Class 
 
 Ei 
 
 Book-_i_ 
 
 f~~l r~( J I 
 
NOTES, 
 
 GEOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL, 
 
 RELATING TO THE 
 
 TOWN OF BROOKLYN, 
 
 x.oi^ra--isi JJ ft.^rr), 
 
 ZjULi 
 
 t^KivOtv 
 
 WITH NOTES, AND A MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR. 
 
 BROOKLYN ; 
 
 REPRINTED FOR THE FAUST CLUB. 
 
 1S65. 
 
EDITION': One hundred and twenty copies, of which twenty 
 are on large paper. 
 
 JTo.d- 
 
 E. B. Spooneb 4 Sos, Trinters, 32 Court St. 
 
 
PREFATORY NOTE. 
 
 ( !< »N8mEEnrG the period at which they were writ- 
 ten, Furman's " Notes on Brooklyn " possess 
 extraordinary merit as a local history. Clear in 
 their style — accurate, in the main, as to facts, 
 there is, within these modest duodecimo pages, 
 more of the condensed results of thoughtful re- 
 search and careful analysis, than is apparent to 
 one who has not made the history of Brooklyn a 
 particular study. Yet, in presenting to the pub- 
 lic a new edition of the " Notes," the " Faust 
 Club " have been mainly influenced by a desire 
 to rescue from fast gathering oblivion the mem- 
 ory of the first, and, up to this time, the ablest 
 historian of Brooklyn. For, though but ten 
 years have elapsed since his death, yet owing to 
 the peculiar reticence of his character, and his 
 solitary manner of life, he seems to have become, 
 even in the minds of those who best knew him, 
 almost forgotten. 
 
 It is, then, in the light of a testimonial to the 
 memory of our foremost scholar and antiquarian, 
 that we would have this reprint regarded. The 
 work as here reproduced, is an almost per- 
 fect fac-s'tin ilt , from the press of the oldest 
 printing office in Brooklyn, where the original 
 
IV 
 
 edition was printed more than forty years ago. 
 The accompanying Memoir is from the pen 
 of one who was almost the only person who 
 cordd claim Judge Furman's intimacy during his 
 life, and the Notes are mainly devoted to the 
 illustration of obscure points, or the correction of 
 errors, which have been disproved by the more 
 recent discoveries of historical students, or the 
 development of new information since Judge 
 Furman wrote. 
 
 It may be interesting to bibliopoles, who 
 delight in trifles of this sort, to know that 
 some of the same type which was used to set up 
 the original title page, has also been used in 
 the reproduction of the title page of this edition. 
 
 In the hope, therefore, that this " labor of 
 love " — as it has been to all concerned in its 
 preparation — may possess some little value as a 
 contribution to the literary hiograph/y of our 
 country, this new edition of the " Notes " is 
 respectfully submitted by 
 
 The Faust Club, of Brooklyn. 
 
 Mwrch 30,1865. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 
 
 OF 
 
 GABRIEL FURMAN 
 
 Gabriel Furman, author of the Notes on Brooklyn, 
 although but a few years ago moving in the midst of 
 men, has already become almost a myth. The members 
 of his immediate family circle have departed, his col- 
 lections of books, laboriously gathered, have been scat- 
 tered. No portrait of him is known to exist. There 
 are few memoranda to be found in the papers which 
 have been preserved, and few recollections in the minds 
 of his remaining friends by which he can be distinctly 
 recalled and presented to the readers of the present 
 time. 
 
 The writer of this sketch was perhaps as well ac- 
 quainted with him, and with his thoughts, habits and 
 feelings as any of his contemporaries were permitted to 
 be. The writer was however ten years his junior, which 
 makes his distinct personal knowledge of Judge Furman 
 to commence at the time when the Judge was about 
 twenty-one years old, and began to take part in the pub- 
 lic affairs and social movements of the then incorporated 
 village of Brooklyn. 
 
 Gabriel Furman was born in Brooklyn, Kings County 
 
VI 
 
 on Long Island, January "23d, in the year 1800. After 
 diligent search among his relatives and connections, a 
 family record was found which fortunately preserves this 
 fact. 
 
 He was born in the homestead of his father, William 
 Furman, which stood in 1822 and for some years after, 
 on the south side of Fulton Ferry, at No. 5 Fulton 
 street, just upon the water line, on the site now occupied 
 by the office of the Brooklyn City Rail Road Company. 
 
 The family of Furman first came to Newtown, Long- 
 Island, from Old England by way of New England, and 
 settled there in 1051. From Newtown, they scattered 
 upon the Island. 
 
 William Furman, his father, came to Brooklyn from 
 New Lotts just after the Revolution, filled various prom- 
 inent offices, was first Judge of Kings County from 1808 
 to 1823, village trustee in 1817, after the village incor- 
 poration in 1816; Supervisor for several years, Member 
 of Assembly from 1824 to 1820, and for many years 
 President of the Brooklyn Fire Insurance Company, in- 
 corporated in 182 J. 
 
 But little is known of the schoolboy days of Gabriel 
 Furman. A diary left by him shews, that from October 
 1814, to November 10, 1S10, he was at school at Colum- 
 bia Academy, Bergen, New Jersey. This diary is ruled 
 with open columns, in which he notes the state of the 
 roads and weather. It shews besides that he had a 
 school-boy's enthusiasm toward the fair sex, although he 
 always remained a bachelor. Some allusions also shew 
 that even at this early time he was apt in allusion to lit- 
 erary and classic characters. 
 
 He studied law in the office of Elisha W. King, Beek- 
 
VII 
 
 man-street, New-York, entering 27th June, 1823. and 
 was with him a favorite student, from his characteristics 
 of method and steadiness, as well as for eminent anal- 
 ytic qualities of mind. These qualities attended him in 
 a large degree after his admission to the bar, during sev- 
 eral years of practice in the Courts, and Judicial expe- 
 rience, and never during life altogether left him. There 
 was no period during his somewhat erratic and clouded 
 career, when Judge Furman would not have been con- 
 sidered a good lawyer. A learned Judge, long one of 
 his most valued friends, speaking of some papers prepar- 
 ed by him in a chancery proceeding, not long before his 
 death, said, "they would have been considered fair work 
 for the ablest solicitor." 
 
 But however well suited the mind of Judge Furman 
 seemed to be in its general structure, to the processes 
 and investigations of the law, and although he had fair 
 reputation at the bar, and in the Court of Errors of this 
 State, while a Senator, yet there is abundant evidence 
 that the toils of jurisprudence were not the most conso- 
 nant to his tastes. 
 
 Among his memoranda occur these reflections : 
 " As to politics and contest for office, they are entire- 
 " ly dissimilar to my habits of feeling, and very unpleas- 
 " ant, and nothing but an imperious sense of duty to my 
 "country would ever induce me to enter at all into 
 "them, or to have any sort of connection with them.' — 
 " My wish would he, if possible to be attained, to pass 
 " my life as a literary man, and a humble enquirer into 
 " the history of my country — -uever to mingle in politi- 
 " cal strife — never to hold an office of any kind; but 
 " quietly to while away my time among my books and 
 
VIII 
 
 " papers, and when it pleased the Almighty Disposer of 
 " all events to call me hence, to lay my head on the pil- 
 " low of death in peace with all men. There is nothing 
 "on earth to compare, in the least degree, with the joy 
 "and comfort which attends literary research, with the 
 " inward satisfaction which results from a day thus spent. 
 " It strikes me that a man truly literary can never be 
 " immoral." 
 
 Again, " No one but a person who possesses, what the 
 " world calls, ' a taste for reading,' in its true sense, and 
 " has improved the taste by years of practice, can duly 
 " appreciate the meaning and force of Hunt's remark as 
 "'to doating upon old books.' It is a passion which 
 " gains strength by what it feeds on, and affords an unal- 
 " loyed pleasure, far, very far, transcendent-ally far, be- 
 " yond what can be afforded by any other pursuit in this 
 " life. It also renders a man to a great extent independent 
 " of the world for his happiness and enjoyments. Socie- 
 " ty with its pleasures is not with him as it is with thou- 
 " sands, everything. He has another World, unaffected 
 " by toils and troubles — in which there are no storms or 
 •' tempests; but everything is peace, calm and sunshine — 
 " an eternal Spring and Summer, having at once the pro- 
 " mise and the fruition. And to this blessed World he 
 " can withdraw at pleasure, and there associate and ' hold • 
 "sweet converse' with those great ami noble Spirits, of 
 " which the World of mankind, the common World, is 
 " not worthy. 
 
 " This to the uninitiated in the secrets of Knowledge, 
 "may sound like nonsense, or at least like enthusiasm; 
 '• but those who have tried the experiment, and have be- 
 " come the denizens of that happy World, ( and all men 
 
IX 
 
 " can be so at their pleasure in this country,) know it is 
 " nothing bat truth, plain naked truth." 
 
 It is not to be doubted, that had circumstances enabled 
 Judge Furman to follow entirely the strong bent of his 
 historic and antiquarian predilections, he would have 
 produced works of greater scope and completeness than 
 he has left behind him. 
 
 During the Summer of 1814, the students of Colum- 
 bia Academy, Bergen, New-Jersey, tendered their ser- 
 vices to the Committee of Defence in the City of New- 
 York, marched over to Brooklyn with a flag and worked 
 all day on the works at Fort-Greene, now Washington 
 Park, Brooklyn. Furman, who was one of them, in re- 
 cording this transaction says, " I feel a pride which ev- 
 ery free born American ought to feel in saying, this is 
 the second day I have worked to raise fortifications dur- 
 ing this contest, to protect my country from an invading 
 foe." 
 
 Nov. 9th, 1810.— At Bergen, N. J., while still at the 
 Academy, he say-;, " this evening I spent very agreeably 
 chatting with the girls trying to persuade them there 
 was no such passion as love, — a fine employment for a 
 boy about sixteen — however, I could not succeed." 
 
 He began almost as a boy to make memoranda of 
 meteorological occurrences and of facts which attracted 
 his attention in reading. 
 
 He never went to College, though it is evident that 
 he gave a share of his time at the schools he attended, 
 to the study of the classics, and had a fair knowledge of 
 the Latin and Greek authors. He was fond of attend- 
 ing the " Commencements " of Columbia College, from 
 which fact many of his friends supposed he had gradu- 
 
ated from that institution. An appeal to its records, 
 and a further investigation shew that he was never a 
 student of any College. 
 
 In 1820, he was active in forming a debating Society 
 in the City of Brooklyn, in the exercises of which he 
 evidently took a conspicuous and interested part. He 
 was also about this time an earnest advocate of the right 
 of Brooklyn to participate in an equal degree with New- 
 York in the establishment of Ferries, between that city 
 and Brooklyn. 
 
 In 1 824, at the invitation of the citizens of Brooklyn, 
 he delivered the Fourth of July Oration, in the Dutch 
 Reformed Church in Joralemou Street. 
 
 In 1827, he was appointed by Governor Clinton a Jus- 
 tice of the Municipal Court of Brooklyn, then just es- 
 tablished, with John Garrison and Thomas Kirk as asso- 
 ciates. This office he filled with credit for three years. 
 
 As his judgment ripened, his taste for Antiquarian 
 pursuits and learned investigations increased, until they 
 held the chief place in his mind. With him this taste 
 seems to have been intuitive. It is not known that he 
 derived it from any example or associations. He became 
 a haunter of book-stands and libraries. He began to 
 collect a library of his own, which gradually became 
 rich in every class of curious learning, ami in that of 
 Astrology perhaps superior to any other in the country. 
 He lost no opportunity of increasing his own written 
 collections and memoranda. As these accumulated he 
 had them substantially bound in neat and symmetrical 
 small quarto volumes, which had reached the number 
 of sixteen at the time of his decease. Of these volumes 
 twelve can be traced since the dispersion of his library. 
 
XI 
 
 These volumes seem to be a heterogeneous medley, 
 and embrace almost every conceivable topic of curiosity 
 or inquiry, from the most scientific to the most absurd 
 and trivial. These are thrown together without order 
 in a perfect chance-medley. A little may be found here 
 " de omnibus rebus et ceteris aliis." Perhaps the most 
 prominent topic is that of extraordinary recipes or cures 
 of disorders, which involve faith in some principle a 
 little superstitious. Indeed it is not to be doubted that 
 his mind had a tendency to superstition as he remarks, in 
 these memoranda "that all men have at times a strong 
 tendency to superstition." The next principal topic is 
 perhaps the weather, about which he is curious to note 
 the peculiarities and changes from year to year, with 
 comments on such phenomena as he deems may affect 
 health. Then there are notes upon books, shewing an 
 extensive knowledge of those which are rare and curious. 
 Shakspeare, in all that can elucidate his history, has a 
 large share of his attention. The drama in all ages and 
 in all phases enlisted his eager interest. 
 
 In the midst of this " mighty mass of miscellaneous 
 matter," it is fortunate that the local instincts of Judge 
 Fui'inan led him to jot down all that occurred to his ob- 
 servation in the elementary condition and progress of 
 his native city. His mind early turned toward its char- 
 ters, traditions, revolutionary reminiscences, and the facts 
 of its early settlement and population, agriculture and 
 trade. He seemed to have an intuitive and prophetic 
 sagacity as to the importance of describing, recording 
 and fixing the dates of many things of his own time, 
 which would change with progress and be forgotten. — 
 The minuteness of some of these details may look like 
 
XII 
 
 folly and simplicity, but still the better critics will admit 
 that they go to make up his reputation as an Antiqua- 
 rian of the best character who knew that these " details " 
 would grow to be the very things that " posterity would 
 delight in." Already in the rapid rush of population 
 for the past thirty years, since Brooklyn assumed the 
 character of a city, the old buildings and land-marks 
 have been swept away, and but for " Furman's Notes" 
 and " Guy's Picture of Brooklyn," it would be impossi- 
 ble to trace its beginnings. 
 
 The " Notes on Brooklyn," first scattered in these 
 note books and common place books were brought to- 
 gether to some extent in 1822, to oblige his friend, Col. 
 Spooner, between whom and himself existed a strong 
 friendship, and published in his first directory of Brook- 
 lyn. At his suggestion, Judge Furman was led to am- 
 plify them and present them in the form in which they 
 are so well known and highly appreciated by the fam- 
 ilies of " early Brooklyn." Although time and oppor- 
 tunity have greatly increased the materials of Brooklyn 
 History, and made some corrections in the work of 
 Furman, it still contains "the very marrow " of our ear- 
 ly history. 
 
 It is due not only to his memory, but to the study of 
 local history, that a new edition should be printed of a 
 work which has now become very rare. The original 
 edition, printed by Col. Alden Spooner, was but of 250 
 copies, and in the hands of early residents, every copy 
 is now held to be worth "a Jew's tooth.' 1 '' Proposals for 
 this were issued December 30th, 1824, and the work 
 published in March, 1825, though the imprint bears the 
 date of 1S24. 
 
xin 
 
 He was an ardent lover of nature, delighting in soli- 
 tary rambles, frequently noting among his memoranda 
 any objects or occurrences which struck his attention, 
 often accompanied by moral and religious reflections.' — 
 Of one of these walks, September 28th, 1821, he says: 
 " The country looked beautiful, tinged with the golden 
 " tints of the setting sun— all around was still and calm. 
 " Oh, when I finish my course in this life, may I depart 
 " with like glory, and may my end be like this setting 
 "sun — to rise on a glorious morrow." 
 
 Judge Furman was an active and zealous member of 
 the Protestant Episcopal Church. His father, William 
 Furman was warden of St. John's Church, ( of Rev. 
 Evan M. Johnson,) in Johnson-street, from the time of 
 it- erection in 1826, and his son Gabriel, tin- subject of 
 this sketch, was for several years Vestryman and Treas- 
 urer thereof. It is the testimony of the Rev. Evan M. 
 Johnson, the hist Rector thereof, (yet living,) that he 
 was in all things, during his connection with that church, 
 a blight pattern and example of christian and manly 
 virtue. He di'i not think "a purer young man ever liv- 
 ed." In the building and decoration of the church his 
 knowledge of ancient church proprieties enabled him to 
 be of material aid. He delighted in medi;eval patterns 
 of stained glass, and was a fixed friend of the cheerful 
 Christinas custom of decorating the church with Ever- 
 greeus. 
 
 In this connection we may as well introduce an anec- 
 dote coupled with his name, told us by the same vene- 
 rable clergyman, now seventy-two years old. 
 
 When he was about departing for Europe some years 
 ago, he had a parting interview with Judge Furman 
 
XIV 
 
 who said to him, " you will of course visit Cambridge ?" 
 Mr. Johnson replied, " Yes." "Then," said the Judge, 
 " when you visit the College, be sure to inquire for the 
 Library of Samuel Pepys." Mr. Johnson visited Cam- 
 bridge, and preached there, taking up his lodgings op- 
 posite Triuity College. His particular and intimate 
 friend while there, had long been a professor of the 
 College. After he had seen the ordinary shows, Mr. 
 Johnson inquired of this professor ''where he could find 
 the library of Samuel Pepys ?" The professor assured 
 him there must be some mistake — there was no such 
 library in Cambridge! "But" said Mr. Johnson, " I 
 know there is. My informant is one of the most distin- 
 guished and accurate antiquarians in America, and could 
 not mistake on such a point. This Library was be- 
 queathed by Samuel Pepys to Magdalen College." His 
 pertinacity set the professor upon inquiry, who returned 
 to him with a face of utter amazement. " It is all true," 
 said he, " and I have been in this College twenty-five 
 years, and never before heard of it ! But it is no won- 
 der. We of the College are not allowed to see such 
 things. They are reserved only for distinguished visi- 
 tors." On applying to the Vice Chancellor a special 
 permission was obtained to visit the Library of this dis- 
 tinguished Antiquary and Book-Collector. Here Mr. 
 Johnson saw everything kept just in the order and con- 
 dition in which Samuel Pepys had left it. He was par- 
 ticularly curious in Old English ballads, some of which 
 were lying strewn upon the floor, just where they had 
 dropped from his hand. 
 
 Judge Furman was one of the Committee to erect the 
 Court House and Jail in Piavmond-streot, Brooklyn, of 
 
XV 
 
 which Gamaliel King was the Architect. In this build- 
 ing the Judge indulged his taste for the antique, and his 
 admiration of the Gothic style, being particular, among 
 other things, that it should exhibit a massive oaken door 
 with all the graining and other natural peculiarities of 
 the wood. His nicety in this particular availed but lit- 
 tle, as a subsequent Board of Supervisors had the door 
 carefully painted with a thick coating of a brilliant and 
 glaring white. 
 
 In November, 1838, he was elected to the Senate of 
 this State, in which he served for 1839, 1840, 1841 and 
 1842. The records of the Senate, which was at that 
 time the Court of Errors, shew that he was industrious 
 and able on the judicial side of his duties. He also 
 made some statesmanlike speeches, particularly the one 
 
 I (hingthe Canal policy of the State, which he always 
 
 favored. His full speech, made in 1842, reported in 
 the Albany Evening Journal during that year, on the 
 policy of completing the public works, at an expense 
 upon which the interest could be realized from tolls, is a 
 masterly and laborious exposition of the whole subject, 
 as cogent in argument as it is rich in statistics. 
 
 In 1841 he delivered two valuable and interesting lec- 
 tures on the Discoveries of the Northmen and of Aborig- 
 ginal Remains in America, before the Brooklyn Lyceum. 
 These were repealed before the Mercantile Library As- 
 sociation, New- York, the Young Men's Christian Asso- 
 ciations of Albany and Troy, and afterwards at Utica, 
 Canandaigua and Rochester. 
 
 In 1842, Luther Bradish was nominated for Governor 
 and Judge Furman for Lieutenant-Governor by the Whig 
 Party of the State. They were not elected. 
 
XVI 
 
 The writer thinks an anecdote connected with Judge 
 Fin-man and this campaign may not be amiss as it exhib- 
 its strikingly a peculiarity, which in the end made him 
 not only a recluse, but an exile from his friends. When 
 his nomination had been secured by the exertions of 
 some very warm friends, it became desirable to secure 
 his letter of acceptance. He was written to without 
 reply. It was understood that the publication of the 
 letter of Mr. Bradish was withheld to be made at the 
 same time with Judge Furman's. This never came. — 
 The writer was requested, with Theodore Fames, Esq., 
 the law partner of the Judge to call on him at the Eagle 
 Hotel, Albany, and repair the omission. The call was 
 made at about eight o'clock in the morning, on their way 
 to Utica by the early train to attend the confirmatory 
 convention. On asking to be shewn to the Judge's room, 
 the boj-of the Hotel flatly refused, saying, "It is against 
 positive orders." On being informed of the urgency of 
 the occasion, that we two were his near friend, and law 
 partner who would see him but a few minutes, and that 
 the fate of his election might turn upon it, the boy still 
 said " it can't be done — he won't see any body!" As 
 we turned away despairingly, the question was thrown 
 out, " what time in the day does the Judge get up .'" — 
 "Four o'clock in the afternoon," curtly responded the 
 lad. It was a hopeless case. The delegation proceeded 
 by the morning train, and it is believed that the ordi- 
 nary letters of acceptance were never given. 
 
 As a further confirmation of his habits while Senator, 
 at Albany, the writer inquired of a respectable and wor- 
 thy Senator from the first district, a political colleague 
 of the Judge and constantly on the same committees, 
 
XVII 
 
 what he thought of him? His reply was, "I don't 
 know him. He comes and goes as he pleases — fires off 
 a mile or two of his canal speech every day, and never 
 associates with any body." 
 
 1843, October 25th, he delivered the Annual Address 
 before the American Institute, at, Niblo's, New-York 
 
 1844, October 10th, he delivered the Annual Address 
 before the Queen's County Agricultural Society. 
 
 In addition to the "Notes on Brooklyn," Judo'e Fur- 
 man, at the instance of William Gowans of New-York, 
 the well known dealer in ancient books, has enriched 
 Denton's History, first published in 1 070, with a body 
 of valuable notes. In an advertisemenl appended to 
 this he promises a History of a tribe of Welsh Indians 
 which early settled in America. This work has never 
 yel appeared. This story of Madoc and his voyage to the 
 West Indies iu 1170, was well calculated to enlist both 
 the speculation and love of exploration which belonged 
 to the mind of Judge Furman. 
 
 When that great work, the Natural History of the 
 State of New-York had been determined upon, a letter 
 was sent to him by Gov. Seward, dated June 13th, 1842, 
 which concludes as follows: 
 
 " Will you do the State so great a favor as to furnish 
 notes concerning what has been accomplished iu regard 
 to Antiquities and also the History of Book Printing. 
 Your friend and humble servant, 
 
 WILLIAM H. SEWARD." 
 
 It is not to be doubted that such a commission would 
 
 have commanded a zeal and elicited a wealth of learning 
 
 which few other men possessed. The original plan, 
 
 however, was altered, and the article written by Judge 
 
XVIII 
 
 Furman was not used, at least in fullness or form as it 
 was written. Concerning this matter, Judge Furman 
 lias left the following note : 
 
 "I was anxious that so great a work as the ' Natural 
 History of the State of New-York' which was intended 
 to comprise some ten or twelve quarto volumes, and 
 which would be first issued and many of the volumes 
 published under the Whig administration of the State, 
 should be not only a credit to the State, but that it 
 also should not impair the high claim which we as a 
 party had always held to advancing literature in our 
 country. With this view I urged upon Gov. Seward 
 that the introduction to the first volume should be a lit- 
 erary history of the State, divided into different heads; 
 and that each subject should be treated of distinctly, 
 and thus made as perfect as possible by itself without 
 reference to any other head ; that the space required for 
 such introduction was a matter of no moment compared 
 with the importance of having it valuable and complete 
 as such a work would probably never again be published 
 by the State. The Governor assented to my view of 
 the case and soon after addressed me the annexed let- 
 ter, and I prepared and forwarded him the articles of 
 which the original draft follows in this volume. To my 
 surprise some time after I found that some gentlemen 
 in Albany had advised him to a different course and that 
 he had adopted it and prepared the introduction as we 
 now have it and which has been found great fault with 
 by ' Silliman's Journal,' and other Reviews." 
 
 In lecturing his enunciation was clear and distinct, 
 though free from emphasis and enthusiasm. 
 
 There are extant of the writings of Judcje Furman, 
 
XIX 
 
 besides those above alluded to, the second volume of an 
 attempted catalogue of early American Books, also an 
 abstract of the English Laws of the Province, compiled 
 probably while he was a student at law. The friend 
 who brought him to Brooklyn, in his last illness, gather- 
 ed up the remnants of books and papers remaining in 
 his New -York lodgings. These were deposited for some 
 months in the ferry house at the Fulton Ferry, Brooklyn 
 side. The books, enclosed in a box, were uninjured and 
 reached their appropriate place among the books of 
 the Long-Island Historical Society. The loose papers 
 (which are supposed to have been mainly law papers 
 and of small value) were nibbled into the smallest frag- 
 ments by rats. 
 
 "Man proposes, but God disposes." We have quo- 
 ted above, the views of Judge Furman as to the happi- 
 ness and morality of a life devoted to literary research. 
 The simple and pure lives of many Antiquaries, Histo- 
 rians and Book-men, would seem to confirm his opinion. 
 In the maturity of his years however, after he had in 
 some degree accommodated his tastes to his sense of 
 duty to his country, and enjoyed preferment and tenders 
 of higher preferment, he began to exhibit some phases 
 of conduct and character hardly consistent with perfect 
 sanity. Without detail, the result of these were to leave 
 his family without the protection of a roof, to leave a 
 father and sister helpless and dependent upon others, 
 to die at last in obscurity, while his books and manu- 
 scripts were sold by the Sheriff of Kings County. His 
 father died before him, October 16th, 1852, his only sis- 
 ter, Martha, survived him a few years, dying February, 
 1863. His own life went out amid clouds and darkness. 
 
XX 
 
 It is believed by the most intimate of the friends of 
 
 Judge Furraan that his errors and infirmities had their 
 radical source in the use of opium, which he began to 
 take in very small quantities during the cholera season, 
 1832. This habit at first narrowly restricted and always 
 carefully concealed, increased upon him, until in the end 
 it clouded his faculties, blunted his moral convictions 
 and sensibilities, made him forget ambition and neglect 
 duty, and become a seeker of solitudes aloof from family 
 and early friends. The friends of Judge Furman all a- 
 gree that he was rarel\ known t<> partake of other stim- 
 ulants. 
 
 Judge Furman was by liis habits a secluded and iso- 
 lated man, but not by nature unsocial. When engaged 
 in literary pursuits he disliked to be interrupted. If 
 however a friend by a coup cV etat got beyond the bar- 
 riers he interposed, he was always kind, courteous and 
 conversational, rarely if ever betraying the slightest tem- 
 per or irritation. 
 
 It was rare that Judge Furman chose to dine with more 
 than one person. "When first Judge of the Municipal 
 
 Court, he invited Judge M to dine with him at 
 
 the Cafe Francaise. Judge M , (supposing a third 
 
 equally intimate would increase the pleasure,) extended 
 
 the invitation to Judge K . Judge Furman at 
 
 once found an excuse for postponing the dinner. 
 
 His frequent visits to New-York were rarely made in 
 company with any one. He would be seen at the book- 
 stands, in the streets, at the libraries, or crossing the ter- 
 ry entirely alone, never with any appearance of abstrac- 
 tion. In the Brooklyn City Library which at one time 
 he much consulted, he would come quietly in, regard 
 
XXI 
 
 nobody, make his investigation-, and disappear without 
 a word. If anyone chose to address him he was frank 
 and affable. 
 
 Although without the quality of piquant wit, or even 
 humor, yet no man relished the latter quality more than 
 he. In the grotesque meetings got up at the Appren- 
 tices' Library to oppose the resolution of Gen. McClure, 
 taking the tax from dogs and imposing it upon bachelors, 
 when Jacob Patchen was put in the chair, Judge Fur- 
 man was, to use a phrase of the time, " a prominent row- 
 dy." He also modified his characteristic solitariness so 
 far, as to form a principal member of the Society ot 
 " Trampers," who in a fellowship of some half-dozen, 
 visited Oommunipaw and other places, writing sportive 
 essays thereon. But this was in the earlier time. On 
 the second marriage of his friend Col. Spooner, he pie- 
 sided at the supper table, and kept up continual merri- 
 ment by popping off the champagne corks, with the 
 expression invariably, " Silence gentlemen, the chairman 
 is about to make a report." His isolated habits increased 
 with years until he came to deny himself to his best 
 friends and on the most important occasions. 
 
 Judge Furman was of the middle height, well made, 
 with a face of brownish color, tending to length, a promi- 
 nent Roman nose, and a well made forehead, from which 
 some of the hair seemed to have been removed to give 
 it additional height. He was always neatly dressed in 
 a frock coat of snuff colored or greenish .doth, with light 
 pantaloons and vest, and shoes with spatter-dashes. His 
 black fur hat carefully brushed, was turned up at the 
 sides. His neck-tie was a little gay and ornamental — 
 His tout-ensemble was that of a polished gentleman, while 
 3 
 
XXII 
 
 there was a peculiarly quaint and prim air about him, 
 which suggested the scholar or antiquary. His pace in 
 walking was very measured and deliberate. 
 
 The homestead at the foot of Fulton-street was en- 
 croached upon in the widening of that street. It was 
 afterwards sold, and Judge Furman about 1836 removed 
 to the house 103 Willow-street, which he occupied sev- 
 eral rears. Here he was framed amid his books which 
 filled the front room of the second story in convenient 
 alcoves, and kept himself as far as possible secure a- 
 gainst intruders. 
 
 This homestead was suddenly broken up in the wreck 
 of his financial affairs, and the inmates sent forth to seek 
 shelter without the least warning. He himself soon af- 
 ter took lodgings in the city of New-York, and became 
 from that time forth an exile from his friendships and 
 associations. He prepared the catalogue for the sale of 
 his library, which was sold in New- York to pay his debts. 
 For a considerable space his haunts were understood 
 to be at Communipaw, Bergen Foint, and Jersey City, 
 (scenes of his early youth and later rambles.) where his 
 associates were the fishermen of the region. At one 
 time he was certainly interested in the searches prosecu- 
 ted on the North River near Cornwall, to recover treas- 
 ure understood to be sunken in one of "Captain Kidd's" 
 vessels. In spite of the abundant evidences presented 
 by the Hon. Henry C. Murphy, in his article in the 
 Merchant's Magazine, and others, to shew that no ves- 
 sel of "Kidd's" was ever sunk in the place indicated, 
 Judge Furman gave to the stock issued the support of 
 his antiquarian reputation, which no dourt aided in mak- 
 ing victims to this bubble and delusion. Nothing could 
 
XXIII 
 
 more shew the changes his mind had taken toward de- 
 lusions, than the fact that in the earlier soundness of his 
 judgment, he had treated this whole theory of " Kidd's " 
 vessel as an absurdity, and commented upon the innum- 
 erable diggings for his fabulous gold as the supremacy 
 of folly. 
 
 After long absence he returned among his friends, 
 and seemed as though he had left them but the day be- 
 fore. He was always poor and required some pecuniary 
 assistance, and seemed ready to occupy a desk in an 
 office and address himself with ability to some profes- 
 sional work. These occasions were fitful, and soon fol- 
 lowed by a return to his secret haunts. 
 
 At length in 1854 it became known to one of his best 
 and most steadfast friends, that he was sick and unable 
 to move from his lodgings. These were found to be a 
 small bed-room in a Hotel in Frankfort-street on the site 
 of the old Dutch Church. Here he was found in a 
 miserable condition, with his limbs and body covered 
 with painful ulcers, so that, to use the phrase of his 
 friend, the flesh dropped off from his bones. He was 
 provided with a serving man for a few days, when, as it 
 was evident his strength was failing, the friend alluded 
 to, procured a carriage, and had him carefully conveyed 
 to the Brooklyn City Hospital, Raymond- street, next to 
 the Court House and Jail he had assisted in erecting, 
 holding him in his arms all the way. He was in a state 
 of extreme debility and stupor. As the carriage passed 
 the facade of the jail his face lighted up with a gleam of 
 intelligence and recognition, and to the question of his 
 friend, " do you know that?" he nodded assent. He was 
 placed in the Hospital, and had the most assiduous at- 
 
XXIV 
 
 tention until his death, which occurred on the day he 
 entered, the 11th of November, 1854, of "chronic diar- 
 rhoea," as stated in the bo lie Institution. 
 
 The writer there looked Lis last upon that countenance 
 once so familiar, but would have found no trace of iden- 
 tity, save in the marked character of the Roman nose, 
 always a dignifying feature of his somewhat remarkable 
 and decidedly intellectual face. His funeral was attend- 
 ed from that Institution by a few friends and profession- 
 al brethren. lie is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, in 
 the burial lot of his aunt, Mrs. Boyd, who but a few 
 months ago died in Brooklyn, at the age of 96. 
 
 In seeking persons familiar with the feelings and pur- 
 suits of Gabriel Furman, the writer could not neglect 
 his long esteemed friend and adviser, William Gowans, 
 elsewhere referred to as the publisher of the Bibliotheca 
 Americana. This gentleman kindly put upon paper his 
 recollections. These have been found to embrace so 
 much that is interesting and characteristic, that I have 
 taken the liberty to present them in the form adopted 
 by the writer. 
 
REMINISCENCES 
 
 Hon. GABRIEL FURMAN, 
 
 BY 
 
 WILLIAM GOWANS. 
 
 To the "Famt Club" of Brooklyn: 
 
 Gentlemen: — If I should send a motto for your 
 memoir, it would be : 
 
 " To attend to the neglected and to remember the forgotten."— Burke. 
 
 The Honorable Gabriel Furman, of Brooklyn, Lone- 
 Island, was a man whose memory I still call to affection- 
 ate remembrance; bis didactic conversation, his demean- 
 or and staid appearance are all still as fresh in my mind's 
 eye as in those halcyon days when he used to visit my 
 store of books. He was a native of Brooklyn, Long- 
 Island, born in or near the year 1800. 
 
 I will endeavor lo describe some of his mental char- 
 acteristics and his personal appearance, or rather how he 
 appeared to me. He was small of stature, compactly 
 built, walked with a slow and measured step, as if in 
 deep meditation, his complexion was brown, with a 
 smooth or soapy appearance, his eyes dark and twink- 
 ling, strongly marked aquiline or Roman nose, middle 
 cartilage descending lower than the exterior covers, a 
 high forehead. The whole head and face taken al- 
 together, I should say, had a decided resemblance to 
 
XXVI 
 
 Mons. Pascal's, the famous French Philosopher, and 
 devout Christian ; as represented by a portrait of him 
 lately discovered, and which accompanies the late French 
 editions of his works as well as the English; his hair 
 black, soft as silk or Thibet wool, his hand as mellow 
 and plump as that of any young lady, such an one as 
 Lord Byron would have greatly coveted. He was al- 
 ways dressed in the neatest style, in cloth of invisible 
 green, olive, or black; taken altogether he might easily 
 have been taken for a Turkish Mufti, especially, if he 
 had been found among the Orientals. As a general thing 
 in walking through the streets he had a book or books 
 under one arm, more especially if he was going from 
 New-York to Brooklyn. 
 
 He was among the first and steadiest as a purchaser 
 of books, and I may here confess, that he it was who 
 mainly by his advice, as well as his extensive purchases 
 of American Literature, directed my attention to that 
 specialty. The literature of the New World at that 
 time (1830) stood very low in the estimation of Amer- 
 icans in general. 
 
 For some time the Hon. Sir James Stuart of Dunern, 
 Scotland, Samuel G. Drake, Esq., of Boston, and the 
 Hou. Gabriel Furman, were the only buyers of Ameri- 
 can books. 
 
 Our intimacy commenced in this way. Upon a very 
 genial afternoon in the month of September, 1831, he 
 came along Chatham-street, and espying a book estab- 
 lishment at No. 121 of very tiny dimensions, and scan- 
 tily stocked with indifferent books arranged around the 
 walls, he entered it, made a long and careful examina- 
 tion of the contents, without uttering a word, and at 
 
XXVII 
 
 last when he had got through, stepped up to me with 
 two aged volumes in his hand, and asked me what would 
 be the price of them ? I of course very willingly made 
 answer to the query, inasmuch as I was very anxious to 
 sell. The book proved to be the Miscellaneous Works 
 of John Toland, one of the free writers on religion and 
 politics of the age of Queen Anne, of whom England 
 swarmed with such at that time, Lord Bolingbroke 
 standing at the head. This book among other curious 
 matters, had a history of the British Druids, the article 
 which had more especially attracted his attention, and 
 which prompted him to purchase the grim old volumes. 
 Respecting the history of this copy of said work, I beg- 
 ged his attention for a short time, till I had said a few 
 words concerning it. This book appeared from the book 
 plates affixed inside of each fiist cover, to have at one 
 time belonged to Lord Fullerton of Carstairs, County of 
 Lanark in Scotland. Said Carstairs was in the vicinity 
 of my natal home, and I remember the character that 
 this eccentric Lord bore in the neighborhood, not only 
 for his religious and political opinions, but for his social 
 habits. He had the reputation of having a very large 
 and curious library, a rather uncommon appendage to a 
 homestead in a country place, and further it was known 
 that he would freely lend his books to any one who 
 could give security for their safe and uninjured return. 
 This security consisted in a note payable on demand, 
 the sum named being four times the market value of the 
 book. A ledger account was kept with the borrower, 
 the name and price entered and value of the book charg- 
 ed at the time when taken away, and the time named 
 when to be brought back. If failing to comply with the 
 
XXVII] 
 
 terms the fourfold price of the book became forfeited, 
 the sum was demanded by a messenger sent to the de- 
 linquent by his lordship. I have understood that law- 
 suits have grown out of these " Tom Thumb " contracts. 
 Now these volumes that 1 sold to Mr. Furman, must 
 have been got from his library, by some one who failed 
 to return them, and they must have been brought to 
 America by some emigrant who afterwards disposed of 
 them on this side of the Atlantic. 1 purchased the vol- 
 umes at the sale of the late Rt. Rev. Bishop Hobart's 
 Library, which was sold shortly after I became a book- 
 seller. 
 
 He took great interest in the narrative, and I remem- 
 ber, when one of the portions of his library was sold, 
 that identical copy of Toland's Miscellaneous Works 
 made its appearance, and in it this whole narrative was 
 amplified, and written upon inserted writing paper, with 
 much additional matter respecting the Fullerton fam- 
 ilv, as well as a dissertation on the Infidel writers ot the 
 times of Lord Herbert, Collins, Toland,Wollaston, Man- 
 deville, Tindall, Blount, Shaftesbury, Morgan, Chubb, 
 and afterwards Voltaire, Rousseau, Hume and Gibbon. 
 Who became the fortunate purchaser of these interest- 
 ing volumes I know not; they are no doubt in the pos- 
 session of some diligent collector, either in New-York 
 city or in the far-west. 
 
 Thus commenced my intimacy with the Hon. Gabriel 
 Furman, which continued without interruption, until he 
 became financially, as well as physically, unable either to 
 purchase or visit my book-store. He called on me week- 
 ly, and sometimes oftener, and seldom made a call with- 
 out making a purchase. 
 
XXIX 
 
 But what added to the value of his visits, was his 
 advice and counsels to me, then a very young man, 
 which possessed great interest, and proved afterwards 
 of vast importance in my line of business. He had the 
 old English Nobleman's notion of buying books at auc- 
 tion. He never attended one of these sales, but if any- 
 thing turned up that he was particularly desirous of 
 possessing, in any collection to be sold, he would call 
 upon me, or write and request that I would purchase the 
 books designated by him in the catalogue. He never 
 named any price, and was invariably satisfied with all 
 my purchases or even those that I declined to purchase, 
 on account of price or condition. 
 
 As a book buyer, and consequently collector, it may 
 be safely affirmed, that he had no equal in the country 
 at the time. Some who are collectors, or familiar with 
 the fraternity, may think this an exaggeration, but this 
 would only prove that they had no knowledge of his 
 habits in this line. His appetite for books was insatia- 
 ble, indeed so much so that it interfered with his profes- 
 sion to his pecuniary detriment. As an instance of this 
 taste for accumulation, he had certain favorite authors, 
 of whose works he bought every edition, as well as all 
 commentaries, dissertations, or any printed book or 
 pamphlet touching them or their works. Among the 
 most conspicuous of these authors were Shakspeare, 
 Milton and Burns; of the former he had so many edi- 
 tions that the number of volumes united" would count 
 over one hundred, and of treatises illustrative of the 
 same, several hundred. Shakspeare, in his estima- 
 tion, was the greatest and the grandest of all Authors 
 excelling his contemporaries in depth, breadth and 
 
XXX 
 
 brilliancy as far as the sun excels the moon in giving 
 light. 
 
 He spent much of his time in the study of the Eng- 
 lish Drama, and dramatic literature. Uis study had a 
 particular fascination for him, and as a consequence he 
 had become quite familiar with the works of the prin- 
 cipal authors, more especially the contemporaries of 
 Shakspeare, and their immediate successors of the ages 
 of Charles I. and II. His desire was to accumulate the 
 works of every dramatic author, as well as the leading 
 histories and illustrations of the Drama. 
 
