LOYALTY Vindicated
From the [...] Virulent Pamphlet called [A Letter from a Gentleman [...] York, concerning the troubles which happen­ed in that Pro [...]ince, in the time of the late happy Revolution] wherein the Libellous Author falslely scandalises those Loyal Gentlemen, who couragiously threw off the absolute Slavery that Province then lay under: and Declar'd for His present Ma­jesty, the Protestant Religion, and the English Laws.

ALthough to name but the Authors of this Pamphlet, to give account of the time, manner, and design of its Publication, would sufficiently co [...]fute it; and were it all Truth, take away its Credit: Yet I shall first by plain proof of Fact and Reason, disabuse whom it may have imposed on [...]; and then expose the Seducers themselves whose corrupt minds gave birth to this Ignis fatuus.

I know the Authors have triumph'd, that their Libel hath not hither­to been answered; but they will have but little cause, when they con­sider it required some time to recover the damp and stunn given to honest minds, by the late corrupt Government of New-York that [...] it: and some time will always be naturally taken up for the [...] of joy; that truth and honesty will now have their turn of being pr [...]tected by Authority.

It was with great dread known, that the late K [...]ng James was bound in Conscience to indeavour to Damn the English Nation to Popery and Slavery, and therefore no wonder (since he made such large steps to­wards [Page 2] it in his Kingdom's) that he took a particular care of this Province, of which he was Proprietor, & at one jump leapt over all the bounds, & Laws of English Right and Governm [...]nt; and appointed a Governour of this Province of New York, who (although he was a person of large indowments of mind [...]et) gave active Obedience to his Prince without reserve; and accepted of a Commission now on record in the Secretarys Office, giving him power with consent of any Seven of his Council to make Laws and to [...]aise Taxes (as the French King doth) without consent of the People, (for the Council) are no body, but whom he pleases to name, and therefore could represent nothing but the Kings pleasure [...] Hereby the will of the Prince became the Law; and the estates of the Subjects became the Kings property. And this Governour and Council were the tools to inslave their Country, who pursuant to th [...]ir Com­mission did make Laws and Assessed Taxes accordingly, without any Representatives of the People, as appears by the Records of the Council book.

This French Government being thus (by Commission) introduced, it was natural that Papist [...] should be employed in the highest Trusts; such as the Council, the Revenue, and the Military Forces; and since no Law was left alive to make them unqualifyed, therefore this Obedient Governour admitted major Brockholse and major Baxter. into the Coun­cil; M [...]tthew Plowman to be Collector of the Revenue, and said Baxter and R [...]sse [...] to Command Military Forces; all professed Papists to assist in making Arbitrary Placats, and forcing Obedience to them from a P [...]o­testant free People.

This was the condition of New York, the Slavery and Popery that it lay under, until the Hand of Heaven sent the glorious King WILLIAM to break those chains, which would otherwise have fetter'd all Europe. And these were the reasons that moved the Gentlemen concerned [...]n the Revolution of New York, to be early in shaking off their Tyrants, and declaring for their Deliverer.

These things premised do make way for the answer to the bold Assertions of the Libeller, who had the Author Printed the Letter ten ye [...]rs be [...]ore, viz the time of the Revolution, he would have come under the penalty of spreading false News, which he in particular knows, in Scotland is call'd Leesing, and deserves the death call'd the Maiden.

[Pag. 3] In the third page which is the first of the Letter, he declares that Jacob Leisler and his accomplices committed great disorders in the Revo­lution. [Page 3] And was ever Revolution made wi [...]out them? What, must [...] noxious humours of the body natural, be loosned and put a float, and very o [...]ten with pangs and gripes, before the Medicament can officiate the discharge? & must not the body politick suffer a Convulsion to pluck up Spiritual and Temporal Tyranny that was taking [...] in it? [...] I pray explain your self, was not the Revolution it self the greatest disor­der that could be given to you and the Jacobite party? and therefore you need not admire nor wonder that all those that have a good opi­nion of the Revolution, have so likewise of Jacob Leisler, and other early Instruments of it in this Province: Nor is it a wonder that it should b [...] credited, that the persons then in Commission in New-York were Jacobites, and persons ill affected to the Revolution (which now the Libeller dare not say otherwise than call happy) for their very Com­missions from King James were expresly contrary to Law, and their per­sons unqualified to serve in any Capacity in any English Government, and so that as Jacobites (i. e. obeyers of King James's Arbitrary Govern­ment) and as Papists they must naturally be ill affected to the happy Revolution in England, and implacable Enemies to the well wishe [...] thereof in New-York. The proof of this appears by the Printed account of the State of the Government of New-York, attested by the Records of Sir. Edmund Andross, Coll Nicholson, Matthew Plowman, major Baxter and Bartholomew Russel's Commissions; which are Evidence undeniable and point blanck contrary to the Testimony of the Libeller, who calls him­self a personal witness. But the Author was safe at the time of Publish­ing the Letter, for it was when the Province lay under the calamity (more then in any other age) of Licensing this Letter, which gives Authority for the palliating of Vice with false glosses, and of criminating the Actions of the most Just and Virtuous and pious persons, and when Truth and Innocency were strip'd of all defence against the malice, falshood and calumny of Col. Fletcher, and his complying Council.

We are told the Lieutenant Governour and Council were Protestants, and perhaps they were; and so were Friend, Perkins, Jefferys, Herbert, Bishop of Chester, and Brian Haynes the player; therefore that is no in­fallible Test that they were well affected to the Revolution, if they had no other. But they resolved Thereupon to suspend all Roman Catholicks from Command and pla [...]es of trust in the Government. Well resolved, though they did not perform it, as the Libeller afterwards owns. But what means the word [ Thereupon] i. e. King James was fled into France, [Page 4] the Prince of Orange was Arrived with considerable Forces in England, and by consent and voice of the Nation declared their Deliverer and King: and since King James could not stand by them, and the Arbi­trary Commissions he had given them, and Old England would be sure to Command New-York: Thereupon they &c. No thanks to them for their Thereupon. Besides if I am not mistaken▪ the execution of their Illegal Commissions (which they held as long [...]) and their fear of exasperations they had justly given to the People, by being Volun­tary slaves to King James his Will, and Authorised to make all under them to be likewise so: (as the Devils would have all men Damn'd with themselves.) For these reasons these faint resolve, were made and ill executed. But we do not find that Thereupon they declared for the Prince of Orange, or the Protestant Religion No, these Gentlemen had sub­mitted so intirely to such a blind Obedience to their Prince as (not­withstanding their Profession) was never practis'd by any Christians, but the Papists; and think to hide their nakedness by the fig leaf of turning a single Papist out of the Council, just as their Master King James did, when the Prince of Orange was landing; the Nations hearts alienated from him, and his standing Army likely to run over to the Prince: Thereupon, he restored the Charters of Corporations, and Mag­dalen Colledge of Oxford, and declared to call a free Parliament: Just with the same good will as these New-York Thereupon-men. [Pag 4.] But it is notoriously false and known to be so by the Inhabitants of New-York, that Thereupon these disbanded Papists forthwith left the Province: For Baxter stay [...]d here several Moneths, not knowing whether it was a real Revolution or no; and Russel stay'd and dyed in New-York, but Plowman continued fix'd in the greatest Trust of Collector of the Re­venue, being intrusted by the Protestant Lieutenant Governour and Council with the sinews of War in his management, who would be sure as a strict Papist to employ it in the service of a Protestant Revolution, from the same good affection with themselves.

