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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8eab63f --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #56078 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/56078) diff --git a/old/56078-0.txt b/old/56078-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 1dcd8b1..0000000 --- a/old/56078-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4248 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Notes Geographical and Historical, Relating -to the Town of Brooklyn in Kings County, by Gabriel Furman - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: Notes Geographical and Historical, Relating to the Town of Brooklyn in Kings County on Long-Island - -Author: Gabriel Furman - -Release Date: November 29, 2017 [EBook #56078] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NOTES GEOGRAPHICAL *** - - - - -Produced by Chuck Greif and The Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images available by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - - [Illustration: ON THE EAST RIVER.] - - - - - NOTES - GEOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL, - RELATING TO THE - Town of Brooklyn, - IN - KINGS COUNTY - ON - LONG-ISLAND. - - [Illustration: text decoration] - - BY GABRIEL FURMAN. - - [Illustration: text decoration] - - “They are worthy of reprehension who contemn the study of - antiquity, (which is ever accompanied with dignity) as an arid - curiosity.” LORD COKE. - - _BROOKLYN_: - PRINTED BY A. SPOONER, NO. 50 FULTON-STREET. - - 1824. - - - - -ADVERTISEMENT. - -[Illustration: text decoration] - - -The Compiler offers these notes to the inhabitants of his native town, -in the hope that they may be in some small degree useful and -entertaining in discussions relating to the history and rights of this -thriving place. He claims no merit for this performance, and neither -does he write from the vanity of being considered an author, but is only -actuated by a desire to rescue from oblivion such facts as may be -interesting to his fellow-citizens. The Compiler would consider himself -guilty of ingratitude, if he did not in this public manner, acknowledge -the obligations he rests under from the kind assistance afforded him -whilst collecting these notices, by Jeremiah Johnson, Abraham -Vanderveer, Silas Wood, and John Doughty, Esqrs. - - - - -NOTES &c. OF THE TOWN OF BROOKLYN. - -[Illustration: text decoration] - - -SITUATION. - -This town is situated in Kings County, on the west end of Long-Island, -in the State of New-York. It is bounded north by the City and County of -New-York; east by the township of Bushwick; south by the township of -Flatbush and New Utrecht; and west by New-York Bay; and contains the -village of Brooklyn, which is about a mile square. This town formerly -composed part of a powerful Indian Sachemdom; and with the other parts -of the Island bore the Indian name of Matowcas. - -This part of the Island, as far as Jamaica was inhabited by the Canarsee -tribe of Indians. The old Dutch inhabitants in this county have a -tradition, that the Canarsee Indians were subject to the Mohawks, as all -the Iroquois were called; and paid them an annual tribute of dried clams -and wampum. When the Dutch settled here, they persuaded the Canarsees to -keep back the tribute; in consequence of which a party of the Mohawks -came down and killed their tributaries wherever they met them. So great -was the dread that these Indians afterwards entertained of the Iroquois, -that when a party of the Iroquois, during the French war were taken -prisoners and imprisoned in the Jail of this county, the Canarsees -avoided them with the greatest care; and seemed to be afraid even to -come where they should see them. The Canarsee Indians are at this time -totally extinct: not a single member of that ill fated race is now in -existence. - -There was also a small tribe of the Nyack Indians near the Narrows. - -In this town is also the United States Navy-Yard, containing about 40 -acres; which was purchased of John Jackson, Esq. by Francis Childs, Esq. -for $40,000, and on the 23d day of February, 1801, was conveyed by said -Childs to the United States. - - -ANCIENT NAMES AND REMAINS. - -In 1667, this town was known by the name of Breucklen. In the act to -divide the province of New-York into shires and counties, passed Nov. 1, -1683, it is mentioned by the name of Breucklyn. It is also called -Broucklyn in the act to divide the province into shires and counties, -passed, Oct. 1, 1691. The present name Brooklyn, does not appear to have -been generally adopted until after the Revolutionary war. - -Heads of Indian arrows, beds of oyster and clam shells denoting the -former residence of the aborigines, are frequently found in different -parts of this town. - -Among the most ancient remains are two houses, one owned by the family -of Cortelyou, built in 1699; the other standing on Fulton-street, in the -village of Brooklyn. The last mentioned house was occupied by the -Colonial Legislature as a Sessions house, during the prevalence of the -small-pox in New-York, in 1752; and at this house on the 4th of June, -1752, 2541 Bills of credit issued by this Colony, amounting to £3602, -18, 3, were cancelled by the Colonial Commissioners. This house was also -occupied by Gen. Putnam as his head quarters during the stay of the -American Army, on Long-Island, in 1776. But the oldest house in the town -of Brooklyn is supposed to be the house known as No. 64 Fulton-street, -in the village of Brooklyn, and now owned and occupied by Mr. Jacob -Patchen. Mr. Charles Doughty, who has been dead about 25 years, and was -about 85 years of age when he died, said that this was an old house when -he was a boy. Mrs. Rapalye, the mother of John Rapalye, whose property -in Brooklyn was confiscated during the Revolutionary war, says that this -house was built by a family of the Remsens who came from Holland. - - -SOIL AND CLIMATE. - -The soil of this town appears to be mostly alluvial, though some few -primitive rocks are to be met with. Several years since, in digging a -well on some of the highest ground in Brooklyn, a hemlock board was -found at the depth of 30 feet, and again at the depth of 73 feet, oyster -and clam shells were met with, which crumbled on being exposed to the -air. - -The shores of Brooklyn, where they are not defended by wharves, are -undergoing continual and rapid changes, in consequence of the velocity -of the current in the East River. The tide rises here about 5 feet. - -There is very little doubt, but that Governor’s Island was formerly -connected with Red Hook point in this town. It is an established fact, -that previous to the Revolutionary contest, cattle were driven from Red -Hook to Governor’s Island, which places at that time were only separated -by a very narrow channel, which is called Buttermilk channel, and is now -wide and deep enough to admit of the largest size of merchant vessels -passing through. - -The climate is very changeable, but cannot be called unhealthy. People -in this town live to as great age, as in almost any other part of the -United States; as instances of which, April, 1823, Mr. Tiebout died in -this town, aged 100 years and 10 months. The same year, Mr. Schoonmaker -died, aged 84 years; and in 1824, Mary Peterson, a colored woman died, -aged 103 years. It is not an uncommon thing for the inhabitants to live -beyond the “three score years and ten.” - -This town has at different periods been visited by the yellow fever. -Between July 10th and September 10th, 1809, 28 persons died of that -disease.--During the prevalence of the yellow fever in the city of -New-York, in the summer of 1822, seven persons died of that disease in -Brooklyn. In the summer of 1823, the yellow fever made its appearance in -the village of Brooklyn, and nine persons fell victims to that dreadful -pestilence, in the space of one month, during which time its ravages -continued. Every year that this disease made its appearance amongst us, -it could be distinctly traced to some foreign cause; as, in 1809, it was -brought in the ship Concordia, Captain Coffin, on board of which vessel -the first case and death happened. In 1822, it was introduced from the -city of New-York--and in 1823, it was traced to two or three vessels -which had arrived a short time previous from southern latitudes. Indeed -the high and airy situation of Brooklyn almost precludes the idea of its -being engendered among us. - - -ANCIENT GRANTS AND PATENTS. - -In the year 1638, William Kieft, Director General and Counsellor for -their high mightinesses the States General, and his highness the Prince -of Orange, granted to Abraham Rycken, a tract of land in the present -town of Brooklyn. - -September 11, 1642, William Kieft Director General, &c. patented to Jan -Manje, a piece or parcel of land containing 20 morgan, or 40 acres, in -the town of Brooklyn. A copy of which patent is hereto annexed as a -specimen of those ancient instruments: - - “By William Kieft, Director General and Counsellor, about the high - and mighty Lords, the States General of the United Low Country, and - his highness of Orange, and the Lords Commanders of the priviledged - West India Company, residing in the New-Netherland, do ratify and - declare by these presents, that we upon the date hereinafter - written, did give and grant to Jan Manje, a piece of land, greatly - twenty morgan stretching about south-east one hundred and ninety - rods inward the woods towards to Sassians maise land--long is the - limits of the said maise land fifty rod, and then again to the - water side, two hundred and twenty rod, about north north-west, - well so northerly and along the strand or water side, seventy rod. - Which abovesaid land is lying upon Long-Island, between Andries - Hudde and Claes Janse Ruyter.--With express conditions, &c. Dated - at Fort Amsterdam, in the New-Netherland, the 11th day of - September, 1642. - -WILLIAM KIEFT. - - By order of the Lord the Director General, and Counsellor of - New-Netherland. - -CORNELIUS VANTIENHOVEN, Sec’ry. - - - -January 29, 1652, Pieter Linde, having married the widow of Jan Manje, -transported or sold the above tract of land to Barent Janse. August 23, -1674, before Nicasius de Sille, admitted Secretary of the Dutch towns -appeared Jan Barentse,[1] and Auke Janse, with Simon Hausen as Guardian -of the other children of Barent Janse, deceased, “procured by his wife -Styntie Pieterse deceased, all living within the town of Midwout -Fflackbush,” and declared that they transported the above tract of land -to Dirck Janse Woertman. - -September 12, 1645, William Kieft, Director General, &c. patented to -Andries Hudden, “a piece of land lying upon Long-Island against over the -fort, lying to the south-west to Jan Manje,” containing 37 morgan. -December 10, 1651, “Pieter Cornelissen by virtue of a procuratie of -Andries Hudden,” for the consideration of 400 guilders, transported to -Lodewyck Jongh the above tract. July 19, 1676, Lodewyck Jongh -transported to Jeronimus de Rapalje, eight morgan of the above tract. -February 12, 1679, Harmatie Jansen relict of Lodewyck Jongh, transported -to Dirck Janse Woertman, 12 morgan of the above tract. May 3, 1685, -“Dirck Janse Woertman, transported to the heirs of Jooris Dirckse, a -small stroke off land lying at the east side off the highway being all -the claime they can pretende by virtue off the abovesaid Pattent.” - -September 30, 1645, William Kieft, Director General, &c. patented to -Claes Janse, from Naerder, a piece of land, containing 20 morgan, lying -south-east, a little easterly, just over against the Fort, upon -Long-Island. March 11, 1660, the above tract of land was transported by -Claes Janse Ruyter, to Machiell Tadens, who transported the same to -Machiell Hainielle. - -The three patents to Manje, Hudde, and Janse, from Naerder, were located -near the Ferry in this town, and all subsequently were purchased by -Derick Woortman, alias Dirck Janse Woertman, and were by him sold to -Joras Remsen, on the 10th day of October, 1706, for the sum of £612 10s. -current money of New-York. - -There is great reason to believe that there was a General Patent of this -town under the Dutch Government, which patent is now lost. What -strengthens this idea is, that the first by Governor Nicolls under the -English is confirmatory of some former grant. - -August 10th, 1695. The Patentees and freeholders of this town sold unto -Stephanus Van Cortlandt, the neck of land called Red Hook, containing by -estimation 50 acres; which they state in their deed “was formerly given -and granted to the town of Broocklyn, in the year 1657, by Governor -Stuyvesant, the Dutch Governor then at that time, and since confirmed by -the English Governors, Governor Nicolls, and Governor Dongan.” Which is -very strong proof of there having been a general Dutch Patent for this -town. - -October 18, 1667. Richard Nicolls, the first English Governor of -New-York, granted to the inhabitants of Brooklyn, the following full and -ample patent, confirming them in their rights and privileges. - - _L. S._ “Richard Nicolls, Esq. Governor General under his Royal - Highness James Duke of Yorke and Albany, &c. of all his Terretorys - in America, To all to whom these presents shall come, sendeth - Greeting.--Whereas there is a certain town within this government, - situate, lying and being in the West Riding of Yorkshire upon - Long-Island, commonly called and known by the name of Breuckelen, - which said town, is in the tenure or occupation of several - freeholders and inhabitants who having heretofore been seated there - by authority, have been at very considerable charge, in manuring - and planting a considerable part of the lands belonging thereunto - and settled a competent number of families thereupon. Now for a - confirmation unto the said freeholders and inhabitants in their - possessions and enjoyment of the premises, Know ye, That by virtue - of the commission and authority unto me given by his Royal - Highness, I have given, ratified, confirmed and granted, and by - these presents, do give, ratify, confirm and grant, unto Jan - Everts, Jan Damen, Albert Cornelissen, Paulus Veerbeeck, Michael - Eneyl, Thomas Lamberts, Tuenis Guysbert Bogart and Joris Jacobson, - as patentees, for and on the behalf of themselves and their - associates, the freeholders and inhabitants of the said town their - heirs successors and assigns, all that tract together with the - several parcels of land which already have or hereafter shall be - purchased or procured for and on behalf of the said town, whether - from the native Indian proprietors, or others, within the bounds - and limits hereafter set forth and exprest, viz. that is to say, - the town is bounded westward on the farther side of the land of Mr. - Paulus Veerbeeck, from whence stretching south-east, they go over - the hills, and so eastward along the said hills to a south-east - point which takes in all the lotts behind the swamp, from which - said lotts the run north-west to the River[2] and extend to the - farm, on the t’other side of the hill heretofore belonging to Hans - Hansen over against the Kicke or Looke-out, including within the - said bounds and limitts all the lotts and plantations, lying and - being at the Gowanis, Bedford, Wallaboucht and the ferry.--All - which said parcels and tracks of land and premises within the - bounds and limitts aforementioned, described, and all or any - plantation or plantations thereupon, from henceforth are to bee - appertaine and belong to the said town of Breucklen, Together with - all havens, harbours, creeks, quarryes, woodland, meadow-ground, - reed-land or valley of all sorts, pastures, marshes, runs, rivers, - lakes, hunting, fishing, hawking, and fowling, and all other - profitts, commodities, emoluments, and hereditaments, to the said - lands and premises within the bounds and limits all forth - belonging, or in any wise appertaining,--and withall to have - freedome of commonage for range and feed of cattle and horse into - the woods as well without as within these bounds and limitts with - the rest of their neighbours[3]--as also one-third part of a - certain neck of meadow ground or valley called Sellers neck, lying - and being within the limits of the town of Jamaica, purchased by - the said town of Jamaica from the Indians, and sold by them unto - the inhabitants of Breucklen aforesaid, as it has been lately laid - out and divided by their mutual consent and my order, whereunto and - from which they are likewise to have free egress and regress, as - their occasions may require.[4] To have and to hold all and - singular the said tract and parcell of land, meadow ground or - valley, commonage, hereditaments and premises, with their, and - every of their appurtenances, and of every part and parcell thereof - to the said patentees and their associates, their heirs, successors - and assigns, to the proper use and behoof of the said patentees and - their associates, their heirs, successors and assigns forever. - Moreover, I do hereby give, ratify, confirm and grant unto the said - Patentees and their associates, their heirs, successors and - assigns, all the rights and privileges belonging to a town within - this government, and that the place of their present habitation - shall continue and retain the name of Breuckelen, by which name and - stile it shall be distinguished and known in all bargains and sales - made by them the said Patentees and their associates, their heirs, - successors and assigns, rendering and paying such duties and - acknowledgments as now are, or hereafter shall be constituted and - established by the laws of this government under the obedience of - his Royal highness, his heirs and successors. Given under my hand - and seal at Fort James, in New-York, on the Island of Manhattat, - this 18th day of October, in the nineteenth year of the reign of - our Sovereign Lord, Charles the second, by the grace of God, of - England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the faith, - &c. Annoque Domini, 1667. - -RICHARD NICOLLS. - - Recorded by order of the Governor, the day and year above written. - -MATTHIAS NICOLLS, Sec’ry. - - - -1670. The inhabitants of this town desirous of enlarging the bounds of -their common lands, and extinguishing the Indian claim to the same, -applied to Governor Lovelace, and obtained from him the following -permission to purchase of the Indians. - - “_L. S._ Whereas the inhabitants of Breucklyn, in the west Riding - of Yorkshire upon Long-Island, who were seated there in a township - by the authority then in being, and having bin at considerable - charges in clearing ffencing and manuring their land, as well as - building ffor their conveniency, have requested my lycense for - their further security to make purchase of the said land of some - Indians who lay claim and interest therein; These are to certify - all whom it may concerne, that I have and doe hereby give the said - inhabitants lycense to purchase their land according to their - request, the said Indians concerned appearing before me as in the - law is required, and making their acknowledgments to be fully - satisfied and payed for the same. Given under my hand and seal at - ffort James, in New-Yorke, this ffirst day of May, in the 22nd - yeare of his Majestyies reigne, Annoque Dom. 1670. - -FFRANCIS LOVELACE.” - - - -The purchase was accordingly made and the following is a copy of the -deed from the Indians for the same. - -“To all people to whom this present writing shall come, Peter, Elmohar, -Job, Makaquiquos, and Shamese, late of Staten-Island send Greeting: -Whereas, they the said Peter, Elmohar, Job, Makaquiquos, and Shamese, -afore-mentioned, doe lay claime to the land now in the tenure and -occupation of some of the inhabitants of Breucklyn, as well as other -lands there adjascent as the true Indian owners and proprietors -thereof, Know Yee, that for and in consideration of a certaine sum of -wampum and diverse other goods, the which in the Schedule annext are -exprest unto the said Sachems in hand payd by Monsieur Machiell -Hainelle, Thomas Lambertse, John Lewis, and Peter Darmantier, on the -behalf of themselves and the inhabitants of Breucklyn, the receipt -whereof they doe hereby acknowledge, and themselves to be fully -satisfyed and payed therefore; have given, granted, bargained and sold, -and by these presents doe fully, freely and absolutely give, grant, -bargain and sell, unto the said Monsieur Machiell Hainelle, Thomas -Lambertse, John Lewis and Peter Darmantier, ffor and on behalf of -themselves, and the inhabitants aforesaid, their heyrs and successors; -all that parcell of land and tract of land, in and about Bedford, within -the jurisdiction of Brucklyn, beginning ffrom Hendrick Van Aarnhems land -by a swamp of water and stretching to the hills, then going along the -hills to the port or entrance thereof,[5] and soe to Rockaway ffoot path -as their purchase is more particularly sett fforth; To have and to hold -all the said parcell and tract of land and premises within the limits -before described unto the said Monsieur Machiell Hainelle, Thomas -Lambertse, John Lewis, and Peter Darmantier, ffor and on the behalf of -the inhabitants aforesaid, their heyres, and successors, to the proper -use and behooff of the said inhabitants, their heyers and successors -forever; In witness whereof the partyes to these presents have hereunto -sett their hands and seales, this 14th day of May, in the 22nd yeare of -his Majestyes reigne, Annoque Dom. 1670. - -Sealed and Delivered in the presence of Mathias -Nicolls, R. Lough, Samuel [Illustration: symbol] Davies, John Garland. - his marke - - The mark of ק Peter, (L. S.) - The mark of o Elmohar, (L. S.) - The mark of א Job, (L. S.) - The mark of ? Makaquiquos, (L. S.) - The mark of 7 Shamese, (L. S.) - -“This Deed was acknowledged by the within written Sachems, before the -Governor in the presence of us, the day and year within written. - - MATHIAS NICOLLS, Secretary. - The mark of [Illustration: symbol] SAMUEL DAVIES. - - “Recorded by order of the Governor, - - MATHIAS NICOLLS, Secretary. - - -_The Inventory, or Schedule referred to in the Deed._ - - “The payment agreed upon ffor the purchase of the land in and about - Bedford, within the jurisdiction of Breucklyn, conveyed this day by - the Indian Sachems, proprietors is, viz. - - 100 Guilders Seawant, - - Half a tun of strong Beer, - - 2 half tuns of good Beer, - - 3 Guns, long barrells, with each a pound of powder, and lead - proportionable--2 bars to a gun, - - 4 match coates.” - -May 13, 1686. Governor Dongan granted to the inhabitants of Brooklyn the -following confirmatory patent: - - _L. S._ “Thomas Dongan, Lieutenant Governor, and Vice Admiral of - New-York, and its dependencies under his Majesty James the Second, - by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, - King, Defender of the Faith, &c.--Supreme lord and proprietor of - the Colony and province of New-York and its dependencies in - America, &c. To all to whom this shall come sendeth greeting, - whereas the Honorable Richard Nicolls, Esq. formerly Governor of - this province, did by his certain writing or patent under his hand - and seal, bearing date the eighteenth day of October, Annoque - Domini, one thousand six hundred and sixty-seven, ratifie, confirm - and grant unto Jan Everts, Jan Damen, Albert Cornelissen, Paulus - Verbeeck, Michael Enyle, Thomas Lamberts, Tunis Gisberts Bogart, - and Joris Jacobsen, as patentees for and on behalf of themselves - and their associates, the freeholders and inhabitants of the town - of Breucklen, their heirs, successors, and assigns forever, a - certain tract of land, together with the several parcels of land - which then were or thereafter should be purchased or procured for - and on behalf of the said town, whether from the native Indian - proprietors, or others within the bounds and limitts therein sett - forth and expressed, that is to say, the said town is bounded - westward on the further side of the land of Mr. Paulus Verbeeck, - from whence stretching south-east they go over the hills, and so - eastward along by the said hills to a south-east point, which takes - in all the lotts behind the swamp, from which said lotts they run - north-west to the River, and extend to the farm on the other side - of the hills heretofore belonging to Hans Hansen, over against Keak - or Look-out, including within the said bounds and limitts all the - lots and plantations, lying and being at the Gauwanes, Bedford, - Wallabocht and the ferry, all which said parcells and tract of land - and premises within the bounds and limitts aforementioned - described, and all or any plantation or plantations thereupon, from - henceforth are to be, appertain and belong to the said town of - Breucklyn, Together with all harbor, havens, creeks, quarries, - woodland, meadow ground, reed land or valley of all sorts, - pastures, marshes, waters, rivers, lakes, fishing, hawking, - hunting, fowling, and all other profits, commodities, emoluments - and hereditaments to the said lands and premises within the bounds - and limitts set forth, belonging, or in any wise appertaining, and - with all to have freedom of commonage for range and feed of cattle - and horses, into the woods with the rest of their neighbours, as - also one third part of a certain neck of meadow ground or valley, - called Seller’s neck, lying and being within the town of Jamaica, - purchased by the said town of Jamaica from the Indians, and sold by - them unto the inhabitants of Breucklen aforesaid, as it was laid - out aforesaid, and divided by their mutual consent and order of the - Governor. To have and to hold unto them the said patentees and - their associates, their heirs, successors and assigns forever, as - by the said patent reference being thereunto had, doth, fully and - at large appear. And further, in and by the said patent, the said - Governor, Richard Nicolls, Esq. did erect the said tract of land - into a township by the name of Breucklen aforesaid, by that name - and style to be distinguished and known in all bargains, sales, - deeds, records and writings whatsoever; and whereas the present - inhabitants and freeholders of the town of Breucklen aforesaid, - have made their application to me for a confirmation of the - aforesaid tract of land and premises in their quiet and peaceable - possession and enjoyment of the aforesaid land and premises. Now - Know Ye, That I, the said Thomas Dongan, by virtue of the - commission and authority derived unto me, and power in me - residing, have granted, ratified and confirmed, and by these - presents do grant, ratifie and confirm, unto Teunis Gysberts, - Thomas Lamberts, Peter Jansen, Jacobus Vander Water, Jan Dame, - Joris Jacobs, Jeronimus Rapalle, Daniel Rapalle, Jan Jansen, Adrian - Bennet, and Michael Hanse, for and on the behalf of themselves and - the rest of the present freeholders and inhabitants of the said - town of Breucklen, their heirs and assigns forever, all and - singular the afore-recited tract and parcels of land set forth, - limited and bounded as aforesaid; together with all and singular, - the houses, messuages, tenements, fencings, buildings, gardens, - orchards, trees, woods, underwoods, pastures, feedings, common of - pasture, meadows, marshes, lakes, ponds, creeks, harbors, rivers, - rivulets, brooks, streams, highways and easements whatsoever, - belonging or in any wise appertaining to any of the afore-recited - tract or parcells of land and divisions, allotments, settlements - made and appropriated before the day and date hereof. To Have and - To Hold, all and singular, the said tract or parcels of land and - premises, with their, and every of their appurtenances unto the - said Tunis Gysberts, Thomas Lamberts, Peter Jansen, Jacobus Vander - Water, Joris Jacobs, Jeronimus Rappalle, Daniel Rappalle, Jan - Jansen, Adrian Bennet and Michael Hanse, for and on behalf of - themselves and the present freeholders and inhabitants of the town - of Breucklen, their and every of their heirs and assigns forever, - as tenants in common without any let, hindrance, molestation, right - of survivorship or otherwise, to be holden in free and common - socage according to the tenure of East Greenwich, in the county of - Kent, in his Majesty’s kingdom of England. Yielding, rendering and - paying therefor yearly, and every year, on the five and twentyeth - day of March, forever, in lieu of all services and demands - whatsoever, as a quit rent to his most sacred Majesty aforesaid, - his heirs and successors, at the city of New-York, twenty bushels - of good merchantable wheat. In testimony whereof, I have caused - these presents to be entered and recorded in the Secretary’s - office, and the seal of the Province to be hereunto affixed this - thirteenth day of May, Anno. Domini, one thousand six hundred and - eighty-six, and in the second year of his Majesty’s reign. - -THOMAS DONGAN.” - - - -Quit rents to the following amounts and at the following periods have -been paid on the Brooklyn patents. - -June 8, 1713. Paid to Benjamin Van de Water, Treasurer, the sum of £96 -7s. 1d. for upwards of 16 years quit rent. - -April 6, 1775. Charles Debevoice, Collector of the town of Brooklyn, -paid to the Receiver General of the Colony of New-York, 20 bushels of -wheat, for one year’s quit rent, due from said town. - -November 9, 1786. Fernandus Suydam, and Charles C. Doughty, two of the -Trustees of the town of Brooklyn, paid to the Treasurer of the State of -New-York, the sum of £105 10s. in full for arrears of quit rent due from -the said town. - - -TOWN RIGHTS AND FERRIES. - -The difference between this town and the city of New-York relative to -the water rights of the former, has deservedly excited the attention and -interest of our inhabitants, as involving property to a great amount, -and unjustly withholding from our town a revenue which would enable it -to improve with almost unparalleled rapidity. In order that each person -so interested may form a correct opinion of the subject matter in -dispute, the Compiler has thought proper, under this head, to lay before -them the foundations of the claims on both sides of the question. - -October 18, 1667. In the reign of Charles 2d. Richard Nicolls, Esq. -Governor General of the Province of New-York, under his Royal Highness -James, the Duke of York, &c. afterwards James 2d. of England, granted to -the inhabitants of this town a confirmatory patent, acknowledging that -they were rightfully, legally and by authority in possession of the -property and privileges they then enjoyed. The patent after naming the -patentees, and describing the bounds of the town, and binding by the -_River_ and not by high water mark, proceeds to say, “Together with all -_havens_, _harbors_, creeks, marshes, _waters_, _rivers_, lakes, -fisheries.” “Moreover, I do hereby give, ratify and confirm unto the -said patentees and their associates, their heirs, successors and -assigns, all the _rights_ and _privileges_ belonging to a town within -this government.” Under this patent the town of Brooklyn justly claims -the land between high and low water mark on their shore, in opposition -to the claims of the Corporation of the city of New-York; and an equal -right with them to erect ferries between the town of Brooklyn and the -city of New-York. - -It does not appear that there was any adverse claim on the part of -New-York, until the 27th of April, 1686, _nineteen years_ after the date -of the Brooklyn patent, when the Corporation of New-York obtained a -charter from Governor Dongan, by which the ferries were granted to them, -but not a word mentioned about the land between high and low water mark -on the Brooklyn side. From the reading of this charter it appears as if -the Governor was doubtful as to his right even to grant the ferry, for -it contains an express saving of all the rights of all other persons, -bodies politic and corporate, their heirs, successors and assigns, in as -ample a manner, as if that charter had not been made. - -May 13, 1686. The freeholders and inhabitants of Brooklyn somewhat -apprehensive of encroachments by New-York, obtained from Governor -Dongan, a patent under the seal of the Colony, fully confirming that -granted them by Governor Nicolls. - -May 6, 1691. An act was passed by the Governor, Council and General -Assembly of the Colony of New-York, “for settling, quieting and -confirming unto the cities, towns, manors, and freeholders within this -Province, their several grants, patents and rights respectively.” By -this act the freeholders and inhabitants of the town of Brooklyn were -confirmed in the rights they possessed and enjoyed under their two -several patents. - -October 12, 1694. The Corporation of New-York, not thinking their -foothold on the Brooklyn side sufficiently secure, purchased of one -William Morris, for no specific consideration, a piece of land in -Brooklyn near the ferry. This deed is the foundation of the Corporation -claim to their land in the village of Brooklyn. A copy of which will be -found in the appendix marked with the letter A. - -Bent on unjustly wresting from the town of Brooklyn their water right, -the Corporation on the 19th of April, 1708, obtained from Governor -Cornbury, a man infamous for his vices, and disregard of justice, -another charter, in which they came out more openly than before, and -claimed the _vacant_ land to high water mark, on Nassau Island, -reserving to the inhabitants of Brooklyn the right of transporting -themselves in their own boats ferriage free, to and from New-York.[6] -By this charter, no matter how ample soever they might have considered -it at the time, they obtained nothing but _vacant_ land to high water -mark; that is the land which was not already granted, and in the -possession of some other person or persons, which was not the fact as to -the land on the Brooklyn side, it being vested in the patentees, their -heirs, successors and assigns forever; so that the only power or -authority remaining in the Governor, was to grant the Corporation of -New-York, the privilege of buying the water rights of the inhabitants of -Brooklyn. But that would not answer their purpose, for those rights -could be bought cheaper of Governor Cornbury, than they could of this -town. - -This proceeding on the part of New-York stimulated the inhabitants of -Brooklyn to obtain from the Colonial Legislature in 1721, an act -confirming their patent rights. - -To obviate the effects of this law, and strengthen the charter of -Cornbury, which from the circumstances under which it was obtained, the -Corporation feared was invalid, on the 15th of January, 1730, they -procured from Governor John Montgomerie, a new charter confirming their -pretended right to the land to _high water mark on our shore_.[7] - -The grants from the Corporation of New-York, under their two charters -for the water lots on the Brooklyn side, are very artfully and -ingeniously drawn. By those grants are only conveyed “all the estate, -right, title, interest, property, claim, and demand whatsoever, in law -and equity” of them the said Corporation; and their covenant for quiet -possession only extends to them and their successors, and not against -any other persons lawfully claiming the premises. These grants, in order -to save the Corporation harmless against the claims of Brooklyn, also -contained a covenant to the following effect: “It is hereby covenanted, -granted and agreed upon by and between the parties to these presents -(that is, the Corporation of New-York and the person to whom they give -the grant,) and the true intent and meaning hereof also is, and it is -hereby declared, that this present grant, or any words, or any thing in -the same expressed, or contained shall not be adjudged, deemed, -construed or taken to be a covenant or covenants on the part and behalf -of the said parties of the first part, (that is, the Corporation of -New-York) or their successors for any purpose or purposes whatsoever, -but only to pass the estate, right, title, and interest, they have or -may lawfully claim by virtue of their several charters, of in and to the -said premises.” Which covenant evidently shews a want of confidence in -the validity of their title on the part of the Corporation. - -October 14, 1732. An act was passed by the General Assembly of this -Colony, “confirming unto the City of New-York its rights and -privileges.” By this act no addition was made to their former pretended -rights. - -November 14, 1753. The freeholders and inhabitants of this town -appointed Jacobus Lefferts, Peter Vandervoort, Jacob Remsen, Rem Remsen, -and Nicholas Vechte, Trustees, “to defend our patent where in any manner -our liberties, privileges and rights in our patent specified is -encroached, lessened or taken away by the commonalty of the city of -New-York.” A copy of the proceeding of the town meeting at which the -above trustees were elected will be found in the appendix marked B. - -Not satisfied with the encroachments they had made, the Corporation -began to question the right of the inhabitants of Brooklyn to cross to -and from New-York ferriage free in their own boats, and to carry over -the inhabitants in those boats;--the result was, that in July, 1745, a -suit was commenced by one of the inhabitants of Brooklyn, named Hendrick -Remsen, against the Corporation of New-York, which was tried before a -jury in Westchester county. A special verdict was found setting forth -all its patents and charters, and among other things, that the road from -which the said Hendrick Remsen ferried the inhabitants of Brooklyn to -and from New-York, “then and long before was laid out for a public -highway leading down to _low water mark_ on the East River between the -places aforesaid called the Wallaboucht and the Red Hook on Nassau -Island, and the jurors aforesaid upon their oath aforesaid, do further -say, that the River called the East River, over which the said Hendrick -did carry the persons and goods aforesaid, from the said lands between -the Wallabocht and the Red Hook, is a large and public and navigable -river used by his Majesty’s ships and other ships and smaller vessels -employed in trade and commerce, and hath always been so used from the -first settlement of this Colony.” On argument judgment was rendered by -the Supreme Court of this Colony in the month of October, 1775, in -favour of Hendrick Remsen, that he recover his damages against the -Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the city of New-York, and the sum of -one hundred and eighteen pounds, fourteen shillings and ten pence half -penny for his costs and charges. An appeal to the King and Council from -this decision, was brought by the Corporation, which was not determined -in consequence of the Revolutionary war. There is a tradition in this -town that the Corporation of New-York were so apprehensive of this claim -on the part of the town of Brooklyn, that in order to disengage Hendrick -Remsen from the interest of the town, they gave him a house and lot of -land near Coenties Slip, in the city of New-York. How far this tradition -is correct, the Compiler is unable to say.--It appears however, that he -about that time became in possession of such property, and the same -remained in his family within the memory of some of our inhabitants. - -Our two Patents are confirmed by the Constitution of this State, which -confirms all grants of land within the State, made by the authority of -the King of Great Britain or his predecessors, prior to the 14th of -August, 1775. - -The Compiler thinking it would not be uninteresting to his fellow -citizens to see a statement of the amount received by the Corporation of -New-York for quit rent on the water lots claimed by them, has given the -following short statement. - -The Commissioners of the Sinking Fund of the City of New-York have -received, from August 23d, 1813, to Dec. 31, 1824. - - For Water lot rents, $17,635 24 - Commutation for water lot rents, 17,275 41 - ---------- - $34,910 65 - ---------- - - The Corporation of New-York during the present - year 1824, have received for water lot rents - the sum of $8,862 97 - -Within a short time the jurisdiction of the village of Brooklyn has been -extended beyond low water mark, leaving the pretended right of soil -still in the Corporation of New-York.[8] August term, 1821, in the case -of Udall vs. the Trustees of Brooklyn, the Supreme Court of this State -decided that Kings County, of which the village of Brooklyn is part, -includes all the wharves, docks, and other artificial erections in the -East River, opposite to the City of New-York, though west of the natural -low water mark on the Nassau or Long-Island shore; and the jurisdiction -of the village extends to the actual line of low water, whether formed -by natural or artificial means. Same term, in the case of Stryker vs. -the Mayor, &c. of the City of New-York, the Supreme Court decided that -the city and county of New-York includes the whole of the Rivers and -harbour adjacent to actual low water mark, on the opposite shores, as -the same may be formed, from time to time, by docks, wharves and other -permanent erections; and although the jurisdiction of the city does not -extend so as to include such wharves, or artificial erections, yet it -extends over the ships and vessels floating on the water, though they be -fastened to such wharves or docks. - -April 9, 1824. The Legislature of the State of New-York in the act to -amend the act entitled “an Act to incorporate and vest certain powers in -the freeholders and inhabitants of the village of Brooklyn in the County -of Kings,” granted this town concurrent jurisdiction with the City of -New-York in the service of process, in actions civil and criminal, on -board of vessels attached to our wharves; and in the act for the -establishment of a Board of Health in the village of Brooklyn, authority -is given to the said Board to remove all infected vessels from the -wharves within the said village. - -The ferries have been unavoidably, in some degree, taken into -consideration when speaking of our town rights. The compiler will -therefore confine himself to such historical facts, and laws, and such -proceedings, passed and had by the Colonial and State legislatures as -may relate particularly to them. - -During the early years of this Colony, the old ferry was from near the -foot of Joralemon-street, to the Breede Graft, now Broad-street, in the -City of New-York. At that period a creek ran through the middle of -Broad-street, up which the boats ascended to a ferry-house which is -still standing. At this time it is difficult to ascertain the exact -period when the old ferry was established at its present situation on -the Brooklyn side. In 1697, John Aeresen was ferry master. - -It appears from the following order, that the Court of Sessions of Kings -County, exercised some authority over the ferry between Brooklyn and -New-York. October 7, 1690. “Whereas much inconvenience does arise by -several negroes coming on this Island from New-York and other places, -and from this Island to New-York. It is ordered, that the ferrymen -shall not bring or set over any negroes or slaves upon the Sabbath day, -without a ticket from their masters.” - -Acts have been passed by the Colonial and State legislatures for the -purpose of regulating the ferries between this town and the City of -New-York, in the following chronological order: - -November 2d, 1717, an act was passed, which was revived in the year -1726, and again in 1727. October 14, 1732. Another act was passed for -the same purpose. By this act it was provided, “That the ferryman for -the time being, shall not impose, exact, demand, or receive any rates or -ferriage for any goods or things whatsoever, transported by any of the -inhabitants living alongst the River at or near the Ferry on -Nassau-Island, in their own boats or canoes,” provided that the same be -their own goods or commodities. This act continued in force until the -28th of February, 1789, when another act was passed regulating the -ferriage, and containing a similar proviso. April 9, 1813. The last -mentioned law was re-enacted, with the same provision. - -The winter previous to the prosecution of the suit between Hendrick -Remsen, and the Corporatiun of the City of New-York, the inhabitants of -Brooklyn made an attempt to obtain from the Colonial legislature, a -further confirmation of some of their rights, particularly relating to -the ferry; on which application the following proceedings were had. - -January 30, 1745-6. In General Assembly, a petition of the Trustees of -the town of Brookland, in Kings County, in behalf of themselves, and the -freeholders and inhabitants of the said township, was presented to the -House and read, setting forth, That a great number of the inhabitants of -the said township, living near the ferry from Nassau-Island to New-York, -and having their chief dependence of supporting their families by -trading to the New-York markets, are by one act of the General Assembly, -entitled, an act to regulate the ferry between the City of New-York and -the Island of Nassau, and to establish the ferriage thereof, passed in -the sixth year of his Majesty’s reign, debarred from transporting their -goods in their own vessels, to the said markets, which exposes them to -very great hardships, difficulties and expences, and therefore humbly -praying that they may have leave to bring in a bill to relieve them from -the aforesaid hardships. Upon a motion of Major Van Horne, (of New-York) -ordered, that the Clerk of this house serve the Corporation of the City -of New-York, with a copy of the said petition forthwith. - -In General Assembly, April 12, 1746, Mr. Abraham Lott, according to -leave, presented to the house, a bill entitled, “an act to repeal an act -therein mentioned, so far as it relates to the freeholders and -inhabitants of the township of Brooklyn, in Kings County, within this -colony;” which was read the first time, and ordered a second -reading.--Ordered, that the Corporation of the City of New-York, be -served with a copy of the said bill. - -April 18, 1746. In General Assembly. The bill entitled, an act to repeal -an act therein mentioned, so far as it relates to the freeholders and -inhabitants of the township of Brooklyn, in Kings County, within this -colony, being offered to be read a second time, Capt. Richards (of -New-York) moved, that the second reading of the said bill might be -deferred until the next meeting of the House, after the first day of -June next; which was agreed to by the House and ordered accordingly. - -June 20, 1746. In General Assembly. A petition of the Mayor, Aldermen -and Commonalty, of the City of New-York, was presented to the House and -read, setting forth, That the Corporation having been served with a copy -of a bill now before this House, entitled, an act to repeal an act -therein mentioned, so far as it relates to the freeholders and -inhabitants of the township of Brooklyn, in Kings County, within this -colony; do conceive that the passing the said Bill into a law, may -affect their ancient rights and freehold, and therefore humbly praying -that they may be heard by their Counsel against the said bill, at the -bar of this House, on Friday next, ordered, that the Trustees of the -township of Brooklyn, be heard by their counsel in support of the said -Bill, at the bar of this house, on Friday next, and that Mr. William -Smith appear for them. Ordered, that the Clerk of this house serve the -parties with a copy of these orders forthwith. - -June 27, 1746. In General Assembly. The House being informed, that the -Corporation of the City of New-York were attending with their Counsel to -be heard against the Bill; and that the Trustees of the township of -Brooklyn, were also attending with their Counsel to be heard in support -of the said Bill; both parties were called in, and the counsel on both -sides having been fully heard, for and against the said Bill, they were -directed to withdraw; and the Bill being read the second time, the -question was put,--whether the said Bill should be committed, and -carried in the affirmative in the manner following:--Affirmative, -Messrs. Lott, Chambers, Stillwell, Livingston, Harring, Cornell, Abraham -Lott, Lecount, Bradt, Nicoll, Hardenbergh, and Gale 12.--Negative, -Messrs. Richards, Cruger, Clarkson, Van Horne, Philipse, Morris, -Verplank, and Thomas, 8. - -July 4, 1746. In General Assembly, the engrossed Bill entitled, an act -to repeal an act therein mentioned, so far as it relates to the -freeholders and inhabitants of the township of Brooklyn, in Kings -County, within this colony, was read the third time, and upon Mr. -Speaker’s putting the question, whether the Bill should pass, a motion -was made by Col. Morris in the words following, viz.--As this Bill has -been already ordered to be engrossed, by a majority of the House, and -the question that now is put, is, whether this Bill shall pass; I must -beg leave to give my reasons for opposing its passage. The first is, it -is alledged by this bill, that the people of Brooklyn had a right, prior -to the act passed in the year 1732, which was not proved, nor attempted -upon the hearing before this house; but if we pass this Bill, we allow -that right to be proved, and then it becomes our allegation, which I -conceive, inconsistent with the honor and justice of this house, to -alledge any thing in such a case, but what has been proved. The second -is, it implies that the act in 1732, took away unjustly, a right from -the people of Brooklyn, that they were entitled to. Thirdly, it implies, -that the house have fixed the two points before mentioned, and then it -will necessarily follow, that we have considered the rights of the -Corporation,[9] as well as those of the people of Brooklyn; that we have -not, I appeal to the house, who must allow, that no such right ever -appeared to us, at least as a House, and for us to declare certain facts -by a Bill, which has never been proved, will be doing, what I conceive, -we ought not to do, if we make justice and equity the rule of our -conduct. For these reasons, I move, that the Bill may be rejected. The -question being put thereon it was carried in the negative, in the -manner following, viz.----For the negative, Messrs. Chambers, Lott, -Cornell, Hardenbergh, A. Lott, Bradt, Lecount, Gale, and Harring, 9. -Affirmative, Messrs. Cruger, Morris, Richards, Van Horne, Clarkson, -Verplank, Philipse, and Thomas, 8. - -Resolved, That the Bill do pass. Ordered, that Colonel Harring, and Mr. -Hardenbergh do carry the Bill to the Council and desire their -concurrence. By which it appears that it was considered by the House, as -well as subsequently by the Supreme Court, that the right of the town -was sufficiently proved, notwithstanding the assertions of Colonel -Morris. - -This Bill by _some means_ was stifled in the Council,[10] and never -became a law. - -During the Revolution the Old ferry was kept by Messrs. Van Winkle, and -Bukett; at which period the usual charge for crossing was six pence for -each passenger. - -August 1, 1795. The ferry from the foot of Main-street, Brooklyn, to the -foot of Catharine-street, New-York, commonly called the New ferry, was -established by Messrs. William Furman and Theodosius Hunt, lessees from -the Corporation of the City of New-York. - -In consequence of the prevalence of the Yellow fever in Brooklyn, in the -month of August, 1809, the old ferry was removed to the foot of -Joralemon-street, and the boats plied from there to Whitehall, New-York. - -On the 4th day of March, 1814. The legislature of this State passed an -act allowing William Cutting and others his associates, to charge four -cents for each passenger crossing in the Steam-boat to be by them placed -on the Old ferry. Previous to this, the fare was two cents for each -passenger. May, 1814, the Steam-boat commenced plying on the old ferry -between Brooklyn and New-York. - -This Ferry Company derive their interest in the old or Fulton ferry, -from a lease executed January 24th, 1814, by the Mayor, Aldermen and -Commonalty of the City of New-York, to Robert Fulton, and William -Cutting. The rent reserved by the Corporation on this lease is $4000 per -annum for the first 18 years, and $4500 per annum for the remaining 7 -years.