VOTES OF THE House of Representatives for His Majesties Province of New-York in America.
Die Jovis Anti Merid. May 19 1698.
SEveral of the Representatives being returned by the Sheriffs of the Province, pursuant to his Majesties Writ, being met, to the Number of sixteen, viz. For the City & County of New-York Mr. Phillip French, Capt. Jacobus van Cortlandt, Capt Thomas Wenham, and Capt. Johannes Kipp. For the City and County of Albany, Mr. Jan Jansen Bl [...]ker, & Mr Ryer Sherm [...]chorne. For the County of Ʋlster, Mr. Abraham Hansbrook [...]. For the County of Richmond, Mr. John Tounison and Mr. Thomas Morgan. for the County of Westchestre, Mr. John Drake and Mr. Joseph Purdy. For the County [...] S [...]ffolk, Lieut. Coll. Henry Pierson and Major Matthew Howell. For Kings County, Mr. Myndert Courten. For Queens County, Major John Jackson and Capt. Daniel Whitehead. They took [...]he Oathes, and subscribed the Test and Association before [...]he Honourable Frederick P [...]illips, Coll. Stephanus van Cortland, Coll. Nicholas Bayard, [...]nd Coll Gabril Minveil, Esqrs. appointed by his Excellency the Earl of Bellomont, [...]o administer the [...]. And also, Mr Benjamin Jackson, appointed by his Excellency to be Clerk of the Assembly, produced his Commission under the great Seal of the Province, and was sworn, and signed as aforesaid.
A Message came from his Excellen [...]y by Mr. James Graeham, his Majesties Attorney General, signifying that the House should [...]h [...]e their Speaker, & adjourn till three of the clock in the Afternoon, when his Ex [...]ellency would be ready to receive them. And [...]ccordingly, Mr. Phillp French, by the [...]ajo [...]ity of Votes, was chosen Speaker and was conducted to the Chair. And the House adjourn'd till 3 a Clock in the after-noon.
Die Jovis P. M. May 19. 1668.
The House met according to adjournment, and sent a Message by Mr. Benj. Jackson, Clerk of the Assembly, to his Excellency to know whether he was ready to receive [...]hem Unto which he answered, he was ready. And accordingly the House attended his Excellency at the Fort, where the Council being met, his Excellency was pleased to make the following Speech, and deliver it to Mr. Speaker in Writing, which the House ordered to be entred.
MY Voyage hither from England was very tedious, and attended with great Hardships; but since my being among you I have endeavoured to redeem that loss of Time, by applying my self diligently to the Publick business, in Duty to His Majesty, and that I might be the better enabled to serve you.
I cannot but observe to you what a Legacy my Predecessor has left me, and what Difficulties to strugle with, A Divided People, an Empty Treasury; a few miserable, naked half-starv'd Souldiers, not half the Number the King allow'd pay for; the Fortifications, and even the Governours House [Page 2] very much out of Repair; and in a word, Gentlemen, the whole Government out of Frame. To you therefore I recommend the consideration of those Disorders, as best becoming your Prudence to apply the proper Remedies, and you may be sure of my hearty Concurrence in every thing that will conduce to the extinguishing those Heats and Annimosities among you, which I fear have been of late years industriously cherish't and fomented, and to the the curing all the other Disorders and Mischiefs among you.
It hath b [...]n represented to the Government in England ▪ That th is rovince hath been a noted Receptacle of Pyrates, and the Trade of it under no Restriction, but the Acts of Trade violated, by the Neglect and Connivance of those whose Duty it was to have prevented it. I hope Gentlemen, you will put all the Discountenance imaginable on that flagacious Crime of Pyracy, which is not only the worst sort of Robbery, but is, for the most part attended with the horrid Sin of Murder, which is a great aggravation of that odious Practice, detested by all the Civil Nations of the World. 'Tis not only injurious to the Honour of his Majesty, and the English Nation, but also highly prejudicial to the Trade of England, and particularly to the East-India Company. And the Gentlemen of the Council here present will bear me witness, that my Orders from his Majesty are very strict for enquiring into, and effectually preventing for the future that Lawless and Vile Trade of Pyracy within all my Government.
As I have declared my self against Pyracy, and all Unlawful Trade▪ so I must assure you I will giv [...] you all the Encouragement I can possibly in carrying on a lawful Tra [...], and every thing else that will make you Happy and Flourishing.
