Brookhaven Town (Suffolk County, Long Island, N.Y.) @ 350 Years Part VII: From Stuart to Orange Sovereignty, 1675-1691 comp. & ed. by Mark H. Rothenberg

Brookhaven TownBrookhaven Town (Suffolk County, Long Island, (Suffolk County, Long Island,

N.Y.)N.Y.)

@ 350 Years@ 350 Years

Part VII: Part VII: From Stuart to Orange From Stuart to Orange

Sovereignty, 1675-1691Sovereignty, 1675-1691

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

© 2003© 2003

Brookhaven TownBrookhaven Town (Suffolk County, Long Island, (Suffolk County, Long Island,

N.Y.)N.Y.)

@ 350 Years@ 350 Years

Part VII: Part VII: From Stuart to Orange From Stuart to Orange

Sovereignty, 1675-1691Sovereignty, 1675-1691

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

© 2003© 2003The Patchogue-Medford LibraryThe Patchogue-Medford Library

Salutes the Town on its AnniversarySalutes the Town on its Anniversary

The Patchogue-Medford LibraryThe Patchogue-Medford Library

Salutes the Town on its AnniversarySalutes the Town on its Anniversary

Neighboring New England Ablaze, Part 1

Enduring Bloodbath & Perfidy: King Philip’s War, 1675-1676 In June 1675, a major Indian war erupted in Southern New England, as the In June 1675, a major Indian war erupted in Southern New England, as the

Wampanoag, under Metacomet (known as King Philip) broke out of Wampanoag, under Metacomet (known as King Philip) broke out of confinement on the Mount Hope Peninsulaconfinement on the Mount Hope Peninsula (in today’s Rhode Island, then part of Plymouth colony). A war of revenge & decimation of the New A war of revenge & decimation of the New England colonies ensured, sometimes called America’s first total war, in England colonies ensured, sometimes called America’s first total war, in which the New England tribes were also decimated. which the New England tribes were also decimated. As one colonial settlement after another came under attack, colonial counterstrokes initially met with frequent ambush, or with thin air, while yet another settlement went up in flames, and other tribes soon joined the fray. Converted (“Praying”) Indians were rounded up and sent under guard to privation on islands in Boston Harbor, as a wave of paranoia swept the colonies. Until screening, reconnaissance, and “the skulking way of war” (as Patrick Malone puts it) were learned, & Indians were reincorporated as allies, on the colonial side, providing curtain for colonial troop movements, the New England frontier was was pushed back by about 40 years. War would spread as far north as Maine, where it would end, though Indian starvation & supply problems ended it sooner in the South.

Official Stuart New-York took an opportunistic approach, until the weight Official Stuart New-York took an opportunistic approach, until the weight of devastation sank in; alternately trying to distance itself from, take of devastation sank in; alternately trying to distance itself from, take advantage of, & eventually sympathize with the troubles of, a New Englandadvantage of, & eventually sympathize with the troubles of, a New England under attack,under attack, sometimes gloating over its former enemy’s discomfiture, carefully watching its own borders and Indians, eventually aiding and eventually aiding and providing safe haven to New England refugees.providing safe haven to New England refugees.


Enduring Bloodbath & Perfidy: King Philip’s War, 1675-1676 In Puritan Brookhaven, where many were blood relations of, & in In Puritan Brookhaven, where many were blood relations of, & in

complete sympathy with, those suffering across the Sound, reaction would complete sympathy with, those suffering across the Sound, reaction would have different, more uniform, & cost the Stuarts dearly later.have different, more uniform, & cost the Stuarts dearly later.

Gov. Edmund Andros arrived in New-York in late 1664, inheriting the Gov. Edmund Andros arrived in New-York in late 1664, inheriting the Duke’s renewal of the discarded Dutch claim to Western Connecticut, Duke’s renewal of the discarded Dutch claim to Western Connecticut, including Hartford.including Hartford. On July 8, 1675 Andros with 2 sloops arrived off a On July 8, 1675 Andros with 2 sloops arrived off a recently reinforced Ft. Saybrook, at the mouth of the Connecticut Riverrecently reinforced Ft. Saybrook, at the mouth of the Connecticut River, frustrated in his intention to seize it by surprise coup, sail up the river and make good his claim. While his ships stood in check off shore for several days before returning to New York, the Connecticut militia had to be pulled back from the Narragansett frontier, that tribe threatening to go over to Philip.

It is conceivable that some North Shore Brookhaven Town residents It is conceivable that some North Shore Brookhaven Town residents witnessed from a distancewitnessed from a distance Gov. Andros’ abortive raidGov. Andros’ abortive raid up L.I. Sound.up L.I. Sound. Given Brookhaven’s allegiance first to Connecticut, locals would have Given Brookhaven’s allegiance first to Connecticut, locals would have taken a dim view of this. taken a dim view of this.

Philip briefly sought parley with the Mohawks,Mohawks, terror of New England Indians (according to 1 source by massacring a few & blaming it on the English, 1 escaping to inform the tribe), hoping to bring them into the war as Allies, just as his supplies & power were eroded. The Mohawks chased him back into New England, to New-York Colony’s general delight.


Enduring Bloodbath & Perfidy: King Philip’s War, 1675-1676 Gov. Andros’ initial “treachery” was not forgotten, though his Gov. Andros’ initial “treachery” was not forgotten, though his

later humanity to refugees could not have gone unnoticed. later humanity to refugees could not have gone unnoticed. Perceived Stuart regime perfidy, along with longstanding Perceived Stuart regime perfidy, along with longstanding

grievances against lack of proper local representation (& of a grievances against lack of proper local representation (& of a General Assembly, as in other colonies), kept resentments, General Assembly, as in other colonies), kept resentments, angers, & the potential for rebellion alive & simmering in angers, & the potential for rebellion alive & simmering in Brookhaven Town.Brookhaven Town.

As you will see, more was transpiring in Brookhaven and on L.I. during the war years than merely a war scare.

Selected Sources: Leach, Douglas Edward. Flintlock and Tomahawk: New England in Flintlock and Tomahawk: New England in

King Philip’s War,King Philip’s War, 2nd ed. Hyannis, MA: Parnassus Imprints, Inc., 1995: 59-60, 92, 94, 177 (Andros sends sloops to R.I., to board refugees, taken to N.Y.C. & Musceta [now Glen] Cove), 188.

Malone, Patrick M. The Skulking Way of War: Technology and The Skulking Way of War: Technology and Tactics Among the New England Indians.Tactics Among the New England Indians. Lanham, MD: Madison Books, Inc., 2000.

DeRiggi, Mildred Murphy. “Refuge in King Philip’s War.” Long Island Long Island Forum,Forum, 44(3) March 1981: 58-59.

See also Documents and other works cited on slides below

King Philip’s War & L.I. Indian King Philip’s War & L.I. Indian Fears, 1675-76Fears, 1675-76

King Philip’s War, 1675-1676The Balance of Fear & Reason:

Brookhaven-Indyan RelacionsApplying the Carrot & Stick to Indian &

Colonist Alike, Pt. 1 Interestingly, L.I. Indians were ordered disarmed, in January 1675, well before war broke out in New England (June 1675, though trouble was clearly brewing there), and again in December 1675, when they gathered for a kintecoy (powwow), that John Strong says probably was simply the annual mid-winter festival. Gatherings of Indians were considered suspect in New York, as in New England, during the war, as in the latter, they became frequent vehicles for agents of Philip and his allies to present their case, swaying or dividing entire tribes. By mid-war, Gov. Andros surely knew this, & being thorough, was taking no chances. A deputation from the Governor was ordered to find & break up the gathering, ordering them home, after first demanding the surrender of their arms.

Andros forbade L.I. Indians to travel thereafter without an authorized pass, and to remain at home (for war’s duration). The ban on arms was eventually lifted for Indians within the Brookhaven area (but not on eastern L.I.), permitting them fall & winter hunting, This suggests some successful lobbying on the sachems’ part.

In the wake of the initial clash at Swansea (western Plymouth Colony), and rapid spread of war to the rest of Southern New England, devastation of village after village, and the initial steady English retreat, waves of terror reverberated, in English settlements bordering the theater of war.

King Philip’s War, 1675-1676The Balance of Fear & Reason:

Brookhaven-Indyan RelacionsApplying the Carrot & Stick to Indian &

Colonist Alike, Pt. 2 Brookhaven, esp. Setauket, settler-Indian relations took a sour turn, settlers repeatedly urged or warned to be even-handed in their dealings, and to cool their tempers, by the colonial government. (This also was true further East on L.I.).

Local Indians were reined in, denied purchase of liquor, guns, ammunition.

Canoes & lumber were rounded up along the North shore , & an armed sloop was ordered to patrol the Sound, to interdict Indian movement, north or south.

Gov. Edmund Andros called a meeting with L.I. sachems & was reassured of their good intentions. But, when they called one of their own, his reaction was swift.

During the war, claims and counterclaims about the validity of the latest deeds resulted in court battles, & power battles over sachems’ political authority and jurisdictions. The (11/19/1675) land sold by Gie (see below) was one of the deeds challenged (by Tobaccus & Mayhew), as was Richard Woodhull’s right to some meadowlands

Philip’s defeat and death (late summer, 1676) sounded the death knell of Indian power in lower New England, & on L.I.

The pace of dispossession, ongoing throughout the war, quickened with English triumph, with few apologies or much regard for Indian sensibilities thereafter.

Source: Strong, John. “The Impact of King Philip’s War on the Island,” In The Algonquian Peoples of Long Island, From Earliest Times to 1700. Interlaken, NY: Empire State Books, 1997: 252-253.

Disarming & Limiting the Movements of Disarming & Limiting the Movements of Long Island IndiansLong Island Indians

Keeping King Philip’s War from Keeping King Philip’s War from Spreading to the Island, Spreading to the Island,

By Order of the Governor, Pt. 1 --By Order of the Governor, Pt. 1 -- January January 24, 167524, 1675 ““An Order for All Indyans on Long Island An Order for All Indyans on Long Island

to Bee Disarmed, in this Juncture of the to Bee Disarmed, in this Juncture of the Warr, and that None Ramble from Place Warr, and that None Ramble from Place

to Place, etc.to Place, etc. WHEREAS I am informed from severa[ll Townes and

places] on Long Island of the Generall Apprehensions of [the people con]cerning any our Indyans being Armed at this juncture, for which though I hope there is no Cause, however by the A[dvice of my] Councell, I have Ordered that all Indyans on Long [Island that] have by the favour of the Townes (as allowed) their Ar[mes still] entrusted to them bee forthwith disarmed, and the said A[rmes] according to former Order to bee safely laid up and kept in o{r neare] the Block-House or Fortification in the severall Townes [And] that all Indyans have notice not to ramble of goe from plac[e to] place out of the Bounds they live in without a Certificate from the Magistrate or Constable to be shewed to the like Officers at their arrival where they goe, and have Leave to stay; But all Justice to be shewed them according to Law and Orders of the Court of Assizes and Concerning Fortification. This Order to bee forthwith effectually putt in

Disarming & Limiting the Movements of Disarming & Limiting the Movements of Long Island IndiansLong Island Indians

Keeping King Philip’s War from Keeping King Philip’s War from Spreading to the Island, Spreading to the Island,

By Order of the Governor, Pt. 2 --By Order of the Governor, Pt. 2 -- January January 24, 167524, 1675 Execution, and a due returne made to mee there of by

the severall Townes in whose precincts any Indyans live by th[e] first Opportunity or Expresse, if Occasion: Of which none to faile as they will Answer the default at their utmost perills. Given under my hand in New Yorke the 24th day of January in the 27th yeare of his Majesties Reigne, Annoque Domini 1675.

E: ANDROS, s. To the Justices of the Peace Military Officers, Constables,

and Overseers of Southampton; etc. The like sent to all the Townes on Long Island.”

Source: Books of General Entries of the Colony of New York, 1674-1688 (New York Historical Manuscripts: English), ed. by Peter R. Christoph & Florence A. Christoph. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Pub. Co., Inc., Pub. Under the Direction of the Holland Society of New York, 1982: p. 103.

Of Daniel Lane’s Rape-It-Yourself Setauket Of Daniel Lane’s Rape-It-Yourself Setauket EstateEstate

Late 17th Century Provincial WelfareLate 17th Century Provincial WelfareGovernment Relief from Death, Debt, & Penury --

February 26, 1675February 26, 1675 “WHEREAS Daniel LaneDaniel Lane latelate of Setalcott of Setalcott in the East Riding of Yorkshire upon Long Island stood Convicted of the heynous Crimes of a Rape and stood Convicted of the heynous Crimes of a Rape and Adultery Adultery [involving a niece], for which hee was adjudged to deserve adjudged to deserve Death,Death, and his Estate, Goods, and Chattels to bee Confiscated unto his his Estate, Goods, and Chattels to bee Confiscated unto his MajestieMajestie,, the Governor having taken into Consideration,Governor having taken into Consideration, that the said Daniel Lane by wicked practicesDaniel Lane by wicked practices hath left Katherine his wife (now left Katherine his wife (now Divorced from him ) together with her Children in a very meane and Divorced from him ) together with her Children in a very meane and low Conditionlow Condition as to their Subsistance, And that hee was likewise very as to their Subsistance, And that hee was likewise very much in Debt:much in Debt: And it having formerly been adjudged reasonableit having formerly been adjudged reasonable that the EstateEstate of the said Daniel Lane should bee equally dividedbee equally divided, the one halfeone halfe to bee between the Wife and Children, the other to the Creditorsbetween the Wife and Children, the other to the Creditors ;; These are to Certify That his Honor the Governor doth approve and allow of the Division of the Estate of Daniel Land as aforesaid between the Wife and Children and Creditors, That is to say, the one halfe of the whole Estate the said Lane stood Invested in at the time of his first being apprehended for the Crimes aforesaid, to bee to the use of the said Katherine Lane and Children towards their Reliefe and subsistance, The other halfe to the Reall Creditors that had at that time any just Debts due from him, And That the said Katherine Lane on the behalfe of herselfe and Children shall have the Refusall of taking all or any part of the said House… Rich Woodhall…”


Letter Sent From L.I. Sound, Off Saybrook, Letter Sent From L.I. Sound, Off Saybrook, CTCT

Gov. Edmund Andros to Gov. John Gov. Edmund Andros to Gov. John Winthrop, Jr.Winthrop, Jr.July 8, 1675July 8, 1675 “Honorable Gent.