 He made a rail-fence or zig zag tour through Long- 
 Island, from Brooklyn to Montauk-Point. He wrote an 
 account of this tour, wherein much matter was embod- 
 ied touching the remnants of Indian tribes still lingering 
 on the Island, as well as much of historical and statisti- 
 cal research, concerning the Island at large. This inter- 
 esting tour was never published. He is understood to 
 have placed it in a hollow tree during his rambles and 
 never to have regained it. 
 
 He commenced the collecting of American books, 
 when as before hinted the taste in this country was lim- 
 ited to but a few. I sold him numerous books and 
 pamphlets, which now would realize from ten to fifteen 
 times the amount which he paid for them. 
 
 I will give a few examples: 
 
 Smith's Hist, of New-Jersey, a fine copy, $2 00. 
 
 Smith's Hist, of New- York, large, fine paper, clean 
 copy, 14 to $4 25. 
 
 Cotton Mather's Magnalia, fob, 17 50. 
 
 Thomas's Hist, of Printing in America, 2 v. 8vo, bds., 
 uncut, $2 00. 
 
XXXI 
 
 Smith's Hist, of Virginia, 2 v. 8vo, bds., $3 00. 
 
 *Yates & Moulton's Hist, of New-York, 2 v., 8vo, bds., 
 $2 00. 
 
 Hazard's American State Papers, 2 vols., 4to, bds., 
 uncut $4, 
 
 Original Edition of Denton's New- York, $5 00. 
 
 Mathew Carey's American Museum, 12 vols, $9 00. 
 
 Niles's Register, 75 vols., $50 00. 
 
 American Remembrancer, 17 vols., 8vo, $17 00. 
 
 Besides many pamphlets at from ten to fifteen cents, 
 which would now realize dollars. 
 
 He was a stanch Episcopalian, and had a decided lean- 
 ing to, and affinity with what is called the high church 
 party of that denomination, even to the lighting of can- 
 dles in church during divine service, in the day time. — 
 On this subject he and I could not agree for five minutes 
 at a time. He was a great admirer of the English hier- 
 archy, not only of their principles, but of their theo- 
 logical and literary abilities. Jeremy Taylor, Hooker, 
 South, Barrow, Atterbury, Waterland, besides some of 
 the leading puritan writers, were favorite authors. — 
 'Works on Demonology, Witchcraft and Supernatural- 
 ism generally, were also a favorite class of books, which 
 formed a part of his collection. Amongst them lie 
 had a copy of the Works of the famous Magician, 
 Cornelius Agrippa, in 2 vols. 4to., Life of Apollonius 
 Tyrannus, the Sybilline Oracles, and many others of kin- 
 dred character. 
 
 He wrote a book to prove the existence of a tribe of 
 
 * I had over two hundred copies of this book in sheets, which is now worth 
 $20 a copy, which I used for wrapping paper. I never think of this sacrifice 
 hut with regret 
 
XXXII 
 
 Welsh Indians in America, a subject which has engaged 
 the attention of many besides him. He was a firm be- 
 liever that such a tribe did exist, and is still existing, 
 located somewhere on or west of the Rocky Mountains. 
 Catlin in his book on the N. A. Indians favors the like 
 belief. This book was intended to form No. 2 of my 
 Bibliotheca Americana, but unfortunately soon after the 
 manuscript was put into my possession, waiting for pub- 
 lication, he called one day and requested to be permit- 
 ted to take the same home with him, as he had not only 
 corrections, but additions to make. He accordingly car- 
 ried it off, and I never saw more of it. What has be- 
 come of this precious relic, I never could learn. It is 
 my opinion that a portion of his library is still secreted 
 somewhere either in Brooklyn or New-York. Should 
 this turn out to be so, the lost treasure may be recovered. 
 Many books of notable mark he got from me, I have 
 never been able to trace : for example, there was a folio 
 copy of Denton's New-York, ( only four copies printed,) 
 Works of Cornelius Agrippa, 2vols., 4to. Alraon's Amer- 
 ican Remembrancer, 17 vols., 8vo., Thomas's History of 
 Printing, 2 vols., 8vo, bds., uncut. These as well as 
 many others, I still recollect of, were never sold with 
 any portions of his library, that I have seen sold, and I 
 think I have witnessed all that have been disposed of 
 by public sale. 
 
 He was never married, and from all that I could ob- 
 serve or learn he was one of the most indifferent to the 
 influence and charms of the fair sex that could well be 
 imagined.* 
 
 * In regard to this trait, it is enough to state, whether for good or ill, that 
 there is evidence that Judge Funnan, though remaining a bachelor, was not 
 inattentive to the charms, nor free from the thraldom of the fair sex [Editor.] 
 
XXXHI 
 
 It was usual on his visits to my book-store, for the 
 conversation to turn upon other matters and things be- 
 sides books, book selling and book buying. On a certain 
 occasion it turned upon the distress caused to those who 
 were afflicted with fever and ague. I remarked that I 
 had a friend who had been unusually tormented with 
 this disease. He observed that a cure could be very 
 easily effected, and he would with pleasure give me a 
 receipt to that end. He forthwith proceeded to give 
 me an oral prescription as follows : " Go to a certain 
 tree at the full of the moou, armed with a certain num- 
 ber of pills, ( the ingredients of which the}' were to be 
 composed, I now forget.) go around the tree three times 
 to the right, and again three times to the left, then stop 
 on the side upon which the moon shines, place the back 
 straight up against the tree, facing the moon, and re- 
 main in this position for a certain time. This being 
 over, bore with an auger a hole into the tree behind 
 where the patient stood, then place one half of the pills 
 into the auger hole, and swallow the other half. This 
 ceremony being concluded, let the patient go home, and 
 immediately go to bed, and next morning he would rind 
 that the pestiferous ague would have taken its everlast- 
 ing departure, from the body of the wearied sufferer." 
 
 I listened with great gravity to all this, but the cure 
 appeared so preposterous, as well as ridiculous, that I 
 burst out laughing. At this indecorous and unmannerly 
 return for his kindness, he became quite angry and made 
 some remarks corroborative of the state of his mind. — 
 I apologized in the best manner I could, and so the mat- 
 ter ended. 
 
 This is the only instance in which I ever remember to 
 
xxxiv 
 
 have observed him out of temper, and our intimacy had 
 existed for fourteen years. Credulity on certain subjects 
 was one of his peculiarities; the marvelous and super- 
 natural on many subjects and things appeared to him as 
 positive as mathematical facts; he was a firm believer in 
 the authenticity of the celebrated Moon Hoax by Locke, 
 also of the Captain Kidd * Gold deposit in the Hudson 
 River near Caldwell's Landing, and of the existence and 
 power of Witches. 
 
 A few cunning speculators got up a Company for the 
 purpose of lifting the gold supposed to be lying in the 
 bottom of the Hudson River, deposited there by the cel- 
 ebrated freebooter, Captain Kidd. Said company sold 
 their shares in considerable numbers to the credulous 
 believers in this gross imposition. To give credit to the 
 trick, this company procured an old rusty cannon, which 
 apparently had been long under water, purporting to 
 have been taken from Kidd's sunken ship in the Hudson 
 River, near Caldwell's Landing. This gun laid in Wall- 
 Street for many weeks, exhibited to the gaze of the cred- 
 ulous and incredulous multitudes. Many in consequence 
 became purchasers of the stock. Amonr; that number 
 was my friend Gabriel Furraan. I need hardly add that 
 not one of those outside of " the rincr "' ever saw one 
 cent of their money returned. 
 
 * This was a latter day belief, contradicting his former writings and con- 
 victions. [Editor.] 
 
NOTES 
 
 GEOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL, 
 
 RELATING 10 I n. 
 
 Kotow of Mv®&k%&n, 
 
 KINGS COUNTY 
 
 m©i?#*t»Air®< 
 
 i:V GABRIEL FUKMAX. 
 
 "They are worthy of reprehension who contemn the study of 
 antiquity, (which is ever accompanied with dignity) as an arid 
 curiosity." I.okd Coke. 
 
 BROOKLYN: 
 
 PRINTED BY A. SPOONF.R, NO. 50 FULTON-STREET. 
 
 1824. 
 
ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 The Compiler offers these notes to the inhabit- 
 ants of his native town, in the hope that they may 
 be in some small degree useful and entertainins in 
 discussions relating to the history and rights of this 
 thriving place. He claims no merit for this per- 
 formance, and neither does he write from the van- 
 ity of being considered an author, but is only actu- 
 ated by a desire to rescue from oblivion such facts 
 as may be interesting to his fellow-citizens. The 
 Compiler would consider himself guilty of ingrati- 
 tude, if he did not in this public manner, acknow- 
 ledge the obligations he rests under from the kind 
 assistance afforded him whilst collecting these no- 
 tices, by Jeremiah Johnson, Abraham Vanderveer. 
 Silas Wood, and John Doughty, Esrprs. 
 
NOTES &e.. 
 
 TOWN OF BROOKLYN. 
 
 SITUATION. 
 
 This town is situated in Kings County, on the 
 west end of Long-Island, in the State of New-York. 
 It is bounded north by the City and County of 
 New- York; east by the township of Bushwick; 
 south by the township of Flatbush and New Utrecht ; 
 and west by New York Bay ; and contains the 
 village of Brooklyn, which is about a mile square. 
 This town formerly composed part of a powerful 
 Indian Sachemdom ; and with the other parts of 
 the Island bore the Indian name of Matowcas/ 
 
 This part of the Island, as far as Jamaica was in- 
 habited by the Canarsee tribe of Indians. The old 
 Dutch inhabitants in this county have a tradition, that 
 the Canarsee Indians were subject to the Mohawks, 
 as all the Iroquois were called ; and paid them an an- 
 nual tribute of dried clams and wampum. When 
 the Dutch settled here, they persuaded the Canar- 
 sees to keep back the tribute; in consequence of 
 which a party of the Mohawks came down and kill- 
 ed their tributaries wherever they met them. So 
 great was the dread that these Indians afterwards 
 entertained of the Iroquois, that when a party of the 
 Iroquois, during the French war were taken pris- 
 oners and imprisoned in the Jail of this count}-, the 
 Canarsees avoided them with the greatest care : and 
 seemed to be afraid even to come where they should 
 
 1 * ' 
 
see them. The Canarsee Indians are at this time 
 totally extinct ; not a single member of that ill fa- 
 ted race is now in existence. 13 
 
 There was also a small tribe of the Nyack Indi- 
 ans near the Narrows. 
 
 In this town is also the United States Navy- Yard, 
 containing about ±n acres; which was purchased 
 of John Jackson, Esq. by Francis Childs, Esq. for 
 $±0,000, and on the 23rd day of February, 1801, 
 was conveyed by said Childs to the United States. 
 
 ANCIENT NAMES AND REMAINS. 
 
 Iii 1667, this town was known by the name of 
 Breucklen. In the act to divide the province of 
 New- York into shires and counties, passed Nov. 1, 
 16S3, it is mentioned by the name of JBreucklyn. 
 It is also called Broucklyn in the act to divide the 
 province into shires ami counties, passed Oct. 1, 
 1001. The present name Brooklyn, does not ap- 
 pear to have been generally adopted until after the 
 -Revolutionary war. 
 
 Heads of Indian arrows, beds of oyster and clam 
 shells denoting the former residence of the abori- 
 gines, are frequently found in different parts of this 
 town. 
 
 Among the most ancient remains are two houses, 
 one owned by the family of Cortelyou, built in 
 1699 c ; the other standing on Fulton-street, in the 
 village of Brooklyn. The last mentioned house 
 was occupied by the Colonial Legislature as a Ses- 
 sions house, during the prevalence of the small-pox 
 in New-York, in 1752 ; and at this house on the ±th 
 of June, 1752, 25±1 Bills of credit issued by this 
 Colony, amounting to §3602, 18, 3, were cancelled 
 by the Colonial Commissioners. This house was 
 also occupied by Gen. Putnam as his head quarters 
 
during the stay of the American Army, on Long- 
 Island, in 1776. D But the oldest house in the town 
 of Brooklyn is supposed to he the house known as 
 No. G4 Fulton-street, in the village of Brooklyn, 
 and now owned and occupied by Mr. Jacob Batch- 
 en. Mr. Charles Doughty, who has been dead 
 about 25 years, and was about S5 years of age 
 when he died, said that this was an old house when 
 he was a boy. Mrs. Rapalye, the mother of John 
 Rapalye, whose property in Brooklyn was confis- 
 cated during the Revolutionary war, says that this 
 house was built by a family of the Remsens who 
 came from Holland. E 
 
 SOIL AND CLIMATE. 
 
 The soil of this town appears to be mostly allu- 
 vial, though some few primitive rocks are to be met 
 with. Several years since, in digging a well on 
 some of the highest gi-ound in Brooklyn, a hem- 
 lock board was found at the depth of 8U feet, and 
 again at the depth of 73 feet, oyster and clam shells 
 were met with, which crumbled on being exposed 
 to the air. 
 
 The shores of Brooklyn, where they are not de- 
 fended by wharves, are undergoing continual and 
 rapid changes, in consequence of the velocity of the 
 current in the East River. The tide rises here 
 about 5 feet. 
 
 There is very little doubt, but that Governor's 
 Island was formerly connected with Bed Hook point, 
 in this town. It is an established fact, that pre- 
 vious to the Revolutionary contest, cattle were 
 driven from Bed Hook to Governor's Island, 
 which places at that time were only separated by a 
 very narrow channel, which is called Buttermilk 
 channel, and is now wide and deep enough to ad- 
 
8 
 
 mit of the largest size of merchant vessels passing 
 through. F 
 
 The climate is very changeable, but cannot be 
 called unhealthy. People in this town live to as 
 great age, as in almost any other part of the United 
 States; as instances of which, April, 1823, Mr. 
 Tiebout died in this town, aged 100 years and In 
 months. The same year, Mr. Schoonmaker died, 
 aged 84 years: and in 1824, Mary Peterson, a 
 colored woman died, aged 103 years. It is not an 
 uncommon thing for the inhabitants to live beyond 
 the " three score years and ten." 
 
 This town has at different periods been visited by 
 the yellow fever. Between July 10th and Septem- 
 ber 10th, 1809, 28 persons died of that disease. — 
 During the prevalence of the yellow fever in the 
 city of New- York, in the summer of 1S22, seven per- 
 sons died of that disease in Brooklyn. In the sum- 
 mer of 1823, the yellow fever made its appearance 
 in the village of Brooklyn, and nine persons fell 
 victims to that dreadful pestilence, in the space of 
 one month, during which time its ravages continued. 
 Every year that this disease made its appearance 
 amongst us, it could be distinctly traced to some for- 
 eign cause; as, in 1809, it was brought in the ship 
 Concordia, Captain Coffin, on board of which vessel 
 the first case and death happened. In 1822, it was 
 introduced from the city of New York — and in 1823, 
 it was traced to two or three vessels which had ar- 
 rived a short time previous from southern latitudes. 
 Indeed the high and airy situation of Brooklyn al- 
 most precludes the idea of its being engendered 
 among us. 
 
 ANCIENT GRANTS AND PATENTS. 
 
 In the year 1(338, William Kieft, Director Gen- 
 eral and Counsellor for their high mightinesses the 
 
States General, and his highness the Prince of 
 Orange, granted to Abraham Rycken, a tract of 
 land in the present town of Brooklyn." 
 
 September 11, 1612, William Kieft, Director Gen- 
 eral, &c, patented to Jan Manje, a piece or parcel 
 of land containing 20 morgan, or 10 acres, in the 
 town of Brooklyn. A copy of which patent is here- 
 to annexed as a specimen of those ancient instru- 
 ments : 
 
 " By William Kieft, Director General and Coun- 
 sellor, about the high and mighty Lords, the States 
 General of the United Low Country, and his high- 
 ness of Orange, and the Lords Commanders of the 
 priviledged West India Company, residing in the 
 New-Netherland, do ratify and declai-e by these 
 presents, that we, upon the date hereinafter written, 
 did give and grant to Jan Manje, a piece of land, 
 greatly twenty morgan, stretching about south-east 
 one hundred and ninety rods inward the woods, to- 
 wards to Sassians maise land — long is the limits of 
 the said maise land fifty rod, and then again to the 
 water side, two hundred and twenty rod, about 
 north north-west, well so northerly and along the 
 strand or water side, seventy rod. Which above- 
 said land is lying upon Long-Island, between An- 
 dries Hudde and Claes Janse Ruyter. — With express 
 conditions, &c. Dated at Fort Amsterdam, in the 
 New-Netherland, the 11th day of September, 1612. 
 
 WILLIAM KIEFT. 
 
 By order of the Lord the Director General, and 
 Counsellor of JSew-Netherland. 
 
 Cornelius Vantienhoven, Sec'ry. 
 
 January 29, 1652, Pieter Linde, having married 
 the widow of Jan Manje, transported or sold the 
 
10 
 
 above tract of land to Barent Janse. August 23, 
 1674, before Nicasius de Sille, admitted Secretary 
 of the Dutch towns appeared Jan Barentse, (' ) and 
 Auke Janse, with Simon Hansen as Guardian of the 
 other children of Barent Janse, deceased, "procur- 
 ed by his wife Styntie Pieterse deceased, all living 
 within the town of Midwout Fflaekbush," and de- 
 clared that they transported the above tract of land 
 to Dirck Janse Woertman. 
 
 September 12, 1645, William Kieft, Director 
 General, &c. patented to Andries Hudden, " a piece 
 of land lying upon Long-Island against over the 
 fort, lying to the south-west to Jan Manje," con- 
 taining 37 morgan. December 10, 1051, "Pieter 
 Oornelissen by virtue of a procuratie of Andries 
 Hudden," for the consideration of 400 guilders, 
 transported to Lodewyck Jongh the above tract. 
 June 19, 1676, Lodewyck Jongh transported to 
 Jeronimus de Rapalje, eight morgan of the above 
 tract. February 12, 1679, Harmatie Jansen relict 
 of Lodewyck Jongh, transported to Dirck Janse 
 Woertman, 12 morgan of the above tract. May •'!, 
 1685, " Dirck Janse Woertman, transported to the 
 heirs of Jooris Dirckse, a small stroke off land lying 
 at the east side off the highway being all the claime 
 they can pretende by virtue off the abovesaid Pat- 
 tent." 
 
 September 30, 1645, William Kieft, Director 
 General, &c, patented to Claes Janse, from Naer- 
 der, a piece of land, containing 20 morgan, lying 
 south-east, a little easterly, just over against the 
 Fort, upon Long-Island. March 11, 1660, the 
 above tract of land was transported by Claes Janse 
 
 1. The custom of changing the names of sons, or rattier substituting 
 the sur-names for the christian names, prevailed at this period, as in the 
 above instance, the fathers name was Barent Janse, and the son was 
 called Jan Barentse. 
 
11 
 
 Ruyter, to Machiell Tadens, who transported the 
 same to Machiell Hainielle. 
 
 The three patents to Manje, PIndde, and Janse, 
 from Naerder, were located near the Ferry in this 
 town, and all subsequently were purchased by 
 Derick Woortman, alias Dirck Janse Woertman, 
 and were by him sold to Joras Remsen, on the loth 
 day of October, 1706, for the sum of £612 10s. 
 current money of New- York." 
 
 There is great reason to believe that there was a 
 General Patent of this town under the Dutch go- 
 vernment, winch patent is now lost. What strength- 
 ens this idea is, that the first by Governor Nicolls 
 under the English is confirmatory of some former 
 grant. 
 
 August 10th, 1695. The Patentees and free- 
 holders of this town sold unto Stephanus Van Cort- 
 landt, the neck of land called Red Hook, contain- 
 ing by estimation 50 acres ; which they state in 
 their deed "was formerly given and granted to the 
 town of Broocklyn, in the year 1657, by Governor 
 Sttiyvesant, the Dutch Governor then at that time, 
 and since confirmed by the English Governors, 
 Governor Nicolls, and Governor Dongan." Which 
 is very strong proof of there having been a general 
 Dutch Patent for this town. 
 
 October, 18, 1667. Richard Nicolls, the first En- 
 glish Governor of New- York, granted to the inhab- 
 itants of Brooklyn, the following full and ample 
 patent, confirming them in their rights and privi- 
 leges. 
 
 L. S. " Richard Nicolls, Esq. Governor Gene- 
 ral under his Royal Highness James Duke of Yorke 
 and Albaiiy, ifcc. of all his Terretorys in Amer- 
 ica, To all to whom these presents shall come, 
 sendeth Greeting. — Whereas there is a certain town 
 
12 
 
 within this government, situate, lying, and being in 
 the West Riding of Yorkshire upon Long-Island, 
 commonly called and known by the name of 
 Breuckelen, which said town, is in the tenure or 
 occupation of several freeholders and inhabitants 
 who having heretofore been seated there by authori- 
 ty, have been at very considerable charge, in man- 
 uring and planting a considerable part of the lands 
 belonging thereunto and settled a competent num- 
 ber of families thereupon. Now for a confirmation 
 unto the said freeholders and inhabitants in their 
 possessions and enjoyment of the premises, Know 
 ye, That by virtue of the commission and authority 
 unto me given by his Royal Highness, I have giv- 
 en, ratified, confirmed and granted, and by these 
 presents, do give, ratify, confirm and grant, unto 
 Jan Everts, Jan Damen, Albert Cornelissen, Paulus 
 Veerbeeck, Michael Eneyl, Thomas Lamberts, 
 Tuenis Guysbert Bogart and Joris Jacobson, as 
 patentees, for and on the behalf of themselves and 
 their associates, the freeholders and inhabitants of 
 the said town their heirs successors and assigns, all 
 that tract together with the several parcels of land 
 which already have or hereafter shall be purchased 
 or procured for and on behalf of the said town, 
 whether from the native Indian proprietors, or 
 others, within the bounds and limits hereafter set 
 forth and exprest, viz. that is to say, the town is 
 bounded westward on the farther side of the land 
 of Mr. Paulus Veerbeck, from whence stretching 
 south-east, they go over the hills, and so east- 
 ward along the said hills to a south-east point 
 which takes in all the lotts behind the swamp, from 
 which said lotts the run north-west to the River ( 5 ) 
 
 2. According to the New-York doctrine, this boundary of the town 
 can only be correct when the tide is flood, for when the water is low, 
 the town is bounded by property belonging to the Corporation of the 
 City of New-York, and not by the River. 
 
13 
 
 and extend to the farm, on the t'other side of the 
 hill heretofore belonging to Hans Hansen over 
 against the Kicke or Looke-ont, including within 
 the said hounds and limitts all the lotts and planta- 
 tions, lying and being at the Gowanis, Bedford, 
 "Wallaboucht, and the ferry. — All which said par- 
 cels and tracks of land and premises within the 
 bounds and limitts aforementioned, described, and 
 all or any plantation or plantations thereupon, from 
 henceforth are to bee appertaine and belong to the 
 said town of Breuckleu, Together with all havens, 
 harbours, creeks, quarryes, woodland, meadow- 
 ground, reed-land or valley of all sorts, j)astures, 
 marshes, runs, rivers, lakes, hunting, fishing, hawk- 
 ing, and fowling, and all other profitts, commodi- 
 ties, emoluments, and hereditaments, to the said 
 lands and premises within the bounds and limits all 
 forth belonging, or in any wise appertaining, — and 
 withall to have freedome of commonage for range 
 and feed of cattle and horse into the woods as well 
 without as within these bounds and limitts with the 
 rest of their neighbours ( s ) — as also one-third part 
 of a certain neck of meadow ground or valley call- 
 ed Sellers neck, lying and being within the limits 
 of the town of Jamaica, purchased by the said town 
 of Jamaica from the Indians, and sold by them unto 
 the inhabitants of Breuckleu aforesaid, as it has 
 been lately laid out and divided by their mutual 
 consent and my order, whereunto and from which 
 they are likewise to have free egress and regress, 
 as their occasions may require. ( 4 ) To have and 
 
 (3) This town enjoyed this privilege in common with the other 
 towns on Long-Island, and their cattle which ran at large were marked 
 with the letter N. 
 
 (4) At the annual town meeting, April, 1823, a committee was ap- 
 pointed to inquire if this town at present, had any, and if any, what right 
 to the above-mentioned tract of meadow ground called Sellers neck ; 
 what progress this committee made in their investigation, the compiler 
 is uninformed. This meadow called Seller's neck, the Compiler thinks 
 
 ■> 
 
14 
 
 to hold all and singular the said tract and parcell 
 of land, meadow ground or valley, commonage, 
 hereditaments and premises, with their, and every 
 of their appurtenances, and of every part and par- 
 cell thereof to the said patentees and their associates, 
 their heirs successors and assigns, to the proper 
 use and behoof of the said patentees and their as- 
 sociates, their heirs, successors and assigns forever. 
 Moreover, I do hereby give, ratify, confirm and 
 grant unto the said Patentees and their associates, 
 their heirs, successors and assigns, all the rights and 
 privileges belonging to a town within this go- 
 vernment, and that the place of their present habit- 
 ation shall continue and retain the name of Breuck- 
 elen, by which name and stile it shall be distinguish- 
 ed and known in all bargains and sales made by 
 them the said Patentees and their associates, their 
 heirs, successors and assigns, rendering and paying 
 such duties and acknowledgments as now are, or 
 hereafter shall be constituted and established by the 
 laws of this government under the obedience of his 
 Royal highness, his heirs and successors. Given 
 under my hand and seal at Fort James, in New- 
 York, on the Island of Manhattat, this 18th day of 
 October, in the nineteenth year of the reign of our 
 Sovereign Lord, Charles the second, by the grace 
 of God, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, 
 King, Defender of the faith, &c. Annocnie Domini, 
 1667. 
 
 RICHARD NICOLLS. 
 Recorded by order of the Governor, the day and 
 year above written. 
 
 MATTHIAS NICOLLS, Sec'ry. 
 
 was apportioned anions the patentees and freeholders, and what leads 
 him to this conclusion is, that on the 10th of May, 1695, John Damen, 
 who was one of the patentees of this town, sold ;0 William Uuddlestone 
 all his interest in the said meadow. 
 
15 
 
 1670. The inhabitants of this town desirous of 
 enlarging the bounds of their common lands, and 
 extinguishing the Indian claim to the same, applied 
 to Governor Lovelace, and obtained from him the 
 following permission to purchase of the Indians. 
 
 " L. S. Whereas the inhabitants of Breucklyn, 
 in the west Hiding of Yorkshire upon Long-Island, 
 who were seated there in a township by the author- 
 ity then in being, and having bin at considerable 
 charges in clearing ffencing and manuring their 
 land, as well as building ffor their convenience, 
 have requested my lycense for their further security 
 to make purchase of the said land of some Indians 
 wlio lav claim and interest therein; These are to 
 certify all whom it may concerne, that I have and 
 doe hereby give the said inhabitants lycense to pur- 
 chase their land according to their request, the said 
 Indians concerned appearing before me as in the 
 law is required, and making their acknowledg- 
 ments to be fully satisfyed and paid for the same. 
 Given under my hand and seal at ffort James, in 
 New-Yorke, this ffirst day of May, in the 22nd 
 yeareof his Majestvies reigne, Annoque Dom. 1670. 
 " FFKANC1S LOVELACE." 
 
 The purchase was accordingly made and the fol- 
 lowing is a copy of a deed from the Indians for 
 the same. 
 
 "To all people to whom this present writing shall 
 come, Peter, Elmohar, Job, Makaquiquos, and 
 Shamese, late of Staten-Island send Greeting; 
 Whereas, they the said Peter, Elmohar, Job. Maka- 
 quiquos, and Shamese, afore-mentioned, doe lay 
 claime to the land now in the tenure and occupa- 
 tion of some of the inhabitants of Breucklyn, as well 
 as other lands there adjascent as the true Indian 
 
16 
 
 owners and proprietors thereof, Know Yee, that for 
 and in consideration of a certaiue sum of wampum 
 and diverse other goods, the which in the Schedule 
 annext are exprest unto the said Sachems in hand 
 payed by Monsieur Machiell Ilainelle, Thomas Lam- 
 bertse, John Lewis, and Peter Darmantier, on the 
 behalf of themselves and the inhabitants of Breuck- 
 lyn, the receipt whereof they doe hereby acknow- 
 ledge, and themselves to be fully satisfyed and 
 payed therefor ; have given, granted, bargained 
 and sold, and by these presents doe fully, freely, 
 and absolutely give, grant, bargain and sell, unto 
 the said Monsieur Machiell Ilainelle, Thomas Lam- 
 bertse, John Lewis and Peter Darmantier, ffor and 
 on behalf of themselves, and the inhabitants afore- 
 said, their heyrs and successors ; all that parcell of 
 land and tract of land, in and about Bedford, with- 
 in the jurisdiction of Brucklyn, beginning ffrom 
 Hendrick Van Aarnhems land by a swamp of water 
 and stretching to the hills, then going along the 
 hills to the port or entrance thereof,( 5 ) and soe to 
 Rockaway ftoot path as their purchase is more par- 
 ticularly sett fforth ; To have and to hold all the 
 said parcell and tract of land and premises within 
 the limits before described unto the said Monsieur 
 Machiell Hainelle, Thomas Lambertse, John Lew- 
 is, and Peter Darmantier, ffor and on the behalf of 
 the inhabitants aforesaid, their heyres, and success- 
 ors, to the proper -use and behooff of the said in- 
 habitants, their heyres and successors forever; in 
 witness whereof the partyes to these presents have 
 hereunto sett their hands and seales, this 14th day 
 of May, in the 22nd yeare of his Majestyes reigne, 
 Annoque Dom. 1670. 
 
 (5) This "port or entrance," as it is called, is situate in the valley 
 on the Flatbush Turnpike, near the "Brush" or "Valley Tavern," 
 and a short distance beyond the 3 mile post from Brooklyn ferry. — A 
 freestone monument has been placed here, to designate the patent line 
 between Brooklyn and Flatbush. 
 
17 
 
 Sealed and Delivered in the presence of Mathias 
 Nicolls, R. Lough, Samuel § Davies, John Gar- 
 land, his marke 
 
 The mark of ~j> Peter, (l. s.) 
 
 The mark of o Elinohar, (l. s.) 
 
 The mark of n Job, (l. s.) 
 
 The mark of - Makaipiiquos, (l. s.) 
 The mark of 7 Shamese, (l. s.) 
 
 "This Deed was acknowledged by the within 
 written Sachems, before the Governor in the pre- 
 sence of us, the day and year within written. 
 
 MATHIAS NICOLLS, Secretary. 
 The Mark of § SAMUEL DAVIES. 
 " Recorded by order of the Governor, 
 
 MATHIAS NICOLLS, Secretary. 
 
 The Inventory, or Schedule referred to in the Deed. 
 
 "The payment agreed upon ffor the purchase of 
 the land in and about Bedford, within the jurisdic- 
 tion of Breucklyn, conveyed this day by the Indian 
 Sachems, proprietors, is, viz. 
 
 100 Guilders Seawant, 
 Half a tun of strong Beer, 
 
 2 half tuns of good beer, 
 
 3 Guns, long barrells, with each a pound of pow- 
 der, and lead proportionable — 2 bars to a gun, 
 
 4 match coates." 
 
 May 13, 1686. Governor Dongan granted to 
 the inhabitants of Brooklyn the following conhr- 
 matatory patent : 
 
 L. S. "Thomas Dongan, Lieutenant Gover- 
 nor, and Vice Admiral of New- York, and its de- 
 
 2* 
 
18 
 
 pendencies under his Majesty James the Second, by 
 the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France 
 and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. — 
 Supreme lord and proprietor of the Colony and 
 province of New- York and its dependencies in 
 America, &c. To all to whom this shall come send- 
 eth greeting, whereas the Honorable Richard Nic- 
 olls, Esq. formerly Governor of this province, did 
 by his certain writing or patent under his hand and 
 seal, bearing date the eighteenth day of October, 
 Annoque Domini, one thousand six hundred and 
 sixty-seven, ratifie, confirm and grant unto Jan 
 Everts, Jan Dainen, Albert Coruelissen, Paul us 
 Verbeeck, Michael Enyle, Thomas Lamberts, Tu- 
 nis Gisberts Bogart, and Joris Jacobsen, as paten- 
 tees for and on behalf of themselves and their as- 
 sociates, the freeholders and inhabitants of the town 
 of Breucklen, their heirs, successors, and assigns 
 forever, a certain tract of land, together with the 
 several parcels of land which then were or thereaf- 
 ter should be purchased or procured for and on be- 
 half of the said town, whether from the native Indi- 
 an proprietors, or others within the bounds and 
 limitts therein sett forth and expressed, that is to 
 say, the said town is bounded westward on the fur- 
 ther side of the land of Mr. Paulus Verbeeck, from 
 whence stretching south-east they go over the hills, 
 and so eastward along by the said hills to a south- 
 east point, which takes in all the lotts behind the 
 swamp, from which said lotts they run north-west 
 to the River, and extend to the farm on the other 
 side of the hills heretofore belonging to Hans Han- 
 sen, over against Keak or Look-out, including with- 
 in the said bounds and limitts all the lots and plan- 
 tations, lying and being at the Gauwanes, Bedford, 
 "Wallabocht and the ferry, all which said parcells 
 and tract of land and premises within the bounds 
 
19 
 
 and lhnitts aforementioned described, and all or 
 any plantation or plantations thereupon, from 
 henceforth are to be, appertain and belong to the 
 said town of Breucklyn, Together with all harbour, 
 havens, creeks, quarries, woodland, meadow ground, 
 reed land or valley of all sorts, pastures, marshes, 
 waters, rivers, lakes, fishing, hawking, hunting, 
 fowling, and all other profits, commodities, emolu- 
 ments and hereditaments to the said lands and pre- 
 mises within the bounds and limitts set forth, be- 
 longing or in any wise appertaining, and with all 
 to have freedom of commonage for range and feed 
 of cattle and horses, into the woods with the rest of 
 their neighbours, as also one third part of a certain 
 neck of meadow ground or valley, called Seller's 
 neck, lying and being within the town of Jamaica, 
 purchased by the said town of Jamaica from the 
 Indians, and sold by them unto the inhabitants of 
 Breucklen aforesaid, as it was laid out aforesaid, 
 and divided by their mutual consent and order of 
 the Governor. To have and to hold unto them the 
 said patentees and their associates, their heirs, suc- 
 sessors and assigns forever, as by the said patent 
 reference being thereunto had, doth, fully and at 
 large appear. And further, in and by the said pat- 
 ent, the said Governor, Richard Nicolls, Esq. did 
 erect the said tract of land into a township by the 
 name of Breucklen aforesaid, by that name" and 
 style to be distinguished and known in all bargains, 
 sales, deeds, records and writings whatsoever, and 
 whereas the present inhabitants and freeholders of 
 the town of Breucklen aforesaid, have made their 
 application to me for a confirmation of the aforesaid 
 tract of land and premises in their quiet and peace- 
 able possession and enjoyment of the aforesaid land 
 and premises. Now Know Ye, That I, the said 
 Thomas Bongan, by virtue of the commission and 
 
20 
 
 authority derived unto me, and power in me resid- 
 ing, have granted, ratified and confirmed, and by 
 these presents do grant, ratifie and confirm, unto 
 Tennis Gysberts, Thomas Lamberts, Peter Jansen, 
 Jacobus Vander Water, Jan Dame, Joris Jacobs, 
 Jeronimus Rapalle, Daniel Rapalle, Jan Jansen, 
 Adrian Bennet, and Michael Hanse, for aud on the 
 behalf of themselves and the rest of the present free- 
 holders and inhabitants of the said town of Breuck- 
 len, their heirs and assigns forever, all and singu- 
 lar the afore-recited tract and parcels of land set 
 forth, limited and bounded as aforesaid ; together 
 with all and singular, the houses, messuages, tene- 
 ments, fencings, buildings, gardens, orchards, trees, 
 woods, underwoods, pastures, feedings, common of 
 pasture, meadows, marshes, lakes, ponds, creeks, 
 harbors, rivers, rivulets, brooks, streams, highways 
 and easements whatsoever, belonging or in any wise 
 appertaining to any of the afore-recited tract or par- 
 cells of land and divisions, allotments, settlements 
 made and appropriated before the day and date 
 hereof. To Have and To Hold, all and singular, 
 the said tract or parcels of land and premises, with 
 their, and every of their appurtenances unto the 
 said Tunis Gysberts, Thomas Lamberts, Peter Jan- 
 sen, Jacobus Vender Water, Joris Jacobs, Jeroni- 
 mus Rappalle, Daniel Rappalle, Jan Jansen, Adri- 
 an Bennet and Michael Hanse, for and on behalf of 
 themselves and the present freeholders and inhabit- 
 ants of the town of Breucklen, their and every of 
 their heirs and assigns forever, as tenants in com- 
 mon without any let, hindrance, molestation, right 
 of survivorship or otherwise, to be holden in free 
 and common socage according to the tenure of East 
 Greenwich, in the county of K_eut, in his Majesty's 
 kingdom of England. Yielding, rendering and 
 paying therefor yearly, and every year, on the five 
 
21 
 
 and twentyeth day of March, forever, in lieu of all 
 services and demands whatsoever, as a quit rent to 
 his most sacred Majesty aforesaid, the heirs and suc- 
 cessors, at the city of -New-York, twenty bushels of 
 good merchantable wheat. In testimony whereof, 
 I have caused these presents to be entered and re- 
 corded in the Secretary's office, and the seal of the 
 Province to be hereunto affixed this thirteenth day 
 of May, Anno. Domini, one thousand six hundred 
 and eighty-six, and in the second year of his Ma- 
 jesty's reign. 
 
 THOMAS DONGAN." 
 
 Quit rents to the following amounts and at the 
 following periods have been paid on the Brooklyn 
 patents. 
 
 June 8, 1713. Paid to Benjamin Van de Water, 
 Treasurer, the sum of £90 7s Id. for upwards of 
 16 years quit rent. 
 
 April 6, 1775. Charles Debevoice, Collector of 
 the town of Brooklyn, paid to the Receiver Gener- 
 al of the Colony of New-York, 20 bushels of wheat, 
 for one year's quit rent, due from said town. 
 
 November 9 , 1786. Fernandus Suydam, and 
 Charles C. Doughty, two of the Trustees of the 
 town of Brooklyn, paid to the Treasurer of the 
 State of New-York, the sum of £105 10s. in full 
 for arrears of quit rent due from the said town. 
 
 Town Eights and Ferries. 
 
 The difference between this town and the city of 
 New- York relative to the water rights of the for- 
 mer, has deservedly excited the attention and inter- 
 est of our inhabitants, as involving property to a 
 great amount, and unj ustly witholding from our town 
 a revenue which would enable it to improve with 
 almost unparalleled rapidity. In order that each 
 
22 
 
 person so interested may form a correct opinion of 
 the subject matter in dispute, the Compiler has 
 thought proper, under this head, to lay before them 
 the foundations of the claims on both sides of the 
 question. 
 
 October 18, 1667. In the reign of Charles 2d. 
 Richard Nicolls, Esq. Governor General of the 
 Province of New-York, under his Royal Highness 
 James, the Duke of York, &c. afterwards James 2d. 
 of England, granted to the inhabitants of this town 
 a confirmatory patent, acknowledging that they 
 were rightfully, legally and by authority in posses- 
 sion of the property and privileges they then enjoy- 
 ed. The patent after naming the patentees, and 
 describing the bounds of the town, and binding by 
 the River and not by high water mark, proceeds to 
 say, "Together with all havens, harbors, creeks, 
 marshes, waters, rivers, lakes, fisheries." " More- 
 over, I do hereby give, ratify and confirm unto the 
 said patentees and their associates, their heirs, suc- 
 cessors and assigns, all the rights and privileges be- 
 longing to a town within this government." Un- 
 der this patent the town of Brooklyn justly claims 
 the land between high and low water mark on their 
 shore, in opposition to the claims of the Corpora- 
 tion of the city of New- York : and an equal right 
 with them to erect ferries between the town of 
 Brooklyn and the city of New-York. 
 
 It does not appear that there was any adverse 
 claim on the part of New-York, until the 27th of 
 April, 16S6, nineteen years after the date of the 
 Brooklyn patent, when the Corporation of New- 
 1 ork obtained a charter from Governor Dongan, 
 by which the ferries were granted to them, but not 
 a word mentioned about the land between high and 
 low water mark on the Brooklyn side. From the 
 reading of this charter it appears as if the Gover- 
 
23 
 
 nor was doubtful as to his right even to grant the 
 ferry, for it contains an express saving of all the 
 rights of all other persons, bodies politic and cor- 
 porate, their heirs, successors and assigns, in as 
 ample a manner, as if that charter had not been 
 made. 
 
 May 13, 1686, The freeholders and inhabitants 
 of Brooklyn somewhat apprehensive of encroach- 
 ments by 'New-York, obtained from Governor Don- 
 gan, a patent under the seal of the Colony, fully 
 confirming that granted them by Governor Nicolls. 
 
 May 6, 1691. An act was passed by the Gover- 
 nor, Council and General Assembly of the Colony 
 of New- York, " for settling, quieting and confirm- 
 ing unto the cities, towns, manors, and freeholders 
 within this Province, their several grants, patents, 
 and rights respectively." By T this act the freehold- 
 ers and inhabitants of the town of Brooklyn were 
 confirmed in the rights they possessed and enjoyed 
 under their two several patents. 
 