Mr. Speaker and you Gentlemen Representatives;
I Hope you will take into your Consideration, That the Revenue is near expiring, and that you will provide for the Support of the Government for the time to come; and therein give me leave to put you in mind, that your Duty and Respect to his Majesty should be an agrument to you, no [...] to leave the Government destitute. It would be hard, if I that come among you with an honest mind, and a Resolution to be just to your Interest, should meet with greater Difficulties in the discharge of his Majesties Service than those that have gone before me. I will take care there shall be no Mis application of the Publick Money: I will Pocket none of it my self, nor shall there be any [...]mbezilment by others, but exact Accounts shall be given you, when and as often as you shall require.
I have ordered all the Accounts to be laid before you, that you may see the state of the Debts of the Government, and take such cou [...]se for the Discharge of them as you shall think fit. I wish too you would consider how to restore Credit to the Government, which I understand is now very low, if not wholly lost.
I have ordered the Engineer to go and visit the Fronteers, and to report to me the State and Condition he finds the Fortifications in, which Report I intend for you, as soon as it comes to my hands.
Gentlemen, I must remind you of the Necessity there is of finding out some Expedient to reconcile the Parties among you, I must own to you, I set [Page 3] my heart so much on it, that I sh [...] [...]hink it the Glory of my Government to bring so good a work to pass I desire therefore you will think of the proper Methods to effect an entire Reconciliation among you To be of one Faith and one Mind is not only an excellent Scripture Rule, but also a good Maxim in Government. Union amongst a People is the Bound of Peace, and of strength too.
You cannot but know what Abuses have been formerly in Elections of Members to serve in the Assembly, which tends much to the Subversion of your Liberties. I do therefore recommend to you the making a Law to provide against it, and that you will think of such other Laws as you will stand in need of to secure to this Province a la [...]ting Happiness, to which I promise you my Concurrence.
I shall conclude Gentlemen, with recommending that which is chiefly incumbent on us all, an inviolable Duty and Allegiance to his Majesty, who by his valour has rescued us from the two greatest Plauges that ever infested the World, Popery and Slavery, and by that, and his Wise and Temperate Government has secu [...]'d us the free exercise of our holy Protestant Religion, the enjoyment of our Liberties and Estates. And as a further Instance and Illustration of the Glory of his Reign, His Majesty has, with repeated hazards of his precious Life, procured for Us and all Christendom, a Glorious Peace, for which, Gentlemen let [...]s Address his Majesty, That he will be graciously pleased to accept of the tender of our most humble Duty and Thanks.
And his Excellency in Council being pleased to approve of Mr Phillip French for Speaker, the House returned, and Mr. Speaker assum'd the Chair, and the House Resolved, That his Excellency's Speech should be then Read, and it was accordingly read to the House.
Ordered, That the Thanks of this House be given to his Excellency for his favourable Speech.
Major Gerhard Beekman, one of the Representatives for Kings County was sworn, and sign'd the Test and Association before the Honourable Frederick Phillips, Coll. Stephanus van Cortland, Coll. Nicholas Bayard, and Coll. Gabril Minveil, Esqrs. appointed by his Exce [...]lency to administer the same.
A Petition of Dr. Samuell Staats, Capt. Johannes d' Peyster, Alderman Leonard Lewis and Mr Abraham Governoer, was presented to the House by Major Matthew Howell, and read. And the House adjourned till to morrow Morning eight a Clock.
Die Veneris A. M. May 20. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment, and Mr. Speaker assumed the Chair.
Ordered, That the Thanks of this House be return'd to his Excellency for his favourable Speech in the following Form, viz.
Ordered, That Mr. Gerrard Beekman, Mr. Johannes Bleker and Capt. Jacobus van Cortland, Members of this House, do wait upon his Excellency with the Thanks of this House. And the House adjourn'd till two a Clock afternoon, at the Ringing of the bell.
Die Veneris P. M. May 20, 1698.
The House met according to adjournment, and Mr Speaker assumed the Chair.
Ordered, That Mr. Speaker, in behalf of this House, demand their Rights and Priviledges, viz. That none of the Members nor their Servants be Arrested or Molested during the Session. That they have freedom of access to your Excellency's Person when occasion presents. That they have liberty of Speech, and a favourable Construction upon all Debates that arise among them. And that this their Dema [...]d may be approved by his Excellency and Council, and accordingly entered in the Council Books.
Ordered, That Mr. Speaker give Direction that his Excellency's Speech and the Votes of this House be printed.
Mr. Speaker and the House attended his Excellency in Council, and did demand the Rights and Priviledges of this House, which his Excellency was pleased to accept and allow of.
Capt. K [...]llian van Ranslaer having taken the Oathes appointed by Act of Parliament, and subscribed the Test and Association, as appeared to the House by Certificate from Frederick Phillips, Coll. Stephanus van Cortland, Coll. Nicholas Bayard, and Coll. Gabriel Minveili [...], Esqrs. came to the House, and took his place as Representative for the Baylwick of Ranslaers-wick. And the House adjourn'd till to morrow morning eight a Clock.