I write y[ou] at [lar]ge the 28th past by Mr. John Collyer, and a[lso] by another the 4th instant in the morning, by returne of your Express[e] upon your notice of the Indyans Rebellion, and barbarisme, did give you account of my Intent this way and to this place, where I am now arrived, but finding no occasion here upon the Indyan account, I am sending a small vessell further eastward for Intelligence, and do send this by Expresse to you in his Majesties and R. Hs behalfe, to desire your direct and effectuall Answer to my foresaid Lettre which here attend, on discharge of my duty accordingly; In the meane time remaine

Honorable Gent. Your affectionate friend and humble servant E. Andros” Source: Books of General Entries of the Colony of New York, 1674-1688

(New York Historical Manuscripts: English), ed. by Peter R. Christoph & Florence A. Christoph. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Pub. Co., Inc., Pub. Under the Direction of the Holland Society of New York, 1982: p. 107.

By Sloop, Pinnace, & FootBy Sloop, Pinnace, & FootA Calming Letter from Gov. Andros A Calming Letter from Gov. Andros

to Southampton & Seatalcott, Pt. 1 -- to Southampton & Seatalcott, Pt. 1 -- September 18, 1675September 18, 1675 “[I received yours of] the 13th instant, [so long a coming

(as the Indyan saith)] by reason of wett [weather; I arrived here on the 9th in]stant, late, and am sorrysorry [to heare thatto heare that youyou (as well as the most] Part of the Island) have been so Alarhave been so Alar[med upon a false Re]port false Re]port of our Indyans ill intent againstof our Indyans ill intent against [us], which I [us], which I endeavor’d, and hope is now Rectifyed, and a[ll endeavor’d, and hope is now Rectifyed, and a[ll Partyes well sa]tisfied, and quiet; Some Officers Partyes well sa]tisfied, and quiet; Some Officers from all the Townes on] this side Seatalcott, and from all the Townes on] this side Seatalcott, and all the Sachems [of Long] Island, and all the Sachems [of Long] Island, and Neighbourhood on the Maine, [havin]g been here Neighbourhood on the Maine, [havin]g been here with mee sincewith mee since; And although I did [hope] you would not have been Alarum’d, yet I writ to you on the 11th, which I hope came well to your hands; and sat[is]fide you; The same night, I Ordered and sett out a I Ordered and sett out a Sloop[e] Armed, to Cruse in the SoundSloop[e] Armed, to Cruse in the Sound; and the next morning, went myself in my Pinnace, as farre next morning, went myself in my Pinnace, as farre as Mr. Pells, to the Indyans thereas Mr. Pells, to the Indyans there, and from thence from thence to Flushing, and home by Land, the better to to Flushing, and home by Land, the better to Settle Peoples mindesSettle Peoples mindes; I now send you a Copy of a ProclamacionProclamacion,

Constant Vigilance! & the Constant Vigilance! & the “Indian Expresse”“Indian Expresse”

A Calming Letter from Gov. Andros A Calming Letter from Gov. Andros to Southampton & Seatalcott, Pt. 2: to Southampton & Seatalcott, Pt. 2:

September 18, 1675September 18, 1675 relating to the said Matt[ers] that it may bee relating to the said Matt[ers] that it may bee forthwith put in Executionforthwith put in Execution, both by yo[u, and t]he Naighbouring Townes of Southold and Easthampton to whom you are to send Copyes attested, and also and also to communicate this, not having time to write to communicate this, not having time to write to them, and unwill[ing] to stay your expresse to them, and unwill[ing] to stay your expresse IndyanIndyan; Though I do not apprehend a[ny] danger I do not apprehend a[ny] danger by the Indyansby the Indyans, , yet there shall continue an yet there shall continue an armed Sloope to ply in the Sound, that so, no armed Sloope to ply in the Sound, that so, no ill Indyans, may have opportunityes to Crosse ill Indyans, may have opportunityes to Crosse it, at their pleasureit, at their pleasure, which Sloope is intended to call at Southold and Easthampton, sometime in the [next] weeke; And if there should happen any And if there should happen any occasion, more sl[oopes] shall be forthwith occasion, more sl[oopes] shall be forthwith sent out, as the matter may requiresent out, as the matter may require,, so that I hope, none will have cause to neglect their Lawfull occ[a]sions; recommending you bee vigilantbee vigilant, and that I may heare from you, upon all occasions requiring it, I remaine

Invisible Indian Gun LobbyInvisible Indian Gun LobbyA Calming Letter from Gov. Andros A Calming Letter from Gov. Andros

to Southampton & Seatalcott, Pt. 3 -- to Southampton & Seatalcott, Pt. 3 -- September 18, 1675September 18, 1675

Your very Loving Friend, E. Andros s. New Yorke, the 18th 1675.”

Postscript It being Resolved, That the Indyans of the North and West

Ridings of Long Island, shall by reason of their good comport, and the Season of the yeare, have their Gunns restored to them, you have likewise Liberty to do the same in your Parte, (unlesse you know of any of your Indyans not fitt to bee trusted therewith, Excepting Easthampton and Shelter Island, who having paid Contribucion, to the Narrawgansett Indians are n[ot to have them, for the present.]

[To Mr. John] Topping, Justice [of] the Peace, and Capt. John Howell These at East Hampton”

Source: Books of General Entries of the Colony of New York, 1674-1688 (New York Historical Manuscripts: English), ed. by Peter R. Christoph & Florence A. Christoph. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Pub. Co., Inc., Pub. Under the Direction of the Holland Society of New York, 1982: p. 69-70.

Gov. Andros’ Letter to Justice Richard Gov. Andros’ Letter to Justice Richard Woodhull, SetauketWoodhull, Setauket

Good Indian, Bad Indian -- Good Indian, Bad Indian -- Letter by Indian Letter by Indian Expresse -- September 18, 1675Expresse -- September 18, 1675 “Sir. I received yours of the 16th the last Night, and a[m very well]

satisfyed of your Care and Justice, in relac[ion to the Indyans] who I finde, have not misbehaved themselv[es not with]standing the great Noise, Jealousies and apprehen[sons] of them, so that the Cause and Instruments thereo[f] ought to bee severely Punisht; However, the Indyan[s to] the Eastward, being still strong and Active, I have issued forth the Proclamation herewith sent, the bett[er to] satisfy all Peoples mindes, Particularly the Christ[ians] and to keepe a Sloope Armed in the Sound, that [ill] Indyans may easily Crosse it, and shall bee ready to send [more] upon any occasion requiring it; I would advise yo[u to be] vigilant, though as yet no cause of fear, but to con[tinue], in being Just and Protecting your Indians upon all [occa]cions, Had you named those of your Towne, who you see[me] to imply to bee troublesome, or exceed their bounds towa[rds] the Indians, I would have taken such present Order in[?] as had been fitting, But you having sufficient Power [as] a Justice, I do not doubt, but you will make use of it, as there is occasion, and you see Cause; I sent for Capt. Bayly, and the Officers of more of the other Townes, [as wel[l] as Sachems of Long Island and Neighborhood, upon the Maine) have been with mee since my returne, and all sa[tis]fyed and well; I am

Your Very Loving Friend E. Andros. S.” Source: Books of General Entries of the Colony of New York, 1674-1688 (New

York Historical Manuscripts: English), ed. by Peter R. Christoph & Florence A. Christoph. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Pub. Co., Inc., Pub. Under the Direction of the Holland Society of New York, 1982: p. .

Gov. Andros’ Order to Fort SeatalcottGov. Andros’ Order to Fort Seatalcott Clear Your Fields of Fire ! Clear Your Fields of Fire !

(Fort & Garrison Houses) -- October 22, 1675 “Whereas I am informed that neare the Fort newly built at

Seatalcott, there is a parcell of Brush wood, both in the Common and the Lotts of private persons, which upon occasion [Indian attack] may prove very inconvenient These are in his majesties name strictly to enjoyne and require the Inhabitants of said Towne that forthwith they all joyne in cutting down and bringing the brush in the Commons within 80-perches [i.e., 16.5 ft.] of the said Fort, and that the persons who have particular Lotts doe the like in their said Lotts to that distance, and for soe doeing this shall be their warrant, Given under my hand in N.Y. this 22th day of Oct. 1675.

To the Justice of Peace, Const. And Overseers of Sealalcott” Source: The Andros Papers, 1674-1676: Files of the Provincial

Secretary of New York During the Administration of Governor Sir Edmund Andros, 1674-1680, ed. by Peter R. Christoph & Florence A. Christoph. Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 1989: 222.

Queries for Historians & Archeologists: Note that an X was drawn across this letter. It may never have been dispatched. Does historical evidence indicate that a fort ever was built, or that construction had begun? Do we know the exact site, and has it ever been excavated? Were the British simply building on, or expanding its remains just over a century later?

Indian Reconfirmation of Deeds & Indian Reconfirmation of Deeds & Expansion of GrantsExpansion of Grants

Some Thoughts on Motivations & Validation Some Thoughts on Motivations & Validation – 11/1675– 11/1675 OnOn November 19, 1675November 19, 1675 five Sachems (Gie, five Sachems (Gie, et alet al.).) of the of the

Indians of the Setauket area Indians of the Setauket area reconfirmed all prior deedsreconfirmed all prior deeds within the bounds of the newly- patented Brookhaven Townwithin the bounds of the newly- patented Brookhaven Town, , & & conveyed all previously unsold land,conveyed all previously unsold land, between the North between the North shore to mid-Island, between Stony Brook and Wading River, shore to mid-Island, between Stony Brook and Wading River, within Town bounds.within Town bounds. The validity of the document soon The validity of the document soon went to court.went to court.

With With shifting colonial & Indian fortunes & power structuresshifting colonial & Indian fortunes & power structures in New England, it may have seemed to some a good time to in New England, it may have seemed to some a good time to test the political power balance(s) on L.I.test the political power balance(s) on L.I.

It also seemed a good time for Brookhaven settlers to test the Island Indians’ loyalty (a feature of the war to the North), use it to strike a better land deal, & assert and consolidate control of the entire area of the Town.

L.I. Indians, disarmed, isolated, surrounded, & astute,L.I. Indians, disarmed, isolated, surrounded, & astute, could could probably see the writing on the wall, for themselves,probably see the writing on the wall, for themselves, if not if not for New England.for New England.

Sources: Brookhaven Town RecordsBrookhaven Town Records & Leach, Douglas Edward. Flintlock & Flintlock & Tomahawk: New England in King Philip’s War.Tomahawk: New England in King Philip’s War. New York: Macmillan, 1958. Vaughan, Alden T. New England Frontier: Puritans and Indians, 1620-New England Frontier: Puritans and Indians, 1620-16751675, 3rd ed. Norman, IL: Univ. of OK Press, 1995.

John Roe doth doe Cartwheels with John Roe doth doe Cartwheels with Peter WhitehairePeter Whitehaire

2 desem 1675 – Early Teamsters?2 desem 1675 – Early Teamsters?Note: Whitehaire appears in other Note: Whitehaire appears in other

sources as Whittiersources as Whittier““These presents testifieth that whereas These presents testifieth that whereas John Roe haueing [????] wheeles he doth John Roe haueing [????] wheeles he doth bargen and agre to lett these [???] bargen and agre to lett these [???] wheeles to be for the vse of peter wheeles to be for the vse of peter whiethere [???] to goe partners with the whiethere [???] to goe partners with the said John Roe for other [???] (vses) vpon said John Roe for other [???] (vses) vpon consideration that the said peter [??] consideration that the said peter [??] doth ingage to provide a cart and wheles doth ingage to provide a cart and wheles [??] these be don and John Roe is to [??] these be don and John Roe is to procure a paire [??] hoopes for the saide procure a paire [??] hoopes for the saide wheeles and that cart and wheeles to goe wheeles and that cart and wheeles to goe between them and thare haires.”between them and thare haires.”

Source: Brookhaven Town Records, v. 1: 1662-1679. New York: Tobias A. Wright, Printer & Publisher, 1924: p. 20.

Note: The enterprising John Roe founded the Drowned Meadow settlement, today’s Port Jefferson.

Kintecoy Scare: Another Indian Panic & Kintecoy Scare: Another Indian Panic & Disarmament OrderDisarmament Order

Those “Purely Peaceful “ Relations in Doubt Again, Pt. 1

A Confrontation Ordered -- December 13, 1675

““A Speciall Warrant sent to Huntington to demand the A Speciall Warrant sent to Huntington to demand the Indyan Armes of Rock a way and Sequatalke Indyan Armes of Rock a way and Sequatalke [Secatogue], who are to Kintecoy therewho are to Kintecoy there

WHEREAS I am informed, that the severallthe severall Indyans at [Rockway Indyans at [Rockway Unche]chauge and Parts adjacent are in a few dayes to [have a great Unche]chauge and Parts adjacent are in a few dayes to [have a great Ki]ntecoy at Seaquetalke;Ki]ntecoy at Seaquetalke; which being unusuall at [this time a] yearebeing unusuall at [this time a] yeare, is this juncture in no case to bee neglec[ed]; And] Therefore (by the advice Therefore (by the advice of my Councell) you are in his [Majestie]s name hereby required, of my Councell) you are in his [Majestie]s name hereby required, upon notice of the time or day [the sai]d Indyans Kintecoy is to bee, upon notice of the time or day [the sai]d Indyans Kintecoy is to bee, with six or more [men, not e]xceeding ten (as you shall judge fitt, to with six or more [men, not e]xceeding ten (as you shall judge fitt, to bring home th[eir] Armes) to repaire to Seaquatalke, or place where bring home th[eir] Armes) to repaire to Seaquatalke, or place where the abov[e] Kintecoy shall beethe abov[e] Kintecoy shall bee, , sending two Men a little before, to give them notice of your coming (that they bee not scared at your arivall) toto informe yourselfe of what Indyans are there, and demand their Armes; informe yourselfe of what Indyans are there, and demand their Armes; which having received to warne and Command them to separate, which having received to warne and Command them to separate, and each to repaire to their proper place of abode, each to repaire to their proper place of abode, and for the future to for the future to forebear appointing or coming to any such publique Meetings, or forebear appointing or coming to any such publique Meetings, or Kintecoys, without Special[l] Leave, Kintecoys, without Special[l] Leave, and to bring away with you all their bring away with you all their said Armes, which y[ou] are safely to lay up in your Towne, till further said Armes, which y[ou] are safely to lay up in your Towne, till further Order.Order.