To proceed, this Libeller names three Dutch Gentlemen of their Co [...]ncil, and tells you that but two of them were moct affectionate to the Royal house of Orange, although Mr. Phillips (I believe) had the same affection with the rest: but the Libeller never tells you, that any of them [...] pleased that the Prince of Orange, had rescued from ruine our English Laws, Liberties and Protestant Religion, and was become a Royal English King: which was but a small reward to Him for the [Page 5] Blessing it gave us: he only tells us, that as Dutchmen they loved the Royal house of Orange: So, I presume the late King James doth, be­ing tyed by blood thereto; although the wishes him far enough from England. I suppose those Dutch Gentlemen will give the Libeller few thanks for his remark on them. He adds, that the said Lieutenant Go­vernour and Council Convened to their Assistance, all the Justices of the Peace and Civil Magistrates, and Military Officers. But they had quite for­got the English Constitution of calling the Representatives of the Peo­ple: and whereas several of this Convention were the Persons that were pitched upon, and thought fit by the then Arbitrary Government to have Commission, Office and Power to enslave the Subject. No won­der the People did not think themselves safe in their hands, to be managed by the major Vote of such a Convention.

Neither was the first thing they ordered, viz. Fortifying the City of New-York, any wise satisfa [...]to [...]y; since it was most proper that those persons who gave occasion for a Revolution, were most probable to make themselves strong to oppose it. And therefore Coll. Bayard made Coll. of the Militia by King James, was most liable to obey and execute King James's order, and an unsure Security for the Fort; Especially having so often declared in Words, and Letters, under his own hand to Mr. West &c. That those who were in Arms for the Prince of Orange were Rebels. But it is absolutely false, that Coll. Bayards in­dustry fortifyed the Fort; for Capt. Leisler opened the Well, which was closed up; he it was ordered the Batteries, that were made about the Town, he mended the Breast works of the Fort, as likewise the Plat­forms, and Powder Room; all which were in a miserable Con [...]ition [...] and these great works took up near a Twelve Mo [...]eths time, with Vigorous application and industry of the Inhabitants, [...] Bayard was out of the Power of betraying the Fort, which [...] never have been defended in the posture he kept it, with no W [...]ll op [...]n, nor any cover­ing for it, defence or security for thei [...] [...] when the Mi [...]itia Forces were on guard in the [...]ort, the [...] Gove [...]nour in Passion alte [...]ed their Orders given by their [...] them, if they gave him any further [...]. Im­prooved by the Depositions of [...]] And for their own [...] Revenue, as being very useful for men [...], for their cause.

[Page 6]It matters not what Letters were sent home by the Lieutenant Go­vern [...], for it is plain neither Governour nor Council would declare for the Prince of Orange, pretending they wanted Orders; No, they wanted good wil; for without Orders this Libeller pretends they turned out Banter and Russel out of Commission. I wonder how they dared to go so far, and no farther. But no body but themselves know or care whither they Wrote or no, for it signifyed nothing, except to excuse themselve [...] [...]rom declaring till an answer came, and they knew who was upperm [...]st I suppose they had a mind to stay to see who got the better in Ireland, before they would declare.

[ Pag. 6.] A lying building must have a lying foundation, & there­fore the Libeller says, That Capt. Leisler unwilling to pay the Duty of his Wines, stirred up the People to Rebellion. The case was thus, the Popish Collector Plowman was then continued in Office, and Capt. Leisler did, even with him, make Entry in the Custom house for his Wines, and ingaged to pay the Customs to such as should be legally qualified to receive them; which the Papist Plowman was not.

And now the People being exasperated by the delay of the Gover­nour and Council to declare for the Prince, the greater body of the Militia with their Officers, did Seize on the Fort, and did send and demand the Keyes from the Lieutenant Governour; and since they had taken the Government on them, they did Seize what Publick Moneys they could find; and took the Seven hundred Seventy three Pounds from Coll. Nicholson, which with great prudence they did Expend for the safety and defence of the Revolution: nor were the People Drunk or Mad: for no Man, Woman, or Child, was hurt by them even in the very Convulsion of changing the Government; nay the very Papists then in Office and others who were justly suspected of designs of be­traying the Country to King James's faithful Allie, the French King had not a hair hurt, except by the fright their own guilt occasioned; and these Revolutioners must either be very sober or loving in their drink, or these Jacobites had never scap'd being Dewitted by a suffi­ciently provoked People, who had the Power, but more grace than to use it.

False Assertions without proof are sufficiently answered by denying them This northern forehead answers himself: for the Libeller says, the people cry [...]d out that they disowned all Government, and in the next line [Page 7] tells you, they proclaimed Capt. Leisler their Commander. But I suppose he gives this contradiction as a proof of the Peoples being drunk; to be against all manner of Government, and choose a Governour in the same breath. 'Tis likewise notoriously [...] that no other Commission'd Officer was amongst them: for most of the Officers of the Militia of the City joyned therein: But had it been true, then [...]. Leisler [...] only Commission Officer ought to Command them; [...] they wor [...] just and sober in their choice, as well as prudent in their Trust of so good and faithful a Person But the fact of this was false, for Capt. Leisler though instrumental in shaking off the Tyrannical Government, did not believe he had a Title to govern longer than the Peoples Resolutions were known; and therefore circular Letters were carryed by Coll. Depeyster and Capt. De Brayn to the several Counties; whose Freeholders chose their Representatives, who being met appointed Capt. Leisler Commander in Chief under their Hands and Seals, and appointed several to be of his Council, under the name of a Committee of Safety to preserve the Publick Peace of the Province: Who did i [...] so effectually, that those divested of the Governing power had no other harm done to their persons; and the late Lieutenant Governour was permitted to withdraw himself whither he pleased. And here I must remark that he [...]ai [...]d much bet [...]er than Sir. Edmund Andross at B [...]ston, who was made close Prisoner and sent home to England, and yet no man was Executed or attainted there for that act of Loyal Violence.

