Another plan, was, therefore, proposed as a substitute viz. that the governors of all the colonies attended by one or two members of their respective councils should assemble, concert measures for the defence of the whole, erect forts where they thought necessary, with power to draw upon the British treasury, for which the treasury was afterwards to be reimbursed by a tax to be laid on the colonies by act of parliament.

If the plan proposed for a confederated government of the colonies, which had been agreed on at Albany, was not relished by the British ministry, the one, which they recommended in its stead, was fully as obnoxious on this side of the Atlantic. The governors were chiefly of the King's appointment. They were, with scarcely any exceptions, in embarrassed circumstances and contrived to be sent here, that they might have an opportunity of repairing their shattered fortunes, by their impositions on those, whom it was their duty to protect. To replenish their empty pockets and to return to their native country in affluence, after an absence of a few years, was their sole object, and in this they too often succeeded by the most iniquitous means. Nor could the people place more confidence in the integrity of the council, as their very existence solely depended upon the will of the governor, under whom they respectively served. The ministerial scheme was, therefore, received with indignation, not only in this city; but, likewise, in every part of the British colonies. It was universally reprobated as a subtle and dangerous contrivance to provide for favourites, to undermine the liberties of the Americans and eventually subject them to the most abject slavery. That part of the scheme, which authorized the British treasury to be reimbursed for the monies, which might be paid by them for colonial purposes, by a tax to be laid on the provinces by act of parliament was peculiarly offensive.

It was, at that time, fully as well understood as at the commencement of the revolutionary war, that every man has a natural right to be governed by laws of his own making, either in person or by his representative and that no authority can be justly exercised over him, which is not derived from the people of whom he is one; hence that no part of his property can be taken from him except by his own consent expressed in one or other of these ways. But in the British parliament, the Americans had no vote and considering the great distance between the two countries, it was scarcely possible, that they could be represented in that body; and they strenuously contended, that taxation without representation was repugnant to their privileges as Englishmen, On the other hand, the

ministry firmly maintained, that the mother country had a right to tax her colonies in all cases whatever. On this doctrine, though with them deemed highly important, it was, at that time, thought the wisest policy not to insis. They perceived, that it was a measure, which was viewed with universal abhorrence, and that any attempt to enforce it might raise a ferment, which could not be easily allayed.

It is much to be regretted, that the history of the state of New-York has not been brought down to a later period than the year 1747. Indeed Smith's history, from which a great part of the preceding is compiled extends no farther than 1732. In regard to what follows, it has been found impossible to go on with a regular narrative. Every article, however, has been selected from what appeared to me to be authentic documents and as much care as possible has been taken to state with accuracy at what particular time, each transaction took place.

On the 10th October 1753, Geor e Clinton ceased to be governor of this province, when he was superseded by James Delancey the lieutenant governor. During the administration of this gentleman, the war against the French and Canadians raged with great fury and various success; but there was nothing decisive achieved on either side. On the 31st October 1754, he granted a charter for an act of incorporation to the first and still the most celebrated literary institution in the state, under the name of "The Governors of the college of the province of New-York, in the city of New-York in America." It was called "King's College :" and soon after the close of the revolutionary war, viz. in April 1787, the said charter was confirmed by the legislature of the State, the name being changed to that of "COLUMBIA COLLEGE." Some few alterations, likewise, took place, in consequence of the change in our political situation. Of this institution, however, it will be unnecessary to say any thing farther, at present, as it will be particularly noticed under the head of LITERARY ESTABLISHMENTS,

CHAPTER VIII.

From the arrival of Sir Charles Hardy as Governor, 20th September 1755, to the declaration of Independence, 4th July 1776.

SIR CHARLES arrived at a time, when the colony was involved in war and greatly dissatisfied with the prospect that their liberties were in danger. Although the ministry had desisted from their intended oppressive measures, for a time, they still seemed determined to raise a revenue upon the colonies, in one shape or other. Of their determination on this point, the provincial legislatures had been fully apprised, as they had received authentic information in May 1755, that the ministry depended upon a common fund being raised in all the American colonies, in proportion to their respective abilities for defraying the expenses entered into for their common defence. Massachusetts bay was the first, which directed their agent in Britain to oppose every thing, which might have the most remote tendency to raise a revenue in the colonies for any public uses or services of govern

ment.