 October 12, 1694. The Corporation of New- 
 York, not thinking their foothold on the Brooklyn 
 side sufficiently secure, purchased of one William 
 Morris, for no specific consideration, a piece of land 
 in Brooklyn near the ferry. This deed is the 
 foundation of the Corporation claim to their land 
 in the village of Brooklyn. A copy of which will 
 be found in the appendix marked with the letter A. 
 
 Bent on unjustly wresting from the town of 
 Brooklyn their water right, the Corporation on the 
 19th of April, 1708, obtained from Governor Corn- 
 bury, a man infamous for his vices, and disregard 
 of justice, another charter, in which they came out 
 more openly than before, and claimed the vacant 
 land to high water mark, on Nassau Island, reserv- 
 ing to the inhabitants of Brooklyn the right of trans- 
 porting themselves in their own boats ferriage free, 
 
24 
 
 to and from New-York. ( 6 ) By this charter, no 
 matter how ample soever they might have consider- 
 ed it at the time, they obtained nothing but vacant 
 land to high water mark ; that is the land which 
 was not already granted, and in the possession of 
 some other person or persons, which was not the 
 fact as to the land on the Brooklyn side, it being 
 vested in the patentees, their heirs, successors and 
 assigns forever; so that the only power or authority 
 remaining in the Governor, was to grant the Cor- 
 poration of New- York, the privilege of buying the 
 water rights of the inhabitants of Brooklyn. But 
 that would not answer their purpose, for those rights 
 could be bought cheaper of Governor Cornbury, 
 than they could of this town. 
 
 This proceeding on the part of New-York stim- 
 ulated the inhabitants of Brooklyn to obtain from 
 the Colonial Legislature in 1721, an act confirming 
 their patent rights. 
 
 To obviate the effects of this law, and strengthen 
 the charter of Cornbury, which from the circum- 
 stances under which it was obtained, the Corpora- 
 tion feared was invalid, on the 15th of January, 
 1730, they procured from Governor John Montgo- 
 merie, a new charter confirming their pretended 
 right to the land to high water mark on our shore-C) 
 
 (6) Although the hounds of this grant commence ahout 250 yards in 
 the town of 1'ushwick, the Corporation of Xew-York have made no 
 claim to land beyond the Wallabuught. 
 
 (7) There was some peculiar circumstances attending tbe consumma- 
 tion of this charter, which the Compiler thinks ought to be known. A 
 short time previous to obtaining the charter, the Common Council of 
 the Citv of Xew-York resolved that the sum of /.1400 was necessary for 
 tbe procuring of that instrument ; £1000 of which sum they determined 
 to raise immediately by a loan on interest for one year: which they 
 accordingly did, and gave a mortgage for that amount to James de Lan- 
 cey, E<q. dated January 14, 1730. Directly after the execution of this 
 mortgage tbey resolved to address the Uovernor, " for tbe great favour 
 and goodness* shewn to this Corporation in granting their petition, in 
 ordering and direc ing his Majesty's letters patent for a new charter and 
 confirmation to this Corporation," and probably informing him that tbey 
 
25 
 
 The grants from the Corporation of New- York, 
 under their two charters for the water lots on the 
 Brooklyn side, are very artfully and ingeniously 
 drawn. By those grants are only conveyed "all 
 the estate, right, title, interest, property, claim, and 
 demand whatsoever, in law and equity" of them the 
 said Corporation ; and their covenant for quiet pos- 
 session only extends to them and their successors, 
 and not against any other persons lawfully claiming 
 the premises. These grants, in order to save the 
 Corporation harmless against the claims of Brook- 
 lyn, also contained a covenant to the following ef- 
 fect : " It is hereby covenanted, granted and agreed 
 upon by and between the parties to these presents 
 (that is, the Corporation of New- York and the per- 
 son to whom they give the grant,) and the true 
 intent and meaning hereof also is, and it is hereby 
 declared, that this present grant, or any words, or 
 anything in the same expressed, or contained shall 
 not be adjudged, deemed, construed or taken to be a 
 covenant or covenants on the part and behalf of the 
 said parties of the first part, (that is, the Corpora- 
 tion of New- York) or their successors for any pur- 
 pose or purposes whatsoever, but only to pass the 
 estate, right, title, and interest, they have or may 
 lawfully claim by virtue of their several charters, of 
 in and to the said premises." Which covenant 
 evidently shews a want of confidence in the validity 
 of their title on the part of the Corporation. 
 
 October 14, 1732. An act was passed by the Gen- 
 eral Assembly of this Colony, " confirming unto 
 
 had obtained the money. The consequence was, that on the next day, 
 January 1 j, 1730, thf* charter was completed ; and on paying the £1000 
 was delivered to them on the 11th day of February, 1730, almost a 
 month after its dite. By which it appears that the Corporation of Xew- 
 York still continued purchasing the right of the town of Brooklyn from 
 the Colonial Governors. See list of Corporation Charters and grants, 
 1747. 
 
 3 
 
26 
 
 the City of New-York its rights and privileges." 
 By this act no addition was made to their former 
 
 pretended rights. 
 
 November 14, 1753. The freeholders and inhab- 
 itants of this town appointed Jacobus Lefferts, Pe- 
 ter Vandervoort, Jacob Remsen, Rem Remsen, and 
 Nicholas Vechte, Trustees, " to defend our patent 
 where in any manner our liberties, privileges and 
 rights in our patents specified is encroached, lessen- 
 ed or taken away by the commonalty of the city 
 of New- York." A copy of the proceeding of the 
 town meeting at which the above trustees were elect- 
 ed will be found in the appendix marked B. 
 
 Not satistied with the encroachments they had 
 made, the Corporation began to question the right 
 of the inhabitants of Brooklyn to cross to and from 
 New- York ferriage free in their own boats, ami to 
 carry over the inhabitants in those boats ; — the re- 
 sult was, that in July, 1745, a suit was commenced 
 by one of the inhabitants of Brooklyn, named Ilen- 
 ilrick Remsen, against the Corporation of New- 
 York, which was tried before a jury in Westchester 
 county. A special verdict was found setting forth 
 all its patents and charters, and among other things, 
 that the road from which the said Hendrick Rem- 
 sen ferried the inhabitants of Brooklyn to and from 
 New- York, " then and loug before was laid out for 
 a public highway leading down to low water mark 
 on the East River between the places aforesaid call- 
 ed the Wallaboucht and the Red Hook on Nassau 
 Island, and the jurors aforesaid upon their oath 
 aforesaid, do further say, that the River called the 
 East River, over which the said Hendrick did carry 
 the persons and goods aforesaid, from the said lands 
 between the Wallabocht and the Red Hook, is a 
 large and public and navigable river used by his 
 Majesty's ships and other ships and smaller vessels 
 
27 
 
 employed in trade and commerce, and hath always 
 been so used from the first settlement of this Colo- 
 ly." On argument judgment was rendered by the 
 Supreme Court of this Colony in the month of Oc- 
 tober, 1775, in favour of Ilendrick Eemsen, that 
 lie recover his damages against the Mayor, Alder- 
 men and Commonalty of the city of New- York, and 
 the sum of one hundred and eighteen pounds, four- 
 teen shillings and ten pence half penny for his costs 
 and charges. An appeal to the King and Council 
 from this decision, was brought by the Corporation, 
 which was not determined in consequence of the 
 Revolutionary war. There is a tradition in this 
 town that the Corporation of New- York were so 
 apprehensive of this claim on the part of the town 
 of Brooklyn, that in order to disengage Ilendrick 
 Eemsen from the interest of the town, they gave 
 him a house and lot of land near Coenties Slip, in 
 the city of New- York. How far this tradition is 
 correct, the Compiler is unable to say. — It appears 
 however, that he about that time became in posses- 
 sion of such property, and the same remained in his 
 family within the memory of some of our inhabit- 
 ants. 
 
 Our two Patents are confirmed by the Constitu- 
 tion of this State, which confirms all grants of land 
 within the State, made by the authority of the King 
 of Great Britain or his predecessors, prior to the 
 14th of August, 1775. 
 
 The Compiler thinking it would not be uninter- 
 esting to his fellow citizens to see a statement of the 
 amount received by the Corporation of New- York 
 for quit rent on the water lots claimed by them, has 
 given the following short statement. 
 
 The Commissioners of the Sinking Fund of the 
 City of New- York have received, from August 23d, 
 1813, to Dec. 31, 1824. 
 
28 
 
 For Water lot rents, $17,635 24 
 
 Commutation for water lot rents, 17,275 41 
 
 $34,910 65 
 
 The Corporation of New- York during the pre- 
 sent year 1824, have received for water lot rents 
 the sum of $8,862 97 
 
 Within a short time the jurisdiction of the village 
 of Brooklyn has been extended beyond low water 
 mark, leaving the pretended right of soil still in the 
 Corporation of New- York. ( 8 ) August term, 1821, 
 in the case of Udall vs. the Trustees of Brooklyn, 
 the Supreme Court of this State decided that Kings 
 County, of which the village of Brooklyn is part, 
 includes all the wharves, docks, and other artificial 
 erections in the East River, opposite to the City of 
 New -York, though west of the natural low water 
 mark on the Nassau or Long-Island shore ; and the 
 jurisdiction of the village extends to the actual line 
 of low water, whether formed by natural or artifi- 
 cial means. Same term, in the case of Stryker vs. 
 the Mayor, Arc. of the city of New- York, the Su- 
 preme Court decided that the city and county of 
 New-York includes the whole of the Rivers and 
 harbour adjacent to actual low water mark, on the 
 opposite shores, as the same may be formed, from 
 time to time, by docks, wharves and other perma- 
 nent erections ; and although the jurisdiction of the 
 city does not extend so as to include such wharves, 
 or artificial erections, yet it extends over the ships 
 and vessels floating on the water, though they be 
 fastened to such wharves or docks. 
 
 (8) The jurisdiction of New-York by their first charter in 1686, was 
 limited to low water mark around Manhattan Island ; hut was extended 
 to low water maik on the Brooklyn side by Governor Montgomery's 
 charter in 1730. 
 
29 
 
 April 9, 1824. The Legislature of the State of 
 New- York in the act to amend the act entitled "an 
 Act to incorporate and vest certain powers in the 
 freeholders and inhabitants of the village of Brook- 
 lyn in the County of Kings," granted this town 
 concurrent jurisdiction with the City of New- York 
 in the service of process, in actions civil and cri- 
 minal, on hoard of vessels attached to our wharves ; 
 and in the act tor the establishment of a Board of 
 Health in the village of Brooklyn, authority is giv- 
 en to the said Board to remove all infected vessels 
 from the wharves within the said village. 
 
 The ferries have been unavoidably, in some de- 
 gree, taken into consideration when speaking of 
 our town rights. The compiler will therefore con- 
 tine himself to such historical facts, and laws, and 
 such proceedings, passed and had by the Colonial 
 ami State legislatures as may relate particularly to 
 them. 
 
 During the early years of this Colony, the old ferry 
 was from near the foot of Joralemon-street, to the 
 Breede Graft, now Broad-street, in the City of New- 
 York. At that period a creek ran through the mid- 
 dle of Broad-street, up which the boats ascended to 
 a ferry-house which is still standing. 1 At this time 
 it is difficult to ascertain the exact period when the 
 old ferry was established at its present situation on 
 the Brooklyn side. In li>97, John Aeresen was 
 ferry master. 
 
 It appears from the following order, that the 
 Court of Sessions of Kings County, exercised some 
 authority over the ferry between Brooklyn and 
 New- York. October 7, 1690. " Whereas much in- 
 convenience does arise by several negroes coming 
 on this Island from New- York and other places, 
 and from this Island to New-York. It is ordered, 
 
 3* 
 
30 
 
 that the ferrymen shall not bring or set over any 
 negroes or slaves upon the Sabbath day, without a 
 ticket from their masters." 
 
 Acts have been passed by the Colonial and State 
 legislatures for the purpose of regulating the ferries 
 between this town and the City of New- York, in the 
 following chronological order : 
 
 November 2d, 1717, an act was passed, which 
 was revived in the year 1726, and again in 1727. 
 ( (ctober 1-1, 1732. Another act was passed for the 
 same purpose. By this act it was provided, " That 
 the ferryman for the time being, shall not impose, 
 exact, demand, or receive any rates or ferriage for 
 any goods or things whatsoever, transported by any 
 of the inhabitants living alongst the River, at or 
 near the Ferry on Nassau-Island, in their own boats 
 or canoes." provided that the same be their own 
 goods or commodities. This act continued in force 
 until the 28th of February, 1789, when another act 
 was passed regulating the ferriage, and containing 
 a similar proviso. April 9, 1813. The last men- 
 tioned law was re-enacted, with the same provision. 
 
 The winter previous to the prosecution of the suit 
 between Ilendrick Remsen, and the Corporatiun of 
 the City of New- York, the inhabitants of Brooklyn 
 made an attempt to obtain from the Colonial legis- 
 lature, a further confirmation of some of their rights, 
 particularly relating to the terry ; on which appli- 
 cation the following proceedings were had. 
 
 January 30, 1745 — 6. In General Assembly, a 
 petition of the Trustees of the town of Brookland, 
 in Kings County, in behalf of themselves, and the 
 freeholders and inhabitants of the said township, 
 was presented to the House and read, setting forth, 
 That a great number of the inhabitants of the said 
 township, living near the ferry from Nassau-Island 
 to New-York, and having their chief dependence 
 
31 
 
 of supporting their families by trading to the New- 
 York markets, are by one act of the General As- 
 sembly, entitled, an act to regulate the ferry between 
 the City of New- York and tbe Island of Nassau, 
 and to establish the ferriage thereof, passed in the 
 sixth year of his Majesty's reign, debarred from 
 transporting their goods in their own vessels, to the 
 said markets, which exposes them to very great 
 hardships, difficulties and expences, and therefore 
 humbly praying that they may have leave to bring 
 in a bill to relieve them from the aforesaid hard- 
 ships, rpon a motion of Major Van Home, (of 
 New- York) ordered, that the Clerk of this house 
 serve the Corporation of the City of New- York, 
 with a copy of the said petition forthwith. 
 
 In General Assembly, April 12, 1746, Mr. Abra- 
 ham Lott, according to leave, presented to the 
 house, a bill entitled, " an act to repeal an act there- 
 in mentioned, so far as it relates to the freeholders 
 and inhabitants of the township of Brooklyn, in 
 Kings County, within this colony ; " which was 
 read the first time, and ordered a second reading. — 
 Ordered, that the Corporation of the City of New- 
 York, be served with a copy of the said bill. 
 
 April 18, 1746. In General Assembly. The 
 bill entitled, an act to repeal an act therein men- 
 tioned, so far as it relates to the freeholders and in- 
 habitants of the township of Brooklyn, in Kings 
 County, within this colony, being offered to be read 
 a second time, Capt. Richards (of New- York) mov- 
 ed, that the second reading of the said bill might 
 be deferred until the next meeting of the House, af- 
 ter the first day of June next ; which was agreed to 
 by the House and ordered accordingly. 
 
 June 20, 1746. In General Assembly. A peti- 
 tion of the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty, of 
 the City of New- York, was presented to the Hoiise 
 
32 
 
 and read, setting forth, That the Corporation hav- 
 ing been served with a copy of a liill now before 
 this Honse, entitled, an act to repeal an act therein 
 mentioned, so far as it relates to the freeholders and 
 inhabitants of the township of Brooklyn, in Kings 
 County, within this colony; do conceive that the 
 passing the said Bill into a law, may affect their 
 ancient rights and freehold, and therefore humbly 
 praying that they may be heard by their Counsel 
 against the said bill, at the bar of this House, on 
 Friday next, ordered, that the Trustees of the town- 
 ship of Brooklyn, lie heard by their counsel in sup- 
 port of the said liill. at the bar of this house, on 
 Friday next, and that Mr. William Smith appear 
 for them. Ordered, that the Clerk of this house 
 serve the parties with a copy of these orders forth- 
 with. 
 
 Jnne 27, 1746. In General Assembly. The 
 House being informed, that the Corporation of the 
 ( lity of New-York were attending with their coun- 
 sel to be heard against the Bill ; and that the Trus- 
 trees of the township of Brooklyn, were also attend- 
 ing with their Counsel to be heard in support of the 
 said liill ; both parties were called in, and the coun- 
 sel on both >iile^ having been fully heard, for and 
 against the said Bill, they were directed to with- 
 draw; and the Bill being read the second time, the 
 question was put, — whether the said Bill should lie 
 committed, and carried in the affirmative in the 
 
 manner following : Affirmative. Messrs. Lott, 
 
 Chambers, Stillwell, Livingston, Harring, Cornell. 
 Abraham Lott, Lecount. Bradt, Nicoll, Harden- 
 bergh, and Gale 12. — Negative, Messrs. Richards, 
 Cruger, Clarkson. Van Home, Philipse, Morris, 
 Verplank, ami Thomas, 8. 
 
 July 1. 1710. In General Assembly, the engross 
 ed Biil entitled, an act to repeal an act therein men- 
 
tionedj so far as it relates to the freeholders and in- 
 habitants of the township of Brooklyn, in Kings 
 County, within this colony, was read the third time, 
 and upon Mr. Speaker's putting the question, whe- 
 ther the Iiill should pass, a motion was made by 
 Col. Morris in the word? following, viz. — As this 
 Bill has been already ordered to be engrossed, by 
 a majority of the House, and the question that now 
 i> put i>. whether this Bill shall pass ; I must beg 
 leave to give my reasons fur opposing its passage. 
 The first is. it is alledged by this hill that the peo 
 pie of Brooklyn had a right, prior to the act pass- 
 ed in the year 1732, which was not proved, nor at- 
 tempted upon the hearing before this house ; but if 
 we |ia^ this Bill, we allow that right to be proved, 
 and then it becomes our allegation, which I con- 
 ceive, inconsistent with the honor and justice of this 
 house, to alledge any thing in such a case, but what 
 has been proved. The second is. it implies that 
 the act in 1732, took away unjustly, a right from 
 the people of Brooklyn, that they were entitled to. 
 Thirdly, it implies, that the house have fixed tin.' 
 two points before mentioned, ami then it will ne- 
 cessarily follow, that we have considered the rights 
 of the Corporation ,(') as well as those of the peo- 
 ple of Brooklyn ; that we have not, I appeal to the 
 house, who must allow, that no such right ever ap- 
 peared to us, at least as a House, and for us to de- 
 clare certain facts by a Bill, which has never been 
 proved, will be doing, what I conceive, we ought 
 not to do, if we make justice and equity the rule of 
 our conduct. For these reasons, I move, that the 
 Bill may be rejected. The question being put 
 
 (9) For what purpose was it, that the Corporation's Counsel was 
 beard at the bar of the House, if not to advance and support their right.'? 
 If it was not done at that time, the plain inference would he, that they 
 were aware they had no right. 
 
34 
 
 thereon it was carried in the negative, in the man- 
 ner following, viz. For the negative, Messrs. 
 
 Chambers, Lott, Cornell, Hardenbergh, A. Lott, 
 Bradt, Leconnt, Gale, and Harring, 9. Affirma- 
 tive, Messrs. Cruger, Morris, Richards. Van Home, 
 Clarkson, Yerplank, Philipse, and Thomas, 8. 
 
 Resolved, That the Bill do pass. Ordered, that 
 Colonel Harring, and Mr. Hardenbergh do carry 
 the Bill to the Council and desire their concurrence. 
 By which it a] 'pears that it was considered by the 
 House, as well as subsequently by the Supreme 
 Court, that the right of the town was sufficiently 
 proved, notwithstanding the assertions of Colonel 
 Morris. 
 
 This Bill by some rru 9am$ was stifled in the Coun- 
 cil. i 1 ") and never became a law. 
 
 During the Revolution the < >ld ferry was kept by 
 Messrs. Van Winkle, and Bukett ; at which period 
 the usual charge for crossing was six pence for each 
 passenger. 
 
 August 1, 1795. Tlie ferry from the foot of Main- 
 street, Brooklyn, to the foot of Catharine-street, 
 New- York, commonly called the New ferry, was 
 established by Messrs. William Furmau and Theo- 
 dosius Hunt. Lessees from the Corporation of tin- 
 City of New-York. 
 
 In consequence of the prevalence of the Yellow 
 fever in Brooklyn, in the month of August, 1809, 
 the old ferry was removed to the foot of Joralemoii 
 street, and the boats plied from there to Whitehall, 
 New-T: ork. 
 
 On the 4th day of March, 1814. The legisla- 
 ture of this State passed an act allowing William 
 
 (10) The Council was appointed by the King's mandamus and sign 
 manual, and all their privileges and powers were contained in the Go- 
 vernor's instructions. The tenure of their places was extremely preca- 
 rious. See Smith's History of New-York, p. 36J. 
 
35 
 
 Cutting ami others his associates, to charge four 
 cents for cadi passenger crossing in the Steam boal 
 to he by them placed on the Old ferry. Previous 
 to this, the tare was two cents for each passenger. 
 May, 1814, the Steam boat commenced plying on 
 the old ferrv between Brooklyn and New- York. 
 
 This Ferry Company derive their interest in the 
 old or Fulton ferry, from a lease executed January 
 24th, 1814, by the Mayor. Aldermen and Common- 
 alty of the City of New- York, to Robert Fulton 
 and William Cutting. The rent reserved by the 
 Corporation on this lease is $4000 per annum for 
 the first L8 years, and s4.">0(> per annum for the re- 
 maining 7 years.! 11 ) It is a difficult matter to 
 speak correctly of the present income of this ferry. 
 At its first establishment the dividends were made 
 on a capita] estimated at $45,000, divided into 
 shares of $1000 each, and were made at the rate of 
 5 per cent, for six months and what remained after 
 this 5 per cent, taken out, formed the surplus divi- 
 dend. From May 1814, to November 1815, the 
 regular dividends on one share amounted to $157 
 11£, and during the same period the surplus divi- 
 dend amounted to $228 2l|-, making a dividend of 
 $385 33, on one share for about 18 months equal 
 to about 25 per cent, per annum. 
 
 At the Session of the Legislature in the winter 
 of IMS, the Corporation of New-York presented 
 a petition praying that they might have the re- 
 gulation of the rates of ferriage between this town 
 and the city of New- York — against which the Trus- 
 tees of the village of Brooklyn, and the inhabitants 
 of this town strongly remonstrated, stating that 
 " they had full confidence that the Legislature of 
 
 (11) The Corporation of New-York, during the year 1824, have re- 
 ceived from the ferries the sum of D12 003 75 — more than 3-4ths of 
 which sum is from the ferries on the East River. 
 
36 
 
 this state would never increase the rates of ferriage, 
 nor permit the same to be increased, beyond what 
 is necessary to support the ferries in the best man- 
 ner ; they therefore prayed that the Legislature 
 would not surrender to the Corporation of New- 
 York a right, which had been reserved by the Legis- 
 lature, and which the petitioners deemed of the 
 greatest importance to the inhabitants of Nassau- 
 Island." 
 
 ROADS AND PUBLIC LANDING PLACES. 
 
 This town appears to have entered early into the 
 contest respecting roads. There are many instan- 
 ces on record previous to l<>t>3, of the Constable of 
 Brooklyn being ordered to repair the roads, and 
 in case of neglect, fined; and in one instance he war- 
 ordered by the Court not to depart until further 
 order. 
 
 The main road, or as part of it is now called. 
 Fulton-street, in the village of Brooklyn, was laid 
 out March 28th, 17<»4. by Joseph Hageman, Peter 
 Cortelyou, and Benjamin Vandewater, Commissi- 
 oners, appointed by an act of the General Assem- 
 bly of the colony of New- York, for the laying out, 
 regulating, clearing and preserving of public high- 
 ways in the colony. The record of this road is as 
 follows : — " One publique, common and general 
 highway, to begin ffrom low watt r ma/rkt at the fer- 
 ry in the township of Broockland, in Kings county, 
 and ffrom thence to run ffour rod wide up between 
 the houses and lands of John Aerson, John Coe, 
 and George Jacobs, and soe all along to Broock- 
 land towne aforesaid, through the lane that now i>. 
 and ffrom thence straight along a certaine lane to 
 the Southward corner of John Van Couwenhoven's 
 land, and ffrom thence straight to Bedfford as it is 
 now staked out, to the lane where the house of Ben- 
 
37 
 
 jamin Y ancle water stands, and firom thence straight 
 along through Bedfford towne to Bedfford lane, 
 running between the lands of John Garretse, Dor- 
 lant and Claes Barnse, to the rear of the lands of 
 the said Cloyse, and mom thence southerly to the 
 nld path now in use, and soe all along said path to 
 Philip Yolkertses land, taking in a little slip of said 
 Philip's land on the south corner, soe all along said 
 road by Isaack Greg's house to the Fnackbush new 
 lotts ft'enee, and soe all along said ffence to the east- 
 ward, to the north-east corner of Eldert Lucas's 
 land, lying within the Now lotts, of Fflattbush afore- 
 said, being ffour rod wide all along, to be and con- 
 tinue forever." 
 
 This road or " king's highway," as it was then 
 called, leading from the ferry to the old Dutch 
 Church, or Brooklyn parish, was the cause of much 
 contention. At the April term of the General Ses- 
 sions of the Peace for Kings Comity, in 1721, in- 
 dictments were found for encroaching on the "com- 
 mon high way of the King, leading from the ferry 
 to the Church at Brookland," against John Rap- 
 alje, Hans Bergen and James Harding, and others. 
 — By which indictments it appears that the road 
 should have been four rods wide. 
 
 These indictments appear to have been predicat- 
 ed as well on the following application of John 
 Bapalje and Hans Bergen, as on complaints from 
 several of the inhabitants : 
 
 "Fflatbush, April 19, 1721. John Rapalje and 
 Hans Bergen of the fferry, desires of the grand jury 
 that the Commissioners now being should be pre- 
 sented for not doing their duty in laving out the 
 king's highway according to ye law, being the 
 King's highway is too narrow from the ferry to one 
 Xicalus Cowcnhoven, living at Brooklyn aud if 
 all our neighbours will make ye road according to 
 
38 
 
 law, then ye said John Rapalje and Hans Bergen, 
 is willing to do the same as aforesaid, being they 
 are not willing to suffer more than their neighbours. 
 As witness our hands the day and year first above 
 written. JAN RAPELJE, 
 
 HANS BERGEN." 
 
 Some of the persons indicted considering them- 
 selves aggrieved, and others who feared being pla- 
 ced in the same situation, applied to the Colonial 
 Legislature, and July 27th. 1721. obtained the pass- 
 age of a law to ••continue the common road or 
 king's highway, from the ferry, towards the town of 
 Breuckland, on the Island of Nassau, in the Pro- 
 vince of New- York," with the following preamble. 
 •• Whereas several of the inhabitants on the ferry, 
 on the Island of Nassau, by their petition preferred 
 to the General Assembly, by setting forth, that they 
 have been molested prosecutions, occasioned by the 
 contrivance and instigations of ill and disaffected 
 persons to the neighbourhood, who would encroach 
 upon the buildings and fences that have been made 
 many years, alledging the road was not wide enough, 
 to the great damage of several of the old inhabit- 
 ants, on the said terry ; the said road as it now is. 
 has been so for at least these sixty years past, with- 
 out any complaint, either of the inhabitants or 
 travellers." 
 
 The law then proceeds to establish the road " for- 
 ever," as it then was. from the ferry upwards to the 
 town nf Breuckland, as far as the swinging gate of 
 John Rapalje. just above the house and land be- 
 longing to James Harding. These proceedings 
 will readily account for Fulton-street, in the pre- 
 sent village of Brooklyn being so narrow and 
 crooked in many places/ 
 
39 
 
 The point however to which the Compiler wish- 
 es to draw the attention of his fellow citizens, is to 
 the existence and location of several public high- 
 ways and landing-places in this town which at pre- 
 sent are known to very few. 
 
 There is a public landing-place at or near the 
 mills of Nehemiah Denton, Esq. and a public high- 
 way leading thereto. — The record of which is as 
 follows : — " One common highway to Gawanus 
 mill, to begin tfrom tin' north-east corner of Lelt'ert 
 Peterses ffence, ami soe along the roade westerly, 
 as it is now in use to the lane yt parts the lands of 
 Hendrick Veclitc, and Abraham Brower, and Nich- 
 olas Brower, and soe all along said lane as it is 
 now in ffence to the house of Jurian Collier, and 
 from thence all along the roade now in use to the 
 said Gowanos mill, being in all four rod wide to 
 the said lane ; and that there be a convenient land- 
 ing place for all persons whatsoever, to begin tfrom 
 the southermost side of said Gowanus mill house, 
 ami ffrom said house to run ffour rod to the south- 
 ward, ffor the transportation of goods and the com- 
 modious passing of travellers ; and that said high- 
 way to said Gowanos mill ffrom said bouse of said 
 Jurian Collier shall be but two rod only and where 
 it is now in use; said common highway to be and 
 continue forever ; and tfurtber that the ffence ami 
 gate that now stands upon the entrance into said 
 mill neck, ffor the inclosing and securing of Baid 
 neck, shall soe remaine and be alwayes kept soe in- 
 closed with a ffence and banging gate ; and the way 
 to said mill to be thorow that gate only and to be 
 allwayes shutt or put to by all persons that passes 
 thorow." The Commissioners laid out the above 
 road and landing place, March 28th, 17<'4. 
 
 In 17<iD, the Commissioners laid out another 
 road and landing place, at or near the mill of John 
 C. Freeke, Esq. The record of which is as fol- 
 
40 
 
 lows : — " One common highway to begin ffrom the 
 house of Jurian Collier to the New Mill of Nicholas 
 Brower, now sett up on Gowanus mill neck soe 
 called, as the way is now in use along said neck to 
 said mill to he of two rod wide ; and that there shall 
 he a landing place by said mill in the most conve- 
 nient place ffor the transportation of goods and the 
 commodious passing of travellers ; and said high- 
 way and landing place to be, remaine and con- 
 tinue forever." 
 
 This town has a public landing place seven rods 
 in length, near the foot of what is now called Dis- 
 trict-street, in the village of Brooklyn. — This land- 
 ing place is mentioned in the record of a road three 
 rods wide, leading to the same, which record the 
 Compiler omits inserting in consecpience of its 
 length and the multitude of entries connected there- 
 with. 
 
 It is believed by many, and not without very 
 good reason, that this town has a public landing 
 place a short distance to the North of the Old or 
 Fulton ferry, and which landing place is now in the 
 possession of the Corporation of New- York. 
 
 There is a very distinct tradition of a road to near 
 where this landing place is supposed to have been, 
 at the foot of which road was the public slaughter 
 house, where the butchers of Brooklyn dressed their 
 meats. The road referred to, came out where the 
 house of the Fire Engine Xo. 4 now stands, ami the 
 existence of that road-gives the town its title to that 
 small piece of ground. 
 
 (OMMoX LANDS, AM) THE DIVISION THEREOF. 
 
 The town having acquired so great an extent of 
 Common land by the purchase of 1670, from the 
 Indians, the inhabitants thought proper to take 
 some order for the division and defending thereof, 
 together with their other lands — accordingly, " at 
 
41 
 
 a Town meeting held the 25th day of February, 
 169|, att Breuklyn, in Kings County. Then re- 
 solved to divide their common lands and woods into 
 three parts, in manner following to witt: 
 
 1. All the lands and woods after Bedford and 
 Cripplebush, over the hills to the path of Xewlotts 
 shall belong to the inhabitants and freeholders of the 
 Gowanis, beginning from Jacob Brewer and soe to 
 the uttermost bounds of the limits of New-Utrecht. 
 
 2. And all the lands and woods that lyes be- 
 twixt the abovesaid path and the highway from the 
 ferry towards Flattbush, shall belong to the free- 
 holders and inhabitants of Bedford and Cripple- 
 bush. 
 
 3. And all the lands that lyes in common after 
 the Gowanis, betwixt the limits and bounds of Flat- 
 bush and New Utrecht shall belong to the freehold- 
 ers and inhabitants of Brooklyn, fred. neck, the fer- 
 ry and the Wallabout." This proceeding of the 
 Town meeting was allowed of by the Court of Ses- 
 sions, held at Flatbush, on the" 10th day of May, 
 1693. 
 
 The following will serve to shew the manner in 
 which the inhabitants of this town elected the Trus- 
 tees of their common lands, and the duties of those 
 Trustees. "Att a towne meeting held this 29th 
 day off Aprill, 1699, at Breucklyn, by order off 
 Justice Machiel Hanssen, ffor to chose townsmen 
 ffor to order all townes busines and todetfend theire 
 limitts and bounds ami to dispose and lay out sum 
 part thereof! in lotts, to make lawes and orders ffor 
 the best off the inhabitants, and to raise a small tax 
 ffor to defray the towne charges, now being or here- 
 affter to come, to receive towns revenues and to pay 
 townes debts, and that with the advice off the Jus- 
 tices off this said towne standing the space and time 
 off two years. Chosen ffor that purpose by plural- 
 
 4" 
 
42 
 
 itie off votes. Benjamin Yande Water, Joores 
 Hanssen, Jan Garretse Dorlant. 
 
 Bv order of inhabitants afforesaid, 
 J. VAJ5TDE WATER, Clarke." 
 
 These proceedings were recorded by order of the 
 Court of Sessions, on the 9th day of May, 1699. 
 
 The following proceeding is curious, setting forth 
 the ancient practice of tradesmen cutting down 
 timber in the public woods, and the regulations 
 made respecting the same. It appears that directly 
 after the Trustees were chosen bv the above meet- 
 
 ing they together with the Justices, held the foil 
 
 i (W- 
 
 in ii' meeting. " Att a meeting held this 29th day 
 off Aprill, (1699) in Breuck'lyn, Present, Benja- 
 min Yande Water, Jooris Hanssen, Jan Geritse 
 Dorlant, being choisen townsmen in the presence 
 and with the advice off the Justices of this towne. 
 Considering the greate inconvenience, lose and 
 intrest that the inhabitants off this towne have by 
 reason that the tradesmen here living in this towne 
 doe ffall and cutt the best tj*ees and sully the best of 
 our woods and sell the worke thereoff made the most 
 part to others living withonte the towne, and that 
 the shoemakers and others doe cutt and fall all the 
 best treese tfor the barke, and the wood lyes and 
 rott, and that some persons doe cutt and ffall trees 
 for timber and ffensing stuff, and leave the trees in 
 the woods soe cutt until they are spoilt, and that 
 people off other towns come and cutt and fall trees 
 nor timber, ffensing stuff, and frire woods, and trans- 
 port the same away out off our townes bounds and 
 limitts, and that without leave or consent off the 
 towne, soe that in the time off ffew yeares there shall 
 bee no woods leaved tfor the inhabitants ffor timber 
 or ffensing stuff to the mine off the said towne. It 
 is thereffore ordered, That ffrom the date hereoff no 
 
43 
 
 tradesman shall make any worke ffor to sell to 
 others without thee towne, ffrom wood soe cutt as 
 afforesaid as only ffrom old wood. 
 
 That no shoemaker or others shall cutt or flail 
 any trees ffor to harke in the common woods up- 
 pon the penaltie oft* ftive pounds ffor every tree soe 
 cutt. 
 
 That no men shall leave any timber, flensing, 
 stufl'e, or other wood in the woods longer as six 
 weeks affter itt is cutt, uppon the penaltie. that itt 
 shall be ffree ffor others to take and carry the same 
 away as theire owne wood. And that iff any one 
 off other townes shall be ffounden within our townes 
 liuiitts to cutt or carry away any sorts oft' woods 
 ffor timber, Sensing stuff or ttire wood, that itt shall 
 bee ffree ffor any one off this towne to take it away 
 and to take out writ to arrest, or to apprehend such 
 offender or offenders presently, and that the Justices 
 off this towne shall answer the action as iff itt were 
 done by theire owneselves.(' 8 ) These proceedings 
 were also recorded by order of the Court of Ses- 
 sions, 
 
 " Towne meeting held this 5th day off May, 
 1701, by order off Justices Cornelis Sebringh and 
 Maehiell Eanssen. We the major part off the ffree- 
 holders off Breucklyn doe hereby nominate, consti- 
 tute and appoint Capt. Jooris Hanssen, Jacob Hans- 
 sen and Cornelis Van Duyn, to bee trustees of our 
 Common and undivided lands, and to deffend and 
 maintaine the rights and privileges off our General 
 pattent, as well within as without." 
 
 " Towne meeting held this 2d day off' February, 
 1701-2, by order off Justice Cornelis Sebringh. 
 
 (12) The idea intended to be conveyed bv this regulation, I under- 
 stand to be, that the Justices of the town of Brooklyn shall have cog- 
 nizance of the offence, as much as if the offenders resided within the 
 town. 
 
44 
 
 Purposed ill' the order off Bedford, made the 12th 
 day off April, 1697. shall Lee confirmed concern- 
 ing the lying out of the common or undivided lands 
 or that the said laud shall bee lyed out according to 
 the last tax, concerning the deffending oti' our 
 limitts. 
 
 Resolved by the freeholders aforesaid, that the 
 chosen townsmen shall ley out the commens ac- 
 cording as by the said order off Bedford was con- 
 cluded, with the ffirst opportunitie, and that all the 
 lotts joyning to the common woods shall be survey- 
 ed according to their grants." 
 
 The following Resolution was passed for defend- 
 ing those inhabitants to whom portions of the Com- 
 mon lands were allotted, in their enjoyment of the 
 same. " Att a Towne meeting held att Brookland, 
 in Kings County, this 14th day of March, 1701-2. 
 Present, Machiel Hanssen, Cornelis Sebringh, and 
 Hendrick Vechten, Esquires, Justices. — Resolved, 
 by the major part of the freeholders of the said 
 towne of Brookland, that every man that has now 
 a right, lott, or lotts laid out in the quondam Com- 
 mon and undivided lands of Brookland aforesaid, 
 shall forever free liberty have for egress or regress 
 to his said lotts for fetching off wood or otherwise, 
 over all or any of the said lott or lotts of the said 
 freeholders in the lands aforesaid. And further, 
 that if any of the said freeholders shall at any time 
 or times hereafter, come by any loss or trouble, 
 cost or charges by lawe or otherwise, of, for or con- 
 cerning the title of any of their said lott or lotts, by 
 any person or persons, either within the township 
 of Brookland afforesaid, or without, that it shall 
 be defended and made goode, (if lost) att all the 
 proper costs and charges of all the freeholders of 
 said towne equally." 
 
45 
 
 It appears that all the Common lands of this 
 town had been divided among the freeholders, and 
 a portion annexed to each house in the town. — A 
 deed dated the 17th of April, 1705, after conveying 
 a house and lot of land in this town, conveys " al- 
 soe all the rights and priviledges in the common 
 woodlands of the towne of Uroockland aforesaid, 
 to said house, belonging as per record of said towne 
 may appear ( l 3 ) 
 
 These lands, in the month of February, 1701-2, 
 were surveyed by Pieter Corteljeu and S. Clowes, 
 two surveyors, and divided by them into three divi- 
 sions. The first or west division consisted of 02 
 lots, containing about 5 acres each, about 310 
 acres. The second or middle division of 62 lots, 
 containing about 10 acres each, about 620 acres ; 
 and the third or east division also of 62 lots, con- 
 taining about 10 acres each, about 620 acres. — 
 Total number of acres about 1550. 
 
 DIFFERENCES AS TO BOOTDS. 
 
 The difference between this town and the city of 
 New-York, having been treated of under the head 
 of Town Rights and Ferries, the compiler will con- 
 fine himself to the disputes which formerly existed 
 between this town, and the towns of Bushwick, 
 Flatbush and New-Utrecht, respecting their bounds. 
 
 The following proceeding relates generally to the 
 defence and settling of the limits of this town. 
 
 "Towne meeting held this 7th day of February, 
 1701-2, by order of Ilendrick Vechten, Justice. — 
 The Justice Ilendrick Vechten, brings in that the 
 towns men were nott well authorised concerninge 
 the lying out and deffending of our bounds by rea- 
 son that they have no power to compounde or 
 
 (13) Th6 records referred to, together with all our other town re- 
 cords were destroyed during the Revolution. 
 
46 
 
 agree with any of the neighboring townes, &c. — 
 These are thereffore, that the freeholders and in- 
 habitants doe give full power to the said Intrusties, 
 for to agree and eompounde with any of the neigh- 
 bour townes concerning our bounds, and all what 
 our said Intrusties shall doe and agree with them, 
 we shall stand to itt." This proceeding was re- 
 corded liv order of the Court of Sessions, on the 
 13th of May, LT02. 
 
 DIFFERENCE WITH BUSHWICK. 
 
 The difference as to the bounds of these two towns 
 seems generally to have been contested between in- 
 dividuals. The following is the only general order 
 on record respecting the same: 
 
 At a Court of Sessions, held at Flatbush for 
 Kings County, May 10, 1699. " Oppon the de- 
 sire of the inhabitants of Breucklyn, that according 
 to use and order every three yeare the limmitts be- 
 tweene towne and towne must he runn, that a war- 
 rant or order may be given, that upon the 17th day 
 off May, the line and hounds hetwixt said townes 
 of Brooklyn and Boswyck, shall he runn accord- 
 ing to their pattents or agreements." Ordered, 
 " That an order should be past according to theire 
 request." 
 
 DIFFERENCE WITH FLATBUSH. 
 
