CHAP. XXI.

A session of general assembly; A second expedition to Canada; Meeting of a

new assembly; They quarrel; Some members designedly absent themselves;

Expelled the house; Several of them again returned, and refused seats; A

fruitful session at Crosswscks; Last session in Hunter's time; An act

passed for running the division line between East and West-Jersey; William

Burnet arrives governor; An uncommon wet harvest; Governor Burnet meets a

new assembly.

Governor Hunter, convened the assembly in the summer, 1711, and, opened

business, with telling them, That her majesty's instructions which he was

commanded to communicate, would discover the reason of his calling them

together, at this time; and that he doubted not the matters therein

contained, would be agreeable to them, and the success profitable.

That the fleet and forces destined for the reduction of Canada, were

arrived in good health and condition, and would proceed in a little time;

that what was required on their parts, was the levying in each division

180 effective private men, besides officers, and to provide for their

encouragement, pay, and provisions, as well as transportation over the

lakes, and other incidental charges attending the service.

The assembly resolved to encourage this expedition, by raising to the value

of 12,500 ounces of plate, in bills of credit,1 to be sunk, together with

the former £.3000, by a subsequent tax; and provided bills for raising

volunteers to go on the expedition, and for emitting the money.

The governor passed the bills, and dismissed them with thanks, for the

chearful dispatch they had given.

This was a second expedition against Canada, and made a formidable

appearance: Nicholson's designs having hitherto, by various

disappointments, failed; he now, under the scheme of reducing all Canada,

and thereby engrossing the cod fishery, so prevailed on the new ministry,

that the regiments of Kirk, Hill, Windress, Clayton, and Kaine, from

Flanders; Seymours, Disney's and a battalion of marines from England,

under the command of brigadier Hill, were sent to him, on this occasion;

they came in 40 transports, under convoy of 12 ships of the line of

battle, commanded by admiral Walker; several frigates, two bomb vessels;

and brought a large train of artillery, under Col. King, with forty

horses, and six store ships; they arrived at Boston early in the summer.

By orders from home, a congress was held at New-London, of all the

plantation governors, north of Pennsylvania, with Nicholson, to adjust the

measures to be fallen upon: Two regiments from the Massachusetts,

Rhode-Island, and New-Hampshire, joined the British forces; while the

militia from Connecticut, New-York, and New-Jersey, with the Indians of

the five nations, under Nicholson, marched by land from Albany, to attack

Montreal: The fleet being retarded at Boston for want of provisions,

occasioned admiral Walker, in a letter to governor Dudley of Boston, to

write, "I concur with the opinion of all the sea and land officers here,

that the government of this colony have prejudiced the present expedition,

instead of assisting it." The fleet consisting of 68 vessels, and 6463

troops; anchored in the bay of Gaspee, on the south side of the entrance

of the river St. Lawrence, to take in wood and water, on the 18th of the

month called August, and the 23d in the night, contrary to the advice of

the pilots, weighed anchor in a fog, fell in with the north shore, and

lost 8 transports and 884 men upon the island of Eggs: A council of war

was called, who resolved, that by reason of the ignorance of the pilots,

it was impracticable to proceed, and that advice should be sent to recall

general Nicholson from proceeding to Montreal; which done, and the fleet

Fleet returning, anchored in Spanish River, off Cape Breton, September 4;

and there, in a council of war it was resolved, not to attempt any thing

against Placentia, but to return to Great-Britain: They sailed for England

September 16, and arrived at St. Helens the 16th of October: The Edgar,

with the admiral's papers, was blown up: This prevented other particulars

of the expedition transpiring; thus concluded, at a great expence of men

and treasure, an affair above three years in agitation.

In 1712 died Thomas Gardiner, of Burlington, several times mentioned

before; he was well acquainted with publick business, a good surveyor, and

useful member of society; several years one of the council, treasurer of

the western division, and the first speaker of assembly after the union of

the governments, East and West Jersey.

