The story of Laura Secord and Canadian reminiscences

II Toronto

\VILLIAM BRIGGS

Entered according to Act of the Parliament of Canada, in the year one thousand nine hundred, by Emma A. Currie, at the Department of Agriculture.

THIS BOOK

IS DEDICATED TO THE BELOVED MEMORY OF

/IDrs. Cur3on,

WHOSE HIGHEST AIM WAS TO INSPIRE

CANADIAN WOMEN TO TAKE THEIR PLACE IN

THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY.

Contents

CHAPTER PAGE

Introduction 9

I. The First Settlers - - - - - - - 13

Introduction

When attention was drawn to Laura Ingersoll Secord, in i860, it was a great surprise that she had so long been unappreciated and known to so few. Living among many of her husband's relatives for over a quarter of a century, hearing constant allusion to those times, it seemed almost impossible that such heroism should have remained untold and her name unmentioned. After reading the newspaper account, inquiry was made of an aged friend whose whole life was spent in St. David's, as to its truthfulness. Quickly came the reply, " It is all true." No details were given, but the answer was sufficient confirmation. The excitement of the American Civil War and removal from St. David's caused the circumstances to be almost forgotten, but now and then allusions would come recalling them. When the Woman's Literary Club was formed in St. Catharines, in 1 892, it was my part to prepare one of the papers for the opening of the Club. The historic subject of Laura Secord was selected, and during the preparation of the paper I found that her ancestors and my own came from the same place, Great Barrington, Mass. Previous to this it had been a .custom to spend a week or two

10 INTRODUCTION.

during the summer season in making sketches in water-colors of historic places and buildings, of which there are so many in this locality. Some had been previously made in Niagara and vicinity. I concluded to make sketches in connection with Mrs. Secord's history, and to gather what information it was possible to gain from her relatives, and those who had seen and known her. Strange to say, no one seemed to know anything of her early life or later years. At historic gatherings I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Curzon, and was greatly impressed by her appearance. Not long before her death some correspondence took place between us. Suffering at that time from ill health, an offer was made to place what memoranda had been collected in her hands, to be used as she saw best. It was my last letter to her, for her death took place soon after. Feeling that what had been collected might be of use, a commencement was made to put them together. A letter was written to the Postmaster of Great Barrington, asking for the address of any of the Ingersoll descendants still remaining there. This letter was placed in the hands of Charles J. Taylor, Esq., and brought a reply from him. Mr. Taylor had written the history of Great Barrington, which has proved of great service. Of this gentleman's kindness to a total stranger, whom he has never seen — the time he has given, the researches he has made in helping through many difficulties — I cannot speak in too grateful terms.

INTRODUCTION. 11

Colonel Dunn and Mrs. Dunn, of Toronto, have also been efficient helpers, in furnishing documents, history, letters and memoranda relating to the Secord family, and to Laura Secord also. The granddaughters of Mrs. Secord, Miss Louisa Smith and Mrs. Cockburn, have furnished information which should have weight with the committee who have the erection of the monument in charge. When it was necessary, J. Hamilton Ingersoll, Esq., of St. Catharines, has written many letters.

Miss Woodruff, of Chicago, has furnished much valuable information in regard to her grandfather and grandmother, Mr. and Mrs. David Secord, also valuable autographs; Mr. Henry Woodruff, of St. David's, Mrs. Thorn, of Princeton, and Mrs. Saxon, of St. Catharines, important letters ; Mrs. Norton, of Westfield, Mass., and Mrs. Hitchcock, of Amherst, Mass., have assisted in information regarding the Ingersolls.

My old friend, Mr. Kirby, author of " Chien d'Or," has contributed an article upon the Whitmore family, with whom he is connected by marriage, and which is a valuable addition to the history of the early settlement of Upper Canada.

Miss Janet Carnochan has also given much information in regard to the local history of Niagara,

To Miss Bothwell, of Lockport, and many others who have done much to help me, my grateful thanks

are given.

The portrait of Mrs. Secord, which is the frontis-

12 INTRODUCTION.

piece of this work, is from a plate furnished by Rev. Canon Bull, Niagara Falls South. The late Mr. Joel Lyons, of Chippewa, had a likeness of Mrs. Secord, taken in what year is not known, and from this the plate was made.

