AMERICAN DESCENDANTS OF THE WESEL FAMILY

GYSBERT OPDYCK.

(Son of Lodowick op den Dyck, page 34.)

Baptized in Willibrord's Church, Wesel, Germany, Sept. 25, 1605,. by his parents Lodowigh op den Dyck and Gertrudt van Wesek. Came before 1638, to New Amsterdam (New York); there married Catherine Smith, Sept. 24, 1643. Remained among the Dutch in New Netherland until the English capture in 1664. During a great part of these thirty years, was an officer of the Dutch West India Company;------Commander of Fort Hope, Commissary, one of the Eight Men, Marshal, Tithe-Commissioner, frequently sat in the Council, and assisted in making Indian treaties. Owned a residence on Stone Street, N. Y., the whole of Coney Island (part of which bore his name), a farm at Hempstead and another at Cow Neck, Long Island.

Gysbert signed his name op d Dyck in his two autograph signatures which have come down to us, Jan. 25, 1644, and Aug. 19, 1649; the same form of signature to his deposition on the Hempstead records at Roslyn, April 3, 1659, is probably also in his own hand. This is the very form in which his his father's name was written at the baptism of Gysbert in Wesel. The Pastor at Wesel informs us that this d always stood for den, thus the op den Dyck which Gysbert's ancestors had been called in Wesel since 1283, and probably earlier. The Dutch Church records in New call him often op ten Dyck, which also was a frequent format The Dutch documents and official records spell his name as op Dycj, or more frequently Opdyck; the latter form has been followed by the translators and the historians, and it will be followed by us as it was doubtless the name by which Gysbert was generally known among the Dutch here. His Rhode Island descendants, associating with only English-speaking people,

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wrote their name Updick, and finally Updike; and they wrote Gysbert in its English form, Gilbert.

The New England books describe him as "a German physician of some celebrity who settled on Lloyd's Neck, L. I., and came to Rhode Island when Col. Nichols reduced N. Y. in 1664." This is probably derived from the authority of his great-great grandson Wilkins Updike of R. I., but we have doubts about Gysbert ever having been a physician. However, there is truth in other portions of this tradition, and there may be in all. Perhaps a confusion has arisen from the title "Doctor," which in German is a degree of learning and not of medicine. Gysbert may have been graduated with the German degree of Doctor from the Wesel Academy, then famous in Europe. He was well educated; his associations, official positions, reports, even his signature, show this. He must have spoken German from his birth, Dutch from his emigration, and English from his marriage.

He is often called Mr., and Sieur, on the Dutch records, titles of unusual respect in those days. He was a friend of Gov. Kieft, Secretary van Tienhoven, Fiscal de la Montagne, and Burgomaster Cregier, all of whom officiated as sponsors at the baptisms of his children; and he himself was in demand as sponsor for baptisms of the children of others. Gysbert must have been attractive to both young and old. At the age of 38 years he won the heart of the young English maiden, and the marriage met the approval of her father Richard Smith, a man of standing and wealth and so scrupulous that he once refused his consent to the marriage of another daughter to an Englishman who later became Sheriff of Flushing. At a time when Director Kieft and the citizens of New Amsterdam were in bitter conflict, Gysbert, although an official and friend of Kieft, had the entire confidence of the people. His repeated appointment as Commander of Fort Hope, and the incident at the Stadt Huys, show that he was a man of known courage, yet wise and prudent. In all the many difficulties and trying situations of the early Dutch settlement, he bore himself creditably.

At Hartford Gysbert had often to argue the Dutch rights to the country. Their claim dated from 1609, when Amsterdam merchants sent Henry Hudson in the "Half Moon" with twenty Dutch and English sailors to find a shorter passage to China. He found no short cut to China, but he discovered and anchored in the Delaware River, and then discovered the Hudson River and sailed up it to what is now Albany, landing frequently among the Indians. The Dutch were then an independent nation and their right to claim possession was indisputable, as the territory thus explored was unoccupied by any Christian prince or people. Thereupon Dutch merchants sent many vessels to trade in furs with the Indians, ascending rivers and creeks. The Dutch mariners May and Block were the first to explore Delaware Bay and Long Island Sound; Cape May and

Block Island still bear their names. Rhode Island is the Dutch "Roods"

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(red) Island. In 1614 the Dutch had small forts on the Hudson River and a trading house just below Albany. An Amsterdam company made an excellent map of the Dutch discoveries from Latitude 40° to 45° and given an exclusive grant for a time; the country was named New Netherland, and Dutch vessels explored and traded here largely. All this was before the landing of the Pilgrims in New England in 1620. The Dutch colony was in fact the earliest permanent European settlement in North America excepting those by the Spaniards at St. Augustine, Florida, in 1584 - by the French at Quebec in 1606 and by the London Company in Virginia in 1607. These just grounds for the Dutch possession of New Netherland could not be honestly met. Yet England, with her usual thirst for dominion, claimed the whole of North America, simply because Cabot had sailed along the coast and had occasionally seen land.

The Dutch settlement was composed neither of religious refugees as in New England, nor of needy adventurers as in Virginia, but was a commercial enterprise of the most successful Holland merchants who were in full sympathy with their home government and church. From 1621 the Government of New Netherland was given entirely into the hands of the Dutch West India Company, under a charter from Holland, with power to appoint governors, maintain soldiers, administer justice, make treaties with the Indians, and to control trade, under the direction of a "Board of XIX" in Holland; the States General agreeing to assist with money and twenty vessels in case of war. This commercial character of its government was fatal to the Dutch Colony; for its Governors sought only to increase the profitable traffic of the West India Company, neglected the settlement of the country, and by their arbitrary conduct discouraged their colonists.

Peter Minuit, of Wesel, was the Director (Governor) of the colony from 1626 to 1632 ; van Twiller from 1633 to 1637; William Kieft from 1638 to 1646. Gysbert Opdyck may have come to the colony with Peter Minuit from Wesel, or under van Twiller, as the records before 1638 are entirely lost excepting the land-patents. Although he was a German from Wesel, he was doubtless not without consideration whenever he came, for the people of that town had been like brothers to the Dutch from time immemorial, their city had been the city of refuge from Spanish religious persecution for the Hollanders of the 16th century, and we find the Ÿacht Wesel" among the earliest vessels coming to New Amsterdam.

In 1638, the first year of the records which have been preserved, we find Gysbert Opdyck as the Commissary of Fort Good Hope, and from then until the English capture in 1664 we find him mentioned on the records, in one capacity or another, in almost every year except those in which the records are again missing.

The West India Company managed each of their three distant settlements, Albany, Hartford, and on the Delaware River, by a Commissary

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who was in each case Commander of the soldiers at the Fort and was in full charge of all matters pertaining to that colony. As early as 1623 the Dutch had settled six men and two families on "Fresh" (Connecticut) River, had commenced to build a small trading-post or fort, and carried on a brisk fur-trade with the Indians. Up to 1631 the Dutch were the only Europeans who had visited what is now Connecticut. In 1633 they had bought from the Indian tribes most all the lands on both sides of the river, and at Saybrook Point where the arms of the States General "were affixed to a tree in token of possession." They completed "Fort Good Hope" on the site of the present city of Hartford, building a redoubt on the edge of the river and fortifying it with two cannon. But now the Puritans, growing weary of their barren New `England soil, cast longing eyes upon the fertile valley of the Connecticut, ungratefully forgetting that Holland had been their refuge and home against the religious persecutions of the English Crown during twelve years before they embarked in the Mayflower for the American wilderness. Massachusetts asserted the English title to Connecticut, and a party from Plymouth passed the Dutch fort on the pretense of coming to trade, but immediately set up there a small house for which they had brought the materials concealed in their vessel. Director van Twiller sent a band of about 70 men in a warlike manner with colors displayed to dislodge the intruders, but the Plymouth men stood upon their defense, and the Dutch force withdrew, averse to shedding the blood of their fellow-Protestants when only land and not principle was involved. The Dutch were the bravest nation in Europe ; alone, they had defeated the mighty empire of Spain ; later they drove back the armies of Louis XIV of France. But the West India Company's administration of New Netherland aimed at trade, not at territory; it could not appreciate the territorial greed of the English, and temporized until it was too late. The Dutch Governor sent a protest to Massachusetts, showing the Dutch title by discovery, purchase, and possession, adding very sensibly. "In this part of the world are divers heathen lands that are empty of inhabitants, so that of a little part thereof there needs not be any question." The New Englanders "pushed on, built a fort, settled at Springfield, and soon far outnumbered the Dutch in Connecticut. This was the state of affairs when Gysbert Opdyck was seat there with a very small body of troops. In 1639 the English had 50 houses in Stratford, 100 houses and a fine church in Hartford, and more than 300 houses and a handsome place of worship in New Have, - while the Dutch had only Fort Hope. Gysbert's only possible course was to "hold the fort." Disgusted with so unpleasant a position, and receiving no reinforcements, he resigned his office Oct. 25, 1640, and Fatherland. " returned " to the Fatherland.

After his departure the same troubles continued and increased. In 1641 the English again tried to drive out the Dutch from Fort Hope by continued

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annoyances and interference with the cultivation of the land around the Fort. Governor Kieft started two yachts with 50 soldiers for Hartford, but they were recalled to defend Staten Island plantations against hostile Indians. The matter was discussed in Europe and the English ambassador at the Hague privately recommended that the English in Connecticut should "crowd on, -- crowding the Dutch out of those places where they occupied." Lord Say wrote to the Dutch ambassador in England that there were only five or six Hollanders on the river, and more than 2,000 English. The inhabitants of New England were said to number 40,000 ; all the Dutch in America were certainly not one tenth so many.

Gysbert's " black boy," who died from accident at Fort Hope, was his slave. The West India Co. agreed to supply as many negroes from Brazil as the colonists might be "willing to purchase at a fair price." Gysbert's explanation of the circumstances of the death was received as final and his word was not questioned.

Gysbert must have soon tired of the old Fatherland, for be reappears in 1642 at New Amsterdam, appointed Commissary of Provisions, with an assistant. We find this office described in a report by the Board of Accounts to the College of XIX in Holland in 1644: "It would be advantageous for the company to keep a well supplied store and cellar there, in order to accommodate the inhabitants, at a certain reasonable price, either for money or produce, which will otherwise be overvalued or monopolized by the private traders. But if private individuals are allowed to continue trading, a fixed price ought to be placed on their imported wares." The accompanying estimate of expenses states: "Commissary of the merchandise and store goods, 720 florins " per year. This salary was the same as that of the Fiscal and the Secretary, and was exceeded only by that of the Vice Director, and the Clergyman ; we must recollect too that money was much more valuable then than now. We find Gysbert again entitled Commissary on the Council Minutes, twice in 1645, and twice in 1646. He appears to have been firm in protecting the property of the Company and he was sustained by the Council. The office was an important one, as it controlled the principal trade in supplies to the colony which has since grown to be New York city, New York State and New Jersey.

The Council of New Netherland, holding sessions at New Amsterdam (New York), enacted all the laws, decided all questions of policy, and was also the highest Court of Justice. Governor Kieft formed his council of himself and his Secretary, reserving two votes for himself', but this led to such general complaint that he generally adjoined two or more officers or citizens, and we find no one more frequently called upon to act thus than Gysbert Opdyck. While sitting as Judge, Gysbert was on one occasion challenged for bias, but his impartiality was soon acknowledged and the challenge was withdrawn.

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The Dutch Church was a power in the colony, and we find Gysbert connected with it in many interesting ways. The church of Holland agreed substantially in belief with the church of England. English prelates and churchmen conformed without scruple to the doctrines of the established Dutch church. King James of England sent a bishop and other church delegates to the Synod of Dort, and the Dean of Worcester, after his return, constantly wore the gold medal of the Dutch Synod. The Dutch clergymen were admitted to livings in the church of England without reordination by an English bishop. Strange to say, the English puritan refugees also found the belief of the church of Holland almost the same as their own, and urged only a stricter observance of the Sabbath. The real secret of the difference was that English churchman and English puritan each wished his Church to govern the State; while the Dutch resolutely kept Church and State separate, and it is to their example that our country now owes its religious freedom.

The colonists at Manhattan first worshiped in the loft of the horse-mill. In 1633 a plain wooden church, "like a barn," was built on what is now Broad Street between Pearl and Bridge Streets, and near it was erected a dwelling for the first clergyman sent out from Holland, Domine Everardus Bogardus. Bogardus, like all Dutchmen, believed in plain language, and soon called Governor van Twiller "a child of the devil," and threatened him with "such a shake from the pulpit as will make him shudder." Bogardus was censured in Holland, and petitioned the next Director, Governor Kieft, for leave to return and defend himself before the Classis. But Kieft declared that the Domine could not be spared and asked the Classis to protect "their esteemed preacher." Bogardus married the Annetje Jansen, who owned the 62 acres now in possession of Trinity Church, concerning which has arisen the much litigated claim of the heirs of Anneke Jans. Gysbert Opdyck and Bogardus were warm friends, Gysbert acting as sponsor at the baptism of his son, and dining with him at the tavern.

In1642 Governor Kieft resolved to build a stone church within the fort, and chose the wedding feast of Bogardus's daughter, "after the fourth and fifth round of drinking," for starting a subscription. The next morning many of the guests regretted having made such large subscriptions, but "nothing availed to excuse." Gysbert was active in the building of the new church, and his signature appears upon the building contract. The church was "of rock-stone," 72 ft. long, 50 ft. broad, and 16 ft. high. It was in this building that Gysbert was married, that he baptized his children, and officiated so often as sponsor.

