“Fflatbush, April 19, 1721. John Rapalje and Hans Bergen of the fferry, desires of the grand jury that the Commissioners now being should be presented for not doing their duty in laying out the king’s highway according to ye law, being the King’s highway is too narrow from the ferry to one Nicalus Cowenhoven, living at Brooklyn and if all our neighbours will make ye road according tolaw, then ye said John Rapelje and Hans Bergen, is willing to do the same as aforesaid, being they are not willing to suffer more than their neighbours. As witness our hands the day and year first above written.JAN RAPELJE,HANS BERGEN.”
“Fflatbush, April 19, 1721. John Rapalje and Hans Bergen of the fferry, desires of the grand jury that the Commissioners now being should be presented for not doing their duty in laying out the king’s highway according to ye law, being the King’s highway is too narrow from the ferry to one Nicalus Cowenhoven, living at Brooklyn and if all our neighbours will make ye road according tolaw, then ye said John Rapelje and Hans Bergen, is willing to do the same as aforesaid, being they are not willing to suffer more than their neighbours. As witness our hands the day and year first above written.
JAN RAPELJE,HANS BERGEN.”
Some of the persons indicted considering themselves aggrieved, and others who feared being placed in the same situation, applied to the Colonial Legislature, and July 27th, 1721, obtained the passage of a law to “continue the common road or king’s highway, from the ferry, towards the town of Breuckland, on the Island of Nassau, in the Province of New York,” with the following preamble. “Whereas several of the inhabitants on the ferry, on the Island of Nassau, by their petition preferred to the General Assembly, by setting forth, that they have been molested prosecutions, occasioned by the contrivance and instigations of ill and disaffected persons to the neighbourhood, who would encroach upon the buildings and fences that have been made many years, alledging the road was not wide enough, to the great damage of several of the old inhabitants, on the said ferry; the said road as it now is, has been so for at least these sixty years past, without any complaint, either of the inhabitants or travellers.”
The law then proceeds to establish the road “forever,” as it then was, from the ferry upwards to the town of Breuckland, as far as the swinging gate of John Rapalje, just above the house and land belonging to James Harding. These proceedings will readily account for Fulton-street, in the present village of Brooklyn being so narrow and crooked in many places.
The point however to which the Compiler wishes to draw the attention of his fellow citizens, is to the existence and location of several public highways and landing-places in this town which at present are known to very few.
There is a public landing-place at or near the mills of Nehemiah Denton, Esq. and a public highway leading thereto.—The record of which is as follows:—“One common highway to Gawanus mill, to begin ffrom the north-east corner of Leffert Peterses ffence, and soe along the roade westerly, as it is now in use to the lane yt parts the lands of Hendrick Vechte, and Abraham Brower, and Nicholas Brower, and soe all along said lane as it is now in ffence to the house of Jurian Collier, and from thence all along the roade now in use to the said Gowanos mill, being in all four rod wide to the said lane; and that there be a convenient landing place for all persons whatsoever, to begin ffrom the southernmost side of said Gowanus mill house, and ffrom said house to run ffour rod to the southward, ffor the transportation of goods and the commodious passing of travellers; and that said highway to said Gowanos mill ffrom said house of said Jurian Collier shall be but two rod only and where it is now in use; said common highway to be and continue forever; and ffurther that the ffence and gate that now stands upon the entrance into said mill neck, ffor the inclosing and securing of said neck, shall soe remaine and be alwayes kept soe inclosed with a ffence and hanging gate; and the way to said mill to be thorow that gate only and to be allwayes shutt or put to by all persons that passes thorow.” The Commissioners laid out the above road and landing place, March 28th, 1704.
In 1709, the Commissioners laid out another road and landing place, at or near the mill of John C. Freeke, Esq. The record of which is as follows:—“One common highway to begin ffrom the house of Jurian Collier to the New mill of Nicholas Brower, now sett up on Gowanos mill neck soe called, as the way is now in use along said neck to said mill to be of two rod wide; and that there shall be a landing place by said mill in the most convenient place ffor the transportation of goods and the commodious passing of travellers; and said highway and landing place to be, remaine and continue forever.”
This town has a public landing place seven rods in length, near the foot of what is now called District-street, in the village of Brooklyn.—This landing place is mentioned in the record of a road three rods wide, leading to the same, which record the Compiler omits inserting in consequence of its length and the multitude of entries connected therewith.
It is believed by many, and not without very good reason, that this town has a public landing place a short distance to the North of the Old or Fulton ferry, and which landing place is now in the possession of the Corporation of New-York.
There is a very distinct tradition of a road to near where this landing place is supposed to have been, at the foot of which road was the public slaughter house, where the butchers of Brooklyn dressed their meats. The road referred to, came out where the house of the Fire Engine No. 4 now stands, and the existence of that road gives the town its title to that small piece of ground.
