Kingston and the Loyalists of the "Spring Fleet" of 1783.

Editor, George H. Hayward, UE Editor's Note: The following article is reprinted with the permission of the 1980 book publisher, Roderick Cummings of Non-Entity Press and was edited by George H. Hayward, UE, Certified Genealogist. Mr. Hayward concentrated on the first few chapters of the book whose title we've used above. The entire book may be obtained for $5.35 from: Roderick Cummings, 217 Aberbeen St., Fredericton, N.B. E3B 1R6. The original 1889 printing of the book also adds: "With Reminiscences of EARLY DAYS IN CONNECTICUT: A Narrative By Walter Bates, Esq., Sometime High Sheriff of the County of Kings. To which is appended a diary written by Sarah Frost on her voyage to Saint John, New Brunswick, with the Loyalists of 1783. Edited with notes by W.O. Raymond, A.B. Rector of St. Mary's Church, St. John, N.B. Barnes and Company, 1889. Introductory Year by year, the task of collecting reliable information regarding the early history of New Brunswick becomes increasingly difficult. Already through indifference and neglect much valuable information has been irreparably lost. It, therefore, becomes a matter of some importance to preserve in a more permanent form such trustworthy records as are yet in existence. It is by no means improbable that much material of real value to the future historian lies hidden from the light of day in many an old dwelling in this province. Old family documents and letters -- faded and musty -- consigned in numerous instances to the attic or the lumber-room, are capable of supplying here and there a missing link, or throwing light on some obscure point in our provincial history. The publication of the following extremely interesting, narrative of the late Walter Bates, Esq., of Kingston, will be especially valuable if it should prove the means of arousing a spirit of inquiry and investigation amongst the possessors of old papers and documents. In the notes which I have appended to the narrative, occasional reference will be made to the History of New York during the Revolutionary War, by Thomas Jones, justice of the Supreme Court of that province. The work is a remarkable one. It is ably edited by Edward Floyd de Lancey, a personal friend of Dr. C. W. Weldon, M. P. of this city, to whose kindness I am indebted for its perusal. The position taken by the Loyalists at the time of the American Revolution has been largely misunderstood, and, as a consequence, greatly misrepresented. Their true position is admirably stated in the preface to the work just mentioned, and the following quotation is particularly valuable, as coming from a citizen of the United States: "It is a common belief," says Mr. de Lancey, "that the loyal inhabitants of America -- the truly loyal, those who acted from principle, were the unhesitating supporters of the British government in its unjustifiable and tyrannic invasions of the rights and liberties of its American people. "United States writers have naturally, perhaps, so described them, while the few English historians who have treated American History, have either taken a similar view, or have ignored them altogether. "The history of the course of the Loyalists at the American Revolutionary epoch, and of their plans for relief from the British tyranny which then oppressed America, has never been written. There can be no greater error than to suppose that the Loyalists as a whole were willing to submit quietly to the exactions of the Mother Country, and her invasion of their rights and liberties as British subjects. As Americans they felt those grievances, and were as indignant at the treatment they were subjected to as those of their countrymen who took up arms. But they wished to fight the battle for those rights and liberties and the redress of those grievances, with the powerful weapons which the constitution of England gave to them as to other Englishmen -- weapons which had proved successful before as they have proved successful since in similar emergencies -- freedom of speech, freedom of the pen, freedom of the press. "They desired, by political agitation, to force the home government to a change of policy, or to drive it from power and place in office the foes of the oppression of the colonies. "Their enemy was the ministry of Lord North, not the King of England, to whom they owned and had sworn allegiance. This object they were prevented from carrying out. Royal folly in England and demagogic fanaticism in America eagerly joined hands to crush such a constitutional settlement of the dispute, brought about a bloody civil war, and finally effected a termination of the quarrel unlooked for by either party at its commencement." A brief biographical sketch may here be given of the author of the old manuscript which now for the first time appears in print. Walter Bates was the fourth son of John and Sarah (Bostwick) Bates. He was born March 14, 