Kintecoy Scare: Another Indian Panic & Kintecoy Scare: Another Indian Panic & Disarmament OrderDisarmament Order

Those “Purely Peaceful “ Relations in Doubt Again, Pt. 2

A Confrontation Ordered -- December 13, 1675

But in Case the above Indyans should happen to bee refractory, But in Case the above Indyans should happen to bee refractory, and refuse to deliver their Armes, you areand refuse to deliver their Armes, you are (having taken the best Account or notice you can from whence they are, their Number, etc.) to to warne and Command all their Sagamacks, without delay, to repaire warne and Command all their Sagamacks, without delay, to repaire to mee at this place, and all other Indyans home, and so leave to mee at this place, and all other Indyans home, and so leave them. At your returne you are immedia[tely] to give mee a them. At your returne you are immedia[tely] to give mee a particular Account of your Proceedingsparticular Account of your Proceedings, accordi[ng] to the above; of which you are not to faile, as you will Answer the contrary at your Perills: And for so doing, this shall bee to you, And for so doing, this shall bee to you, and every of you, a Sufficient Warrant Given Sufficient Warrant Given under my hand and Seale, un New Yorke, this 1[3th] day or December, 1675.

To the Constable or Chiefe [Ove]rseer of Huntington E ANDROS, s.” E ANDROS, s.”

Note:Note: While addressed to Huntington, While addressed to Huntington, Indians attractedIndians attracted to the to the kintecoy (powwow) seem to include some from the Brookhaven kintecoy (powwow) seem to include some from the Brookhaven Town area.Town area.

Source: Books of General Entries of the Colony of New York, 1674-Books of General Entries of the Colony of New York, 1674-16881688 (New York Historical Manuscripts: English), ed. by Peter R. Christoph & Florence A. Christoph. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Pub. Co., Inc., Pub. Under the Direction of the Holland Society of New York, 1982: p. 113.

Hospitality to Refugees & an Accounting of their Arms Ordered

January 16, 1676/7 “[An Order to the Magistrates and Officers of the severall

Townes on Long Island, to permit distressed People, to settle amongst them.]

Whereas I am informed, that se[verall Familyes from the] Eastward, being destitute intend to come [to Settle, at] the East End of Long Island; You are h[ereby desired and] required, to receive all such kindly, and to acc[ommodate them] without delay, with some suitable proportion [of Land,] where vacant, and particularly to Fishermen nea[re the] Seaside, and that they bring their goods, all Fishin[g Craft] and Salt, to bee Landed by any Vessell, or Vessell they [can] procure (being free of all Dutyes) without coming to [enter] the same here, but with the Office of the place, [who is re]quired to give them present dispatch accordingly; As also to suffer the Landing of Armes or Ammunition, [as] here; Giving first the Magistrate or chiefe Officer of the place, an Account of said Armes; And to give them all further fitt encouragement and Assistance, as occasion. Actum in New Yorke, this 16th day of January, 1676/7.

To the Magistrates and Officers, of the Severall Townes of To the Magistrates and Officers, of the Severall Townes of Yorkshire, on Long Island.Yorkshire, on Long Island. E. Andros s.”


““Mischiefe hath hapned”, Pt. 1: April 27, Mischiefe hath hapned”, Pt. 1: April 27, 16761676

Trouble to the East: 17Trouble to the East: 17thth Century Century PeacekeepingPeacekeeping

Instructions to Captains Anthony Brockholes & John Coliers

“[Wher]eas I have even now received notice from Hun[tington,] on Long Island of a Report of a Quarrell between [two Chris]tians of South[hamp]ton, and about the like number of [Indy]ans, on the South Beach, Whereby mischiefe hath hapnd you are forthwith to hasten to Long Island, and so forward as farre as said Huntington, and Setalcott, and (if you se[e] ca[u]se) to South[hamp]ton; And in your way thither, to give strict Ord[ers] in the severall Townes, that none presume to make any distu[r]bance there upon, that so due Justice bee administered on the guilty, as it ought.

You are also to give notice to all our Indyans on said Island, that they are and (continuing their duty) shall bee constant Protected as heretofore.

You are also to give Orders to all Townes and places on said Island That they bee Carefull to conforme themselves there unto accordingly, as they’l answer the contrary, at their utmost Perills.

If you shall happen to finde any cause of General disturbance, you are then to Order and see that the severall Townes and places stand carefully on their Guards, but not proceed furthe[r] but give mee immeadiate particular notice, and so from tim[e] to time, for Orders.

You are also in you[r] going to, and stay[ing] in any place, to give mee an Account of anything you shall judge necessary, and to advance, stay, or returne, as you shall think fitt and proper, for the King[’s] Service, and good of the Countrey, according to the above;

““Mischiefe hath hapned”, Pt.2: April 27, Mischiefe hath hapned”, Pt.2: April 27, 16761676

Trouble to the East: 17Trouble to the East: 17thth Century Century PeacekeepingPeacekeeping

Instructions to Captains Anthony Brockholes & John Coliers

Given under my hand in New Yorke, this 27th day of Aprill, 1676. To Capt. Anthony Brockholes, first Lieutenant of this place, and

of the Councell. E. Andros. s.”


Note the supremacy of the Province over Town and village, in Indian diplomacy was being asserted. Anthony Brockholes later led an expedition to seize Pemiquid, Maine, in 1677, became commander of Ft. James and conducted diplomatic correspondence with New Jersey and key correspondence within the province, for Gov. Andros. As it had been a perceived judicial injustice (in the Sassamon murder case) that had launched King Philip’s War, Andros was trying to guard against any local repeat.

Gov. Andros & Unkechaug Discuss Gov. Andros & Unkechaug Discuss Fishing RightsFishing RightsMay 23, 1676

““At a meeting of the Unchechaug Indyans of Long Island At a meeting of the Unchechaug Indyans of Long Island – before the Go[vernor]: at the Fort [James, Manhattan].– before the Go[vernor]: at the Fort [James, Manhattan].

They give thankes for their peace, and that they may live, eate and They give thankes for their peace, and that they may live, eate and sleepe quiet, without feare on the Island, They give some white sleepe quiet, without feare on the Island, They give some white string seawantstring seawant [I.e., wampum].[I.e., wampum].

They desireThey desire they being free borne on the said Island, that they may they being free borne on the said Island, that they may have have leave to have a whale boate with all other materielles to fish leave to have a whale boate with all other materielles to fish and dispose of what they shall take, as and to whom they like best.and dispose of what they shall take, as and to whom they like best.

They complaine that fish being driven upon their beach, etc. the They complaine that fish being driven upon their beach, etc. the English have come and taken them away from them per force.English have come and taken them away from them per force.

The Go[vernor]: The Go[vernor]: Demands if they made complainte of it to the Demands if they made complainte of it to the Magistrates in the Townes,Magistrates in the Townes, who are apppointed to redresse any who are apppointed to redresse any Injuries.Injuries.

They say no, but another time will doe it.They say no, but another time will doe it. The Go[vernor]: The Go[vernor]: will consider of it and give them Answer will consider of it and give them Answer

tomorrow.”tomorrow.” Source:Source: The Andros Papers, 1674-1676: Files of the Provincial Secretary of

New York During the Administration of Governor Sir Edmund Andros, 1674-1680, ed. by Peter R. Christoph & Florence A. Christoph. Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 1989: 373.

Gov. Andros & Unkechaug Gov. Andros & Unkechaug Discuss Fishing RightsDiscuss Fishing Rights

May 24, 1676 ““The Indyans come againe to the Governor in The Indyans come againe to the Governor in

presence of the Councell.presence of the Councell.What they desire is granted them as to their What they desire is granted them as to their

free liberty of fishing, free liberty of fishing, if they bee not if they bee not engaged to othersengaged to others; They say they are not ; They say they are not engaged. They are to have an Orderengaged. They are to have an Order to shew to shew for their priviledge.for their priviledge.

[Endorsed:][Endorsed:]May 23.24 1676May 23.24 1676Unchechaug Indyans”Unchechaug Indyans” Source: The Andros Papers, 1674-1676: Files of the The Andros Papers, 1674-1676: Files of the

Provincial Secretary of New York During the Administration of Provincial Secretary of New York During the Administration of Governor Sir Edmund Andros, 1674-1680,Governor Sir Edmund Andros, 1674-1680, ed. by Peter R. Christoph & Florence A. Christoph. Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 1989: 373-374.

Free Trade & Unchechaug Free Trade & Unchechaug Rights!Rights!

Gov. Andros’ Order in Council Granting Fishing & Whaling Rights to the

UnkechaugMay 24, 1676 “At a Councell held in N.Y. the 24th day off May 1676.

Upon the request of the Ind[yan]s ofInd[yan]s of UnchechaugUnchechaug upon Long Island

Resolved and ordered that they are at liberty andare at liberty and may freely may freely whale or fishwhale or fish for or with Christians or by themselves and dispose for or with Christians or by themselves and dispose of their effects as they thinke good according to the Custome of of their effects as they thinke good according to the Custome of the Governmentthe Government of f which all Magistrates offciers or others whom these may concerne are to take notice and suffer the said Indyans so to doe without any manner of lett hindrance or without any manner of lett hindrance or molestacionmolestacion they comporting themselves civilly and as they they comporting themselves civilly and as they ought.ought.

By Order of the Go: in Councell [Endorsed] Order of Councell may 24. 1676 Unchechauge Indians” Source: The Andros Papers, 1674-1676: Files of the Provincial The Andros Papers, 1674-1676: Files of the Provincial

Secretary of New York During the Administration of Governor Sir Secretary of New York During the Administration of Governor Sir Edmund Andros, 1674-1680,Edmund Andros, 1674-1680, ed. by Peter R. Christoph & Florence A. Christoph. Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 1989: p. 374.

Petition of John Tucker, Jr., of Petition of John Tucker, Jr., of SetauketSetauket

Modern Medicine in the Making, Modern Medicine in the Making, 1676, Part 11676, Part 1

A Shooting Incident, A Claim of A Shooting Incident, A Claim of Medical IncompetenceMedical Incompetence

by a Dead Man,& a Plea for by a Dead Man,& a Plea for CompensationCompensation

“To the Right Honorable Major Edmond Andross Leitenant and Governer Generall of all his Royall Highness Territories in America and to the Honearable Bench assembled att this Court of Assize, etc.

The Humble Petition of John Tucker Junior of Seatalcoott Alius Brokehaven upon Long Island: Sheweth unto Your honor and his Honorable Courte that whereas about the firste of November 1675 one Samull: Seyward of the same with a Gunn(Vizt) a fowling Piece att the day and place aforesaide being then Charged Loden and Prymed did fire in and upon you[r] Peticioner and with the same did suite [I.e., shoot] him through the Right thygh with three Bulletts by which his life was not onely in greate danger but alsoe Cost your Petitioner for the Chirurgeons and feese thirty three Poundes besides the Charges of your Peticioner lying from the time aforesaid till March

Petition of John Tucker, Jr., of Petition of John Tucker, Jr., of SetauketSetauket

Modern Medicine in the Making, Modern Medicine in the Making, 1676, Part 21676, Part 2

A Shooting Incident, A Claim of A Shooting Incident, A Claim of Medical IncompetenceMedical Incompetence

by a Dead Man,& a Plea for by a Dead Man,& a Plea for CompensationCompensation

following (all which was Occationed by the neglect of one Thomas Baseley deceased who Carelessly left the said Gunn Loaden)

Therefore humbly prayes your honor and this honorable Courte that the said Samuell Seyward or Thomas Baseley may by the order of this honorable Courte not Onely pay into your Peticioner his Costes and Charges aforesaid butt alsoe allow him the Dammage hee sustayned by Reason of the said wounding and loss of time thereby and hee as in Duty bound Shall Ever Pray….”

Source: The Andros Papers, 1674-1676: Files of the Provincial Secretary of New York During the Administration of Governor Sir Edmund Andros, 1674-1680, ed. by Peter R. Christoph & Florence A. Christoph. Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 1989: 335.

John Scott, of Setauket, Rogue John Scott, of Setauket, Rogue Extraordinaire, ca. 1677 Extraordinaire, ca. 1677

New Schemes & New Troubles Scott ingratiated himself with one Dorothea Scott Gotherson, a

wealthy L.I. widow, whom he convinced was his relative, conning her into investing heavily in him, then running with the money (to England). While there, this time, persuaded some of the British upper nobility to invest in a L.I. get-rich-quick real estate scheme, & again ran with the loot.

During his life, Scott spent time in & escaping various jails in England, New Netherlands, & New England, selling the unsuspecting on one confidence scheme after another, until he ran afoul, once too often, of the Duke of York (later King James II) and his trusted officer, and famed diarist, Admiralty Undersecretary Samuel Pepys.

In 1677,1677, in London, Scott fell in with Titus Oates, as a witness against Pepys & Sir Anthony Deane, for their supposed treason, in selling Admiralty secrets to France, impugning Pepys’ patron, the Duke of York -- until Scott’s character was successfully questioned in court (some say by equally questionable witnesses), and the tables were turned.

