conditions as were expressed in the act. When the house had thus made provision for the public debt, they dissolved, upon the news of the death of Queen Ann, 1714.

The firmness of the governor, in his laconic speech, in May 1713, broke the obstinate spirit of the house, and brought them to terms; they then promptly provided for the government; and at their session in autumn, we have seen the provision they made for the public debt. In May 1715, a new assembly was convened; but when the governor discovered some expressions of their former obstinacy, he dissolved the assembly again, as an expression of his determination, that the public good should become decidedly the leading feature in the house.

In June 1716, his excellency convened a new assembly; and he found that he had carried his point, and a general harmony began to prevail, which continued through the session, and extended into the adjourned session in autumn, when the house presented an address to the governor, containing a handsome acknowledgment of their former error, in sending out a memorial to the queen, reflecting upon his character and conduct, and designed to ruin his influence and respectability. This address finally healed the old breach, and general harmony prevailed.

The council requested the house, (by message,) to appoint suitable persons, and provide for one half of the expence, for running the division line between New-York and New-Jersey, which they cheerfully consented to, and made provision accordingly.

The house at the same time, made provision by law for discharging the residue of the public debt, and appropriated several thousand pounds for that purpose. They also made provision for running the boundary line with Connecticut, which was finally accomplished in 1719. In May 1718, Mr. Speaker Nicoll declined any further continuance of his office, as speaker of the house, and re

quested that he might be excused: his request was granted, and Robert Livingston was called to the chair.

In justice to this administration, I feel it my duty to lay before the reader the governor's address to the house, and their reply, to shew the degree of mutual concord and harmony, which followed that obstinate discord, which we have so recently noticed, and which flowed from the wisdom and firmness of the governor's management.

"GENTLEMEN,

"I have sent for you, that you may be witness to the acts passed by the General Assembly this session: I hope what remains unfinished may be perfected by to-morrow, when I intend to put à close to this session.

"I take the opportunity to acquaint you, that my late uncertain state of health, the care of my little family, and my private affairs, on the other side, have at last determined me to make use of that licence of absence, which has been some time ago so graciously granted me; but with a firm resolution to return to you again, if it is his majesty's pleasure that I should do so; but if that proves otherwise, I assure you that whilst I live, I shall be watchful and industrious to promote the interest and welfare of this country, of which I think I am under the strongest obligations for the future, to account myself a country

man.

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"I look with pleaure on the present quiet and flourishing state of the country here, while I reflect on that in which I found them at my arrival. As the very name of party, or faction, seems to be forgotten, may it ever remain buried in oblivion, and no strife ever happen amongst you; but that laudable emulation; who shall approve himself the most zealous servant, and most dutiful subject of the best of princes, (George I.) and most useful member of a well established, and flourishing community; of

which you gentlemen, have given a happy example, and which I hope will be followed by all future assemblies. I mention it to your honor, and without ingratitude and breach of duty, I could do no less."

This address needs no comment: we will pursue the subject and insert the reply of the house, which when taken collectively, may serve to shew the striking contrast between the beginning, and ending of this administration.

Answer of the House to the Governor's Address.*

"SIR,

"When we reflect upon your past conduct, your just, mild, and tender administration, it heightens the concern we have for your departure, and makes our grief such as words cannot truly express. You have governed well, and wisely, like a prudent magistrate, like an affectionate parent; and wherever you go and whatever station the Divine Providence shall please to assign you, our sincere desires and prayers for the happiness of you and yours, shall ever attend you.

"We have seen many governors, and may see more, and as none of those who had the honor to serve in your station, were ever so justly fixed in the affections of the people, so those to come can acquire no more reputation, when it can be said of them, their conduct has been like yours.

"We thankfully accept the honor you do us in calling yourself our countryman; give us leave then to desire that you will not forget this as your country, and if you can, make haste to return to it.

*This was ascribed to the pens of Col. Morris and Mr. Speaker Livingston.

"But if the service of our sovereign will not admit of what we so earnestly desire, and his commands deny us that happiness; permit us to address you as our friend ; and give us your assistance, when we are oppressed with an administration the reverse of yours."

With this mutual and reciprocal interchange of grat-. itude and affection, the session closed, and on the 31st of July, 1719, Governor Hunter took an affectionate leave of his friends in America, and sailed for England. Colonel Peter Schuyler,* upon the departure of Governor Hunter, as the eldest councillor, took the chair, where he presided with great wisdom and prudence. The most conspicuous features in his administration, were an Indian treaty at Albany, where the ancient alliances were renewed, and the final settlement of the boundary line with New-Jersey was made.

* The famous Colonel Schuyler, agent for Indian affairs.

CHAPTER XXV,

NEW-YORK CONTINUED.

On the 17th of September, 1720, William Burnet, Esq. arrived with the king's commission, and relieved Colonel Schuyler from the duties of the chair, and commenced his administration as governor; and Colonel Schuyler became his eldest counsellor. Governor Burnet was a scholar and a gentleman; studied the arts of pleasing, and strove by his address to become popular. He delighted to preside as chancellor, but his precipitancy often involved his decisions in controversy, and he shewed himself to be no lawyer.

Governor Burnet might be said to be poor; and to obtain the office of governor of New-York, he exchanged the office of comptroller of the customs at London, with Governor Hunter. By his acquaintance with the former governor, he acquired a knowledge of the affairs, as well as of the characters of men, in the province, and as the late governor recommended all his old friends in office, to Governor Burnet, he had occasion to make but few changes in the government. The leading characters in the government at this time, were Chief Justice Morris, Col. Schuyler, Mr. Philipse, and others.

Dr. Colden, agent for Indian affairs, whose knowledge of the concerns of the province were extensive, particularly, the affairs relating to the French and Indians; and a Mr. Alexander, a noted lawyer, whose professional knowledge was very useful to the governor, were ranked amongst his first friends. The wisdom and talents of these gentlemen soon brought them near to the chair, and raised them to the council board, in place of Colonel Schuyler and Mr. Philipse, removed.