When Governor Kieft attempted to collect taxes from the Indians and by many unwise acts brought on a bloody Indian war, fining and banishing leading citizens who opposed his policy, Bogardus thundered from the pulpit: "What are the great men of the country but vessels of wrath and

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fountains of woe and trouble. They think of nothing but to plunder the property of others, to dismiss, to banish, to transport to Holland." Kieft in return absented himself from church, and encouraged the soldiers in fire cannon, beat drums, and indulge in noisy amusements during the sermon hour. But the " Breeden Raedt " is wrong in saying that Gysbert joined Kieft in absenting himself from church from Jan., 1644 to May, 1647, for during this period Gysbert baptized two of his children. The Domine continued his censures, and was summoned by Kieft before the Council. Finally friends of both, foremost among whom was no doubt Gysbert Opdyck, brought about a reconciliation.

"The Indian problem," says Fernow, "was solved by the Dutch of New Netherland without great difficulty. Persecuted by Spain and France for their religious convictions, the Dutch had learned to tolerate the superstitious and repugnant beliefs of others. Not less religious than the Puritans of New England, they made no such religious pretexts for tyranny and cruelty as marred the records of their neighbors. They treated the Indian as a man with rights of life, liberty, opinion, and property, like their own, Truthful among themselves, they inspired in the Indian a belief in their sin and honesty, and purchased what they wanted fairly and with the consent of the seller."

But the irascible Kieft undertook a different course which almost ruined the colony. He sent an expedition against the Raritan Indians and killed several of them, on account of a theft which had really been committed by some of the Company's own servants. The Raritans in revenge destroyed a Dutch plantation and killed four planters. An Indian at Hackensack had been sold liquor and then robbed by the whites; he in return while drunk shot a white. His tribe offered in atonement 200 fathoms of wampum, the Indian price for a life; Kieft however demanded the murderer. Just at this time in Feb., 1643, the river Indians, fleeing from an attack of the Mohawks, flocked in terror, half-famished, to Manhattan where they were kindly entertained. The majority of the colonists believed that the savages could now be easily won back to a sincere friendship. But Kieft declared that God had delivered their enemies into their hands, and, against all opposition, sent at night two troops of soldiers who murdered 120 of the Indian refugees with their women and children, as they lay sleeping in fincied security at the Dutch buweries of Pavonia and Corlaer's Hook. To add to the lesson of terror the Long Island settlers petitioned for leave to attach the Marreckawick Indians living near Breucklen '(Brooklyn), and the Director now submitted the matter to a Council consisting of Bogardus, Gysbert Opdyck and three others, who decided against the attack "as it would draw down an unrighteous war on our heads." What followed is thus described in Broadhead's History of New York, I, 353-5:

"Kieft, yielding to the advice of Bogardus and others of his council,

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refused his assent. * * * Nevertheless, if these Indians showed signs of hostility, the director authorized every colonist to defend himself as best he might. Kieft's proviso was unfortunate. The red man's corn was coveted; and some movements of the Marechkawiecks were conveniently construed into those signs of hostility for which the ambiguous decree had provided. A secret foraging expedition was presently set on foot, and two wagon loads of grain were plundered from the unsuspecting savages; who, in vainly endeavoring to protect their property, lost three lives in the skirmish which followed. It only needed this scandalous outrage to fill the measure of Indian endurance. Up to this time, the Long Island savages had been among the warmest friends of the Dutch. Now they had been attacked and plundered by the strangers whom they had welcomed, and to whom they had done no wrong. Common cause was at once made with the North River Indians, who burned with frenzied hate and revenge, when they found that the midnight massacres at Pavonia and Manhattan were not the work of the Mohawks, but of the Dutch. From swamps and thickets the mysterious enemy. made his sudden onset. The farmer was murdered in the open field; women and children, granted their lives, were swept off into long captivity; houses and bouweries, haystacks and grain, cattle and crops, were all destroyed. From the shores of the Raritan to the valley of the Housatonic, not a single plantation was safe. Eleven tribes of Indians rose in open war; and New Netherland now read the awful lesson which Connecticut had learned six years before. Such of the colonists as escaped with their lives, fled from their desolated homes to seek refuge in Fort Amsterdam. In their despair, they threatened to return to the Fatherland, or remove to Rensselaerswyck (Albany), which experienced no trouble. Fearing a general depopulation, Kieft was obliged to take all the colonists into the pay of the company, to serve as soldiers for two months. At this conjuncture, Roger Williams, who not having liberty of taking ship in Massachusetts, `was forced to repair unto the Dutch,' arrived at Manhattan, on his way to Europe. 'Before we weighed anchor,' wrote the liberal-minded founder of Rhode Island, eleven years afterward, `mine eyes saw the flames at their towns, and the flights and hurries of men, women and children, the present removal of all that could for Holland.'"

Kieft became alarmed and ordered a day of fasting and prayer. As soon as the savages had planted their corn, they burst upon the settlements. The River Indians plundered Dutch boats and killed fifteen colonists; the Westchester Indians murdered Ann Hutchinson and her family, who had fled from the religious persecutions of Massachusetts and had settled at Pelham Neck ; the Long Island tribes devastated the colony of Gysbert's father-in-law at Mespath; the Hackinsacks and Nevesincks laid waste the plantations in New Jersey and murdered the whites; on Manhattan Island itself no more than five or six bouweries were left. The colonists all took refuge within the fort, which could muster only 50 soldiers, 200 Dutch citizens and some English, against 1,500 savages armed with muskets. For the protection of the few remaining cattle at pasture, a strong north fence of palisades was built on the line of the present Wall Street. The next year, 1644, the Dutch forces carried the war into the Indian homes, attacked them in their fastnesses, slaughtered 120 savages on Long Island and 500 at Greenwich, Connecticut. Many English who had come away from the puritan discipline of Massachusetts and taken the oath of allegiance to the

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Dutch government here, were enrolled in the little Dutch army; there also arrived 150 Dutch soldiers from Brazil. The tribes near Manhattan were still hostile and unsubdued. It was resolved by the Council, including still again Gysbert Opdyck, to employ a friendly Long Island Sachem and his warriors against the enemy. The wily chief used policy instead of force and brought friendly messages from the chiefs of the tribes, which resulted in peace after five years of war.

Hitherto we have found Gysbert always as an officer and friend of Kieft, but the Director had found the plan of retaining all power in himself and the Council, selected by him, beset with many difficulties. The people had been accustomed to the republican government of Holland and its "free cities," and when Kieft first proposed to make war upon the Indians, had refused to raise money until they were allowed to select popular representatives called the " Twelve Men." These opposed the war and demanded reforms in the government. The Director immediately dissolved them but in 1643 the Indian crisis had again compelled him to call a meeting of the colonists, who thereupon elected new representatives called the "Eight Men." Kieft found these still more independent and troublesome, for they, dared even to send remonstrances to Holland against his reckless management and arbitrary rule, and to petition for his removal. The Director fined and banished and forbade appeal to the Fatherland, all in vain; the Eight denounced him only the more strongly. In the following year, 1645,we find among the Eight men elected were Gysbert Opdyck and his father-in-law Richard Smith; a remarkable proof of the confidence of the colonists in Gysbert's fairness and judgment, considering his intimate relations with Kieft. This year the "Eight Men" succeeded in making with all the Indian tribes the great Treaty of Aug. 30, 1645, signed by Gysbert and all the Eight Men, celebrated by a day of general thanksgiving, and securing a peace which was not disturbed during ten years.

It was at the very worst of the Indian war that we find stout-hearted Gysbert taking to himself his young wife and living in his house on Stone Street. His home was no doubt, like all others in the town at that date, a plain one-story structure encased with slabs, surmounted with a steep roof containing perhaps two stories of garret, and in the rear a wide outside stone chimney and oven. The first two years of his married life must have often seen Gysbert and his vrouw taking refuge in the Fort at the Battery, from threatening savages. His residence must have been a pleasant one. The old citizen of New York now looks back with regret to the days of his youth, when a short and pleasant walk carried him from his office to his home. Still more he envies the earlier generations, who lived over their stores and their counting-houses at the lower and pleasanter part of the island. But it requires an effort to imagine the position of Gysbert's house,- within a few hundred yards of the Battery on the one side and of the

1ST GENERATION; GYSBERT OPDYCK. - 55

East River on the other, with unbroken breezes from river to river, open view of the Dutch ships coming and going on the bay, and pleasant pasture fields at the rear. How we would like to have sat on his wooden stoop, under the shade of an old forest tree, while the drums beat at the fort, the children fished on the grassy bank of the river, and Gysbert smoked his pipe and told sadly of the departed glory of old Wesel. But gone too, now, and long forgotten, is the glory of Stone Street. Trade reached it and then left it, and few now know the street. , Short, curved and lined with brick warehouses bearing closed iron shutters, it is at mid-day as quiet as a street of tombs.

Gysbert had other property. He owned all Coney Island, duly patented to him by Director Kieft and recorded by the. Secretary, as can still be seen on the old Dutch records now preserved in the Albany State Library. The present Coney Island was then composed of three islands, of which the easternmost was know as "Gysbert's Island " for many years ; but all three were covered by the patent to him.

In 1647, the Board of XIX recalled Kieft and granted the reforms demanded by the Eight Men. Kieft sent Kuyter and Melyn, his two boldest accusers, as criminals to Holland on the same vessel on which he and Bogardus returned. The ship was wrecked on the coast of Wales. Seeing death at hand, Kieft begged their forgiveness. He and Bogardus with 80 others were drowned. Kuyter clung to a part of the wreck, on which was a cannon, and was thrown on land, to the great astonishment of the inhabitants, who set up the cannon there as a lasting memorial. Melyn floated safely on his back to shore.

Now was sent from Holland the blustering Peter Stuyvesant as the new Director of New Netherland. He had lost a leg in an attack upon the . Portugese, but he was better at writing Latin than at either fighting or governing. The colonists welcomed his arrival, but his arrogance soon gave such universal offence that they refused to be taxed until they were again allowed to elect popular representatives called the "Nine Men." These, finding their advice unheeded by the Director, their papers seized and themselves threatened with arrest, sent three of their number with a statement of grievances to the States General of Holland who compelled the West India Company to grant a Burgher government to the city of New Amsterdam (New York), and the same freedoms were afterward granted to the Dutch towns on Long Island. This was the spirit shown by our Dutch ancestors in America 126 years before our American Revolution.

Gysbert took no active part in this matter, because one of the first acts of Governor Stuyvesant was to revive the Dutch claim to Connecticut and to reappoint Gysbert as Commander at Hartford, June 20, 1647. Believing that the new Governor meant now to enforce the Dutch right, Gysbert accepted the difficult position and remained at Fort Hope until 1650.

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Stuyvesant sent long letters to the New England Governors, claiming as far east as Cape Cod, and made much warfare on paper, but despatched no army or fleet to Gysbert's support, and finally made the "Hartford Treaty" by which the line between the Dutch and English Territory was to run through Greenwich Bay northerly. Fort Hope was now abandoned by the Dutch. During this last three years' stay of Gysbert "at the House the Hope," we find him giving powers of attorney "to sell his account," and to the City Schoolmaster at Wesel to collect 500 "dalers " with eight years interest from a merchant at Wesel. We know nothing of his official employment during the next four years, because the Council Minutes from August, 1649, to November, 1653, are mostly lost. In 1655, he witness to (and perhaps assisted in negotiating) a deed from the Indians to the West India Co. for a considerable portion of the present State of Delaware for " twelve coats of duffels, twelve kettles, 12 adzes, 24 knives, 12 bars of lead, and four guns with some powder." In this year we find him also selling his land at Hempstead, L. I., in the next year witnessing an Indian treaty there ; and in the following year he was still owning land and under cultivation at "Cow Neck " near Hempstead.

In 1656 Gysbert was appointed, by Governor Stuyvesant, Tithe Commissioner of Long Island, and held the office two years. Under the original patents for land in New Netherland, the settlers agreed to pay the tenth part of the produce after ten years to the West India Company. These tenths were now beginning to fall due. Gysbert, in connection with the Schout, was entrusted with full, power and discretion to fix the amounts, to make fair settlements, and to release entirely those who were poor and unable to pay. This was an unusual trust, but he did not abuse it to his own profit. During these same two years he filled the office of Court Messenger, or Marshal, both for the Council and the city government of New Amsterdam. This office is said on good authority to have been "of some dignity." At the same period he was the host of the principal hotel in the city, situated next to the old Stadt Huys, which had recently been changed from hotel to City Hall. In our day the position of chief hotel keeper in New York City is not without importance. In those days of infrequent communications and no newspapers, the stranger must have been indeed a welcome guest, and the inn was the headquarters of general information as well as the resort of the best citizens. Of course the Dutch inn of those days, as well as in Holland, " had in one corner a closet, which, when opened (and, honestly, it was not unfrequently opened), disclosed sundry decanters, glasses and black bottles; and on one side of the room a rack, in which were suspended by their bowls a score or two of very long pipes, each one inscribed with the name of a neighbor, its owner."