The 7th of December, 1713, the governor called the assembly, and next day

informed them, that he was glad to see them after so long absence, and

believed they were not sorry to meet him in so good company;2 that the

tender regard her majesty had to their quiet, in particular at a time when

she had blessed the world with a general peace, called for their pious

endeavours and could not fail of meeting the returns due from the most

grateful people, to the best and most indulgent princes; that he was

persuaded the efforts of such as had been removed from places of trust by

the queen, at their request, would be too impotent to destroy the peace,

by breaking that mutual confidence, or disturbing that harmony, that then

subsisted between the several branches of the legislature; that full of

this confidence, he recommended to their immediate care, the providing for

past arrears, and future support of her majesty's government, the

discountenancing vice and immorality, the improvement of trade and

encouragement for planting and peopling the province; that this could not

be better effected than by a law to affirm and ascertain the respective

properties of the proprietors and people, if they thought it practicable.

That the gentlemen of the present council, having no views or interests

differing from theirs, if they would agree to frequent and amicable

conferences with them, or a number of them, upon all matters under

deliberation, it would save much time and effectually disappoint all

contrivances of their enemies; "who in return for their being at present

no councellors, had ridiculously endeavoured to persuade some that they

were no assembly."

The assembly replied, That they were indeed glad to meet him in such good

company, and as the persons who had hitherto obstructed the welfare of

their country, were removed, they presumd on the favour oftener than

heretofore; they acknowledged themselves under the greatest obligations to

the best of queens, and hoped their actions would demonstrate they were

not ungrateful.

Among other bills passed this session, was that entitiled, "An act that the

solemn affirmation and declaration of the people called quakers, shall be

accepted instead of an oath in the usual form, and for qualifying and

enabling the said people to serve as jurors, and to execute any office or

place of trust or profit within this province."

This bill was introduced by the governor's communicating to the house the

queen's instructions on that head, after it was fully adjusted by the

council and assembly; the second enacting clause was thought to be

designedly left out by the secretary, who had it to engross, it so passed

the council without being perceivd; but on reading it again in the

assembly it was discovered, and the secretary making his acknowledgement

at the bar of the house, it passed over: This act continued 'till the year

1732, and then was supplied by that now in force.

Other laws also passed; this session concluded to mutual satisfaction.

"I thank you, says the governor in his concluding speech to the house, for

what has been done this sessions for the support of this her majesty's

government, and do not doubt, but that you will receive ample thanks from

those who sent you, for the many good laws that have been passed; some

things that in their nature were acts of favour, I have agreed that they

should be made acts of assembly, that your share may be greater in the

grateful acknowledgment of your country.

"I hope my conduct has convinced the world, (I cannot suppose you want any

further conviction) that I have no other view than the peace and

prosperity of this province; if such a few as are enemies to both, are

not to be reduced by reason, I shall take the next best and most effectual

measure to do it."

No historical occurrences intervening, we pass on to the year 1716.

Governor Hunter met a new assembly at Perth-Amboy, in the spring, who

chose Col. Daniel Coxe, speaker;3 being presented and accepted, the

governor by speech informed them, "That the dissolution of one assembly by

the demise of the late queen, of another by the arrival of a new patent

from the present king, constituting him governor of the province, and of a

third by reason of a circumstance well known, together with the long

sessions at York, and his necessary attendance on the service of the

frontiers, had been the occasion of putting off their meeting 'till now;

that on his part he brought with him a firm purpose for the advantage of

the subject and service of the crown; which, (says he) I have ever

pursued, and now bid a fair defiance to the most malicious to assign one

single instance in which I have acted counter to what I now profess,

notwithstanding the false and groundless accusations and insinuations to

the contrary, from two persons on the other side, who pretended to have

been instructed from this; which though they met with that contempt at

home they deserved, I could not without injustice to myself let pass

unmentioned here." The assembly being now conven'd at Amboy, when it ought

in turn to have been at Burlington, were determined to remonstrate against

the infringement of the usual custom of alternately meeting at each of

those places, and accordingly represented to the governor, that in the

year 1709, an act was passed, entitled, An act for ascertaining the place

of the sitting of the representatives, to meet in general assembly; that

in March, 1710, the aforesaid act was confirmed, finally enacted and

ratified by her late majesty, with the advice of her privy council, and

transmitted to him (the governor) by the lords commissioners for trade and

plantations, the 16th of said month.

That as they found themselves entirely inclinable to pay all due regard and

obedience to his majesty's and the governor's commands, so they could not

but think it their duty to maintain the known establish'd laws of the

province. And as that law had the royal sanction, and had gone through all

the usual forms both here and in Great-Britain, necessary to the

confirming and perpetuating of it, they were of opinion it was still in

force.