Finding the Middle Way:Finding the Middle Way: Via Media,Via Media, August 13, 1677August 13, 1677

Origin of Middle Country Road – by Indian Origin of Middle Country Road – by Indian or Others’ Laboror Others’ Labor “An Order to Mr. Richar[d] Woodhull, concerning a ne[w

way ] on Long Island Mr. Justice Woodhull, you are hereby desired, and in his Majesties n[ame]

authorized and required to take present Order, that the new way de[signed] and order’d in Governor Nicholls time, through the midle of the [Island], from Huntington Eastward to Southampton and Southold, bee [nott] only remaked, butt sufficiently cleared of brush where occas[ion,] by employing therein Indians or others; Also that you give notice to Mr. Smith of Nesaquake to mend the ill way as att Nessaquake [I.e., Nissequogue] River, and to any others for rivers, Creekes, or the like [within] their bounds, and that hee settle a farm neare said Nesaquack riv[er, and ] your towne one att or aboutt Moncorum[I.e., Coram], and Southampton, or [in] whose bounds itt is, att Paconick river, and thatt you make a repo[rt] as soon as may bee of your proceedings for the Completely making [said] designed way good, and convenient for travellers, from said Eastern parts Southampton and Southold as above: Actum in New [Yorke] this 13th day of August 1677.

To Mr. Richd. Woodhull one of the Justices of the Peace of the East Riding att Seatalcott.

E. Andros” Source: Books of General Entries of the Colony of New York, 1674-1688 (New

York Historical Manuscripts: English), ed. by Peter R. Christoph & Florence A. Christoph. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Pub. Co., Inc., Pub. Under the Direction of the Holland Society of New York, 1982: pp. 169-70.

Slavery: A Sale, with Payment Due in Slavery: A Sale, with Payment Due in Whale Oil, Whale Oil,

December 18, 1677December 18, 1677 ““These presents testifieth that These presents testifieth that Isack Rainer , of Southampton,Isack Rainer , of Southampton, in the in the est Rieding of yourkshere, upon long Island, for valluable causses and est Rieding of yourkshere, upon long Island, for valluable causses and considerations him moveing, considerations him moveing, have given, granted and sould a negro have given, granted and sould a negro man, named Samboe, that the said Isack, had of his father, Rainer, man, named Samboe, that the said Isack, had of his father, Rainer, unto John Thomas, of Setakett, elles brookhavenunto John Thomas, of Setakett, elles brookhaven, in the above said , in the above said shere and Riedingshere and Rieding, , I say that I, Iseck Rainer, have,I say that I, Iseck Rainer, have, for himselfe, his for himselfe, his haires, exseckators or assigns, haires, exseckators or assigns, fully and absollutely bargened and fully and absollutely bargened and sould the above saide negroe to the above sayed John Thomas, his sould the above saide negroe to the above sayed John Thomas, his haires, exseckaters or saigns, to have and to hould for everhaires, exseckaters or saigns, to have and to hould for ever, and the , and the said said Iseck Rainer doth ingage to bring him safe and sound, winde and Iseck Rainer doth ingage to bring him safe and sound, winde and limb, and deliver him or cause to be delivered unto the above saide limb, and deliver him or cause to be delivered unto the above saide John Thomas, at SetakettJohn Thomas, at Setakett. And in consideration of the above sayed . And in consideration of the above sayed premesses, the above saide premesses, the above saide John Thomas doth ingage to pay or cause John Thomas doth ingage to pay or cause to be paiede, unto the above saide Iseck Rainer, or his order, to be paiede, unto the above saide Iseck Rainer, or his order, nienteen barells of good marchantable whale oyle, in good thiete nienteen barells of good marchantable whale oyle, in good thiete caskscasks, to be delivered aboute unkachauk, upon the beach, or estward , to be delivered aboute unkachauk, upon the beach, or estward of the triing places, of the triing places, or other wayes to be paid in comodities, oyle at or other wayes to be paid in comodities, oyle at forty shillens pr. Barell, the full of some therty aight poundsforty shillens pr. Barell, the full of some therty aight pounds, at , at Setaket, by Mr. Richard mann, if the saide Iseck Rayner se cause to Setaket, by Mr. Richard mann, if the saide Iseck Rayner se cause to take comoditis, or other was to be paide in oyle as above stated.”take comoditis, or other was to be paide in oyle as above stated.”

Source:Source: Records. Town of Brookhaven, Up to 1800.Records. Town of Brookhaven, Up to 1800. Patchogue, NY: The Town, 1880: pp. 48-49.

A Shorte Acc[oun]t of New Yorks A Shorte Acc[oun]t of New Yorks assistance to New Englandassistance to New England

The Official New-York Version of The Official New-York Version of Events, 1677, Pt. 1Events, 1677, Pt. 1

Invasions, Fidelity, New England Invasions, Fidelity, New England Perfidy, 1675Perfidy, 1675 “Upon newes of Indian troubles in June 1675 the Governor

without delay advised & resolued sending or goeing to o[u]r neighbours of w[hi]ch gave presently notice to Hartford of Intent & to goe to Connecticutt Riuer & the same day shipt spare ammunicôn & armes wch they wanted & next morneing himselfe with some Volunteers & souldiers sailed to sd River accordingly, where he did imediately tender, lending both powder & armes to be repayed in kind when the occasions was ouer & they could be supplyed, & alsoe sent some to New London next towne to ye Indians desireing to be further informed of sd troubles & assureing his readynesse to act as fitt for him to his power, but sd proffers wholly rejected though ammunicôn & armes very much wanted, & a severe protest made agt him as if an Invader of their Country, upon which he Immediately went ouer to ye East End of Long Island & supplyed it & all o[u]r out Islands giueing necessary Ordrs for Our defence upon all occasions euery where & to all Indians around us, who then apply’d with all submission & gaue all obseruance of ffidelity well obserued dureing the whole warr but howeuer wee kept good continued guards by land &



Powder, Ammo, & 2 Critical Defeats for Powder, Ammo, & 2 Critical Defeats for Philip with N-Y HelpPhilip with N-Y Help water.

1675 In Autumne the Indian warr Increaseing Eastward & Comeing more westerly, the governor prohibited the saile of powder to Indians on severe penaltyes extending to life (except to Maques of wch well assured & upon notice of want sent (masked) six barrells of powder to roade [I.e., Rhode] Island wch they accepted & after therewith supplyed New England fforces in want att Narragansett fight [probably the Great Swamp Fight, a major colonial victory].

1675/6 In winter 1675/6 Phillip & other Indians in two partyes armed, his ab[ou]t 500, the other 400 men, tending westward within forty miles of Albany, Connecticutt & Boston refuseing assistance or [permission for N.Y. troops’] persueinge them into their Collonys wee howeuer supplyed o[u]r Indyans with ammunicôn, armes & all they wanted: & recêd old Maques Sachems, women & children into o[u]r townes & though refused by o[u]r neighbours the latter end of ffebruary fell upon killed & tooke severall & drove sd Phillip & other Indians with him quite away [in the direction of New England], & since kept continuall partyes out to free the coasts towards us & prevent old Indyans recourse to Canada.



New England in Defeat, N-Y to the New England in Defeat, N-Y to the Rescue, 1676-77Rescue, 1676-77 1676. In Summer 1676 ye Indians prevailing much Eastward

& towards Connecticutt, they sent thereupon two Comissioners to New Yorke, pretending Authority but hauing none, ye Gouernor returned answer of readynesse if they pleased to procure them an hon[ora]ble and safe peace with Indians, or use force as occasion [demanded], & to remoue all Jealousies would forbeare all claymes to that parte of the Colony they possesse in his Royall Highnesses Pattants but had noe answer. Upon news of great devastacôn eastward of Boston ye latter end of ye yeare 1676 the Governor sent to releife & offer retreate to ye Inhabitants fled to Piscataway & Boston but they were detained.

1677. In June 1677 black point being repossessed by Massachusetts but all ye country else eastward & Islands distroyed & possessed by Indians the Governmt sent from New-Yorke of wch notice to all o[u]r neighbors, a force of about 100 men very well victualled in foure vessells furnished with smalle gunns & all stores of warr & framed Redoute to take Possîon of Pemaquid [in Maine] &c by fortifieing the most convenient place they could & not to admitt peace with Indians but upon their full submission and deliuering up all Xtian [I.e., Christian] prisoners of Captiues & vessels & Includeing all his Maties subjects particulerly the



Victory at Pemaquid: New-York Victory at Pemaquid: New-York Restores the Peace, 1677Restores the Peace, 1677

Massachusetts admission to Peace, & all Captiues of wch 35 by name & vessels att hand were presently delivered, att sending to acquaint the Massachusetts of the designe they proclaimed a fast & day of prayer, leuyed [levied] or pressed about 120 men wch they alsoe sent East ward of wch ½ being killed by Indians att black point the rest proceeded to ors att Pemaquid but finding them already posted they friendly questioned our comeing there & soe returned afore the Indians applicacôns [for peace], wch comeing some dayes after & conclusion as afore, and Expresse was sent to acquaint Massachusetts therewith, & they accepted sd peace wch still continues & is all the peace (knowne) they haue with Indyans.”

Source: Documents Relative to the Colonial History of the State of New York, v. 3, by John Romeyn Brodhead. Albany, NY: Weed, Parsons and Company, Printers, 1853: pp. 264-5.

Ed. Notes: Of course, New Englanders did take issue with many of the contentions and omissions in this account, even then. War in Northern New England continued for some time after the main events to the south had run their course. The Abnaki were the main contenders in Maine, not Philip’s Wampanoags. Mass. Bay & New-York both claimed Maine.

An 8-Month Indentured Servitude, An 8-Month Indentured Servitude, February 16, 1679February 16, 1679

“This biendeth me Siemon halifax now Sougerne(e) of brook haven to Sarue [i.e., serve] and work truly and faithfully for John Tooker Senyer of the aboue Sayd towne the full term of aight months in what the Saide tooker shall sett me aboute beginning my tieme the tenth day of march next ensueing an(d) leueing [i.e., leaving] when the aight monthes is expired and what dayes I the Saide hallefaxshall be wanting in [in] any extwordnery occasion I am to make it vp at the end of my (t)erm not that I am to ab(s)ent my selue but vopn caSes of nessessitie And in concideration to the Same Iohn Took(er) Senyer doth in gage to pay or cause to be paid vnto th(e) aboue Sai(d)e Simon hallefax the Iu(s)t Som of twenty fiue shillens Par month for every month as aboue Said in good marchentable pay and fower shillens over a(nd) aboue that the Said Tooker Sette of with the (a)boue Sayd hallefax which he owed him a(n)d to the true parformens of th(e) Same we both of vs Interchangeable Sett our hands this 16 day of febrery 1679-8

Wittnes Roger Satterly [Signed] marke [Signed] Simon 2 hal(efax) his Iohn Tooker

Source: Brookhaven (NY : Town). Records of the Town of Brookhaven, Book B: 1679-1756, [comp. by] John E. Glover, Town Clerk. New York: Derrydale Press, 1932: p. 501.

Shifts of Allegiances & Governance, Shifts of Allegiances & Governance, 16801680

A Residual Island of Connecticut in A Residual Island of Connecticut in Southern BrookhavenSouthern Brookhaven On March 29, 1680,March 29, 1680, Maj. Fitz-John WinthropMaj. Fitz-John Winthrop (portrait to right, the

victor of the Battle of Southold) having inherited his father’s inter-colonial land dispute, seeking to clear the legal title to his Brookhaven inheritance with New-York Colony (i.e., Governor Edmund Andros & his Council), effectively relinquished Connecticut sovereignty over effectively relinquished Connecticut sovereignty over what would in time become southern Brookhaven Town.what would in time become southern Brookhaven Town.

At Right: Sir Edmund Andros, Governor of New-York ColonySir Edmund Andros, Governor of New-York Colony The resultant 1680 “Winthrop Patent”1680 “Winthrop Patent”as it became known, which was

thereafter part of New-York Colonypart of New-York Colony, became in effect, a self-in effect, a self-governing manorgoverning manor. Maj. Fitz-John Winthrop, like his father, also became governor of Connecticut Colony, so at least in this area of L.I., old Puritan ties were tenuously, but tenaciously maintained

Not until 17731773,, and then only by a by special act of New-York colonial legislature, was the Winthrop PatentWinthrop Patent formally incorporated intoformally incorporated into and and administered by administered by Brookhaven Town.Brookhaven Town.

New AmsterdamNew Amsterdam, was subjected to greater direct rule, than Yorkshire, approximating rule under the prior regime, but with insistent substitution of English office names, forms, chief officers, & ways of doing things; yet Dutch administrative participation, at lower levels, was encouraged.

Upper HudsonUpper Hudson & & Delaware ValleyDelaware Valley territories were placed under more military forms of governance, with Dutch participation encouraged

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

Finale, 1681-1696, & a Sobering Finale, 1681-1696, & a Sobering What If? What If?

New Schemes Foiled & a Mysterious Disappearance

Scott’s attainments reputedly included theft of jewelry, of a regimental cash box, of 6000 florins from Holland (earning him hanging in effigy), piracy &/or privateering, kidnapping, and in 16811681 murder of a coachman (after which he wisely fled England), until, thinking it safe again, he reappeared, in disguise, in 16961696, was promptly reported to Pepys, who was still smarting for some reason over his imprisonment in the Tower of London & treason trial. Scott then simply disappears from history, or has help, & is heard of no more.

It is interesting to speculate that had Scott’s 1664 Long Island Colony scheme succeeded, against very long odds, and had he garnered royal approval for it – which is doubtful, at best, given its timing & “democratic” inspiration – that there might now be a Long Island State, possibly with Setauket as state capital, situated in Brookhaven Town.

Of course with John Scott as role model for things like the methods of local governance, business & real estate transactions, there’s no saying how badly reputations in the Town, in these fields, might have been tarnished, by association, in posterity.

1664-1683: The Duke’s Agents Lay Down 1664-1683: The Duke’s Agents Lay Down the Law, Pt. 1the Law, Pt. 1

Dukes Laws, Court of Assizes’ Ruling , Dukes Laws, Court of Assizes’ Ruling , Ducal Income CrisisDucal Income Crisis

“Having personally battled the Parliamentarians in the English Civil Wars, the Stuarts held no great love for democratic institutions. So, New York initially had no colonial assembly.

Between 1665-83, Long Island led demands for town meetings, representative government, & a colonial assembly, akin to those in in the nearby colonies.