Boston having proclaimed King WILLIAM and Queen MARY, and New York Fort and Government possess [...]d by Loyal Leisler and his party, and the Lieutenant Governour withdrawn out of the Province, then the Libeller saith, That the late Council and their Convention of Justices of the Peace & Officers, had a great wind to proclaim the King & Queen, whom they never had declared for, and we must take his word for it: but he owns the Loyalists did procl [...]me them, but saith, it was very disorderly. I observe what ever ma [...]e for the Revolution, or against the late King James, is very displeasing to the Scribler: For when the People took the Government out of their Arbitrary betrayers hands, he saith, they were drunk or mad; & now the proclaiming of the King & Queen, was very disorderly, in neither of which he gives one instance: [ Pag. 7.] Bu [...] thank God, they were procla [...]med, & their goodness will pardon small disorders which were the effects of Loyal Zeal. Although th [...] Jacobites will never forgive them for it. Some of which Council and Magistrates [Page 8] went to Coll. Bayards house and drank and rejoyced that Leisler had done what they never could have the heart to [...]o, nor made one step towards. And we may know what kidney these drinkers were of, by whose Wine they drank: For Coll. Bayard having been a complying tool all King James's Arbitrary Reign, you shall judge o [...] the rest by his opinion of the happy Rev [...]l [...]tion, in his letter to Mr. West of the 14 th. of January 1689, 90. Wherein he calls them Philistines; calls Leisler and his Loyal party, the Ar [...]h Rebel and his hellish crew; wishes he had a suf [...]c [...]ent number to suppress the R [...]bels, calls them usurpers of the Go­vernment, and call [...] Sir. Edmund Andross, his Excellency, and calls his friends Loyal; and the whole tenour of the Letter is to keep up King James's title to admit his Commissions of Government to be of force, to brand all that declared for the Prince of Orange, with the black name of Re­bels; by which he owned King James was still in his heart, and had he power equal to his will, would have kept him still on the Throne, and therefore we may judge of his and his Companies joy, on this oc­casion, and whose Health they drank: which, eight years after, they tell us was King WILLIAM'S and Queen MARYS.

His Majesties Proclamation to confirm Sheriffs, Collectors, &c. in their Offices, being Published, the Convention removed Matthew Plowman a Papist from being Collector, but this is now when Capt. Leisler had rescued the Government▪ was possess'd of the Fort and had proclaimed King WILLIAM [...] Queen MARY. Then the Conventi [...]n (who had done none of these things and were angry at those who did) they removed a Papist from his Office, about the middle of June, who was permitted by them to act above two Moneths from the time that the Lieutenant Governo [...]r and Council resolved to remove Papists from Offices; which (as the Libeller in the first page of his Letter saith) was the beginning of April: they kept him in as long as they could, and now to mend the matter, they put others in his place of the same principles as to King James, of which the famous Bayard aforementi­oned was the Ringleader. And the Li [...]eller brags, that they were the [...] in the Province that t [...]ok the Oaths to Their Majesties, appointed by Act of Parliament: It may be true; but it is a [...] true, that they were the last and backwardest to assist in the Revolution, or declare for the Prince of Orange, whi [...]h they never did; but afterwards pursued to death those that had done it. They were indeed most forward to take Oaths, when they were to gain by them, and to have the fing [...]ing of the [Page 9] Revenue. For the carrying of the purse they will deny their old Master King James; not out of hatred to him, but love to Money; being [...]ound by solemn Oa [...]h to be true to their own interest; which Oath binds them closer than any Oath of Allegiance.

These worthy Commissioners of the Revenue [...]a [...]e in the Custom [...] house, but Capt. Leisler with the Inhabitants who [...] possession of the Government and [...], demanded of them by what Authority they pre [...]ended to act; who refusing to give Capt. Leisler any Ac­count they offered to turn him out of the Custom-house by force; on which turn [...] (ma [...]e by three Jacobites) a guard of Inhabitants from the Fort came to defend their Captain. And the People in the Streets were so enraged at Coll. Bayard (who they knew was as inveterate as any Papist against the Revolution) that they had cer­tainly tore him to pieces, had not the good temper of Capt. Leisler been his protector, who was the only person capable of saving him in that extremity, and favoured his escape, and let him live to have afterwards a hand in the Murdering his deliverer: So that the Violence of Armed men and naked Swords, beating the Commissioners from the Custom-house, was very modestly done, for no man was hurt, not so much as a skin broke of those who deserved the halter; but they are still alive; some of them to watch another occasion to betray their Country, when they can get a Popish King of England to assist them.

[ Pag 8.] Captain Leisler finding several Papists and false Pro­testan [...]s in the Town, like a prudent Officer kept good g [...]ards, sent parties to preven [...] any Conspi [...]acy they might make to resume the Government; and to p [...]eserve the Peace; which was dayly attempted to be broke by declaring for King James, and his Governour Sir▪ E [...]m [...]nd An [...]ss, and denying the Authori [...]y of the People, and Capt. Le [...]sler intrusted by th [...]m, on which it was wisel [...] d [...]ne of Capt Leisler to secu [...]e in the Fo [...]t those whom he found so trou­bl [...]some to the p [...]bli [...]k Peace, and as the heads of them he Im­prison [...]d the [...] famous Coll. Bayard and Mr. [...]i [...]ols, but without [...] they were confined, and not in a nasty C [...]al, but in handsome lodgings, such as now are thought p [...]o [...]er for the Cap [...]ain of t [...]e [...]uard, the Store keeper and the [...]cretary of the Pro [...]ince to lodge and keep Office in. It is true that Coll. [Page 10] Bayard was put in Irons, as he well deserved for his aversion to the Revolution, disturbing the Peace, and attacking Capt. Leisler (then Commander in Chief) in the open Street, as appears by several credible Oaths. Nor could it be safe to admit such fire­brands to Bail; and therefore they were kept close from doing mischief, which is the part of all good Governments to do, and was most necessary in this Revolution.

Captain Leisler with the Committee of safety (appointed by the Representatives of the Freeholders of the several Counties of the Province) having published their Declaration for the Prince of Orange the Protestant Religion, and the English Laws and Liberties, they thought it prudent to discriminate the Well affected from the Enemy, and therefore Summoned all the Inhabitants of the City to the Fort, to sign their names to such a Declaration as owned the Authority of the Prince of Orange. And the refusers must justly by him and all mankind be deemed Enemies to the Revolution, to His Majesty, and their Country. And is this a crime to know the Sheep from the Goats, or to take all Reasonable methods for the safety of the then Government: but the Libeller is angry at every pru­dent step was taken, nor is he satisfyed, although it is above Seven years since he was gorg'd with their innocent blood which he had a hand in shedding.