The governor replied, That his majesty's instructions, which were laws to

him, having restored that affair to the just and equal footing upon which

it was put by, and at the time of the surrender of the governxnent by the

proprietors, he could not give his consent to any alteration, or give way

to anything that might elude the intent and purpose of that instruction

without giving juster grounds of complaint against him, than he had

hitherto given; and that he had reasons of great weight, made it

impracticable for him to hold either council or assembly at Burlington,

at this time.

The dispute being principally founded on the new commission to the

governor, upon the accession of K. George the first to the throne; the

assembly thought proper to let it drop, and pursue what was before them at

the place where they were then conven'd; matters however went heavily on;

the speaker disliked the governor, and influenced many of the members: The

governor saw there was no prospect of their answering the design of their

meeting at that time, so prorogued them.

He summoned them to meet again at Amboy on 14th of May, when only nine

members appearing they waited five days, and then presented an address,

requesting the governor would take such methods as he should see meet, to

cause the absent members to attend the service; he sent warrants to

several of them, commanding their attendance, as they would answer the

contrary at their peril; four presently appeared, and there being now

thirteen met, the governor sent for them, and recommended their meeting at

the house and choosing a speaker, (for their speaker was absent among the

rest) in order to enable themselves to send their serjeant at arms for

those that were still absent.

The thirteen met the 21st, but the speaker still absent; they proceeded to

a new choice, and placed John Kinsey in the chair.

This done, and the new speaker presented, the governor delivered his

speech:

"Gentlemen,

"The last time you were here upon the like occasion, I told you, that I

thought fit to approve of whatever choice you thought fit to make of a

speaker: I now tell you that I heartily approve of the worthy choice you

have made.

"As the conduct of that gentleman who last filled the chair, sufficiently

convinced you of a combination between him and his associates, to defeat

all the purposes of your present meeting: I hope, and can not doubt but it

will open the eyes of all such as by his and their evil acts, and

sinistrous practices, have been misled and imposed upon; so that for the

future, here they will not find it so easy a matter to disturb the peace

of the country.

"I must refer you to what I said at the opening of the assembly; but

harvest drawing near, I am afraid youll hardly have time for more business

than what is absolutely and immediately requisite; that is the support of

the government, and the publick credit, you know that the date of the

currency of your bills of credit is near expiring, so there will be

wanting a new law to remedy the evil that must attend the leaving the

country without a currency for ordinary uses, as well as trade.

"ROBERT HUNTER."

The house then examined into the conduct of their late speaker, and the

absent members, who on the question, were all at different times severally

expelled, for contempt of authority and neglect of the service of their

country, and writs issued for new elections.

The 8th of next month soon after the speaker's exclusion, but before the

other members were expelled, the assembly presented their address as

follows:

"May it please your excellency,

"Your administration has been a continued series of justice and

moderation, and from your past conduct we dare assure ourselves of a

continuation of it, and we will not be wanting in our endeavours to make

suitable returns, both in providing a handsome support of the government,

and of such a continuance as may demonstrate to you and the world, the

sense we have of our duty and your worth.

"The gentleman, our late speaker, has added this one instance of folly to

his past demeanour, to convince us and the world, that in all stations,

whether of a counsellor, a private man, or a representative, his study has

been to disturb the quiet and tranquility of this province, and act in

contempt of laws and government; we are sensible of the effects it has

had, and may have on the publick peace; and our expulsion of him, we hope

evinces that we are not the partisans of his heat and disaffection to the

present government; we are very sorry he has been capable to influence so

many into a combination with him, to make effectual his ill purposes; but

we hope it is rather the effect of weakness than malice, and that their

eyes are now so much opened that they'l return to their duty, and join

with us in providing for the publick credit, and whatever else may make

this province happy, and your excellency easy."

Next the assembly resolved, "That the late members whom they had expelled,

should not sit as members of the house if they should be returned on a new

election, during this sessions of assembly." Notwithstanding this resolve,

several of the same members were returned; but refused seats in the house

and the electors obliged to choose over again.