1760, in the eastern part of the town of Stamford, Connecticut, now known as Darien. The story of his early manhood is given in a very entertaining form in the narrative that follows. After his arrival in Kingston, in 1783, he soon became quite a prominent personage in the land of his adoption. Indeed during the later years of his life, the name of "Sheriff Bates" was familiar in Kings County as a household word. A man of strict integrity and good ability, he naturally took a leading position in civic affairs. For many years he filled the position of sheriff of Kings County with much efficiency and fidelity. He was ever a loyal British subject, and a faithful and devoted member of the church of his fathers, in whose welfare he took the liveliest interest. As a writer, he was possessed of no mean ability. Indeed, it is probable that in no other way will the name of Walter Bates be more widely known or longer remembered than as the author of that remarkable and popular book, The Mysterious Stranger, or Memoirs of the Noted Henry More Smith, a book first published by W. L. Avery, of this city, and which has passed through many subsequent editions by George W. Day. Walter Bates died at Kingston, at the advanced age of 82 years. This very year old 1889 Trinity Church, in whose erection he greatly rejoiced, commemorated the centennial of its existence. It stands as a faithful sentinel amongst the silent graves of its builders - those hardy pioneers beneath whose axes the giant trees of a primeval forest rang 100 years ago. And there, beneath the shade of the of the old church he loved so well, the old Loyalist rests from his labours. A square freestone column bears the following inscription: In Memory of WALTER BATES, Esq. High Sheriff of this County, Who died Feb. 11th, A.D. 1842, Aged 82 years. In Memory of MRS. ABIGAIL BATES, Wife of WALTER BATES, Esq., Who died July 6, 1820, in the 58th year of her age. It seems undoubtedly to have been the intention of Mr. Bates to publish the old manuscript, but increasing years and infirmities prevented the consummation of his wishes. In 1840 he drew up the following: PROSPECTUS. Nearly ready for the press - published by subscription - A brief historical sketch of the seven ministers who first, at the commencement of the rebellion against King Charles the First, embraced the doctrine of predestination and freewill election, and to escape from the King's displeasure fled to New England, and there proclaimed themselves Puritans. . . . With a brief extract of their first Blue Laws; contrasted with those church ministers and loyal British subjects who were persecuted in the times of the late rebellion in New England, and who on the declaration of Independence fled from persecution into the wilderness of Nova Scotia, A. D. 1783, and established the Church of England in Kingston. The volume to contain more than 100 pages. Price to subscribers, 2s. 6d. Passing over for the present the former part of Mr. Bates' manuscript, which is in some places incomplete, I proceed to take up that portion which will be of special interest. W. O. RAYMOND. CHAPTER I Early Days of the Revolution with some Account of the Sufferings of the Loyalists. Having through age and other infirmities been much longer with the former portion of my subject than I at first anticipated, I must therefore of necessity be very brief in what follows, hoping that my infirmities in so doing may not be viewed with severity. It is now my desire to give a narrative of events connected with the rise and progress of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Kingston, New Brunswick, recording facts but not inventing anything, rescuing many valuable facts from oblivion. The work in a few minor details may possibly be not always correct, yet in the main it is unaffected - a body of facts, many of which in our day are entirely new and the whole is no where else to be found in so convenient a form. The work has been prepared at great expense of time, under the pressure of many cares not unmingled with sickness, pain and sorrow. In the words of Bishop Bramhall: "No man can justly blame me for loving my spiritual mother, the Church of England, in whose womb I was conceived, at whose breasts I was nourished, and in whose bosom I hope to die." I must only give a brief statement of what took place after the return of those five gentlemen in Orders under the patronage of the society in old England for promoting Christian Knowledge. Where-upon the Episcopal church increased mightily in Connecticut. Several of the Presbyterian ministers went to England and obtained Episcopal ordination and soon after their return, churches were built in almost every town in Connecticut, to the great annoyance of the old Puritans who cherished great jealousy against the Church of England, inherited from their ancestors. They asserted that the Episcopal clergy were guilty of writing home amazing