution of it useless 
 and impracticable, and the convention owed it to themselves 
 as well as to General AVoodhuU to issue immediate orders 
 for him to retire. 
 
 The omission of the convention also to t'stablish a regu- 
 lar and constant correspondence with the (General, kept 
 him in ignorance of the oper.itions of the two arnnes, as 
 well as of their own mea-uiv-. ami |ire\-eiited his taking 
 those precautions for hi> u\\\i >al'et\ wldcdi his situation re- 
 quired. 
 
 The capture of General "Woodhull was one of the most 
 calamitous events of that disastrous period. It deprived 
 the country of the talents, the experience and counsels of 
 one of the ablest and most ]iatriotic of her citi/.en>. 
 
 The cruel and da>tai'dly treatment of a pia-oiier. e>pe- 
 cially ofhisraid< and character, after a peacealile >ui'|-ender, 
 roused a spirit of iiidiguatiou in the lireast of every honest 
 ami disinterested man. 
 
135 
 
 It contributed to alienate the affections of the people from 
 a country, whose officers were capable of snch unprincii)]c<l 
 barbarit}^, and to strengthen tlie determination of all ranks, 
 to adhere to the resolution then recently adopted by the 
 continental congress and the convention of this state, to 
 render the United States independent of her control. 
 
 General Woodhull was as much distinguished for his pri- 
 vate and domestic virtues as for liis zeal for the rights of Lis 
 country, and was held in tlie highest estimation by all those 
 who enjoyed his society, or had tlie pleasure of an intimate 
 acquaintance with him. 
 
 His death spread a gloom over Long-Island — was univer- 
 sally lameuted by the friends of freedom, to whom he was 
 known, as well as by all those to whom he was endeared by 
 social relations ; and while the American revolution con- 
 tinues to be a subject of gratitude with the people of Long- 
 Island, liis memory will be cherished among their fondest 
 recollections. 
 
 Correspondence hehveen General Woodh ull and the 
 Convention. 
 
 August 35th, 1776, General Woodhull wrote to the con- 
 vention. Tlie letter cannot be found, but the contents may 
 be inferred from the following answer : 
 
 August 26i!A, 1776. 
 
 Sir — Yours of yesterday is just come to hand, in answer 
 to which we would inform you that Robert Townsend, the 
 son of Samuel Townsend, esq., is appointed commissary for 
 the troops under your command, of which we hope you will 
 give him the earliest notice ; and that we have made appli- 
 cation to General Washington for the regiments under the 
 "command of Cols. Smith and Remsen, to join you. He as- 
 sured our committee that he would issue out orders imme- 
 diately for that purpose, and we expect that they are upon 
 the spot by this time. 
 
 Confiding in your known prudence and zeal in the com- 
 mon cause, and wishing you tlie protection and blessing of 
 heaven, 
 
 We are, with respect, 
 
 Your very humble servants. 
 
 By order, &c. ABRAHAM YATES, Jun. 
 
 To Gen. ISTatiianiel Woodhull. 
 
 40 
 
136 
 
 Jaraaica, August '2.1th, ITT^). 
 
 (lOiitlemcn — I am now at Jamaica with le?s tlian 10(I men, 
 liaviiiij; brouiilit all tlie cattle trom the westward and south- 
 ward of the^iills, and have sent them ntl' with the troops ot 
 horse, with orders to take all the rest ea^tw;ii'd of this place, 
 to the eastward of lleni)istead Tlains, to put them into fields 
 and to set a guard over them. 
 
 The enemy, 1 am informed, are entrenching southward, 
 and from the heights near Howard's. 
 
 I have now received yours, with several resolutions, which 
 I wish it was in my power to ])Ut in execution ; l)ut uidess 
 Cols. Smith and Ivemsen, mentioned in youi-s, jdin me with 
 their regiments, or some other assistance immediately, I 
 shall net lie ahlc. for the i)e«)p]e are all moving east, and I 
 canntit get any assistance from them. I shall continue here 
 as long as I can, in hopes of a reinforcement; but if none 
 comes soon, I shall retreat and drive the stock before me 
 into the woods. 
 
 Coh. Smitli and Eemsen, I think, cannot join me. Vn- 
 less you can >end me some other assistance, I fear I shall 
 soon be obliged to quit this place. I hope soon to hear from 
 yuu. 
 
 I am, gentlemen, your most humble serv't., 
 
 NATHANIEL WOODHULL. 
 To the Hon. Convention of) 
 the State of New- York. \ 
 
 Westward of Queens County^ August 'ilth, 1770. 
 Gentlemen — Inclosed I send you a letter from Col. Pot- 
 ter, who left me yesterday at 11 o'clock, after bringing about 
 liMi men to me at .lainaica. ^lajor Smith, I expect, has all 
 the rest that were to come tV(im Snttblk county. There 
 have about 4n of tlic militia joiiic(l me from the regiments 
 in Quccii- county, and about .">(» of the troops belonging to 
 Kings and (^)ueeus couutic>. ^\•ln(•l: i> iUMi-ly all I expect. I 
 have got all the cattle soutli w ai-d oi' the hills in Kings 
 County, to the eastward of tlie cross-road between the two 
 counties, and have placed guards and sentinels from the 
 north road to the south side of the Island, in order to pre- 
 vent the cattle"-, going back, and to prevent the (Mimmuiiica- 
 tioii of the I'oi'ie- w ith the enemy. I am witliiu about six 
 miles of the eiieniy's camp; their light horse have been 
 within about two miles, and unless I have more men, our 
 
137 
 
 stay here will answer no purpose. We shall soon want to 
 be supplied with provisions, if we tarry here. 
 
 I am, gentlemen, vour most ob'dt. humble serv't., 
 NATHANIEL WOODIIULL. 
 The Hon. Convention of New- ) 
 York, at Harla'm. ( 
 
 Jamaica, August 2St/i, 1776. 
 Gentlemen — I wrote two letters to you yesterday, one 
 I'V express and another by Mr. Harper, and also sent my 
 lirigade-major to you, to let you know my situation, and I 
 expected an answer to one of them last night, but my ex- 
 press informed me that he was detained till last night for an 
 answer. 
 
 I have now received yours of the 26th, which is only a 
 copy of the last, without a single word of answer to my let- 
 ter, or the message by my brigade-major. I must again let 
 you know my situation. I have about 70 men and about 
 20 of the troop, which is all the force I have or can expect, 
 and I am daily <;-i-owing less in number. The people are so 
 alarmed in Sutiolk, that they will not any more of them 
 march ; and as to Cols. Smith and Remsen, they cannot join 
 me, for the communication is cut otf between us. I have 
 M'lit about lltiO cattle to tlie great tields on the plains, yes- 
 terday. About 300 more have gone off this morning to the 
 Mime i)lace, and I have ordered a guard of an othcer and 
 >even privates. They can get no water in those tields. My 
 men and horses are worn out with fatigue. The cattle are 
 not all gone otf towards Hempstead. I ordered them off 
 yesterday ; but they were not able to take them along. I 
 yesterday brought about 300 from Newtown. I think the 
 cattle are in as much danger on the north side as on the 
 south side ; and have ordered the inhabitants to remove 
 them, if you cannot send me an immediate reinforcement. 
 I am, A:c., 
 
 NATHANIEL WOODHULL. 
 The Hon. Convention of ( 
 New- York. f 
 
 Correspondence hetvoeen theCUru renthm and (icn. ^Vils]) ho/fon. 
 
 Wednesdaij mnrnnnj, An,j. -1^1],. 1T7»;. 
 Sir-— I am commanded by the convention to enclo.-e to 
 your Excellency the copy of a letter they received last even- 
 
138 
 
 ins; from Gen. Woodlnill. The convention are of opinion 
 tliat the enemy muv he prevented tVuni ^ettino; tlie stock 
 and <>;rain on LoTiii--'Tsland, if tlie rciiiiiiciits under tlie com- 
 mand of Col. Smith and ( 'ul. IJcm-cri lie >f\it tu iuiii (tcii. 
 Woodhnll. Tliat tllI^ juiictiMii may 1m> ctfcctcd. 'and how. 
 Major Lawrence, who is a nicndici- of thi- iMnivt-ntitm and 
 tlie bearer hereof, will inform xonr IIxci IK ik y. 
 I have the honor to be, with iiicai i( -pcct, 
 Yonr Excellency's most dlMMliriit -rrvaiit. 
 
 By order, AUKAllA.M YATES. 
 His Excellency, (Tcn. WAsniNoroN. 
 
 LoiKj-lsl (111(1 . A<i<j. 2Sf7i. 1776. 
 Sir — I was jnst now honored witli yonr favoi- of tliis date, 
 with General Woodlmirs letter, and should estei'in myself 
 liappy, were it in my [lowei- to alfoi'd tlie as>istaiice I'eipured. 
 but the enemy haN iiiij; landed a considerable }iart of their 
 force here, and at the same time may have re>er\ ed some 
 to attack New- York, it is the opinion, not only of myr-elf. 
 but of all my "-eneral othcers I have had an opi)ortninty (jf 
 consnltiiiu' w ith, that the men we have are uot more than 
 competent to the defense of those lines, and the several posts 
 which must be defended. This reason, and this alone, pre- 
 vents my complying with your request. I shall beg leave 
 to mention, in confidence, that a few days ago. upon the 
 enemy's first landing here, I wrote to Governor Trumludl, 
 recommending him to throw over a body of 1000 men on the 
 Island to annoy the enemy in the rear, if the state of the 
 colony would admit of it. Whether it will be done I can- 
 not determine. That colony having funushed a large pro- 
 portion of men, I was, and >till am, doubtful whether it could 
 be done. If it could, 1 am satisfied it will, from the zeal 
 and readiness they have ever shown to give ever}' possible 
 succour. I am hopeful they will be in a condition to do it ; 
 and if they are, those troo])s, I doubt not, will be ready and 
 willing to gi\c (leiieral ^Voodhull any as>istance he may 
 want. But caiiiiot the militia effect what he wishes to do'^ 
 They, I believe, must be depended on hi the present instance 
 for relief. 
 
 I have tlie honor to be, in great haste, 
 
 Sir, your most obedieut servant, 
 
 GEOIUtE WASHINGTON. 
 The Hon. AiuiAiiAJi Yatks. 
 
139 
 
 Continuation of the correspondeneeljy the Committee of Safety 
 Khyfs Bridge, Aug. 30th, 1776. 
 
 Sir — ^In our way to Fislikill, agreeable to an adjournment 
 of the convention, we are informed tliat tlie army on Long- 
 Island is removed to the city of New-York ; and anxiety to 
 know the fact, as well as to be informed whether you think 
 any measures necessary for us to take, induces us to trouble 
 your Excellency at this time for an answer hereto. We 
 have ordered, last night, all the militia of the counties of 
 Ulster, Dutchess, Orange and Westchester, to be ready, on 
 a minute's warning, with five days' provisions. We shall 
 wait the return of our messenger at this place, and are, 
 Sir, your most obed't and very humble serv't. 
 
 By order, ABRAHAM YATES, Jr. 
 
 His Excellency, Gen. Washington. 
 
 Aagmt 30th, 1776. 
 Sir — Your favor of this date is just come to hand. Cir- 
 cumstanced as this army was, in respect to situation, strength. 
 Arc, it was the unanimous advice of a council of general 
 officers, to give up Long-Island, and not by dividing our 
 force, be unable to resist the enemy in any one point of at- 
 tack. This reason, added to some others, particularly the 
 fear of having our communication cut off from the main, of 
 which there seemed to be no small probability, and the ex- 
 treme fatigue our troops were laid under in guarding such 
 extensive lines without proper shelter from the weather, in- 
 duced the above resolution. 
 
 It is the most intricate thing in the world, sir, to know in 
 Avhat manner to conduct one's self with respect to the mili- 
 tia. If you do not begin many days before tliey are wanted 
 to raise them, you cannot have tlieni in time. If you do, 
 they get tired and return, besides being imder very little 
 order or government whilst in service. 
 
 However, if the enemy have a design of serving us at 
 this place, as we apprehend they meant to do on Long-Island, 
 it might not be improper to have a body in readiness, to 
 prevent or retard a landing of them east of Ilarltem river, 
 if need be. 
 
 In haste, and not a little fatigued, 
 
 I remain, with great respect and esteem. 
 
 Sir, your most obedient humble servant, 
 
 GEORGE WASIimGTOX. 
 The Hon. Abraham Yates, Esq. 
 
 41 
 
140 
 
 A List of the Field Officers and Captains of the New- York 
 Troops, employed in the French ^^ ar, in 1758, 59 and 60. 
 
 CHIEF COLONELS. 
 
 1 759. 1760. 
 Jolin Joliiisoii, none 
 
 COLONELS. 
 
 Bei'tliol. Le Roux, 
 
 1758. 
 Oliver Delancey, 
 
 Taylor Woolsey, 
 Beamsley Glacier, Michael Thody,f 
 
 Berthol. Le Bonx, 
 Isaac Corsa. 
 Kath. W(M,(lliull. 
 
 Cliarles Clinton, 
 Barthol. Le Rouse, 
 Isaac Corsa, 
 
 Xath.Woodluill. 
 Michael Thody, 
 George Brewerton, 
 
 Thomas Terry, 
 Ellas Hand, 
 Gilbert Potter,:}; 
 
 Richard Unlet, 
 Thomas Williams, 
 Daniel Wright, 
 
 Peter Stnyvesant, 
 
 LIEUT. COLONELS. 
 
 Isaac Corsa, 
 
 MAJORS. 
 
 Myndert Roseboom 
 
 CAPTAINS — Snfolk. 
 Gilbert Potter, 
 Banial)a> Tiithill, 
 Stephen Sayre, 
 
 Queens. 
 Daniel Wright, 
 Richard Hulet, 
 Ephriam Mors, 
 Jungs. 
 
 George Brewerton, 
 Myndert Roseboom, 
 GoosenVan Schaick. 
 
 ,.T(iIiii I'nulding, 
 -lushua lUoomer, 
 Wm. W. lloogan. 
 
 Israel Horton. 
 Jonathan Baker, 
 Jesse Piatt. 
 
 Daniel Wriglit. 
 Ephriam Mnr-. 
 Geor<; 
 
 Isaac Middao-h. 
 
 Richmond. 
 
 Thos. Arrowsmith, Thos. Arrowsmith, Anthony Waters. 
 
 Peter Dubois, Gcoi-c lii-cwcrton, Nathaniel Hubble, 
 John McEvers, Richard Smith, Abm. De Forest, 
 Francis Moore, Amandine Ellsworth, Barnabas Byrnes, 
 George Brewerton, Tobias Van Zant, Francis Thody. 
 
 * One Col., in 175S, and one Lieut. Col. and one Major, in 1759, are unknown. 
 
 t A number of these ofTicers. as well as the subalterns and privates, also served in the revo- 
 lutionary war, and thf linuu and f\iM-i icTn-.- they .icipiir'-d in the French war, was of con- 
 siderable service to lln- coiinlr^ , a Icu nl 1 1 1 1 1 1 | n nj.-i I 1 1 ■ llrili^h. 
 
 X Jacob Smith, a i.i' iIm i ■ ■ i ' . 
 company, receiv.-.l .i « - uimI m i a. i. 1 1 
 
 15th, of whom .Majci W II, nil. in 
 
 like a soldier and a christian— his lile ' 
 all hiii acquaintance. 
 
 . ^a a -)a!tia.,a II. a li.aiteiiant in Capt. Potter's 
 ii I a Mh I. ia,j I, .lull -III, 1T.^^, of wliich he died the 
 I' l la li;> latlirr, >a \ s. he had liuhaved himself both 
 much desired, anii his death is mucli lamented by 
 
141 
 
 Wedcheder. 
 1758. 1759. 1760. 
 
 Jolui Ver Plank, William Gilchrist, William Gilchrist, 
 Reuben Lockwood, James Holmes, Jonathan Haight, 
 Jonathan Ogden, Joshua Bloomer, Henry Bayens, 
 
 Jonathan Fowler, Jonathan Haight, 
 
 Dutchess. 
 
 John Pawling, John Pawling, Richard Rhea, 
 William Huniphrey Samuel Bladgley, Jacobus Swartwout, 
 Samuel Bladgley, Jacobns Swartwout, Peter Harris, 
 Joseph Crane, Richard Rhea, John Yan Ness. 
 Orange. 
 
 John P. Smith, James Howell, James Howell, 
 James Howell. ■ 
 
 Ulster. 
 
 Ebenezer Seely, James Clinton, James Clinton, 
 Steph. Nottingham, Corns. Van Beuren, Corns. Wyncoop. 
 AUmny. 
 
 Peter Yates, GoosenYan Schaick Stephen Schuyler, 
 
 Peter Conyne, Peter Conyne, Christopher Yates, 
 Lucas Yan Veghten, Philip Lansing, Peter Bain, 
 
 GoosenYan Schaick Hendrick Herkimer • 
 
 Guy Johnson. 
 
 A List of field Officers and CajMins of the Militia of 
 Long-Island, who were in service in 1776. 
 
 Captains Daniel Roe, John Hnlbert, 
 
 Daniel Griffin, John Davis. 
 
 These captains, with their companies, were stationed at 
 the east end of the Island, in the spring and summer of 1776, 
 under the command of Col. Henry B. Livingston. 
 
 Within the American lines at BrooMyn, August, 1776. 
 Col. Josiah Smith, Col. Jeromus Remsen, 
 
 Lieut. Col. John Sands, Lt. Col. Nicholas Covenhoven. 
 Major xlbraham Remsen, Major Richard Thorne. 
 Captains. 
 
 John Wickes, Benjamin Birdsall, 
 
 Nathaniel Piatt, David Laton, 
 
 Selah Strong, John W. Seaman, 
 
 Ezekiel Multbrd, Daniel Rapelye, 
 
 Paul Reeve, Andrew Onderdonk. 
 
142 
 
 O^cem ivho were %oith Gen.Woodhull, Aug. 2CM, 27///. 
 and 2Sth, 1776. 
 
 Major Jesse Brusli ; Capt. Alexander Ketcliam ; Lieut. 
 Com. Jonah Wood ; do. Stephen Abbott, of the Suffolk 
 troops. 
 
 Capt. Ephraim Bayles, of the troops from Queens. 
 
 Kings Count// troop of JTorse. 
 Capt. William Boerum, Lieut. Thomas Everit, Ensign 
 Isaac Sebring. 
 
 Qi/f'i'».s Cormty troop of Ilorxe. 
 Capt. Daniel Whitehead, Lieut. William Sacket. 
 
 Sketch of Col. William Smith. 
 
 Col. William Smith was boi-n at IS^ewton near Higham 
 Ferrei's, in N mim haiiiiitonshire, in England, February 2d, 
 1655. 
 
 It seems that in his youth he was destined for the active 
 scenes of life, and it is not probable that he received either 
 a classical or legal (Mlucatiim. He liowcvcr jiossessed a vigor- 
 ous mind, with a \ctvatility i>f gciiiii> capable of attaining 
 distinction in any cnipldyiiiciit tu wliicli it was ajiplied. 
 
 The family pmliably wcrr attaclicd tn the royal cause, as 
 he seems to have Keen in gi'cat tavui' with ( 'liai'lo II., which 
 was continued during tlic reigns ut' James II., William and 
 Mary, and Avhile he c(iTitiiiiic(l under queen Ann. 
 
 Ciiai'les II., in 1075, appointed him governor of Tangiers, 
 whicli ])lace, as well as Bombay, was given to him by the 
 king of Portugal, as a part of the marriage portion of his 
 wife, queen Catliarinc, tlic daugliter of that king; and he 
 probably at the same time gave him the commission of col- 
 onel, and the coniniaiid ot' the troops necessary to protect 
 an estahh-hiniMit on tliat ha rharoiis coast. 
 
 It \\ a^ intemh'd to make Tangiers a place of trade, and 
 to establisli a colony there. The project, however, did not 
 succeed; and in 1683 the place was al)aii(lone(l, and Col. 
 Smitli returned to England. 
 
 After hi> i-etiii'u,hc cnihai-ke(l in trade in London, ami 
 coiitinueil in l)n-iiie-> iinlil he left the country. 
 
 It would also seem that (Jol. Smith wa- t'oi' a ^]lol•t time 
 concerned in trade after his arrival in ihi- cMuiitiy. and 
 may have come over for that purpose, 'i heiv i> an entrv 
 of a note on the records of Brookhaven, bearing date April 
 
143 
 
 23, 1690, given by Col. Thomas Dongan, the late governor 
 of the province, to Col. Smith, for £99 3s., purporting to be 
 for goods, in which the colonel is styled a mercliant. 
 
 Col. Smith arrived with his family at New- York August 
 6th, 1686. He very early visited Brookhaven, and seems 
 to have taken a fancy to a valuable ' neck of land there, 
 called Little Neck, which was held in shares by various 
 proprietors, who were in some dispute about ' the pre- 
 mises. 
 