In the midst of this state of alarm, which extended throughout the British provinces, the melancholy news of the defeat of General Braddock (July 9th 1755) with his whole army consisting of upwards of two thousand men, besides militia, greatly added to the general gloom. That general had resolved to attack Fort Du Quesne; but was surprised on his march by a party of Indians, with whose mode of fighting he was entirely unacquainted. The van was thrown into confusion and the main body advancing, the enemy consisting of about 400, who had lain in ambush, in an instant, sallied out, fired upon the English and effectually completed their disorder. The defeat was total. Braddock himself was mortally wounded and nearly half of the privates was either killed or wounded. Colonel Washington, who then commanded the militia, a body of men, whom the unfortunate Braddock had despised, by his bravery and prudence, covered the retreat and saved the wreck of the vanquished army. Well did the Rev. Mr. Davis, then president of Princeton college, predict in a sermon, which he preached soon after this disaster, that this gallant young officer (then in the 24th year of his age) was destined by Divine Providence for some great purpose. Yes. He became the DELIVERER OF HIS COUNTRY.

The winters of 1755 and 1756 were uncommonly mild, the river being open between this city and Albany on January 14th and February 14th and in the year 1762, the severest drought ever known in this country was experienced, no rain having fallen from the month of May to that of November.

But to return to the progress of the war. In 1757, the British army had to encounter another defeat. The marquis de Montcalm governor of Canada a very able general advanced against Fort William Henry and compelled the garrison to capitulate, on condition, that they should not serve against the king of France or his allies for the space of eighteen months. But the Indians unacquainted with the maxims of honour, which regulated the conduct of Europeans and disregarding the articles of capitulation, fell upon the troops, after they had evacuated the place, and notwithstanding the exertions of Montcalm to prevent the outrage, massacred the greatest part of them.

In

Instead of producing fear, however, and notwithstanding the dread of the colonists in respect to the threatened taxation, the ill success of the British arms excited the indignation of the people on both sides of the atlantic and urged them to more vigorous preparations. Happily for the British nation, about this time Mr. Pitt afterwards Lord Chatham was placed at the head of the ministry, when the face of affairs was in a short time entirely changed, the war prosecuted with unexampled success and the enemy, at length driven out of America. no part of the empire was the character of this great statesman, more popular than in this country, particularly, in this city, where a statue was erected to his memory which was afterwards thrown down, when it was found, that he was opposed to their independence, a measure, which was then little, if at all thought of.* Mr. Pitt assured the governors of the colonies, in a circular letter, that an effectual force should be sent to act against the French, both by sea and land; and he called upon them to raise as large bodies of men as the population of their respective provinces would allow.

* Dr. Gordon in his "History of the American War" Vol. I page 109, informs us, that Mr. Pratt, afterwards Lord Camden said to Dr. Franklin in a course of free conversation. "For all what you Ainericans say of your loyalty, I know you will one day throw off your dependence upon this country and notwithstanding your boasted affection to it will set up for independence." The other answered, "No such

idea is entertained in the mind of the Americans; and no such idea will ever enter their heads, unless you greatly abuse them.” "Very true," replied Mr. Pratt," that is one of the very causes, which I see will hap pen and produce the event," .

These were to be supplied with arms and amunition by the crown. The colonies, with the greatest alacrity, seconded the views of the minister, and rejoiced, at the opportunity, which then appeared to be offered of reducing the power of the French, whom they had long considered as their natural enemies.

Though, during the campaign of 1758, the British notwithstanding the mighty force, which they brought into action consisting of fifty thousand men, experienced some very considerable defeats, yet upon the whole their advances towards their main object, the reduction of Canada, were important and decisive. In 1759, the battle of the heights of Abraham, under the walls of Quebec was fought by the British commanded by General Wolf and the French by the Marquis de Montcalm. Victory having decided, in favour of the British, the reduction of the city of Quebec was the immediate consequence, and this was ultimately followed by the subjugation of the French, in every part of Canada. In this battle, however, the two generals Wolf and Montcalm fell in the service of their respective countries. The news of the victory was highly gratifying to the British colonists, whose safety was thereby secured against the attacks of a rival, who had possessed the inclination as well as the means to annoy them. But the death of the young, the humane and the enterprising General Wolf was universally lamented in every part of the British dominions and no where more sincerely than in this city. The fate of his worthy antagonist, Montcalm, who was an able general and highly distinguished for his many virtues was, likewise, a cause of sympathy towards those who had lost so good a commander. On thr 10th February 1763, a definitive treaty of peace was concluded at Paris, between Great Britain on the one side, and France, Spain and Portugal on the other, which confirmed to Great Britain the extensive provinces of Canada, East and West Florida, and part of Louisiana, also the islands of Granada, St. Vincent, Dominica and Tobago in the West Indies.

It might have been expected, that peace having been thus happily restored to Great Britain with all the nations of Europe, her ministers would have been desirous of giving her a respite for a few years, so that she might have an opportunity of regaining her former strength; but now it appeared to them to be a suitable time to endeavour to enforce their favourite measure, the taxation of the colonies. A bill was accordingly introduced into the house of Commons 29th Sept. 1764, for the avowed purpose of raising á revenue in America, by which bill the colonists were to pay certain duties