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, “ata Town meeting held the 25th day of February, 169⅔, att Breuklyn, in Kings County. Then Resolved to divide their common lands and woods into three parts, in manner following to witt:
1. All the lands and woods after Bedford and Cripplebush, over the hills to the path of Newlotts shall belong to the inhabitants and freeholders of the Gowanis, beginning from Jacob Brewer and soe to the uttermost bounds of the limits of New-Utrecht.2. And all the lands and woods that lyes betwixt the abovesaid path and the highway from the ferry towards Flattbush, shall belong to the freeholders and inhabitants of Bedford and Cripplebush.3. And all the lands that lyes in common after the Gowanis, betwixt the limits and bounds of Flatbush and New Utrecht shall belong to the freeholders and inhabitants of Brooklyn, fred. neck, the ferry and the Wallabout.” This proceeding of the Town meeting was allowed of by the Court of Sessions, held at Flatbush, on the 10th day of May, 1693.The following will serve to shew the manner in which the inhabitants of this town elected the Trustees of their common lands, and the duties of those Trustees. “Att a towne meeting held this 29th day off Aprill, 1699, at Breucklyn, by order off Justice Machiel Hanssen, ffor to chose townsmen ffor to order all townes busines and to deffend theire limitts and bounds and to dispose and lay out sum part thereoff in lotts, to make lawes and orders ffor the best off the inhabitants, and to raise a small tax ffor to defray the towne charges, now being or hereaffter to come, to receive towns revenues and to pay townes debts, and that with the advice off the Justices off this said towne standing the space and time off two years. Chosen ffor that purpose by pluralitieoff votes. Benjamin Vande Water, Joores Hanssen, Jan Garretse Dorlant.By order of inhabitants afforesaidJ. VANDE WATER, Clarke.”These proceedings were recorded by order of the Court of Sessions, on the 9th day of May, 1699.
1. All the lands and woods after Bedford and Cripplebush, over the hills to the path of Newlotts shall belong to the inhabitants and freeholders of the Gowanis, beginning from Jacob Brewer and soe to the uttermost bounds of the limits of New-Utrecht.
2. And all the lands and woods that lyes betwixt the abovesaid path and the highway from the ferry towards Flattbush, shall belong to the freeholders and inhabitants of Bedford and Cripplebush.
3. And all the lands that lyes in common after the Gowanis, betwixt the limits and bounds of Flatbush and New Utrecht shall belong to the freeholders and inhabitants of Brooklyn, fred. neck, the ferry and the Wallabout.” This proceeding of the Town meeting was allowed of by the Court of Sessions, held at Flatbush, on the 10th day of May, 1693.
The following will serve to shew the manner in which the inhabitants of this town elected the Trustees of their common lands, and the duties of those Trustees. “Att a towne meeting held this 29th day off Aprill, 1699, at Breucklyn, by order off Justice Machiel Hanssen, ffor to chose townsmen ffor to order all townes busines and to deffend theire limitts and bounds and to dispose and lay out sum part thereoff in lotts, to make lawes and orders ffor the best off the inhabitants, and to raise a small tax ffor to defray the towne charges, now being or hereaffter to come, to receive towns revenues and to pay townes debts, and that with the advice off the Justices off this said towne standing the space and time off two years. Chosen ffor that purpose by pluralitieoff votes. Benjamin Vande Water, Joores Hanssen, Jan Garretse Dorlant.
By order of inhabitants afforesaidJ. VANDE WATER, Clarke.”
These proceedings were recorded by order of the Court of Sessions, on the 9th day of May, 1699.
The following proceeding is curious, setting forth the ancient practice of tradesmen cutting down timber in the public woods, and the regulations made respecting the same. It appears that directly after the Trustees were chosen by the above meeting they together with the Justices, held the following meeting. “Att a meeting held this 29th day off Aprill, (1699) in Breucklyn, Present, Benjamin Vande Water, Jooris Hanssen, Jan Geritse Dorlant, being choisen townsmen in the presence and with the advice off the Justices off this towne.
Considering the greate inconvenience, lose and intrest that the inhabitants off this towne have by reason that the tradesmen here living in this towne doe ffall and cutt the best trees and sully the best of our woods and sell the worke thereoff made the most part to others living withoute the towne, and that the shoemakers and others doe cutt and fall all the best treese ffor the barke, and the wood lyes and rott, and that some persons doe cutt and ffall trees for timber and ffensing stuff, and leave the trees in the woods soe cutt until they are spoilt, and that people off other towns come and cutt and fall trees ffor timber, ffensing stuff, and ffire woods, and transport the same away out off our townes bounds and limitts, and that without leave or consent off the towne, soe that in the time off ffew yeares there shall bee no woods leaved ffor the inhabitants ffor timber or ffensing stuff to the ruine off the said towne. It is thereffore ordered, That ffrom the date hereoff notradesman shall make any worke ffor to sell to others without thee towne, ffrom wood soe cutt as afforesaid as only ffrom old wood.
That no shoemaker or others shall cutt or ffall any trees ffor to barke in the common woods uppon the penaltie off ffive pound ffor every tree soe cutt.
That no men shall leave any timber, ffensing stuffe, or other wood in the woods longer as six weeks affter itt is cutt, uppon the penaltie, that itt shall be ffree ffor others to take and carry the same away as theire owne wood. And that iff any one off other townes shall be ffounden within our townes limitts to cutt or carry away any sorts off woods ffor timber, ffensing stuff or ffire wood, that itt shall bee ffree ffor any one off this towne to take it away and to take out writ to arrest, or to apprehend such offender or offenders presently, and that the Justices off this towne shall answer the action as iff itt were done by theire owneselves,[12]These proceedings were also recorded by order of the Court of Sessions.
“Towne meeting held this 5th day off May, 1701, by order off Justices Cornelis Sebringh and Machiell Hanssen. We the major part off the ffreeholders off Breucklyn doe hereby nominate, constitute and appoint Capt. Jooris Hanssen, Jacob Hanssen and Cornelis Van Duyn, to bee trustees of our Common and undivided lands, and to deffend and maintaine the rights and privileges off our General pattent, as well within as without.”
