O'Callaghan, E.B., ed. The Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. III. Albany: Weed, Parsons and Co., 1850.

tlie Grace of God to dye yet I shall now and at all times liercafter be very ready to be Informed and advis'd by you in whatsoever you may agree upon to be necessary for advancing her true Interests in these parts. And so I recommend my actions to your scrutiny and favourable construction and my self to youi' prayers. THE CLERGY'S ADDRESS TO HIS EXCELLENCY. To His Excellency …

In relation to the affair of Jamaica we assure your Ex^y that such of us as have already made any Representation thereof designed not thereby any reflection on your Ex^ys administration. On the Contrary we gladly embrace this opportunity to retui-n your Ex'=y our humble and hearty thanks for granting M'" Poyer Induction immediately upon liis arrival notwithstanding the designs …

We are divided in our opinions about bringing tliis matter to a tryal at Law because some that have signed a Representation of this case are still of opinion that it ought not to be brought to a "Tryal, till the Bishop of London (to whom they have adi-essed it) give his directions therein. Tho' others that have signed the said representation do concurr with those that have not …

We cannot but express our hearty satisfaction in the firm assurances your Ex^y has been pleased to give us of your sincere affection to the Church and Zeal to promote her Interest, in the acknowledgement whereof we heartily pray your Ex^y may plentifully share in those sure blessings promised to all those that love her, and seek her peace begging your Ex^y to believe that we …

Coll Hunter. I humbly conceive that no person that has y^ presentation to a Benefice can doe it twice. So that if an unqualified person be presented he that presented liim cannot afterwards prefer another, this was the Case of M"^ Hubbard who being a Dissenter was not qualified to accept for which reason my Lord Cornbury gave Induction to M^ Urquhart & y^ Assembly by y® said …

Its lying dormant so long is a plaine Indication of ye opinion of the Dissenters themselves in favour of the Church, flbr if that act was made for the Dissenters (wliich they doe now against ail reason assert) why did they never mal^e use of it in all that time & thereby put an end to the continued & endless contentions they have had with their ministers many of which are not …

I hoped to have done this in conjunction with the rest of my Brethren at a meeting proposed to be at Burlington tlie S^i day of this Instant intended as I presume for the very end, but was prevented by an order from our Governor Coll Hunter to meet at a Convention of the Clergy at New York on the 24'^ of February preceding, the design of which convention (as might reasonably …

By the advice of Counsel I have lately served the Dissenter who is in possession of the Parsonage house & Glebe with, a Lease of Ejectment for continuing the Claim but with no design of prosecuting to effect for in that I shall not presume to do any thing till I receive the express commands of t'le Venerable Society. Such explication of her Majesty's Instructions as is …

By his Exiys command I am to tell you in answ^er to yours by M'" Sharp that the same method has been observed in distributing the Proclamations agt imorality and profaneness to the Magistrates and Ministers in y^ County as has been taken for the other Counties throughout the Province viz* by sending a sufficient number to tlie Clerk of the County, from whom you might have had …

Yesterday I receiv'd y^ Letter w^h by his Excy« order you was pleased to write Wednesday last, in Ajiswer to one fi-om me to his Excy dated the 24*^ of ye last month : in w^h as my Intentions were not in the y^ least measure to intimate a Suspicion (w^h I had not) of any Disregard in yt particular from his Ex^J' ; so I humbly conceive, no Words contained therein can imply it …

I now find by youi-s (of w^^ I was ignorant before) yt ye Fault lies (tho' perhaps not wtf'out ye perswasions of some) at y"^ Clerk's Door : & if his Ex^y has formerly blam'd me for not complaining, why should I now be charged w^h seeking y', rather than my Duty : & y° assertion of being angry at others wlio do theirs, is, I humbly conceive, a little too severe, & includes a …

I am certain y^ my Designs in all my actions & Proceedings, in reference the Church here, are, & have been just & honest ; & my Conduct in ye method of doing the same will I hope, in a short time be determin'd in my Favour by others who are also my Superiors, and proper Judges. You are pleased not without a seeming Bitterness, still to proceed in y^ third Paragraph, to charge …

Tlio' as a true minister of Christ Lam and always have been ready to testlfie against Profaneness and Immorality, it is no small matter of Wonder to me to find you suppose an Expression relating hereto, w<^^ is not contained in my Letter, for no other end than to introduce y^ foregoing tart aspersion, vj^^ I am very well assured, no person will be so hardy as to venture to …

That your Majesty out of your pious concern that all your good subjects in all parts of your dominions should be instructed in the principles of our most Holy Religion hath been pleased to give instructions to the Governors of your plantations in America and particularly to the Governors of New Yorke k Jersey that they should take especial care tliat God Almighty should be …

That the Clergy of that province have represented to us that notwithstanding such instructions of the said M^ Poyer by the Authority of your Government agreably to your Majesty's instructions jet by the violence of some Sectaries notoriously disaftected to the Church, the said William Poyer hath been wrongfully and forceably kept out of the parsonage house and Glebe and hath …

And that if the Judgement should be given against th.e plaintiff it might in its consequences affect all the other clmrches of that province, as also that from suc]i a Judgement liowever partial there v/ould be no appeal eitlier to the Governor & Council in that province or to your Majesty and Privy Council here, because in the instructions given to your Governm* in reference …

We do therefore with all humility submit to your Majesty's consideration whether your Majesty ofyoiu- tender regard to the rights of the Cliui-cli which have been always safe under your Royal protection and out of your pious concern to promote and encom-age the propagation of the Gospel of which your Majesty hath already given many & ample proofs to this Society will not be …

I Jiave (by the blessing of God) arrived safe in America and in obedience to the Honb'e Society's commands delivered tlieii- letter to his Excellency Gover"" Hunter and communicated tlie other U) as many of my Brethern the Clergy as conveniently I could it being now the Winter season, they are truly sensible of the Honble Society's favour and zeal to encourage the Church & …

Island have been lately changed twice and that in a very short space, those that are at present in Commission are friends to the Church and it would be a seasonable Juncture to him to commence a suit at law for the recovery of his Parsonage House Glebe and arrears of Salary if he w^ere certain of their continuance in Commission, But there was so sudden an alteration before and …

