Friends came to Gravesend in considerable numbers in 1657. Many of the inhabitants embraced their doctrines, and their first religious meeting on Long Island was established there. It was recorded that " meetings were held at the house of Lady Moody, who managed all things with such prudence and observance of time and place as to give no offense to any person of another religion ; so she and her people remained free from molestation."

Flushing was similarly settled by refugees from Massachusetts. They were careful to have inserted in their charter, granted by Governor Kieft on the 10th of October, 1645, a clause permitting them " to have and enjoy the liberty of conscience according to the manner and custom of Holland, withtmt molestation from any magistrate- or any ecclesiastical minister that may pretend jurisdiction over them." In 1657 Friends came to Flushing with several able preachers among their number. Many of the other inhabitants attended their meetings. Governor Stuyvesant had failed in his efforts to induce the people to accept and support a minister whom he had sent there, and he soon commenced a persecution of the Quakers only second to that so much better known in Massachusetts. In the official instructions given by the directors of the Dutch West India Company, the official oath required '" the maintenance of the Reformed Religion in conformity to the word and the decrees of the Synod of Dordrecht, and not to tolerate in public any other sect."

In this the Governor had an excuse for his treatment of the Quakers. Some were imprisoned for a long time. Some were severely flogged, and a prominent member was sent to Holland to be tried before the company's college. He was at once released by the college and returned to his home, while a severe reprimand wassenttoStuyvesant.