[11] It is a difficult matter to speak correctly of the present -income of this ferry. At its first establishment the dividends were made -on a capital estimated at $45,000, divided into shares of $1000 each, -and were made at the rate of 5 per cent. for six months and what -remained after this 5 per cent. taken out, formed the surplus dividend. -From May 1814, to November 1815, the regular dividends on one share -amounted to $157 11½, and during the same period the surplus dividend -amounted to $228 21½, making a dividend of $385 33, on one share for -about 18 months equal to about 25 per cent. per annum. - -At the Session of the Legislature in the winter of 1818, the Corporation -of New-York presented a petition praying that they might have the -regulation of the rates of ferriage between this town and the city of -New-York--against which the Trustees of the village of Brooklyn, and the -inhabitants of this town strongly remonstrated, stating that “they had -full confidence that the Legislature of this state would never increase -the rates of ferriage, nor permit the same to be increased, beyond what -is necessary to support the ferries in the best manner; they therefore -prayed that the Legislature would not surrender to the Corporation of -New-York a right, which had been reserved by the Legislature, and which -the petitioners deemed of the greatest importance to the inhabitants of -Nassau-Island.” - - -ROADS AND PUBLIC LANDING PLACES. - -This town appears to have entered early into the contest respecting -roads. There are many instances on record previous to 1683, of the -Constable of Brooklyn being ordered to repair the roads, and in case of -neglect, fined; and in one instance he was ordered by the Court not to -depart until further order. - -The main road, or as part of it is now called, Fulton-street, in the -village of Brooklyn, was laid out March 28th, 1704, by Joseph Hageman, -Peter Cortelyou, and Benjamin Vandewater, Commissioners, appointed by an -act of the General Assembly of the colony of New-York, for the laying -out, regulating, clearing and preserving of public highways in the -colony. The record of this road is as follows:--“One publique, common -and general highway, to begin ffrom _low water marke_ at the ferry in -the township of Broockland, in Kings county, and ffrom thence to run -ffour rod wide up between the houses and lands of John Aerson, John Coe, -and George Jacobs, and soe all along to Broockland towne aforesaid, -through the lane that now is, and ffrom thence straight along a certaine -lane to the Southward corner of John Van Couwenhoven’s land, and ffrom -thence straight to Bedfford as it is now staked out, to the lane where -the house of Benjamin Vandewater stands, and ffrom thence straight -along through Bedfford towne to Bedfford lane, running between the lands -of John Garretse, Dorlant and Claes Barnse, to the rear of the lands of -the said Cloyse, and ffrom thence southerly to the old path now in use, -and soe all along said path to Philip Volkertses land, taking in a -little slip of said Philip’s land on the south corner, soe all along -said road by Isaack Greg’s house to the Fflackbush new lotts ffence, and -soe all along said ffence to the eastward, to the north-east corner of -Eldert Lucas’s land, lying within the New lotts, of Fflattbush -aforesaid, being ffour rod wide all along, to be and continue forever.” - -This road or “king’s highway,” as it was then called, leading from the -ferry to the old Dutch Church, or Brooklyn parish, was the cause of much -contention. At the April term of the General Sessions of the Peace for -Kings County, in 1721, indictments were found for encroaching on the -“common high way of the King, leading from the ferry to the Church at -Brookland,” against John Rapalje, Hans Bergen and James Harding, and -others.--By which indictments it appears that the road should have been -four rods wide. - -These indictments appear to have been predicated as well on the -following application of John Rapalje and Hans Bergen, as on complaints -from several of the inhabitants: - - “Fflatbush, April 19, 1721. John Rapalje and Hans Bergen of the - fferry, desires of the grand jury that the Commissioners now being - should be presented for not doing their duty in laying out the - king’s highway according to ye law, being the King’s highway is too - narrow from the ferry to one Nicalus Cowenhoven, living at Brooklyn - and if all our neighbours will make ye road according to law, then - ye said John Rapelje and Hans Bergen, is willing to do the same as - aforesaid, being they are not willing to suffer more than their - neighbours. As witness our hands the day and year first above - written. - -JAN RAPELJE, -HANS BERGEN.” - - - -Some of the persons indicted considering themselves aggrieved, and -others who feared being placed in the same situation, applied to the -Colonial Legislature, and July 27th, 1721, obtained the passage of a law -to “continue the common road or king’s highway, from the ferry, towards -the town of Breuckland, on the Island of Nassau, in the Province of New -York,” with the following preamble. “Whereas several of the inhabitants -on the ferry, on the Island of Nassau, by their petition preferred to -the General Assembly, by setting forth, that they have been molested -prosecutions, occasioned by the contrivance and instigations of ill and -disaffected persons to the neighbourhood, who would encroach upon the -buildings and fences that have been made many years, alledging the road -was not wide enough, to the great damage of several of the old -inhabitants, on the said ferry; the said road as it now is, has been so -for at least these sixty years past, without any complaint, either of -the inhabitants or travellers.” - -The law then proceeds to establish the road “forever,” as it then was, -from the ferry upwards to the town of Breuckland, as far as the swinging -gate of John Rapalje, just above the house and land belonging to James -Harding. These proceedings will readily account for Fulton-street, in -the present village of Brooklyn being so narrow and crooked in many -places. - -The point however to which the Compiler wishes to draw the attention of -his fellow citizens, is to the existence and location of several public -highways and landing-places in this town which at present are known to -very few. - -There is a public landing-place at or near the mills of Nehemiah Denton, -Esq. and a public highway leading thereto.--The record of which is as -follows:--“One common highway to Gawanus mill, to begin ffrom the -north-east corner of Leffert Peterses ffence, and soe along the roade -westerly, as it is now in use to the lane yt parts the lands of Hendrick -Vechte, and Abraham Brower, and Nicholas Brower, and soe all along said -lane as it is now in ffence to the house of Jurian Collier, and from -thence all along the roade now in use to the said Gowanos mill, being in -all four rod wide to the said lane; and that there be a convenient -landing place for all persons whatsoever, to begin ffrom the -southernmost side of said Gowanus mill house, and ffrom said house to -run ffour rod to the southward, ffor the transportation of goods and the -commodious passing of travellers; and that said highway to said Gowanos -mill ffrom said house of said Jurian Collier shall be but two rod only -and where it is now in use; said common highway to be and continue -forever; and ffurther that the ffence and gate that now stands upon the -entrance into said mill neck, ffor the inclosing and securing of said -neck, shall soe remaine and be alwayes kept soe inclosed with a ffence -and hanging gate; and the way to said mill to be thorow that gate only -and to be allwayes shutt or put to by all persons that passes thorow.” -The Commissioners laid out the above road and landing place, March 28th, -1704. - -In 1709, the Commissioners laid out another road and landing place, at -or near the mill of John C. Freeke, Esq. The record of which is as -follows:--“One common highway to begin ffrom the house of Jurian -Collier to the New mill of Nicholas Brower, now sett up on Gowanos mill -neck soe called, as the way is now in use along said neck to said mill -to be of two rod wide; and that there shall be a landing place by said -mill in the most convenient place ffor the transportation of goods and -the commodious passing of travellers; and said highway and landing place -to be, remaine and continue forever.” - -This town has a public landing place seven rods in length, near the foot -of what is now called District-street, in the village of Brooklyn.--This -landing place is mentioned in the record of a road three rods wide, -leading to the same, which record the Compiler omits inserting in -consequence of its length and the multitude of entries connected -therewith. - -It is believed by many, and not without very good reason, that this town -has a public landing place a short distance to the North of the Old or -Fulton ferry, and which landing place is now in the possession of the -Corporation of New-York. - -There is a very distinct tradition of a road to near where this landing -place is supposed to have been, at the foot of which road was the public -slaughter house, where the butchers of Brooklyn dressed their meats. The -road referred to, came out where the house of the Fire Engine No. 4 now -stands, and the existence of that road gives the town its title to that -small piece of ground. - - -COMMON LANDS, AND THE DIVISION THEREOF. - -The town having acquired so great an extent of Common land by the -purchase of 1670, from the Indians, the inhabitants thought proper to -take some order for the division and defending thereof, together with -their other lands--accordingly, “at a Town meeting held the 25th day of -February, 169⅔, att Breuklyn, in Kings County. Then Resolved to divide -their common lands and woods into three parts, in manner following to -witt: - - 1. All the lands and woods after Bedford and Cripplebush, over the - hills to the path of Newlotts shall belong to the inhabitants and - freeholders of the Gowanis, beginning from Jacob Brewer and soe to - the uttermost bounds of the limits of New-Utrecht. - - 2. And all the lands and woods that lyes betwixt the abovesaid path - and the highway from the ferry towards Flattbush, shall belong to - the freeholders and inhabitants of Bedford and Cripplebush. - - 3. And all the lands that lyes in common after the Gowanis, betwixt - the limits and bounds of Flatbush and New Utrecht shall belong to - the freeholders and inhabitants of Brooklyn, fred. neck, the ferry - and the Wallabout.” This proceeding of the Town meeting was allowed - of by the Court of Sessions, held at Flatbush, on the 10th day of - May, 1693. - - The following will serve to shew the manner in which the - inhabitants of this town elected the Trustees of their common - lands, and the duties of those Trustees. “Att a towne meeting held - this 29th day off Aprill, 1699, at Breucklyn, by order off Justice - Machiel Hanssen, ffor to chose townsmen ffor to order all townes - busines and to deffend theire limitts and bounds and to dispose and - lay out sum part thereoff in lotts, to make lawes and orders ffor - the best off the inhabitants, and to raise a small tax ffor to - defray the towne charges, now being or hereaffter to come, to - receive towns revenues and to pay townes debts, and that with the - advice off the Justices off this said towne standing the space and - time off two years. Chosen ffor that purpose by pluralitie off - votes. Benjamin Vande Water, Joores Hanssen, Jan Garretse Dorlant. - -By order of inhabitants afforesaid - -J. VANDE WATER, Clarke.” - - These proceedings were recorded by order of the Court of Sessions, - on the 9th day of May, 1699. - -The following proceeding is curious, setting forth the ancient practice -of tradesmen cutting down timber in the public woods, and the -regulations made respecting the same. It appears that directly after the -Trustees were chosen by the above meeting they together with the -Justices, held the following meeting. “Att a meeting held this 29th day -off Aprill, (1699) in Breucklyn, Present, Benjamin Vande Water, Jooris -Hanssen, Jan Geritse Dorlant, being choisen townsmen in the presence and -with the advice off the Justices off this towne. - -Considering the greate inconvenience, lose and intrest that the -inhabitants off this towne have by reason that the tradesmen here living -in this towne doe ffall and cutt the best trees and sully the best of -our woods and sell the worke thereoff made the most part to others -living withoute the towne, and that the shoemakers and others doe cutt -and fall all the best treese ffor the barke, and the wood lyes and rott, -and that some persons doe cutt and ffall trees for timber and ffensing -stuff, and leave the trees in the woods soe cutt until they are spoilt, -and that people off other towns come and cutt and fall trees ffor -timber, ffensing stuff, and ffire woods, and transport the same away out -off our townes bounds and limitts, and that without leave or consent off -the towne, soe that in the time off ffew yeares there shall bee no woods -leaved ffor the inhabitants ffor timber or ffensing stuff to the ruine -off the said towne. It is thereffore ordered, That ffrom the date -hereoff no tradesman shall make any worke ffor to sell to others -without thee towne, ffrom wood soe cutt as afforesaid as only ffrom old -wood. - -That no shoemaker or others shall cutt or ffall any trees ffor to barke -in the common woods uppon the penaltie off ffive pound ffor every tree -soe cutt. - -That no men shall leave any timber, ffensing stuffe, or other wood in -the woods longer as six weeks affter itt is cutt, uppon the penaltie, -that itt shall be ffree ffor others to take and carry the same away as -theire owne wood. And that iff any one off other townes shall be -ffounden within our townes limitts to cutt or carry away any sorts off -woods ffor timber, ffensing stuff or ffire wood, that itt shall bee -ffree ffor any one off this towne to take it away and to take out writ -to arrest, or to apprehend such offender or offenders presently, and -that the Justices off this towne shall answer the action as iff itt were -done by theire owneselves,[12] These proceedings were also recorded by -order of the Court of Sessions. - -“Towne meeting held this 5th day off May, 1701, by order off Justices -Cornelis Sebringh and Machiell Hanssen. We the major part off the -ffreeholders off Breucklyn doe hereby nominate, constitute and appoint -Capt. Jooris Hanssen, Jacob Hanssen and Cornelis Van Duyn, to bee -trustees of our Common and undivided lands, and to deffend and maintaine -the rights and privileges off our General pattent, as well within as -without.” - -“Towne meeting held this 2d day off February, 1701-2, by order off -Justice Cornelis Sebringh. Purposed iff the order off Bedford, made the -12th day off April, 1697, shall bee conffirmed concerning the lying out -of the common or undivided lands or that the said land shall bee lyed -out according to the last tax, concerning the deffending off our -limitts. - -Resolved by the ffreeholders aforesaid, that the chosen townsmen shall -ley out the commens according as by the said order off Bedford was -concluded, with the ffirst opportunitie, and that all the lotts joyning -to the common woods shall be surveyed according to their grants.” - -The following Resolution was passed for defending those inhabitants to -whom portions of the Common lands were allotted, in their enjoyment of -the same. “Att a Towne meeting held att Brookland, in Kings County, this -14th day of March, 1701-2. Present, Machiel Hanssen, Cornelis Sebringh, -and Hendrick Vechten, Esquires, Justices.--Resolved, by the major part -of the freeholders of the said towne of Brookland, that every man that -has now a right, lott, or lotts laid out in the quondam Common and -undivided lands of Brookland aforesaid, shall forever free liberty have -for egress and regress to his said lotts for fetching off wood or -otherwise, over all or any of the said lott or lotts of the said -freeholders in the lands aforesaid. And further, that if any of the said -freeholders shall at any time or times hereafter, come by any loss or -trouble, cost or charges by lawe or otherwise, of, for or concerning the -title of any of their said lott or lotts, by any person or persons, -either within the township of Brookland afforesaid, or without, that it -shall be defended and made goode, (if lost) att all the proper costs and -charges of all the freeholders of said towne equally.” - -It appears that all the Common lands of this town had been divided among -the freeholders, and a portion annexed to each house in the town.--A -deed dated the 17th of April, 1705, after conveying a house and lot of -land in this town, conveys “alsoe all the rights and priviledges in the -common woodlands of the towne of Broockland aforesaid, to said house, -belonging as per record of said towne may appear.[13] - -These lands, in the month of February, 1701-2, were surveyed by Pieter -Corteljeu and S. Clowes, two surveyors, and divided by them into three -divisions. The first or west division consisted of 62 lots, containing -about 5 acres each, about 310 acres. The second or middle division of 62 -lots, containing about 10 acres each, about 620 acres; and the third or -east division also of 62 lots, containing about 10 acres each, about 620 -acres.--Total number of acres about 1550. - - -DIFFERENCES AS TO BOUNDS. - -The difference between this town and the city of New-York, having been -treated of under the head of Town Rights and Ferries, the compiler will -confine himself to the disputes which formerly existed between this -town, and the towns of Bushwick, Flatbush and New-Utrecht, respecting -their bounds. - -The following proceeding relates generally to the defence and settling -of the limits of this town. - -“Towne meeting held this 7th day of February, 1701-2, by order of -Hendrick Vechten, Justice.--The Justice Hendrick Vechten, brings in that -the towns men were nott well authorised concerninge the lying out and -defending of our bounds by reason that they have no power to compounde -or agree with any of the neighbouring townes, &c.--These are -thereffore, that the freeholders and inhabitants doe give full power to -the said Intrusties, for to agree and compounde with any of the -neighbour townes concerning our bounds, and all what our said Intrusties -shall doe and agree with them, we shall stand to itt.” This proceeding -was recorded by order of the Court of Sessions, on the 13th of May, -1702. - - -DIFFERENCE WITH BUSHWICK. - -The difference as to the bounds of these two towns seems generally to -have been contested between individuals. The following is the only -general order on record respecting the same: - - At a Court of Sessions, held at Flatbush for Kings County, May 10, - 1699. “Uppon the desire of the inhabitants of Breucklyn, that - according to use and order every three yeare the limmitts betweene - towne and towne must be runn, that a warrant or order may be given, - that upon the 17th day off May, the line and bounds betwixt said - townes of Breucklyn and Boswyck, shall be runn according to their - pattents or agrements.” Ordered, “That an order should be past - according to theire request. - - -DIFFERENCE WITH FLATBUSH. - -The dispute between this town and Flatbush, respecting their bounds, -appears to have been of more importance than that with any other place, -excepting New-York. - -At a Court of Sessions, held for the West Riding of Yorkshire, upon -Long-Island, the 18th of December, 1678, the following order was made: - - “There being some difference between the townes of Flat Bush and - Breucklyn concerning their bounds, the which they are both willing - to refer to Captain Jaques Corteleou and Captain Richard Stillwell - to decide. The Court doth approve thereof, and order their Report - to be determinative.” - - Messrs. Cortelyou and Stillwell complied with the requisition of - the above order as will appear by the following report: but - subsequent disputes shew that the same was not “determinative.” - - “To the worshipfull Court of Sessions, now sitting at Gravesend, - June 21, 1683. These may certiffie that in obedience to an order - from said Court, and by consent of both towns of Breucklyn and - Flattbush, to runn the line betwixt the said townes which are we - underwritten have done and marked the trees betwixt towne and - towne, as wittnesse our hands the daye and yeare above written. - -JACQUES CORTELYOU, -RICHARD STILLWELL.” - - - -It appears by the following Certificate, that a subsequent survey was -made in 1684, of the division line between this town and Flatbush. - - “To satisffie whom itt may concerne, that I being with Mr. Jacobus - Cortland, about the twentyeth day off November, 1684, imployed by - Breuckland and Fflackbush, to vew and run out the line betweene the - two towns to the south of the hills found that the line run - fformerly by Capts. Jacques Cortelyou and Mr. Stillwell, is right - and just, which wee both being agreed, gave in our approbation of - the same. - -PHILIP WELLS, Surveyor.” - - Staaten-Island, in the County of Richmond,} this 4th day of Aprill, - 1687.”} - -The above Certificate was recorded by order of several of the -inhabitants of Brooklyn. - -At a Court of Sessions for Kings County, held the 4th day of October, -1687, the following proceeding was had: - - “Complaint off Jan Oake, and Cornelis Barduff, authorised by the - inhabitants of Fflackbush being read against Pieter Cronwer, - concerning the building uppon the land in question, betwixt - Breucklyn and Fflackbush, Itt is ordered, that none off the partys - shall meddle themselves with the said land before the question off - the said land shall be finished.” - -December 4, 1689. Jooris Bergen, Jan Dorlant and H. Claes Vechte, -Commissioners of this town, together with Jurrian Bries, Constable, -granted to Jeronimius Remsen, a piece of land lying at Bedford, in lieu -of a piece of land which they had formerly sold him, lying at the Port -or entrance, and which was claimed by the town of Flatbush. - -At a town meeting, held in this town the 11th day of April, 1702, by -order of Justices Machiel Hanssen, and Cornelis Seberingh; it was - -“Purposed to choise townsmen, in place off George Hanssen, Jacob -Hanssen, and Cornelis Van Duyn, by cause theire times being past the -29th off this instant. Resolved to prolong the old townsmen’s time to -the twenty-fifth off May next, by reason they are in action off lawe -with them off Fflackbush, to be tryed this May court.” - -The differences between these two towns have been amicably settled, and -proper monuments placed on the boundary lines, to prevent, if possible, -all future disputes. - - -DIFFERENCE WITH NEW-UTRECHT. - -February 14, 1702. George Hansen, Jacob Hansen and Cornelius Van Duyn, -Trustees on the part of the town of Brooklyn, and Cornelius Van Brunt, -Peter Cortelyou, and Aert Van Pelt, Trustees on the part of the town of -New-Utrecht, entered into an agreement, which, after setting forth the -said Trustee’s powers to enter into the same, proceeds to say, “that the -courses and lines hereafter specified shall be the exact bounds between -the said two towns of Brookland and New Utrecht and soe to continue to -perpetuity without any alteration; viz. The bounds to begin in the -sloott or pond lying and being by and between the house of Agyes -Vandyke, of the said towne of Brookland and the house of Thomas Sharax, -of the said towne of New-Utrecht, where the water runns into the salt -water River, by a certaine fence from thence stretching away south-east -one degree southerly, two hundred eighty and eight English rod, to a -winter white oake tree markt on the south and north-west side; and from -thence running east eight and twenty degrees northerly to a white oake -tree, being on the east side of the path leading to New-Utrecht -aforesaid, to the Gowanos soe called in the towneship of Brookland -abovesaid, said tree being markt on two sides, and being formerly the -old markt tree betweene the said townes, &c.” - -At the time of the execution of the above-mentioned agreement, the -Trustees of the town of Brooklyn, gave a bond to the Trustees of the -town of New-Utrecht, in the sum of one thousand pounds “currant money of -New-Yorke.”--The condition of which Bond or obligation was, “That if the -above bounden George Hansen, Jacob Hansen and Cornelius Van Duyne, -severally and their severall heires and assigns, doe and shall from time -to time and at all times hereafter, well and truly observe, performe and -keepe, all and every the covenants, articles of agreements, which on -their and every of their parts, are or ought to be observed, performed -and kept, contained and specified in and by certain articles of -agreements of the date hereof and made betweene the above bounden George -Hansen, Jacob Hansen and Cornelius Van Duyn of the one part, and the -above-named Cornelius Van Brunt, Peter Cortilleou and Aert Van Pelt of -the other part, of, in and concerning the limmitts and bounds of their -townes pattents, and that in and by all things according to the true -meaning of the said articles of agreement in such wise that no breache -be made of the premises in said articles of agreement by the towne of -Brookland aforesaid, at any time or times hereafter, then this -obligation to be void and of none effect, otherwise to stand and remain -in full force, virtue and power in law.” - -In the year 1797, a survey was made of all the bounds of this town, and -a map thereof transmitted to the Surveyor General of this state. - - -REVOLUTIONARY INCIDENTS. - -This town had a full share of the military operations during the -Revolutionary war; and was for a long time in the possession of the -British army. It is covered with the remains of fortifications which -were thrown up by the Americans[14] and English for their defence -against each other. In this town was fought the most sanguinary part of -the battle of Long-Island, August 27, 1776; which took place on the -retreat of the American army within their lines, and the attempt of a -portion of them to ford the mill ponds at Gawanos; in which attempt -nearly the whole of a Regiment of young men from Maryland were cut off. - -Many of the minor events connected with this battle, and the -Revolutionary contest, are fast sinking into the shades of oblivion: -the compiler has therefore thought proper to give place to the following -piece of history, not with an idea, that he can immortalize any event -which he relates; but with a hope, that his efforts will call forth some -nobler pen to do justice to the memories of many of the almost forgotten -heroes of those hard fought battles, and arduous contests. In the battle -above-mentioned, part of the British army marched down a lane or road -leading from the Brush tavern to Gowanos, pursuing the Americans. -Several of the American riflemen, in order to be more secure, and at the -same time, more effectually to succeed in their designs, had posted -themselves in the high trees near the road. One of them, whose name is -now partially forgotten, shot the English Major Grant; in this he passed -unobserved. Again he loaded his deadly rifle, and fired--another English -officer fell. He was then marked, and a platoon ordered to advance, and -fire into the tree; which order was immediately carried into execution, -and the rifleman fell to the ground, dead. After the battle was over, -the two British officers were buried in a field, near where they fell, -and their graves fenced in with some posts and rails, where their -remains still rest. But for “an example to the rebels,” they refused to -the American rifleman the rites of sepulture; and his remains were -exposed on the ground, till the flesh was rotted, and torn off his bones -by the fowls of the air. After a considerable length of time, in a heavy -gale of wind, a large tree was uprooted; in the cavity formed by which, -some friends to the Americans, notwithstanding the prohibition of the -English, placed the brave soldier’s bones to mingle in peace with their -kindred earth. - -August 28, 1776. Before day break, in a very thick fog, General -Washington retreated with his army from near the old ferry, Brooklyn, to -New-York. As the last boat of the Americans left the shore, the fog -dissipated, and the British made their appearance on the hills above the -place of embarkation, when a shot or two from an American Battery on the -hill near the house of Col. Henry Rutgers, in New-York, compelled the -British to desist in their march to the ferry. - -A short time after the retreat of the Americans, Captain Hale, of the -American army, was dispatched by General Washington, to see if the -English had taken possession of his camp at Brooklyn, and what their -situation was. This unfortunate young officer was taken by the English -and hung as a spy, without even a form of trial; and not allowed a -clergyman at his execution. It is believed he was executed somewhere -along the Brooklyn shore, to the south-west of the old ferry. In our -pity for Major Andre, we have almost entirely lost sight of this -meritorious officer, whose claims on our gratitude ought ever to be -remembered, in proportion as his sufferings were greater than those of -the former. - -During the stay of the American army on Long-Island, the head quarters -of General Washington were at the house on Brooklyn heights, now owned -and occupied by Henry Waring, Esq. The house now owned and occupied by -Teunis Joralemon, Esq. was used by the English as a Hospital during the -Revolution, and in its vicinity, hundreds of British soldiers and -sailors are buried. - -Most of the records of this town were destroyed by the English when they -came in possession of it after the battle of Long-Island. - -In the month of November, 1776, one of the British prison ships, called -the Whitby, was moored in the Wallaboght, near Remsen’s mills. On board -this vessel great mortality prevailed among the prisoners, and many of -them died. Those of the prisoners who died from this ship, and from the -others, which were afterwards brought to this place, were interred in -the hill at the present Navy-Yard; where their remains were found, and -in the year 1808, deposited in a vault erected for that purpose. March -1777, two other prison ships anchored in the Wallaboght, one of which -bore the name of Good Hope; which vessel in the month of October, in the -same year, took fire and was burnt. The prisoners were saved and -transferred to the other vessels.--The hull of this ship lies under a -dock at the Navy Yard, in this town. In the month of February, 1778, on -a Sunday afternoon, another British prison ship was burnt in the -Wallaboght. The hull of this vessel lies in the mud in that Bay. 1778, -the Jersey ship of the line, having arrived at New-York, was condemned -as unfit for the service, and converted into a prison ship. As such she -anchored in the Wallaboght during the month of April, in the same year, -together with the Falmouth and Hope, for Hospital ships; where they -remained till the close of the Revolutionary war. - -October 22, 1779, An act of attainder was passed by the Legislature of -this State, against John Rapalje, Esq. of this town, by which his -property was confiscated to the use of the State. That part of his -property lying within the bounds of the present village of Brooklyn, was -on the 13th of July, 1784, sold by the Commissioners of Forfeitures, to -Comfort, and Joshua Sands, Esqrs. for £12,430. - -In the year 1780, the British being apprehensive of an attack from the -American army under General Washington, commenced fortifying the high -grounds about Brooklyn; which works they continued until the peace in -1783. In this town the British had their army yard, where their forage -department, and blacksmith’s shops, &c. were kept. The entrance to this -yard was near the junction of Main-street with Fulton-street, in the -present village of Brooklyn. - -During the Revolution, this place was much resorted to by the officers -of the English army, and the fashionables of the day, as a scene of -amusement. In the Royal Gazette of August 8th, 1781, published at -New-York, Charles Loosley advertises a Lottery of $12,500, to be drawn -at “Brooklyn Hall.” The same paper contains the following advertisement: -“Pro bono publico. Gentlemen that are fond of fox hunting, are requested -to meet at Loosley’s Tavern, on Ascot Heath, on Friday morning next, -between the hours of five and six, as a pack of hounds will be there -purposely for a trial of their abilities: Breakfasting and Relishes -until the Races commence.--At eleven o’clock will be run for, an elegant -saddle, &c. value at least twenty pounds, for which upwards of twelve -gentlemen will ride their own horses.--At twelve, a match will be rode -by two gentlemen, Horse for Horse.--At one, a match for thirty guineas, -by two gentlemen, who will also ride their own horses.--Dinner will be -ready at two o’clock, after which, and suitable regalements, racing and -other diversions, will be calculated to conclude the day with pleasure -and harmony. Brooklyn Hall, 6th August, 1781.” - -Lieutenant Anberry, in a letter from New-York, to a friend in England, -dated October 30th, 1781, says, “on crossing the East River from -New-York, you land at Brooklyn, which is a scattered village, consisting -of a few houses. At this place is an excellent Tavern, where parties -are made to go and eat fish; the landlord of which has saved an immense -fortune this war.” The public house referred to in the above -advertisements, and letter, was the same house, which after the -Revolution, and in the Compiler’s recollection, was called the -“Corporation House.” It was a large, gloomy, old fashioned, stone -edifice; and was destroyed by fire, September 23d, 1812. - -This town was left by the British troops, the same day that they -evacuated New-York. - - -ANCIENT GOVERNMENT. - -The first public officer appointed by the Dutch Government for this town -after its settlement in 1625, was a “Superintendant,” whose duties were -to preserve the peace, and regulate the police of the town. A few years -after the office of Superintendant was abolished, and the offices of -Schout, Secretary, and Assessor, created; these officers were also -appointed by the Governor. In 1646, the town having considerably -increased, the inhabitants were permitted to elect two magistrates; -subject, however, to the approval or rejection of the Governor. These -magistrates had increased powers: they were authorised to give judgment -in all cases as they might think proper; provided that the judgment so -given be not contrary to the charter of New-Netherland. Subsequently -this Town Court was new modelled by the Dutch Government, and its power -and authority more clearly defined. - -The inhabitants suffering very much under the arbitrary exercise of -power on the part of the government, frequently remonstrated against the -same. Finally a convention of delegates from this, and the other towns -under the Dutch government assembled at New Amsterdam, November 26th, -1653, on an invitation from the Governor. Where they, on the 11th of -December, following, entered into a remonstrance against the exclusion -of the people from their share in legislation, and generally against -their mode of government. The Governor and his Council sent them no -answer, but entered one on the minutes; in which they denied the right -of this town, Flatbush, and Flatlands, to send deputies, and protested -against the meeting, notwithstanding the same was held at the Governor’s -request. Entertaining a just sense of the responsibility attached to -them, the deputies made another, but ineffectual attempt, to obtain a -recognition of their rights, and on the 13th of the last mentioned -month, presented another remonstrance, in which they declared, that if -they could not obtain them from the Governor and Council, they would be -under the necessity of appealing to their superiors, the States -General.--The Governor in a fit of anger dissolved their meeting, and -sent them home. - -In 1654, it appears that the country was very much infested with -robbers; to disperse whom, April 7, 1654, the magistrates of this town, -together with those of Midwout and Amersfort, united in forming a -company of soldiers to act against “robbers and pirates,” and determined -that there should be a military officer in each town, called a Sergeant. - -In order to prevent the depredations of the Indians, the Governor in -1660, ordered the inhabitants of Brooklyn to put the town in a state of -defence; and commanded the farmers to remove within the fortifications, -on the pain of forfeiting their estates.[15] - -For the first two or three years under the English government, the -magistrates of this town were but temporary officers. Nearly all that we -know about the government previous to 1669, is, that Town Courts were -established in this Colony.--The inference would be, that as this town -was granted “all the rights and privileges belonging to a town within -this government,” a town Court was also organized here. - -The Town Clerk of this town was appointed by the Governor, and confirmed -by the Court of Sessions, as will appear by the following record: At a -Court of Sessions held at Gravesend for the West Riding of Yorkshire -upon Long-Island, December 15, 1669. “Whereas Derick Storm presented an -order from his Hon. the Governor, for the approbation of the Court of -Sessions, to allow him to be towne clerk of Breucklen, taking his oath, -the Court having allowed thereof, and doe hereby confirme him of Clerke -of the said towne.” - -In the year 1669, the first mention is made in the records of the -“Constable of Breucklen;” which office at that period was held by -Michael Lenell. The duties of constable as laid down in the Duke’s laws -were, holding town courts with the overseers, and with them making -assessments, &c. whipping, or punishing offenders, raising the hue and -cry after murderers, manslayers, thieves, robbers, burglarers; and also -to apprehend without warrant such as were overtaken with drink, -swearing, Sabbath breaking, vagrant persons, or night walkers; -“provided they bee taken in the manner, either by the sighte of the -constable, or by present informacon from others; as alsoe to make -searche for all such persons either on ye Sabbath daye, or other, when -there shall bee occation in all houses licensed to sell beere or wine, -or any other suspected or disordered places, and those to apprehend and -keepe in safe custody till opportunity serves to bring them before the -next Justice of ye Peace for further examinacon.” The Constable was -chosen out of the number of Overseers, whose term of service had -expired. - -The following is a list of the Constables of Brooklyn, from 1669 to -1690: - - 1669. Michael Lenell. - 1671. Lambert Johnson. - 1675. Andries Juriaensen. - 1676. Cornelius Corsen. - 1678. Thomas Lambertse. - 1679. John Aeresen. - 1680. Andries Juriaensen. - 1682. Martin Ryersen. - -Brooklyn and Newtown were ordered to make a new choice according to law. - - 1683. Jan Cornelis Dam. - 1684. Thomas Ffardon. - 1687. John Aertsen. - 1688. Volkert Andriese. - 1689. Jacobus Beavois. - 1689. Jurian Bries. - 1690. Jurian Hendrickse. - -Shortly after the conquest of this Colony by the English from the Dutch, -the towns of Brooklyn, Bushwyck, Midwout, or Flatbush, Amersfort, or -Flatlands, and New-Utrecht, were formed into a separate district for -certain purposes, by the name of the “Five Dutch towns.” A Secretary was -specially appointed for these five towns, whose duties appear to have -been confined to the taking acknowledgment of transports, and marriage -settlements, and proof of wills, &c. This office in 1674, was held by -“Nicasius De Sille, in the absence of Sr Ffrancis De Brugh.” This same -Mr. De Sille, was in authority under the Dutch government, in the year -1658, as Schout of the city of New-Amsterdam. He was styled, “Heer -Nicasius De Sille.” There was no uniformity in the title of those -acknowledging officers of the Five Dutch towns. In 1675, Machiel -Hainelle exercised that office, and styled himself “Clerk.” In the same -year the Court of Sessions for this Riding, after setting forth the -appointment of Hainell, and calling him “Secretary,” said, “It is the -opinion of the Court that for what publique or private business he shall -doe he ought to have reasonable satisfacon.[16] - -There were also in this town, officers, who were called “Overseers.” The -Duke’s Laws provide for their appointment in the following manner. -“Overseers shall be eight in number, men of good fame, and life, chosen -by the plurality of voyces of the freeholders in each towne, whereof -foure shall remaine in their office two yeares successively, and foure -shall be changed for new ones every yeare; which election shall preceed -the elections of Constables, in point of time, in regard the Constable -for the yeare ensuing, is to bee chosen out of that number which are -dismist from their office of Overseers.” - -The following is a copy of the oath which was administered to the -overseers elect. - - “Whereas you are chosen and appointed an Overseer for the Towne of - Breucklen you doe sweare by the Ever-living God, that you will - faithfully and diligently discharge the trust reposed in you, in - relation to the publique and towne affaires, according to the - present lawes established, without favour, affection or partiality - to any person or cause which shall fall under your cognizance; and - at time when you shall bee required by your superiors to attend the - private differences of neighbours, you will endeavour to reconcile - them: and in all causes conscientiously and according to the best - of your judgment deliver your voyce in the towne meetings of - Constable and Overseers. So helpe you God.” These officers were - commonly sworn by the Court of Sessions; but in the year 1671, the - Constable of Newtown objected to the Court’s swearing the overseers - of that town, “alledginge that accordinge to the amendments of the - law iff special occation required, itt is in the power of the - Constable to sweare them, otherwise not, which is left to his Honor - the Governor to decide.” The inhabitants of the town for which the - overseers were elected were authorised to determine by a major vote - whether the said overseers should, on admission to office, take the - oath prescribed as above; and in case the said overseers were not - sworn, it was a legal objection against their proceedings on the - part of any person prosecuted in their court, unless the overseers - immediately on objection being made, took the oath, which the - Constable was permitted to administer. - - It was the duty of the overseers, together with the Constable, to - hold Town Courts, for the trial of causes under £5. Their other - duties are contained in the following summary. On the death of any - person, they were to repair with the Constable, to the house of the - deceased, and inquire after the manner of his death, and of his - will and testament; and if no will was found, the Constable in the - presence of the Overseers was, within 48 hours, to search after the - estate of the deceased, and to deliver an account of the same in - writing, under oath, to the next Justice of the Peace. They, - together with the Constable made all assessments. If any Overseer - died during his term, the rest of the Overseers by a major vote, - made choice of another in his place; and if the person so chosen - refused to serve, he forfeited the sum of £10, towards defraying - the town charges. They were to settle the bounds of the town, - within twelve months after the bounds were granted. They had the - power of regulating fences. They were authorised together with the - Constable to make choice of two out of the eight overseers of - Church affairs. - - They and the Constable, were frequently to admonish the inhabitants - “to instruct their children and servants in matters of religion, - and the lawes of the country.” They, with the Constable, appointed - an officer “to record every man’s particular marke, and see each - man’s horse and colt branded.” The Constable and two of the - Overseers were to pay the value of an Indian coat for each wolf - killed; and they were to cause the wolf’s head to be “nayled over - the door of the Constable, their to remaine, as also to cut of both - the eares in token that the head is bought and paid for.” - -The following is the only list that the Compiler could obtain of the -Overseers of this town. - - 1671. Frederick Lubertse and Peter Perniedeare. - 1675. John Peterson Mackhike, and Jerome - De Rapostelley. - 1676. Tunis Guis Bergen, and Thomas Lambertson. - 1679. John Harrill, and Martyn Reyandsen. - 1680. Symon Aeresen, and Michael Harsen. - 1683. John Aeresen, and Daniel Rapellie. - -In the year 1683, the “Overseers” were changed to “Commissioners.” The -“act for defraying the publique and necessary charge of each respective -citty, towne, and county throughout this province; and for maintaining -the poore and preventing vagabonds.” Passed by the General Assembly of -this colony, November 1st, 1683, provides--“That annually and once in -every yeare there shall be elected a certaine number out of each -respective citty, towne, and county throughout this province; to be -elected and chosen by the major part of all the ffreeholders and -ffreemen; which certaine number so duely elected shall have full power -and authority to make an assessment or certaine rate within their -respective cittys, townes and countys annually, and once in every yeare, -which assessment and certain rate so established as aforesaid, shall bee -paid into a certaine Treasurer, who shall be chosen by a major part of -all the ffreemen of each respective citty, towne, and county; which -Treasurer soe duly chosen, shall make such payment for the defraying of -all the publique and necessary charges of each respective place -above-menconed, as shall bee appointed by the commissioners, or their -President, that shall be appointed in each respective citty, towne, and -county within this province, for he _supervising the publique affaires -and charge_ of each respective citty, towne and county aforesaid.” And -the said act proceeds further to say, “And whereas it is the custome and -practice of his Majesties realme of England, and all the adjacent -colonyes in America, that every respective county, citty, towne, -parrish, and precinct, doth take care and provide for the poore who doe -inhabit in their respective precincts aforesaid; Therefore it is -enacted, &c. That for the time to come the respective commissioners of -every county, citty, towne, parish, precinct aforesaid, shall make -provision for the maintainance and support of their poore -respectively.”[17] - -The following is a list of the Commissioners of this town from 1684, to -1690, inclusive. - - 1684. Thomas Lambertsen, Randolph Emans, - and John Aeresen. - 1685. Tunis Guis Bergen, and Daniel Rapalie. - 1686. Michael Hansen, and Jeromus De Rapalie. - -The town made choice of Hansen and De Rapalie; and were ordered by the -Court of Sessions to make a new selection by the 12th of April, 1686, -and return the same to one of the Justices of the Peace for Kings -County. - - 1687. Adriaen Bennet, Thomas Lambertsen, - and Tunis Guysbert. - -The Court of Sessions ordered the town to make choice of a new -Commissioner in the place of Tunis Guysbert; which they according did, -and elected Jan Gerritsen Dorland. - - 1688. Simon Aertsen, Micheal Hansen, and - Claes Barense. - -The Court of Sessions refused to swear Michael Hansen. - - 1690. Joris Hansen, Hendrick Claasen, and - Jan Gerbritse. - -The office of “Commissioner” continued until 1703, when a “Supervisor” -was elected. The Supervisors of Kings County had their first meeting on -the first Tuesday of October, 1703; at which meeting Captain Joras -Hansen was the Supervisor from Brooklyn. The duty of the Supervisors -was, “to compute, ascertaine, examine, oversee and allow the contingent, -publick, and necessary charge of each county.” Two assessors were also -elected for this town, whose names were, Peter Garrabrantse, and John E. -Bennet; and one Collector. This is not the first mention of the -assessors and collectors of this town in our County Records. In 1688, -Michael Hansen, and Daniel Rapalie were chosen assessors, for the -purpose of assessing this town’s proportion of a tax of £308 8s 0d, -which was imposed on Kings County. It is the opinion of the Compiler, -that these were distinct officers from the Commissioners, whose duty it -was to assess the ordinary rates; and that these assessors were but -temporary officers, appointed to assess this particular tax. In 1699, -Jan Garretse Dorlant is mentioned as Collector of Brooklyn; and in 1701, -John Bybout held the same office. - -In 1691, a majority of the freeholders of the town were impowered to -make orders for the improvement of their public lands; and annually to -elect three surveyors of highways. The duties of these svrveyors were to -amend and lay out highways and fences. The town meeting at which these -orders were made, and officers elected, were held by the direction, and -under the superintendance of one or more justices of the peace. - -November 8, 1692. The court of sessions for Kings county, ordered that -each town within the county, should erect “a good pair of stocks, and a -good pound;” and that the clerk of the court should issue a warrant to -the constable of every town, requiring them to see this order complied -with “at their peril.” The following is a list of the constables of this -town, from the new organization of the colony in 1691, to 1711, as far -as the compiler has been able to ascertain the same: - - 1693. Volkert Brier. - 1697. Volkert Brier. - 1698. Jacob Hansen. [This man was complained of by the last constable -for not making his appearance at court; and the sheriff was ordered to -summon him to appear at the next court.] - - 1699. Jacobus Beauvois. - 1700. Cornelius Verhoeven. - 1701. Jacob Verdon. - 1702. Thomas Davies. - 1703. Thomas Davies. - 1704. William Brower. - 1705. Jacob Ffardon.[This constable refused to call a town meeting in 1706, -in compliance with the requisitions of a warrant he had received from -Justice Ffilkin, for the election of town officers; and the inhabitants -complained of him to the court of sessions, who ordered that a town -meeting should be held for the election of town officers, and that -Ffardon should hold over until a new constable was elected and sworn in -his stead.] - - 1707. Abram Sleghter. - 1708. Cornelius Collier. - 1709. William Brower. - 1711. Thomas Davies. - -For some time previous and subsequent to the year 1693, the colony was -in a very disordered state, arising probably from its new organization -after the revolution in Great Britain. - -At the same period, both the civil and military governments in this town -and also in the county, were very unpopular. In order to support their -authority, the justices of the peace resorted to the exercise of very -arbitrary measures: arresting and confining many persons under the -pretence of their having uttered scandalous words against them, and the -government; by which proceedings they completely alienated the people’s -affections, and exasperated them to such a degree that they committed -many excesses: all which will appear by the following extracts from the -records: - - “October 11, 1693, at a meeting of the justices of Kings county, at - the county hall. Present, Roeleff Martinse, Nicholas Stillwell, - Joseph Hegeman, and Henry Ffilkin, esqrs. justices. John Bibout, of - Broockland, in the county aforesaid, we aver being committed by the - said justices to the common jail of Kings county, for divers - scandalous and abusive words spoken by the said John against their - majesties justices of the peace for the county aforesaid, to the - contempt of their majesties authority and breach of the peace; the - said John having now humbly submitted himself, and craves pardon - and mercy of the said justices for his misdemeanour, is discharged, - paying the officer’s fees, and being on his good behaviour till - next court of sessions, in November next ensuing the date hereof.” - -In another instance, during the same year, in the month of October, in -the town of Bushwyck, a man named Urian Hagell, was imprisoned for -having said, on a training day, speaking jestingly of the soldiers, “Let -us knock them down, we are three to their one.” The justices called -these “mutinous, factious, and seditious words;” which, with the like, -appear to have been favourite terms with them. Again, in the same month -and year, Hendrick Claes Vechte, of the town of Brooklyn, was imprisoned -by the justices, on a charge of “raising of dissension, strife, and -mutiny, among their majesties subjects.” And May 8, 1694, two women of -Bushwick were indicted at the sessions, for having beat and pulled the -hair of Captain Peter Praa, whilst at the head of his company of -soldiers on parade. One of them was fined £3, and the cost, £1 19_s._ -9_d._; and the other 40_s._ and the cost, £1 19_s._ 9_d._ In the last -mentioned year, (1694) Volkert Brier, constable of Brooklyn, was fined -£5, and the costs of court amounting to £1, by the sessions, “for -tearing and burning an execution directed to him as constable.”[18] -Brier afterwards petitioned the governor to have the fine remitted; a -copy of which petition is in the appendix, marked C. - -This town with respect to legal matters was under the jurisdiction of -the court of sessions held at Gravesend, for the West Riding of -Yorkshire, upon Long-Island,[19] until the year 1683; when an act was -passed by the first legislative assembly of this colony, dividing the -province into counties, by which the ridings were abolished. The court -however continued to be held at Gravesend until 1686, when it was -removed to Flatbush, in conformity to an act of the colonial assembly, -passed in the year 1685. This town continued under the jurisdiction of -that court, and the court of common pleas, which was afterwards -established, until the close of the revolutionary war. At the close of -the war the courts were re-organized, and this town still continues -under their jurisdiction. - - -PRESENT GOVERNMENT. - -In 1816 the village of Brooklyn was erected out of the town, and -constituted a distinct government; thereby forming an _imperium in -imperio_. - -The present government both of the town and village, approach as near a -pure democracy as that of any other place in this state. No business of -importance is undertaken without first having the sanction of a public -meeting. Here these sterling principles, that all power emanates from -the people, and that public officers are but public servants, are fully -recognized, and acted upon. - -This head the compiler will divide into two divisions, in order to avoid -confusion: First, the Town Government, and second, the Village -Government. - -_First--the Town Government._ - -The government of the town is administered by - -A _Supervisor_, elected by the people, at the annual town-meeting, on -the first Tuesday of April. The duties of this officer are principally -confined to the apportionment of taxes, presiding at elections, &c. He -is also ex officio a commissioner of excise for granting tavern licenses -in the town, and the general guardian of the town rights. There is no -salary attached to this office: the supervisor receives a compensation -of two dollars per day, for attending the general meeting of the -supervisors of the different towns in the county, and a trifling amount -for granting licenses. The present supervisor is William Furman, esq. - -A _Town Clerk_, also elected by the people. The duties of this officer -are to call special town meetings on the request of twelve freeholders, -record the proceedings of town meetings, and preserve the records of the -town. In 1698, Jacob Vandewater, town clerk of this town, received the -sum of £6 5_s._ for two years and six months salary.