 The dispute between this town and Flatbush, res- 
 pecting their hounds, appears to have been of more 
 importance than that with any other place, except- 
 ing New- York. 
 
 At a Court of Sessions, held for the West Eliding 
 of Yorkshire, upon Long-Island, the 18th of De- 
 cember, 1678, the following order was made : 
 
 " There being some difference between the townes 
 of Flat Bush and Breucklvn coneernin<r their 
 
47 
 
 bounds, the which they are both willing to refer to 
 Captain Jaques Corteleou and Captain Richard 
 Stillwell to decide. The Court doth appi'ove there- 
 of, and order their Report t<> be determinative. " 
 
 Messrs. Cortelyou and Stillwell complied with 
 the requisition of the above order as will appear by 
 the following report : but subsequent disputes shew 
 that the same was not " determinative." 
 
 " To the worshipfull Court of Sessions, now sit- 
 ting at Gravesend, June 21, 1683. These may 
 certiffie thai in obedience to an order from said 
 Court, and by consent of both towns of Breucklyn 
 and Flattbush, to runn the line betwixt the said 
 townes which are we underwritten have done and 
 marked the trees betwixt towne and towne, as witt- 
 nesse our hands the daye and yeare above written. 
 
 JACQUES CORTELY* >TJ, 
 RICHARD STILLWELL." 
 
 It appears by the following Certificate, that a 
 subsequent survey was made in 1684, of the divi- 
 sion line between this town and Flatbush. 
 
 " To satisffie whom itt may concerne, that I he- 
 me; with Mr. Jacobus Cortlandt, about the twenty- 
 etli day off November, 1684, imployed by Breuek- 
 land and Fflackbush, to vew and run out the line 
 betweene the two towns to the smith of the hills 
 found that the line run fformerly by Capts. Jaques 
 Cortelyou and Mr. Stillwell, is right and just, which 
 wee both being agreed, gave in our approbation of 
 the same. 
 
 PHILIP WELLS, Surveyor." 
 Staaten-Island, in the County of Rich- ) 
 
 mond, this 4th day of Aprill, 1687." j 
 
 The above Certificate was recorded by order of 
 several of the inhabitants of Brooklyn. 
 
48 
 
 At a Court of Sessions for Kings County, held 
 the 4th day of October, 1687, the following pro- 
 ceeding was had : 
 
 " Complaint off Jan Oake, and Cornells Barduff, 
 authorised by the inhabitants of Fflackbush being 
 read against Pieter Cronwer, concerning the build- 
 ing uppon the land in question, betwixt BreUcklyn 
 and tflackbush, Itt is ordered, that none off the 
 partys shall meddle themselves with the said land 
 before the question off the said land shall be 
 finished." 
 
 December 4, 1689. Jooris Bergen, Jan Dorlant 
 and II. Claes Yechte, Commissioners of this town, 
 together with Jurrian Bries, Constable, granted to 
 Jeronimius Remsen, a piece of land lying at Bed- 
 ford, in lieu of a piece of land which they had for- 
 merly sold him, lying at the Port or entrance, and 
 which was claimed by the town of Flatbusb. 
 
 At a town meeting, held in this town the 11th 
 day of April, 1702, by order of Justices Machiel 
 Hanssen, and Cornelis Seberingh ; it was 
 
 " Purposed to choise townsmen, in place off 
 George Hanssen, Jacob Hanssen, and Cornelis 
 Van Dnyn, by cause theire times being past the 
 549th off this instant. Resolved to prolong the old 
 townsmen's time to the twenty-fifth off May next, 
 by reason they are in action off lawe with them off 
 Fflackbush, to be tryed this May Court." 
 
 The differences between these two towns have 
 been amicably settled, and proper monuments 
 placed on the boundary lines, to prevent, if possi- 
 ble, all future disputes. 
 
 DIFFERENCE WITH NEW-UTRECHT. 
 
 February 14, 1702. George Hansen, Jacob Han- 
 sen and Cornelius Van Dnyn, Trustees on the part 
 of the town of Brooklyn, and Cornelius Van Brunt, 
 
49 
 
 I Vt.r ( !< irtelyi >u. and Aert Van Pelt, Trustees on the 
 part of the town of New-Utrecht, entered into an 
 agreement, which, after setting forth the said Trus- 
 tee's powers to enter into the same, proceeds to say, 
 ■• that the courses and lines hereafter specified shall 
 be the exact bounds between the said two towns of 
 Brookland and New Utrecht and sue to continue to 
 perpetuity without any alteration ; viz. The hounds 
 to begin in the sloott or pond lying and being by 
 and between the house of Agyes Vandyke, of the 
 said towne of Brookland and the house of Thomas 
 Sharax, of the said towne of New-Utrecht, where 
 the water runns into the salt water River, by a cer- 
 taine fenee from thence stretching away south-east 
 one degree southerly, two hundred eighty and 
 eight English rod. to a winter white oake tree markt 
 011 the south and north-west side ; and from thence 
 running east eight ami twenty degrees northerly to 
 a white oake tree, being on the east side of the path 
 leading to New-Utrecht aforesaid, to the Gowanos 
 soo called in the towneship of Brookland abovesaid, 
 said tree being markt on two sides, and being 
 formerly the old markt tree betweene the said 
 townes, <fcc." K 
 
 At the time of the execution of the above-men- 
 tioned agreement, the Trustees of the town of Brook- 
 lyn, gave a bond to the Trustees of the town of 
 New-Utrecht, in the sum of one thousand pounds 
 •' currant money of New-Yorke." — The condition 
 of which Bond or obligation was. " That if the 
 above bounden George Hansen, Jacob Hansen and 
 Cornelius Van Duyne, severally ami their several! 
 heires and assigns, doe and shall from time to time 
 and at all times hereafter, well and truly observe, 
 performe and keepe, all and every the covenants, 
 articles of agreements, which on their and every of 
 their parts, are or ought to lie observed, performed 
 
 5 
 
50 
 
 and kept, contained and specified in and by certain 
 articles of agreements of the date hereof and made 
 betweene the above bounden George Hansen, Jacob 
 Hansen and Cornelius Van Duyn of the one part, 
 and the above-named Cornelius Van Brunt, Peter 
 < 'ortilleou and Aert Tan Pelt of the other part, of, 
 in and concerning the limmitts and bounds of their 
 townes pattents, and that in and by all thing* ac- 
 cording to the true meaning of the said articles of 
 agreement in such wise that no breache be made of 
 the premises in said articles of agreement by the 
 towne of Brookland aforesaid, at any time or times 
 hereafter, then this obligation to be void and of 
 none effect, otherwise to stand and remain in full 
 force, virtue and power in law." 
 
 In the year 1797, a survey was made of all the 
 bounds of this town, and a map thereof transmitted 
 to the Surveyor General of this state. 
 
 KKVol.l TioXARV INCIDENTS. 
 
 This town had a full share of the military opera- 
 tions during the Revolutionary war; and was for 
 a long time in the possession of the British arm v. 
 It is covered with the remains of fortifications which 
 were thrown up by the Americans ' 4 > and English 
 for their defence against each other. In tin* town 
 was fought the most sanguinary part of the battle 
 of Long-Island, August 27, 177 1> ; which took place 
 on the retreat of the American army within their 
 lines, and the attempt of a portion of them to ford 
 the mill ponds at Gowanos ; in which attempt near- 
 ly the whole of a Regiment of young men from 
 Maryland were cut off. 
 
 -Many of the minor events connected with this 
 battle, and the Revolutionary contest, are fast sink- 
 
 (14) The fortifications at Red Hook were erected by a Regiment of 
 Continental troops, the night of April S, 1776. 
 
51 
 
 ing into the shades of oblivion : the compiler has 
 
 therefore thought proper to give place to the fol- 
 lowing piece of history, not with an idea, that he 
 can immortalize any event which he relates ; but 
 with a hope that ms efforts will call forth some 
 nobler pen to do justice to the memories of main- of 
 the almost forgotten heroes of those hard fought 
 battles and arduous contests. In the battle above- 
 mentioned, part of the British army marched down 
 a lane or road leading from the Brush tavern to 
 Gowanos, pursuing the Americans. Several of the 
 American riflemen, in order to be more secure, and 
 at the same time more effectually to succeed in 
 their designs, had posted themselves in the high 
 trees near the road. One of them, whose name is 
 now- partially forgotten, shot the English Major 
 Grant; in this he passed unobserved. Again he 
 loaded his deadly rifle, and tired — another English 
 officer fell. He was then marked, and a platoon 
 ordered to advance, and fire into the tree; which 
 order was immediately carried into execution, and 
 the rifleman fell to the ground, dead. After the 
 battle was over, the two British officers Mere buried 
 in a field, near where they fell, and their graves 
 fenced in with some posts and rails, where their re- 
 mains still rest. But for " an example to the rebels " 
 they refused to the American rifleman the rites of 
 sepulture ; and his remains were exposed on the 
 ground till the flesh was rotted, and torn off his 
 bones by the fowls of the air. After a considerable 
 length of time, in a heavy gale of wind, a large 
 tree was uprooted ; in the cavity formed by which 
 some friends to the Americans, notwithstanding the 
 prohibition of the English, placed the brave sol- 
 dier's bones to mingle in peace with their kindred 
 earth. 
 
52 
 
 August v 2*. 1770. Before day break, in a very 
 thick fog, General Washington retreated with his 
 army from near the old ferry, Brooklyn, to New- 
 York. As the last boat of the Americans Left the 
 shore, the fog dissipated, and the British made 
 their appearance on the hills above the place of em- 
 barkation, when a shot or two from an American 
 Battery on the hill near the house of Col. Henry 
 Rutgers, in New-York, compelled the British tode 
 sist in their march to the ferry. 
 
 A short time after the retreat of the Americans, 
 Captain Hale, of the American army, was dispatch- 
 ed by General Washington, to sec if the English 
 had taken possession of his camp at Brooklyn, and 
 what their situation was. This unfortunate young 
 officer was taken by the English and hung as a 
 spy. without even a form of trial ; and not allowed 
 a clergyman at his execution. It is believed he was 
 exented somewhere along the Brooklyn shore, to 
 the south-west of the old ferry. L In our pity for 
 Major Andre, we have almost entirely lost sight of 
 this meritorious officer, whose claims on our grati- 
 tude ought ever to be remembered, in proportion 
 as his sufferings were greater than those of the for- 
 mer. 
 
 During the stay of the American army on Long- 
 Island, the head quarters of General Washington 
 were at the house on Brooklyn heights, now owned 
 and occupied by Henry Waring, Esq." The house 
 now owned and occupied by Tennis Joralemon, 
 Esq. was used by the English as a Hospital during 
 the Revolution, and in its vicinity, hundreds of 
 British soldiers and sailors are buried." 
 
 Most of the records of this town were destroyed 
 by the English when they came in possession of it 
 after the battle of Long-Island. 
 
53 
 
 In the month of November, 1776, one of the 
 British prison ships, called the Whitby, was moored 
 in the Wallaboght, near Remsen's mills. On board 
 this vessel great mortality prevailed among the 
 prisoners, and many of them died. Those of the 
 prisoners who died from this ship, and from the 
 others, which were afterwards brought to this place, 
 were interred in the hill at the present Navy- Yard; 
 where their remains were found, and in the year 
 L808, deposited in a vault erected for that purpose. 
 March, 1777, two other prison ships anchored in the 
 Wallaboght, one of which bore the name of Good 
 Hope ; which vessel in the month of October, in the 
 same year, took tire and was burnt. The prisoners 
 were saved and transferred to the other vessels — 
 The hull of this ship lies under a dock at the Navy 
 Yard, in this town. In the month of February, 
 1778, on a Sunday afternoon, another British pris- 
 on ship was burnt in the Wallaboght. The hull ol 
 this vessel lies in the mud in that Hay. 1778, the 
 Jersey ship of the line, having arrived at New- York, 
 was condemned as unfit for the service, and con- 
 verted into a prison ship. As such she anchored in 
 the Wallaboght during the month of April, in the 
 same year, together with the Falmouth and Hope, 
 for Hospital ships; where they remained till the 
 close of the Revolutionary war. 
 
 October 22, 1779, An act of attainder was passed 
 by the Legislature of this State, against John Rap- 
 alje, Esq. of this town, by which his property was 
 confiscated to the use of the State. That part ot 
 his property lying within the bounds of the present 
 village of Brooklyn, was on the 13th of .inly, L784, 
 sold by the Commissioners of Forfeitures, to Com- 
 fort, and Joshna Sands, Esqrs, for £12,430. 
 
 In the year 1780, the British being apprehensive 
 of an attack from the American army under Gen- 
 
 5* 
 
54 
 
 eral Washington, commenced fortifying the high 
 grounds about Brooklyn ; which works they con- 
 tinued until the peace in 1TS3. P In this town the 
 British had their army yard, where their forage de- 
 partment, and blacksmith's shops, etc. were kept. 
 The entrance to this yard was near the junction of 
 Main-street with Fulton-street, in the present village 
 of Brooklyn."* 
 
 During the Revolution, this place was much re- 
 sorted to by the officers of the English army, and 
 the fashionables of the day, as a scene of amuse- 
 ment. In the Royal Gazette of August 8th, 1781, 
 published at New- York, Charles Loosley adyertises 
 a Lottery of $12,500, to be drawn at "Brooklyn 
 Hall." The same paper contains the following 
 advertisement: ''Pro bono publico. Gentlemen 
 that are fond of fox hunting, are requested to meet 
 at Loosley's Tayern, on Ascot Heath, on Friday 
 morning next, between the hours of five and six. as 
 a pack of hounds will be there purposely for a trial 
 of their abilities: Breakfasting and Relishes until 
 the Races commence. At eleven o'clock will he 
 run for, an elegant saddle. Arc. value at least twen- 
 ty pounds, for which upwards of twelve gentlemen 
 will ride their own horses. — At twelve, a match 
 will be rode by two gentlemen, Horse for Horse. 
 — At one, a match for thirty guineas, by two gen- 
 tlemen, who will also ride their own horses. — Din- 
 ner will be ready at two o'clock, alter which, and 
 suitable regalements, racing and other diversions, 
 will be calculated to conclude the day with pleasure 
 and harmony. Brooklyn Hall, 6th August, 1781." 
 
 Lieutenant Anberry, in a letter from New-York, 
 to a friend in England, dated October 30th, 1781, 
 says, " on crossing the East River from New- York, 
 you land at Brooklyn, which is a scattered village. 
 consisting of a few houses. At this place is an ex- 
 
55 
 
 cellent Tavern, where parties are made to go and 
 eat fish ; the landlord of which has saved an im- 
 mense fortune this war." The public house refer- 
 red to in the above advertisements, and letter, was 
 the same house, which after the Revolution, and in 
 the Compiler's recollection, was called the " Cor- 
 poration House." It was a large, gloomy, old 
 fashioned, stone edifice ; and was destroved bv fire, 
 September 23, 1812. B 
 
 This town was left by the British troops, the 
 same day that they evacuated New-York. 
 
 ANCIENT GOVERNMENT. 
 
 The first public officer appointed by the Dutch 
 
 Government for this town after its settlement in 
 1625, was a " Superintendant," whose duties wen' 
 to preserve the peace, and regulate the police of the 
 town. A few years after the office of Superintend- 
 ant was abolished, and the offices of Sellout, Secre- 
 tary, and Assessor, created ; these officers were also 
 appointed by the Governor. In 1646, the town 
 having considerably increased, the inhabitants were 
 permitted to elect two magistrates: subject, how- 
 ever, to the approval or rejection of the Governor. 
 These magistrates had increased powers : they were 
 authorized to give judgment in all cases as they 
 might think proper; provided that the judgment 
 so given be not contrary to the charter of New- 
 Netnerland. Subsequently this Town Court was 
 new modelled by the Dutch Government, and its 
 power and authority more clearly defined. 
 
 The inhabitants suffering very much under the 
 arbitrary exercise of power on the part of the go- 
 vernment, frequently remonstrated against the same. 
 Finally a convention of delegates from this, and the 
 other towns under the Dutch government assembled 
 at New Amsterdam. November 26th, 1653, on an 
 
56 
 
 invitation from the Governor. Where they, on the 
 11th of December, following, entered into a re- 
 monstrance against the exclusion of the people from 
 their share in legislation, and generally against 
 their mode of government. The Governor and his 
 Council sent them no answer, but entered one on 
 the minutes ; in which they denied the right of this 
 town, Flatbush, and Fhttlands, to send deputies, 
 and protested against the meeting, notwithstanding 
 the same was held at the Governor's request. En- 
 tertaining a just sense of the responsibility attached 
 to them, the deputies made another, hut ineffectual 
 attempt, to obtain a recognition of their rights, and 
 on the loth of the last mentioned month, presented 
 another remonstrance, in which the}' declared, that 
 if they could not obtain them from the Governor 
 and Council, they would he under the necessity of 
 appealing to their superiors, the States General. — 
 The Governor in a fit of anger dissolved their 
 meeting, and sent them home. 
 
 In 1654, it appears that the country was very 
 much infested with robbers; to disperse whom, 
 April 7, 1651, the magistrates of this town, together 
 with those of JMidwout and Amersfort, united in 
 forming a company of soldiers to act against " rob- 
 bers and pirates," and determined that there should 
 be a military officer in each town, called a Ser- 
 geant. 
 
 In order to prevent the depredations of the In- 
 dians, the Governor in 1660, ordered the inhabit- 
 ants of Brooklyn to put the town in a state of de- 
 fence ; and commanded the farmers to remove with- 
 in the fortifications, on the pain of forfeiting their 
 estates (' 6 ) 
 
 (15) In 1665, a large body of Northern Indians made a descent on Sta- 
 ten Island, and massacred 67 persons ; after which they crossed to Long- 
 Island, and invested Graveseod; which place was relieved by a party of 
 soldiers from New-Amsterdam. It appears from the records that these 
 
57 
 
 For the first two or three years under the En- 
 glish government, the magistrates of this town were 
 but temporary officers. Nearly all that we know 
 about the government previous to 1669, is, that 
 Town Courts were established in this Colony. — 
 The inference would be, that as this town was 
 granted " all the rights and privileges belonging to 
 a town within this government, "' a town Court was 
 also organized here. 
 
 The Town Clerk of this town was appointed by 
 the Governor, and confirmed by the Court of Ses- 
 sions, as will appear by the following record : At a 
 Court of Sessions held at Gravesend for the West 
 Riding of Yorkshire upon Long-Island, December 
 15, 1669. " Whereas Deriek Storm presented air 
 order from his Hon. the Governor, for the appro- 
 bation of the Court of Sessions, to allow him to be 
 towne clerk of Breucklen, taking his oath, the 
 Court having allowed thereof, and doe hereby con- 
 firme him of Clerke of the said towne." 
 
 In the year 1669, the first mention is made in the 
 records of the "Constable of Breucklen;" which 
 office at that period was held by Michael Lenell. 
 The duties of constable as laid down in the Duke's 
 laws were, holding town courts with the overseers, 
 and with them making assessments. &c. whipping, 
 or punishing offenders, raising the hue and cry af- 
 ter murderers, manslayers. thieves, robbers, burg- 
 larers ; and also to apprehend without warrant such 
 as were overtaken with drink, swearing, Sabbath 
 
 Indians were on their way to commence a war against the Indians on the 
 east end of Long- Island. 
 
 The inhabitants of Flatbush were ordered by Governor Stuyvesant, 
 in 1656, to enclose their village with palisadoes to protect them 
 from the Indians. These fortifications were required to be kept undei* 
 the English government, as will appear by the following record of the 
 Court of Sessions for the West Riding of Yorkshire upon Long-Island, 
 December 15th 1675. •' The towne of Fflatbush having neglected the 
 making of ffortifieations, the Court take notis of it, and reffer the cen- 
 sure to ye Governor.'' 
 
58 
 
 breaking, vagrant persons, or night walker* ; •'pro- 
 vided they bee taken in the manner, either by the 
 sighte of the constable, or by present informacon 
 from others ; as alsoe to make searche for all such 
 persons either on ye Sabbath daye, or other, when 
 there shall bee oecation in all houses licensed to 
 sell beere or wine, or any other suspected or disor- 
 derly places, and those to apprehend and keepe in 
 safe custody till opportunity serves to bring them 
 before the next Justice of ye Peace tor further e.\- 
 aminacon." The Constable was chosen out of the 
 number of Overseers, whose term of service had 
 expired. 
 
 The following is a list of the Constables of 
 Brooklyn, from 1069 to 1690 : 
 
 1669. Michael Lenel. 
 
 1671. Lambert Johnson. 
 
 1675. Andries Juriaensen. 
 
 1676. Cornelius Corson. 
 
 1678. Thomas Lambertse. 
 
 1679. John Aeresen. 
 16S0. Andries Juriaensen. 
 16S2. Martin Eyersen. 
 
 Brooklyn and Newtown were ordered to make a 
 new choice according to law. 
 
 1683. Jan Cornelis Dam. 
 
 1684. Thomas Ffardon. 
 1687. John Aertsen. 
 1689. Jacobus Beavois. 
 16S8. Volkert Andriese. 
 
 1689. Jurian Bries. 
 
 1690. Jurian Hendrickse. 
 
 Shortly after the conquest of this Colony by the 
 English from the Dutch, the towns of Brooklyn, 
 Bushwyck, Midwout, or Flatbush, Amersfort, or 
 Flatlands. and New-Utrecht, were formed into a 
 
59 
 
 separate district for certain purposes, by the name 
 of the " Five Dutch Towns." A Secretary was spe- 
 cially appointed for these five towns, whose duties 
 appear to have been confined to the taking acknow- 
 ledgment of transports, and marriage settlements, 
 and proof of wills. Arc. This office in Kill, was 
 held by "Nicasius De Sille, in the absence of Sr 
 Ffrancis De Brugh." This same Mr. De Sille, 
 was in authority under the Dutch Government, in 
 the year 1058, as Schout of the city of New-Am- 
 sterdam. He was styled, " Heer Mcasius De Sille." 
 There was no uniformity in the title of those ac- 
 knowledging officers of the Five Dutch towns. In 
 L675, Machiel Eainelle exercised that office, and 
 styled himself " Clerk." - In the same year the 
 Court of Sessions for this Riding, after setting forth 
 the appointment of Hainell, and calling him 
 " Secretary," said. " It is the opinion of the Court 
 that for what publique or private business he shall 
 doe he ought to have reasonable satisfacon.(' fi ) 
 
 There were also in this town, officers, who were 
 called " Overseers." The Duke's Laws provide for 
 their appointment in the following manner. "Over- 
 seers shall be eight in number, men of good fame, 
 and life, chosen by (he plurality of voyces of the 
 freeholders in each towne, whereof foure shall re- 
 maine in their office two yeares successively, and 
 foure shall he changed for new ones every veare ■ 
 which election shall preceed the elections of Con- 
 stables, in point of time, in regard the Constable 
 for the yeare ensuing, is to bee chosen out of that 
 number which are dismist from their office of Over- 
 seers." 
 
 (lfi) There were also a "Clerk " in most if not in all of these towns 
 who seems to have been authorised to take proof of the execution o'f 
 wills; whether he was the Town Clerk does not appear. This officer 
 was differently appointed in the different towns. In Bushwick be was 
 appointed by the Commissioners of the town, and in New Utrecht he 
 was elected by the people, and approved of by the Governor. 
 
60 
 
 The following is a copy of the oath which t;ij 
 administered to the overseers elect. 
 
 " Whereas you are chosen and appointed an 
 Overseer for the Towne of Breucklen you doe 
 sweare by the Ever-living God, that you will faith- 
 fully and diligently discharge the trust reposed in 
 you. in relation to the publique and towne affaires, 
 according to the present lawes established, without 
 our, affection or partiality to any person or cause 
 which shall fall under your cognizance; and at 
 time when you shall bee required by your superi- 
 ors to attend the private differences of neighbours, 
 you will endeavour to reconcile them : and in all 
 causes conscientiously and according to the best of 
 your judgment deliver your voyce in the towm 
 meetings of Constable and Overseers. So helpe 
 you God." These officers were commonly sworn 
 by the Court of Sessions; but in the year 1671, 
 the Constable of Newtown objected to the Court's 
 swearing the overseers of that town, "alledginge 
 that accordiuge to the amendments of the law iff 
 special occation required, itt is in the power of the 
 Constable to sweare them, otherwise not, which is 
 left to his Honor the Governor to decide." The 
 inhabitants of the town for which the overseers were 
 elected were authorised to determine by a major 
 vote whether the said overseers should, on admis- 
 sion to office, take the oath prescribed as above; 
 and in case the said overseers were not sworn, it was 
 a legal objection against their proceedings on the 
 part of any person prosecuted in their court, unless 
 the overseers immediately on objection being made, 
 took the oath, which the Constable was permitted 
 to administer. 
 
 It was the duty of the overseers, together with the 
 Constable, to hold Town Courts, for the trial of 
 causes under £5. Their other duties are contained 
 
61 
 
 in the following summary. On the death of any 
 person they were to repair with the Constable, to 
 the house of the deceased, and inquire after the 
 manner of his death, and of his will and testament ; 
 and if no will was found, the Constable in the pre- 
 sence of the Overseers was, within 48 hours, to 
 search after the estate of the deceased, and to de- 
 liver an account of the same in writing, under oath, 
 to the next Justice of the Peace. They, together 
 with the Constable made all assessments. If any 
 < )verseer died during his term, the rest of the Over- 
 seers by a major vote, made choice of another in his 
 place ; and if the person so chosen refused to serve, 
 he forfeited the sum of £10, towards defraying the 
 town charges. They were to settle the bounds of 
 the town, within twelve months after the bounds 
 were granted. They had the power of regulating 
 fences. They were authorised together with the 
 Constable to make choice of two out of the eight 
 overseers of Church affairs. 
 
 They and the Constable, were frequently to ad- 
 monish the inhabitants '• to instruct their children 
 and servants in matters of religion, and the lawes 
 of the country." They, with the Constable, ap- 
 pointed an officer " to record every man's particu- 
 lar marke, and see each man's horse and colt brand- 
 ed." The Constable and two of the Overseers were 
 to pay the value of an Indian coat for each wolf 
 killed ; and they were to cause the wolf's head to 
 be "nayled over the door of the Constable, their 
 to remaine, as also to cut of both the eares in token 
 that the head is bought and paid for. 
 
 The following is the only list that the Compiler 
 could obtain of the Overseers of this town. 
 
 1671. Frederick Lubertse and Peter Pernied- 
 eare. 
 
 6 
 
62 
 
 1675. John Peterson Mackhike, and Jerome 
 De Rapostelley. 
 
 K!7<i. Tunis Guis Bergen, and Thomas Lam- 
 bertson. 
 
 1619. John Ilarrill, and Martyn Reyandsen. 
 
 L680. Symon Aeresen, and Michael Hansen. 
 
 lfis.'i. John Aeresen, and Daniel Rapellie. 
 
 In the year 1683, the " Overseers" were changed 
 to " Commissioners," The " act for defraying the 
 publique and neccessary charge of each respec 
 tive citty, towne, and comity throughout this pro- 
 vince ; and fur maintaining the poore and prevent- 
 ing vagabonds." Passed by the General Assembly 
 of this Colony, Xovemlicr 1st. 1683, provides — 
 " That annually and once in every yeare there shall 
 be elected a certaine number out of cadi respective 
 citty, towne, and county throughout this province ; 
 to be elected ami chosen by the major part of all 
 the ^Freeholders ami ffreemen : which certaine num- 
 ber so duely elected shall have full power ami au- 
 thority to make an assessment or certaine rate with- 
 in their respective cittys, townes ami countys annu- 
 ally, and once in every yeare, which assessment 
 ami certain rate so established as aforesaid, shall 
 bee paid into a certaine Treasurer, who shall he 
 chosen by a major part of all the ffreemen of each 
 respective citty, towne, and county ; which Trea- 
 surer soe duly chosen, shall make such payment for 
 the defraying of all the publique and necessary- 
 charges of each respective place above-men coned. 
 as -hall bee appointed by the commissioners, or their 
 President, that shall lie appointed in each respective 
 citty, towne, and county within this province, for 
 he supervising the pvhUque affaires and chargt of 
 each respective citty, towne ami county aforesaid." 
 And the said act proceeds further to say, "And 
 whereas it is the custome and practice of his Ma- 
 
63 
 
 jesties realm of England, and all the adjacent co- 
 lonyes in America, that every respective county, 
 citty, towne, parrish, and precinct, doth take care 
 and provide for the poore who doe inhabit in their 
 respective precincts aforesaid ; Therefore it is enact- 
 ed, &c. That for the time to come the respective com- 
 missioners of every comity, citty, towne, parish, pre- 
 cinct aforesaid, shall make provision for the maintain- 
 ance and support of their poor respectively. "(") 
 
 The following is a list of the Commissioners of 
 this town from 1684, to 1690, inclusive. 
 
 1684:. Thomas Lambertsen, Randolph Emans, 
 and John Aeresen. 
 
 1685. Tunis Guis Bergen, and Daniel Eapalie. 
 
 1686. Michael Hansen, and Jeromus De Rap- 
 alie. 
 
 The town made choice of Hansen and De Rap- 
 alie ; and were ordered by the Court of Sessions to 
 make a new selection by the 12th of April, 1686, 
 and return the same to one of the Justices of the 
 Peace for Kings County. 
 
 1687. Adriaen Bennet, Thomas Lambertsen, 
 and Tunis Ghiysbert. 
 
 The Court of Sessions ordered the town to make 
 choice of a new Commissioner in the place of Tnnis 
 I raysbert ; which they accordingly did, and elected 
 Jan Gerritsen Dorland. 
 
 1688. Simon Aertsen, Michael Hansen, and 
 Claes Barense. 
 
 The Court of Sessions refused to swear Michael 
 Hansen. 
 
 (17) This law provides, that any person not having a visible estate, 
 or a manual craft or occupation, coming into any place within this pro- 
 vince, should give security, not to become chargeable within two vears: 
 and the captains of vessels bringing passengers into this province, were 
 required to report them to the chief magistrate of the place, within 24 
 hours after their arrival. Under the Dutch Government the poor were 
 supported out of the fines imposed for offences committed, and by con- 
 tributions taken up in the Churches. 
 
64 
 
 1690. Joris Hansen, Hendrick Claasen, and 
 Jan Gerbritse. 
 
 The office of " Commissioner " continued until 
 1703, when a " Supervisor " was elected. The Su- 
 pervisors of Kings County had their first meeting 
 on the first Tuesday of October, 1703 ; at which 
 meeting Captain Joras Hansen was the Supervisor 
 from Brooklyn. The duty of the Supervisors was, 
 : ' to compute, ascertaine, examine, oversee and al- 
 low the contingent, publick, and necessary charge 
 of each county." Two assessors were also elected 
 for this town whose names were, Peter Garra- 
 brantse, and John E. Bennet ; and one Collector. 
 This is not the first mention of the assessors and 
 collectors of this town in our County Records. Iu 
 16SS, Michael Hansen, and Daniel Rapalie were 
 chosen assessors, for the purpose of assessing this 
 town's proportion of a tax of £308 8s Od, which 
 was imposed on Kings County. It is the opinion 
 of the Compiler, that these were distinct officers 
 from the Commissioners, whose duty it was to as- 
 sess the ordinary rates; and that these assessors were 
 but temporary officers, appointed to assess this par- 
 ticular tax. In 1699, Jan Garretse Dorlant is men- 
 tioned as Collector of Brooklyn ; and in 1701, 
 John Bybout held the same office. 
 
 In 1691, a majority of the freeholders of the 
 town were impowered to make orders for the im- 
 provement of their public lands : and annually to 
 elect three surveyors of highways. The duties of 
 these svrveyors were to amend and lay out high- 
 ways and fences. The town meeting at which 
 these orders were made, and officers elected, were, 
 held by the direction, and under the superintend- 
 ance of one or more justices of the peace. 
 
 November S, 169:2. The court of sessions for 
 Kings county, ordered that each town within the 
 county, should erect " a good pair of stocks, and 
 
65 
 
 a °;ood pound ; " and that the clerk of the court 
 should issue a warrant to the constable of every 
 town, requiring them to see this order complied 
 with "at their peril." The following is a list of 
 the constables of this town, from the new organiza- 
 tion of the colony in 1691, to 1711, as far as the 
 compiler has been able to ascertain the same : 
 
 1693. Volkert Brier. 
 
 1097. Volkert Brier. 
 
 169S. Jacob Hansen. [This man was 
 complained of by the last constable for not making 
 his appearance lit court; and the sheriff was or- 
 dered to summon him to appear at the next court.] 
 
 1G99. Jacobus Beauvois. 
 
 1700. Cornelius Yerhoeven. 
 
 1701. Jacob Yerdon. 
 
 1702. Thomas Davie-. 
 
 1703. Thomas Davies. 
 
 1704. William Brower. 
 
 1705. Jacob Ffardon. [This constable 
 refused to call a town meeting in 1706, in compli- 
 ance with the requisitions of a warrant he had re- 
 ceived from Justice Ffilkin, for the election of 
 town officers; and the inhabitants complained of 
 him to the court of sessions, who ordered that a 
 town meeting should be held for the electiou of 
 town officers, and that Ffardon should hold over 
 until a new constable was elected and sworn in his 
 stead. 
 
 1707. Abram Sleghter. 
 170S. Cornelius Collier. 
 1709. William Brower. 
 1711. Thomas Davies. 
 For some time previous and subsecpient to the 
 year 1693, the colony was in a very disordered 
 state, arising probably from its new organization 
 after the revolution in Great Britain. 
 
 6* 
 
66 
 
 At the same period, both the civil and military 
 governments in this town and also in the connty, 
 were very unpopular. In order to support their 
 authority, the justices of the peace resorted to the 
 exercise of very arbitrary measures : arresting and 
 confining many persons under the pretence of their 
 haying uttered scandalous words against them, and 
 the government; by which proceedings they com- 
 pletely alienated the people's affections, and exas- 
 perated them to such a degree that they committed 
 many excesses : all which will appear by the fol- 
 lowing extracts from the records: 
 
 "October 11, 1693, at a meeting of the justices 
 
 of Kings county, at the connty" hall. Present, 
 Roeleff Martinse, Nicholas Stillwell, Joseph Hege- 
 lmm, ami Henry Ffilkin, esqrs. justices. John l!i- 
 hout, of Broockland, in the comity aforesaid, we 
 aver being committed by the said justices to the 
 common jail of Kings county, for divers scanda- 
 lous and abusive words spoken by the said John 
 against their majesties justices of the peace for the 
 county aforesaid, to the contempt of their majesties 
 authority and breach of the peace; the said John 
 haying now humbly submitted himself, and craves 
 pardon and mercy of the said justices for his mis- 
 demeanour, is discharged, paying the officer's fee-. 
 and being on his good behaviour till next court of 
 sessions, in November next ensuing; the date here- 
 
 ot. 
 
 In another instance, during the same year, in the 
 month of October, in the town of Bushwyck, a 
 man named Orian Ilagell, was imprisoned for hav- 
 ing said, on a training day. speaking jestingly of 
 the soldiers. "' Let us knock them down, we are 
 three to their one." The justices called these 
 "mutinous, factious, and seditious words;" which. 
 
67 
 
 with the like, appear to have been favourite terms 
 with them. Again, in the same month and year 
 Hendrick Claes Vechte, of the town of Brooklyn' 
 was imprisoned by the justices, on a charge of 
 " raising of dissension, strife, and mutiny, union.'' 
 their majesties subjects." And May 8, 1694, two 
 women of Bushwick were indicted at the sessions 
 for having beat and pulled the hair of Captain 
 Peter Praa, whilst at the head of his company of 
 soldiers on parade. One of them was fined £3 
 and the cost, £1 19s. 9d.; and the other 40s. and 
 the cost, £1 19*. 9d. In the last mentioned year, 
 (1694) Volkert Brier, constable of Brooklyn,' was 
 fined £5, and the costs of court amounting to £1 
 by the sessions, " for tearing and burning an exe- 
 cution directed to him as constable."| B ) Brier af- 
 terwards petitioned the governor to have the tine 
 remitted ; a copy of which petition is in the appen- 
 dix, marked C. [ 
 
 This town with respect to legal matters was un- 
 der the jurisdiction of the court of sessions held at 
 Gravesend, for the West Riding of Yorkshire, upon 
 Long-Island,C 9 ) until the year 1683; when an act 
 was passed by the first legislative assembly of this 
 colony, dividing the province into comities, by 
 which the ridings were abolished. The court 
 however continued to be held at Gravesend until 
 L686, when it was removed to Flatbush, in con- 
 formity to an act of the colonial assembly, passed 
 in the year 1685. This town continued under the 
 
 (18) Sept. 14, 1696. about 8 o'clock in the evening, John Rapale 
 Isaac Remsen, Joras Yannester, Joras Danielse Rapale, Jacob Ever- 
 sen, Aert Aersen, Tunis Buys, Garret Cowenhoven, Gabriel Sprong 
 Urian Andnese, John Williamse Bennet, Jacob Bennet, and John 
 Meserole, jr. met armed at the court-house of Kings, where they des- 
 troyed and defaced the king's arms which were hanging up there. 
 
 (19) The West Riding was composed of the towns of Brooklyn 
 Bushwick, Flatbush. Flatlands, New-Utrecht, and GraveseDd, toee- 
 tner with Stalen-Island and Newtown. 
 
68 
 
 jurisdiction of that coiirt, and the court of common 
 pleas, which was afterwards established, until the 
 close of the revolutionary war. At the close of the 
 war the courts were re-organized, and this town 
 -till continues under their jurisdiction. 
 
 PRESENT GOVERNMENT. 
 
 In 1816 the village of Brooklyn was erected out 
 of the town, and constituted a distinct government : 
 thereby forming an im/perium in imperio. 
 
 The present government both of the town and 
 village, approach as near a pure democracy as that 
 of any other place in this state. No business of 
 importance is undertaken without first having the 
 sanction of a public meeting. Here these sterling 
 principles, that all power emanates from the peo- 
 ple, and that public officers are but public ser- 
 vants, are fully recognized, and acted upon. 
 
 This head the compiler will divide into two divi- 
 sions, in order to avoid confusion : First, the Town 
 Government, and second, the Village Government. 
 
 First — the Town Government. 
 
 The government of the town is administered by 
 A Supervisor, elected by the people, at the an- 
 nual town-meeting, on the first Tuesday of April. 
 The duties of this officer are principally confined 
 to the apportionment of taxes, presiding at elec- 
 tions, &c. He is also ex officio a commissioner of 
 excise for granting tavern licenses in the town, and 
 the general guardian of the town rights. There is 
 no salary attached to this office: the supervisor 
 receives a compensation of two dollars per day, 
 for attending the general meeting of the supervi- 
 sors of the different towns in the county, ami a 
 trifling amount for granting licenses. The pre- 
 sent supervisor is William Furman, esq. 
 
69 
 
 A Town Clerk, also elected by the people. The 
 duties of this officer are to call special town meet- 
 ings on the request of twelve freeholders, record 
 the proceedings of town meetings, and preserve 
 the records of the town. In 1698, Jacob Vande- 
 water, town clerk of this town, received the sum of 
 £6 5s. for two years and six months salary.( 2 °) 
 In 1822, in order to make the town clerk's salary 
 in some decree proportionate to the increase of 
 business, the town voted him a salary of $50. In 
 1824 the town clerk's salary was increased to $75. 
 The office is at present held by John Doughty, esq. 
 who has been successively elected since the year 
 
 Five Assessors, also elected by the people— whose 
 duties are to assess all real and personal estate lia- 
 ble to taxation within the town, and to forward 
 such assessment to the supervisors, that they may 
 apportion the amount of tax on the same. The 
 present assessors are Messrs. John S. Bergen, 
 Richard Stanton, John Spader, Joseph Moser, and 
 Andrew Demarest. Their compensation is one 
 dollar and twenty-five cents per day during the 
 time they are employed in making and completing 
 the assessment. 
 
 There are also elected two overseers of the poor, 
 Messrs William Cornwell, and Isaac Moser ; one 
 constable and collector, Mr. John M'Kenney ; two 
 constables, Messrs John Lawrence, and Samuel 
 Doxsey; and several other officers, whose names 
 and duties will be set forth in the subsequent parts 
 
 of this work. 
 
 The iudicial business of this town is at present 
 transacted by three justices of the peace, viz. John 
 Garrison, John G. Murphy, and Samuel Smith. 
 
 (20) At the same period the salary nf the cierk of the county was 
 £10 per annum. 
 
70 
 
 esqrs. These magistrates are appointed by the 
 judges of the common pleas, and the supervisors of 
 the county. 
 
 Second — the Village Government. 
 