 Governor Dongan aided him in effecting the purchase, 
 lie wrote to the proprietors, and recomanended it to them 
 to sell out to Col. Smith, as the best mode of terminating 
 the controversy, to which a considerable proportion of them 
 agreed ; and on the 22d October, 1687, Col. Smith made his 
 first purchase in Brookhaven. 
 
 In 1689, it is supposed, he removed to Brookhaven with 
 his family, and took up his permanent residence there. 
 
 After iiis settlement at Brookhaven, Col. Smith made a 
 purchase of a large tract of country, extending from the 
 country road to the South Bay, and from the Fireplace 
 river to Mastic river, to which the town assented, and which 
 M'ith his former purchases was erected into a manor, by the 
 name of St. George's manor, by patent of Col. Fletcher in 
 1693; and subsequent to this he purchased all the lands 
 unpurchased, lying between his former purchase and the 
 bounds of Southampton, which were annexed to his manor 
 by another patent of Col. Fletcher in 1697, whose grants 
 to individuals were so extravagant, that several of them 
 were annulled by an act of the colony legislature, under the 
 s\;cceeding administration. 
 
 Governor Slaughter arrived at JSTew-Yoi'k, March 19th, 
 1691, and on the 25th he appointed Col. Smith one of the 
 members of the council ; he also appointed him one of the 
 commissioners of oyer and terminer, which tried and con- 
 victed Leisler and liis associates. 
 
 The >ii|iiTine court was est;ibli>lic(l by an act of the legis- 
 laturr, Afav <',tli, 1691; consi>tiii^- uf a chief justice, with a 
 salary of .iloU ; a second judgt\ with a salary of £100 ; and 
 three other judges, Avithout a salary. On the 15th, the 
 governor and council appointed Joseph Dudley chief justice, 
 Thomas Johnson the second judge, and Col. Smith, Stephen 
 Yan Cortland, and William rinliorne the other judges. 
 Col. Smith was at the same time ap[)ointed judge or dele- 
 gate of the prerogative court for the county of Suffolk. 
 
144 
 
 Col. Fletcher arrived and took upon liim the government, 
 Ani^ust 29tli, 1692. 
 
 November 11th, 1692, the seat of Joseph Dudley was 
 vacated for non-residen(;e, and Col. Smith was appointed 
 chief justice in his room. 
 
 June 8th, 1693, Col. Smitli was apiHiintcd to tln' cmnmand 
 of the militia of Suffolk chihIn. in placr ..f (',,1. ,I..hn 
 Youngs, who had long liehl that dtlicc. i.iit \vh(»c age ren- 
 dered him incompetent any longer to discharge the duties 
 required of him. 
 
 It is not known that Col. Smith took any ]iai-t in politics 
 under Leisler's administration; but he wa- one of tlie court 
 that convicted him, and was on that account olmoxious to 
 the party attached to Leisler. 
 
 April 2d, 1698, a new governor, the earl of Rellamont, 
 arrived, and entered upon iiili<'c. 1 Ic iiunHMliatcly joined the 
 friends of Leisler. an(l -I'cni- at miht to ha\c imbibed the 
 feelings and rescntln(■nI^ ot' the pai'ty, ami wa^ led by his 
 zeal to gratify his friends, whose can-c be bad c-iioii-cd, to 
 lend his official patronage to prostrate tla ir o|i|ioiu'nr>. by 
 removing them from all places of power and intlueiiee. 
 
 The majority of the council were ant id>ei>lerian> : and 
 his first efibrt was to cbange the }Militic-al complexion of 
 that body by removing such as were obnoxious to him, and 
 introducing Ids favourites in their room. Wm. Kicolls was 
 the fir~t victim to the -pii'it of party; and the ]ii'osei-iptiou 
 was eoMiiiMieil till hi- lordship had suspended moi'e than 
 half the mendiers of the lioard. 
 
 October 30th, 1700, the governor removed Col. Smitli 
 from the office of chief justice, and appointed Stephen \i\n 
 Cortland, tlie second judge, wlio beloiige(l to the same party 
 with Col. Snuth. chief ju-ticc in hi- room. 
 
 January Sth, 17<'l, his lord>hip int'oi'ined the council that 
 he had received information that \\'illi.am .Vtwood wa> a]>- 
 pointed or about to be ap])oiiite(l to the otlice of chief jus- 
 tice of tlie coloiix-: and nioNcd that the >alarv allowed to 
 thecliicf ju-iir,- -iiould he -u-pemlcd fi-om the -jrith of Decem- 
 ber ju'ecedin--. in oi-dci- that the >aine might be reserved 
 from that time |oi' the new chiet' ju>tice. 
 
 The wlioli' circum-tance.- of the ea>e. taken together, au- 
 thorize a su-pi. -ion t hat the appointment of Atwood in Eng- 
 land, to the olli,-,. of ,-liief jn-ticc. \va- eti'ccted by the in- 
 trigues of hi- lord-hill : that, at the time of the aiiiioiutnuMit 
 of \"an Cortland to the office, he was well apprized of the 
 
145 
 
 probability of the success of liis efforts ; tliat lie had the 
 same liostility to Mr. Yan Cortland as to Col. Smitli ; and 
 that he cunningly adopted the course which he pursued, as 
 the least exceptionable, to get rid of them both at the same 
 time. Col. Smith's loyal t)'' was so well known in England, 
 and his standing with the ministry was probably such, that 
 the governor durst not venture upon his removal from the 
 council. 
 
 The earl Bellamout died March 5th, 1701. The lieuten- 
 ant Governor, John Nanfan, was absent at Barbadoes at the 
 time, and Col. Smith became president in virtue of his being 
 the oldest member ot the council ; and he claimed the right 
 to exercise the power of commander-in-chief, as incident to^ 
 tliat station. This claim was opposed by the adherents of 
 Leisler in the council, and denied by the assembly, a major- 
 irv wlium wore of the same pai'ty ; and Smith states that 
 rlii- \\ a- anci'wards the opinion of the lords of trade (_'ol. 
 Sniitli, however, never exercised any of the executive duties, 
 of the government, before the controversy was settled by 
 the arrival ot the lieutenant governor, the 19tli of May en- 
 suing. 
 
 Tlie minutes of the supreme court, while chief justice 
 Smith presided, from October Ith, 1693, to_ October 5th, 
 1700, are in the library of the Historical Society, in a good 
 state of preservation. 
 
 August Irth, 1701, Atwood took the oath of office as chief 
 iustice, and the next day was qualified and took his seat as 
 a member of the council. 
 
 The court then consisted of Wm. Atwood, chief justice, 
 and of Abraham De Peister and Robert Walters, judges, 
 and continued to be tlnis organized till Lord Cornbury's ar- 
 rival, who entered on his "administration May 3d, 1702. 
 Lord Cornbury espoused the anti-Leislerian party ; and At- 
 wood, who was accused of perverting the law to prostrate a 
 political opponent, in the case of Nicholas Bayard the March 
 preceding, abandoned his seat and retired from the colony. 
 
 June ifth, 1702, the governor re-appointed Col. Smith to 
 the ofiice of chief justice, which he held till April, 1703. 
 
 April 5th, 1703, the governor informed the council that 
 he had received a letter from the queen, appointing John 
 Brid<;>'es, LL.D., the second judge, chief justice of the colony, 
 upon%vhich Doctor Bridges was qualified, and entered upon 
 the office. Doctor Bridges held the office till July, 1704, 
 when he died. 
 
146 
 
 July 15tii, 1704, Lord Cornburv appointed Roger Mom- 
 ]iessor, c'liiet" justice, who was qualitied, and entered upon 
 the otiiee ; and on the r)th of Fel)ruarv, 1705, was appointed 
 amember of tlic council, and was qualified and took liisseat 
 at the board. 
 
 Smith continued a nicnihcr of the council till liis 
 death, lie attended his duty in the hoard .May 11th, 1704. 
 lie died at his seat at St. (icoi'o-e's manor, in Ijrookhaven, 
 February 18th, 1705, in the 51st year of his age. 
 
 During the time Col. Smith held the oftiee of chief jus- 
 tice, the colony was divided into rancorous jiartics. and the 
 public measures were iiitlu( iii-e<l \>\ pai'ty ^]iirit : but he 
 seems to have discharged the duties of his office with dig- 
 nity and impartiality. 
 
 Col. Smith was married at Tangiers, Xovember 6th, 1675, 
 to Martha, the daughtei- of Henry Tunstall, esq., of Putney, 
 in the county of Sui'rv, in England, by wdiom he had six 
 sons and seven daughters. 
 
 Mrs. Smith is said to have been a well breddady, and emi- 
 nently skilled in domestic economy. She survived her hus- 
 I)and,' and died September 1st, 1709. 
 
 Several of Col. Snutli's descendants have been distin- 
 U'uislied bv |inblie stations. 
 
 Ileiii'\- Siiiitli. hi- eldest son, was clerk of tlie county iVom 
 171<» to 171»;. and \'nv many years one of the jud-i- u\' the 
 court of coiiiiiKin pleas of Sutiblk county, ami a delei^ate of 
 the prerogati\'e cMiii-t fm- taking tlu' [ii-iMif ol' Mi'it- and 
 granting letters testanientai'v and letter^ of admiin>tration 
 for that county. 
 
 Col. William Smith, the son of Henry, and grandson of 
 the judge, was clerk of the same county from 1730 to 1750, 
 and was a judge of the county for several years before tlie 
 revolution. 
 
 The llev. Caleb Smith, a son of the judge's son TTilliam. 
 and grandson of the Judge, graduated at Yale College in 
 1743, became a minister, and settle'! at Orange, a \illage 
 about four miles from Newark, in New -.Ici -i \ . lie |i!iaeh- 
 ed the funeral sermon of President llurr. in I7.i7: anil is 
 said, by an intelligent correspondent, to haxe ]«tu ■■ une of 
 the greatest men of his day, eminent tor hi- I'iety, learning 
 and abilities." 
 
 William, son of the judge's son William, anotlier grand- 
 son of Col. Smith, was a member of the provincial congress 
 or convention fi'oin that county, in 1770; and on the organ- 
 
147 
 
 ization of the state constitution, in April 1777, he was ap- 
 pointed one of the senators for tlie southern district, which 
 seat lie occupied till the end of the war. 
 
 His son, the late General John Smith, the great-grandson 
 of Col. Smith, was a member of the convention of this state 
 that adopted the constitution of the United States, was a 
 member of the as-rmbly fnim Suffolk county a number of 
 years, then a member of tlie house of representatives, from 
 which station he was elected by the legislature of the state 
 of ]S"ew-York to a seat in the senate of the United States ; 
 and during the late war was appointed by the president and 
 senate i>f the Uidted States marshal of the district of JSTew- 
 York. which othee he hehl at tlie time of his death. 
 
 Coh Siiiitirs estate eliietlv remains in the family. The 
 best part nf St. GeorgeV maimr is now lield in separate 
 portions by William Smith, William Sidney Smith, and 
 Thomas S. Strong, three of his great-grandsons. 
 
 Sletch of William Mcolls, Esq, 
 
 William Nicolls was the son of Matthias Isicolls, who 
 was descended from an ancient and honourable family at 
 Tslip in Northamptonshire in England, and came over with 
 ( 'dl. Richard JSTicolls, who commanded the expedition whicli 
 \\a> ^( lit to reduce the Dutch in New- York in 1664, and 
 who was the governor of the colony under the Duke of 
 York, until 1667. 
 
 Matthias Nicolls was a relation of the governor, and was 
 by him appointed secretary of the colony and member of 
 the council. 
 
 He was also authorized, by virtue of his ofhce, to sit with 
 tlie justices of the peace in the courts of sessions in the 
 several ridings that were then organized. In 1672, he was 
 mayor of the city of New- York After tlie act of 1683, 
 remodelling the courts of justice, he was appointed one of 
 the jiidges of the colony. He otliciated in his judicial capa- 
 city in Queens county, September 12th, 1687. 
 
 It is supposed that he died about the year 1690. 
 
 Matthias Nicolls made sevei al pui-cliases of valuable lands 
 at Little Neck and Cow Neck, in (Queens county. In 1687, 
 he conveyed his lands at Little Neck to his son William, 
 and those at Cow Neck were devised to him or descended 
 to him. In 1719, William Nicolls conveyed his lands at 
 Cow Neck to Joseph Latham, with a reservation of sixty 
 43 
 
148 
 
 feet scjnare, wliere lie states " liis father, Matthias Xieolls, 
 lies l)uned." 
 
 It is supposed that "William Nicolls was born in England, 
 and came over a lad with his father in 1664. He received 
 a legal education, and became a lawyer of good standing at 
 the bar in Xevv-York. He was clerk of Queens county in 
 16S3, and held the office till 1688. 
 
 In 168-1 he made a pnrcliasc of lands at Islip, in Suffolk 
 county. After this period, lu- in;i(h' several }>urcli;i>es of 
 large tracts of land, adjoining liis iirst pureliuse, the wliole 
 of which were confirmed in 161)7 by a patent of C'i>l. 
 Fletcher, who was distinguished for his extravagant grants 
 of tlie public lands. 
 
 In 170-t, Mr. Nicolls became the pro]irietor of a tract of 
 land on Shelter-Island, by virtue of a devise in tlie will of 
 (tIIcs Sylvester, comprehending a large proportion of that 
 Island. " 
 
 Mr. Xieolls was a warm friend of liberty, and friendly to 
 the I'evohitioii in fa\-onr of William and Mary, bnt was op- 
 ])0se(l to the arliitrai-y and inipolitie iiieasni'es wliieli were 
 adopted by [>ei>l('i\ rather it would seem to secure his au- 
 tliority than to advance the interests of the revolution. 
 
 In eonse(pienee of his disapprobation of the course pur- 
 sued by Leisler, he imprisoned him and others M'ho had 
 courage and lionesty enough to avow their sentiments rela- 
 tive to puMie affairs. 
 
 In .March, it',',*]. ( rovernor Slaughter arrived, called Leis- 
 ler to account, liberated Xieolls and other state prisoners, 
 and settled the foundations of the future government of the 
 colony. 
 
 March 2?)d. the governor appointed Mr. Xieolls a member 
 of the eoniieil. 
 
 In 1005, Mr. Xieolls was sent to England by the assem- 
 bly, as the agent of the colony, in order to solicit the inter- 
 ference of the crown to enforce the contributions whicli had 
 been allotted to the other colonies for the defence of the 
 country against the encroachments of the French, which 
 fell A\ itli uneipnd weight upon the colony of Xew-York ; 
 and for which tliey allowed liini tl.niM). 
 
 In lt;',^^. he was sn^pen(led from the council by the new 
 governor, the earl of Ijellainont. who on lii> first arrival 
 seems to have embraced the views and adopted the feelings 
 of the Leislerian party, and exerted his official influence to 
 crush their opponents. 
 
149 
 
 In 1701, Mr. Nicolls was elected a member of assembly 
 for the county of Suffolk ; but not being at the time a resi- 
 dent of the county, as was required by law, he was not suf- 
 fered to hold his seat. 
 
 To avoid a similar result, it is supposed that he then fixed 
 his residence permanently on Great Neck, in Islip, which 
 afterwards became the principal seat of the family. 
 
 In 1702, he was again elected a member of assembly for 
 Suffolk, and was by the house elected to the speaker's 
 chair. 
 
 He was from that time regularly elected a member of 
 every succeeding assembly till his death, and by every as- 
 sembly was elected their speaker. In 1718, he resigned 
 the speaker's chair on account of his health, which seems 
 Avholly to have prevented his attendance a few of the last 
 years of his life. 
 
 He was a member of assembly twenty-one years in suc- 
 cession, and speaker sixteen years of the time. 
 
 Mr. Nicolls was a lawyer of considerable distinction. 
 
 March 30tli, 1691, Mr. ISTicolls, with James Emmet and 
 George Farrawell, were appointed king's council, to conduct 
 the prosecution against Leisler and his associates. 
 
 He was one of the council employed by Nicholas Bayard 
 in March, 1702, in his defence against a political prosecution 
 instituted by John Nanfan, the lieutenant governor, and 
 pursued with all the violence and bitterness of party ran- 
 cour, for circulating and signing petitions to the king and 
 parliament, in which the abuses of power by his honour 
 and his friends were enumerated : a report of which case is 
 published in the state trials of that year. 
 
 Mr. Nicolls was also one of the council employed in the 
 defence of Francis McKemie, a presbyterian clergyman, in 
 June, 1707, who was indicted for preaching, which was 
 brought about by the bigotry of the governor, Lord Corn- 
 bury : a narrative of which is contained in a pamphlet pub- 
 lished in New- York in 1755. 
 
 Mr. Nicolls was twice married. One of his wives was 
 Anna Yan Rensselaer, daughter of Jeremiah Yan Rensse- 
 laer, esq., and widow of Killian Yan Rensselaer, who was 
 the heir of the original proprietor of the manor of Rensse- 
 laerwick. 
 
 Mr. Nicolls served in the assembly at a period when tlie 
 colony was divided into bitter parties, and when a variety 
 of interesting questions occurred between the governors 
 
150 
 
 and asscinldy. mIiicIi !iffect(Ml tlio vii^lits and independence 
 of tlic a-i'iii'lil v. On all tlicsc ( ] iK-l ions, Mr. Nieoliri was on 
 the side i-f the assendjlv. llo apiicar.- to have been unifonn- 
 ly friendly to the principles of freedom; and botli in liis pro- 
 fessional and political employments seems to have been a 
 tirm and decided friend to the rights of the people and the 
 best interests of the colony. 
 
 Mr. Kicolls died in 172:3 or '24. He left a nnmber of 
 children ; and several of his descendants have been distin- 
 guished by public stations. His eldest son, Benjamin, 
 settled at tslip, and married Clmi'ity. ;i dniiLililcr nf Richard 
 Floyd, esqnire,'^' by whom lie liml -en-. William and 
 Benjamin. He died yonng. I iii-wiilnw iiKiri icd tlic Kev. 
 Doctor Johnson, (if St i^t f. ird, w lm w ;irici'\v;ti'iU proidcnt 
 of the college at New -^di-k. iimlci- w Im-i' caiT her t\\ n >niis 
 received a liberal education : ami tliry altri'ward- ImiIIi re- 
 ceived a legal education. A\'illiaiii iiihfi'iliMl the otatc of 
 his father, and remained at l-li]!; 1 '.en jamin -cTt Ird in New- 
 York, and acquired a di~t inuui-licd rank at tiic liar. 
 
 William Nicolls the second, the r-cc,,nd hhi of Mr. Nicolls, 
 to whom he devised his estatr on Sludtci'-I-land. \\a> ('(lu- 
 cated a lawyer, and was a man ot' talent-, lie \\a> a mem- 
 ber of assembly for the county of Sntiolk lor twenty-nine 
 years in succession, and during the last nine years was 
 speaker of the house. He was first elected in 17:39, and 
 was re-elected a member of every succeeding assembly till 
 his death. 
 
 It is supposed that he die<l in the sjiring of 17<)S. The 
 governor, Sii- Ilein'v Mooi-c. ,li-,.Ml\( (l tlic ;i~-end>ly Febru- 
 ary 6th, 17<1-^; ami it i> a Iraditioji that lie \\a- taken sick 
 on his journey home, and died at a house on Hempstead 
 plains. 
 
 The second William Nicolls rescMnbled Ids iathoi' in his 
 political sentiments, and was a deeide(l iVii'ml to the I'i-hts 
 of the colonies. He is suppo.-ed to lia\e conciiri'ed in the 
 addresses to the king, lords, and commons, respectively, 
 which w^ere adopted by the assembly in 1764 and 1705, aiicl 
 wdiich he signed as their speaker. 
 
 * Richard Floyd, esquire, was for several years one of the judges of the county of Suffolk. 
 He was the grandfather of tli.^ lair- C.-ncrnl A\ illKiin Klny.l, who was a clflesjate" tn tlic first 
 
 Congress, and was contiii"!'! r iini'ii ii,. ii,i i . 1 1 1 df i iir war, and \va> .'ii tlir .,anie 
 
 time entitled to a seat in i' 
 
 His biography in the I i li ! , , !.a^it 
 
 improper to extend this la , n , ai.; i,. ,m i , i lana -i uni- 
 
 form, upright, and deciilial. ■ a . ar 1 I v ..h.laaa.ri laiUaHv. alal lijat lit ca n 1 1 li nr ,1 t ci i ](. V the 
 gratitude, confidence, and <-stueui, of his tellow-citizeua till liis death. He died August 4th 
 l&21,aged87. 
 
151 
 
 These addresses abound with patriotic sentiments. In 
 that of 1764, they say that " It would be tlie basest vassal- 
 age to be taxed at the pleasure of a fellow-subject." In that 
 of 1765, they say that " An assumption of power by the 
 British parliament to tax the colonies, if acquiesced' in or 
 admitted, woidd make them mere tenants at will of his 
 inajrsryV >iilijcct> in Ib'ituin." 
 