Die Sabat. A. M May 21. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment, and Mr. Speaker assum'd the Chair, and the Rod being read, all the Members were present except Mr. Thomas Garton, one of the Representatives for the County of Ʋlster.
The Motion being made, and the Question being put by Mr Speaker, Whether this House shall draw up an Address to his Majesty, to Congratulate his Majesties safe arrival into England, and his obtaining an honourable Peace; and also congratulating his Excellency's safe arrival into this Government, or consider of the Petitions concerning Elections and Grievances first. And it was carried in the Affirmative, That his Majesty & his Excellency be first congratulated. And the House adjourned till Monday two a clock in the afternoon.
Die Luna P. M. May 23. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment, Mr Speaker assum'd the Chair, and the Roll being read, all the Members were present, except Mr. Thomas Garton, Mr. Jo [...] Drake and Mr. Joseph Purdy.
Ordered, That Major Gerrard Beekman, Mr. John Jansen Bleker and Mr. John Tr [...]niso [...] do wait upon his Excellency, and desire that a Committe of the Council may be appointed to joyn with a Committee of this House to draw up an Address to his Majesty.
James Graham, Esq his Majesties Attorney General, brought the following Order of Council from his Excellency, which the House ordered to be entered, viz.
At a Council held at New-York the 23d of May, 1698. Present his Excellency the Earl of Bellomont, &c.
UPon the Reading of a Message of the Assembly this day, it is ordered, Coll. Stephanus Cortland and Coll. William Smith be a Committee of the Council to joyn with the Committee of the Assembly, in the forming and drawing up an Address to his most Excellent Majesty; and that they take the Attorney General to their Assistance.
Ordered, The Attorney General do deliver this Answer to the Assembly, and do acquaint them that the Committee of the Council will be ready to meet their Committee [...]t Coll. Cortlands House at six a Clock this Evening.
Upon reading the aforesaid Order of Council, Ordered, That Major Matthew H [...]well, Major John Jackson, Capt. Thomas VVenham and Capt▪ Daniel VVhitehead be a Committee to joyn with the Committee of Council at Coll. Stephen Cortlands House at [Page 5] six a Clock this Evening, to draw up the Address to his Majesty. And the House adjourned till to morrow morning eight of the Clock, at the first Bell.
Die Martis A. M. May 24. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment, and Mr. Speaker assumed the Chair, and the Roll being read, all the Members were present except Mr. Thomas Garton and Capt. Johannes Kipp
Ordered, That Lieut. Coll. Henry Pierson, Major John Jackson, Mr. Killian van Ranslaer, and Capt. Johannes Kipp, be a Committee to form and draw up an Address to Congratulate his Excellency's safe arrival into this Government, and that they bring the same to the House to morrow morning. And the House adjourned till two a Clock in the afternoon.
Die Martis P. M. May 24. 1698.
The House met accord [...]ng to adjournment, and Mr. Speaker assumed the Chair, and Major Matthew Howell, Major John Jackson, Capt. Thomas VVenham and Capt. Daniel VVhitehead reported from the Committee appointed to draw up an Address to his Majesty, That they had made some progress therein, and delive [...]ed a Draught of the Address to the House, which was read, and approved by the House.
Ordered, That Capt. Thomas VVenham and Capt. Daniel VVhitehead do wait upon his E [...]cellency and Council with the Address to his Majesty, for their approbation.
Lieut. Coll. Henry Pierson, Major John Jackson, Mr. Killian van Ranslaer, and Capt. Johannes Kipp, appointed a Committee to form and draw up an Address to Congratulate his Excellency's safe arrival into this Government, Reported to the House, That they had drawn a Draught thereof, which they delivered, and the House ordered to be read, and it being approved by the House, they ordered it to be entered.
To his Excellency
Richard Earl of Bellomont, Capt. General and Governour in Chief of his Majesties Province of
New-York, and the Territories depending thereon in
America, &c.
The Humble Address of the House of Representatives of his Majesties Province of New-York.