Anne R Trusty and Welbeloved Wee greet you well Whereas the Society fur the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign parts having made a Representation unto us wherein they set forth the Hardships suffered by Thomas Poyer Clerk in tliat our Province of New- York humbly submitting to us whether in tliis Case and others of tlie like nature Wee may not tbink lit to dispense witli …

Representation being by Us referred to Our Commissioners for Trade and Plantations tliey have thereupon reported That upon the Death of M^' Urquhart late Rector of the parish of Jamaica in Long Island you inducted M' Thomas Poyer a person duely qualified according to our Instructions in tliat behalf to the Rectory of the said Parish, notwithstanding which, by the violence of …

The said Report being laid before Us in Council Wee taking the same into our Royal Consideration have been pleased to approve thereof, and do accordingly hereby signify Our WiU and Pleasure to you, That in Cases where the Church is immediately concerned (as in tiie present Case) Liberty be given to the Clergy to appeale from the Inferiour Courts to Our Governor and the Council …

Yesterday tlie Vestry of this parisli met here in order to lay a tax for the Minister and poor where I made my appearance and produced your Excellency's letter to me with tlie Copy of the 72^ Ai'ticle of lier Majesty's instructions to your Excellency. But the Vestry peremptorily refused to admit me amongst them and upon my denying to quit the room they removed themselves to …

in answer you are to aquaint those Gentlemen that by her Majesty's Instructions, they can hold no Vestry without you, you haveing been regularly Inducted into that Ciu-e so what they Do as a Vestry without you is Null & Void. Had my Advice been followed these Debates had been at an End, but that it seems is none of your Intention, at least not theirs who advise you, or have …

His Excellency Coll Hunter arrived here in June 1710 after he had been here about two years he was pleased to send me the 72^ Article of his instructions which contain these words " You are to give Order forthwith (if the same be not ali'eady done) that every Orthodox Minister within your Government be one of the Vestry in his respective Parish and that no Vestry be held …

The Vestry in my Parish to whom I communicated tiie same took no manner of notice thereof but refused to permit me to sit with them of which I acquainted tlie Governor verbally but no care being taken to order it otherwise I lately wrote to his Excellency in these words [See preceding letter, dated "Jamaica 20 Jany 1713"] to which on the 8*^ of March I received this answer …

I am honored with your Excellency's of the 14"i Febry last and being accidentally informed that the Vestry of this Parish was to meet this day (for they meet without giving me any notice thereof) I went to them & acquainted them with the contents of your Excellency's letters to which they paid no manner of obedience but absolutely refused to permit me to sit with them I shall …

May it please your Excellency These in obedience to your Excellency's order will inform your Excellency that on the 1 9th inst the Justice & Vestry of the Parish met and have ordered the Sixty pounds raised for the maintenance of the minister this year (and which of right can belong to none but myself) to be paid to M^" George M'^^Nish the independent Preacher here which …

Things being brought to this height I am advised by all my Friends here that tliis is the most proper time to begin my action at law at the Supreme Court in this Province which wdll be lield the First Tuesday in June next and liaving no express commands from the Venerable Society I pray youi* Excellency's direction lierein. My necessitous circumstances (having never received …

Honored Sir-- It wall be five years the last day of next month since my most honored patrons the Venerable Society were pleased to order me to embark to proceed on my Mission tlie w^hi9h I obeyed and embarked that same day but there were more hindrance than one that detained the Fleet 'till the 10^^ of April and in the interim I w^as tossed about from one expensive harbour to …

In this passage I had great experience of the goodness of God and often liad ocasion to reflect on the Royal Psalmist's expressions in Psalm 10.7. 23 &'^ where he has these woj-ds -- They that go down to tlie Sea in ships and occupy their business in great waters these men see the works of tlie Lord and his wonders in tlie dee]> L" I saw indeed & wondered and often expected in …

The week Ibllowing I did set out for this place where to this time I have not ceased (aecording to the ability that Gcd hath given me) to instruct tlie Flock committed to my charge I have laboured faithfully in my Lords Vineyard and in my private advice from House to House as well as public discourses I have exhorted tlicm to faith in Christ and amendment of life and to live …

PAPERS RELATIiS-G TO CHURCHES IN QUEENS COCNTY. 275 of a Paris!i Minister yet have I never received one penny of the Salary due to me by the laws of the Colony h.ow to come by it I can't tell; and Avitliout it or an augmentation of my Salary from my Right Hon'"^e & Riglit Rev^ Patrons I cannot live in t'lis dear place. I live very near much below the character of a Missionary …

I have no more to add but my most sincere & hearty prayers to the Lord to bless prosper & keep my most honored Patrons and when the time of their departure lience shall come may God who is the rewarder of those who make it their study and delight to enlarge Christ's Kingdom here take 'em to tlie eternally happy enjoyment of himself in Heaven is the prayer of Honored Sir &c &.« …

The continuance of my troubles (which alas have no prospect of an end) and the tediousness of this law^suit have almost wearied me out, I j&nd a daily decay in myself thro' the continual 276 PAPERS RELATING TO CHURCHES IN QUEENS COUNTY. fatigue I undergo in tliis large parish Avliicli consists (as I have formerly observed) of Three towns which I serve alternately & how I have …

But pray give me leave to assure you that I am not reduced to this necessitous Condition thro' any extravagance in my way of living, 'tis well known to many here Dissenters from us as well as friends to the Church that I am contented to Avant many necessaries the better to be enabled to be hospitable, which is expected from the established Ministers here and which with my …

Many are often coming over to us and I am assured more would, were there according to their desire a Minister of the Chm-ch of England to preach to them in this Town every Lord's day. But this I leave to the consideration of tlie lion^'^e Society and hope they will be pleased to consider my necessities and administer a little comfort to me in my troubles. I pray God to bless …

The Independents here being the most numerous do annually choose the Church Wardens & Vestry out of those of their own persuasion who are the most inveterate against the Church, every freeholder having a vote by Virtue of an Act of Assembly for settling the Ministry made in the year 1693 in whicli act there is a clause empowering them to call a Minister, the act also provides …