[20] In 1822, in -order to make the town clerk’s salary in some degree proportionate to -the increase of business, the town voted him a salary of $50. In 1824, -the town clerk’s salary was increased to $75. The office is at present -held by John Doughty, esq. who has been successively elected since the -year 1796. - -Five _Assessors_, also elected by the people--whose duties are to assess -all real and personal estate liable to taxation within the town, and to -forward such assessment to the supervisors, that they may apportion the -amount of tax on the same. The present assessors are Messrs. John S. -Bergen, Richard Stanton, John Spader, Joseph Moser, and Andrew Demarest. -Their compensation is one dollar and twenty-five cents per day during -the time they are employed in making and completing the assessment. - -There are also elected two _overseers of the poor_, Messrs. William -Cornwell, and Isaac Moser; one _constable and collector_, Mr. John -M’Kenney; two _constables_, Messrs. John Lawrence, and Samuel Doxsey; -and several other officers, whose names and duties will be set forth in -the subsequent parts of this work. - -The judicial business of this town is at present transacted by three -_justices of the peace_, viz. John Garrison, John G. Murphy, and Samuel -Smith, esqrs. These magistrates are appointed by the judges of the -common pleas, and the supervisors of the county. - -_Second--the Village Government._ - -April 12, 1816, the village of Brooklyn was incorporated by an act of -the legislature of this state. By this act the freeholders and -inhabitants are authorized annually to elect, on the first Monday of -May, “Five discreet freeholders, resident within the said village, -Trustees thereof;” and these trustees are authorized to appoint a -president and clerk. The first trustees, Messrs. Andrew Mercein, John -Garrison, John Doughty, John Seaman, and John Dean, were appointed by -the legislature, and continued in office until the first Monday of May, -1817; when the first election was made by the people, and they made -choice of Messrs. William Furman, Henry Stanton, William Henry, Tunis -Joralemon, and Noah Waterbury. The present trustees are Messrs. Joshua -Sands, John Doughty, Joseph Moser, John Moon, and Samuel James. Joshua -Sands, esq. president, and John Dikeman, esq. clerk of the board. The -president previous to 1824 received no salary; at present his salary is -$300. The clerk formerly received a salary of $100, which in consequence -of the great increase of business is now raised to $200. The powers of -the trustees are principally “to make, ordain, constitute, and publish, -such prudential by-laws, rules and regulations, as they from time to -time shall deem meet and proper; and such in particular as relate to the -public markets, streets, alleys, and highways of the said village; to -draining, filling up, levelling, paving, improving, and keeping in order -the same; relative to slaughter-houses, houses of ill fame, and -nuisances generally; relative to a village watch, and lighting the -streets of said village; relative to restraining geese, swine, or cattle -of any kind; relative to the better improvement of their common lands; -relative to the inspection of weights and measures, and the assize of -bread; relative to erecting and regulating hay-scales; relative to the -licensing of public porters, cartmen, hackney coachmen, gaugers, -weigh-masters measurers, inspectors of beef and pork, of wood, of staves -and heading, and of lumber; relative to public wells, pumps, and -reservoirs or cisterns of water to be kept filled for the extinguishment -of fires; relative to the number of taverns or inns to licensed in said -village; and relative to any thing whatsoever that may concern the -public and good government of the said village; but no such by-laws -shall extend to the regulating or fixing the prices of any commodities -or articles of provision, except the article of bread, that may be -offered for sale.” The powers of the trustees, in opening, regulating, -and widening streets, are enlarged and defined by an act passed by the -legislature of this state, April 9, 1824. - -The board of trustees have the appointment of several officers. The -following is a list of the names of the officers at present holding -under them. - - John Lawrence, Collector. - Samuel Watts, } - John Titus, } Weighers - Andrew Tombs, } - Robert W. Doughty, } - Burdet Striker, Measurer. - William A. Sale, Measurer of Lime. - -Three village Assessors are also elected by the people, for the purpose -of making an assessment on which to apportion the village tax. The -present assessors are Losee Van Nostrand, Gamaliel King, and John D. -Conklin. - -The Trustees, by an act passed April 9th, 1824, are constituted a Board -of Health. The President and Clerk of the Trustees are ex-officio -President and Clerk of the Board of Health. The salary of the President -of this Board is $150. - -A Health Physician is appointed by the Board of Health; which office is -at present held by Dr. J. G. T. Hunt, with a salary of $200. - -The duties of the Board relate to the general conservation of the Health -of the village. - -As early as 1809, during the prevalence of the yellow fever in this -town, the inhabitants met together in consequence of repeated -solicitations from the Common Council of New-York, and after stating in -their proceedings, that “reports prevailed, that disease exists to an -alarming extent in the town of Brooklyn,” they appointed the following -gentlemen a committee “for the purpose of inquiring into the state of -the health of the inhabitants of said town, and to act as the case in -their opinion may require,” viz. William Furman, John Garrison, Burdet -Stryker, Henry Stanton, and Andrew Mercein. A sum of money was raised by -subscription to meet the expenses of this Committee. - -In the year 1819, the Trustees, although not strictly invested with -power, yet feeling the necessity of acting with some degree of energy, -in order to quiet the fears of the inhabitants, arising from reports of -the existence of a pestilential disease in New-York, published an -address; in which they state, “that during this season of alarm, they -have not been unmindful of that part of their duty incumbent on them as -a _Board of Health_ for the village,” and that “measures have been taken -to obtain from time to time, a report of the state of health throughout -the village, that the inhabitants may be early apprised of any change -affecting their welfare.” - - -PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND INSTITUTIONS. - -This head will be divided into three divisions--first, Churches; second, -Markets; and third Public Institutions. - -_First, Churches._ - -The first Church established in Kings County was, October 13, 1654, when -the Rev. Joannes Theodorus Polhemus, a minister of the Dutch Reformed -Church, was _permitted_ by Governor Stuyvesant, to preach at Midwout, -(Flatbush) and Amersfort, (Flatlands).[21] The congregation was gathered -at this time; but the order of Governor Stuyvesant for building the -Church is dated December 15, 1654. February 9, 1655, the Governor -ordered the inhabitants of Brooklyn and Amersfort, which at that period, -together with Gravesend, were one congregation, to cut timber for the -erection of the Church at Midwout; which building was to be 60 feet in -length, 28 feet in breadth, and 14 feet in height below the beams. - -In order to accommodate the four towns of Gravesend, Amersfort, Midwout, -and Brooklyn, the Governor ordered that Mr. Polhemus should preach every -Sunday morning at Midwout, and Sunday afternoons alternately at -Amersfort and Brooklyn. - -In the year 1659, the inhabitants of this town applied to Governor -Stuyvesant for permission to call a minister for their congregation, -assigning as a reason for their application, the badness of the road to -Flatbush, the difficulty of attending divine service at New-York, and -the extreme old age and inability of the Rev. Mr. Polhemus to perform -his services at Brooklyn. - -The Governor deemed the request reasonable, and sent Nicasius de Sille, -Fiscal of New-Netherland, and Martin Kregier, Burgomaster, of -New-Amsterdam, to this town, as a committee of inquiry, who reported in -favour of the application; whereupon the request of the inhabitants was -granted. The inhabitants prepared a call for the Rev. Henry Solinus, -alias Henricus Selwyn, from Holland, who was approved of by the classis -of Amsterdam, on the 16th of February, 1660, when the classis also gave -the Rev. Mr. Solinus a dismission, wishing him a safe and prosperous -journey by land and by water to his congregation in the New-Netherland. -The time of the arrival of this minister is not known. He was installed -in his church on the 3d of September, 1660, in the presence of the -Fiscal, and Burgomaster Kregier, by the order of Governor Stuyvesant, -who appears to have been at the head of the ecclesiastical, as well as -the civil and military government of the colony. - -On the 7th of September, 1660, a letter was written to the Rev. Mr. -Polhemus, informing him of the installation of the Rev. Mr. Solinus in -the Church of Brooklyn, and thanking him for his labours and attention -to the Congregation. The letter was sent by a respectable person, to -whom the Rev. Mr. Polhemus returned his thanks for the attention which -the Church at Brooklyn had paid him, and furnished the messenger with a -list of the names of the Church members, twenty-five in number. - -Mr. Solinus’ salary was 600 guilders per annum, equal to $200. Three -hundred guilders of which was to be paid by Brooklyn, and three hundred -by Father land, (Holland). Some time after, the inhabitants of Brooklyn -objected to raising their proportion of the salary; and May 25, 1662, -petitioned the Governor, that Mr. Solinus should reside among them; -setting forth as a reason, that if their minister resided with them more -people would go to church, and they would be better able to raise the -salary. Governor Stuyvesant, in order to accommodate this dispute, -proposed to pay 250 guilders towards Mr. Solinus’ salary, on condition -that he would preach in the Bouwery on Sunday afternoons.--This -arrangement appears to have been entered into, for a short time after -Mr. Solinus preached at the Bouwery half the time. - -The Indians having on the 7th of June, 1663, attacked the town of -Esopus, burnt the same, and destroyed many of the inhabitants, and took -many prisoners; the event was communicated by Governor Stuyvesant to the -church at Brooklyn, in the following manner. - -“As a sorrowfull accident and wilfull masacre has been committed by the -Esopus Indians, who have with deliberate design under the insidious -cover of friendship, determined to destroy Esopus, which they effected -or the 7th instant, killing and wounding a number of the inhabitants, -and taking many prisoners, burning the new town, and desolating the -place. Whereupon the congregation is directed and desired by his -Excellency the Governor General to observe and keep the ensuing -Wednesday as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer to the Almighty, -hoping that he may avert further calamities from the New-Netherlands, -and extend his fatherly protection and care to the country. And it is -further ordered, that the first Wednesday in every month be observed in -like manner. By order of the Director General, and Council, &c. Dated at -Fort Orange, June 26, 1663.” Wednesday the 4th of July, 1663, was -observed as a day of thanksgiving on account of a treaty of peace -having been made with the Esopus Indians, and the release of the -inhabitants who had been taken prisoners; and also for the success -obtained over the British, who attempted with flying colours to take -possession of all Long-Island for the King of England, which was -prevented by the timely arrival of the Dutch fleet. - -On the 23d of July, 1664, the Rev. Henry Solinus took leave of his -congregation and sailed in the ship Beaver for Holland. After his -departure, Charles Debevoise, the schoolmaster of the town, and sexton -of the church, was directed to read prayers, and a sermon from an -approved author, every Sabbath day in the church, for the improvement of -the congregation, until another minister was called. - -The first Dutch church in Brooklyn was built in the year 1666, although -a minister had been settled to preach here for some years previous.--A -second church was erected on the site of that built in 1666; which -second church continued standing until about 1810, when a new and -substantial church was erected on Joralemon-street, and the old one -taken down. This old church was a very gloomy looking building, with -small windows, and stood in the middle of the highway, about a mile from -Brooklyn ferry. In removing it the workmen discovered the remains of a -Hessian officer, who had been buried there in his uniform, during the -Revolutionary war. - -The Dutch congregations on this Island formed but one church, although -they had different consistories. - -The ministers under the Dutch government were not permitted to marry any -persons without making the marriage proclamation on three succeeding -Sabbaths in their churches. The same practice was observed after the -Colony came under the British government. The last mentioned government -however sold marriage licenses, which were granted by the Governor’s -Secretary in New-York, for the sum of eight dollars each. The -inhabitants generally preferred purchasing a marriage license, and thus -contributed to the revenue of the Governor and Secretary. - -During the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Solinus, the marriage fees were not -the perquisite of the Minister, as appears by his account rendered by -him to the Consistory, on the 29th of October, 1662, when he paid over -to the consistory the sum of 78 guilders and 10 stivers, for fourteen -marriage fees received by him. - -The following is a list of ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church, who -officiated in the church on this Island, (with the exception of -Polhemus, and Solinus,) taken from a manuscript of the Rev. Peter Lowe. - - Joannes Magapolensis, probably died 1668. - Casperus Van Zuren, do 1677. - Clark, do 1695. - William Lupardus, do 1709. - Bernardus Freeman,[22] from 1702, to 1741. - Vincintius Antonides, from 1715, to 1744. - Joannes Arondeus, probably died, 1742. - Anthony Curtenius, from 1730, to 1756. - Ulpianus Van Sinderen, from 1747, to 1796. - John Casper Rubel, from 1760, to 1797. - Martinus Schoonmaker, from 1785, to 1824. -[This venerable pastor was 88 years of age at his death; and a short -time previous, officiated in four congregations.] - - Peter Lowe, from 1787, to 1818. - -In the month of April, 1708, fifty-seven of the inhabitants of Brooklyn, -entered into an agreement (which is written in Dutch) to call a minister -from Holland, to preach in the church of this town. The elders of the -church at that time were, Daniel Rapalie, and Jores Hanse. - -The salary of the Clerk of the Church in this town was formerly raised -by a tax on the whole town. At a town meeting, held February 1, 1568, It -was resolved, that the sum of £20 10s. should be raised, and paid into -the hands of the “church masters” for “the widow of Hendrick Sleght, -ffor 1 year and 8 months salary, and being Clarke off the churche.” - -The following singular proceeding may be amusing to some readers, and -will serve to shew to what extremes, both the people and the magistrates -carried themselves in former times. Hendrick Vechte, Esq. a Justice of -the Peace, was presented at the Kings County Sessions, May 14, 1710, for -coming into the Brooklyn Church, on Sunday, August 10, 1709, “with his -pen and ink in his hand, taking of peoples names, and taking up one -particular mans hat up, and in disturbance of the minister and people in -the service of God, &c.” Vechte’s plea was that in obedience to an order -of the Governor he did go into the church as alledged, “to take notice -of the persons that were guilty of the forcible entry made into the -Church, that by Abram Brower, and others, by breaking of said Church -doore with force and arms, forcibly entering into said Church, -notwithstanding the forewarning of Mr. Freeman the minister, and his -people to the contrary.” The Court found that Justice Vechte was not -guilty of a breach of the peace, and discharged him. It must be -remembered that Justice Vechte was a member of the Court. There was a -considerable difference of opinion and many disputes among the -inhabitants of this town, and of the County, as to the right of the Rev. -Mr. Freeman to preach; into the merits of which controversy, it is not -to be expected that the Compiler can enter at this distant day. -Excepting the above proceeding of the Court, the only document which the -Compiler has been able to obtain relative to this controversy is a -letter from Henry Ffilkin, Esq. to the Secretary at New-York, which will -be found in the Appendix marked with the letter D. - - December 18, 1814, the Trustees of the Dutch Reformed Church of the - town of Brooklyn were incorporated. At which time the following - gentlemen were officers of the Church. - - Martinas Schoonmaker, } Ministers. - Peter Lowe, } - - _Elders._ - - Fernandus Suydam, - Jeremiah Johnson, - Walter Berry, - John Lefferts. - - _Deacons._ - - Jeremiah Brower, - Abraham De Bevoise, - Lambert Schenck, - Abraham Remsen. - - The present officers of this Church are, Rev. S. S. Woodhull, D. D. - Pastor. - - _Elders._ - - Leffert Lefferts, - David Anderson, - Tunis Joralemon, - Nehemiah Denton. - - _Deacons._ - - Theodorus Polhemus, - Adrian Hegeman, - James De Bevoise, - Adriance Van Brunt. - - September 18, 1785, an “Independent Meeting House,” was - incorporated at this place. The officers of which were: - - John Matlock, Pastor, - George Wall, Assistant, - John Carpenter, Treasurer, - George Powers, Secretary. - - _Trustees._ - - William Bunton, - Robert Steath, - Barnard Cordman, - John Emery, - William Hinson. - -Their place of worship was a frame building on what is now the -Episcopalian burying ground in Fulton-street. This congregation -continued but a short time, in consequence of the seceding of its -members to the Episcopalian Church, which was soon after established in -this place. - -The first celebration of Divine Service after the manner of the -Protestant Episcopal church, in this town, subsequent to the Revolution, -was at the old brick house known as No. 40 Fulton-street, and now owned -by Mr. Abiel Titus. - -About the year 1787, the Episcopal Church was established in Brooklyn, -under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Wright, at the house on the -north-east corner of Fulton and Middagh-streets; which house was fitted -up with pews, &c. - -April 23, 1787, “The Episcopal Church of Brooklyn” was incorporated. The -following are the names of the first - -_Trustees._ - - Whitehead Cornell, - Joseph Sealy, - Aquila Giles, - Mathew Gleaves, - Joshua Sands, - Henry Stanton, - John Van Nostrand. - -This congregation afterwards came into possession of the place of -worship before used by the Independent Congregation, and continued to -worship in that edifice until they erected the Stone Church called “St. -Ann’s Church,” on Sands-street. - -June 22, 1795. The Episcopal Church in this town was re-organized and -incorporated by the name of “St. Ann’s Church.” - -_Church Wardens._ - - John Van Nostrand, and George Powers. - -_Vestrymen._ - - Joshua Sands, - Paul Durel, - Joseph Fox, - William Carpenter, - Aquila Giles, - John Cornell, - Gilbert Van Mater, - Robert Stoddard. - -The congregation at the same time resolved, that Monday in Easter week -should be the time of their future elections for Church officers. - -The stone church which was erected on Sands-street, has continued to the -present time: but is now in bad repair, in consequence of the walls not -having bee, properly erected. The Vestry passed a vote for erecting a -new church to front on Washington-street, the corner stone of which was -laid March 31, 1824. The new edifice is fast progressing, and promises -to be a great ornament to the place. - -The present officers of St. Ann’s Church are, - -Rev. Henry U. Onderdonk, Rector. - -_Church Wardens._ - -William Cornwell, and Joshua Sands. - -_Vestrymen._ - - James B. Clarke, - Robert Bach, - Adam Tredwell, - Fanning C. Tucker, - John H. Moore, - Robert Carter, - Losee Van Nostrand, - A. H. Van Bokkelen, - William Cornwell, Treasurer. - -May 19, 1794, the “First Methodist Episcopal Church” in this town, was -incorporated. The Trustees at which period were, - - John Garrison, - Thomas Van Pelt, - Burdet Stryker, - Stephen Hendrickson, - Richard Everit, - Isaac Moser. - -The present Meeting-house of this denomination is erected on the site of -their first place of worship, on Sands-street; and is a neat, plain -edifice. The present officers are, - -Rev. William Ross, Pastor in charge. - -_Trustees._ - - John Garrison, - Isaac Moser, - William Foster, - Jacob Brown, - Andrew Mercein, - George Smith, - Isaac Nostrand, - John G. Murphy, - R. Van Voris. - Isaac Moser, Treasurer. - -January 12, 1818, The “African Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church in -the village of Brooklyn,” incorporated. - -_First Trustees._ - - Peter Croger, - Israel Jemison, - Benjamin Croger, - John E. Jackson, - Ceasar Sprong. - -The place of worship of this congregation is a frame meeting house -situate on High-street. - -March 13, 1822. The “First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn” was -incorporated. - -_First Trustees._ - - Jehiel Jaggar, - Nathaniel Howland, - Silas Butler, - John B. Graham, - Elkanah Doolittle, - Joseph Sprague, - Alden Spooner, - George Hall, - Charles H. Richards. - -The corner stone of this church was laid, April 15, 1822. The Church is -situate on Cranberry-street; and is a very handsome brick building, -something in the Gothic style. The present officers are, - -Rev. Joseph Sanford, Pastor. - -_Elders._ - - Zechariah Smith, - Selden Gates. - Ezra C. Woodhull. - -_Trustees._ - - Alden Spooner, - Edward Coope, - Henry W. Warner, - Elkanah Doolittle, - George Hall, - Nathaniel Howland, - Benjamin Meeker, - Joseph Sprague, - Silas Butler. - - Elkanah Doolittle, President of the Board, - Silas Butler, Clerk do - Nathaniel W. Sanford, Treasurer. - -November 20, 1822. “St. James Roman Catholic Church,” incorporated. - -_First Trustees._ - - George S. Wise, Jun. - Peter Turner, - Patrick Scanlan, - William Purcell, - James Rose, - Darby Dawson, - William M’Laughlin. - -The corner stone of this Church was laid, June 25, 1822. The edifice is -of brick, and approaches nearer to the Gothic architecture than any -other building in this town. It is yet unfinished. This is the first -Roman Catholic Church erected on Long-Island. The present Trustees are, - - ---- ----, President.[23] - Peter Turner, Secretary, - William Purcell, Treasurer; - James Rose, - Darby Dawson, - William M’Laughlin, - Patrick Scanlan. - -October 15, 1823. The “First Baptist Church in Brooklyn” incorporated. - - -_Trustees._ - - Eliakim Raymond, - Elijah Lewis, - John Brown, - Richard Poland, - Charles P. Jacobs. - -March 24, 1824. Rev. William C. Hawley was ordained Pastor of this -Church. This congregation have as yet, erected no building for public -worship; but assemble for that purpose in the District School room, No. -1. - -There are also in this town some of the denomination of Friends, and a -small congregation of Universalists; neither of which have established -places of public worship. The Universalists are under the pastoral care -of the Rev. William Mitchill, and assemble for Divine service in the -District School room, No. 1. - -In the present year, this town purchased of Leffert Lefferts, Esq. a -small farm situate at the Wallaboght; a portion of which was set off for -a burying ground, and divided into convenient parcels; which were -allotted in the following manner to the different congregations -worshipping in the town, viz. - - No. 1. Dutch Reformed, - 2. Friends, - 3. Presbyterian, - 4. Roman Catholic, - 5. Methodist Episcopalian, - 6. Universalist, - 7. Episcopalian, - 8. Baptist, - 9. Common. - - -_Second, Markets._ - -A market was established in this town as early as the year 1676, which -will appear from the following order of the General Court of Assizes, -made in the month of October, 1675. “Upon proposall of having a fayre -and Markett in or neare this City. (New-York) It is ordered, That after -this season, there shall yearely bee kept a fayre and markett at -Breucklen near the ferry, for all grayne, cattle, or other produce of -the countrey, to be held the first Munday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, in -November; and in the City of New-York, the Thursday, Friday, and -Saturday following.” - -Previous to the year 1814, there were two markets in this place; one of -which was situate at the foot of the old ferry-street; and the other at -the foot of Main-street. Both these markets were taken down in 1814. - -At present we have no public market; the inhabitants are supplied from -several butcher’s shops for the sale of meat, and stands for vegetables, -scattered about in different parts of the village.--The people have been -for some time past endeavouring to obtain a public market, and the great -difficulty appears to be the location of a proper site. At a village -meeting, held June 26, 1824, the sum of $10,000 was voted to erect a -brick market house and Village Hall, with other offices. This amount it -was resolved, should be raised by a loan for not less than ten years, at -six per cent; and that the proceeds of the market arising from the -letting of stalls, &c. should be appropriated to paying the interest of -said loan; and that if in process of time there should be a surplus, -after paying the interest, the same should be converted into a sinking -fund for extinguishing the principal. These resolutions have not as yet -been carried into effect. - - -_Third, Public Institutions._ - -Of public institutions we have not many to boast--they may be strictly -confined to one Bank, a Fire Insurance Company, and an Apprentices’ -Library. - -The “Long-Island Bank” was incorporated, April 1st, 1824, with a capital -of $300,000, divided into six thousand shares of $50 each. The present -officers are, Leffert Lefferts, Esq. President, and D. Embury, Cashier. - -The “Brooklyn Fire Insurance Company” was incorporated, April 3, 1824, -with a capital of $150,000, divided into six thousand shares of $25 -each. The present officers of this institution are, William Furman, -President, and Freeman Hopkins, Secretary. - -There is also in this village a branch of the “Equitable Fire Insurance -Company”; of which Abraham Vanderveer, Esq. is Agent. - -The Apprentices’ Library Association, which has been formed but a short -time, promises to be of great benefit to the apprentices of the place, -by introducing among them, habits of reading and reflection, which, if -properly attended to, will enable them to support the honourable -character of good citizens. - -The Library at present consists of about twelve hundred volumes, which -have been presented by different individuals. About one hundred -apprentices take books from it, regularly once a week.--This institution -was incorporated by an act of the Legislature, passed in November, 1824. -The present officers are, - -Robert Snow, President; Thomas Kirk, Vice-President; Andrew Mercein, -Treasurer; Robert Nicholls, Secretary. - -Under this head it may be proper to notice, that there are two Masonic -lodges in this town, and a Post office. - -Fortitude Lodge, No. 81.--W. Levi Porter, Master. - -Hohenlinden Lodge, No. 338.--W. Abiathar Young, Master. - -The Post office is kept at No. 97 Fulton-street, by George L. Birch, -Esq. Post Master. The mail is carried daily (Sundays excepted) between -Brooklyn and New-York, and closes at Brooklyn at 8 A. M. and arrives at -4 P. M. - - -POPULATION AND INCREASE. - -Within a few years this town, and particularly the village has increased -very rapidly. In 1814, the town of Brooklyn contained 3805 inhabitants; -and in 1816, the town contained 4402 inhabitants. In 1820, the census -was as follows, (being almost two thirds of the population of the -County.) - - White males, under 10 years of age, 876 - do. between 10 and 16 376 - do. between 16 and 26 717 - do. between 26 and 45 961 - do. between 45 and upwards 379 - ---- 3309 - - White females, under 10 years of age, 876 - do. between 10 and 16 398 - do. between 16 and 26 705 - do. between 26 and 45 961 - do. between 45 and upwards 379 - ---- 3319 - Free blacks, 657 - Slaves, 190 - ---- - 7475 - ---- - - Foreigners not naturalized, 252 - Persons engaged in Agriculture, 264 - do. in Commerce, 67 - do. in Manufactures, 497 - -The following account of the population of Kings County at different -periods, may not be uninteresting to many readers. - - The population of Kings County in 1731 was 2150 - 1756 2707 - 1771 3623 - 1786 3966 - 1790 4495 - 1800 5740 - 1810 8303 - 1820 11187[24] - -In 1706, There were 64 freeholders in the town of Brooklyn. In 1802, -their number had only increased to 86, as appears from the list of -Jurors at that period. In the year 1800, there were 253 votes given in -this town, at a contested election for assemblyman. In 1824, on the same -occasion 1013 votes were taken. - -At the close of the Revolutionary war, the town of Brooklyn within the -bounds of the present village contained 56 buildings. In 1821, the -village contained 867 buildings; of which 96 were Groceries and Taverns, -and several store-houses.--These store-houses depend principally, on the -operation of the Quarantine laws, in the months of June, July and -August, for business. On the 23d of July in the same year, there were -lying at the wharves in this village, 13 ships, 9 brigs, 8 schooners, -and 14 sloops. July 1, 1824, there were lying at the wharves in this -village, 8 ships, 16 brigs, 20 schooners, and 12 sloops. - -In 1822. 50 dwelling-houses were erected in this village. In 1823, 122 -frame dwelling and 32 brick and brick front buildings were erected. -January 1, 1824, the village of Brooklyn contained 113 stone, brick and -brick front buildings. During the present year 143 frame dwelling-houses -have been built in this village. - -The town contains 8 Ropewalks, which manufacture 1130 tons of cordage -annually; 4 Distilleries; 2 Spirits of Turpentine Distilleries; 1 Glue -factory; 1 Chain cable manufactory; 2 Tanneries; 2 White lead works; 1 -Whiting manufactory; 1 Glass factory and 1 Furnace for casting iron. The -manufacture of Hats is conducted on a large scale in this place. - -In the year 1703, a survey was made of “Broocklands improveable lands -and meadows within fence,” and the same was found to amount to 5177 -acres. At that period the greatest holder of that description of land -was Simon Aersen, who owned 200 acres. In 1706, all the real and -personal estates of the town of Brooklyn were assessed at £3122 12s. 0d. -The tax on which was £41 3s. 7½d and the whole tax of the county £201 -16s 1½d. In 1707, the real and personal estates of this town assessed at -£3091 11s 0d, The government tax on which, was for the same year £116 7s -3d, payable in two payments; and the whole tax of the county £448 3s 7d. -The present year, the real estate in this town was assessed at -$2,111,390. And the personal estate at $488,690; being considerably more -than one half of the whole value of the county. The State, county and -town tax on which amounts to $6,497 71. At this period there are in the -village 1149 taxable persons, and the village tax amounts to $2625 76, -averaging about $2 29, each taxable person. This village tax includes -$450 raised to meet the expenses of the Board of Health, and is -exclusive of all local assessments for opening and improving streets, -&c. - -The receipts of the overseers of the poor of this town for the year -1823, amounted to $3108 77, and their expenditures to $3469 49, leaving -a balance of $360 72 against the town. - -On the 22d of March, 1823, there were 54 persons in the Alms-house; 51 -persons were admitted during the year ending March 30, 1824. During the -same period, 34 were discharged, and 10 died. March 30, 1824, there were -in the Alms-house 40 persons, viz. 11 men, 16 women, 5 girls, and 8 -boys. In the winter of 1823-4, 93 loads of wood were distributed from -this institution among the poor of the town.[25] - -April 21, 1701, a piece of land about 100 feet square, lying within the -present bounds of the village of Brooklyn, was sold for £75, “current -money of the Province of New-York.” 1720 a dwelling-house and lot of -ground containing 62 feet front, 61 feet rear, and 111 feet deep, near -the ferry, on the north-east side of what is now called Fulton-street, -sold for £260, “current money of New-York. In the year 1784, all the -property owned by the Corporation of the City of New-York in this town -was assessed at £365, New-York currency; which property is now worth -$50,000 at the lowest calculation. - -August 30, 1701. John Bybon sold to Cornelius Vanderhove, for £37 10s, -the one equal half part of a brewhouse, situate at Bedford, in the town -of Brookland, fronting the highway leading from Bedford to Cripplebush; -together with one equal half part of all the brewing vessels, &c. - -In 1685, a Windmill was erected in this town by John Vannise and Peter -Hendricks, for Michael Hainell. There is great reason to believe that -this was the first mill erected in this town. August 19, 1689, an -agreement was entered into between Cornelius Seberingh of Brookland, and -John Marsh of East Jersey, relative to building a water mill on -Graver’s kill in this town. At present there are in this town seven -water mills and two wind mills.--From February 16, 1823, to February 15, -1824, 5825 barrels of superfine flour, 260 barrels of fine flour, and -124 hogsheads of corn meal were inspected in this county. The most, if -not all of which flour and meal was manufactured at the mills in this -place. - - -SCHOOLS, NEWS-PAPERS, AND MORAL CHARACTER. - -May 1661, Charles Debevoice was recommended by Gov. Stuyvesant as a -suitable person for schoolmaster of this town, and also for clerk and -sexton of the church, who was employed and received a good salary. - -Immediately previous to the revolutionary war, that part of the town of -Brooklyn which is now comprised in the bounds of the village, and for -some distance without those bounds, supported but one school, of 19 -scholars, five of whom were out of the family of Mr. Andrew Patchen. The -school-house was situated on the hill, on property which was then owned -by Israel Horsfield, but now belongs to the heirs of Carey Ludlow, -deceased.--The teacher was Benjamin Brown, a staunch whig from -Connecticut. - -_District School, No. 1._ This school was organized at a public meeting, -held Jan. 2, 1816, at which meeting Andrew Mercein, John Seaman, and -Robert Snow were elected trustees, and John Doughty clerk of the school. -The trustees were appointed a committee to ascertain a proper site for -building a school-house, and report the probable expense thereof. At a -meeting held January 12, 1816, the trustees reported that they could -purchase four lots of ground on Concord street, of Mr. Noah Waterbury, -for $550. The meeting thereupon resolved, that “the sum of $2000 should -be raised by tax on the inhabitants of the said district, to purchase -said lots and to build a school-house thereon;” and that in the mean -time the “Loisian school be the common school of the said district;” and -that “the trustees of the district be authorized to exonerate from the -payment of teacher’s wages all such poor and indigent persons as they -shall think proper, pursuant to the act of the legislature;” and that -“it be recommended by this meeting, that the common school to be taught -in this district, be on the Lancastrian plan of instruction.” - -In the school of this district, which includes the village of Brooklyn, -upwards of 200 children are taught. The price of tuition does not exceed -four dollars per annum, and from that amount down to nothing, in -proportion to the abilities of the parent. The School District No. 1, at -present contains 1607 children between the ages of 5 and 15 years, of -whom 1157 go to the public or private schools. - -In 1821 there were eight private schools in the village of Brooklyn. - -In 1823 the town received from the state $418 13 for the support of -common schools. - -The present officers connected with the common schools of the town are-- - -_Commissioners._ Jordan Coles, Robert Nichols, Josiah Noyes. - -_Inspectors._ Charles I. Doughty, Evan Beynon, Robert Snow. - -_Trustees of District School No. 1._ William Cornwell, Joseph Sprague, -Charles I. Doughty.--_Clerk_, Ralph Malbone. - - -_Newspapers._ - -Four Newspapers have been published in this town in the following -chronological order: - -June 26, 1799. The first number of the “Courier, and New-York and -Long-Island Advertiser,” published by Thomas Kirk, Esq. This was the -first newspaper established on Long-Island. - -May 26, 1806. The first number of the “Long Island Weekly -Intelligencer,” published by Mess’rs. Robinson and Little. - -June 1, 1809. The first number of the “Long Island Star,” published by -Thomas Kirk, Esq. - -March 7, 1821. The first number of the “Long Island Patriot,” published -by Geo. L. Birch, Esq. - -In the month of November, 1810, proposals were issued by Benjamin F. -Cowdrey, & Co. for establishing in Brooklyn a weekly newspaper, to be -entitled “The Long-Island Journal, and American Freeman.” For some -reason unknown to the compiler this paper was not published. - -During the month of May, 1820, Brockholst Livingston, jun. issued -proposals for publishing a weekly newspaper in this village, to be -entitled the “Long-Island Republican.” Not meeting with sufficient -encouragement, this attempt was abandoned. - -The only two papers now in existence in this town, are “The Star,” -published by Alden Spooner, Esq. and the “Long Island Patriot,” by -George L. Birch, Esq. - - -_Moral Character._ - -It is a delicate subject for a writer to treat of the morals of a people -among whom he is a resident, lest by telling the truth too plainly, he -awaken unpleasant feelings in the breasts of some whom perhaps he would -not wish to offend. On the other hand, if glaring faults are slightly -passed over, or palliated, it calls down on his devoted head all the -envenomed attacks of malicious criticism. The compiler, however, -flatters himself that neither will be the case in this instance. - -The people of Brooklyn, it is true, cannot be considered as rigid in -religious matters as the saints of Oliver Cromwell’s army, whose very -cannon had on the inscription of “O Lord, open thou our lips, and our -mouth shall shew forth thy praise!” But they are far from being -irreligious; the churches are well filled, religious societies are -liberally supported, vice discountenanced; and for the more effectual -suppression thereof, in 1815, a society for the suppression of vice and -immorality was formed, consisting of many of the most respectable -inhabitants of the town. By the exertions of our Sunday school -societies, attached to the different congregations, the morals of the -younger part of the community have been greatly reformed; and it is -highly gratifying to observe the improvement made in the general morals, -of the town, in consequence of their benevolent exertions. - - -FIRE DEPARTMENT. - -Although this might with some propriety be placed under the head of -_Public Institutions_, the compiler has thought proper to make it a head -of itself; and he hopes that the following few historical facts relative -to this valuable department, may be useful to such as feel an interest -in its progression and improvement. - -By an act passed by the legislature of this state, March 15, 1788, “for -the better extinguishing of fires in the town of Brooklyn,” the number -of firemen was limited to eight, who were nominated and appointed by the -freeholders and inhabitants of the fire district, which was comprised -within nearly the same bounds with the present village, In the year -1794 the sum of £188 19_s._ 10_d._ was raised by subscription in this -town, for purchasing a fire engine. On the 24th March in the following -year, an act was passed by the legislature “for the better extinguishing -of fires” in this town; by which act the number of firemen was increased -to thirty. - -1796. The sum of £49 4_s._ was raised by subscription for purchasing “a -suitable bell for the use of the town of Brooklyn.” This is the present -fire bell. - -March 21, 1797, an act was passed by the legislature “for the prevention -of fires, and for regulating the assize of bread, in the town of -Brooklyn.” This act authorised the inhabitants to choose not less than -three nor more than five freeholders, who might from time to time make -such prudential by-laws as they judged necessary, for the prevention of -fires by the burning of chimneys, and for sweeping and otherwise -cleansing the same. The inhabitants accordingly met on the second -Tuesday of May, in the same year, and appointed Mess’rs. Henry Stanton, -John Doughty, Martin Boerum, John Van Nostrand, and John Fisher, to -carry into effect the provisions of the above act. In the execution of -which duty the persons so appointed ordained, that from and after the -11th day of July, 1797, a fine of ten shillings should be levied on each -person whose chimney should take fire through carelessness, or be set on -fire for the purpose of cleansing; and that “all penalties shall be -received and recovered by the clerk of the fire company for the time -being, if he be one of the persons so chosen; if not, the said persons -elected shall nominate and appoint one of their number to serve for and -receive in the same manner that the clerk is at present authorised.” -From 1798 to August 6, 1806, the sum of £20 7s. was received for chimney -fines. - -For a considerable length of time, this town had but one small fire -engine; they subsequently purchased another, which was called No. 2. -About 1810, No. 3. now styled the “Franklin,” was purchased by the -inhabitants of the Fire District. The Fire Department of the village at -present consists of four Fire Engines (of which three are new, namely, -Nos. 1, 2, and 4,) and a Hook and Ladder Company, viz. - -No. 1, “Washington,” full complement 30 men, Foreman, Joshua Sutton. - -No. 2, “Neptune,” full complement 30 men, Foreman, Gamaliel King. - -No. 3, “Franklin,” full complement 30 men, Foreman, Jeremiah Wells. - -No. 4, “Eagle,” full complement 30 men, Foreman, George Fricke. - -Hook and Ladder Company, full complement 30 men, Foreman, John Smith. - -There are also in the Navy Yard, two excellent Fire Engines, well -manned, and which, together with those from New-York, generously come to -our assistance when ever our place is visited by that dreadful calamity, -fire. - -The receipts of the Fire Department, from 1794 to 1815, amounted to £898 -10s. 1d. and the expenditures from July 7, 1795, to November 15, 1816, -amounted to £964 3s. 3d. - -The office of Clerk and Treasurer of the Fire Department of this town, -was held by John Hicks, Esq. until 1796; at which time John Doughty, -Esq. was appointed, who held that office until the incorporation of the -village in 1816, when he was appointed Chief Engineer of the Fire -Department of the village, which office he held for one year. In 1817, -William Furman, Esq. was appointed Chief Engineer, and officiated in -that capacity until 1821, when, on the resignation of Mr. Furman, John -Doughty, Esq. was again appointed, and continues to hold the office. The -present officers of the Fire Department are, - -John Doughty, Chief Engineer. - -_Fire Wardens._ Joseph Moser, Edward Coope, Joseph Sprague. - -April 16, 1823, an act was passed by the Legislature of this state to -incorporate the firemen of this village, by the name of the “Fire -Department of the Village of Brooklyn.” The act allows this corporation -to hold, purchase, and convey any estate, real or personal for the use -of the corporation; provided such real or personal estate shall not at -any time exceed the yearly value of $1000. The following officers were -appointed by the act of incorporation, viz. - - John Doughty, President. - Joshua Sutton, Vice-President. - Richard Cornwell, Secretary. - -_Trustees._ Jeremiah Wells, Morris Simonson, Michael Trapple, Joseph -Moser, George Fricke, Gamaliel King, Simeon Back, Parshall Wells, George -L. Birch. - -The laudable object proposed by this institution, is to raise a fund for -the relief of widows and children of deceased firemen. - -By an amendment to the act of Incorporation of the village of Brooklyn, -passed April 9, 1824, it is provided, “That all fines and penalties -under any by-law of the said village, in relation to the burning of -chimneys, and for the preventing and extinguishing of fires, and also, -all fines and penalties either under such by-laws, or under any statute -of this state, in relation to the manner of keeping and transporting -gun-powder within the said village, shall be sued for in the name of the -said Trustees, (of the village of Brooklyn) by the fire department of -the said village, and when recovered shall be paid to the said fire -department, for their own use.” - - -MISCELLANEOUS. - -June 7, 1625, Sarah De Rapalje, born in this town. Tradition says that -she was the first white child born in the colony. Her parents were -Walloons; from whence is derived the name of Wallaboght, or Walloons -Bay, where they lived.[26] She was twice married. Her first husband was -Hans Hanse Bergen, by whom she had six children, viz. Michael Hanse, -Joris Hanse, Jan Hanse, Jacob Hanse, Brechje Hanse, and Marytje Hanse. -Her second husband was Teunis Guysbertse Bogart, by whom she also had -six children, viz. Aurtie Bogart, Antje Bogart, Neeltje Bogart, Aultje -Bogart, Catelyntje Bogart, and Guysbert Bogart. The account of Sarah De -Rapelje in the archives of the New-York Historical Society contains the -names of the persons to whom eleven of her children were married, and -tells the places where they settled. The twelfth, Brechje Hanse went to -Holland. - -March 1, 1665, Hendrick Lubbertson and John Evertsen, appeared as -deputies from the town of Brooklyn, at the Assembly convened at -Hempstead, by order of Richard Nicolls, Deputy Governor under the Duke -of York; at which assembly the code of laws called the “Duke’s laws” -were adopted and published. In the appendix marked E. will be found the -address which these deputies, together with the others, sent to the Duke -of York; and which occasioned so much excitement in the Colony at that -period. - -1671, This town, with five other towns in the West Riding of Yorkshire -upon Long-Island, petitioned the Court of Sessions “for liberty to -transport wheate,” which petition was referred to the Governor. - -1687. The Clerk’s office of Kings County was kept in this town, by the -Deputy Register, Jacob Vandewater, who was also a Notary Public in this -town at the same period. The Register, Samuel Bayard, Esq. resided in -the city of New-York. - -About the year 1691, there was a custom prevalent in this town of -calling a widow the “last wife” of her deceased husband; and a widower -the “last man” of his deceased wife. - -The following is an Inventory of the estate which a bride in this town -brought with her to her husband in the year 1691. The husband by various -records appears to have been a man of considerable wealth; -notwithstanding which, the following inventory was thought by both of -them, of sufficient importance to merit being recorded, viz. - -“A half worn bed, pillow, 2 cushions of ticking with feathers, one rug, -4 sheets, 4 cushion covers, 2 iron potts, 3 pewter dishes, 1 pewter -bason, 1 iron roaster, 1 schuryn spoon, 2 cowes about five yeares old, 1 -case or cupboard, 1 table.” - -November 12, 1695, the Court of Sessions for Kings County, ordered that -the Constable of this towns, “shall on Sunday or Sabbathday take law for -the apprehending of all Sabbath breakers,” and “search all ale houses, -taverns and other suspected places for all prophaners and breakers of -the Sabbath daye,” and bring them before a Justice of the, Peace to be -dealt with according to law. This was to be done by the Constable under -the penalty of six shillings for each neglect or default. - -The same Court also made an order, “that Mad James be kept by Kings -County in general, and that the deacons of each towne within the said -county doe forthwith meet together and consider about their propercons -for maintainence of said James.” This is the first instance which has -come to the compiler’s knowledge of the Court making an order for the -county generally to support a pauper. - -In the year 1758, the sum of £122 18s. 7d. was assessed in two -assessments, by the Justices of the Peace, on this town, towards -building “a new Court house and gaol” for Kings County. The whole amount -assessed on the County was £448 4s. 1d. - -The present Court house of Kings County, was built by contract in the -year 1792, at an expense of $2944, 71, under the superintendence of John -Vanderbilt, Johannes E. Lott, and Charles Doughty, Esq’rs. The -contractor was Thomas Fardon, and plans were furnished for the building -by Messrs. Stanton and Newton, and James Robertson.[27] - - - - -APPENDIX. - - -A. - - -_Deed from William Morris and wife to the Corporation of New-York._ - -This Indenture made the twelfth day of October, in the sixth year of the -reign of our Sovereign Lord and Lady William and Mary, by the grace of -God, of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, King and Queen, -defenders of the faith, &c. and in the year of our Lord one thousand six -hundred and ninety-four, between William Morris, now of the ferry, in -the bounds of the town of Breuchlen, in Kings County, on Long-Island, -Gentleman, and Rebecca his wife of the one part, and the Mayor, Aldermen -and Commonalty of the City of New-York, of the other part, Witnesseth, -that the said William Morris, by and with the consent of Rebecca his -said wife, testified by her being a party to the sealing and delivery of -these presents, for, and in consideration of a certain sum of good and -lawful money to him, at and before the sealing and delivery hereof, by -the said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty, in hand well and truly paid, -the receipt whereof he the said William Morris doth hereby acknowledge, -and thereof and therefrom and of and from all and every part thereof, he -doth hereby acquit, exonerate and discharge the said Mayor, Aldermen and -Commonalty, and their successors forever, hath granted, bargained, sold, -assigned, conveyed and confirmed, and by these presents doth grant, -bargain, sell, assign, convey and confirm unto the said Mayor, Aldermen -and Commonalty of the said city of New-York, and their successors -forever, All that messuage or dwelling house and lot of ground thereunto -adjoining and belonging, with the appurtenances, situate, lying and -being at the ferry, in the bounds of the town of Breucklen, in Kings -County aforesaid, now and late in the possession of him, the said -William Morris; as also one small house, now in the possession of one -Thomas Hock, lying in the said City of New-York, over against the ferry -aforesaid, Together with all and singular houses, barns, stables, yards, -backsides, wharfs, easements, benefits, emoluments, hereditaments, and -appurtenances to the same messuage or dwelling house and premises -belonging, or in any wise appertaining, and the reversion and -reversions, remainder and remainders, rents, issues, and profits of all -and singular the premisses and the appurtenances, and all the estate, -right, title interest, property, possession, claim and demand of him the -said William Morris and Rebecca his said wife, of, in, unto or out of -the said messuage or dwelling house and premises, or, of, in, unto, or -out of, all or any part or parcel thereof, and all and singular grants, -deeds, escripts, minuments, writings and evidences, touching, relating -to or concerning the above-mentioned, to be bargained, messuage or -dwelling house and all and singular, the premises with the hereditaments -and appurtenances to the same belonging, or any part thereof, unto the -said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the City of New-York, aforesaid, -and their successors unto the only proper use, benefit and behoof of the -said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the City of New-York aforesaid, -their successors and assigns forever. In witness, &c.