It is doubtful whether many of the residents of New Netherland acquired fortunes. The regulations of the West India Company were exacting and

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oppressive, and the dangerous neighborhood of the Indians always checked enterprise. The peace of 1645 was not permanent. In 1647, on Stuyvesant's arrival, scarcely 50 bouweries (farms) could be counted, and only 300 men capable of bearing arms in the colony. The savages were still brooding over the slaughter of 1,600 of their people. In 1655, Henrick Van Dyck, the former Schout-Fiscal, killed a squaw who was stealing his peaches. At once 1,900 Indians in 64 canoes appeared before New Amsterdam, landed, roamed the streets, broke into houses and shot Van Dyck. Attacked by the soldiers and the burgher guard, and driven to their canoes, they crossed the river, laid waste Hoboken and Pavonia, killed or captured most of the inhabitants and desolated Staten Island. In three days they slaughtered 100 Dutch, took prisoners 150, ruined 300 in estate, and destroyed 28 bouweries. The damage to property was estimated at 200,000 guilders. A state of armed hostility continued until 1660, when a new treaty of peace was made with the Indians around Manhattan. In 1656 a survey of New Amsterdam showed only 120 houses and 1,000 people; in 1660 the city contained 350 houses, almost all of wood; in 1664 Stuyvesant claimed only 1,500 inhabitants for the city. Under their repeated misfortunes our Dutch ancestors found wealth as difficult to retain as to acquire. We judge that Gysbert was no exception, from his wording of some communications to the Council, requesting that he be made Sheriff of Flushing, &c. It is to his honor that he went out of office poor. The lands of the settlers did not become valuable until in the hands of their children and grandchildren in later and more quiet times.

We cannot doubt that Gysbert had a legal and valid patent to all of Coney Island, and this seems to be recognized by all the historians. He had never been able to occupy it without danger from the Indians. Wishing to sell a portion of it in 1661, he complained to the Director and Council that the inhabitants of Gravesend were using it for pasture, and in a few weeks he transferred his claim to Dirck de Wolff, a wealthy merchant of Holland who commenced to manufacture salt on the island and who immediately brought suit before the Director and Council to restrain the Gravesend people from pasturing or mowing grass there. The latter resisted the suit on the ground that Gysbert had never taken possession. Stuyvesant was a close friend of Lady Moody, who was rich and influential, owned the greater part of Gravesend, and had entertained him at her house. Besides, Gravesend was an English settlement, had been lately seditious and threatened to join the other English towns on Long Island just at this time seceding from the government of the Dutch to that of New England. Stuyvesant therefore felt it all important to conciliate the favor of its inhabitants, and induced his council to decide the patent void for want of proof that it had ever been signed by Governor Kieft. Gysbert had mislaid the original patent, but its record by Secretary van Tienhoven had stood twenty years

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in the Book of Patents, open to general inspection, and had never been questioned. Kieft's bones now lay at the bottom of the ocean; the Secretary had left New Netherland and was probably not to be found. The matter did not end with this decision. Gysbert's grantee complained to the Directors of the West India Co. in Holland, who immediately, wrote to Stuyvesant that they believed the place had "been taken away from him, by your sentence upon apparently frivolous claims made by the English in the village of Gravesend" and they ordered the Governor to send them all the documents used in the law suit. The Governor not complying the Holland Chamber of Directors again wrote to him more peremptorily. This was only a few months before the capture of New Netherland by the English, who, of course, did not listen to any claim against their fellow English men of Gravesend.

England was always jealous of the Dutch colonies of New Netherland, Even republican Cromwell without warning seized Holland ships in English ports and impressed their crews. War at once commenced between two countries. The first year of hostilities closed with a victory which forced the English admiral Blake to take refuge in the Thames; and the victorious Dutch admiral Tromp placed a broom at his mast-head, in token that he had swept the channel free of all English ships. The next year, Cromwell Protector of England, sent four ships to subdue New Netherland with the aid of the New England colonies, but the squadron did not reach until the next summer, when peace had been declared.

The English East India Company and the English African Company continued to complain of the rivalry of the Dutch commerce, which over shadowed the English. An English expedition was sent against the Dutch in Africa, in the midst of a covenanted peace ; even Clarendon described this as without any shadow of justice." In New Netherland, Stuyvesant had grown more and more unpopular. He had persecuted Lutherans and flogged or imprisoned Quakers, until the West India Co. ordered him to desist. Two general Landtags or Diets of the colonists had condemned severely his management of affairs. Charles II determined to rob Holland of her American province, and presented to his brother, the Duke of York, a patent for all New Netherland. The Duke of York, as Lord High Admiral, sent four ships with 450 soldiers under Nicolls to take possession with the assistance of New England. The Dutch were misled by false reports that the expedition was designed only to settle affairs in New England. August 19, 1664, the English squadron anchored in New York Bay and, having been joined by Connecticut troops, summoned fort Amsterdam to surrender, declaring that all, who would submit to the English government, should be protected " in His Majesty's Laws and Justice" and peacefully enjoy their property; also that "any people from the Netherlands may freely come and plant there, or thereabouts; and such vessels of their

1ST GENERATION; GYSBERT OPDYCK. - 59

own country may freely come thither, and any of them may as freely return home in vessels of their own country." The Dutch citizens, unprepared and surprised as they were, had organized themselves for defense; but when Stuyvesant refused to communicate Nicolls' letter to the burgomasters and in a fit of passion "tore the letter in pieces," the citizens at once ceased 'their work at the palisades and demanded the letter with "complaints and curses." "The letter! The letter!" was the general cry. Stuvesant was forced to yield, and a copy, made out from the collected fragments, was handed to the burgomasters. There were 1,500 souls in New Amsterdam, but only 400 men able to bear arms. The City authorities, the officers of the burgher guard, and 85 principal citizens, forced Stuyvesant to yield. The English rule could not be worse than Stuyvesant's. The government of the New England colonies seemed to the Dutch more like the freedom to which they bad been` accustomed in Holland than did the arbitrary rule of the West India Company Director. The articles of capitulation secured to the Dutch their property, their liberty of conscience and church, and the town was to be allowed to choose deputies, with "free voices in all public affairs." A century later, it was fortunate that the North American Colonies were all united, that they might together pull down that English Rag.

After the English capture, nothing further is found on the records concerning Gysbert. His name is not on the list of those who took the oath of allegiance to the English government, nor on any of the lists, after this date, of citizens, freeholders, taxpayers, etc., etc., of New York or of any of the towns on Long Island or elsewhere in New York State. The tradition is doubtless correct that be went with his children to Narragansett, after the death of Richard Smith, Sr in 1666, to take possession of the lands about Wickford bequeathed to the children of Gysbert's deceased wife Catharine. Gsybert's eldest son Lodowyck appears upon the Kingstown records at Wickford, R. I., as early as 1668, and others of his children later; the place was then thinly settled, and its scant records have been almost totally destroyed by fire.

Records and Authorities.

1635. " Gysbert Op Dyck, or Op ten dyck, emigrated from Wesel to New Amsterdam in 1635." (Bergen's Early Settlers of Kings Co., p. 218.)

1638, Gysbert Opdyck, Commissary of Fort Good Hope (Connecticut). (O,Callaghan's N. N. Register, p. 49.)

1639, Nov 9. "Declaration. Gysbert Opdyck, Commissary at Fort Hope respecting the manner in which Lewis Barbese, his black-boy, came to his death.

"Gysbert Opdyck at request of the Fiscal, declares that Lewis Barbese took a pan to bake cookies and as the fire was too hot for the boy, Opdyck took the pan from him and ordered him to bring a shovel. The shovel which the boy brought was dirty, whereupon Opdyck whipped the boy who, to escape the whipping, ran away and

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Opdyck gave him a kick in the side. The boy ran before the door where he fell down. Opdyck went toward the boy and found a crooked knife bent like a hook and that the boy had a wound `' left side near his arm wherefrom he died very soon.". . (Dutch MSS IV, 52.)

1639. "The Dutch, however, continued in possession of the flat lands around ` the Hope,' where Gysbert op Dyck was now commissary with a garrison of fourteen or fifteen soldiers. At their first coming, the English conducted themselves discreetly; but increasing in numbers, they boldly began to plow up the reserved lands around the Dutch redoubt. Op Dyck endeavored to resist; but the English cudgeled some of the garrison who attempted to stop their proceedings; and Haynes, the newly-elected governor of Connecticut, justified his countrymen. The Dutch, he said, had been many years in possession, and had done nothing to improve the land, which. 'was lying idle' around their house. `It would be a sin to leave uncultivated so valuable a land, which could produce such excellent, Thus the Hartford people vindicated their conduct. They 'gave out that they were Israelites, and that the Dutch in New Netherland, and the English in Virginia, were Egyptians.' "

1640. "The next year witnessed still bolder aggression. The right to any of the land around their little fort was openly In vain Commissary Op Dyck pleaded Dutch discovery before English knowledge of the river, and Dutch possession under a title from the Indian owners, anterior to English purchase and settlement Show your right,' said Hopkins, who had succeeded Haynes as governor, `and we are ready to exhibit ours.' Evert Duyckingk, one of the garrison, while sowing grain, was struck a hold in his head with a sticke, see that the blood ran downe very strongly' Ingenuity was taxed to devise modes of worrying the Hollanders; and to fortify the English claim of title, Sequasson, the son of the sachem who had assented to Van Curler's original purchase, was brought into court, to testify `that he never sold any ground to the Dutch, neither was at any time conquered by the Pequods, nor paid any tribute to them.' Kieft's repeated protests brought no alleviation of annoyance; for no re-enforcements came from Manhattan to vindicate the rights of the West India Company. Disgusted with a post where he was so constantly insulted, Op Dyck resigned his office 25 October, 1640............... (Broadhead's Hist. N. Y., I, 294-5.)

1640. The following written Remonstrance was presented to the Hon'ble Director and Council of New Netherland, by Gysbert Opdyck, Comissary on the part of the General Incorporated West Ind Company:

"That we, on the 23rd. April, 1640, did tell and notify Mr. Hopkins, the English Governor on the Fresh river of New Netherland, that we proposed ploughing, for the Company, a piece of land lying behind Fort Hope, as it was our purchased and paid for ground, forbidding him, Mr. Hopkins, or any of his, to attempt doing anything on the aforesaid piece of land; who gave for answer, that 'twas their ground, inasmuch as they and not we, had bought it from the right owners, and that the Pequatoos never owned the land, which he will prove by a chief of the Morahtkans, who dwelt near the Pequatoos, and that the owners had fled away to seek assistance from their people. Whereunto we, Opdyck, and the other servants of the Company, made answer, that the lands, many years before their coming were taken possession of, and payment in full made to the right own-

1ST GENERATION; GYSBERT OPDYCK. - 61

ers, which was also approved of by the residents. Mr. Hopkins said Show your right; we shall show ours; also, that he sought to deal in friendship with us; which, Opdyck said, was our intention, but that he meanwhile wished to have the use of the land, it being our ground. To this he, Hopkins, and the other English, would never agree.

"Also, that the English Constable on the Fresh river did, on the 24th. April, 1640, come with ten @ eleven men, each being armed with a thick stick, to our people, who were busy ploughing on the Hon'ble Company's ground, who, with blows and shoats, so frightened our horses that were drawing the plough, that, from terror, they broke the ropes and chains, and ran away. And whereas we had that day notified the Governor not to molest us on the Hon'ble. Company's land, we, in an hour after the constable came to us, resumed ploughing without hindrance.

"On the 25th. April, 1640, the English, in the night, sowed with corn the land that, in the day, Opdyck had caused to be ploughed, against which Opdyck protested, delivering a written protest to the Governor, who would not answer it as 'twas in Dutch, saying: ' I can also protest,' and that we were not acting right; asking, likewise, that Opdyck should show the Company's title to the land; also, that the English sought to live in friendship with our people, but if we came with force, they should use force against us, and that their King would fully maintain them as our Prince of Orange would us. Thereupon, Gysbert Opdyck gave for answer: He was not bound to show them any title, but if they had anything to say, they should deliver it to him in writing, and he Would forward it to the Hon'ble Director.

"Moreover, that we very well knew that his Majesty of England did not require them to wrong another in his property. In the afternoon, Opdyck had barley sown in the ploughed field, but the English drove the people off. Whereupon Opdyck himself went thither, but the English, who were standing on a ridge, would oppose our people, and sought to prevent them sowing our own land, which was ploughed by our men. Meanwhile, Evert Duyckingh ran past the English with a hat full of barley; whilst sowing, an Englishman struck him on the arm with a club, so that he could not move; another cut Duyckingh in the head with an adze stuck in a long handle, so that the blood ran down his face and clothes. Whereupon we were forced to depart, but Opdyck said: ' You do us wrong and violence.'

"In the night of the 30th. May, one of the Company's mares that was going astray, was taken by the English and brought in their pound without our knowledge. A man came afterwards, who told us that the Governor's servant had taken it because the horse had eaten their grass.

"If Opdyck would pay the damage, they would restore the animal. To which was answered, that the ground and grass were ours; that they had nothing to do with our horses, and should bring them back whence they were taken.

"On the 21st. June, 1640, Gysbert Opdyck being come from the Manhattans and about an hour at home, the English carried off, in the twinkle of an eye, a cow and calf, and drove them to their pound.

"On the 22d. June, 1640, the English Governor in the Fresh river (sent) two men to Opdyck, on the demand of the Hon'ble Director, William Kieft, and consented to give up the horse, cow and calf, if

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we would pay the damage done by them to the grass, wherenunto the Commissary gave for, answer: If they would give back the cattle belonging to us, they could do so, but he did not intend to pay any damage, as they had sought their food on our purchased land, and no damage had been done.

"On the 28th. June, 1640, an English clergyman took a load of the hay which the Company's servants had cut; wherefore the Commissary served him with a protest, at the house of the Governor, who was not at home.

"On the 15th. August, Peter Colet, the steward, and other of the Company's servants, whilst cutting the Company's grain, were driven off by the English, who said 'twas their grain and that they had sown it. Whereupon Opdyck protested at the house of Deputy Governor Hengst, who answered that he had nothing to do with any protest, and that they knew it." . . . . (Doc. Col. Hist. N. Y., II, 141-2.)