In Feby 1 7p2 the Vestry & Cliurch Wardens (being as always Dissenters) called one M^' Hubbard a Dissenting Minister (one whom some of us have lieard declare it a sin to say the Lord's Prayer). In the year 1704 M^ Urquliart was sent here by the Venerable Society & Eishop of London and was immediately inducted and established by the then Governor of this Province the said call …

proceeding of tliat Governor was declared to be right by another Act of Assembly in ITOS for the better explaining the former Act -- Thus in like manner after M'" Urquharts death as is said before tiiey called the said M'' M^Nish who being a Dissenter like the other not qualified to accept thereof, our present Governor for the reasons aforesaid on the arrival of M^' Poyer …

Yet notwithstanding the imperious behaviour of these our Enemies who stick not to call themselves the Established Church & us Dissenters "we can with Joy say the Cliurch hath increased very considerably both in its number of hearers & Communicants by the singular care pain and industry of our present Laborious Minister M^ Poyer who notwithstanding the many difficulties he has …

with liis Family been shipwrecked on this [Island] about one hundred miles from his Parish and at divers times since Gifts on the whole not amounting to Fifty Pounds. *IIEV^*M^ POYER TO THE SAME. Jamaica Octr 24th 171 Honored Sir Tlie State of the Church in this Parish is much the same as my last gave you an account of saving that I had two new members added to it since, & …

Now to do this and lo visit my people wliich I am often obliged to w!io live distant from me many of them about 12 miles, I am necessitated to keep two horses which is very expensive & troublesome to me & consumes me more Clothes in one year than would serve another that is not obliged to ride for 3 or 4. In Newtown & Flusliing for want of the convenience of private houses I …

Hon'i Sir -- The Dispute in Law between the Church and Dissenters here is not yet at an end; but I am credibly informed they expect it Avill be determined in the Church's favor how that will be I cannot tell but sure I am that tliey are now collecting money and do contribute very largely as tis said to bring it home before the King & Council, if they are cast here, now if it …

say that tlio' there is a Law for £60 p. annum to be yearly collected for the Minister of this Parish and tho' Coll' Lewis iNIorris the Chief Justice of this Province has ordered a Writ of iMandamus for collecting the arrearages of the Minister's Salary, Notwithstanding these orders they say, if the- Constables offer to collect it upon the Warrants tlie Justice have given …

I was then at Rye in company with a great many of them and did all that I could to bring them into a better mind in that respect after whicli they told me their resolution was this, that they were so well satisfied with me and my conduct that they would call no other than myself and that if I could not accept of their call, they knew one, naming the aforesaid M"" Buckingham …

No God knows I have not, Lideed I must say that I cannot have, for besides that Jamaica is a much pleasanter place where I have abundantly better conversation tlian can be had at Ilye and that tlie allowance from tlie County for tlie Minister is <£10 per annum more here than there, I assure you if riches were my aim I had invitations enough and between £400 and 500 per ann …

May the Lord Jesus Christ the great & good master of the flock make me under him a happy instrument in uniting the people in making up the divisions amoiig them and quencliing the flames that blaze out. I present my utmost duty to my ever hon<i pati'ons heartily earnestly and constantly praying for them and to beg Sir you'll please to excuse this haste and to send an answer …

You & those who have been eye & ear Witnesses know how violent the Dissenters have been here ; and against the Members of the well wishers of our Poor Church ; how many w iles they have to hinder Man from joining with us whose inclination to us have been very good; and what means tliey use to tire me expecting that if they can to wear me out with tlieir barbarous usage, after …

pounds ten shillings for being guilty as is alleadged of a Riot by us Commiited in Jamaica in said County last Xember We beg , leave to acquaint your Exce^y that some of the s^ Justices did upon their displacing of our Constable appoint in Ms room one Combs a notorious fellon and lie as a tool has been Instigated maliciously to Inform against us as Rioters under pretence that …

May it please your Excel"! to Consider the manner of our being fined occasioned particularly by means of M'^ Sam^i Clows who took upon him. to act (in the Absence of the Kings Attorney) in Court in Ms place & Implead us Petitioners for a Riot and with such success that a Jury was found all churchmen except one or two who took the notions he gave them of a Riot and accordingly …

In obedience to your Excellency's Orders, relating to the unsigned Petition of Daniel Bull and otliers, Haveing first retui-ned your Excellency our hearty acknowledgments of the Special favour' you have done us, in the manner as well as the Opportunity you have been pleased to give us to vindicate our selves. We pray Leave humbly to acquaint youi- Excellency That the main …

This Jury Consisted of some of the most principal men in the County, as well for Estates as Honesty ; and if many of them were Church-men, we cannot tliink them the Less Capable of the office for that reason. None were forbid to speak or would if they had any thing proper to say. And we do not remember that Mr Clowes made use of any such argument before us as is mentioned in …

May it please your Excellency We are humbly of Opinion that we have proceeded against these persons, in a Just and Le^al metiiod ; Eut Ave are very Conscious to our Selves, we iiave L'calt vvitli them in all Tenderness and Moderation : Too jiiuc I of iliis if any tiling has been our only fault, and we knownot but this may !iave Contributed to the harsh and severe Exprcssioiis …

But we do assure your Excellency, how ill soever fuse petitioners have deserved of us ; Their Indiscretions shall not be able to make any Impressions on us to their prejudice, but we Avill still go on to Discharge our Dutys according to Law and good Conscience. And though we very well know some Turbulent people amongst us are now busy to scrape up all the Little Complaints …

Richard Combs Deputy Constable of Jamaica being Deposed sait'i Having some time ago received a Warrant from diverse Justices of tlie peace of Queens County witji an assessment t'lereto annexed to Levy the Minister's Rate for Jamaica About ten da}s past he went to tlie liouse of Daniel Bull in Jamaica One of the persons taxed in the same Rate and demanded Ids proportion …

288 PAPERS RELATING TO CHURCHES IN QUEENS COUNTY. a great deal of Scurrilous Language and tlie said Bui] advanced t>vo or tliree steps from liis Company towards this Deponent and lifting up his Clubb told him if he came one foot forward he would knock out liis Brains This Deponent says tliere were several others witliout CluLbs stood by tlie Door and a great many in tlie …

