A powerful party was, however, formed in favor of Mr Van Dam, and his suspension from the council was, by many, declared to be arbitrary and illegal.

The council, who were almost unanimous in the support of Mr Clarke, voted, that provision should be made against any disturbances, that might ensue. Orders were issued, forbidding any person to recognise the pretensions of Mr Van Dam. A large quantity of gunpowder was directed to be procured, and to be placed in the fort for defence. Mr Van Dam was not deterred by the menacing attitude of affairs, but proceeded to call the council, and assumed the title of commander in chief, and president of the colony. He appointed several of the chartered officers of the city, and was about to exercise other powers incident to the office he had assumed.

SEC. XVII. In the midst of this contention, and by the advice of the council, Mr Clarke convened the assembly, by whom he was recognised as president of the colony. On the 30th of October, he received from England the commission of lieutenant governor, which was published with the usual solemnities. This event put an end to the claims of Mr Van Dam.

In his address to the assembly, Mr. Clarke alluded to the unhappy divisions, which had arisen in the colony, and strongly recommended the legislature to provide for its defence, safety, and prosperity. He directed their attention to the deficiencies in the revenue, and the importance of ship building. He requested the house to provide for the finishing of fortifications already commenced, particularly Fort Hunter, which he represented to be in a ruinous condition, and the establishment at Oswego, which was in want of repairs.

-What vote did they pass?

Who else made pretensions to it?
Of whom were the council in favor?-
- What measures did Van Dam take?
XVII. What put an end to his claims ?
What can you say of the lieutenant governor's address?

SEC. XVIII. The assembly proceeded to act on the subjects recommended, but, in their appropriations, expressly limited the revenue to be raised to the specific deficiencies reported to the house. The lieutenant governor, wishing to have the direction of the revenue, took offence at these limitations, and dissolved the assembly.

At the new elections, the people were much divided, and great exertions were made by the contending parties for success. The popular party were however triumphant. The new assembly was more decidedly opposed to the views of the lieutenant governor, than the old, and their controversies continued to embroil the colony during the whole of his administration.

In these contests the assembly were generally successful. In their second session, 1737, the house departed from their accustomed mode of proceeding, and, instead of voting to take the governor's speech into consideration, voted, that his honor, the lieutenant governor, be addressed. This address was a bold and decided expose of their sentiments, and sufficiently evinces the proud and unbroken spirit of the colonists, incapable of being awed or soothed into submission by the arts or power of their rulers. Both in style and matter, it is a remarkable production, and highly honorable to the times in which it was formed.

On the subject of revenue, the house adopted the following energetic language. "We therefore beg leave to be plain with your honor, and hope you will not take it amiss, when we tell you, that you are not to expect, that we either will raise sums unfit to be raised, or put what we -What was the char

XVIII. What can you say of the assembly?

acter of the new assembly?

What is said of these contests?--What vote was passed in 1737 ?--Give some account of this address.

shall raise into the power of a governor to misapply, if we can prevent it; nor shall we make up any other deficiencies, than what we conceive are fit and just to be paid, or continue what support or revenue we shall raise for any longer time than one year, nor do we think it convenient to do even that, until such laws are passed, as we conceive necessary for the safety of the inhabitants of this colony, who have reposed a trust in us for that only purpose, and which we are sure you will think it reasonable, we should act agreeable to, and by the grace of God, we shall endeavor not to deceive them."

The character of the assembly, at this period, for firmness, in what it deemed the essential interests of the colony, cannot be disputed. The legislature, which had previously been mostly under the control of the governors, now began to perceive its importance in the scale of government. It possessed the germe of that independence and freedom, which afterwards ripened and displayed itself in securing the liberties of our country. It felt the dignity due to its own character, and neither ministerial smiles nor frowns could sway it from the path of duty.

In 1738, Capt. Norris, of the ship Tartar, then lying in the harbor of New York, made application to the mayor for liberty to impress thirty seamen to man his vessel. The governor and council ordered the mayor to cause the impressment to be made. The mayor peremptorily refused to obey the order, and the governor and council prudently declined taking any measures to compel obedience.

In 1741, the negroes formed a plot to burn the city. One hundred and fifty four were committed to prison, of whom fourteen were burnt at the stake, eighteen hanged, seventyone transported, and the remainder pardoned or discharged for want of proof.

Twenty white persons were committed, of whom two only were executed. The city of New York contained, at this time, twelve thousand souls, of whom, one sixth were slaves.

What is said of the legislature at this period?

What application was made to the Mayor of New York?What was the result of this application ?Give some account of the plot in 1741.

SEC. XIX. Governor Clarke closed his administration in September, 1743. Like that of his predecessor, it was distinguished by a strict and pertinacious adherence to prerogative, and presents little else, than an arduous and continued struggle for ascendency between the governor and the assembly, supported by their respective partisans.

With few exceptions, he evinced a strong desire to conciliate the affections of the people, and, apart from his notions of monarchy he contributed much to the prosperity of the colony. His constant attention to the promotion of trade and commerce entitled him to our applause.

XIX. When did lieutenant governor Clarke close his administration ? -What can you say of it?

For what was he entitled to applause?

CHAP. VIII.

FROM 1743, TO 1760.

War

George Clinton appointed Governor. with France. Expedition against Louisburg. Incursions of the French and Indians. Operations of the war in 1746. Capture of the French fleet. Indian depredations. Termination of the war. Osborne appointed Governor, dies, and is succeeded by Delancey. Hostilities again commenced with the French. Colonial Convention. Hardy appointed Governor. Colonies prosecute the war.

SEC. I. 1743. His excellency, George Clinton, was appointed to supersede Mr Clarke, as governor of the colony. He arrived on the 23d of September, and assumed the administration of the government.

The arrival of Governor Clinton was highly gratifying to the feelings of the colonists. The assembly was, according to custom, dissolved, and a new one elected. In addressing them, the language of the governor was mild and unassuming. Their reply was complimentary, and passed over in silence the former subjects of controversy between the executive and the assembly.

1. Who succeeded Mr Clarke ?--What is said of his arrival?

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