In 1665, Gov. Nicholls ordered a convention at Hempstead to convene to ratify “The Duke’s Laws” to govern the colony, handed down from on high., not without some local protest. The Laws deliberately avoided mention of traditional “rights of Englishmen” or of local representation.

The Court of Assizes, effective colonial supreme court , condescendingly told them to forget Nicholls’ 1664 promise of English-style governance to L.I., traditional forms of representation & that nothing was “required of them but obedience and submission to the Lawes of the Government.”

It was not until a Ducal government financial crisis , starting in 1680, that the cry became general among colonists outside L.I., who sensed their “power of the purse” over the Duke & his provincial government.

The Duke was not pleased, as would become evident later.

1680-1685: The Duke Outmaneuvered & The 1680-1685: The Duke Outmaneuvered & The Empire Strikes Back, Pt. 2Empire Strikes Back, Pt. 2

The Duke by the Purse Strings The Duke by the Purse Strings Caught:Caught:

Gov. Dongan, 1Gov. Dongan, 1stst Generall Assembly & Generall Assembly & Charter of LibertyesCharter of Libertyes A gubernatorial interregnum, following Edmund Andros’

recall (1680), before he could renew the customs duty laws , led to a near tax mutiny over local representation in N.Y., 1680-82, including legal challenges to the Duke’s right to collect provincial customs duties. His remaining

revenues thus threatened (having just lost those of N.J., about one-third of the total), the pressured Duke, whose right of succession to the Crown was just then being challenged in England, reluctantly agreed to authorize a colonial legislature, as if it had been his idea all along, to put a good face on it.. New Gov. Thomas Dongan granted New-York its 1st colonial legislature, the General Assembly, which very quickly promulgated a Charter of Liberties & Privileges (1685), a precursor of the U.S. Bill of Rights.

When James became king, things quickly changed. The right of General Assembly and the Charter of Libertyes were revoked, and a general reorganization of the colonies & their government was begun.

1685-1693: The Duke Outmaneuvered & The 1685-1693: The Duke Outmaneuvered & The Empire Strikes Back, Pt. 3Empire Strikes Back, Pt. 3

Asserting Dominion: Asserting Dominion: Consolidation of Colonies Under Consolidation of Colonies Under

One ThumbOne ThumbCast Down, Even Unto the Cast Down, Even Unto the Dominion of New EnglandDominion of New England

Between 1685-1687, James II began reining in the opposition, recalling and revoking the charters that had established Puritan New England colonies, the consolidating them into a single entity, the Dominion of Dominion of New England,New England, New-York included, on the model of a Spanish Viceroyalty, with iron-fisted Sir Edmund AndrosSir Edmund Andros , as governor.

On December 27, 1686, the Dongan Patent (or Charter) established town officers, annual election dates, a seal, and the town’s power of taxation. Its provisions largely still prevail. Counties and towns replaced Ridings

Across the Sound: After Mass. Bay lost their charter to the crown, Connecticut conveniently “lost” theirs, hiding it in the hollow of an oak tree, awaiting a favorable change of regime in England, when the charter was again “found” & royally reconfirmed, in 1693. The tree, known as “The Charter Oak”, is the state symbol on Connecticut’s U.S. state commemorative quarter.”

Source: Lovejoy, David S. The Glorious Revolution in America. New York: Harper & Row, Pubrs., 1972: 98-121.

The Customs Rates & Duties Crisis, 1680-83 “When the 3-year term of setting Ducal Customs rates & duties expried

in November 1680, without a Governor to renew them, colonists willfully ignored them, which meant no funds to support the government or pay the Duke his due. When Customs collectors in New York City and at Albany tried to enforce them they became targets of popular unrest. New York: Collector William Dyer was called before the Court of Assizes to answer charges, &

questioned their authority to try him, as both were appointed by the Duke. He was sent to England for trial, where the prosecutor never showed up.

Albany: Collector Robert Livingston took John De Lavall to court for non-payment of a taxes on 510 gallons of rum. De Lavall questioned Livingston’s authority to collect the excise, the legality of the tax itself, and whether or the colonists were “free born subjects of the king?” and if not, under which king’s reign had this state of affairs ceased to exist? Too hot to handle, the case was passed on to New York.

Extralegal conventions of multi-town delegates at Huntington & Oyster Bay petitioned & defiantly reacted (respectively) to the Court of Assizes’ order to disperse and “Remaine in Quiett.” The colony’s calls for a legislature grew.

It would be nice to know what average Brookhavenites were thinking while this was going on. A nice project for historians and genealogists to explore, as town records are fairly silent, other than on domestic affairs.

This clamor, James’ need for a little popularity at the height of the Exclusion crisis in England, the interests of his own purse & government, &perhaps persuasion, as David S. Lovejoy suggests, by Matthias Nicholls, N.Y. Governor’s Council Secy., who understood the situation, and joined James in his temporary Scottish exile, seem to have done the trick. There would be a legislature, for now.”

Lovejoy, David S. The Glorious Revolution in America. New York: Harper & Row., 1972: 106-114.

Curtailing Colonial Smuggling, with Indians Pt. Curtailing Colonial Smuggling, with Indians Pt. 11

King Philip’s War Era Proclamation Renewed in Restraint of Trade

January 28, 1681January 28, 1681 ““A Proclamacion Renewing A Former Proclamacion A Proclamacion Renewing A Former Proclamacion prohibiting trade with the Indians in their Townes and prohibiting trade with the Indians in their Townes and Plantacions in the Country, By the Commander in Plantacions in the Country, By the Commander in Chiefe and CouncellChiefe and Councell

Whereas Upon Complaint of many Disorders and Upon Complaint of many Disorders and Mischeifs that had Happened and were Likely to Mischeifs that had Happened and were Likely to Happen by Christians tradeing with Indians Contrary Happen by Christians tradeing with Indians Contrary to Lawto Law in Indian Townes or Plantacions, or Abroad in in Indian Townes or Plantacions, or Abroad in the Country or Rivers,the Country or Rivers, There Issued out a There Issued out a Proclamacion the 14Proclamacion the 14thth of March 1676/7 Requiring all of March 1676/7 Requiring all Magistrates Officers or Persons Whatsoever to [be] Magistrates Officers or Persons Whatsoever to [be] very Vigilent that noe person or persons Vessells very Vigilent that noe person or persons Vessells Boate or Canoe, Doe on any Pretence by Land or Boate or Canoe, Doe on any Pretence by Land or Water trade with any Indians upon penalty of Water trade with any Indians upon penalty of forfeiture of all Such Vessells Boate or Canoes and forfeiture of all Such Vessells Boate or Canoes and the Goods they shall soe Carrythe Goods they shall soe Carry to trade with or trade for, Which were to be Secured and Conveyed to the Sheriffe of this Citty, or present Notice given that they may be they may be proceeded Againstproceeded Against as Above, when the Discovererthe Discoverer whether Indian or other to have all the said Goods or whether Indian or other to have all the said Goods or the Value Allowed them forthe Value Allowed them for

Curtailing Colonial Smuggling with Indians, Pt. 2Curtailing Colonial Smuggling with Indians, Pt. 2King Philip’s War Era Proclamation Renewed in Restraint of

Trade, January 28, 1681January 28, 1681 Discovery with Punishment for Concealing or not Discovery with Punishment for Concealing or not

Discovering the Same ,Discovering the Same , as in and by the said Proclamacion may more att Large Appear, Which being Limited for one Yeare from the said Date is Expired. And by Dayly And by Dayly Complaints Being made of the Like Disorders and Complaints Being made of the Like Disorders and MischeifsMischeifs Occasioned by the said trade with the Indians as Aforesaid, These are therefore to Continue and Renue the Aforesaid, These are therefore to Continue and Renue the said Proclamacionsaid Proclamacion and in his Majesties name to Require all Require all Magistrates and Other Officers fully to putt the same in Magistrates and Other Officers fully to putt the same in Execution and to Exact and the penaltyes therein Execution and to Exact and the penaltyes therein Directed as Aforesaid Directed as Aforesaid from the person or persons Offensing or Acting Contrary there to till further Order, of which all persons are to take Notice and Conforme themselves Accordingly Att their perills, Dated in New Yorke….

To the Dep: Mayor and Aldermen of the Citty of New Yorke to be forthwith Published.

A[nthony]. B[rockholls].” Source: Books of General Entries of the Colony of New York, 1674-1688

(New York Historical Manuscripts: English), ed. by Peter R. Christoph & Florence A. Christoph. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Pub. Co., Inc., Pub. Under the Direction of the Holland Society of New York, 1982: pp. 226.

Aperill 8Aperill 8thth 1682 1682Coepy Right on Whales & Coepy Right on Whales &

Rendering AgreementRendering Agreement ““These presents biendeth usThese presents biendeth us guy guy and and towaringtowaring

Indiens to try for Indiens to try for Andrew gibbAndrew gibb what whaeles what whaeles shall be killed by shall be killed by coepycoepy and his companyand his company the next the next whaling season the whaling season the saide gibb fiending barells saide gibb fiending barells sieths potts and cooling troughs needfulsieths potts and cooling troughs needful as as allsoe allsoe to allow and pay unto the said guyto allow and pay unto the said guy and towaringand towaring after the after the Raete of two shillins six pence per Raete of two shillins six pence per barell snd to giue echbarell snd to giue ech of them of them two bushells of two bushells of Indien corn for the whole season if any whaeles Indien corn for the whole season if any whaeles shall be killed by coepy and companyshall be killed by coepy and company as wittnes as wittnes our hands at our hands at brookhaven brookhaven the 19 od Aperill 1682the 19 od Aperill 1682

The mark of G of The mark of G of guy guy Indian the mark V of Indian the mark V of towaringtowaring

Wittnes Wittnes John X aleAJohn X aleAppotyoty The mark of me The mark of me goodgeyrgoodgeyr Indian” Indian”

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y. : Town). Records of the Town of Brookhaven, Book B, 1679-1756. New York: Derrydale Press, 1932: p. 109.

Poesing for a Whailng -- 21 Poesing for a Whailng -- 21 Aperill 1682Aperill 1682

Indian Signs on as Ship-hand to Go Indian Signs on as Ship-hand to Go to Sea in a Whalerto Sea in a Whaler

““This wrieting ingageth me This wrieting ingageth me poes poes IndianIndian to goe to sea upon the to goe to sea upon the whaelling desaignewhaelling desaigne as a halue [half] as a halue [half] share manshare man for John Tooker Junior of for John Tooker Junior of brookhavenbrookhaven forfor and dureing and dureing the the whole season nextwhole season next ensueing ensueing the the saidesaide Tooker to fiende boets and Tooker to fiende boets and craft dureing the saide term craft dureing the saide term as as wittnes my hand in brookhaven the wittnes my hand in brookhaven the 17 day of march anno domi[ni] 17 day of march anno domi[ni] 1682”1682”

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y. : Town). Records of Records of the Town of Brookhaven, Book B, 1679-1756.the Town of Brookhaven, Book B, 1679-1756. New York: Derrydale Press, 1932: p. 110.

A Releasing of DebtsFrom the Beginning of the World to

this Day31 maij 1682

“…Know all men by these pressens that I John Tooker senyerJohn Tooker senyer of of brookhavenbrookhaven doth cleare all depts dues and demands from the beginning of the world to this day 30 of may 1682 from henery Rogers of the aboue said towne”


Tar for LandTar for LandPrecursor to the Paving Over

of Brookhaven?A Barrel an Acre, £ 1 a Barrel -- A Barrel an Acre, £ 1 a Barrel --

June 2, 1682June 2, 1682 “These pressents testifieth that benJemen smithbenJemen smith haue for himselue his haires and asaigns haue been grantted bargened and sould his 15 aker lott and sould his 15 aker lott and share of medow in the ould purchas at the southshare of medow in the ould purchas at the south nomb [number] 26 unto samuell daitonunto samuell daiton to him his haires and assaigns to haue and to hould for ever with out lett mollestation and in concideration of the aboue said 15 akers of upland and share of medow the aboue said samuell daiton doth ingage to pay or cause to be paide the Just some [sum] ofpaide the Just some [sum] of fifteene poundsfifteene pounds to be paide in tarr being 15 barellsin tarr being 15 barells to be paide at or before the 29 of sept next ensueing the date here of what tarr canot be Redy to send by the boets when thay come to the south to send by the boets when thay come to the south the aboue said daiton is ingaged to bring it to this the aboue said daiton is ingaged to bring it to this townetowne””


A Setauket ShipwreckA Setauket ShipwreckAugust, 18 & 20, 1683

““Two Letters fromTwo Letters from Capt. [Anthony] BrockhollsCapt. [Anthony] Brockholls to Mr. Justice to Mr. Justice Woodhull:Woodhull: New Yorke August 18New Yorke August 18thth: 1683: 1683 Sir. Am Sir. Am Informed by the bearer that a Vessell is lately C[a]st Informed by the bearer that a Vessell is lately C[a]st

away and shipwrecked on Seatalcott Southaway and shipwrecked on Seatalcott South and [?] and [?] Severall of Severall of the men are savedthe men are saved but having but having noe [word?] from you or Townenoe [word?] from you or Towne Advise you thereof… .Advise you thereof… .

[3 lines lost].[3 lines lost]. New Yorke August 20New Yorke August 20thth , 1683 , 1683 Mr. Justice WoodhullMr. Justice Woodhull Sir. The Sir. The Last weeke I heard that A vessell was Cast away Last weeke I heard that A vessell was Cast away

with[in?] the bounds of your Townewith[in?] the bounds of your Towne about which having noe about which having noe account from you account from you gave Advise by Letter the 19gave Advise by Letter the 19thth Past to your Past to your selfe Desireing that all Assistance be given as occasio[n selfe Desireing that all Assistance be given as occasio[n demands?] which have this Evening Received a Letter from demands?] which have this Evening Received a Letter from yo[ u.] Another from the Master Giving an Accountt thereofyo[ u.] Another from the Master Giving an Accountt thereof an[?] an[?] saved which saved which you did well to send hitheryou did well to send hither but…but…

[3 lines lost].[3 lines lost]. Your Affectionate Friend Your Affectionate Friend A[nthony] B[rockholls].”A[nthony] B[rockholls].”