AS we are most humbly Thankful to his Majesty for the greatest Honour and Favour that ever was shewed to this Province, in appointing so Noble, Just and Pious a Governour, so we do most heartily Congratulate your Lordships safe arrival into this your Government, being well assured, from the Zeal which hath been so eminently conspicuous in your Lordship in Europe, for the best Religion and best Constitution of Laws, That your Government and Example will be a constant encouragement to the Exercise of our holy Protestant Religion, and a Support and Maintenance of the Rights and Liberties of ENGLISH MEN, We do Return our most hearty Thanks for your Lordships most generous Expressions in your Speech to Us, the Representatives of this Province. In Return to which we shall make it our chief endeavour to study the best Methods to express the most inviolable Duty and Gratitude to his Majesty, and the justest Respects and Value for your Lordship, under whose Government we hope to lay the Foundation of a lasting Happiness to this Province, by Uniting the Minds of the People, supporting the Dignity of the Government, and establishing such a Constitution of Laws as may forever exclude Popery and Slavery.
And the House adjourned till to morrow morning Nine of the Clock.
Die Mercurij A. M. May 25. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment, Mr Speaker assum'd the Chair, and a Petition of Josiah Hunt, Henry Fowler and John Sh [...]te, in behalf of themselves and others, complaining of an undue Election for the County of Westchester made to his Excellency, and by him referred to this House, was read.
A Petition of Content Titus, Jonas Wood, William Lawrence, Hope Carpenter and John Coe, complaining of an undue Election for Queens County, was presented to the House, and read.
A Memorial of the Honourable Coll. Stephanus van Cortland, setting forth, That one of the Representatives for the County of Richmond is not qualified according to Law to act as such, was presented to the House, and read.
A Petition of Rocloff Sch [...]nk, Nicholas Stillwell, Gerrit Stoothoose, in behalf of themselves, and others, complaining of an undue Return of Representatives for Kings County, was presented to the House, and read.
Ordered, That Copies of all Petitions, Complaints and Memorials, that lie in the House, be given, if desired.
Resolved, That Major Gerrard Beekman and Mr. Myndert Courten, Representatives for Kings County, be heard to morrow at two of the Clock in the afternoon, concerning the Complaint set forth in the Petition against them by Roeloff Schenk, Nicholas Stillwell and Gerrat Stoothooff. And the House adjourn'd till two Clock in the afternoon.
Die Mercurij P. M. May 25 1698.
The House met according to adjournment, and Mr. Speaker assum'd the Chair:
Mr. Thomas Garton, one of the Representatives for the County of Ʋlster, Produced to the House a Certificate from the Honourable Frederick Phil [...]ips, Coll Stephanus van Cortland. Coll. Nicholas Bayard, and Coll Gabriel Minviel, Esqrs. that he had taken the Oaths, and subscribed the Test and Association, and accordingly took his place in the House.
Mr. Speaker left the Chair, and with the House attended his Excellency, with the Address to Congratulate his safe arrival into this Government; after which the House return'd, and Mr. Speaker to assumed the Chair.
A motion being made, and the Question being put by Mr. Speaker, Whether the Petitions concerning Elections & Grievances shall be heard before the whole House or a grand Committee of the whole House? And it was, carried in the Affirmative, That they should be he [...]rd by the whole House.
Ordered, That Capt. Daniel Whitehead, and Capt. Thomas Garton do wait upon his Excellency, and desire that he will be pleased to appoint a Serjeant at Arms to attend this House
Ordered, That Ebenezer VVilson, Esq▪ High Sheriff of the County and City of N. York, do attend this House on Fryday morning, and that a Summons be issued by Mr. Speaker for his attendance. And the House adjourned till to morrow morning at Eight of the Clock.
Die Jovis A. M. May 26. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment, and Mr. Speaker assumed the Chair.
Ordered, That the Serjeant at Arms do Summons Ebenezer Willson, Esq High-Sheriff of the City and County of New-York, to appear at the Bar of this House to morrow morning at nine of the Clock, to answer the Complaints of Mr. Samuell Staats, Capt. Johannes d' Peyster, Alderman Leonard Lewis, and Mr. Abraham Governeer, concerning an undue Return of Representatives for the City and County aforesaid, as is set forth in their Petition to this House.
Die Jovis P. M. May 26. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment, and Mr. Speaker assumed the Chair.
Resolved, That all Complaints concerning Elections and Grievances be brought into this House in Writing, and all Answers to such Complaints be so likewise.
[Page 7] Resolved, That the hearing of the Petition against Major Gerhardus Beekman and Mr. Meyndert Co [...]rten be deferred till Saturday next at eight of the Clock in the morning, upon th [...]ir request to the House. And the House adjourn'd till to morrow morning at eight of the Clock.
Die Veneris Anti Merid. 27 May, 1698.
The House met according to adjournment, and Mr. Speaker assumed the Chair.
Upon a Memorial given into this House by the honourable Coll. Steph. van Cortland, against Mr. John Teunison, one of the Representatives of the County of Richmond, that he was not qualified according to Law to act as such, which was this day considered.