[28] - - -_A Warrant for enforcing the payment of a town tax in the town of -Brooklyn._ - -Whereas there was an order or towne lawe by the ffreeholders of the -towne of Brooklyn, in Kings County aforesaid, the 5th day of May, 1701, -ffor constituting and appointing of Trustrees to defend the rights of -their quondam common wood lands, and to raise a tax ffor the same to -defray the charge of that and theire towne debts, &c. which said lawe -has bin since ffurther confirmed by said ffreeholders at a towne meeting -at Bedford, the 11th of Aprill, 1702, and since approved of and -confirmed by a Court of Sessions, held at Fflatbush, in said County the -13th day of May, 1702. And whereas by virtue of said lawe, a certaine -small tax was raised on the ffreeholders in said towne proportionably to -defray the charges aforesaid: And now upon complaint of the said -Trustees to us made, that A. B. has refused to pay his juste and due -proporcon of said tax wch amounts to _L_1 16s 0d, current money of -New-York. These are therefore in her Majesty’s name, to command you to -summons A. B. personally to be and appeare before us, &c., then and -there to answer C. D. E. F. Trustees of said towne of Brooklin, in an -action of tresspass on the case, to the damage of the said C. D. E. F. -_L_1 16s 0d, current money as aforesaid, as it is said, and have with -you then there this precept. Given, &c. - - -B. - -Brookland, November 14th, 1753. A Town meeting called by warrant of -Carel Debevois, Esq. and Jacobus Debevois, Esq. two of his Majesty’s -Justices for the township of Brookland, in the County of Kings, to elect -and chuse Trustees to defend our Patent of Brookland against the -Commonalty of the City of New-York.--And the Trustees so elected and -chosen by the freeholders and inhabitants of the township of Brookland -aforesaid, are as follows: Jacobus Lefferts, Peter Vandervoort, Jacob -Remsen, Rem Remsen, and Nicholas Vechte. And we the hereunder -subscribers being freeholders and inhabitants of the township of -Brookland, by these presents do fully impower and authorize the -abovesaid Trustees, Jacobus Lefferts, Peter Vandevoort, Jacob Remsen, -Rem Remsen, and Nicholas Vechte, elected and chosen by the freeholders -and inhabitants of the township of Brookland aforesaid, to defend our -patent where in any manner our liberties, privileges and rights in our -patent specified is incroached, lessened or taken away by the Commonalty -of the City of New-York. And that we hereunder subscribers of the -township of Brookland, oblige ourselves, our heirs, executors and -administrators to pay to the abovesaid Trustees, all cost that they are -at in protecting of the profits of our patent, and that money shall be -collected in by the constable of our town. And that the abovesaid -Trustees do oblige themselves to render upon oath a true account of all -such moneys they have expended in protecting or defending our patent, to -any person or persons, as the hereunder subscribers shall appoint for -that purpose. And in defending our patent so that verdict shall come in -our favour, where income of money or other profits should arise -concerning the premises, all such profits or income should be kept -towards defraying of all the necessary cost and charge of our township -of Brookland, till such time as it is altered by the majority. And that -the Trustees should have three shillings per day for their service and -no more. - - -C. - -_The Petition of Volkert Brier._ - -TO HIS EXCELLENCY.--The humble peticon of Volkert Brier, inhabitant of -the towne of Broockland, on the Island of Nassau. - -May it please your Excellency your peticoner being fined five pounds -last Court of Sessions, in Kings County for tearing an execucon directed -to him as Constable. Your peticoner being ignorant of the crime, and not -thinking it was of force when he was out of his office, or that he -should have made returne of it as the lawe directs, he being an -illiterate man could not read said execucon nor understand any thing of -lawe: humbly prays yr Excellency yt you would be pleased to remit said -fine of five pounds, yr peticoner being a poore man and not capaciated -to pay said fine without great damage to himself and family. And for yr -Excellecy yr peticoner will ever pray, &c. - - -D. - -_A Letter from Justice Ffilkin to the Secretary at New-York._ - -SIR,--I am in expectation of a complaint coming to his Excellency by -Coll. Beeckman against me, and that his Excellency may be rightly -informed of the matter, my humble request to you is, that if such a -thing happen, be pleased to give his Excellency an account thereof, -which is as follows: A Ffriday night last, the Justices of the County -and I came from his Excellency’s; Coll. Beeckman happened to come over -in the fferry boat along with us, and as we came over the fferry, Coll. -Beeckman and we went into the fferry house to drink a glass of wine, and -being soe in company, there happened a dispute between Coll. Beeckman -and myself, about his particular order that he lately made to Mr. -Ffreeman, when he was President of the Councill, without the consent of -the Councill; Coll. Beeckman stood to affirm there, before most of the -Justices of Kings County, that said order, that he made then to Mr. -Ffreeman as President only, was still in fforce, and that Mr. Ffreeman -should preach at Broockland next Sunday according to that order; -whereupon I said it was not in fforce, but void and of noe effect, and -he had not in this County, any more power now than I have, being equall -in commission with him in the general commission of the peace and one of -the quorum as well as he; upon which he gave me affronting words, giving -me the lie and calling me pittifull fellow, dog, rogue, rascall, &c. -which caused me, being overcome with passion, to tell him that I had a -good mind to knock him off his horse, we being both at that time getting -upon our horses to goe home, but that I would not goe, I would fight him -at any time with a sword. I could wish that these last words had bin -kept in, and I am troubled that I was soe overcome with passion and -inflamed with wine. The works of these Dutch ministers is the occasion -of all our quarrells.[29] And this is the truth of the matter, there -was no blows offerred, nor noe more done. Mr. Ffreeman has preached at -Broockland yesterday accordingly, and the church doore was broke open, -by whom it is not yet knowne. Soe I beg your pardon ffor this trouble, -crave your favour in this matter, and shall alwayes remaine. - -Sir, your ffaithful and humble servant, -H. FFILKIN. - - -[E] - -_The Address of the Deputies, assembled at Hempstead._ - -We the deputies duly elected from the several towns upon Long-Island, -being assembled at Hempstead, in general meeting, by authority derived -from your royal highness unto the honorable Colonel Nicolls, as deputy -governor, do most humbly and thankfully acknowledge to your royal -highness, the great honor and satisfaction we receive in our dependence -upon your royal highness according to the tenor of his sacred majesty’s -patent, granted the 12th day of March, 1664; wherein we acknowledge -ourselves, our heirs and successors forever, to be comprized to all -intents and purposes, as therein is more at large expressed. And we do -publickly and unanimously declare our cheerful submission to all such -laws, statutes and ordinances, which are or shall be made by virtue of -authority from your royal highness, your heirs and successors forever: -As also, that we will maintain, uphold, and defend, to the utmost of our -power, and peril of us, our heirs and successors forever, all the -rights, title, and interest, granted by his sacred majesty to your royal -highness, against all pretensions or invasions, foreign or domestic; we -being already well assured, that, in so doing, we perform our duty of -allegiance to his majesty, as freeborn subjects of the kingdom of -England inhabiting in these his majesty’s dominions. We do farther -beseech your royal highness to accept of this address, as the first -fruits in this general meeting, for a memorial and record against us, -our heirs and successors, when we or any of them shall fail in our -duties. Lastly we beseech your royal highness to take our poverties and -necessities, in this wilderness country, into speedy consideration; -that, by constant supplies of trade, and your royal highnesses more -particular countenance of grace to us, and protection of us, we may -daily more and more be encouraged to bestow our labors to the -improvement of these his majesty’s western dominions, under your royal -highness; for whose health, long life, and eternal happiness, we shall -ever pray, as in duty bound. - - -_List of the Deputies._ - - New-Utrecht Jaques Cortelleau Younger Hope - Gravesend James Hubbard John Bowne - Flatlands Elbert Elbertsen Roeloffe Martense - Flatbush John Striker Hendrick Gucksen - Bushwick John Stealman Gisbert Tunis - Brooklyn Hendrick Lubbertsen John Evertsen - Newtown Richard Betts John Coe - Flushing Elias Doughty Richard Cornhill - Jamaica Daniel Denton Thomas Benedict - Hempstead John Hicks Robert Jackson - Oysterbay John Underhill Matthias Harvey - Huntington Jonas Wood John Ketcham - Brookhaven Daniel Lane Roger Barton - Southold William Wells John Youngs - Southampton Thomas Topping John Howell - Easthampton Thomas Baker John Stratton - Westchester Edward Jessup ---- Quinby - -The people of Long-Island considered the language of this address as too -servile for freemen; and were exasperated against the makers of it to -such a degree that the court of assizes, in order to save the deputies -from abuse, if not from personal violence, thought it expedient, at -their meeting in October 1666, to declare that “whosoever hereafter -shall any wayes detract or speake against any of the deputies signing -the address to his royall highnes, at the general meeting at Hempstead, -they shall bee presented to the next court of sessions, and if the -justices shall see cause, they shall from thence bee bound over, to the -assizes, there to answer for the slander upon plaint or information.” - -The deputies subsequently to the address made to the duke of York, made -one to the people, in which they set forth their reasons for agreeing to -the code styled the duke’s laws. - - - - -APPENDIX, NO. 2. - - -The following is a copy of the first charter by which the corporation -obtained any color of title to the land between high and low water mark, -on the Brooklyn side. - - “Anne, by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France and - Ireland, Queen, defender of the Faith, &c. To all whom these - presents may in any wise concern, sendeth greeting. Whereas the - mayor, aldermen, and commonalty of the city of New-York, by their - petition to our trusty and well-beloved cousin Edward, Viscount - Cornbury,[30] our captain general and governor in chief in and over - our province of New-York, and territories depending thereon in - America, and Vice Admiral of the same, &c. preferred in council; - therein setting forth, that they having a right and interest, under - divers antient charters and grants, by divers former governors and - commanders in chief of our said province of New-York,[31] under our - noble progenitors, in a certain ferry from the said city of - New-York, over the East River, to Nassau Island, (alias - Long-Island) and from the said Island to the said city again, and - have possessed the same, and received all the profits benefits and - advantages thereof for the space of fifty years and upwards; and - perceiving the profits, advantages, and benefits usually issuing - out of the same, to diminish, decrease, and fall short of what - might be reasonably made of the same, for the want of the bounds - and limits to be extended and enlarged on the said Island side, - whereby to prevent divers persons transporting themselves and goods - to and from the said Island Nassau (alias Long Island) over the - said river, without coming or landing at the usual and accustomed - places, where the ferry boats are usually kept and appointed, to - the great loss and damage of the said city of New-York; have humbly - prayed our grant and confirmation, under the great seal of our said - province of New-York, of the said ferry, called the Old Ferry, on - both sides of the said East River, for the transporting of - passengers, goods, horses and cattle, to and from the said city, as - the same is now held and enjoyed by the said mayor, aldermen and - commonalty of the said city of New-York, or their under tenant, or - under tenants; and also of all that vacant and unappropriated land, - from high water mark to low water mark, on the said Nassau Island, - (alias Long Island) lying contiguous and fronting the said city of - New York, from a certain place called the Wall-about, unto the Red - Hook, over against Nutten Island, for the better improvement and - accommodation of the said ferry; with full power, leave and license - to set up, establish, maintain, and keep one or more ferry, or - ferries, for the ease and accommodation of all passengers and - travellers, for the transportation of themselves, goods, horses and - cattle, over the said river, within the bounds aforesaid, as they - shall see meet and convenient, and occasion require; and to - establish, ordain and make, bye laws, orders, and ordinances for - the due and orderly regulation of the same: The which petition we - being minded to grant, Know Ye, That of our especial grace, certain - knowledge and meer motion, we have given, granted, ratified and - confirmed, and in and by these presents, for us, our heirs and - successors, we do give, grant, ratify and confirm, unto the said - mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the city of New-York, and to - their successors and assigns, all that the said ferry, called the - Old Ferry, on both sides of the said East River, for the - transportation of passengers, goods, horses and cattle, over the - said river, to and from the said city and island, as the same is - now used, held and enjoyed, by the said mayor, aldermen and - commonalty of the city of New-York, or their under tenant or under - tenants, with all and singular the usual and accustomed ferriage, - fees, perquisites, rents, issues, profits, and other benefits and - advantages whatsoever, to the said Old Ferry belonging, or - therewith used, or thereout arising; and also all that the - aforesaid vacant and unappropriated ground, lying and being on the - said Nassau Island, (alias Long-Island) from high water mark to low - water mark aforesaid, contiguous and fronting the said city of - New-York, from the aforesaid place called the Wallabout to Red Hook - aforesaid; that is to say, from the east side of the Wallabout, - opposite the now dwelling house of James Bobine, to the west side - of the Red Hook, commonly called the Fishing-place, with all and - singular the appurtenances and hereditaments to the same belonging, - or in any wise of right appertaining; together with all and - singular the rents, issues, profits, advantages, and appurtenances, - which heretofore have, now are, & which hereafter shall belong to - the said ferry, vacant land, and premises, herein before granted - and confirmed, or to any or either of them, in any wise - appertaining, or which heretofore have been, now are, and which - hereafter shall belong, be used, held, received, and enjoyed; and - all our estate, right, title and interest, benefit and advantage, - claim and demand, of, in or to the said ferry, vacant land and - premises, or any part or parcel thereof, & the reversion & - reversions, remainder and remainders; together with the yearly, and - other rents, revenues and profits of the premises, and of every - part and parcel thereof, except and always reserved out of this our - present grant and confirmation, free liberty, leave and license to - and for all and every person or persons, inhabiting or having - plantations near the said river, by the water side, within the - limits and bounds above mentioned, to transport themselves, goods, - horses, and cattle, over the said river, to and from the said city - of New-York, and Nassau Island, (alias Long-Island) to and from - their respective dwellings or plantations, without any ferriage, or - other account to the said ferry, hereby granted and confirmed, to - be paid or given; so always as the said person or persons do - transport themselves only, and their own goods, in their own boats - only, and not any stranger or their goods, horses or cattle, or in - any other boat. To have and to hold, all and singular the said - ferry, vacant land and premises, herein before granted and - confirmed, or meant, mentioned, or intended to be hereby granted - and confirmed (except as is herein before excepted) and all and - singular the rents, issues, profits, rights, members and - appurtenances, to the same belonging, or in any wise of right - appertaining, unto the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the - city of New-York, and their successors and assigns forever; to the - only proper use and behoof of the said mayor, aldermen, and - commonalty of the city of New-York, and their successors and - assigns forever; to be holden of us, our heirs and successors, in - free and common soccage, as of our manour of East-Greenwich, in the - county of Kent, within our kingdom of England; yielding, rendering, - and paying unto us, our heirs and successors, for the same, yearly, - at our custom-house of New-York, to our collector and receiver - general there for the time being, at or upon the feast of the - nativity of St John the Baptist, the yearly rent or sum of five - shillings, current money of New-York. And we do further, of our - especial grace, certain knowledge and meer motion, for us, our - heirs and successors, give and grant unto the said mayor, aldermen - and commonalty, and their successors, full and free leave and - license to set up, establish, keep, and maintain one or more ferry - or ferries, as they shall from time to time think fit and - convenient, within the limits and bounds aforesaid, for the ease - and accommodation of transporting of passengers, goods, horses and - cattle, between the said city of New-York and the said Island - (except as is herein before excepted) under such reasonable rates - and payments as have been usually paid and received for the same; - or which at any time hereafter, shall be by them established, by - and with the consent and approbation of our governor and council of - our said province, for the time being[32] And we do further, of our - especial grace, certain knowledge, and meer motion, give, and grant - unto the said mayor, aldermen, and commonalty of the city of - New-York, and their successors, full and absolute power and - authority, to make, ordain, establish, constitute and confirm, all - manner of by-laws, orders, rules, ordinances and directions, for - the more orderly keeping, and regularly maintaining the aforesaid - ferry that now is kept, or any ferry or ferries which shall at any - time or times hereafter, be set up, established, or kept within the - bounds aforesaid, by virtue hereof, or of, for, touching or - concerning the same, (so always as the same be not contrary to our - laws of England, and of our province of New-York) and the same at - all times hereafter to put in execution, or abrogate, revoke, or - change, as they in their good discretion shall think fit, and most - convenient, for the due and orderly keeping, regulating, and - governing the said ferry or ferries herein before mentioned. And - lastly, our will and pleasure is, and we do hereby declare and - grant, that these our letters patent, or the record thereof, in the - secretary’s office of our said province of New-York, shall be good - and effectual in the law, to all intents and purposes whatsoever, - notwithstanding the not true and well reciting or mentioning of the - premises, or any part thereof, or the limits and bounds thereof, or - of any former or other letters patents, or grants whatsoever, made - or granted; or of any part thereof, by us, or any of our - progenitors, unto any person or persons whatsoever, bodies politic - or corporate,[33] or any law or other restraint, incertainty, or - imperfection whatsoever, to the contrary in any wise - notwithstanding, and although express mention of the true yearly - value, or certainty of the premises, or of any of them, or of any - other gifts or grants by us or by any of our progenitors, - heretofore made to the said mayor, aldermen, and commonalty of the - city of New-York, in these presents, is not made, or any other - matter, cause, or thing whatsoever, to the contrary thereof in any - wise notwithstanding. In testimony whereof, we have caused these - our letters to be made patent, and the seal of our said province of - New-York, to our said letters patent to be affixed, and the same to - be recorded, in the secretary’s office of our said - province.--Witness our right trusty and well-beloved cousin, Edward - Viscount Cornbury, captain general and governor in chief in and - over our province of New-York aforesaid, and territories thereon - depending in America, and vice admiral of the same, &c. in council, - at our Fort, in New-York, the nineteenth day of April, in the - seventh year of our reign, Annoq. Domini one thousand seven hundred - and eight. - -CORNBURY.” - - - -At the time of printing that part of this work under the head of “Common -lands and the division thereof,” the compiler was not aware of the -existence of the following proceeding relating to the division of the -said lands, he has therefore placed the same in this appendix. - -“At a towne meeting held this twentieth day of Aprill, 1697, at Bedford -within the jurisdiction of Broockland, in Kings County, upon the Island -of Nassau, Resolved by all the ffreeholders of the towne of Broockland -aforesaid, that all their common land not yet laid out or divided, -belonging to their whole patent shall be equally divided and laid out -to each ffreeholders of said towne, his just proporcon in all the common -lands abovesaid, except those that have but an house and a home lott, -which are only to have but half share of the lands aforesaid. And for -the laying out of the said lands there are chosen and appointed by the -ffreeholders abovesaid, Capt. Henry Ffilkin, Jacobus Vanderwater, Daniel -Rapale, Joris Hansen, John Dorlant, and Cornelius Vanduyne. It is -further ordered that noe men within this township abovesaid, shall have -priviledge to sell his part of the undivided lands of Broockland not yet -laid out, to any person living without the township abovesaid. It is -likewise ordered, consented to, and agreed by the towne meeting -aforesaid, that Capt. Henry Ffilkin shall have a full share with any or -all the ffreeholders aforesaid, in all the common land or woods in the -whole patent of the towne of Broockland aforesaid, besides a half share -for his home lott; To have and to hold to him, his heirs and assigns -forever. It is likewise ordered, that noe person whatsoever within the -common woods of the jurisdicon of Broockland aforesaid, shall cutt or -fall any oake or chesnut saplings for fire wood during the space of -foure years from the date hereof upon any of the said common lands or -woods within the jurisdicon of Broockland patent, upon the penalty of -six shillings in money, for every waggon load of saplings abovesaid soe -cutt, besides the forfeiture of the wood or timber soe cutt as -abovesaid, the one half thereof to the informer, and the other half for -the use of the poor of the towne of Broockland aforesaid. - -By order of the towne meeting aforesaid, -and Justice Henry Ffilkin, - -JACOBUS VANDEWATER, Towne Clerk.” - - - - -ADVERTISEMENT. - - -The Compiler here closes his notes, and has only to remark, that -throughout the whole of this little work, he has been less solicitous -about his reputation as an author, than a correct compiler. Studies of -this nature are but ill calculated to admit of a luxuriance of diction -or sentiment, and to these he has in no place aspired. His business was -to collect authentic information concerning subjects at once obscure and -interesting, and in what degree he has effected this object he leaves -his readers to determine, feeling conscious himself, that however -imperfectly he may have executed his design, his only aim was the public -good. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - Page. -Situation of the Town of Brooklyn, 5 - -Ancient Names and Remains, 6 - -Soil and Climate, 7 - -Ancient Grants and Patents, 8 - -Town Rights and Ferries, 21 - -Roads and Public Landing Places, 36 - -Common Lands, and the Division thereof, 40 - -Differences as to Bounds, 46 - -Revolutionary Incidents, 50 - -Ancient Government, 55 - -Present Government, 68 - -Public Buildings and Institutions, 73 - -Schools, Newspapers and Moral Character, 92 - -Fire Department, 95 - -Miscellaneous, 99 - -Appendix, 102 - - -FOOTNOTES: - - [1] The custom of changing the names of sons, or rather substituting - the sur-names for the christian name, prevailed at this period; as in - the above instance, the father’s name was Barent Janse, and the son - was called Jan Barentse. - - [2] According to the New-York doctrine, this boundary of the town can - only be correct when the tide is flood, for when the water is low, the - town is bounded by property belonging to the Corporation of the City - of New-York, and not by the River. - - [3] This town enjoyed this privilege in common with the other towns on - Long-Island, and their cattle which ran at large were marked with the - letter N. - - [4] At the annual town meeting, April, 1823, a committee was appointed - to inquire if this town at present, had any, and if any, what right to - the above-mentioned tract of meadow ground called Sellers neck; what - progress this committee made in their investigation, the compiler is - uninformed. This meadow called Seller’s neck, the Compiler thinks was - apportioned among the patentees and freeholders, and what leads him to - this conclusion is, that on the 10th of May, 1695, John Damen, who was - one of the patentees of this town, sold to William Huddlestone all his - interest in the said meadow. - - [5] This “port or entrance,” as it is called, is situate in the - valley on the Flatbush Turnpike, near the “Brush” or “Valley Tavern,” - and a short distance beyond the 3 mile post from Brooklyn ferry.--A - freestone monument has been placed here, to designate the patent line - between Brooklyn and Flatbush. - - [6] Although the bounds of this grant commences about 250 yards in the - town of Bushwick, the Corporation of New-York have made no claim to - land beyond the Wallabought. - - [7] There was some peculiar circumstances attending the consummation - of this charter, which the Compiler thinks ought to be known. A short - time previous to obtaining the charter, the Common Council of the City - of New-York resolved that the sum of _L_1400 was necessary for the - procuring of that instrument; _L_1000 of which sum they determined - to raise immediately by a loan on interest for one year; which they - accordingly did, and gave a mortgage for that amount to James De - Lancey, Esq. dated January 14, 1730. Directly after the execution of - this mortgage they resolved to address the Governor, “for the great - favour and goodness shewn to this Corporation in granting their - petition, in ordering and directing his Majesty’s letters patent for - a new charter and confirmation to this Corporation,” and probably - informing him that they had obtained the money. The consequence was, - that on the next day, January 15, 1730, the charter was completed; - and on paying the _L_1000 was delivered to them on the 11th day of - February, 1730, almost a month after its date. By which it appears - that the Corporation of New-York still continued purchasing the right - of the town of Brooklyn from the Colonial Governors. See List of - Corporation Charters and grants, 1747. - - [8] The jurisdiction of New-York by their first charter in 1686, was - limited to low water mark around Manhattan Island; but was extended to - low water mark on the Brooklyn side by Governor Montgomery’s charter - in 1730. - - [9] For what purpose was it, that the Corporation’s Counsel was heard - at the bar of the House, if not to advance and support their rights? - If it was not done at that time, the plain inference would be, that - they were aware they had no right. - - [10] The Council was appointed by the King’s mandamus and sign manual, - and all their privileges and powers were contained in the Governor’s - instructions. The tenure of their places was extremely precarious. See - Smith’s History of New-York, p. 364. - - [11] The Corporation of New-York, during the year 1824, have received - from the ferries, the sum of D12,003 75,--more than 3-4ths of which - sum is from the ferries on the East River. - - [12] The idea intended to be conveyed by this regulation, I understand - to be, that the Justices of the town of Brooklyn shall have cognizance - of the offence, as much as if the offenders resided within the town. - - [13] The records referred to, together with all our other town records - were destroyed during the Revolution. - - [14] The fortifications at Red Hook were erected by a Regiment of - Continental troops, the night of April 8, 1776. - - [15] In 1655, a large body of Northern Indians made a descent on - Staten Island, and massacred 67 persons; after which they crossed to - Long-Island, and invested Gravesend; which place was relieved by a - party of soldiers from New-Amsterdam. It appears from the records that - these Indians were on their way to commence a war against the Indians - on the east end of Long-Island. - - The inhabitants of Flatbush were ordered by Governor Stuyvesant, in - 1656, to enclose their village with palisadoes to protect them from - the Indians. These fortifications were required to be kept under the - English government, as will appear by the following record of the - Court of Sessions for the West Riding of Yorkshire upon Long-Island, - December 15th, 1675. “The towne of Fflatbush having neglected the - making of ffortifications, the Court take notis of it, and reffer the - censure to ye Governor.” - - [16] There were also a “Clerk” in most if not in all of these towns, - who seems to have been authorised to take proof of the execution of - wills; whether he was the Town Clerk does not appear. This officer - was differently appointed in the different towns. In Bushwick he was - appointed by the Commissioners of the town, and in New-Utrecht he was - elected by the people, and approved of by the Governor. - - [17] This law provides, that any person not having a visible estate, - or a manual craft or occupation, coming into any place within this - province, should give security, not to become chargeable within two - years: and the captains of vessels bringing passengers into this - province, were required to report them to the chief magistrate of the - place, within 24 hours after their arrival. Under the Dutch government - the poor were supported out of the fines imposed for offences - committed, and by contributions taken up in the Churches. - - [18] Sept. 14, 1696, about 8 o’clock in the evening, John Rapale, - Isaac Remsen, Joras Yannester, Joras Danielse Rapale, Jacob Reyersen, - Aert Aersen, Tunis Buys, Garret Cowenhoven, Gabriel Sprong, Urian - Andriese, John Williamse Bennet, Jacob Bennet, and John Meserole, - jr. met armed at the court-house of Kings, where they destroyed and - defaced the king’s arms which were hanging up there. - - [19] The West Riding was composed of the towns of Brooklyn, Bushwick, - Flatbush, Flatlands, New-Utrecht, and Gravesend, together with - Staten-Island and Newtown. - - [20] At the same period, the salary of the clerk of the county was - _L_10. per annum. - - [21] This minister died in the month of June, 1676. - - [22] This minister was naturalized in the Court of Sessions for Kings - County, November 8, 1715. - - [23] This office was held by George S. Wise, Jun, Esq. until his death - in November, 1824. - - [24] Governor Nicolls in a letter to the Duke of York, November, 1665, - informed him “that such is the mean condition of this town, (New-York) - that not one soldier to this day has lain in sheets, or upon any other - bed than canvass and straw. - - 1678, New-York contained 343 houses, and 3430 inhabitants; and there - were owned in the City, three ships, eight sloops and seven boats. - - 1686. The City of New-York contained 594 houses, and 6000 inhabitants; - and there were owned in it, 10 three masted vessels of between 80 - and 100 tons; 3 ketches, or barques, of about 40 tons; and about - 20 sloops, of 25 tons. In the same year, the militia of the colony - consisted of 4000 foot, 300 horse, and one company of dragoons. - - 1696. There were owned in the city of New-York, 40 ships, 62 sloops, - and 62 boats. - - In 1697, the population of New-York has considerably decreased, from - what it was in 1686; the census taken this year was as follows: - - { Men, 946 - Whites { Women, 1018 - { Young men, young men and boys, 864 - { Young women and girls, 899 - ---- 3727 - - { Men, 209 - Blacks. { Women, 205 - { Boys and girls, 161 575 - ------ ---- - Total. 4302 - ------ ---- - - 1731. The City of New-York contained - - White males, 3771 - White females, 3274 7045 - ---- - - Black males, 785 - Black females, 792 1577 - ------ ---- - Total. 3622 - ------ ---- - - 1756. The City contained 10,881 inhabitants. - 1771. It contained 21 863 inhabitants. - 1786. It contained 3340 houses, and 23,614 inhabitants. - 1790. It contained 33131 inhabitants. - 1800. 60189 - 1810. 96373 - 1820. 139000 - - - [25] The town is now erecting a very neat building for an Alms-house, - on the property lately purchased from Leffert Lefferts, Esqr. - - [26] The first settlement in this town was made by George Jansen De - Rapalje, the father of Sarah in 1625, on the farm which is now owned - by the family of the Schencks at the Wallaboght. - - [27] In 1700 the Court House was let to James Simson for one year, - at _L_3 “in money.” In this agreement, “the Justices reserved for - themselves the Chamber in the said house, called the Court Chamber, - at the time of their publique Sessions, Courts of Common Pleas, and - private meetings; as also the room called the prison for the use of - the Sheriff if he hath occasion for it.” - - [28] The above deed to the Corporation of New-York did not extend - to the River. January 15, 1717, Samuel Garritsen, of Gravesend, - quitclaimed to David Aersen of Brooklyn, all his right and title to - a piece of land, “lying next to the house and land belonging to the - City of New-York, bounded north-west by the River, south-east by the - highway that goes to the ferry, south-west by the house and land - belonging to the City of New-York, and north-east by the house and - land belonging to the said John Rapalje, containing one acre be the - same more or less.” On the 16th day of the same month, David Aersen - sold this property to Gerrit Harsum of New-York, Gunsmith, for the sum - of _L_108 current money of New-York. - - [29] The compiler congratulates his fellow citizens on the extinction - of those national animosities which in former times existed between - the Dutch and English in this our happy country. We may now truly ask - with Sterne, “are we not all relations?” - - [30] “Lord Cornbury came to this province in very indigent - circumstances, hunted out of England by a host of hungry creditors, - he was bent on getting as much money as he could squeeze out of the - purses of an impoverished people.” He was infamous for his “excessive - avarice his embezzlement of the public money, and his sordid refusal - to pay his private debts.” Cornbury became so obnoxious to the - inhabitants of this province, that they sent a complaint to England - against him. The Queen in consequence of this complaint displaced - him. “As soon as his lordship was superseded, his creditors threw him - into the custody of the sheriff of New-York.” See Smith’s History - of New-York. Such was the man from whom the corporation of New-York - obtained the rights of the town of Brooklyn. - - [31] These “divers former governors,” &c. are limited to two, viz. - Nicolls, who in 1665 granted them a charter, if that may be strictly - called so, which only altered their form of government from scout, - burgomasters, and schepens, to mayor and aldermen, without a word - about ferries or water rights, or indeed any other matter--the - original of which paper is not in existence. There is nothing to - warrant a belief that there was a charter of any kind granted to the - corporation between Nicolls and Dongan, who is the second of these - “divers former governors,” &c. and who in 1686 granted them the ferry, - (as is mentioned in a former part of this work) with an express - reservation as to the rights of all others. The charter of Dongan, - notwithstanding all their pompous recitals, is the oldest they can - produce, which in any manner affects the interests of this town. - - [32] The corporation of New-York appear to have abandoned the right of - regulating the rate of ferriage very early; for in 1717, nine years - after the date of this charter, an act was passed by the colonial - legislature for that purpose. - - [33] This clause was undoubtedly inserted to obviate, if possible the - claim under the two Brooklyn patents, both of which were many years - older than this charter. - - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Notes Geographical and Historical, -Relating to the Town of Brooklyn, by Gabriel Furman - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NOTES GEOGRAPHICAL *** - -***** This file should be named 56078-0.txt or 56078-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/6/0/7/56078/ - -Produced by Chuck Greif and The Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images available by The Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: Notes Geographical and Historical, Relating to the Town of Brooklyn in Kings County on Long-Island - -Author: Gabriel Furman - -Release Date: November 29, 2017 [EBook #56078] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NOTES GEOGRAPHICAL *** - - - - -Produced by Chuck Greif and The Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images available by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - -<hr class="full" /> - -<p class="c"> -<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="305" height="500" alt="" title="" /> -</p> - -<p class="c"> -<a href="images/frontispiece_lg.jpg"> -<img src="images/frontispiece_sml.jpg" width="500" height="307" -style="border:2px solid gray;padding:.15em;" -alt="ON THE EAST RIVER." /></a> -<br /> -<span class="caption">on the East River.</span> -</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_001" id="page_001"></a>{1}</span></p> - -<h1> - -<img src="images/notes.png" -width="100" -alt="NOTES" -/> -<br /> -<small>GEOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL,</small><br /> -<br /> -<small><small>RELATING TO THE</small></small><br /><br /> -<img src="images/brooklyn.png" -width="450" -alt="Brooklyn," -/> -<br /> -<small><small>IN</small></small><br /> -<small>KINGS COUNTY</small><br /><br /> -<small><small>ON</small></small><br /><br /> -<img src="images/longisland.png" -width="350" -alt="LONG-ISLAND." -/></h1> - -<p class="c"> -<img src="images/deco.png" -width="80" -alt="Illustration: text decoration" -/> -<br /> -BY GABRIEL FURMAN.<br /> - -<img src="images/deco.png" -width="80" -alt="Illustration: text decoration" -/> -</p> - -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i2">“They are worthy of reprehension who contemn the study of<br /></span> -<span class="i0">antiquity, (which is ever accompanied with dignity) as an arid<br /></span> -<span class="i0">curiosity.”<br /></span> -<span class="i10"><span class="smcap">Lord Coke.</span><br /></span> -</div></div> -</div> - -<p class="c"> -<img src="images/deco2.png" -width="50" -alt="Illustration: text decoration" -/><br /><br /> -<i>BROOKLYN</i>:<br /><small> -PRINTED BY A. SPOONER, NO. 50 FULTON-STREET.</small><br /> -<img src="images/bord.png" -width="25" -alt="Illustration: text decoration" -/><br /> -<b><big>1824</big></b>.<br /> -</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="" -style="border:4px outset gray;"> -<tr><td class="c"><a href="#CONTENTS"><b>CONTENTS.</b></a></td></tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_002" id="page_002"></a>{2}</span> </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_003" id="page_003"></a>{3}</span> </p> - -<h2><a name="ADVERTISEMENT" id="ADVERTISEMENT"></a>ADVERTISEMENT.</h2> - -<p class="c"><img src="images/deco.png" -width="80" -alt="Illustration: text decoration" -/></p> - -<p class="nind"><span class="smcap">The</span> Compiler offers these notes to the inhabitants of his native town, -in the hope that they may be in some small degree useful and -entertaining in discussions relating to the history and rights of this -thriving place. He claims no merit for this performance, and neither -does he write from the vanity of being considered an author, but is only -actuated by a desire to rescue from oblivion such facts as may be -interesting to his fellow-citizens. The Compiler would consider himself -guilty of ingratitude, if he did not in this public manner, acknowledge -the obligations he rests under from the kind assistance afforded him -whilst collecting these notices, by Jeremiah Johnson, Abraham -Vanderveer, Silas Wood, and John Doughty, Esqrs.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_004" id="page_004"></a>{4}</span> </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_005" id="page_005"></a>{5}</span> </p> - -<p class="cb">NOTES &c.<br /> -<small>OF THE</small><br /> -<big>TOWN OF BROOKLYN.</big><br /> -<br /> -<img src="images/deco.png" -width="80" -alt="Illustration: text decoration" -/></p> - -<h2>SITUATION.</h2> - -<p>This town is situated in Kings County, on the west end of Long-Island, -in the State of New-York. It is bounded north by the City and County of -New-York; east by the township of Bushwick; south by the township of -Flatbush and New Utrecht; and west by New-York Bay; and contains the -village of Brooklyn, which is about a mile square. This town formerly -composed part of a powerful Indian Sachemdom; and with the other parts -of the Island bore the Indian name of Matowcas.</p> - -<p>This part of the Island, as far as Jamaica was inhabited by the Canarsee -tribe of Indians. The old Dutch inhabitants in this county have a -tradition, that the Canarsee Indians were subject to the Mohawks, as all -the Iroquois were called; and paid them an annual tribute of dried clams -and wampum. When the Dutch settled here, they persuaded the Canarsees to -keep back the tribute; in consequence of which a party of the Mohawks -came down and killed their tributaries wherever they met them. So great -was the dread that these Indians afterwards entertained of the Iroquois, -that when a party of the Iroquois, during the French war were taken -prisoners and imprisoned in the Jail of this county, the Canarsees -avoided them with the greatest care; and seemed to be afraid even to -come where they should<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_006" id="page_006"></a>{6}</span> see them. The Canarsee Indians are at this time -totally extinct: not a single member of that ill fated race is now in -existence.</p> - -<p>There was also a small tribe of the Nyack Indians near the Narrows.</p> - -<p>In this town is also the United States Navy-Yard, containing about 40 -acres; which was purchased of John Jackson, Esq. by Francis Childs, Esq. -for $40,000, and on the 23d day of February, 1801, was conveyed by said -Childs to the United States.</p> - -<h2>ANCIENT NAMES AND REMAINS.</h2> - -<p>In 1667, this town was known by the name of Breucklen. In the act to -divide the province of New-York into shires and counties, passed Nov. 1, -1683, it is mentioned by the name of Breucklyn. It is also called -Broucklyn in the act to divide the province into shires and counties, -passed, Oct. 1, 1691. The present name Brooklyn, does not appear to have -been generally adopted until after the Revolutionary war.</p> - -<p>Heads of Indian arrows, beds of oyster and clam shells denoting the -former residence of the aborigines, are frequently found in different -parts of this town.</p> - -<p>Among the most ancient remains are two houses, one owned by the family -of Cortelyou, built in 1699; the other standing on Fulton-street, in the -village of Brooklyn. The last mentioned house was occupied by the -Colonial Legislature as a Sessions house, during the prevalence of the -small-pox in New-York, in 1752; and at this house on the 4th of June, -1752, 2541 Bills of credit issued by this Colony, amounting to £3602, -18, 3, were cancelled by the Colonial Commissioners. This house was also -occupied by Gen. Putnam as his head quarters<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_007" id="page_007"></a>{7}</span> during the stay of the -American Army, on Long-Island, in 1776. But the oldest house in the town -of Brooklyn is supposed to be the house known as No. 64 Fulton-street, -in the village of Brooklyn, and now owned and occupied by Mr. Jacob -Patchen. Mr. Charles Doughty, who has been dead about 25 years, and was -about 85 years of age when he died, said that this was an old house when -he was a boy. Mrs. Rapalye, the mother of John Rapalye, whose property -in Brooklyn was confiscated during the Revolutionary war, says that this -house was built by a family of the Remsens who came from Holland.</p> - -<h2>SOIL AND CLIMATE.</h2> - -<p>The soil of this town appears to be mostly alluvial, though some few -primitive rocks are to be met with. Several years since, in digging a -well on some of the highest ground in Brooklyn, a hemlock board was -found at the depth of 30 feet, and again at the depth of 73 feet, oyster -and clam shells were met with, which crumbled on being exposed to the -air.</p> - -<p>The shores of Brooklyn, where they are not defended by wharves, are -undergoing continual and rapid changes, in consequence of the velocity -of the current in the East River. The tide rises here about 5 feet.</p> - -<p>There is very little doubt, but that Governor’s Island was formerly -connected with Red Hook point in this town. It is an established fact, -that previous to the Revolutionary contest, cattle were driven from Red -Hook to Governor’s Island, which places at that time were only separated -by a very narrow channel, which is called Buttermilk channel, and is now -wide and deep enough to admit<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_008" id="page_008"></a>{8}</span> of the largest size of merchant vessels -passing through.</p> - -<p>The climate is very changeable, but cannot be called unhealthy. People -in this town live to as great age, as in almost any other part of the -United States; as instances of which, April, 1823, Mr. Tiebout died in -this town, aged 100 years and 10 months. The same year, Mr. Schoonmaker -died, aged 84 years; and in 1824, Mary Peterson, a colored woman died, -aged 103 years. It is not an uncommon thing for the inhabitants to live -beyond the “three score years and ten.”</p> - -<p>This town has at different periods been visited by the yellow fever. -Between July 10th and September 10th, 1809, 28 persons died of that -disease.—During the prevalence of the yellow fever in the city of -New-York, in the summer of 1822, seven persons died of that disease in -Brooklyn. In the summer of 1823, the yellow fever made its appearance in -the village of Brooklyn, and nine persons fell victims to that dreadful -pestilence, in the space of one month, during which time its ravages -continued. Every year that this disease made its appearance amongst us, -it could be distinctly traced to some foreign cause; as, in 1809, it was -brought in the ship Concordia, Captain Coffin, on board of which vessel -the first case and death happened. In 1822, it was introduced from the -city of New-York—and in 1823, it was traced to two or three vessels -which had arrived a short time previous from southern latitudes. Indeed -the high and airy situation of Brooklyn almost precludes the idea of its -being engendered among us.</p> - -<h2>ANCIENT GRANTS AND PATENTS.</h2> - -<p>In the year 1638, William Kieft, Director General and Counsellor for -their high mightinesses the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_009" id="page_009"></a>{9}</span> States General, and his highness the Prince -of Orange, granted to Abraham Rycken, a tract of land in the present -town of Brooklyn.</p> - -<p>September 11, 1642, William Kieft Director General, &c. patented to Jan -Manje, a piece or parcel of land containing 20 morgan, or 40 acres, in -the town of Brooklyn. A copy of which patent is hereto annexed as a -specimen of those ancient instruments:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>“By William Kieft, Director General and Counsellor, about the high -and mighty Lords, the States General of the United Low Country, and -his highness of Orange, and the Lords Commanders of the priviledged -West India Company, residing in the New-Netherland, do ratify and -declare by these presents, that we upon the date hereinafter -written, did give and grant to Jan Manje, a piece of land, greatly -twenty morgan stretching about south-east one hundred and ninety -rods inward the woods towards to Sassians maise land—long is the -limits of the said maise land fifty rod, and then again to the -water side, two hundred and twenty rod, about north north-west, -well so northerly and along the strand or water side, seventy rod. -Which abovesaid land is lying upon Long-Island, between Andries -Hudde and Claes Janse Ruyter.—With express conditions, &c. Dated -at Fort Amsterdam, in the New-Netherland, the 11th day of -September, 1642.</p> - -<p class="r"> -WILLIAM KIEFT.<br /> -</p> - -<p>By order of the Lord the Director General, and Counsellor of -New-Netherland.</p> - -<p class="r"> -<span class="smcap">Cornelius Vantienhoven</span>, Sec’ry.<br /> -</p></div> - -<p>January 29, 1652, Pieter Linde, having married the widow of Jan Manje, -transported or sold the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_010" id="page_010"></a>{10}</span> above tract of land to Barent Janse. August 23, -1674, before Nicasius de Sille, admitted Secretary of the Dutch towns -appeared Jan Barentse,<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> and Auke Janse, with Simon Hausen as Guardian -of the other children of Barent Janse, deceased, “procured by his wife -Styntie Pieterse deceased, all living within the town of Midwout -Fflackbush,” and declared that they transported the above tract of land -to Dirck Janse Woertman.</p> - -<p>September 12, 1645, William Kieft, Director General, &c. patented to -Andries Hudden, “a piece of land lying upon Long-Island against over the -fort, lying to the south-west to Jan Manje,” containing 37 morgan. -December 10, 1651, “Pieter Cornelissen by virtue of a procuratie of -Andries Hudden,” for the consideration of 400 guilders, transported to -Lodewyck Jongh the above tract. July 19, 1676, Lodewyck Jongh -transported to Jeronimus de Rapalje, eight morgan of the above tract. -February 12, 1679, Harmatie Jansen relict of Lodewyck Jongh, transported -to Dirck Janse Woertman, 12 morgan of the above tract. May 3, 1685, -“Dirck Janse Woertman, transported to the heirs of Jooris Dirckse, a -small stroke off land lying at the east side off the highway being all -the claime they can pretende by virtue off the abovesaid Pattent.”</p> - -<p>September 30, 1645, William Kieft, Director General, &c. patented to -Claes Janse, from Naerder, a piece of land, containing 20 morgan, lying -south-east, a little easterly, just over against the Fort, upon -Long-Island. March 11, 1660, the above tract of land was transported by -Claes Janse<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_011" id="page_011"></a>{11}</span> Ruyter, to Machiell Tadens, who transported the same to -Machiell Hainielle.</p> - -<p>The three patents to Manje, Hudde, and Janse, from Naerder, were located -near the Ferry in this town, and all subsequently were purchased by -Derick Woortman, alias Dirck Janse Woertman, and were by him sold to -Joras Remsen, on the 10th day of October, 1706, for the sum of £612 10s. -current money of New-York.</p> - -<p>There is great reason to believe that there was a General Patent of this -town under the Dutch Government, which patent is now lost. What -strengthens this idea is, that the first by Governor Nicolls under the -English is confirmatory of some former grant.</p> - -<p>August 10th, 1695. The Patentees and freeholders of this town sold unto -Stephanus Van Cortlandt, the neck of land called Red Hook, containing by -estimation 50 acres; which they state in their deed “was formerly given -and granted to the town of Broocklyn, in the year 1657, by Governor -Stuyvesant, the Dutch Governor then at that time, and since confirmed by -the English Governors, Governor Nicolls, and Governor Dongan.” Which is -very strong proof of there having been a general Dutch Patent for this -town.</p> - -<p>October 18, 1667. Richard Nicolls, the first English Governor of -New-York, granted to the inhabitants of Brooklyn, the following full and -ample patent, confirming them in their rights and privileges.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p><i>L. S.</i> “Richard Nicolls, Esq. Governor General under his Royal -Highness James Duke of Yorke and Albany, &c. of all his Terretorys -in America, To all to whom these presents shall come, sendeth -Greeting.