John Smith Ric^ Betts. Joshua pettit aged about Eighteen years being Dej)osed says that Last liyday was Sevenight Daniel Bull of Jamaica told this Deponent Tliat the Constable Design'd to Strain upon him tliat day and Desired tliis Deponent to tell some people as he went .along to come and Assist him This Deponent accordingly Did tell Robert Denton William Carman and Ephraim …

We uaderwritten liaving been Lately Guircy of a Kiot as is said in Jamaica' Doe hereby declare tiiat we are sorry for the said olience and do pi-omise to behave our selves more peaceably and as Obedient subjects to his Majesty King George and ail Ms officers for the future and doe liereby humbly submitt our selves to the Mercy of the Justices of this County and relinquishing …

That after many and grevious oppressions, for a Long time by us your Petitioners suffered, and a multitude of others in Queens Comity Especicilly in the District of Jamaica ; Necessity Compels us that we conceal no Longer, from our Governour some of the Immediate and Principall authors of our past and present troubles, We shall at present confine ourselves in vv^liat we have …

pt Against all aud every of them, the Justices of Jamaica Precinct, Just« Betts only Excepted, we say that they have Contrary to the Express meaning and Intent and Letter of the Law and Priviledge of the subject taken upon them arbitrarily to turn out our Cluuxh wardens, w'ho w^ere legally and fairly chosen by the People as the Law Directs, and after outing them imposed a fine …

The Church w^ardens and vestry being against M'" Poyers havcing the money ; there w^as no w^ays for M' Wliitehead to come at his Debt but by Influencing the Justices and Joyning them himself to adjudge the money to M"" Poyer and soe to himself, and that none of their measures might fail them, M^' Sam'i Clowes by name was appointed or at least appointed himself, to Implead, the …

Justice Jonatlian Whitehead is a Common Pleader for money at the Petty Coui'ts ol Justices what jnconveniencies hereby Accrues to the poor Subject we submitt to your Excellency when a justice attorney Plead before a Brother Justice, we can name the person he has Confest to he makes MO per annum by this gainfull Trade : 2 : he has Taken upon him to Assess his Majestys Subjects …

He the said Justice has given in the same action and Cases wherein he was sole judge, a Contrary judgment once for the plaintifie and again for tlie Defend' by this procedure, overthrowing all solid Grounds of Hope for Justice in the aggrieved subject. Justice John Clement has done a tiling in the County, till this day never before heard oif Perhaps in all America In a justice …

And soe much Doth he honour the Comission of the peace that he was Indicted, for Robing severall persons of their ffish and Apparell and had a Eill found against him for the same Last Court of Sessions at Jamaica, at the Commiting this fact Justice Whitehead was present, an Idle Spectator Namely suffering this wrong to be done to the men, Justice John Hunt we cannot Look upon …

Its observable that tliis mar that was Defend t ^^•as allowed no time as the law Indulges to prepare his Defence (3) He the said the Justice Hunt Contrary to his oath and ofS.ce, has Taken on him tlie office of Constable and in person summoned a man by vertue of said summons to appear before himself in Court he Tryed and Determined the Case against the Defend' gave four …

with, we pray your Excellency to Believe that it is with no small Regrett we offer anything that may Lessen the Character of these Gentlemen with you, soe on the other hand we promise ourselves your Countenance in Exposing tlie false measm-es those Gentlemen have fallen into, to the hurt of many, its not a mischief Perpetrated against a single person, or soe tho' to their …

Your Excellency we hope will wisely Consider, as the above mentioned abuses of the justices in Diverting from the fundamentall Laws and great ends of magistracy and Government, soe tlie Quallities of the men, Considered without the ornaiments of their honorable office to Recommend 'em to your ExceHencys Good Likeing we believe those will be found to be but of a size with their …

Isaac Smith of liemsted being of full age being sworn upon ye holy Evangelists sayeth that being togetlier with Obediali Ualentin booth Uestry men of s"^ towen was in Company witii Tho: Gildersleef Church Warden of s^ towTn he the s^ Church warden told us ]ie was Dissatisfid witli the Justisis under mentioned tliear Eating and Drinking up tlie poors mony (meaning the poor of …

Uanwick 20 shiDings Coll : Jackson one Doller for thir own use which he refusd to repay Exsept he sliould git his Diner out of the Doller as for the rest of the mony these tliree Justisis told us that it had been Laid out apon a woman that had Laid a bastard Child att M^ Clarcks Dore -- this w^as alleged by them but it helps us nothing when Uallntin and I told them thay ought …

Thomas Hazard of N: Town aged about thirty seven years being Sworn upon tlie Holy Evangelist saitli ; yt at ye time of being prosecuted by Kichard Combs in pretence of not doing his Duty as Churchwarden, Justice Jonth Whitehead used many arguments with him to perswade him to deliver ye money wch was demanded of him by M-- Poyer, telling him yt if he would promise ye money he …

Justice W^hitehead pei-swading him to pay the money to M"" Poyer put him in mind of what he had told him formerly, when Justice Whitehead had usd many arguments with him, this Deponent told him yt he Believed yt he Wanted his money for his Wood yet said T\niitehead, I wonder y^ that you will dn me so mucli Damage, Coosen Hazard, to keep me out of my money, for I want it : to …

Saxuell Hear of Jamaica inkeper aged about 33 yers being Deposd on the holy Euanglists sayeth tliat Desember Last as he remembers Jolrn Turner Leat of the towne abouesf^ Did att his hows in the presencof thimsellf and Thomas Rattoun and others refuesd to Drink King Georgis helth saying God dam him I do not acknoledg him the same words he spoke against the princ of Wals whare …

May ye 29 1719. Thomas Hazard aged about 37 years being Sworn upon the Holy Evangehst saith y' before the Church- Warden was tryed, upon the Complaint of tlieir refusing to tlieir duty John Hunt Esq^ told the Deponent yt the Clili Warden would be turn'd out and yt Sam^ Clows and Thomas Willet would be put in their Room, according to which prejudication or prediction it …