“Towne meeting held this 2d day off February, 1701-2, by order off Justice Cornelis Sebringh.Purposed iff the order off Bedford, made the 12th day off April, 1697, shall bee conffirmed concerning the lying out of the common or undivided lands or that the said land shall bee lyed out according to the last tax, concerning the deffending off our limitts.
Resolved by the ffreeholders aforesaid, that the chosen townsmen shall ley out the commens according as by the said order off Bedford was concluded, with the ffirst opportunitie, and that all the lotts joyning to the common woods shall be surveyed according to their grants.”
The following Resolution was passed for defending those inhabitants to whom portions of the Common lands were allotted, in their enjoyment of the same. “Att a Towne meeting held att Brookland, in Kings County, this 14th day of March, 1701-2. Present, Machiel Hanssen, Cornelis Sebringh, and Hendrick Vechten, Esquires, Justices.—Resolved, by the major part of the freeholders of the said towne of Brookland, that every man that has now a right, lott, or lotts laid out in the quondam Common and undivided lands of Brookland aforesaid, shall forever free liberty have for egress and regress to his said lotts for fetching off wood or otherwise, over all or any of the said lott or lotts of the said freeholders in the lands aforesaid. And further, that if any of the said freeholders shall at any time or times hereafter, come by any loss or trouble, cost or charges by lawe or otherwise, of, for or concerning the title of any of their said lott or lotts, by any person or persons, either within the township of Brookland afforesaid, or without, that it shall be defended and made goode, (if lost) att all the proper costs and charges of all the freeholders of said towne equally.”
It appears that all the Common lands of this town had been divided among the freeholders, and a portion annexed to each house in the town.—A deed dated the 17th of April, 1705, after conveying a house and lot of land in this town, conveys “alsoe all the rights and priviledges in the common woodlands of the towne of Broockland aforesaid, to said house, belonging as per record of said towne may appear.[13]
These lands, in the month of February, 1701-2, were surveyed by Pieter Corteljeu and S. Clowes, two surveyors, and divided by them into three divisions. The first or west division consisted of 62 lots, containing about 5 acres each, about 310 acres. The second or middle division of 62 lots, containing about 10 acres each, about 620 acres; and the third or east division also of 62 lots, containing about 10 acres each, about 620 acres.—Total number of acres about 1550.
The difference between this town and the city of New-York, having been treated of under the head of Town Rights and Ferries, the compiler will confine himself to the disputes which formerly existed between this town, and the towns of Bushwick, Flatbush and New-Utrecht, respecting their bounds.
The following proceeding relates generally to the defence and settling of the limits of this town.
“Towne meeting held this 7th day of February, 1701-2, by order of Hendrick Vechten, Justice.—The Justice Hendrick Vechten, brings in that the towns men were nott well authorised concerninge the lying out and defending of our bounds by reason that they have no power to compounde oragree with any of the neighbouring townes, &c.—These are thereffore, that the freeholders and inhabitants doe give full power to the said Intrusties, for to agree and compounde with any of the neighbour townes concerning our bounds, and all what our said Intrusties shall doe and agree with them, we shall stand to itt.” This proceeding was recorded by order of the Court of Sessions, on the 13th of May, 1702.
The difference as to the bounds of these two towns seems generally to have been contested between individuals. The following is the only general order on record respecting the same:
At a Court of Sessions, held at Flatbush for Kings County, May 10, 1699. “Uppon the desire of the inhabitants of Breucklyn, that according to use and order every three yeare the limmitts betweene towne and towne must be runn, that a warrant or order may be given, that upon the 17th day off May, the line and bounds betwixt said townes of Breucklyn and Boswyck, shall be runn according to their pattents or agrements.” Ordered, “That an order should be past according to theire request.
At a Court of Sessions, held at Flatbush for Kings County, May 10, 1699. “Uppon the desire of the inhabitants of Breucklyn, that according to use and order every three yeare the limmitts betweene towne and towne must be runn, that a warrant or order may be given, that upon the 17th day off May, the line and bounds betwixt said townes of Breucklyn and Boswyck, shall be runn according to their pattents or agrements.” Ordered, “That an order should be past according to theire request.
The dispute between this town and Flatbush, respecting their bounds, appears to have been of more importance than that with any other place, excepting New-York.
At a Court of Sessions, held for the West Riding of Yorkshire, upon Long-Island, the 18th of December, 1678, the following order was made:
“There being some difference between the townes of Flat Bush and Breucklyn concerning theirbounds, the which they are both willing to refer to Captain Jaques Corteleou and Captain Richard Stillwell to decide. The Court doth approve thereof, and order their Report to be determinative.”Messrs. Cortelyou and Stillwell complied with the requisition of the above order as will appear by the following report: but subsequent disputes shew that the same was not “determinative.”“To the worshipfull Court of Sessions, now sitting at Gravesend, June 21, 1683. These may certiffie that in obedience to an order from said Court, and by consent of both towns of Breucklyn and Flattbush, to runn the line betwixt the said townes which are we underwritten have done and marked the trees betwixt towne and towne, as wittnesse our hands the daye and yeare above written.JACQUES CORTELYOU,RICHARD STILLWELL.”