Source:Source: Books of General Entries of the Colony of New York, 1674-1688 Books of General Entries of the Colony of New York, 1674-1688 (New York Historical Manuscripts: English), (New York Historical Manuscripts: English), ed. by Peter R. Christoph & Florence ed. by Peter R. Christoph & Florence A. Christoph. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Pub. Co., Inc., Pub. Under the Direction of A. Christoph. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Pub. Co., Inc., Pub. Under the Direction of the Holland Society of New York, 1982: pp. 282-283.the Holland Society of New York, 1982: pp. 282-283.

New-York Provincial General Assembly

Charter of Libertyes & Privileges, Charter of Libertyes & Privileges, Pt. 1 Pt. 1

October 30, 1683October 30, 1683(Approved 1684, Suspended, 1685, (Approved 1684, Suspended, 1685,

Reconstituted, 1691)Reconstituted, 1691) ““Preamble:Preamble: Ffor The better Establishing Ffor The better Establishing the Government of this province of New the Government of this province of New Yorke andYorke and that Justice May be Equally done that Justice May be Equally done to all personsto all persons within the same BEE It Enacted by the Governour Councell and Representatives now in General Assembly mett and assembled and by the Authority of the same.

1. THAT The Supreme Legislative AuthoritySupreme Legislative Authority under his Majesty and Royall Highnesse James Duke of Yorke Albany &c Lord proprietor of the said province shall forever be and reside in a shall forever be and reside in a Governour, Councell, andGovernour, Councell, and the people mett in the people mett in General AssemblyGeneral Assembly..


Charter of Libertyes & Privileges, Pt. 2 Charter of Libertyes & Privileges, Pt. 2 October 30, 1683October 30, 1683

(Approved 1694, Suspended, 1685, (Approved 1694, Suspended, 1685, Reconstituted 1691)Reconstituted 1691) 2.2. THAT The Exercise of the Chiefe Magistracy and Chiefe Magistracy and

AdministraconAdministracon of the Government over the said province shall bee in the saidshall bee in the said Governour assisted by a CouncellGovernour assisted by a Councell with whose with whose advice and Consent or with at least fouradvice and Consent or with at least four of of them he is to rule and Governethem he is to rule and Governe the same according to according to the Lawes thereof.the Lawes thereof.

3.3. THAT In Case the Governour shall dye or be absentIn Case the Governour shall dye or be absent out of the provinceout of the province and that there be noe person within and that there be noe person within the said province Comissionatedthe said province Comissionated by his Royall Highnesse his heires or Successours to be Governour or Comander in to be Governour or Comander in Chiefe thereChiefe there That then thethe Councell Councell for the time beingfor the time being or Soe many of them as are in the Said province doe take upon take upon them the Administracon of the Governour and the them the Administracon of the Governour and the Execucon of the LawesExecucon of the Lawes thereof and powers and powers and authorityes belonging to the Governour and Councellauthorityes belonging to the Governour and Councell the first in nominacon in which Councell is to preside the first in nominacon in which Councell is to preside untill the said Governour shalluntill the said Governour shall returne returne and arrive in the said province againe, or the pleasure of his Royall or the pleasure of his Royall Highnesse his heires or Successours Shall be further Highnesse his heires or Successours Shall be further knowne.knowne.


Charter of Libertyes & Privileges, Pt. 3 Charter of Libertyes & Privileges, Pt. 3 October 30, 1683October 30, 1683

(Approved 1694, Suspended, 1685, Reconstituted, (Approved 1694, Suspended, 1685, Reconstituted, 1691)1691)

4.4. When to According to the usage Custome and practice of the Realme of England a sessions of a sessions of a Generall AssemblyGenerall Assembly be be heldheld in this province in this province once in three yearesonce in three yeares at least. at least.

5.5. THAT Every ffreeholderEvery ffreeholder within this province and within this province and ffreeman in any Corporaconffreeman in any Corporacon Shall have his free Choise and Shall have his free Choise and VoteVote in the Electing of the Representatives in the Electing of the Representatives without any without any manner of constraint or Imposicon.manner of constraint or Imposicon. And that in all Eleccons in all Eleccons the majority of Voices shall carry ittthe majority of Voices shall carry itt and by ffreeholders is understood every one who is Soe understood according to the Lawes of England.

6.6. THAT the personspersons to be Elected sitt as representatives in Elected sitt as representatives in the Generall Assemblythe Generall Assembly from time to time for the severall for the severall Cittyes townes Countyes Shires or Divisions of this Cittyes townes Countyes Shires or Divisions of this provinceprovince and all places within the same shall be according to according to thethe proporcon and number hereafter Expressedproporcon and number hereafter Expressed that is to say for the Citty and County of Yorke four, for the Citty and County of Yorke four, for the County for the County of Suffolke twoof Suffolke two, for Queens County two, for Kings County , for Queens County two, for Kings County two, for the County of Richmond two, for the County of two, for the County of Richmond two, for the County of West Chester two, for the County of Ulster two, for the West Chester two, for the County of Ulster two, for the County of Albany two, and for Schenectade within the County of Albany two, and for Schenectade within the said County one, for Dukes County two, for the County of said County one, for Dukes County two, for the County of CornwallCornwall [two?] and as many more as his Royall Highnesse shall think fitt to Establish.


Charter of Libertyes & Privileges, Charter of Libertyes & Privileges, Pt. 4Pt. 4

October 30, 1683October 30, 1683 (Approved 1694, Suspended, 1685, (Approved 1694, Suspended, 1685,

Reconstituted 1691)Reconstituted 1691) 7.7. THAT All persons Chosen and Assembled in manner All persons Chosen and Assembled in manner

aforesaidaforesaid or the Major part of them shall be deemed and shall be deemed and accounted the accounted the RepresentativesRepresentatives of this province which of this province which said Representatives together with the Covernour and Councell, together with the Covernour and Councell, Shall forever be the Supreame and only legislative powerShall forever be the Supreame and only legislative power under his Royall Highnesse of the said province.

8.8. THAT The said Representatives Representatives may appoint their owne may appoint their owne Times of meetingTimes of meeting dureing their sessions and may adjournemay adjourne their house from time to timefrom time to time t such time as to them shall seeme meet and convenient.

9.9. THAT The said The said Representatives are the Representatives are the sole judges of sole judges of the Qualifications of their owne membersthe Qualifications of their owne members, and and likewise of of all undue Eleccons and all undue Eleccons and may from time to time purge their may from time to time purge their househouse as they shall see occasion as they shall see occasion dureing the said sessions. [Sowing seeds of discord, so as not to trouble the proprietor, or render him arbiter?]

10.10. THAT Noe memberNoe member of the general Assembly of the general Assembly or their or their servantsservants dureing the time of their Sessions and whitest dureing the time of their Sessions and whitest [while] they shall be goeing to and returning from the said [while] they shall be goeing to and returning from the said Assembly Assembly shall be arrested sued imprisoned or any wayes shall be arrested sued imprisoned or any wayes molested or troubled nor be compelled to make answeremolested or troubled nor be compelled to make answere toto



October 30, 1683October 30, 1683(Approved 1694, Suspended, 1685, Reconstituted (Approved 1694, Suspended, 1685, Reconstituted

1691)1691) any suit, Bill, plaint, Declaracon or otherwiseany suit, Bill, plaint, Declaracon or otherwise (Cases of (Cases of

High Treason and felony only excepted)High Treason and felony only excepted) provided the provided the number of the said servants shall not exceed three. number of the said servants shall not exceed three.

11.11. THAT All All bills bills agreed upon by the said Representativesagreed upon by the said Representatives or the major part of them shall be shall be presented unto the presented unto the Governour and CouncellGovernour and Councell for their Approbacon and Consent for their Approbacon and Consent All and Every which Said Bills soe Every which Said Bills soe approved of Consented approved of Consented to by the Governour and his Councellto by the Governour and his Councell shall be Esteemed shall be Esteemed and accounted the and accounted the Lawes of the provinceLawes of the province, Which said Lawes shall continue and remaine of force untillremaine of force untill they shall be repealed byrepealed by the authority aforesaid that is to say the Governour Councell andGovernour Councell and Representatives in Representatives in General General AssemblyAssembly by andby and with the Approbacon of with the Approbacon of his Royall his Royall HighnesseHighnesse or expire by their own Limittaconsor expire by their own Limittacons.

12.12. THAT In all cases of In all cases of death or removalldeath or removall of any of any of the of the said said Representatives Representatives The Governour shall issue out a The Governour shall issue out a Summons by Writ Summons by Writ to the Respective Towns Cittyes Shires Countyes or Divisions for which he or they soe removed or deceased were Chosen willing and requireing the willing and requireing the ffreeholders of the Same to Elect others in their place and ffreeholders of the Same to Elect others in their place and stead.stead.




1691)1691) 16.16. THAT A ffreeman shall not be amerced for a ffreeman shall not be amerced for a

small faultsmall fault, but after the manner of his fault , but after the manner of his fault andand for a for a great faultgreat fault after the Greatnesse after the Greatnesse thereofthereof Saveing to him his freehold, And a Saveing to him his freehold, And a husbandman saveing to him wis Wainage and a husbandman saveing to him wis Wainage and a merchant likewise saveing to him his merchant likewise saveing to him his merchandisemerchandise And none of the said none of the said Amerciaments shall be assessed but by the Amerciaments shall be assessed but by the oath of twelve honest and Lawfull menoath of twelve honest and Lawfull men of the Vicinage [vicinity?] provided the faults and provided the faults and misdemeanors be not in Contempt of Courtsmisdemeanors be not in Contempt of Courts of Judicature.

17.17. ALL ALL TryallsTryalls shall be by the verdict of twelve shall be by the verdict of twelve men, and as neer as may be peers or Equallsmen, and as neer as may be peers or Equalls And of the neighbourhood and in the County And of the neighbourhood and in the County Shire or Division where the fact Shall arise Shire or Division where the fact Shall arise or grow WhetherWhether the Same be by Indictment by Indictment Infermacon Declaracon or otherwiseInfermacon Declaracon or otherwise against the person Offender or Defendant.

New-York Provincial General Assembly Charter of Libertyes & Charter of Libertyes &

Privileges, Pt. 7Privileges, Pt. 7October 30, 1683October 30, 1683

(Approved 1694, Suspended, 1685, Reconstituted (Approved 1694, Suspended, 1685, Reconstituted 1691)1691) 18.18. THAT In In all all Cases Capitall or CriminallCases Capitall or Criminall

there shall be a there shall be a grand Inquestgrand Inquest who shall first present the offence and then twelve men of the twelve men of the neighborhood to try the Offenderneighborhood to try the Offender who after after his plea to thehis plea to the Indictment Indictment shall be allowed his shall be allowed his reasonable challengesreasonable challenges..

19.19. THAT in all Cases whatsoever Bayle by Bayle by sufficient Suretyessufficient Suretyes shall be allowed and taken unlesse for treason or felony plainly and unlesse for treason or felony plainly and specially Expressed and menconed in the specially Expressed and menconed in the Warrant of CommitmentWarrant of Commitment provided Alwayes that nothingnothing herein contained shall Extend to shall Extend to dischargedischarge out of prison upon bayle any person any person taken in Execucon for taken in Execucon for debtsdebts or otherwise or otherwise legally sentencedlegally sentenced by the judgment of any of the Courts of Record within the province.




1691)1691) 20.20. THAT Noe Comissions for proceeding by Noe Comissions for proceeding by Marshall Marshall LawLaw against any of his Majestyes Subjects against any of his Majestyes Subjects within this province shall issue forthshall issue forth to any person or persons whatsoever Least by Colour of them any of his Majestyes Least by Colour of them any of his Majestyes Subjects be destroyed or putt to death Subjects be destroyed or putt to death Except all such Except all such officers persons and soldiers in pay throughout the officers persons and soldiers in pay throughout the GovernmentGovernment..

21. THAT From hence forward Noe Lands Within this Noe Lands Within this province shall be Esteemed or accounted a Chattle or province shall be Esteemed or accounted a Chattle or personall Estate but an Estate of personall Estate but an Estate of InheritanceInheritance acording acording to the Custome and practice of his Majestyes Realme of to the Custome and practice of his Majestyes Realme of England.England.

22.22. THAT Noe Court or Courts within this province haveNoe Court or Courts within this province have or at any time hereafter Shall have any Jurisdiccon power or Jurisdiccon power or authority to grant out any Execticon or orther writ authority to grant out any Execticon or orther writ whereby aany mans Lands shall or may be Extended by whereby aany mans Lands shall or may be Extended by ExecuconExecucon or otherwise to satisfy just or otherwise to satisfy just debtsdebts Any thing to the Contrary hereof in any wise Nothwithstanding.




1691)1691) 23.23. THAT Noe Estate of a Noe Estate of a feme Covertfeme Covert shall be sold or shall be sold or conveyed But by a conveyed But by a Deed acknowledged by herDeed acknowledged by her in some in some Court of Record the Woman being Court of Record the Woman being secretly Examinedsecretly Examined if She doth it freely without threats or Compulsion of her husband.

24.24. THAT All All Wills Wills in writeing attested by two Credible in writeing attested by two Credible Witnesses shall be of the same force Witnesses shall be of the same force to convey Landsto convey Lands as other Conveyances being being registeredregistered in the in the Secretaryes Office Secretaryes Office within forty dayeswithin forty dayes after the after the testators deathtestators death.

25.25. THAT A Widow after the death of her husband shall Widow after the death of her husband shall have her have her DowerDower And shalland may tarry in the Chiefe house of her husband forty dayes after the death of her husband within which forty dayes her Dower shall be assigned forty dayes her Dower shall be assigned her And for her Dower shall be assigned unto her her And for her Dower shall be assigned unto her the the third part of all the Lands of husbandthird part of all the Lands of husband dureing Coverture, Except shee were Endowed of Lesse before Marriage.Except shee were Endowed of Lesse before Marriage.