The governor then prorogued them to the 3d of October. In November the

same house met at Croswicks,4 the small-pox being at Burlington; the

governor opened the business of this session by telling them, That

supporting government and publick credit, required their immediate

deliberation; that they knew the funds for the first had expired fifteen

months ago, and that the other had suffered much by the obstinacy of some

in refusing the payment of taxes, or remisness in others in collecting or

putting the laws in excution, sufficient (if duly executed) to have

answered the end, and in a great measure prevented or remedied that evil;

that he doubted not they were now met with a good disposition, as well as

in full freedom, all clogs and bars being removed, to pursue to effect the

good ends of their meeting, and to make good their engagements and

promises in several addresses; that the true interest of the people and

government were the same; to wit, a government of laws, that no other

deserved the name; that this was never separated or separable but in

imagination by men of craft, such as were either abettors of lawless power

on the one hand, or confusion and anarchy on the other; that the first was

not the case of this province, and we had well grounded hopes, that all

endeavours towards the latter were ceased.

This session proved long and fruitful: It held above two months; sixteen

publick and private bills received the governors assent.

In 1718 died Samuel Smith one of the members of assembly for Burlington;

he had sought happiness in the quiets of obscurity, but being against his

inclination called to this and other publick stations, he passed thro'

them with a clear reputation: In private life he was inoffensive,

benevolent, steady and respected.5

This year was remarkable for an uncommon storm of hail: It fell larger than

had been remembered before in the provinces, it killed many wild pigeons,

and other birds, and did considerable damage.

In the beginning of summer 1742, another happened with a strong gust of

wind, accompanied with some rain and hail of very uncommon bigness; in one

house it was said to have struck 28 holes through the roof; the damage to

the grain in some places was so great, that the farmers began to forbear

selling their last year's stock, lest they should want bread; at Amwell, a

boy was said to be killd, and others very much hurt.

Such another happened in the spring 1758: It came from the north, the hail

in large stones continued for 8 or 10 minutes, and abated gradually; it

drifted in some places 6 inches think, it went in a vein (as it commonly

does) about a mile and a half broad: The destruction of green corn and

gardens were great, and the trees had their young leaves shattered to

pieces.

In the spring governor Hunter again met the assembly at Perth-Amboy; but at

the desire of the members, their private affairs interfering, they were

adjourn'd to the winter, when meeting he made a speech, setting forth:

That the revenue was sometime since, expired; that when this came under

consideration, he desired an augmentation of the officers salaries; that

in former acts they were so scanty and so retrench'd from what they had

been, that the officers were not enabled to perform their respective

duties; that the assembly of New-York, had passed an act for running the

division line, betwixt this province; and that upon supposition, that

another for the same purpose would be passed here; that the justice due to

the proprietors and the disturbances among the people, made such a law

immediately necessary; that he had formerly recommended their providing

for an agent at the court of Great Britain, and now repeated it; that the

lords commissioners for taade, had in several of their letters complained

of the want of one; that this was the only province in his majesty's

dominions, that had none; that by means of this omission their business in

England stood still; that what could not be delayed without danger or loss

to the publick, since his administration had been negotiated by persons

employed by him, at his own very great expence, which he hoped they would

consider; that as to projects of trade, he had no reason to change his

opinion since they last met; that to this subject he referred them on

what he them spoke.6

The assembly said in their address, That they were not insensible the

present circumstances of the government as well as of the country, made

their meeting necessary, notwithstanding the rigour of the season; that

they were not unmindful that the revenue was expired, nor of their duty in

a reasonable support; that they were willing to pass an act for running

the division line betwixt this province and New York; but conceived the

expence of that affair belonged to the proprietors of the contested lands;

that they were very sensible an agent for the province at the court of

Great Britain, was very necessary, but were sorry the circumstances of

the province, were such, that they could not make a suitable provision for

so useful an officer; and that they would readily come into any measures

that might be effectual to promote the trade and prosperity of the

province.