“There being some difference between the townes of Flat Bush and Breucklyn concerning theirbounds, the which they are both willing to refer to Captain Jaques Corteleou and Captain Richard Stillwell to decide. The Court doth approve thereof, and order their Report to be determinative.”
Messrs. Cortelyou and Stillwell complied with the requisition of the above order as will appear by the following report: but subsequent disputes shew that the same was not “determinative.”
“To the worshipfull Court of Sessions, now sitting at Gravesend, June 21, 1683. These may certiffie that in obedience to an order from said Court, and by consent of both towns of Breucklyn and Flattbush, to runn the line betwixt the said townes which are we underwritten have done and marked the trees betwixt towne and towne, as wittnesse our hands the daye and yeare above written.
JACQUES CORTELYOU,RICHARD STILLWELL.”
It appears by the following Certificate, that a subsequent survey was made in 1684, of the division line between this town and Flatbush.
“To satisffie whom itt may concerne, that I being with Mr. Jacobus Cortland, about the twentyeth day off November, 1684, imployed by Breuckland and Fflackbush, to vew and run out the line betweene the two towns to the south of the hills found that the line run fformerly by Capts. Jacques Cortelyou and Mr. Stillwell, is right and just, which wee both being agreed, gave in our approbation of the same.PHILIP WELLS, Surveyor.”Staaten-Island, in the County of Richmond, this 4th day of Aprill, 1687.”
“To satisffie whom itt may concerne, that I being with Mr. Jacobus Cortland, about the twentyeth day off November, 1684, imployed by Breuckland and Fflackbush, to vew and run out the line betweene the two towns to the south of the hills found that the line run fformerly by Capts. Jacques Cortelyou and Mr. Stillwell, is right and just, which wee both being agreed, gave in our approbation of the same.
PHILIP WELLS, Surveyor.”
Staaten-Island, in the County of Richmond, this 4th day of Aprill, 1687.”
The above Certificate was recorded by order of several of the inhabitants of Brooklyn.
At a Court of Sessions for Kings County, held the 4th day of October, 1687, the following proceeding was had:
“Complaint off Jan Oake, and Cornelis Barduff, authorised by the inhabitants of Fflackbush being read against Pieter Cronwer, concerning the building uppon the land in question, betwixt Breucklyn and Fflackbush, Itt is ordered, that none off the partys shall meddle themselves with the said land before the question off the said land shall be finished.”
“Complaint off Jan Oake, and Cornelis Barduff, authorised by the inhabitants of Fflackbush being read against Pieter Cronwer, concerning the building uppon the land in question, betwixt Breucklyn and Fflackbush, Itt is ordered, that none off the partys shall meddle themselves with the said land before the question off the said land shall be finished.”
December 4, 1689. Jooris Bergen, Jan Dorlant and H. Claes Vechte, Commissioners of this town, together with Jurrian Bries, Constable, granted to Jeronimius Remsen, a piece of land lying at Bedford, in lieu of a piece of land which they had formerly sold him, lying at the Port or entrance, and which was claimed by the town of Flatbush.
At a town meeting, held in this town the 11th day of April, 1702, by order of Justices Machiel Hanssen, and Cornelis Seberingh; it was
“Purposed to choise townsmen, in place off George Hanssen, Jacob Hanssen, and Cornelis Van Duyn, by cause theire times being past the 29th off this instant. Resolved to prolong the old townsmen’s time to the twenty-fifth off May next, by reason they are in action off lawe with them off Fflackbush, to be tryed this May court.”
The differences between these two towns have been amicably settled, and proper monuments placed on the boundary lines, to prevent, if possible, all future disputes.
February 14, 1702. George Hansen, Jacob Hansen and Cornelius Van Duyn, Trustees on the part of the town of Brooklyn, and Cornelius Van Brunt,Peter Cortelyou, and Aert Van Pelt, Trustees on the part of the town of New-Utrecht, entered into an agreement, which, after setting forth the said Trustee’s powers to enter into the same, proceeds to say, “that the courses and lines hereafter specified shall be the exact bounds between the said two towns of Brookland and New Utrecht and soe to continue to perpetuity without any alteration; viz. The bounds to begin in the sloott or pond lying and being by and between the house of Agyes Vandyke, of the said towne of Brookland and the house of Thomas Sharax, of the said towne of New-Utrecht, where the water runns into the salt water River, by a certaine fence from thence stretching away south-east one degree southerly, two hundred eighty and eight English rod, to a winter white oake tree markt on the south and north-west side; and from thence running east eight and twenty degrees northerly to a white oake tree, being on the east side of the path leading to New-Utrecht aforesaid, to the Gowanos soe called in the towneship of Brookland abovesaid, said tree being markt on two sides, and being formerly the old markt tree betweene the said townes, &c.”
At the time of the execution of the above-mentioned agreement, the Trustees of the town of Brooklyn, gave a bond to the Trustees of the town of New-Utrecht, in the sum of one thousand pounds “currant money of New-Yorke.”—The condition of which Bond or obligation was, “That if the above bounden George Hansen, Jacob Hansen and Cornelius Van Duyne, severally and their severall heires and assigns, doe and shall from time to time and at all times hereafter, well and truly observe, performe and keepe, all and every the covenants, articles of agreements, which on their and every of their parts, are or ought to be observed, performedand kept, contained and specified in and by certain articles of agreements of the date hereof and made betweene the above bounden George Hansen, Jacob Hansen and Cornelius Van Duyn of the one part, and the above-named Cornelius Van Brunt, Peter Cortilleou and Aert Van Pelt of the other part, of, in and concerning the limmitts and bounds of their townes pattents, and that in and by all things according to the true meaning of the said articles of agreement in such wise that no breache be made of the premises in said articles of agreement by the towne of Brookland aforesaid, at any time or times hereafter, then this obligation to be void and of none effect, otherwise to stand and remain in full force, virtue and power in law.”