The likeness of Mrs. Secord which is in " Lossine's Pictorial Field Book of the War of 1812," and this are the only ones known to have been made. The autograph of Laura Secord accompanies the likeness. It is the only autograph known to be in existence. In a footnote, page 621, Mr. Lossing says Mrs. Secord wrote to him, February i8th, 1861. In 1867 he speaks of her as being ninety-two years of age, and her mental faculties in full play, her eyesight so perfect that she could read without spectacles. Mrs. Gregory, her niece, who saw her in her last illness, and but three days before her death, bears testimony to the wonderful preservation of her mind.

To Mrs. Grover, of Toronto, who has allowed selections to be made from her " Recollections," my warmest thanks are given. When these are published in full, as they will be by her relatives, it is hoped they will receive the attention they so richly deserve.

Emma A. Currie.

Chapter I. The First Settlers

The women of Canada can justly claim that the first Loyalist refugees to seek shelter under the protecting flag at Fort Niagara were women. Dr. Canniff, in his " Settlement of Upper Canada," gives the fact that " in 1776 there arrived at Fort Niagara in a starving and otherwise destitute condition five women and thirty-one children, whom the circumstances of the rebellion had driven away." Tradition places their arrival in the month of November. They had come from the banks of the Hudson and the valley of the Mohawk, guided by friendly Indians, to this ark of refuge. Their names were Mrs. Nelles, Mrs. Secord, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Buck and Mrs. Bonar. Of these women but little is known, their names alone being rescued from the oblivion of the past. Of Mrs. Secord we know that her husband and two of her sons were in Butler's Rangers, fighting for that flag which had sheltered and protected their ancestors so many years before. Among the Rangers are found the names of Captain Nelles and Captain Young. Whether they were the husbands of Mrs. Secord's companions is not known. Of Mrs. Secord it is said

14 THE FIRST SETTLERS.

her children were in a wagon. They had escaped with their lives, bringing nothing with them. Her youngest son and child, James Secord, was at that time three years old. They were given tents, clothing and food. As the days and months passed away the numbers increased from the Carolinas, Virginia, and the New England colonies. There came a destitute host, along the length of the St. Lawrence, to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The population increased in the towns and cities so rapidly that it caused a scarcity in the necessaries of life. In Halifax the population rose in a few months from 1,400 to 4,000. And so everywhere, producing suffering and privation. There was not a settlement on this side of the Niagara River when the Revolution commenced. When it closed, in 1783, there was a population of 10,000. In 1792 there were four hundred houses in Niagara. From the frontier at Fort Niagara to Detroit, along the river and lake shore, there was a thin fringe of civilization. Many of the refugees waited in New York, hoping, when peace came, to return to their former homes. When New York was evacuated, November 25th, 1783, there arose a wail of despair. Those that could went to England, some to the Bahama Islands. Many that went to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia came to Upper Canada when they heard of the fertile soil and milder climate. Twelve thousand left New York at that time. As fast as possible they were given lands, implements and seeds. Grist-mills were erected to aid them.

THE FIRST SETTLERS. 15

Fort Niagara was the centre of the hopes, the ambitions, the activities of that period. Here, brought at great expense from the old land, were kept those vast supplies of various kinds, which were distributed to the remotest settlements — the munitions of war for themselves and other garrisons, rations and supplies for their Indian allies. The canoes of the Indians, laden with furs from the Upper Lakes, and the bateaux from the Lower Province with their freight, all made this their stopping-place. Councils of war prepared for attack and defence, as the occasion required. Looking now on its crumbling walls, its deserted buildings, its empty fortress, the dismal chambers where the garrison slept within its walls, it is hard to realize its importance one hundred and forty years ago. But it was then the door to the west and to the south, and he who commanded those was entrusted by his sovereign with a possession which required wisdom and strength to keep.

Such were the conditions when those women arrived. As their friends and relatives followed they settled on the western bank of the river, and with willing hands and brave hearts they turned the wilderness into golden fields and fruitful orchards. What they did in the thirty years of peace proves the intelligence and the industry with which they worked. The founders of the Dominion have left a record which their descendants should hold up to future generations as worthy of everlasting remembrance.