Resolved, That the said Mr. John Teunison is not qualified according to Law to sit as a Member of this House.
Ordered, That Mr. Speaker issue his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown that there be a new Writ for electing a Representative for the County of Richmond.
The Serjant at Arms made Return to the House, of the Summons to Ebenezar VVillson, Esq High-Sheriff of the City and County of New-York, to appear at the Bar of this House this morning And accordingly the said Ebenezar VVillson appeared, and delivered in Writing to the House an Answer to the Petition of Mr. Samuell Staats, Capt. Jo [...]annes d' Peyster, Alderman Leonard Lewis and Mr. Abraham Gouverneur.
Ordered, That the said Answer of Ebenezar VVillson, Esq be read. And it was read accordingly. And the House adjourned till two a Clock in the afternoon.
Die Veneris P. M. May 27 1698.
The House met according to adjournment, and Mr. Speaker assumed the Chair.
House of Representatives for the Province of New-York.
FOrasmuch as the House of Representatives, upon a Memorial given to them against Mr. John Teunison, one of the Representatives for the County of Richmond, by Coll. Steph. van Cortland, Esq have this day Resolved, That the said Mr. John Teunison is not qualified by Law to sit in the House. These are therefore, by virtue of an Order of the House of Representatives conven'd in General Assembly, for this his Majesties Province of New-York, and Dependencies, to require you forth-with to issue out a new Writ to the County of Richmond, for the electing a new Member, to supply the said Vacancy. Given under my Hand and Seal this 27th Day of May, in the Tenth Year of his Majesties Reign, Anno Dom. 1698.
And the House adjourn'd till to morrow morning eight of the Clock.
Die Sabat. A. M May 28. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment, and Mr. Speaker assumed the Chair.
Ordered, That Mr. John Clapp, late Clerk of the Assembly, do enter fairly in the Journal the Minuits of the Assembly, that are not yet entered, and also give unto this House a true list of all Papers, Acts and Records, and of the Assembly, that were in his Custody during the time of his being in the said Office.
Major Gerrard B [...]ckman and Mr. Meyndert Courten, two Representatives for Kings County, deliver'd to the House their Answer, in Writing, to the Petition of Roeloff Schenk, &c. relating to their Qualification for being Members of this House, which the House ordered to be read. And it was read accordingly, and considered b [...] the House. And thereupon a motion being made, and the Question being put by Mr. Speaker, Whether Major Gerrard Beekman and Mr. Meyndert Courten were qualified to sit in this House as Representatives for King County? and it was carried in the Affirmative, They were not Qualified.
Ordered, Mr. Speaker do issue out his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown that there be a new Writ for the electing two new Representatives for Kings County.
And the House adjourned till Munday at two of the Clock in the afternoon.
Die Luna P. M. May 30. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment, and Mr. Speaker assumed the Chair.
A Petition was presented to the House by Mr. Samuell Staats, Capt. Johannes a' P [...]ster, Alderman Leonard Lewis and Mr. Abraham Gouverneur, which the House ordered to be Read, and it was read accordingly.
Ordered, That the said Samuell Staa [...]s, Capt. Johannes d' Peyster, Alderman Leonard Lewis and Mr. Abraham Gouverneur have time given them till Wednesday next at eight of the Clock in the morning, to prepare their Reply to the Answer of Ebenezer Willson, Esq to their Complaint against him.
Ordered, That the Serjant at Arms do summon Josiah Hunt, Henry Fowler and John Shute of the County of Westchester to appear forth with before this House, to make good their Complaint against Mr. Benja. Collier, High-Sheriff of the said County, now lying before this House.
Ordered, That the Serjeant at Arms do summon Mr. Benja. Collier, High-Sheriff of the County of Westchester, forth-with to appear at the Bar of this House, to answer the Complaint of Josiah Hunt, Henry Fowler and John Shute, exhibited to this House against him, concerning an undue Election of Representatives for the said County.
And the House adjourn'd till to morrow Morning at eight of the Clock.
Die Martis A. M. May 31. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment, and Mr. Speaker assum'd the Chair.
Mr. John Harrison, High-Sheriff of Queens County, presented to the House an Answer to the Petition of Content Titus, Jonas VVood, VVilliam Lawrence, Hope Carpenter and John Coc, exhibited against him to this House; which the House ordered to be read, and it was read accordingly. And the House having caused the Deposition of Thomas Hicks, Sam. Moor, William Hallet, John Tredwell, Edw. White, Isaac Daughty, Nath. Pearsall, Jonathan Smith and William Fowler, being the Witnesses to the said election, to be read.
Resolved, That the Return of the Sheriff of Queens County, of Major John Jackson, and Capt. Daniel Whitehead as Representatives for the said County, is a due Return.
