Brookhaven Town (Suffolk County, Long Island, N.Y.) @ 350 Years Chapter IV: A Battle Over Anglicization 1655-1663 Mark H. Rothenberg © 2003 Mark H. Rothenberg

Brookhaven TownBrookhaven Town (Suffolk County, Long Island, N.Y.)(Suffolk County, Long Island, N.Y.)

@ 350 Years@ 350 Years

Chapter IV: Chapter IV: A BattleA Battle OverOver AnglicizationAnglicization

1655-16631655-1663

comp. & ed. by Mark H. RothenbergMark H. Rothenberg

© 2003 Mark H. Rothenberg© 2003 Mark H. Rothenberg

Brookhaven TownBrookhaven Town (Suffolk County, Long Island, N.Y.)(Suffolk County, Long Island, N.Y.)

@ 350 Years@ 350 Years

Chapter IV: Chapter IV: A BattleA Battle OverOver AnglicizationAnglicization

1655-16631655-1663

comp. & ed. by Mark H. RothenbergMark H. Rothenberg

© 2003 Mark H. Rothenberg© 2003 Mark H. Rothenberg

The Patchogue-Medford LibraryThe Patchogue-Medford LibrarySalutes the Town’s 350Salutes the Town’s 350thth Anniversary Anniversary

The Patchogue-Medford LibraryThe Patchogue-Medford LibrarySalutes the Town’s 350Salutes the Town’s 350thth Anniversary Anniversary

The 9-Years’ Peace (1655-1664), Pt. 1Political Intrigues, Diversions , & a Great

Inter-War Land RushRoyalists & Roundheads, Dutch, Indians, & a New

English Planting Season The Nine Years’ “Peace”The Nine Years’ “Peace” intervening intervening between the First & Second Anglo-Dutchbetween the First & Second Anglo-Dutch Wars,Wars, was was characterized by intense political upheaval in England, characterized by intense political upheaval in England, which went which went from a regicidal Protestant Commonwealth to a restored absolute monarchy, from a regicidal Protestant Commonwealth to a restored absolute monarchy, with with corresponding traumas of adjustment within its coloniescorresponding traumas of adjustment within its colonies ..

Indian deeds,Indian deeds, transferring much of the land that became Brookhaven Town,transferring much of the land that became Brookhaven Town, were were secured secured rapidly by New England settlers, rapidly by New England settlers, during this short period.during this short period.

New EnglandNew England for the most part, had warmly for the most part, had warmly supported supported the initially victorious the initially victorious Parliamentarian causeParliamentarian cause in the English Civil Wars and Cromwellian in the English Civil Wars and Cromwellian Protectorate that followed (in Mass. Bay, to the extent of shielding regicides). Protectorate that followed (in Mass. Bay, to the extent of shielding regicides). With the With the Stuart Restoration (May 1660),Stuart Restoration (May 1660), New England was New England was regarded with regarded with deep suspiciondeep suspicion by King Charles II, and his anti-democratic, autocratic by King Charles II, and his anti-democratic, autocratic Cavalier courtiers; Cavalier courtiers; and the long-exiled monarchy was now in position to exact and the long-exiled monarchy was now in position to exact a little revenge. a little revenge. Long Island EnglishLong Island English (including Setauket),(including Setauket), as frontier posts of as frontier posts of a wayward New England, a wayward New England, could hardly fare bettercould hardly fare better in Charles II’s view.in Charles II’s view. This This boded ill for its residents, and their comfort level with the Ducal government, boded ill for its residents, and their comfort level with the Ducal government, when it came (1664). Patronage & rights derived from a former enemy. Pride when it came (1664). Patronage & rights derived from a former enemy. Pride had to be swallowed, while resentments stewed. This was had to be swallowed, while resentments stewed. This was compounded bycompounded by the the looming looming dual potential threatsdual potential threats of of New Netherlands New Netherlands (to the West), and of (to the West), and of potentially-hostile Indians,potentially-hostile Indians, presently diverted against Dutch belligerence. presently diverted against Dutch belligerence.

The 9-Years’ Peace (1655-1664), Pt. 2Stealing 2 Marches on the Dutch

Royalists & Dutch, Swedes & Peaches, & a New English Planting Season

In 1655, the 1In 1655, the 1stst Anglo-Dutch War had ended, & the Restoration was yet to be. Anglo-Dutch War had ended, & the Restoration was yet to be. New SwedenNew Sweden (on the the Delaware River), was asserting its independence of (on the the Delaware River), was asserting its independence of

New Netherlands,New Netherlands, having seized Ft. Christina. having seized Ft. Christina. Sweden,Sweden, then a major European then a major European military power, military power, was preparing a fleet to reinforce its fledgling colony.was preparing a fleet to reinforce its fledgling colony. So the So the under-populated, overextended polyglot empire of under-populated, overextended polyglot empire of New Netherlands’ West New Netherlands’ West India Company India Company had much to fear, and little time to act. had much to fear, and little time to act.

Dutch Governor-GeneralDutch Governor-General Peter Stuyvesant,Peter Stuyvesant, returning from one expedition to returning from one expedition to BarbadosBarbados (March-Aug, 1655),(March-Aug, 1655), found orders awaiting him to lead another to found orders awaiting him to lead another to retake retake New SwedenNew Sweden, in which he succeeded brilliantly , in which he succeeded brilliantly (Aug-Sept, 1655).(Aug-Sept, 1655).

While Stuyvesant was still in Barbados, While Stuyvesant was still in Barbados, New England and L.I. settlersNew England and L.I. settlers seized a seized a golden opportunity (in April) for a land grab. golden opportunity (in April) for a land grab.

Area IndiansArea Indians (in September), angered over loss of Swedish trade rates, which (in September), angered over loss of Swedish trade rates, which were better than the Dutch offered, also were better than the Dutch offered, also stole a march on New Netherlands, stole a march on New Netherlands, leading to a war.leading to a war.