1640, Oct. 25. Appointment of Hendric Roesen to be commissary Fort Hope, " vice Gysbert van Dye, about to sail for Fatherland." (Dutch MSS. IV, 79.)

1642. Gysbert Opdyck, Commissary of Provisions.... (O'Callaghan's N. N. Register, p. 31.)

1642. Contract to build stone Church within the Fort at New Amsterdam, Signed by (Director) William Kieft, Gysbert op Dyck and Thomas Willet, on behalf of the Churchwardens ....... (Alb. Rec. III, 31.)

1642, Nov. 18. Commission to Gysbert Opdyck and others to act as judges at the trial of Hendrick Jansen, tailor, for slandering the director-general ...................... (Dutch MSS. IV, 149.)

1643, Jan. 4. Mr. Gysbert opten dyck witness (or sponsor) to baptism of child of Domine Everardus Bogardus.. (Rec. N. Y. Dutch Church)

1643, Feb. 27. New Netherland Council. Postil. "We cannot at present resolve to attack the Indians at Mareckkawich, as they have not given us hitherto any provocation, and as it would draw down an unrighteous war on our heads, especially as we are assured that they would be on their guard and hard to beat, and apparently excite more enemies, and be productive of much injury to us, whilst we trust that it will, through God's mercy, now result in a good issue. But in case they evince a hostile disposition, every man must do his best to defend himself. Meanwhile each must be on his guard and arm himself, as is done here according as time and circumstance shall best determine. In presence of the Hon'ble Director, the Fiscal, Everadus Bogardus, Hendrick van Dyck, Ghysbert Op Dyck and Oloff Stevensen." ..................... (Doc. Col. Hist. N. Y., I, 417.)

1643, May 3. Gysbert op ten dyck witness to baptism of child of Mr. Herman Meyndertsz ..................... (Rec. N. Y. Dutch, Church.)

1643, Sept. 24. Married, Gysbert op dyck, a bachelor from Wesel, and Catharina Smit, a maiden from old England...... (Rec. N. Y. Dutch Church)

1644, Jan. 6. Mr. Gysbert op ten dyck, witness to baptism of child of Stephen Jougen ........................(Rec. N. Y. Dutch Church.)

1644, Jan. 25. Declaration. Olof Stevensen and Gysbert Opdyck as to a statement of Lambert van Valckenborch, respecting property of Peter Livesen, dec'd. Gysbert's autograph. (Dutch MSS. II, 95.)

1644, Mar. 17. Declaration by Gysbert Opdyck and others, who, with the Minister, and their wives, had been invited to sup with Philip Gerritsen at the City Tavern, respecting an outrageous attack made on the party by Capt. John Underhill, Lieut. Geo. Baxter and other English men.

1ST GENERATION; GYSBERT OPDYCK. - 63

- "and Gysbert Opdyck, aged 37, testify that they and their wives were at the inn of Phillip Gerritsen, where one hour after dinner, John Underhill and his Lieut. Baxter entered, to whom Phillip Gerritsen said `I have invited here these persons with their wives and I request you to move to another chamber,' which they finally did after many words, and went away after having been invited by affiants to drink, which they did. Finally George Baxter came back by order of Underhill and demanded that Gvsbert Opdyck come out to him which Opdyck refused. Thereupon Underhill and his company assaulted the people in the inn with their bare swords .................................... (Dutch MSS. II, 101.)

A graphic account of this is given in " The Old Stadt Huys of New Amsterdam," and read before the N. Y. Hist. Society, by Jas. W. Gerard,-as follows:

" There was a lively time in March, 1644, when Gerritsen, proud of his position as the City Boniface, and of the merits of his cook, invited some of his cronies to a supper at the tavern. There was Dr. Hans Kierstede, from the Strand, then a lively young fellow of thirty two, and his blooming wife Sara; and Nikolaes Koorn, just appointed ` Wacht meester' at Rensselaerswyck, and his substantial vrouw whom he had brought from the fatherland; and Gysbert Opdyck, with his new wife Catrina, whose cheeks shone rosy through the snow white skin. Things went merrily and bright eyes sparkled; toasts went round and songs were sung. When opens the door-and insolently and unmannerly break in John Onderhill, formerly Captain in the Pequod Wars, and George Baxter, then the English Sec. at New Amsterdam, both in the Dutch employ, but noted Swish-bucklers, and thereafter troublesome seditionists. With them was Thos. Willett, a New Plymouth Captain also, thereafter in his staid days the first Mayor of New York-now a roysterer like the rest. The English interlopers are far in their cups. With many maudlin bows and scrapes they ask to join in the festive party, which is refused them. Then they insist that Gysbert Opdyck shall come out and drink with their party in another room. Opdyck refuses, and tries to get them out. Whereupon. we are informed, that they drew their swords and valorously hacked the cans on the tavern shelf and the posts of the doors, and slashed about in a terrible way, frightening the ladies and uttering words of boasting and insolence. Then other English soldiers came in, chums of the former, and fight is imminent, for the Dutch blood is warmed. Whereupon mine host sends for te Fiscal and the guard. This functionary, arriving, orders Onderhill's people to depart. He refuses, and, with little regard for authority, hiccups to the Fiscal this severe remark: `If the Director came here, t'is well; I would rather speak to a wise man than to a fool. 'Then says one of the Dutch party in his affidavit before the authorities, `in order to prevent further mischief, yea, even bloodshed, we broke up our pleasant party before we intended.' '

1644. May 24, Patent for Coney Island. "We Willem Kieft, Director General and Council of N. Y. etc. herewith testify and declare, that today, date underwritten, we have given and granted to Gysbert op Dyck, the whole Coney Island, situate on the east side of the bay running into the North river, with the valleys thereto belonging; on condition that in case it should be deemed necessary or advisable the Company reserves the right to establish fisheries upon the said Coney Island where most suitable; also a piece of land situate near Coney Hook stretching N. E. from Coney Hook, it lies with its S. E. point

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to or near the seashore and on its west side a kill comes in on the east side of Coney Hook, from this kill E. forty-nine rods, E. by S. two hundred and forty rods, S. S. W. half point W. one hundred and thirty rods, W. a little N. two hundred and twenty-five rods, N. by W. to the place of beginning one hundred rods, containing together forty-three morgens five hundred and fifty-one-rods; with the express condition and stipulation etc., etc.". . . . . (Dutch MSS. Land Papers, G. G. 95.)

The piece of land granted in the latter part of the above patent was afterward called "Gysbert's Island ". . . .(Doc. Col. Hist. XIV, 57, note.)

1644, July 27. Gysbert op ten dyck baptises his daughter Elizabeth. Witnesses: Governor William Kieft, Secretary Van Tienhoven, and Hendrick Huygen....................... (Rec. N. Y. Dutch Church)

1644-7. Governor Kieft, on account of a difference with the Domino Bogardus, absented himself from the church from Jan. 3, 1644, to May 11, 1647. "His example was followed by his Fiscal van der Hoyckens, his counselor, Jan de la Montaigne, who was formerly an elder, the ensign, Gysbert de Leeuw, Orloff Stevenson, deacon, and Gysbrecht, van Dyck, besides various inferior officers and servants of the company.".. (" Breeden Raedt," 22, quoted in Broadhead's Hist. N. Y., I 760)

1645. Gysbert Opdyck was one of the "Eight Men ". . . (O'Callaghan's N. N. Register, 54.)

1645. April 28, May 11. Court Proceedings of the Council: Commissary Opdyck and three others adjoined to the Council for the trial of two citizens. A challenge by one of the accused against Opdyck was withdrawn............................ (Dutch MSS., IV, 220, 2.)

1645. May 2, 11. Gysbert Opdyck brings suit for slander against Tunis Cray's wife: "defendant ordered to prove her words;" lately, "defendant, failing to prove her assertion, is ordered to hold her tongue on pain of punishment.". Council Minutes, (Dutch MSS., IV, 221, 2.)

1645. May 24. Council Minutes: Gysbert Opdyck one of a Council convoked by the Director to meet a L. I. sachem and his 47 armed warriors, who had offered their services to the Dutch. Resolved to send these Indians in a Dutch sloop against the enemy.. (Doc. Col. Hist N. Y. XIV, 60.)

1645. Aug. 30. Gysbert Opdyc signs the "Articles of Peace Concluded in Presence of the Mohawks between the Dutch and the River-Indians." The following is Fernow's translation:

"To-day, the 30th of August 1645, came to the Fort Amsterdam before the Director and Council in presence of the whole community these Sachems or Chiefs of the savages in their own behalf and as attorneys for the neighboring chiefs, to wit Oratamy, chief of Achkinkehacky, Sesekemu and Willem, chiefs of the Tappaens and Rechgawawanck, Pacham, Penneheck having been here yesterday and having given them power to act for him, who also answer for men of Onamy and their neighbors, Magauwetinnemin for the tribe of Marechhawieck, Nayeck and their neighbors, also pesonally Aepjen, speaking for the Wappinck, Wiqueeskecks, Sintsings, and Kichtawanghs.

"1. They agree to conclude a firm,' inviolable peace with us, which they promise, as we ourselves, to keep and never to break.

"2. If it should happen, which God prevent, that any difficulty should arise between them and us, no war shall be begun on that account, but they shall come to our Governor and we to their Sachems

l ST GENERATION; GYSBERT OPDYCK. - 65

with the complaint and if any one should have been killed or murdered, the slayer shall be promptly brought to justice. A friendly intercourse shall be kept up between them and us.

"3. They shall not come armed upon the Island of Mauhataus to the houses of the Christians. We will neither come with guns to them except in company of a savage, who may warn them.

"4. Whereas there is still a English girl among them, whom they promised to bring to the English at Stamford, they again promise to do so and if she is not brought there, they will bring her here and we are to pay them the ransom, promised by the English.

" We promise to have the foregoing strictly observed throughout New Netherland.

"Thus done in the Fort under the blue canopy of heaven in presence of the Council of New Netherland and the whole community called together, also in presence of the Maquas ambassadors, who have been asked to come to these negotiations of peace as mediators and Cornelis Antonissen their interpreter and co-mediator in this matter. Date as above. The original was signed by the marks of Sisiadego, Claes Norman, Oratamin, Aurange Sesekennis, Willem of Tappaen and by William Kieft. La Montaigne, Jan Onderhil, Francis Douthey, Goo. Baxter, Richard Smith, Gysbert Opdyc, the mark of Jacob Stoffelsen, the mark of Aepjeu, Sachem of the Mahikanders, Jan Everson Bout, Olof Stevenson, Cornelis van Hoyckens, the mark of Cornelis Tonissen.

"To my knowledge

"Cornelis van Tienhoven, Secretary "

(Doc. Col. His. N. Y., XIII, 18.)

"The ratification of this important treaty terminated, to the great joy of high and low, the disastrous and unrightous war which bad been waged, with but short interval of five months, between the Indians and the Dutch, from July, 1640, to Aug., 1645, to the incalculable injury of the colony, to the manifest displeasure of the authorities at Holland, and in violation of the received laws of nations. At its conclusion there were found around the Manhattans, besides private traders, no more than one hundred men, so desolating was its effect upon the population ; while the Indians were several thousand a strong, and the New England colonies contained between fifty and sixty thousand souls. In celebration of the happy event, and in order to proclaim the good tidings throughout New Netherland,' the sixth of September was ordered to be observed, as a day of general thanksgiving". , .................... (O'Callaghan's Hist. N. Y., I, 357.)

1645, Sept. 5. Gysbert op Dyck mentioned in a patent to Olof Stevensz (van Cortland) as adjoining owner of land on the "road" (to the Ferry), now Stone Street, New York City... (Dutch MSS., Land Papers, G. G. 104.)

The position and size of Gysbert's lot are shown on a map published in Valentine's Manual of the Common Council of N. Y. for 1857, p. 498. The dimensions of Stevenson's lot show that Gysbert's must have been at least ten rods deep.. Val. Man. '57, 500). The Road * * * was among the earliest streets built upon * * * The name of 'Brouwer straat,' or Brewer's street, was given to it from the circumstance of two or three breweries having been erected upon it. It was the first street in this city paved with stone, the ordinance for which passed in 1657. It afterward came to be called Stone street, probably from this circumstance." * * * It was the line of the first road laid out from the fort to the (present

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Peck Slip) ferry. The early occupants of that part of the road between the present Whitehall and Broad streets, were the following their property being generally described as on `the road:' Adam Rolantsen, one hundred feet front; Arent, the smith ; Philip Geraerdy, a trader; Oloff Stevenson Van Cortland, commissary; Harman Myndertsen ; Isaac De Foreest, brewer; Gysbert Opdyck, commissary ; Peter Cornelisen. From the character of these residens, it is to be inferred that this was one of the best streets of the town." (Valentine's Hist. N. Y. City; 115, 35.)

1645, Sept. 29. Catharyn op dyck (Gysbert's wife), acts as witness of the baptism of Mary, the daughter of Henry Brezier.. (Rec. N. Y. Dutch Church)

1646, Jan. 25 and Feb. 2, Court Proceedings of the Council: "Abrham Pietersen, miller, vs. Gysbert Opdyck, commissary, slander, in accusing plaintiff of having stolen wheat ; defendant produces affidavits in support of the charge; copies of evidence to be furnished plaintiff." Later : "Suit settled, and the miller ordered, in future, wind and weather permitting, to grind the company's grain before that of private persons, and so to conduct himself that no complaint be brought against him; the commissary is at the same time ordered to weigh the grain on sending it to and receiving it from the mill," O'Callaghan's abstract translation...... (Dutch MSS., IV, 245, 61.)