It is notoriously false that Capt. Leisler opposed the Collecting of the Revenue; indeed he was not willing a Papist should run away with our Protestant Kings Money, nor did he think it safe in Bayards &c hands. But the Committee of safety (and not Capt. Leisler) appointed Mr. De Lanoy (in whom they durst confide) to that trust, who received no Customs until December following, when His Majesties orders arrived; till then he took only notes from the Merchants to pay the Customs when demanded. And 'tis well known that Mr. De Lanoy gave a fair and true Accompt of his Receipts and payments of the Customs to Governour Slaughter: whereby it appears [...]e had exp [...]nded five hundred Pounds of his own Money above the Money of the Revenue, for the Kings Service and the support of the Rev [...]l [...]ion; [...] Money is not repaid him to this day through the [...] Jac [...]ites afore m [...]ntioned, who crept into power, [...] gratified their revenge on men of greater sense [...] than themselves.

[Page 11]On the tenth of December one Riggs brought His Majesties Le [...]ters which were delivered to Capt. Leisler, as they ought accordin [...] to their direction; for Coll. Nicholson (to whom they were first d [...]rected) had withdrawn himself out of the Province, and [...] absence the Letters were directed to such as for the tim [...] [...] took care for the preservation of the Peace [...] [...]ministring the Laws; which was none other but Capt. [ Pag. 9. Leisler, who was appointed thereto by the Represen [...]ves of the Freeholders of the several Coun [...]yes of the Province, ar [...] had the Command of the Fort; nor could those who called them [...]selves of the Council be intituled thereto, for they were the Perso [...] that were made use of in the late Arbitrary and Tyrannical G [...]vernment, to the over-turning of all Laws, and Civil Rights, an [...] who gave Occasion for the Revolution in New York, and did neve [...] declare for the Prince of Orange.

These Letters from His Majesty fully confirming Capt. Leisler [...] the Government, whereto he was chosen by the People's Represen [...]tatives; he indeavoured to execute his trust faithfully, and on such an Emergency it was the greatest wisdom and prudence to find Money to support the Government, which he did as regularly▪ as the time would permit, by and with the consent of the General Assembly of the Province fairly chosen by the Freeholders; which this seducer falsely insinuates were only Selected and Appointed by Capt. Leisler. And by and with their ad [...]ice and consent Taxes were raised and pro­perly applyed. And 'tis observable the Libeller tells us, that Capt. Leisler applyed these Sums to his own private use, and yet in the very next words tells us, it was to maintain said disorders, al [...]owing private men Eighteen Pence per day: by disorders he means the Government reposed by the People and confirmed by King WILLIAM in Capt. Leisler, whi [...]h had disordered and routed the former Slavery the People lay under: for it was di [...]o [...]der to none but Papists and Jacobites. And the Eighteen pen [...]e a day was for the private use of the private men to whom it wa [...] p [...]id, for their subsist [...]nce in defending the Government: and th [...]i [...] de [...]ence was indeed of private use to Capt Leisler, as com­prehend [...]d in the Publick general good thereof: But the Revenue was not suffi [...]ient to defray so great a cha [...]ge, had not Capt. Leisler ex­pend [...]d great Sums out o [...] his own private Estate, as others concerned with him likewise did, for which he was repayed with a barbarous [Page 12] Death▪ through the means of men who will never venture their [...]ives or Estates to serve their Prince, Country, or Protestant Re [...]igion.

[ Pag. 10▪] Nor could Coll▪ Bayard and Mr. Nichols complain of their aforementioned confinement in the Fort, since they would fly in the face o [...] Government, and give such vent to their invenomed passions as appears by the Record of their Committment, and Co [...]l. Bayards confession in his Petition to Capt. Leisler.

But it is point blanck a lye, nor was it ever, or can be proved that Capt. Leisler gave directions to any man to plunder Coll. Bayards house, nor was an [...] thing of that sort done by his order to any house, but Commands given to the contrary, and the Souldiers were compelled to restore what could be made appear they had forcibly taken from any man. Even so small a matter as a Hat taken out of the house of Mr. Lambert, was restored to him.

Coll. Cortland and others might leave their houses and families, but they would have had no occasion for so doing had they peaceably and quietly minded their own affairs and submitted to the Government; for all such had no manner of disturbance given them, but were protected.

[ Pag. 11.] The Protestant Ministers the Libeller saith, could not scape Capt. Leislers Malice and Cruelty: I am afraid those Ministers he mentioned, were Popish Trumpets, to Preach up the damn [...]d Doctrins of Passive Obedience, and Non Resistance, and to noise in our Ears with their accursed breath that we ought patiently to hold our Protestant Throats to be cut by the [...] of a Popish King: and when Capt. Leisler with his friends had [...] hold of that wonderful Deliverance offered im­mediately from [...] to Redeem His People from Slavery upon Earth, and Popish Damnation in Hell; to have false Priests of Baal get up, and use their wicked Eloquence, to make the People believe a lye, even in the house of the God of Truth; and from the Pulpit, to tell these Captains of our Temporal Salvation to their faces, that being faithf [...]l to their God, their Country, and their Laws, in the defence of the Holy Protestant Religion, and the Rights and Liberties of Eng [...]ish men, and their thankful declaring for the most glo [...]ious Prince [...] [...]a [...]th their Deliverer: was the blackest of Treason and [Page 13] R [...]e [...]lion. Such Apostasy and base Treachery hath deserved, and often [...] rebukes than the friendly Verba [...] admonition given by Capt. Le [...]sler to the blind Seer, and had nothing of the Malice and C [...]uelty in it of the Libeller, who wrote [...]o false a Pamphlet: and so the other time [...]serving Priests (who were Protestant shooing horns to draw on Popery) might have been more quiet, and left the result of the Revolution to Divine Providence, and not pass such hard Censures as to attaint blood and accuse of Rebellion, [...] that would accept of Gods deliverance from the two greatest plagues of mankind, Popery and Slavery. But I hope they have repented and will be sav'd, otherwise whilst they Preach to others they themselves will be cast away.

'Tis true Capt. Leisler sent to the Merchants of the Town to sup­ply the Garrison with Provisions and other necessaries, and sent with­out distinction to all People who had Stores; otherwise the Garrison might have perished: but he honestly gave them Credit in the Kings Books, and they have since (for the greatest part) been satisfyed; and Capt. Leisler (as he ought) did order forceibly to break their Ware-houses open, where they were refractory, and refused on so great Emergency to afford support for the Government; but exact Accompts were kept of all such goods, and Entries made in Books kept for that purpose; so that it was not plunder, (as the Libeller falsely calls it) but they were to be satisfyed, and paid for the same. And I believe it was never known in the Memory of man, that ever a Re­volution, or change of Government, was more regular: or where Mili­tary power would not force Victuals where it was denyed them, when they wanted it: and therefore it was for the special Service of King WILLIAM and Queen MARY, to keep alive those that were the only persons in that Province, who declared early for Them, and owned Their Authority. Nor can any proof upon Earth be brought (except such as the [...]) that one Farthings Value of goods was ever converted t [...] the private use of Capt. Leisler, or Transported by him to the West Indies, but the imposture of the whole book de­pends on such positive falsehoods.