This session produced eleven publick and private bills, among them was one

for running and ascertaining the division line betwixt New-Jersey and New-

York; but this act was never put in execution further than fixing the

north partition point; this was done by indenture made the 25th of July

1719, between R. Walter, Isaac Hicks and Allane Jarrat, surveyor general,

on the part of New-York; John Johnston and George Willocks, on behalf of

East-Jersey; Joseph Kirkbride and John Reading, on behalf of West-Jersey,

and James Alexander, surveyor general, on behalf of both East and West-

Jersey; these commissioners and surveyors duly authorized, met at the

place, and after many observations of the latitude, unanimously by the

deed aforesaid, fixed the north partition point on the nothermost branch

of Delaware; which they found to be that branch called the Fish-Kill: This

done, the commissioners for West-Jersey thought they were not further

concerned; the others, though both greatly interested in having it settled,

left it an uncertainty 'till 1764, when by acts of assembly of both

colonies, it was referred to be finally settled and determined by

commissioners to be appointed by the crown.

Another act passd now, was that for running and ascertaining the line of

division between East and West Jersey,7 the conditions here not hitherto

complied with, this line remains in the same uncertainty the act left it;

still a subject of inconvenience and anxiety to many, and seems to call

for exertion in those with whom the powers to settle it, are properly

lodged.

The beginning of the summer this year afforded a fair prospect of a

plentiful harvest, much was expected from a great crop in the ground; a

day or two in the beginning proved good weather, but before the grain was

secured, showers of rain and a few hours sunshine constantly succeeded

each other; clouds at first small in appearance, spread widely and filled

the furrows: the intervals of sunshine encouraged opening the shocks, but

were not long enough to dry them; after several weeks came two days and a

half fair weather; what could be dried and sav'd was now done, the rain

then began again, and continued day after day as before, alternate rain

and sunshine for near three weeks, so that single ears of corn standing,

grew; thus it continued 'till the grain was generally reaped, several lost

their corn entirely, others saved but little; this was what is called the

wet harvest.

We are now come to the end of governor Hunter's administration, he resigned

in favour of William Burnet (son of the celebrated bishop) and returned to

England; he had a ready art at procuring money, few loved it more; this

foible 'tis said drew him into schemes, gaming, and considerable losses;

tho' not in all respects accomplished: His address here was engaging and

successful, he assented to most of the laws the people wanted, and fill'd

the offices with men of character. He had before, so early as the year

1705, been appointed lieutenant governor of Virginia, under George earl of

Orkney, and was on his voyage thither taken prisoner to France.

The assembly at the sessions last mentioned, fixed for salary and

incidental charges 6001. per annum, for two years this had been the

accustomed support, since the surrender, except once in lord Corubury's

time, 5001. was provided in the succeeding administrations, 'till Lewis

Morris, came governor of New-Jersey, separate of New-York; when it was

augmented to 10001. per annum, and 601. house rent, with 5001. addition

the first year, for expences attending his voyage, &c.

Governor Burnet 8 met the assembly soon after his arrival, but little

business was then thought necessary, nor did they very well agree; that

house had been continued a long time, and were now dissolved, and writs

issued for a new election.

The members returned, were convened early in the 1721; they chose Dr. John

Johnston, speaker.9

The governor's speech:

"Gentlemen,

"The choice which the country has made of you to represent them, gives me

a happy opportunity of knowing their sentiments; now when they have been

fully informed of mine in the most publick manner, I have no reason to

doubt, that after so much time given them to weigh and consider every

particular, you bring along with you their hearty resolutions to support

his majesty's government, in such an ample and honourable manner as will

become you to offer, and me to accept; and in doing this, I must recommend

to you, not to think of me,10 so much as of the inferior officers of this

government, who want your care more, and whose salary have hitherto

amounted to a very small share of the publick expence. I cannot neglect

this occasion of congratulating you upon the treasures lately discovered

in the bowels of the earth, which cannot fail of circulating for the

general good, the increase of trade, and the raising the value of estates;

and now you are just beginning to taste of new blessings, I cannot but

remind you of those which you have so long enjoyed and without which all

other advantages would but have encreased your sufferings, under a Popish

king, and a French government.

"You can ascribe your deliverance from these, to nothing but the glorious

revolution, begun by king William the third, of immortal memory, and

compleated by the happy accession of his present majesty king George, to

the throne of Great-Britain, and his entire success against his rebellious

subjects at home, and all his enemies abroad.

"To this remarkable deliverance,by an over-ruling hand of providence, you

owe the preservation of your laws and liberties, the secure enjoyment of

your property, and a free exercise of religion, according to the dictates

of your conscience: These invaluable blessings are so visible among us,

and the misery of countries where tyranny and persecution prevail, so well

known, that I need not mention them, to raise in your minds the highest

sense of your obligations to serve God, to honour the king, and love your

country.