falsehood and that it would seem to be an agreeable office to distinguish the innocent from the guilty. About this time mobs were assembled for persecuting the loyal element in Connecticut. Every town which did not subscribe for support of Boston was styled a Tory town, which they spared not to insult. As on one hand rebellion raised her crest in Connecticut with more insolence than in other parts, so loyalty has there exhibited proofs of zeal and fortitude beyond example to be found elsewhere. In particular the clergy by their steady adherence to their oaths and firmness under the assaults of their enemies were a conspicuous example of fidelity. Not one among them all in their fiery trial have dishonoured the King or the Church of England. The suffering of some of them within my memory I cannot wholly pass over in silence. As a resolute antagonist of the Puritan party, and a zealous supporter of the loyal cause, the Rev. Mr. Peters stood conspicuous. Many were the attempts to ruin him and his character. In carrying out their systematic plan of persecution, the doors of the prisons were opened, and prisoners became the leaders of mobs, composed largely of Negroes, vagabonds, and thieves. The governor and council finally entered the lists, and anxious at all events to get rid of so formidable an opponent, accused him of being a spy of Lord North and the bishops, and proclamation was made to that effect in every Republican pulpit in the colony on Sunday, the fourteenth day of August, 1774. This encouraged an armed mob of "patriots" to surround his house the same night in a tumultuous manner, ordering gates and doors to be opened. Mr. Peters, from his window, asked if they had a warrant from a magistrate to enter his house. They replied, "We have Joice's warrant, which Charles the traitor submitted to, and it is sufficient for you." Finally, it was agreed that a committee, composed of the most respectable men in the party, should read all the papers belonging to Mr. Peters. Accordingly, after inspecting all his papers as much as they pleased, they reported that they were satisfied Mr. Peters was not guilty of any crime laid to his charge. On Sunday, the 4th September, the country was falsely alarmed by reason of Colonel Putnam's declaring Admiral Graves had burnt Boston, and that General Gage was murdering old and young, except Tories and churchmen. The governor seized this opportunity to set the mobs with redoubled fury upon Mr. Peters and the loyalists of Hebron, whom they called "Peterites." On this occasion intoxicated ruffians spared neither houses, goods nor persons. Some had their bowels crushed out of their bodies. Others were covered with filth and marked with the sign of the cross, in token of loyalty to bishops and kings, who, they said, designed to crucify all good people. Even women were hung up, tarred and feathered. The Rev. Mr. Peters, with his gown torn off, was treated in the most insulting manner. His mother, daughter, two brothers and servants wounded, one of his brothers so badly that be died soon after, and these fiends dragged Mr. Peters almost naked from his dwelling, in spite of the cries and tears of his mother and sisters, which might have melted the heart of a savage, though it produced nothing but peals of laughter which rent to the skies. While they were dragging him to their "Liberty Pole," with intent of hoisting him up and down, as was their manner of treatment, so extremely cruel and barbarous was their usage that the sheriff of Litchfield county could not withhold his interference, by whose timely assistance Mr. Peters was finally set at liberty and his life providentially saved. Half naked and wounded, he fled to the royal army at Boston, from whence he went to England, by which means he preserved his life, but not his property, from the rapacity and bloody hands of his cruel countrymen. After such an experience, it is not to be wondered at that Mr. Peters had but a poor opinion of Republican liberty, or that he should have penned the following recipe: Take the herb of Hypocrisy and root of Pride three handsful - two ounces of Ambition and Vainglory - pound them in the mortar of Faction and of Discord - leave over the fire of Sedition until you perceive the Scum of Deceit at the top - strain it through the cloke of Rebellion - put it in the bottle of Envy - stop it with the cork of Malice till settled - then make it into pills of Conspiracy - take nine when you go to bed - say a long prayer that may be heard in the street - then go to sleep if you can, and it will be sure to have the due effects. All the next day you will be well disposed to censure the church, burn all the Bishops, murder the King, plunder the nation and cut the throats of all honest men. After the escape of Mr. Peters, 1775, the Rev. Messrs. Mansfield and Victs were cast into prison and tried for high treason for giving food to loyalists flying from drunken mobs - fined and imprisoned. Everything but decency and order overran the colony, and frequent irruption was made in which many loyalists were disarmed, plundered and made prisoners, among whom was the Rev. Dr. Seabury and the mayor of the city of New York. Governor Tryon and others happily escaped their fury through a back window. Mr. Rivington, the King's printer, was one of the sufferers by loss of property. They plundered his house of all his printing materials - since employed in the service of their congress. The King's statue maintained its ground in New York until Washington took possession of the city, when it was indicated for high treason against America, found guilty and received sentence that the lead of it should be run into bullets for the destruction of the English. Mr. Washington thought proper to notice in his General Order next day he was sorry his soldiers should in a riotous manner pull down the statue of the King, yet he could not but commend them for defaming every monument of British tyranny. Meanwhile, in Connecticut, organized mobs continued their acts of violence and outrage, breaking windows in the houses of loyalists and crying out, "No Bishops, Kings, Lords or Tyrants!" The New Englanders felt that the authority of the government of England and the National church must be crushed or their Puritanism be overthrown. It was this spirit largely which originated the late rebellion in America. Throughout this unhappy war, the Episcopal church, in some places veiled in obscurity, still continued to exist in America, notwithstanding the utmost persecution evil men could bring upon it, and at length I have happily lived to see what so long I vainly hoped for - Dr. Seabury, the persecuted priest from the city of New York, return the first consecrated Diocesan Bishop of Connecticut - my native land. In July, 1776, Congress declared Independency, and ordered the Commonwealth to be prayed for instead of the King and Royal family. All the loyal churches were thereupon shut up, except one at Newton, Connecticut, of which the Rev. John Beach was rector. His grey hairs adorned with loyal and Christian virtues overcame the madness of his enemies. This faithful disciple entered his church, saying: "If I am to credit the surmises kindly whispered to me, that unless I forbear from praying for the King I shall never pray or preach more, I can only say, whilst no intimation could well be more distressing it admits not one moment's delay: with all due respect for my ordination oaths, I am firm in my resolution while I pray at all to conform with the unmutilated liturgy of the church, and pray for the King and all in authority under him." Upon this the rebels seized him, resolved to cut out his tongue. He said, "If my blood must be shed, let it not be done in the house of God." The pious mob then dragged him out of the church. "Now, you old devil," said they, "say your last prayer!" Whereupon he devotedly kneeled down, saying, "O Lord and Father of mercies, look upon these mine enemies and forgive them. They know not what they do; they are blindly misled; O God, in mercy open their eyes." By the Providence of God, the council of his enemies was brought to naught and his life spared. (1) In September, 1776, Washington was compelled to evacuate New York, by General Howe, to the great relief of loyalists in New York. He penetrated into the country as far as White Plains, about twelve miles from Stamford, to the alarm of all the sympathizers with the British cause. In the day of battle we were collected by the mobs and confined, under strong guards, where we could hear the report of guns, hoping soon to be relieved. The British returning shortly after the mobs all dispersed and the "Tories" were set at liberty. The British fortified Lloyd's Neck with a garrison, opposite the islands and coves lying between the churches of Norwalk and Stamford, whose inhabitants were wealthy farmers -- Churchmen and Quakers -- all loyalists that afforded a complete asylum and safe passage, by which my three brothers and hundreds of others passed by night almost continually to the British Garrison. CHAPTER II Personal Adventures of the Narrator During the War At length the thing I greatly feared came upon me. A small boat was discovered by the American guard, in one of these coves, by night, in which they suspected that one of my brothers, with some others, had come from the British. They supposed them concealed in the neighbourhood and that I must be acquainted with it. At this time I had just entered my sixteenth year. I was taken and confined in the Guard House; next day examined before a Committee and threatened with sundry deaths if I did not confess what I knew not of. They threatened among other things to confine me at low water and let the tide drown me if I did not expose these honest farmers. At length I was sent back to the Guard House until ten o'clock at night, when I