1646, June 10. Gysbert Opdyck has a son baptised Lodowyck. Witness: Michael Ter Oycken, Fiscael de la Montagne, Richard Smit, Margariet Kalder (probably Gysbert's sister)..... (Rec. N. Y. Dutch Church.)

1647, June 20. Council minutes. Appointment (by Stuyvesant). Gysbert commissary of Fort Hope vice Provoost.(Dutch MSS., IV 296.)

1648, May 26. Gysbert Opdyck, "at the House the Hope, " gives power of attorney to David Provoost "to sell his account".(Dutch MSS., III, 54.)

1649, Aug. 19. " Sieur Gysbert Op Dyck, now in the service of the Company as Commissary at the House the Hope " executes at Fort Amsterdam a power of attorney to "the worshipful Hendrick Schendel, City Schoolmaster at Wesel,"to collect from "Jan Hannes, merchant at Wesel, the sum of 500 dalers with interest therefore from the year 1641 until the day of payment, as may be seen in the accompanying obligation." Autograph signature, " Gysbert op den Dyck .................................... (Dutch MSS.; OOO. 59.)

One Billis van Scheyndel was married at Wesel to Christina al den Dyck, Aug. 27, 1617. . (Wesel Church Arch., gefach 74, XXXVII, 322.)

1650, Oct. 23. Gysbert op dyck has a daughter baptised Sara. Witness Marten Cregier, Christina Capoens .... (Rec. N. Y. Dutch Church.)

1655, July 19. Gysbert Opdyck acts as a witness to an Indian deed to Stuyvesant for the Company, of part of the present State of Delaware; ............................. (Col. Doc. Hist. N. Y. I, 609.)

1655, Sept. 12, "The Tytle of Thomas Langdon's Accommodations. Know all men that I Gisbert up Dicke have sould unto Allexander Bryan, all my accomodations in or belonging about Hempsteed for and in Consideration of twenty five pounds, to be paid unto hereof, ye s'd Gisbert or his assignes, w'thin thirty dayes after the date hereof, Alsoe I the said Gisbert doe hereby ingage my selfe to delliver unto ye s'd Allexander both ye Lotts, w'th all the accomodations w'ch was Jonas Woods and that w'ch was Allexander Knowles two lotts. And to free the Lotts of all rates, and duties to this day unto ye s'd Alexander Bryan his heires or Assignes, peaceably to enjoy for ever witnes my hand ye 13th of September, 1655.

Teste George Wolsey was written, Gisbert up Dyke.

Daniell Whitehead.

1ST GENERATION; GYSBERT OPDYCK. - 67

" Received ye 13th. of Septemb'r the above said some of twenty five pounds, and doe hereby acknowledge to have received full sattisfaction to content of ye s'd Allexander Bryan:

Gisbert up Dyck."

1657, Dec. 27. Bryan sells to Langdon "the farme that formerly was Gisbert op Dycks * * the said farme howsing Land Meadowes " etc ............................. (Hempstead Rec., A. 25.)

1653, March 12. In copy of Indian treaty the last name is "Gisbert Van Dick .......... (Same, p. 41.) .

1656, July 6. Instructions for the Tithe-Commissioners of Long Island." Peter Tonneman, Schout, and Gysbert op Dyck are appointed to designate the tenths to be paid by the farmers and planters of Brooklyn, Flatlands, Gravesend, Hempstead, and Flushing. It was "left to their discretion to make fair settlements with or release entirely for this year all those, whom they or the Magistrates of the villages deem to be poor and unable," etc. (Doe. Col. Hist. N. Y., XIV 360.)

1656, Nov. 6. Gysbert Opdyck appears in Court requesting permission to sell wine and beer by the small measure, as he has hired the house next the City Hall and is occasionally asked to lodge strangers and to sell them wine and beer. Petition granted ....... (Burgomaster & Schepens, II, 645.)

1657, Jan. 26. Gysbert op Dyck appointed Court Messenger, and allowed a yearly salary from the Director General and Council of 150 guilders, and on the part of the City, 50 guilders. Done Dec. 21, 1656.. (Same, p. 728.)

1657. " The numbers of every mans yatts that they have of the necke (Cow Neck) * * Mr. Gisbard van dicke bath fower yatts. danell Whighthed bath sixe yatts. * * *

The totall sum being 526.". .. .. .... (Hempstead Rec., A. 7.)

1658, Jan. 16. Gysbert op Dyck and Catharina Smit baptise their sons, Johannes and Jacob.................. (Rec. N. Y. Dutch Church.)

1658, Mch. 19. Council Minute. Order to allow Gysbert Opdyck a certain sum for his services as Commissioner of the Tenths..... (Dutch MSS., VIII, 778.)

1658, April 16. Gysbert Opdyck, Court Messenger to the Council; the duties were similar to those of a marshal or constable.. (O'Callaghan's N. N. Reg. 109.)

1658, Aug. 20, 7. The Burgomaster van der Grist vs. Gysbert Opdyck. Suit for 147.8 florins. In answer to a summons, defendant states that his wife and children lie sick.... (Burgomaster & Schepens, III, 195, 203.)

1659, Apr. 3. "The deposition of Gisbert op Dyck

Taken in open Court ye 3d of Aprill Ao 1659. This deponent saith, That to ye best of his memorie he did let out unto William Smith three hollowes lyeing to ye East of this towne of Hempsteede and ye Web he sould unto Allexander Bryan of Milforde, and doth belonge to decedent of Land now in ye pocession of Thomas Langdon And declareth that, he never did sell ye said hollowes to William Smith Aforesaid, but did lett them for one bushell of wheate the yeare, and he did receive the hire of it for 2 yeares, and saith absolutely that he never sould them; the said hollowes are scituate over the runn at ye East meadow or therabouts,

(Signature probably autograph.) Gysbert op d Dyck."

(Hempstead Records, A; 27.)

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1659, Sept. 16, Att'y of Hendrick Huyges brings suit against Gysbert Op Dyck for "184 florins in good merchantable zeawant......:. (Burgomaster & Schepens, IV, 46,)

1661, May 24. Gysbert Op Dyck brings suit against Richard Smith, who pleads in counterclaim a debt due to his father.... (Same, IV, 508)

1661, Aug. 25. Gysbert op Dyck petitions the Director and Council, as "an old servant of the Company but now out of the service," for permission to sell his "Gysbert's Island, which the petitioner could not occupy without danger from the Indians on account of its distants. The inhabitants of Gravesend have hitherto used the said island as pastureland for their calves and are still using it so to-day," etc. (Dutch MSS., IX, 739.)

1661, Oct. 20. Conveyance from Gysbert op Dyck by virtue of his patent "for Coney Island with the meadows and a parcel of land on Coney Hook," as exhibited before the Council. Gysbert's grantee was Dirck de Wolff, merchant at Amsterdam.

1662, Jan. 12. Att'ys. for Dirck de Wolff demand that the Magistrates and Inhabitants of Gravesend be ordered to keep their cattle away from said Island and said piece of land and not to mow there any grass. The defendants claim under a later patent, and declare that "Gysbert op Dyck has never taken possession of said island or of any part of it." Decision in favor of defendants, because the original patent to Gysbert op Dyck is not produced, and its record "by the then Secretary" of May 24, 1644, is held insufficient proof. (Dutch MSS., X, 7.)

1662, Dec. 6. Letter from the Holland Chamber of Directors to Gov. Stuyvesant, referring to complaints from Dirck de Wolff., concerning Coney Island, declares that " we believe these complaints are not without foundation, because the place, which you allotted to his representative, at Coney Island etc., has now again been taken away from him by your sentence upon apparently frivolous claims made by the English in the village of Gravesend. * * * We are therefore compelled to direct, that you send us by the first opportunity a detailed report of this matter with all such documents and papers, as both parties have used in their lawsuits or which may be produced...................... (Doc. Col. Hist. N. Y. XIV, 518.)

"Stuyvesant, however, who was no friend to Guisbert Op Dyck, the original patentee, and who had good reason to keep on the best of terms with the Gravesend people, manifested no especial haste to comply with the orders of his superiors. For, in January, 1664, the directors of the W. I. Company again wrote to him complaining of his delay ; which, however, continued until the transfer of the Nieuw Netherlands to the English in September of that year".. (Stillwell's Hist. Gravesend, 36.)

1664, Jan. 20. Letter from the Holland Chamber of Directors of Gov. Stuyvesant, referring to their former command of Dec. 6, 1662, relating to the case of Dirck de Wolff and Coney Island: "You are therefore once more recommended not to postpone compliance any longer, but to forward those papers by the first opportunity to us that we may make use of them in such way and manner as we shall think proper........................... (Doc. Col. Hist. N. Y., OO. 221.)

1662, Apr. 10. GysberOpdyck, an old servant of the Company and at present without any employment and consequently incapacitated from closing the remnant of his old age in honorable competency," petitions the Council that he be appointed Sheriff of Flushing, Newtown, and Jamaica........................ (La Chaire Reg., 253.)

1ST GENERATION; GYSBERT OPDYCK. - 69

1663, Feb., May and later. Gysbert op Dyck brings suit against Paulus Heimans for 40 guilders in Beavers. Judgment for plaintiff, execution and levy ......... (Burgomaster & Schepens, V. 130, 152, 200, 288, 301.)

1664. "In 1664, when New Amsterdam * * surrendered to the English, under Colonel Nichols, Gilbert Updike, a German physician of considerable celebrity * * emigrated to the Colony of Rhode Island. Gilbert married the daughter of Richard Smith, and settled on his estate * * * * The sons of Gilbert were Lodowick, Daniel and James......... (Updike's Mem. R. I. Bar, 1842; 34-6.) See also Updike's Hist. Narragansett Church, 1847; 119.

"Dr. Gilbert Updike, a German physician of some celebrity, who settled on Lloyd's Neck, L. I. When Col. Nichols reduced N. Y. in 1664, Dr. Updike went to R. 1. Gilbert married a daughter of Richard Smith. Dr. Updike had three sons, Lodowick, Daniel and James........................ (N. E. Hist. Gen. Reg., XXI, 375.). "Dr. Gilbert Updike was of a Dutch family settled on Lloyd's Neck on Long Island. When Col. Nichols reduced New York, he came to Rhode Island and married a daughter of Richard Smith who lived near where Wickford now is. His sons were Lodowick, Daniel, James etc.............................. (R. I. Hist. Col., III, 311.)

"Updike, Gilbert, Newport, came, it is said, in 1664, from New York, married a daughter of Richard Smith of Narragansett, had Lodowick about 1666 (!), who was father of Daniel, a man of distinction in Rhode Island a century ago "........ (Savage's N. E. Geneal Dict .; 1862; IV, 360.)

Children of Gysbert Opdyck.

Bapt. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.

1 Elizabeth. 1644. ..... George Wightman. Wickford, R. I. Planter.

2 Lodowick. 1646. 1737. Abigail Newton. Wickford, R. I. Planter.

3 Richard. . .... 1675. Unmarried. Wickford, R. 1.

4.Sarah. 1650. ..... ...... Whitehead.

5 Johannes. 1658.

6 James. 1658. 1729. Elizabeth ........ Boston & Wickford. Sea Captain.

7 Daniel. . . ... 1704. Martha .......... England. Sea Captain.

RICHARD SMITH.

Richard Smith, whose daughter Catherine became the wife of Gysbert Opdyck in 1643, was a man of wealth, character, activity and energy, and was prominent in Massachusetts, New Amsterdam and Rhode Island. He Was born 1596 in Gloucestershire, England, and came to New England for the sake of religious freedom, bringing with him his daughter Catherine and other children. He "was a most acceptable inhabitant and prime leading man in Taunton in Plymouth Colony." About 1639 he bought from Narragansett Sachems 30,000 acres on the west side of Narragansett Bay, erected there a house for trade among the thickest of the Indians, and gave free entertainment to travellers. It was on a very ancient path, often referred to in the old Deeds as the "Pequot Path," which was adopted by

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the early settlers as the great road of the country, all the travel from Boston and the North and East to Connecticut and New York passing by Smith's trading-house. His was the first purchase and the first house for many years in the Narragansett country. Very little was done however towards the settlement of the country by the whites for many years afterward. Richard Smith did not probably occupy this house with his family for any length of time, although he kept coming and going with his children and servants. It was a trading post, 50 miles from any settlement; and in a neighborhood abounding with dangerous savages.

Not finding in Plymouth Colony the religious freedom which he sought and the Narragansett country being as yet too lonely and dangerous a residence for his family, Richard Smith came to New Amsterdam, where he was gladly welcomed by the Dutch. With him came from Taunton others, who too sought freedom of conscience; among them was John Smith, probably a brother of Richard, and Rev. Francis Doughty, a dissenting clergyman who, while preaching at Cohasset, Mass., had been dragged out of the assembly for venturing to assert that " Abraham's children; should have been baptised. "Director Kieft immediately (1642) granted to them an absolute title to more than 13,000 acres of land at Mespath, now Newtown, Long Island. The Patent was made to "Francis Doughty and companions," and gave them full power to build villages and churches, to exercise their own form of Christian religion and church discipline, and to administer their own laws, subject only to their acknowledging, during their possession of the land, the sovereignty of the Dutch West India Company, Doughty had no means of his own and had merely acted as agent for Richard Smith and his associates, who were to prepare for him a farm in the new colony, on the proceeds of which he might live, in return for his services as their preacher. But Doughty assumed high authority and attempted to collect for his own use rents from the settlers ; compelling Richard Smith to complain to Director Kieft and his Council, who decided that Doughty should be content with the farm reserved to him and that the associates should have full control of the land granted by the patent. Doughty undertook to appeal to Holland, but Director Kieft would not allow permit this, and imprisoned and fined him. Kieft's action was sustained afterward by his successor, Director Stuyvesant, who would not allow Doughty to return to Europe until he promised not to complain of what had befallen him in New Netherland.