In the year 1797, a survey was made of all the bounds of this town, and a map thereof transmitted to the Surveyor General of this state.
This town had a full share of the military operations during the Revolutionary war; and was for a long time in the possession of the British army. It is covered with the remains of fortifications which were thrown up by the Americans[14]and English for their defence against each other. In this town was fought the most sanguinary part of the battle of Long-Island, August 27, 1776; which took place on the retreat of the American army within their lines, and the attempt of a portion of them to ford the mill ponds at Gawanos; in which attempt nearly the whole of a Regiment of young men from Maryland were cut off.
Many of the minor events connected with this battle, and the Revolutionary contest, are fast sinkinginto the shades of oblivion: the compiler has therefore thought proper to give place to the following piece of history, not with an idea, that he can immortalize any event which he relates; but with a hope, that his efforts will call forth some nobler pen to do justice to the memories of many of the almost forgotten heroes of those hard fought battles, and arduous contests. In the battle above-mentioned, part of the British army marched down a lane or road leading from the Brush tavern to Gowanos, pursuing the Americans. Several of the American riflemen, in order to be more secure, and at the same time, more effectually to succeed in their designs, had posted themselves in the high trees near the road. One of them, whose name is now partially forgotten, shot the English Major Grant; in this he passed unobserved. Again he loaded his deadly rifle, and fired—another English officer fell. He was then marked, and a platoon ordered to advance, and fire into the tree; which order was immediately carried into execution, and the rifleman fell to the ground, dead. After the battle was over, the two British officers were buried in a field, near where they fell, and their graves fenced in with some posts and rails, where their remains still rest. But for “an example to the rebels,” they refused to the American rifleman the rites of sepulture; and his remains were exposed on the ground, till the flesh was rotted, and torn off his bones by the fowls of the air. After a considerable length of time, in a heavy gale of wind, a large tree was uprooted; in the cavity formed by which, some friends to the Americans, notwithstanding the prohibition of the English, placed the brave soldier’s bones to mingle in peace with their kindred earth.
August 28, 1776. Before day break, in a very thick fog, General Washington retreated with his army from near the old ferry, Brooklyn, to New-York. As the last boat of the Americans left the shore, the fog dissipated, and the British made their appearance on the hills above the place of embarkation, when a shot or two from an American Battery on the hill near the house of Col. Henry Rutgers, in New-York, compelled the British to desist in their march to the ferry.
A short time after the retreat of the Americans, Captain Hale, of the American army, was dispatched by General Washington, to see if the English had taken possession of his camp at Brooklyn, and what their situation was. This unfortunate young officer was taken by the English and hung as a spy, without even a form of trial; and not allowed a clergyman at his execution. It is believed he was executed somewhere along the Brooklyn shore, to the south-west of the old ferry. In our pity for Major Andre, we have almost entirely lost sight of this meritorious officer, whose claims on our gratitude ought ever to be remembered, in proportion as his sufferings were greater than those of the former.
During the stay of the American army on Long-Island, the head quarters of General Washington were at the house on Brooklyn heights, now owned and occupied by Henry Waring, Esq. The house now owned and occupied by Teunis Joralemon, Esq. was used by the English as a Hospital during the Revolution, and in its vicinity, hundreds of British soldiers and sailors are buried.
Most of the records of this town were destroyed by the English when they came in possession of it after the battle of Long-Island.
In the month of November, 1776, one of the British prison ships, called the Whitby, was moored in the Wallaboght, near Remsen’s mills. On board this vessel great mortality prevailed among the prisoners, and many of them died. Those of the prisoners who died from this ship, and from the others, which were afterwards brought to this place, were interred in the hill at the present Navy-Yard; where their remains were found, and in the year 1808, deposited in a vault erected for that purpose. March 1777, two other prison ships anchored in the Wallaboght, one of which bore the name of Good Hope; which vessel in the month of October, in the same year, took fire and was burnt. The prisoners were saved and transferred to the other vessels.—The hull of this ship lies under a dock at the Navy Yard, in this town. In the month of February, 1778, on a Sunday afternoon, another British prison ship was burnt in the Wallaboght. The hull of this vessel lies in the mud in that Bay. 1778, the Jersey ship of the line, having arrived at New-York, was condemned as unfit for the service, and converted into a prison ship. As such she anchored in the Wallaboght during the month of April, in the same year, together with the Falmouth and Hope, for Hospital ships; where they remained till the close of the Revolutionary war.
October 22, 1779, An act of attainder was passed by the Legislature of this State, against John Rapalje, Esq. of this town, by which his property was confiscated to the use of the State. That part of his property lying within the bounds of the present village of Brooklyn, was on the 13th of July, 1784, sold by the Commissioners of Forfeitures, to Comfort, and Joshua Sands, Esqrs. for £12,430.
In the year 1780, the British being apprehensive of an attack from the American army under GeneralWashington, commenced fortifying the high grounds about Brooklyn; which works they continued until the peace in 1783. In this town the British had their army yard, where their forage department, and blacksmith’s shops, &c. were kept. The entrance to this yard was near the junction of Main-street with Fulton-street, in the present village of Brooklyn.