 April 12, 1S16, the village of Brooklyn was in- 
 corporated by an act of the legislature of tins state. 
 By this act the freeholders and inhabitants are au- 
 thorized annually to elect, on the first Monday of 
 May, "Five discreet freeholders, resident within 
 the said village, Trustees thereof;" and these trus- 
 tees are authorised to appoint a president and 
 clerk. The first trustees. Messrs. Andrew Mer- 
 cein, John Garrison, 5 John Doughty, John Seaman, 
 and John Dean, were appointed by the legislature, 
 and continued in office until the first Monday of 
 May, 1817; when the first election was made by 
 the people, and they made choice of Messrs. Wil- 
 liam Furman, T Henry Stanton, William Henry, 
 Tunis Joralemon, u and Noah Waterbury. v The 
 present trustees are Messrs. Joshua Sands."' John 
 Doughty, 31 Joseph Moser, John Moon, and Samuel 
 James. Joshua Sands, esq. president, and John 
 Dikeman, esq. clerk of the board. The president 
 previous to L824 received no salary : at present 
 his salary is $300. The clerk formerly received a 
 salary of $100, which in consequence of the great 
 increase of business is now raised to $200. The 
 powers of the trustees are principally "to make, 
 ordain, constitute, and publish, such prudential by- 
 laws, rules and regulations, as they from time to 
 rime shall deem meet and proper; ami such in 
 particular as relate to the public markets, streets, 
 alleys, and highways of the said village; to 
 draining, filling up, levelling, paving, improving, 
 ami keeping in order the same ; relative to slaugh- 
 ter houses, houses of ill-fame, and nuisances gen- 
 
TI 
 
 rally ; relative to a village watch, and lighting the 
 streets of said village ; relative to restraining geese, 
 swine, or cattle of any kind ; relative to the better im- 
 provement of their common lands; relative to the 
 inspection of weights and measures, and the assize of 
 bread; relative to erecting and regulating hay- 
 scales; relative to the licensing of public porters, 
 cartmen, hackney coachmen, gangers, weigh-mas- 
 ters, measurers, inspectors of beef and pork, of wood, 
 of staves and heading, and of lumber ; relative to 
 public wells, pumps, anil reservoirs or cisterns of 
 water to be kept tilled for the extinguishment of 
 tires ; relative to the number of taverns or inns to 
 licensed in said village; and relative to any thing 
 whatsoever that may concern the public and good 
 government of the said village; but no such by- 
 laws shall extend to the regulating or fixing the 
 prices of any commodities or articles of provision, 
 except the article of bread, that may be offered for 
 sale." _ The powers of the trustees, in opening, 
 regulating, and widening streets, are enlarged and 
 defined by an act passed by the legislature of this 
 state, April 9, 1824. 
 
 The board of trustees have the appointment of 
 several officers. The following is a list of the 
 names of the officers at present holding under them. 
 
 John Lawrence, Collector 
 
 Samuel AVatts 
 
 nighty, J 
 
 John Titus, f ,, r . , 
 
 Andrew Tombs, f Wei g" ei ' r 
 
 Robert W. Douc 
 
 1 turdet Striker, Measurer. 
 
 William A. Sale, Measurer of Lime. 
 Three village Assessors are also elected by the 
 people, for the purpose of making an assessment on 
 which to apportion the village tax. The present 
 assessors are Losee Van Nostrand, Gamaliel King, 
 and John 1). Oonklin. 
 
72 
 
 The Trustees, by an act passed April 9th, 1 824, 
 are constituted a Board of Health. The President 
 and Clerk of the Trustees are ex-ofticio President 
 and Clerk of the Board of Health. The salary of 
 the President of this Board is $150. 
 
 A Health Physician is appointed by the Board 
 of Health ; which office is at present held by Dr. 
 J. G. T. Hunt, with a salary of $200. 
 
 The duties of the Board relate to the general con- 
 servation of the Health of the village. 
 
 As early as 1S09, during the prevalence of the 
 yellow fever in this town, the inhabitants met toge- 
 ther in consecpience of repeated solicitations from 
 the Common Council of New-York, and after stat- 
 ing in their proceedings, that " reports prevailed, 
 that disease exists to an alarming extent in the 
 town of Brooklyn," they appointed the following 
 gentlemen a committee " for the purpose of inquir- 
 ing into the state of the health of the inhabitants of 
 said town, and to act as the case in their opinion 
 may require," viz William Furman, John Garrison, 
 Burdet Stryker, Henry Stanton, and Andrew 31 or- 
 cein. A sum of money was raised by subscription 
 to meet the expenses of this Committee. 
 
 In the year 1819, the Trustees, although not 
 strictly invested with power, yet feeling the neces- 
 sity of acting with some degree of energy, in order 
 to quiet the fears of the inhabitants, arising from 
 reports of the existence of a pestilential disease in 
 New-York, published an address; in which they 
 state, " that during this season of alarm, they have 
 not been unmindful of that part of their duty incum- 
 bent on them as a Board of Health for the village," 
 and that " measures have been taken to obtain from 
 time to time, a report of the state of health through- 
 out the village, that the inhabitants may be early 
 apprised of any change affecting their welfare." 
 
PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND INSTITUTIONS. 
 
 This head will be divided into three divisions — 
 first, Churches ; second, Markets ; and third, Pub- 
 lic institutions. 
 
 First, fit a !■<■]« s. 
 
 The first Church established in Kings County 
 was, October 13, 1054, when the Rev. Joannes 
 Theodoras Polhemus," a minister of the Dutch Re- 
 formed Church, was permitted by Governor Stuy- 
 vesant, to preach at Midwout, (Flatbush) and Am- 
 ersfort, (Flatlandsu 2 ') The congregation was 
 gathered at this time ; but the order of Governor 
 Stuyvesamt for building the Church is dated Decem- 
 ber 15, 1651. February 9, 1655, the Governor 
 ordered the inhabitants of Brooklyn and Amersfort, 
 which at that period, together with Gravesend, 
 were one congregation, to cut timber for the erec- 
 tion of the Church at Midwout : which building 
 was to be 60 feet in length, 28 feet in breadth, and 
 14 feet in height below the beams. 
 
 In order to accommodate the four towns of 
 Gravesend, Amersfort. Midwout, and Brooklyn, 
 the Governor ordered that Mr. Polhemus should 
 ]. reach every Sunday morning at Midwout, and 
 Sunday afternoons alternately at Amersfort and 
 Brooklyn. 
 
 In the year 1659, the inhabitants of this town ap- 
 plied to Governor Stuyvesant for permission to call 
 a minister for their congregation, assigning as a 
 reason for their application, the badness of the mad 
 to Flatbush, the difficulty of attending divine ser- 
 vice at New- York, and the extreme old age and in- 
 ability of the Rev. Mr. Polhemus to perform his 
 services at Brooklyn. 
 
 (21) This minister died in the month of June, 1676. 
 
 7 
 
The Governor deemed the request reasonable, 
 and sent Nicasius de Sille, Fiscal of New-Nether- 
 land, and Martin Kregier, Burgomaster, of New- 
 Amsterdam, to this town, as a committee of inqui- 
 ry, who reported in favour of the application ; 
 whereupon the request of the inhabitants was grant- 
 ed. The inhabitants prepared a call for the Rev. 
 Henry Solinus/ alias Henricus Selwyn, from Hol- 
 land, who was approved of by the classis of Am- 
 sterdam, on the 16th of February, 1660, when the 
 classis also gave the Rev. Mr. Solinus a dismission, 
 wishing him a safe and prosperous journey by land 
 and by water to his congregation in the New-Ne- 
 therland. The time of the arrival of this minister 
 is not known. He was installed in his church on 
 the 3d of September, 1660, in the presence of the 
 Fiscal, and Burgomaster Kregier, by the order of 
 Governor Stuyvesant. who appears to have been at 
 the head of the ecclesiastical, as well as the civil 
 and military government of the colony. 
 
 On the 7th of September, 1660, a letter was writ- 
 ten to the Rev. Mr. Polhemus, informing him of 
 the installation of the Rev. Mr. Solinus in the 
 Church of Brooklyn, and thanking him for his la- 
 bours and attention to the Congregation. The let- 
 ter was sent by a respectable person, to whom the 
 Rev. Mr. Polhemus returned his thanks for the at- 
 tention which the Church at Brooklyn had paid 
 him, and furnished the messenger with a list of the 
 names of the Church members, twenty-five in num- 
 ber. 
 
 Mr. Solinus' salary was 600 guilders per annum, 
 equal to $200. Three hundred guilders of which 
 was to be paid by Brooklyn, and three hundred by 
 Father land, (Holland). Some time after, the in- 
 habitants of Brooklyn objected to raising their pro- 
 portion of the salary ; and May 25, 1662, petition- 
 
75 
 
 ed the Governor, that Mr. Solinus should reside 
 among them ; setting forth as a reason, that if their 
 minister resided with them more people would go 
 to church, and they would be better able to raise 
 the salary. Governor Stuyvesant, in order to ac- 
 commodate this dispute, proposed to pay 250 guil- 
 ders towards Mr. Solinus' salary, on condition that 
 he would preach in the Bouwery on Sunday after- 
 noons. — This arrangement appears to have been 
 entered into, for a short time after Mr. Solinus 
 preached at the Bouwery half the time. 
 
 The Indians having on the 7th of June, 1663, at- 
 tacked the town of Esopns, burnt the same, and 
 destroyed many of the inhabitants, and took many 
 prisoners; the event was communicated by Gover- 
 nor Stuyvesant to the church at Brooklyn, in the 
 following manner. 
 
 " As a sorrowfull accident and wilfull masacre 
 has been committed by the Esopus Indians, who 
 have with deliberate design under the insidious co- 
 ver of friendship, determined to destroy Esopus, 
 which they effected on the 7th instant, killing and 
 wounding a number of the inhabitants, and taking- 
 many prisoners, burning the new town, and des- 
 olating the place. Whereupon the congregation 
 is directed and desired by his excellency the Go- 
 vernor General to observe and keep the ensuing 
 Wednesday as a day of fasting, humiliation and 
 prayer to the Almighty, hoping that he maj* avert 
 further calamities from the New-Netherlands, and 
 extend his fatherly protection and care to the coun- 
 try. And it is further ordered, that the first Wed- 
 nesday in every month be observed in like manner. 
 By order of the Director General, and Council, &c. 
 Dated at Fort Orange, June 26, 1663." Wednes- 
 day the 4th of July, 1663, was observed as a day 
 of thanksgiving on account of a treaty of peace 
 
having been made with the Esopus Indians, and 
 the release of the inhabitants who had been taken 
 prisoners ; and also for the success obtained over 
 the British, who attempted with living colours to 
 take possession of all Long-Island for the King of 
 England, which was prevented by the timely arri- 
 val of the Dutch fleet. 
 
 On the 23d of July. 1664, the Rev. Henry Soli- 
 nus took leave of liis congregation and sailed in the 
 ship Beaver for Holland. After his departure. 
 Charles Debevoise, AA the schoolmaster of the town, 
 and sexton of the church, was directed to read 
 prayers, and a sermon from an approved author, 
 every Sabbath day in the church, for the improve- 
 ment of the congregation, until another minister 
 was called. 
 
 The first Dutch church in Brooklyn was built 
 in the year 1666, although a minister had been set- 
 tled to preach here for some years previous. — 
 A second church was erected on the site of that 
 built in 1666; which second church continued 
 standing until about lsl", when a new and sub- 
 stantial church was erected on Joralemon-street, and 
 the old one taken down. This old church was a 
 very gloomy looking building, with small window-, 
 and stood in the middle of the highway, about a 
 mile from Brooklyn ferry. In removing it the 
 workmen discovered the remains of a Hessian offi- 
 cer, who had been buried there in his uniform, dur- 
 ing the Revolutionary war. BB 
 
 The Dutch congregations on this Island formed 
 but one church, although they had different con- 
 sistories 
 
 The ministers under the Dutch government were 
 not permitted to marry any person without making 
 the marriage proclamation on three succeeding Sab- 
 baths in their churches. The same practice was 
 
77 
 
 observed after the Colony came under the British 
 government. The last mentioned government how 
 ever sold marriage licenses, which were granted 
 by the Governor's Secretary in New- York, for the 
 Mini of eight dollars each. The inhabitants gene- 
 rally preferred purchasing a marriage license, and 
 thus contributed to the revenue of the Governor 
 and Secretary. 
 
 During the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Solinus, the 
 marriage fees were not the perquisite of the Minister, 
 as appears by his account rendered by him to the 
 Consistory, on the 29th of October, 1662, when he 
 paid over to the consistory the sum of 78 guilders 
 and 10 stivers, for fourteen marriage fees received 
 by him. 
 
 The following is a list of ministers of the Dutih 
 Reformed Church, who officiated in the church on 
 this Island, (with the exception of Polhemus, and 
 Solinus,) taken from a manuscript of the Rev. Pe- 
 ter Lowe. 
 
 Joannes Magapolensis. probably died 1(368. 
 
 ( 'asperus Van Zuren, do 1677. 
 
 Clark, do 1695. 
 
 William Lupardus, do 1709. 
 
 Bernardus Freeman,( si ) from 1702, to 1741. 
 
 Vincintius Antonides, from 1715, to 174-1. 
 
 Joannes Arondeus, probably died, 1742. 
 
 Anthony Curtenius, from 1730, to 1756. 
 
 Dlpianus Van Sinderen, from 1747, to 1706. 
 
 John Casper Rubel, from 1760, to 1797. 
 
 Martinus Schoonmaker, from 1785, to 1824. 
 
 [This venerable pastor was 88 years of age at 
 his death ; and a short time previous, officiated in 
 four congregations.] 
 
 Peter Lowe, from 1787, to ISIS. 
 
 (22) This minister was naturalized in the Court of Sessions for Kings 
 Countv, November 8, 1715. 
 
 7* 
 
78 
 
 In the month of April, 1708, fifty-seven of the 
 inhabitants of Brooklyn, entered into an agreement 
 (which is written in Dutch) to call a minister from 
 Holland, to preach in the church of this town. The 
 elders of the church at that time were, Daniel Rap- 
 alie, and Jores Hanse. 
 
 The salary of the Clerk of the Church in this 
 town was formerly raised by a tax on the whole 
 town. At a town meeting, held February 1, 1568, 
 It was resolved, that the sum of £20 10s. should be 
 raised, and paid into the hands of the " church 
 masters" for "the widow of Hendrick Sleght, ffor 
 1 year and 8 months salary, and being Clarke off 
 the churche." 
 
 The following singular proceeding may be amus- 
 ing to some readers, and Mill serve to shew to what 
 extremes, both the people and the magistrates car- 
 ried themselves in former times Hendrick Vechte, 
 Esq. a Justice of the Peace, was presented at the 
 Kings County Sessions, May 1-1, 1710, tor coming 
 into the Brooklyn Church, on Sunday, August 10, 
 1709, "with his pen and ink in his hand, taking of 
 peoples names, and taking up one particular mans 
 hatt up, and in disturbance of the minister and peo- 
 ple in the service of God, &c." Vechte's plea was 
 that in obedience to an order of the Governor he 
 did go into the church as alledged, " to take notice 
 of the persons that were guilty of the forcible entry 
 made into the Church, that by Abram Brower, and 
 others, by breaking of said Church doore with force 
 and arms, forcibly entering into said Church, not- 
 withstanding the forewarning of Mr. Freeman the 
 minister, and his people to the contrary " The 
 Court found that Justice Vechte was not guilty of 
 a breacheof the peace, and discharged him. It must 
 be remembered that Justice Vechte was a member 
 of the Court. There was a considerable difference 
 
79 
 
 of opinion and many disputes among the inhabit- 
 ants of this town and of the County, as to the right 
 of the Rev. Mr. Freeman to preach ; into the merits 
 of which controversy, it is not to lie expected that the 
 Compiler can enter at this distant day. Excepting 
 the above proceeding of the Court, the only docu- 
 ment which the Compiler has been able to obtain 
 relative to this controversy is a letter from Henry 
 Fulkin, Esq. to the Secretary at New- York, which 
 will be found in the Appendix marked with the let- 
 ter D. 
 
 December IS, 1814, the Trustees of the Dutch 
 Reformed Church of the town of Brooklyn were 
 incorporated. At which time the following gentle- 
 men were officers of the Church. 
 
 Martinas Schoonmaker, ) , T . . . 
 Peter Lowe, f Meters. 
 
 Elders. 
 
 Fernandus Suvdam, Walter Berry. 
 
 Jeremiah Johnson, John Lefferts. 
 
 Deacons. 
 
 Jeremiah Brower, Lambert Schenck, 
 
 Abraham De Bevoise, Abraham Remsen. 
 
 The present officers of this Church are, 
 Rev. S. S. Woodkull, D. D. Pastor. 
 
 Ehh rs. 
 
 Leffert Lefferts, Tunis Joralemon, 
 
 David Anderson, Nehemiah Denton. 
 
 Deacons. 
 
 Theodoras Polhemus, James De Bevoise, 
 Adrian Hegeman, Adriance Van Brunt. 
 
 September IS, 1785, an " Independent Meeting 
 
80 
 
 House," was incorporated at this place. The offi- 
 cers of which were : 
 
 John Matlock, Pastor, 
 George Wall, Assistant, 
 John Carpenter, Treasurer, 
 George Powers, Secretary. 
 
 Trustees. 
 
 William Bunton, John Emery, 
 
 Robert Steath, William Hi n son. 
 
 Barnard Cordman, 
 
 Their place of worship was a frame building on 
 what is now the Episcopalian burying ground in 
 Fulton-street. This congregation continued but a 
 short time, in consequence of the seceding of its 
 members to the Episcopalian Church, which was 
 soon after established in this place. 
 
 The first celebration of Divine Service, after the 
 manner of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in this 
 town, subsequent to the Revolution, was at the old 
 brick house known as No. 40 Fulton-street, and 
 now owned by Mr. Abiel Titus. 
 
 About the year 1787, the Episcopal Church was 
 established in Brooklyn, under the pastoral care of 
 the Rev. Mr. Wright, at the house on the north-east 
 corner of Fulton and Middagh-streets ; which 
 house was fitted up with pews, &c. 
 • April 23, 1787, "The Episcopal Church of 
 Brooklyn " was incorporated. The following are 
 the names of the first 
 
 Trustees. 
 
 Whitehead Cornell, Joshua Sands, 
 
 Joseph Sealy, Aquila Giles, 
 
 Mathew Gleaves, Henry Stanton, 
 John Yau Nostrand. 
 
81 
 
 This congregation afterwards came into posses- 
 sion of the place of worship hefore used by the In- 
 dependent Congregation, and continued to worship 
 in that edifice until they erected the Stone Church 
 called " St. Ann's Church," on Sands-street. 
 
 June 22, 1795. The Episcopal Church in this 
 town was re-organized and incorporated l>v the 
 name of " St. Ann's Church." 00 
 
 Chwrch Wardens. 
 John Van Nostrand, and George Powers. 
 
 Vestrymen. 
 Joshua Sands, Aquila Giles, 
 
 I'aulDurel, John Cornell, 
 
 Joseph Fox, Gilbert Van Mater. 
 
 William Carpenter, Robert Stoddard. 
 
 The congregation at the same time resolved, 
 that Monday in Easter week should be the time of 
 their future elections for Church officers. 
 
 The stone church which was erected on Sands- 
 street, has continued to the present time ; but is now 
 in bad repair, in consequence of the walls not hav- 
 ing been properly erected. The Vestry passed a 
 vote for erecting a new church to front on Wash- 
 ington-street, the corner stone of which was laid 
 March 31, 1821. The new edifice is fast progress- 
 ing, and promises to be a great ornament to the 
 place. 
 
 The present officers of St. Ann's Church are, 
 Rev. Henry U. Onderdonk, Rector. 
 
 Church Wardens. 
 
 William Cornwell, and Joshua Sands. 
 
 Vestrymen. 
 
 James B. Clark, John H. Moore, 
 
 Robert Bach, Robert Carter, 
 
 Adam Tredwell, Losee Van Nostrand, 
 
 Fanning C. Tucker, A. H. Van Bokkelen. 
 
 William Cornwell, Treasurer. 
 
82 
 
 May 19, 1794, the "First Methodist Episcopal 
 Church" in this town was incorporated. 1 " 3 The 
 Trustees at which period were, 
 
 John Garrison, Stephen Hendrickson, 
 
 Thomas Van Pelt, Richard Everit, 
 
 Burdet Stryker, Isaac Moser. 
 
 The present Meeting-house of this denomination 
 is erected on the site of their first place of worship, 
 on Sands-street ; and is a neat, plain edifice. The 
 present officers are, 
 
 Rev. William Ross, Pastor in charge. 
 Trustees. 
 John Garrison, George Smith, 
 
 Isaac Moser, Isaac JMostrand, 
 
 William Foster, John G. Murphy, 
 
 Jacob Brown, R. Van Voris. 
 
 Andrew Mercein. 
 
 Isaac Moser, Treasurer. 
 January 12, 1818, The " African Wesleyan Me- 
 thodist Episcopal Church in the village of Brook- 
 lyn," incorporated. 
 
 First Trustees. 
 Peter Croger, Benjamin Croger, 
 
 Israel Jemisou, John E. Jackson, 
 
 Ceasar Sprong. 
 
 The place of worship of this Congregation is a 
 frame meeting house situate on High-street. 
 
 March 13, 1822. The " First Presbyterian 
 Church of Brooklyn " was incorporated. EE 
 First Trustees. 
 Jehiel Jaggar, Elkanah Doolittle, 
 
 Nathaniel Howland, Joseph Sprague, 
 
 Silas Butler, Alden Spooner, 
 
 John B. Graham, George Hall, 
 
 Charles H. Richards. 
 
83 
 
 The corner stone of this church was laid, April 
 15, 1822. The Church is situate on Cranberry- 
 street ; and is a very handsome brick building, 
 something in the Gothic style. The present officers 
 are, 
 
 Eev. Joseph Sanford, Pastor. 
 
 Elders. 
 Zechariah Smith, Selden Gates. 
 
 Ezra C. Woodhull. 
 
 Trustees. 
 Alden Spooner, George Hall, 
 
 Edward Coope, Nathaniel Howland, 
 
 Henry W. Warner, Benjamin Meeker, 
 
 Elkanah Doolittle, Joseph Sprague, 
 
 Silas Butler. 
 
 Elkanah Doolittle, President of the Board, 
 Silas Butler, Clerk do 
 
 Nathaniel W. Sanford, Treasurer 
 November 20, 1822. "St. James Soman Ca- 
 tholic Church," incorporated. FF 
 
 First Trustees. 
 George S. Wise, Jun. William Purcell, 
 
 Peter Turner, James Eose, 
 
 Patrick Scanlan, Darby Dawson, 
 
 William M'Laughlin. 
 
 The corner stone of this Church was laid, June 
 25, 1822. The edifice is of brick, and approaches 
 nearer to the Gothic architecture than any other 
 building in this town. It is yet unfinished. This 
 is the first Soman Catholic Church erected on 
 Long-Island. The present Trustees are, 
 
 , President.(' 2 3 ) 
 
 Peter Turner, Secretary, 
 
 (23) This office was held by George S. Wise, Jun. Esq. until his 
 death in November, 1824. 
 
84 
 
 William Pureed, Treasurer, 
 James Rose, 
 Darby Dawson, 
 William McLaughlin, 
 Patrick Scanlan. 
 
 October 15, 1823. The "First Baptist Church 
 in Brooklyn " incorporated. 
 
 Trustees. 
 Eliakim Raymond, Elijah Lewis. 
 
 John Brown, Richard Poland, 
 
 Charles P. Jacobs. 
 
 March 24, 1824. Rev. William C. Hawley was 
 ordained Pastor of this Church. This congrega- 
 tion have as yet, erected no building for public wor- 
 ship ; but assemble for that purpose in the District 
 School room No. 1. 
 
 There are also in this town some of the denomi- 
 nation of Friends, and a small congregation of 
 Universalists ; neither of which have established 
 places of public worship. The Universalists are 
 under the pastoral care of the Rev. William Mit- 
 chill, ami assemble for Divine service in the District 
 School room, No. 1. 
 
 In the present year, this town purchased of Lef- 
 fert Lefferts, Esq. a small farm situate at the Walla- 
 boght; a portion of which was sel off for a bury- 
 ing ground, and divided into convenient parcels; 
 which were allotted in the following manner to the 
 different congregations worshipping in the town, 
 viz. 
 
 No. 1. Dutch Reformed, 5. Methodist Episcopalian, 
 i'. Friends, C. Universalist, 
 
 3. Presbyterian, 7. Episcopalian, 
 
 4. Roman Catholic, 8. Baptist, 
 
 'J. Common. 
 
85 
 
 Si Gond, Markets. 
 A market was established in this town as early 
 as the year 1676, which will appear from the fol- 
 lowing order of the General Court of Assizes, made 
 in the month of October, 1675. " Upon proposal! 
 of having a fayre and Markett in or neare this City. 
 (New- York') It is ordered, That after this season, 
 there shall yearely bee kept a fayre and markett at 
 Breucklen near the ferry, for all grayne, cattle, or 
 other produce of the countrey, to be held the first 
 Munday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, in November; 
 and in' the City of New-York, the Thursday, Fri- 
 day, and Saturday following." 
 
 Previous to the year lsU, there were two mar- 
 ket- in this place ;' one of which was situate at the 
 foot of the old ferry-street ; and the other at the 
 foot ofMain-street. GG Both these markets were taken 
 down in 1814. 
 
 At present we have no public market ; the in- 
 habitants are supplied from several butcher's shops 
 for the sale oi meat, and stands for vegetables, 
 scattered about in different parts of the village.— 
 The people have been for some time past endeav- 
 ouring to obtain a public market, and the great 
 ditficultv appears to be the location of a proper 
 site. At a village meeting, held June 26, 1824, 
 the sum of $10,000 was voted to erect a brick mar- 
 ket house and Village Hall, with other offices. This 
 amount it was resolved, should be raised by a loan 
 for not less than ten years, at six per cent; and 
 that the proceeds of the market arising from the 
 letting of stalls. &c. should he appropriated to pay- 
 ing the interest of said loan ; and that if in process 
 of°time there should he a surplus, after paying the 
 interest, the same should be converted into a sink- 
 ing fund for extinguishing the principal. These re- 
 solutions have not as vet been carried into effect. 
 
 8 
 
86 
 Thud, Public Institutions. 
 
 • 
 
 Of public institutions we have not many to boast 
 — they may be strictly confined to one Bank, a 
 Fire Insurance Company, and an Apprentices' Li- 
 brary. 
 
 The " Long-Island Bank " was incorporated, 
 April l>t, 1824, with a capital of $300,000, divided 
 into six thousand shares of §50 each. The present 
 officers are, Leffert Lefferts, Esq. President, and 
 I). Embury, < Jashier. 
 
 The "Brooklyn Fire Insurance Company " was 
 incorporated. April 3, 1824, with a capital of 
 $150,000, divided into six thousand shares of s-Jo 
 each. The present officers of this institution are, 
 William Furman, Fresident, and Freeman Hop- 
 kins, Secretary. 
 
 There is also in this village a branch of the 
 "Equitable Fire Insurance Company"; of which 
 Abraham Vanderveer, Esq. is Agent. 
 
 The Apprentices' Library Association, which 
 has been formed hut a short time, promises to be of 
 great benefit to the apprentices of the place, by in- 
 troducing among them, habits of reading and re- 
 flection, which, if properly attended to, will enable 
 them to support the honourable character of good 
 citizens. 
 
 The Library at present consists of about twelve 
 hundred volumes, which have been presented by 
 different individuals. About one hundred appren- 
 tices take books from it, regularly once a week. — 
 This institution was incorporated by an act of the 
 Legislature, passed in November, 1S24. The pre- 
 sent officers are. 
 
 Robert Snow, President ; Thomas Kirk, Vice- 
 President ; Andrew Mercein, Treasurer; Robert 
 Xicholls, Secretary."" 
 
87 
 
 Under this head it may be proper to notice, that 
 there are two Masonic lodges in this town, and a 
 Post office. 
 
 Fortitude Lodge, No 81.— "W". Levi Porter. 
 Master. 
 
 llohenlinden Lodge, No. 338. — W. Abiathar 
 Young, Master. 
 
 The Post office is kept at No. 97 Fulton-street, 
 by George L. Birch, Esq. Post Master. The mail 
 is carried daily (Sundays excepted) between Brook- 
 lyn and Xew-York, and closes at Brooklyn at 8 
 A. M. and arrives at -t P. M. 
 
 POPULATION AND INCREASE. 
 
 Within a few years this town, and particularly the 
 village has increased very rapidly. In 1S14, the 
 town of Brooklyn contained 3805 inhabitants; and 
 in 1816, the town contained 4402 inhabitants. In 
 1820, the census was as follows, (being almost two 
 thirds of the population of the County, i 
 
 White males, under 10 years of age, 876 
 do between In and 16 376 
 
 do between 16 and 26 717 
 
 do between 26 and 15 961 
 
 do between 15 and upwards 379 
 
 :Wi)ii 
 
 White females, under 10 years of age, 876 
 do between 10 and 16 39S 
 
 do between 16 and 26 705 
 
 do between 26 and 45 961 
 
 do between 45 and upwards 379 
 
 3319 
 
 Free blacks, 657 
 
 Slave-. - - 190 
 
 717:. 
 
88 
 
 Foreigners not naturalized - - 252 
 
 Persons engaged in Agriculture, - - 264 
 do in Commerce, - - 67 
 
 do in Manufactures, - - 497 
 
 The following account of the population of Kings 
 County at different periods, may not be uninterest- 
 ing to many readers. 
 The population of Kings Coun- 
 ty in 1731 was 2150 
 
 1756 
 
 2707 
 
 1771 
 
 3623 
 
 1786 
 
 3966 
 
 17: mi 
 
 4495 
 
 1800 
 
 5740 
 
 1810 
 
 8303 
 
 1820 
 
 11187( 84 ) 
 
 (2-4) Governor Nicolls in a letter to the Duke of York, November, 
 1665, informed him, " that such is the mean condition of this town, (New- 
 York) that not one soldier to this day has lain in sheets, or upon any 
 other bed than canvass and straw. 
 
 1678. New-Y'ork contained 343 houses, and 3430 inhabitants; and 
 there were owned in the City, three ships, eii£ht sloops and seven boats. 
 1686. Tne City of New-Ycrk contained 594 bouses, and 6000 in- 
 habitants; and there were owned in it, 10 three masted vessels of be- 
 tween 80 and 100 tons; 3 ketches, or barques, of about 40 tons; and 
 about 20 sloops, of 25 tons. In the same year, the militia of the colony 
 consisted of 4000 foot, 300 horse, and one company of dragoons. 
 
 1696. There were owned in the city of New-Y'ork, 40 ships, 62 
 sloops, and 62 boats. 
 
 In 1697, the population of New-York has considerably decreased, 
 
 from what it was in 1686 ; the census taken this vear was as follows : 
 
 Men, - - - *- 946 
 
 Women, - 1018 
 
 Y'oung men and boys, - 864 
 
 Young women and girls - 899 
 
 3727 
 
 Whites 
 
 <Men, 209 
 
 Blacks, - Women - 205 
 
 (Boys and girls - - 161 575 
 
 Total. 43U2 
 
 1731. The City of New-Y'ork contained 
 
 White males - 3771 
 
 White females, - 3274 7045 
 
89 
 
 In 170G, There were 64 freeholders in the town 
 of Brooklyn. In 1802, their number had only in- 
 creased to SO, as appears from the list of Jurors at 
 that period. In the year 1800, there were 253 votes 
 given in this town, at a contested election for as- 
 semblyman. In 1*24, on the same occasion 1013 
 votes were taken. 
 
 At the close of the Revolutionary war, the town 
 of Brooklyn within the bounds of the present vil- 
 lage contained 56 buildings. In 1821, the village 
 contained SC>7 buildings ; of which 96 were Gro- 
 ceries and Taverns, and several store-houses. — 
 These store-houses depend principally, on the ope- 
 ration of the Quarantine laws, in the months of 
 June, July and August, for business. On the 23d 
 of July in the same year, there were lying at the 
 wharves in this village, 13 ships, 9 brigs, S schoon- 
 ers, and 1-1 sloops. .Inly 1, 1824, there were lying 
 at the wharves in this village, 8 ships, 10 brigs, 20 
 schooners, and 12 sloops. 
 
 In 1822. 50 dwelling houses were erected in this 
 village. In 1823, 122 frame dwelling and 32 brick 
 and brick front buildings were erected. January 1, 
 1824, the village of Brooklyn contained 113 stone, 
 brick, and brick front buildings. During the present 
 year 143 frame dwelling-houses have been built in 
 this village. 
 
 Black males, - 785 
 
 Black females, ----- 792 1577 
 
 Total. 8622 
 
 1756. The City contained 10,881 inhabitants. 
 
 1771. It contained 21,863 inhabitants. 
 
 1786. It contained 3340 houses, and 23,614 inhabitants. 
 
 1790. It contained 33131 inhabitant. 
 
 1800. 60489 
 
 1810. 96373 
 
 1820. 139000 
 
 8 * 
 
90 
 
 The town contains 8 Ropewalks, which manu- 
 facture 1130 tons of cordage annually ; 1 Distil- 
 leries ; 2 Spirits of Turpentine Distilleries ; 1 Glue 
 factory ; 1 Chain cable manufactory ; 2 Tanneries ; 
 2 White lead works ; 1 Whiting manufactory ; 1 
 Glass factory and 1 Furnace for casting iron. The 
 manufacture of Hats is conducted on a large scale 
 in this place. 
 
 In the year 1703, a survey was made of " Broock- 
 lands improveahle lands and meadows within fence,'' 
 and the same was found to amount to 5177 acres. 
 At that period the greatest holder of that descrip- 
 tion of land was Simon Aersen, who owned 200 
 acres. In 17<Ki, all the real and personal estates of 
 the town of Brooklyn were assessed at £3122 12s. 
 Od. The tax on which was £41 3s. 7£d and the 
 whole tax on the county £201 16s. l£d. In 1707, the 
 real and personal estates of this town assessed at 
 £3091 lis Od, The government tax on which, was 
 for the same year £116 7s 3d, payable in two 
 payments ; and the whole tax (if the county £'41s ."» 
 7d. The present year, the real estate in this town 
 was assessed at $2,111,390. And the personal es- 
 tate at $488,690 ; being considerably more than 
 one half of the whole value of the county. The 
 State, county and town tax on which amounts to 
 $6,497 71. At this period there are in the village 
 114D taxable persons, and the village tax amounts 
 to $2625 7<>, averaging about £:> 29, each taxable 
 person. This village tax includes $450 raised to 
 meet the expenses of the Board of Health, and is 
 exclusive of all local assessments for ojiening and 
 improving streets. Arc. 
 
 The receipts of the overseers of the poor of this 
 town for the year 1S23, amounted to $3108 77, and 
 their expenditures to $3169 4!», leaving a balance 
 of §300 72 against the town. 
 
91 
 
 On the 22d of March, 1823, there were 54 per- 
 sons in the Alms-house ; 51 persons were admitted 
 during the year ending March 30, 1824. During 
 the same period, 34 were discharged, and 10 died. 
 March 30, 1824, there were in the Alms-house 40 
 persons, viz. 11 men, 16 women, 5 girls, and 8 
 boys. In the winter of 1823-4, 93 loads of wood 
 were distributed from this institution among the 
 poor of the town.(' 26 ) 
 
 April 21, 1701, a piece of land about 100 feet 
 square, lying within the present bounds of the vil- 
 lage of Brooklyn, was sold for £75, " current 
 money of the Province of New- York." 1720 a 
 dwelling-house and lot of ground containing 62 
 feet front, 61 feet rear, and 111 feet deep, near the 
 ferry, on the north-east side of what is now called 
 Fulton-street, sold for £260, " current money of 
 New- York. In the year 17S4, all the property 
 owned by the Corporation of the City of New- York 
 in this town was assessed at £365, New- York cur- 
 rency ; which property is now worth $50,000 at the 
 lowest calculation. 
 
 August 30, 1701. John Bybon sold to Cornelius 
 Vunderhove, for £37 10s, the one equal half part 
 of a brewhouse, situate at Bedford, in the town of 
 Brookland, fronting the highway leading from Bed- 
 ford to Cripplebush ; together with one equal half 
 part of all the brewing vessels, &c. 
 
 In 1685, a Windmill was erected in this town by 
 John Vannise and Peter Hendricks, for Michael 
 Ilainell. There is great reason to believe that this 
 was the first mill erected in \h\> town. August 19, 
 16S9, an agreement was entered into between Cor- 
 nelius Seberingh of Brookland, and John Marsh of 
 East Jersey, relative to building a water mill on 
 
 (25) The town is now erecting a ver)' neat building for an Alms- 
 house, on the property lately purchased from Leffert Lefferts, Escjr. 
 
92 
 
 Graver's kill in this town. At present there are in 
 this town seven water mills and two wind mills. — 
 From February 16, 1823, to February 15, 1824, 
 5825 barrels of superfine flour, 260 barrels of tine 
 flour, and 124 hogsheads of corn meal were inspect- 
 in this county, The must, if not all of which flour 
 and meal was manufactured at the mills in this 
 place. 
 
 May 1661, Charles Debevoice was recommend- 
 ed by Gov. Stuyvesant as a suitable person for 
 schoolmaster of this town, and also for clerk and 
 sexton of the church, who was employed and re- 
 ceived a good salary. 
 
 Immediately previous to the Revolutionary war, 
 that part of the town of Brooklyn which is now 
 comprised in the bounds of the village, and for 
 some distance without those bounds, supported but 
 one school, of 19 scholars, five of whom were out 
 of the family of Mr. Andrew Patchen. The school- 
 house was situated on the hill, on property which 
 was then owned by Israel Horstield, but now be- 
 longs to the heirs of Carey Ludlow, deceased. — 
 The teacher was Benjamin Brown, a staunch whig 
 from Connecticut. 
 
 District School, No. 1. This school was organ- 
 ized at a public meeting, held Jan. 2, 1816, at which 
 meeting Andrew Mercein, John Seaman, and Ro- 
 bert Snow were elected trustees, and John Dough- 
 ty clerk of the school. The trustees were appointed 
 a committee to ascertain a proper site for building 
 a school-house, and report the probable expense 
 thereof. At a meeting held January 12, 1816, the 
 trustees reported that they could purchase four lots 
 of ground on Concord street, of Mr. Noah Water- 
 bury, for $550. The meeting thereupon resolved. 
 
93 
 
 that " the sum of $2000 should be raised by tax on 
 the inhabitants of the said district, to purchase said 
 lots and to build a school-house thereon;" and 
 that in the mean time the " Loisian school be the 
 common school of the said district;" and that 
 " the trustees of the district be authorized to exon- 
 erate from the payment of teacher's wages all such 
 poor and indigent persons as they shall think pro- 
 per, pursuant to the act of the legislature ; " and 
 that "it be recommended by this meeting, that the 
 common school to be taught in this district, be on 
 the Lancastrian plan of instruction." 
 
 In the school of this district, which includes the 
 village of Brooklyn, upwards of 200 children are 
 taught. The price of tuition does not exceed four 
 dollars per annum, and from that amount down to 
 nothing, in proportion to the abilities of the pa- 
 rent. The school District Xo 1, at present con- 
 tains 1007, children between the ages of 5 and 15 
 years, of whom 1157 go to the public or private 
 schools. 
 
 In 1821, there were eight private schools in the 
 village of Brooklyn. 
 
 In 1823 the town received from the state $4-18 13 
 for the support of common schools. 
 
 The present officers connected with the common 
 schools of the town are — 
 
 Commissioners. Jordan Coles, Robert Nichols, 
 Josiah Noyes. 
 
 Inspectors. Charles I. Doughty, Evan Beynon, 
 Robert Snow. 
 
 Trustees of District Srhnol ]\ T o. 1. William 
 Cornwell, Joseph Sprague, Charles I. Doughty. — 
 Gierke, Ralph Malbone. 
 
 J\ T ewsjMj>< /'.v. 
 
 Four newspapers have been published in this 
 town in the following chronological order; 
 
94 
 
 June 26, 1799. The first number of the " Cou- 
 rier, and New-York and Long-Island Advertiser," 
 published by Thomas Kirk, Esq. This was the 
 first newspaper established on Long-Island." 
 
 May 26, 1806. The first number of the " Long 
 Island Weekly Intelligencer, published by Mess'rs. 
 Robinson and Little. 
 
 June 1, 1809. The first number of the " Lons 
 Island Star." published by Thomas Kirk, Esq. 
 
 March 7, 1821. The first number of the " Long 
 Island Patriot," published by Geo. L. Birch, Esq. 
 
 In the month of November, 1810, proposals were 
 issued by Benjamin F. Cowdrey, & Co. for estab- 
 lishing in Brooklyn a weekly newspaper, to be en- 
 titled "The Long-Island Journal, and American 
 Freeman." For some reason unknown to the com- 
 piler this paper was Tint published. 
 
 During the month of May, 1820, Brockholst 
 Livingston, jun. issued proposals for publishing a 
 weekly newspaper in this village, to be entitled the 
 " Long Island Republican." Not meeting with 
 sufficient encouragement, this attempt was aban- 
 doned. 
 
 The only two papers now in existence in this 
 town, are " The Star," JJ published by Alden Spoon- 
 er, Esq. and the " Long Island Patriot, " KK by George 
 L. Birch, Esq, 
 
 M<>r<il Character. 
 
 It is a delicate subject for a writer to treat of the 
 morals of a people among whorn he is a resident, 
 lest by telling the truth too plainly, he awaken un- 
 pleasant feelings in the breasts of some whom per- 
 haps he would not wish to offend. On the other 
 hand, if glaring faults are slightly passed over, or 
 palliated, it calls down on his devoted head all the 
 envenomed attacks of malicious criticism. The 
 
95 
 
 compiler, however, flatters himself that neither will 
 be the case in this instance. 
 