And the House adjourn'd till to morrow morning at eight a Clock.
Die Mercurij A. M. June 1. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment, and Mr. Speaker assum'd the Chair▪
Mr. Samuell Staats, Capt. Johannes d' Peyster, Alderman Leonard Lewis and Mr. Abra, Gouverneur presented to the House their Reply to the Answer of Ebenezer VVillson, Esq High-Sheriff of the City and County of New-York, which the House ordered to be read, and it was read accordingly.
Ebenezer Willson, Esq aforesaid, presented to the House the Deposition of Capt. Brandt Schuyler, Capt. John Hutchins, Capt. Jeremiah Tothell, Capt. William Morris, Mr. Derrick Vanderburgh, Mr. Matthew Clarkson & Mr. James Spencer, who were Witnesses to the Election of Representatives for the City and County of New-York, which the House ordered to be read, and it was read accordingly.
A Motion was made and the Question was put by Mr. Speaker, Whether the Return of Representatives for the City and County of New-York be lawful, or not? and the House was divided. And the House adjourned till two a Clock in the afternoon.
Die Mercurij P. M. June 1. 1698.
The house met according to adjournment, and Mr. Speaker assum'd the Chair.
A Motion was made and the Question was put by Mr. Speaker, Whether the Return of Representatives for the City and County of New-York be lawful, or not? And it was carried in the Affirmative, That it was lawful.
[Page 9] Ordered, That Coll. Henry Pierson and Major John Jackson attend his Excellency, and desire that Accounts of the Taxes and Additional Duty be laid before this House.
Coll. Henry Pierson & Major John Jackson attended his Excellency with the said Order, and his Excellency desired the House to attend himself & Council immediately. Upon which Mr. Speaker left the Chair, and the House attended his Excellency accordingly.
The House returned, & Mr. Speaker re-assum'd the Chair. And the House adjourn'd till to morrow morning at eight of the Clock.
Die Jovis A. M. June 2. 1698.
The H [...]use met according to adjournment. Ordered, That Major Matthew Howell and Capt. Thomas VVenham do wat upon his Excellency to desire a Copy of his Commission for this Government, to lie before this House And they attended his Excellency accordingly, and he was pleased to give them a Copy of his Commission, which they delivered to the House.
Mr. John Clapp, late Clerk of the Assembly, according to order, delivered to the House a List of Papers, Acts, Records, &c. of the Assembly, which he says are all that were in his Custody during his being in the said Office. And the House adjourned till to morrow morning at eight of the Clock.
Die Veneris A. M. June 3. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment. The Serjeant at Arms made Return of his Summoning Mr. Benja Collier, High-Sheriff of the County of VVestchester, to answer a Complaint against him by Josiah Hunt, Henry Fowler and John Shute of the said County; and of his summoning the said Josiah Hunt, Henry Fowler and John Shute, to make good their Complaint against him.
Ordered, That Major Matthew Howell, Capt. Jacobus van Cortland, Capt. Johannes Kip, Capt. Daniel Whitehead, Mr. Ryer Schermerhorne, Capt. Thomas Garton, and Mr. Joseph Purdy be a Committee to examine the Accounts of the Taxes & Additional Duty, and to make Report thereof to the House on Munnay next, at two of the Clock in the afternoon.
Mr Benja. Collier, High-Sheriff of the County of Westchester, appeared before the House, according to Summons, and delivered an Answer to the Petition of Josiah Hunt, Henry Fowler and John Shute, who also appeared at the same time to make good their Complaint against him, and after a hearing of the [...] on both sides, Resolved, N [...] menie Contradic [...]nte, That the Return of the Sheriff of [...] County of Westchester of Mr. John Drake and Mr. Joseph Purdy, as Representatives for the said County, is a due Return. And the House adjourned till two of the clock in the afternoon.
Die Veneris P. M. June 3. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment. And having taken into Consideration those parts of his Excellencies Speech concerning the reconciling of Parties and Regulating Elections, Ordered, That Lieut. Coll Henry Pierson, Major John Jackson, Capt. Thomas VVenham, Capt. Killian van Ranslaer, Capt. John Drake, Mr. Jan Jansen Bleker, and Mr. Abraham Heasbrooke, be a Committee to prepare and bring in Bills accordingly to morrow Morning at 10 a clock. And the House adjourned till to morrow morning at ten a clock.
Die Sabat. A. M. June 4. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment The Committee appointed for preparing Bills for Reconciling of Parties and Regulating Elections, moved the House for further time, which was granted till two of the Clock on Munday next. And the House adjourned till Munday 2 a clock in the afternoon.