During the Revolution, this place was much resorted to by the officers of the English army, and the fashionables of the day, as a scene of amusement. In the Royal Gazette of August 8th, 1781, published at New-York, Charles Loosley advertises a Lottery of $12,500, to be drawn at “Brooklyn Hall.” The same paper contains the following advertisement: “Pro bono publico. Gentlemen that are fond of fox hunting, are requested to meet at Loosley’s Tavern, on Ascot Heath, on Friday morning next, between the hours of five and six, as a pack of hounds will be there purposely for a trial of their abilities: Breakfasting and Relishes until the Races commence.—At eleven o’clock will be run for, an elegant saddle, &c. value at least twenty pounds, for which upwards of twelve gentlemen will ride their own horses.—At twelve, a match will be rode by two gentlemen, Horse for Horse.—At one, a match for thirty guineas, by two gentlemen, who will also ride their own horses.—Dinner will be ready at two o’clock, after which, and suitable regalements, racing and other diversions, will be calculated to conclude the day with pleasure and harmony. Brooklyn Hall, 6th August, 1781.”
Lieutenant Anberry, in a letter from New-York, to a friend in England, dated October 30th, 1781, says, “on crossing the East River from New-York, you land at Brooklyn, which is a scattered village, consisting of a few houses. At this place is an excellentTavern, where parties are made to go and eat fish; the landlord of which has saved an immense fortune this war.” The public house referred to in the above advertisements, and letter, was the same house, which after the Revolution, and in the Compiler’s recollection, was called the “Corporation House.” It was a large, gloomy, old fashioned, stone edifice; and was destroyed by fire, September 23d, 1812.
This town was left by the British troops, the same day that they evacuated New-York.
The first public officer appointed by the Dutch Government for this town after its settlement in 1625, was a “Superintendant,” whose duties were to preserve the peace, and regulate the police of the town. A few years after the office of Superintendant was abolished, and the offices of Schout, Secretary, and Assessor, created; these officers were also appointed by the Governor. In 1646, the town having considerably increased, the inhabitants were permitted to elect two magistrates; subject, however, to the approval or rejection of the Governor. These magistrates had increased powers: they were authorised to give judgment in all cases as they might think proper; provided that the judgment so given be not contrary to the charter of New-Netherland. Subsequently this Town Court was new modelled by the Dutch Government, and its power and authority more clearly defined.
The inhabitants suffering very much under the arbitrary exercise of power on the part of the government, frequently remonstrated against the same. Finally a convention of delegates from this, and the other towns under the Dutch government assembled at New Amsterdam, November 26th, 1653, on aninvitation from the Governor. Where they, on the 11th of December, following, entered into a remonstrance against the exclusion of the people from their share in legislation, and generally against their mode of government. The Governor and his Council sent them no answer, but entered one on the minutes; in which they denied the right of this town, Flatbush, and Flatlands, to send deputies, and protested against the meeting, notwithstanding the same was held at the Governor’s request. Entertaining a just sense of the responsibility attached to them, the deputies made another, but ineffectual attempt, to obtain a recognition of their rights, and on the 13th of the last mentioned month, presented another remonstrance, in which they declared, that if they could not obtain them from the Governor and Council, they would be under the necessity of appealing to their superiors, the States General.—The Governor in a fit of anger dissolved their meeting, and sent them home.
In 1654, it appears that the country was very much infested with robbers; to disperse whom, April 7, 1654, the magistrates of this town, together with those of Midwout and Amersfort, united in forming a company of soldiers to act against “robbers and pirates,” and determined that there should be a military officer in each town, called a Sergeant.
In order to prevent the depredations of the Indians, the Governor in 1660, ordered the inhabitants of Brooklyn to put the town in a state of defence; and commanded the farmers to remove within the fortifications, on the pain of forfeiting their estates.[15]
For the first two or three years under the English government, the magistrates of this town were but temporary officers. Nearly all that we know about the government previous to 1669, is, that Town Courts were established in this Colony.—The inference would be, that as this town was granted “all the rights and privileges belonging to a town within this government,” a town Court was also organized here.
The Town Clerk of this town was appointed by the Governor, and confirmed by the Court of Sessions, as will appear by the following record: At a Court of Sessions held at Gravesend for the West Riding of Yorkshire upon Long-Island, December 15, 1669. “Whereas Derick Storm presented an order from his Hon. the Governor, for the approbation of the Court of Sessions, to allow him to be towne clerk of Breucklen, taking his oath, the Court having allowed thereof, and doe hereby confirme him of Clerke of the said towne.”
In the year 1669, the first mention is made in the records of the “Constable of Breucklen;” which office at that period was held by Michael Lenell. The duties of constable as laid down in the Duke’s laws were, holding town courts with the overseers, and with them making assessments, &c. whipping, or punishing offenders, raising the hue and cry after murderers, manslayers, thieves, robbers, burglarers; and also to apprehend without warrant such as were overtaken with drink, swearing, Sabbathbreaking, vagrant persons, or night walkers; “provided they bee taken in the manner, either by the sighte of the constable, or by present informacon from others; as alsoe to make searche for all such persons either on ye Sabbath daye, or other, when there shall bee occation in all houses licensed to sell beere or wine, or any other suspected or disordered places, and those to apprehend and keepe in safe custody till opportunity serves to bring them before the next Justice of ye Peace for further examinacon.” The Constable was chosen out of the number of Overseers, whose term of service had expired.