Meanwhile the Meanwhile the un-ratifiedun-ratified Treaty of Hartford (1650), Treaty of Hartford (1650), establishing an Anglo- establishing an Anglo-Dutch boundaryDutch boundary between New England & New Netherlands, between New England & New Netherlands, including a line including a line drawn across Long Island, drawn across Long Island, though unilaterally honored by the Dutch, was though unilaterally honored by the Dutch, was rejected by the English, to plague & poison relationsrejected by the English, to plague & poison relations between recent enemies. between recent enemies.

The 9-Years’ Peace (1655-1664), Pt. 3

Stealing Two Marches on the Dutch A New English Planting Season & Dutch–

Algonquian-Swedish Sour Peaches OnOn April 14, 1655,April 14, 1655, six New English representatives negotiated asix New English representatives negotiated a land deed,land deed,

permitting a new settlementpermitting a new settlement on the north coast of the Sound, located between on the north coast of the Sound, located between Huntington & Southold, in the Huntington & Southold, in the “Se[a]talcott” area“Se[a]talcott” area of north central Long Island, of north central Long Island, graced by several sheltered bays & inviting harbors. This proved the graced by several sheltered bays & inviting harbors. This proved the root of root of Brookhaven Town.Brookhaven Town. Today Today April 14April 14th th is known, in Town, as is known, in Town, as “Founder’s Day”.“Founder’s Day”.

Dutch-Indian War (1655):Dutch-Indian War (1655): The traditional account has it that Lower Hudson The traditional account has it that Lower Hudson Valley Indians, seeing the diversion of Dutch strength to the Delaware, saw an Valley Indians, seeing the diversion of Dutch strength to the Delaware, saw an opportunity to raid western L.I. Indians for tribute (in September, 1655) , opportunity to raid western L.I. Indians for tribute (in September, 1655) , while re-supplying themselves, at Dutch expense, by paying for or seizing while re-supplying themselves, at Dutch expense, by paying for or seizing Dutch goods, en route. An Indian woman was shot by a Dutch colonist for Dutch goods, en route. An Indian woman was shot by a Dutch colonist for stealing his peaches, launching what was later disingenuously labeled, the stealing his peaches, launching what was later disingenuously labeled, the Peach War (1655).Peach War (1655). Recent study indicates that it was Recent study indicates that it was regional Indian regional Indian disapproval of the Dutch seizure of New Sweden,disapproval of the Dutch seizure of New Sweden, meaning their loss of lucrative meaning their loss of lucrative Swedish trade that enraged and provoked Indian reaction,Swedish trade that enraged and provoked Indian reaction, which led to a which led to a coalition of Indians from the Delaware to the lower Hudson, and western Long coalition of Indians from the Delaware to the lower Hudson, and western Long Island.Island. New Netherlands was soon reeling before Indian attacks from all New Netherlands was soon reeling before Indian attacks from all directions.directions. At its short, intense height, At its short, intense height, New Amsterdam itself came under siege New Amsterdam itself came under siege and attack,and attack, greatly straining meager Dutch military resources. Indian wars or greatly straining meager Dutch military resources. Indian wars or threat of wars, the legacy of earlier threat of wars, the legacy of earlier Gov.Gov. Willem Kieft’sWillem Kieft’s diplomatic diplomatic incompetence, would continue to plague the lower Hudson, through 1664.incompetence, would continue to plague the lower Hudson, through 1664.

England vs. The Netherlands, 1655-England vs. The Netherlands, 1655-16601660

11stst European Settlement in Brookhaven European Settlement in Brookhaven Town: Setauket, 1655Town: Setauket, 1655

Setauket becomes New Haven, then Connecticut Setauket becomes New Haven, then Connecticut Territory, 1662, then. . .Territory, 1662, then. . .

On April 14, 1655, Sachem Warawakmy, living in today’s Setauket area, was persuaded by six agents from New Haven, Connecticut, Southold, Southampton, & Huntington, to deed land for a new English settlement. The deed included mutual protection & alerting clauses. That there was an English buffer to the west (Huntington) , & given the risk that one of the perennial Dutch-Indian wars might eventually drift eastward into the Setauket area, may have weighted local Indians’ decision to enter into a protective alliance with Holland’s enemies, & accept the land loss. Result: Brookhaven Town’s 1st European (& 1st English) settlement: Setauket. Setauket plantation was soon receiving colonists & support from Connecticut, New Haven, & Massachusetts Bay colonies, & from eastern Long Island settlements.

It was soon also named Ashford, due to the nefarious influence of John Scott. It then became Cromwell Bay, during the later years of the Protectorate, in

England, which was decidedly unpolitic with the Stuart Restoration (1660), so it was renamed a less strident Setauket (Setalket, Seatalcott, or Setalcott, & other variant spellings), believed the local Amerindian place name for the Setauket pond area, long settled by the Indians.

By this time, it was interchangeably known as Brooke-Haven, from which the Town of Brookhaven eventually derived its name, a term that gradually came to distinguish Town from village (complicated much later, by the naming of yet another village, Brookhaven, which exists as such today, in the Town’s southeast).

Warawakmy’s Deed for Setauket, April 14, Warawakmy’s Deed for Setauket, April 14, 1655 – 1655 – Pt. 1 Pt. 1

April 14 , 2005April 14 , 2005 Marks Marks the Founding of the Founding of Setauket (or Brooke-Haven)Setauket (or Brooke-Haven)

350350thth Anniversary of Brookhaven Town’s 1 Anniversary of Brookhaven Town’s 1stst European VillageEuropean Village

““Articles of Agreement,Articles of Agreement, and a firme bargaineand a firme bargaine agreed and confirmed, between the Sachem of Setaucet, between the Sachem of Setaucet, Warawakmy, by name, with the joint consent ofwith the joint consent of himself and the next of his the next of his kindred, have bargained andkindred, have bargained and soldsold unto John Scudder, John Swesie, Jonathan Porter, Thomas Mabbs, Roger Cheston, Thomas Charles, a peece or tract of land, with all meadows, upland, timber, trees, or whatsoever benifite or privilege there unto belonging, next adioyning to the bounds of Nesequagg,Nesequagg, and from thence, being bounded with a river, or great napock, nerly nemaukak,great napock, nerly nemaukak, eastward, and bounded next unto NesaquakecNesaquakec bounds, as by trees being marked doth appear, also the Sachem, with the consent of his next kindred hath given free liberty and granted unto the sayd purchesers, free liberty for their catell to run beeyond the bounds, if occasion bee, or to cut timber as far east as they [see?] fitt. And to come once in two years, to renew the markes of the bounds, and to give the sayd purchasers, for them, or who they shall put to live there, full, free, quiet possession of said purchase, without molestation. And it, in case any of the Indians shall wrong the said English, ether by there dogs hurting of there