"W. BURNET."

The assembly's address:

"May it please your excellency:

"We gladly embrace this opportunity, to assure your excellency, that our

sentiments and those we represent, are one and the same, chearfully to

demonstrate our loyalty to our sovereign king George, and submission to

his substitute, and readiness to support his government over us in all its

branches, in the most honourable manner the circumstances of this province

will allow; which we hope your excellency will accept of; tho' it fall

short of what the dignity of his majesty's governor and the inferior

officers of the government might expect, were the province in a more

flourishing condition.

"We thankfully acknowledge your excellency's congratulation, and doubt not

when the imaginary treasures (except Mr. Schuyler's) becomes real, the

country will not be wanting in their duty to his majesty in making your

excellency, and the officers of the government partakers of the advantage.

"We doubt not but your excellency will extend your goodness to countenance

any proposal that may tend to the publick utility.

"We hope your excellency will excuse us in falling short of words, to

express our thankful acknowledgements to God Almighty and those under him,

who have been instruments in working deliverance to that glorious nation

to which we belong, from popery, tyranny and arbitrary power, wishing it

may always be supplied with great and good men, that will endeavour their

utmost to maintain his majesty's royal authority, and assert and defend

the laws, liberties and properties of the people, against all foreign and

domestic invaders.

"We beg your excellency to believe the sincerity of our thoughts, that

there are none of his majesty's subjects that entertains hearts more loyal

and affectionate, and desire more to testify their duty, gratitude and

obedience to their sovereign king George, his issue, and magistrates in

their respective degrees, than doth the representatives of his majesty's

province of New-Jersey.

"JOHN JOHNSTON, speaker."

Sundry bills were prepared this sessions, among these, one had a title too

singular to be omitted, An act against denying the divinity of our saviour

Jesus Christ, the doctrine of the blessed trinity, the truth of the holy

scriptures, and spreading atheistical books: Assemblies in the colonies

have rarely troubled themselves with these subjects, perhaps never before

or since; it probably arose from the governor's motion, who had a turn

that way, and had himself wrote a book to unfold some part of the

apocalipse; the bill was however rejected on the second reading in the

assembly: The sessions continued near two months, the support was settled

5001. a year, for five years; the governor after passing that, and several

other bills, dismissed the house with the following speech:

"Gentlemen,

"I have so many reasons to thank you for your proceedings in this affair,

that should I mention them at all, time would not suffice me; two I cannot

but acknowledge in a most particular manner; the acts for the chearful and

honourable support, and for the security of his majesty's government in

this province.

"I cannot but say, that I look upon the latter as the noblest present of

the two; as I think honour always more than riches: The world will now see

the true cause of our misunderstandings in the last assembly, and that we

met in the innocency and simplicity of our hearts: that the enemy had sown

such seeds of dissention among us, that defeated all our good purposes,

and made us part with a wrong notion of one another.

"It has pleased God now to discover the truth, and no man in his sober

senses can doubt that the hand of Joab was then busy, as it is now certain

that it has at this time. It is a peculiar honour to me to be thus

justified in all my conduct by the publick act of the whole legislature;

and God knows my heart, that I am not fond of power, that I abhor all

thoughts of revenge, and that I study to keep a conscience void of

offence towards God and towards man.

"After the publication of the acts, I desire you to return to your house,

and after having entered this speech in your minutes, to adjourn

yourselves, to the first day of October next; that tho' it is not probable

we should meet so soon, it may not be out of our power if occasion should

be.

"W. Burnet

"May 5, 1722."