There were eighty settlers at Mespath during the first year, and the colony was prospering, when the war broke out in 1643 between the Dutch and Indians. The savages attacked the settlement, destroyed houses and cattle, and killed John Smith and others of the colonists. The settlers fled to Manhattan (New York). The next year a Dutch force of eighty men marched to Mespath and slew one hundred of the savages. The following

RICHARD SMITH. - 71

year peace was concluded with the Indians, and the English colonists returned to their ruined homes. The subsequent history of the settlement is not well known, on account of the destruction of the early records by a British regiment who were in full possession of the town for several years during the Revolution. We know however that Richard Smith continued to own land at Newtown until 1662. Adjoining the Mespath colony on the east, there had been made, under Patent from Stuyvesant in 1652, a new settlement called by the Dutch " Middleburgh " but more familiarly 'known as "Newtown," which soon absorbed Mespath into its jurisdiction and records. We find Richard Smith appealing successfully in 1662 from a decision of the court of Middleburgh to the Director and Council ; and the same year we find him assessed the tenth of the produce of his lands in that neighborhood.

During the greater part of these twenty years, Richard Smith had his family-residence among the Dutch on Manhattan Island. Here his daughter Katharine married Gysbert Opdyck in 1643; and at the baptism of their first son in 1646, Richard Smith acted as sponsor with the Fiscal and others. His daughter Joan married Thomas Newton at Flushing in 1648, a romantic runaway marriage to which her father was soon reconciled, although the imperious Governor Stuyvesant vindicated the majesty of the law by fining the bridegroom and the Sheriff who had solemnized the marriage without the consent of the bride's parents. Thomas Newton himself became Sheriff of Flushing five years later, and the Rhode Island Updikes trace their descent from a daughter of this marriage and her husband, Gysbert's son Lodowick. In 1645 Richard Smith was elected one of the "Eight Men," appointed to devise ways of protection against the Indians, and meeting once a week for that purpose. His son-in-law Gysbert Opdyck was one of this important Committee, and they signed together the great Treaty of Peace, Aug. 30, 1645, between the Dutch and all the River Indians in the presence of the Mohawks. It is probable that this Treaty was secured by the efforts of these "Eight. Men," as all the eight attached their signatures; the original document is preserved among the archives in Holland. In 1645 Richard Smith received a Patent for a lot on the East River, a portion of which he sold in 1656, holding the remainder still later. In 1651, being temporarily absent, he sold through his son a house and lot on Manhattan Island; but he still owned the lots on the East River above described, as well as one near the Strand in 1656 or later, and perhaps possessed or hired another house.

During all this time he continued his Narragansett Indian trading-house, making frequent visits there with some of his family, being himself skipper of his good sloop Welcome, and occasionally appearing before the Dutch Council at New Amsterdam for protection of his rights or on questions connected with his trading.

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The records of Rhode Island do not mention him, after his first appearance there about 1639, until 1659 when he appears as witness on an IndianDeed, from which we have taken our facsimile of his signature. The same year he joined Governor Winthrop of Connecticut and Major Atherton of Massachusetts in the purchase of a large tract of land from a Narragansett Sachem, who confirmed in this Deed the previous large sale to Smith. The jurisdiction over the Narragansett country being claimed by Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, in this unsettled state of affairs Richard Smith with his son and others of Narragansett requested in 1663 the protection of Connecticut. This action resulted in his receiving the next year from the Governor of Rhode Island, by the authority of the General Assembly at Newport, a very respectful and rather plaintive letter urging loyalty to that colony upon the ground of old friendships, and hinting at compulsion if necessary. Richard Smith had no intention of complying and wrote to his friends, Captain Hutchinson and Captain Hudson, to urge Connecticut to prompt action. The Rhode Island Gen. Assembly in October or November 1664 ordered that he and Captain Hudson be arrested; we have no knowledge whether this order was carried out. There soon arrived a letter to the Colonies from King Charles II, commanding that Richard Smith and his friends in Narragansett be no longer molested "by Certaine unreasonable and turbulent sperits of Providence Collony."

Two years later, Richard Smith died at his Wickford trading-house, dividing his large Narragansett tracts, by his will, among his children Richard and Elizabeth (Vial), and the children of his "deceased Katharine sometime wife to Gilbert Updike,"and the children of his "deceased daughter Joan sometime wife to Thomas Newton."

Records and Authorities.

1638-40. Richard Smith appears on a list of "Inhabitants admitted at the Towne Nieuport since 20 Mch 1638," and before 1640. . (R. Rec. I. 92.)

1640. A list of Freemen of Taunton, Mass., previous to 1640, begins with the name of Richard Smith; third on the list appears John Smith. (Emery's Ministry of Taunton, I, 20.)

1641. Richard Smith purchased a tract of the Narragansett Sachems; among the thickest of the Indians, (computed 30;000 acres), erected a house for trade and gave free entertainment to travelers; it being the great road of the country.................... (Mass. Hist. Coll. I, 216.)

Within a few years after this, trading houses were built in Narragansett by Roger Williams and Wilcox. Roger built within seven or eight years after Smith, and not far from him, but after keeping it a few years, he in 1651 sold out to Smith his trading house, his two big guns, &c .......................... (Mass. Hist. Coll. I & II.)

1642. "Francis Doughty, a dissenting clergyman, while preaching at Cohasset, (Massachusetts), was dragged out of the assembly for venturing to assert that ' Abraham's children should have been baptised.' Accompanied by Richard Smith, and several other liberal-minded men, Doughty came to Manhattan, to secure a happy home. He betook

RICHARD SMITH. - 73

himself to the protection of the Dutch, 'that he might, in conformity with the Dutch Reformation, have freedom of conscience, which, contrary to his expectation, he missed in New England.' Kieft received the strangers kindly, and immediately granted to Doughty and his associates ' an absolute ground-brief' for more than thirteen thousand acres of land at Mespath, or Newtown, on Long Island........................... (Broadhead's Hist. N. Y. I, 333.)

1642, March 28. Patent "to Francis Doughty and companions," (written in Latin.) Land on Long Island, "containing 6,666 acres Holland measure; "-"with power to build on the aforesaid land a village or villages, a church or churches, to exercise the Reformed Christain religion, which they profess, and ecclesiastical discipline; also to legally administer high, middle and low jurisdiction. * * * bound as long as they shall remain in possession of the aforesaid land to acknowledge the said Lords Directors as their Masters and Patroons, to pay after the lapse of ten years the tenth part of the produce of the fields," &c..."Willem Kieft." (Doc. Col. Hist. N. Y. XIV,38.)

1647, Feb. 7. Council Minutes. Court proceedings. "Richard and William Smith vs. rev. Francis Douthy; plaintiffs demand that the defendant declare, in writing, who are his partners; ordered accordingly."

March 7. (Same.) "Motion of Mr. Smith for the (de)termination of the suit between him and Mr. Douthy; parties ordered to appear at the next session, when judgment will be pronounced........... (Dutch MSS. IV, 282-4.)

Statement received at the Hague from van Tienhoven Secretary of the Director and Council of New Netherland: "Francis Douthay, an English Minister, was granted a colonie at Mespacht, not for himself alone as Patroon, but for him and his associates whose Agent he was, and who at the time were residing at Rhode Island and at Cahanock and other places. Mr. Smith was one of the leaders of these people, for said Minister had scarcely any means of himself to build a. hut, let alone to plant a colonie at his own expense. He was merely to be employed as a clergyman by his associates who were to prepare a bouwerie for him in that Colonic, in return for which he should discharge the duty of preacher among them, and live on the proceeds of the bouwerie.

"The Mespacht Colonie was never confiscated; that is proved by the actual residence on it of the owners, who had an interest in it as well as Douthay; but as the latter wished to obstruct its settlement and to permit no one to build in the colonie unless on paying him a certain sum down for each morgen of land, and a yearly sum in addition in the nature of ground rent, and endeavored thus to convert it into a domain, against which those interested in the Colonie, especially Mr. Smith complained, the Director and Council finally concluded that the copartners should enter on their property, and the bouwerie and lands in the possession of Douthay be reserved to him, so that he hath suffered no injury or loss thereby. This I could prove, were it not that the documents are in New Netherland and not here." Nov. 29, 1650.......... (Doc. Col. Hist. N. Y. I, 426.)

1645, July 4. Patent. Richard Smith; lot on the East river, Manhattan island . .(Dutch MSS. GG, 106.)

1645, July 15. New Amsterdam Council Minutes. Court Proceedings. "Richard Smith vs. John Wilcock; plaintiff complains that defendant traded, contrary to contract, at his trading-house, which defendant denies; case continued.'

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July 20. Same. "Richard Smith vs. John Wilcox; referred arbitration........................... (Dutch MSS. IV, 227,

1647, Aug. 14. New Amsterdam. "Richard Smith of New Netherland." gives a bond as security for a debt due by John Wilcox, and takes counter bonds from Wilcox ................ (Dutch MSS. II, 164.)

1648, July 17. New Amsterdam. " Receipt from Richard Smith of satisfaction for a bond given in behalf of Wilcox, and order of said Smith in favor of Adam Mott, on skipper William, for 17 guilders." (Dutch MSS. III, 6.)

1648, April 3. Now Amsterdam Council Minutes. " Sentence. William Harck, sheriff of Flushing, for having solemnized a marriage between Thomas Nuton widower, and Joan, daughter of Richard Smith, against her parents' consent, and contrary to law, fined 600 guilders, dismissed from office and the marriage annulled."

April 3. "Sentence. Thomas Nuton for having married Miss Smith, aforesaid, fined 300 guilders, and to have the marriage again solemnized after three proclamations....... (Dutch MSS. IV, 374-5.)

1651, May 29. New Amsterdam. "Bond. Richard Smith, skipper, of the sloop Welcome, to sail direct to the South river and return thence with his cargo to the Manhattans............ (Dutch MSS. III, 85.)

1651, Aug. 16. "Deed. Richard Smith Jr., agent for Richard, his father at present in Connecticut, to Gillis Pietersen, of a house and lot on Manhattan island." ...................... (Dutch MSS. III, 90.)

1652, March 11. New Amsterdam Council Minute. "Of the appearance of William Smith of Heemsteede, and Richard Smith, respecting some wampum in the hands of the clerk of that town, and other thereupon..................... (Dutch MSS. V. 30.)

1655, Aug. 26. "Patent. Abraham Clock lot near the Strand adjoining Richard Smith, New Amsterdam." .......(Dutch MSS. H. H., 44.)

1656, Nov. 10. "Richard Smith Sr., of Rhode Island, to Evert Duyckinck. A lot on the East river, abutting on the east the house and a lot of Abraham Clock, and on the west lot of said Richard Smith, opposite the house of Rut Jacobsen on the north, and on the south the East river. Width, front and rear on the north and south sides, 2 ½ rods English feet; depth, from the road at the north side, as the street line runs or hereafter may run to the river or street piling; being premises patented to said Richard Smith July 4, 1645.". ....(Valentine's 1861 Manual N. Y. 590.)

1659, June 13, he and James Smith act as witnesses of a confirmatory Indian deed to men of Providence ............... (R. I. Col. Rec. I., 37.) The fac-simile of his signature given above is taken from this deed.

1659. The following are extracts taken from "The grant of the Northern Tract of the Narragansett Sachem to Gov Winthrop, Humphrey , Atherton, and others" printed in R. I. Col. Rec. L, 464, from the MS. Coll. of J. C. Brown Esq., copied from the original in the State Paper office in London, vol. I, no. 16.

"Coginaquam, Sachem of Narragansett, in consideration of the great love and affection I doe beare unto Englishmen, especially Mr. John Winthrop, Governor of Connecticut, Major Humphrey, Atherton of the Massachusetts, Richard Smith, Senior, and Richard Smith Junior, of Cocumcosuck, Traders * * * grants to his said friends one tract of land in my countrey, called by the name of Wyapumseatt, Mascacowage, Cocrimcosuck and suchlike be itt conteining more or lesse, bounded by the brooks or river called Muscachowage, on the southwest: the common path or way betweene these on the northwest or northbounds, and the sea or waters on the south;

RICHARD SMITH. - 75

to have and to hold * * * onely excepted, the Lands in posession of and belonging already to Richard Smith, Sen'r, which was his proper right, and is expressed by Deed before this Grant, to be to him and his heirs and assigues forever * * * Dated this seventeenth day of June 1659."

1659, Dec. 1, Richard Smith, Richard Smith Jr., and James Smith witness another Indian deed of confirmation to men of Providence . . . (R. I. Col. Rec. I., 36.)

1660, May 2, by the General Court of Commissioners held at Portsmouth for the Colony of R. I. "Mr. Richard Smyth, Sen'r, and three others are authorized to consider some way of makinge a bridge over Pawtuxett river, and present their result and agreement thereon unto the next court of Commissioners.".... ....(R. I. Col. Rec. I., 430.)

1662, Oct. 15, he testified in relation to an Indian deed (one of those above mentioned as witnessed by him), and called himself about the age of sixty six years.......... (Land Transcripts, 439, Rec. Office, Prov.)

1662, July 6. New Amsterdam Council Minutes. " Order. Granting Richard Smith an appeal from a judgment of the court of Middleborgh in favor of John Coo....................... (Dutch MSS. X, 167.)

1662, Aug. 24. New Amsterdam Council Minutes. "Judgment in appeal, reversing a decision of the court. of Middleburgh, in the case of Richard Smith appellant against John Coo.". (Dutch MSS. X, 204.)