[ Pag. 12.] The Accompt of Thirteen Thousand nine hundred fifty nine Pounds of damages done the Province is made up by the Li­beller himself: for no man living of truth, hath ever demonstrated that Capt Leisler or his friends, ever made pillage of any mans Estate▪ [Page 14] but I believe the [...]ibeller reckons that he and his Jacobite party had so much damage by the Revolution, which they might Arbi­trarily have extorted from the Kings good Subject [...], i [...] it had no [...] happened. Good damages! which I am glad o [...] with all my [...]. At this rate pray what damages had the Popish Cle [...]gy o [...] England and Ireland, by King WILLIAMS hindering their being restored to Abbys, Monasterys and Peter Pence; but it is better that the Jac [...]bites should su [...]fer damage of their Estates and Lives too, than an Eng [...]ish Protestant People should have the damage o [...] loosing their Laws and Religion, their Properties and their Souls. And as [...]or Coll. Willets losses, which the Libeller magnifies, he could not put a particular Value on them, they were so small. Had they been considerable, he would since have made a particular complaint, to have reparation, which he never did, nor had occasion for; but had he been ruined he would not have been pittyed by good men, because he so far forgot that he was an Eng [...]ish man and Protestant: that he Executed an Illegal Commission, and raised Forces to de­stroy all those that declared▪ for our Deliverer, that we might return to our Vomit, which was a Dog trick in him.

And thus the Libeller expatiates on Capt. Leislers Arbitrary pro­ceedings over his Majesties Subjects Persons and Estates, against the fundamental Laws of the Land; but he should have considered that all the fundamental Laws of the Land were wholly subverted and trampled upon by the Hellish, Popish, Arbitrary Government, Established by King James's Commission; so that Capt. Leisler found no fundamental Laws to transgres [...]; and was forced in dis­charge of his trust from the People, and by and with the con­sent of those app [...]inted by their Represen [...]atives, to use these violent methods which Heaven gave him the power to make use of to restore [...]hose fundamental Laws, which were abolished by tools of the same temper with the Libeller.

Major Ingoldesby a Captain of a foot Company, arrives near two yea [...] after, saith the Libeller, And with se [...]eral Gentlemen of the Council, send [...] to [...]apt. Leisle [...], that for the prese [...]ation of the Peace, he might con­tinue to Command in the Fort, until Coll. Slaughters Arrival, and only de [...]red that major Ingoldesby and the K [...]ngs Souldiers might be per­mitted to quarter, and refresh themselves in the City: but instead of [Page 15] complying, he in passion told Mr. Brooke, on his acquainting him, that Mr. Phillips, Coll. Bayard, Coll. Cortland were of the Council, that they were Papist Dogs, and if the King should send Three Thousand of them, he would cut them off; and without cause Proclaimed open War; [...] whi [...]h said major Ingoldesby perswaded several of the [...] with him meerly for self preservation. On which several [...] Shot from the Fort killed and wounded several of [...] good Subjects, who made no opposition.

This whole Paragraph I shall shew to be the greatest complication of Iniquity, and fit to be the production of a Monster begat by an Incubus on a Scotch Witch, who had kindled his malice against Truth from the flames he put to the holy Bible, thereby to become the Adopted Son of the father of Lyes.

For major Ingoldesby having no Commission, nor Authority to Command, on his Arrival, took on him the Title of Commander in Chief, usurp'd a shew of Government, calling a Council, and Is­suing peremptory orders, as appears by the Records of the Council Book; nay quite contrary to the Romantick Account of the Libeller, he sent a demand under his own hand, which I have seen, wherein he acknowledges Capt. Leislers offer to him of his own Houses in the City for the Accommodation of himself and Officers, and to appoint fit Quarters for the Souldiers; which major Ingoldesby under his hand denyes to accept of, saying, he demanded the Fort from him, which unless Capt. Leisler would deliver up to him, he would esteem him as an Enemy to King WILLIAM and Queen MARY. I have likewise seen Capt. Leislers Letter to major Ingoldesby full of Civility, and true Reason, wherein he acquaints him, that he held the Fort and Commanded by Virtue of a trust reposed in him by the People, and confirmed by His Majesty, and assuring him, that if he had any Commission from His Majesty, or any Instruction, or Order from Coll. Slaughter appointed Governour of the Province, on his producing it, The Fort should be immediately delivered to him, but desired to be excused from resigning his trust, till he found one qualifyed and authorized to rec [...]ive it from him. But this was not satisfaction to major Ingoldesby who was prevailed with to take the Go­vernment on him in opposition to Capt. Leisler, and as Governour in Chief (although never Impowred by King or People) he issues [Page 16] orders to the several Counties to be ready to attend and ass [...]st in opposing Leisler, and his party with A [...]ms; which was the pro­claiming open War; and pursuant there [...]o, he sends his [...] in the night, and ordered or permitted his Rounds at all hours to pass the guards and contrys on the Walls of the Fort, and not to make answer, but by reproachful Language, when challenged by them, in order to provoke the drawing of blood, and ingaging th [...] People in a Civil War: and farther, major Ingoldesby ordered all the m [...]n un­der his Command to wear Marks on their Arms, to di [...]tinguish them from those who joyned with Capt. Leisler.

Du [...]ing this Revolution and Civil War, I am told not above two persons were killed, which happiness a [...]tended the moderate temper of Capt. Leisler and the Committee of safety, who could not be raised to punish the Insolence of the Tory party, suitable to what they gave just occasion for.