SECY CLARKE TO THE MAGISTRATES OF QUEENS CO. Gentlemen His Ex'y liaving read a Petition from several of the Inliabitants of the preciuct of Jamaica in your County has Commanded me to send you the Inclosed Copy, that having Considered wliat is there suggested as Complaints against you fur the Judgem*^ by you given and other your transactions and Conduct upon the Acts of …

• It is with the higliest sence of Gratitude that we reflect upon your Excellencys most particular favour and goodness to us tlie Magistrates of Queens County by permitting us this way to Justifie ourselves against the Complaints Contained in the petition of Sanuiel Fitch and others preferred to your Excellency concerning some of our Judicial proceedings. To do which . so far …

Att wliicli Day they appeared and owned that they had refused to pay the money but offered nothing either in Excuse or Justification ; only prayed further time to give their Reasons, because their Council M^ Jamison could not be there and produced a Letter from him to that purpose pose, according to their prayer (when Justice Whitehead was a very earnest Solicitor in their …

3^'}' That indeed he thought nevertheless, That the Justices might order away the paying of the money alone if Application had been first made to the Vestry to try whether they would sign the Warrants or not, but tliat not having been done the Justices could not Do it alone, and therefore the Church Wardens in this Case might refuse to obey the Warrants for the words of the …

That Statutes are alwa}'s to be so Interpreted tliat there should be no failure of Justice, and many other Arguments, so tliat on the 26^' of the said Month of ifebruary we Did Give Judgment against two Chiu'ch Wardens and ffined them and immediately thereupon gave them notice of our judgment, and the same day a writing under our hands and Seals to Dismiss tliem fi-om their …

And how Could it be Supposed tliat those very persons who had refused to raise the money would when raised agree with us in tiie orderhig and Disposing of it, neither With humble submission Can we think it in tlie Least reasonable they can have any power at all in the Disposeing of that money since they had tlnis willfully Lost their power of Raiseing it ; besides we were …

We know M^' Poyer is such, and that lie was Inducted by Orders from Your Excellency near nine years agoe, and has very Dilligently Officiated all over the parish ever since ; and therefore tiiat the money is due to him, for though we have the Misfortune to have Dissenters to be Vestry men who either refuse . to Call at all ; or at Least call such a person as by Law is not …

As to their Accusation of Caballing we know^ nothing of any private meetings much Less Cabals to Concert any thing in relation to the Church Wardens ; but if any meetings had been, we humbly tliink the w-ord Cabal too hard a Term, we also deny that any of us acted w'ith any heat or Vv^armtli in those matters^ Notwithstanding the many provocations Me have met with from some …

Tliough the first Act of Assembly for sttling the Minis Lry was made before there was any Church of England Minister in tlie province, except the Chaplain ol' the forces ; yet no Dissenting Minister Did ever preteiid to much Less venture to receive any moneys raised b}' tliat Act, till the Dissenting I\Iinis!er in Jamaica M^" George M^Nish with much assureance Assayed itt …

These people the petitioners are but the Tools of this Machiavil 'tis he that is their only support, he presides in all their Councils, Appears publickly for them, at almost all Coiu'ts to Abett tlieir Actions ; 'tis he that occasioned and perswaded M^' David Wriglit late a Justice of peace here (but Justly Displaced by your Excellency for this very reason) to take upon Mm to …

pray Leave to say That we have very gi-eat reason to believe, it was Chiefly by this Gentleman M'' M^Nish his practices, that was the Occasion of the Late Riot Committed here, a Riot so very flagitious that nearly Border'd upon RebelUon ; for it appears by a Deposition relating to that matter, that he Diswaded some persons from Assisting the Officers to quell that Riot ; And …

Yet when people prone Enough of themselves to Disobedience, are by the art of words possest with a firm Opinion, That the Officer who comes to Demand Taxes of them is only a pretended Officer, and that the Law by which he acts is only a pretended Law, there being no such thing in Reality ; and consequently That the Officer makeing Distress in these Circumstances, is no otlier …

And we in all humility submitt the Consideration of these things, as well as our own proceedings, to your Excellency's Great Wisdom, and favourable Construction ; We are very Certain that Ave have Acted notiiing in these matters but with tlie utmost Caution, and. with a pecuhar Regard and Tenderness to the persons Concerned, our Dissenting Brethren, now said to be Aggrieved …

To His Excell-.y Brigadier Hunter Wi: Cornell Governour of the Province of John Clement New York &c=» ' W'-'^ Doughty. REY^ THOMAS POYER TO DEPUTY SECRETARY BOBIN. Jamaica June 16th 1721. M' BOBIN S"" -- Here in my Parish is a Gentleman mider such circumstances at p'sent yt he can't come to New York, and has noAV a mind to alter his condition of Life, or to marry, w^ he w*^ …

Yours of tlie 1 5*!^ of June by the Rev-^ M"^ Skinner was sent me on 9'" Nov^ following at which time I was so very ill I had but little hopes of recovery & this is the first opportunity that I liave since had of writing to you indeed I have been but in a poor state of health for several years last past yet according to my capacity I have not neglected my duty to the people …

I expected as I had great reason that after I had obtained Judgement from the Honb'e the Chief Justice of the Province Coll Lewis Morris for a part of my Salary I should have met with no more trouble about the rest of it but I found myself much mistaken for the then Church Wardens two very obstinate men and of the most rigid of their Sect, Independents, put me to as much or …

OF THE SOC : FOR THE PROP : OF THE GOSPEL. Jamaica on Long^ Island Province of N. Y. Q How long is it since you went over to the Plantations as a missionary ? A I embarked for this place the last day of Dec 1709. Q Have you had any other Church before you came to that which you now possess : & if you had what Church was it, and how long have you been removed. A No Q Have you …

A Yes there are botli, bond & free, but the number of them I can't learn & I take what pains I can to instruct those that I have opportunities of conversing with Q How oft is Divine Service performed in your Church ; and what proportion of the Parishioners attend it. A Every Lord's day & on the others days set apart by our Churcli but there are not above 80 families of tlie …

Q Are all things duly disposed &, provided in the Church for the decent & orderly performance of Divine Worship -- A Our furniture for the Communion Table are good but oui pulpit Cloth & Surplice are very indifferent Q Of what value is your Living in Sterling Money, and how does it arise. A About £39 sterling money, this is paid me in money of this province & a ta-s: raised on …