Governor Burnet, after this, continued to preside over New-York and

New-Jersey, 'till 1727; when he was removed to Boston, and succeeded by

John Montgomerie, Esq; he continued 'till his death, which happened in the

summer 1731: To him succeeded William Cosby, Esq; he continued 'till his

death in 1736: The government here then devolved on the president of the

council, John Anderson, Esq; he died about two weeks afterwards, and was

succeeded by John Hamilton, Esq; (son of Andrew Hamilton, governor in the

proprietors time) he governed near two years. In the summer, 1738, a

commission arrived to Lewis Morris, Esq; as governor of New-Jersey,

separate from New-York; he continued 'till his death in the spring 1746;

he was succeeded by president Hamilton; he dying, it devolved upon John

Reading, Esq; as the next eldest councellor; he exercised the office 'till

the summer 1747, when Jonathan Belcher, Esq; arrived; he died in the

summer 1757, and was succeeded by John Reading, Esq; president. Francis

Bernard, Esq; arrived governor 1758; was removed to Boston, and succeeded

here by Thomas Boone, Esq; in 1760; he was removed to South-Carolina, and

succeeded here by Josiah Hardy, Esq; in 1761; he was removed, and

afterwards appointed consul at Cadiz, &c. and succeeded here in the spring

1763, by the present governor, William Franklin, Esq.

1 Equal to £.5000 currency, at that time.

2 Meaning the change of councellors, William Pinhorne, Daniel Coxe, Peter

Sonmans and William Hall, had been suspended, and a mandamus since

arrived, appointing John Anderson, Elisha Parker, Thomas Byerly, John

Hamilton, and John Reading.

3 The members:

Town of Burlington: Daniel Smith, Samuel Smith.

County of Burlington: Jacob Doughty, Jacob Hewlings.

Gloucester: Colonel Daniel Coxe, Richard Bull.

Town of Salem: William Hail, Henry Joyce.

County of Salem: William Clews, Dickinson Shephard.

Cape May: Jacob Spicer, Jeremiah Bass.

Perth-Amboy: William Eirs, John Harrison.

Middlesex: John Kinsey, Charles Morgan.

Essex: Josiah Ogden, Joseph Bonnell.

Bergan: David Akernian, Henry Brockholst.

Monmouth: Elisha Lawrence, William Lawrence.

Somerset: Benjamin Clark, Thomlas Hall.

4 The true Indian name of this place is supposed to be Clossweeksung, a

separation.

5 He with five of his brothers, John, Daniel, Joseph, Emanuel and Richard,

and one sister, removed from near Bramham, in Yorkshire, at different

times; but mostly in and about the year 1691. Daniel served the publick

several years faithfully in assembly, and died in 1742. Richard was 12

years one of the council, and died the latter end of 1750.

6 The paragraph was as followeth:

"As for the measures of advancing or rather for giving a being to trade

amongst you, the generality of you has shewn such aversion to solid ones;

and others such a fondness for imaginary or ruinous ones, that without a

virtue and resolution of serving those you represent against their

inclination, your endeavours will be to little purpose; but if any thing

of that nature fall under deliberation, I cannot think of a better guide,

than a just inspection into the trade in other provinces, where it is in a

good and flourishing condition, the means by which it became so, can be no

mystery; where it is otherwise, or has decayed, you will find the true

cause of such decay conspicuous: And it is but a rational conclusion, that

what has form'd trade or that on which it depends, credit in one place

cannot but be the most proper means either to begin it or preserve it in

another."

7 Vid. Laws of the province, vol.1, p. 63, &c.

8 The members of council in his instructions were: Lewis Morris, Thomas

Gordon, John Anderson, John Hamilton, Thomas Byerly, David Lyell, John

Parker, John Wills, John Hugg, John Johnston, Jun., John Reading, Peter

Bard.

9 The members of this house were:

Town of Perth-Amboy: John Johnston, Andrew Redford.

County of Middlesex: John Kinsey, Moses Rolph.

Somerset: Robert Lettis Hooper, Thomas Leonard.

Essex: Josiah Ogden, Joseph Bonnel.

Bergen: William Provost, Isaac Vangezon.

Monmouth: William Lawrence, Garrat Schank.

Town of Burlington: John Allen, Jonathan Wright.

County of Burlington: William Trent, Thomas Lambert.

Gloucester: Samuel Cole, John Mickell.

Town of Salem: John Mason, Thomas Mason.

County of Salem: Isaac Sharp, Bartholomew Wyatt.

Cape May: Humphrey Hughes, Nathaniel Jenkins.

10 Whether an alteration in sentiment, or instructions, or both was the

cause, must be left to conjecture; but while governor of the Massachusetts

Bay, his conduct was different; there he insisted for several years with

the greatest firmness on an indefinite support, and pursued it through the

plantation board, privy council and to the parliament, where his death

prevented its coming to a conclusion.