Die Luna P. M. June 6. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment. Mr. Cornelius Sebringh and Mr. Cornelius Burnt produced to the House a Certificate from the Honourable Fredrick Phillips, Coll. Steph. van Cortland, Coll. Nicholas Bayard and Coll. Gabril Minveile, Esqrs. that they had taken the Oaths, and subscribed the Test and Association, and took their places in the House as Representatives for Kings County, instead of Major Gerhard Beekman and Mr Myndert Coarten.
[Page 10]The Committee appointed to examine the Accounts of Taxes and Additional Duty, Reported to the House, That for want of having the Accounts of the Taxes laid before them, they can make no progress in that matter, and desired further time, which was granted, til [...] to morrow at three a Clock in the after-noon.
The Committee appointed to bring in Bills concerning Reconciling of Parties and Regulating Elections, reported to the House, That they had agreed on some Heads for a Bill for Regulating Elections, which was presented to the House, and read; and they desired further time for preparing the Bills, which was granted till to morrow at three a Clock in the after-noon. And the House adjourned till to morrow at two a clock in the after-noon.
Die Martis P. M. June 7. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment. Mr. John Woglom produced Certificate to the House that he had taken the Oathes, and subscribed the Test and Association, and took his place in the House as one of the Representatives for the County of Richmond, instead of Mr John Tennison.
The Committee appointed to examine the Accounts of Taxes and Additional Duty, moved the House for further time, which was granted till Thursday next at three of the clock in the afternoon.
The Committee appointed to bring in Bills for Reconciling of Parties and Regulating Elections, presented to the House two Bills accordingly, which were ordered to be read, and were read accordingly. And thereupon a Motion was made and the Question was put by Mr. Speaker, Whether the Bill for Reconciling of Parties should be read, the second time or not? And the House was divided.
A Motion was m [...]de, and the Question was put by Mr. Speaker, Whether this House shall address his Excellency, that he will be pleased to appoint a Committee of the Council to joyn with a Committee of this House to draw up a Bill for Reconciling of Parties amongst us?
Resolved, Nemine Contradicente, That his Excellency be addressed accordingly.
Ordered, That Capt. Jacobus van Cortland and Major John Jackson do wait upon his Excellency to desire that a Committee of the Council may be appointed to joyn with a Committee of this House, to draw up a Bill for Reconciling of Parties amongst us. And the House adjourned till to morrow morning at 8 of the clock.
Die Mercurij A. M. June 8. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment. A Remonstrance was presented to the House, which was ordered to be read, and was read accordingly.
And thereupon a Motion was made, and the Question was put by Mr. Speaker, Whether the said Remonstrance shall be considered or rejected? And it was carried in the Affirmative, That it should be rejected. And the House adjourned till 2 a clock P. M.
Die Mercurij P. M. June 8. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment. A Message from his Excellency & Council by Coll. William Smith was presented to the House▪ and read, which was ordered to be entered, viz.
Ordered, That Co [...]l Henry Pierson, Capt. Killian van Ranslaer, Major John Jackson, Capt. Thomas VV [...]ham, Capt. John Drake and Mr. Abraham Haasbrooke be a Committee to joyn the Committee of the Council to morrow morning at eight a clock, at the House of Coll. Gabril Minveil, to draw up a Bill for Reconciling of Parties amongst us; and that they take into their Consideration the Proposals of Coll. VVilliam Smith to this House, and make Report thereof to morrow at two of the clock in the afternoon. And the House adjourn'd till to morrow at two a clock in the afternoon.
Die Jovis P. M. June 9. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment. The Committee appointed to examine the Accounts of Taxes [...]nd Additional Duty, moved for further time, by reason they have not had all the Accounts till this day. And it was granted till to morrow at two of the Clock.
The Committee for drawing up a Bill for Reconciling of Parties amongst us, and considering the Proposals of Coll. VVill. Smith, Reported to the House, That they met the Committee of Council, and agreed upon Heads for the said Bills, and ordered the Attorney General to draw them up.
Ordered, That the Bill for regulating Elections be read a second time; and it was read accordingly, and rejected.
The House having agreed upon Heads for a Bill for regulating Elections, Ordered, That the Heads of [...] Bill for regulating Elections this day read to the House, be carried to Mr. Attorney General, that he may draw up a Bill accordingly. And the House adjourn'd till tomorr [...] morning at eight of the Clock.
Die Veneris A. M. June 10. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment. A Petition of Mr. George Scot, referred by his Excellency to this House, was read, and lies under Consideration.