 The people of Brooklyn, it is true, cannot he 
 considered as rigid in religions matters as the saints 
 of Oliver Cromwell's army, whose very cannon had 
 on the inscription of ".O, Lord, open thou our lips, 
 and our mouth shall shew forth thy praise ! " But 
 they are far from being irreligious ; the churches 
 are well tilled, religious societies are liberally sup- 
 ported, vice discountenanced ; and for the more 
 effectual suppression thereof, in 1815, a society for 
 the suppression of vice and immorality was formed, 
 consisting of many of the most respectable inhabit- 
 ants of the town. By the exertions of our Sunday 
 school societies, attached to the different congrega- 
 tions, the morals of the younger part of the com- 
 munity have been greatly reformed ; and it is high- 
 ly gratifying to observe the improvement made in 
 the general morals, of the town, in consequence of 
 their benevolent exertions. 
 
 FIRE DEPARTMENT. 
 
 Although this might with some propriety be pla- 
 ced under the head of Piiblic Institution*, the com- 
 piler has thought proper to make it ahead of itself; 
 and he hopes that the following few historical facts 
 relative to this valuable department, may lie useful 
 to such as feel an interest in its progression and 
 improvement. 
 
 By an act passed by the legislature of this state. 
 March 15, 1788, "for the better extinguishing of 
 fires in the town of Brooklyn," the number of fire- 
 men was limited to eight, who were nominated and 
 appointed by the freeholders and inhabitants of the 
 fire district, which was comprised within nearly the 
 same bounds with the present village. 
 
96 
 
 In the year 1794 the sum of £188 19s. 10d. was 
 raised by subscription in this town, for purchasing 
 a fire engine. On the 24th March in the following 
 year, an act was passed by the legislature " for the 
 better extinguishing of tires" in this town; by 
 which act the number of firemen was increased to 
 thirty. 
 
 1796. The sum of £49 4s was raised by sub- 
 scription for purchasing " a suitable bell for the 
 use of the town of Brooklyn." This is the present 
 fire hell. 
 
 March 21, 17'.»7, an act was passed by the legis- 
 lature " for the prevention of fires, and for regula- 
 ting the assize of bread, in the town of Brooklyn." 
 This act authorised the inhabitants to choose not 
 less than three nor more than five freeholders, who 
 might from time to time make such prudential by- 
 laws as they judged necessary, for the prevention 
 of tires by the burning of chimneys, and for sweep- 
 ing and otherwise cleansing the same. The inhab- 
 itants accordingly met on the second Tuesday of 
 May, in the same year, and appointed Mess'rs. 
 Henry Stanton, John Doughty, Martin lioeruni. 
 John Van Nostrand, and John Fisher, to carry into 
 effect the provisions of the above aet. In the exe- 
 cution of which duty the persons so appointed or- 
 dained, that from and after the 11th day of July, 
 1797, a fine of ten shillings should be levied on each 
 person whose chimney should take fire through 
 carelessness, or be set on fire for the purpose of 
 cleansing ; and that " all penalties shall be received 
 and recovered by the clerk of the fire company for 
 the time being, it' lie lie one of the persons so cho- 
 sen ; if not, the said persons elected shall nominate 
 and appoint one of their number to serve for and 
 receive in the same manner that the clerk is at pre- 
 sent authorized." From 1798 to August 6, 1806, 
 the sum of £20 7s. was received for chimney fines. 
 
97 
 
 For aci msiderable length of time, this town had but 
 one small tire engine ; they subsequently purchased 
 another, which was called No. 2. About 1810, 
 No. 3. now styled the " Franklin," was purchased 
 by the inhabitants of the Fire District. The Fire 
 Department of the village at present consists of four 
 Fire Engines (of which three are new, namely, Nos. 
 1, 2, and 4,) and a Hunk and Ladder Company, viz. 
 
 No. 1, " Washington," full complement 30 men 
 Foreman, Joshua Sutton. 
 
 No. 2, " Neptune," full complement 30 men, 
 Foreman, Gamaliel King. 
 
 No. 3, " Franklin," full complement 30 men 
 Foreman, Jeremiah Wells. 
 
 No. 4, " Eagle," full complement 30 men. Fore- 
 man, George Fricke. 
 
 Hook and Ladder Company, full complement 
 30 men, Foreman, John Smith." 
 
 There are also in the Navy Yard, two excellent 
 Fire Engines, well manned, and which, together 
 with those from New- York, generously come to our 
 assistance when ever our place is visited by that 
 dreadful calamity, tire. 
 
 The receipts of the Fire Department, from 1794 
 to 1815, amounted to £898 Ins. i,|. and the ex- 
 penditures from July 7. 1795, to November 15 
 
 1816, amounted to £964 :is. 3d. 
 
 The office of Clerk and Treasurer of the Fire 
 Department of this town, was held by John Hicks, 
 Esq. until 1796 ; at which time Join, Doughty, Esq! 
 was appointed, who held that office until the incor- 
 poration of the village in IMC, when he was ap- 
 pointed Chief Engineer of the Fire Department of 
 the village, which office he held for one year. In 
 
 1817, William Furman, Esq. was appointed Chief 
 Engineer, and officiated in that capacity until 1821 
 when, on the resignation of Mr. Furman, John 
 
 9 
 
98 
 
 Doughty, Esq. was again appointed, and continues 
 to hold the office. The present officers of the Fire 
 Department are, 
 
 John Doughty, Chief Engineer. 
 
 Firr Wardens. Joseph Moser, Edward Coope, 
 Joseph Sprague. 
 
 April Ki. 1823, an act was passed by the Legis- 
 lature of this state to incorporate the firemen of 
 this village, by the name of the " Fire Department 
 of the Village of Brooklyn." The act allows this 
 corporation to hold, purchase, and convey any estate, 
 real or personal for the use of the corporation ; pro- 
 vided such real or personal estate shall not at any 
 time exceed the yearly value of $1000. The fol- 
 lowing officers were appointed by the act of incor- 
 poration, viz. 
 
 John Doughty, President. 
 Joshua Sutton, Vice-President. 
 Richard Cornwell, Secretary. 
 
 Trustees. Jeremiah Wells, Morris Simonson, 
 Michael Trapple, Joseph Moser, George Fricke, 
 Gamaliel King, Simeon Back, Parshall Wells, 
 George L. Birch. 
 
 The laudable object proposed by this institution, 
 is t<> raise a fund for the relief of widows and chil- 
 dren of deceased firemen. 
 
 By an amendment to the act of Incorporation of 
 the village of Brooklyn, passed April 9, 1824, it is 
 provided, " That all tines and penalties under any 
 by-law of the said village, in relation to the burn- 
 ing of chimneys, and for the preventing and extin- 
 guishing of tires, and also, all lines and penalties 
 either under such by-laws, or under any statute of 
 this state, in relation to the manner of keeping and 
 transporting gun-powder within the said village, 
 shall be sued for in the name of the said Trustees, 
 (of the village of Brooklyn) by the fire department 
 
99 
 
 of the said village, and when recovered shall be paid 
 to the said fire department, for their own use." 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS. 
 
 June 7, 1625, Sarah De Bapalje, born in this 
 town. Tradition says that she was the first white 
 child born in the colony. Her parents were Wal- 
 loons; from whence is derived the name of Walla- 
 boght, or Walloons Bay, where they lived.( !e ) She 
 was twice married. Her first husband was Hans 
 Hanse Bergen, by whom she had six children, viz. 
 Michael Hanse, Joris Hanse, Jan Hanse, Jacob 
 Hanse, Brechje Hanse, and Marytje Hanse. Her 
 second husband was Tennis Guysbertse Bogart, by 
 whom she also had six children, viz. Aurtie Bogart, 
 Antje Bogart, Neeltje Bogart, Aultje Bogart, Oate- 
 lyntje Bogart, and Gnysbert Bogart. The account 
 of Sarah De Rapelje in the archives of the New- 
 York Historical Society contains the names of the 
 persons to whom eleven of her children were mar- 
 ried, and tells the places where they settled. The 
 twelfth, Brechje Hanse went to Holland. LL 
 
 March 1, 1665, Hendrick Lubbertson and John 
 Evertsen, appeared as deputies from the town of 
 Brooklyn, at the Assembly convened at Hemp- 
 stead, by order of Richard Nicolls, Deputy Gover- 
 nor under the Duke of York ; at which assembly 
 the code of laws called the " Duke's Laws " were 
 adopted and published. In the appendix marked 
 E. will be found the address which these deputies, 
 together with the others, sent to the Duke of York ; 
 and which occasioned so much excitement in the 
 Colony at that period. 
 
 (26) The first settlement in this town was made by George Jansen 
 De Rapalje, the father of Sarah in 1625, on the farm which is now own- 
 ed by the family of the Schencks at the Wal'aboght.^ 1 
 
100 
 
 1671, This town, with five other towns in the 
 West Riding of Yorkshire upon Long-Island, peti- 
 tioned the Court of Sessions " for liberty to trans- 
 port wheate," which petition was referred to the 
 Governor. 
 
 16S7. The Clerk's office of Kings County was kept 
 in this town, by the Deputy Register, Jacob Van- 
 dewater, who was also a Notary Public in this town 
 at the same period. The Register, Samuel Bay- 
 ard, Esq. resided in the city of New-York. 
 
 About the year 1691, there was a custom pre- 
 valent in this town of calling a widow the " last 
 wife" of her deceased husband ; and a widower the 
 " last man " of his deceased wife. 
 
 The following is an Inventory of the estate which 
 a bride in this town brought with her to her hus- 
 band in the year 1691. The husband by various 
 records appears to have been a man of considerable 
 wealth; notwithstanding which, the following in- 
 ventory was thought by both of them, of sufficient 
 importance to merit being recorded, viz. 
 
 " A half worn bed, pillow, 2 cushions of ticking 
 with feathers, one rug, 4 sheets, 4 cushion covers, 
 2 iron potts, 3 pewter dishes, 1 pewter bason, 1 iron 
 roaster, 1 sehuryn spoon, 2 cowes about five yeares 
 old, 1 case or cupboard, 1 table." 
 
 November 12, 1695, the Court of Sessions for 
 Kings County, ordered that the Constable of this 
 towns, '• shall on Sunday or Sabbathday take law 
 for the apprehending of all Sabbath breakers," and 
 " search all ale houses, taverns and other suspected 
 places for all prophaners and breakers of the Sab- 
 bath daye," and bring them before a Justice of the 
 Peace to be dealt with according to law. Tins was 
 to be done by the Constable under the penalty of 
 six shillings for each neglect or default. 
 
101 
 
 The same Court also made an order, " that Mad 
 James be kept by Kings County in General, and 
 that the deacons of each towne within the said coun- 
 ty doe forthwith meet together and consider about 
 their propercons for maintainence of said James." 
 This is the first instance which has come to the 
 compiler's knowledge of the Court making an order 
 for the county generally to support a pauper. 
 
 In the year 1758, the sum of £122 ISs. 7d. was 
 assessed in two assessments, by the Justices of the 
 Peace, on this town, towards building " a new 
 Court house and gaol " for Kings County. The 
 whole amount assessed on the County was £448 
 4s. Id. 
 
 The present Court house of Kings County, was 
 built by contract in the year 1702, at an expense 
 of $2944, 71, under the superintendence of John 
 Vanderbilt, Johannes E. Lott, and Charles Dough- 
 ty, Esq'rs. The contractor was Thomas Fardon, 
 and plans were furnished for the building by Messrs. 
 Stanton and Newton, and James Robertson. (* ') I ™ 
 
 (*27) In 1700 tbe Court House was let to James Simson for one year, 
 at L3 "in money." In this agreement, "the Justices reserved for 
 themselves tbe Chamber in the said house, called the Court Chamber, 
 at the time of their publique Sessions, Courts of Common Pleas, and 
 private meetings ; as also the room called the prison for the use of the 
 Sheriff, if he hath occasion for it." 
 
 9* 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 A. 
 
 Deed from William Morris and wife to the Corporation 
 of yew-York. 
 
 This Indenture made the twelfth day of October, in 
 the sixth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord and 
 Lady William and Mary, by the grace of God, of En- 
 gland, Scotland, France, and Ireland, King and Queen, 
 defenders of the faitb, etc. and in the year of our Lord 
 one thousand six hundred and ninety-four, between Wil- 
 liam Morris, now of the ferry, in the bounds of the 
 town of Breuchlen, in Kings County, on Long-Island, 
 Gentleman, and Rebecca his wife of the one part, and 
 tin Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the City of 
 New-York, of the other part, Witnesseth, that the said 
 William Morris, by and with the consent of Rebecca 
 hi- -aid wife, testified by her being a party to the seal- 
 ing and delivery of these presents, for, and in consider- 
 ation of a certain sum of g'>od and lawful money to him, 
 at and before tbe sealing and delivery hereof, by the 
 said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty, in hand well 
 and truly paid, the receipt whereof he the said William 
 Mollis doth hereby acknowledge, and thereof and there- 
 from and of and from all and every part thereof, he 
 doth hereby acquit, exonerate and discharge the -aid 
 Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty, and their succes- 
 sors forever, hath granted, bargained, sold, as^io-ned, 
 conveyed and confirmed, and by these presents doth 
 grant, bargain, sell, assign, convey and confirm unto 
 the said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the said 
 city of New-York, and their successors forever, All that 
 messuage or dwelling house and lot of ground there- 
 unto adjoining and belonging, with the appurtenances, 
 situate, lying and being at the ferry, in the bounds of 
 the town of Breucklen, in Kings County aforesaid, now 
 aud late in the possession of him, the said William 
 
103 
 
 Morris; as also one small house, now in the possession 
 of one Thomas Hock, lying in the said City of New- 
 York, over against the ferry aforesaid, Together with all 
 and singular houses, barns, stables, yards, backsides, 
 wharfs, easements, benefits, emoluments, hereditaments, 
 and appurtenances to the same messuage or dwelling 
 house and premises belonging, or in any wise apper- 
 taining, and the reversion and reversions, remainder and 
 remainders, rents, issues, and profits of all and singular 
 the premisses and the appurtenances, and all the estate, 
 right, title interest, property, possession, claim and de- 
 mand of him the said William Morris and Rebecca his 
 said wife, of, in, unto or out of the said messuage, or 
 dwelling house and premises, or, of, in, unto, or out of, 
 all or any part or parcel thereof, and all and singular 
 grants, deeds, escripts, minuments, writings and evi- 
 dences, touching, relating to or concerning the above- 
 mentioned, to be bargained, messuage or dwelling house 
 and all and singular, the premises with the heredita- 
 ments and appurtenances to the same belonging, or any 
 part thereof, unto the said Mayor, Aldermen and Com- 
 monalty of the City of New-York, aforesaid, and their 
 successors unto the only proper use, benefit and behoof 
 of the said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the 
 City of New- York aforesaid, their successors and assigns 
 forever. In witness, ifcc. (28) 
 
 A Warrant for enforcing the payment of a town tax in 
 
 the town of Broohlyn. 
 
 Whereas there was an order or towne lawe by the 
 
 ffreeholders of the towne of Brooklyn, in Kings County 
 
 aforesaid, the 5th day of May, 1701, ffor constituting 
 
 (28) The above deed to the Corporation of New-York did not extend 
 to the River. January 15, 1717, Samuel Garritsen, of Gravesend, quit- 
 claimed to David Aorsen of Brooklyn, all his right and title to a piece 
 of land, " lying next to the house and land belonging to the City of New- 
 York, bounded north-west bv the River, south-east by the bighwav that 
 goes to the ferry, sonth-west by the house and land belonging to the 
 City of New-York, and north-east by the house and land belonging to 
 the said John Rapalje, containing one acre be the same more or less." 
 On the 16th day of the same month, David Aersen sold this propertv to 
 Gerrit Harsum of New- York, Gunsmith, for the sum of £108 current 
 money of New-York. 
 
104 
 
 and appointing of Trustrees to defend tlie lights of 
 their quondam common wood lands, and to raise a tax 
 ffor the same to defray the charge of that and theire 
 towne debts, &c. which said lawe has bin since ffurtln-r 
 confirmed by said ffreeholdcrs at a towne meeting at 
 Bedford, the 11th of Aprill, 1702, and since approved 
 of and confirmed by a Court of Sessions, held at Fflat- 
 bush, in said County the 13th day of May, 1702. And 
 whereas by virtue of said lawe, a certaine small tax was 
 raised on the (freeholders in said towne proportionally 
 to defray the charges aforesaid : And now upon com- 
 plaint of the said Trustees to us made, that A. B. has 
 refused to pay his juste and due proporcon of said tax 
 wch amounts to L\ 16s 0d, current money of New- 
 York. These are therefore in her Majesty's name, to 
 command you to summons A. B. personally to be and 
 appeare before us, &c, then and there to answer C. D. 
 E. F. Trustees of said towne of Brooklin, in an action 
 of tresspass on the case, to the damage of the said C. D. 
 E. F. L\ 16s Od, current money as aforesaid, as it is 
 said, and have with you then there this precept. Giv- 
 en, &c. 
 
 B. 
 
 Brookland, November 14th, 1753. A Town meeting 
 called by warrant of Carel Debevois, Esq. and Jacobus 
 Debevois, Esq. two of his Majesty's Justices for the 
 township of Brookland, in the County of Kings, to elect 
 and chuse Trustees to defend our Patent of Brookland 
 against the Commonalty of the City of New-York. — 
 And the Trustees so elected and chosen by the free- 
 holders and inhabitants of the township of Brookland 
 aforesaid, are as follows: Jacobus Lefferts, Peter Van- 
 dervoort, Jacob Bemsen, Kern Remsen, and Nicholas 
 Vechte. And we the hereunder subscribers being free- 
 holders and inhabitants of the township of Brookland, by 
 these presents do fully impower and authorize the 
 abovesaid Trustees, Jacobus Lefferts, Peter Vande- 
 voort, Jacob Remsen, Rem Remsen, and Nicholas 
 Vechte, elected and chosen by the freeholders and in- 
 habitants of the toyvnship of Brookland aforesaid, to de- 
 
105 
 
 fend our patent where in any manner our liberties, pri- 
 vileges and rights in our patent specified is incroached, 
 lessened or taken away by the Commonalty of the City 
 of New York. And that we hereunder subscribers of 
 the township of Brookland, oblige ourselves, our heirs 
 executors and administrators to pay to the abovesaid 
 Trustees, all cost that they are at in protecting of the 
 profits of our patent, and that money shall be collected 
 in by the constable of our town. And that the above- 
 said Trustees do oblige themselves to render upon oath 
 a true account of all such moneys they have expended 
 in protecting or defending our patent, to any person or 
 persons, as the hereunder subscribers shall appoint for 
 that purpose. And in defending our patent so that ver- 
 dict shall come in our favour, where income of money 
 or other profits should arise concerning the premises, 
 all such profits or income should be kept towards de- 
 fraying of all the necessary cost and charge of our town- 
 ship of Brookland, till such time as it is altered by the 
 majority. And that the Trustees should have 'three 
 shillings per day for their service and no more. 
 
 The Petition of Volkert Brier. 
 
 To his Excellency. — The humble peticon of Vol- 
 kert Brier, inhabitant of the towne of Broockland on 
 the Island of Nassau. 
 
 May it please your Excellency your petitioner being 
 fined five pound last Court of Sessions, in Kings Coun- 
 ty for tearing an execucon directed to him as Constable. 
 Your peticoner being ignorant of the crime, and not 
 thinking it was of force when he was out of his office 
 or that he should have made returne of it as the lawe 
 directs, he being an illiterate man could not read said <x- 
 ecucon nor understand any thing of lawe: humbly prays 
 yr Excellency yt you would be pleased to remit said 
 fine of five pounds, yr peticoner being a poore man and 
 not capaciated to pay said fine without great damage 
 to himself and family. And for yr Excellecy yr peti- 
 coner will ever pray, &c. 
 
106 
 
 D. 
 
 A Litter from Justice Ffilkin to the Secretary at 
 JVew- York. 
 
 Sir, — I am in expectation of a complaint coming to 
 his Excellency by Coll. Beeckman against me, and that 
 his Excellency may be rightly informed of the matter, 
 my humble request to you is, that if such a thing hap- 
 pen, be pleased to give his Excellency an account there- 
 of, which is as follows : A Ffriday night last, the Jus- 
 tices of the County and I came from his Excellency's; 
 Coll. Beeckman happened to come over in the fferry 
 boat along with us, and as we came over the fferry, 
 Coll. Beeckman and we went into the fferry house to 
 drink a glass of wine, and being soe in company, there 
 happened a dispute between Coll. Beeckman and my- 
 self, adout his particular order that he lately made to 
 Mr. Ffreeman, when he was President of the Councill, 
 without the consent of the Councill; Coll. Beeckman 
 stood to affirm there, before most of the Justices of 
 Kings County, that said order, that he made then to 
 Mr. Ffreeman as President only, was still in fforce, and 
 that Mr. Ffreeman should preach at Broockland next 
 Sunday according to that order; whereupon I said it 
 was not in fforce, but void and of noe effect, and he had 
 not in this County, any more power now than I have, 
 being equall in commission with him in the general 
 commission of the peace and one of the quorum as well 
 as he; upon which he gave me affronting words, giv- 
 ing me the lie and calling me pittimll fellow, dog, 
 rogue, rascall, ifcc. which caused me, being overcome 
 with passion, to tell him that I had a good mind to knock 
 him off his horse, we being both at that time getting 
 upon our horses to goe home, but that I would not goe, 
 I would fight him at any time with a sword. I could 
 wish that these last words had bin kept in, and I am 
 troubled that I was soe overcome with passion and in- 
 flamed with wine. The works of these Dutch minis- 
 ters is the occasion of all our quarrells.(28) And this 
 
 (28) The compiler congratulates his fellow citizens on the extinction 
 of those national auimosities which in former times existed hetween the 
 Dutch and English iu this our happy country. We may now truly ask 
 with Sterne, "are we not all relations?" 
 
107 
 
 is the truth of the matter, there was no blows offered, 
 nor noe more done. Mr. Ffreeman has preached at 
 Broockland yesterday accordingly, and the church doore 
 was broke open, by whom it is not yet knowne. Soe I 
 beg your pardon ffor this trouble, crave your favour in 
 this matter, and shall alwayes remaine. 
 
 Sir, your ffaithfu! and humble servant, 
 
 H. FFILKIN. 
 
 [E] 
 
 The Address of the Deputies, asstmbled at Hempstead. 
 
 We the deputies duly elected from the several towns 
 upon Long-Island, being assembled at Hempstead, in 
 general meeting, by authority derived from your royal 
 highness unto the honorable Colonel Nicolls, as deputy 
 governor, do most humbly and thankfully acknowledge 
 to your royal highness, the great honor and satisfaction 
 we receive in our dependence upon your royal highness 
 according to the tenor of his sacred majesty's patent, 
 granted the 12th day of March, 1664; wherein we ac- 
 knowledge ourselves, our heirs and successors forever, 
 to be comprised to all intents and purposes, as therein 
 is more at large expressed. And we do publickly and 
 unanimously declare our cheerful submission to all such 
 laws, statutes and ordinances, which are or shall be 
 made by virtue of authority from your royal highness, 
 your heirs and successors forever : As also, that we 
 will maintain, uphold, and defend, to the utmost of our 
 power, and peril of us, our heirs and successors forever, 
 all the rights, title, and interest, granted by his sacred 
 majesty to your royal highness, against all pretensions 
 or invasions, foreign or domestic ; we being already 
 well assured, that, in so doing, we perform our duty of 
 allegiance to his majesty, as freeborn subjects of the 
 kingdom of England inhabiting in these his majesty's 
 dominions. We do further beseech vour royal' high- 
 ness to accept of this address, as the first fruits in this 
 general meeting, for a memorial and record against us, 
 our heirs and successors, when we or any of them shall 
 fail in our duties. Lastly we beseech your royal high- 
 
108 
 
 ness to take our poverties and necessities, in this wilder- 
 ness country, into speedy consideration ; that, by con- 
 stant supplies of trade, and your royal highnesses more 
 particular countenance of grace to us, and protection of 
 us, we may daily more and more be encouraged to be- 
 stow our labors to the improvement of these his majes- 
 ty's western dominions, under your royal highness; for 
 whose health, long life, and eternal happiness, we shall 
 ever pray, as in duty bound. 
 
 List of the Deputies. 
 
 New-Utrecht 
 
 Gravesend 
 
 Flatlands 
 
 Flatbush 
 
 Bush wick 
 
 Brooklyn 
 
 Newtown 
 
 Flushing 
 
 Jamaica 
 
 Hempstead 
 
 Oysterbay 
 
 Huntington 
 
 Brookhaven 
 
 Southold 
 
 Southampton 
 
 Easthampton 
 
 Westchester 
 
 Jaques Cortelleau 
 James Hubbard 
 Elbert Elbertsen 
 John Striker 
 John Stealman 
 Hendrick Lubbertson 
 Richard Betts 
 Elias Doughty 
 Daniel Denton 
 John Hicks 
 John Underbill 
 Jonas Wood 
 Daniel Lane 
 William Wells 
 Thomas Topping 
 Thomas Baker 
 Edward Jessup 
 
 Younger Hope 
 John Bowne 
 Roeloffe Martense 
 Hendrick Gueksen 
 Gisbert Tunis 
 John Evertsen 
 John Coe 
 Richard Cornhill 
 Thomas Benedict 
 Robert Jackson 
 Matthias Harvey 
 John Ketcham 
 Roger Barton 
 John Youngs 
 John Howell 
 John Stratton 
 Quinby 
 
 The people of Long-Island considered the language 
 of this address as too servile for freemen ; and were 
 exasperated against the makers of it to such a decree 
 that the court of assizes, in order to save the deputies 
 from abuse, if not from personal violence, thought it 
 expedient, at their meeting in October 1666, to declare 
 that " whosoever hereafter shall any wayes detract or 
 speake against any of the deputies signing the address 
 to his royall highnes, at the general meeting at Hemp- 
 stead, they shall bee presented to the next court of ses- 
 sions, and if the justices shall see cause, they shall 
 
109 
 
 from thence bee bound over, to the assizes, there to 
 answer for the slander upon plaint or information." 
 
 The deputies subsequently to the address made to 
 the duke of York, made one to the people, in which 
 they set forth their reasons for agreeing to the code 
 stvled the duke's laws. 
 
 10 
 
APPENDIX, No. 2. 
 
 The following is a copy of the first charter by which 
 the corporation obtained any color of title to the land 
 between high and low water mark, on the Brooklyn side. 
 
 " Anne, by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, 
 France and Ireland, Queen, defender of the Faith, &c. 
 To all whom these presents may in any wise con- 
 cern, sendeth greeting. Whereas the mayor, alder- 
 men, and commonalty of the city of New-York, by their 
 petition to our trusty and well-beloved cousin Edward, 
 Viscount Cornbury,( 2 9 ) our captain general and go- 
 vernor in chief in and over our province of New-York, 
 and territories depending thereon in America, and Vice 
 Admiral of the same, «fcc. preferred in council ; therein 
 setting forth, that they having a right and interest, un- 
 der divers antient charters and grants, by divers former 
 governors and commanders in chief of our said province 
 of New-York,( 3 u ) under our noble progenitors, in a cer- 
 
 (*29) ''Lord Combury came to this province in very indigent circum- 
 stances, hunted out of England by a host of hungry creditor?, he was 
 bent on getting as much money as he could squeeze out of the purses of 
 an impoverished people." He was infamous for his "excessive avarice 
 his embezzlement of the public money, and his sordid refusal to pay his 
 private debts." Cornbury became so obnoxious to the inhabitants of 
 this province, that they sent a complaint to England against him. The 
 Queen in consequence of this complaint displaced him. "As soon as 
 his lordship was superseded, his ci editors threw him into the custody 
 of the sheriff of New- York."' See Smith's History of New- York. Such 
 was the mau from whom the corporation of .New-York obtained the 
 rights of the town of Brooklyn. 
 
 (30) These "divers former governors," &c. are limited to two, viz. 
 Nicolls, who in 1665 granted them a cnarter, if that may be strictly 
 called so, which only altered their form of government from scout, 
 burgomasters, and schepens, to mayor and aldermen, without a word 
 about ferries or water rights, or indeed any other matter— the original 
 of which paper is not in existence. There is nothing to warrant a be- 
 lief that there was a charter of any kind granted to the corporation 
 between Nicolls and Dongan, who is the second of these "divers for- 
 mer governors," &c. and who in 1686 granted them the ferry, (as is 
 mentioned in a former part of this work) with an express reservation as 
 to the rights of all others. The charter of Dongan, notwithstanding 
 all their pompous recitals, is the oldest they c-id produce, which in any 
 manner affects the interests of this town. 
 
Ill 
 
 tain ferry from the said city of New-York, over the East 
 River, to Nassau Island, (alias Loti^-lslaiicl ) and from 
 the said Island to the said city again, and have possess- 
 ed the same, and received all the profits benefits and 
 advantages thereof for the space of fifty years and up- 
 wards; and perceiving the profits, advantages, and be- 
 nefits usually issuing out of the same, to diminish, de- 
 crease, and fall short of what might be reasonably made 
 of the same, for the want of the bounds and limits to be 
 extended and enlarged on the said Island side, whereby 
 to prevent divers persons transporting themselves and 
 goods to and from the said Island Nassau (alias Long 
 Island) over the said river, without coming or landing 
 at the usual and accustomed places, where the ferry 
 boats are usually kept and appointed, to the great loss 
 and damage of the said city of New-York; have hum- 
 bly prayed our grant and confirmation, under the great 
 seal of our said province of New-York, of the said ferry, 
 called the Old Ferry, on both sides of the said East 
 River, for the transporting of passengers, goods, horses 
 and cattle, to and from the said city, as the same is now 
 held and enjoyed by the said mayor, aldermen and com- 
 monalty of the said city of New York, or their under 
 tenant, or under tenants ; and also of all that vacant 
 and unappropriated land, from high water mark to low 
 water mark, on the said Nassau Island (alias Long 
 Island] lying contiguous and fronting the said city of 
 New York, "from a certain place called the Wall-about, 
 unto the Red Hook, over against Nutten Island, for the 
 better improvement and accommodation of the said fer- 
 ry ; with full power, leave and license to set up, estab- 
 lish, maintain, and keep one or more ferry, or ferries, 
 for the ease and accommodation of all passengers and 
 travellers, for the transportation of themselves, goods, 
 horses and cattle, over the said river, within the bounds 
 aforesaid, as they shall see meet and convenient, and 
 occasion require ; and to establish, ordain and make, 
 bye laws, orders, and ordinances for the due and order- 
 ly regulation of the same : The which petition we be- 
 ing minded to grant, Know Ye, That of our especial 
 grace, certain knowledge and meer motion, we have 
 
112 
 
 given, granted, ratified and confirmed, and in and by 
 these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, we do 
 give, grant, ratify and confirm, unto the said mayor, al- 
 dermen and commonalty of the city of New-York, and 
 to their successors and assigns, all that the said ferry, 
 called the Old Ferry, on both sides of the said East Ri- 
 ver for the transportation of passengers, goods, horses 
 and cattle, over the said river, to and from the said city 
 and island, as the same is now used, held and enjoyed, 
 by the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the 
 city of New-York, or their under tenant or under ten- 
 ants, with all and singular the usual and accustomed 
 ferriage, fees, perquisites, rents, issues, profits, and 
 other benefits and advantages whatsoever, to the said 
 Old ferry belonging, or therewith used, or thereout 
 arising; and also all that the aforesaid vacant and un- 
 appropriated ground, lying and being on the said Nas- 
 sau Island (alias Long-Island) from high water mark 
 to low water mark aforesaid, contiguous and fronting 
 the said city of New- York, from the aforesaid place 
 called the AVallabout to Red Hook aforesaid ; that is to 
 say, from the east side of the Wallabout, opposite the 
 now dwelling house of James Bobine, to the west side 
 of the Red Hook, commonly called the Fishing-place, 
 with all and singular the appurtenances and heredita- 
 ments to the same belonging, or in an)' wise of right 
 appertaining; together with all and singular the rents, 
 issues, profits, advantages, and appurtenances, which 
 heretofore have, now are, ifc which hereafter shall belong 
 to the said ferry, vacant land, and premises, herein before 
 granted and confirmed, or to any or either of them, in 
 any wise appertaining, or which heretofore have been, 
 now are, and which hereafter shall belong, be used, 
 held, received, and enjoyed ; and all our estate, right, 
 title and interest, benefit and advantage, claim and de- 
 mand, of, in or to the said ferry, vacant land and premi- 
 ses, or anv part or parcel thereof, it the reversion <k rever- 
 sions, remainder and remainders; together with the year- 
 ly, and other rents, revenues and profits of the premises, 
 and of every part and parcel thereof, except and always 
 reserved out of this our present grant and confirmation, 
 
113 
 
 free liberty, leave .and license to and for all and every 
 person or persons, inhabiting or having plantations near 
 the said river, by the water side, within the limits and 
 bounds above mentioned, to transport themselves, goods, 
 horses, and eattle, over the said river, to and from the 
 said city of New-York, and Nassau Island (alias Long- 
 Island) to and from their respective dwellings or plant- 
 ations, without any ferriage, or other account to the 
 said ferry, hereby granted and confirmed, to be paid or 
 given ; so always as the said person or persons do 
 transport themselves only, and their own goods, in their 
 own boats only, and not any stranger or their goods, 
 horses or cattle, or in any other boat. To have and to 
 hold, all and singular the said ferry, vacant land and 
 premises, herein before granted and confirmed, or 
 meant, mentioned, or intended to be hereby granted 
 and confirmed (except as is herein before excepted) 
 and all and singular the rents, issues, profits, rights, 
 members and appurtenances, to the same belonging, or 
 in any wise of right appertaining, unto the said mayor, 
 aldermen and commonalty of the city of New-York, and 
 their successors aud assigns forever; to the only pro- 
 per use and behoof of the said mayor, aldermen, and 
 commonalty of the city of New-York, and their succes- 
 sors, and assigns forever ; to be holden of us, our heirs 
 and successors, in free and common soccage, as of our 
 manour of East-Greenwich, in the County of Kent, with- 
 in our kingdom of England ; yielding, rendering, and 
 paying unto us, our heirs and successors, for the same, 
 yearly, at our custom-house of New-York, to our col- 
 lector and receiver general there for the time being, 
 at or upon the feast of the nativity of St John the Bap- 
 tist, the yearly rent or sum of five shillings, current 
 money of New-York. And we do further, of our espe- 
 cial grace, certain knowledge and meer motion, for us, 
 our heirs and successors, give and grant unto the said 
 mayor, aldermen and commonalty, and their successors, 
 full and free leave and license to set up, establish, keep, 
 and maintain one or more ferry or ferries, as they shall 
 from time to time think fit and convenient, within the 
 limits and bounds aforesaid, for the ease and accommo- 
 
 10* 
 
114 
 
 elation of transporting of passengers, goods, horses and 
 cattle, between the said city of New-York and the said 
 Island (except as is herein before excepted) under such 
 reasonable rates and payments as have been usually 
 paid and received for the same ; or which at any time 
 hereafter, shall be by them established, by and with the 
 consent and approbation of our governor and council of 
 our said province, for the time being.( 3 ') And we do 
 further, of our especial grace, certain knowledge, and 
 meer motion, give, and grant unto the said mayor, al- 
 dermen, and commonalty of the city of New-York, and 
 their successors, full and absolute power and authority, 
 to make, ordain, establish, constitute and confirm, all 
 manner of by-laws, orders, rules, ordinances and direc- 
 tions, for the more orderly keeping, and regularly main- 
 taining the aforesaid terry that now is kept, or any fer- 
 rv or ferries which shall at any time or times hereafter, 
 be set up, established, or kept within the bounds afore- 
 said, by virtue hereof, or of, for, touching or concerning 
 the same, (so always as the same be not contrary to 
 our laws of England, and of our province of New-York) 
 and the same at all times hereafter to put in execution, 
 or abrogate, revoke, or change, as they in their good 
 discretion shall think fit, and most convenient, for the 
 due and orderly keeping, regulating and governing the 
 said ferry or ferries herein before mentioned. And 
 lastly, our will and pleasure is, and we do hereby de- 
 clare and grant, that these our letters patent, or the 
 record thereof, in the secretary's office of our said pro- 
 vince of New-York, shall be good and effectual in the 
 law, to all intents and purposes whatsoever, notwith- 
 standing the not true and well reciting or mentioning 
 of the premises, or any part thereof, or the limits and 
 bounds thereof, or of any former or other letters pa- 
 tents, or grants whatsoever, made or granted ; or of 
 any part thereof, by us, or any- of our progenitors, unto 
 auv person or persons whatsoever, bodies politic or 
 
 (31) The corporation of New -York appear to have abandoned the 
 right of regulating the rate of ferriage very early; for in 1717, nine 
 years after the date of this charter, an act was passed by the colonial 
 legislature for that purpose. 
 
115 
 
 corporate,( ss ) or any law or other restraint, incertain- 
 ty, or imperfection whatsoever, to the contrary in any 
 wise notwithstanding, and although express mention of 
 the true yearly value, or certainty of the premises, or 
 of any of them, or of any other gifts or grants by us or 
 by any of our progenitors, heretofore made to the said 
 mayor, aldermen, and commonalty of the city of New- 
 York, in these presents, is not made, or any other mat- 
 ter, cause, or thing whatsoever, to the contrary thereof 
 in any wise notwithstanding. In testimony whereof, 
 we have caused these our letters to be made patent, 
 and the seal of our said province of New-York, to our 
 said letters patent to be affixed, and the same to be re- 
 corded, in the secretary's office of our said province. — 
 Witness our right trusty and well-beloved cousin, Ed- 
 ward Viscount Cornbury, captain general and governor 
 in chief in and over our province of New-York afore- 
 said, and terrritories thereon depending in America, and 
 vice admiral of the same, &c. in council, at our Fort, 
 in New-York, the nineteenth day of April, in the seventh 
 year of our reign, Annoq. Domini one thousand seven 
 hundred and eight. CORNBUItY. 
 
 At the time of printing that part of this work un- 
 der the head of " Common lands and the division 
 thereof," the compiler was not aware of the exist- 
 ence of the following proceeding relating to the di- 
 vision of the said Lands, lie has therefore placed the 
 same in this appendix. 
 
 " At a towne meeting held this twentieth day c if 
 Aprill, 1697, at Bedford within the jurisdiction of 
 Broockland, in Kings County, upon the Island of 
 Nassau, Resolved by all the ffreeholders of the 
 towne of Broockland aforesaid, that all their com- 
 mon land not yet laid out or divided, belonging t<> 
 their whole patent shall be equally divided and laid 
 
 (32) This clause was undoubtedly inserted to obviate, if possible, 
 the claim under the two Brooklyn patents, both of which were many 
 years older than this charter. 
 
116 
 
 out to each ffreeholders of saide towne, his just pro- 
 porcon in all the common lands abovesaid, except 
 those that have but an house and a home lott, which 
 are only to have but half share of the lands afore- 
 said. And for the laying out of the said lands there 
 are chosen ami appointed by the ffreeholders above- 
 said, Capt. Henry Ffilkin, Jacobus Vanderwater, 
 Daniel Kapale, Joris Hansen, John Dorlant, and 
 Cornelius Vanduyne. It is further ordered that noe 
 men within tins township abovesaid, shall have pri- 
 viledge to sell his pari of the undivided lands of 
 Broockland not yet laid out, to any person living 
 without the township abovesaid. It is likewise 
 ordered, consented to, and agreed by the towne 
 meeting aforesaid, that Capt. Henry Ffilkin shall 
 have a full share with any or all the ffreeholders 
 aforesaid, in all the common land or woods in 
 the whole patent of the towne of Broockland 
 aforesaid, besides a half share for his home lott ; 
 To have and to hold to him, his heirs and 
 assigns forever. It is likewise ordered, that noe 
 person whatsoever within the common woods of the 
 jurisdicon of Brookland aforesaid, shall cutt or fall 
 any oake or chesnut saplings for fire wood during 
 the space of foure years from the date hereof upon 
 any of the said common lands or woods within the 
 jurisdicon of Broockland patent, upon the penalty 
 of six shillings in money, for every waggon load of 
 saplings abovesaid sue cutt, besides the forfeiture of 
 the wood or timber soe cutt as abovesaid, the one 
 half thereof to the informer, and the other half for 
 the use of the poor of the town of Broockland 
 aforesaid. 
 
 By order of the towne meeting aforesaid, 
 and Justice Henry Ffilkin, 
 Jacobus Vandewatek, Towne Clerk." 
 
ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 The Compiler liere closes his notes, and has only 
 to remark, that throughout the whole of this little 
 work, he has been less solicitous about his reputation 
 as an author, than a correct compiler. Studies of this 
 nature are but ill calculated to admit of a luxuri- 
 ance of diction or sentiment, and to these he has in 
 no place aspired. His business was to collect au- 
 thentic information concerning subjects at once ob- 
 scure and interesting, and in what degree he has 
 effected this object he leaves his readers to deter- 
 mine, feeling conscious himself, that however im- 
 perfectly he may have executed his design, his only 
 aim was the public good. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Page 
 
 Situation of the Town of Brooklyn, 5 
 
 Ancient Names and Remains, ------ 6 
 
 Soil and Climate, 7 
 
 Ancient Grants and Patents, ------ 8 
 
 Town Rights and Ferries, 21 
 
 Roads and Public Landing places ----- 36 
 
 Common Lands, and the Division thereof, 40 
 
 Differences as to Bounds, -.--.--. 46 
 
 Revolutionary Incidents, 50 
 
 Ancient Government, 55 
 
 Present Government, - - - 68 
 
 Public Buildings and Institutions, ----- 73 
 
 Schools, Newspapers and Moral Character, 92 
 
 Fire Department, •- 95 
 
 Miscellaneous, -- -99 
 
 Appendix, 102 
 
ILLUSTRATIVE NOTES. 
 
 A Jletowcas, a mis-print for Matowacs, or Matouwacks, the 
 earliest known Indian name of Long Island, and synonymous 
 with the more modern word Montauk. The letter a, in Flemish 
 has the sound of au in English ; thus ja, meaning " yes," was 
 pronounced by our early colonists as if spelled yau. It can easily 
 be understood, therefore, how, in the course of time, and by the 
 broad Dutch pronunciation, the original Matouwacks became 
 Montauk, which, from being originally the general name of the 
 whole Island, is now only applied to the eastern extremity of the 
 same. In the Map of Cornells Hendriekse's voyage, dated 
 1616, and discovered by Mr. Brodhead in the Archives of the 
 Hague, the eastern extremity of the Island is named Nahicans, 
 (or Mohegans,) showing that the earliest Dutch Navigators con- 
 sidered the Long-Island Indians as belonging to the Mohegan 
 race, which they already knew to inhabit the neighborhood of 
 Fort Orange (Albany) and the Connecticut territory. In this 
 supposition they were correct. But, at this time, as appears from 
 this map, Long-Island was supposed to be a collection of islands, 
 an error into which the early navigators, sailing along its north- 
 ern and southern shores, and seeing its numerous creeks, bays 
 and inlets — without any more intimate knowledge of the interior, 
 had quite naturally fallen. Subsequent investigation, however, 
 and a better acquaintance with the Island and its natives, cor- 
 rected this error ; and Long-Island, in subsequent maps of the 
 New-Netherlands, gradually assumes its natural and proper 
 appearance, emerging, in Vander Donek's Map of 1656, with 
 tolerably correct proportions, and the name of " Lange Eylandt, 
 alias Malouwacs." 
 
 B The Indian name of the territory of Brooklyn was Mery- 
 ckawick, or " the sandy place ; " from me, the article in the Al- 
 gonquin dialect ; reckvm, sand, and ick, locality. The name was 
 probably applied, at first, to the bottom land, or beach; and what 
 
11 
 
 i.s now Wallabout Bay, was formerly called " The boght of Ma- 
 reckawick." O'Callaghan supposes that the Indians who inhab- 
 ited that part of the present city of Brooklyn, derived their tribal 
 name from the bay ; but we are inclined to the opinion that the 
 appellation was by no means so limited, for the present name of 
 Rockaway, in another part of the county, seems to have the same 
 derivation. 
 
 c Corlelyou House. This building is still standing on the 
 west side of Fifth Avenue, near Fourth street, and on the east 
 side of the old Gowanus road. It is constructed mainly of stone 
 brick, the date of its erection, 1699, being indicated by iron fig- 
 ures secured to the outside of its gable. As near as can be ascer- 
 tained, Claes (or Nicholas) Adriaentse Van Vechten, an emigrant 
 from Norch, in the province of Drenthe, Holland, owned the plan- 
 tation on which the house is located, and probably erected the 
 building. Previous to, and about the period of, the American 
 Revolution, the property was owned by Nicholas Vechte, grand- 
 son of old Claes, the emigrant ; and in 1790, Nicholas R. Cowen- 
 hoven, one of his heirs, sold the house and a portion of the farm 
 to Peter J. Cortelyou, who resided on the premises until 1804, 
 when, unfortunately, having become insane, he committed suicide 
 by hanging himself from the limb of a pear tree in the orchard 
 adjoining the house. After his death, the property was divided 
 by his sons Adrian aud Jacques, the latter taking the portion on 
 which the old house was located, in which he resided until the 
 enhanced value of the property, caused by the rapid spread 
 of the city, induced him to dispose of it to parties who have 
 divided it into city lots. 
 
 In this connection we may as well refute the popular tradition 
 which states this house to have been the head-quarters of Gen- 
 erals Washington and Putnam prior to, or during the battle of 
 Long-Island. The fact is, that Washington's head-quarters were 
 in New-York ; and although he went over to Brooklyn after the 
 commencement of the unfortunate battle of Long-Island, on the 
 27th of August, 1776, there is no evidence or probability that he 
 went outside of the American lines, which extended from the 
 Wallabout to the Gowanus Mill-Creek. Putnam, also, had his 
 
Ill 
 
 head-quarters within the lines, near to the ferry. There was un- 
 doubtedly some fighting in the vicinity of this house, as one 
 writer says " the British had several field pieces stationed by a 
 brick house, and were pouring canister and grape on the Ameri- 
 cans crossing the Creek." This building, therefore, must be the 
 one referred to, as there was no other one, answering to the de- 
 scription, in the vicinity. 
 
 u This building stood on the west side of Fulton street, just 
 below Nassau, and was a large edifice, constructed of small brick, 
 said to have been brought from Holland. It was demolished in 
 1832, and was considered equally ancient with the Cortelyou or 
 Vechte house. 
 
 E A MSS. note by Jeremiah Johnson, Esq., on the margin of 
 this leaf, in his own copy of these " Notes," states that this house 
 was built by Jeremiah Remsen Vanderbeek, who came from Hol- 
 land in 1649, and settled at the Wallabout, where he married a 
 daughter of Jeronimus Rapelje. He also owned all the land on 
 the west side of Fulton street to old Fort Swift. The Middaghs, 
 Hickses, and Remsens inherited their property from this Jeremiah 
 Remsen Vanderbeek. 
 
 In the possession of Jacob Patchen it acquired a peculiar inter- 
 est in the history of the village and city of Brooklyn, which sub- 
 sequently grew up around it. It became necessary to run the 
 present Market street through his property, for which he was 
 offered a fair price, but refused to sell on any terms. Every per- 
 suasion, and all manner of strategy was used; but " old Leather 
 Breeches," as he was styled, refused to budge. Finally he was 
 put out by force, and his house removed to Jackson street (now 
 Hudson street,) where it still remains, although considerably 
 altered in appearance. Interminable law suits ensued, in which 
 Patchen, although repeatedly beaten, obstinately appealed from 
 court to court, until, at length, in the Court of Errors, he 
 received a favorable verdict. It did not profit him much, as 
 lawyers' fees had well nigh absorbed the large sum which was 
 awarded him for damages. In short, this laughable suit of 
 '.' Patchen vs. The Corporation," forms no inconsiderable part of 
 Brooklyn History. 
 
IV 
 
 He was indeed a most curious man — vain, obstinate, pragmati- 
 cal — with a reckless propensity to coin new words and phrases, 
 and otherwise to "murder the king's English," — which made him 
 the butt of ridicule and laughter — yet, withal, an honest, well- 
 meaning man. 
 
 F The tradition concerning the connection of Red Hook Point 
 with Governor's Island, and the fordable nature of Buttermilk 
 Channel, is completely dispelled by a view of Ratzer's Map of 
 New-York and a part of Long-Island, made in 1666-7. This 
 careful and accurate government survey, made by Bernard Ratz- 
 er, an Engineer Officer in the British Army, at about the period 
 which tradition ascribes to the passage of this channel, gives 
 three fathoms as the least depth ! The theory has been ad- 
 vanced by some, in support of this tradition, that the docks 
 erected along the New-York shore since the Revolution, have 
 gradually changed the current so as to sweep the intervening 
 meadows, and form a fordable creek from a deep, wide, and navi- 
 gable strait. No docks, however, until about 1741, were built 
 east of Wall street, which could have had the effect of diverting 
 the currents of the East River towards Buttermilk Channel. It 
 is well known to residents on the Brooklyn, as well as on other 
 shores of New-York Bay, that the loss by abrasion on its shores 
 is caused mainly by the waves during storms and high tides, and 
 very little, if any, by the ordinary currents. 
 
 G Ryder's Patent. Subsequent examination of the original 
 patent, together with other conclusive data, enables us to state 
 that this land was not within the limits of the town of Brooklyn; 
 but, that it was located in the territory then recently purchased 
 from the Indians by the West India Company, and which after- 
 wards formed the town of Bushwiek. Abraham Rycken, or de 
 Rycke, was the progenitor of the present Riker families in New- 
 York, New-Jersey, and other parts of the United States, and 
 probably emigrated to this country the same year in which he 
 received this grant. It may be worthy of mention here, that 
 Thompson, in his History of Long-Island, locates this grant at 
 Gowanus, which, of course, is incorrect. It is by no means prob- 
 able that he ever settled or improved his patent, for in 1642 he 
 
was a resident of New- Amsterdam, where most of his children 
 were baptized, and where he had a house and lot on what is now 
 Broad street. In 1654 he received a patent for land in Newtown, 
 where he resided until his death, in 1689. 
 
 H Jan Manje's patent extended from about the line of the 
 present Atlantic street to a little beyond Congress street. Andries 
 Hudde's patent extended from the north line of Manje's patent 
 along the river to the present Joralcmon street. Claes Janse 
 (von Naerden, and called, in his neighbor's patent, Claes Janse 
 Ruyter,) occupied the land now embraced between a line drawn 
 a little southerly of Congress street, and a line drawn between 
 Harrison and Degraw streets. It will be seen, therefore, that 
 these three patents, subsequently united in the possession of 
 Woortman, and by him sold, in 1706, to Remsen, comprised the 
 whole territory afterwards occupied by the Remsen and Philip 
 Livingston estates, Ralph Patchen, Cornelius Heeney, Parmenua 
 Johnson, and others. This entire tract, extending from Joralc- 
 mon to a little beyond Harrison street, and from Court, street to 
 the East River, now forms the most thickly settled, beautiful, and 
 wealthy portion of the city of Brooklyn. 
 
 The statement that they " were located near the ferry " is erro- 
 neous, unless we accept the equally erroneous statement on page 
 29, iu regard to the location of the " old ferry " — which will be 
 noticed more at length in Note I. 
 
 1 Although all succeeding historians have repeated this state- 
 ment of the first annalist of Brooklyn, concerning the location of 
 the ancient ferry, there is certainly not a particle of evidence to 
 sustain it. On the contrary, the map of the " Towue of Maima- 
 dos, or New-Amsterdam, as it was in September, 1661," recently 
 discovered by George H. Moore, Esq.— and which is the earliest 
 map extant of that town — clearly locates the " passage way " to 
 Long-Island, at or near the present Peck Slip. Dircksen, the 
 first known ferryman, also owned a farm near the same place, 
 and any one who reflects on the peculiar adaptation of the two 
 opposing shores at this place, will be convinced that the locality 
 we have named, and that only, was the place best suited to the 
 exigencies of the row-boat navigation of that dav. 
 
VI 
 
 As to Joralemon street originally being the Brooklyn terminus 
 of the ferry, Furrnan's statement is equally erroneous. All facts 
 preserved in history point positively to Fulton Ferry as the orig- 
 inal landing-place on this side. The Joralemon Street Ferry was 
 not established until 1774, by the Corporation of New-York, and 
 was then known as "St. George's Ferry." It did not exist long, 
 being discontinued in 1776, and the ferry house, together with a 
 large distillery near it, were burnt during the war. 
 
 J Providing, however, against a possible "jam " near the 
 ferry — although, perhaps, scarcely anticipating the great thor- 
 oughfare which now exists at that locality — the law enacts that 
 if a majority of the inhabitants of the town should " adjudge 
 that part ef the road near to the ferry to be so narrow and in- 
 convenient," they might cause the Sheriff to summon a jury of 
 twelve to appraise the laud necessary to be taken in the widening, 
 and that said appraisement should be levied and collected upon 
 the town, and paid to the owners. This, however, was never 
 done, and the old lane continued to serve the economical towns- 
 folk of Brooklyn. Its appearance may be understood by a glance 
 at Guy's Picture of Brooklyn, (in the Institute, Washington 
 street,) which represents it at its passage at Front street, but so 
 narrow as hardly to lead one to suppose, from the picture, that it 
 was a street. 
 
 The Rapalje farm, afterwards confiscated on account of the 
 toryism of its owner, and conveyed to C. & J. Sands, extended 
 up the cast side of Fulton street to the bend, about where Sands 
 street now enters, and there stood the " swinging-gate," and there 
 began the four-foot road. On the remarkably accurate map, pre- 
 pared in 1766-7, by Lieut. Ratzer, this road is laid down, with 
 the buildings thereon, showing conclusively that Fulton street 
 then was the same in use as before the widening in 1S34. 
 
 K The " white oak tree " here referred to, and elsewhere desig- 
 nated as " the white oak standing by the Indian foot-path, markt 
 with three notches," was a large tree, with a decayed centre, 
 which stood until some forty or fifty years ago, when it was finally 
 prostrated by the wind. Within the remains of its stump, some 
 twenty years since, Mr. Teunis G. Bergen, Supervisor of New- 
 
VII 
 
 Utrecht, and Martinus Bergen, Supervisor of the Sth Ward, placed 
 a monument, which forms the most southerly angle of the bounds 
 of the City of Brooklyn. At present, all vestiges of the old tree 
 have disappeared. 
 
 L This is an undoubted error — originating, we think, with 
 Gen. Jeremiah Johnson. It is now definitely ascertained that 
 Captain Hale was executed on an apple-tree in the Rutgers 
 orchard, near the present intersection of East Broadway ami 
 Market streets, in New-York City. 
 
 M Another error. The old Pierrepont mansion, which formerly 
 stood on the line of the present Montague street, near the little 
 iron foot-bridge which spans the carriage-way, was the headquar- 
 ters of Washington during this important contest. It was a 
 large and costly house, having four chimneys, and upon its roof a 
 telegraph was arranged, by which communication was held with 
 New-York City. It was here, also, (and not at the old Butch 
 church in Fulton Street, as has been erroneously stated,) that the 
 Council of War was held which determined upon the retreat, and 
 from which the orders for that movement were promulgated. 
 This is on the authority of Col. Fish, the father of Gov. Hamilton 
 Fish, and one of Washington's military family, who, in 1824, 
 during Lafayette's visit to Brooklyn, called the remembrance of 
 the distinguished visitor to the fact, and designated the very posi- 
 tions in the room occupied by the members of that council. 
 
 N This, then the mansion of Philip Livingston, Esq., was ap- 
 propriated by the British as a naval hospital, probably as a retal- 
 iatory measure, its owner being at that time a member of the 
 Continental Congress. Attached to the house was an extensive 
 garden, which the well known taste and abundant means of Mr. 
 Livingston had made the finest in this part of America, and which 
 — to their credit — was kept in good repair by the physicians and 
 officers of the hospital. The mansion, however, although at that 
 time, and for many years afterwards, the largest in town — proved 
 not to be sufficiently extensive for the accommodation of the sick 
 belonging to the large fleet then on this station. Other build- 
 ings were accordingly erected on the farm, (known as the Ralph 
 Tatchen property,) on the southerly side of the present Atlantic 
 
Vlll 
 
 street. The principal disease among the sick was the scurvy, and 
 they were buried from these hospitals to the number of twelve or 
 fifteen a day. For many years afterwards the remains of these 
 poor fellows were, from time to time, disinterred by the caving of 
 the brow of the hill all along that portion of the shore. Mr. 
 William Furman (father of Gabriel Furman) used to relate that 
 he saw ten or twelve buried in one grave from the British hos- 
 pitals on the Livingston place. 
 
 On the banks of the River, a little east of the easterly line of 
 Furman street, and between Pacific and Warren streets, as now 
 laid out, was a knoll of land, where several hundred British sol- 
 diers and sailors were buried in regular rows. The heads of the 
 westernmost row were exposed to the lashing of the waves of the 
 river, by which means they were beaten off from the trunks ; and 
 one of Mr. Cornell's negro men subsequently made a considerable 
 amount of money by selling the teeth, taken from these heads, to 
 the dentists of New-York city. This same burial-knoll, thus 
 enriched, afterwards became Cornell's asparagus-bed, where he 
 raised an excellent quality of that vegetable for the Xew-York 
 market. 
 
 On the first Tuesday of April, 17S1, was held the first Town 
 meeting since April, lTTti. Jacob Sharp, Esq. was chosen Town 
 Clerk, and applied to Lefferts Lefferts, Esq., his predecessor in 
 the office, for the Town records. Lefferts deposed, on oath, that 
 they had been removed from his custody, during the war, by a 
 person or persons to him unknown. It afterwards transpired 
 that they had been removed by John Rapalje, a prominent citi- 
 zen and Tory, who had been employed by Mr. Lefferts as a clerk, 
 and therefore knew which of the records were most valuable. 
 He came to the house, one day, and telling Mrs. Lefferts that he 
 intended removing the papers to a safe place, went into the room 
 used as an office, and there busted himself for some time, select- 
 ing what he pleased, packing the whole into a sack, and taking 
 them away. — (-/. C. Brevoort, Esq., on authority of Lefferts 
 Lefferts, son of Leffctt Lefferts, the clerk in question.) 
 
 These reoords and papers were taken to England by Kapalje, 
 in October, 1*776, and his large estates were confiscated, and after- 
 
IX 
 
 wards became the property of J. &. C. Sands. After bis death, 
 the papers fell into the possession of his grand-daughter, who 
 married William Weldon, of Norwich, Count; of Norfolk, Eng- 
 land. 
 
 William Weldon and his wife came to New-York about the 
 year 1810, to recover the estates of John Rapalje, and employed 
 D. B. Ogdes and Aaron Burr as counsel, who advised them that 
 the Act of Attainder, passed by the Legislature against Rapalje 
 and others, barred their claim. Weldon and his wife brought 
 over with them the lost Records of the Town of Brooklyn, and 
 offered them to the town for a large sum, (according to Bom i, 
 §10,000) but would not even allow them to be examined before 
 delivery. 
 
 Although a writ of replevin might easily have secured them 
 to the town again, the apathetic Dutchmen of that day were too 
 indifferent to the value of these records, and they were allowed 
 to return to England.— (J/SS. Note of Jeremiah Johnson.) 
 
 p These fortifications were: (1) A half-n n shaped fort, on 
 
 the edge of the Heights, between Orange and Clark Streets, gar- 
 risoned by Hessian troops, and having a battery ol cannon over- 
 looking the army. (2) A large, square fort at the junction of 
 Pierrepont and Henry streets, bj tar the most thoroughly con- 
 structed and complete fortification erect. id by the British during 
 their stay on Long-Island. The position was an exceedingly fine 
 and commanding one, and old denizens of Brooklyn speak of 
 having seen, at one time, between two and three thousand British 
 troops engaged in its construction, besides large numbers el' the 
 people of the Island, who, with their teams, &c., were impressed 
 int.. the work. This fort was 451) feet square, with ramparts ris- 
 ing about 40 or 50 feet above the bottom of the surrounding 
 ditch, itself 20 feet in depth. At each angle of the fort was a 
 bastion, on each of which was planted a button-wood tree, all of 
 which afterwards attained a very great size. The barracks were 
 very substantially constructed, and in front of the fort, on the 
 present line of Fulton street, between Clark and Pierrepont 
 streets, stood a row of small mud huts erected by the British 
 army sutlers. This fortification was not completed in July, 1781 
 
at which time it had only eighteen cannon mounted, but had two 
 
 bomb-proof magazines, and was garrisoned by two hundred 
 Brunswiekers. At this time, also, the 5-tth Regiment were en- 
 camped at Ferry Hill, two miles from Brooklyn, while at Bedford 
 were two hundred Grenadiers. (3) Cobble Hill (or Ponkiesburgh) 
 Fort, near intersection of present Atlantic and Court streets, 
 which had been formerly used by the Americans, was in process 
 of repair, and was occupied by two companies. It commanded 
 the large fort at Brooklyn, before mentioned, but was, at this 
 time, made lower, for fear it might fall into the hands of the Con- 
 tinentals. (4) In April, 1782, an intrenehment was commenced 
 on Long-Island, at the Wallabout, extending from the hill of 
 Rem. A. Remsen, along the high land of John Rapalje (cros.-inir 
 Sands street near Jay, and thence over the highest land at Wash- 
 ington street,) across the Jamaica road (Fulton street) to the 
 large fort on the corner of Henry and Pierrepout streets. Its 
 length was two and a halt' miles. 
 
 Q Situated near the junction of Main and Fulton streets. Mr. 
 Joseph Fox, afterwards a store-keeper in Brooklyn, was one of 
 the principals or masters of this Wagon Department. 
 
 R - This " Corporation House " stood in Fulton street, just be- 
 lovt Front, and coruerwise (or angling) towards Fulton, in such a 
 way that it left but 35£ feet for the entire width of the street, 
 between it and the houses on the opposite side. It was, as our 
 author describes it, " a large, gloomy, old-fashioned stone edifice." 
 quite dark inside, with a broad, heavy stair-case, and was kept, 
 about the beginning of the present century, as a tavern, by Ben- 
 jamin Smith. He was an old and much respected citizen, and, 
 after the fire which destroyed the building, removed his stand to 
 a stone building on the opposite side of Fulton street. Just 
 above, and adjoining the garden of the old " Corporation House," 
 and between it and the corner of Front street, stood the engine 
 house of Fire Engine No. 1, the first iu Brooklyn. 
 
 s - John Garrison, as a Judge of the Common Pleas, or Jus- 
 tice of the Peace, was for many years identified with the interests 
 of the earlier town of Brooklyn. Indeed, he (in connection with 
 old Squire Nichols) dispensed nearly all the justice that was 
 
XI 
 
 needed to keep the Brooklynites straight, in those primitive 
 days; and, though his legal attainments were not very extensive, 
 yet his strong common-sense, his shrewdness in judging charac- 
 ter, ami his straightforward way of getting at the justice, if not 
 the law of the cases brought before him, rendered him, in the 
 opinion of all who knew him, one of the best Justices which 
 Brooklyn ever had. He was by trade a butcher ; in religion, a 
 staunch .Methodist; in polities, a violent democrat of the old 
 school, and in character one of the kindest and purest hearted 
 of men. In person, he was corpulent, to discomfort; and 
 many pleasant stories are yet told of his queer ways and sayings. 
 
 T - William Furman was the father of our author, and lived 
 on the spot now occupied by the Brooklyn City R. R. Company, 
 corner of Fulton street and Furman street, named after him. 
 His biography will be found on page vi. of the biography of his 
 son, prefixed to this reprint. 
 
 u Teunis Joralemox, born about 1761, came to Brooklyn 
 from Flatbnsh, where he had been a harness-maker. He grew 
 rich by the rise of real estate in the rapidly growing town to 
 which he had removed, and was much esteemed as an estimable 
 citizen. 
 
 v Xoah Waterbcry, whose enterprise earned for him the 
 appellation of the "Father of Williamsburg," was born at Gro- 
 ton Falls, Ct., and was the son of Phineas ami Elizabeth (Louns- 
 berg) Waterbury. In 1789, at the age of 15 years, he came to 
 Brooklyn, where he learned the trade of a shoemaker. At the 
 close of his apprenticeship, being then 21 years old, in connec- 
 tion with Henry Stanton, he took the Catherine St. Ferry, previous- 
 ly run by Hunt & Furman, and after carrying it on for some time, 
 entered into the lumber trade, and subsequently established a 
 rope-walk, in both of which ventures, Stanton was his partner. 
 In May, 1S19, he removed to Williamsburgh, where he purchased 
 from Geu. Jeremiah Johnson about one-half an acre of land at 
 the foot of South Second Street, on which he erected (with Jor- 
 dan Coles) a distillery. He afterwards added eight acres of land 
 adjoining, by purchase from Johnson, and laid it out in citj lots. 
 Gradually he got into the real estate business — frequently loaned 
 
Xll 
 
 money to the village, at times of its greatest financial distress 
 — originated the City Bank, of which lie became the first IV. m 
 dent, was the first President of the Board of Trustees, in 1827, 
 and in man; ways promoted the welfare of the village. 
 
 w A full biographical sketch of Joshua Sands and his brother, 
 Comfort, and also an account of the Sands family, will be found 
 in " Thompson's History of Long Island" ii, 463-469, 
 
 x JonN Doughty was a butcher, and a most estimable man. 
 whose whole life was identified witli the interests of the town of 
 Brooklyn. He was an old school democrat, and a member of the 
 Episcopal Church. He figured prominently in the early history 
 of the Brooklyn Fire Department; was the founder of the " Fire 
 Bucket System " of the town ; and was for many years a Trustee 
 and Clerk of the Board. 
 
 Y Johannes Theodorus Pouikmi s belonged to a family long 
 distinguished among officers of state and men of letters, in the 
 Netherlands. Anciently, some of its members enjoyed celebrity 
 in the cities of Antwerp and Ghent, in the first of which Eleazer 
 Polheinus, a learned jurist, held the office of Burgomaster as 
 early as 1310. Dominie Polhemus came to New Amsterdam in 
 165 I, from Itamarca, in Brazil, where he had been stationed as a 
 missionary. He immediately accepted a call from Flatbush, and 
 took up his actual residence there, where, in 1662, he received a 
 patent for a part of the premises owned by the late Jeremiah 
 Lott, Esq, His widow, whose maiden name was Catherine Van 
 Werven, survived him several years; and his children, one of 
 whom, at least, was born in Brazil, occupied respectable and 
 prominent positions in life. Dominie Polhemus was the progeni- 
 tor of the entire Polhemus family in America. See Biker's New- 
 town, pp. 318-350, for an interesting genealogy of the same. 
 
 z Henrico's Seltns, esteemed " the most distinguished of the 
 ministers who came from Holland," came to this country in 
 March, ItiliO, in consequence of a special call made by the 
 Church at Brooklyn, to the Classis at Amsterdam, and was in- 
 stalled over that Church on the 3d of September, of the same 
 year. The memfjers of his church, residents of the vicinity, 
 numbered only 27 persons, including an elder and two deacons — 
 
Xlll 
 
 the population of the entire village being only 134 persons, in 31 
 families — and the bounds of the new Dominie's charge embraced 
 the settlements at "the Ferry," the " Waal-boght," ami the 
 " Gujanes." A church edifice was shortly after erected, and the 
 people, being unable to assume the entire expense of his support, 
 petitioned the Council for assistance. Stuyvesant agreed person- 
 ally to contribute 250 guilders, if Sulcus would preach on Sab- 
 bath afternoons at his " Bouwery," on Manhattan Island, to 
 which the Dominic consented. Under his able ministrations, the 
 Church in Brooklyn increased so that, in 1661, it numbered 52 
 
 nn unicants, many of whom had been admitted on certificate 
 
 from New Amsterdam, and from churches in the Fatherland. As 
 late, however, as May, 1662, Mr. Selyns was not an actual resi- 
 dent of Brooklyn ; and, in 1664, he yielded to the urgent solici- 
 tation- of his aged father in Holland, and with the permission of 
 the Directors uF tic West India Company, was most tenderly and 
 respectfully dismissed from his church, on the 17th of July, 1664, 
 and sailed for the Fatherland on the 23d of the same month. 
 He subsequently returned to this country, and became the pastor 
 !-• i * nth in regular succession) of the Collegiate Dutch Reformed 
 Church, in the City of Xew Amsterdam, now New York. The 
 following brief sketch of his subsequent career is taken from the 
 Rev. Dr. De Witt's Memorial Volume of the Dutch Reformed 
 Church of New-York. (Note D. p. 69.) After mentioning that 
 he occupied " a prominent place" in Holland, after his return in 
 1 iii; I, De Witt says: "In 1670, on the death of Megapolensis, 
 and the sickness and debility of Drisius, inducing a pressing want 
 of ministerial service, a call was made upon Selyns with more 
 than common urgency. The impressions he had left by his pre- 
 vious ministrat : ons were deep and strong. He, however, declined. 
 After the death of Dominie Van Nieuwenhuysen, in 1681, the 
 Church at once directed a renewed and strongly enforced appeal, 
 to which he favorably respouded, and became sole pastor of the 
 Church from 1682 to 1689, when he received a colleague, and 
 died in 1701. There is sufficient evidence remaining to show his 
 systematic, industrious, and energetic discharge of his ministerial 
 and pastoral duties, and that he gave a happy direction to the 
 interests of the Church. He appears to have acquired much 
 
XIV 
 
 literary cultivation. He was in correspondence with eminent 
 divines in Holland, and with ministers in Boston, in New-Eng- 
 land, the Mathers and others. There is prefixed to Cotton 
 Mather's " Magnolia Americana" a Latin congratulatory poem 
 of some length, signed " Henricus Selyns, Ecclesiastes Neo Ebo- 
 racensis." At the publication of John Eliot's celebrated Indian 
 Bible, he procured it and sent it to the Chassis of Amsterdam. 
 It could be wished that more materials had survived to elucidate 
 his character and ministry." 
 
 AA Charles De Bevoise was a highly respectable and well 
 educated French Protestant, from Leyden, in Holland, and ar- 
 rived at New- Amsterdam in the ship Otter, February 7, 1659, 
 accompanied by his wife and three children. His literary mer- 
 its, and acquaintance with the Dutch language, soon acquired for 
 him the situation of a teacher; but in 1671, he became "choris- 
 ter, reader, and schoolmaster " for the people of Brooklyn, at a 
 salary of 25 guilders, and free house rent. Afterwards, he was 
 Public Secretary, or Town Clerk, which office he held until 1069. 
 He was the ancestor of the large and respectable family of his 
 name on Long-Island. 
 
 BB This Church is described in Judge Furman's JTSS. Notes 
 (now in the Library of the Long-Island Historical Society), as a 
 large, square edifice, very dark and gloomy inside, so that, in 
 summer, one could not see to read in it after four o'clock in the 
 afternoon, by reason of its small windows. These were six or 
 eight feet above the floor, and filled with stained glass lights from 
 Holland, representing vines loaded with flowers. The edifice, 
 which had a square roof, with a cupola, and a small, sharp-toned 
 bell, brought from Holland, stood exactly in the centre of the 
 highway, the road branching off on each side ; and a miserable 
 road it was, filled with mud holes and large rocks. 
 
 cc So named in compliment to Ann, the wife of Joshua Sands, 
 Esq., and mother of Capt. Joshua R. Sands, formerly of the U. S. 
 Xavy, and William Sands, now of this city. She was the daugh- 
 ter of Dr. Richard Ayscough, a surgeon in the British army, and 
 her mother was a Langdon. She was born in New- York city, in 
 1761, and was married in 1779, living with her husband until his 
 
XV 
 
 death, in 1835 — a period of fifty-six years. Her husband, a 
 prominent merchant and a large land owner in Brooklyn, died at 
 the age of 77, respected and lamented by all who knew him. 
 Mrs. Sands survived him for a number of years, dying July 17th, 
 1851, at the age of 90 years. She was the first directress of the 
 " Loisian School," the first public school established in Brooklyn, 
 ami was foremost in every good word and work. Remarkable for 
 genuine piety and great and untiring benevolence, she exercised 
 an iufluence on society which has not yet ceased to be felt, and 
 was most appropriately recognized in naming after her the First 
 Episcopal Church of Brooklyn. 
 
 DD As early as 1784, the Methodist Itinerants began to visit 
 Brooklyn, and preach occasionally in private houses. It was not 
 however, till 1793, that the First Methodist Church, a small frame 
 building, was erected on the site of the present Sands Street 
 Church. This house was dedicated by the Rev. Joseph Totten, 
 on the first of June, 1794, the Society having been incorporated 
 on the 19th of May previous. 
 
 In 1797, Brooklyn was formed into a separate charge, with a 
 membership of 23 whites, and 27 colored. Rev. Joseph Totten 
 was the first regularly stationed minister. He was a man of deep 
 piety anil burning zeal, a native of Hempstead, L. I., and died in 
 Philadelphia, in 1818, in the 60th year of his age. 
 
 The original church edifice was enlarged in 1810, and rebuilt 
 in 1844, and is a substantial brick edifice, 80 by 60 feet, costing 
 $10,500, 
 
 EE First Presbyterian Church. — The ground upon which 
 " The Plymouth Church " now stands, comprising seven lots, 
 running through from Cranberry to Orange Streets, was purchased 
 in 1822, by John and Jacob M. Hicks, for the erection of an edi- 
 fice for the use of "The First Presbyterian Church." At the 
 time, the population of Brooklyn was less than ten thousand, and 
 the enterprise was regarded by cautious men as hazardous ; the 
 Church being built in what was then cultivated fields, and far out 
 from the settled portion of the village, though now in the densest 
 part of Brooklyn Heights. It was organized, however, with ten 
 members, by the Presbytery of New- York, on the 10th of March, 
 
XVI 
 
 1822, and was incorporated on the 13th of the same month. The 
 high personal character of its first Trustees, gave to the new en- 
 terprise a dignity and prominence which assured it- success, and 
 which has marked its subsequent career in a most eminent de- 
 gree. The new organization was admitted to connection with 
 the Presbytery of Xew-York on the 10th of April, 1822, and 
 measures were immediately taken for the erection of a substan- 
 tial church edifice. Its corner-stone was laid on the loth of 
 April, 1S'2'2, and it was completed before the close of the same 
 year. This building, which was considered in those day- as " > 
 very handsome brick building, something in the Gothic style," 
 wa- 72 feet in length ; and was afterward- enlarged by the addi- 
 tion of 18 feet, making it 90 feet in depth, by 55 feet in width. 
 A Lecture Room, including a Sabbath-School Room and Study, 
 wa- attached to tlie rear of the Church, fronting upon Orange 
 street, in 1831. 
 
 The first pastor was the Rev. Joseph Sanford, who was installed 
 on the 16th of October, 1823, continued until his dismissal, 
 January 11, 1829, and removed to Philadelphia, where lie died at 
 the age of 35 years, December 25, 1836. His remains, " by re- 
 quest of the people " of this congregation, were removed hither 
 from Philadelphia, and now rest in the ministers' vault beneath 
 trch edifice, with those of his first wife, with whom lie was 
 permitted to live only a few months, and suitable inscriptions to 
 their memory are engraven upon two marble tablets, inserted — 
 under cover — uuder the south portico, lie was succeeded b\ 
 the Rev. Daniel Lynn Carroll (now the Rev. Or Daniel L. Car- 
 roll), previously pastor of a church in Litchfield, Conn., who was 
 in-tailed March 1829, and was dismissed Julj '.>, I83S. After 
 Mr. Carroll's departure, the pulpit remained vacant nearly two 
 year-, until on the 8th of Hay, 1S37, the lev. Samuel Thomson 
 Cox, D.D. was installed as third pastor of this Church. In Xo- 
 i. 1838, the division of the Synod of Xew-York, was fol- 
 lowed by a corresponding division of the membership of this 
 church. About forty families, including three elders and nearly 
 one hundred members, claiming to be the legitimate representa- 
 tives of the original founders of the church, in their religious 
 opinions and sentiments, preferred to retain their connection with 
 
xvn 
 
 the Presbytery of New-York, which remained attached to the 
 Old School Synod and General Assembly — and therefore assert- 
 ing themselves to be the " First Presbyterian Church of Brook- 
 lyn," — withdrew from Dr. Cox's charge. 
 
 The pastor, seven elders, and about five hundred and fifty 
 members, acknowledging the jurisdiction of the " Presbytery of 
 Brooklyn," continued to pursue the even tenor of their way. On 
 the 28th of July, 1846, the corner-stone of the present elegant 
 house of worship (in Henry Street, near Clark) occupied by the 
 congregation, was laid. The edifice was first opened for divine 
 worship on the 6th of June, 1847. The old church in Cranberry 
 Street had been sold in June, 1846, for the sum of §20,000, to 
 parties who subsequently conveyed it to the " Plymouth Church." 
 Dr. Cox's farewell sermon was preached on the 16th of April, 
 1854, and a call having been extended, in December, 1854, to 
 the Rev. William Hogarth, of Geneva, X. Y., and accepted by 
 him, he was installed as the fourth pastor of this church, on the 
 15th of March, 1855. 
 
 On the 20th of March, 1860, the Rev. Charles S. Robinson, 
 formerly settled in Park Presbyterian Church of Troy, X. Y., 
 was installed. 
 
 FF St. James Roman Catholic Church.- -In the year 1821, 
 there were a few Catholic families in Brooklyn, who were obliged 
 to cross the East River to enjoy the privileges of worship. The 
 inconveniences attending this, however, induced them to make 
 an effort to secure a place of worship nearer home. The late 
 Cornelius Heeney offered, as a free gift, an acre of land on the 
 corner of Court and Congress streets, for the purposes of a 
 church; but its position being at that time so far distant from 
 the centre and business portion of the city, the offer was respect- 
 fully declined, and property was secured on the corner of Chapel 
 and Jay streets, and a substantial edifice, about 78 by 52 feet, 
 was erected thereon. In 1846, this received an addition of about 
 32 by 84 feet, at right angles with the main building, which, with 
 the further addition of a vestry, gives the Church the form of a 
 cross. St. James Church has not only enjoyed prosperity herself, 
 but has been the parent of many other flourishing churches of 
 the same denomination, in this rapidly growing city. Among 
 
xvm 
 
 those who are entitled to mention as the founders of this church, 
 may be named S. G. Wise, Q. II. Sullivan, Peter Turner, William 
 Purcell, Charles Brady, James Rose, G. McClasky, and others. 
 
 GG Main Street, now Catherine Street. 
 
 hh The "Apprentices' Library Association" became, in 
 1843, by act of Legislature, the ''Brooklyn Institute," and in 
 1862, received an enlarged Act of Incorporation, under the pro- 
 visions of which it continues its career of usefulness. It was en- 
 dowed by Augustus Graham, at his death, with a sum of $5000, 
 to be applied to the maintenance of a course of Free Lectures, 
 upon Mechanics, Natural Philosophy, and Science, for the Ap- 
 prentices of the City of Brooklyn ; also, another §5000, one half 
 of the income of which was to be applied to the support of a 
 School of Design, and the other half to the purchase of a Speci- 
 men of the Fine Arts, by a native artist, to be kept in the Insti- 
 tution ; also, another S5000, the income of which is to be used 
 for the purchase of specimeus of Natural History, to Lectures 
 upon that subject, and to the support and benefit of the Natural 
 History Department of the Institute. An additional sum of 
 $12,000 was also given by Mr. Graham, for the endowment of an 
 Annual Course of Sunday Evening Lectures, on the power, wis- 
 dom and goodness of God, as manifested in His works. 
 
 Previously to this, Mr. Graham had given to the Association 
 the fine granite building in Washington Street, now occupied by 
 them. 
 
 " Although Furman gives the title of this paper as The Cou- 
 rier and Ifew- York and Long-Island Advertiser, the earlier num- 
 bers of it, at least, were simply issued as the Long-Island Courier. 
 We have never been able to discover but one copy of this paper, 
 or rather one and half of another, which is bound up with a file 
 of other Island papers, now in possession of the Long-Island His- 
 torical Society. These are dated October 16, and 20, 1803, and 
 bear the motto, " Columbia, united, shall to glory arise." It was 
 then published on Wednesday mornings, and, unlike papers of 
 the present day, contained no local items. The printing office 
 was then on the corner of Front and Old Ferry street, as Fulton 
 street was then called. Of Mr. Kirk we know but little ; he was, 
 
XIX 
 
 for his time, a good printer, and printed many books for New- 
 York publishers — was always foremost in all public enterprises, 
 and much respected by his cotemporaries. 
 
 JJ Alden Spooxer, than whom no one was ever more fully or 
 honorably identified with the highest interests and prosperity of 
 Brooklyn, was born at Westminster, Vt., January 23, 1783. 
 Having learned the printing art with his relative, Samuel Green, 
 the well known printer of New London, Ct., he went to Sag Har- 
 bor, L. I., where, on the 20th of February, 1804, he assumed the 
 charge of the Suffolk Comity Herald, then in the thirteenth 
 year of its existence, and changing its name to that of tin- Suf- 
 folk County Gazette, continued its publication until 1811, when 
 he was obliged to abandon it. Moving to Brooklyn, which to his 
 far-seeing eye, already gave promise of its future growth, he pur- 
 chased the Long-Island Star from Mr. Kirk, and with this paper 
 his whole subsequent life was honorably identified. He afterwards 
 conducted for a time the New-York Columbian, a daily, and with 
 that zeal for public works which always characterized him, was 
 one of the earliest advocates of the Erie Canal, and, in all respect.-, 
 a great admirer and firm friend of its noble originator, Dc Witt 
 Clinton. In all that pertained to the welfare of Brooklyn, he w;is 
 ever foremost and active. He was influential in procuring the 
 Village Charter, in 1816, and, also, in promoting its incorporation 
 as a city, in 1834. 
 
 He was one of the founders and trustees of the Brooklyn Ap- 
 prentices' Library, whose useful objects always continued to enlist 
 his sympathies and labors until his death. 
 