—Whereas there is a certain town<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_012" id="page_012"></a>{12}</span> within this government, -situate, lying and being in the West Riding of Yorkshire upon -Long-Island, commonly called and known by the name of Breuckelen, -which said town, is in the tenure or occupation of several -freeholders and inhabitants who having heretofore been seated there -by authority, have been at very considerable charge, in manuring -and planting a considerable part of the lands belonging thereunto -and settled a competent number of families thereupon. Now for a -confirmation unto the said freeholders and inhabitants in their -possessions and enjoyment of the premises, Know ye, That by virtue -of the commission and authority unto me given by his Royal -Highness, I have given, ratified, confirmed and granted, and by -these presents, do give, ratify, confirm and grant, unto Jan -Everts, Jan Damen, Albert Cornelissen, Paulus Veerbeeck, Michael -Eneyl, Thomas Lamberts, Tuenis Guysbert Bogart and Joris Jacobson, -as patentees, for and on the behalf of themselves and their -associates, the freeholders and inhabitants of the said town their -heirs successors and assigns, all that tract together with the -several parcels of land which already have or hereafter shall be -purchased or procured for and on behalf of the said town, whether -from the native Indian proprietors, or others, within the bounds -and limits hereafter set forth and exprest, viz. that is to say, -the town is bounded westward on the farther side of the land of Mr. -Paulus Veerbeeck, from whence stretching south-east, they go over -the hills, and so eastward along the said hills to a south-east -point which takes in all the lotts behind the swamp, from which -said lotts the run north-west to the River<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_013" id="page_013"></a>{13}</span> and extend to the -farm, on the t’other side of the hill heretofore belonging to Hans -Hansen over against the Kicke or Looke-out, including within the -said bounds and limitts all the lotts and plantations, lying and -being at the Gowanis, Bedford, Wallaboucht and the ferry.—All -which said parcels and tracks of land and premises within the -bounds and limitts aforementioned, described, and all or any -plantation or plantations thereupon, from henceforth are to bee -appertaine and belong to the said town of Breucklen, Together with -all havens, harbours, creeks, quarryes, woodland, meadow-ground, -reed-land or valley of all sorts, pastures, marshes, runs, rivers, -lakes, hunting, fishing, hawking, and fowling, and all other -profitts, commodities, emoluments, and hereditaments, to the said -lands and premises within the bounds and limits all forth -belonging, or in any wise appertaining,—and withall to have -freedome of commonage for range and feed of cattle and horse into -the woods as well without as within these bounds and limitts with -the rest of their neighbours<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a>—as also one-third part of a -certain neck of meadow ground or valley called Sellers neck, lying -and being within the limits of the town of Jamaica, purchased by -the said town of Jamaica from the Indians, and sold by them unto -the inhabitants of Breucklen aforesaid, as it has been lately laid -out and divided by their mutual consent and my order, whereunto and -from which they are likewise to have free egress and regress, as -their occasions may require.<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> To have and<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_014" id="page_014"></a>{14}</span> to hold all and -singular the said tract and parcell of land, meadow ground or -valley, commonage, hereditaments and premises, with their, and -every of their appurtenances, and of every part and parcell thereof -to the said patentees and their associates, their heirs, successors -and assigns, to the proper use and behoof of the said patentees and -their associates, their heirs, successors and assigns forever. -Moreover, I do hereby give, ratify, confirm and grant unto the said -Patentees and their associates, their heirs, successors and -assigns, all the rights and privileges belonging to a town within -this government, and that the place of their present habitation -shall continue and retain the name of Breuckelen, by which name and -stile it shall be distinguished and known in all bargains and sales -made by them the said Patentees and their associates, their heirs, -successors and assigns, rendering and paying such duties and -acknowledgments as now are, or hereafter shall be constituted and -established by the laws of this government under the obedience of -his Royal highness, his heirs and successors. Given under my hand -and seal at Fort James, in New-York, on the Island of Manhattat, -this 18th day of October, in the nineteenth year of the reign of -our Sovereign Lord, Charles the second, by the grace of God, of -England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the faith, -&c. Annoque Domini, 1667.</p> - -<p class="r"> -RICHARD NICOLLS.<br /> -</p> - -<p>Recorded by order of the Governor, the day and year above written.</p> - -<p class="r"> -MATTHIAS NICOLLS, Sec’ry.<br /> -</p></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_015" id="page_015"></a>{15}</span></p> - -<p>1670. The inhabitants of this town desirous of enlarging the bounds of -their common lands, and extinguishing the Indian claim to the same, -applied to Governor Lovelace, and obtained from him the following -permission to purchase of the Indians.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>“<i>L. S.</i> Whereas the inhabitants of Breucklyn, in the west Riding -of Yorkshire upon Long-Island, who were seated there in a township -by the authority then in being, and having bin at considerable -charges in clearing ffencing and manuring their land, as well as -building ffor their conveniency, have requested my lycense for -their further security to make purchase of the said land of some -Indians who lay claim and interest therein; These are to certify -all whom it may concerne, that I have and doe hereby give the said -inhabitants lycense to purchase their land according to their -request, the said Indians concerned appearing before me as in the -law is required, and making their acknowledgments to be fully -satisfied and payed for the same. Given under my hand and seal at -ffort James, in New-Yorke, this ffirst day of May, in the 22nd -yeare of his Majestyies reigne, Annoque Dom. 1670.</p> - -<p class="r"> -FFRANCIS LOVELACE.”<br /> -</p></div> - -<p>The purchase was accordingly made and the following is a copy of the -deed from the Indians for the same.</p> - -<p>“To all people to whom this present writing shall come, Peter, Elmohar, -Job, Makaquiquos, and Shamese, late of Staten-Island send Greeting: -Whereas, they the said Peter, Elmohar, Job, Makaquiquos, and Shamese, -afore-mentioned, doe lay claime to the land now in the tenure and -occupation of some of the inhabitants of Breucklyn, as well as other -lands there adjascent as the true Indian<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_016" id="page_016"></a>{16}</span> owners and proprietors -thereof, Know Yee, that for and in consideration of a certaine sum of -wampum and diverse other goods, the which in the Schedule annext are -exprest unto the said Sachems in hand payd by Monsieur Machiell -Hainelle, Thomas Lambertse, John Lewis, and Peter Darmantier, on the -behalf of themselves and the inhabitants of Breucklyn, the receipt -whereof they doe hereby acknowledge, and themselves to be fully -satisfyed and payed therefore; have given, granted, bargained and sold, -and by these presents doe fully, freely and absolutely give, grant, -bargain and sell, unto the said Monsieur Machiell Hainelle, Thomas -Lambertse, John Lewis and Peter Darmantier, ffor and on behalf of -themselves, and the inhabitants aforesaid, their heyrs and successors; -all that parcell of land and tract of land, in and about Bedford, within -the jurisdiction of Brucklyn, beginning ffrom Hendrick Van Aarnhems land -by a swamp of water and stretching to the hills, then going along the -hills to the port or entrance thereof,<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> and soe to Rockaway ffoot path -as their purchase is more particularly sett fforth; To have and to hold -all the said parcell and tract of land and premises within the limits -before described unto the said Monsieur Machiell Hainelle, Thomas -Lambertse, John Lewis, and Peter Darmantier, ffor and on the behalf of -the inhabitants aforesaid, their heyres, and successors, to the proper -use and behooff of the said inhabitants, their heyers and successors -forever; In witness whereof the partyes to these presents have hereunto -sett their hands and seales, this 14th day of May, in the 22nd yeare of -his Majestyes reigne, Annoque Dom. 1670.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_017" id="page_017"></a>{17}</span></p> - -<p> -Sealed and Delivered in the presence of Mathias<br /> -Nicolls, R. Lough, Samuel<span style="vertical-align:middle;"> -<img src="images/symbol.png" -width="10" -alt="[Illustration: symbol]" -/></span> -Davies, John Garland.<br /> -<span style="margin-left: 13.5em;">his marke</span></p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" -style="margin:.5% auto .5% 50%;"> -<tr><td align="left">The mark of ק Peter,</td><td align="left">(<span class="smcap">L. S.</span>)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">The mark of o Elmohar,</td><td align="left">(<span class="smcap">L. S.</span>)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">The mark of א Job,</td><td align="left">(<span class="smcap">L. S.</span>)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">The mark of ? Makaquiquos,</td><td align="left">(<span class="smcap">L. S.</span>)</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">The mark of 7 Shamese,</td><td align="left">(<span class="smcap">L. S.</span>)</td></tr> -</table> - -<p>“This Deed was acknowledged by the within written Sachems, before the -Governor in the presence of us, the day and year within written.</p> - -<p class="r"> -MATHIAS NICOLLS, Secretary.<br /> -The mark of <span style="vertical-align:middle;"> -<img src="images/symbol.png" -width="10" -alt="[Illustration: symbol]" -/></span> SAMUEL DAVIES.<br /> - -“Recorded by order of the Governor,<br /> - -MATHIAS NICOLLS, Secretary.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="nind"><i>The Inventory, or Schedule referred to in the Deed.</i></p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>“The payment agreed upon ffor the purchase of the land in and about -Bedford, within the jurisdiction of Breucklyn, conveyed this day by -the Indian Sachems, proprietors is, viz.</p> - -<p>100 Guilders Seawant,</p> - -<p>Half a tun of strong Beer,</p> - -<p>2 half tuns of good Beer,</p> - -<p>3 Guns, long barrells, with each a pound of powder, and lead -proportionable—2 bars to a gun,</p> - -<p>4 match coates.”</p></div> - -<p>May 13, 1686. Governor Dongan granted to the inhabitants of Brooklyn the -following confirmatory patent:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p><i>L. S.</i> “Thomas Dongan, Lieutenant Governor, and Vice Admiral of -New-York, and its dependencies<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_018" id="page_018"></a>{18}</span> under his Majesty James the Second, -by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, -King, Defender of the Faith, &c.—Supreme lord and proprietor of -the Colony and province of New-York and its dependencies in -America, &c. To all to whom this shall come sendeth greeting, -whereas the Honorable Richard Nicolls, Esq. formerly Governor of -this province, did by his certain writing or patent under his hand -and seal, bearing date the eighteenth day of October, Annoque -Domini, one thousand six hundred and sixty-seven, ratifie, confirm -and grant unto Jan Everts, Jan Damen, Albert Cornelissen, Paulus -Verbeeck, Michael Enyle, Thomas Lamberts, Tunis Gisberts Bogart, -and Joris Jacobsen, as patentees for and on behalf of themselves -and their associates, the freeholders and inhabitants of the town -of Breucklen, their heirs, successors, and assigns forever, a -certain tract of land, together with the several parcels of land -which then were or thereafter should be purchased or procured for -and on behalf of the said town, whether from the native Indian -proprietors, or others within the bounds and limitts therein sett -forth and expressed, that is to say, the said town is bounded -westward on the further side of the land of Mr. Paulus Verbeeck, -from whence stretching south-east they go over the hills, and so -eastward along by the said hills to a south-east point, which takes -in all the lotts behind the swamp, from which said lotts they run -north-west to the River, and extend to the farm on the other side -of the hills heretofore belonging to Hans Hansen, over against Keak -or Look-out, including within the said bounds and limitts all the -lots and plantations, lying and being at the Gauwanes, Bedford, -Wallabocht and the ferry, all which said parcells and tract of land -and premises within the bounds<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_019" id="page_019"></a>{19}</span> and limitts aforementioned -described, and all or any plantation or plantations thereupon, from -henceforth are to be, appertain and belong to the said town of -Breucklyn, Together with all harbor, havens, creeks, quarries, -woodland, meadow ground, reed land or valley of all sorts, -pastures, marshes, waters, rivers, lakes, fishing, hawking, -hunting, fowling, and all other profits, commodities, emoluments -and hereditaments to the said lands and premises within the bounds -and limitts set forth, belonging, or in any wise appertaining, and -with all to have freedom of commonage for range and feed of cattle -and horses, into the woods with the rest of their neighbours, as -also one third part of a certain neck of meadow ground or valley, -called Seller’s neck, lying and being within the town of Jamaica, -purchased by the said town of Jamaica from the Indians, and sold by -them unto the inhabitants of Breucklen aforesaid, as it was laid -out aforesaid, and divided by their mutual consent and order of the -Governor. To have and to hold unto them the said patentees and -their associates, their heirs, successors and assigns forever, as -by the said patent reference being thereunto had, doth, fully and -at large appear. And further, in and by the said patent, the said -Governor, Richard Nicolls, Esq. did erect the said tract of land -into a township by the name of Breucklen aforesaid, by that name -and style to be distinguished and known in all bargains, sales, -deeds, records and writings whatsoever; and whereas the present -inhabitants and freeholders of the town of Breucklen aforesaid, -have made their application to me for a confirmation of the -aforesaid tract of land and premises in their quiet and peaceable -possession and enjoyment of the aforesaid land and premises. Now -Know Ye, That I, the said Thomas Dongan, by virtue of the -commission and<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_020" id="page_020"></a>{20}</span> authority derived unto me, and power in me -residing, have granted, ratified and confirmed, and by these -presents do grant, ratifie and confirm, unto Teunis Gysberts, -Thomas Lamberts, Peter Jansen, Jacobus Vander Water, Jan Dame, -Joris Jacobs, Jeronimus Rapalle, Daniel Rapalle, Jan Jansen, Adrian -Bennet, and Michael Hanse, for and on the behalf of themselves and -the rest of the present freeholders and inhabitants of the said -town of Breucklen, their heirs and assigns forever, all and -singular the afore-recited tract and parcels of land set forth, -limited and bounded as aforesaid; together with all and singular, -the houses, messuages, tenements, fencings, buildings, gardens, -orchards, trees, woods, underwoods, pastures, feedings, common of -pasture, meadows, marshes, lakes, ponds, creeks, harbors, rivers, -rivulets, brooks, streams, highways and easements whatsoever, -belonging or in any wise appertaining to any of the afore-recited -tract or parcells of land and divisions, allotments, settlements -made and appropriated before the day and date hereof. To Have and -To Hold, all and singular, the said tract or parcels of land and -premises, with their, and every of their appurtenances unto the -said Tunis Gysberts, Thomas Lamberts, Peter Jansen, Jacobus Vander -Water, Joris Jacobs, Jeronimus Rappalle, Daniel Rappalle, Jan -Jansen, Adrian Bennet and Michael Hanse, for and on behalf of -themselves and the present freeholders and inhabitants of the town -of Breucklen, their and every of their heirs and assigns forever, -as tenants in common without any let, hindrance, molestation, right -of survivorship or otherwise, to be holden in free and common -socage according to the tenure of East Greenwich, in the county of -Kent, in his Majesty’s kingdom of England. Yielding, rendering and -paying therefor yearly, and every year, on the five<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_021" id="page_021"></a>{21}</span> and twentyeth -day of March, forever, in lieu of all services and demands -whatsoever, as a quit rent to his most sacred Majesty aforesaid, -his heirs and successors, at the city of New-York, twenty bushels -of good merchantable wheat. In testimony whereof, I have caused -these presents to be entered and recorded in the Secretary’s -office, and the seal of the Province to be hereunto affixed this -thirteenth day of May, Anno. Domini, one thousand six hundred and -eighty-six, and in the second year of his Majesty’s reign.</p> - -<p class="r"> -THOMAS DONGAN.”<br /> -</p></div> - -<p>Quit rents to the following amounts and at the following periods have -been paid on the Brooklyn patents.</p> - -<p>June 8, 1713. Paid to Benjamin Van de Water, Treasurer, the sum of £96 -7s. 1d. for upwards of 16 years quit rent.</p> - -<p>April 6, 1775. Charles Debevoice, Collector of the town of Brooklyn, -paid to the Receiver General of the Colony of New-York, 20 bushels of -wheat, for one year’s quit rent, due from said town.</p> - -<p>November 9, 1786. Fernandus Suydam, and Charles C. Doughty, two of the -Trustees of the town of Brooklyn, paid to the Treasurer of the State of -New-York, the sum of £105 10s. in full for arrears of quit rent due from -the said town.</p> - -<h2><span class="smcap">Town Rights and Ferries.</span></h2> - -<p>The difference between this town and the city of New-York relative to -the water rights of the former, has deservedly excited the attention and -interest of our inhabitants, as involving property to a great amount, -and unjustly withholding from our town a revenue which would enable it -to improve with almost unparalleled rapidity. In order that each<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_022" id="page_022"></a>{22}</span> person -so interested may form a correct opinion of the subject matter in -dispute, the Compiler has thought proper, under this head, to lay before -them the foundations of the claims on both sides of the question.</p> - -<p>October 18, 1667. In the reign of Charles 2d. Richard Nicolls, Esq. -Governor General of the Province of New-York, under his Royal Highness -James, the Duke of York, &c. afterwards James 2d. of England, granted to -the inhabitants of this town a confirmatory patent, acknowledging that -they were rightfully, legally and by authority in possession of the -property and privileges they then enjoyed. The patent after naming the -patentees, and describing the bounds of the town, and binding by the -<i>River</i> and not by high water mark, proceeds to say, “Together with all -<i>havens</i>, <i>harbors</i>, creeks, marshes, <i>waters</i>, <i>rivers</i>, lakes, -fisheries.” “Moreover, I do hereby give, ratify and confirm unto the -said patentees and their associates, their heirs, successors and -assigns, all the <i>rights</i> and <i>privileges</i> belonging to a town within -this government.” Under this patent the town of Brooklyn justly claims -the land between high and low water mark on their shore, in opposition -to the claims of the Corporation of the city of New-York; and an equal -right with them to erect ferries between the town of Brooklyn and the -city of New-York.</p> - -<p>It does not appear that there was any adverse claim on the part of -New-York, until the 27th of April, 1686, <i>nineteen years</i> after the date -of the Brooklyn patent, when the Corporation of New-York obtained a -charter from Governor Dongan, by which the ferries were granted to them, -but not a word mentioned about the land between high and low water mark -on the Brooklyn side. From the reading of this charter it appears as if -the Governor<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_023" id="page_023"></a>{23}</span> was doubtful as to his right even to grant the ferry, for -it contains an express saving of all the rights of all other persons, -bodies politic and corporate, their heirs, successors and assigns, in as -ample a manner, as if that charter had not been made.</p> - -<p>May 13, 1686. The freeholders and inhabitants of Brooklyn somewhat -apprehensive of encroachments by New-York, obtained from Governor -Dongan, a patent under the seal of the Colony, fully confirming that -granted them by Governor Nicolls.</p> - -<p>May 6, 1691. An act was passed by the Governor, Council and General -Assembly of the Colony of New-York, “for settling, quieting and -confirming unto the cities, towns, manors, and freeholders within this -Province, their several grants, patents and rights respectively.” By -this act the freeholders and inhabitants of the town of Brooklyn were -confirmed in the rights they possessed and enjoyed under their two -several patents.</p> - -<p>October 12, 1694. The Corporation of New-York, not thinking their -foothold on the Brooklyn side sufficiently secure, purchased of one -William Morris, for no specific consideration, a piece of land in -Brooklyn near the ferry. This deed is the foundation of the Corporation -claim to their land in the village of Brooklyn. A copy of which will be -found in the appendix marked with the letter A.</p> - -<p>Bent on unjustly wresting from the town of Brooklyn their water right, -the Corporation on the 19th of April, 1708, obtained from Governor -Cornbury, a man infamous for his vices, and disregard of justice, -another charter, in which they came out more openly than before, and -claimed the <i>vacant</i> land to high water mark, on Nassau Island, -reserving to the inhabitants of Brooklyn the right of transporting -themselves in their own boats ferriage free,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_024" id="page_024"></a>{24}</span> to and from New-York.<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> -By this charter, no matter how ample soever they might have considered -it at the time, they obtained nothing but <i>vacant</i> land to high water -mark; that is the land which was not already granted, and in the -possession of some other person or persons, which was not the fact as to -the land on the Brooklyn side, it being vested in the patentees, their -heirs, successors and assigns forever; so that the only power or -authority remaining in the Governor, was to grant the Corporation of -New-York, the privilege of buying the water rights of the inhabitants of -Brooklyn. But that would not answer their purpose, for those rights -could be bought cheaper of Governor Cornbury, than they could of this -town.</p> - -<p>This proceeding on the part of New-York stimulated the inhabitants of -Brooklyn to obtain from the Colonial Legislature in 1721, an act -confirming their patent rights.</p> - -<p>To obviate the effects of this law, and strengthen the charter of -Cornbury, which from the circumstances under which it was obtained, the -Corporation feared was invalid, on the 15th of January, 1730, they -procured from Governor John Montgomerie, a new charter confirming their -pretended right to the land to <i>high water mark on our shore</i>.<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_025" id="page_025"></a>{25}</span></p> - -<p>The grants from the Corporation of New-York, under their two charters -for the water lots on the Brooklyn side, are very artfully and -ingeniously drawn. By those grants are only conveyed “all the estate, -right, title, interest, property, claim, and demand whatsoever, in law -and equity” of them the said Corporation; and their covenant for quiet -possession only extends to them and their successors, and not against -any other persons lawfully claiming the premises. These grants, in order -to save the Corporation harmless against the claims of Brooklyn, also -contained a covenant to the following effect: “It is hereby covenanted, -granted and agreed upon by and between the parties to these presents -(that is, the Corporation of New-York and the person to whom they give -the grant,) and the true intent and meaning hereof also is, and it is -hereby declared, that this present grant, or any words, or any thing in -the same expressed, or contained shall not be adjudged, deemed, -construed or taken to be a covenant or covenants on the part and behalf -of the said parties of the first part, (that is, the Corporation of -New-York) or their successors for any purpose or purposes whatsoever, -but only to pass the estate, right, title, and interest, they have or -may lawfully claim by virtue of their several charters, of in and to the -said premises.” Which covenant evidently shews a want of confidence in -the validity of their title on the part of the Corporation.</p> - -<p>October 14, 1732. An act was passed by the General Assembly of this -Colony, “confirming unto<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_026" id="page_026"></a>{26}</span> the City of New-York its rights and -privileges.” By this act no addition was made to their former pretended -rights.</p> - -<p>November 14, 1753. The freeholders and inhabitants of this town -appointed Jacobus Lefferts, Peter Vandervoort, Jacob Remsen, Rem Remsen, -and Nicholas Vechte, Trustees, “to defend our patent where in any manner -our liberties, privileges and rights in our patent specified is -encroached, lessened or taken away by the commonalty of the city of -New-York.” A copy of the proceeding of the town meeting at which the -above trustees were elected will be found in the appendix marked B.</p> - -<p>Not satisfied with the encroachments they had made, the Corporation -began to question the right of the inhabitants of Brooklyn to cross to -and from New-York ferriage free in their own boats, and to carry over -the inhabitants in those boats;—the result was, that in July, 1745, a -suit was commenced by one of the inhabitants of Brooklyn, named Hendrick -Remsen, against the Corporation of New-York, which was tried before a -jury in Westchester county. A special verdict was found setting forth -all its patents and charters, and among other things, that the road from -which the said Hendrick Remsen ferried the inhabitants of Brooklyn to -and from New-York, “then and long before was laid out for a public -highway leading down to <i>low water mark</i> on the East River between the -places aforesaid called the Wallaboucht and the Red Hook on Nassau -Island, and the jurors aforesaid upon their oath aforesaid, do further -say, that the River called the East River, over which the said Hendrick -did carry the persons and goods aforesaid, from the said lands between -the Wallabocht and the Red Hook, is a large and public and navigable -river used by his Majesty’s ships and other ships and smaller vessels<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_027" id="page_027"></a>{27}</span> -employed in trade and commerce, and hath always been so used from the -first settlement of this Colony.” On argument judgment was rendered by -the Supreme Court of this Colony in the month of October, 1775, in -favour of Hendrick Remsen, that he recover his damages against the -Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the city of New-York, and the sum of -one hundred and eighteen pounds, fourteen shillings and ten pence half -penny for his costs and charges. An appeal to the King and Council from -this decision, was brought by the Corporation, which was not determined -in consequence of the Revolutionary war. There is a tradition in this -town that the Corporation of New-York were so apprehensive of this claim -on the part of the town of Brooklyn, that in order to disengage Hendrick -Remsen from the interest of the town, they gave him a house and lot of -land near Coenties Slip, in the city of New-York. How far this tradition -is correct, the Compiler is unable to say.—It appears however, that he -about that time became in possession of such property, and the same -remained in his family within the memory of some of our inhabitants.</p> - -<p>Our two Patents are confirmed by the Constitution of this State, which -confirms all grants of land within the State, made by the authority of -the King of Great Britain or his predecessors, prior to the 14th of -August, 1775.</p> - -<p>The Compiler thinking it would not be uninteresting to his fellow -citizens to see a statement of the amount received by the Corporation of -New-York for quit rent on the water lots claimed by them, has given the -following short statement.</p> - -<p>The Commissioners of the Sinking Fund of the City of New-York have -received, from August 23d, 1813, to Dec. 31, 1824.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_028" id="page_028"></a>{28}</span></p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" -style="margin-left:4%;"> -<tr> -<td valign="top">For Water lot rents,</td> <td class="rtb">$17,635 24</td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top">Commutation for water lot rents,</td> <td class="rtbb">17,275 41</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td> <td class="rtbb">$34,910 65</td></tr> - -<tr><td valign="top">The Corporation of New-York during the present -year 1824, have received for water lot rents -the sum of</td> <td class="rtb">$8,862 97</td></tr> -</table> - -<p>Within a short time the jurisdiction of the village of Brooklyn has been -extended beyond low water mark, leaving the pretended right of soil -still in the Corporation of New-York.<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> August term, 1821, in the case -of Udall vs. the Trustees of Brooklyn, the Supreme Court of this State -decided that Kings County, of which the village of Brooklyn is part, -includes all the wharves, docks, and other artificial erections in the -East River, opposite to the City of New-York, though west of the natural -low water mark on the Nassau or Long-Island shore; and the jurisdiction -of the village extends to the actual line of low water, whether formed -by natural or artificial means. Same term, in the case of Stryker vs. -the Mayor, &c. of the City of New-York, the Supreme Court decided that -the city and county of New-York includes the whole of the Rivers and -harbour adjacent to actual low water mark, on the opposite shores, as -the same may be formed, from time to time, by docks, wharves and other -permanent erections; and although the jurisdiction of the city does not -extend so as to include such wharves, or artificial erections, yet it -extends over the ships and vessels floating on the water, though they be -fastened to such wharves or docks.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_029" id="page_029"></a>{29}</span></p> - -<p>April 9, 1824. The Legislature of the State of New-York in the act to -amend the act entitled “an Act to incorporate and vest certain powers in -the freeholders and inhabitants of the village of Brooklyn in the County -of Kings,” granted this town concurrent jurisdiction with the City of -New-York in the service of process, in actions civil and criminal, on -board of vessels attached to our wharves; and in the act for the -establishment of a Board of Health in the village of Brooklyn, authority -is given to the said Board to remove all infected vessels from the -wharves within the said village.</p> - -<p>The ferries have been unavoidably, in some degree, taken into -consideration when speaking of our town rights. The compiler will -therefore confine himself to such historical facts, and laws, and such -proceedings, passed and had by the Colonial and State legislatures as -may relate particularly to them.</p> - -<p>During the early years of this Colony, the old ferry was from near the -foot of Joralemon-street, to the Breede Graft, now Broad-street, in the -City of New-York. At that period a creek ran through the middle of -Broad-street, up which the boats ascended to a ferry-house which is -still standing. At this time it is difficult to ascertain the exact -period when the old ferry was established at its present situation on -the Brooklyn side. In 1697, John Aeresen was ferry master.</p> - -<p>It appears from the following order, that the Court of Sessions of Kings -County, exercised some authority over the ferry between Brooklyn and -New-York. October 7, 1690. “Whereas much inconvenience does arise by -several negroes coming on this Island from New-York and other places, -and from this Island to New-York. It is ordered,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_030" id="page_030"></a>{30}</span> that the ferrymen -shall not bring or set over any negroes or slaves upon the Sabbath day, -without a ticket from their masters.”</p> - -<p>Acts have been passed by the Colonial and State legislatures for the -purpose of regulating the ferries between this town and the City of -New-York, in the following chronological order:</p> - -<p>November 2d, 1717, an act was passed, which was revived in the year -1726, and again in 1727. October 14, 1732. Another act was passed for -the same purpose. By this act it was provided, “That the ferryman for -the time being, shall not impose, exact, demand, or receive any rates or -ferriage for any goods or things whatsoever, transported by any of the -inhabitants living alongst the River at or near the Ferry on -Nassau-Island, in their own boats or canoes,” provided that the same be -their own goods or commodities. This act continued in force until the -28th of February, 1789, when another act was passed regulating the -ferriage, and containing a similar proviso. April 9, 1813. The last -mentioned law was re-enacted, with the same provision.</p> - -<p>The winter previous to the prosecution of the suit between Hendrick -Remsen, and the Corporatiun of the City of New-York, the inhabitants of -Brooklyn made an attempt to obtain from the Colonial legislature, a -further confirmation of some of their rights, particularly relating to -the ferry; on which application the following proceedings were had.</p> - -<p>January 30, 1745-6. In General Assembly, a petition of the Trustees of -the town of Brookland, in Kings County, in behalf of themselves, and the -freeholders and inhabitants of the said township, was presented to the -House and read, setting forth, That a great number of the inhabitants of -the said township, living near the ferry from Nassau-Island to New-York, -and having their chief dependence<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_031" id="page_031"></a>{31}</span> of supporting their families by -trading to the New-York markets, are by one act of the General Assembly, -entitled, an act to regulate the ferry between the City of New-York and -the Island of Nassau, and to establish the ferriage thereof, passed in -the sixth year of his Majesty’s reign, debarred from transporting their -goods in their own vessels, to the said markets, which exposes them to -very great hardships, difficulties and expences, and therefore humbly -praying that they may have leave to bring in a bill to relieve them from -the aforesaid hardships. Upon a motion of Major Van Horne, (of New-York) -ordered, that the Clerk of this house serve the Corporation of the City -of New-York, with a copy of the said petition forthwith.</p> - -<p>In General Assembly, April 12, 1746, Mr. Abraham Lott, according to -leave, presented to the house, a bill entitled, “an act to repeal an act -therein mentioned, so far as it relates to the freeholders and -inhabitants of the township of Brooklyn, in Kings County, within this -colony;” which was read the first time, and ordered a second -reading.—Ordered, that the Corporation of the City of New-York, be -served with a copy of the said bill.</p> - -<p>April 18, 1746. In General Assembly. The bill entitled, an act to repeal -an act therein mentioned, so far as it relates to the freeholders and -inhabitants of the township of Brooklyn, in Kings County, within this -colony, being offered to be read a second time, Capt. Richards (of -New-York) moved, that the second reading of the said bill might be -deferred until the next meeting of the House, after the first day of -June next; which was agreed to by the House and ordered accordingly.</p> - -<p>June 20, 1746. In General Assembly. A petition of the Mayor, Aldermen -and Commonalty, of the City of New-York, was presented to the House<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_032" id="page_032"></a>{32}</span> and -read, setting forth, That the Corporation having been served with a copy -of a bill now before this House, entitled, an act to repeal an act -therein mentioned, so far as it relates to the freeholders and -inhabitants of the township of Brooklyn, in Kings County, within this -colony; do conceive that the passing the said Bill into a law, may -affect their ancient rights and freehold, and therefore humbly praying -that they may be heard by their Counsel against the said bill, at the -bar of this House, on Friday next, ordered, that the Trustees of the -township of Brooklyn, be heard by their counsel in support of the said -Bill, at the bar of this house, on Friday next, and that Mr. William -Smith appear for them. Ordered, that the Clerk of this house serve the -parties with a copy of these orders forthwith.</p> - -<p>June 27, 1746. In General Assembly. The House being informed, that the -Corporation of the City of New-York were attending with their Counsel to -be heard against the Bill; and that the Trustees of the township of -Brooklyn, were also attending with their Counsel to be heard in support -of the said Bill; both parties were called in, and the counsel on both -sides having been fully heard, for and against the said Bill, they were -directed to withdraw; and the Bill being read the second time, the -question was put,—whether the said Bill should be committed, and -carried in the affirmative in the manner following:—Affirmative, -Messrs. Lott, Chambers, Stillwell, Livingston, Harring, Cornell, Abraham -Lott, Lecount, Bradt, Nicoll, Hardenbergh, and Gale 12.—Negative, -Messrs. Richards, Cruger, Clarkson, Van Horne, Philipse, Morris, -Verplank, and Thomas, 8.</p> - -<p>July 4, 1746. In General Assembly, the engrossed Bill entitled, an act -to repeal an act therein mentioned,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_033" id="page_033"></a>{33}</span> so far as it relates to the -freeholders and inhabitants of the township of Brooklyn, in Kings -County, within this colony, was read the third time, and upon Mr. -Speaker’s putting the question, whether the Bill should pass, a motion -was made by Col. Morris in the words following, viz.—As this Bill has -been already ordered to be engrossed, by a majority of the House, and -the question that now is put, is, whether this Bill shall pass; I must -beg leave to give my reasons for opposing its passage. The first is, it -is alledged by this bill, that the people of Brooklyn had a right, prior -to the act passed in the year 1732, which was not proved, nor attempted -upon the hearing before this house; but if we pass this Bill, we allow -that right to be proved, and then it becomes our allegation, which I -conceive, inconsistent with the honor and justice of this house, to -alledge any thing in such a case, but what has been proved. The second -is, it implies that the act in 1732, took away unjustly, a right from -the people of Brooklyn, that they were entitled to. Thirdly, it implies, -that the house have fixed the two points before mentioned, and then it -will necessarily follow, that we have considered the rights of the -Corporation,<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> as well as those of the people of Brooklyn; that we have -not, I appeal to the house, who must allow, that no such right ever -appeared to us, at least as a House, and for us to declare certain facts -by a Bill, which has never been proved, will be doing, what I conceive, -we ought not to do, if we make justice and equity the rule of our -conduct. For these reasons, I move, that the Bill may be rejected. The -question being put<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_034" id="page_034"></a>{34}</span> thereon it was carried in the negative, in the -manner following, viz.——For the negative, Messrs. Chambers, Lott, -Cornell, Hardenbergh, A. Lott, Bradt, Lecount, Gale, and Harring, 9. -Affirmative, Messrs. Cruger, Morris, Richards, Van Horne, Clarkson, -Verplank, Philipse, and Thomas, 8.</p> - -<p>Resolved, That the Bill do pass. Ordered, that Colonel Harring, and Mr. -Hardenbergh do carry the Bill to the Council and desire their -concurrence. By which it appears that it was considered by the House, as -well as subsequently by the Supreme Court, that the right of the town -was sufficiently proved, notwithstanding the assertions of Colonel -Morris.</p> - -<p>This Bill by <i>some means</i> was stifled in the Council,<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> and never -became a law.</p> - -<p>During the Revolution the Old ferry was kept by Messrs. Van Winkle, and -Bukett; at which period the usual charge for crossing was six pence for -each passenger.</p> - -<p>August 1, 1795. The ferry from the foot of Main-street, Brooklyn, to the -foot of Catharine-street, New-York, commonly called the New ferry, was -established by Messrs. William Furman and Theodosius Hunt, lessees from -the Corporation of the City of New-York.</p> - -<p>In consequence of the prevalence of the Yellow fever in Brooklyn, in the -month of August, 1809, the old ferry was removed to the foot of -Joralemon-street, and the boats plied from there to Whitehall, New-York.</p> - -<p>On the 4th day of March, 1814. The legislature of this State passed an -act allowing William<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_035" id="page_035"></a>{35}</span> Cutting and others his associates, to charge four -cents for each passenger crossing in the Steam-boat to be by them placed -on the Old ferry. Previous to this, the fare was two cents for each -passenger. May, 1814, the Steam-boat commenced plying on the old ferry -between Brooklyn and New-York.</p> - -<p>This Ferry Company derive their interest in the old or Fulton ferry, -from a lease executed January 24th, 1814, by the Mayor, Aldermen and -Commonalty of the City of New-York, to Robert Fulton, and William -Cutting. The rent reserved by the Corporation on this lease is $4000 per -annum for the first 18 years, and $4500 per annum for the remaining 7 -years.<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a> It is a difficult matter to speak correctly of the present -income of this ferry. At its first establishment the dividends were made -on a capital estimated at $45,000, divided into shares of $1000 each, -and were made at the rate of 5 per cent. for six months and what -remained after this 5 per cent. taken out, formed the surplus dividend. -From May 1814, to November 1815, the regular dividends on one share -amounted to $157 11½, and during the same period the surplus dividend -amounted to $228 21½, making a dividend of $385 33, on one share for -about 18 months equal to about 25 per cent. per annum.</p> - -<p>At the Session of the Legislature in the winter of 1818, the Corporation -of New-York presented a petition praying that they might have the -regulation of the rates of ferriage between this town and the city of -New-York—against which the Trustees of the village of Brooklyn, and the -inhabitants of this town strongly remonstrated, stating that “they had -full confidence that the Legislature of<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_036" id="page_036"></a>{36}</span> this state would never increase -the rates of ferriage, nor permit the same to be increased, beyond what -is necessary to support the ferries in the best manner; they therefore -prayed that the Legislature would not surrender to the Corporation of -New-York a right, which had been reserved by the Legislature, and which -the petitioners deemed of the greatest importance to the inhabitants of -Nassau-Island.”</p> - -<h2>ROADS AND PUBLIC LANDING PLACES.</h2> - -<p>This town appears to have entered early into the contest respecting -roads. There are many instances on record previous to 1683, of the -Constable of Brooklyn being ordered to repair the roads, and in case of -neglect, fined; and in one instance he was ordered by the Court not to -depart until further order.</p> - -<p>The main road, or as part of it is now called, Fulton-street, in the -village of Brooklyn, was laid out March 28th, 1704, by Joseph Hageman, -Peter Cortelyou, and Benjamin Vandewater, Commissioners, appointed by an -act of the General Assembly of the colony of New-York, for the laying -out, regulating, clearing and preserving of public highways in the -colony. The record of this road is as follows:—“One publique, common -and general highway, to begin ffrom <i>low water marke</i> at the ferry in -the township of Broockland, in Kings county, and ffrom thence to run -ffour rod wide up between the houses and lands of John Aerson, John Coe, -and George Jacobs, and soe all along to Broockland towne aforesaid, -through the lane that now is, and ffrom thence straight along a certaine -lane to the Southward corner of John Van Couwenhoven’s land, and ffrom -thence straight to Bedfford as it is now staked out, to the lane where -the house of Benjamin<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_037" id="page_037"></a>{37}</span> Vandewater stands, and ffrom thence straight -along through Bedfford towne to Bedfford lane, running between the lands -of John Garretse, Dorlant and Claes Barnse, to the rear of the lands of -the said Cloyse, and ffrom thence southerly to the old path now in use, -and soe all along said path to Philip Volkertses land, taking in a -little slip of said Philip’s land on the south corner, soe all along -said road by Isaack Greg’s house to the Fflackbush new lotts ffence, and -soe all along said ffence to the eastward, to the north-east corner of -Eldert Lucas’s land, lying within the New lotts, of Fflattbush -aforesaid, being ffour rod wide all along, to be and continue forever.”</p> - -<p>This road or “king’s highway,” as it was then called, leading from the -ferry to the old Dutch Church, or Brooklyn parish, was the cause of much -contention. At the April term of the General Sessions of the Peace for -Kings County, in 1721, indictments were found for encroaching on the -“common high way of the King, leading from the ferry to the Church at -Brookland,” against John Rapalje, Hans Bergen and James Harding, and -others.—By which indictments it appears that the road should have been -four rods wide.</p> - -<p>These indictments appear to have been predicated as well on the -following application of John Rapalje and Hans Bergen, as on complaints -from several of the inhabitants:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>“Fflatbush, April 19, 1721. John Rapalje and Hans Bergen of the -fferry, desires of the grand jury that the Commissioners now being -should be presented for not doing their duty in laying out the -king’s highway according to ye law, being the King’s highway is too -narrow from the ferry to one Nicalus Cowenhoven, living at Brooklyn -and if all our neighbours will make ye road according to<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_038" id="page_038"></a>{38}</span> law, then -ye said John Rapelje and Hans Bergen, is willing to do the same as -aforesaid, being they are not willing to suffer more than their -neighbours. As witness our hands the day and year first above -written.</p> - -<p class="r"> -JAN RAPELJE,<br /> -HANS BERGEN.”<br /> -</p></div> - -<p>Some of the persons indicted considering themselves aggrieved, and -others who feared being placed in the same situation, applied to the -Colonial Legislature, and July 27th, 1721, obtained the passage of a law -to “continue the common road or king’s highway, from the ferry, towards -the town of Breuckland, on the Island of Nassau, in the Province of New -York,” with the following preamble. “Whereas several of the inhabitants -on the ferry, on the Island of Nassau, by their petition preferred to -the General Assembly, by setting forth, that they have been molested -prosecutions, occasioned by the contrivance and instigations of ill and -disaffected persons to the neighbourhood, who would encroach upon the -buildings and fences that have been made many years, alledging the road -was not wide enough, to the great damage of several of the old -inhabitants, on the said ferry; the said road as it now is, has been so -for at least these sixty years past, without any complaint, either of -the inhabitants or travellers.”</p> - -<p>The law then proceeds to establish the road “forever,” as it then was, -from the ferry upwards to the town of Breuckland, as far as the swinging -gate of John Rapalje, just above the house and land belonging to James -Harding. These proceedings will readily account for Fulton-street, in -the present village of Brooklyn being so narrow and crooked in many -places.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_039" id="page_039"></a>{39}</span></p> - -<p>The point however to which the Compiler wishes to draw the attention of -his fellow citizens, is to the existence and location of several public -highways and landing-places in this town which at present are known to -very few.</p> - -<p>There is a public landing-place at or near the mills of Nehemiah Denton, -Esq. and a public highway leading thereto.—The record of which is as -follows:—“One common highway to Gawanus mill, to begin ffrom the -north-east corner of Leffert Peterses ffence, and soe along the roade -westerly, as it is now in use to the lane yt parts the lands of Hendrick -Vechte, and Abraham Brower, and Nicholas Brower, and soe all along said -lane as it is now in ffence to the house of Jurian Collier, and from -thence all along the roade now in use to the said Gowanos mill, being in -all four rod wide to the said lane; and that there be a convenient -landing place for all persons whatsoever, to begin ffrom the -southernmost side of said Gowanus mill house, and ffrom said house to -run ffour rod to the southward, ffor the transportation of goods and the -commodious passing of travellers; and that said highway to said Gowanos -mill ffrom said house of said Jurian Collier shall be but two rod only -and where it is now in use; said common highway to be and continue -forever; and ffurther that the ffence and gate that now stands upon the -entrance into said mill neck, ffor the inclosing and securing of said -neck, shall soe remaine and be alwayes kept soe inclosed with a ffence -and hanging gate; and the way to said mill to be thorow that gate only -and to be allwayes shutt or put to by all persons that passes thorow.” -The Commissioners laid out the above road and landing place, March 28th, -1704.</p> - -<p>In 1709, the Commissioners laid out another road and landing place, at -or near the mill of John C. Freeke, Esq. The record of which is as -follows:<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_040" id="page_040"></a>{40}</span>—“One common highway to begin ffrom the house of Jurian -Collier to the New mill of Nicholas Brower, now sett up on Gowanos mill -neck soe called, as the way is now in use along said neck to said mill -to be of two rod wide; and that there shall be a landing place by said -mill in the most convenient place ffor the transportation of goods and -the commodious passing of travellers; and said highway and landing place -to be, remaine and continue forever.”</p> - -<p>This town has a public landing place seven rods in length, near the foot -of what is now called District-street, in the village of Brooklyn.—This -landing place is mentioned in the record of a road three rods wide, -leading to the same, which record the Compiler omits inserting in -consequence of its length and the multitude of entries connected -therewith.</p> - -<p>It is believed by many, and not without very good reason, that this town -has a public landing place a short distance to the North of the Old or -Fulton ferry, and which landing place is now in the possession of the -Corporation of New-York.</p> - -<p>There is a very distinct tradition of a road to near where this landing -place is supposed to have been, at the foot of which road was the public -slaughter house, where the butchers of Brooklyn dressed their meats. The -road referred to, came out where the house of the Fire Engine No. 4 now -stands, and the existence of that road gives the town its title to that -small piece of ground.</p> - -<h2>COMMON LANDS, AND THE DIVISION THEREOF.</h2> - -<p>The town having acquired so great an extent of Common land by the -purchase of 1670, from the Indians, the inhabitants thought proper to -take some order for the division and defending thereof, together with -their other lands—accordingly, “at<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_041" id="page_041"></a>{41}</span> a Town meeting held the 25th day of -February, 169⅔, att Breuklyn, in Kings County. Then Resolved to divide -their common lands and woods into three parts, in manner following to -witt:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>1. All the lands and woods after Bedford and Cripplebush, over the -hills to the path of Newlotts shall belong to the inhabitants and -freeholders of the Gowanis, beginning from Jacob Brewer and soe to -the uttermost bounds of the limits of New-Utrecht.</p> - -<p>2. And all the lands and woods that lyes betwixt the abovesaid path -and the highway from the ferry towards Flattbush, shall belong to -the freeholders and inhabitants of Bedford and Cripplebush.</p> - -<p>3. And all the lands that lyes in common after the Gowanis, betwixt -the limits and bounds of Flatbush and New Utrecht shall belong to -the freeholders and inhabitants of Brooklyn, fred. neck, the ferry -and the Wallabout.” This proceeding of the Town meeting was allowed -of by the Court of Sessions, held at Flatbush, on the 10th day of -May, 1693.