The following is a list of the Constables of Brooklyn, from 1669 to 1690:
Brooklyn and Newtown were ordered to make a new choice according to law.
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 aseparate district for certain purposes, by the name of the “Five Dutch towns.” A Secretary was specially appointed for these five towns, whose duties appear to have been confined to the taking acknowledgment of transports, and marriage settlements, and proof of wills, &c. This office in 1674, was held by “Nicasius De Sille, in the absence of Sr Ffrancis De Brugh.” This same Mr. De Sille, was in authority under the Dutch government, in the year 1658, as Schout of the city of New-Amsterdam. He was styled, “Heer Nicasius De Sille.” There was no uniformity in the title of those acknowledging officers of the Five Dutch towns. In 1675, Machiel Hainelle exercised that office, and styled himself “Clerk.” In the same year the Court of Sessions for this Riding, after setting forth the appointment of Hainell, and calling him “Secretary,” said, “It is the opinion of the Court that for what publique or private business he shall doe he ought to have reasonable satisfacon.[16]
There were also in this town, officers, who were called “Overseers.” The Duke’s Laws provide for their appointment in the following manner. “Overseers shall be eight in number, men of good fame, and life, chosen by the plurality of voyces of the freeholders in each towne, whereof foure shall remaine in their office two yeares successively, and foure shall be changed for new ones every yeare; which election shall preceed the elections of Constables, in point of time, in regard the Constable for the yeare ensuing, is to bee chosen out of that number which are dismist from their office of Overseers.”
The following is a copy of the oath which was administered to the overseers elect.
“Whereas you are chosen and appointed an Overseer for the Towne of Breucklen you doe sweare by the Ever-living God, that you will faithfully and diligently discharge the trust reposed in you, in relation to the publique and towne affaires, according to the present lawes established, without favour, affection or partiality to any person or cause which shall fall under your cognizance; and at time when you shall bee required by your superiors to attend the private differences of neighbours, you will endeavour to reconcile them: and in all causes conscientiously and according to the best of your judgment deliver your voyce in the towne meetings of Constable and Overseers. So helpe you God.” These officers were commonly sworn by the Court of Sessions; but in the year 1671, the Constable of Newtown objected to the Court’s swearing the overseers of that town, “alledginge that accordinge to the amendments of the law iff special occation required, itt is in the power of the Constable to sweare them, otherwise not, which is left to his Honor the Governor to decide.” The inhabitants of the town for which the overseers were elected were authorised to determine by a major vote whether the said overseers should, on admission to office, take the oath prescribed as above; and in case the said overseers were not sworn, it was a legal objection against their proceedings on the part of any person prosecuted in their court, unless the overseers immediately on objection being made, took the oath, which the Constable was permitted to administer.It was the duty of the overseers, together with the Constable, to hold Town Courts, for the trial of causes under £5. Their other duties are containedin the following summary. On the death of any person, they were to repair with the Constable, to the house of the deceased, and inquire after the manner of his death, and of his will and testament; and if no will was found, the Constable in the presence of the Overseers was, within 48 hours, to search after the estate of the deceased, and to deliver an account of the same in writing, under oath, to the next Justice of the Peace. They, together with the Constable made all assessments. If any Overseer died during his term, the rest of the Overseers by a major vote, made choice of another in his place; and if the person so chosen refused to serve, he forfeited the sum of £10, towards defraying the town charges. They were to settle the bounds of the town, within twelve months after the bounds were granted. They had the power of regulating fences. They were authorised together with the Constable to make choice of two out of the eight overseers of Church affairs.They and the Constable, were frequently to admonish the inhabitants “to instruct their children and servants in matters of religion, and the lawes of the country.” They, with the Constable, appointed an officer “to record every man’s particular marke, and see each man’s horse and colt branded.” The Constable and two of the Overseers were to pay the value of an Indian coat for each wolf killed; and they were to cause the wolf’s head to be “nayled over the door of the Constable, their to remaine, as also to cut of both the eares in token that the head is bought and paid for.”
“Whereas you are chosen and appointed an Overseer for the Towne of Breucklen you doe sweare by the Ever-living God, that you will faithfully and diligently discharge the trust reposed in you, in relation to the publique and towne affaires, according to the present lawes established, without favour, affection or partiality to any person or cause which shall fall under your cognizance; and at time when you shall bee required by your superiors to attend the private differences of neighbours, you will endeavour to reconcile them: and in all causes conscientiously and according to the best of your judgment deliver your voyce in the towne meetings of Constable and Overseers. So helpe you God.” These officers were commonly sworn by the Court of Sessions; but in the year 1671, the Constable of Newtown objected to the Court’s swearing the overseers of that town, “alledginge that accordinge to the amendments of the law iff special occation required, itt is in the power of the Constable to sweare them, otherwise not, which is left to his Honor the Governor to decide.” The inhabitants of the town for which the overseers were elected were authorised to determine by a major vote whether the said overseers should, on admission to office, take the oath prescribed as above; and in case the said overseers were not sworn, it was a legal objection against their proceedings on the part of any person prosecuted in their court, unless the overseers immediately on objection being made, took the oath, which the Constable was permitted to administer.
