6 July 1640 ca

Williams, Roger

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Winthrop

Discusses the current behavior of the Native Americans in his area. Mentions struggles between the sachem Uncas, allied with the European settlers, and his enemy, Miantinomo. Postscript possibly refers to the efforts of King Charles I to restore High Church liturgy in Scotland. Written to Royal Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony Winthrop during (or shortly after) his second term. Date of composition may be 7 June 1640 instead of 6 July 1640. Williams was founder of Rhode Island.

GLC01590

29 September 1664

Nicholls, Richard (1624-1672)

Manuscript document

Title: [True copy of articles, whereupon the Citty and Fort Amsterdam and the Province of the New Netherlands were surrendered]

Co-signers of original are listed at end, including: Robert Carr, Connecticut Governor John Winthrop, Samuel Willis, George Cartwright, Thomas Larke, John Pricham, Johan I Dechere, Nicholas Barlet, Samuel Mogapolonsio, Cornolis Sterunyck, Oloft Stopons Van Cortland, Jacquios Coussuan. Twenty-three articles stating the properties and rights of the new governance of New Amsterdam. Partial docket reads "Articles concerning."

GLC00377

25 September 1679

Kendall, William (fl. 1679)

Manuscript document signed

Title: Proposition made to the Mohawks

William Kendall, the Agent of Indian Affairs in Virginia, writes to set the terms of the colony's relationship with the Mohawks. In order to maintain peace and friendship, Kendall writes that all Indians are required to stand still and lay down their arms upon contact with any Christians, or risk being killed as an enemy.

GLC03107.01881

1682

Visscher, Nicholas (fl. 1682)

Map

Title: Novi Belgi Novaeque Angliae [New Netherland and New England]

This map marks the culmination of Dutch surveys of their possessions in what became New York and New Jersey. Cartouche includes panorama of New York City (New Amsterdam). Engraved map, handcolored. See R. V. Tooley, The Mapping of America, p. 285 no. 6.

GLC03582

1686

Grand Jury of Albany

Manuscript document

Title: Presentation of inconveniences to Thomas Dongan

The people of Albany condemn the practice of conducting trade with Indians outside of the town, as it has led to a decline in the trade and wealth of Albany, and will eventuallly bring the town to ruin. They also note that great debauchery has resulted when the youth of Albany enter Indians' houses to conduct trade, and complain of the practice of giving gifts to Indians, which allows them to set the higher value on commodities. They also comment on the poor state of highways in an around Albany.

GLC03107.01957

16 January 1689

Pynchon, John (1626-1703)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston

Pynchon sends news of New England Governor [Edmund Andros's ] excursion to find Indians in Maine, Governor's non-return, leading to fears of his demise. Rumors are passed along about an invasionary fleet sailing from Holland to England carrying the Prince of O[range].

GLC03107.00161

28 March 1689

Schuyler, Peter

Document signed

Title: [Land grant for Joseph Yetts].

Countersigned by Robert Livingston. Schuyler and Livingston had procured the charter for the city in 1686. Livingston was Schuyler's brother-in-law. Signed by Peter Schuyler as mayor of Albany. Features paper seal.

GLC02542.02

1693

Mather, Cotton (1663-1728)

Book

Title: The Wonders of the Invisible world: Being an Account of the Tryals... [witches]

One of the most famous of early New England books, here in the first British edition printed at London, following the first edition published in Boston the same year. Mather meant to expose witchcraft and to support his friends in the government. He gives detailed descriptions of each case, thus providing an invaluable record. All the early editions of this work are extremely rare, especially the Boston edition and the present one.

GLC00264

7 June 1699

Nicholson, Francis (fl. 1699)

Document signed

Title: [Appointment of Sir William Skipwith as sheriff of Middlesex County, Virginia].

Signed as Royal Governor General of the "Colony and Dominion of Virginia." Features paper seal of the Colony of Virginia. Note states that the appointment was admitted to record by Edwin [Mackerleur] on July 3, 1699.

GLC02468.17

11 November 1702

Stevenson, Thomas

Document signed

Title: to Edward Hyde, Lord Cornbury

Signed by J. Rodman, Thomas Stevenson, John Way and William Bickley. Written by a group of New York Quakers "to the Governor." Contains a petition on the deprivation of voting rights for the members of the House of Representatives in Queens County and the Island of Nassau, as well as a complaint about unfair taxation. Cornbury was governor of New York and New Jersey from 1701 to 1708.

GLC02509.01

23 January 1705

Trowbridge, Thomas

Document signed

Title: I Thomas Trowbridg of Newtown being upon the seventh day of December 1705 upon the road leading to Boston.

Also signed by John Winchester, Jr. Trowbridge and Winchester had been accused by Royal Governor of Massachusetts Joseph Dudley of attacking him, and he had pressed charges. The two carters deny the charges and say that Dudley was the aggressor. The men were discharged 6 November 1706.

GLC00461.02

20 October 1708

Oliver, Thomas (fl. 1708)

Manuscript document signed

Title: [A Memorial of the State of the Province of Massachusetts Bay in New England to Queene Anne during Queen Anne's War]

A petition from the Massachusetts colonists requesting help in quelling the hostile Indians allied with the French during Queen Anne's War. Gives insight into the conflict's costs upon New England. Discusses the Indians' barbarity and the French setting prices for scalps. Describes their need of aid and the ineffectiveness of regular troops against the Indians. Asks Queen Anne to enlist the help of Mohawks and other friendly Indian nations. Comments on trade, French holdings, and the supply of masts for ships.

GLC04891