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-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

-

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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 56078 ***
+
+                  [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 THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 56078 ***
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-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]

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-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NOTES GEOGRAPHICAL ***

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-</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>&nbsp; </p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_003" id="page_003"></a>{3}</span>&nbsp; </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>&nbsp; </p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_005" id="page_005"></a>{5}</span>&nbsp; </p>

-

-<p class="cb">NOTES &amp;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.&mdash;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&mdash;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, &amp;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&mdash;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.&mdash;With express conditions, &amp;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, &amp;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, &amp;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, &amp;c. of all his Terretorys

-in America, To all to whom these presents shall come, sendeth

-Greeting.&mdash;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.&mdash;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,&mdash;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>&mdash;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,

-&amp;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&mdash;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, &amp;c.&mdash;Supreme lord and proprietor of

-the Colony and province of New-York and its dependencies in

-America, &amp;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, &amp;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;&mdash;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.&mdash;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&nbsp;24</td></tr>

-<tr><td valign="top">Commutation for water lot rents,</td>  <td class="rtbb">17,275&nbsp;41</td></tr>

-<tr><td>&nbsp;  </td>                                <td class="rtbb">$34,910&nbsp;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&nbsp;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, &amp;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.&mdash;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,&mdash;whether the said Bill should be committed, and

-carried in the affirmative in the manner following:&mdash;Affirmative,

-Messrs. Lott, Chambers, Stillwell, Livingston, Harring, Cornell, Abraham

-Lott, Lecount, Bradt, Nicoll, Hardenbergh, and Gale 12.&mdash;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.&mdash;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.&mdash;&mdash;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&mdash;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:&mdash;“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.&mdash;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.&mdash;The record of which is as

-follows:&mdash;“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>&mdash;“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.&mdash;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&mdash;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.&mdash;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.&mdash;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.&mdash;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.&mdash;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, &amp;c.&mdash;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, &amp;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.”&mdash;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&mdash;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.&mdash;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, &amp;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.&mdash;At eleven o’clock will be run for, an elegant

-saddle, &amp;c. value at least twenty pounds, for which upwards of twelve

-gentlemen will ride their own horses.&mdash;At twelve, a match will be rode

-by two gentlemen, Horse for Horse.&mdash;At one, a match for thirty guineas,

-by two gentlemen, who will also ride their own horses.&mdash;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.&mdash;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.&mdash;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, &amp;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, &amp;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&mdash;“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, &amp;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&mdash;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, &amp;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&mdash;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&mdash;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>&mdash;</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&mdash;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.&mdash;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, &amp;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.&mdash;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, &amp;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">&mdash;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, &amp;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,&nbsp; &nbsp; <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,&nbsp; &nbsp; <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,&nbsp; &nbsp; <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>&nbsp;</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.&nbsp; &nbsp; <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>&mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash;, 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,&nbsp; &nbsp; <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,&nbsp; &nbsp; <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.&mdash;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, &amp;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&mdash;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.&mdash;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.&mdash;W. Levi Porter, Master.</p>

-

-<p>Hohenlinden Lodge, No. 338.&mdash;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">&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&mdash;&mdash;</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">&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&mdash;&mdash;</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>&nbsp;</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,&nbsp; &nbsp; </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&nbsp; &nbsp;  &nbsp; </td></tr>

-<tr><td>1756</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</td><td class="c">2707&nbsp; &nbsp;  &nbsp; </td></tr>

-<tr><td>1771</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</td><td class="c">3623&nbsp; &nbsp;  &nbsp; </td></tr>

-<tr><td>1786</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</td><td class="c">3966&nbsp; &nbsp;  &nbsp; </td></tr>

-<tr><td>1790</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</td><td class="c">4495&nbsp; &nbsp;  &nbsp; </td></tr>

-<tr><td>1800</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</td><td class="c">5740&nbsp; &nbsp;  &nbsp; </td></tr>

-<tr><td>1810</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</td><td class="c">8303&nbsp; &nbsp;  &nbsp; </td></tr>

-<tr><td>1820</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</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.&mdash;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,

-&amp;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, &amp;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.&mdash;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.&mdash;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&mdash;</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.&mdash;<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, &amp; 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, &amp;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, &amp;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, &amp;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, &amp;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, &amp;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.&mdash;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>&mdash;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, &amp;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>,&mdash;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, &amp;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&nbsp; &nbsp; </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&nbsp; &nbsp; </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">&mdash;&mdash; 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, &amp;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, &amp;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, &amp; 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, &amp; the reversion &amp;

-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.&mdash;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, &amp;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>&nbsp; </p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_119" id="page_119"></a>{119}</span>&nbsp; </p>

-

-<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS.</h2>

-<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="">

-

-<tr><td>&nbsp;</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.&mdash;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,&mdash;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&mdash;</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">&mdash;&mdash;</td>

-<td align="left">3727</td></tr>

-<tr><td rowspan="3" valign="middle" class="br">Blacks.&mdash;</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>&nbsp;</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</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>&nbsp;</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,” &amp;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&mdash;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,” &amp;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>