If you have what are they 1 And in Avhat manner served A Yes I have two besides Jamaica each of which I serve once a month. Q Have you in your Parish any Public School for the instruction of Youth 1 If you have is it endowed 1 And who is the Master 1 A There are Schools in each Town in the Parish but the masters & mistresses of them are some of them presbyterians and otlicrs …

And now my good Lord I humbly beg your patience and pardon while I give your Lordship a true and brief account of my great misfortunes since I had the honor of being employed by the Venerable Society. I entered into their service on 29 Sept 1709 & according to their order I embarked with my family the last day of Oct following and was tossed about from one expensive harbour to …

And from that day to this my life has been one continual scene of trouble for not to mention a great many of my afflictions a bare relation of which would take up too much of your Lordships precious moments, besides my being many years kept out of my allowance from the Country a great [part] of which I shall never receive because some in whose hands part of the money was are …

But there is yet a great addition to my troubles by my Bills not being accepted of and paid by the Ven^'i^ Society's Ti-easurer for my h years Stipend due & payable Sept 9 1718, and because 303 TAPERS RELATING TO CHURCHES IN QUEENS COUNTY. this money was not paid to M'" Ellas Neau's order wlio was tlien the Catechist at New-York and my then correspondent he required of me my …

I humbly beg y^ Lordships interest in my good patrons for if this money be not allowed I expect greater troubles than I have as yet known and I am persuaded my Lord that your Lordsliip will easily prevail on 'em when I have assured your Lordship that I have not that I know of ever drawn on 'em for any more than my Salary and tliat never until it was due without their order. I …

difficulties I met with here & complained of to the Honb' Society by their Secretary in another letter dated Xber 17, 1716 they gave me leave to draw on 'em for X30 a§ they have been always patrons to the distressed so I thouglitHhis bounty of theirs was to enable me to bear up under more and greater difficulties than all the Missionaries that I know from that great and good …

By letter dated 7'h April 1715 M'" Poyer was ordered to proceed at law for recovery of his Salaj-y at tlie charge of the Society & by his letter of tlie 1«' Oct. 1715 desires orders to take up money wliich he says M'' Bayeanx {sic) New York would supply him with tlie Society upon considering tliat letter ordered him to draw on their Treasurer for £'SQ stg: and at the same time …

I know^ nothing certiiin about tlieir claim but if they take the course of law I cannot help it, but they having committed a riot in taking possession of the Church the Attorney General here has entered an information Jigfdnst them and I refused tliem a JVo/i Prosequi upon their application, that their rashness may be attended with charge and trouble at least if not …

By this opportunity I beg leave Immblj to represent to my Honb'e Patrons tlie Venerable Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts that I have been tlieir Missionary here 21 years & may without incurring the imputalion of boasting say that ray diligence in the dischai-ge of my fimctions has been little inferior to any I pray God to give a blessing to tlie seed sown …

The intent of these are therefore to beg tliat my distressed state and condition may be laid before the Vener^'« Society and that they will be pleased to permit me to quit my Mission and to return to Great Britain as being for tlie reasons aforegiven not capable of bearing such latigues and discharging my duty as I have done for so many years in this place. I humbly beg of my …

* * * * M'" Poyer is a much better man & Christian than himself [M^' Vesey is referred toj he endeavors to remove from Ids Mission in Jamaica, lie is a Grandson of Coll Poyer who died in the gallant defence of Pembroke Castle in the time of Oliver Cromwell which alune I liope will recommend him to the lavor and protection of the sensible and generous D^ Humphreys ; he is a …

The Presbyterians by the sly tricks k quirks of the common Law got the Church, the Parsonage house & lands into their possession & now they are resolved to deprive the next Missionary of <£G0 currency settled as a yearly Salary by an Act of Assembly. The next Missionary may depend upon it he must either engage in a law suit against the Dissenters or throw up the Salary above …

J thank God I am very well beloved by all the Gentlemen of sense honor and virtue in this Province k if the Honb'« Society will be pleased to nominate me as Missionary in the room of M^" Poycr By the assistance of God the merit of a good cause & a laithful application no doubt but that 1 shall be able to obtain tlijs continuation of the Salary to the Missionary of Jamaica and …

I mMke use of an opportunity now offering of a Ship bound from hence to London for the conveyance of these lines to your hands the design of whicli was to acquaint the Venerable Society (as I am in dufy bound) witli tlie state of affairs relating (o my Mission but before I proceed herein gratitude obliges me to relurii my humble thanks to them for tlieir kind intercession …

I am informed t'.iat in tliis suit the Counsel upon the part of tlie C:iurch always designed to put tlie matter on some points of the law which are clearly in the Church's favor & accordingly in tlie time of trial offered to demur in law but was diverted tlierefrom by the late Chief Justice Lewis Morris Esq'- (before wliom tlie trial was) who told them he would recommend it to …

This matter of fact Iiappening in the latter end of M'" Poj-er's days the toucliing brieily thereon leads me to an account of what was consequent upon it & happened since my settlement in Jamaica -- The people being destitute of a C!iurch to perform their devotions to Almighty God were forced to assemble together for 3 or 4 years in the Town liouse a place very improper for …

extraordinary manner from his Excellency our Governor his Lady & family who were pleased to favour us with tlielr company at the opening of our new Church & then to contribute largely towards the finishing it which was no doubt one means whereby otliers were moved to do so likewise so that now we have brtjuglit this building to sucli a degree of perfection as tliat we perform …

Now our Church is in a flourishing state & by the blessing of God many are added to it now we are at peace with those several Sectaries that are round about us and I hope that by God's help peace will subsist amongst us -- To sow the seeds thereof shall be my endeavour to be of a loving charitable demeanor to all men of whatever persuasion in matters of Religion shall be (by …

This it is that opens a clear prospectus of the conversion of many Souls which God in his own time will make to the true Church of Christ since my removal into this parish I have baptized a considerable number of Children and several grown people but what may be thought wortliy of particular notice herein is the case of 2 persons a man and a Woman wlio were brought up in the …