A Memorial of Mr. Alexander Paxton was presented to the House, and read, and lie; under Consideration. A [...]d the House adjourn'd till two a clock afternoon.
Die Veneris P. M. June 10. 1698.
The House met according to adjornment. The Committee appointed to examine the Accounts of Taxes and Additional Duty, presented their Reports of the same to the House in writing, which were read and approved, and are as followeth, viz.
A Committee appointed by the House of Representatives to examine the Accounts of the [...]axes, do find, That from the arrival of Coll. Henry Slaughter, Governour of this Province, till the 25 th day of March, 1698. there was raised by several Acts of Assembly the Sum of 26795 l. 14 s. 8 d.
And do also find, that Mr. Daniel Honan has refunded to the Receiver General, out of the 25 l. received to pay the Incidentals of the Fuzilers, 18 l. 17 s. The Total Credit is 26814 l. 14 s. 8 d
And do further find, That the said Receiver General has paid, by Warrants of the Governour and Council, as by Accounts and Warrants examined by us, app [...]ars, the Sum of 2 [...]5 [...]7 l. 15 [...]. 8 d.
So that there remains still due of the said Taxes, if all be received from Fishers Island, R [...]e, Bed [...]rd, and other Counties in Arrearage, 2286 l. 16 s. Out of which said Sum is still to [...], as per Coll. Cortlands Memorial annexed to his Account, said before us.
[Page 12]
| THe Committee appointed to inspect into the Accounts of the Additional Duty do find, That March 25. 1696. there was in the Receiver Generals hands 2 [...]3 l. 11 s. 2 d 3 farthings. And since, to the Expiration of the last Act, received the Sum of 3591 l 17 s. 11 d. half penny. The Total, Sum is | 6320 l. | 9 s. | 2 d. | 1 qr. |
| And that there is paid out of the said Sum, according to the intent and Uses of the respective Acts for establishing the said Duty, | 4443 l. | 15 s. | 8 d. | 1 [...]. |
| And there remains due to several Persons, that should have been paid before this time, | 290 l. | 3 s. | 11 d. | 3 [...]. |
| And there is now in the hands of the Receiver General, | 1592 l. | 9 s. | 6 d. | |
| 6 [...]26 l. | 9 s. | 2 d. | 1 qr |
And the House adjourned till to morrow morning at eight a clock.
Die Sabat. A. M. June 11. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment. The Committee appointed to joyn with a Committee of Council to draw up a Bill for Reconciling of Parties amongst us, and considering the Proposals of Coll. William Smith, presented to the House a Bill for Reciling of Parties, which was ordered to be read, and was read accordingly.
A Message from his Excellency was brought by Mr. Jamison, desiring Mr. Speaker and the House to attend him immediately▪ And Mr. Speaker left the Chair, and with the House attended his Excellency accordingly. And the House return'd, and Mr. Speaker re-assum'd the Chair, and reported to the House, That his Excellency ordered a Petition given to himself and Council by six of the Members of this House, who have with-drawn themselves, to be read, which his Excellency was pleased to say, That being very tender in touching the Priviledges of the House, was not cognizable by him, but he did recommend it to them and the said six Members to go together, and return and do the Countries Service, that those things which he had recommended to us in his Speech might not be frustrated; and ordered a Copy of the said Petition to be delivered to the House, which was done accordingly.
Ordered, That the Bill for Reconciling of Parties be read a second time, and it was read accordingly, and ordered to be engrossed.
The six Members that have with-drawn themselves, viz. Mr. R. Shermerhorn, Mr. Jan Jansen Bleeker, Mr. Thomas Mergan, Mr. Cornelius Scbringh, Mr. Cornelius Brun [...], and Mr. Tho. Woglom came into the House, and do say, That they return to the House as his Excellency recommended them, but cannot sit and act as Members at present, but desire further time for Consideration. And the House adjourned till Munday at two of the Clock in the afternoon.
Die Luna P. M. June 13. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment. And adjourned till to morrow Morning at eight a Clock.
Die Martis A. M. June 14. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment. Ordered, That the Bill for Reconciling of Parties be read the third time, and it was read and passed, and ordered to be sent up to his Excellency and Council for their assent. Ordered, That Major John Jackson & Capt. Killian van Ranslaer do carry the Bill for Reconciling of Parties to his Excellency and Council for their assent. And the House adjourned till two a Clock afternoon
Die Martis P. M. June 14. 1698.
The House met according to adjournment. A Message from his Excellency came by Mr. Jamison, That Mr. Speaker and the House are desired to attend his Excellency in Council immediately at the Fort. And accordingly Mr. Speaker left the Chair▪ and with the House attended his Excellency, who was pleased to Dissolve the Assembly.