-

-

-

-

-

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+  <head>  <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" />
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" />
+<title>
+  The Project Gutenberg eBook of Notes geographical and
+historical relating to the town
+of Brooklyn, by Gabriel Furman.
+</title>
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+@media print, handheld
+{.pagenum
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+ }
+</style>
+  </head>
+<body>
+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 56078 ***</div>
+
+<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>&nbsp; </p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_003" id="page_003"></a>{3}</span>&nbsp; </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>&nbsp; </p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_005" id="page_005"></a>{5}</span>&nbsp; </p>
+
+<p class="cb">NOTES &amp;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.&mdash;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&mdash;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, &amp;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&mdash;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.&mdash;With express conditions, &amp;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, &amp;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, &amp;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, &amp;c. of all his Terretorys
+in America, To all to whom these presents shall come, sendeth
+Greeting.&mdash;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.&mdash;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,&mdash;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>&mdash;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,
+&amp;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&mdash;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, &amp;c.&mdash;Supreme lord and proprietor of
+the Colony and province of New-York and its dependencies in
+America, &amp;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, &amp;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;&mdash;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.&mdash;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&nbsp;24</td></tr>
+<tr><td valign="top">Commutation for water lot rents,</td>  <td class="rtbb">17,275&nbsp;41</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;  </td>                                <td class="rtbb">$34,910&nbsp;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&nbsp;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, &amp;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.&mdash;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,&mdash;whether the said Bill should be committed, and
+carried in the affirmative in the manner following:&mdash;Affirmative,
+Messrs. Lott, Chambers, Stillwell, Livingston, Harring, Cornell, Abraham
+Lott, Lecount, Bradt, Nicoll, Hardenbergh, and Gale 12.&mdash;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.&mdash;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.&mdash;&mdash;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&mdash;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:&mdash;“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.&mdash;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.&mdash;The record of which is as
+follows:&mdash;“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>&mdash;“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.&mdash;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&mdash;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.&mdash;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.&mdash;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.&mdash;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.&mdash;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, &amp;c.&mdash;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, &amp;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.”&mdash;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&mdash;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.&mdash;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, &amp;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.&mdash;At eleven o’clock will be run for, an elegant
+saddle, &amp;c. value at least twenty pounds, for which upwards of twelve
+gentlemen will ride their own horses.&mdash;At twelve, a match will be rode
+by two gentlemen, Horse for Horse.&mdash;At one, a match for thirty guineas,
+by two gentlemen, who will also ride their own horses.&mdash;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.&mdash;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.&mdash;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, &amp;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, &amp;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&mdash;“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, &amp;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&mdash;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, &amp;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&mdash;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&mdash;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>&mdash;</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&mdash;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.&mdash;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, &amp;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.&mdash;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, &amp;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">&mdash;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, &amp;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,&nbsp; &nbsp; <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,&nbsp; &nbsp; <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,&nbsp; &nbsp; <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>&nbsp;</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.&nbsp; &nbsp; <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>&mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash;, 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,&nbsp; &nbsp; <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,&nbsp; &nbsp; <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.&mdash;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, &amp;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&mdash;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.&mdash;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.&mdash;W. Levi Porter, Master.</p>
+
+<p>Hohenlinden Lodge, No. 338.&mdash;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">&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&mdash;&mdash;</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">&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&mdash;&mdash;</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>&nbsp;</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,&nbsp; &nbsp; </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&nbsp; &nbsp;  &nbsp; </td></tr>
+<tr><td>1756</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</td><td class="c">2707&nbsp; &nbsp;  &nbsp; </td></tr>
+<tr><td>1771</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</td><td class="c">3623&nbsp; &nbsp;  &nbsp; </td></tr>
+<tr><td>1786</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</td><td class="c">3966&nbsp; &nbsp;  &nbsp; </td></tr>
+<tr><td>1790</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</td><td class="c">4495&nbsp; &nbsp;  &nbsp; </td></tr>
+<tr><td>1800</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</td><td class="c">5740&nbsp; &nbsp;  &nbsp; </td></tr>
+<tr><td>1810</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</td><td class="c">8303&nbsp; &nbsp;  &nbsp; </td></tr>
+<tr><td>1820</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</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.&mdash;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,
+&amp;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, &amp;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.&mdash;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.&mdash;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&mdash;</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.&mdash;<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, &amp; 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, &amp;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, &amp;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, &amp;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, &amp;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, &amp;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.&mdash;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>&mdash;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, &amp;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>,&mdash;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, &amp;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&nbsp; &nbsp; </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&nbsp; &nbsp; </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">&mdash;&mdash; 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, &amp;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, &amp;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, &amp; 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, &amp; the reversion &amp;
+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.&mdash;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, &amp;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>&nbsp; </p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_119" id="page_119"></a>{119}</span>&nbsp; </p>
+
+<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS.</h2>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</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.&mdash;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,&mdash;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&mdash;</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">&mdash;&mdash;</td>
+<td align="left">3727</td></tr>
+<tr><td rowspan="3" valign="middle" class="br">Blacks.&mdash;</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>&nbsp;</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</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>&nbsp;</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,” &amp;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&mdash;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,” &amp;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" />