 He held respectively the military appointments of Second 
 Lieutenant in the Fourth Regiment of the Fourth Brigade of 
 N. Y. S. Artillery, in 1810; Quarter Master of the 13th Regi- 
 ment, N. Y. S. Artillery, in 1819 ; Captain of a company in the 
 13th Regiment, N. Y. S. Artillery, in 1S1 », and Colonel of the 
 13th Regiment, X. Y. S. Artillery, in 1S26. In a note appended 
 to this last commission, Brigadier-General Spieer writes, " in the 
 first printed order, suitable mention shall be made of your long 
 and faithful services." 
 
 He was one of the founders of the Lyceum of Natural His- 
 
XX 
 
 tory, and of the Female Seminary of Brooklyn, and the noble 
 free school system of our city is deeply indebted to his ardent 
 championship of the cause of popular education. " It was his 
 unfaltering energy and perseverance that secured to the city the 
 Fort Green property, as a public Park. It was not his fault that 
 the entire of the beautiful Heights was not laid out as a park, to 
 be free to the inhabitants as a place of resort and recreation for- 
 ever. The old man wrote for it, talked for it, almost begged for 
 it — all in vain. Utilitarianism was too strong for him, ami the 
 Heights are now covered with unsightly piles of brick and mortar." 
 At an age when he might reasonably have sought for retirement 
 and repose, he was yet active in works of public utility. For the last 
 two years of his life he was earnestly engaged in organizing a com- 
 pany for lighting Brooklyn with gas, and on its incorporation, was 
 unanimously chosen its President. Indeed, very many of the most 
 important works in this City, and on Long-Island, owe their exist- 
 ence to the foresight and active instrumentality of Alden Spooner. 
 There is ample proof, both in the files of the Star, and among 
 living witnesses, of the many objects of vital importance to the 
 public welfare which his mind conceived, and his zealous and 
 constant effort aided in perfecting. In all these enterprises there 
 was a perfect lack of the slightest selfish motive. He never laid 
 claim to honors, but seemed perfectly contented with the good he 
 accomplished, for its own sake. " Quietly and unostentatiously 
 he sought only for the best means of adding to the intelligence, 
 the comfort, and the security of the community in which he lived." 
 His life realized the ideal of a model citizen, whose place was 
 not easily filled. 
 
 In private life, " a simplicity, cheerfulness, and genuine kind- 
 ness endeared him to every one." His integrity was spotless. 
 He was liberal to the utmost extent of self-sacrifice, and foremost 
 in acts of benevolence. A New England man, and tracing his 
 descent from John Alden, of the Mayflower, he yet held to no 
 rigor of creed, but was tolerant of all denominations, and in 
 charity with all men. As a politician, he endeavored to divest 
 partisanship of its bitterness and illiberality ; as an editor, he 
 was plain spoken, yet eminently courteous. 
 
 Deatli found him in his office, while reading a newspaper, and a 
 
XXI 
 
 few short hours of pain closed his mortal career, on the 24th of 
 November, 1848, in the sixty-fifth year of his age — being then, 
 with the exception of Thomas Ritchie, of the Washington Union, 
 the oldest editor in the United States. 
 
 Col. Spooner was twice married. First, to Rebecca Jermain, 
 daughter of John Jermain, of Sag Harbor, Suffolk Co., Long- 
 Island ; second, to Mary Ann, daughter of Prosper Wetmore, of 
 New-York. 
 
 KK GeORGE L. Birch was born in Limerick, Ireland, on the 
 15th of August, 1181, and came to this country in 179S, with 
 his parents, who settled first in Providence, R. I., then in Brook- 
 lyn. After completing his education, he was bound apprentice 
 to a shipping merchant of New-Tork ; afterwards becoming a 
 1 KXik keeper for a large distiller, whose employ he left to become 
 first clerk in the Columbian Insurance Company. At the dissolu- 
 tion of this Company, he became the cashier and business mana- 
 ger of the National Advocate, a leading Democratic newspaper, 
 edited by the late M. M. Noah, with whom he afterwards started 
 a printing office in partnership. Shortly after, he became printer 
 to the Common Council and to the Custom House, both of which 
 positions he held until 1828. In 1819, we find him an active 
 member of the King's County Agricultural and Domestic Manu- 
 facturing Society, and on the 17th of March, 1821, he issued the 
 first number of the Long Island Patriot, a weekly family news- 
 paper. In October, of the same year, he joined the Fire Depart- 
 ment, with which, as foreman of Engine No. 2, he was identified 
 for a long period. On the 31st of December, 1821, he received 
 the appointment of Post-Master of Brooklyn, which office he oc- 
 cupied for four years, being succeeded by Thomas Kirk. In 
 1822, he established a monthly, the Minerva, in New-Tork, and 
 during this year, at his suggestion, a branch of the " Colum- 
 bian Order, or Tammany Society," was established in Brooklyn ; 
 and he was also largely instrumental in the organization of the 
 " Erin Fraternal Association," the "Apprentices' Library," and 
 various other valuable institutions, which have greatly contributed 
 to the welfare of Brooklyn. In 1829, Mr. Birch, having received 
 an appointment in the Custom House, sold out the Patriot. In 
 1843, he became the Custodian and Librarian of the U. S. Naval 
 
XX11 
 
 Lyceum at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which position he retained 
 until his death, which occurred on the 27th of July, 1S64. In 
 all his relations of life he was respected and beloved, and his 
 life, so clearly identified with the early growth and the best inter- 
 ests of Brooklyn, deserves a more careful tribute than these has- 
 tily penned lines. 
 
 LL The expression in the Council Records " the first-bcrn 
 Christian daughter in New-Net/ierland" has given rise to the 
 statement that this Sarah Rapalje was the first child born in the 
 town of New-Amsterdam (New York) ; and this, in spite of Mr. 
 Biker's admirable expose of the error, in a paper read before the 
 New-York Historical Society, in May, 1857, still continues to be 
 reiterated by all the careless " finger end historians " who have 
 occasion to write about the first settlement of New-York and 
 Brooklyn. It ought to be sufficient to call attention to the depo- 
 sition of her own mother, Catalytic Trico Rapalje, (New York 
 Documentary History, iii. 50, and other records,) which shows 
 that she was born at Albany, during the residence of her parents 
 at that place, and that they did not settle at the Wallabout till 
 more than twenty five years after 1 Sarah herself joined the 
 Church at Brooklyn, in 1661, by letter from the Church in Sew- 
 Amsterdam I 
 
 MM Another error, to which the old Dutch families of Long- 
 Island seem disposed to hold on, even though disproved over and 
 over again. For Rapalje's purchase at the Wallabout in 1637, is 
 antedated by that of Bentyn and Bennet, at Gowanus, in 1636 ; 
 and, moreover, the presumptive evidence is, that Bennet entered 
 almost immediately, upon the occupation and improvement of his 
 land, whereas it is well ascertained that Rapalje did not remove 
 his residence from New-Amsterdam to the Wallabout until after 
 1650. 
 
 NN The Court House erected in 1758 was quite small, and 
 near it was a jail ; and one of these buildings was burned down 
 shortly after. In a new building, two stories high, which was 
 erected soon after, provision was made for both courts and jail. 
 Its second story, which was the court-room, was converted into a 
 ball room, by the British officers, during the Revolutionary war. 
 
XXlll 
 
 The building spoken of by our author as built in 1792, was a 
 very respectable frame building, with a small cupola, and was de- 
 stroyed by fire on the 30th of November, 1832, after which time 
 Flatbush ceased to be the County town, and the courts and all 
 judicial business were removed to Brooklyn. Here they were 
 held in the City Hall until, the capacity of this building having 
 become inadequate even to accommodate the business of the city, 
 the question began to be agitated, of building a new Court House. 
 This was in September, 1852, and on May 20th, 1862, nearly ten 
 years after, the corner stone was laid of the magnificent marble 
 structure which now forms the finest architectural monument of 
 our city, situated on Fulton street, on the site of the old " Mili- 
 tary Garden." 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Note. -Reference figures followed by the letter .V, refer to the Illustrative 
 Notes. 
 
 A. 
 
 Aersen, Aercsen, Aerson, and Aertsen, John, 29, 36, 58, 62, 63 ; Da- 
 vid. 103 ; Aert, 67 ; Simon , C3 
 
 Airman Wesley an M. E. Church, S2 
 
 American Books, former price of xxx, xxxi 
 
 American Army, retreat from Long-Island, 52 
 
 Amerskort, 5G, 68, 73 
 
 Anbury, Lt., 54 
 
 Ancient Government, - — 55 
 
 Ancient Grants and Patests, 8 
 
 Ancient Names and Remains, 6 
 
 Anderson, Daniel, "9 
 
 Andre, Major, 52 
 
 Andriese, Volkert, 58; I'r'mn G7 
 
 Antonidks, Rev. Mr., T7 
 
 Appendix A, 102; B, 1C4; C,105; D, 106; E, 107 ; No. 2, 110 
 
 Army Yard, The British, 54 
 
 Arondeus, Rev. Joannes, 77 
 
 Ascot Heath, Races at, 54 
 
 Assessors, Office of, 55, 04 ; duties, 69 ; village,. 71 
 
 Apprentices' Library, 86, xviii .V 
 
 Atterbury, xxxi 
 
 Avscurou, Dr. Richard, xiv iV 
 
 B. 
 
 Bach, Robert, 81 
 
 Back, Simeon, 98 
 
 Bank, Long-Island, 86 
 
 Baptist Chorch, the First, S4 
 
 Bardcff, Cornells, 48 
 
 Barense, Claes, 37, 63 
 
 Barentse, Jan, 10 
 
 Barrow, xxxi 
 
 Battle of Long-Island, II JV 50 
 
 Bayard, Samuel, 100 
 
 Beauvois, Jacobus, 58, 65 
 
 Bedford, 18,18 
 
 Bennett, xxii .V; Adrian, 20, G3 ; John /•.'., 04; John Williams?, 67; 
 
 J<ti'nb, 67 
 
 Bergen, Hans Hansen, 37, 88, 99; Jooris, 48; Tunis Guis, 62, 63; 
 
 Teunis <?., vi .V; John. S. t 09, MartimiS, vii .V 
 
XXVI 
 
 Berry, Walter, 79 
 
 Be.ntyn, sxii _Y 
 
 Beynon, Ivan, 93 
 
 Birch, Geo, L., Biographical sketch, xxi X 87, 94,96 
 
 Bloc.nt, Works of, xxviii 
 
 Board of Health, , 72 
 
 Boerum, Martin, 93 
 
 Bugart, Teuuis Guysbertse, 12, 18, 19, 99; A»rtj , 99; Anfje, 99; 
 
 N 'r, 9>; AuJ'j\ 99; C 99 
 
 Books, American, former prices of, xxx, xxxi 
 
 BOSWYCE 4'i 
 
 Bounds, Differences as to, 45; with Bushtoick, 46; u th Flatbush^ 40; 
 
 with New- Utrecht, 48 
 
 Botd, Mrs., xxiv 
 
 Breyoort, J. C, vii N 
 
 Brodhead, J. R., ijf 
 
 Buildings and Institutions, Public, 73 
 
 Bcrns, xix 
 
 Burying Ground for seYeral denominations, 84 
 
 Boshwick, 2, 24, 5S, 59, 66 
 
 Butler, Silas, 82,83 
 
 Buttermilk Channel, iv .V, 7 
 
 Bradish, Hon. Luther, xv 
 
 Bradt, 32, 34 
 
 Brady, Charles, xviii X 
 
 Breede Graft, The, 29 
 
 Brooklyn, [Breueklyn, Breuekelen, Breucklen, Brmcc&lun, Brack- 
 li/it„ Broockkmd) Brookland, Breuckland,] C, 12, IS, 15, 16, IS, 
 1!', 88, 44,45, 4C,4T, 48, 49, L02 
 
 Brier, Volkert, Constable, 65, 67 
 
 Bries, Jurian, 53 
 
 Britisu prison ships, 53 
 
 hospitals in Brooklyn, 52 
 
 Broad Street, 29 
 
 Brooklyn Hall, 54 
 
 Fire Insurance Co., 85 
 
 Description of, 54 
 
 Fortifications at 54 
 
 Institute, xviii X 
 
 Situation, 5, 6 
 
 Organization of Village, 68 
 
 Brower, Abraham, 39, 7^ ; William^ 65; Nicholas, 39 ; new mill of, 40 
 
 Brown, Benjamin, 92 ; Jacob, 82; John, S4 
 
 Bydon, John, 91 
 
 Bybout, John, 64,66 
 
 Burr, Aaron, ix .y 
 
 Buys, Tunis, 67 
 
 Bunton, William, SO 
 
XXV11 
 
 C. 
 
 Canarsee Indians, 5, 6 
 
 Carpenter, William, SI 
 
 Carroll, Rev. Daniel L., xvi A* 
 
 Catherine Street, N. Y., 34 
 
 Catholic Church, St. James's, S3 
 
 Cattle-Market at Brooklyn, 13 
 
 Center, Hobei-t, SI 
 
 Chambers, 32, 34 
 
 Character, Moral, 94 
 
 Childs, Francis, 6 
 
 Chubb, Works of, xxviii 
 
 Churches, St. Ann's, SI ; First Baptist, S4 ; Friends', S4; First Dutch, 
 7G; The First in Kings County, 73 ; St. James' R. C, xvii .V; The 
 
 Old, xiv N 
 
 Claasen, Ilendrick, 64, 04 
 
 Clark, Rev. Mr., 77; James B-, SI 
 
 Clarkson, 32,34 
 
 Clerk, 59 ; office of County, 101); duties of the Town, 69, 57 ; of the 
 
 Church,. 73 
 
 Climate, Soil and, 7, 8 
 
 Clinton, Gov. De Witt, x, xix .V 
 
 Clowes, S., '..45 
 
 Cloyse, or CZies, 37 
 
 Coe, John, 36 
 
 Coenties Slip, 27 
 
 Coffin, Capt., 8., 8 
 
 Coles, Jordan, xi A", 93 
 
 Collector 64, 1C9 
 
 Collier, Cornelius, 65; Jurian, 39, 40 
 
 Collins, Works of, x xxviii 
 
 Commissioners, See List of Overseers, 63 ; School, 93 
 
 Common Lands, and division thereof, 40-45 
 
 Concordia, The ship, 8 
 
 Confiscated Estate of John Rapalje, 53 
 
 Conklin, John D., 71 
 
 Constables, List of, 58, 65, 69; duties of, 57,58, 60, 61 
 
 Convention of the Dutch towns, 56 
 
 Coope, Edward, 83, 98 
 
 Cornburv, Gov., 23, '24 
 
 Cordman, Barnard, 80 
 
 Cornell, 32 34 
 
 Cornelissen, Albert, 12, IS; Pieter, 10 
 
 Cornwell, 81, 87 ; Richard, 9S; WMhtm^ 69, 93 
 
 Corporation House, The, 55 
 
 Corson, Cornelius, 58 
 
XXV111 
 
 Cortelyop, Corteleou, Peter, 30, 45, 49, 50; Bowse, 6; Capt. Jacques, 47 
 
 CORTLAUDT, JaCObllS, 47 
 
 Courier, and N. Y. and L. I. Advertiser, ''4 
 
 Courts, Town, 57, 60; House and Gaol for Kings Co., 101 
 
 Cowenhoyex, Nicalus, 37 ; Garrd, 67 
 
 Cowdrey, Benj. F. &. Co., 94 
 
 Croger, Peter, S2 ; Benjamin* S2 
 
 Ckonmer, Pieter, 4> 
 
 Crtger, 32, 34 
 
 C L t t isg, William, - 85 
 
 ID. 
 
 Dam, see Damen. 
 
 Dames. Jan, 12, 14, IS; Jan Corners, 53 
 
 Darmf.ntier, Peter, 16 
 
 DavieS, Samuel, 17; Thomas, 65 
 
 Dawson, Darby, S3, 84 
 
 Dean, John, 70 
 
 Debevoisb, Charles, appointed teacher, 21, 76, 104, siv .V; Abra- 
 ham, 79 ; James, 79 ; Jacobus, 104 
 
 De Brugh, Francis, Sen., 59 
 
 Deed from Morris to Corporation of New- York, 102 
 
 DeLascey, James, 24 
 
 Demarest, Andrew, 69 
 
 Denton, Nehemlah, The mills of, 37, 79 
 
 De Rapostelley, Jerome, 62 
 
 Differences as to Bounds, See Bounds. 
 
 Dikeman, John, 70 
 
 Dircksen, vi X 
 
 Dongas, Gov. Thomas, 11, 17, 19,21, 22, 23 
 
 Doouttle, Elkanah, 82, S3 
 
 Dorlandt, (Dorlant) Jan Gerritsen 37,42,48,68,64 
 
 Doughty, !»7, 98 ; John, 69, 70, 92, 96, xii _Y; Charles, 7, 101 ; Charles 
 
 J,9S; Charles C, 21; Robert IT, 71 
 
 Doxsey, Samuel, 69 
 
 Drake, Samuel G., xxvi 
 
 Ddke's Laws, 57, 59, 99 
 
 Durkl, Paul SI 
 
 Dutch Towns, The Five, 59; Church of Brooklyn, 79 
 
 E. 
 
 Eames, Theodore, Esq., xvi 
 
 Eliot, John, xiv X 
 
 Elmohar, 15, 1" 
 
 Emans, Randolph, 63 
 
 Embury, D., .. 86 
 
 Emery, John, SO 
 
XXIX 
 
 Enbtl, see Hainelle, 12, 1? 
 
 Engine, the first Fire, 97 
 
 Engineers of Fire Department, 9", 95 
 
 Episcopal Church, first established, SO 
 
 Equitable Insurance Co., 56 
 
 Esopus, attack on, '5 
 
 Everts, Jan, 12, 13 
 
 Ever it, Hichard, 82 
 
 F. 
 
 Falmouth, The, a hospital ship 53 
 
 Fardon, Thomas, 68 
 
 Ferries, Town Rights, 21-36 
 
 Ferrt, The first, error corrected, v iV ; The Old, 29, 34 
 
 Steam used on, 35 
 
 Filkin, Justice, 65, 66, 79 
 
 Fire Insurance Co., Equitable, 86 
 
 The Brooklyn, 86 
 
 Wardens, 9S 
 
 Department, 95-93 
 
 Fish, Col., vii JV; Hamilton, vii .V 
 
 Fisher, John, 96 
 
 Five Dutch Towns, The, 59 
 
 Flatbuso, (Flacbush) 46, 47, 4S, Hi, 57, 4-S 
 
 Fort James, 1-* 
 
 Fortifications, at Flatbush,5T; in Brooklyn,, ix N 
 
 Fortitude Masonic Lodge, £7 
 
 Foster, William, ^2 
 
 Fox, Joseph, * y, Bl 
 
 Fox-IIcntinG on Long-Island, at Ascot Heath, 54 
 
 Freecke, John C , 39 
 
 Freeman, Rev. Mr., T8, 79 
 
 Fricke, George, 97, 9* 
 
 Friends, Congregation of, c 4 
 
 Fcllerton of Carstairs, Lord, xxvii 
 
 Fulton Street Laid out, 86 
 
 Fulton, Robert, 35 
 
 Furman, William, Biographical notice of, vi, xiii, xvil, 34, 6^, 70, 72, 
 82, 97, vii N, xi .V; Martha, xix ; Gabriel, biogi-aphical sketch of, 
 v — xxiv, vii 2f; Reminiscences of, by Mr. Gowans, xxv— xxxiv 
 
 G-. 
 
 Gaol, 101 
 
 Garland, John, 17 
 
 Gabrabraxtse, Peter, 6-1 
 
 Garretsen, Samuel, 103 
 
 Garretse, John, 37 
 
XXX 
 
 Garrison, John, x, C9, 70, 72, 62 
 
 Gates, Selden, 83 
 
 Gerbritse, Jan, 64 
 
 Gibbon, Works of, xxviii 
 
 Good Hope, The, burned, 53 
 
 Government, The Town 63 
 
 Ancient, 55 
 
 The Village, 68,70 
 
 Present, 07 
 
 Governor'* Island, its former connection with Red Iiook, 7, 8 
 
 Gowanus, 13, 15 ; the American marksman at 51 
 
 Gowass, William svii, xxv 
 
 GtT's PicTfREof Brooklyn, xii 
 
 GUTSBERT, 93 
 
 Gregos, Isaack 57 
 
 Grant. Major, manner of his death, 51 
 
 Graham, John B., 32 
 
 Grants and Patents, Ancient, 8 
 
 Gravesend, Invested by Indians, 56 
 
 H. 
 
 Haixelle, Michael, 11,12, IS, 57, 5S, .V. 91 
 
 Hagell, Uiian, sedition of, 66 
 
 IIageman, Joseph, 30 
 
 Hale, Capt. Nathan, capture and death of, \ 52 
 
 " Hall, Brooklyn," 54 
 
 Hall, George, 82, S3 
 
 Hansen, Hans, 13, IS, 20; Jacob, 43, 4S, 49, 50, 65, 99 ; Joras, 42, 43, 
 
 44, (54, 93, 99 ; ffich : t 7, 20, 41, 4S, 63, 64, 99 ; Gtorgc, 4S, 49, 50 ; 
 
 Jan, 99; BrechfaW] Marytje, 99 
 
 Hardenulrgh, 32, 34 
 
 Harding, James, , 27, 38 
 
 Harriho, 32, 34 
 
 Harrill, John, 02 
 
 Harsdm, Gerrit, .103 
 
 Hatyley, Rev. Wni. C, 84 
 
 Health, Board of, 72 
 
 Hegeman, Adrian, 70; Joseph, 06 
 
 Hendricks, Peter, 01 ; Cornelia, i .V 
 
 Hendricese, Jurian, 53 
 
 Hendrickson, Stephen, S2 
 
 Henry, William, 70 
 
 Heeney, Cornelius, v _Y, xvii N 
 
 Herbert, Lord, Works of, xxviii 
 
 Hessian Officer, remains discovered, 76 
 
 Sicks, John and Ja:ob, 97 
 
XXXI 
 
 Hissos, William, 80 
 
 Herald, Suffolk Co., xix & 
 
 H iibabt, Rt: Rev. Bishop, xxviil 
 
 Hock, Thomas 1°8 
 
 Hoiienmnden, Masonic Lodge, ^ 
 
 Hogarth, Rev. Wm., XTiii -V 
 
 Hooker xxxi 
 
 Hopkins, Freeman, S6 
 
 Hcdde, Andvies, ...vJf 
 
 Hope, The, hospital-ship, B3 
 
 Horses, branded by Constable 61 
 
 racing at Ascot Heath, 51 
 
 Horsfield, Israel, ^2 
 
 Howland, Nathaniel, 82, 83 
 
 Hocses, Old, 6, 7 
 
 Hui>de, Andries, 9, 10 
 
 Huddlestone, "William,, 1-1 
 
 Home, Works of xxviii 
 
 no.NT, Dr. J. G. T., 72; Theodosius T4 
 
 I. 
 
 Independent Meeting, 79, SO 
 
 Incidents, Revolutionary, 50 
 
 Indians, Canarsee, 5 ; Mohawk, 5 ; wars between, 5 ; name for Brook- 
 lyn, i N; Xyack, C, 15,50 
 
 Institutions and Buildings, Public, xviii, X. 73, S6 
 
 Intelligencer, L. I., 04 
 
 Inventions, 10° 
 
 j. 
 
 Jacobs, Chas. P S4 
 
 Jacobson, Jons, 12, 18, 19 
 
 Jackson, John E 6, 82 
 
 James, Map, 100 ; Samuel, TO 
 
 Jaxse, Jansen ; Barent, 10 ; A ufe, 10 ; Jan t 20 
 
 Jemison, Israel, 82 
 
 Jekmain, Rebecca; John, xxl, ,y 
 
 Jersey, Prison-ship, 53 
 
 Job 15,17 
 
 Johnson, Jeremiah, 3, 79 ; xi X; ix .V; vii X; iil .V; Parmenus, v X; 
 
 Lambert, 68; Rev. Evan M. xiii, xlv 
 
 Jongb, Lodewyck, 10 
 
 Joralemon, Tunis, 52, 70, 79 ; Street, 34 ; biog. x, N 
 
 Journal, and Am. Freeman, 94 
 
 Juriansen, Andries, 5S 
 
 Justices of the Peace. 69 
 
XXXll 
 
 K. 
 
 44 Kicke," or Lookout, 13, IS 
 
 Kidd, Capt, xxxiv 
 
 Kieft, William, 8 9, 10 
 
 Kings County Court House, xxii X 
 
 King, Gamaliel, xv, 71, 97, OS; Elhha IF., vi 
 
 Kirk, Thomas, xviii X; xix, xxi A"; x, 94 
 
 KREGiEK,_Martin, 74 
 
 L. 
 
 Lafayette, his visit to Brooklyn, vii ^V 
 
 Lamberts, Thomas, : 12, 16, 19 
 
 Lambertse, see above. 
 
 Lambertson, Thomas, 62, 63 
 
 Land granted to Rycken, 9; to Manje, 9, 11; to Hudde, 10,21; to 
 
 Janse, 10,11 
 
 Lamunu-Place, a Public, near Fulton Ferry, 34; at Denton's Mill*, 
 
 Jfilk, 39 ; Roads and Public, SG 
 
 Laws, The Duke's, 57, 59, 99 
 
 Lawrence, John, 69, 71 
 
 Lb Count, 32, 34 
 
 Lefferts, Jacobus, 26,104; Lw/W7, f4, 84,86,97; vii X; John, 79 
 
 Lenell, see Haiwlle. 
 
 Lewis, Elijah, S4; John, 10 
 
 Library Association, The Apprentices', Si 
 
 Lisde, Pieter, 9 
 
 Livingston, 32 , Brockhoht, Mansion, vii .V; 04 
 
 Lodges, Masonic, ; 7 
 
 Loisian School, sv X 
 
 L> 'NG-Islasd Bask, Sfi 
 
 Republican, 94 
 
 Journal and Am. Freeman, 94 
 
 Weekly Intelligencer. 94 
 
 Patriot, xxiilT;.94 
 
 Star, xix X, ; 04 
 
 . Charles, 54 
 
 Lott, Abraham, 31, 32, 34; Johannes JB. 101 ; Jcnwiah, xii X. 
 
 Lovelace, Gov., gives permission to purchase land from the Indians, 15 
 
 Lowe, Rev. Peter, 77, to 
 
 Lodgh, R., 17 
 
 Lubertse, Fred. 61 ; Hcndrick, 99 
 
 Lucas, Eldert, 37 
 
 LUDLOW, C, 92 
 
 Lupardds, Rev. Bernardus, 77 
 
 M. 
 
 Main Road, or Fulton Street 3G 
 
 Makaquiquos, 15, 17 
 
XXX1U 
 
 Matowacs, or Matouwacks, * 3T 
 
 Malbone, Ralph, ^ 
 
 Mandeville, Works of, xxviii 
 
 Manje, Jan, Grant of land to,. 9, 10 
 
 Markets in 1675, S5 
 
 Marriages, Laws relative to, 76, 7T 
 
 Marsh, John, 91 
 
 Martense, Rocleffe, 66 
 
 Martyrs of British Prison-ships, — 53 
 
 Massacre at Staten-Island, 56 
 
 Masonic Lodges, ST 
 
 Mather, C xiv *V 
 
 Ma to wc as, see Matowacs. 
 
 Mattock, John, SO 
 
 McClaskey, (f xvili .V 
 
 McGlcrb, Gen., xxl 
 
 McKenney, Joiin,.. 69 
 
 McLacgulin, William, S3, S4 
 
 Meryckawick, i X 
 
 Methodist, Epis. African Church, S2 ; first xv JV 
 
 Miscellaneous 99 
 
 Meeker, Benjamin, S3 
 
 Meeting-House, the Independent, , 79 
 
 Megapolensis, Rev. Joannes, 77, xiil 2f 
 
 Mercein, Andrew, 70, 72, 82, 86, 92 
 
 Meserole, John, Jr., 67 
 
 Methodist Episcopal Chdrch, 8*2 
 
 Midwodt, 5S, 56; Church at, 73 
 
 See Flatbdsh. 
 
 Mills, Remsen's, 53 ; Denton" 8, 39 ; Gowanus, 89, 40 ; Broker's, 40 
 
 Ministers in Kings County, 77 
 
 Mitchell, Rev. Wm., S4 
 
 Mohawk Indians, 5 
 
 Mohigan, i y 
 
 MoNTAUK, i .V 
 
 Montgomerie, Gov. John, 24, 28 
 
 Moon, John, 70 
 
 Moore, George II., v N't John H., 81 
 
 Moral Character, 92, 94 
 
 Morgan, Works of, xxviii 
 
 Morris, 32,33,34; William, 23, 102, 103 
 
 Moser, Joseph, 69, 70, 9S ; Isaac, 69, S2 
 
 Murphy, Hon. II. C, xxii; John <?., 69, S3 
 
 isr. 
 
 Nahicans, i _V 
 
 Nam La and Remains, Ancient, G 
 
XXX IV 
 
 National Advocate, xxi N 
 
 Navy Yard, G, 53 
 
 Newspapers 92, 98, ! 4 
 
 Negroes, Laws Concerning, , 29 
 
 New Ferry, 34 
 
 New York Columbian, xix, y 
 
 New-Utrecht, 5, 48, 49, 5S, 59 
 
 Njcolls, Governor Richard, 11, 14, 18, 19, 32, 88, 99 ; Matthias, 14, 17 ; 
 
 Patent to Brooklyn, 11 
 
 Nichols, Justice, x X; Robert 66, 98 
 
 Notes, Josiah, 93 
 
 Nyack Indians, 6 
 
 o. 
 
 Gake, Jan, 43 
 
 O'Callighax, E. B li .V 
 
 0GDEN, D. B., , is A' 
 
 Old ;Hocses, 6, 1 
 
 ©NDERDONK, Rev. H. U., - 8i 
 
 OvEitSEEBS, 5S; changed to Commissioners, G2 • of t lie poor, 69,69; 
 
 Oath taken by, CO, 01 ; List of, , ,.C1, 03 
 
 P. 
 
 Pascal, Mons., xxvl 
 
 Patches, Jacob, 7, xxi; Ralph f V N; Andrew, 92, ili-iv 2f 
 
 Patents, Ancient grants and, S; Confirmatory, granted by Governor 
 
 •NicoMs, 22 ; a General, 11 
 
 Patriot, Long-Island, 94, xxi .V 
 
 Paupers, 100 
 
 Peace, Justices of tbe, 69 
 
 Pelt, Aert Van, 49, 50 
 
 Pepys, Samuel, Visit to the Library of, xiy 
 
 Perniedeare, €1 
 
 Peter, , 15, IT 
 
 Peterse, £9 
 
 Petersen, Mary, 8 
 
 Poilipse, 32, 34 
 
 Pierrepont Mansion, rli X 
 
 Pieterse, Styntie, 16 
 
 Poland, Richard, 84 
 
 Polhemcs, Rev. Joannes Theodorus, 78, 74, 79 ; Biographical notice,. . .xii _¥ 
 
 Poor, Overseers of the, 09 
 
 Population and Increase, , 8T 
 
 Porter, Levi, 8T 
 
 Pound, ordered in Kings County, , 04 
 
 Post Office, 67 
 
 Powers. George, .80, 81 
 
 Pbaa, Capt. Peter, gets his hair pulled by a woman, .CT 
 
XXXV 
 
 Presbyterian CnuRcn, the First, 82, xv, xvi N 
 
 Present Government, 6t 
 
 Public Lands, Places, Roads and, 36 
 
 Buildings and Institutions, 73 
 
 Institutions, 73 
 
 Pcrcell, William, S3, S4 ; xviii Jv* 
 
 Putnam, Gen., >... » 6, U J? 
 
 a. 
 
 (Jot-Eests paid 21 
 
 R. 
 
 Rapalje, George Jansm, 99 xxi N ; Joras Banielse, 67 ; John, 7, 37, 
 3S, 53, 67, 103, ix, x A'; Sarah, 99, xxii If; Jeronimus, 10, 20, 
 lii .V; Daniel, 20, 63,63,64,78; Catelyntie Trim, xxii .V; Mrs., 7 
 
 Rafaue, ~| 
 
 Raf.ii.tg, j „ 
 
 Rafaie hSeeabove. 
 
 Rapellie, 
 
 Raymond, Eliakim, 84 
 
 Ratter's Map, iv, vt, .IV 
 
 Records of Towns, lost, 52, ix .y 
 
 Red Hook, 26, its connection with Governors Island, 7, S; sale to Van 
 
 Cortlandt, 1 1 ; fortifications at 50, iv 2f 
 
 Reformed Dutch Church, 83 
 
 Remains of Prison-ship Martyrs, 53 ; Ancient, 6 
 
 Remjscences of Hon. "Win. Furman, xxv, xxxiv 
 
 Remsen, house, 7; Abraham,^ ; Jacob, 26, 104; Kon f 2G t 104; Jeroni- 
 mus, 48 ; Isaac, 67 ; Joras, 11 ; Hendrirk, 20, 27, 30 ; Hem A. t 
 
 x N; Mills, 53 
 
 Republican, The L.I 94 
 
 Retreat of Americans at Battle of L. 1 62, 
 
 Revolutionary Incidents, 50 ; Fortifications [x If 
 
 Reyandsen, Martyn, 62 
 
 Richards, 32,34; Charles II. S7; Capt. 81 
 
 Riser Patent . . . . t v, .V 
 
 Ritchie, Thomas, xxl _y 
 
 Roads and Public Landing Places, 30 
 
 Robbers, 56 
 
 Robertson, James, 101 
 
 Robinson and Little, Messrs.,94; Rev. C. S., xvii .y 
 
 Ross, James 62, 83, 84 
 
 Rousseau, Works of. xxxiii 
 
 Royal Gayzette, 54 
 
 RrBEL, Rev. John Casper, . . .77 
 
 Ruyter, Claea Janse, 9, 11, v *V 
 
 Ryceen, Abraham, iv, .V 
 
XXXVI 
 
 Etcken, Abraham, grant of land to 9 
 
 Eteksos, Jacob, 07 ; Martin, 58 
 
 s. 
 
 Sabbath breakers, 100 
 
 Sale, William A 71 
 
 Sanford, Rev. Joseph, S3, xvi X; Xath. W., S3 
 
 Sands, Joshua, 70, 80, 81, xiv X\ Capt. J. It. and Mrs., xiv X; C & J. 
 
 buy the Rapalje estate, 53, vi, ix, xii X 
 
 Schekck, Lambert, 79, S9 
 
 School, District No. 1,02; previous to Revolution, 92 ; The Loisian, 93, 
 xv X; private, in 1831, 93 ; Commissioners of, 93; Inspectors of, 
 
 93 ; Trustees, 93 ; Clerk, 93 
 
 Scnorr, office of, 55 
 
 Schoonmaker, 8 ; Rev. Marlinus, .77, 79 
 
 Seaman, John, 70, 03 
 
 Skbering, Cornelius, 43, 44,4**, 9\ 
 
 Secretary, office of, 55, 59 
 
 Seditions, movements in Kings Co 66, CT 
 
 Sellers Neck, 13 
 
 Selyns, Rev. Henry, 74, 75, 76, 77, xii, xiv N 
 
 Seward, William II xv3 
 
 Shaftsbury, Works of, xxviil 
 
 Shakspeare, xix, 
 
 Shamese, 15, IT 
 
 Sharax, Thomas, 49 
 
 Sharp, Jacob, vii JV 
 
 Shores of Brooklyn, changes in, 7 
 
 Sille, Nicasius de, -. 10, 59, 74 
 
 Simenson, Morris, ,9S 
 
 Simson, James, 101 
 
 Sleght, Hendride, 7S 
 
 Sleghter, Abram, ....65 
 
 Slip, Coenties 2T 
 
 Smith, William, 32 ; Samuel, 69 ; John, 97 ; George, 82 ; Zechariah, S3 ; 
 
 Benjamin, x JT 
 
 Snow, Robert, 92, 93 
 
 Society for suppression of immorality, 95 
 
 Soldiers, in, 66 
 
 Solincs, see Selyns, 
 
 Soil and Climate, 7 
 
 SOCTH, XXXI 
 
 Spader, John, 09 
 
 Spooner, Col. Alden, xi, xxi, 82,83, 94 
 
 Spr ague, Joseph, S2, S3, 93, 98 
 
 Spronq, Gabriel, 67; Casar, £2 
 
 St. A-xn's Church, SO, 81 
 
XXX.V11 
 
 Stanton, Henry, 90, TO, 72, 101 80, xi A'j Richitd, G9 
 
 Statistics, 87,88,89,90,91 
 
 Star, Long Island, 1)4 
 
 St. James R. C. Church, xvii N 
 
 Stj lm on.ferries, first use of, 85 
 
 Steath, Robert, SO 
 
 Stillwell, Capt. Richard, 47, 3'2 , Nichols c,q 
 
 Stocks, ordered for each town in Kings Co 64 
 
 Stoddard, Robert, - 1 
 
 Storm, l>erick, 57 
 
 Striker, Burdett, Tl, 72,82 
 
 Stuart, Hon. Sir James, xxvi 
 
 Stuyvesant, Gov., 57, 78,75, 92 .\iii N 
 
 Suffolk Co. Gazette, xix X; Herald, , six N 
 
 Superintendent, appointed to the town, *...55 
 
 Si pervisor, duties of, 64, 6 S 
 
 Sutton, Joshua, 97, &S 
 
 Suydam, Fernandus, 21,79 
 
 T. 
 
 Tammany Society, in Brooklyn, xxi, JV 
 
 Tavern, Loosely's, 54 
 
 Taylor, Jeremy, X x xi 
 
 Thomas, 82, 34 
 
 Tiebodt, S 
 
 Tindall, Works of, xxviii 
 
 Titus, Abiel, SI); Jehn, 71 
 
 TOLAND, John, xxvii, xxviii 
 
 Tombs, Andrew, 71 
 
 Towns, The Five Dutch, 59 
 
 Town Clerk, duties of, 57, 69 
 
 Records, during the Revolution, vii, X 
 
 Rights and Ferries, 21, 36 
 
 Courts, 57, 60 
 
 Government, 63 
 
 Totten, Rev. Joseph, xv, iV 
 
 Tr apple, Michael, 98 
 
 Tucker, F. C 81 
 
 Turner, Peter, S3, xviii, X 
 
 TJ. 
 
 United States Navy Yard, 6 
 
 Uni verbalists, S4 
 
 v. 
 
 Van Bokkelen, A. H 81 
 
 Van Brunt, Adriance, 79; CorneHv&i 48, 50 
 
XXXV111 
 
 Vahdxbbzck, Jeremiah Remsen, iii .Y 
 
 Vanderbilt, John, 101 
 
 Vaxderveer, Abraham 3 
 
 Vandervoort, Peter 26, 104 
 
 Vanderivater, Benjamin, 21, 30, ST, 42; Jacobus, 20, 69,100 
 
 Van Drvs, Cornelius, 43, 4S, 49, 50 
 
 Vandyke, Agges 49 
 
 VanCocrtlaxdt, Stephanus 11 
 
 VanCowexhoyen, John 36 
 
 VanHorne, Major, 31, 33, 34 
 
 Van. Mates, Gilbert, SI 
 
 ^AN NlEWENHUYSEK, siii, X 
 
 VAknise, John, 91 
 
 Van Nostrand, John, 90; Isaac, S2 ; Loeet, Tl. -1 
 
 Van PrLT, Thos, 82 
 
 Van Sixl.eren, Rev. Ulpianus, "7 
 
 Vak Ttexiioyex, Cornelius, 9 
 
 Van Voris, R 52 
 
 Van Zcrex, Rev. Casparus, 77 
 
 Vecbte, Nicholas,*!], 104, ii, .V; //• ndrkk, 39, 44 45. 13; //. Clots, 43, 
 
 66 ; Adrian&er, ii, X 
 
 Verdeece, Paulus. 12, IS 
 
 Vkrhoeyex, Cornelius, 65, 91 
 
 Verdon, Jacob, 65 
 
 Verplank, 32, 34 
 
 Village of Broorlvn, The organization of the, 65 ; Incorporation of, 
 
 T'l ; Government of, 6% 70 
 
 Volkert, Philip. 37 
 
 Voltaire, Works of, xxviii 
 
 w. 
 
 Will, George, 80 
 
 Wallaboght, 24, 26, 13, 99 ; early name of, ii 2? 
 
 Warden, Fire, 93 
 
 Waring, FTenry, .52 
 
 Warner, Henry W., 83 
 
 Warrant for Town Tax, 108 
 
 Washington, Gen., 52, 51, ii .V, viii A" 
 
 Waterburt, Noah, 70, xi A 
 
 Watts, samuel, 7 
 
 W^ldon, William, it, A' 
 
 Wells, Jacob, 97. 95; Philip. 47 : Parshall 93 
 
 Widows, 100 
 
 Widowers, 100 
 
 Wisg, S. G., xviii, X 
 
 Wood, Silas, 3 
 
XXXIX 
 
 i.l, Ezrale, 83; 7><r S. C, TO 
 
 Woertman, Dirck Janse, 10, U ; Tennis v, N 
 
 Y. 
 
 Yj.s\e=tff;, Joras, C7 
 
 1 Fever in 1809,8,34; in 18*22, S; in 1823 S 
 
 Yorkshire, West Riding of, 12 
 
 Yocxg, Abiathar, S7