Chapter II. The Secord Family

The ancestor of the Secord family, Amboise Secord, came with his five children from LaRochelle, in France, to New York in 1681. He, along with other French emigrants, founded the town of New Rochelle, in Westchester County, of the same State, about 1689. The name is spelled in various ways. In the original it is Seacard, and pronounced se-kar. Most of the Huguenots sympathized with England during the Revolutionary War. The Secords were very numerous, and more of that name are found among the U. E. Loyalists and first settlers of Canada than of any other. Great Britain had assisted the Huguenots during their persecution in France, had sheltered them in England, had helped them to emigrate to America, and they proved their gratitude by loyal service and great sacrifices during the war. Many gave up everything, even life, in the days that tried men's souls. They were a strong, hardy people, generous and hospitable, long-lived also — one of their descendants dying in New Rochelle in the year 1845, aged 105 years. In Canadian annals we find that Peter Secord, living on the Talbot Road, died in 18 18 in his 103rd

X6 year. He was one of the first settlers. The last year of his life he killed four wolves and walked twenty miles to make the necessary affidavit to obtain

the bounty.

They were hard-working and thrifty, silk-weaving being their principal occupation, and none of the early settlers had titles of nobility.* The Documentary History of the State of New York shows that "in the year 1689 they had dedicated 100 acres of land to the use of the French Church. In 1709 all the members of the Church, with the exception of two, agreed to conform themselves to the liturgy and rites of the Church of England, as established by law, and put themselves under the protection of the same." Among the names are fourteen spelled Sycar, as belonging to the Church, and among the petitioners are nine Secords, hardly any two of the nine spelling the name in the same manner. Sycar, Secord, Sicard, Seacord, Se Cord, Seicard are the different

forms.-|-

The original French Church was founded at New Rochelle as early as 1692. In 1709, from the difficulty of obtaining ministers, and being considered Dissenters, all but two persons conformed to the Church of England, and were obliged to erect a new edifice in 17 10. The two who would not conform

* The Documentary History of New York State, in the edition of 1850, Vol. III., and relating to Westchester County, contains much information regarding the Secords and their descendants.

t From Canadian Archives : "Amable and Pierre De Sicard, stating their services and praying for an allowance." 2 retained possession of the old church and the lOO acres of land which had been reserved for a French church. Others joined them, but the congregation was not large, being always too poor to hire a minister, and receiving no help from the Established Church Fund, they naturally fell under the care of the French Church in New York City, and were known as its Annex in New Rochelle.* Services were performed here occasionally by the minister from New York. Toward the Revolution it fell into decay, and at that time ceased to be used as a church. The edifice was torn down, and the Episcopal Church, through the courts, obtained possession of the lands, although they were granted for a French church erected, or to be erected. After the war, what remained of the congregation were merged in a Presbyterian church, which still exists.

Solomon Secord was baptized in the Annex, showing that his parents, descendants of the Badeaus ancestry, still clung to the original French faith. The records are in the church in New York City, and were kept in duplicate in the church at New Rochelle. The compiler says they agree exactly. In Appendix I. of the Secord family will be found much valuable genealogical information. James Secord, of New Rochelle, a lieutenant in Butler's Rangers, was

* New Rochelle is now a part of Greater New York City. In the old times we find that many of the church members, with their families, walked to New York to attend church, when there was no service at New Rochelle.

born April 24th, 1732 ; he was probably of the fourth generation. His wife was Madelaine Badeau, a descendant of Elias Badeau, who fled from St. George's, Saintonge, France, to Bristol, England, and from there came to America. They had eight children, five sons and three daughters, most of them destined to take an important part in the history of Canada. Lieutenant James Secord died at Niagara, July 13th, 1784. Tradition says he was buried in the private burying-ground of Colonel Butler. Of the date of his wife's death and place of burial nothing is known. James, their fifth son and youngest child, was three years old when they arrived at Fort Niagara. This son was the future husband of Laura Ingersoll.

Major David Secord, the third son, had shown his patriotism and courage from early youth. His father and eldest brother belonged to Butler's Rangers, and we find him in his sixteenth year serving with them during the Revolutionary War till its completion. He was present at Wyoming as sergeant in the Rangers. This expedition of Colonel Butler was to bring away the families of the Loyalist refugees to Fort Niagara. At that time Sergeant Secord, at the risk of his own life, saved the lives of three American prisoners who had abused and killed the wife of Oneida Joseph, an Indian chief, who afterwards settled on the Mohawk Reservation at Brantford, and lived to a great age.

Many of the Rangers settled in the Niagara District, drawing lands as compensation for their services and the homes they had lost by confiscation. Mr.

Secord had 600 acres of land between Queenston and St. David's. His relatives and himself received large grants in the district also, and in other parts of Canada. He entered largely into business of various kinds. He was surveyor, farmer, miller, besides erecting numerous buildings for mechanics in the village. His first mill was built in 1786. Appendix V. will give some idea of the variety of his occupations and possessions. He had been in many battles during the Revolution, and thirty years of peace again found him ready to face the enemy. In the battle of Queenston Heights he bore a conspicuous part. In the third and last engagement, in the afternoon, when the invaders were being driven back, Major Secord called to those who were rushing down the bank of the river to come back and their lives would be spared. Among those who surrendered he found his wife's father and brother. Another brother of Mrs. Secord, a Mr. Thomas Page, came over before the war, and settled in Pelham ; he was a Quaker. David, eldest son of Major Secord, was taken prisoner, and after some time exchanged. He reached home the day of the battle of Lundy's Lane. It was late in the afternoon when he arrived. While taking his supper the firing was heard, and, tired as he was, he said, " I must go to father ! " and started on foot for the battle-field, five miles away. Father and son met, grasping each other's hand in a brief welcome, and they fought side by side until young Secord was again taken prisoner, and afterwards sent to Greenbush, N.Y. Major Secord was wounded but present state of lalka inc.ersull secord's crave, 1900.

once in the eight battles in which he was engaged during the Revolutionary War, and it was a superstition among the Indians, who knew his dangers and wonderful escapes, that he bore a charmed life. After the war was over he had for the second time to recommence the busy life which in past years had made him so prominent and so prosperous. For eight years he was a member of Parliament, doing good service for his constituency and country. He deprecated the selfishness of the Family Compact, who by their ill-timed measures were driving a loyal people to rebellion. He supported the reforms which form the basis of our present government. He was too well known to be branded as disloyal, and too sensible to go to the extreme lengths to which Mackenzie was driven. Before the rebellion" came he had shown his courage in another form. Robert Gourlay had been one of the earliest Reformers, and one of the first to suffer for his principles. When unjustly deprived of his property he had appealed in vain for justice. Suffering in body and mind, sick and penniless, he stayed in Mr. Secord's house until he could return to Scotland. He was not the man to forget a kindness, and Mr. Secord's daughter told the writer that the first silk dresses she and her sister had were given, with other remembrances, by Mr. Gourlay when he returned to Canada. Mr. Secord was generous and hospitable to a fault ; his house was ever open to His Majesty's troops. In addition to military services, he was Commissioner of Highways and Bridges, giving his services for the latter without pay.

Major Secord was three times married. First to a Miss Millard, who died about a year after her marriage, leaving one daughter, who married Mr. Cummings. His second wife was Catharine Smith, daughter of EHas Smith, by whom he had eight sons and one daughter. His third wife was the widow Dunn, whose maiden name was Polly Page, sister of the Thomas Page, of Pelham, previously mentioned. She had two sons, Lorenzo and Luther, by her first marriage. It is in connection with Mr. Secord's marriages, and illustrating the times, that the following circumstances are given. When there was no resident clergyman who was legally entitled to perform the marriage service, the resident magistrate, or the commanding officer at a military station, was empowered to do so. The second and third marriages were thus made. An Act was passed by which those who had been married in this manner, by appearing before the Clerk of the Peace, and making affidavit as to who performed the ceremony, the time and place, and giving the date of the birth of children, received a certificate which settled all doubts as to the legality of such marriages. Major Secord made those affidavits, which were registered on the 8th of February, 1832. Rev. Mr. Addison, of St Mark's, Niagara, records that some were re-married by him. The marriage register kept by him is instructive and of great value, for the magistrates seldom kept a record, and if they made any they have been lost.

Major Secord's sister, Magdalen Secord, married the Hon. Richard Cartwright, and was the ancestress of that family which has been, and still continues to be, so prominent in the history of the Dominion. Another sister married Dr. Lawrence, of Savannah, Georgia. The youngest brother, James, married Laura Ingersoll, who fills the most important place in these reminiscences. Major Secord's family was large; the names will be found in Appendix II. His son George was a member of Parliament for many years. '

From the Scarboro records the following are selected :

Isaac Secor came to Canada at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War ; came first to Kingston, then moved west, building the first stone mill at Napanee. The Secords of Scarboro were loyal, like those who settled in the Niagara District.

The first post-office in the township was on Lot 19, Concession D ; the first Postmaster, Peter Secor, who held the position from its establishment, in 1830, to 1838. A footnote says, Mr. Secor's sympathy with Mackenzie was what led to this change.

Miss Janet Carnochan, of Niagara, has furnished the following, which is evidence of the industry of the Secords, and of the success which had attended their efforts not seven years from the arrival of the first refugees at Fort Niagara :

On the 25th of August, 1782, Col. Butler took the first census of the settlement of Niagara. Among the names are

Peter Secord — 7 persons, 4 horses, 6 cattle, 14 hogs, 30 acres cleared land, 80 bu. wheat, 60 bu. Indian corn, 6 bu. oats, 100 bu. potatoes.

Jno. Secord — 5 persons, 6 horses, 10 cattle, 3 hogs, 27 acres cleared, 50 bu. wheat, 50 corn, 70 potatoes.

James Secord — 6 persons, 3 horses, 3 cattle, 11 sheep, 3 hogs, 20 acres cleared land, 7 bu. wheat, 100 corn, 30 potatoes.

In 1783, among the names are Tho's Secord, 40 acres cleared.

Peter Secord, 25 ; Jno., 50 ; Jno. Secord, jr., 10 acres cleared.

Authority, Ernest Cruikshank, from Military Papers.

The following appears in the Dominion Archives :

Companies mustered in November and December, 1783.

B. 105 P. 399. Among the names are Silas Secord, Sergeant ; age 28, his wife 23.

James Secord, age 53, his wife 49, 2 sons and 3 daughters.

Peter Secord, age 62, wife 40, 3 sons and 2 daughters. Page 395, Bo. 105.

Miss Carnochan furnishes this also :

" In a narrative of the captivity and sufferings of Benjamin Gilbert and his family, in the possession of Peter A. Porter, of Niagara Falls, N.Y., and kindly loaned to me, are found some interesting references to the Secord family, which show them to have been a family of means and ready to help those in trouble.

" The Gilbert family were carried off from Pennsylvania by Indians, 25th of April, 1780, and after many hardships several of them reached Fort Niagara and Butl'ersburg (now Niagara), on the side of the river opposite to Fort Niagara. Abner Gilbert was with Elizabeth Gilbert. They went to the house of John Secord, an Englishman, who was styled brother of the Chief, having lived with him some time before. Elizabeth was left here, and in July, 1781, tried to free Abner, who now found his sister Elizabeth, and stayed two weeks with her in the house of John Secord, and drew clothing from the King's stores. Elizabeth was very comfortable here. She, with John Secord's wife and Capt. Freyes' wife, went to see the child of Elizabeth Peart (wife of Benjamin Peart Gilbert, the oldest son of the Gilberts), over a year old, a captive with the Indians. Capt. Freyes' wife [jurchased the child for thirteen dollars. Elizabeth Gilbert lived more than a year in John Secord's family, and became strongly attached to them, calling the mistress of the house 'mamma.' John Secord took her one day to Fort Niagara, where she met six of her relatives. Col. Butler and John Secord procured her release from the Indians (who claimed her) by presents. She then stayed two weeks at Butlersburg with the Secord family, and eventually they reached their home."

The author of " Old Trails on the Niagara Frontier," F. H. Severance, has lately given a full account of the captivity of the Gilbert family. He also relates the following incident of the War of 1812 :

" Mr. John Lay, a merchant of Buffalo, was taken prisoner the night that village was burned, December 13th, 18 13. The prisoners were marched from Fort Erie to Newark (now Niagara). Many Indians were there. Like the white men, they were celebrating their victory with strong potations. Mr. Lay knew a Mrs. Secord who was living in Niagara. He asked to be sent there, and under an escort was sent to her house. The house was surrounded, but Mrs. Secord concealed him in safety until the arrival of his partner from Buffalo under a flag of truce, when he was removed and sent a prisoner to Montreal.''

dyUA

APPENDIX I.

Lieutenant James Secord, of New Rochelle, N.Y., was born April 24th, 1732, and baptized in the Episcopal Church, May 28th. He was probably of the fourth generation. He married Madelaine Badeau, a descendant of Elias Badeau, who fled from St. George's, Saintonge, in France, to Bristol, in England, and from there came to America.

Children of James and Madelaine Secord.*

Born. Names. Married. Died.

9 March, 1755, Solomon, Margaret Bowman, 22 Jan., 1799.

20 Aug., 1757, Stephen, Ann or Hannah De

Forest, 31 March, 1808.

2 Aug., 1759, David, ist Miss Millard,

2nd Catharine Smith, 9 Aug., 1844. 3rd Widow Dunn, me

Polly Page.

21 Feb., 1762, John, went away, never heard from.

4 May, 1764, Magdalen, Richard Cartwright, 25 Jan., 1827. 21 July, 1766, Esther, unmarried, 4 Feb., 1802.

15 May, 1770, Mary, Dr. Lawrence, Sa-

vannah, Georgia.

7 July, 1773, James, Laura Ingersoll, 22 Feb., 1841.

* Magdalen and Madelaine are names often found among the female descendants, and Badeau among the males of this branch of the Secord family.

APPENDIX II.

Children of Major David Secord.

Miss Millard, first wife, left one daughter, married to Mr. Cummings.

Catharine Smith, second wife, left David, James, Stephen, John, Solomon, George, Robert, Philip, PhcEbe.

Mrs. Dunn, third wife, left Riall, Elijah, Mary, Elizabeth.

APPENDIX III.

The following is condensed from an article in the Napanee i?^at/^r of May 19th, 1899 :

Richard Cartwright, born in London, England, 20th October, 1720.

His wife, Joanna, born 9th March, 1726.

They are buried in St. Paul churchyard, Kingston, Canada. They were residents of Albany, N.Y., LoyaHsts, and came to Canada about 1790. Their son, Hon. Richard Cartwright, was born at Albany, February 2nd, 1759, and married Magdalen Secord,* born at New Rochelle, May 4th, 1764.

James, 3rd May, 1786, unmarried, died Oct. nth,

1811.

Richard, 24th Dec, 1787, unmarried,died at Charleston,

* Private letters show that Mrs. Cartwright possessed in an eminent degree the kind and generous heart of her ancestors.

28 T//S SECORD FAMILY.

Hannah, Dec, 1792, married Capt. Alex. Dobbs,

Royal Navy ; died 4th Jan., 1839.

Thos. Robinson, 19th Jan., 1799, married Miss Fisher, died

Stephen Henry, 24th Jan., 1801, died aged 13.

John Solomon, T,„;r,c married Sarah Hayter Mac-

J. \v ms.

Robert David, married Harriett Dobbs, died

1843.

Children of Rev. Robert David Cartwright AND Harriett Dobbs.

Two sons who died young.

A daughter, Mary Jane, and

Rev. Conway Cartwright, Protestant Chaplain of Kingston Penitentiary, Canada.

Sir Richard John Cartwright, bom 4th Dec, 1835 ; married, August, 1859, Miss Frances Law.

The Hon. Richard Cartwright, son of the Loyalist, was in partnership at Niagara with the (afterwards) Hon. Robert Hamilton. He settled in Kingston about 1790. Was a merchant and forwarder and an extensive mill- owner, one of the earliest magistrates, and was appointed by Governor Simcoe a member of the First Legislative Council of Upper Canada, which office he held at the time of his death. He was also a prominent officer in the Militia, Chairman of the Land Commissioners for this section of the Province (Napanee). He had grants of 6,000 acres of land, of which a considerable portion was in the locality of Napanee. The land, with water privileges, was on both sides of the river. The town of Napanee was built on land which once was his. He obtained the first Government flour mill erected there in 1785. He was a member of the Church of England, and was interested in educational matters.

Of Sir Richard Cartwright, now the Minister of Trade and Commerce in the present Government of the Dominion, it is sufficient to say his career is well known to the present generation.

APPENDIX IV.

Dec. 1778.

To the Honorable Frederick Haldimand, Esq., Governor- General and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Province of Canada and the Frontiers thereof in America, and Vice-Admiral of the same.

The petition of Mary De Forest humbly sheweth : That your Excellency's petitioner, with seven children, have suffered much and are greatly distressed by being plundered of all their effects, and her husband imprisoned, by the Rebels in Albany, in the year 1777, occasioned by his Loyalty and Attachment to the Interests of Great Britain.