The Woman when upon a sick bed sent for me & after sdme discourse with her desired Christian Baptism, but her nearest relations and friends who were about her who were Quakers endeavoured all they could to dissuade her from it, asking her whether she tliought the sprinkling a little water on her face, would carry her immediately to Heaven bidding her to remember what she had …

T liave one thing now to add & that is to beg .of the Honourable Society in behalf of niciny poor mistaken and ignorant people here that they would be pleased to send to this Parish a few Common Prayer books and some of the late Lr King's books concerning the Inventions of men in the Worship of God wliich I verily believe would be of great service among them, I shall if tliey …

« * * * ^g have yearly for these seven years last past increased in Church Members, so tliose buildings are generally well filled in time of Divine Service, & the worship of God is duly performed with, decency and good order, the several sects whicli are aroiuul us do look upon the Chui-ch with a more respectful eye tliyn formeiiy, tliere being not wanting either in myself or …

However in tlie mean time be pleased to accept tliis general account of the State of my Mission tliere being three Churclies belmging to my Cure, that of Jamaica Newtown and Fiusliing, I must with a great deal of trutli say that not only they are in a growing condition & the members thereof generally of an exemplary life and conversation but that the C'.iurcli of England here …

Enthusiasm has of late been very predominant amongst us but is now in a declining state several of the teachers in that way as well as their hearers being found guilty of the foulest immoral practices and other of them have wrought themselves into the highest degree of madness -- these occm-rences together with tliose good books lately sent over by the Society have taught …

Our C' lurch here was never in so thriving a way as at tliis time -- for it has increased both in number & esteem with those who are without lier.pale, these eight or ten years last past more than it did fur 30 years before being one of the oldest Missions from the Society -- This must be an argument Avith them, that under the benign influence of Heaven and their pious Care & …

The several Churches belonging to my Cure (as those of Jamaica, Newtown & Flushing) are in a very peaceable & growing state, whilst other seperate Assemblies in this Parish are in the utmost confusion k this I can write with a great deal of PAPERS RELATING TO CHURCHES IN QUEENS COUNTY. 319 truth that Independency which has been triumphant in this town for the -10 j^ears last …

In my, letter of the 26 March last' I gave information to the Society of our being in a very hkely way of having a Clmrch erected in the town of Flushing a place generally inhabited by Quakers & by some who are of no religion at all whicli indeed has all along from the first settlement of the town been a great obstruction and discouragement to an undertaking of tliis kind but …

1 No copy of said Letter in MSS. 320 PAPERS llELATIKG TO CHURCHES IN QUEENS COUKTY. place where error & impiefj greatly abound nor liave I been wanting (thro' the Divine assiskmce) in tlie other parts & duties of my Mission for tlie space of almost one and twenty years to approve myself a faithful Labourer k my trust in God is that I shall continue to ai)prove m} self such …

" An Episcopal Cliurch v/as erected here b}' tlic avails of a lottery granted for that lauiiosc by the Colonial Legislature, November 4th 17u4," The Bill introduced fur the above pui'pose, passed both brandies of the Provincial Legislature December 5, 1754 but did not receive tlie assent of the Executive. The crigiiial is on tile in the Secretary's office, but is not signed by …

I heartily wish it was in my power to give the honoured Society an account of my success in this Mission answerable to their piaus care & expense, I have indeed baptized within the last half year One White & One Negro Adult fifteen White & tlu-ee Negro Infants but have gained no new Commimicants -- PreachiDg once in three weeks at a place I find by experience will do a little …

At Jamaica open infidelity has not made so great a progress, a general remissness in attending divine Service however prevails, tho' I know not from what particular cause. I beg leave to assure the Society that my best endeavours shall not be wanting to answer their truly pious intention the advancement -of pure religion & virtue -- Especially in striving earnestly to correct …

But such is the effect of the Deism & infidelity (for the spreading of wliich Quakerism has paved the way) which have here been propagated with the greatest zeal & the most astonisliing success that a general indifference towards all religion has taken place & the too common opinion seems to be that they shall be saved without the mediation of Christ as well as with; and even …

With respect to the state of my own ^lission things are considerably mended especially at Flushing which has ever been the seat of Quakerism & infidelity -- Many young people of both sexes have steadily attended divine Service the past Summer whose Parents are eitlicr Quakers or Deists and behaved with great decency -- They are now finisliing the Church which before was only …

In my last I informed you that the people at Flushing were finishing their Church. The severe cold weather the past Winter obhge4 them to suspend the work some months, but they have now resumed it & are likely to complete it in a short time, together with a handsome Steeple whicli was begun last Autumn. The principal expense of this work is defrayed by M"" John Aspinwall & M»' …

324 PAPERS RELATING TO CHURCHES IN QUEENS COUNTY. To the Honourable Cadwallader Golden Esq President of his Majesty s Council and Commander in Chief of the Province of New York and the Territories depending thereon in America &c The Petition of the Minister of the Parish of Jamaica & Sundrey of the Inhabitants of The Town of Jamaica on Nassau Island Communicants & professors …

That the Inliabitants of the Town of Jamaica: Members & professors of the Chui'ch of England as by Law Established: did some years ago by Voluntary contributions Erect k finish a decent & Convenient Church in the Town of Jamaica: for the Celebration of Divine Service according to the use of the Church Of England, but that tlu-ough the Want of some proper Persons to Superintend …

Samuel Seabury Jur Minister Thomas Truxton Robert Howell Tho^ Braine Benjamin Carpenter Benj. Whitehead John huchiens Sam" Smith Jolm Smith William Sherlock Jacob Ogden John Innes , Joseph omeld Ridiard Betts. Joseph Olfield Jun' Isaac Vanhook Jhno Troup Tho^ Hindi man John Comes A^"" Lawrence Gilbert Comes PAPERS RELATING TO CHURCHES IN QUEENS COUNTY. 325 * REV^ MR. SEABUM TO …

M'" Treadwell I am also told continued there some time preached the next Sunday after, went to New York preached on a week day, came to Jamaica k baptized a child within a little more than a mile from my liouse, the child being well & several weeks old, & I had not been out of the Town for more than a day for six months ; all this was transacted without giving me the least …