1662, July 10. New Amsterdam. "To-day his Honor, the Director-General, on the one side, and the Magistrates of the village of Middleburgh, on the other side, agreed, that the said village should pay as tenths for this year and bring to the edge of the water near the house of Thomas Wandell. eighteen schepels, one half of wheat, the other of peas and it is further provisionally agreed, that the below named persons and plantations shall be under the jurisdiction of Middleburgh. These persons are hereby ordered, to submit to the taxation for tenths by the said Magistrates or to make a fair agreement with the same: Francois Douthy, * * * Richard Smit 2 lots," and many other residents ......... (Doc. Col. Hist. N. Y. XIV, 514.)

1663. New Amsterdam Council Minutes. "To-day Richard Smith brought the following note, which he says he received from Pantom, to be delivered to the Fiscal: * * * 'Surr we vnderstand that by the instigation of a bisey pradmaticall ffelloe you have apprehended and imprisoned one of our Colony,' &c, &c. John Coo,- Richard Panton, Midilburrough 1663 September 14."'...(Doc. Col. Hist. N. Y. XIV, 534,)

1663, July 3, he and his son Richard, and others of Narragansett, desire the protection of Connecticut............... (Austin, R. I. Geneal.)

1663, July 10, the Conn. Council appoint him one of three select men, and his son Richard constable of said town, to be for the future called Wickforde .................... (Donn. Col. Rec., II, 407.)

1664, May 5, the General Assembly of R. I. sitting at Newport "Ordered, That the Governor be desired to write to Mr. Richard Smith, Sen'r, to desire him to come before the court * * * The letter that the Governor hath drawne up to be sent to Mr. Richard Smith, Sen'r, is approved of, and ordered to be sent him presently.". .. (R. I. Col. Rec. II., 45.)

The letter is reprinted in the book just cited, from Mr. J. C. Browns collection.

"Mr. Smith and worthy Sir: After the presentation of respects unto you: these are presented purposly at this time to informe and advise you: that whereas you are an antiant inhabitant of this Collony, and

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for whome the Collony hath had a good report, as by their moderate demonstrations (in all occasions heather unto, in such cases where force might have been extended), it hath appeared: the which was alwaies believed and desired would operate on your more ingenuous temper to returne your candid and respective presentation of the same, and an answerable and reciprocall kind deportment towards to the government in all offices of love and duty: yett seeing things seem as volgarly presented, that yew seeme rather incline to an estraingment from, and neglect of your friends, neighbors and the government established and settled in this Collony with other additional relations and representations, as if your inclinations are (if not your practices also) to adhere unto, or rather, to provake a remote jurisdiction to take place and to exercise power in the heart and bowills of this Colony: upon the constant and frequent report of your inclinations, &c., the Court still remaininge the same your respective friends, and retaining the same desires of your welfare and honorable deportment in this sayd Collony, have therefore waved the absolute acceptation of the aforesayd representations for truth untill the Court shall, from your personal returne to them cleerly demonstrate the certainty of your own persuasions in this respect: to which end they. desire yow to come over with this bearer, mr Robert Carr, and here declare your minde or desires in the premises; which said returne of yours accordingly will, in a great measure remove the occasions of discontent; which wee seriously and heartily desire may be done, considering the effects which must necessarily ensue upon a noncompliance and correspondence to his Majeestyes gracious letters pattents granted unto this Collony, to which there must be such a dutifull and obediant submission and subjection as is most naturall and agreeable unto faythfull subjects to performe, which doth also oblidg us to urge (and in case to compell) a suitable conform c ity from all men residing on the main land of Nahantick, Narragansett, &c., as well as on the Islands contained within the sayd Royall gaunt to this Collony; The which conformity wee desire may, for their sakes that are to conforme, as in espetiall manner yourselfe: may rather be free and cheerefull than with compulsive meanes which the Court desire not to use except necessitated: wherefore Sir, your returne to these presentations are attended as abovesayd. And in meantime wee bid yow farewell; and rest your loveing neighbors, expecting your presence here. Signed in the name and by the order of the Generall Assembly of the Colony of Rhoad Island and , Providence plantations, met at Newport May the 4th, 1664.

Joseph Torrey, Generall Recorder."

Superscribed: "To the respected our loveing neighbour, Mr. Richard Smith of Narragansett Cohgomsquisitt, in the Collony of Rhoade Island and Providence plantations. These p. mr. Robert Carr."

Following this letter in the R. I. Col. Doc. are two others relating to the same matter, and also printed from the originals Mr. Brown's collection.

1664. May 14. "Wickford. Capt. Hutchinson: My kind respects presented unto you, Sir. This ma give you to understand some late actions and proceedings of Rhode Island men; and if those actings of theyrs be not countermanded by the government of Connecticut, they will insult beyond measuer. Three days since they came to John Green's house att Aquidnesett with a warrant from theyre court, under the Governor's hand, and forceably fetched him away to Rode Island

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where he yet remaynes. His goeing was also not known to any here; they have also constituted offisers at Petacomscott. A letter was sent to me from theyr Courtt perswadeing me to comply with them, the which I have enclosed that you may see. I suppose that by force and violence they intend to fetch others from hence. Sir, itt will be necessary for you to give Connecticut intimation of theyr proceedings, (for) we may be easily overturned by them if they stick not to us. Some speedy course had neede be taken, for now they have given us just cause as can be to fetch one away by force, and absolutely exercising power, by warrant under theyr hands. Be pleased to send me back theyr letter agayne. Remember me to Capt. Hudson and all other friends; not else. To theyr letter I returned them answer only by word o'month by ye bearer that brought it. But just your loving friend Richard Smith, Sen'r."

1664. "Capt. Hutchinson and Capt. Hudson: I have lately been to Rode Island, where I have seen men working wonders in theyr owne conceipts. They have ingaged Mr. Gould to appeare there agayne next October, come twelve months, if they see not cause to release us sooner, the bond to continue till then, as also good behaviour; but we are not tyed within the bowndry of theire colony. They did pretend much love to as, desireing us to crave favor of them, which implyes that we should owne ourselves guilty of something; but we refusing that, the result of the court was above said, or to prison. They are resolved to drive all before them if they can not prevent them, not else. But I rest your obliged friend and servant Ric. Smith, Jun'r. Wickford, May 14, 1664." The following is an extract from the proceedings of the General Assembly of Rhode Island, held at Newport in October and November of the same year:

1664. "For as much as it is well knowwe unto us by credible witnesses that Captaine William Hudson and Richard Smith, Sen'r, the one an inhabitant in the Narragansett Country * * * have both of them taken upon them the office of magistrates, and have acted and officiated therein within the bounds of the Collony, as in marrying people, &c., and making use of said offices without any lawfull call thereunto, contrary to the intent and purport of his Majestyes noble Charter granted to this Collony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, within (Wherein?) the Narragansett Country is in exprese words included and comprised, &c.: see not to acte any thinge in matter of judicature without order or power from sayd Collony. It is therefore ordered by this Assembly that the Generall Sargant shall take such ayd as hee thinker meet, to attach and arrest the bodyes of the abovesaid Captaine William Hudson and Richard Smith Seniour." (R. I. Col. Rec. II., 75.)

We have no knowledge whether this order was carried out or not. It was doubtless voted before the following letter arrived in the Colonies.

1664. "Letter from Charles the Second to the Collonies.

"Charles R.

"Trusty and well beloved: Wee greet you well. Whereas wee have bin given to understand, that our good subjects, Tho: Chaffinch. Jno. Scott, John Winthrop, Daniell Denison, Lyman Bradstreete, The: Wallet, Rich'd Smith, Edw. Hutchinson, Amos Richeson, Jno: Alcock Wm. Hudson and their associates, having in the right of Major Atherton a just propriety in the Naroganset Country in New England, by grants from native Princes of that country, and

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being desirous to improve it as an English Collony and Plantation to the inlarging of our empire, and the common good of our subjects, they are yet dayly disturbed and injustly molested in their possetion and laudable indeavors by certaine unreasonable and turbulant sperits of Providence Collony of New England aforesaid, to the great scandal of Justice and Government, and the eminent discouragement of that hopeful plantation, wee have therefore though fitt hereby effectually to recommend the Proprietors to your neighbourly kindness and protection, the proprietors to be permitted peasably to improve their Colony and Plantation in New England, willing you to bee on all occasions assisting to them against such unjust oppressions and molestations, that see they may be secured in the full and peacable injoyment of their said Country, according to the right and title they have to it whearin we will not dought of your readyness and care, and shall on all good occasions express how gratiously we accept of your complyance with this our recommendation, and so we bid you farewell. Given at our Court at Whitehall, the 21st day of June, in the fifteenth year of our Raigne. By his Majestys Command, Henry Bennet.".. . . . . . . . (R. I. Col. Rec. I., 466.)

1665, Dec. 28, an Indian deed was witnessed by Richard Smith Jr., and a letter was written by Robert Carr at " Mr. Smith's Tradeing House ........................... (R. I. Col. Rec. II, 133.)

1679, July 21, in testifying before the Assembly, John Greene said that "forty years and more, Mr. Richard Smith, that I did live with, did first begin to make a settlement in the Narragansett.".. . (R. I. Col. Rec. III., 56.)

Savage's Gen. Dict. of N. E., (IV, 129), contains the following :

"Smith, Richard Sr. In that wide estate (the Narragansett country) after a brief trial at Newtown, L. I., he enjoyed great esteem 40 years as sovereign of all Misquamicuck, Caucumsquissie, and Pettaquamscutt." " His son of the same name was made costable there in 1663, when the Conn. council dignified his neighborhood with the town rights of Wickford."

1679, July 24. Testimony of Roger Williams in favor of Richard Smith's title to the Wickford lands.

"Nahiggonsett, I, Roger Williams, of Providence, in the Nahiggonsett bay, in New England, being (by God's mercy) the first beginner of the mother town of Providence and of the colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, being now nearly four score years of age; yet, (by God's mercy), of sound understanding and memory; do humbly and faithfully declare, that Mr. Richard Smith, sen., who for his conscience to God left fair possessions in Glostershire and adventured with his relations and estate to New England, was a most acceptable inhabitant, and prime leading man in Taunton, in Plymouth colony. For his conscience sake, (many differences arising), he left Taunton and came to the Narragansett country, where by God's mercy, and the favor of the Narragansett Sachems, he broke the ice (at his great charge and hazard) and put up in the thickest of the barbarians the first English house among them. I hum humbly testify that about fort years ago from this date, he kept possession, coming and going himself, children and servants, and he had quiet possession of his houses, lands and meadows, and there in his own house, with much serenity of soul and comfort, he yielded up his spirit to God, the father o spirits, in peace. I do humbly and faithfully testify as aforesaid, that since his departure his honored son, Capt. Richard Smith, hath kept possession, (with much acceptation

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with English and Pagans,) of his father's houses, lands and meadows, with great improvement, also by his great cost and industry, and in the late bloody Pagan war, I, knowingly testify and declare, that it pleased the Most High to make use of himself m person, his houses, his goods, corn, provisions and cattle, for a garrison and supply to the whole army of New England, under the command of the ever to be honored Gen. Winslow, in the service of his Majesty's honor and country of New England. I do also humbly declare, that the said Richard Smith, Jun., ought by all the rules of equity, justice and gratitude to his honored, father and himself, to be fairly treated with, considered, recruited, honored, and by his Majesty's authority confirmed and established in a peaceful possession of his Father's and his own possessions in this Pagan wilderness and Narragansett country. The premises I humbly testify, as now leaving the country and this world. Roger Williams....................... (Memoirs R. I. Bar, 253-4.)

1703. Samuel Smith, aged 67, and Elizabeth (wife of Nehemiah Smith and formerly wife of William Ludlam of Southampton) aged about 70, both residing at Jamaica, testify in court at Jamaica, that "about 60 years ago John Smith, father to these deponents, living at Taunton m Plymouth Colony, now under ye government of ye Massachusetts Bay, left his said habitation and went to Masbpett Kills in Queens county, on Nassau Island, then under ye government of ye Dutch, and was there killed by ye Indians." (Riker's Annals of Newtown. L. I.)

1664-6. Will. "In the Name of God, Amen. The fourteenth day of July, in the year of Our Lord, one thousand, six hundred, sixty and four, in the Sixteenth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord, Charles the Second by the Grace of God of England and Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith &c. I, Richard Smith, of Wickford, in the Narragansett Countrey, in New England, Yeoman, being in health of Body, and of good and perfect memory, (Thanks be unto God) Do make this my last Will and Testament, and I do hereby revoak and renounce all former and other Wills and Testaments whatsoever heretofore by me made, by Word, Writing or otherwise And make and ordain this to be my very true, last Will and Testament, and no other Concerning my Lands, Chattels, Debts, and every part and parcel thereof, in manner and form as followeth. First. I Commend my soul to Almighty God, and to his Son Jesus Christ, my Saviour and Redeemer, by whom I hope to obtain full pardon, and remission of all my Sins, and to Inherit Everlasting Life. And I will that my Body be decently buryed by the Discretion of my Executors hereunto named. Item. I will that my debts which I shall owe unto any Person or Persons at the time of my decease either by Law or Conscience be well and truly Contented and paid, within Convenient time, out of my Goods and Chattels. "Item, I give unto my Son Richard Smith all my Right, Title and interest of, in and to, my Dwelling house, and Lands thereto belonging, Situate, being and lying in Wickford aforesaid, and is bounded on the Southwest by Annoquatucket river, and by the Lauds of Capt. William Hudson, Northeasterly and on the East by a fresh river or brook and Creek and Cove.