It was the duty of the overseers, together with the Constable, to hold Town Courts, for the trial of causes under £5. Their other duties are containedin the following summary. On the death of any person, they were to repair with the Constable, to the house of the deceased, and inquire after the manner of his death, and of his will and testament; and if no will was found, the Constable in the presence of the Overseers was, within 48 hours, to search after the estate of the deceased, and to deliver an account of the same in writing, under oath, to the next Justice of the Peace. They, together with the Constable made all assessments. If any Overseer died during his term, the rest of the Overseers by a major vote, made choice of another in his place; and if the person so chosen refused to serve, he forfeited the sum of £10, towards defraying the town charges. They were to settle the bounds of the town, within twelve months after the bounds were granted. They had the power of regulating fences. They were authorised together with the Constable to make choice of two out of the eight overseers of Church affairs.
They and the Constable, were frequently to admonish the inhabitants “to instruct their children and servants in matters of religion, and the lawes of the country.” They, with the Constable, appointed an officer “to record every man’s particular marke, and see each man’s horse and colt branded.” The Constable and two of the Overseers were to pay the value of an Indian coat for each wolf killed; and they were to cause the wolf’s head to be “nayled over the door of the Constable, their to remaine, as also to cut of both the eares in token that the head is bought and paid for.”
The following is the only list that the Compiler could obtain of the Overseers of this town.
In the year 1683, the “Overseers” were changed to “Commissioners.” The “act for defraying the publique and necessary charge of each respective citty, towne, and county throughout this province; and for maintaining the poore and preventing vagabonds.” Passed by the General Assembly of this colony, November 1st, 1683, provides—“That annually and once in every yeare there shall be elected a certaine number out of each respective citty, towne, and county throughout this province; to be elected and chosen by the major part of all the ffreeholders and ffreemen; which certaine number so duely elected shall have full power and authority to make an assessment or certaine rate within their respective cittys, townes and countys annually, and once in every yeare, which assessment and certain rate so established as aforesaid, shall bee paid into a certaine Treasurer, who shall be chosen by a major part of all the ffreemen of each respective citty, towne, and county; which Treasurer soe duly chosen, shall make such payment for the defraying of all the publique and necessary charges of each respective place above-menconed, as shall bee appointed by the commissioners, or their President, that shall be appointed in each respective citty, towne, and county within this province, for hesupervising the publique affaires and chargeof each respective citty, towne and county aforesaid.” And the said act proceeds further to say, “And whereas it is the custome and practice of his Majestiesrealme of England, and all the adjacent colonyes in America, that every respective county, citty, towne, parrish, and precinct, doth take care and provide for the poore who doe inhabit in their respective precincts aforesaid; Therefore it is enacted, &c. That for the time to come the respective commissioners of every county, citty, towne, parish, precinct aforesaid, shall make provision for the maintainance and support of their poore respectively.”[17]
The following is a list of the Commissioners of this town from 1684, to 1690, inclusive.
The town made choice of Hansen and De Rapalie; and were ordered by the Court of Sessions to make a new selection by the 12th of April, 1686, and return the same to one of the Justices of the Peace for Kings County.
The Court of Sessions ordered the town to make choice of a new Commissioner in the place of Tunis Guysbert; which they according did, and elected Jan Gerritsen Dorland.
The Court of Sessions refused to swear Michael Hansen.
The office of “Commissioner” continued until 1703, when a “Supervisor” was elected. The Supervisors of Kings County had their first meeting on the first Tuesday of October, 1703; at which meeting Captain Joras Hansen was the Supervisor from Brooklyn. The duty of the Supervisors was, “to compute, ascertaine, examine, oversee and allow the contingent, publick, and necessary charge of each county.” Two assessors were also elected for this town, whose names were, Peter Garrabrantse, and John E. Bennet; and one Collector. This is not the first mention of the assessors and collectors of this town in our County Records. In 1688, Michael Hansen, and Daniel Rapalie were chosen assessors, for the purpose of assessing this town’s proportion of a tax of £308 8s 0d, which was imposed on Kings County. It is the opinion of the Compiler, that these were distinct officers from the Commissioners, whose duty it was to assess the ordinary rates; and that these assessors were but temporary officers, appointed to assess this particular tax. In 1699, Jan Garretse Dorlant is mentioned as Collector of Brooklyn; and in 1701, John Bybout held the same office.
In 1691, a majority of the freeholders of the town were impowered to make orders for the improvement of their public lands; and annually to elect three surveyors of highways. The duties of these svrveyors were to amend and lay out highways and fences. The town meeting at which these orders were made, and officers elected, were held by the direction, and under the superintendance of one or more justices of the peace.
November 8, 1692. The court of sessions for Kings county, ordered that each town within the county, should erect “a good pair of stocks, anda good pound;” and that the clerk of the court should issue a warrant to the constable of every town, requiring them to see this order complied with “at their peril.” The following is a list of the constables of this town, from the new organization of the colony in 1691, to 1711, as far as the compiler has been able to ascertain the same:
For some time previous and subsequent to the year 1693, the colony was in a very disordered state, arising probably from its new organization after the revolution in Great Britain.
At the same period, both the civil and military governments in this town and also in the county, were very unpopular. In order to support their authority, the justices of the peace resorted to the exercise of very arbitrary measures: arresting and confining many persons under the pretence of their having uttered scandalous words against them, and the government; by which proceedings they completely alienated the people’s affections, and exasperated them to such a degree that they committed many excesses: all which will appear by the following extracts from the records: