History of New Jersey : from the earliest settlements to the present time. Designed for common schools ...

Preface

The inhabitants of a State should have a general knowledge of its history. The story of the pioneer settlers in an unexplored wilderness, their mastery of the ] elements, their struggle for personal rights, their maintenance of the principles of English liberty, their attainment of national independence and the establishment of a commonwealth, are subjects that should command the interest of every citizen. When and how the resources of the State were developed, when public improvements were constructed and public institutions were erected — how, from small beginnings, settlements grew into powerful manufacturing and trading communities, and how the wealth and prosperity of the commonwealth were attained, are questions worthy the attention of a people living in the enjoyment of these priceless boons transmitted from an ancestry, who, through much suffering and unrecounted toil, struggled from poverty and insignificance up to wealth and an honorable fame. This book was compiled to make the acquisition of this knowledge eaSy for every citizen, and in the hope that the rising youth in the State will, in their school-days, be made familiar with the history of their own inheritances, and be thereby incited to foUbv/ the examples of industry

4 PREFACE.

and skill, and to emulate the virtue and patriotism, of the early settlers and the fathers of the Commonwealth. Much that is interesting^ in the annals of the State has been necessarily excluded, though nothing that is essential to a full comprehension of its history has been omitted.

The questions at the foot of each page are intended to guide the teacher, who will readily multiply them to meet the Avants of his class.

The tables in the Appendix are arranged for reference, and epitomize the history of the State. Trenton, October 29, 1869.

Appendix

Table I. — Counties in New Jersey 251

II. — Table of the Governors of the Colonies, of the Provinces and of the State 252

III. — Table of the Principal Officers of the United States from New Jersey since the Adoption of the Constitution 255

IV. — Railroads in New Jersey 256

V. — Canals in New Jersey 257

VI. — Agricultural Products of New Jersey in 1868 257

VII. — A Chronological Table of Important Events in the History of New Jersey, from the Discovery of the Delaware in 1609 until 1869 258

HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.

CHAPTER I. Early Settlements — Government Established

PALISADES ON THE HUDSON.

1. New Jersey is bounded on the north by New York; on the east by Hudson river and the Atlantic ocean ; on the south by Delaware bay ; and on the west by Delaware river. The greatest length of tlie State, from the north-west point to Cape May, is about 168 miles ; the greatest width is about 60 miles ; the area is 7576 square miles.

2. This territory was first visited by European mariners

Chapter I. — 1. Bound New Jersey. State its dimensions.

2. When did Europeans first visit this territory? When and by whom was the first settlement made on Manhattan Island ? Where, when and by whom were the first settlements made in New Jersey?

in 1609, when Captain Henry Hudson, sailing on an exl)lo)-ino- expedition to America under the patronage of the Dutch East India Company, touched at the mouth of the bay, but, finding shoal water, withdrew ; and sailing northward, entered the mouth of the great river which is now called Hudson, in honor of the discoverer. Hudson's men established a trading-post on Manhattan Island ; they also made small settlements at Bergen and at other points in New Jersey as early as 1617. In 1621 these were transferred to the West India Company of the United Netherlands— a corporation formed in Holland to monopolize trade in America. In 1628 this company took possession of the whole country discovered by Captain Hudson, which included all the territory lying between Delaware bay, called South River, and the Hudson, called North River. The possessions of the company w^ere named the " New Netherlands." This territory was at that time inhabited by small tribes of Indians, or parts of the great tribes, that, occupied the country between the lakes on the north and the Susquehanna river.

3. A colony arrived in 1623, built New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island, and sent Captain Cornelius Jacobus May, with a party of adventurers, to the "South" River, under instructions to form a settlement and to explore the country on the borders of the river. The commander of this expedition sailed into the Delaware, gave his own name to Cape May, and the southern cape he called Cornelius, which name it bore until the arrival of the Swedes, when it was named Cape Henlopen. He erected Fort Nassau near where Gloucester now stands, a few miles below Camden, which was the first settlement made by Europeans on the shores of the Delaware. The fort was soon abandoned. The place was

3. "When and by wliom were the first attempts made to settle on tlie Delaware?

several times visited by exploring parties, but no permanent colony was established there by the Dutch.

4. The Swedes founded a colony on the west bank of the Delaware in 1638. Some of the pioneers crossed the river and established themselves at Swedesboro' and at other points below Camden. Attempts were made by parties from Connecticut and other parts of New England to settle on the eastern bank of the Delaware, but the settlers Avere driven away by the Dutch, who claimed the whole country between Connecticut and Virginia, which they named "New Netherlands." Several plantations were founded by Dutch patroons near Communipaw about the year 1638. These were abandoned in 1651, and reoccupied in 1661, when a ferry was established to Manhattan Island. The first settlement at Hoboken was made in 1656.

5. Great Britian conquered the New Netherlands in 1664, and claimed all the lands on the Atlantic coast, from the French possessions on the north, southward to the Spanish possessions in Florida. On the 20th of March, 1664, King Charles II. issued a grant to his brother, the Duke of York, for that part of his American possessions lying between New England and Maryland. This included New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. As soon as the duke had obtained this grant, and before he had been placed in possession of the property, he sold that portion of it which afterward became New Jersey to Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret.

6. The new proprietors prepared and published a plan of

4. Who founded the first jjeriuanent colony on the Delaware? What was this country called? Where were early settlements made?

5. When and by whom was it conquered? How did the king of England dispose of the land ? What did the duke do with part of it?

6. What did the new proprietors do? What were some of the provisions of the fundamental law?

government, something in the nature of a fundamental law or constitution, called the "Concessions and Agreements of the Lords' Proprietors of the Province of New Jersey, with all and every of the adventurers and all such as shall settle or plant there." This constitution was dated February 10, 1664. It provided that all who were or should become subjects of the king of England should be admitted to plant and to become freemen of the Province; that the people should be secured in the enjoyment of property; that full toleration in religion should be allowed. No person should be in any Avay molested or punished, or called into question for any difference of opinion or practice in matters of religion, but all might freely and fully enjoy their judgments and consciences in matters of religious faith.

7. The government of the Province was to be administered by the governor and Council and General Assembly. The governor was to be appointed by the proprietors. The members of Council should be selected by the governor, and should not be less than six nor more than twelve in number. The General Assembly formed the legislative branch of the government. It was composed of the governor and Council and twelve representatives chosen by the freemen of the Province.

8. The first Assembly was to divide the Province and to provide for an annual election on the 1st of January, at which time each division should choose two representatives, and the majority of these representatives, with the governor and the Council, should form the General Assembly of the Province.

9. The General Assembly was authorized to appoint the

7. How was the government to be administered?

8. How was the General Assembly formed ?

9. What was the Assembly authorized to do? What had the Assembly power to do?

time for its own meeting and adjournment, and to determine the number required to form a quorum, provided that number shoukl not be less than one-third of tlie wliole ; to enact laws necessary for the government of the Province ; to establish courts, and to determine the limits, powers and jurisdictions of these ; to fix the number of officers for each court and their respective salaries and fees. The Assembly had power to levy taxes equally on all the lands, except the lands of the proprietors ; to provide for the defence of the Province ; to pass naturalization laws ; to provide for the maintenance of the governor and for the defraying of the necessary expenses of the government.

10. The governor was commander-in-chief of the military forces. In case of his death or removal, the president of the Council became the chief executive. The fundamental laws for the Province secured freedom of conscience and worship to every one who should conduct himself as a peaceable citizen, provided justice to be administered by tribunals erected under public authority, and gave an unlimited privilege of appeal or petition.

11. On the same day that this instrument of government was signed, Philip Carteret, the brother of one of the proprietors, received a commission as first governor of Ncav Jersey. He made immediate preparations to go to his Province, and in August, 1665, accompanied by a number of persons who were disposed to become settlers, sailed from England. This company of pioneers entered Newark bay and landed on the banks of the Passaic, at a place to which they gave the name of Elizabeth, in honor of the lady of Sir George Carteret. Governor Carteret found four families es-

10. What is said of tlie governor? What was secured ?

11. Who was first governor? Wlien and how did he come to the Province? Where did tlie governor make the first settlement?

tablished at this place, aud he resolved to settle there with them.

12. Colonel Nichols at this time Avas governor of New York, and had been directed by the Duke of York to assume the direction of affairs throughout the whole of the country that had been conveyed to him by the king's grant. Nichols had not been informed of the sale of New Jersey to Berkeley and Carteret, and therefore supposed himself to be in authority over that portion of country. He regarded Philip Carteret and his party of settlers as intruders and usurpers.

13. Governor Carteret without delay entered upon the discharge of his duties, and sent messengers abroad to publish the " Concessions" and to set forth the advantages that were offered, both in the government and in the fortunate situation of the country. These reports Avere received with great favor, and many people moved to New Jersey. Numerous emigrants came from the neighboring settlements and from England, and the population increased rapidly. The governor appointed his Council,* and proceeded to organize his government.

14. The first duty of the governor was to establish rules for the division and sale of lands. These rules provided that all lands should be divided into general lots ; oneseventh of each lot was to be reserved to the proprietors,

* Captain Nicholas Verlett, Daniel Pierce, Eobert Bond, Samuel Edsall, Robert Vanquellen and William Pardon were the members of the first Council. .

12. How did the governor of New York receive these immigrants?

13. What did Governor Carteret do to secure settlers? What was the effect of this?

14. What rules were established? How was the land divided? How granted to settlers ?

and the remainder to be conveyed to individuals or companies who chose to purchase. A surveyor-general was appointed, who was commanded to lay out the lauds in accordance with these rules. He was required to inform the chief secretary or register of the name of the grantee, the date of the warrant, the number of acres and the situation of lands granted ; and his survey was to be entered by the register in a book prepared for that purpose. A yearly rent of one penny, or one halfpenny, according to the value of the lands, was to be paid by the purchasers to the pi-oprietors or their heirs. The first payment was to be made in March, 1670.

15. Settlements had been established at Shrewsbury in 1664, and at Middletown in 1666, under grants from Governor Nichols, who supposed he had authority to dispose of the lands of New Jersey. This afterv/ard became a fruitful source of difficulties between the government and the inhabitants,

16. In 1666 an association was formed by a company of persons in New England for the purpose of establishing a settlement in the Province of New Jersey. This association adopted as part of a fundamental " Agreement," a declaration that none should be admitted freemen within their town, on the bank of the Passaic river, except such as were members of some Congregational church ; nor should any but such church members have any vote in any elections. One of the articles of this "Agreement" was as follows: "We shall, with care and diligence, provide for the maintenance of the purity of religion professed in the Congregational churches." The pioneers of this association settled on the Passaic river near Elizabeth, on the 17th of May, 1666,

15. What settlements were made by the authority of Gov. Nichols? U). How and when was Newark settled?

and their settlement was the beginning of the city of Newark.

17. A period of three years elapsed before the government projected by the new proprietors was fully organized. On the 7th of April, 1668, Governor Carteret issued a proclamation requiring the freeholders of each town to choose two representatives to the General Assembly, who should be citizens of the district from which they were elected. In obedience to this proclamation the election was held, and the first Legislature of New Jersey assembled at Elizabeth on the 26th of May, 1668. At this meeting of the Legislature, representatives were present from Bergen, Newark, Elizabeth, Middletown and Shrewsbury. The session continued four days and was harmonious throughout. An act was passed for the punishment of crimes ; another providing for the expenses of the government, and fixing the annual meeting of the Legislature on the first Tuesday of November, and the elections on the 1st of January preceding. The Assembly authorized the governor to call an extra session of the Legislature whenever necessity should require, and then adjourned to the 3d of November following.

18. The second meeting of the Assembly took place, in accordance with the adjournment, on the 3d of November, but the harmony and good-feeling that had prevailed in the first session w^cre not found in this. The session was short. Nothing was done for the interests of the Province or of the people. On the third day the representatives sent a message to the governor and Council, declaring themselves dissatisfied with the organization of the General Assembly. On

17. When and how was the organization of the government completed? Where and when did the first Legislature assemble? How was the Province represented? Wliat acts were passed?

IS. What is said of the second meeting of the Assembly?

the day following they adjourned, and seven years elapsed before another Legislature was convened.

19. The settlements at Shrewsbury and Middletown at an early period refused to recognize the authority of the new proprietors ; and when the time approached for the payment of the quit-rents, in March, 1670, they declared their open hoocility to the government. They asserted that they had purchased their lands from the Indians under permission from Governor Nichols, and had fully paid for them. Governor Carteret endeavored to uphold his authority and to enforce the laws of the Province. The people were urged to take out patents for their lands under the new government, and were warned against purchasing lands under any other title than that given by the proprietors.

20. The settlers who had come in under the grants from Governor Nichols resolved to form an independent government. Deputies were elected in the several towns, and the members so chosen convened at Elizabeth on the 14th of May, 1672, and claimed to be the true legislative body of the Province. James Carteret was elected governor by this Legislature. He also set up a claim to the government of the Province under pretence of a grant from his father, but he persistently refused to show his commission. The authority of the usurpers extended over the northern part of the Province, but did not reach to the settlements on the Delaware. The old governor and Council found it utterly impossible to enforce their authority, and Governor Philip Carteret therefore returned to England to lay the matter before the proprietors. John Berry was appointed to serve as deputy-go v-

19. Who refused to recognize tlie autliority of the government, and why ?

20. Wliat did the settlers do? How far did this movement extend ?

ernor during his absence, but he soon followed the governor to England.

21. The condition of aftairs in the Province was laid before the Duke of York, and he addressed a letter to Governor Lovelace, of New York, on the 25th of November, 1672, directing him to take notice of the disturbance in Ncav Jersey, and to make known to all persons concerned iu it, that the duke would countenance nothing which would in the least impair the government of the proprietors. Governor Lovelace was further instructed to give aid and assistance to the jjroprietary authorities for the restoration of order. The grants under authority of Nichols were declared by the duke to be void.

22. A king's commission was sent to Deputy-Governor Berry, confirming his appointment and commanding all persons to give obedience to his authority. The proprietors also sent to Governor Berry an explanation of their "Concessions," which made several important changes in the original constitution. The power of the executive was extended in the appointment of officers of the Province, both civil and military. It was also provided that in all General Assemblies the governor and his Council were to sit by themselves, and the deputies or representatives Avere to form a separate chamber. Instructions were given to the governor and Council directing that lands should be purchased from the Indians only in the names of the proprietors. The final payment of all quit-rents was postponed three years from 1673.

23. Lord Berkeley, one of the proprietors, had become discouraged at the management of affairs in New Jersey, and

21. How was the difficulty settled?

22. AVho was commissioned governor? What changes were made in the Concessions?

23. AVhat cliange was made in the proprietorship?

therefore, on the 18th of March, 1673, sold his one-half interest in the Province for less than $5000. John Fenwick and Edward Byllinge, two English Quakers, were the purchasers.

24. A dispute arose between the new proprietors about the division of their property, and William Penn, who afterward became the founder of Pennsylvania, was chosen arbitrator to settle the difficulty, and succeeded to the satisfaction of all parties interested. Fenwick sailed from London in 1675, in the ship " Griffith," with his family and a small company of Quakers. This was the first English vessel that came to New Jersey with immigrants. The party sailed up the Delaware bay, and entering a creek, landed on its banks three miles and a half from the Delaware. This creek, and the settlement founded on it, Fenwick named Salem. This was the first English settlement permanently established in West Jersey.

24. What dispute arose and how was it settled? When and by whom was a new settlement made?

Chapter II

Division of the Province — East and West Jersey.

TUE HOME OF AN EARLY SETTLER.

1. The war between Holland and England, which broke out in 1672, extended to America. A squadron of Dutch vessels appeared before New York in July, 1673, and demanded the surrender of the English authorities at that post. Manhattan Island was surrendered without resistance, and the fall of New York was immediately folloAved by the subjection of the surrounding country, including New Jersey. The officers of this Province were summoned to meet the commander of the Dutch fleet on Manhattan Island and take an oath of allegiance.

2. The Dutch rule was, however, of short duration. On

Chapter II. — 1. When and by whom was the country reconquered ? What wa.s demanded of the public officers of New Jersey ?

2. How was the country regained by England? Who was appointed governor ? 20 the 9th of February, 1674, a treaty of peace was concluded between England and Holland, under which New Jersey again became an English Province, and the title of its proprietors was reconfirmed. Edmund Andross was appointed governor of New York, and Philip Carteret returned to America as governor of New Jersey.

3. Governor Carteret met with no opposition from the settlers. He published his instructions at Bergen on the 6th of November, 1674, in the presence of his Council and commissioners from most of the towns in the Province, and thus resumed the reins of authority with the aj^probation of his people. The General Assembly was convened on the 5th of November, 1675. Eight members of Council, including the governor, were present, and fourteen representatives from the towns. Laws were enacted at this session for the defence of the Province, providing for the organization and arming of military companies and the erection of forts. County courts were established, and a treasurer was appointed. An act of amnesty was passed, granting full and free pardon to all persons who had been guilty of any offence against the laws of the Province.

4. On the 1st of July, 1676, the Province was divided into two portions, to be called East and West New Jersey. Philip Carteret was retained as governor of East New Jersey, Having completed the organization of his government, Carteret endeavored to establish a commerce for his Province, and attempted to open a port at Elizabeth, where vessels might enter from and clear to any ports in the world. In 1679 he issued a proclamation, declaring Amboy

3, How was Governor Carteret received ? What is said of the meeting and acts of the Assembly ?

4. When and how was New Jersey divided ? What did Governor Carteret endeavor to do? How were the efforts to establish commerce resisted ?

to be a free port of entxy to all vessels trading to East Jersey. The first trader to the Province was a vessel from Barbadoes, which entered the port at Aniboy. This circumstance called into action the interference of Governor Andross of New York, who was always ready to take advantage of any provocation to meddle with the government of his neighbors. He sent messengers to Am boy to take possession of the Barbadoes vessel and bring it to New York, where the master was com})elled to pay duties.

5. The Assembly of East Jersey entered a strong protest against this procedure, and offered a premium of £150 for the encouragement of vessels to enter the ports of East Jersey, notwithstanding the opposition of the governor of New York. In March, 1G79, Andross directed a communication to Governor Carteret, requesting him to cease from the exercise of any authority until his power should be properly acknowledged by the authorities on Manhattan Island. Governor Carteret called a meeting of his Council and of the most eminent men in his Province, and after full consultation with these, replied to the demands made by Andross. He declared that his authority was not founded ujjon any presumption or pretence, but upon the grant from his royal highness and the commands of the king of England ; and that he and his Council and the people felt bound to the government of Sir George Carteret, and were resolved to maintain it by force if necessary.

6. Andross issued a proclamation dissolving the government of New Jersey, and required that all persons should submit to him as a representative of the king's authority. Governor Carteret replied in a counter-proclamation, that

5. What action did the Assembly take on this subject? Eelate tlie controversy between Governor Andross and Governor Carteret.

6. What action did Governor Andross take? How did Governor Carteret reply ?

DIVISION OF THE FROVINCE. 23

his authority had been established in i^ursuance of his majesty's commission and command, and that it could not be surrendered without the same command ; and that the people of his Province were resolved to live and die with the name of true subjects, and not traitors.

7. Sir George Carteret, the proprietor of East Jersey, died in the year 1679, and the Province descended by will to trustees, to be sold for the benefit of his creditors. His widow, Elizabeth Carteret, became proprietress, as guardian for her grandson. The death of the proprietor caused no immediate change in the management of j^ublic affairs.

8. On the 30th of April, 1680, Axidross sent an armed force into New Jersey, which seized Governor Philip Carteret and carried him a prisoner to New York, where he was detained until the 27th of May. A court convened for his trial, and declared him innocent of all the charges brought against him by the officious Andross. Yet, notwithstanding his acquittal, Andross declared that he should not again enter the Province of New Jersey until he gave security not to assume any authority or jurisdiction there, either civil or military.

9. Having thus disposed of Carteret, Andross attempted to take possession of his Province. He appeared at the General Assembly, which convened on the 2d of June, 1680, and informed that body that he had brought the king's letters patent, under the great seal of England, to his highness, the Duke of York, and also the duke's commission to himself; and that these gave him authority over the government

7. When did Sir George Carteret die ? What disposition was made of his property in New Jersey?

8. What outrage was committed by Governor Andross?

9. How did he attempt to take possession of tlie Province ? What reply did the Assembly make to his demands?

of New Jersey. He recommended the passage of an act confirming all former proceedings in the Province, and demanded the acknowledgment of the authority of the Assembly of New York over that of New Jersey. The Assembly replied with boldness, that they were the representatives of the freeholders of the Province; that they had their authority from a royal grant ; that the great charter of England was the only rule of safety to freeborn Englishmen, and that they could acknowledge no other authority than that derived from the grants to the pro^^rietary government of their Province. This firmness on the part of the Assembly completely defeated the designs of Andross.

10. In September of this year a communication was received from Lady Elizabeth Carteret, containing an absolute command to her government not to take notice of any commissions, warrants or orders from Sir Edmund Andross. She also directed that an account of the charges and damages sustained by her Province in consequence of the usurpation of Andross should be drawn up and sent to England. A communication was sent to Andross from the duke, commanding him to desist from any further interference with the government of New Jersey, and declaring that Philip Carteret Avas the recognized executive of East New Jersey. In order to prevent any further troubles between these neighboring Provinces, the Duke of York authorized his attorneys, on the 6th of September, 1680, to prepare a full and complete conveyance of all his rights and interests in the government of East New Jersey unto the proprietors, and notice of this complete transfer was sent to the governor of New York.

11. The contest with the authorities at New York had

10. How was the difBculty finally settled?

11. What dispute arose between tlie Assembly and the governor? How was it ended ?

prevented the people of New Jersey from giving any attention to the alterations made in their constitution by the explanation of the "Concessions" brought from England by Governor Carteret. In October, 1681, the Assembly convened at Elizabeth, and at once entered upon the discussion of this subject. The representatives of the people declared that the proprietors had no right to change the " Concessions," and that the changes were contrary to express stipulations and grants. The governor and Council insisted that the alterations had become necessary, and were warranted by the change of circumstances and the times. A violent dispute arose, which was terminated by a proclamation from Governor Carteret, dissolving the House of Deputies.

12. This was an exercise of authority under the new interpretation of the constitution. The deputies unanimously sent a protest against the act, as being contrary to the " Concessions" and an innovation on the government. According to the original constitution, the Assembly had power to determine its own meetings and adjournments.

13. The trustees under the will of the late Sir George Carteret now offered the Province of East Jersey for sale, but no private purchasers presenting themselves, it was resolved to put up the whole proprietary interests at public auction. Fortunately for the settlers, William Penn, wuth eleven associates, became the purchasers.*