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 56078 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
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+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
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+<title>
+  The Project Gutenberg eBook of Notes geographical and
+historical relating to the town
+of Brooklyn, by Gabriel Furman.
+</title>
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+<pre>
+
+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)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</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>&nbsp; </p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_003" id="page_003"></a>{3}</span>&nbsp; </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>&nbsp; </p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_005" id="page_005"></a>{5}</span>&nbsp; </p>
+
+<p class="cb">NOTES &amp;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.&mdash;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&mdash;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, &amp;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&mdash;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.&mdash;With express conditions, &amp;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, &amp;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, &amp;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, &amp;c. of all his Terretorys
+in America, To all to whom these presents shall come, sendeth
+Greeting.&mdash;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.&mdash;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,&mdash;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>&mdash;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,
+&amp;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&mdash;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, &amp;c.&mdash;Supreme lord and proprietor of
+the Colony and province of New-York and its dependencies in
+America, &amp;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, &amp;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;&mdash;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.&mdash;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&nbsp;24</td></tr>
+<tr><td valign="top">Commutation for water lot rents,</td>  <td class="rtbb">17,275&nbsp;41</td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;  </td>                                <td class="rtbb">$34,910&nbsp;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&nbsp;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, &amp;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.&mdash;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,&mdash;whether the said Bill should be committed, and
+carried in the affirmative in the manner following:&mdash;Affirmative,
+Messrs. Lott, Chambers, Stillwell, Livingston, Harring, Cornell, Abraham
+Lott, Lecount, Bradt, Nicoll, Hardenbergh, and Gale 12.&mdash;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.&mdash;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.&mdash;&mdash;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&mdash;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:&mdash;“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.&mdash;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.&mdash;The record of which is as
+follows:&mdash;“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>&mdash;“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.&mdash;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&mdash;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.&mdash;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.&mdash;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.&mdash;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.&mdash;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, &amp;c.&mdash;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, &amp;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.”&mdash;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&mdash;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.&mdash;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, &amp;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.&mdash;At eleven o’clock will be run for, an elegant
+saddle, &amp;c. value at least twenty pounds, for which upwards of twelve
+gentlemen will ride their own horses.&mdash;At twelve, a match will be rode
+by two gentlemen, Horse for Horse.&mdash;At one, a match for thirty guineas,
+by two gentlemen, who will also ride their own horses.&mdash;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.&mdash;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.&mdash;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, &amp;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, &amp;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&mdash;“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, &amp;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&mdash;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, &amp;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&mdash;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&mdash;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>&mdash;</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&mdash;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.&mdash;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, &amp;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.&mdash;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, &amp;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">&mdash;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, &amp;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,&nbsp; &nbsp; <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,&nbsp; &nbsp; <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,&nbsp; &nbsp; <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>&nbsp;</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.&nbsp; &nbsp; <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>&mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash;, 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,&nbsp; &nbsp; <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,&nbsp; &nbsp; <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.&mdash;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, &amp;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&mdash;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.&mdash;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.&mdash;W. Levi Porter, Master.</p>
+
+<p>Hohenlinden Lodge, No. 338.&mdash;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">&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&mdash;&mdash;</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">&nbsp;</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>&mdash;&mdash;</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>&nbsp;</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,&nbsp; &nbsp; </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&nbsp; &nbsp;  &nbsp; </td></tr>
+<tr><td>1756</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</td><td class="c">2707&nbsp; &nbsp;  &nbsp; </td></tr>
+<tr><td>1771</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</td><td class="c">3623&nbsp; &nbsp;  &nbsp; </td></tr>
+<tr><td>1786</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</td><td class="c">3966&nbsp; &nbsp;  &nbsp; </td></tr>
+<tr><td>1790</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</td><td class="c">4495&nbsp; &nbsp;  &nbsp; </td></tr>
+<tr><td>1800</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</td><td class="c">5740&nbsp; &nbsp;  &nbsp; </td></tr>
+<tr><td>1810</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</td><td class="c">8303&nbsp; &nbsp;  &nbsp; </td></tr>
+<tr><td>1820</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</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.&mdash;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,
+&amp;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, &amp;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.&mdash;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.&mdash;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&mdash;</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.&mdash;<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, &amp; 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, &amp;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, &amp;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, &amp;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, &amp;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, &amp;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.&mdash;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>&mdash;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, &amp;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>,&mdash;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, &amp;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&nbsp; &nbsp; </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&nbsp; &nbsp; </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">&mdash;&mdash; 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, &amp;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, &amp;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, &amp; 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, &amp; the reversion &amp;
+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.&mdash;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, &amp;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>&nbsp; </p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page_119" id="page_119"></a>{119}</span>&nbsp; </p>
+
+<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS.</h2>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</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.&mdash;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,&mdash;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&mdash;</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">&mdash;&mdash;</td>
+<td align="left">3727</td></tr>
+<tr><td rowspan="3" valign="middle" class="br">Blacks.&mdash;</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>&nbsp;</td><td align="left">&nbsp;</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>&nbsp;</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,” &amp;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&mdash;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,” &amp;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
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+</body>
+</html>
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