</p> - -<p>The following will serve to shew the manner in which the -inhabitants of this town elected the Trustees of their common -lands, and the duties of those Trustees. “Att a towne meeting held -this 29th day off Aprill, 1699, at Breucklyn, by order off Justice -Machiel Hanssen, ffor to chose townsmen ffor to order all townes -busines and to deffend theire limitts and bounds and to dispose and -lay out sum part thereoff in lotts, to make lawes and orders ffor -the best off the inhabitants, and to raise a small tax ffor to -defray the towne charges, now being or hereaffter to come, to -receive towns revenues and to pay townes debts, and that with the -advice off the Justices off this said towne standing the space and -time off two years. Chosen ffor that purpose by pluralitie<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_042" id="page_042"></a>{42}</span> off -votes. Benjamin Vande Water, Joores Hanssen, Jan Garretse Dorlant.</p> - -<p class="r"> -By order of inhabitants afforesaid<br /> -J. VANDE WATER, Clarke.”<br /> -</p> - -<p>These proceedings were recorded by order of the Court of Sessions, -on the 9th day of May, 1699.</p></div> - -<p>The following proceeding is curious, setting forth the ancient practice -of tradesmen cutting down timber in the public woods, and the -regulations made respecting the same. It appears that directly after the -Trustees were chosen by the above meeting they together with the -Justices, held the following meeting. “Att a meeting held this 29th day -off Aprill, (1699) in Breucklyn, Present, Benjamin Vande Water, Jooris -Hanssen, Jan Geritse Dorlant, being choisen townsmen in the presence and -with the advice off the Justices off this towne.</p> - -<p>Considering the greate inconvenience, lose and intrest that the -inhabitants off this towne have by reason that the tradesmen here living -in this towne doe ffall and cutt the best trees and sully the best of -our woods and sell the worke thereoff made the most part to others -living withoute the towne, and that the shoemakers and others doe cutt -and fall all the best treese ffor the barke, and the wood lyes and rott, -and that some persons doe cutt and ffall trees for timber and ffensing -stuff, and leave the trees in the woods soe cutt until they are spoilt, -and that people off other towns come and cutt and fall trees ffor -timber, ffensing stuff, and ffire woods, and transport the same away out -off our townes bounds and limitts, and that without leave or consent off -the towne, soe that in the time off ffew yeares there shall bee no woods -leaved ffor the inhabitants ffor timber or ffensing stuff to the ruine -off the said towne. It is thereffore ordered, That ffrom the date -hereoff no<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_043" id="page_043"></a>{43}</span> tradesman shall make any worke ffor to sell to others -without thee towne, ffrom wood soe cutt as afforesaid as only ffrom old -wood.</p> - -<p>That no shoemaker or others shall cutt or ffall any trees ffor to barke -in the common woods uppon the penaltie off ffive pound ffor every tree -soe cutt.</p> - -<p>That no men shall leave any timber, ffensing stuffe, or other wood in -the woods longer as six weeks affter itt is cutt, uppon the penaltie, -that itt shall be ffree ffor others to take and carry the same away as -theire owne wood. And that iff any one off other townes shall be -ffounden within our townes limitts to cutt or carry away any sorts off -woods ffor timber, ffensing stuff or ffire wood, that itt shall bee -ffree ffor any one off this towne to take it away and to take out writ -to arrest, or to apprehend such offender or offenders presently, and -that the Justices off this towne shall answer the action as iff itt were -done by theire owneselves,<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a> These proceedings were also recorded by -order of the Court of Sessions.</p> - -<p>“Towne meeting held this 5th day off May, 1701, by order off Justices -Cornelis Sebringh and Machiell Hanssen. We the major part off the -ffreeholders off Breucklyn doe hereby nominate, constitute and appoint -Capt. Jooris Hanssen, Jacob Hanssen and Cornelis Van Duyn, to bee -trustees of our Common and undivided lands, and to deffend and maintaine -the rights and privileges off our General pattent, as well within as -without.”</p> - -<p>“Towne meeting held this 2d day off February, 1701-2, by order off -Justice Cornelis Sebringh.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_044" id="page_044"></a>{44}</span> Purposed iff the order off Bedford, made the -12th day off April, 1697, shall bee conffirmed concerning the lying out -of the common or undivided lands or that the said land shall bee lyed -out according to the last tax, concerning the deffending off our -limitts.</p> - -<p>Resolved by the ffreeholders aforesaid, that the chosen townsmen shall -ley out the commens according as by the said order off Bedford was -concluded, with the ffirst opportunitie, and that all the lotts joyning -to the common woods shall be surveyed according to their grants.”</p> - -<p>The following Resolution was passed for defending those inhabitants to -whom portions of the Common lands were allotted, in their enjoyment of -the same. “Att a Towne meeting held att Brookland, in Kings County, this -14th day of March, 1701-2. Present, Machiel Hanssen, Cornelis Sebringh, -and Hendrick Vechten, Esquires, Justices.—Resolved, by the major part -of the freeholders of the said towne of Brookland, that every man that -has now a right, lott, or lotts laid out in the quondam Common and -undivided lands of Brookland aforesaid, shall forever free liberty have -for egress and regress to his said lotts for fetching off wood or -otherwise, over all or any of the said lott or lotts of the said -freeholders in the lands aforesaid. And further, that if any of the said -freeholders shall at any time or times hereafter, come by any loss or -trouble, cost or charges by lawe or otherwise, of, for or concerning the -title of any of their said lott or lotts, by any person or persons, -either within the township of Brookland afforesaid, or without, that it -shall be defended and made goode, (if lost) att all the proper costs and -charges of all the freeholders of said towne equally.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_045" id="page_045"></a>{45}</span></p> - -<p>It appears that all the Common lands of this town had been divided among -the freeholders, and a portion annexed to each house in the town.—A -deed dated the 17th of April, 1705, after conveying a house and lot of -land in this town, conveys “alsoe all the rights and priviledges in the -common woodlands of the towne of Broockland aforesaid, to said house, -belonging as per record of said towne may appear.<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a></p> - -<p>These lands, in the month of February, 1701-2, were surveyed by Pieter -Corteljeu and S. Clowes, two surveyors, and divided by them into three -divisions. The first or west division consisted of 62 lots, containing -about 5 acres each, about 310 acres. The second or middle division of 62 -lots, containing about 10 acres each, about 620 acres; and the third or -east division also of 62 lots, containing about 10 acres each, about 620 -acres.—Total number of acres about 1550.</p> - -<h2>DIFFERENCES AS TO BOUNDS.</h2> - -<p>The difference between this town and the city of New-York, having been -treated of under the head of Town Rights and Ferries, the compiler will -confine himself to the disputes which formerly existed between this -town, and the towns of Bushwick, Flatbush and New-Utrecht, respecting -their bounds.</p> - -<p>The following proceeding relates generally to the defence and settling -of the limits of this town.</p> - -<p>“Towne meeting held this 7th day of February, 1701-2, by order of -Hendrick Vechten, Justice.—The Justice Hendrick Vechten, brings in that -the towns men were nott well authorised concerninge the lying out and -defending of our bounds by reason that they have no power to compounde -or<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_046" id="page_046"></a>{46}</span> agree with any of the neighbouring townes, &c.—These are -thereffore, that the freeholders and inhabitants doe give full power to -the said Intrusties, for to agree and compounde with any of the -neighbour townes concerning our bounds, and all what our said Intrusties -shall doe and agree with them, we shall stand to itt.” This proceeding -was recorded by order of the Court of Sessions, on the 13th of May, -1702.</p> - -<h2>DIFFERENCE WITH BUSHWICK.</h2> - -<p>The difference as to the bounds of these two towns seems generally to -have been contested between individuals. The following is the only -general order on record respecting the same:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>At a Court of Sessions, held at Flatbush for Kings County, May 10, -1699. “Uppon the desire of the inhabitants of Breucklyn, that -according to use and order every three yeare the limmitts betweene -towne and towne must be runn, that a warrant or order may be given, -that upon the 17th day off May, the line and bounds betwixt said -townes of Breucklyn and Boswyck, shall be runn according to their -pattents or agrements.” Ordered, “That an order should be past -according to theire request.</p></div> - -<h2>DIFFERENCE WITH FLATBUSH.</h2> - -<p>The dispute between this town and Flatbush, respecting their bounds, -appears to have been of more importance than that with any other place, -excepting New-York.</p> - -<p>At a Court of Sessions, held for the West Riding of Yorkshire, upon -Long-Island, the 18th of December, 1678, the following order was made:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>“There being some difference between the townes of Flat Bush and -Breucklyn concerning their<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_047" id="page_047"></a>{47}</span> bounds, the which they are both willing -to refer to Captain Jaques Corteleou and Captain Richard Stillwell -to decide. The Court doth approve thereof, and order their Report -to be determinative.”</p> - -<p>Messrs. Cortelyou and Stillwell complied with the requisition of -the above order as will appear by the following report: but -subsequent disputes shew that the same was not “determinative.”</p> - -<p>“To the worshipfull Court of Sessions, now sitting at Gravesend, -June 21, 1683. These may certiffie that in obedience to an order -from said Court, and by consent of both towns of Breucklyn and -Flattbush, to runn the line betwixt the said townes which are we -underwritten have done and marked the trees betwixt towne and -towne, as wittnesse our hands the daye and yeare above written.</p> - -<p class="r"> -JACQUES CORTELYOU,<br /> -RICHARD STILLWELL.”<br /> -</p></div> - -<p>It appears by the following Certificate, that a subsequent survey was -made in 1684, of the division line between this town and Flatbush.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>“To satisffie whom itt may concerne, that I being with Mr. Jacobus -Cortland, about the twentyeth day off November, 1684, imployed by -Breuckland and Fflackbush, to vew and run out the line betweene the -two towns to the south of the hills found that the line run -fformerly by Capts. Jacques Cortelyou and Mr. Stillwell, is right -and just, which wee both being agreed, gave in our approbation of -the same.</p> - -<p class="r"> -PHILIP WELLS, Surveyor.”<br /> -</p> - -<p class="nind">Staaten-Island, in the County of Richmond, this 4th day of Aprill, -1687.”</p></div> - -<p>The above Certificate was recorded by order of several of the -inhabitants of Brooklyn.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_048" id="page_048"></a>{48}</span></p> - -<p>At a Court of Sessions for Kings County, held the 4th day of October, -1687, the following proceeding was had:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>“Complaint off Jan Oake, and Cornelis Barduff, authorised by the -inhabitants of Fflackbush being read against Pieter Cronwer, -concerning the building uppon the land in question, betwixt -Breucklyn and Fflackbush, Itt is ordered, that none off the partys -shall meddle themselves with the said land before the question off -the said land shall be finished.”</p></div> - -<p>December 4, 1689. Jooris Bergen, Jan Dorlant and H. Claes Vechte, -Commissioners of this town, together with Jurrian Bries, Constable, -granted to Jeronimius Remsen, a piece of land lying at Bedford, in lieu -of a piece of land which they had formerly sold him, lying at the Port -or entrance, and which was claimed by the town of Flatbush.</p> - -<p>At a town meeting, held in this town the 11th day of April, 1702, by -order of Justices Machiel Hanssen, and Cornelis Seberingh; it was</p> - -<p>“Purposed to choise townsmen, in place off George Hanssen, Jacob -Hanssen, and Cornelis Van Duyn, by cause theire times being past the -29th off this instant. Resolved to prolong the old townsmen’s time to -the twenty-fifth off May next, by reason they are in action off lawe -with them off Fflackbush, to be tryed this May court.”</p> - -<p>The differences between these two towns have been amicably settled, and -proper monuments placed on the boundary lines, to prevent, if possible, -all future disputes.</p> - -<h2>DIFFERENCE WITH NEW-UTRECHT.</h2> - -<p>February 14, 1702. George Hansen, Jacob Hansen and Cornelius Van Duyn, -Trustees on the part of the town of Brooklyn, and Cornelius Van Brunt,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_049" id="page_049"></a>{49}</span> -Peter Cortelyou, and Aert Van Pelt, Trustees on the part of the town of -New-Utrecht, entered into an agreement, which, after setting forth the -said Trustee’s powers to enter into the same, proceeds to say, “that the -courses and lines hereafter specified shall be the exact bounds between -the said two towns of Brookland and New Utrecht and soe to continue to -perpetuity without any alteration; viz. The bounds to begin in the -sloott or pond lying and being by and between the house of Agyes -Vandyke, of the said towne of Brookland and the house of Thomas Sharax, -of the said towne of New-Utrecht, where the water runns into the salt -water River, by a certaine fence from thence stretching away south-east -one degree southerly, two hundred eighty and eight English rod, to a -winter white oake tree markt on the south and north-west side; and from -thence running east eight and twenty degrees northerly to a white oake -tree, being on the east side of the path leading to New-Utrecht -aforesaid, to the Gowanos soe called in the towneship of Brookland -abovesaid, said tree being markt on two sides, and being formerly the -old markt tree betweene the said townes, &c.”</p> - -<p>At the time of the execution of the above-mentioned agreement, the -Trustees of the town of Brooklyn, gave a bond to the Trustees of the -town of New-Utrecht, in the sum of one thousand pounds “currant money of -New-Yorke.”—The condition of which Bond or obligation was, “That if the -above bounden George Hansen, Jacob Hansen and Cornelius Van Duyne, -severally and their severall heires and assigns, doe and shall from time -to time and at all times hereafter, well and truly observe, performe and -keepe, all and every the covenants, articles of agreements, which on -their and every of their parts, are or ought to be observed, performed<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_050" id="page_050"></a>{50}</span> -and kept, contained and specified in and by certain articles of -agreements of the date hereof and made betweene the above bounden George -Hansen, Jacob Hansen and Cornelius Van Duyn of the one part, and the -above-named Cornelius Van Brunt, Peter Cortilleou and Aert Van Pelt of -the other part, of, in and concerning the limmitts and bounds of their -townes pattents, and that in and by all things according to the true -meaning of the said articles of agreement in such wise that no breache -be made of the premises in said articles of agreement by the towne of -Brookland aforesaid, at any time or times hereafter, then this -obligation to be void and of none effect, otherwise to stand and remain -in full force, virtue and power in law.”</p> - -<p>In the year 1797, a survey was made of all the bounds of this town, and -a map thereof transmitted to the Surveyor General of this state.</p> - -<h2>REVOLUTIONARY INCIDENTS.</h2> - -<p>This town had a full share of the military operations during the -Revolutionary war; and was for a long time in the possession of the -British army. It is covered with the remains of fortifications which -were thrown up by the Americans<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a> and English for their defence -against each other. In this town was fought the most sanguinary part of -the battle of Long-Island, August 27, 1776; which took place on the -retreat of the American army within their lines, and the attempt of a -portion of them to ford the mill ponds at Gawanos; in which attempt -nearly the whole of a Regiment of young men from Maryland were cut off.</p> - -<p>Many of the minor events connected with this battle, and the -Revolutionary contest, are fast sinking<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_051" id="page_051"></a>{51}</span> into the shades of oblivion: -the compiler has therefore thought proper to give place to the following -piece of history, not with an idea, that he can immortalize any event -which he relates; but with a hope, that his efforts will call forth some -nobler pen to do justice to the memories of many of the almost forgotten -heroes of those hard fought battles, and arduous contests. In the battle -above-mentioned, part of the British army marched down a lane or road -leading from the Brush tavern to Gowanos, pursuing the Americans. -Several of the American riflemen, in order to be more secure, and at the -same time, more effectually to succeed in their designs, had posted -themselves in the high trees near the road. One of them, whose name is -now partially forgotten, shot the English Major Grant; in this he passed -unobserved. Again he loaded his deadly rifle, and fired—another English -officer fell. He was then marked, and a platoon ordered to advance, and -fire into the tree; which order was immediately carried into execution, -and the rifleman fell to the ground, dead. After the battle was over, -the two British officers were buried in a field, near where they fell, -and their graves fenced in with some posts and rails, where their -remains still rest. But for “an example to the rebels,” they refused to -the American rifleman the rites of sepulture; and his remains were -exposed on the ground, till the flesh was rotted, and torn off his bones -by the fowls of the air. After a considerable length of time, in a heavy -gale of wind, a large tree was uprooted; in the cavity formed by which, -some friends to the Americans, notwithstanding the prohibition of the -English, placed the brave soldier’s bones to mingle in peace with their -kindred earth.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_052" id="page_052"></a>{52}</span></p> - -<p>August 28, 1776. Before day break, in a very thick fog, General -Washington retreated with his army from near the old ferry, Brooklyn, to -New-York. As the last boat of the Americans left the shore, the fog -dissipated, and the British made their appearance on the hills above the -place of embarkation, when a shot or two from an American Battery on the -hill near the house of Col. Henry Rutgers, in New-York, compelled the -British to desist in their march to the ferry.</p> - -<p>A short time after the retreat of the Americans, Captain Hale, of the -American army, was dispatched by General Washington, to see if the -English had taken possession of his camp at Brooklyn, and what their -situation was. This unfortunate young officer was taken by the English -and hung as a spy, without even a form of trial; and not allowed a -clergyman at his execution. It is believed he was executed somewhere -along the Brooklyn shore, to the south-west of the old ferry. In our -pity for Major Andre, we have almost entirely lost sight of this -meritorious officer, whose claims on our gratitude ought ever to be -remembered, in proportion as his sufferings were greater than those of -the former.</p> - -<p>During the stay of the American army on Long-Island, the head quarters -of General Washington were at the house on Brooklyn heights, now owned -and occupied by Henry Waring, Esq. The house now owned and occupied by -Teunis Joralemon, Esq. was used by the English as a Hospital during the -Revolution, and in its vicinity, hundreds of British soldiers and -sailors are buried.</p> - -<p>Most of the records of this town were destroyed by the English when they -came in possession of it after the battle of Long-Island.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_053" id="page_053"></a>{53}</span></p> - -<p>In the month of November, 1776, one of the British prison ships, called -the Whitby, was moored in the Wallaboght, near Remsen’s mills. On board -this vessel great mortality prevailed among the prisoners, and many of -them died. Those of the prisoners who died from this ship, and from the -others, which were afterwards brought to this place, were interred in -the hill at the present Navy-Yard; where their remains were found, and -in the year 1808, deposited in a vault erected for that purpose. March -1777, two other prison ships anchored in the Wallaboght, one of which -bore the name of Good Hope; which vessel in the month of October, in the -same year, took fire and was burnt. The prisoners were saved and -transferred to the other vessels.—The hull of this ship lies under a -dock at the Navy Yard, in this town. In the month of February, 1778, on -a Sunday afternoon, another British prison ship was burnt in the -Wallaboght. The hull of this vessel lies in the mud in that Bay. 1778, -the Jersey ship of the line, having arrived at New-York, was condemned -as unfit for the service, and converted into a prison ship. As such she -anchored in the Wallaboght during the month of April, in the same year, -together with the Falmouth and Hope, for Hospital ships; where they -remained till the close of the Revolutionary war.</p> - -<p>October 22, 1779, An act of attainder was passed by the Legislature of -this State, against John Rapalje, Esq. of this town, by which his -property was confiscated to the use of the State. That part of his -property lying within the bounds of the present village of Brooklyn, was -on the 13th of July, 1784, sold by the Commissioners of Forfeitures, to -Comfort, and Joshua Sands, Esqrs. for £12,430.</p> - -<p>In the year 1780, the British being apprehensive of an attack from the -American army under General<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_054" id="page_054"></a>{54}</span> Washington, commenced fortifying the high -grounds about Brooklyn; which works they continued until the peace in -1783. In this town the British had their army yard, where their forage -department, and blacksmith’s shops, &c. were kept. The entrance to this -yard was near the junction of Main-street with Fulton-street, in the -present village of Brooklyn.</p> - -<p>During the Revolution, this place was much resorted to by the officers -of the English army, and the fashionables of the day, as a scene of -amusement. In the Royal Gazette of August 8th, 1781, published at -New-York, Charles Loosley advertises a Lottery of $12,500, to be drawn -at “Brooklyn Hall.” The same paper contains the following advertisement: -“Pro bono publico. Gentlemen that are fond of fox hunting, are requested -to meet at Loosley’s Tavern, on Ascot Heath, on Friday morning next, -between the hours of five and six, as a pack of hounds will be there -purposely for a trial of their abilities: Breakfasting and Relishes -until the Races commence.—At eleven o’clock will be run for, an elegant -saddle, &c. value at least twenty pounds, for which upwards of twelve -gentlemen will ride their own horses.—At twelve, a match will be rode -by two gentlemen, Horse for Horse.—At one, a match for thirty guineas, -by two gentlemen, who will also ride their own horses.—Dinner will be -ready at two o’clock, after which, and suitable regalements, racing and -other diversions, will be calculated to conclude the day with pleasure -and harmony. Brooklyn Hall, 6th August, 1781.”</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Anberry, in a letter from New-York, to a friend in England, -dated October 30th, 1781, says, “on crossing the East River from -New-York, you land at Brooklyn, which is a scattered village, consisting -of a few houses. At this place is an excellent<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_055" id="page_055"></a>{55}</span> Tavern, where parties -are made to go and eat fish; the landlord of which has saved an immense -fortune this war.” The public house referred to in the above -advertisements, and letter, was the same house, which after the -Revolution, and in the Compiler’s recollection, was called the -“Corporation House.” It was a large, gloomy, old fashioned, stone -edifice; and was destroyed by fire, September 23d, 1812.</p> - -<p>This town was left by the British troops, the same day that they -evacuated New-York.</p> - -<h2>ANCIENT GOVERNMENT.</h2> - -<p>The first public officer appointed by the Dutch Government for this town -after its settlement in 1625, was a “Superintendant,” whose duties were -to preserve the peace, and regulate the police of the town. A few years -after the office of Superintendant was abolished, and the offices of -Schout, Secretary, and Assessor, created; these officers were also -appointed by the Governor. In 1646, the town having considerably -increased, the inhabitants were permitted to elect two magistrates; -subject, however, to the approval or rejection of the Governor. These -magistrates had increased powers: they were authorised to give judgment -in all cases as they might think proper; provided that the judgment so -given be not contrary to the charter of New-Netherland. Subsequently -this Town Court was new modelled by the Dutch Government, and its power -and authority more clearly defined.</p> - -<p>The inhabitants suffering very much under the arbitrary exercise of -power on the part of the government, frequently remonstrated against the -same. Finally a convention of delegates from this, and the other towns -under the Dutch government assembled at New Amsterdam, November 26th, -1653, on an<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_056" id="page_056"></a>{56}</span> invitation from the Governor. Where they, on the 11th of -December, following, entered into a remonstrance against the exclusion -of the people from their share in legislation, and generally against -their mode of government. The Governor and his Council sent them no -answer, but entered one on the minutes; in which they denied the right -of this town, Flatbush, and Flatlands, to send deputies, and protested -against the meeting, notwithstanding the same was held at the Governor’s -request. Entertaining a just sense of the responsibility attached to -them, the deputies made another, but ineffectual attempt, to obtain a -recognition of their rights, and on the 13th of the last mentioned -month, presented another remonstrance, in which they declared, that if -they could not obtain them from the Governor and Council, they would be -under the necessity of appealing to their superiors, the States -General.—The Governor in a fit of anger dissolved their meeting, and -sent them home.</p> - -<p>In 1654, it appears that the country was very much infested with -robbers; to disperse whom, April 7, 1654, the magistrates of this town, -together with those of Midwout and Amersfort, united in forming a -company of soldiers to act against “robbers and pirates,” and determined -that there should be a military officer in each town, called a Sergeant.</p> - -<p>In order to prevent the depredations of the Indians, the Governor in -1660, ordered the inhabitants of Brooklyn to put the town in a state of -defence; and commanded the farmers to remove within the fortifications, -on the pain of forfeiting their estates.<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_057" id="page_057"></a>{57}</span></p> - -<p>For the first two or three years under the English government, the -magistrates of this town were but temporary officers. Nearly all that we -know about the government previous to 1669, is, that Town Courts were -established in this Colony.—The inference would be, that as this town -was granted “all the rights and privileges belonging to a town within -this government,” a town Court was also organized here.</p> - -<p>The Town Clerk of this town was appointed by the Governor, and confirmed -by the Court of Sessions, as will appear by the following record: At a -Court of Sessions held at Gravesend for the West Riding of Yorkshire -upon Long-Island, December 15, 1669. “Whereas Derick Storm presented an -order from his Hon. the Governor, for the approbation of the Court of -Sessions, to allow him to be towne clerk of Breucklen, taking his oath, -the Court having allowed thereof, and doe hereby confirme him of Clerke -of the said towne.”</p> - -<p>In the year 1669, the first mention is made in the records of the -“Constable of Breucklen;” which office at that period was held by -Michael Lenell. The duties of constable as laid down in the Duke’s laws -were, holding town courts with the overseers, and with them making -assessments, &c. whipping, or punishing offenders, raising the hue and -cry after murderers, manslayers, thieves, robbers, burglarers; and also -to apprehend without warrant such as were overtaken with drink, -swearing, Sabbath<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_058" id="page_058"></a>{58}</span> breaking, vagrant persons, or night walkers; -“provided they bee taken in the manner, either by the sighte of the -constable, or by present informacon from others; as alsoe to make -searche for all such persons either on ye Sabbath daye, or other, when -there shall bee occation in all houses licensed to sell beere or wine, -or any other suspected or disordered places, and those to apprehend and -keepe in safe custody till opportunity serves to bring them before the -next Justice of ye Peace for further examinacon.” The Constable was -chosen out of the number of Overseers, whose term of service had -expired.</p> - -<p>The following is a list of the Constables of Brooklyn, from 1669 to -1690:</p> - -<ul><li>1669. Michael Lenell.</li> -<li>1671. Lambert Johnson.</li> -<li>1675. Andries Juriaensen.</li> -<li>1676. Cornelius Corsen.</li> -<li>1678. Thomas Lambertse.</li> -<li>1679. John Aeresen.</li> -<li>1680. Andries Juriaensen.</li> -<li>1682. Martin Ryersen.</li></ul> - -<p>Brooklyn and Newtown were ordered to make a new choice according to law.</p> - -<ul><li>1683. Jan Cornelis Dam.</li> -<li>1684. Thomas Ffardon.</li> -<li>1687. John Aertsen.</li> -<li>1688. Volkert Andriese.</li> -<li>1689. Jacobus Beavois.</li> -<li>1689. Jurian Bries.</li> -<li>1690. Jurian Hendrickse.</li></ul> - -<p>Shortly after the conquest of this Colony by the English from the Dutch, -the towns of Brooklyn, Bushwyck, Midwout, or Flatbush, Amersfort, or -Flatlands, and New-Utrecht, were formed into a<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_059" id="page_059"></a>{59}</span> separate district for -certain purposes, by the name of the “Five Dutch towns.” A Secretary was -specially appointed for these five towns, whose duties appear to have -been confined to the taking acknowledgment of transports, and marriage -settlements, and proof of wills, &c. This office in 1674, was held by -“Nicasius De Sille, in the absence of Sr Ffrancis De Brugh.” This same -Mr. De Sille, was in authority under the Dutch government, in the year -1658, as Schout of the city of New-Amsterdam. He was styled, “Heer -Nicasius De Sille.” There was no uniformity in the title of those -acknowledging officers of the Five Dutch towns. In 1675, Machiel -Hainelle exercised that office, and styled himself “Clerk.” In the same -year the Court of Sessions for this Riding, after setting forth the -appointment of Hainell, and calling him “Secretary,” said, “It is the -opinion of the Court that for what publique or private business he shall -doe he ought to have reasonable satisfacon.<a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a></p> - -<p>There were also in this town, officers, who were called “Overseers.” The -Duke’s Laws provide for their appointment in the following manner. -“Overseers shall be eight in number, men of good fame, and life, chosen -by the plurality of voyces of the freeholders in each towne, whereof -foure shall remaine in their office two yeares successively, and foure -shall be changed for new ones every yeare; which election shall preceed -the elections of Constables, in point of time, in regard the Constable -for the yeare ensuing, is to bee chosen out of that number which are -dismist from their office of Overseers.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_060" id="page_060"></a>{60}</span></p> - -<p>The following is a copy of the oath which was administered to the -overseers elect.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>“Whereas you are chosen and appointed an Overseer for the Towne of -Breucklen you doe sweare by the Ever-living God, that you will -faithfully and diligently discharge the trust reposed in you, in -relation to the publique and towne affaires, according to the -present lawes established, without favour, affection or partiality -to any person or cause which shall fall under your cognizance; and -at time when you shall bee required by your superiors to attend the -private differences of neighbours, you will endeavour to reconcile -them: and in all causes conscientiously and according to the best -of your judgment deliver your voyce in the towne meetings of -Constable and Overseers. So helpe you God.” These officers were -commonly sworn by the Court of Sessions; but in the year 1671, the -Constable of Newtown objected to the Court’s swearing the overseers -of that town, “alledginge that accordinge to the amendments of the -law iff special occation required, itt is in the power of the -Constable to sweare them, otherwise not, which is left to his Honor -the Governor to decide.” The inhabitants of the town for which the -overseers were elected were authorised to determine by a major vote -whether the said overseers should, on admission to office, take the -oath prescribed as above; and in case the said overseers were not -sworn, it was a legal objection against their proceedings on the -part of any person prosecuted in their court, unless the overseers -immediately on objection being made, took the oath, which the -Constable was permitted to administer.</p> - -<p>It was the duty of the overseers, together with the Constable, to -hold Town Courts, for the trial of causes under £5. Their other -duties are contained<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_061" id="page_061"></a>{61}</span> in the following summary. On the death of any -person, they were to repair with the Constable, to the house of the -deceased, and inquire after the manner of his death, and of his -will and testament; and if no will was found, the Constable in the -presence of the Overseers was, within 48 hours, to search after the -estate of the deceased, and to deliver an account of the same in -writing, under oath, to the next Justice of the Peace. They, -together with the Constable made all assessments. If any Overseer -died during his term, the rest of the Overseers by a major vote, -made choice of another in his place; and if the person so chosen -refused to serve, he forfeited the sum of £10, towards defraying -the town charges. They were to settle the bounds of the town, -within twelve months after the bounds were granted. They had the -power of regulating fences. They were authorised together with the -Constable to make choice of two out of the eight overseers of -Church affairs.</p> - -<p>They and the Constable, were frequently to admonish the inhabitants -“to instruct their children and servants in matters of religion, -and the lawes of the country.” They, with the Constable, appointed -an officer “to record every man’s particular marke, and see each -man’s horse and colt branded.” The Constable and two of the -Overseers were to pay the value of an Indian coat for each wolf -killed; and they were to cause the wolf’s head to be “nayled over -the door of the Constable, their to remaine, as also to cut of both -the eares in token that the head is bought and paid for.”</p></div> - -<p>The following is the only list that the Compiler could obtain of the -Overseers of this town.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_062" id="page_062"></a>{62}</span></p> - -<ul><li>1671. Frederick Lubertse and Peter Perniedeare.</li> -<li>1675. John Peterson Mackhike, and Jerome De Rapostelley.</li> -<li>1676. Tunis Guis Bergen, and Thomas Lambertson.</li> -<li>1679. John Harrill, and Martyn Reyandsen.</li> -<li>1680. Symon Aeresen, and Michael Harsen.</li> -<li>1683. John Aeresen, and Daniel Rapellie.</li></ul> - -<p>In the year 1683, the “Overseers” were changed to “Commissioners.” The -“act for defraying the publique and necessary charge of each respective -citty, towne, and county throughout this province; and for maintaining -the poore and preventing vagabonds.” Passed by the General Assembly of -this colony, November 1st, 1683, provides—“That annually and once in -every yeare there shall be elected a certaine number out of each -respective citty, towne, and county throughout this province; to be -elected and chosen by the major part of all the ffreeholders and -ffreemen; which certaine number so duely elected shall have full power -and authority to make an assessment or certaine rate within their -respective cittys, townes and countys annually, and once in every yeare, -which assessment and certain rate so established as aforesaid, shall bee -paid into a certaine Treasurer, who shall be chosen by a major part of -all the ffreemen of each respective citty, towne, and county; which -Treasurer soe duly chosen, shall make such payment for the defraying of -all the publique and necessary charges of each respective place -above-menconed, as shall bee appointed by the commissioners, or their -President, that shall be appointed in each respective citty, towne, and -county within this province, for he <i>supervising the publique affaires -and charge</i> of each respective citty, towne and county aforesaid.” And -the said act proceeds further to say, “And whereas it is the custome and -practice of his Majesties<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_063" id="page_063"></a>{63}</span> realme of England, and all the adjacent -colonyes in America, that every respective county, citty, towne, -parrish, and precinct, doth take care and provide for the poore who doe -inhabit in their respective precincts aforesaid; Therefore it is -enacted, &c. That for the time to come the respective commissioners of -every county, citty, towne, parish, precinct aforesaid, shall make -provision for the maintainance and support of their poore -respectively.”<a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a></p> - -<p>The following is a list of the Commissioners of this town from 1684, to -1690, inclusive.</p> - -<ul><li>1684. Thomas Lambertsen, Randolph Emans, and John Aeresen.</li> -<li>1685. Tunis Guis Bergen, and Daniel Rapalie.</li> -<li>1686. Michael Hansen, and Jeromus De Rapalie.</li></ul> - -<p>The town made choice of Hansen and De Rapalie; and were ordered by the -Court of Sessions to make a new selection by the 12th of April, 1686, -and return the same to one of the Justices of the Peace for Kings -County.</p> - -<ul><li>1687. Adriaen Bennet, Thomas Lambertsen, and Tunis Guysbert.</li></ul> - -<p>The Court of Sessions ordered the town to make choice of a new -Commissioner in the place of Tunis Guysbert; which they according did, -and elected Jan Gerritsen Dorland.</p> - -<ul><li>1688. Simon Aertsen, Micheal Hansen, and Claes Barense.</li></ul> - -<p>The Court of Sessions refused to swear Michael Hansen.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_064" id="page_064"></a>{64}</span></p> - -<ul><li>1690. Joris Hansen, Hendrick Claasen, and Jan Gerbritse.</li></ul> - -<p>The office of “Commissioner” continued until 1703, when a “Supervisor” -was elected. The Supervisors of Kings County had their first meeting on -the first Tuesday of October, 1703; at which meeting Captain Joras -Hansen was the Supervisor from Brooklyn. The duty of the Supervisors -was, “to compute, ascertaine, examine, oversee and allow the contingent, -publick, and necessary charge of each county.” Two assessors were also -elected for this town, whose names were, Peter Garrabrantse, and John E. -Bennet; and one Collector. This is not the first mention of the -assessors and collectors of this town in our County Records. In 1688, -Michael Hansen, and Daniel Rapalie were chosen assessors, for the -purpose of assessing this town’s proportion of a tax of £308 8s 0d, -which was imposed on Kings County. It is the opinion of the Compiler, -that these were distinct officers from the Commissioners, whose duty it -was to assess the ordinary rates; and that these assessors were but -temporary officers, appointed to assess this particular tax. In 1699, -Jan Garretse Dorlant is mentioned as Collector of Brooklyn; and in 1701, -John Bybout held the same office.</p> - -<p>In 1691, a majority of the freeholders of the town were impowered to -make orders for the improvement of their public lands; and annually to -elect three surveyors of highways. The duties of these svrveyors were to -amend and lay out highways and fences. The town meeting at which these -orders were made, and officers elected, were held by the direction, and -under the superintendance of one or more justices of the peace.</p> - -<p>November 8, 1692. The court of sessions for Kings county, ordered that -each town within the county, should erect “a good pair of stocks, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_065" id="page_065"></a>{65}</span> a -good pound;” and that the clerk of the court should issue a warrant to -the constable of every town, requiring them to see this order complied -with “at their peril.” The following is a list of the constables of this -town, from the new organization of the colony in 1691, to 1711, as far -as the compiler has been able to ascertain the same:</p> - -<ul><li>1693. Volkert Brier.</li> -<li>1697. Volkert Brier.</li> -<li>1698. Jacob Hansen. -[This man was complained of by the last constable for not making his -appearance at court; and the sheriff was ordered to summon him to appear -at the next court.]</li><li>1699. Jacobus Beauvois.</li> -<li>1700. Cornelius Verhoeven.</li> -<li>1701. Jacob Verdon.</li> -<li>1702. Thomas Davies.</li> -<li>1703. Thomas Davies.</li> -<li>1704. William Brower.</li> -<li>1705. Jacob Ffardon. -[This constable refused to call a town meeting in 1706, in compliance -with the requisitions of a warrant he had received from Justice Ffilkin, -for the election of town officers; and the inhabitants complained of him -to the court of sessions, who ordered that a town meeting should be held -for the election of town officers, and that Ffardon should hold over -until a new constable was elected and sworn in his stead.]</li> -<li>1707. Abram Sleghter.</li> -<li>1708. Cornelius Collier.</li> -<li>1709. William Brower.</li> -<li>1711. Thomas Davies.</li></ul> - -<p>For some time previous and subsequent to the year 1693, the colony was -in a very disordered state, arising probably from its new organization -after the revolution in Great Britain.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_066" id="page_066"></a>{66}</span></p> - -<p>At the same period, both the civil and military governments in this town -and also in the county, were very unpopular. In order to support their -authority, the justices of the peace resorted to the exercise of very -arbitrary measures: arresting and confining many persons under the -pretence of their having uttered scandalous words against them, and the -government; by which proceedings they completely alienated the people’s -affections, and exasperated them to such a degree that they committed -many excesses: all which will appear by the following extracts from the -records:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>“October 11, 1693, at a meeting of the justices of Kings county, at -the county hall. Present, Roeleff Martinse, Nicholas Stillwell, -Joseph Hegeman, and Henry Ffilkin, esqrs. justices. John Bibout, of -Broockland, in the county aforesaid, we aver being committed by the -said justices to the common jail of Kings county, for divers -scandalous and abusive words spoken by the said John against their -majesties justices of the peace for the county aforesaid, to the -contempt of their majesties authority and breach of the peace; the -said John having now humbly submitted himself, and craves pardon -and mercy of the said justices for his misdemeanour, is discharged, -paying the officer’s fees, and being on his good behaviour till -next court of sessions, in November next ensuing the date hereof.”</p></div> - -<p>In another instance, during the same year, in the month of October, in -the town of Bushwyck, a man named Urian Hagell, was imprisoned for -having said, on a training day, speaking jestingly of the soldiers, “Let -us knock them down, we are three to their one.” The justices called -these “mutinous, factious, and seditious words;” which,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_067" id="page_067"></a>{67}</span> with the like, -appear to have been favourite terms with them. Again, in the same month -and year, Hendrick Claes Vechte, of the town of Brooklyn, was imprisoned -by the justices, on a charge of “raising of dissension, strife, and -mutiny, among their majesties subjects.” And May 8, 1694, two women of -Bushwick were indicted at the sessions, for having beat and pulled the -hair of Captain Peter Praa, whilst at the head of his company of -soldiers on parade. One of them was fined £3, and the cost, £1 19<i>s.</i> -9<i>d.</i>; and the other 40<i>s.</i> and the cost, £1 19<i>s.</i> 9<i>d.</i> In the last -mentioned year, (1694) Volkert Brier, constable of Brooklyn, was fined -£5, and the costs of court amounting to £1, by the sessions, “for -tearing and burning an execution directed to him as constable.”<a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a> -Brier afterwards petitioned the governor to have the fine remitted; a -copy of which petition is in the appendix, marked C.</p> - -<p>This town with respect to legal matters was under the jurisdiction of -the court of sessions held at Gravesend, for the West Riding of -Yorkshire, upon Long-Island,<a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> until the year 1683; when an act was -passed by the first legislative assembly of this colony, dividing the -province into counties, by which the ridings were abolished. The court -however continued to be held at Gravesend until 1686, when it was -removed to Flatbush, in conformity to an act of the colonial assembly, -passed in the year 1685. This town continued under the<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_068" id="page_068"></a>{68}</span> jurisdiction of -that court, and the court of common pleas, which was afterwards -established, until the close of the revolutionary war. At the close of -the war the courts were re-organized, and this town still continues -under their jurisdiction.</p> - -<h2>PRESENT GOVERNMENT.</h2> - -<p>In 1816 the village of Brooklyn was erected out of the town, and -constituted a distinct government; thereby forming an <i>imperium in -imperio</i>.</p> - -<p>The present government both of the town and village, approach as near a -pure democracy as that of any other place in this state. No business of -importance is undertaken without first having the sanction of a public -meeting. Here these sterling principles, that all power emanates from -the people, and that public officers are but public servants, are fully -recognized, and acted upon.</p> - -<p>This head the compiler will divide into two divisions, in order to avoid -confusion: First, the Town Government, and second, the Village -Government.</p> - -<h3><i>First—the Town Government.</i></h3> - -<p>The government of the town is administered by</p> - -<p>A <i>Supervisor</i>, elected by the people, at the annual town-meeting, on -the first Tuesday of April. The duties of this officer are principally -confined to the apportionment of taxes, presiding at elections, &c. He -is also ex officio a commissioner of excise for granting tavern licenses -in the town, and the general guardian of the town rights. There is no -salary attached to this office: the supervisor receives a compensation -of two dollars per day, for attending the general meeting of the -supervisors of the different towns in the county, and a trifling amount -for granting licenses. The present supervisor is William Furman, esq.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_069" id="page_069"></a>{69}</span></p> - -<p>A <i>Town Clerk</i>, also elected by the people. The duties of this officer -are to call special town meetings on the request of twelve freeholders, -record the proceedings of town meetings, and preserve the records of the -town. In 1698, Jacob Vandewater, town clerk of this town, received the -sum of £6 5<i>s.</i> for two years and six months salary.<a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> In 1822, in -order to make the town clerk’s salary in some degree proportionate to -the increase of business, the town voted him a salary of $50. In 1824, -the town clerk’s salary was increased to $75. The office is at present -held by John Doughty, esq. who has been successively elected since the -year 1796.</p> - -<p>Five <i>Assessors</i>, also elected by the people—whose duties are to assess -all real and personal estate liable to taxation within the town, and to -forward such assessment to the supervisors, that they may apportion the -amount of tax on the same. The present assessors are Messrs. John S. -Bergen, Richard Stanton, John Spader, Joseph Moser, and Andrew Demarest. -Their compensation is one dollar and twenty-five cents per day during -the time they are employed in making and completing the assessment.</p> - -<p>There are also elected two <i>overseers of the poor</i>, Messrs. William -Cornwell, and Isaac Moser; one <i>constable and collector</i>, Mr. John -M’Kenney; two <i>constables</i>, Messrs. John Lawrence, and Samuel Doxsey; -and several other officers, whose names and duties will be set forth in -the subsequent parts of this work.</p> - -<p>The judicial business of this town is at present transacted by three -<i>justices of the peace</i>, viz. John Garrison, John G. Murphy, and Samuel -Smith,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_070" id="page_070"></a>{70}</span> esqrs. These magistrates are appointed by the judges of the -common pleas, and the supervisors of the county.</p> - -<h3><i>Second—the Village Government.</i></h3> - -<p>April 12, 1816, the village of Brooklyn was incorporated by an act of -the legislature of this state. By this act the freeholders and -inhabitants are authorized annually to elect, on the first Monday of -May, “Five discreet freeholders, resident within the said village, -Trustees thereof;” and these trustees are authorized to appoint a -president and clerk. The first trustees, Messrs. Andrew Mercein, John -Garrison, John Doughty, John Seaman, and John Dean, were appointed by -the legislature, and continued in office until the first Monday of May, -1817; when the first election was made by the people, and they made -choice of Messrs. William Furman, Henry Stanton, William Henry, Tunis -Joralemon, and Noah Waterbury. The present trustees are Messrs. Joshua -Sands, John Doughty, Joseph Moser, John Moon, and Samuel James. Joshua -Sands, esq. president, and John Dikeman, esq. clerk of the board. The -president previous to 1824 received no salary; at present his salary is -$300. The clerk formerly received a salary of $100, which in consequence -of the great increase of business is now raised to $200. The powers of -the trustees are principally “to make, ordain, constitute, and publish, -such prudential by-laws, rules and regulations, as they from time to -time shall deem meet and proper; and such in particular as relate to the -public markets, streets, alleys, and highways of the said village; to -draining, filling up, levelling, paving, improving, and keeping in order -the same; relative to slaughter-houses, houses of ill fame, and -nuisances generally;<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_071" id="page_071"></a>{71}</span> relative to a village watch, and lighting the -streets of said village; relative to restraining geese, swine, or cattle -of any kind; relative to the better improvement of their common lands; -relative to the inspection of weights and measures, and the assize of -bread; relative to erecting and regulating hay-scales; relative to the -licensing of public porters, cartmen, hackney coachmen, gaugers, -weigh-masters measurers, inspectors of beef and pork, of wood, of staves -and heading, and of lumber; relative to public wells, pumps, and -reservoirs or cisterns of water to be kept filled for the extinguishment -of fires; relative to the number of taverns or inns to licensed in said -village; and relative to any thing whatsoever that may concern the -public and good government of the said village; but no such by-laws -shall extend to the regulating or fixing the prices of any commodities -or articles of provision, except the article of bread, that may be -offered for sale.” The powers of the trustees, in opening, regulating, -and widening streets, are enlarged and defined by an act passed by the -legislature of this state, April 9, 1824.</p> - -<p>The board of trustees have the appointment of several officers. The -following is a list of the names of the officers at present holding -under them.</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left">John Lawrence, Collector.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Samuel Watts,</td><td rowspan="4" valign="middle" class="bl"><big>—</big>Weighers</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">John Titus,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Andrew Tombs,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Robert W. Doughty,</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Burdet Striker, Measurer.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">William A. Sale, Measurer of Lime.</td></tr> -</table> - -<p>Three village Assessors are also elected by the people, for the purpose -of making an assessment on which to apportion the village tax. The -present assessors are Losee Van Nostrand, Gamaliel King, and John D. -Conklin.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_072" id="page_072"></a>{72}</span></p> - -<p>The Trustees, by an act passed April 9th, 1824, are constituted a Board -of Health. The President and Clerk of the Trustees are ex-officio -President and Clerk of the Board of Health. The salary of the President -of this Board is $150.</p> - -<p>A Health Physician is appointed by the Board of Health; which office is -at present held by Dr. J. G. T. Hunt, with a salary of $200.</p> - -<p>The duties of the Board relate to the general conservation of the Health -of the village.</p> - -<p>As early as 1809, during the prevalence of the yellow fever in this -town, the inhabitants met together in consequence of repeated -solicitations from the Common Council of New-York, and after stating in -their proceedings, that “reports prevailed, that disease exists to an -alarming extent in the town of Brooklyn,” they appointed the following -gentlemen a committee “for the purpose of inquiring into the state of -the health of the inhabitants of said town, and to act as the case in -their opinion may require,” viz. William Furman, John Garrison, Burdet -Stryker, Henry Stanton, and Andrew Mercein. A sum of money was raised by -subscription to meet the expenses of this Committee.</p> - -<p>In the year 1819, the Trustees, although not strictly invested with -power, yet feeling the necessity of acting with some degree of energy, -in order to quiet the fears of the inhabitants, arising from reports of -the existence of a pestilential disease in New-York, published an -address; in which they state, “that during this season of alarm, they -have not been unmindful of that part of their duty incumbent on them as -a <i>Board of Health</i> for the village,” and that “measures have been taken -to obtain from time to time, a report of the state of health throughout -the village, that the inhabitants may be early apprised of any change -affecting their welfare.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_073" id="page_073"></a>{73}</span></p> - -<h2>PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND INSTITUTIONS.</h2> - -<p>This head will be divided into three divisions—first, Churches; second, -Markets; and third Public Institutions.</p> - -<h3><i>First, Churches.</i></h3> - -<p>The first Church established in Kings County was, October 13, 1654, when -the Rev. Joannes Theodorus Polhemus, a minister of the Dutch Reformed -Church, was <i>permitted</i> by Governor Stuyvesant, to preach at Midwout, -(Flatbush) and Amersfort, (Flatlands).<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a> The congregation was gathered -at this time; but the order of Governor Stuyvesant for building the -Church is dated December 15, 1654. February 9, 1655, the Governor -ordered the inhabitants of Brooklyn and Amersfort, which at that period, -together with Gravesend, were one congregation, to cut timber for the -erection of the Church at Midwout; which building was to be 60 feet in -length, 28 feet in breadth, and 14 feet in height below the beams.</p> - -<p>In order to accommodate the four towns of Gravesend, Amersfort, Midwout, -and Brooklyn, the Governor ordered that Mr. Polhemus should preach every -Sunday morning at Midwout, and Sunday afternoons alternately at -Amersfort and Brooklyn.</p> - -<p>In the year 1659, the inhabitants of this town applied to Governor -Stuyvesant for permission to call a minister for their congregation, -assigning as a reason for their application, the badness of the road to -Flatbush, the difficulty of attending divine service at New-York, and -the extreme old age and inability of the Rev. Mr. Polhemus to perform -his services at Brooklyn.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_074" id="page_074"></a>{74}</span></p> - -<p>The Governor deemed the request reasonable, and sent Nicasius de Sille, -Fiscal of New-Netherland, and Martin Kregier, Burgomaster, of -New-Amsterdam, to this town, as a committee of inquiry, who reported in -favour of the application; whereupon the request of the inhabitants was -granted. The inhabitants prepared a call for the Rev. Henry Solinus, -alias Henricus Selwyn, from Holland, who was approved of by the classis -of Amsterdam, on the 16th of February, 1660, when the classis also gave -the Rev. Mr. Solinus a dismission, wishing him a safe and prosperous -journey by land and by water to his congregation in the New-Netherland. -The time of the arrival of this minister is not known. He was installed -in his church on the 3d of September, 1660, in the presence of the -Fiscal, and Burgomaster Kregier, by the order of Governor Stuyvesant, -who appears to have been at the head of the ecclesiastical, as well as -the civil and military government of the colony.</p> - -<p>On the 7th of September, 1660, a letter was written to the Rev. Mr. -Polhemus, informing him of the installation of the Rev. Mr. Solinus in -the Church of Brooklyn, and thanking him for his labours and attention -to the Congregation. The letter was sent by a respectable person, to -whom the Rev. Mr. Polhemus returned his thanks for the attention which -the Church at Brooklyn had paid him, and furnished the messenger with a -list of the names of the Church members, twenty-five in number.</p> - -<p>Mr. Solinus’ salary was 600 guilders per annum, equal to $200. Three -hundred guilders of which was to be paid by Brooklyn, and three hundred -by Father land, (Holland). Some time after, the inhabitants of Brooklyn -objected to raising their proportion of the salary; and May 25, 1662, -petitioned<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_075" id="page_075"></a>{75}</span> the Governor, that Mr. Solinus should reside among them; -setting forth as a reason, that if their minister resided with them more -people would go to church, and they would be better able to raise the -salary. Governor Stuyvesant, in order to accommodate this dispute, -proposed to pay 250 guilders towards Mr. Solinus’ salary, on condition -that he would preach in the Bouwery on Sunday afternoons.—This -arrangement appears to have been entered into, for a short time after -Mr. Solinus preached at the Bouwery half the time.</p> - -<p>The Indians having on the 7th of June, 1663, attacked the town of -Esopus, burnt the same, and destroyed many of the inhabitants, and took -many prisoners; the event was communicated by Governor Stuyvesant to the -church at Brooklyn, in the following manner.</p> - -<p>“As a sorrowfull accident and wilfull masacre has been committed by the -Esopus Indians, who have with deliberate design under the insidious -cover of friendship, determined to destroy Esopus, which they effected -or the 7th instant, killing and wounding a number of the inhabitants, -and taking many prisoners, burning the new town, and desolating the -place. Whereupon the congregation is directed and desired by his -Excellency the Governor General to observe and keep the ensuing -Wednesday as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer to the Almighty, -hoping that he may avert further calamities from the New-Netherlands, -and extend his fatherly protection and care to the country. And it is -further ordered, that the first Wednesday in every month be observed in -like manner. By order of the Director General, and Council, &c. Dated at -Fort Orange, June 26, 1663.” Wednesday the 4th of July, 1663, was -observed as a day of thanksgiving on account of a treaty of peace<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_076" id="page_076"></a>{76}</span> -having been made with the Esopus Indians, and the release of the -inhabitants who had been taken prisoners; and also for the success -obtained over the British, who attempted with flying colours to take -possession of all Long-Island for the King of England, which was -prevented by the timely arrival of the Dutch fleet.</p> - -<p>On the 23d of July, 1664, the Rev. Henry Solinus took leave of his -congregation and sailed in the ship Beaver for Holland. After his -departure, Charles Debevoise, the schoolmaster of the town, and sexton -of the church, was directed to read prayers, and a sermon from an -approved author, every Sabbath day in the church, for the improvement of -the congregation, until another minister was called.</p> - -<p>The first Dutch church in Brooklyn was built in the year 1666, although -a minister had been settled to preach here for some years previous.—A -second church was erected on the site of that built in 1666; which -second church continued standing until about 1810, when a new and -substantial church was erected on Joralemon-street, and the old one -taken down. This old church was a very gloomy looking building, with -small windows, and stood in the middle of the highway, about a mile from -Brooklyn ferry. In removing it the workmen discovered the remains of a -Hessian officer, who had been buried there in his uniform, during the -Revolutionary war.</p> - -<p>The Dutch congregations on this Island formed but one church, although -they had different consistories.</p> - -<p>The ministers under the Dutch government were not permitted to marry any -persons without making the marriage proclamation on three succeeding -Sabbaths in their churches. The same practice was<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_077" id="page_077"></a>{77}</span> observed after the -Colony came under the British government. The last mentioned government -however sold marriage licenses, which were granted by the Governor’s -Secretary in New-York, for the sum of eight dollars each. The -inhabitants generally preferred purchasing a marriage license, and thus -contributed to the revenue of the Governor and Secretary.</p> - -<p>During the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Solinus, the marriage fees were not -the perquisite of the Minister, as appears by his account rendered by -him to the Consistory, on the 29th of October, 1662, when he paid over -to the consistory the sum of 78 guilders and 10 stivers, for fourteen -marriage fees received by him.</p> - -<p>The following is a list of ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church, who -officiated in the church on this Island, (with the exception of -Polhemus, and Solinus,) taken from a manuscript of the Rev. Peter Lowe.</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="" -style="margin-left:4%;"> - -<tr><td valign="top">Joannes Magapolensis, probably died </td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"> 1668.</td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top">Casperus Van Zuren, probably died </td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"> 1677.</td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top"><span style="margin-left: 4em;">Clark</span>, probably died </td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"> 1695.</td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top">William Lupardus, probably died </td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"> 1709.</td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top">Bernardus Freeman,<a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> from 1702, to </td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"> 1741.</td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top">Vincintius Antonides, from 1715, to </td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"> 1744.</td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top">Joannes Arondeus, probably died, </td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"> 1742.</td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top">Anthony Curtenius, from 1730, to </td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"> 1756.</td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top">Ulpianus Van Sinderen, from 1747, to </td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"> 1796.</td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top">John Casper Rubel, from 1760, to </td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"> 1797.</td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top">Martinus Schoonmaker, from 1785, to </td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"> 1824.</td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top">[This venerable pastor was 88 years of age at his death; and a short -time previous, officiated in four congregations.]</td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top">Peter Lowe, from 1787, to </td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"> 1818.</td></tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_078" id="page_078"></a>{78}</span></p> - -<p>In the month of April, 1708, fifty-seven of the inhabitants of Brooklyn, -entered into an agreement (which is written in Dutch) to call a minister -from Holland, to preach in the church of this town. The elders of the -church at that time were, Daniel Rapalie, and Jores Hanse.</p> - -<p>The salary of the Clerk of the Church in this town was formerly raised -by a tax on the whole town. At a town meeting, held February 1, 1568, It -was resolved, that the sum of £20 10s. should be raised, and paid into -the hands of the “church masters” for “the widow of Hendrick Sleght, -ffor 1 year and 8 months salary, and being Clarke off the churche.”</p> - -<p>The following singular proceeding may be amusing to some readers, and -will serve to shew to what extremes, both the people and the magistrates -carried themselves in former times. Hendrick Vechte, Esq. a Justice of -the Peace, was presented at the Kings County Sessions, May 14, 1710, for -coming into the Brooklyn Church, on Sunday, August 10, 1709, “with his -pen and ink in his hand, taking of peoples names, and taking up one -particular mans hat up, and in disturbance of the minister and people in -the service of God, &c.” Vechte’s plea was that in obedience to an order -of the Governor he did go into the church as alledged, “to take notice -of the persons that were guilty of the forcible entry made into the -Church, that by Abram Brower, and others, by breaking of said Church -doore with force and arms, forcibly entering into said Church, -notwithstanding the forewarning of Mr. Freeman the minister, and his -people to the contrary.” The Court found that Justice Vechte was not -guilty of a breach of the peace, and discharged him. It must be -remembered that Justice Vechte was a member of the Court. There was a -considerable difference<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_079" id="page_079"></a>{79}</span> of opinion and many disputes among the -inhabitants of this town, and of the County, as to the right of the Rev. -Mr. Freeman to preach; into the merits of which controversy, it is not -to be expected that the Compiler can enter at this distant day. -Excepting the above proceeding of the Court, the only document which the -Compiler has been able to obtain relative to this controversy is a -letter from Henry Ffilkin, Esq. to the Secretary at New-York, which will -be found in the Appendix marked with the letter D.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>December 18, 1814, the Trustees of the Dutch Reformed Church of the -town of Brooklyn were incorporated. At which time the following -gentlemen were officers of the Church.</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left">Martinas Schoonmaker,</td><td class="bl" -valign="middle" rowspan="2">—Ministers.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Peter Lowe,</td></tr> -</table> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="" -style="margin-left:4%;"> - -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2"><i>Elders.</i></td></tr> - -<tr><td>Fernandus Suydam,<br /> -Jeremiah Johnson,</td> -<td>Walter Berry,<br /> -John Lefferts.</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2"><i>Deacons.</i></td></tr> - -<tr><td>Jeremiah Brower,<br /> -Abraham De Bevoise,</td> -<td>Lambert Schenck,<br /> -Abraham Remsen.</td></tr> - -<tr><td colspan="2">The present officers of this Church are, Rev. S. S. Woodhull, D. D. -Pastor.</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2"><i>Elders.</i></td></tr> - -<tr><td>Leffert Lefferts,<br /> -David Anderson,</td> -<td>Tunis Joralemon,<br /> -Nehemiah Denton.</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2"><i>Deacons.</i></td></tr> - -<tr> -<td>Theodorus Polhemus,<br /> -Adrian Hegeman,</td> -<td>James De Bevoise,<br /> -Adriance Van Brunt.</td></tr> - -</table> - -<p>September 18, 1785, an “Independent Meeting<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_080" id="page_080"></a>{80}</span> House,” was -incorporated at this place. The officers of which were:</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> - -<tr><td>John Matlock, Pastor,<br /> -George Wall, Assistant,<br /> -John Carpenter, Treasurer,<br /> -George Powers, Secretary.</td></tr> -</table> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> - -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2"><i>Trustees.</i></td></tr> - -<tr valign="top"><td>William Bunton,<br /> -Robert Steath,<br /> -Barnard Cordman,</td> -<td>John Emery,<br /> -William Hinson.</td></tr> -</table> - -</div> - -<p>Their place of worship was a frame building on what is now the -Episcopalian burying ground in Fulton-street. This congregation -continued but a short time, in consequence of the seceding of its -members to the Episcopalian Church, which was soon after established in -this place.</p> - -<p>The first celebration of Divine Service after the manner of the -Protestant Episcopal church, in this town, subsequent to the Revolution, -was at the old brick house known as No. 40 Fulton-street, and now owned -by Mr. Abiel Titus.</p> - -<p>About the year 1787, the Episcopal Church was established in Brooklyn, -under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Wright, at the house on the -north-east corner of Fulton and Middagh-streets; which house was fitted -up with pews, &c.</p> - -<p>April 23, 1787, “The Episcopal Church of Brooklyn” was incorporated. The -following are the names of the first</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary=""> - -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2"><i>Trustees.</i></td></tr> - -<tr valign="top"><td>Whitehead Cornell, <br /> -Joseph Sealy,<br /> -Mathew Gleaves,<br /> -John Van Nostrand.</td> - -<td>Joshua Sands,<br /> -Aquila Giles,<br /> -Henry Stanton,</td></tr> - -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_081" id="page_081"></a>{81}</span></p> - -<p>This congregation afterwards came into possession of the place of -worship before used by the Independent Congregation, and continued to -worship in that edifice until they erected the Stone Church called “St. -Ann’s Church,” on Sands-street.</p> - -<p>June 22, 1795. The Episcopal Church in this town was re-organized and -incorporated by the name of “St. Ann’s Church.”</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary=""> - -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2"><i>Church Wardens.</i></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2">John Van Nostrand, and George Powers.</td></tr> - -<tr><td><i>Vestrymen.</i></td></tr> - -<tr><td>Joshua Sands,<br /> -Paul Durel,<br /> -Joseph Fox,<br /> -William Carpenter,</td> -<td>Aquila Giles,<br /> -John Cornell,<br /> -Gilbert Van Mater,<br /> -Robert Stoddard.</td></tr> -</table> - -<p>The congregation at the same time resolved, that Monday in Easter week -should be the time of their future elections for Church officers.</p> - -<p>The stone church which was erected on Sands-street, has continued to the -present time: but is now in bad repair, in consequence of the walls not -having bee, properly erected. The Vestry passed a vote for erecting a -new church to front on Washington-street, the corner stone of which was -laid March 31, 1824. The new edifice is fast progressing, and promises -to be a great ornament to the place.</p> - -<p>The present officers of St. Ann’s Church are,</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary=""> - -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2">Rev. Henry U. Onderdonk, Rector.</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2"><i>Church Wardens.</i></td></tr> - -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2">William Cornwell, and Joshua Sands.</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2"><i>Vestrymen.</i></td></tr> - -<tr><td>James B. Clarke,<br /> -Robert Bach,<br /> -Adam Tredwell,<br /> -Fanning C. Tucker,</td> -<td>John H. Moore,<br /> -Robert Carter,<br /> -Losee Van Nostrand,<br /> -A. H. Van Bokkelen,</td></tr> -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2">William Cornwell, Treasurer.</td></tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_082" id="page_082"></a>{82}</span></p> - -<p>May 19, 1794, the “First Methodist Episcopal Church” in this town, was -incorporated. The Trustees at which period were,</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary=""> - -<tr><td>John Garrison,<br /> -Thomas Van Pelt,<br /> -Burdet Stryker,</td> -<td>Stephen Hendrickson,<br /> -Richard Everit,<br /> -Isaac Moser.</td></tr> -</table> - -<p>The present Meeting-house of this denomination is erected on the site of -their first place of worship, on Sands-street; and is a neat, plain -edifice. The present officers are,</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> - -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2">Rev. William Ross, Pastor in charge.</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2"><i>Trustees.</i></td></tr> - -<tr valign="top"><td>John Garrison,<br /> -Isaac Moser,<br /> -William Foster,<br /> -Jacob Brown,<br /> -Andrew Mercein,</td> -<td>George Smith,<br /> -Isaac Nostrand,<br /> -John G. Murphy,<br /> -R. Van Voris.</td></tr> -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2">Isaac Moser, Treasurer.</td></tr> - -</table> - -<p>January 12, 1818, The “African Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church in -the village of Brooklyn,” incorporated.</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary=""> - -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2"><i>First Trustees.</i></td></tr> - -<tr valign="top"><td>Peter Croger,<br /> -Israel Jemison, <br /> -Ceasar Sprong.</td> -<td>Benjamin Croger,<br /> -John E. Jackson, -</td></tr> - -</table> - -<p>The place of worship of this congregation is a frame meeting house -situate on High-street.</p> - -<p>March 13, 1822. The “First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn” was -incorporated.</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary=""> - -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2"><i>First Trustees.</i></td></tr> - -<tr valign="top"><td>Jehiel Jaggar,<br /> -Nathaniel Howland, <br /> -Silas Butler,<br /> -John B. Graham,<br /> -Charles H. Richards.</td> - -<td>Elkanah Doolittle,<br /> -Joseph Sprague,<br /> -Alden Spooner,<br /> -George Hall,</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_083" id="page_083"></a>{83}</span></p> - -<p>The corner stone of this church was laid, April 15, 1822. The Church is -situate on Cranberry-street; and is a very handsome brick building, -something in the Gothic style. The present officers are,</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary=""> - -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2">Rev. Joseph Sanford, Pastor.</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2"><i>Elders.</i></td></tr> - -<tr valign="top"><td>Zechariah Smith,<br /> - -Ezra C. Woodhull.</td> - -<td>Selden Gates.</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2"><i>Trustees.</i></td></tr> - -<tr valign="top"><td> -Alden Spooner,<br /> -Edward Coope,<br /> -Henry W. Warner,<br /> -Elkanah Doolittle,<br /> -Silas Butler.</td> - -<td>George Hall,<br /> -Nathaniel Howland,<br /> -Benjamin Meeker,<br /> -Joseph Sprague,</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td></tr> - -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2">Elkanah Doolittle, President of the Board,<br /> -Silas Butler, Clerk, President of the Board,<br /> -Nathaniel W. Sanford, Treasurer.</td></tr> -</table> - -<p>November 20, 1822. “St. James Roman Catholic Church,” incorporated.</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary=""> - -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2"><i>First Trustees.</i></td></tr> - -<tr valign="top"><td>George S. Wise, Jun. <br /> -Peter Turner,<br /> -Patrick Scanlan,<br /> -William M’Laughlin.</td> - -<td>William Purcell,<br /> -James Rose,<br /> -Darby Dawson,</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p>The corner stone of this Church was laid, June 25, 1822. The edifice is -of brick, and approaches nearer to the Gothic architecture than any -other building in this town. It is yet unfinished. This is the first -Roman Catholic Church erected on Long-Island. The present Trustees are,</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_084" id="page_084"></a>{84}</span></p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> - -<tr><td>—— ——, President.<a name="FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a><br /> -Peter Turner, Secretary,<br /> -William Purcell, Treasurer;<br /> -James Rose,<br /> -Darby Dawson,<br /> -William M’Laughlin,<br /> -Patrick Scanlan.</td></tr> -</table> - -<p>October 15, 1823. The “First Baptist Church in Brooklyn” incorporated.</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary=""> - -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2"><i>Trustees.</i></td></tr> - -<tr valign="top"><td>Eliakim Raymond, <br /> -John Brown,<br /> -Charles P. Jacobs.</td> -<td>Elijah Lewis,<br /> -Richard Poland,</td></tr> - -</table> - -<p>March 24, 1824. Rev. William C. Hawley was ordained Pastor of this -Church. This congregation have as yet, erected no building for public -worship; but assemble for that purpose in the District School room, No. -1.</p> - -<p>There are also in this town some of the denomination of Friends, and a -small congregation of Universalists; neither of which have established -places of public worship. The Universalists are under the pastoral care -of the Rev. William Mitchill, and assemble for Divine service in the -District School room, No. 1.</p> - -<p>In the present year, this town purchased of Leffert Lefferts, Esq. a -small farm situate at the Wallaboght; a portion of which was set off for -a burying ground, and divided into convenient parcels; which were -allotted in the following manner to the different congregations -worshipping in the town, viz.</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr valign="top"><td rowspan="5" valign="top">No.</td><td> 1. Dutch Reformed, <br /> -2. Friends,<br /> -3. Presbyterian,<br /> -4. Roman Catholic, -</td><td> -5. Methodist Episcopalian,<br /> -6. Universalist,<br /> -7. Episcopalian,<br /> -8. Baptist,</td></tr> -<tr><td class="c" colspan="2">9. Common.</td></tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_085" id="page_085"></a>{85}</span></p> - -<h3><i>Second, Markets.</i></h3> - -<p>A market was established in this town as early as the year 1676, which -will appear from the following order of the General Court of Assizes, -made in the month of October, 1675. “Upon proposall of having a fayre -and Markett in or neare this City. (New-York) It is ordered, That after -this season, there shall yearely bee kept a fayre and markett at -Breucklen near the ferry, for all grayne, cattle, or other produce of -the countrey, to be held the first Munday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, in -November; and in the City of New-York, the Thursday, Friday, and -Saturday following.”</p> - -<p>Previous to the year 1814, there were two markets in this place; one of -which was situate at the foot of the old ferry-street; and the other at -the foot of Main-street. Both these markets were taken down in 1814.</p> - -<p>At present we have no public market; the inhabitants are supplied from -several butcher’s shops for the sale of meat, and stands for vegetables, -scattered about in different parts of the village.—The people have been -for some time past endeavouring to obtain a public market, and the great -difficulty appears to be the location of a proper site. At a village -meeting, held June 26, 1824, the sum of $10,000 was voted to erect a -brick market house and Village Hall, with other offices. This amount it -was resolved, should be raised by a loan for not less than ten years, at -six per cent; and that the proceeds of the market arising from the -letting of stalls, &c. should be appropriated to paying the interest of -said loan; and that if in process of time there should be a surplus, -after paying the interest, the same should be converted into a sinking -fund for extinguishing the principal. These resolutions have not as yet -been carried into effect.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_086" id="page_086"></a>{86}</span></p> - -<h3><i>Third, Public Institutions.</i></h3> - -<p>Of public institutions we have not many to boast—they may be strictly -confined to one Bank, a Fire Insurance Company, and an Apprentices’ -Library.</p> - -<p>The “Long-Island Bank” was incorporated, April 1st, 1824, with a capital -of $300,000, divided into six thousand shares of $50 each. The present -officers are, Leffert Lefferts, Esq. President, and D. Embury, Cashier.</p> - -<p>The “Brooklyn Fire Insurance Company” was incorporated, April 3, 1824, -with a capital of $150,000, divided into six thousand shares of $25 -each. The present officers of this institution are, William Furman, -President, and Freeman Hopkins, Secretary.</p> - -<p>There is also in this village a branch of the “Equitable Fire Insurance -Company”; of which Abraham Vanderveer, Esq. is Agent.</p> - -<p>The Apprentices’ Library Association, which has been formed but a short -time, promises to be of great benefit to the apprentices of the place, -by introducing among them, habits of reading and reflection, which, if -properly attended to, will enable them to support the honourable -character of good citizens.</p> - -<p>The Library at present consists of about twelve hundred volumes, which -have been presented by different individuals. About one hundred -apprentices take books from it, regularly once a week.—This institution -was incorporated by an act of the Legislature, passed in November, 1824. -The present officers are,</p> - -<p>Robert Snow, President; Thomas Kirk, Vice-President; Andrew Mercein, -Treasurer; Robert Nicholls, Secretary.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_087" id="page_087"></a>{87}</span></p> - -<p>Under this head it may be proper to notice, that there are two Masonic -lodges in this town, and a Post office.</p> - -<p>Fortitude Lodge, No. 81.—W. Levi Porter, Master.</p> - -<p>Hohenlinden Lodge, No. 338.—W. Abiathar Young, Master.</p> - -<p>The Post office is kept at No. 97 Fulton-street, by George L. Birch, -Esq. Post Master. The mail is carried daily (Sundays excepted) between -Brooklyn and New-York, and closes at Brooklyn at 8 A. M. and arrives at -4 P. M.</p> - -<h3>POPULATION AND INCREASE.</h3> - -<p>Within a few years this town, and particularly the village has increased -very rapidly. In 1814, the town of Brooklyn contained 3805 inhabitants; -and in 1816, the town contained 4402 inhabitants. In 1820, the census -was as follows, (being almost two thirds of the population of the -County.)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_088" id="page_088"></a>{88}</span></p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td class="c">White males,</td><td>under 10 years of age,</td><td>876</td></tr> -<tr><td class="c">do.</td><td>between 10 and 16</td><td>376</td></tr> -<tr><td class="c">do.</td><td>between 16 and 26</td><td>717</td></tr> -<tr><td class="c">do.</td><td>between 26 and 45</td><td>961</td></tr> -<tr><td class="c">do.</td><td>between 45 and upwards</td><td>379</td></tr> -<tr><td class="c"> </td><td> </td><td>——</td><td>3309</td></tr> -<tr><td class="c">White females,</td><td>under 10 years of age,</td><td>876</td></tr> -<tr><td class="c">do.</td><td>between 10 and 16</td><td>398</td></tr> -<tr><td class="c">do.</td><td>between 16 and 26</td><td>705</td></tr> -<tr><td class="c">do.</td><td>between 26 and 45</td><td>961</td></tr> -<tr><td class="c">do.</td><td>between 45 and upwards</td><td>379</td></tr> -<tr><td class="c"> </td><td> </td><td>——</td><td>3319</td></tr> -</table> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td>Free blacks,</td><td class="rt">657</td></tr> -<tr><td>Slaves,</td><td class="rt">190</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td><td class="rtbb">7475</td></tr> -</table> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td>Foreigners not naturalized,</td><td class="rt">252</td></tr> -<tr><td>Persons engaged in Agriculture, </td><td class="rt">264</td></tr> -<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 1em;margin-right:1em;">do.</span> in Commerce,</td><td class="rt">67</td></tr> -<tr><td>do. in Manufactures,</td><td class="rt">497</td></tr> -</table> - -<p>The following account of the population of Kings County at different -periods, may not be uninteresting to many readers.</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td rowspan="8" valign="top">The population of Kings County in</td> -<td align="left">1731</td><td class="c">was</td><td class="c">2150 </td></tr> -<tr><td>1756</td><td align="left"> </td><td class="c">2707 </td></tr> -<tr><td>1771</td><td align="left"> </td><td class="c">3623 </td></tr> -<tr><td>1786</td><td align="left"> </td><td class="c">3966 </td></tr> -<tr><td>1790</td><td align="left"> </td><td class="c">4495 </td></tr> -<tr><td>1800</td><td align="left"> </td><td class="c">5740 </td></tr> -<tr><td>1810</td><td align="left"> </td><td class="c">8303 </td></tr> -<tr><td>1820</td><td align="left"> </td><td class="c">11187<a name="FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a></td></tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_089" id="page_089"></a>{89}</span></p> - -<p>In 1706, There were 64 freeholders in the town of Brooklyn. In 1802, -their number had only increased to 86, as appears from the list of -Jurors at that period. In the year 1800, there were 253 votes given in -this town, at a contested election for assemblyman. In 1824, on the same -occasion 1013 votes were taken.</p> - -<p>At the close of the Revolutionary war, the town of Brooklyn within the -bounds of the present village contained 56 buildings. In 1821, the -village contained 867 buildings; of which 96 were Groceries and Taverns, -and several store-houses.—These store-houses depend principally, on the -operation of the Quarantine laws, in the months of June, July and -August, for business. On the 23d of July in the same year, there were -lying at the wharves in this village, 13 ships, 9 brigs, 8 schooners, -and 14 sloops. July 1, 1824, there were lying at the wharves in this -village, 8 ships, 16 brigs, 20 schooners, and 12 sloops.</p> - -<p>In 1822. 50 dwelling-houses were erected in this village. In 1823, 122 -frame dwelling and 32 brick and brick front buildings were erected. -January 1, 1824, the village of Brooklyn contained 113 stone, brick and -brick front buildings. During the present year 143 frame dwelling-houses -have been built in this village.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_090" id="page_090"></a>{90}</span></p> - -<p>The town contains 8 Ropewalks, which manufacture 1130 tons of cordage -annually; 4 Distilleries; 2 Spirits of Turpentine Distilleries; 1 Glue -factory; 1 Chain cable manufactory; 2 Tanneries; 2 White lead works; 1 -Whiting manufactory; 1 Glass factory and 1 Furnace for casting iron. The -manufacture of Hats is conducted on a large scale in this place.</p> - -<p>In the year 1703, a survey was made of “Broocklands improveable lands -and meadows within fence,” and the same was found to amount to 5177 -acres. At that period the greatest holder of that description of land -was Simon Aersen, who owned 200 acres. In 1706, all the real and -personal estates of the town of Brooklyn were assessed at £3122 12s. 0d. -The tax on which was £41 3s. 7½d and the whole tax of the county £201 -16s 1½d. In 1707, the real and personal estates of this town assessed at -£3091 11s 0d, The government tax on which, was for the same year £116 7s -3d, payable in two payments; and the whole tax of the county £448 3s 7d. -The present year, the real estate in this town was assessed at -$2,111,390. And the personal estate at $488,690; being considerably more -than one half of the whole value of the county. The State, county and -town tax on which amounts to $6,497 71. At this period there are in the -village 1149 taxable persons, and the village tax amounts to $2625 76, -averaging about $2 29, each taxable person. This village tax includes -$450 raised to meet the expenses of the Board of Health, and is -exclusive of all local assessments for opening and improving streets, -&c.</p> - -<p>The receipts of the overseers of the poor of this town for the year -1823, amounted to $3108 77, and their expenditures to $3469 49, leaving -a balance of $360 72 against the town.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_091" id="page_091"></a>{91}</span></p> - -<p>On the 22d of March, 1823, there were 54 persons in the Alms-house; 51 -persons were admitted during the year ending March 30, 1824. During the -same period, 34 were discharged, and 10 died. March 30, 1824, there were -in the Alms-house 40 persons, viz. 11 men, 16 women, 5 girls, and 8 -boys. In the winter of 1823-4, 93 loads of wood were distributed from -this institution among the poor of the town.<a name="FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a></p> - -<p>April 21, 1701, a piece of land about 100 feet square, lying within the -present bounds of the village of Brooklyn, was sold for £75, “current -money of the Province of New-York.” 1720 a dwelling-house and lot of -ground containing 62 feet front, 61 feet rear, and 111 feet deep, near -the ferry, on the north-east side of what is now called Fulton-street, -sold for £260, “current money of New-York. In the year 1784, all the -property owned by the Corporation of the City of New-York in this town -was assessed at £365, New-York currency; which property is now worth -$50,000 at the lowest calculation.</p> - -<p>August 30, 1701. John Bybon sold to Cornelius Vanderhove, for £37 10s, -the one equal half part of a brewhouse, situate at Bedford, in the town -of Brookland, fronting the highway leading from Bedford to Cripplebush; -together with one equal half part of all the brewing vessels, &c.</p> - -<p>In 1685, a Windmill was erected in this town by John Vannise and Peter -Hendricks, for Michael Hainell. There is great reason to believe that -this was the first mill erected in this town. August 19, 1689, an -agreement was entered into between Cornelius Seberingh of Brookland, and -John Marsh of East Jersey, relative to building a water mill on<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_092" id="page_092"></a>{92}</span> -Graver’s kill in this town. At present there are in this town seven -water mills and two wind mills.—From February 16, 1823, to February 15, -1824, 5825 barrels of superfine flour, 260 barrels of fine flour, and -124 hogsheads of corn meal were inspected in this county. The most, if -not all of which flour and meal was manufactured at the mills in this -place.</p> - -<h2>SCHOOLS, NEWS-PAPERS, AND MORAL CHARACTER.</h2> - -<p>May 1661, Charles Debevoice was recommended by Gov. Stuyvesant as a -suitable person for schoolmaster of this town, and also for clerk and -sexton of the church, who was employed and received a good salary.</p> - -<p>Immediately previous to the revolutionary war, that part of the town of -Brooklyn which is now comprised in the bounds of the village, and for -some distance without those bounds, supported but one school, of 19 -scholars, five of whom were out of the family of Mr. Andrew Patchen. The -school-house was situated on the hill, on property which was then owned -by Israel Horsfield, but now belongs to the heirs of Carey Ludlow, -deceased.—The teacher was Benjamin Brown, a staunch whig from -Connecticut.</p> - -<p><i>District School, No. 1.</i> This school was organized at a public meeting, -held Jan. 2, 1816, at which meeting Andrew Mercein, John Seaman, and -Robert Snow were elected trustees, and John Doughty clerk of the school. -The trustees were appointed a committee to ascertain a proper site for -building a school-house, and report the probable expense thereof. At a -meeting held January 12, 1816, the trustees reported that they could -purchase four lots of ground on Concord street, of Mr. Noah Waterbury, -for $550. The meeting thereupon resolved,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_093" id="page_093"></a>{93}</span> that “the sum of $2000 should -be raised by tax on the inhabitants of the said district, to purchase -said lots and to build a school-house thereon;” and that in the mean -time the “Loisian school be the common school of the said district;” and -that “the trustees of the district be authorized to exonerate from the -payment of teacher’s wages all such poor and indigent persons as they -shall think proper, pursuant to the act of the legislature;” and that -“it be recommended by this meeting, that the common school to be taught -in this district, be on the Lancastrian plan of instruction.”</p> - -<p>In the school of this district, which includes the village of Brooklyn, -upwards of 200 children are taught. The price of tuition does not exceed -four dollars per annum, and from that amount down to nothing, in -proportion to the abilities of the parent. The School District No. 1, at -present contains 1607 children between the ages of 5 and 15 years, of -whom 1157 go to the public or private schools.</p> - -<p>In 1821 there were eight private schools in the village of Brooklyn.</p> - -<p>In 1823 the town received from the state $418 13 for the support of -common schools.</p> - -<p>The present officers connected with the common schools of the town are—</p> - -<p><i>Commissioners.</i> Jordan Coles, Robert Nichols, Josiah Noyes.</p> - -<p><i>Inspectors.</i> Charles I. Doughty, Evan Beynon, Robert Snow.</p> - -<p><i>Trustees of District School No. 1.</i> William Cornwell, Joseph Sprague, -Charles I. Doughty.—<i>Clerk</i>, Ralph Malbone.</p> - -<h3><i>Newspapers.</i></h3> - -<p>Four Newspapers have been published in this town in the following -chronological order:<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_094" id="page_094"></a>{94}</span></p> - -<p>June 26, 1799. The first number of the “Courier, and New-York and -Long-Island Advertiser,” published by Thomas Kirk, Esq. This was the -first newspaper established on Long-Island.</p> - -<p>May 26, 1806. The first number of the “Long Island Weekly -Intelligencer,” published by Mess’rs. Robinson and Little.</p> - -<p>June 1, 1809. The first number of the “Long Island Star,” published by -Thomas Kirk, Esq.</p> - -<p>March 7, 1821. The first number of the “Long Island Patriot,” published -by Geo. L. Birch, Esq.</p> - -<p>In the month of November, 1810, proposals were issued by Benjamin F. -Cowdrey, & Co. for establishing in Brooklyn a weekly newspaper, to be -entitled “The Long-Island Journal, and American Freeman.” For some -reason unknown to the compiler this paper was not published.</p> - -<p>During the month of May, 1820, Brockholst Livingston, jun. issued -proposals for publishing a weekly newspaper in this village, to be -entitled the “Long-Island Republican.” Not meeting with sufficient -encouragement, this attempt was abandoned.</p> - -<p>The only two papers now in existence in this town, are “The Star,” -published by Alden Spooner, Esq. and the “Long Island Patriot,” by -George L. Birch, Esq.</p> - -<h3><i>Moral Character.</i></h3> - -<p>It is a delicate subject for a writer to treat of the morals of a people -among whom he is a resident, lest by telling the truth too plainly, he -awaken unpleasant feelings in the breasts of some whom perhaps he would -not wish to offend. On the other hand, if glaring faults are slightly -passed over, or palliated, it calls down on his devoted head all the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_095" id="page_095"></a>{95}</span>envenomed attacks of malicious criticism. The compiler, however, -flatters himself that neither will be the case in this instance.</p> - -<p>The people of Brooklyn, it is true, cannot be considered as rigid in -religious matters as the saints of Oliver Cromwell’s army, whose very -cannon had on the inscription of “O Lord, open thou our lips, and our -mouth shall shew forth thy praise!” But they are far from being -irreligious; the churches are well filled, religious societies are -liberally supported, vice discountenanced; and for the more effectual -suppression thereof, in 1815, a society for the suppression of vice and -immorality was formed, consisting of many of the most respectable -inhabitants of the town. By the exertions of our Sunday school -societies, attached to the different congregations, the morals of the -younger part of the community have been greatly reformed; and it is -highly gratifying to observe the improvement made in the general morals, -of the town, in consequence of their benevolent exertions.</p> - -<h2>FIRE DEPARTMENT.</h2> - -<p>Although this might with some propriety be placed under the head of -<i>Public Institutions</i>, the compiler has thought proper to make it a head -of itself; and he hopes that the following few historical facts relative -to this valuable department, may be useful to such as feel an interest -in its progression and improvement.</p> - -<p>By an act passed by the legislature of this state, March 15, 1788, “for -the better extinguishing of fires in the town of Brooklyn,” the number -of firemen was limited to eight, who were nominated and appointed by the -freeholders and inhabitants of the fire district, which was comprised -within nearly the same bounds with the present village,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_096" id="page_096"></a>{96}</span> In the year -1794 the sum of £188 19<i>s.</i> 10<i>d.</i> was raised by subscription in this -town, for purchasing a fire engine. On the 24th March in the following -year, an act was passed by the legislature “for the better extinguishing -of fires” in this town; by which act the number of firemen was increased -to thirty.</p> - -<p>1796. The sum of £49 4<i>s.</i> was raised by subscription for purchasing “a -suitable bell for the use of the town of Brooklyn.” This is the present -fire bell.</p> - -<p>March 21, 1797, an act was passed by the legislature “for the prevention -of fires, and for regulating the assize of bread, in the town of -Brooklyn.” This act authorised the inhabitants to choose not less than -three nor more than five freeholders, who might from time to time make -such prudential by-laws as they judged necessary, for the prevention of -fires by the burning of chimneys, and for sweeping and otherwise -cleansing the same. The inhabitants accordingly met on the second -Tuesday of May, in the same year, and appointed Mess’rs. Henry Stanton, -John Doughty, Martin Boerum, John Van Nostrand, and John Fisher, to -carry into effect the provisions of the above act. In the execution of -which duty the persons so appointed ordained, that from and after the -11th day of July, 1797, a fine of ten shillings should be levied on each -person whose chimney should take fire through carelessness, or be set on -fire for the purpose of cleansing; and that “all penalties shall be -received and recovered by the clerk of the fire company for the time -being, if he be one of the persons so chosen; if not, the said persons -elected shall nominate and appoint one of their number to serve for and -receive in the same manner that the clerk is at present authorised.” -From 1798 to August 6, 1806, the sum of £20 7s. was received for chimney -fines.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_097" id="page_097"></a>{97}</span></p> - -<p>For a considerable length of time, this town had but one small fire -engine; they subsequently purchased another, which was called No. 2. -About 1810, No. 3. now styled the “Franklin,” was purchased by the -inhabitants of the Fire District. The Fire Department of the village at -present consists of four Fire Engines (of which three are new, namely, -Nos. 1, 2, and 4,) and a Hook and Ladder Company, viz.</p> - -<p>No. 1, “Washington,” full complement 30 men, Foreman, Joshua Sutton.</p> - -<p>No. 2, “Neptune,” full complement 30 men, Foreman, Gamaliel King.</p> - -<p>No. 3, “Franklin,” full complement 30 men, Foreman, Jeremiah Wells.</p> - -<p>No. 4, “Eagle,” full complement 30 men, Foreman, George Fricke.</p> - -<p>Hook and Ladder Company, full complement 30 men, Foreman, John Smith.</p> - -<p>There are also in the Navy Yard, two excellent Fire Engines, well -manned, and which, together with those from New-York, generously come to -our assistance when ever our place is visited by that dreadful calamity, -fire.</p> - -<p>The receipts of the Fire Department, from 1794 to 1815, amounted to £898 -10s. 1d. and the expenditures from July 7, 1795, to November 15, 1816, -amounted to £964 3s. 3d.</p> - -<p>The office of Clerk and Treasurer of the Fire Department of this town, -was held by John Hicks, Esq. until 1796; at which time John Doughty, -Esq. was appointed, who held that office until the incorporation of the -village in 1816, when he was appointed Chief Engineer of the Fire -Department of the village, which office he held for one year. In 1817, -William Furman, Esq. was appointed Chief Engineer, and officiated in -that capacity until 1821, when, on the resignation of Mr. Furman, John<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_098" id="page_098"></a>{98}</span> -Doughty, Esq. was again appointed, and continues to hold the office. The -present officers of the Fire Department are,</p> - -<p>John Doughty, Chief Engineer.</p> - -<p><i>Fire Wardens.</i> Joseph Moser, Edward Coope, Joseph Sprague.</p> - -<p>April 16, 1823, an act was passed by the Legislature of this state to -incorporate the firemen of this village, by the name of the “Fire -Department of the Village of Brooklyn.” The act allows this corporation -to hold, purchase, and convey any estate, real or personal for the use -of the corporation; provided such real or personal estate shall not at -any time exceed the yearly value of $1000. The following officers were -appointed by the act of incorporation, viz.</p> - -<ul><li>John Doughty, President.</li> -<li>Joshua Sutton, Vice-President.</li> -<li>Richard Cornwell, Secretary.</li></ul> - -<p><i>Trustees.</i> Jeremiah Wells, Morris Simonson, Michael Trapple, Joseph -Moser, George Fricke, Gamaliel King, Simeon Back, Parshall Wells, George -L. Birch.</p> - -<p>The laudable object proposed by this institution, is to raise a fund for -the relief of widows and children of deceased firemen.</p> - -<p>By an amendment to the act of Incorporation of the village of Brooklyn, -passed April 9, 1824, it is provided, “That all fines and penalties -under any by-law of the said village, in relation to the burning of -chimneys, and for the preventing and extinguishing of fires, and also, -all fines and penalties either under such by-laws, or under any statute -of this state, in relation to the manner of keeping and transporting -gun-powder within the said village, shall be sued for in the name of the -said Trustees, (of the village of Brooklyn) by the fire department<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_099" id="page_099"></a>{99}</span> of -the said village, and when recovered shall be paid to the said fire -department, for their own use.”</p> - -<h2>MISCELLANEOUS.</h2> - -<p>June 7, 1625, Sarah De Rapalje, born in this town. Tradition says that -she was the first white child born in the colony. Her parents were -Walloons; from whence is derived the name of Wallaboght, or Walloons -Bay, where they lived.<a name="FNanchor_26_26" id="FNanchor_26_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a> She was twice married. Her first husband was -Hans Hanse Bergen, by whom she had six children, viz. Michael Hanse, -Joris Hanse, Jan Hanse, Jacob Hanse, Brechje Hanse, and Marytje Hanse. -Her second husband was Teunis Guysbertse Bogart, by whom she also had -six children, viz. Aurtie Bogart, Antje Bogart, Neeltje Bogart, Aultje -Bogart, Catelyntje Bogart, and Guysbert Bogart. The account of Sarah De -Rapelje in the archives of the New-York Historical Society contains the -names of the persons to whom eleven of her children were married, and -tells the places where they settled. The twelfth, Brechje Hanse went to -Holland.</p> - -<p>March 1, 1665, Hendrick Lubbertson and John Evertsen, appeared as -deputies from the town of Brooklyn, at the Assembly convened at -Hempstead, by order of Richard Nicolls, Deputy Governor under the Duke -of York; at which assembly the code of laws called the “Duke’s laws” -were adopted and published. In the appendix marked E. will be found the -address which these deputies, together with the others, sent to the Duke -of York; and which occasioned so much excitement in the Colony at that -period.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_100" id="page_100"></a>{100}</span></p> - -<p>1671, This town, with five other towns in the West Riding of Yorkshire -upon Long-Island, petitioned the Court of Sessions “for liberty to -transport wheate,” which petition was referred to the Governor.</p> - -<p>1687. The Clerk’s office of Kings County was kept in this town, by the -Deputy Register, Jacob Vandewater, who was also a Notary Public in this -town at the same period. The Register, Samuel Bayard, Esq. resided in -the city of New-York.</p> - -<p>About the year 1691, there was a custom prevalent in this town of -calling a widow the “last wife” of her deceased husband; and a widower -the “last man” of his deceased wife.</p> - -<p>The following is an Inventory of the estate which a bride in this town -brought with her to her husband in the year 1691. The husband by various -records appears to have been a man of considerable wealth; -notwithstanding which, the following inventory was thought by both of -them, of sufficient importance to merit being recorded, viz.</p> - -<p>“A half worn bed, pillow, 2 cushions of ticking with feathers, one rug, -4 sheets, 4 cushion covers, 2 iron potts, 3 pewter dishes, 1 pewter -bason, 1 iron roaster, 1 schuryn spoon, 2 cowes about five yeares old, 1 -case or cupboard, 1 table.”</p> - -<p>November 12, 1695, the Court of Sessions for Kings County, ordered that -the Constable of this towns, “shall on Sunday or Sabbathday take law for -the apprehending of all Sabbath breakers,” and “search all ale houses, -taverns and other suspected places for all prophaners and breakers of -the Sabbath daye,” and bring them before a Justice of the, Peace to be -dealt with according to law. This was to be done by the Constable under -the penalty of six shillings for each neglect or default.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_101" id="page_101"></a>{101}</span></p> - -<p>The same Court also made an order, “that Mad James be kept by Kings -County in general, and that the deacons of each towne within the said -county doe forthwith meet together and consider about their propercons -for maintainence of said James.” This is the first instance which has -come to the compiler’s knowledge of the Court making an order for the -county generally to support a pauper.</p> - -<p>In the year 1758, the sum of £122 18s. 7d. was assessed in two -assessments, by the Justices of the Peace, on this town, towards -building “a new Court house and gaol” for Kings County. The whole amount -assessed on the County was £448 4s. 1d.</p> - -<p>The present Court house of Kings County, was built by contract in the -year 1792, at an expense of $2944, 71, under the superintendence of John -Vanderbilt, Johannes E. Lott, and Charles Doughty, Esq’rs. The -contractor was Thomas Fardon, and plans were furnished for the building -by Messrs. Stanton and Newton, and James Robertson.<a name="FNanchor_27_27" id="FNanchor_27_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_102" id="page_102"></a>{102}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="APPENDIX" id="APPENDIX"></a>APPENDIX.</h2> - -<h3>A.</h3> - -<h4><i>Deed from William Morris and wife to the Corporation of New-York.</i></h4> - -<p>This Indenture made the twelfth day of October, in the sixth year of the -reign of our Sovereign Lord and Lady William and Mary, by the grace of -God, of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, King and Queen, -defenders of the faith, &c. and in the year of our Lord one thousand six -hundred and ninety-four, between William Morris, now of the ferry, in -the bounds of the town of Breuchlen, in Kings County, on Long-Island, -Gentleman, and Rebecca his wife of the one part, and the Mayor, Aldermen -and Commonalty of the City of New-York, of the other part, Witnesseth, -that the said William Morris, by and with the consent of Rebecca his -said wife, testified by her being a party to the sealing and delivery of -these presents, for, and in consideration of a certain sum of good and -lawful money to him, at and before the sealing and delivery hereof, by -the said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty, in hand well and truly paid, -the receipt whereof he the said William Morris doth hereby acknowledge, -and thereof and therefrom and of and from all and every part thereof, he -doth hereby acquit, exonerate and discharge the said Mayor, Aldermen and -Commonalty, and their successors forever, hath granted, bargained, sold, -assigned, conveyed and confirmed, and by these presents doth grant, -bargain, sell, assign, convey and confirm unto the said Mayor, Aldermen -and Commonalty of the said city of New-York, and their successors -forever, All that messuage or dwelling house and lot of ground thereunto -adjoining and belonging, with the appurtenances, situate, lying and -being at the ferry, in the bounds of the town of Breucklen, in Kings -County aforesaid, now and late in the possession of him, the said -William<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_103" id="page_103"></a>{103}</span> Morris; as also one small house, now in the possession of one -Thomas Hock, lying in the said City of New-York, over against the ferry -aforesaid, Together with all and singular houses, barns, stables, yards, -backsides, wharfs, easements, benefits, emoluments, hereditaments, and -appurtenances to the same messuage or dwelling house and premises -belonging, or in any wise appertaining, and the reversion and -reversions, remainder and remainders, rents, issues, and profits of all -and singular the premisses and the appurtenances, and all the estate, -right, title interest, property, possession, claim and demand of him the -said William Morris and Rebecca his said wife, of, in, unto or out of -the said messuage or dwelling house and premises, or, of, in, unto, or -out of, all or any part or parcel thereof, and all and singular grants, -deeds, escripts, minuments, writings and evidences, touching, relating -to or concerning the above-mentioned, to be bargained, messuage or -dwelling house and all and singular, the premises with the hereditaments -and appurtenances to the same belonging, or any part thereof, unto the -said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the City of New-York, aforesaid, -and their successors unto the only proper use, benefit and behoof of the -said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the City of New-York aforesaid, -their successors and assigns forever. In witness, &c.<a name="FNanchor_28_28" id="FNanchor_28_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a></p> - -<h4><i>A Warrant for enforcing the payment of a town tax in the town of -Brooklyn.</i></h4> - -<p>Whereas there was an order or towne lawe by the ffreeholders of the -towne of Brooklyn, in Kings County aforesaid, the 5th day of May, 1701, -ffor constituting<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_104" id="page_104"></a>{104}</span> and appointing of Trustrees to defend the rights of -their quondam common wood lands, and to raise a tax ffor the same to -defray the charge of that and theire towne debts, &c. which said lawe -has bin since ffurther confirmed by said ffreeholders at a towne meeting -at Bedford, the 11th of Aprill, 1702, and since approved of and -confirmed by a Court of Sessions, held at Fflatbush, in said County the -13th day of May, 1702. And whereas by virtue of said lawe, a certaine -small tax was raised on the ffreeholders in said towne proportionably to -defray the charges aforesaid: And now upon complaint of the said -Trustees to us made, that A. B. has refused to pay his juste and due -proporcon of said tax wch amounts to <i>L</i>1 16s 0d, current money of -New-York. These are therefore in her Majesty’s name, to command you to -summons A. B. personally to be and appeare before us, &c., then and -there to answer C. D. E. F. Trustees of said towne of Brooklin, in an -action of tresspass on the case, to the damage of the said C. D. E. F. -<i>L</i>1 16s 0d, current money as aforesaid, as it is said, and have with -you then there this precept. Given, &c.</p> - -<h3>B.</h3> - -<p>Brookland, November 14th, 1753. A Town meeting called by warrant of -Carel Debevois, Esq. and Jacobus Debevois, Esq. two of his Majesty’s -Justices for the township of Brookland, in the County of Kings, to elect -and chuse Trustees to defend our Patent of Brookland against the -Commonalty of the City of New-York.—And the Trustees so elected and -chosen by the freeholders and inhabitants of the township of Brookland -aforesaid, are as follows: Jacobus Lefferts, Peter Vandervoort, Jacob -Remsen, Rem Remsen, and Nicholas Vechte. And we the hereunder -subscribers being freeholders and inhabitants of the township of -Brookland, by these presents do fully impower and authorize the -abovesaid Trustees, Jacobus Lefferts, Peter Vandevoort, Jacob Remsen, -Rem Remsen, and Nicholas Vechte, elected and chosen by the freeholders -and inhabitants of the township of Brookland aforesaid, to defend<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_105" id="page_105"></a>{105}</span> our -patent where in any manner our liberties, privileges and rights in our -patent specified is incroached, lessened or taken away by the Commonalty -of the City of New-York. And that we hereunder subscribers of the -township of Brookland, oblige ourselves, our heirs, executors and -administrators to pay to the abovesaid Trustees, all cost that they are -at in protecting of the profits of our patent, and that money shall be -collected in by the constable of our town. And that the abovesaid -Trustees do oblige themselves to render upon oath a true account of all -such moneys they have expended in protecting or defending our patent, to -any person or persons, as the hereunder subscribers shall appoint for -that purpose. And in defending our patent so that verdict shall come in -our favour, where income of money or other profits should arise -concerning the premises, all such profits or income should be kept -towards defraying of all the necessary cost and charge of our township -of Brookland, till such time as it is altered by the majority. And that -the Trustees should have three shillings per day for their service and -no more.</p> - -<h3>C.</h3> - -<h4><i>The Petition of Volkert Brier.</i></h4> - -<p><span class="smcap">To his Excellency.</span>—The humble peticon of Volkert Brier, inhabitant of -the towne of Broockland, on the Island of Nassau.</p> - -<p>May it please your Excellency your peticoner being fined five pounds -last Court of Sessions, in Kings County for tearing an execucon directed -to him as Constable. Your peticoner being ignorant of the crime, and not -thinking it was of force when he was out of his office, or that he -should have made returne of it as the lawe directs, he being an -illiterate man could not read said execucon nor understand any thing of -lawe: humbly prays yr Excellency yt you would be pleased to remit said -fine of five pounds, yr peticoner being a poore man and not capaciated -to pay said fine without great damage to himself and family. And for yr -Excellecy yr peticoner will ever pray, &c.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_106" id="page_106"></a>{106}</span></p> - -<h3>D.</h3> - -<h4><i>A Letter from Justice Ffilkin to the Secretary at New-York.</i></h4> - -<p><span class="smcap">Sir</span>,—I am in expectation of a complaint coming to his Excellency by -Coll. Beeckman against me, and that his Excellency may be rightly -informed of the matter, my humble request to you is, that if such a -thing happen, be pleased to give his Excellency an account thereof, -which is as follows: A Ffriday night last, the Justices of the County -and I came from his Excellency’s; Coll. Beeckman happened to come over -in the fferry boat along with us, and as we came over the fferry, Coll. -Beeckman and we went into the fferry house to drink a glass of wine, and -being soe in company, there happened a dispute between Coll. Beeckman -and myself, about his particular order that he lately made to Mr. -Ffreeman, when he was President of the Councill, without the consent of -the Councill; Coll. Beeckman stood to affirm there, before most of the -Justices of Kings County, that said order, that he made then to Mr. -Ffreeman as President only, was still in fforce, and that Mr. Ffreeman -should preach at Broockland next Sunday according to that order; -whereupon I said it was not in fforce, but void and of noe effect, and -he had not in this County, any more power now than I have, being equall -in commission with him in the general commission of the peace and one of -the quorum as well as he; upon which he gave me affronting words, giving -me the lie and calling me pittifull fellow, dog, rogue, rascall, &c. -which caused me, being overcome with passion, to tell him that I had a -good mind to knock him off his horse, we being both at that time getting -upon our horses to goe home, but that I would not goe, I would fight him -at any time with a sword. I could wish that these last words had bin -kept in, and I am troubled that I was soe overcome with passion and -inflamed with wine. The works of these Dutch ministers is the occasion -of all our quarrells.<a name="FNanchor_29_29" id="FNanchor_29_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a> And this<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_107" id="page_107"></a>{107}</span> is the truth of the matter, there -was no blows offerred, nor noe more done. Mr. Ffreeman has preached at -Broockland yesterday accordingly, and the church doore was broke open, -by whom it is not yet knowne. Soe I beg your pardon ffor this trouble, -crave your favour in this matter, and shall alwayes remaine.</p> - -<p class="r"> -Sir, your ffaithful and humble servant,<br /> -H. FFILKIN.<br /> -</p> - -<h3>[E]</h3> - -<h4><i>The Address of the Deputies, assembled at Hempstead.</i></h4> - -<p>We the deputies duly elected from the several towns upon Long-Island, -being assembled at Hempstead, in general meeting, by authority derived -from your royal highness unto the honorable Colonel Nicolls, as deputy -governor, do most humbly and thankfully acknowledge to your royal -highness, the great honor and satisfaction we receive in our dependence -upon your royal highness according to the tenor of his sacred majesty’s -patent, granted the 12th day of March, 1664; wherein we acknowledge -ourselves, our heirs and successors forever, to be comprized to all -intents and purposes, as therein is more at large expressed. And we do -publickly and unanimously declare our cheerful submission to all such -laws, statutes and ordinances, which are or shall be made by virtue of -authority from your royal highness, your heirs and successors forever: -As also, that we will maintain, uphold, and defend, to the utmost of our -power, and peril of us, our heirs and successors forever, all the -rights, title, and interest, granted by his sacred majesty to your royal -highness, against all pretensions or invasions, foreign or domestic; we -being already well assured, that, in so doing, we perform our duty of -allegiance to his majesty, as freeborn subjects of the kingdom of -England inhabiting in these his majesty’s dominions. We do farther -beseech your royal highness to accept of this address, as the first -fruits in this general meeting, for a memorial and record against us, -our heirs and successors, when we or any of them shall fail in our -duties. Lastly we beseech your royal highness<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_108" id="page_108"></a>{108}</span> to take our poverties and -necessities, in this wilderness country, into speedy consideration; -that, by constant supplies of trade, and your royal highnesses more -particular countenance of grace to us, and protection of us, we may -daily more and more be encouraged to bestow our labors to the -improvement of these his majesty’s western dominions, under your royal -highness; for whose health, long life, and eternal happiness, we shall -ever pray, as in duty bound.</p> - -<p class="c"><i>List of the Deputies.</i></p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left">New-Utrecht </td><td align="left">Jaques Cortelleau</td><td align="left">Younger Hope</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Gravesend</td><td align="left">James Hubbard</td><td align="left">John Bowne</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Flatlands</td><td align="left">Elbert Elbertsen</td><td align="left">Roeloffe Martense</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Flatbush</td><td align="left">John Striker</td><td align="left">Hendrick Gucksen</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Bushwick</td><td align="left">John Stealman</td><td align="left">Gisbert Tunis</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Brooklyn</td><td align="left">Hendrick Lubbertsen </td><td align="left">John Evertsen</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Newtown</td><td align="left">Richard Betts</td><td align="left">John Coe</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Flushing</td><td align="left">Elias Doughty</td><td align="left">Richard Cornhill</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Jamaica</td><td align="left">Daniel Denton</td><td align="left">Thomas Benedict</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Hempstead</td><td align="left">John Hicks</td><td align="left">Robert Jackson</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Oysterbay</td><td align="left">John Underhill</td><td align="left">Matthias Harvey</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Huntington</td><td align="left">Jonas Wood</td><td align="left">John Ketcham</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Brookhaven</td><td align="left">Daniel Lane</td><td align="left">Roger Barton</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Southold</td><td align="left">William Wells</td><td align="left">John Youngs</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Southampton</td><td align="left">Thomas Topping</td><td align="left">John Howell</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Easthampton</td><td align="left">Thomas Baker</td><td align="left">John Stratton</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">Westchester</td><td align="left">Edward Jessup</td><td align="left">—— Quinby</td></tr> -</table> - -<p>The people of Long-Island considered the language of this address as too -servile for freemen; and were exasperated against the makers of it to -such a degree that the court of assizes, in order to save the deputies -from abuse, if not from personal violence, thought it expedient, at -their meeting in October 1666, to declare that “whosoever hereafter -shall any wayes detract or speake against any of the deputies signing -the address to his royall highnes, at the general meeting at Hempstead, -they shall bee presented to the next court of sessions, and if the -justices shall see cause, they shall<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_109" id="page_109"></a>{109}</span> from thence bee bound over, to the -assizes, there to answer for the slander upon plaint or information.”</p> - -<p>The deputies subsequently to the address made to the duke of York, made -one to the people, in which they set forth their reasons for agreeing to -the code styled the duke’s laws.<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_110" id="page_110"></a>{110}</span></p> - -<h2><a name="APPENDIX_NO_2" id="APPENDIX_NO_2"></a>APPENDIX, N<small>O</small>. 2.</h2> - -<p>The following is a copy of the first charter by which the corporation -obtained any color of title to the land between high and low water mark, -on the Brooklyn side.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"><p>“Anne, by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France and -Ireland, Queen, defender of the Faith, &c. To all whom these -presents may in any wise concern, sendeth greeting. Whereas the -mayor, aldermen, and commonalty of the city of New-York, by their -petition to our trusty and well-beloved cousin Edward, Viscount -Cornbury,<a name="FNanchor_30_30" id="FNanchor_30_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a> our captain general and governor in chief in and over -our province of New-York, and territories depending thereon in -America, and Vice Admiral of the same, &c. preferred in council; -therein setting forth, that they having a right and interest, under -divers antient charters and grants, by divers former governors and -commanders in chief of our said province of New-York,<a name="FNanchor_31_31" id="FNanchor_31_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a> under our -noble progenitors, in a certain<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_111" id="page_111"></a>{111}</span> ferry from the said city of -New-York, over the East River, to Nassau Island, (alias -Long-Island) and from the said Island to the said city again, and -have possessed the same, and received all the profits benefits and -advantages thereof for the space of fifty years and upwards; and -perceiving the profits, advantages, and benefits usually issuing -out of the same, to diminish, decrease, and fall short of what -might be reasonably made of the same, for the want of the bounds -and limits to be extended and enlarged on the said Island side, -whereby to prevent divers persons transporting themselves and goods -to and from the said Island Nassau (alias Long Island) over the -said river, without coming or landing at the usual and accustomed -places, where the ferry boats are usually kept and appointed, to -the great loss and damage of the said city of New-York; have humbly -prayed our grant and confirmation, under the great seal of our said -province of New-York, of the said ferry, called the Old Ferry, on -both sides of the said East River, for the transporting of -passengers, goods, horses and cattle, to and from the said city, as -the same is now held and enjoyed by the said mayor, aldermen and -commonalty of the said city of New-York, or their under tenant, or -under tenants; and also of all that vacant and unappropriated land, -from high water mark to low water mark, on the said Nassau Island, -(alias Long Island) lying contiguous and fronting the said city of -New York, from a certain place called the Wall-about, unto the Red -Hook, over against Nutten Island, for the better improvement and -accommodation of the said ferry; with full power, leave and license -to set up, establish, maintain, and keep one or more ferry, or -ferries, for the ease and accommodation of all passengers and -travellers, for the transportation of themselves, goods, horses and -cattle, over the said river, within the bounds aforesaid, as they -shall see meet and convenient, and occasion require; and to -establish, ordain and make, bye laws, orders, and ordinances for -the due and orderly regulation of the same: The which petition we -being minded to grant, Know Ye, That of our especial grace, certain -knowledge and meer motion, we have<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_112" id="page_112"></a>{112}</span> given, granted, ratified and -confirmed, and in and by these presents, for us, our heirs and -successors, we do give, grant, ratify and confirm, unto the said -mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the city of New-York, and to -their successors and assigns, all that the said ferry, called the -Old Ferry, on both sides of the said East River, for the -transportation of passengers, goods, horses and cattle, over the -said river, to and from the said city and island, as the same is -now used, held and enjoyed, by the said mayor, aldermen and -commonalty of the city of New-York, or their under tenant or under -tenants, with all and singular the usual and accustomed ferriage, -fees, perquisites, rents, issues, profits, and other benefits and -advantages whatsoever, to the said Old Ferry belonging, or -therewith used, or thereout arising; and also all that the -aforesaid vacant and unappropriated ground, lying and being on the -said Nassau Island, (alias Long-Island) from high water mark to low -water mark aforesaid, contiguous and fronting the said city of -New-York, from the aforesaid place called the Wallabout to Red Hook -aforesaid; that is to say, from the east side of the Wallabout, -opposite the now dwelling house of James Bobine, to the west side -of the Red Hook, commonly called the Fishing-place, with all and -singular the appurtenances and hereditaments to the same belonging, -or in any wise of right appertaining; together with all and -singular the rents, issues, profits, advantages, and appurtenances, -which heretofore have, now are, & which hereafter shall belong to -the said ferry, vacant land, and premises, herein before granted -and confirmed, or to any or either of them, in any wise -appertaining, or which heretofore have been, now are, and which -hereafter shall belong, be used, held, received, and enjoyed; and -all our estate, right, title and interest, benefit and advantage, -claim and demand, of, in or to the said ferry, vacant land and -premises, or any part or parcel thereof, & the reversion & -reversions, remainder and remainders; together with the yearly, and -other rents, revenues and profits of the premises, and of every -part and parcel thereof, except and always reserved out of this our -present grant and confirmation,<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_113" id="page_113"></a>{113}</span> free liberty, leave and license to -and for all and every person or persons, inhabiting or having -plantations near the said river, by the water side, within the -limits and bounds above mentioned, to transport themselves, goods, -horses, and cattle, over the said river, to and from the said city -of New-York, and Nassau Island, (alias Long-Island) to and from -their respective dwellings or plantations, without any ferriage, or -other account to the said ferry, hereby granted and confirmed, to -be paid or given; so always as the said person or persons do -transport themselves only, and their own goods, in their own boats -only, and not any stranger or their goods, horses or cattle, or in -any other boat. To have and to hold, all and singular the said -ferry, vacant land and premises, herein before granted and -confirmed, or meant, mentioned, or intended to be hereby granted -and confirmed (except as is herein before excepted) and all and -singular the rents, issues, profits, rights, members and -appurtenances, to the same belonging, or in any wise of right -appertaining, unto the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the -city of New-York, and their successors and assigns forever; to the -only proper use and behoof of the said mayor, aldermen, and -commonalty of the city of New-York, and their successors and -assigns forever; to be holden of us, our heirs and successors, in -free and common soccage, as of our manour of East-Greenwich, in the -county of Kent, within our kingdom of England; yielding, rendering, -and paying unto us, our heirs and successors, for the same, yearly, -at our custom-house of New-York, to our collector and receiver -general there for the time being, at or upon the feast of the -nativity of St John the Baptist, the yearly rent or sum of five -shillings, current money of New-York. And we do further, of our -especial grace, certain knowledge and meer motion, for us, our -heirs and successors, give and grant unto the said mayor, aldermen -and commonalty, and their successors, full and free leave and -license to set up, establish, keep, and maintain one or more ferry -or ferries, as they shall from time to time think fit and -convenient, within the limits and bounds aforesaid, for the ease -and accommodation<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_114" id="page_114"></a>{114}</span> of transporting of passengers, goods, horses and -cattle, between the said city of New-York and the said Island -(except as is herein before excepted) under such reasonable rates -and payments as have been usually paid and received for the same; -or which at any time hereafter, shall be by them established, by -and with the consent and approbation of our governor and council of -our said province, for the time being<a name="FNanchor_32_32" id="FNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a> And we do further, of our -especial grace, certain knowledge, and meer motion, give, and grant -unto the said mayor, aldermen, and commonalty of the city of -New-York, and their successors, full and absolute power and -authority, to make, ordain, establish, constitute and confirm, all -manner of by-laws, orders, rules, ordinances and directions, for -the more orderly keeping, and regularly maintaining the aforesaid -ferry that now is kept, or any ferry or ferries which shall at any -time or times hereafter, be set up, established, or kept within the -bounds aforesaid, by virtue hereof, or of, for, touching or -concerning the same, (so always as the same be not contrary to our -laws of England, and of our province of New-York) and the same at -all times hereafter to put in execution, or abrogate, revoke, or -change, as they in their good discretion shall think fit, and most -convenient, for the due and orderly keeping, regulating, and -governing the said ferry or ferries herein before mentioned. And -lastly, our will and pleasure is, and we do hereby declare and -grant, that these our letters patent, or the record thereof, in the -secretary’s office of our said province of New-York, shall be good -and effectual in the law, to all intents and purposes whatsoever, -notwithstanding the not true and well reciting or mentioning of the -premises, or any part thereof, or the limits and bounds thereof, or -of any former or other letters patents, or grants whatsoever, made -or granted; or of any part thereof, by us, or any of our -progenitors, unto any person or persons whatsoever, bodies politic -or<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_115" id="page_115"></a>{115}</span> corporate,<a name="FNanchor_33_33" id="FNanchor_33_33"></a><a href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a> or any law or other restraint, incertainty, or -imperfection whatsoever, to the contrary in any wise -notwithstanding, and although express mention of the true yearly -value, or certainty of the premises, or of any of them, or of any -other gifts or grants by us or by any of our progenitors, -heretofore made to the said mayor, aldermen, and commonalty of the -city of New-York, in these presents, is not made, or any other -matter, cause, or thing whatsoever, to the contrary thereof in any -wise notwithstanding. In testimony whereof, we have caused these -our letters to be made patent, and the seal of our said province of -New-York, to our said letters patent to be affixed, and the same to -be recorded, in the secretary’s office of our said -province.—Witness our right trusty and well-beloved cousin, Edward -Viscount Cornbury, captain general and governor in chief in and -over our province of New-York aforesaid, and territories thereon -depending in America, and vice admiral of the same, &c. in council, -at our Fort, in New-York, the nineteenth day of April, in the -seventh year of our reign, Annoq. Domini one thousand seven hundred -and eight.</p> - -<p class="r"> -CORNBURY.”<br /> -</p></div> - -<p>At the time of printing that part of this work under the head of “Common -lands and the division thereof,” the compiler was not aware of the -existence of the following proceeding relating to the division of the -said lands, he has therefore placed the same in this appendix.</p> - -<p>“At a towne meeting held this twentieth day of Aprill, 1697, at Bedford -within the jurisdiction of Broockland, in Kings County, upon the Island -of Nassau, Resolved by all the ffreeholders of the towne of Broockland -aforesaid, that all their common land not yet laid out or divided, -belonging to their whole patent shall be equally divided and laid<span class="pagenum"><a name="page_116" id="page_116"></a>{116}</span> out -to each ffreeholders of said towne, his just proporcon in all the common -lands abovesaid, except those that have but an house and a home lott, -which are only to have but half share of the lands aforesaid. And for -the laying out of the said lands there are chosen and appointed by the -ffreeholders abovesaid, Capt. Henry Ffilkin, Jacobus Vanderwater, Daniel -Rapale, Joris Hansen, John Dorlant, and Cornelius Vanduyne. It is -further ordered that noe men within this township abovesaid, shall have -priviledge to sell his part of the undivided lands of Broockland not yet -laid out, to any person living without the township abovesaid. It is -likewise ordered, consented to, and agreed by the towne meeting -aforesaid, that Capt. Henry Ffilkin shall have a full share with any or -all the ffreeholders aforesaid, in all the common land or woods in the -whole patent of the towne of Broockland aforesaid, besides a half share -for his home lott; To have and to hold to him, his heirs and assigns -forever. It is likewise ordered, that noe person whatsoever within the -common woods of the jurisdicon of Broockland aforesaid, shall cutt or -fall any oake or chesnut saplings for fire wood during the space of -foure years from the date hereof upon any of the said common lands or -woods within the jurisdicon of Broockland patent, upon the penalty of -six shillings in money, for every waggon load of saplings abovesaid soe -cutt, besides the forfeiture of the wood or timber soe cutt as -abovesaid, the one half thereof to the informer, and the other half for -the use of the poor of the towne of Broockland aforesaid.</p> - -<p class="r"> -By order of the towne meeting aforesaid,<br /> -and Justice Henry Ffilkin,<br /> -<span class="smcap">Jacobus Vandewater</span>, Towne Clerk.”<br /> -</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_117" id="page_117"></a>{117}</span></p> - -<h2>ADVERTISEMENT.</h2> - -<p>The Compiler here closes his notes, and has only to remark, that -throughout the whole of this little work, he has been less solicitous -about his reputation as an author, than a correct compiler. Studies of -this nature are but ill calculated to admit of a luxuriance of diction -or sentiment, and to these he has in no place aspired. His business was -to collect authentic information concerning subjects at once obscure and -interesting, and in what degree he has effected this object he leaves -his readers to determine, feeling conscious himself, that however -imperfectly he may have executed his design, his only aim was the public -good.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_118" id="page_118"></a>{118}</span> </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_119" id="page_119"></a>{119}</span> </p> - -<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS.</h2> -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> - -<tr><td> </td><td class="rt">Page.</td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_005">Situation of the Town of Brooklyn,</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_005">5</a></td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_006">Ancient Names and Remains,</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_006">6</a></td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_007">Soil and Climate,</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_007">7</a></td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_008">Ancient Grants and Patents,</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_008">8</a></td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_021">Town Rights and Ferries,</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_021">21</a></td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_036">Roads and Public Landing Places,</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_036">36</a></td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_040">Common Lands, and the Division thereof,</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_040">40</a></td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_046">Differences as to Bounds,</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_046">46</a></td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_050">Revolutionary Incidents,</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_050">50</a></td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_055">Ancient Government,</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_055">55</a></td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_068">Present Government,</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_068">68</a></td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_073">Public Buildings and Institutions,</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_073">73</a></td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_092">Schools, Newspapers and Moral Character,</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_092">92</a></td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_095">Fire Department,</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_095">95</a></td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_099">Miscellaneous,</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_099">99</a></td></tr> -<tr><td valign="top"><a href="#page_102">Appendix,</a></td><td class="rt" valign="bottom"><a href="#page_102">102</a></td></tr> -</table> - -<div class="footnotes"><p class="cb">FOOTNOTES:</p> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> The custom of changing the names of sons, or rather -substituting the sur-names for the christian name, prevailed at this -period; as in the above instance, the father’s name was Barent Janse, -and the son was called Jan Barentse.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> According to the New-York doctrine, this boundary of the -town can only be correct when the tide is flood, for when the water is -low, the town is bounded by property belonging to the Corporation of the -City of New-York, and not by the River.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> This town enjoyed this privilege in common with the other -towns on Long-Island, and their cattle which ran at large were marked -with the letter N.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> At the annual town meeting, April, 1823, a committee was -appointed to inquire if this town at present, had any, and if any, what -right to the above-mentioned tract of meadow ground called Sellers neck; -what progress this committee made in their investigation, the compiler -is uninformed. This meadow called Seller’s neck, the Compiler thinks was -apportioned among the patentees and freeholders, and what leads him to -this conclusion is, that on the 10th of May, 1695, John Damen, who was -one of the patentees of this town, sold to William Huddlestone all his -interest in the said meadow.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> This “port or entrance,” as it is called, is situate in the -valley on the Flatbush Turnpike, near the “Brush” or “Valley Tavern,” -and a short distance beyond the 3 mile post from Brooklyn ferry.—A -freestone monument has been placed here, to designate the patent line -between Brooklyn and Flatbush.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> Although the bounds of this grant commences about 250 yards -in the town of Bushwick, the Corporation of New-York have made no claim -to land beyond the Wallabought.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> There was some peculiar circumstances attending the -consummation of this charter, which the Compiler thinks ought to be -known. A short time previous to obtaining the charter, the Common -Council of the City of New-York resolved that the sum of <i>L</i>1400 was -necessary for the procuring of that instrument; <i>L</i>1000 of which sum -they determined to raise immediately by a loan on interest for one year; -which they accordingly did, and gave a mortgage for that amount to James -De Lancey, Esq. dated January 14, 1730. Directly after the execution of -this mortgage they resolved to address the Governor, “for the great -favour and goodness shewn to this Corporation in granting their -petition, in ordering and directing his Majesty’s letters patent for a -new charter and confirmation to this Corporation,” and probably -informing him that they had obtained the money. The consequence was, -that on the next day, January 15, 1730, the charter was completed; and -on paying the <i>L</i>1000 was delivered to them on the 11th day of February, -1730, almost a month after its date. By which it appears that the -Corporation of New-York still continued purchasing the right of the town -of Brooklyn from the Colonial Governors. See List of Corporation -Charters and grants, 1747.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> The jurisdiction of New-York by their first charter in -1686, was limited to low water mark around Manhattan Island; but was -extended to low water mark on the Brooklyn side by Governor Montgomery’s -charter in 1730.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> For what purpose was it, that the Corporation’s Counsel was -heard at the bar of the House, if not to advance and support their -rights? If it was not done at that time, the plain inference would be, -that they were aware they had no right.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> The Council was appointed by the King’s mandamus and sign -manual, and all their privileges and powers were contained in the -Governor’s instructions. The tenure of their places was extremely -precarious. See Smith’s History of New-York, p. 364.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> The Corporation of New-York, during the year 1824, have -received from the ferries, the sum of D12,003 75,—more than 3-4ths of -which sum is from the ferries on the East River.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> The idea intended to be conveyed by this regulation, I -understand to be, that the Justices of the town of Brooklyn shall have -cognizance of the offence, as much as if the offenders resided within -the town.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> The records referred to, together with all our other town -records were destroyed during the Revolution.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> The fortifications at Red Hook were erected by a Regiment -of Continental troops, the night of April 8, 1776.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> In 1655, a large body of Northern Indians made a descent -on Staten Island, and massacred 67 persons; after which they crossed to -Long-Island, and invested Gravesend; which place was relieved by a party -of soldiers from New-Amsterdam. It appears from the records that these -Indians were on their way to commence a war against the Indians on the -east end of Long-Island. -</p><p> -The inhabitants of Flatbush were ordered by Governor Stuyvesant, in -1656, to enclose their village with palisadoes to protect them from the -Indians. These fortifications were required to be kept under the English -government, as will appear by the following record of the Court of -Sessions for the West Riding of Yorkshire upon Long-Island, December -15th, 1675. “The towne of Fflatbush having neglected the making of -ffortifications, the Court take notis of it, and reffer the censure to -ye Governor.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> There were also a “Clerk” in most if not in all of these -towns, who seems to have been authorised to take proof of the execution -of wills; whether he was the Town Clerk does not appear. This officer -was differently appointed in the different towns. In Bushwick he was -appointed by the Commissioners of the town, and in New-Utrecht he was -elected by the people, and approved of by the Governor.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> This law provides, that any person not having a visible -estate, or a manual craft or occupation, coming into any place within -this province, should give security, not to become chargeable within two -years: and the captains of vessels bringing passengers into this -province, were required to report them to the chief magistrate of the -place, within 24 hours after their arrival. Under the Dutch government -the poor were supported out of the fines imposed for offences committed, -and by contributions taken up in the Churches.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> Sept. 14, 1696, about 8 o’clock in the evening, John -Rapale, Isaac Remsen, Joras Yannester, Joras Danielse Rapale, Jacob -Reyersen, Aert Aersen, Tunis Buys, Garret Cowenhoven, Gabriel Sprong, -Urian Andriese, John Williamse Bennet, Jacob Bennet, and John Meserole, -jr. met armed at the court-house of Kings, where they destroyed and -defaced the king’s arms which were hanging up there.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> The West Riding was composed of the towns of Brooklyn, -Bushwick, Flatbush, Flatlands, New-Utrecht, and Gravesend, together with -Staten-Island and Newtown.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> At the same period, the salary of the clerk of the county -was <i>L</i>10. per annum.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> This minister died in the month of June, 1676.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> This minister was naturalized in the Court of Sessions for -Kings County, November 8, 1715.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> This office was held by George S. Wise, Jun, Esq. until -his death in November, 1824.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_24_24" id="Footnote_24_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> Governor Nicolls in a letter to the Duke of York, -November, 1665, informed him “that such is the mean condition of this -town, (New-York) that not one soldier to this day has lain in sheets, or -upon any other bed than canvass and straw. -</p><p> -1678, New-York contained 343 houses, and 3430 inhabitants; and there -were owned in the City, three ships, eight sloops and seven boats. -</p><p> -1686. The City of New-York contained 594 houses, and 6000 inhabitants; -and there were owned in it, 10 three masted vessels of between 80 and -100 tons; 3 ketches, or barques, of about 40 tons; and about 20 sloops, -of 25 tons. In the same year, the militia of the colony consisted of -4000 foot, 300 horse, and one company of dragoons. -</p><p> -1696. There were owned in the city of New-York, 40 ships, 62 sloops, and -62 boats. -</p><p> -In 1697, the population of New-York has considerably decreased, from -what it was in 1686; the census taken this year was as follows: -</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" summary=""> -<tr><td rowspan="4" valign="middle" class="br">Whites—</td><td align="left">Men,</td><td class="rt">946</td></tr> -<tr><td>Women,</td><td class="rt">1018</td></tr> -<tr><td>Young men, young men and boys,</td><td class="rt">864</td></tr> -<tr><td>Young women and girls,</td><td class="rt">899</td></tr> -<tr><td></td><td></td> -<td align="left">——</td> -<td align="left">3727</td></tr> -<tr><td rowspan="3" valign="middle" class="br">Blacks.—</td><td align="left">Men,</td><td class="rt">209</td></tr> -<tr><td>Women,</td><td class="rt">205</td></tr> -<tr><td>Boys and girls,</td><td class="rtbb">161</td><td class="rtbb">575</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td><td align="left"> </td><td class="rtbb">Total.</td><td class="rtbb">4302</td></tr> -</table> - -<p>1731. The City of New-York contained</p> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" summary=""> -<tr><td>White males,</td><td class="rt">3771</td></tr> -<tr><td>White females,</td><td class="rt">3274</td><td class="rt">7045</td></tr> -<tr><td>Black males,</td><td class="rt">785</td></tr> -<tr><td>Black females,</td><td class="rtbb">792</td><td class="rtbb">1577</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td><td class="rtbb">Total.</td><td class="rtbb">3622</td></tr> -</table> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td>1756.</td><td>The City contained 10,881 inhabitants.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1771.</td><td>It contained 21 863 inhabitants.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1786.</td><td>It contained 3340 houses, and 23,614 inhabitants.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1790.</td><td>It contained 33131 inhabitants.</td></tr> -<tr><td>1800.</td><td><span style="margin-left: 5em;">60189</span></td></tr> -<tr><td>1810.</td><td><span style="margin-left: 5em;">96373</span></td></tr> -<tr><td>1820.</td><td><span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">139000</span></td></tr> -</table> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_25_25" id="Footnote_25_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> The town is now erecting a very neat building for an -Alms-house, on the property lately purchased from Leffert Lefferts, -Esqr.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_26_26" id="Footnote_26_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> The first settlement in this town was made by George -Jansen De Rapalje, the father of Sarah in 1625, on the farm which is now -owned by the family of the Schencks at the Wallaboght.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_27_27" id="Footnote_27_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> In 1700 the Court House was let to James Simson for one -year, at <i>L</i>3 “in money.” In this agreement, “the Justices reserved for -themselves the Chamber in the said house, called the Court Chamber, at -the time of their publique Sessions, Courts of Common Pleas, and private -meetings; as also the room called the prison for the use of the Sheriff -if he hath occasion for it.”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_28_28" id="Footnote_28_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> The above deed to the Corporation of New-York did not -extend to the River. January 15, 1717, Samuel Garritsen, of Gravesend, -quitclaimed to David Aersen of Brooklyn, all his right and title to a -piece of land, “lying next to the house and land belonging to the City -of New-York, bounded north-west by the River, south-east by the highway -that goes to the ferry, south-west by the house and land belonging to -the City of New-York, and north-east by the house and land belonging to -the said John Rapalje, containing one acre be the same more or less.” On -the 16th day of the same month, David Aersen sold this property to -Gerrit Harsum of New-York, Gunsmith, for the sum of <i>L</i>108 current money -of New-York.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_29_29" id="Footnote_29_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> The compiler congratulates his fellow citizens on the -extinction of those national animosities which in former times existed -between the Dutch and English in this our happy country. We may now -truly ask with Sterne, “are we not all relations?”</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_30_30" id="Footnote_30_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> “Lord Cornbury came to this province in very indigent -circumstances, hunted out of England by a host of hungry creditors, he -was bent on getting as much money as he could squeeze out of the purses -of an impoverished people.” He was infamous for his “excessive avarice -his embezzlement of the public money, and his sordid refusal to pay his -private debts.” Cornbury became so obnoxious to the inhabitants of this -province, that they sent a complaint to England against him. The Queen -in consequence of this complaint displaced him. “As soon as his lordship -was superseded, his creditors threw him into the custody of the sheriff -of New-York.” See Smith’s History of New-York. Such was the man from -whom the corporation of New-York obtained the rights of the town of -Brooklyn.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_31_31" id="Footnote_31_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> These “divers former governors,” &c. are limited to two, -viz. Nicolls, who in 1665 granted them a charter, if that may be -strictly called so, which only altered their form of government from -scout, burgomasters, and schepens, to mayor and aldermen, without a word -about ferries or water rights, or indeed any other matter—the original -of which paper is not in existence. There is nothing to warrant a belief -that there was a charter of any kind granted to the corporation between -Nicolls and Dongan, who is the second of these “divers former -governors,” &c. and who in 1686 granted them the ferry, (as is mentioned -in a former part of this work) with an express reservation as to the -rights of all others. The charter of Dongan, notwithstanding all their -pompous recitals, is the oldest they can produce, which in any manner -affects the interests of this town.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_32_32" id="Footnote_32_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> The corporation of New-York appear to have abandoned the -right of regulating the rate of ferriage very early; for in 1717, nine -years after the date of this charter, an act was passed by the colonial -legislature for that purpose.</p></div> - -<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_33_33" id="Footnote_33_33"></a><a href="#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> This clause was undoubtedly inserted to obviate, if -possible the claim under the two Brooklyn patents, both of which were -many years older than this charter.</p></div> - -</div> - -<hr class="full" /> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Notes Geographical and Historical, -Relating to the Town of Brooklyn, by Gabriel Furman - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NOTES GEOGRAPHICAL *** - -***** This file should be named 56078-h.htm or 56078-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/6/0/7/56078/ - -Produced by Chuck Greif and The Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images available by The Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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