 A\"m. Xiculls the second died a bachelor, and his estate 
 descended to William Nicolls the third, the eldest son of 
 his brother, Benjamin Nicolls. William Nicolls the third 
 was apjiointed cierk of the county of Suffolk in 1750, and 
 cnntiinird t.i liold tliat otfice till h'is death in 1780. During 
 till' last fiiur years of his life, the administration of justice 
 was suspended b_y the war, and the otfice was without 
 profit. 
 
 It is also said that Mr. Nicolls, some time before his death, 
 laboured under a partial paralysis, which disrpialified him 
 for business. His last entry on the records was made No- 
 vember 8th, 1776. 
 
 In March, 1768, William Nicolls the third was elected a 
 member of assembly for tlie county of Suft'olk, with Eleazor 
 Miller, to supply the vacancy occasioned by the death of his 
 uncle. That assembly was dissolved January 2d, 1769. 
 
 Mr. Nicolls was agani elected in March, 1769, with Col. 
 Nathaniel Woodhnll, a member for Suflblk. 
 
 This was tlie last assembly under the colony government, 
 and continued until it \\a> >u])erscded I>y the provincial 
 congress or convention, which met niay 22d, 1775. 
 
 Dni-ing tlie period of tins assembly, the disputes between 
 the mother country and the colonies arrived at a crisis. 
 
 The British parliament determined that their claim to tax 
 the colonies at their pleasure should be exerted. The colo- 
 nies exhausted every eft'ort of remonstrance and sup])lica- 
 tion without etfect ; and no alternative was left but submis- 
 sion or i-esistance. Further delay was useless. The time 
 for action had arrive<l ; and the question whether the colo- 
 ni-t- were to be the vassals of the British parliament or to 
 enjoy the rights of freemen, was to be decided by force. 
 The iii-o-|>(_'ct of a conriict so unequal, in which the result 
 was so douhtful, staggered many who were friendly to the 
 colonies. The occasion required all the zeal and energy of 
 the most ardent patriotism. Col. Woodhnll was qualified 
 for the crisis, and met it without dismay ; Mr. Nicolls was 
 less energetic and decisive. 
 
 44 
 
152 
 
 'Mr. Xicolls, on several iin])ort!Uit political (|U('>tions, that 
 might he deemed tests of ])rinciiili', that wcic ai^itated hy 
 that assembly, left his colleaj^ue and voted with the minis- 
 terialists. 
 
 Possibly he had flattered himself that the king and par- 
 liament would reliiKjuish the claim to tax America, or would 
 abandon its exercise; and that, when he found the reverse 
 to be the case, he was taken by surpi'i>e, and was un|irepared 
 for the event ; and that tlie cant ion and timidity of ad\aiiced 
 years may have prompteil liim to adopt a cour-e he lielicved 
 adapted to delay, or to prevent what he may have appre- 
 hended would prove to be a fruitless contest with the over- 
 whelming power of Britain. 
 
 Admitting that he was decided in his oiijiosition to the 
 measures of parliament, it must be conceded that he wanted 
 the energy and boldness of his grandl'atlier and uncle, either 
 of whom, judging from the cour-e they took on niiiK n' occa- 
 sions. iuMilving similar princi[ih'S, would liave been at the 
 head of the opiio>it ion. 
 
 Wni. Nicoll> the third left two sons, William and Benja- 
 min, lie devi>ed his estate at Slielter-Blaiul to his son 
 Benjamin, who i> now living, and Ids large e>tate oi' Islip 
 to his son AVilliam ; which, with the exception of a few farms 
 which the legislature of the state of New- York thought 
 proper to take out of the course of the law, by limitations 
 in his will, after ]>assing three descents, continues undimin- 
 ished in the hands of the elder branch of the fannly. 
 
 Tlie limitation expired in the person of the late Wm. 
 Nicoll-, of I-lip. deceased ; and, inconsequence of his dying 
 inte>taii'. the otate descends to his three infant children, a 
 son and l\\<> dauii-htei's, as tenants in common. This estate, 
 on the ai'i-i\ al of tliese children at age, will have been in 
 guardianship, with the exception of five years, for -iO years 
 in succession. 
 
 SKETCH OF THE SEVERAL COURTS. 
 
 Coiirt of Assise, holden at New-York, October 6th, 1G80. 
 
 Present, the Right Hon. Sir Edmund Andross, Governor. 
 
 Matthias Nicolls, 1 
 William Dyrc, 
 
 F)-etlerick rii|)son, I Memhers of the Council. 
 William Darvall, 
 Stephen Cortland, J 
 
153 
 
 Francis Riimbout, Mayor of the city of New- York. 
 William Beekman, ] 
 
 Samuel Wilson, J 
 
 Richard Betts, High Sheriff of Yorhshire. 
 Thomas Topping, 1 
 
 Isaac Arnold, j. .^ 77-, 73-7 
 
 Richard Woodhull, \ ^'^'^ 
 Jonas Wood, J 
 
 Thomas Willett, Justice of the North Riding. 
 James Hubbard, \ 
 
 Elbert Elbertsen, > Justices of the West Riding. 
 
 Thomas Delavall, Justice of Esopus. 
 Thomas Spaswill, | 
 
 Nicholas Browne, > Justices of Nexo-Jersei 
 Joseph Parker, ) 
 
 John Gardiner, Chief Justice of NantuoTcet. 
 
 hn wSr^'^''''' 1 Pemaquid. 
 
 ial Court of Assize held at New- York, June 29^/;, 1681. 
 
 Antliony Brockholst, Commander in chief. 
 Frederick Phillipse, ) 
 
 William Darvall, \ Members of the Council. 
 Stephen Cortland, ) 
 
 John Yan Brugh, 1 
 Thomas Lewis, 
 
 Thomas Lewis, 
 Peter Jacobs, 
 Gulian Ver Plank. 
 
 Jolm Palmer, 
 
 Peter J acobs, 
 Samuel Wilson, 
 James Graham, 
 
154 
 
 John Youngs, JFujh Sheriff of Yorkshire. 
 Tlionias Topping, 1 
 
 Richard AVoodhull, I J^^^,^i^,, t], ^ East Riding. 
 
 Isaac Aniokl, 
 
 Jonas "Wood, J 
 
 James Iluhbard, "1 
 
 Eichard Bctts, [ J^^,^i,^, ^f the West Riding. 
 Elbert Llbertsen, 
 
 Richard Stilwill, J 
 
 Jolm Fell ^ 
 
 Th.Hnas Willet, 1 J^^^,^l^^^ ^/^^ 7^,,^tj, JUding. 
 
 Ricliard(.ornwell, | 
 
 Thomas llicks, J 
 
 Thomas Delavall, Justice of Esopus. 
 
 Jolin AVest, Justice of Pemaquid. 
 High Sheriffs of Yorkshire from 1665 to 1683. 
 1665, ----- William Wells. 
 1669, - - - - Rcbcrt foe. 
 
 1672, J"1'H Manning. 
 
 1675, - - - - yvlvotcr Salisbury. 
 
 1676, Thomas AVillet. 
 
 1679, . - - - Richard ]5etts. 
 1681, John Youngs. 
 
 Court of Oyer and Terminer under the act of 1683, held in 
 Queens County.^ 1685. 
 
 Matthias Nicolls, 
 John Palmer, 
 
 Judges. 
 
 Supreme Court under the act of May (jth, 1691, held 
 New- York, October Uh, 1693. 
 
 William Smith, Chief Justice. 
 William Piiihorne, 
 Strplicn ( 'Murtland, 
 Cliidk'V IJrooke, 
 John Lawrence, J 
 
 Uh October, 1700. 
 William Smith, Chief Justice. 
 
 J udges. 
 
 Stephen Courtland, 
 Abraham De Peyster, 
 
 Judges. 
 
155 
 
 A list of the Judges and Clerks of Kings, Queens and Suf- 
 folk, from 1665 to 1776, as far as they could he obtained. 
 
 FOR KINGS. 
 
 Court of Sessions, tmder the Duke's Laws of 1665. June 
 \Uh, 1669. 
 Matthias Nicolls, Secretary, President. 
 Cornelius Van Ruyven, Counsellor. 
 John Manning, 1 
 James Iluhbard, \ Justices. 
 Richard Betts, ) 7 Jurors. 
 
 Under the act ^1683. Ajyril 1th, 1685. 
 Elbert Elbertson, 
 
 Samuel Spicer, j- . 
 
 T r^.-.L,.ii ' „ y Just. 
 
 James Cortelleau, 
 Ruloff Marten, 
 
 1 3 Gra nd J urors. 12 Ju 
 
 Under the Cornrnission of Andross, of 1688. April 2d, 
 1689. Court of Sessions and Common Pleas. 
 
 Stephen Yan Cortland, Judge of Court of " PleasP 
 
 James Cortelleau, "1 
 
 William Morris, 7- ,. /. ,7 r\ 
 
 ^, 1 T> 1 \ Justices of the Quoruin. 
 
 (ierardus Ueekman, ^ 
 
 Nicholas Stillwell, J 
 
 Under Law of May Qth, 1691, and under the Ordinance 
 of Hay mh, 1699. 
 
 Gerardus Beekman, Judge of Com. Pleas and the Justices. 
 
 Judges. 
 
 1715, Cornelius Sebring. 
 1718, Cornelius Yan Brunt. 
 1720, Peter Stryker. 
 1722, Daniel Polhemus. 
 1724, Peter Cortilleau. 
 1729, Samuel Clarretson. 
 1732, Ryck Suydam. 
 1739, Christopher Codwise. 
 1742, Johannes Lott. 
 1745, Abraham Lott. 
 ] 749, Isaac Sebring. 
 
 1752, Samuel Garretson, Barnabas Ityder,Cliarles DeBevois. 
 1761, Samuel Garretson, John Lefferts, Abraham Schenck. 
 45 
 
154 
 
 John Youngs, High Sheriff of YorTcshire. 
 Tliomas Topping, ] 
 
 Richard Woodhull, ' of the East Riding. 
 
 Isaac Arnold, j 
 
 Thomas Hicks, J 
 Thomas Delavall, Justice of Esopus. 
 John West, Justice of Pemaquid. 
 
 High Sheriffs of YorMiire from 1665 to 1683. 
 
 1665, Wilham Wells. 
 
 1669, - - - - Eobert Coe. 
 
 1672, ----- John Mannino;. 
 
 1675, - - - - Sylvester Salisbury. 
 
 1676, Thomas Willet. 
 
 1679, . - - - Richard Betts. 
 
 1681, John Youngs. 
 
 Court of Oyer and Terminer under the act of 1683, held in 
 Queens County., 1685. 
 
 Su2)reme Court under the act of May Gth, 1691, held in 
 New- York, October Uh, 1693. 
 
 William Smith, Chief Justice. 
 William Pinhorne, "1 
 
 Justices of the West Riding. 
 
 Justices of the North Riding. 
 
 Uh October, 1700. 
 William Smith, Chief Justice. 
 
155 
 
 A list of the Judges and Glerks of Kings, Queens and Suf- 
 folk, from 1665 to 1776, as far as they could he obtained. 
 
 FOR KINGS. 
 
 Court of Sessions, under the Duke's Laios of 1665. June 
 IQth, 1669. 
 Matthias Nicolls, Secretary, President. 
 Cornelius Yan Ruyven, Counsellor. 
 John Manning, ) 
 James Hubbard, > Justices. 
 Richard Betts, j 7 Jurors. 
 
 Under the act of 1683. A2}rll 1th, 1685. 
 Elbert Elbertson, 
 
 Samuel Spicer, I j^i^f^^^^ 
 James Coi'telleau 
 Ruloff Marten, 
 
 13 Grand Jurors. VI Jurors. 
 
 Under the Commission of Andross, of 1688. Ajyril 2d, 
 1689. Coxtrt of Sessions and Common Pleas. 
 
 Stephen Yan Cortland, Judge of Court of " Pleas. ''^ 
 James Cortelleau, 
 
 Willuim ^Nforris, i r j? ,i r\ 
 
 1 1. 1 Y Justices of the Quorum. 
 
 Cxerardus lieekman, ^ 
 
 JSTichulas Stillwell, J 
 
 Under Law of May dth, 1691, and under the Ordinance 
 of May 15th, 1699. 
 
 Gerardus Beekman, Judge of Com. Pleas and the Justices. 
 
 Judges. 
 
 1715, Cornelius Sebring. 
 1718, Cornelius Yan Brunt. 
 1720, Peter Stryker. 
 1722, Daniel Polhemus. 
 1724, Peter Cortilleau. 
 1729, Samuel Garretson. 
 1732, Ryck Snjdam. 
 1739, Christopher Codwise. 
 1712, Johannes Lett. 
 1715, Abraham Lott. 
 ]71:9, Isaac Sebring. 
 
 1752, Samuel Garretson, Barnabas R_vder,Cliarle5 DeBevois. 
 1761, Samuel Garretson, John Lefterts, Abraham Schenck. 
 15 
 
156 
 
 1700, Samuel Gavretsou, -Tolin Lefferts,Conielius YaiiBnint. 
 1770, .lohii Lorterts, Jeremiali lieinsen, IMiilip Xa<i;;el. 
 1777, Eiii^elbert Lutt, Jeremias A^anderbelt, Theodorus Pol- 
 heimis. 
 
 Clerks of Kings. 
 
 From 1671 to 1G82, John West. 
 1682 to 1684, Peter Smith. 
 1684 to 1687, John Kni.sht. 
 1687 to 1704, Jacobus Vanderwater. 
 1704 to 1715, Ilenrv Filkin. 
 1715 to 1726, J. M.'S])erliii_u-. 
 1726 to 1750, Adrian IIa<;-enuiii. 
 1750 to 1775, Simon Boerum. , 
 1775 to 1777, John Eapelje. 
 
 FOR QUEENS. 
 
 Court of Sessions, under the Duke's Laws, June St/i, 1675. 
 
 Matthias Is icolls. Secretary, President. 
 Chidlej Brooke, Councillor. 
 
 Sylvester Salisbury, HiAjh Sheriff, with the Justices of the 
 county. 
 
 Under commission of Andross, of 1688, cind act of May 6. 
 1691. 
 
 J udges of Common Pleas. 
 
 From 1688 to 1699, Thomas Hicks. 
 
 Under the Ordinance of 1699. 
 
 From 1699 to 1703, John Coe. 
 
 17<':; to 1710, Thomas Willet. 
 
 171", Tlitinias AVillct and Jolm Jackson. 
 
 172:-;. TInmiM- Will.'t. llirks. 
 
 173(1. i-aar Ilirk^. Davl.l .I.,ur~. .lohn Tallman. 
 
 1734, David Jones, John ]\t( -~ciii:('r. James Ilazai'd. 
 
 1738, David Jones, James Hazard. Tlioinns IIick>. 
 
 1740, James Hazard, Thoma^ lli. k>. .lolm Willct. 
 Mav, 1749, Thomas Hicks, John \<\\\vx. Dnvi.l Sramaii. 
 Sept. 1749, Thomas Hicks, David Sr.nimn. J,,.,.|,li S:„ k,'tT. 
 
 1756, Thonias Hicks, Jacol, Smiil,. I'mi, 'rnwiiMMid. 
 
 1757, Thomas Hicks,yal. II. P. tn-. 1', mi TuwiiMMid. 
 From 1771 to 1774, Thomas Hick?-, \ alentinc 11. i'eters, 
 
 Daniel Kissani. 
 
157 
 
 Clerks of Queens, 
 
 From 1683 to 1688, William Nicolls. 
 1688 to 1702, Andrew Gibb. 
 1702 to 1710, Samuel Clows. 
 1710 to 1722, Joseph Smith. 
 1722 to 1757, Andrew Clark. 
 1757 to 1770, Whitehead Hicks. 
 
 FOE SUFFOLK. 
 
 CouH of Sessions, under the Duke^s Laws, March '6th, 16 
 Matthias J^icolls, Secretary, President. 
 Thomas Willet, Councillor. 
 Thomas Baker, ] 
 John Topping, ^ j^^.^^^^ 
 Isaac Arnohl, 
 Eichard Woodhnll, J 
 
 Court of Common Ph'nx, muli r the Act of 2Tay 6th. lt> 
 L^s///, 1693. 
 
 Isaac Arm lid, .///,/(/,, ir/'f/t the Justices. 
 TJialrr tlu: Ordimince of 1699. 
 Judges of the Common Pleas. 
 
 1723, Henry Smith, Benjamin Yoniiu.--, Biicluu-d Floyd. 
 1729, Henry Smith, Benjamin Yoim--. Sainuol irutciiiii> 
 1738, Henry Smith, Joshua Youiiu>, Thomas Cliattield. 
 1741:, Daniel Smith, Josliua Yonnu-s, Thomas Chatfield. 
 1752, Eichard Floyd, Elijah Hutchinson, Hugh Gelston. 
 1764, Eichard Floyd, Samuel Landon, Hngh Gelston. 
 1771, William Smith, Samuel Landon, Hugh Gelston. 
 1773, William Smith, Samuel Landon, Isaac Post. 
 March 28th, 1775,William Smith, Samuel Landon, Isaac Po 
 
 CUrls of Suffolk. 
 
 From 1669 to 1681, Henry Pierson. 
 1681 to 1692, John 'Howell. 
 1692 to 1709, Thomas Helme. 
 1709 to 1716, Henry Smith. 
 1716 to 1722, C. Couixreve. 
 1722 to 1730, Samueriludson. 
 1730 to 1750, William Smith. 
 1750 to 1776, William Js^icolls. 
 
158 
 
 Meinhci'fi of Aftxemhlij from Lmuj-Tdand^ <hinng the colony 
 Adniinidi'iition., from 1G91 to 1775. 
 
 FOR 
 
 Nicholas Stilhvcll. - 
 Joliu Poland, - 
 Coert Stuyvesant, 
 Joliaiinis Van Eckleii, 
 lleiirv Filkiii, 
 Cornelius Sebriii";', - 
 Myeiulert Coerteii, 
 Gerardiis Bcckiiian, 
 Cornelius Scbrinj;-, 
 Cornelius A"an IJriuit, 
 Sainiu'l (Tiu-retsen, 
 Kifliartl 8tilhvell, - 
 Johannes Lot, 
 Abraham Lot, 
 Domiiilcu^ Vanderveer, 
 
 Abr; 
 Sinn 
 
 1 I'MMTin 
 J A La''/' 
 
 S COI NTY. 
 
 iVolu Hil'l to l<;(t3, 2 1 
 <1() t.) do 2 " 
 " H;93tol694:, 1 
 " 1(!93 to 1698, 5 
 " 1094- to 1695, 1 
 •' 1695 to 1698, 3 
 " 1698 to 1699, 1 
 " 1698 to l<;;t9, 1 
 " 1()99 to 17i^<i. 27 
 " l(;9i> to 171<;, 17 
 - 1716 to 17;;7, 21 
 " 1726 to 1727, 1 
 " 1727 to 1761, 3J: 
 " 1737 to 1750, 13 
 " 1750 to 1759, 9 
 ick, - ■ - " 1759 to 1767. 8 
 
 1761 to 1775, 14 
 " 1767 to 1775, 7 
 t the Council, Cornelius Yan Ruyveu. 
 
 Daniel Whitehead, 
 John Robinson, 
 John Jackson, 
 Jonathan Whitehead, 
 John Tallnian, - 
 John Townsend, 
 John Jackson, . . . 
 Thomas Willet, 
 Isaac Ilicks, 
 Benjamin Ilicks, 
 David Jones, (8])eaker 13 years) 
 Thomas Cornell, 
 Thomas Hicks, - 
 
 FOR (iUKKNS COUNTY. 
 
 - from 16)91 to 1705, 
 " lr.91 to 1693, 
 
 14 years 
 
 1693 to 1709, 16 
 
 17(»5 to 1709, 4 
 17oit to 1710, 1 
 
 1709 to 1710, 1 
 
 1710 to 1716, 6 
 1710 to 1726, 16 
 1716 to 1739. 23 
 I72i; to i7;;7. il 
 
 1737 to 1759. 22 
 1739 to 1759. 20 
 1759 to 1761', 2 
 
 semljl 
 was s| 
 wliolf 
 ( re 
 
 discliarged the duties of 
 
159 
 
 Thomas Cornell, - - - from 1761 to 1764, 3 years. 
 Zebuloii Seaman, - - " 1759 to 1775, 16 
 Daniel Kissam, - - - " 1764 to 1775, 11 
 
 Member of Counc'd. 
 Thomas Willet, - - - from 1677 to 1692. 
 
 FOR SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 Col. Henrv Pierson, from 1691 to 1695, 4 years — speaker 
 
 Mathew Howell, " 1691 to 1693, 2 " [1 year. 
 
 John Tuthill, " 1693 to 1694, 1 
 
 Mathew Howell, " 1694 to 1705, 11 
 
 John Tnthill, " 1695 to 1698, 3 
 
 Heni'v Pierson, " 1698 to 1701, 3 
 
 AViUiam Xicolls, " 1702 to 1723, 21 Speaker 16 
 
 Samuel Mulford, " 1705 to 1726, 21 [years. 
 
 Epenetns Piatt, " 1723 to 1739, 16 
 
 Samuel Hutchinson, "■ 1726 to 1737, 11 
 
 David Pierson, " 1737 t.. 174s. 11 
 
 VAv.v/.vv :\[iller, " 174^ t.. 17(;.s, 20 
 
 William Xicolls 2d, " 1739 to 17(is, 29 Speaker 9 
 
 KlcazcT :\[i]ler, " 1768 to 1769, 1 [years. 
 
 AVilliam Xicolls 3d, " 1768 to 1769, 1 
 
 Xathaniel Woodhull, 1769 to 1775, 6 
 
 William Xicolls 3d, " 1769 to 1775, 6 
 
 Memhers of the Council. 
 Col. John Yonngs, from 1683 to 1698, 
 Col. William Smith, " 1691 to 1704, 
 William Xicolls " 1691 to 1698. 
 
 thr rrurn.f,! Cn,„ir.ss-;„ //., S.',,!. ,n..l A.s.s,,J>h/ uf 
 the Sf,if, ofy. ,r-ynrl\ ^nnl tin Cntnu.ntal CvmJi'tSS, 
 
 dur'uKj the Iteoolutloiui nj W'.ir. 
 
 The deputies for Loii^-I>laiid to the convention which 
 met at the city of Xew-York A]ii'il l<tth. 1775, to choose 
 dulfu-atcs tu tlie Continental Conii-n'ss, wlto as follows: 
 
 .V,7//;-//'.— William Fluyd. X^itiiaiiicl W.H,dhull, Phineas 
 Fannim:;. Tlu.ma> TnMlwtdl. and .Idlm S|,k^ llobart. 
 
 ^^>,„,;,,,._.Tacub l!lackw.dl and -lolni Tallman. 
 
 K'nnix. — SiuiDU P)oerum, Kidiai-d Stilwell, Theodoras Pol- 
 hemus. Dcium' Denise, and John \'aiiderbelt. 
 
 Soon after the convention was dissolved, on a recommend- 
 ation from Xew-Tork, the several counties appointed dele- 
 46 
 
160 
 
 gates to meet and form a Provincial Congress to co-(>i)erate 
 Tvitli the Continental Congress in such measures as they 
 sho\dd devise for the public good. ^ 
 
 These delegates met at Kew-York, May 22d, 17 lo, and 
 continued with some new appointments to meet from tune 
 to time at different ]daces, till the adoj^tion of the State 
 Constitution in April 1777. 
 
 During this period, or the greater i»art ot it, the colony 
 government was dissolved ; the whole powers of sovereign- 
 ty devolved on the peojde, and were exercised by their re- 
 presentatives in the Pro\ incial Congros. 
 
 The Provincial Congiv~~. l.\ Niitnc nf tli.'ir rei)resenta- 
 tive capacity merely, withuut any (•.Hi>t_it ut ion, guide or 
 control, but their own views of the public interests, perform- 
 ed all the duties and exercised the powers of a regularly 
 constituted legislature. 
 
 The ineiiilier.-. of the Provincial Congress for Long-Island 
 
 were a> fMllu\v> : 
 
 ,V„//;,/Z — Nathaniel Woodhull.. bill, I Si, 1 lol.a.-t. 1 ]i..uias 
 Trecfwell. .biliii Foster, Ezra i/lI-Huinedieii, TIh.mki,. Wiek- 
 Lani. .lame^ Havens. Selah Strong, William Smith. David 
 Gelsl-n. Mr. Derin- ^ , -r i 
 
 „s^.]-Auiv> i'.lackwell, Samuel Townsend, Jonathan 
 Lawrence, Joseph Robinson, .lames Townsend, AV alter 
 Smith, Mr. A'anWvck, Abraham Kettletas. 
 
 h'nn/s- Uenrv Williams, Jeremiah liemsen, Mr. J ollie- 
 mu~. Vir. I.etr.TtV. , T 1 , 
 
 Alter till' ;'.titli ,.f Anirust, 1776, when the Island was 
 abamh'niMl !,\ tli,' Ameriean army, such of the members 
 onlv attended a~ lia,l left the Island. 
 
 Bv an oi-dinaiiee pa-ed bv the eonveiiti<m who ti'amed 
 theitatec.mMiluti,.!!. April L'ntli. 1 777. it wa> provide,! that 
 that i>art <<\' tli,' -late which had fallen int,. tl'e liaml- the 
 enemx -h,.iil,l !»■ iv| nvsented in the >eiiate and a-M>nil)ly by 
 a pnip,'rii,inal minil.er of member- M'l,M-te,l tV,nii Tlh.se who 
 had retired tr,.m iImim' e,mnties xvitliin the American lines. 
 
 The foll,>\\in- p,M-,,n~ N\, iv-ele,-te,| jur thi- purp.,-,. In.m 
 the several counties on L,mg-l>lan(l, and held their >c'ats t ill 
 the end of the war : 
 
 ,'^r/>ator.s—\\ iW'iam Floyd, William Smith, Jonathan Law- 
 
 ^^^A%e))Mi/inen for Snfolk—Bnrnet Miller, David Gelston. 
 Ezra L'lionnnedieii. Thomas Tredwell, Thomas AVickes. 
 
 For Quren.s^\'\M\> Ivlsell, Daniel Lawrence, Benjamin 
 Coe, and Benjamin Biid>ull. 
 
161 
 
 For Kln<i>^ — William Boornin and TTonrv Williams. 
 
 The lueiiibei's uf ("(inu'i't'>> from Ldii^-Islaml during some 
 period (if the war were William Floyd, Simon Boeriim, 
 Ezra L'llouimedieu. 
 
 Kings, 
 Queens, 
 Suffolk, 
 
 Population of Long-Idmul of diifc rent periods. 
 
 IMiii 1810 1820 
 
 :.74o 8303 11187 
 Ki'.ts;; 19336 20519 
 I'.tlll 21113 21272 
 
 1731 im 1786 n'.iii 
 
 2150 3623 3986 44'.»:. 
 
 7895 10980 13084 ICdU 
 
 7675 13128 13793 lt;44(» 
 
 Total— 17820 27731 30863 36919 12167 18752 5506? 
 
 Population of the several town-^ 
 
 KINGS COUNTY. 
 
 Brooklyn, - 
 Bnshwick, 
 Flatlnish, - 
 Flatlands, 
 Gravesend, • 
 New-Utreclit, 
 
 QUEENS COUNTY. 
 
 Newtown, 
 Jamaica, - 
 Flushino-, - 
 North-IIempstead, 
 Hempstead, 
 Oysterbay, 
 
 SUFFOLK COUNTY. 
 
 East Ha,m])ton, - 
 South llanijiton, 
 Shelti-r l>land, ■ 
 Brook Haven, - 
 Islip, - - . 
 Huntington, - 
 Smitlitown, 
 Riverhead, 
 Soutliold, - 
 
 1810 
 
 4102 
 798 
 
 1159 
 517 
 520 
 907 
 
 8303 
 
 1810 
 
 2437 
 2110 
 2230 
 2750 
 5084 
 4725 
 
 19336 
 
 1810 
 
 1480 
 3899 
 
 329 
 4176 
 
 885 
 4425 
 1592 
 1711 
 2613 
 
 7175 
 930 
 
 1027 
 512 
 534 
 
 1009 
 
 11187 
 
 1820* 
 
 20519 
 
 1820 
 
 1646 
 4229 
 389 
 5218 
 1156 
 4935 
 1874 
 1857 
 2968 
 
 21113 21272 
 
 * The Deputy who took the last census, omitted to distinguish the population of the several 
 towns in Queens County. 
 
1G2 
 
 Proportion of white Males to Females. 
 
 MALES. FEMALES. 
 
 Killers 5096 4514 
 
 Queens, - - - - 9643 9040 
 
 Suffolk, - - - - 11761 11250 
 
 26500 24804, as 13 to 12 
 Emploxjment of Males over 16 years of age. 
 
 Agriculture. Commerce. Manufactures. 
 
 Kino-s, ----- 840 81 713 
 Queens, - - - - 4130 102 1119 
 Suffolk, 4642 342 1099 
 
 9612 525 2931 
 Total males over 16, - - - - - - 141S0 
 
 Employed in agriculture, commerce and manufactures. 1306S 
 
 Unemployed, - - 111- 
 
 Proportion of Population of Long-Island to the c'dtj of 
 New- York. 
 
 Long-Island. City. 
 
 1731 . - - - 17820 8628, as 2 to 1 
 
 177ll - - - . 27731 21163, 
 
 1786; - - - - 30863 23614, 
 
 1790, - - - - 36949 33131, 
 
 1800, - - - - 42167 60489, 
 
 1810, - - - - 48752 96373, as 1 to 2 
 
 1820, - - - - 56978 1230()(», as 1 to 2! 
 Proportion of Population of Long- Island to the State of 
 New- York. 
 
 Long-Island. State. 
 
 1731, . - - - 17820 :.tiL".t1. a:. 1 to 3 
 
 1771, - - - - 27731 1<;;;:;:;^. I to 6 
 
 1786, - - - - 30863 2:^Mtt;. a> 1 to 7 
 
 1790, - - - - 36949 34U120, as 1 to 9 
 
 1800, - - - - 42167 586141, as 1 to 14 
 
 1810, - - - - 48752 959049, as 1 to 19 
 
 1820, - - - - 66978 1372812, as 1 to 24 
 Proportion of Population of the State of New-York to the 
 United States. 
 
 New-York. United States. 
 
 1790, - - - - 340120 3950000, as 1 to 11 
 
 1800, - - - 686050 5305666, as 1 to 9 
 
 1810, - - - - 959049 7230514, as 1 to 7 
 
 1820, - - - 1372812 9654415, as 1 to 7 
 
163 
 
 Valuation of the several towns in the cmmties of King 
 Qtceens and Suffolk, in 1823. 
 
 KIN'GS. Brooklyn, ... - $2389899 
 
 Flatbush, - - - - 422523 
 
 Flatlands, ... - 196704 
 
 Biishwick, - . - 257378 
 
 New-Utrecht, - - - 304954 
 
 Gravesencl, - - - 196047 
 
 QUEENS- 
 
 SUFFOLK. 
 
 -OYster'ba}^ - 
 Hempstead, 
 Nortli-IIempstead, 
 Flusliing, - 
 Newtown, - 
 Jamaica, - 
 
 -East-Hampton, 
 South Hampton, 
 Shelter-Island, 
 South Old, - 
 River Head, - 
 Brook Haven, - 
 Smith Town, - 
 Huntington, 
 Islip, 
 
 $3705675 
 $1575550 
 1017000 
 1165250 
 993200 
 890780 
 698800 
 
 $6340580 
 $464000 
 ■ 960305 
 105640 
 534920 
 267380 
 969500 
 320078 
 8114*0 
 279349 
 
 Proportion of the va.hi<ifi 
 
 to ///' 
 
 $4712712 
 if Kings, Queens and Suffolk 
 
 Kings, - 
 Queens. 
 Sultblk,' 
 
 V./A, 1821. 
 >35131t;4 
 5876775 
 
 4889464 whole state. 
 
 $14279413 $241283532, as 1 to 16 
 
 NOTB.— By the state census of 1825, the population of the state is 1,616,453 ; city of New-York 
 166,086 ; Long-Island 5S,T05, proportion to the state as 1 to 27. 
 
 OF THE CLIIIATE OF LONG-ISLAND. 
 
 The influence of the sea winch surrounds it, renders it 
 more temperate than places in the same parallel of latitude 
 in the interior. In the summer, it is regularly fanned by a 
 47 
 
164 
 
 sea breeze, wliicli nH'nerally rises \u the afternoon, l)ut some- 
 times before; and extends more or less aeross tlie Isliiiid. 
 aeeordini;' to tlie stren^-th and continuance of tlie wind. 
 These breezes have become so common in tlie winter, as to 
 prevent the snow from covering the ground for any consid- 
 erable length of time. 
 
 Tlie west and south- west winds predominate in more than 
 half the months in the year — the tlieniiometer seldom sinks 
 belowzeroiii winter, and scldciii ri-c- higher than 90 degrees 
 in summer. The nican ti'iii|M rat iiic is about 51 degrees, 
 Avliich is the temperature ol' the >pi-iiigs and deep wells, and 
 the weather is cleai- more than half the year."" 
 
 The temperatui-e at 1 1 iiiitingtoii. which lies in lat. about 
 40d. r):ini. midw ay l>e1 ween tlie latitude of the east and west 
 ends of the l^lall(l, w ill gi\c pfetty nearly the average tem- 
 perature of the whole Inland. 
 
 * The temporature of places in the 
 
 the stale ..f ciiliiv.itio,,, l,v lli. ir proN 
 
 JrCeZC. aiHl , .Mil-. - '.I Mir lMi-i| 
 
 Tlie I. II ■ .y 
 
 feet, ol I'M. • .1 . ■ .'■ 
 
 is 7217 I. 
 places I 
 
 buteil i 
 
 The till, 
 pnvcs I 
 tein]w I r 
 
 tlllllx r 
 a Kiv. I 
 
 of th. ■ 
 The iiii 
 and tl, 
 on th- 
 earth 
 
 dcr tir 
 have :i 
 posit.. - 
 
 The .1 
 
 west w:i- II... 11.11. 
 
 vailed 111 the sprint;, and i 
 predominant winds, more tlian half the mom 
 sea. or blow over a country less cold thiin 
 winds, and are more temperate than those wi 
 change, and becoming more uniform ; the w 
 tliey formerly were. 
 
165 
 
 The mean temperature of the several months in the year. 
 
 Prom 1st Sept. 1821, to 1st Sept. 1S22. From 1st Sept. 18 
 
 23, to 1st Sept. 1824. 
 
 September, 
 
 - 69 - 
 
 - 62 
 
 
 51 
 
 51 
 
 November, 
 
 - 42 - 
 
 - 39 
 
 Deceml)ei', 
 
 31 
 
 35 
 
 Jauuarv, - 
 
 - 26 - 
 
 - 34 
 
 February, 
 
 29 
 
 32 
 
 Marcli, 
 
 - 24 - 
 
 - 36 
 
 April, - 
 
 49 
 
 49 
 
 May, 
 
 - 63 - 
 
 - 57 
 
 June, 
 
 65 
 
 69 
 
 July, 
 
 - 75 - 
 
 - 74 
 
 August, 
 
 71 
 
 70 
 
 
 51,20 
 
 50,40 
 
 Greatest heat, and greatest cold, at Ilunt'tngton. 
 
 1S22. Julv 4th 
 do " 20, 
 1824, July 10, 
 ' 18, 
 31, 
 
 Au2. 22, 
 
 90 
 
 90 
 
 Greatest range of ] 
 the thermometer, i 
 
 1822, Jan. 5t] 
 do 14 
 do 24 
 do 25 
 1824, Dec. 18 
 Feb. 5 
 1822. 
 1824, 
 
 5 below zero. 
 4 do 
 at zero. 
 
 2 below. 
 
 ,1 above zero. 
 
 3 do 
 - 98 
 
 94 
 
 Predominant Winds at Huntington. 
 
 From 1st Sept. 1821, 
 
 , to 1st Sept, 1822. 
 
 From 1st Sept. 1823, 
 
 to 1st Sept. 1824. 
 
 September, 
 
 west. 
 
 September, 
 
 east. 
 
 October, 
 
 west. 
 
 October, 
 
 south-west. 
 
 November, 
 
 west. 
 
 November, 
 
 do. 
 
 December, 
 
 west. 
 
 December, 
 
 west. 
 
 Jan nary. 
 
 south-west. 
 
 January, 
 
 west. 
 
 Feljruary, 
 
 do. 
 
 February, 
 
 south-west. 
 
 March, 
 
 do. 
 
 March, 
 April, 
 
 east. 
 
 April. 
 
 east. 
 
 south-west. 
 
 May, 
 
 south-west. 
 
 May, 
 
 do. 
 
 Jnne, 
 
 west. 
 
 June, 
 July, 
 
 do. 
 
 July, 
 
 south-west. 
 
 west. 
 
 August, 
 
 do. 
 
 August, 
 
 south-west. 
 
166 
 
 Courses of Winde. Courses of Winds. 
 
 North, . - . U Nortli, - - - 18 
 
 Ts ortli-west, - - 24 North-west, - - GO 
 
 North-east, - - 80 North-east, - - 36 
 
 East, - - - 48 East, - - - 52 
 
 South-east, - - 21 Soutli-east, - - 22 
 
 South, - - - 26 Soutlj, - - - 25 
 
 South-west, - - 102 South-west, - - 91 
 
 West, - - - 94 West, - - - 61 
 
 365 365 
 State of the loeather for 455 days, from \st Se_pt. 1821. 
 
 Clear, 270 
 
 Cloudy, 113 
 
 Ramy, 51 
 
 Snow, 21—455 
 
 Temperatxire of Wells in ITuntington, IMh Atigtist, 1823, 
 water from 4 6 feet deep. 
 
 Depth. Temperature at bottom. Surface. 
 
 10 ------ 65 66 
 
 10 57 58 
 
 25 ------ 53 54 
 
 43 ------ 50 51 
 
 Boiliuo- Springs, - - - 51''^ 
 
 An extract from the power of attorney, granted to James 
 Farret, by William, Earl of Stirling, April 20th, in the 12th 
 year of Charles I. 
 
 The power, after reciting that the earl had ohtained a pa- 
 tent from tlic CI ii'i >i ii'iif i( .11 I'm- New -Kii-1:iim1, liy tlic cinist'iit 
 and commaiid ihr lic.-iriuLi- iImIc A|'i'il -I'lA. in the 
 
 11th year.^flii^ ivi-n. -a crrt-nn l^l.-iinl callcl Lmi^- 
 Island,witli the I-LumN iMlinrmt. ami tlu.t he wa^ (li'Hi-Mn> of 
 improving tliriii, -i.ih -tliat lie had ajipcintcd .lamo hai'ret 
 to be his attunn'\ ci- a-i iit to take possession of the said 
 Islands, and to jilant ami improve them, and after some other 
 recitals, proceo(l> a~ tulluws: 
 
 "I, the said A\'illiam, Earl of Stirling, do hereby impower 
 and authorize liiiii for me, my heirs, executors and adminis- 
 trators, and for every of us, to let, set, mortgage, sell, or by 
 any other way or means, for a present, sum or sums of money, 
 
 * For the meteorological observations of the town of Huntington, I am indebted to the kind- 
 ness of Christopher Mcng, esq., of that town. 
 
167 
 
 or for yearly rent, to dispose of the said Islands, or of any 
 part or parts of them, for such time or times, term or terms 
 of years, for life, or lives, or forever in fee, as my said attor- 
 ney or agent shall judge most probably conducing to my 
 profit and behalf, and to the other ends before specified. 
 
 And after one or more plantations, or colonies or people 
 shall be there in any or all of the aforesaid Islands, settled, 
 to continue, erect and establish, such honest and wholesome 
 orders and ordinances amongst and for the benefit of the 
 said planters and colonies, as shall be judged, together 
 with and upon the advice of the Eight Worshipful' John 
 Winthrop, esq., governor of Boston colony, in the said 
 New-England, most tending to the preservation of the pub- 
 lic peace, the improvement of trade and commerce, and the 
 due execu.tion of justice, in obedience to the laws of God. 
 and as much as may be agreeable to the laws of England."' 
 
 Tlie power authorizes the conveyance of the said lands to 
 any person or persons that owed allegiance to the crown of 
 England, and engages to ratify and confirm what his said 
 attorney shall do in conformity with the said power in the 
 premises. 
 
 Treaty of Hartford, 1650. 
 
 Articles of agreement made and concluded at Hartford, 
 upon Connecticut, September 19, 1650, between delegates 
 of the Commissioners of the United English Colonies, . and 
 the delegates of Peter Stuyvesant, governor general of jN'ew 
 Netherlands — concerning the bounds and limits between the 
 English United Colonies and the Dutch province of JSTew 
 Netherlands. 
 
 We agree and determine as follows : 
 
 That upon Long-Island, a line run from the westernmost 
 part of Oysterbay, and so in a straight and direct line to 
 the sea, shall be the bounds l)etweeu the English and Dutch 
 there, the easterly part to belong to the English, and the 
 westernmost part to the Duteli. 
 
 The bounds upon the main, to begin upon the west side 
 of Greenwich bay, being about fnnr iiiilc> fi-om Stamford, 
 and so to run a westerly line 20 miles up into the country, 
 and after, as it shall be agreed by the two go\cniinents of 
 the Dutch and New Haven, provided that said liin.' run not 
 Avithin ten miles of Hudson's river, and it is agreed that the 
 Dutch shall not, at any time hereafter, Iniild any house or 
 48 
 
168 
 
 liabitation within six miles of the said line. The inhabit- 
 ants of Greenwich to remain (till further consideration 
 tliereof be had,) under the iiovernment of the Dutch. 
 