1691)1691) 26.26. THAT All Lands and HeritagesLands and Heritages within this province and

Dependency shall be free from all fines and Lycences upon free from all fines and Lycences upon Alienacons, and from all Herricitts Ward Shipps Liveryes Alienacons, and from all Herricitts Ward Shipps Liveryes primer Seizins yeare day and Wast Esclieats and primer Seizins yeare day and Wast Esclieats and forfeitures forfeitures upon the death of parentsupon the death of parents and Ancestors and Ancestors naturall unaturall, casuall or Judiciallnaturall unaturall, casuall or Judiciall, and forever, Cases of High treason only Excepted.High treason only Excepted.

27.27. THAT Noe person Noe person or personsor persons which professe ffaith in which professe ffaith in God by JesusGod by Jesus Christ*Christ* Shall at any time be any wayes Shall at any time be any wayes molested punished disquieted or called in Question for molested punished disquieted or called in Question for any Difference in opinion or Matter of Religious any Difference in opinion or Matter of Religious ConcernmentConcernment, who doe not actually disturb the Civill who doe not actually disturb the Civill peacepeace of the province, But that all and Every such persons may from time to time and at all times freely have and fully enjoy his or their judgments or Consciencyes in matters of Religion throughout the province, they

* Note: Anyone else was fair game. Yet, even this much flexibility was well beyond what many colonial governments were willing to allow. Remember, the 30 Years’ War was within reach of living memory, & notions of religious tolerance had a long way to go, esp. on Long Island.




1691)1691) behaveing themselves peaceably and quietly and not using

this Liberty to Lycentiousnesse nor to the Civill Injury or outward disturbance of others provided Alwayes that provided Alwayes that

this liberty or any thing contained therein to the this liberty or any thing contained therein to the ContraryContrary shall never be Construed or improved to shall never be Construed or improved to make void the Settlement of any make void the Settlement of any publique Minister on publique Minister on Long IslandLong Island Whether Such Settlement be by two thirds Whether Such Settlement be by two thirds of the voices in any Towne thereon of the voices in any Towne thereon which shall Alwayes include the Minor part Or by Subscripcons of perticuler Inhabitants in Said Townes provided they are the two thirds thereon Butt that all such agreements Covenants and Subscripcons that are there already made and had Or that hereafter shall bee in this manner Consented to agreed and Subscribed shall at all time and times hereafter be firme and Stable And in Confirmacon hereof It is Enacted by the Governor Councell and Representatives’; That all Such Stimes of money soe agreed and Consented to or Subscribedas aforesaid for maintenance of said Publick Ministers by the two thirds of any Towne on Long Island Shall alwayes include the Minor

PROVIDED Alwayes the said sume or sums be under forty shillings otherwise to be recovered as the Law directs.

New-York Provincial General Assembly Charter of Libertyes & Charter of Libertyes &

Privileges, Pt. 12Privileges, Pt. 12October 30, 1683October 30, 1683

(Approved 1694, Suspended, 1685, Reconstituted (Approved 1694, Suspended, 1685, Reconstituted 1691)1691)

AND WHEREAS All the Respective Christian Churches now in practice within the City of New Yorke and the other places of this province doe appeare to be priviledged Churches and have beene Soe Estblished and Confirmedby the former authority of this Government BEE it hereby Enacted by this General Assembly and by the Authority thereof That the Said Respective Christian Christian ChurchesChurches be hereby Confirmed therein And that they and Every they and Every of them Shall from henceforth forever be held and reputed of them Shall from henceforth forever be held and reputed as priviledged Chruchesas priviledged Chruches and Enjoy all their former freedoms; of their Religion in Divine Worshipp and Chruch Discipline And that all former Contracts made and agreed upon for the maintenances of the severall ministers of the Said Churches shall stand and continue in full force and virtue And that all Contracts for the future to be made Shall be of the same power And all persons that are unwilling to performe their part of the said Contract Shall be Constrained thereunto, by a warrant from any justice of the peace provided it be under forty shillings Or otherwise as this Law directs provided allsoe that all Christian Churches that Shall all Christian Churches that Shall hereafter come and settle with in this province shall have hereafter come and settle with in this province shall have the Same priviledgesthe Same priviledges part who shall be regulated thereby And also such Subscripcons and agreements

.




1691)1691)

as are before menconed are and Shall be alwayes ratified performed and paid, And if any Towne on said Island in their if any Towne on said Island in their publick Capacity of agreement with any such Minister or publick Capacity of agreement with any such Minister or any perticuler persons by their private Subscriptions as any perticuler persons by their private Subscriptions as aforesaid Shall make default deny or withdraw from Such aforesaid Shall make default deny or withdraw from Such paymentpayment Soe Covenanted to agreed upon and Subscribed That in Such Case upon Complaint of any Collector appointed and upon Complaint of any Collector appointed and Chosen by two thirds of Such Towne upon Long Island unto Chosen by two thirds of Such Towne upon Long Island unto any Justice of that County, upon his hearing the Same, he any Justice of that County, upon his hearing the Same, he is hereby authorized empowered and required to issue out is hereby authorized empowered and required to issue out his warranthis warrant unto the Constable or Deputy or any other person apopointed for the collection of said rates or agreement to for the collection of said rates or agreement to levy upon the goods and Chattleslevy upon the goods and Chattles of the said Delinquent or of the said Delinquent or DefaulterDefaulter all such Sumes of money Soe covenanted and agreed to be paid by distresse with Costs and Charges without any further Suite in Law Any Lawe Custome or usage to the Contrary in any wise Notwithstanding.” [Note: Tithes were due even from non-believers.]

Source: Charter of Liberties and Privileges – 1683,Charter of Liberties and Privileges – 1683, http://www.montauk.com/history/seeds/charter.htm in turn, drawn from Lincoln, Charles Z. The Constitutional History of New The Constitutional History of New York.York. Rochester, NY: Lawyers Cooperative Pub. Co., 1906.

Charter of Liberties & Privileges Charter of Liberties & Privileges Royally Struck Down, Pt. 1 -- March Royally Struck Down, Pt. 1 -- March

3, 16843, 1684 “Veto of the Act entitled, The Charter of Liberties and Privileges for the Province of New York [Board of Trade Journals, v. 101]

At the Committee of Trade and Plantations in the Council Chamber at Whitehall. Tuesday the 3d day of March 1684

Present --- THE KINGS MOST EXCELLENT THE KINGS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY.MAJESTY. Lord Keeper Earl of Peterborough Lord Treasurer Earl of Sunderland Lord President Earl of Middleton Lo Privie Seale Ld Viscount Falconberg Duke of Beaufort Lord Dartmouth Earl of Huntington Lord Godolphin Earl of Bridgewater Mr Chr of ye Exchqr

The Charter of Incorporation of the Province of Charter of Incorporation of the Province of New YorkNew York, is read, and the several powers and priviledges therein granted being considered His His MajestyMajesty doth not think fitt to confirm the samedoth not think fitt to confirm the same.. And as to the governmentof New York His Majesty is

Charter of Liberties & Privileges Charter of Liberties & Privileges Royally Struck Down, Pt. 2 -- March Royally Struck Down, Pt. 2 -- March

3, 16843, 1684 pleased to direct that it be assimilated to the

Constitution that shall be agreed on for New England, to which it is adjoining. And in the mean time His Majesty orders a letter to be prepared for his Royal Signature directing Coll. Dongan of New York to pursue such powers and Instructions as hee shall receive under His Majesties signet and sign manual, or by Order in Council until further Order.

It is also thought fitt that, a Conveyance offering by Captaine Baxter, another letter bee sent to Col. Dongan from the Lords of the Council directing him to proclaim His Majesty King James the Second, according to the form of a Proclamation of the 6th , for continuing officers of Government till His Majesty’s pleasure bee further known.”

Source: Documents Relative to the Colonial History of the Source: Documents Relative to the Colonial History of the State of NewYork, State of NewYork, v. 3., [comp. & ed.] by John Romeyn Brodhead. Albany, NY: Weed, Parsons and Company, Printers, 1853: p. 261.

John Roe’s Stray Horse Round-Up John Roe’s Stray Horse Round-Up LicenseLicense

Ultimate Beneficiary:? Roe or the Ultimate Beneficiary:? Roe or the Provincial Cavalry?Provincial Cavalry?

October 24, 1684October 24, 1684 “License to John Roe of Seatalcott,

to take up any three stray horses or mares within the province without mark, commonly called strays, and belonging to his royal highness, etc.; Oct. 24, 1684.”


Asserting Stuart SovereigntyAsserting Stuart SovereigntyNew York Provincial General New York Provincial General

Assembly DissolvedAssembly DissolvedAugust 13, 1685August 13, 1685

“WHEREAS for the Generall good of this Province I called the Generall Assembly thereof to meet on the 17th day of October in the 35th yeare of King Charles the Second of ever Blessed memory, and by thence by severall adjournments thereof continued untill the 29th day of September now next ensuing, for severall Important reasons, me thereunto moveing, I have thought fitt by and with the consent of the Council to Dessolve the said Generall Assembly Whereof I have thought good to give notice to all the members thereof and to all others whom it may concerne, that they need not give their attendance at the time appointed according to the adjournment aforesaid.

Given under my hand at Fort James this 13th day of August 1685, and in the first yeare of his Majestys Reigne

THO DONGAN “


Royalization of New-York Royalization of New-York Lands:Lands:

Another Required Round of Another Required Round of ReconfirmationsReconfirmations: 16861686 Just as everyone had begun to think their

landholdings safe, under the proprietorship, Charles II died, to be succeeded by James, Duke of James, Duke of York,York, who now became James II of EnglandJames II of England..

Almost overnight the province of New-YorkAlmost overnight the province of New-York underwentunderwent a a qualitative legal elevationqualitative legal elevation from mere from mere proprietaryproprietary holding holding toto royal colony. royal colony. It was now a direct holding of the Crown.

This was a much-needed bonanza for James II & bonanza for James II & royal officialdomroyal officialdom in New-Yorkin New-York, as it required all required all previous landholdings to be reconfirmedprevious landholdings to be reconfirmed by by agents of the crown, usually involving a fee or agents of the crown, usually involving a fee or some other consideration.some other consideration.

Colonials, while not thrilled (to put it mildly), had no choice but to conform, or forfeit title to their own land

So, convolution in the practice of granting & securing land titles (to say nothing of today’s C.O.’s) via an inexact system of payouts & special arrangements has a long history in the State and in Brookhaven Town.

Excerpts of James II’s Instructions Excerpts of James II’s Instructions to Gov. Dongan, Pt. 1to Gov. Dongan, Pt. 1

Selected Financial Clauses Privileges Prolonged by Power of the

PurseMay 29, 1686 “12. And whereas wee have been presented with a Bill Bill

or Charter passed in ye late Assemblyor Charter passed in ye late Assembly of New York, of New York, containing several ffranchises, privileges & Immunitiescontaining several ffranchises, privileges & Immunities mentioned to be granted to the Inhabitants of our sd province, You are to Declare Our Will & pleasure that ye You are to Declare Our Will & pleasure that ye said Bill or Charter of Franchises bee forthwith repealed said Bill or Charter of Franchises bee forthwith repealed & disallowed& disallowed, as ye same is hereby Repealed, determined & made void. But you are nevertheless with But you are nevertheless with our said Council to continue the Dutys & Impositions our said Council to continue the Dutys & Impositions therein mentioned to be raised untill you shall with the therein mentioned to be raised untill you shall with the consent of the Council settle such Taxes and Impositions consent of the Council settle such Taxes and Impositions as shall be sufficient fr ye support of our Governmt of as shall be sufficient fr ye support of our Governmt of New York.New York.

. . .23. And you are particularly not to pass any Law, or doe any Act by Grant, settlemt or otherwise whereby our Revenue may bee lessened or impaired without our especial leave or command therein.”

Source: Documents Relative to the Colonial History of Source: Documents Relative to the Colonial History of the State of NewYork, the State of NewYork, v. 3., [comp. & ed.] by John Romeyn Brodhead. Albany, NY: Weed, Parsons and Company, Printers, 1853: pp. 370-371.


Selected Religious ClausesEstablishing Anglican Dominion

May 29, 1686 “31. You shall take especiall care that God Almighty bee devoutly and duely served throughout yor Government: the Book of Common Prayer, as it is now establisht, read each Sunday and Holyday, and the Blessed Sacrament administered according to the Rites of the Church of England…”

33. Our will and pleasure is that noe minister bee preferred by you to any Ecclesiastical Benefice in that Our Province, without a Certificat from ye most Reverend the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury. . . .”

38. And wee do further direct that noe schoolmaster be henceforth permitted to come from England & to keep school within Our Province of New York , without the license of the said Archbishop of Canterbury. . . .”

Ed. Note:Ed. Note: Most Brookhaven settlers, who’d established a Most Brookhaven settlers, who’d established a dissenter church, would not have been thrilled with inroads dissenter church, would not have been thrilled with inroads toward religious dominion, by the Church of England, which toward religious dominion, by the Church of England, which they were in the New World to escape.they were in the New World to escape.

Source:Source: Documents Relative to the Colonial History of the Documents Relative to the Colonial History of the State of NewYork, State of NewYork, v. 3., [comp. & ed.] by John Romeyn Brodhead. Albany, NY: Weed, Parsons and Company, Printers, 1853: pp. 372.


Selected Religious ClausesLimits of Moral & Religious Toleration --

May 29, 1686 “. . .39. You are to take care that Drunkeness Drunkeness and Debauchery, Swearing and blasphemyand Debauchery, Swearing and blasphemy bee bee severely punisht;severely punisht; And that none bee admitted to publick trust & Implploymt whose ill fame & conversation may bring scandal thereupon.”

42. 42. You shall permit all persons of what You shall permit all persons of what Religion soever quietly to inhabit within yor Religion soever quietly to inhabit within yor Government without giving them any Government without giving them any disturbance or disquiet whatsoever for or by disturbance or disquiet whatsoever for or by reason of their differing Opinions in matters of reason of their differing Opinions in matters of Religion Religion ProvidedProvided they give noe disturbance to they give noe disturbance to ye publick peace, nor doe molest or disquiet ye publick peace, nor doe molest or disquiet others in ye free Exercise of their Religion.”others in ye free Exercise of their Religion.”