"Item, I give unto my Son the s'd Richard Smith, all my right title and interest of, in and to my propriety of Lands lying in Cunnani-cot Island and Dutch Island, with the privileges and appurtenances to them or either of them belonging or in any way appertaining. Item, I give unto my daughter Elisabeth wife of John Vial of Boston,

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Vintner, all that my Share, which is a one Third part of Land lying on the Southerly side of my son, Richard Smith's two thirds part of a tract of land lying on the Easterly side of the aforesaid ffresh river or Brook, and Creek and Cove; Commonly Called by the Saga.

"Item, I will that all my share and part in the Great Neck of Land beyond Capt. Edward Hutchinss house, Westward and Southward and all the rest of my share of Land belonging to that purchase And also all my share of Land of the last purchase and all my Cattle, Horses, Mares, Sheep, Goats, & Swine and all my Goods and Debts whatsoever to me appertaining be (after my decease) Divided into Four Equal parts and portions, the which after my Debts paid & funeral Charged thereout, I Give and bequeath as followeth. That is to say. To my son Richard Smith, and his heirs, the one fourth part or portion thereof, and to my Daughter, Elisabeth, wife John Vial and her issue, I give one other Fourth part thereof, and to my Grand Children, the Children of my dece 'd daughter Katharine, sometime wife to Gilbert Updike, one other fourth part thereof to be Equally Divided amongst them, And to my Grand Children, the Children of my deceased daughter, Joan, sometime wife to Thomas Newton, one other fourth part thereof to be Equally divided amongst them my S'd Grand Children, parts to be paid to each of them, Viz. To Each of my Grandsons as they Come to the age of Twenty one years; And to Each of my Grand Daughters as they Come to the age of Eighteen years, or on day of marriage which shall first happen, And in Case that any One of my Grand Children, the Children of my daughters Katharine and Joan, do Dye before they come to be of the age aforesaid or Marr'yd, then such part or share, as should have been to such deceased, shall be to the Survivours of them, part and alike to them to be divided. Item, I make and ordain my sons, Richard Smith, and John Vial, to be my full whole and only Executors of this my last will and Testament. And my well beloved Friend Capt. Edward Hutchinson of Boston." (Here the is torn and cannot be copied.)

"Before John Leverett Assistant, Entered and recorded at the request of the s'd Vial the 22d. of August, 1666. Robert Howard, Not. Pub. An attested Copy."

(The above will is taken by us from a copy, so old as to have been often mistaken for the original, in the possession, descendant of Lodowick Updike. It is referred to in Potter's History of Narragansett, page 270; and also in Austin's Rhode Island Genealogy.)

RICHARD SMITH, JR.

Born 1630; died 1692 at Wickford, R. I. Was the only son who survived Richard Smith Sr.; the other son, James, dying about 1660, unmarried. Richard Jr. is interesting as the brother of Gysbert Opdyck's wife, as a prominent man in Rhode Island Colony, and as having devised Smith's Castle and other large possessions Rhoade Island in to Lodowick, Daniel and James Updike, three of the seven children of Gysbert Opdyck.

Richard Jr., like his father, probably resided chiefly at New Amsterdam (New York), between 1642 and 1663; he there sold a house for his father in 1651, and he was there sued in the Burgomaster's court by Gysbert Opdyck in 1661. He is said to have served as Major in Oliver Cromwell's army, but this is doubtful, and he probably derived his title of "Major" from an appointment in 1686 by the President and Council of New England. He called himself "merchant" in a deed, and he undoubtedly continued his father's trading with the Indians at the Block House near Wickford, until the Narragansett Indian war of 1675-6 resulted in almost the extermination of the savages. After

RICHARD SMITH, JR. 81

the great "Swamp Fight" near Wickford, in 1675, the whole New England army of 1,000 men retreated in the cold winter weather, carrying their wounded, to his Block House, or "Castle," where they were supplied by him with shelter, provisions, cattle and goods; he is said to have had the foresight to detain a loaded sloop of grain for the use of the army on their return and thus to have prevented much suffering. His house was partly, destroyed by fire during the war, but was rebuilt by him, largely out of the old materials.

He early became prominent in public matters. Like his father, he favored the jurisdiction of Connecticut over the Narragansett country, and he was no doubt the writer of the petition to the King in 1679, quoted by us under Lodowick Updike. His arrest was ordered by the R. I. Assembly, but the question was settled peaceably, and he was not disturbed in property, and probably not in person, as he was justice, Major, Member of Council, after that date, and his house was the place of meeting in 1683 for the Governor of New Hampshire and others. His title to the large tracts of land, granted to his father by the Narragansett Sachems, was upheld by Roger Williams in 1679 in the letter already quoted under Richard Smith Sr. He died without children.

Records and Authorities.

1659. Aug. 23, R. I. Assembly declares he will be liable for damages if he arrest any member this colony for obstructing him in taking possession by building on Hog Island. (Austin.)

1662, Oct. 8. Testified in relation to an Indian Deed, calling himself aged about 32 years. (Providence Rec. 439.)

1664, May 14. Writes a letter as to rival claims of Connecticut and Rhode Island to jurisdiction over Narragansett. (R. I. Col. Rec. II, 47.)

1669, May 21. Conservator of the Peace in R. I. (Austin.)

1671, Sept. 26. Newport. Bought 240 acres in Portsmouth for 40 pounds. He did not long dwell at Newport. (Austin.)

1672, May 14. Appointed on a Commission to meet the Connecticut Commissioners to put a final end and issue of all differences between the two colonies. (Austin.)

1672, June 25. Empowered by Assembly to take the best course he can to put the inhabitants of King's Province in the Narragansett country into a posture of defence. (Austin.) .

1673, May 7. Appointed on a Committee to treat with the Indian Sachems to prevent the extreme excess of the Indians' drunkeness. (Among these Sachems was King Phillip.)

1675, June 25. In a letter dated from Mr. Smith's at Narragansett, Roger Williams wrote to Gov. Winthrop : "Mr. Smith is now absent on Long Island. Mrs. Smith, though too much favoring the Foxians (called Quakers), yet she is a notable spirit for courtesy towards strangers and prays me to present her great thanks for your constant remembrance of her, and of late." (Austin.)

1678, Petitions the King of England that Rhode Island yield to Connecticut the jurisdiction over Narragansett. (R. I. Col. Rec. II, 50.)

1679, July 19. Warrant issued by Assembly for his arrest and ordered to be brought to Assembly at Newport to answer charges. (Austin.)

1683, Aug. 22. His house was the place of meeting of Gov. Cranfield, New Hampshire, and others; and the said Governor and others were there prohibited by Gov. Coddington from keeping court in any part of this jurisdiction. (Austin.)

1686, May 28. He was appointed Justice of the Peace, also Sergeant Major and Chief Commander of his Majesty's Militia, both horse and foot, within the Narragansett country. This appointment was from the President and Council governing New England. (Austin.)

1687, Sept. 6. Taxed 2 pounds, 10d.; (the heaviest tax paid in Kings Town.) (Austin.)

1688, April 16. "Commission under our Great Seal of England constituting (Sir Edmund Andros) our Captain Generall and Governor in Chief in and over our Colonies of the Massachusetts Bay and New Plymouth, our Province of New Hampshire and Main, the Narraganset Country or King's Province, of New York and East and West Jersey. * * * And you are accordingly * * * with all convenient speed to call together the Members of the Council, by name * * * Richard Smith and * * * (liven at our court at Whitehall the 16th. day of April 1688, in the fourth year of our Reign. By His Majesty's Command." (Doc. Col. Hist. N. Y. 111, 543.)

1689, July 9, Van Cortlandt to Gov. Andros. " We also resolved to write to the gentlemen of the Council that live neare us to come and assist us with their advice, but none came nor wrote an answer but Major Smith, Clarke and Newbury." (Written from New York.) (Doc. Col. Hist. N. Y. III, 591.)

1687-8. Richard Smith, Justice of General Court of Sessions and Inferior Court of Com mon Pleas. (Austin.)

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1691, March 16. Will of Richard Smith; probated July 12, 1692 before Governor Sir William Phips. (Boston Prob. Off. Suffolk XIII, 29.)

The inventory of will amounted 1,159 pounds. It includes articles " contained in warehouse, shop, and rooms in the great house; 2 negro men, 40 pounds; 5 negro children and old woman, 40 pounds; 3 horses, 20 pounds; 135 cattle young and old, 250 pounds; 30 sheep, 9 pounds; 1/2 sloop Primrose, 100 pounds; maps and books, 5 pounds."

Will. "In the name of God, Amen. I, Richard Smith of Rochester in the King's Province att Naragausett in New England, Gent. being of sound mind and perfect disposing memory, doe make this my last will and Testament, revoking all wills by Ins formerly made. ffirst I bequeath my soul to God that gave itt, in hopes that through the mercy and meritts of my Saviour Jesus Christ to obtain everlasting life in the Kingdome of Heaven, and my body to be buried at the discretion of my Executors hereafter named; and for my lands and worldly goods I bequeath as followeth. First I order my debts to be truely paid, and my funerall Expenses discharged. Item I give unto my beloved wife the Rents; issues and profitts of all during her naturall life and no longer and after her decease I give unto my kinsman Lodowick Updick the housing and lands I now dwell on as far southward as now fenced in by me and as far northward as my bounds goeth of this homested joyning to Joseph Dallavar with all my lands at Sagaoe with all Rights and Titles thereto belonging outward without the fence north and westward the breadth of said lands to he and his heirs forever: provided he gives up and and resigns all his right he owneth and hath in Wesquoge farms, to remain as I have ordered itt in this Will after herein mentioned, otherwise he said Lodowick shall not have Sagoe lands nor Caulfsnecke; also I give to Daniel Updick my land now in possession of Jacob Pinder and John Thomas, one moity, and to James Updick the other moity of said lands with back out-Lett the breadth of said neck north westward with all Rights thereto belonging, to they and their heirs forever. Item I give unto Israeli Neuton and to James Neuton all my lands at Wasquoge farme with all priveledges thereto belonging to they and their heirs forever. Item I give unto Thomas Neuton of London and to him and his heirs forever my house at Bristoll and land thereunto belonging: also hog Island alias Chisewanack, near adjoyning to he and his heirs forever. Item I give unto my sister Elizabeth. Violl alias Newman my farme on Boston Neck which Alexander King lived on after my wifes decease to her and as she shall dispose of itt to hir children and them and their heirs forever. Item I give to Aquila Ketch all the house and land within fence, and an hundred acres to be lay'd to it where Thomas Withers lives, and his Mother and to him and his heirs forever. Also I give unto my Negro Ceasar, and to his wife Sarah their freedome after my decease, and one hundred acres of land in convenient, place to be lay'd out by Lodowick Updick on some of my out Sheares of land either mortgage or Surplices of the neck. Also I give unto Ceasar's children all their freedome when thirty years old and to Ebedmelish the like freedome: and the land Ceasar is to have, to him and his heirs forever, this after my wifes decease not in her lifetime, for she shall possess her life in all. Item I give unto Mr. Francis Brinley all my right in my housing and lands on Rhode Island during his naturall life, and after him to his soon Thomas Brinley and to his heirs forever. Item I give unto all my sisters children and to their childrens children all my shears of land besides what is already given in this Will, both in the Surplices of the Boston neck and mortgage land, equally between them and their heirs forever. Item I give unto Richard Updick, Lodowick's sonn, twenty pounds, Smith Neuton, Thomas Neuton's sonn, ten pds to be paid after my wifes decease. Also I Impower my wife to dispose of part of my goods to my Relations as she shall see best cause for, and their neces. sity's require, and do make my wife Ester Smith, and Lodowick Updick, whole and sole Executrix and Executor of this my last Will and Testament, only my wife to enjoy all during her natural life. And I give Captain Fones 10s. to buy him a sing. And do set my hand and seal this 16th. day of March, 1690-1. Richard Smith and a seal. Signed and Sealed and owned in presence of us, Joseph Pendleton, John Shelden, March 16th., 1690-1. The above written Will and Testament was owned and acknowledged by the above written Testator before John Fones Justice of the Peace."

COCUMSCUSSUC. WICKPORD. UPDIKE MANSION.

The thirty thousand acres of land in Narragansett, purchased by Richard Smith from Narragansett Sachems about 1639, comprised all the land on the west side of Narragansett Bay, north of Annaquatucket river, east of the "Pequot path" (now the Post road), and south of Allen's harbor. It was upon this tract, called" Cocumscussuc," that be erected a blockhouse or " Smith's Castle," for trading in furs and sewan with the Indians.

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In 1859 Richard Smith Sr. and Jr. joined with Gov. Winthrop of Connecticut and Major Atherton of Massachusetts in the purchase of another large tract from the Narragansett Sachem, who then confirmed the previous grant to Richard Smith. Smith's possessions included a great art of what is now North Kingstown, and South Quidnessett.

In 1664 the R. I. Assembly addressed their letter to " Richard Smith of Narragansett Cohgomsquisitt." But the place was called "Wickford" even then, for' in that year Richard Smith dated a letter from " Wickford," and wrote his will describing himself "of Wickford." It has retained that name to the present day.

The township, of which Wickford is the seat, is called Kingstown and was established in 1674. by the R. I. General Assembly, with " the power of probation of wills." In 1686 its name was changed to Rochester, but was changed back in 1689 to Kingstown, and it has born that name ever since, except that it is now divided into North and South Kingstown.

The Kingstown records, as we are informed by Mr. Nicholas Spink, the venerable ex-Town Clerk, did not begin until 1696, the population being very scant before that time; the Smiths and Updikes were almost the only residents