 That the Dutch sluxll hold and enjoy all the lands in 
 Hartford that they are actually in possession of, known or 
 set out by certain marks and bounds, and all the remainder 
 of the said lands, on both sides of Connecticut river, to be 
 and remain to the English there. _ _ 
 
 And it is ajjreed, that the aforesaid bounds and Imuts, 
 both upon the' Island and main, shall be observed and kept 
 inviolable, both by the English of the United Colonies and 
 all the Dutch nation, without any encroachment or molesta- 
 tion, until a full determination ho !io-rc(Ml upon in Europe 
 bv mutual consent of the tw.. St;ili- nf I-.n-land and Hol- 
 land. And in testimony of oin- jnim cniiM iit to the several 
 foregoing conditions, we have hereunto set our hands thi> 
 19tli day of September 1650. 
 
 SIMON BRADSTREET, THOMAS WILLET, 
 
 THOMAS PRmCE, GEORGE BAXTER. 
 
 The remonsimnce of the several towns in the Butch territory, 
 to the Governor and council, in 1653. 
 
 To the Hon. Director General and council in Kew iVie- 
 therlaiids. tn-^.tlicr tn rlic (•(„iiicil of the hi-li and miglity 
 Lords. 111.- (iriirral ..f tlir riiit.'.l ri'nviii.-o. 
 
 The huuiM.' iviiiMii-i ranee ami |.ctitiMii ,,f the cul.niics and 
 villaovs in thr I'lMviiice of Ni'W Nctlin-laiHl, hiiiiiMy ^li^w : 
 "XV^e ackiiMwIcd-v a patci'iial -ovcnuiiciit. whit-li <iod 
 and nature liave . -laliii-lied in tlie woi-ld. tor tlie mainten- 
 ance and pre-rrxali-n ..f peace, and llie welfare of men. 
 not only priiicii'ally in e(,ntorniify to the laws of nature, but 
 according to the law and precepts of God, to which we con- 
 sider ourselves obliged by his word, and therefore sub- 
 mit to it. 
 
 The Lord our God having invested their high mightinesses, 
 the States (ieneral as his ministers, with the power to_ pro- 
 mote the welfare of their subjects, as well of those residing 
 within the United Provinces, as of those at this side of the 
 sea, which we -i-atefnll v aekno\vle(lg(>, and having com- 
 missioned in the ^anie \ie\\, >onie >nlialtei'n niaL;-i>trates, 
 and clothed them with autlmrity to promote the saine end, 
 as are the L(n'ds Directors of the privileged AV est India Com- 
 
169 
 
 pany, whom we acknowledge as Lords and Patroons of tliis 
 place, next to your Lordsliips, as being their representa- 
 tives. 
 
 On which ground we humbly conceive that our rights 
 and privileges are the same, in every respect, in harmony 
 with those of Netherland, as being a mem^ber dependent on 
 that state, and by no means a conquered subjugated nation. 
 
 We settled here on a mutual agreement and contract with 
 the Lord Patroons, with the consent of the natives, who 
 were the first proprietors of these lands, of whom we pur- 
 chased the soil at our own ox]>ense, and transfnnncil a wil- 
 derness, witli iiniiicii-(' lalini-, into a few small \ illau;c> an<l 
 many cultivated farms, ciicdUi-aged by the privileges which 
 we obtained, and whose preservation is dear to us. 
 
 We expected their increase and amplification, and by no 
 means that these wei-e to be curtailed down to this. 
 
 The deep homage and profound i-<'<[ir('t \\ liicli we feel for 
 the government of the United Netherlunds, consisting and 
 coagulated from various nations from ditt'erent parts of the 
 world : That, we leaving, at our own expense, our country 
 and countrymen, voluiitai'ily clioose to submit to their pro- 
 tection, and liriiig now ininiatiMculated in their body under 
 our sovereign, the high and mighty Lords, the States Gene- 
 ral, whom we acknowledge as our liege lords, and submit 
 as in duty bound, to the txeneral laws of the L^nited Prov- 
 inces in the J^etherlands, with all sucli new oi-dei's and laws 
 which, under their autliority, may be piiblislicd liore, agree- 
 ably to the custom and privilege of the Netherlands. 
 
 This being considered, we humbly solicit that this our re- 
 monstrance and petition, maybe received and well construed, 
 without being misinterpreted. 
 
 Wherefore, although with all humility, we will declare 
 freely our anxious fears by which we some time since have 
 been alarmed and discouraged in our labors and callings, so 
 that it is not in our power to act with that rigor and affec- 
 tion in promoting the welfare of our country as well as be- 
 fore, although in a wilderness, for the following reasons. 
 
 1. Our apprehension to see an arbitrary government es- 
 tablished among us, Mdiich is contrary to the first intention 
 and genuine principles of every well regulated government, 
 to wit : that one or more should arrogate the exclusive 
 power to dispose arbitrarily of the life and property of any 
 individual, and this in virtue or under pretext of a law or 
 order which he might fabricate, without the consent, know- 
 
170 
 
 ledge, or ajiproLation of tlic wliole body, tlieir agents or re- 
 ])resent!itives. 
 
 Thus new laws relative to the lives and iiro])('rty of tlie 
 inhabitants, contrary to the privileges of the Ncthcrhiiids, 
 and odious to every free-born man, and iirinciiially si> to 
 tiiose whom God had ])laced under a free g<i\ (■niiiiciit on 
 new settled lands, who ai'e entitled to claim laws wlil<-h are 
 as near resembling those of Xetherland as possible 
 
 It is our humble opinion tlnit it is one of our pi-ivih'ges, 
 that in making new laws, oni' explicit consent, or that of our 
 re]>resentatives, is nnavoi(hdil\ iV(|iiiiTi| t'oi' tlicir adoption. 
 
 •2. ('a>ually we are every \ cmi- lull ol' ;i|)prclioii-ion rliat 
 the natives of the land may romiiu iici' n now wav iinainst 
 us, by the murders they commit under tin' ]ii-ctc\t tliMl they 
 have not been ]iaid for their land, wliirh c renter many ca- 
 lamities and di~i-onraL;'<'- M'ttlors, and cNcn coiitriluitcs to 
 lessening tln' immliri' :iiid iiHhi--tr\' ol' the I'cinaindci'. 
 
 It has, thus fur, not fccn in oui' power to i|i-co\or the 
 truth hereof, or ascertain to what trihc tlioo miirilnci- he- 
 long. It is too often disregarded as connnittcd \<\ ^a^ ages 
 who reside at a considcrahle distance. But, lio that a> it 
 may, it fills us with daily anxiety, so that we ai'e coniiielled 
 to look out for our own defence, as we cannot discover in 
 what manner our lives and property shall be protected, 
 except by our own means. 
 
 8. That otficer> and magisti-ates, althongli personally, 
 from their ipialitie;itioii>. ile>ei-\ing >iinilar otliee-. ai-e ap- 
 pointed contrary to the laws of the Xetlii-rland-. to many 
 ofiices, without consent or nomination of the peo],)le, which 
 nevertheless are the most concerned in the choice. 
 
 4. That many oi-der- and ]ii'oi-lania1 i^n- inade lietiiiv. 
 without ai^in'oliatioii nt' ilie c,.iintr\ in tln' dip - m| \(.re. Ky 
 the authority of tlii> I )irectoi- (n-neral ami c.iiincil. eil her of 
 former days or acliiall\ lading, which remain ohligatoiy . al- 
 though we are ignorant of their force, and heconie transgres- 
 sors from ignorance w ithout knowing it, by which we are 
 exposed to many daiigei> and troubles, and may occasion 
 our own ruin witlh'Ht knowiun' it. 
 
 5. On the prom i -c- . if - r:i iiN a Mil -'cueral letters of privi- 
 leges and exemptiMn-. \arii.ii~ I Ml ai ioii- have beeii made 
 at a great expense of the iidiahil ant> in Imilding tlieir hou>es, 
 making fences, *fcc., t!io cnlti\ation of the land, ami jirim-i- 
 ]ially so by those of _Middlehui'gh, and Middlewout, with 
 their neighborhoods and other places. 
 
171 
 
 Many single farms were taken up by persons who solicited 
 a deed of such a grant, but were always delaj'ed and disap- 
 pointed, to their great loss, which creates a suspicion that 
 some innovations are in contemplation, or that there is a 
 lurking intention to alter former stipulations. 
 
 6. That to some individnals, large quantities of land are 
 granted for tlieir private profit, on which a large village of 
 20 or 30 families might have been established, which, in the 
 end, must eifect an immense loss to the Patroons, with re- 
 gard to their revenues, as well now as in future, and which 
 must weaken the strength of the province, and disable that 
 p:irr lit' tlie country to provide in or contribute to its defence, 
 and tliat of its inhabitants, except we or our commonalty 
 are enabled to effect it. 
 
 7. As we exert ourselves to reduce all onr griefs within 
 six points, which we ciMitideiitially exjilaiiicd. a- we renew 
 our allegiance, in the hope tliat thc^c will xion \>r redressed, 
 agreeably to the privileges of our country, when all discon- 
 tents shall cease, a mutual harmony be restored, and our 
 anxiety relieved. 
 
 We applv, tliei'efirc. to your wisdom to heal our sick- 
 nesse- aii'l pain-. Wo >!iali remain thankful, and consider 
 any further a]i[iliration needless, as we othei'wise should be 
 compelled to do. 
 
 Upon which, humbly soliciting your honors' answer on 
 every point or article in -m-h a maniu'r that wc may remain 
 satisfied, or proceed furt hi t, iVm;., a> ( ioil >hall dii-cct our step.-. 
 
 Your honors" suppliant servants. 
 
 Done Dec. 11, 1653. 
 
 Aren't Van Hatten, 
 Martin Creiger, 
 P. L. Vander Girst, 
 Frederick Lubbertson, 
 Paulus Vander Beek, 
 William Beekman, 
 John Hicks, 
 Tobias Peeks, 
 William Washborn, 
 John Somer.s, 
 Peter Wolpherton, 
 Jan Stryker, 
 Thomas Penewit, 
 Elbert Elbertson, 
 Thomas Spicer, 
 George Baxter, 
 James Hubbard, 
 Robert Coe, 
 Thomas Hazard, 
 
 49 
 
172 
 
 MSCELLANEOUS PAI'KKS ALLUDED TO IN THE TEXT. 
 
 The ori(jinal social contract of ifie people of East Hampton^ 
 adopted in 1G55. 
 
 Fonismucli as it has pleased tlic Almii^lity Gofl, by the 
 wise (lis])eiisatioii of his providence so to urdei- ami ilispose 
 of thiiiii's, that we, the iiihaliitaiit> ul' Ma-t 1 laiiiiitDii, are 
 now dwell i 111:' toa-ether ; the word of (idd i-e(|iiii-er> tliat to 
 maintain the peai-e and union of sm-li a peoplr, tliere >lioidd 
 be an orderly and decent government e~ialili~lied, accoi-diini; 
 to God, to order and dispose as occa-ion re(|ni)-e; we 
 
 do therefore sociate and conjoin our-el\ e~ and :-ncce--oi^. to 
 be one town or corporation, and do lor onr-eKc- and suc- 
 cessors, and such as shall be adjoined to n- at any time 
 hereafter, enter into combination and con I'cilerat ion loi;-e- 
 ther, to maintain and ]ire~ei'\c tlie ]iui'ityol' tlie ( io.-pel 
 of our Loi-d .ic-ii- ( lii-i-t. wliirli \\(. ii;,\v jios^ess: a- also 
 the discipline of the chuivh. \\lii, li ,rdin- to tlie i rnth 
 of said Gospel, is now ]n-acti-e.l amoii- n-; :i- .tl-o in .,ni' 
 civil affairs, to be o-uidi_'(| and iio\crned liy -udi ia\\- and 
 orders as shall be nnide according to God, and w ldcli by the 
 vote of the major part, -hall be in force among us. Fur- 
 thermore, we do engage ourselves, that in all N ote- foi- choos- 
 ing officers or making orders, that it be ;i, i Mr,liii- to con- 
 science and our best light. And also we do , n- a -e . m i - , |\ os 
 by this combination to stand to ami maintain tin- auiiioi-ity 
 of the several otHcers of the town in tlieii- determinations 
 and actions, according to their orders and laws, that either 
 are or shall be made, not swerving therefrom. In witness 
 whereof, ikc* 
 
 Original Dutch Grant for Jamaica. 
 
 Having seen the request or desire of the iidiabitants of 
 the town of Hempstead, and subjects of the ]iid\ ince, the 
 governor general and council have consente<l and granted 
 unto the afore>aid iidiabitants. tree ]ea\'e to erect i.r huild a 
 new town acconling untotlieir place limited, named Canar- 
 'z'.y;?, about the midway from llempsTead. upon -iicli privileges 
 and particular ground briefs, siudi as the inliabitants of the 
 New-Netherlands generally do possess in their lands, and 
 
 * The first settlers of the several towns In Connecticut seem to have entered into formal 
 contracts of this nature. The preceding is said to have been taken from that of Windsor, and 
 It is probable that the several English towns on Long-Island, in their origin, more or less, for- 
 merly adopted similar compacts. 
 
173 
 
 likewise in the choice of their magistrates as in the other 
 villages or towns, as Middleborough, Breuklin, Midwout 
 and Amersfort. 
 
 Done at the fort in I^ew-lSTetherland, this \ 
 21st of March, 1656. j 
 
 PETEE STUYVESANT. 
 By order of the governor general and council of the I^ew- 
 ]^etherlands. 
 
 CORNELIUS VAN RUYVEN, Secretary. 
 
 TKANS ACTIONS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF CONNECTICUT, 
 RELATIVE TO LONG-ISLAND. 
 
 At a session of the general assembly at Hartford, March 
 10th, 1663. 
 
 This com-t have voted Mr. Wyllis and Mr. Matthew Al- 
 lyn, to go over to Long-Island to settle government on the 
 west end of the Island, according to the agreement at 
 Hempstead, in February last ; and those gentlemen are de- 
 sired to issue the matter twixt I. Scott and Bloomer, and 
 they are further desired to take in with them the assistance 
 of the commissioners in those towns, for the regulating of 
 any disturbances as occasion is presented. 
 
 A true copy from the public records of the colony of Con- 
 necticut. Examined this 8th dav of August, 1664, by 
 GEORGE WYLLYS, Secretary. ' 
 By order of the governor general and council of the New 
 Netherlands. 
 
 At a general assembly held at Hartford, May the 12th, 
 1664, for election, 
 
 Whereas, his Majesty hath been graciously pleased to con- 
 firm unto this colony, by charter, all that part of his domin- 
 ions'in New-England, bounded, as in the said charter is ex- 
 pressed, with the Islands adjoining. 
 
 Tliis court doth declare, that they claim Long-Island for 
 one of those adjoining Islands, expressed in the charter, ex- 
 cept a precedent right doth appear, approved by his Majesty. 
 
 This court doth desire and request the worshipful gover- 
 nor, Mr. Matthew Allyn, Mr. Wyllys, and Captain Youngs, 
 to go over to Long-Island, and to settle the English planta- 
 tions on the Island, under this government, according to 
 instructions given them. 
 
 Tiie aforesaid committee are hereby authorized to erect 
 and constitute quarter courts, or appoint other fit seasons 
 
174 
 
 for tlie keepini; of court, for the adiiiiuistriitiou of jnstioe. 
 that all cases may be tried ucccnlinu' to law, (life, liiuhs and 
 hanisliineiit excepted,) and to do tlicii- eiii|ea\ oi-s so to settle 
 matters, that tlu- pt^ople may be l)(>tli cis illy, |ieaceably and 
 relii;'i(>iisly ;i-(.>vei'iie(l in tlie En<>:lish plaiitat ii>ii>, mi as they 
 may win the heathen tu th(» knuwlcij^c uf <iiii' i.ni'il and 
 Saviour Jt':-n- ( 'liri-t. by tlii'ii- -uIht .-nK! rdiLiIi cunxci-^a- 
 tiou, as his ^[aje>ty (.>ur Lord and Kini;- iv,|iiii r- in --ra- 
 cious letters pateut, granted to hi> suhjr.-N In ic In this 
 colony; and in case of crimes of a eapit.-M n;itiiir. iIk n ai-e 
 to have libertv to take the opportnnit \ of tin' (■nint- nf lair- 
 tield or Ilartfurd. the like librrty they haw in ,,r rrvicw. 
 They nia\ ab.> i:i\e oath to wlm arc accepted by this 
 
 court I'-r rii ciiicii uii the I-land. and to du what else they 
 
 judliV CM],, lure tbr the m ),| ut' tile ciloiiy. 
 
 A true copy from the pnlilic rccurd- nftlic culunv of Con- 
 necticut. Examined tlii- ^th (la\ df An-n-t. 17<'4. bv 
 (tK( )]:(;!-: WYLUS, S,_rrctar>/. " 
 
 The nnnerrafion of Long- Island to J^ew-lTorlc. 
 The di'tci-niinatinn of his Majesty's commissioners relative 
 to the liwiiiidario of hi> Knyal Highness the Duke of York's 
 patent, and of the patent of Connecticut, November 30th, 
 1664. 
 
 By vii'tue of his Majesty's commission, we have heard the 
 dift'erence about the lioiind- of tlie patents granted to his 
 Royal llii:hnes> the 1 )uke uf "I'ork. and his Majesty's colony 
 of C'oiini'cf icut : and lia\ iiii:- dclibcratelv eon>idenMl all the 
 reason- alled-cd ],y Mr. Allen, seni<ir, Mr. (-oiild. Mr. 
 Richarcb and ( 'aptain Winthrop, app()inted by the a--enibly 
 held at Harttbi'd, the 13th day of October, iVjM, to ac-coni- 
 pany John \Vintlirop, Esq., the Governor of hi- Maje-ty's 
 colony of Connecticut to New- York, and by _Mr. liowell 
 and Captain Youngs of Long-I>land, \\\\\ the said Long- 
 Island should l)e under the govei'nmeiit of Connecticut, 
 which are too long to be recited. We do declare and order, 
 that the sonthei-n bounds of his Majesty's colony of Connec- 
 ticut is the sea, and that Long-Tsland is to be under the gov- 
 ernment of his Royal Highness the Duke of \'ork. a- is 
 ex})re>-ed by plain words in the said ]iatents rojiecti vely, 
 and abo by virtut' of his Alajesty's coinnii>sion, and by the 
 consent of both the governor and the gentlemen above 
 named ; we also order and declare that the creek or river call- 
 ed Momoroneck, which is reputed to be about twelve miles to 
 
175 
 
 the east of Westchester, and a line drawn from the east 
 point or side, where the fresh water falls into the salt, at 
 high-water mark, N. IST.W. to the line of the Massachnsetts, 
 be the western bounds of the said colony of Connecticut, 
 and the plantations lying westward of that creek and line 
 so drawn, to be under his Royal Highness' government ; 
 and all plantations lying eastward of that creek and line, to 
 be under the government of Connecticut. 
 
 Given under our hands at Fort James, ]N^ew-York, on 
 Manhattan Island, this 30th day of Nov., 166i. 
 
 RICHARD XICOLLS, 
 GEORGE CARTWRIGHT, 
 SAMUEL MAVERICK. 
 We, underwritten, on behalf of the colony of Connecticut, 
 have assented unto this determination of his Majesty's com- 
 missioners, in relation to the bounds and limits of his Royal 
 Highness the Duke's patent, and the patent of Connecticut. 
 
 JOHN" WIIn'THROP, 
 MATHEW ALLEN, 
 NATHAN" GOULD, 
 JAMES RICHARDS, 
 JOHN" WINTHROP. 
 
 A list of the Deputies from the several towns on Long- 
 Island^ and from the town of Westchester^ which com- 
 jyosed the General Ax^i mhhi convened at Hempstead hy 
 Richard Mcolls, the \.sf nf March, 1665. 
 
 jVeio- Utrecht, Jaquc> ( 'oi-tcllcau, Y(uiiiLi-or Hope. 
 
 Gramsend, Jauirs Ilubbai-d, .lolm liowiif. 
 
 Flatlands, ElluM't Kllicrtson. Krl,,tlr Martens. 
 
 Flathush, John Strvkcr. I ItMidi-ick Gucksen. 
 
 BusJnoick, John Stcalniaii. ( ii>l)ert Tunis. 
 
 Brooklyn, Hendrick LulilxM'tzen, John Evertsen. 
 
 JVeio Town, Richard IJctts, John Coe. 
 
 Flushing, Elias I),,imlity. Richard Cornhill. 
 
 Jaiiiaica, Daniel Dcntoii, Hiuma- Benedict. 
 
 Hempstead, John I ! icks. K-.l.ri-t .1 ack>on. 
 
 Olisfei^ay, Joh n I' 1 1 . ! c r h i 1 k M a 1 1 1 1 i a II arvey . 
 
 Huntington, Jona> AVtmik -inhii K'cti'hani. 
 
 B rookliaven, Daniel Lane, linger Rarton. 
 
 Southold, William Wells, John Youngs. 
 
 South Hampton, Thomas Baker. 
 
 Fast Hampton, Thomas Baker, John Stratton. 
 
 Westchester, Edward Jessup, John Quinby. 
 50 
 
176 
 
 Tlte Address of the Deputies assembled at Ilemjystead, to 
 his Jtoyal JligJmess, the Duke of Ym'lc, 
 
 AVe, tlie deputies duly clcctcil iVmii llic several townsupon 
 Louij-Islaud, being asx inMol ;it I Icinii^tcad, in general 
 meeting, by authority (lcri\i (l tVuin ymir i-nyal liiglinoss 
 under the honorable ('(ilmirl Mcnll-. a- (Icimty i\ci'nor. 
 do most humbly and tliaiikrnlly ;i( k now Irdi^-c td youi- i-nyal 
 liighness, the great Imimr and >;il i-tiid inn we i-cccivL' in oui' 
 dependence upon y^nr i-oyal liiiilinc--. aci-( .i-ding to the 
 tenor of his -iinvd' niMjc-ryV |iMtcnt. -i-anrcd the 12th day 
 of March, l'^';!: wluTcin we nckiiMwlcilMC nnr-clvcs, our 
 heirs and succc--i ir- t'ui'cxci-. tu lie (■(iiMi>i'i/.iMl tn all iiitent> 
 and purposes, as therein i> imn'c at hirL:c i'\|irc-~iMl. And 
 we do publicly and umininn m>ly (Icclnir diii' clircil'ul sub- 
 mission to all such hn\>, statntc^ and (irilinaiirc-, which are 
 or shall be made by virrne ut antlmrity IVmhi your royal 
 highness, youi-- hcir> and siicci>~Mr~ I'. irc\ I'l' : A~ al^o, that 
 we will maintain, uphold and dcl'ond. to thi' utiiio>t of uur 
 power, and jicril ol' us, our hciiv and -nccc~-or-- t'oi'cver. all 
 the rights, title and inton-^t. i^-raiitod by hi> -aci-rd niajcsty 
 to your ro_yal hiiiiiiii ---. ai^ain-t all |in'tcii>ion> or iii\ a-ious.- 
 foreign and domc>tic; \vi' Immiil;- ali-oady well a->ured, tliat. 
 in so doing, we perform oui' duty of alloLiiance to lii> niajoty. 
 as freeborn subjects of the l<iiiL;'doiii ..t' Kngland inhabiting 
 in these his majesty's donnnion>. We do farther beseech 
 your royal highne» to a<'ce]it of t]ii> ad(bx'», as the iirst 
 fruits in t]n> general meeting, for a memorial and record 
 against us, our heirs and successors, when we. or any of 
 them, -hall fail in our duties. Lastly, we beseech your I'oyal 
 ]nghne~> to take our poyerties ami ueces>itie>. in tliis wil- 
 derue-- coiinti'v, into speedy con>idei-ation ; that, by con- 
 stant >n|i|ilie~ of trade, and your royal highness' more par- 
 ticular (duiiti iiance of grace tons, and protection of us, we 
 may daily more and more be encouraged to bestow our 
 labors to the iin|irovemrnt of t]ie>e liis majesty's western 
 donunioii-. undei' youi- ri>\al 1m::1iii:'>s ; for whose health, 
 long life, and eternal iiappiiie^^., we shall ever pra}', as in 
 duty bound. 
 
 From Furman\s BrooMyn. 
 
 This address was agreed on at the meeting of the depu- 
 ties at Hempstead, in March, 16G5. 
 
177 
 
 A JYcr/'iifrre and Ri mnnxfrnnr-p of fJie r><'p>ifh'!i a-sfti^)nl}]e(l 
 
 at IL inp^fr,!']. Ill ^r,li'r/i. XMul. iV'IilfuHJ fil fli,' iVif'.rnit 
 
 appi'i'liiUKiiins: (if .soiiii' iiKiffei's tlii'H If 11(1 till i-i' triinviicted. 
 
 His Majesty having employed liis ships of war, and sent 
 a considerable number of soldiers to reduce these parts of 
 America to his obedience, the present government was 
 readily received, and peaceably settled on Long Island, by 
 virtue of his Majesty's letters j^atent, made and granted to 
 his IJoyal Highness, .lame-, I)uke of Yoi-k and Albany, 
 boai-ing date the twelfth day of ]\rarch. in tlie >ixteenth of 
 the reign of our sovereign Lord, King Chailo tlic H., pub- 
 lished at Gravesend, on Long-Island, atiirc-aid, about the 
 middle of August f)ll()\ving, in the audicncr ot' a groat 
 number of the inhabitants thereof, by the Riglit Ibuhiralile 
 Ool. Richard ^Niolls, de])Uty Governor unilci' hi- Koyal 
 Highness. At which time and ]ilari' (iov. W intlirop. bi_'ing 
 then present, openly declared that tlirir cMlony chilnicMl no 
 jui'i-diction il< 'in,; nvcr Loiig-Llaiid : but what tln-y had 
 'dni,.. \\a- fill' tlic wfltaiv. pracr. and .luict >L-ttleinent of his 
 Maje>tyV >iil)j('ct-, a- tla-y were tiie nearest court of record 
 to them nndci' his Majoty ; but now his Majestv''s pleasure 
 was fully sigiiihcd by his letters patent, as above said, their 
 jurisdiction over rhcni (■(■a>ed anil became nnll; whereupon 
 our honorable goNcnioi' then iH-pHrd al>o, that lie would not 
 put out any of tho olHccrs which Connecticut had set up in 
 the civil state, but <-ontii-m them under his power to act in 
 every town, until a convenient season served to convene 
 deputies from all the towns on the islaml, when and wdiere 
 laws were to be enacted ami civil otKcers established. 
 
 Shortly after, at another meeting of our honorable Gov- 
 eiinor and Connecticut Commissioners, several persons were 
 there confirmed by him in civil authoi-ity, by his Avriting 
 under his hand, Avhich they published in several towns where 
 they were to collect rates and former dues for Connecticut, 
 unto which power these eastern towns readily and willingly 
 obeyed and submitted for the space of six months at least. 
 
 In March following, we were convened, being deputies 
 chosen by the several towns in a general assembly held at 
 Hempstead, where his Majesty's aforesaid patent was first 
 read, and a commission from his Eoyal Higliness the Duke 
 of York, empowering and investing the aforesaid Col. Rich- 
 ard Nicolls, with authority to put the contents of the said 
 patent into practice and execution, who declared unto us 
 that our first business should be to decide some, and to com- 
 
178 
 
 pose other differences wliicli were on float before lie came 
 to the government, accor(lin<>j to the manner ami form in 
 practice since our late ackn(.)\vled<>;ment of the Connecticut 
 authority ; but that he had prepared a body of general laws 
 hereafter to be observed ; the which were delivered to us, 
 and upon ])erusal we found them to be a collection of the 
 laws now in ])ractice in his Majesty's other colonies in Xew- 
 Eiigland, with abatement of the severity against such as 
 differ in matters of conscience and religion. 
 
 We proceeded to object against some and jiropose other 
 clauses in the laws, wlici'cuiion scvci'id amendments were 
 made with t'ui-tlici' ;i>-iii-;iiicc frum tlic ( inNci'iior, that when 
 any reasonable alteration ^lioiild We (itl'd'ed tVom any town 
 to the sessions, the Justicr- >liuul(l ti'iider the Mime at the 
 assizes, and receive sati>taci iun therein, the trnth and effects 
 whereof we have since found. 
 
 The Governor further declared that for his own part he 
 expected no benefit for his labors out of the ]iiirses of the 
 inhabitants, not so much as to defray lii> i liai -i- ami expenses 
 at the courts; but that it was abr^olntely ncci— -ary to estab- 
 lish a form and rule of county i-ates, to >n|nioi t the public 
 charge; whereupon we [-itehrd npon the I'oi-ni nml rule at 
 this day observed in Connecticut, which was known to some 
 of those present. 
 
 In the next })lace we conceived that two hundred ])ounds 
 yearly might defray the public chai-L:-e ; to which tlie Gov- 
 ernor i-eplied that he would touch n.mc ot the public money, 
 but that the iiigii sheriff" from year to \oai' -hould cause the 
 san)e to be collected, and give, at the expiration of bi> otHce, 
 in open court at the general a»ize^, an account of hi> re- 
 ceipts and disbui'sements. 
 
 If it should happen the rate was more than the charge of 
 his year, the overi)lus sliould remain to the use of the coun- 
 try the next year; if the charge was greater than Hn rate, 
 the country was obliged to bear it with an ad.lii ioiml rate, 
 in all which transactions we acted w irh -inceriiy of heart, 
 according to the best of our un^h i'-landing. and in iibedience 
 to his majesty's authority established by his letters patent 
 over us. 
 
 Moreover we appointed a committee to attend the o;ov- 
 ernor for his resolution, whethci- we niiLiht not. accor.lin'u- to 
 the custom of the other ccdonit-. clhu.^c ,,iir ma- i-i inter-. 
 "We received answer by our dejnities, that they had >een the 
 instruction of His Royal Highness, wherein the choice of 
 
179 
 
 all tlie officers of Justice was solely to be made by tlie Gov- 
 ernor, and some of ns do know that a Parliament of Eng- 
 land can neitlier make a judge nor justice of the peace. 
 
 In conclusion, the governor told us that we had seen and 
 read his Majesty's letters patent, the commission and in- 
 structions from Ids Royal Highness the Duke of York, and 
 if we woidd liave a greater share in the government than 
 he could allow, we must go to the king for it. 
 
 ^Nevertheless some malicious men have asperMd u~ be- 
 trayers of their liberties and privileges, in suIim liliiiig to 
 an address to Ids liuyal Highness, full of duty and gratitude, 
 whci-fby his liuyal Highness may be encouraged the more 
 to take us and the welfare of our posterity into his most 
 princely care and consideration. 
 
 Neither can any clause in that address bear any other 
 natural sense and construction than our obedience and sub- 
 mission to his Majesty's letters patent, according to our duty 
 and allegiance. 
 
 However, that our neighbors and fellow subjects may be 
 undeceived of the fiilse asjiersions thrown upon us, and the 
 impostures of men di^atircted to government manifrsted, 
 lest they >li(iuM ftii'tlitT ail upon tlie \\■eakne^- of ntliers; 
 we the then dei)Uties and subscril)ers of the saiil aihhx'ss, 
 conceive ourselves obliged to publish tliis iiarrati\e an<l re- 
 monstrance of the several passages and >t('ii> i-iimhicting to 
 the present government uiuler which we now live, and we 
 desire that a i-ccord hcivot' may be kept in each town, that 
 future ages may not l)e seasoned with the sour malice of 
 such unreasonable and groundless aspersions. 
 
 Dated the 21st day of Jime, 1666. 
 
 Remonstrance of Southampton against the order requiring 
 them to take out a new patent. 
 
 Southampton, Feh. 15, 1670. 
 
 To the Governor : 
 
 Honourable Sir — We, the iidiabitants of this town, do 
 hereby present unto you our humble service. (.Vc. to show 
 our respect to your lionour's pleasure, and oui- dlxMlicnci- to 
 the order of tlie honourable court of assize — we are Itold to 
 manifest herein unto you some i-ea^()ii> wliy \\v ;ii'e unwill- 
 ing to receive any further patent t'<ir (.mr laud-, a- followetli : 
 
 1st, Because, as we liave honestly purchased thena of the 
 natives, (the proper and natural owners of them,) so also we 
 51 
 
liiive already the patent rijilit. hiwfiilly .ilitaiiied and derived 
 from the lionourable earl of Si ii lln-. w e being to pay one 
 lifth i)art of gold and silver ow. and four bushels of Indian 
 corn yearly. 
 
 2dly, Because the injunction laid on persons and ])lanta- 
 tions'bythe laws in IGtUi, to take forth patents fur tlieir 
 lands from our then governor, we gniumh'dly cdncriNc in- 
 tended not the plantations on this ea>t end ot' the I-hmd, 
 but only tliose at the west end who were reilih rd ri Min a 
 foreign government, even as heretofore. Those 1 .n- li-li i hat 
 came to dwell within the precincts whieli tlie Dutch claimed 
 took out land briefs from tlie Dutch -mm rn.ir. 
 
 3dly, Because those of ns, win. were lii'^t lieginners of 
 this ])lantation. i)ut none but miii--''1\c- Ici llic cli:ii-i:e in 
 our transport hitlier, we great I \ li;i/.ardcd our li\c- i.i--Mine 
 \o6t their- 1 hi'i-e amongst and by the thm nunicron- and 
 barbarou-.l\ cruel natives; yet tln-ougli divine Providence 
 we havt> i,o-M'»ed these our land> aiiout ;;n year- without 
 interruption or molestation by any claiming them Iron) us, 
 and therelbre we cannot see why we >]ioul(l lo-e any of our 
 rightfid prl\ ileges. so dearly and honestly purchased, or how 
 our laiel- can lie belter assured to ns by taking out another 
 ])atcnt from any one. 
 
 ■ily, And marei i,ill\ because by our said i>atenr wc^had 
 license (we being Imi few i to put ourselves under aii\ of his 
 niajest\'"- colonic- 1'. ii- -o\crnment, whereupon m-cordingly 
 by" \N illiiiL:- coii-, !i! Ml, .-ill sides, we adjoiiie(l our-cUe- to 
 liartlord jnriMliction, and divers of us deeanie meinbci-s of 
 the king's court there, and when the wortliy Mr. Winthro]) 
 obtained a patent from his majesty our ])re^ent lord. King 
 Charles II., for the >aid colony' of llai'tford. onr town i- in- 
 cluded, and some of the tlien chief member- of our town 
 exi)ressly nominated in the patent ; -o tlmt tin- iihiee liecame 
 undeniably an absolute limb or i)art of the -iild ( o|,,iiy : and 
 moreover, since that and after hi- iiiaje-i \ - eMinini— loners 
 came into these parts, hi- maje-ty of grace ami free motion 
 was pleased so far to enconrag.' hi- jieople of the -a hi colony, 
 as by his letter to assure them that their eeelesia>tieal am] 
 civil* privileges which he had granted them should not be 
 infringed or dinnnished by his said commissioners or any 
 others whatsoever. 
 
 Sly, It is not only in all om- experience beyond all par- 
 allel, that each town should be constrained to take forth a 
 patent, but also the patents here imposed and those given 
 
181 
 
 fortli, wliicli yet we have seen, seem to bind persons and 
 towns in iiiattur uf payiiiciits to the will and mercy of their 
 lord an<l his succc'>s()rs, or lieutenants; and wlio can tell but in 
 time to come those may succeed who, tliron^h an avaricious 
 distemper, may come upon ns with such heavy taxes and 
 intolerable l)urilciis, as may make us, or our poor posterity, 
 to groan like I-rarl in l']i:-yiit. 
 
 Oly, liccau.-c i)eoph' are enjoined to acknowledge in the 
 said patent (^if we mistake not greatly) that his royal high- 
 ness the duke of York is sole proprietor of the whole Island, 
 which we cannot consent unto, iiecausc we know oui'sclves 
 to be the true pi'oprietors of the laiid^ c Ihtc ]ioss('>s, with 
 the appui'tenancc.'s thereunto behuiging, and alsc.t Itecause 
 im-n arc rnjoincd liy the said patent to pay not only all jnst 
 due-, liut aho all drniands that may be made by his royal 
 liigliiic>s or lii> aiitlioi-ized agent. 
 
 7l\, r>('i'aiir-(' wr are more than confident his majesty 
 will desire no more of us than already we are, even his 
 faithful liege people who have many of us already taken, 
 and the rest of us are ready to take, the oath of allegiance 
 unto liini. Willing we are to ))ay oui' ju>t due> in town aiul 
 to the country, ami I'cady To -er\ e lii< niajc-ty with our 
 lives and fortunes ; we are his subjects, and we kuiiw he will 
 not make us slaves to any. 
 
 Sly, Because Gen. Nichols gave it under his hand that 
 we at this end should have as gi'eat pi'ivileges as any colony 
 in New-England, and yet Wi- are denieil our deimties at the 
 courts ; we are forcetl to pay customs foi' goods im])orted, for 
 which custom hath before been paid to his majesty's nse in 
 Knglan.l. 
 
 and Lastly. The king's comniissioiiers in the year 
 l(;i;4, l)\ their proclanuxtion, seenu'd to (leiinind only the 
 iidverninciit. w Ith exact and full ])ronii>e that the people 
 shoul.l enjoy \\ liaf-oc\ ci- (bMr> hle>-ing and their own in- 
 dustr\- had furni>he(l them withal; and we see not what 
 more a patent can a»ure u> ; e>iiecially considt'ring that the 
 patents here taken forth by places, or particulai' ]ierMm>, se- 
 cure them not absolutely; for it seems to us by the order of 
 the court of assizes, even from them who have received a 
 patent, wood and timbei- may be taken away without leave 
 and without pay ; in all which I'espects, and some other, we 
 cannot be willing to take forth UKn-e patent than we have. 
 And if we do succee<l otherwise than we ex])ect, we hope we 
 shall, like good Christians, patiently bear the pressure that 
 
182 
 
 may be permitted to fall upon us, yet never fail to be fervent 
 votaries for your liunourV real liap))iness. 
 
 [Sijiued by Tlionuis llalsey, juii., and 49 otbers.J 
 
 TJte Petition of the Memhers of the Court of As.n.ze, to the 
 Ihike of York, f 01' an Assembly. 
 
 To his Royal iri(jhness,James, Duke of York and Albany: 
 
 Tlie humble petition of the council of the province, the 
 aldermen of New- York, and of the justices assembled 
 at a special court of assize hehl at the city of New-York, 
 June 2yth, 1G81, 
 
 Sheweth — that we, your royal highness' most liuiiiMc and 
 obedient servants, assembled together by vii'tnc «it' yimr 
 roval liii;'lnicss' autlinrity established in liis cnldiiN-, liinnlily 
 craviiii: tin' cniiiiiiictiun and a>-i-t ai ice uf t lil- ci m i1 toiiiake 
 a subnii>>ive adih'os to your royal : tlici-ciii rcpi'e- 
 
 senting the great pressure and lanicntalilr coiidition of Ids 
 majesty's subjects in this your royal hi-lnic--" (-..lony ; and 
 also ]>n'>eiitiiiL;-, for the onlv rcni(Ml\ and cax' ot' tlio>e bur- 
 dens, that an a-MMubl;, ..f t'lu' iM.,|,ir may he ,"^tal)li.lied by 
 a free choicr of the tVcch. i|( Icis and iniialiilant> of lhi> yoii'r 
 royal highness' colony. The whieli i-eipiot, w r lia\ liii;' ma- 
 turely and deliberately weighed and coii^idei-ei 1. and lia\ ing 
 full assurance ot" your royal higlinc~>" gudd gracion> and 
 real inlcntinn- to encourage and aihance tlic ea~e. lieiietit. 
 aiul adxaiilage ol' trade, and iIk' inercliant> and inlialiitaiits 
 of this your said cojuny. and the removal of all things that 
 might obstruct or hinder the same to us particularly, sigin- 
 tied bv your i;'racious commission given to .lolm Lemon, 
 your I'oval hii:linc>-" agent and servant here, bearing date 
 the 21tii of May, 1G80, which with great joy ami general 
 satisfaction was received and published. Ex|K(tIng and 
 longing for the happy event of such your royal lilglmess' 
 grace and favour, the enjoyment of wliicli we have not as 
 yet attained, we find onr-el\c- eneoni'age(l ami obliL:'e<l to 
 concur with the said grand iiKpie^t ; ami in all >ubmi>>ive 
 manner to prostrate ourselves at your roval highiie^-" feet, 
 and represent the miserable and deplorable cMndition of the 
 inhabitants of this your royal liighiie>-' cohmy. who for 
 many years ])ast have groaned under ine\pre>>ilile burdens 
 by having an arbitrary and absolute power u>ed and exer- 
 cised over us, by which a yearly revenue is exacted from us 
 
183 
 
 against our wills, and trade grievously burdened witli undue 
 and unusual customs imposed on the men-liaudise without 
 our consent — our liberty and freedom iiitlu'alled, and the 
 inhabitants wholly shut out and deprived of any .-^hare, vote 
 or interest, in the government, to their great discourage- 
 ment, and contrary to tlic laws, i-ights, lihcrtics, and ])rivi- 
 leges, of the subject; sn that we arc c^tcciiKMl a> nothing, 
 and have become a repi'uai-li tu tlic iicighlidius in other his 
 majesty's colonies, wlio tlouri>h inuh'r the fruition and pro- 
 tection of his majesty's nupai-alloh'd form and nicthud of 
 government in liis reahii of Knghmd. tlie undoulited l)irth- 
 right of all his >ul>j('i-ts. Whicli neee>sitate> u>, in liehalf 
 of this your royal highness" colony, to Itccouic humble >n\>- 
 pliants and suitoi-^ to youi- i-o\ al hig]nic>^ ; praving, and we 
 do hereby humbly and snbnii>-i vcly, with all obedience, 
 pray and beseech your royal highiic>~. that, for the redress- 
 ing and removal of the saiil ui ic\ ain'es, the government of 
 this yonr colmiy may, f)r the lului-c, be settled and estab- 
 li>hcil, lailcd ami go\ ci'ikmI, by a governor, council, and as- 
 >embly ; which a-~ciiibly to be duly ele<?ted and chosen by 
 the freeholder> of this \i>\\r nty-A higliiiess' coloin-. as is 
 usual and practicable wi;h the i-cahii oT l^Mghmd. and oUier 
 his majesty's plantation,-. Which w ill gi\c great ea>e and 
 sa; i-l'aci ion to all his majol \",- >iibjecl,- in y(.)ur royal 
 
 highiie->" colony; whodoire no gi-eatei' hap|iine-- than the 
 continuance of your royal highne--" grace ami fi\'(_inr, and 
 to be and remain his majc-t v"- lo\al ami iVcc -nbjects. 
 Bv order, &c. 
 
 JOHN WEST, Cie/'k of Assize. 
 
 Of the Firafc, WWhm, Rnhl. 
 
 William Ividd, who was connni-ioned in ICiH) to go against 
 the ]Mrates, who then infe-tcj the -ca-. became' a ]nrate, 
 sailed to ^ladagaM-ar, ami ra\a--e(| ihe -ra and the coast 
 from the Ked Sea to the coast of Malabai' f ir luvirly a year, 
 when he returned with more valualile >]ioil, than perhaps 
 ever fell to the lot of a pirate. ( )n his way from the West 
 Indies to Boston, he am-hoi'ed in ( iai-diner's Bay, landed on 
 the island, and bni-ie<l a bo\ of gold, silver and precious 
 stones. The owm.'r of the i-land wa- intrusted with the se- 
 cret, and his life was the plei|-c el' it- security. Kidd made 
 similar deposits in other jilaces along the coast. On Kidd's 
 arrival at Boston, on the 1st 'Inly, 1009, he was seized and 
 
184 
 
 committed bv tlie order of the Governor, the Earl of Bella- 
 iiiont, and amoni>; his papers was found an accoinit of all his 
 deposits. Commissioners were appointed to collect and se- 
 cure them. They called on Mr. Gardiner for the box that 
 was deposited on the Island, who, after he was assured that 
 Kidd was in safe custody, and not likely ao-ain to be in a 
 condition to injure him. ])r.>curcd tlu; box and delivered it 
 to the (commissioners. 
 
 Kidd was sent to Eii<;land and triecl and executed May 
 !Mli. 17(11. 
 
 The tradition of Kidd's lia\iiii:- liiii-icd his trcn-ures 
 along- the coast, unaccompanied li\ the lii-tory of tlicir dis- 
 covery, has given rise to the idK' pi'act icr ot' money digLi'iiig, 
 under the impression that those treasures are still to be 
 found. 
 
 Anumg the iiai)ers of the late John E. (iai'diiier, Escp, is 
 an account of the treasure depo-itcd un the Uland, taken 
 from the list of Kidd's treasures, which were secured by 
 the commissioners, of which the following is a summary : 
 deceived, the 17th inst., of Mr. John 
 Gardiner, three bags of gold dust, 
 
 containing - - • - IMoz. 
 Two bags of gold bars, contaiiung 5014 
 One do. of coined gold, do. - 11 & silver 124 1)^. 
 One do. broken silver do. - - 17SI 
 Two do. Hivcr l.aiv - - - - 521 
 One do. -iUi i- Imttoiis and a lamp, 29 
 One bag coiiraiiiing three silver 
 
 rings and sundry precious stones, 4j oz. 
 
 One do. of unpolished stones, - 12?2 
 
 847.1 17^ 
 
 One bag containing one ])iece of Ib-i-ti A and fiezoai- ~ti iiies, 
 two ciiiaicliau riiig~, and two small anafc-. two aiiictli\>ts. 
 
 \\'liicli accoiml wa> pi'e>ented by Samuel Sewell. Nathan- 
 iel liytield, .leremiah Dumer and Andrew llelelier, esqs., 
 connnissioners ap|)ointed to receive and -ecane the same, 
 under oath, to the Earl of Bellamont, Governor of Massa- 
 chusetts. 
 
 This is only a i)art of the first of thirteen sheets, in which 
 the whole account was compi i/.ed. a- certified by H. C. 
 Addington, Secretary of State. .Inly l'."'i1i. 1<'>1.)9. 
 
185 
 
 A li-sf of ill p Gori'rnoi'K, LirnfrDaiif frorpri)nj'.9, a nrl Presi- 
 de in'..' nf fh, Cnunr'n ,r]n, ,i <l n ini I ..t, ,1 ///- <Jn rr ,1 i,i , id of 
 the ri,l nil ij anil utiiti, if Js\ ic- Vark, froin ir.L'U to tlicjires- 
 
 ent time. 
 
 DUTCH GOVEENORS. 
 
 Wciiter Tail Twiller, 1629 
 
 William Kieft, ------ 1638 
 
 Petur Stuyvesant, - 1647 
 
 EXGLISH GOVERNORS, &C. 
 
 Eieliard ISTicolls, 1664 
 
 Francis Lovelace, ------ 1667 
 
 Aiitlxinv Colve, on a recapture of the province 
 
 hy tl,;. Dutch, 1673 
 
 Attn- tliu surrender to the English, Sir Edmund 
 
 Audross, - - - - - - 1674 
 
 Anthonv Brockholst, ----- 1681 
 
 TliMi,,;,-' T).;ii-an, 1683 
 
 El , , .lso]i. ----- 1688 
 
 J; 16S9 
 
 II -iirv :-;u!-iiter, - 1691 
 
 Richard Ino-olsbv, 1691 
 
 Benjamin Fletcher, ----- 1692 
 
 Eichard, Earl of Bellamont, - - - - 1698 
 
 John Xanfan, 1699 
 
 L.ird Conihurv. ------ 1702 
 
 L.inl hMV,-larr. - 1708 
 
 Richard Ing.»l^hy, 1709 
 
 Gerardus Beekman, ----- 1710 
 
 Brii^adier Hunter, ------ 1710 
 
 Peter Scluivler, 1719 
 
 William Ihirnet, 1720 
 
 John Muntj^cmerie, ----- 1728 
 
 Rip Van Dam, 1731 
 
 William Cosby, ------ 1732 
 
 Gen,-v Clark; ------- 1736 
 
 Gcnr-c Clinton, 1743 
 
 Danv.-r> ()>l)orn, 1753 
 
 James ])e Lanccv, 1753 
 
 Sir Charles Hardy, - 1755 
 
 James De Lancey, 1757 
 
 Cadwallader Golden, 1760 
 
 Robert Monkton, - 1762 
 
 Cadwallader Golden, - - - - - 1763 
 
186 
 
 irenry Moore, ^I^^ 
 
 Joliii, Earl of Dunmore, 1T7U 
 
 AVilliam Tryoii, 1T71 
 
 STATE GOVEKNOKS. 
 
 George Clinton, ------ 1777 
 
 John Jay, ------- 1795 
 
 George Clinton, 1801 
 
 Morgan Lewis, ------ 1804: 
 
 Daniel D. Tompkins. 1807 
 
 De Witt Clinton, - 1817 
 
 the same, - 1820 
 
 Joseph C. Yates, ------ 1822 
 
 De Witt Clinton, 1824 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 State of the country at the tune of its first settlement, 3 
 
 Of the niterfering claims of the Dutch and English, 5 
 
 Of the settlement of the Island, . . ^ - S 
 
 Of Trade among the first settlers, - - - - 14 
 
 Of the Character of the first settlers, - - - 17 
 
 Of the political condition of the English towns, - 19 
 
 Of their union with Connecticut, - - - - 24 
 
 Of the Ecclesiastical state of tlie several towns, - 29 
 
 Of the Indians on Long-Island, ----- 63 
 
 Of the political condition of the several towns in the 
 
 Dutch tei-ritorv, ------ 82 
 
 Of the English Government after the conquest in 1664 
 
 to the American Revolution, - - - - 84 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Sketch of General Woodhull, ----- 123 
 
 Colonel William Smith, - - - - 142 
 
 -William Nicolls, Esq., - - - - 147 
 
 Of tlie several Courts, ------ 152 
 
 Representatives in the first Convention. - - - 158 
 
 Population at different periods, - - - - 161 
 
 Climate, --------- 163 
 
 Treaty of Hartford in 1650, ----- 167 
 
 Remonstrance of the towns in 1655, - - - - 168 
 
 Social Contract of East Ham|)t(»n in 1655, - - 172 
 
 Original Dutcli Grant for Jamaica. - - - - 172 
 
 Transactions of Connecticut Assembly, - - - 173 
 
 Annexation of Long-Island to New- York, - - - 174 
 
 Deputies to Assembly at Hempstead in 1655, - 175 
 
 Address of the Deputies, ------ 176 
 
 Remonstrance of do. 177 
 
 Remonstrance of Southampton in 1670, - - - 179 
 
 Petition of Court of Assize in 1681, - - - 182 
 
 Of the Pirate Williani'Kidd, - - - - - 183 
 
 List of Governors, to the present time. - - - 185' 
 
 53 
 
ADDITIONS M THE EDITOR, 
 
THE MURDER OF GENERAL WOODHULL. 
 
 Tho inhuman and brutal slaughter of Gen. Woodhull, which had 
 properly so large a share of the attention of Silas Wood, has, of re- 
 cent years, evoked some new testimony, which changes entirely the 
 direction of opinion in regard to its perpetrator. 
 
 Robert Troup was a graduate of Colombia College, by profession 
 a lawyer, a man of sterling piety, and of most respectable standing in 
 societ}'. At the time of the battle of Long-Island, he was a Lieu- 
 tenant in Col. Lasher's battalion of New-York militia, was made pris- 
 oner five miles west of Jamaica on the 27th of August, the day of 
 the battle, and was put, with many other prisoners, on board a small 
 vessel or transport lying at Gravesend, which had been employed in 
 the transportation of cattle. Afierhis release he made an affidavit 
 of his personal sufferings, which concluded with the following re- 
 cital in relation to General Woodhull : 
 
 "That while he was confint'fl on board the said transport, Briga- 
 dier General Woodhull wa> also Iwdn^iit on board, in a shockingly 
 mangled condition; that di poiii-nt asked the General the particulars 
 of his capture, and was told by the said General, that he had been 
 taken by a [)arty of liglit-horse, under the command of Capt. Oliver 
 De Lancey; that he was asked by the said Captain if he would sur- 
 render; that he answered in the affirmative, provided he would treat 
 him like a gentleman, which Captain De Lancey assured him he 
 would, whereupon the General delivered his sword, and that imme- 
 diately after, the said Oliver De Lancey, jr., struck him, and others of 
 the .said party imitating his example, did cruelly cut and hack him 
 in the manner he then was; that although he was in such a mangled 
 and horrible situation, he had nevertheless, been obliged to sleep on 
 the bare floor of the said transport, if a Lieutenant of the man-of- 
 war who guarded the transport, had not lent him a mattrass ; that 
 Gen. Woodhull was afterwards carried to the hospital in the church 
 of New-lTtrcclit, where he perished, as deponent was on good au- 
 thority iiit'oiiiK.'d, through want of care, and other necessaries; and 
 further tlii.s drponont saith not. 
 
 " Robert Troup. 
 
 " Sworn the Llih January, 1777, before me, 
 
 " Gouv. Morris." 
 
 64 
 
192 
 
 In after life Robert Tronp was a judge, member of tlie Legisla- 
 ture and warden of Trinity Church. lie was the personal friend 
 and political associate of Ja}' and Hamilton, and a man of stainless 
 honor. 
 
 The above affidavit, which lay in the Secretary of State's office, 
 in tlie handwriting of Gouv. Morris, was made public in the reports 
 of the Legislature of this state in 1842. It was published in the 
 valuable collection of revolutionary incidents of Kings, Queens and 
 Suffolk, by Henry Onderdonk, jr , and called forth letters from 
 James Fennimore Cooper, the novelist, whose wife was a daughter 
 of John Peter De Lancey, of Mamarom rk, controverting the al- 
 legation against Oliver, jr. In the progress of this discussion, 
 Mr. Cooper calls to mind a conversation held by him with his 
 father-in-law, in which the latter is reported as saying : " They en- 
 deavored to put the death of Gen. Woodhull on my cousin. General 
 Do Lancey, but Oliver always denied the same.'''' 
 
 The affidavit of an irreproachable and unimpeachable witness, of 
 statements made by another of equally higli character, if not in ex- 
 tremis, under circumstances of at solcinuit y, -oon followoil hy 
 death, will hardly leave the iuimriliaie iii-liiiniciitiiliiy by which 
 General Woodhull suffered, a debaleablc (juestion. 
 
 The correspondence is diffuse and ingenious on the part of Mr. 
 Cooper; but the candid reader will be compelled to admit, that the 
 portion of Mr. Onderdonk, is characterised by close logic and thor- 
 ough research, to which the effort of tlie challenger lays very small 
 claim. 
 
 THE SYLVESTER FAMILY, OF SHELTER ISLAND. 
 
 Nathaniel Sylvester, who was the first settler of Shelter Island, and 
 afterwards the owner of the whole Island, was the son of the celebrated 
 poet, Joshua Sylvester of London, who died in 1G17. His wife was 
 Grisclda Brinley, daughter of Thomas Brinley, of Datchet, Eng., 
 receiver of revenues under Kings Charles 1st and 2d, and sister of 
 the first Francis Brinley, of Newport and Boston. Nathaniel Syl- 
 vester and his wife must have come to this country about 1640. He, 
 with others, purchased Shelter Island of Thomas Goodyear, of New- 
 
193 
 
 Haven, who had it of James Farrett, agent of the Earl of Stirling. 
 By subsequent purchases, and through confiscation by the Dutch, of 
 that part owned by Thomas Middleton and Constant Sylvester, he 
 was compelled to purchase the whole Island, and in his will, which 
 gives an interesting account of this transaction, dated 1789, he dis- 
 poses of it, as well as Robins Island and other property in the town 
 of Southold, to his wife and children. He must have died soon after 
 the last named date, as is ascertained by the probate of his will. He 
 was a man of great enterprise and intrepidity, and received and pro- 
 tected at Shelter Island, a number of families of fugitives, from the in- 
 sane persecutions of the colony of Massachusetts, in early times, some 
 of whom died on the Island. This regard for the education of his 
 children, for justice and religion, as well as for kindness and benevo- 
 lence is abundantly manifested in his will, which is an elaborate docu- 
 ment and the only written memorial he has left behind. He had eleven 
 children, Griselda, the eldest daughter, married James Lloyd, of 
 Boston ; they afterwards resided at " Lloyd's Neck," a part of which 
 she owned previous to her marriage, and part was purchased by Mr. 
 Lloyd. Giles, tlic eldest son, inherited a large share of the Island 
 by the bequest of his father, and two or three of his brothers who 
 
 died unmarried. He married Mrs. Savage, of Boston. He 
 
 resided at Shelter Island, spending much time also in New-York, 
 where he died in 1701, bequeathing his property on Shelter-Island 
 to William Nicoll, of Islip ; he had no children. Nathaniel Sylves- 
 ter, the second son, sold his property on Shelter Islatid, being 
 1,000 acres in the centre of the Island, to George Havens, of 
 Rhode Island, and removed to Newport. He married Miss Hobert, 
 of East Hampton, and was the father of Brinley Sylvester, and 
 three other children ; he died in Newport in 17 — . The other sons 
 of the first Nathaniel Sylvester lived and died on Shelter-Island. 
 One of his daughters married Benjamin L'Hommedieu, of Southold, 
 a French Huguenot, and the ancestor of Ezra L'Hommedieu, a pa- 
 triot of the revolution, and one of the most distinguished statesmen 
 and senators of the state of New-York, l77o to 1809. Brinley 
 Sylvester, grandson of the first Nathaniel, and son of the second 
 Nathaniel, was born in 1694, and was married to Mary Burroughs, 
 daughter of Thomas Burroughs, of New-York, in 1719. He re- 
 moved from Newport in 17:^5, and occupied the mansion of his 
 grandfather, with about 1,200 acres of land attached thereto, where 
 
194 
 
 he resided till the close of his life. He erected on the site of the 
 old building, a new, commodious and stately mansion, which is still 
 there, and in good repair, after a lapse of a century and a quarter. 
 He was a man of intelligence, piety and benevolence, conscientious 
 and prompt in all the duties of life ; he was greatly instrumental in 
 the erection of the first building for public worship on Shelter Island, 
 and bequeathed at his death i-lOO for the support of the Gospel. 
 Previous to the erection of this building he attended the services of 
 the Rev. Mr. Young, of Southold. He had two children, both 
 daughters; Margaret, the elder, married David Cheescboro, of 
 Newport, and Mary, the younger, married Thomas Dering, of Sliel- 
 ter Island. Full length portraits of these ladies are still in the fam- 
 ilv, and are much admired as specimens of beauty, both of nature 
 and art. The death of Brinley Sylvester, which occurred in 1752, 
 was greatly lamented, and in a sermon preached on the occasion of 
 his death, by the Rev. Mr. Phillips, of Southold, which was printed 
 in Boston, we find portrayed a character of uncommon excellence. 
 His wife, who died in 1742, is represented in memorials which still 
 remain, to have been a woman of gn at piety and benevolence. 
 Their daughter, Mary, was the last of the SyKoters on the Island. 
 
 For a more particular account of the Sylvester and Dering fami- 
 lies, see memorials of the early settlers of Shelter Island, in print, 
 by NicoU U. Dering, M. D. 
 
 THE DEKIXG FAMILY, OF SHELTER ISLAND. 
 
 Henry Dering, the Ancestor of this family in America, was born 
 in Dorsetshire, England, August 1639. The exact time of his 
 coming to this country is not known, but it was in early life, as he 
 was m^trried in Boston, in 1664, to Ann Benning, by whom he had 
 five children. After her death, he was again married on Nov. 15th, 
 1676, to Elizabeth Atkinson, widow of Theodore Atkinson, and 
 daughter of Edward Mitchelson, Provincial .Marshal -General of the 
 colony of Massachusetts, by whom he had also tive children. He 
 was a merchant of Boston, a man of erudition, rspccially skilled in 
 ecclesiastical learning, as numerous manuscripts abundantly show. 
 He was a member of the Governor's council at the time of his 
 
195 
 
 death, in T7l7, and liis wife dying on the same day, they were both 
 interred in a common grave. One of his daughters married William 
 Welstead, naval officer of the Port of Boston, whose son was the 
 Rev. Henry Welstead, a distinguished minist'^r of Boston. Henry 
 Bering, his son, the second of the name in the male line, was born 
 October 6th, 1684, and was married to Elizabeth Packer, of Ports- 
 mouth, N. PI., February 8th, 1709. He also was a merchant of 
 Boston, became a rich man, and died October 20th, 1750, at the 
 age of 66, leaving a numerous family. His daughter, Elizabeth, 
 married Samuel Wentworth, and was the Ancestress of the cele. 
 brated authoress, Mrs. Gore. His daughter, Anne, married James 
 Monk, Esq., of Boston, and afterwards of Halifax, and was the 
 mother of Chief Justice Monk, of Montreal, afterwards Sir James 
 Monk, one of whose descendants, S. Cornwallis Monk, is now Judge 
 of the Supreme Court of Lower Canada. His daughter, Sarah 
 married Nathaniel Ray Thomas, of Marshfield, Mass., who, during 
 the revolutionary war, removed to Nova Scotia, and some of their 
 descendants are still living there. Thomas Dering, son of the last 
 named Henry Dering, was born May 16th, 1720, and was married 
 to Mary Sylvester, daughter of Brinley Sylvester, of Shelter Island, 
 March 9th, 1756. He, too, was a merchant of Boston, in connec- 
 tion with his brother Henry, who, having died of yellow fever on 
 liis return from the West Indies, their business in Boston was closed, 
 and he then removed to Shelter Island, where he became engaged 
 in agricultural pursuits, upon the estate devised by Brinley Sylvester 
 to his daughters, successfully cultivating it until 177G. Being natu- 
 rally of a social disposition, he greatly enjoyed the pleasures of hos- 
 pitality, and was always happy in entertaining his friends, and espe- 
 cially those of a religious character. Clergymen of all denomina- 
 tions here found a welcome home, and twice was he visited by the 
 celebrated George Whitfield. The Rev. Samuel Adams resided at 
 his house, and preached on the Island for a number of years. Hav- 
 ing espoused the Whig cause, and being a member of the Provin- 
 cial Congress of the state of New-York, which reafhrmed the Declar- 
 ation of Independence of the United States, he was obliged, on the 
 capture of Long-Island by the British, to remove for safety from 
 Shelter Island, and Middletuwn, Ct., became his place of residence 
 until the close of the war. Ue died at Shelter Island in 1785 ; Mrs. 
 Dering survived him ten years. Thev left three children, Sylvester, 
 55 
 
196 
 
 Elizabetli, and Henry Packer. The sons inherited the landed estate 
 on Shelter Ishind, that of their mother, and their aunt, Margaret 
 Chocseborougli. Sylvester Dering became a permanent resident of 
 Shelter Island ; ho was born Nov. 27th, 1758, and was married Nov. 
 27tli, 1787, to Esther Sarah Havens, daughter of Nicoll Havens, of 
 Shelter Island, and great-grand-daughter of William Nicoll, of Islip. 
 He resided in the mansion erected by Brinley Sylvester in 1735, 
 which was remarkable ■ for the beauty of its situation, and the 
 long avenue of large cherry trees leading to it. Mr. Dering was ac- 
 tively and successfully engaged in agrlrulture. He was the first to 
 introduce the breed of merino slu t'iJ into the country, and derived 
 much profit from the sale of tiic iiM rcasc, and of the wool. He 
 was, soon after the war, commissinniMl hy (iov. George Clinton as 
 Lieutenant Colonel, and served fail lit'ully I'M' many years as Colonel 
 and Brigadier General in the' militia, whirli hi' -really imjuoved in 
 discipline. He was also, by the ai>iiniiitineiit of rresiileiit Madison, 
 made principal assessor of the l>i ('uiiuies>iii:i,il l>i>tii. t of New- 
 York. He, too, was social in his cli>[Misiti(>n, and was greatly de- 
 lighted to entertain his friends, and being an elder in the church, 
 his house was the frequent resort of clergymen, many of whom were 
 his intimate friends. He died from the effect of an injury received 
 by the fall of his horse, Oct. 8th, 1820, in the 62d year of his age. 
 His widow survived him 19 years. Henry Packer Dering, although 
 retaining possession of his landed estate on Shelter Island, where 
 be erected commodious and expensive buildings, resided at Sag- 
 Harbor. He graduated at Yale College in 1784, after which, for a 
 few years, he engaged in mercantile pursuits, which he relinquished 
 in 1790, on being appointed by President Washington collector of 
 the customs and post master at Sag Harbor, which offices he retain- 
 ed to the close of his life, during a period of 30 years. He was 
 most actively engaged in attending to these and many minor oflBces, 
 and in directing the affairs of his farm. He enjoyed through life a 
 high reputation for hospitality and the cultivation of tiie amenities 
 of life, as well as for integrity and talents for business. He married 
 Anna Fos Jick, daughter of Dr. Thomas FosJick, of New London, 
 in 1794, who survived him 25 years. He died in 1822, aged 59. 
 