Ed. Note:Ed. Note: # 42 was unusually tolerant for its time, # 42 was unusually tolerant for its time, though not by today’s standards. though not by today’s standards. Source:Source: Documents Documents Relative to the Colonial History of the State of NewYork,Relative to the Colonial History of the State of NewYork, v. 3., [comp. & ed.] by John Romeyn Brodhead. Albany, NY: Weed, Parsons and Company, Printers, 1853: pp. 372-373.

Provincial Control of the Provincial Control of the Wampum FlowWampum Flow

[1685][1685]“Order that no wampum, wampum

pipes. Indian jewels or money shall be carried out of the government in the way of trade or traffic, etc.”


Note: “The government,” as used here, means the Province of New-York..

Questions for historians, concerning Brookhaven: Is there evidence of how effective this was? Did it give rise to a brisk smuggling trade, across the Sound, in particular? Documents of this period indicate frequent warrants to ships to track down pirate ships known or believed to be in the area. Was there active profiteering using pirates or privateers as middlemen?

The Odyssey of William (“Tangier”) Smith, 1654-1674/7, Pt. 1

Or, The Road from Morocco . . .to Or, The Road from Morocco . . .to Little Neck, SetauketLittle Neck, Setauket Born Feb. 2, 1654,Feb. 2, 1654, William SmithWilliam Smith was reputedly son of a lady-

in-waiting to Queen Henrietta Maria according to an uncertain tradition. He was raised as a court page court page to the royal family,to the royal family, for which he must have shown some form of aptitude, for as a 20-as a 20-year old, inyear old, in 1674, Smith was1674, Smith was commissioned Colonel & commissioned Colonel & designated Mayor of Tangier , by Charles II.designated Mayor of Tangier , by Charles II.

Tangier, Morocco, along with Bombay, India, were the wedding dowries of Portugal’s Charlotte de Braganza, to Charles II of England, in 1662.1662. Portuguese political acumen in transferring two resource-straining headaches to England, was soon obvious. The port of Tangier(s) was besieged from the onset. The port of Tangier(s) was besieged from the onset. Held precariously by a small English garrison, it was fortified heavily against nearly incessant Moroccan attempts to reclaim their territory. The enclave had the geographic misfortune to be ringed by all-too-near towering limestone cliffs (cut by easily-defended passes). These controlled the landward approaches to the city, favored the besieger, and application of a steady, attritional, galling, fire from the commanding hills. Despite sorties, English strength rarely extended beyond the city walls, and remained insufficient to drive their tormentors away. Despite its strategic position commanding the Western entrance & exit to the Mediterranean, Tangiers gradually came to be viewed as a liability, so as a cost-cutting measure it was eventually abandoned. Britain regretted the loss, eventually replacing it with a more defensible base, on the opposite side of the straits, at Gibraltar.

The Odyssey of William (“Tangier”) Smith, 1675- 1687/7, Pt.2

Or, The Road from Morocco . . .to Or, The Road from Morocco . . .to Little Neck, SetauketLittle Neck, Setauket While at Tangiers, Col. Smith met &married Martha Tunstall,

1676.1676. He remained mayor until England abandoned the city (in He remained mayor until England abandoned the city (in

1684). 1684). Relieved of duty (& briefly unemployed, but well connected),

Col. Smith dabbled successfully as a London merchant. Whether on a business trip to expand his trading connections, simply seeking greener pastures, or both, he arrived, with his family, in New York on August 6, 1686August 6, 1686,, supposedly supposedly bringing along the Province’s first coachProvince’s first coach.

It may well have been New-York Governor Dongan (former New-York Governor Dongan (former Lt. Gov. of Tangiers)Lt. Gov. of Tangiers) who persuaded Smith to come, recognizing in him a potential ally, in need.a potential ally, in need. Dongan may have had it in mind to situate Smith where he might best serve as a local eminence, trusted eyes & ears of Governor & Crown, in hostile Puritan territory. He may well suggested the Setauket Setauket area. Taking a side trip there, Smith eyed the real estate, and noted an opportunity. Numerous squabbling landowners were embroiled in a local territorial dispute. Gov. Dongan interceded on Smith’s behalf, & persuaded them to settle their differences by selling Little NeckLittle Neck [today’s Strong’s Neck] in Setauket, to Smith on Oct. 22, Setauket, to Smith on Oct. 22, 16871687,, The sale likely gained the villagers a tidy profit, defused the situation , & made Smith’s family welcome, as peacemaker. His landholdings steadily expanded.

That same year (1687) That same year (1687) , Smith was appointed to the Smith was appointed to the Governor’s Council.Governor’s Council.

“Certaine Vexacious Peticion:” Reining in a Smithtown Father

Asserting Provincial Supremacy Over the Towns

Part of ongoing Brookhaven-Smithtown Boundary Squabbles?

March 13, 1687 [Order on a Petition by Samuel Eborne, to Traverse the Petition

of Richard Smith] “Province of New Yorke Councill held at Fort [James] Tuesday the 13th day [of March] 1687/8. Upon Reading the Peticion [?] Setting forth that Richard S[mith ?]

Board was rescin[? line lost] …Certaine Vexacious Peticion Exhibited Against him by the said Smith and notwithstanding that the said Smith has been Served with the said Order or a warrant Thereupon he hath neverthelesse refused to pay the Said Sume All which having been made Appeare to this board , itt is thereupon thought fitt and this day Accordingly Ordered by his Majesties Councill of this Province that Thomas Helme one of the Trustees of the Town of Brockhaven be hereby Empowred and required to take the said Richard Smith into his Custody for his Contempt of the said Order and him safly keepe Untill he shall have Fully payed the same and pay all the Further Charges occasioned by his Contempt.”

Source: Books of General Entries of the Colony of New York, 1674-1688 (New York Historical Manuscripts: English), ed. by Peter R. Christoph & Florence A. Christoph. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Pub. Co., Inc., Pub. Under the Direction of the Holland Society of New York, 1982: pp. 405-406.

1st Town School MasterRoots of Brookhaven Town’s

Educational System July Ye 13th, 1687

“At a legall Towne meeting, warned by Justice Woodhull’s wart, It was voted and agreed that ten pounds a yeare shall be paid to ye maintenance of a Schole master for the future, soe long as a schole master shall officiate amongst us by the publique. Further, it was agreed that five of the Trustees should, with Mr. Francis Williamson to officiate in the Towne as scholemaster for the sum of thirty pounds a yeare, twenty pounds wherof is to be paid by the children for ye year.

Entered by me, THO. HELME, Clerk.”

Boundary Dispute Settlement Ordered

Between Brookhaven Town & The Between Brookhaven Town & The Winthrop PatentWinthrop Patent

9/3/1688 “At a meting of the trustese of the free houllders and Comanallity of ye toune of Broockhauen the 3th of Suptember 1688 presant Thomas biggs Richard Wodhul Jacobloungbot[hum] Richard floyd John Jenner: where as thare is like to be a diffarance like to arise betwene the boundes of this tou[ne] and Mr Wintroupes bounes thare fore we dowe depout [deputize] Zacariah hakines and thomas Jenners to go down Sou[th] and to Run the line betwene him and this toune, and to be gin at the fresh pond att the weast side of the neack that is called Stares neack which we do houlld to be the boundes by ouer deed from the Indones and by ouer poseshon delliuered by the Shachom

John J[enner C]” Source: Brookhaven (N.Y. : Town). Clerk. Records of the

Town of Brookhaven, Book C: 1687-1789. New York: Derrydale Press, 1931: p. 12.

The Glorious Revolution & The Glorious Revolution & Brookhaven TownBrookhaven Town

Leisler’s Rebellion & The Leislerian Leisler’s Rebellion & The Leislerian State, 1688-1691State, 1688-1691 As in the rest of the Dominion of New England (1688-89),

Stuart officials’ attempted censorship of news of the Glorious Revolution in England backfired, proving their undoing, by fanning Protestant fears of an insidious Stuart-inspired international “Papist” (I.e., Catholic) conspiracy, in cahoots with a planned French or Spanish descent on the colony.

News of Andros’ arrest and imprisonment in Boston reached L.I. In April.

In New-York Colony, the Glorious Revolution began in Setauket, first village to declare for William & Mary, in May 1689. Brookhaven Town & Suffolk County quickly followed, as did much of the Province, as old denials and resentments boiled over.

A day after Lt. Gov. Nicholson made an ill-considered remark, implying threat to burn New York City, the militia defected & seized Fort James on May 31st . Captain Jacob Leisler, emerged as chief rebel, though his authority was shaky until June 8, when an invasion scare brought the local army to his side, and a Committee of Safety was created which confirmed him in authority. Nicholson fled to England. Leisler seriously lacked tolerance, basic tact, & diplomatic skill. Ruling with an arbitrary & heavy hand, he lost friends, imprisoned enemies, polarized the Colony.

Setauket refused to recognize his Leisler’s authority. Suffolk, upstate N.Y., & the wealthy, influential, “Anglicizing” Dutch, played a more astute hand, & were successful in their lobbying London for his removal.

Seeing Conspiracies EverywhereSeeing Conspiracies EverywhereDisarming the Indians Disarming the Indians -- -- May 7, May 7,

16891689“At a Towne meeting it was voted &

unanimously agreed on, that the Indians should bee disarmed: and to surrender themselves upon demand, otherwise to be looked upon as Enimies; ten men weare [were] chosen to goe to ye south to disarm ym [them], and theire arms to bee left at Captn Woodhull’s.”

Source: Brookhaven (N.Y.:Town). Clerk. Records. Town of Brookhaven, Up to 1800.Records. Town of Brookhaven, Up to 1800. Patchogue, NY: The Town, 1880: p. 73.

The Odyssey of William (“Tangier”) Smith, 1689, Pt. 3

Watching Your Manors, Or, by Rude Winds of Faction Blown

The Manor of St. George – North & SouthThe Manor of St. George – North & South The Smiths moved to their Little Neck estate in 16891689, remaining on the Governor’s Council, and placed in command of the Suffolk Co. militia; just in time for the Glorious RevolutionGlorious Revolution. Smith, a close associate of Charles II & James II, was in an awkward position, on the wrong side of Leisler’s Rebellion.

Governor Edmund Andros of the Dominion of New England (which included New-York), was arrested in Boston, in early April. Rebellion spread to L.I. before the month ended. Andros managed to send a messenger to New York requesting a commission be sent to Boston to secure his release, naming William Smith as one of the commissioners. When the New-York Council met on May 22, 1689May 22, 1689, “Coll Smith shewed and “Coll Smith shewed and declared his willingness to serve his Excellency Sr Edmond declared his willingness to serve his Excellency Sr Edmond Andros…Andros… But hee living attBut hee living att Zealtalkett,Zealtalkett, the middle of Long Island, ware the people already shoocke off this ware the people already shoocke off this government,government, and taking him to be a papist or a fri[e]nd of them, fears iff hee should goe to Boston that the people in fears iff hee should goe to Boston that the people in his town would rise and plunder his house, if not offer his town would rise and plunder his house, if not offer violence to his family.”violence to his family.”

Later, attacked by a New-York City mob, he decided to flee New-York.

Source: Eberlein, Harold Donaldson. Manor Houses and Historic Homes of Long Island and Staten Island. Philadelphia; London: J.B. Lippincott Co., 1928: p. 96.

The Glorious Revolution & The Glorious Revolution & Brookhaven TownBrookhaven Town

Quelling Leisler’s Rebellion, 1691 King William, himself Dutch, & needing colonial support for the

war with France then raging in Europe & America, heeded their call, and appointed anti-Leislerian, Governor Sloughter, to their liking, polarizing the colony for yet another 20 years, though achieving William’s immediate ends

Sloughter’s delay in arriving afforded Leisler new scope for effrontery, further exacerbating local tensions. Leisler’s arbitrary arrests of political opponents accelerated, providing the pretext for his rapid trial and execution, as usurper, after Sloughter’s arrival. Bitter political in-fighting & recrimination ensued.

Still, William III, as Holland’s Prince of Orange & Stadtholder (not quite king), otherwise provided a welcome & useful compromise between Dutch & English New-York: being both Dutch royalty and married to a Stuart, the late King’s daughter, Mary.

The new regime provided a new balance & status quo. Source: The Glorious Revolution in America.

The Odyssey of William (“Tangier”) Smith, 1691-1697, Pt. 4

Watching Your Manors, Or, by Rude Winds of Faction Blown

The Manor of St. George -- North & SouthThe Manor of St. George -- North & South Smith’s fortunes took a decisive turn on March 25, 1691March 25, 1691, 6 days after Gov. Slaughter arrived, reappointing Smith toreappointing Smith to the Provincial CouncilProvincial Council, & as one of the commissioners of as one of the commissioners of oyer & terminer , oyer & terminer , who tried and convicted Leislerwho tried and convicted Leisler.

Leisler’s death polarized the colony, which divided into pro- & anti-Leislerian political factions. For the rest of his For the rest of his life, Col. William Smith was a marked man, politically. life, Col. William Smith was a marked man, politically. (Leislerians viewed him as something of a regicide.)(Leislerians viewed him as something of a regicide.) On the frequent Provincial anti-Leislerian upswings, perks there were, but with pro-Leislerian swings, Smith’s life was made difficult.

On May 15, 1691May 15, 1691, Smith was appointed Justice ofJustice of New York Colony’s newly-created Supreme CourtSupreme Court & a judge/delegate judge/delegate to, Suffolk County prerogative court.to, Suffolk County prerogative court. On Nov. 11, 1692Nov. 11, 1692, Smith was appointed the 2nd Chief Justice of the Province’s Chief Justice of the Province’s Supreme CourtSupreme Court by Gov. Fletcher, replacing Joseph Dudley.

In 1693 & 1697,1693 & 1697, Gov. FletcherGov. Fletcher granted William Smith granted William Smith patentspatents to large tracts of land in today’s southeastern to large tracts of land in today’s southeastern Brookhaven Town, &Brookhaven Town, & expansion of his Little Neck holdings,expansion of his Little Neck holdings, all of which were erected into a manor -- the Manor of St. Manor of St. George, George, independent of Brookhaven Town, & having its own courts.