Soon after, viz. in March, about a Month or five Weeks a [...]er major Ingoldesbys usurpation, Coll. Slaughter Arrived, who Summoned the Fort late at night, and, contrary to the Libellers assertion, it was never denyed to be delivered: but the delivery suspended till next Morning, i [...] not being proper (according to Military R [...]les) to [...]e­liver a Fort in the night; and then it was Surrendred by Capt. Leisler, who waiting on the Captain General Coll. Slaughter, instead o [...] thanks for the faithful Service he had done His Majesty in defending the Fort and Province from the French (our professed Enemies) and the Treachery of Papists and Jacobites amongst our selves, wa [...] imme­diately by his order Seized with Mr. Milbourn, and others of [...]he Loyal party, and bound over to answer at the next Supream Court of Judicature; where Capt. Leisler and Mr. M [...]b [...]urn pleaded to the Ju [...]isdicion of the Court, That whereas he was i [...] possession of the of the Gov [...]nment by the choice of the Peopl [...], [...] in it by the [...] Letters, that he was [...] to answer [...] or Author [...]t [...], [...], who had [...] him; [...] was [...] the Cou [...]t, with [...] [...]eason o [...] Law, and [...] guilty o [...] High Treas [...]n and Murder; and [...] was granted them [...], until His [...] should be known in t [...]e matter: yet the Violen [...]e [Page 17] of the Jacobite party (of which sort were most of Capt. Leislers Judges and Officers of the Court) was such that they gave no rest to Coll. Slaughter, [...] their Importunity they prevailed with him to sign the Dead Warrant. And they were Executed accor­dingly. So that the representation of the matter, with an account of their Reprieve reached His Majesty at the same time with the account of their Execution and Death. So fell Capt. Leisler, and Mr. Milbourn men of known Integrity, Honesty and Loyalty, and by a pretended course of Law, contrary to all Law condemned, where their Judges were most of them violent Enemies of the happy Revolution, and therefore resolved to revenge themselves on these Gen [...]lemen who were the most Early and Zealous Instruments of it; and who had first expended great part of their Estat [...]s, and then suffered Martyrdom for King WILLIAM and Queen MARY, their Religion and Laws. The proofs and papers referred to in this account remain in the hands of Mr. Jacob Leisler only Son of Capt. Jacob Leisler the Martyr to Jacobite Revenge. The proof that Capt. Leisler was legally Governour of New-York. That major Ingo [...]desby was but a bear Captain of [...]oot, and had no other command in that Province, nor authority to demand the Fort from Capt. Leisler; The proof that Capt. Leisler did as a good Subject deliver the Fort to Coll. Slaughter upon demand, and his Justification, is immediately expressed in the Act of Pa [...]liament of England which reverses their Attainders, and restores their Families, in Blood and Estate.

So that this is the full a [...]d true account of this Tragedy; New-York lay under the C [...]rse of an obs [...]lute Gov [...]nm [...]nt by King James's Commission to Si [...]. Edmund Andross; the [...] cou­rage on the first News of the Rev [...]lution in Eng [...]and, and s [...]o [...]k off the Oppressors, and declared for the Prince [...]; the Lieuten [...]nt Governour, the Council, and [...] o [...] the [...] met and [...]l [...]'d [...] a Co [...]ention being [...] by King [...] no [...] decla [...]e [...]or the Pri [...]ce o [...] Orange; where­fore the people did not think themselves [...]a [...]e in their [...], but S [...]iz [...]d upon the Fort, and [...] Capt. Leisler Commander o [...] the Fort until Cir [...]ular Letters had p [...]ocured a return of Representatives of the Free holders of the several Counties of the Province, who [Page 18] on th [...]ir meeting making a Declaration for His present Majesty, did under their Hands and Seals constitute Capt. L [...]isler Commander in Chief until the Kings pleasure should be known; and li [...]wise ap­pointed him a Council, by the name o [...] a Commit [...]ee of Sa [...]ety. And in these Persons the Governm [...]nt was lodged, who proc [...]eded to support themselves by the most moderate methods could be devised.

The Lieutenant Governou [...] hereupon withdraws ou [...] of the Province, major Ingolde [...]by Arrives with Authority over none but his Foot Company; and yet demands the Fort, which Capt. Leisler du [...]st not deliver to him without betraying his Trust both to th [...] King and People; major Ingoldesby usurps the Title of Commander in Chief, he Issues Orders and Warrants to the People to rise in Arms to assist him to wrest the Fort out of Capt. Leislers hands, and pro­vokes Capt. Leislers men in the Fort to Acts of hostility, by which means one or two men were accidentally killed. Coll. Slaughter Arrives, demands the Fort, which was surrendred to him immediately; the Persons of Capt. Leisler and Mr. Milbourn are Seiz [...]d, and soon after brought to Tryal; their plea to the Jurisdiction of the Court (which could not by Law try them for Mal Administration in Go­vernment) violently over ruled, and they Condemned as Mutes, for High Treason and Murder; they were Reprieved until His Majesties pleasure should be known; and notwithstanding the Reprieve, the Warrant of Execution Signed, and they Executed.

But the Enemies to King WILLIAM, and consequently to these Gentlemen, had not sufficiently gratified their malice, by these mens innocent blood: but they labour in England to get a Justifi­cation for themselves, and a confirmation that the said unjust Judg­ment was according to Law; and when His Majesty was in Flanders and several Ministers of State were in place an [...] trust in the Com­mittee o [...] Trade, which His Majesty hath since tho [...]ght fit [...]o remove from His Council and their Offices: a report was obtained from the Committee of Trade affirming that these Loyalists were Con­demned and Ex [...]ted according to Law. [...]ut however the said Com­mittee represented their Sons▪ as fit objects of Her Majesties mercy, to be resto [...]ed to their Fathers Estates; which Her Majesty was [...] pleased to grant. And these mag [...]ignant Confederates so [Page 19] far prevailed with the Assembly of New York to compliment and [...] new Governour Coll. Slaughter, as to pass several Votes against the whole proceedings of the happy Revolution, and to exc [...]se the barbarous Seve [...]ity of the Illegal Condemnation and bloody Execution which he had ordered. And this was the State of the Case until the Par [...]iament of England took the matter into the [...] Con [...]de [...]ation, and the Honorable the H [...]use of Commo [...] in the Sixth and Seventh year o [...] His present Majesties Reign appointed a Com­mittee to examine all parties in [...]elation to Capt. Leislers Execution, where they were heard by their Council at Law, and where Mr. Dudley (who formerly applyed to get Money by Magistracy and Government in New-England, and set up for a Judge in matters of Blood in the Tryal of Capt. Leisler at New York) was heard to make his defence, where his Cobb Webb Eloquence was too thin to put a vail over so black an Action, as created horrour in the minds of that Honorable and Numerous Committee; who reported the matter fully to the House, and thereupon an Act of Parliament passed the Royal Assent, wherein His Majesty, the Lord, and Com­mons of England do recite the Legality of Capt. Leislers Authority, and justifie his proceedings in the Government, and more especially his refusing to deliver the Fort to major Ingoldesby, being the Fact fo [...] which he was Condemned; and do absolutely reverse the At­tainders and restore the Blood and Estates of Capt. Leisler, and those persons Co [...]demned and Executed in New York; which Act of Par­liament i [...] [...] at the end of this Treatise.