 Charles Thomas Dering, eldest son of Sylvester Dering, was born 
 Nov. I7th, 1790. He married Eliza Floyd Nicoll, daughter of 
 Samuel B. Nicoll, of Shelter Island, Aug. I7th, 18 IG. He early en- 
 
197 
 
 gaged in mercantile pursuits, first in Utica, N. Y., afterwards in 
 Hamilton, Madison Co., N. Y. Here, in 1813, he was appointed by 
 President Madison collector of internal revenue. In 1819 he re- 
 moved to Sag Harbor, where he entered upon the whaling business, 
 in which he was successfully engaged until near the close of his 
 life. He, too, enjoyed the pleasures of friendship and hospitality, 
 and was highly esteemed for the strictness of his integrity and the 
 soundness of his judgment. Nicoll H. Dering, second son of Syl- 
 vester, was born January 1st, 1794 ; he graduated at Yale College 
 in 1813, and at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in New- 
 York, in 1817, was appointed commissioner of health for the city 
 of New-York in 1818. He was married, first, to Frances Huntington, 
 daughter of Henry Huntington, of Rome, N. Y., June 6th, 1826, by 
 whom he had seven children ; secondly, to Sarah H. Strong, daugh- 
 ter of Benjamin Strong, of New-York, Oct. 1st, 1844. He was ex- 
 tensively engaged in the practice of physic, in the city of New-York, 
 until 1843, when he removed to Rome, N. Y., and afterwards to 
 TJtica, where he still resides. 
 
 Henry Sylvester Dering, third son of Sylvester Dering, was born 
 Sept. 29th, 1804. He graduated as doctor of medicine, at the Col- 
 lege of Physicians and Surgeons, in New-York, in 1829, and soon 
 commenced the practice of physic at Setanket, Long-Island, where 
 he still resides. He married H. Eliza Hulsc, April 29th, 1839, and 
 has had six children. 
 
 Heniy P. Dering, of Sag Harbor, had nine children. The eldest, 
 Thomas, was collector of the customs at Sag Harbor for many years, 
 and afterwards filled responsible offices in New-York and New Lon- 
 don. He married Gloriana Havens, daughter of Renselaer Havens, 
 of New-York. He was remarkable for his piety, probity and high 
 sense of honor, in all the aff"airs of life. Brinley Sylvester Dering, 
 second son of Henry P. Dering, was lost at sea in early manhood. 
 Lodowick, third son of Henry P. Dering, was a merchant of Sag- 
 Harbor ; he married Eliza Mulford, daughter of Mr. Mulford, of 
 Easthampton, L. L, and died in 1860, leaving two sons, Henry 
 Packer and Edward. 
 
 Nicoll R. Dering, fourth and youngest son of Henry P. Dering, 
 became the captain of a whaling shi}) out of Sag Harbor, and now 
 resides in California. The daughters of Henry P. Dering were, 
 Frances, Gloriana, Elizabeth Packer, and Charlotte, the last-named 
 married to William R. Sleight, of Sag Harbor. 
 
198 
 
 S_\l\cster Bering, only son of Dr. Nicoll H. Dcring, was born 
 March 12tli, 1838. He was married to Ella V. Hristol, daughter of 
 AVillis Bristol, of New Haven, Ct., Feb. 24th, 18G4. He is a law- 
 yer in Utica, N. Y., and a Brigadier General of the National Guard. 
 The daughters of Nicoll H. Dering, arc Annie Huntington, married 
 to Charles S. Wilson of Utica, Sarah Sylvester, Catherine Mary, 
 and Frances Huntington. 
 
 Charles T. Dering, eldest son of Dr. Henry S. Dering, was born 
 in 1843. He graduated at Hamilton College, Clinton, N. Y., in 
 1864. Henry, second son of Henry S. Dering, is still a youth ; his 
 daughters are Sarah, Frances, and Mary Sylvester. For a more 
 particular account of the Dering and Sylvester families, see memo- 
 rials of the early settlers of Shelter Island in print, by Nicoll H. 
 Dering, M. D. 
 
 Co2)y original Deed of a jmrfinn nt Smithtown, L. Z, in 
 possession of the Lomj /■•<hin<l ll'isforical Society : 
 
 Easthampton, July 14th, 1659. 
 Bee it knowne unto all men, both English and Indians, especially 
 the inhabitduts of Long-Island: that I, Wayandance Sachame, of 
 Pamanack, with my wife and soun Wiankanln.iK', my only sonn and 
 heire, hrtveinge delyberately considered how this twentie-foure years 
 wee have bene not only acquainted with Lion : Gardiner, but from 
 time to time have reseived much kindnes of him and from him, 
 not onely by counsell and advice in our prosperitie, but in our great 
 cxtremytie, when wee were almost swallowed upp of our enemies, 
 then wee say he apeared to us not onely a friend, but as a father, 
 in giveiuge us his monie and goods, wherby wee defemled ourselves, 
 and ransomd my daughter and friends, and wee say and know that 
 by his meanes we had great comfort and releife from the most hon- 
 arable of the English nation beare about us; soe that seinge wee 
 yet live, and both of us beinge now ould, and not that wee at any 
 time have given him any thinge to gratific his fatherly love, care 
 and charge, we haveinge nothing left tliat is worth hi^ ai eejitance 
 but a small tract of land which wee desire him to Acc ept of for him- 
 sclfe, his heires, executors and assignes forever; now that it may bee 
 knowne how and where that land lieth on Long Island, we say it 
 lieth betwene Huntington and Seatacut, the westerne bounds being 
 
199 
 
 Cowliarbor, easterly Arhata a munt, and soiifherly crosse the Island 
 to the end of the great hollow or valley, or more, then half through 
 the Island southerly; and that this gift is our free act and deede, 
 doth appeare by our hand-martcs under writ. 
 Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of 
 Witnes : Wayandance, his 88 mark. 
 
 EiCHAED Smtxhk. Wiankomdone, his M mark. 
 
 Thomas Chatfield. The sachem's wife, her Swq mark. 
 
 Thomas Tallmage. 
 
 FIRST .MOVEMENTS OF SETTLEMENT. 
 
 The hark Blessing, built by Governor Winthrop, at Mistick, in 
 1G31, returned October 2d, 1634, from a voyage southward to "the 
 Dutch plantation upon Hudson's river," having made " a further 
 discovery of that [land] called Long-Island. There they procured 
 Wampampeag, both white and blue," &c. Hubbard's N. E., page 
 171. 
 
 This was followed, in 1640, by the first settlement on the eastern 
 part of the Island, at Socth-iiold, by a purchase of the land, (ac- 
 cording to the same authority,) by "some of New-Haven," [from 
 the Indians,] " without the legal basis of a patent," who disposed 
 of it to the settlers on condition of their union with New-Haven. 
 
 South-Hampton was settled, soon after, by the company of Daniel 
 How, who had been driven with their vessel, by the Dutch, from 
 Cow Bay, (in North Hempstead, Queens County, now Manhassett,) 
 where they had made a clearing, and erected some small houses. 
 
 The deed of Farret, as deputy of the Earl of Stirling, is dated 
 April 17, 1640. The examination of the Cow Bay intruders, under 
 arrest of the Dutch, commenced on the 16th May following, and on 
 the 19th they were discharged upon their pledge to leave the terri- 
 tory of the Dutch. (Colonial Hist. N. Y., Vol. 2, page 144 to 150. 
 
 The deed of Farret gives How and associates choice of eight 
 miles square, to improve and enjoy, and is approved by Gov. Win- 
 56 
 
200 
 
 throp, with some comments on its provisions, by a memorandum 
 thereon, dated October 20th, 1C41. Under this deed, failing at Cow 
 B;n-, they settled at Southampton. 
 
 A protest made by Farret, before Gov. Winthrop, at Boston, Sept. 
 28, 1641, against Edward Tomlyns, Timothy Tomlyns and Hansard 
 Knovvles, and others, who are referred to as having taken possession 
 of " some part of Long-Island," without authority from the Earl, 
 and warning them and their tenants against ejectments, is set forth 
 in full by James Savage in a note to Winthrop's Journal, Vol. 2, 
 page 5, and in Thompson's Hist. L. I., Vol. 2, page 52. Mr. Sav- 
 age wonders that this document did not attract the attention of 
 Silas Wood, and he and Thompson both assume that it applies to 
 the conveyance under which the futile settlement at Cow Bay was 
 made. The names of the parties protested against do not appear 
 in the deed to How, nor among the settlers, nor were they mention- 
 ed in the examination before the Dutch Director. I think there is 
 a mistake of location. 
 
 The first patents from the Dutch, on the west end of the Island, 
 were of Flatlands, and the other flat districts in its vicinity, in 1636, 
 (the Dutch from the Netherlands naturally preferring such lands,) 
 though there was but little tillage or improvement by farm laborers 
 or other settlers, until after 1640. The name " Sewanhacky," 
 (Island of Shells, or shell money,) appears in one of these early 
 patents. 
 
ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 1. Portrait of Silas Wood, from a miniature on ivory. 
 
 2. Place of his Birth, at West Hills. 
 
 3. Residence for many years, and place of his Decease, in the 
 
 village of Huntington. 
 
 EXTENDED INDEX. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Address of Deputies at Hempstead, 1665, 176 
 
 Adjacent Islands, 26 
 
 Additions by the Editor, 189 
 
 Advertisement, Object of Republication, 2 
 
 America, Discovery of, 5 
 
 Amersfort, (Flatlands,) 8, 13 
 
 Annexation OF Long Island to New-York, 1*74 
 
 Appendix, Contents of, 187 
 
 Assemblies, Colonial, 1681, 101 
 
 Assembly and Council, Members of, from 1691 to 1775,. .. 158 
 
 Attorney, Power ob", to Farret, , 6 
 
 Boundaries of Dutch and English Territory, 11 
 
 Boundaries, Commissioners to fix, 27 
 
 Brookhaven, 13, 14, 24 
 
 Brooklyn, 10, 13, 83, 87 
 
 British Conquest, 1664, 88 
 
 Bushwick, 87 
 
 Canoe Place, 63 
 
 Cattle, 4, 8 
 
 Churches,.. 29 to 63 
 
 Civil and Political Condition of English Towns, 19 
 
 Claims, Dutch and English, 5 
 
 Clearing Lands, 3 
 
 Climate, 3 
 
 Colony Assembly, the First, 101 
 
 Common Law, 23, 24 
 
202 
 
 PACK. 
 
 Connecticut, Union of Towns with, 25, 26, 28, 87 
 
 Contents, Author's Table of, 187 
 
 Corn, 5 
 
 Courts, 2:^,27, 101, 102, 152 to 158 
 
 Clerks, 155, 150, 157 
 
 Climate, 1G3, 1G4, 1G5, 16G 
 
 Debts Paid in Produce, 15 
 
 Deputies to General Assembly at IIemi stead, 175 
 
 Discovery by Hudson, 7 
 
 Delancy, Oliver, jr., 191 
 
 Dering Family, of Shelter Island, 194 to 198 
 
 Duke's Government, Tyranny of, 91 
 
 Duke's Goverkmekt, liEsroaATioN ok, 99 
 
 Duke's Laws, 89 
 
 Dutch Settlements, Extent of, 8 
 
 Dutch Towns, Polhical Condition of, 81 
 
 Dutch Government, Tyranny of, 85 
 
 Dutch Re-conquest, 1073, 97 
 
 Dutch Surrender, 1064, 28 
 
 Dutch Churches and Ministers, 29, 30, 31 
 
 Earl of Stirling, Patent to, 7 
 
 Easthampton, 13, 14, 15, IG, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27 
 
 Easthampton, Social Contract of, 172 
 
 Ecclesiastical State of Towns, 29 to 03 
 
 English Towns under the Dutch, 84 
 
 English Churches and Ministers, 31 to G3 
 
 English Government, from Conquest to Revolution, 88 to 91 
 
 Estimates of Value to Stock, 1665, 16 
 
 Evacuation of Long-Island, 119 
 
 Field Officers and Captains, New-York Troops, 140 
 
 Field Officers and Captains, Long-Island Militia, 141 
 
 First Child Born on Long-Island, 10 
 
 First Purchase from Indians, 7 
 
 Flatlands, 13, 87 
 
 Flatbusii, 13, 87 
 
 Flushing 10,14, 63 
 
 Fort Neck, Battle of, 75 
 
 Fresh Pond, 63 
 
203 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Gardiner, Lyon, 9 
 
 Gardiner's Island, 9, 13 
 
 Gospel, Support of, 22 
 
 Governors FKOM 1029 to 1824, , 180, 181 
 
 Gravesend, 4, 10, 13, 15, 28, 74, 87 
 
 Great Neck, 10 
 
 Hartford, Treaty of 1650, 167 
 
 FIempstead, 3, 4, 10, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 22, 24, 65 
 
 How's Bay, 11 
 
 How, Captain Daniel, 11 
 
 Hudson's Discovery, 1609, 7 
 
 Huguenots, 9 
 
 HuNTtNGTON, 3, 4, 1 3, 14, 15, 16, 18, 21,22, 26 
 
 Improvements, First, 3 
 
 Independents or Presbyterians, IS 
 
 Indians, > 3 
 
 Indian Language, 70 
 
 Indian Preachers, 73 
 
 Indians, First Purchases from, 7 
 
 Indian Tribes on the Island, 63 
 
 Indians, Political State of, 64 
 
 Indians, Religion of, ... . 70 
 
 Indians, Measures to Preserve Peace with, 71 
 
 Introductory Note, 3, 4 
 
 ISLIP 14 
 
 Jamaica, Dutch Grant of, 172 
 
 Jamaica, 5, 10, 13, 14, 15, 63 
 
 Jones, David, (speaker), 158 
 
 Judges and Justices, 155, 156, 157 
 
 KiDD, Wm., THE Pirate, x\ccouNT of, .' 183 
 
 Laws, 20 
 
 Legislative Hardships of Taxation after the war 122 
 
 Leisler, Jacob, 106 to 112 
 
 Little Neck, 11 
 
 Lloyd's Neck, 120 
 
 Long-Island, 7,26, 27 
 
 Long-Island Sound, 7 
 
204 
 
 Mason, John, Capt., 77 
 
 MiDDLEiiURcui, (Newtown,) .1^, 82 
 
 ]\IiDwouT, (Flatbi sh,) , 13 
 
 MiLBOURN, Major, 108 
 
 Militia, 18 
 
 Ministers, Dutch, 29, 30, 31 
 
 Ministers, English, 31 to 03 
 
 Montauk, 9, G3, 70 
 
 Moodv, Lady, 87 
 
 Narrative and Remonstrance Hempstead, 1G65, 177 
 
 Nassau Island Named by Statute, G5 
 
 New-England Affords Protection, 11 
 
 New-England Colonies, 25 
 
 New Patent, Southampton Against, 182 
 
 Newtown, 3, 4, 10, 13, 14, 1.5, 03 
 
 New-Utrecht, 13, 83, 87 
 
 New-York takes Jurisdiction, 28 
 
 Nichols, William, Sketch of, 147 to 152 
 
 Ninigret, Narraganset Chief, 07 
 
 Oysterbay, 4, n, 12, 13, 14, 18, 24 
 
 Officers with Gen. Woodhull, 142 
 
 Patchogue, 03 
 
 Patents of Land, Dutch, 7 
 
 Patents of Land, English, 
 
 Paumanacke, (Long-Island,) 05 
 
 Petition for an Assembly, 178 
 
 Population AT Different Periods, 101 
 
 Presbyterians or Independents, 18 
 
 Prices, : 17 
 
 « 
 
 Remonstrance, Southampton, 1070, 179 
 
 Remonstrance of Dutch Towns, 1053, 108 
 
 Representatives, First C^wextiox, 159 
 
 Representatives in Provim i al < Ongress, 100 
 
 Restoration of Duke's Govki;xment, 99 
 
 Revenue, Public, 113 
 
 Revolutionary War 119 
 
 Ridings of Yorkshire, , 88, 89 
 
205 
 
 ROCKAWAY, 63 
 
 RusTDORP, (Jamaica,) 13, 82 
 
 Scout's Bay, 11 
 
 Setauket, 63 
 
 Settlement of L. 1 8, 10, 13 
 
 Settlement, First Movements OF, 199, 200 
 
 Settlement, Legal Right of, 5 
 
 Settlements in New-England, 8 
 
 Shelter-Island, 9, 13, 14, 63, 98 
 
 Shell Banks, 64 
 
 Smith, Col. Wm., Sketch of, 142 to 147 
 
 Smithtown, 14, 68 
 
 Smithtown, Indian Deed of, 198 
 
 Southampton, 4, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 27, 63 
 
 South-hold, 3, 9, 13, 14, 17, 20, 24, 25, 27, 63, 74 
 
 Siikling, Earl of, , 6 
 
 Sylvesters, 9 
 
 Sylvester, Family of; 192,193, 194 
 
 Taxation and Representation, 94 
 
 Thompson, Col., Count Rumford, 121 
 
 Timber, 3 
 
 Tribute by Indians to English, ... 66 
 
 Troup, Robert, Affidavit of, 191 
 
 Underhill, Capt. John, 76 to 79 
 
 Union with Connecticut, 24 
 
 Vlissingen, (Flushing,) 13 
 
 Wading River,. . 63 
 
 Wampum, 69 
 
 War of the Revolution, 119 
 
 West Hills, vi 
 
 Witchcraft, 24 
 
 Wood, Jonas, v 
 
 Wood, Silas, Sketch of, from v to xxi 
 
 Woodhull, General Nathaniel, Sketch of, . . . .from 120 to 139 
 
 Woodhull, General Nathaniel, Murder of, 191 
 
 Youngs, Rev. John, 34,35, 36 
 
ERRATA. 
 
 On -Itli paijc, lotli line, for " twenty shillings" read ten shillings a 
 load. 
 
 On 5th page, bottom line, before the note,* read North America 
 from 30 to 58 degrees, instead of " from 38 to 58 degrees" 
 of N. Lat. was discovered by Sebastian Cabot. 
 
 On 46th page, L'Tth line from top, for "among the town records of 
 Newton," read Newtown.