But who is disgusted with me for declining to give Newtown & Flushing to M-^ Treadwell, tho I readily consented & am willing to receive M^ T. or any other person that sliall be agreable to the Society into the Parish in an amicable manner ; but the Expenses of a growing family will not permit me to relinquish any part of the Salary. Nor do I conceive that I have any right to …

I am told that I can have mj remedy at common Law and have been much urged by mj Warmer Friends to make use of it, but I would on no accounv have an affair of this kind litigated but choose to submit it entirely to the Venerable Society, knowing that while I discharge my Duty to them, they wiU protect me in the quiet & peaceable enjoyment of my mission, which I am sorry to …

My last letter to the Honb^e Society bore date Oct"" 4. 1763 wherein I acknowledged receipt of the Prayer books & pious tracts they were pleased to order for this Mission, most of which I have now carefully dispersed in such manner as I thought would best promote the pious end proposed by them. From an acquaintance of more than Six years with tlie people of this Parish, I find …

From ti'ijs view of things I am sometimes almost discouraged & fear it will not be in my power to do them any effectual service : It is with great difficulty that many are brought to attend divine Service, with still greater to submit to Baptism, because they think they can be as goo<:l without it, & as profitably employed at home, as at Church -- And if one is prevailed upon …

the most moderate manner endeavoured to set these things in their true light & I think not without success, none of my own people have been led away hj~ them, tho' I have not been without appreliensions on their account, and 1 hope that friendly Disposition & mutual intercourse of good OfiSces which have always subsisted between the Church peoftle & Dissenters since I have …

Tho' the Congregation there is large yet a great part of it is composed of those who have had no religious impressions made on them by their Parents in their younger years : They come to church rather from habit than a sense of Duty & love of Religion Their continuance to come to Church will therefore depend in a great measure upon the good opinion they have of their minister …

It is evident to the most superficial observer that where there have been the greatest number of Quakers among the first settlers in this Country, there Infidelity & a disregard to all religion have taken the deepest root and if they have not entirely corrupted tlie religious principles of the other inhabitants they have at least very mucli weakened them and made them look …

They have learned from the Quakers to consider it as a mark of an avaricious & venal spirit for a minister to receive any thing of his people by way of support & while they continue in these sentiments (& it wiU be hard to bring them to a better way of thinking because their temporal interest is against it) I fear little can be done wilh tliem in that particular xGlli'S »x" …

The poor Cliurch of England in America is the only instance that ever happened of an Episcopal Church without a Bishop & in which no Orders could be obtained without crossing an Ocean of 3000 miles in extent, without Eishops the Church cannot flourish in America & unless the Church be well supported & prevail, this whole Continent will be overrun with Infidelity & deism …

I preach at the tliree Chiirclies of Jamaica Newtown and Flushing alternately & generally to crowded assenu]»lic-«! who behave during divine Service with the utmost decency & decoruiu, the Churches are neat, well finished buildings, But tho^ of Newtown & Flusliing rather small for the Congregations, the former of wliich the people projxjse to enlarge in the spring of the year …

Cliurcli Wardens who are to call within one yea,r after a Vacancy, a sufficient protestant Minister of tlie Gospel whom they are to present to the Governor or Commander in Chief of the Province for Induction & as Dissenters compose a great majority of tlie Parish, they are careful to admit none into those Offices, but such as are opposed to calling & presenting a Minister of …

This dispute has been once detf3rmined by a due course of Law in favor of Rev^ M'^ Poyer, one of my predecessors, since wliicli time they have constantly raised & paid it without trouble, but B9W appear resolved to stand another trial. NOTES OF AN ARGUMENT BEFORE THE COURT OF CHANCERY ON BEHALF OF THK MINISTER OK JAMAICA CHURCH. New YckkCub. Cakc. Rever'd Josht7A Blcomeh ) …

That his Excellency the last Term was pleased to communic|,te the Points upon which he Avas in Doubt and to desire that the farther arguments might be confined to these only -- (to wit). -- jst Whether as the Act directs that the money to be raised for the Support of the Ministry shall be drawn out of the hands of the Church Wardens, by Order from the Justices and Vestrymen, & …

We proceed to the first Point directed to be argued -- Whether the Court can relieve, the Words of the Act being that the Money shall be paid by Order of the Justices and Vestry & not otherwise ? xind in speaking to this Point we shall lay down and maintain the following Propositions. Isi That the Acts in Question being expressly made to suppress Vice & Profaneness and for the …

Dr Auchmuty & Mr Inglis In Answer to Coraplt 8th Interrog All the Coraplt Witnesses in answer to his 11th Interrog. 2 Preamble to the first Act. Str. 253. Piercy's Case No 6. 157. 3 10 Mod. 1. PAPERS RELATING TO CHURCHES IN QUEENS COUNTY. 333 III That Equity will relieve against a Party who strictly speaking has done nothing illegal, when a particular Burthen or Hardship lies …

Must it not then be evidently unconscionable that the Intention of the Legislature sliould be disapointed ; the Complainant defrauded ; & the Defendants suffered to pocket the Money and convert it to their own Benefit 1 It is indeed objected that by the Act a Warrant for their Justification is necessary, & that none has been presented -- To which it is answ^ered -- That the …

If then a Mandamus would have been proper for tlie Complainant, or even an Action against the Justices and Vestry for Damages for withholding the Warrant, still it is conceived that his way must have been open for a specific Relief in this Coui-t, especially as a Discoverv & account were essential to fix the Sum * 1 Ca. Ld Talbofs time 40. Vin. Ch. 288. 1 Harrison 46. SJ4 …

Tint there was a fraudulent Combination between the Church Wardens and the Justices and Vestrymen to elude the Act and prevent the issuing the Warrant, to deprive the Complainant of his Salary & to raise a Purse by Subscription to defend any suit lie might prosecute. -- And that the Defendant Edsal was very active if not the Author of this Project is clear from the Testimony …

In answer to these Questions -- the Defendants deny all Contrivance Combination or Confederacy charged in the Complainants Bill ; Declare that they never use any Means Arguments or other Devices to prevent or that by any such Ways and Means Warrants or Orders have been prevented, by and from the Justices & Vestry men in Behalf of the Complainant. And they positively deny that …