And now after all, it being about Eight years s [...]nce these men d [...]ed, when the Gra [...]e and Time should have so b [...]ry [...]d the Pers [...]ns and [...] of th [...]se good [...] unfortunate Persons, that no Re­venge sh [...]ld have room to desi [...]e a [...]a [...]ther gratifica [...]i [...]n; and when the [...] between those [...] D [...]ch extrac [...]i [...]n (who are the [...], L [...]yal and Sober Subjects of that Pro [...]ince) and [...]he [...] (who were most ave [...]se and backward in the Re [...]lu [...]i [...]n, but viol [...]nt and bloody in the Execution of Capt. [...], as w [...]ll as the m [...]st disso [...]u [...]e in their Mo [...]als) in th [...]s Provinc [...], had [...] to cool, and might by a good Government have been wholly [...]. A [...]ter all, I say, to have this [...] again blown up, to [...] Wounds and to open the Graves of the Dead, to disturb the [...]; [Page 20] was such an artifice of the Devil as must give a more than usual abhorrence in good minds; which leads me to give an account of the Occ [...]sion, the time, manner, and design of the Publica [...]ion of this [...] call'd a Letter, and withall take some n [...]tice of the supposed author.

It is evident in New York, and wi [...]l soon b [...] made appear to His Majesty, that the [...] Governmen [...] of New York under the Admi­nistrati [...]n of Coll. F [...]etcher, was a perfe [...]t sink of Corruption. And although he was [...] to that Government from a poor mean refugee of Ireland; yet [...]e soon forgot the hand that raised him, and to satisfy his Soul, his Idol Gain, he made a fast friendship with the few Papists, Jacobites, and dissolute English of New York, who had opposed the Revolution and revenged themselves on Cap [...] Leisler; and who to be supported in their hatred to the Loyal Wil [...]iami [...]es, and connived at in their open breach of all the Acts of Trade, found great advantage to reward Coll. Fletcher's friendship by Presents from themselves, and gifts from Pirates; and complyed with him, and consented to all things proposed to them by him; to the squandring of the Kings Revenue and (to the great dishonour of the King) destroying all conveniences of a Succeeding Governour; and dis­posing of all the Lands in the Province, that not one [...]uch is le [...]t to be given in reward to any who may by their Services to His Majesty, deserve; or to incourage new Settlers, and that in such quan [...]ities as will wholly make it impossible ever to People the Pro­vince; giving to one man Seventy Miles in length; and to several Fifty, Forty and Thirty Miles in length, and several Miles in breadth; with many other unjust gross Mal Administrations.

On this bottom Coll Fletcher joyned in the mortal hatred to the l [...]vers of the Loyal Leisler; and when several condemned to dye for their [...] in that Revoluti [...]n were order [...]d by Her gracious Majesty [...] Memory to be [...], Coll. Fletcher did it [...] an act [...] of [...]is own, and told them that al [...]h [...]ugh [...]e rele [...]ed them [...] call for them [...] pleased, a [...]d hang them And some time [...] told [...], [...]hat they dealt worse by [...]im▪ [...] cleans [...]d by our [...], some of which [...] him, but none of them ever did, meaning none [Page 21] of them had given [...] Bribe or reward, which he was used to re [...]eive. These Truths Mr. Beck [...] [...]nd Mr. Gouvernour will attest. Coll▪ Fletcher likewise paid that disregar [...] [...] the Act of Parliam [...]nt of England (Reversing the Attainders [...] Capt. Le [...]sler and others Condemned, in Blood and Estate) that he [...] the Wido [...] Leisler to be repossessed of her Estate; nor had she [...] her, during Coll. Fletchers Government, nor untill my Lord [...] granted her a Writ of Possession; which was a ye [...]r and half after she was Entituled to it by Act of Parliament in Eng [...]and, Reprinted at New-York. He likewise wholly discouraged the generality of those who were active in the Revolution, putting few or none of them into Office, or Employment; and wholly adhering to those that gratifyed his Vanity, Pride, and Covetousness. For which in return he gave them countenance in all matters, as we [...]l as connivance at their unlawful▪ Trade.

His Majesty having appointed the Earl of Bellomont Governour of New-York, (whose great Honour and Justice Coll. Fletcher both knew and dreaded.) some considerable time passed between his Patents being passed, and his beginning his Voyage, which Coll. Fletcher took the advantage of, therein to contrive methods so to divide the People of the Government, that in Publick disorder he himself might escape having strict Scrutiny made into the Corruptions of his Government, he therefore not satisfyed with crushing the Loyalists, during his Go­vernment, was resolved to assist the Publishing this Libel, which might give such an Account of the Revolution of New York as should Ex­asperate to the highest degree, all that were concern'd in it and at the same time assured his Jacobite party, that it was necessary such a book should be Licensed, to possess the Strangers who came with my Lord, with such falsehoods as were useful to their party; my Lord being, as he feared, inclined to favour whoever was we [...]l inclined to the Loyalty of Leisler. So that, as is su [...]posed, one Mr. Jamis [...]n was employed to frame this Libel, who was Clerk of the [...]loody Court that Condemned Leisler; a person mo [...]t in the graces of Coll. Fletcher, who was in Scotland condemned to [...] and Bur [...] ­ing the Bible, and was banished to New-Y [...]k: [...] Con­tribution need from being a Servant, [...] and being somewhat a Scholar, and having good [...] [Page 22] [...] of hi [...] wi [...]ked parts to teach Blasphemy, and Atheism, and to [...]idi [...]ule Sober Religion, till he got a Reputation amongst the disso [...]ute Church of England men, whose Li [...]urgie he then would, and still doth gabble over with great seeming devotion, and up lifted eyes a few hours after he had been Blasph [...]ming Ch [...]istianity: but his form of sa [...]ing the Common Pra [...]er s [...]ffi [...]iently recommend [...]d him to Coll. [...], so that the Secretary C [...]arkson was prevailed on to make him his Deputy for a Hundred Pounds a year Rent; and Coll. Flet­cher gave him [...]i [...]ty Pounds per Annum Salary out of the Kings Re­venue as Clerk of the Council, and through all his Government made use of his vile Service, and afterwards recommended him to the Earl of Bellomont, as one of the honestest men in the Government; al­though at the same time he knew the said Jamison was actually marryed to two Wives then living. This man so qualifyed was in­trusted to do this piece of Service, but 'tis believed the aforemen [...]ioned Coll. Bayard gave him some assistance in furnishing him with some Materials, & without doubt according to orders, no falsehood was b [...]lk'd that could serve the cause, and so this Libel was hammered out, in which there is sca [...]ce a Paragraph, but what contains one or more Scurrilous Untruths, which are delivered with an Highland modesty and peremptorily affi [...]med to be truth without any proof, on purpose to Vilify the Transactions of the Revolution, and Massacre over again the Reput [...]tion of thos [...], whose persons were Murdered Eight years before for their Loyalty, and withal the Villany proper to persons who [...]ate the present Government▪ are added to this Account some Servile Vo [...]es of the Assembly of New York made to flatter their new Governour Coll. Slaug [...]r, who signed these Loya [...]ists Warrant for Execu [...]ion, a [...]d likewise is P [...]inted an order or report (God knows how ob [...]in [...]d) of the Committee of Trade for J [...]st [...]ying the said Condem [...]ati [...]n and Executi [...]n But this Libeller, contrary to his duty, to [...] to His Majesty, and respect to Laws (for he [...] to the present Government) takes no [...] of Pa [...]liament of England Reversing the Attainders [...] G [...]ntlemen, which gives the Lye to his whole [...] as Lawful Governour of New York, and in [...] was basely Murdered, contrary to all [...] d [...]ing [...] duty as His Majesties Lawful [...]; which is the sence of the words of the said [Page 23] Act. But the Libeller did as he was o [...]dered, and the book raised the flame it was designed to raise, and was carryed to the [...] by Mr. Brook (who although a Refugee from [...] and [...] b [...] King WILLIAM to be Collector and Receive [...] [...] Customes and Revenue of New York, and a new- [...] upon him to be one of the bloody Judges of this [...] ▪ but is since for betraying his said Trust and neglect of his duty, sus­pended from all his Employs, even that of being Judge, and one of the Council, by the Right Honorable the Earl of Bellomont, who was his Security for his Collectors place to the Commissioners of the Customs of England, but could n [...]t bear his treachery to that Tr [...]st which he himself had been Instrumental to advance him to. And Mr. Wilson late Sheriff of New York a hot headed despicable fellow, who to serve the Tory party, contrary to his Oath, made a most false Return of Assembly men to serve for the Counties of New York, and Orange in the l [...]st Assembly. For which palpable breach of his Oath and Trust, His Excellency the Earl of Bellomont with consent of the Council suspended him from being Sheriff of New York. But when this Libel was so midwived to the Press by the Kings Collector (who was likewise one of the Council) and this foresworn Sheriff. Then Coll. Fletcher calls the Council where 'tis proposed (as appears by the Minute of Council) that a book being found at the Printers, giving an Account of the Revolution of New-York and containing nothing but Truth. 'Tis resolved Nomine contra­dicente, that it should be Printed. But who were the Council who consented to this great piece of Service to His Majesty? Why Coll. Fletcher, who is supposed to have given orders for its being Written. Coll. Bayard of whom enough is said plainly and truly. Mr. Brook who carryed it to the Press and was one of Leislers Judges▪ Mr. Pinhorn, another of Leislers Judges (who is since removed by His Excellency the Earl of Bellomont [...]rom being Judge and of the Council, for speaking most Scandalous false and reproachful words of His most Sacred Majesty King W [...]LLIAM, and for pro­tecting and concealing in his house a Popish Priest) and some other Enemies of the Revolution. So that (to omit the false sordid flatteries given to Coll. Fletcher, which are impertinently added by the Libeller) it is apparent that there was a wicked conspiracy, by this book to give distraction (by Printing it just before the Earl [Page 24] of Bellomont's Arrival at New-York) and thereby to divide the Peo­ple and so to disturb [...] under his Government, that there should be [...] time or opportunity of quickly inquiring into the Corruptio [...] [...] Coll. Fletchers managements.