Warawakmy’s Deed for Setauket, April 14, Warawakmy’s Deed for Setauket, April 14, 1655 – 1655 – Pt. 2 Pt. 2

2005 Marks the 3502005 Marks the 350thth Anniversary of the Anniversary of the Settlement of SetauketSettlement of Setauket

Brookhaven Town’s 1Brookhaven Town’s 1stst European Village European Village (Creation of The Town of Brookhaven Would Come (Creation of The Town of Brookhaven Would Come

Later)Later) cattell, or any other wayes, that then the Sachem shall se

that satisfaction be made according to the wrong don. So, allsoe, if the English de any wrong to the Indians, that the English shall make them satisfaction. Also, the Sachem shall not entertain any strange Indians, or others near unto us, whereby to do us any wrong, but shall timely discover to us any plotting, or hurt, that shall be intended against us, and the like shall we do unto him, to the end that peace may be maintained amongst us….

…And for, and in consideration of the sd tract, or purchase of land, we, the said purchasers, doe hereby engage ourselves to pay unto the said Sachem, the goods as in particular are written following, within one month from the date hereof, and forthe confirmation of the same have set my hand, with the rest of my kindred. – Dated the 14 of April, 1655

The marke X of Sachem, WARAWAKMYWARAWAKMY

Warawakmy’s Deed for Setauket, April 14, 1655 – Warawakmy’s Deed for Setauket, April 14, 1655 – Pt. 3Pt. 3

10 Coats, the marke of X CHARELS;CHARELS; 12 Hoes, the marke of X MAYHEW;MAYHEW; 12 Hachats, the marke of X FOREKET;FOREKET; 50 Muxes, the marke of X WESTWAK;WESTWAK; 100 Needels, the marke of X PROFET;PROFET; 6 Ketles, the marke of X KELHELLACAW;KELHELLACAW; 10 fadom of wampom, the marke of X YAYANFYSU;YAYANFYSU; 7 chests of Powder, the marke of X CALLAWANCESS;CALLAWANCESS; 1 pare of Child Stockins, the marke of X UASKAKE;UASKAKE; 10 pound of lead, the marke of X CALLAVEN;CALLAVEN; 1 Dosen of knives. the marke of X CATAUS; CATAUS;

the marke of X EWBECA;EWBECA; Witness, GEORGE TOUNGE;GEORGE TOUNGE; the marke of X MASACHUS;MASACHUS; the marke X of JOHN COSBYJOHN COSBY X WETANEK;”WETANEK;”

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records. Town of Brookhaven, Up to 1800. Patchogue, NY: The Town, Printed at the Office of the Advance, 1880: 1-2.

Swindle or Bargain, in the Island Wilderness? Something for Students & Teachers

So, what kind of deal was that, for Indians & potential colonists alike? Why do we see such relatively unimpressive, everyday items as axes, kettles,

hoes, and needles on major deeds, in exchanging for fairly large tracts of land? How can we best allow the times their due: Thinking in their terms, not in

modern terms. Supply & Demand Needs to be Seriously Considered – Items relatively

rare or new to trade had great value, esp. if useful and / or attractive. English colonists often arrived with whatever they owned that was relatively

portable (I.e., transportable, by foot, ship, & cart. ) Boat & ship cargo space was generally pretty limited, during this period, and

one usually competed for space with others. Few colonists were well to do, so their spare belongings were not always

impressive, and tended to be functional. European products were rather rare, in these parts, and certain items would

have been more highly valued than others, esp. for their trade status & re-trade value

So, when deeds were made, what was available by way of gift or exchange may have seemed meager, stingy, & the stuff of swindles, by today’s standards.

But, these same utilitarian items being rare, had value in the fact that they could significantly improve the quality of life, & relative sense of safety of the recipient.

Of course, some settlers arrived “in style” with a fair degree of wealth. They had more to offer & could negotiate better terms.

Sources of “spare” items used to negotiate early deeds & for trade could bear further research. Who provided them? Were they deemed community property? Was the owner reimbursed? How?

Sachems Wyandanch & WenecoheagSachems Wyandanch & Wenecoheag July 20, 1657July 20, 1657

Deed 2 Mastic Meadows to Richard Deed 2 Mastic Meadows to Richard Woodhull & SetauketWoodhull & Setauket “This writing testifyeth that Wiandance, the Mentake Sachem, have

sold to Mr. Richard Woodhull, of Setauke, two great Necks of Meadow, lying from a River called Connecticut, and so to a River called Wegonthotak, Eastward, which Meadows Mr. Woodhull have bought for himself, and the rest of his neighbors, of Seatauk, of Wiandance and Wenecoheage, and for the aforesaid Meadow, Mr. Richard Woodhull, doth hereby ingage himself, for, and on the behalf of his Neighbours, to pay, or Cause to be paid, unto the foresaid Sachems, twenty Coats, twenty hoes, Twenty Hatchets, forty Needles, forty Muxes, ten pound of powder, ten pound of Lead, Six pair of Stockins, Six Shirts, one Trooper’s Coat, made of Good Cloath; Twenty knives, one Gunn, for and in consideration of the aforesaid goods, Wiandance, the Sachem of Mentauk, and Wenecoheage have Sold the Aforesaid Meadows, to be the aforesaid Mr. Richard Woodhull’s and his Neighbours, and their Heirs forever, and do hereby promise and ingage themselves, to free and Defend the Said Meadows from all others, that may any ways make any Claim thereunto, and in Witness hereof, the aforesaid Sachems and Mr. Woodhull, have interchangably Set their hands this 20 July, 1657. This to be paid upon demand.

In presence of RICHARD WOODHULL JOHN STICKLING, this mark X Mentauk Sachem, JONAH WOOD, the mark woneco, X Sachem” Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records. Town of

Brookhaven, Up to 1800. Patchogue, NY: The Town, Printed at the Office of the Advance, 1880: 2-3.

Old Field Purchase, ca. 1658

Old FieldOld Field, north of Setauket , north of Setauket village, on the North coast, village, on the North coast, was purchased from was purchased from Wyandanch Wyandanch “some time prior “some time prior to 1659”. to 1659”.

Source: Bayles, Thomas R. Historical Sketches of Brookhaven Town. Middle Island, NY: The Author, 1946: p. 4.

But the Whales Belong to Me!, Pt. 1But the Whales Belong to Me!, Pt. 1Wyandanch Sells Beach Rights, with Some Wyandanch Sells Beach Rights, with Some

Restrictions, to Lion GardinerRestrictions, to Lion GardinerJune 10, 1658June 10, 1658

““Be it knowne unto all men, by this present writing, that thisBe it knowne unto all men, by this present writing, that this Indenture, Indenture, covenant, or Agreement, covenant, or Agreement, was made the tenth of Iune, in the yeare of our was made the tenth of Iune, in the yeare of our Lord, 1658,Lord, 1658, between Wyandance, Sachem of Pawmanack, with his son between Wyandance, Sachem of Pawmanack, with his son Wiacombone, and their Associates, Wiacombone, and their Associates, that inthat in Sasagataco, Checanon & Sasagataco, Checanon & mamaneto, mamaneto, on ye other sideon ye other side Lion Gardiner, Lion Gardiner, for himself, his heirs, for himself, his heirs, executors and assigns, that is to say, that the foresaid Sachem,executors and assigns, that is to say, that the foresaid Sachem, Wiandance hath Wiandance hath sould for a considerable sum of money and goods, a sould for a considerable sum of money and goods, a certaine tract of beach land,certaine tract of beach land, with all ye rest of ye grass that joynes to it, with all ye rest of ye grass that joynes to it, not seperated from it by water,not seperated from it by water, whichwhich beach begins Eastward at the west beach begins Eastward at the west end of Southampton bounds, end of Southampton bounds, and westward where it is separated by ye and westward where it is separated by ye waters of ye sea, coming in out of the [Atlantic] Ocean Sea waters of ye sea, coming in out of the [Atlantic] Ocean Sea [I.e., west of [I.e., west of the the Moriches Inlet-Moriches Bay areaMoriches Inlet-Moriches Bay area],], being bounded Southwards with the being bounded Southwards with the great sea, Northwards with the inland water great sea, Northwards with the inland water [in other words, today’s [in other words, today’s Fire Fire IslandIsland]] ;; this land and the grass thereof for a range, or run, for to feed this land and the grass thereof for a range, or run, for to feed horses or cattle on, I say, I havehorses or cattle on, I say, I have sold sold to the aforesaid Lion Gardiner, his to the aforesaid Lion Gardiner, his heirs, executor and assigns forever, heirs, executor and assigns forever, for the sum aforesaid, and a yearly for the sum aforesaid, and a yearly rent of twenty-five shillings a year, which yearly rent is to be paidrent of twenty-five shillings a year, which yearly rent is to be paid to the to the foresaid Sachem, his heirs, executors and assigns foresaid Sachem, his heirs, executors and assigns for ever, infor ever, in the eight the eight [sic] month, called [sic] month, called October,October, then to be demanded, then to be demanded, but the whales that but the whales that shall be cast upon this beach shall belong to me, and the rest of the shall be cast upon this beach shall belong to me, and the rest of the Indians in their bounds, as they have beene anciently granted to them Indians in their bounds, as they have beene anciently granted to them formerly by my forefathers.formerly by my forefathers.


Restrictions, to Lion GardinerRestrictions, to Lion GardinerJune 10, 1658 & December 23, 1658June 10, 1658 & December 23, 1658 AND also liberty to cut , in the summer time, flags, bullrushes, and such AND also liberty to cut , in the summer time, flags, bullrushes, and such

things as they make mats of, provided they doe noe hurt to the horses things as they make mats of, provided they doe noe hurt to the horses that is that is thereon. And thatthereon. And that this writing is to be understood according to the letter, this writing is to be understood according to the letter, without any reservation or further Interpretations on it,without any reservation or further Interpretations on it, we have both of us , we have both of us , Interchangeably set to our hands and seales.Interchangeably set to our hands and seales.

LION GARDENERLION GARDENER Signed, Sealed andSigned, Sealed and The Sachem X mark,The Sachem X mark, delivered in the presencedelivered in the presence The mark of X his sons The mark of X his sons

WIACOMBONE,WIACOMBONE, of usof us SASAGATACO X mark, SASAGATACO X mark, DAVID GARDINER,DAVID GARDINER, CHECANOE X mark,CHECANOE X mark, IEREMIAH CONKLINGIEREMIAH CONKLING ,, MAMANETE X mark.MAMANETE X mark. I, Iohn Cooper,I, Iohn Cooper, do do accept this writing andaccept this writing and promisepromise for myself, my heir, for myself, my heir,

executors and assigns, executors and assigns, to performe the paymentto performe the payment which is above which is above specifiedspecified. . Witness my hand, this 23 day of December , 1658. Witness my hand, this 23 day of December , 1658. In presence of ye In presence of ye underwritten witness.underwritten witness.

THOMAS OSBURNE,THOMAS OSBURNE, JEREMIAH CONKLINGJEREMIAH CONKLING.”.”



Restrictions, to Lion GardinerRestrictions, to Lion GardinerJune 10, 1658 & December 23, 1658June 10, 1658 & December 23, 1658

Below is an Inset from a “blank” Rand McNally “Long Below is an Inset from a “blank” Rand McNally “Long Island” Map, Modified for 1658, showing the Moriches Island” Map, Modified for 1658, showing the Moriches Inlet (the Break in the barrier beach), with the Atlantic Inlet (the Break in the barrier beach), with the Atlantic Ocean (“Ocean Sea”) to the south (below it) and Moriches Ocean (“Ocean Sea”) to the south (below it) and Moriches Bay Bay

Moriches Moriches InletInlet

Moriches Moriches BayBay

[Great] South Bay[Great] South Bay

SouthamptonSouthampton

Town Town (1640)(1640)

B R O O K H A V E N T O W N

(1655)

Fire Island (Barrier Beach)Fire Island (Barrier Beach)

Sold by Wyandanch to Lion Sold by Wyandanch to Lion Gardiner, in 1658Gardiner, in 1658

England vs. New England vs. The Netherlands, England vs. New England vs. The Netherlands, 1655-16641655-1664

A Pawn, Shaken by Colonial Jurisdictional A Pawn, Shaken by Colonial Jurisdictional IntriguesIntrigues

Setauket is Given to New Haven, Connecticut, then New-York

The First 9 Years (1655-1664) – The The First 9 Years (1655-1664) – The Time of TroublesTime of Troubles

Setauket, Setauket, given its given its frightening new uncertainties frightening new uncertainties – (a) A collapsing Cromwellian – (a) A collapsing Cromwellian Protectorate; (b) surrounding, potentially hostile Indians, and (c) risk of a hostile European Protectorate; (b) surrounding, potentially hostile Indians, and (c) risk of a hostile European descent from New Netherlands, New France, New Spain, Europe, or some other quarter) – descent from New Netherlands, New France, New Spain, Europe, or some other quarter) – was, in modern terms, soon feeling a bit isolated & vulnerablewas, in modern terms, soon feeling a bit isolated & vulnerable

In 1659,1659, it placed itselfplaced itself underunder New Haven ColonyNew Haven Colony protectionprotection In 1662,1662, it applied for & received short-lived admission to that Colonyapplied for & received short-lived admission to that Colony New HavenNew Haven prided itself on its reputation as the most militant & Puritanical of New England Colonies. prided itself on its reputation as the most militant & Puritanical of New England Colonies.

Like Setauket, it too was situated on L.I. Sound, & given non-ratification of the Treaty of Hartford by Like Setauket, it too was situated on L.I. Sound, & given non-ratification of the Treaty of Hartford by England, could be conceived of as encroaching on, & astride, New Netherlands’ eastern claims (as it England, could be conceived of as encroaching on, & astride, New Netherlands’ eastern claims (as it was well West of the Connecticut River), should a 2was well West of the Connecticut River), should a 2ndnd Anglo-Dutch war break out. In Anglo-Dutch war break out. In characteristically aggressive style, New Haven even attempted to plant its own sub-colony on the characteristically aggressive style, New Haven even attempted to plant its own sub-colony on the Delaware River, to threaten the Dutch from two flanks. The other English colonies generally chose to Delaware River, to threaten the Dutch from two flanks. The other English colonies generally chose to abide by the Hartford Treaty agreements, while it suited their policies, including a tacit understanding abide by the Hartford Treaty agreements, while it suited their policies, including a tacit understanding not to support New Haven colonize the Delaware. New Haven was not pleased, and was blocked. So, not to support New Haven colonize the Delaware. New Haven was not pleased, and was blocked. So, its gaining a forward offensive base on central L.I., must have seemed an attractive offer, helping it its gaining a forward offensive base on central L.I., must have seemed an attractive offer, helping it control the Sound from the opposite side – a logical step. Besides there were displaced New Haveners control the Sound from the opposite side – a logical step. Besides there were displaced New Haveners already living in Setauket. already living in Setauket.

Monarchy was restored in England in 1660. Later, in Monarchy was restored in England in 1660. Later, in 1662, 1662, Charles II consolidated New Haven Charles II consolidated New Haven (along with Setauket) into Connecticut Colony(along with Setauket) into Connecticut Colony, strengthening the Stuart hold on the frontier with New , strengthening the Stuart hold on the frontier with New Netherlands. In Netherlands. In 16641664, , with the conquest of New-York, eastern Long Island was severed from with the conquest of New-York, eastern Long Island was severed from Connecticut & attached to yet a 3Connecticut & attached to yet a 3rdrd colony by the Crown, under the proprietary jurisdiction of New- colony by the Crown, under the proprietary jurisdiction of New-York Province, & Duke of YorkYork Province, & Duke of York. -- . -- There would be further complications.There would be further complications.

Organizing I: Calling All DefectivesOrganizing I: Calling All DefectivesTown Meeting Attendance by Gen.

Public EncouragedDecember 1, 1659, et seq. [1701-

1710]“At a town meting held the first decem, 1659, It was ordered that whoever be Defective in appeareance to the Towne meetings, upon lawfull warning, thay shall forfeit 2 shillings 6 pence, for the Town’s use, unles they can give a Reson, that may Satisfy the major p[ar]t. of the towne.

In 1701, The Trustees ordered that a member being one hour late, should be fined 3s, and 2 were so fined, but half remitted, it being their first default. In 1702, fine to be 2 s. for one hour late. In 1704, fine for one hour, 1 bitt; for all day, 2 bitts. In 1710, failure to attend, fine to be 3s.”


Organizing II: Yo, Ho, Ho!Organizing II: Yo, Ho, Ho!Town Meeting Attendance by

Trustees EncouragedJune 2, [1660] “Att a meeting of ye Trustes, on the Second

Daye of June, present: Mr. Woodhull, Samuell Tomson, Just Strong, Left Owen, Andrew Miller, John Wood, William Jeane, ordered that from this time forward, that, if any one of ye Trustes after worning given, Doth not appeare at ye time, and place, shall forfit a pinte of Rum.”*

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records. Town of Brookhaven, Up to 1800. Patchogue, NY: The Town, Printed at the Office of the Advance, 1880: 5.

*In 1880, as observed in a note by the then Town Clerk, this order, though the penalty was never paid, was still on the books, despite occasional lapses by Trustees. Maybe it was simply left off the official record that it was ever enforced. (Yo ho ho…)

Of course, it’s possible that with the accession of Charles II, most residents, being ex-“Roundhead” sympathizers, may have felt the need of something stronger to quaf than mere stream or well water.

Early Old Field – 1661, Part 1Early Old Field – 1661, Part 1 ““1661. – Land in the Old Field, the 6 acre 1661. – Land in the Old Field, the 6 acre

Lots.Lots. 1. Thomas Thorp, his front stake is without [outside] the

old fence. 2. Capt. John UndrellCapt. John Undrell [i.e., Underhill,Underhill, one of New England’s one of New England’s

& New Netherlands’ foremost military leaders & New Netherlands’ foremost military leaders] 3. John Genners, a pole 1-2 aded for the Swamp at the

rear. 4. Richard Woodhull,Richard Woodhull, a pole 1-2 aded for the Swamp at

the rear. [Woodhull was or became a prominent judge & Town father.]

5. George WoodGeorge Wood.. [Later, with his daughter, supposed Later, with his daughter, supposed witchcraft victimwitchcraft victim]

6. Alexander Brian. 7. John Dier, changed with Perrin. 8. Richard Smith. 9. Thomas Harlow. 10. Thomas Mabs [or Mapes]. 11. Richard Woodhull [again, a different lot]. 12. Henry RogersHenry Rogers.. [Ann Rogers , who, in 1665, would cry Ann Rogers , who, in 1665, would cry

witch, was probably relatedwitch, was probably related] 13. William Fancy. [Usually spelled “Ffancy”,“Ffancy”, in early

Town Records] 14. Robert Akerly.

Early Old Field – 1661, Part 2Early Old Field – 1661, Part 2 15. George Wood [again]. 16. Roger Cheston. 17. Edward Rouse [Rose?] 18. Samuel Shermen [ancestor or William T.

Sherman?] 19. Thomas Perce. 20. James Cock, sold to Henry Perry. 21. Capt. John UndrellCapt. John Undrell [a second lot]. 22. William Crumwell [Cromwell]. 23. Henry Perrin, Changed with John Dier. 24. John Chachum [Ketchum], a Tupesium. 25. Arthur Smith, a Triangle. 26. [Unclaimed?] 27. The highway runs through the 6 acre lots from The highway runs through the 6 acre lots from

first to last.”first to last.” [In other words, these properties were in a line, along the “highway,” or main road.]

Source:Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records. Town Records. Town of Brookhaven, Up to 1800.of Brookhaven, Up to 1800. Patchogue, NY: The Town, Printed at the Office of the Advance, 1880: 5-6.

Captain John Underhill (lower left)With Capt. John Mason (lower right),

Conqueror of the Dutch-Allied Pequot Tribe, the Terror of Conqueror of the Dutch-Allied Pequot Tribe, the Terror of New EnglandNew England

Conqueror of L.I. & Westchester Indians,Conqueror of L.I. & Westchester Indians,Victor of Ft. Victor of Ft. Marsapeag[ue]Marsapeag[ue] Early Early Resident of Connecticut, New

Netherlands, New York City, L.I. & & notably, of early

SetauketSetauket Below: Decisive Below: Decisive

slaughter at the slaughter at the

Pequot Fort near today’s Pequot Fort near today’s Mystic, CTMystic, CT

Setauket Moves in on Daniel Lane’s Indian Deed

for the Little Neck Purchase (Today’s Strong’s Neck, Setauket)

April 6, 1663 ““Aprell Aprell the the 6, 1663,6, 1663, it is it is agreedagreed at a town at a town

meten,meten, that that all the inhabitants of all the inhabitants of SeetackSeetack shall beshall be partners with daniell Lane,partners with daniell Lane, In the In the purchase ofpurchase of the land he bought of the Indians, the land he bought of the Indians, in the in the Littell neckLittell neck, onely excepted, such , onely excepted, such parsons as will not pay ministers Rates, also the parsons as will not pay ministers Rates, also the Town doth promise to pay daniell Lane, his Town doth promise to pay daniell Lane, his Just disbursements and Charges, towerds Just disbursements and Charges, towerds the purchusthe purchus of this Land, to his resenabell of this Land, to his resenabell Content.”Content.”


A Court Sits in Setauket, on Matters of A Court Sits in Setauket, on Matters of Moment?Moment?

Ye Fines Imposed for Cursing & Ye Fines Imposed for Cursing & Lying – 1663 Lying – 1663 ““December, the 8, 1663,December, the 8, 1663, at a Courte held atCourte held at

Ashford [I.e., Setauket],Ashford [I.e., Setauket], Magistrates,Magistrates, Capt. John Capt. John Talcot,Talcot, Capt. John Scott,Capt. John Scott, Esq., Capt. John YongeEsq., Capt. John Yonge andand Richard woddal [Woodhull].Richard woddal [Woodhull].

JURORS,JURORS, -- Capt. John Platt, foreman; John Hand, Capt. John Platt, foreman; John Hand, John Giners, Charles Barnes, Zacharey Hawkinges, John Giners, Charles Barnes, Zacharey Hawkinges, Rich. wareing.Rich. wareing. at this Corte at this Corte will[iam]will[iam]. . PolerePolere is is finde ten shilling finde ten shilling for Cursing.for Cursing.

William fansey,William fansey, for liing, 10s.} for liing, 10s.} Henry Rodgers,Henry Rodgers, for liing, 10s.} for liing, 10s.} to the to the

Country.”Country.”Question for historians, lawyers, & genealogists: Question for historians, lawyers, & genealogists:

Was all this cursing & lying related? Was all this cursing & lying related? Source:Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records. Records.

Town of Brookhaven, Up to 1800. Town of Brookhaven, Up to 1800. Patchogue, NY: The Town, Printed at the Office of the Advance, 1880: 8.

Defamation Lawsuit [1663]“Tho. Mabes,Tho. Mabes, plant. [i.e., plaintiff], Henery Henery

Rodgers,Rodgers, defend[an]t., in acktion of defamation, which is to the plaintife damage 100lb, for which the plantif craves the judgment of Court and jure, with cost of sheute [lawsuit], the jurey finds for the plaintif, the defend., to pay the plantif five pounds sterling, with increase of Courte charges, the judgment of the courte, and the moetive of the verdickte of the juery the defend. To pay to the plantiefe, which is five pounds.”

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records. Town of Brookhaven, Up to 1800. Patchogue, NY: The Town, Printed at the Office of the Advance, 1880: 5.

Note: Interesting that it was Henry Rodgers, probably closely related to Ann Rogers, who was being accused of defamation of character. Questions for Historians: Was there any alignment of individuals that arose from, or perhaps preceded, this incident in the Rogers-Wood-Hall witchcraft case of 1665? If so, what was the underlying motive or resentment? Revenge?

John Scott, of Setauket, Rogue John Scott, of Setauket, Rogue ExtraordinaireExtraordinaire

Early Intrigues & Jailings, Pt. 1,Early Intrigues & Jailings, Pt. 1, 1643-1654 1643-1654 Stories about Scott vary widely and wildly, & he altered his autobiographic tales frequently, to suit his latest form of “adventure capitalism” (i.e., theft).

Scott may have arrived in Mass. Bay Colony, ca. 16431643, as the indentured servant of an Edmund Downing, said to have mistreated him.

A variation which might explain his treatment, has a young Scott caught cutting the saddles of Roundhead cavalrymen, on the eve of the Battle of Turnham Green (November 13, 1642), a Civil War battle before London, and ultimately being deported to the colonies, under unsympathetic indenture.

Or, born in Ashford, Kent, England, he is said to have arrived from England with his mother, a bankrupt miller’s wife, living in extreme poverty, whom he soon after abandoned. Scott would later claim common ancestry with the nobility of Scott Hall, Kent, which, naturally, the family vehemently denies.

By 16481648, Scott was criminally active in Mass. Bay, being jailed & sentenced by the Colony’s General Court to pay his master, Lawrence Southwick,Lawrence Southwick, 35 shillings, or render him acceptable satisfaction.

In March 1654,1654, styling himself “John Scott of Long Island”, he tried out a New Netherlands jail, being suspected of night raids on Dutch property.


Early Intrigues & Jailings, Pt. 2, Early Intrigues & Jailings, Pt. 2, 1654-16601654-1660 Around AprilApril 16541654, he was found guilty of defamation in New Haven.

Ca. 16571657, he became a freeman of Southampton, L.I., where he, was granted a house lot, became tax commissioner, and developed into an active real estate speculator, esp. 1660-16641660-1664.

He claimed to have received land deeds from Wyandanch & Weacom, for land he sold. Lawsuits & counter-suits involving him were rife.

Marrying Deborah Raynor of the village, he was soon acting as a whaling company attorney and in determining town boundaries.

Around 1660, he bagan to style himself, “Captain” John Scott, lacking any military commission, or ship’s captain’s papers.

In Winter, 1660Winter, 1660, he sailed for England, to ingratiate himself with the newly restored Stuarts, avowing his Cavalier credentials in the English Civil War, in an attempt to secure himself a place and personal proprietorship of Long Island. Fairly successfully insinuating himself into noble and royal circles, gaining increasing support, and seeming royal favor, he appeared verging on success. This failed to materialize, as Charles II developed other plans.

Paradise Lost & Regained?: Ye Paradise Lost & Regained?: Ye Restoration ComethRestoration Cometh

Passing Unease: Rude Transition from Passing Unease: Rude Transition from Roundhead to CavalierRoundhead to Cavalier

Regime Change in Old England,Regime Change in Old England,Treading on Eggshells in New EnglandTreading on Eggshells in New England After 1660After 1660, with a restoredrestored Stuart monarchyStuart monarchy, meaning a triumphant enemy of the former Puritan Parliamentarianstriumphant enemy of the former Puritan Parliamentarians & & the Cromwellian Regime,the Cromwellian Regime, the Puritan New England coloniesPuritan New England colonies, and theirand their outlying settlements,outlying settlements, as in theas in the Brookhaven areaBrookhaven area, as backers of the losing side, found their loyalty, in official backers of the losing side, found their loyalty, in official circles, now highly suspect.circles, now highly suspect. They were soon feeling a bit exposed to new potential dangers.

England’s military & naval forces, & their commanders had passed back to royal (Cavalier) control, posing a definite threat.

Any colony was taking significant risks and had to act with a degree ofdegree of deferential circumspection deferential circumspection in pressing any claim against Stuart prerogatives or landholdings; though the last thing the Stuarts wanted was to provoke a new Civil War.

Yet Connecticut & New Haven, Parliamentarian strongholds, Connecticut & New Haven, Parliamentarian strongholds, were not particularly repentant or shy about pressing their claims to eastern Long Island, including today’s Brookhaven Town area, against a Duke of the royal line in the near future.

Establishing a Dissenter ClergymanMay 12, 1662

“At a town metting, Legally called, it was voted and agreed upon by the Towne, that the towne would give Mr. William Fletcher Fortie Pounds a year, towards his maintenance, for the Dispencing the word of god amongst them as long as he resides amongst them performeing his function.”

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records. Town of Brookhaven, Up to 1800. Patchogue, NY: The Town, Printed at the Office of the Advance, 1880: p . 36.

Of Kindness to Strangers? – An Of Kindness to Strangers? – An Escape Boat?Escape Boat?

Do a Good Job. Keep Your Nose Clean. Or, Lose Everything.

Rolling Up the Welcome Mat – Roots of the Exclusive Club?

July 24, 1662“It is agreed by the townes men that

Richard bulleck, a traveller, having bought some timber and plank of John Catchem, have liberty to build a boote, soe it doth nott exceede 4 months tyme, and then to leave the towne, and in case the said Richard doe disturb or defraud any in the towne, he, the saied Richard, is to forfitt all he have to the towne, and upon the same condition not b[u]y any land in the town –the mark of ‘R.B.’ Richard bulleck”


Ingratiating Himself with the Nobility & Damning Ingratiating Himself with the Nobility & Damning the Dutch & CT Folkthe Dutch & CT Folk

Capt. John Scott to Under Secretary Williamson, Pt. Capt. John Scott to Under Secretary Williamson, Pt. 11

Hartford, December 14, 1663Hartford, December 14, 1663 “Sir. The many obligations (I have had noe small moment) in a continued stream from your influence on publick affaires, besides the perticuler tie of Freindshippe, distant from my too familiare converse with Generall transactions engageth mee to kiss your hand (at this distance by proxie) and to let you know, that I doe not forget your task wch when performed is but the interest of my debt, your curteous reception of the tender of my endeavours to your service, hath made me presume, that your goodness will maintaine your first favoure wth a second, which emboldens me at this time to desire a small division from your important affaires, to view this short relation of the present state of the English on the west end of Long Island on the maine, adjacent for many yeares (as I have formerly given you an accoumpt) having been inslaved by the Dutch their cruell and rapatious neighbours, have at last asserted the Kings Royall interest to his just rights in themselves ettc., though to their utter ruin, had not the Gentlemen of Connecticut, by their the said peoples earnest solicitation, stept in and demonstrated themselves a people jealouse of His Majties concernes then lying at the stake, a piece of acceptable service I doubt not, to our most deare Soveraigne, whose honour if culpable of suffering, by such phebian and drossian spirits was then concerned, but knoweing this service may be blasted, by wronge measure from the Dutch agent or his emissaries, without some care, and knoweing your power and willingness to improve it, doe, in behalf of the Gentn releiving and persons in distresse, onely as a

Ingratiating Himself with the Nobility & Damning Ingratiating Himself with the Nobility & Damning the Dutch & CT Folkthe Dutch & CT Folk

Capt. John Scott to Under Secretary Williamson, Pt. Capt. John Scott to Under Secretary Williamson, Pt. 22

Hartford, December 14, 1663Hartford, December 14, 1663 spectator, or at most a moderator in the premised affaire, I beseach you to caveat any addresse being fully heard until some person commissioned from this Countrey be their to confront the said Dutch or their complices. Sir if occasion serve to mention my desires to those Noble Gentn in conjunction with you, from whome I can not despaire of a favourable aspect, being represented by soe happy a medium as your selfe, but I should be too injurious to the publike good, to detein you longer from your noble imployments; I shall therefore onely begg the happinesse of a roome in your memorie, in qualitie of Sir, your most humble servant. Jo. Scott

Post script, my humble service to the honoured Sir Georg Cartwright to whome I entreat you to communicate this business with the inclosed letter, which is from a Committee of the said, now releived but formerly distressed subjects of His Majties (enslaved by the Dutch) – my service to noble Mr Chiffinch ettc.

To the Honble Joseph Williamson Esqre at his office at Whitehall – Westminster, this ddl. Or at Sr Henry Bennits at Whitehall this dd.”

Source: Documents Relative to the Colonial History of the State of New-York, v. 3. Albany, NY: Weed, Parsons and Company, 1853: pp. 47-48.


11stst President of Long Island, 1663-64 President of Long Island, 1663-64The Gambit for a Separate Colony of Long IslandThe Gambit for a Separate Colony of Long Island In Winter, 1663-1664, the rather entertainingly unprincipled, desperate, enterprising, charismatic adventurer & con artist, John Scott, lately of Setauket, having recently escaped a Connecticut jail cell, was back on L.I., intent on simultaneously securing both his freedom & land claims against all comers. His silver-tongued eloquence persuaded local residents to elect him “President of Long Island,” & to let him lead a 180-man expedition against the Dutch, to establish a separate L.I. Colony, independent of both New Netherlands and Connecticut, presumably with himself as governor. The campaign, naturally, had approval from neither England nor any New England colony. (Scott claimed to be Lord Stirling’s agent.) He seized the western L.I. Dutch villages of Breukelen (Brooklyn) &

Midwout (Flatbush), & was in position to threaten New Amsterdam. Scott began negotiations to dictate terms to New Netherlands’ Gov.

Pieter Stuyvesant. It appeared he might at first succeed. But, angry colonial authorities, which he’d flouted, intervened and had Scott arrested

By this time, James, Duke of York & Albany, had his own plans for Long Island, which Scott slightly complicated, & inadvertently aided. The Duke, however, was rarely one to suffer interference with his prerogatives, without consequence. Still, fear of a rampaging L.I. militia set loose in New Amsterdam would loom large in Dutch considerations resulting in Peter Stuyvesant’s surrender. So, Scott, in rendering the Duke a service, lost his bid for a personal colony.

Huntington Calls Scott’s Huntington Calls Scott’s BluffBluff

December 26, 1663December 26, 1663“. . .It was propounded that if Capt.

John Scott should come and command the constable to warn a town-meeting, the said should not obey him, without he shew his commission impowered by his majesty Charles the Second.

2. It was voted that if Capt. John Scott should command to see our title to the lands of this town that he should not see them unless he shew his commission impowered by his majesty Charles the Second. . . .”

John Scott, of Setauket, Rogue John Scott, of Setauket, Rogue Extraordinaire Extraordinaire

New Schemes Foiled Again, & a New Schemes Foiled Again, & a Mysterious DisappearanceMysterious Disappearance Scott never forgave the Duke for ruining his chances for a separate

colony of Long Island, for its rule, under the Duke, & extremely unwisely, tried to embarrass and undermine the Duke’s & ducal supporters’ authority, at every turn thereafter, in the colonies & England. In this, he was not entirely without success. New Jersey may owe Scott of L.I. a debt.

Scott managed to involve some of the upper nobility, a wealthy widow of the same surname as his, whom he persuaded was his relative, in a get-rich-quick-on-L.I. real estate scheme. He ran with the money.

He spent a fair amount of time in working at being sent to, & escaping, various jails in England & New England, selling the unsuspecting on one confidence scheme after another, until, it seems, he ran afoul, once too often, of the Duke of York (King James II) and his trusted officer, and now famed diarist, Samuel Pepys -- whom Scott once landed in serious legal trouble -- until Scott’s character was questioned in court, and the tables were turned.

Soon after, Scott simply disappears (or has help). It is interesting to speculate that had Scott’s Long Island Colony scheme

succeeded, had he garnered royal approval for it – doubtful, at best, given its timing – that there might now be a Long Island State, with Setauket as its state capital, which, of course, would be situated in Brookhaven Town. However, with John Scott as role model for local governance, business, & real estate transactions, there’s no saying how badlyTown reputations, in these fields, might have been tarnished, by that association.