This was the time and design of its Publication, these the quali­ties of the supposed Authors, and of the Persons who carryed it to the Press, and after this manner (by Coll. Fletcher and the afore mentioned of the Council) it was permitted to be Printed; so that it is no wonder, that this book was a Mine Sprung from He [...]l to blow up the Peace of this Province, when so many Sons of Belial in Office and Authority joyned in its Contrivance and Publication, who must keep to their nature and not stick at any plain falsehood (although i [...] fly in the face of the King, Lords and Commons of England, and Truth it self) that may Exasperate and raise a flame, and if possible Murder over again those Martyrs for their Loyalty, Capt. Leisler and Mr. Milbourn, who were bar­barously Executed for b [...]avely▪ Asserting the Rights and Liberties of English men against Popish and Arbitrary Government; and for their Early and Sincere Affection to His most Sacred Majesty KING WILLIAM, whom GOD send long to Reign.

Anno Sexto & Septimo GULIELMI III. REGIS. An Act for Reversing the Attainder of Jacob Leisler and others

_ [...]e [...]tas in the [...] Happy Revolution, the In­ [...]itants of the Province of New-York in America, did, in their General Assembly, Consti­tute and Appoint Captain Jacob Leisler, to [...] Commander in Chief of the said Province, unt [...] Their Majesties Pleasure should be know [...] therein; And the said Jacob Leisler was after­ [...]rds Con [...]rmed in the said Command by His Majesties [...], Dated the Thirtieth Day of July, One thousand six hundred eighty and nine; And the said Jacob Leisler having the Administration of the said Government of New-York, by Virt [...]e of the said Power and Authority so Given and C [...]firmed in him, as aforesaid, and being in the [...] thereof, Captain Richard Ingoldesby arriving in the said Province in the Month of January, Anno Domini One thousand six hundred and ninety, did, without Producing any Legal Authority, Demand of the said Jacob Leisler the Possession of the Fort at New-York: But the said Jacob Leisler, pursuant to the Trust in him Reposed, Refused to Surrender the said Fort into the Hands of the said Richard Ingoldesby, and kept the Possession thereof until the Month of March then next fol­lowing: At which time Colonel Henry Slaughter being Con­stituted Captain General and Governour in Chief of the said Province, arrived there in the Evening, the said Jacob Leisler having Notice thereof that same Night (though very late) took care to Deliver the said Fort to his Order, which was done very early the next Morning.

And whereas the said Jacob Leisler, also Jacob Milborne, Abraham Gouverneur and several others, were Arraigned in the Supreme Court of Judicature at New-York aforesaid, and Convicted and Attainted of High Treason and Felony for not [Page 28] [...] Possession of the said Fort to the said Richard [...] ▪ and the said Jac [...] Leisler and Jacob Milborne were [...] for the same: May it therefore please Your most Excellent Majesty at the humble Petition and Request [...] the Son and Heir of the said Jacob Leisler [...] Jacob [...] the Son and Heir of the said Jacob Milborne deceased▪ and of the said Abraham Gouverneur, That it be Declared & Enacted.

And be it Enacted by the Kings most Excellent Majesty; by and with the Advice and Consent of the Lords Spiritual [...] Temporal, and Commons in this present Parliament Assembled, and by the Authority of the same, That the said several Convicti [...]ons, Judgments and Attainders of the said Jacob Leisler deceased, Jacob Milborne deceased, and the said Abraham Gouverneur, and every of them, [...], and are Repealed, Reversed, Made and Declared Null and Uo [...]d to all Intents, Constructions and Purposes whatsoever, as if no such Con­vict [...]ons▪ Judgments or Attainders had [...] had or Given: And that no [...] Blood or other Penalties or [...] Goods, Chattels, Lands, [...], be by the said [...] and Attainders or either of [...] ▪ Any Law-Usage or Custom to t [...]e [...]ontrary notwithstanding.