was taken out by an armed mob, conveyed through the field gate one mile from the town to the creek, then having been stripped my body was exposed to the mosquitoes, my hands and feet being confined to a tree near the Salt Marsh, in which situation for two hours time every drop of blood would be drawn from my body; when soon after two of the committee said that if I would tell them all I knew, they would release me, if not they would leave me to these men who, perhaps, would kill me. I told them that I knew nothing that would save my life. They left me, and the Guard came to me and said they were ordered to give me, if I did not confess, one hundred stripes, and if that did not kill me I would be sentenced to be hanged. Twenty stripes was then executed with severity, after which they sent me again to the Guard House. No "Tory" was allowed to speak to me, but I was insulted and abused by all. The next day the committee proposed many means to extort a confession from me, the most terrifying was that of confining me to a log on the carriage in the Saw mill and let the saw cut me in two if I did not expose "those Torys." Finally they sentenced me to appear before Col. Davenport, in order that he should send me to head quarters, where all the Tories he sent were surely hanged. Accordingly next day I was brought before Davenport - one of the descendants of the old apostate Davenport, who fled from old England - who, after he had examined me, said with great severity of countenance, "I think you could have exposed those Tories." I said to him, "You might rather think I would have exposed my own father sooner than suffer what I have suffered." Upon which the old judge could not help acknowledging he never knew any one who had withstood more without exposing confederates, and he finally discharged me the third day. It was a grievous misfortune to be in such a situation, but the fear of God animated me not to fear man. My resolution compelled mine enemies to show their pity that I had been so causelessly afflicted, and my life was spared. I was, however, obliged to seek refuge from the malice of my persecutors in the mountains and forests until their frenzy might be somewhat abated. After two year's absence, on my return home, I found my father down with the small-pox, suspected to be given him by design, consequently the family were all in inoculation, which I also had to endure, after which I could not by any means think of leaving my father until I had assisted him in his wheat harvest. The first night after I was summoned with a draft for the Continental Service with three day's notice, consequently was compelled to flee for refuge, I knew not where, but providentially found myself next morning in the immediate neighbourhood of a British garrison. Here I was informed I must go through the regular process, be reported, and take the oath of allegiance. I was provided with the necessary pass from the commanding officer to General De Lancey at Jamaica (Long Island), who furnished me with a pass directed to General Smith at Brooklin, who furnished me with a pass to Colonel Axtell at Flat Bush, who administered the oath and also furnished me with a pass to General De Lancey again at Jamaica. Here not being acquainted with customs of the army exposed me to great inconvenience. I just only prudently knocked at the same door where I had received my pass the day before. This I was informed was considered an offence and that the old General was apt to be very severe after drinking wine all night. At length the old General came down from his chamber, and surely his face looked to me as red as his coat. "Where is that damned rascal who has disturbed my quarters this morning? Send him to the guard house!" roared he. This subjected me to great difficulties, too unpleasant to mention. [Part 1 of 2] Return of the Families, etc., Embarked on Board the Union Transport, Consett Wilson, Master, Began Huntington Bay April 11th and Completed April 16th, 1783. Column 1, Number of signers; No. 2, Women; No. 3, Children above 10 years old; No. 4, Children under 10 years old; No. 5, Servants. Signers' Names 1 2 3 4 5 Former Place of Abode  Fyler Dibblee 1 1 3 1 2 Stanford, Connecticut Walter Dibblee 1 .. .. .. .. do do William Dibblee 1 .. .. .. .. do do John Lyon  1 1 4 1 .. Reading do John Lyon, jr. 1 .. .. .. .. do do Reuben Lyon 1 .. .. .. .. do do David Pickett 1 1 3 4 .. Stanford do Joseph Caswell 1 1 2 2 .. Massachusetts Ephraim Deforest  1 1 2 1 .. Reading, Connecticut Ebenezer Slokum 1 1 2 2 .. Rhode Island Farmer William Boon 1 1 4 2 .. do Seth Squires 1 1 3 3 .. Stratford, Connecticut Seth Squires, jr. 1 .. .. .. .. do do John Baker 1 .. .. .. .. Massachusetts Abram Carrington 1 1 .. .. .. Milford, Connecticut William Straight 1 .. .. .. .. Killingsworth do Seth Seely 1 1 4 3 .. Stanford do Seth Seely, jr. 1 .. .. .. .. do do John Hendrickson 1 1 .. .. .. Dutches County Israel Hait 1 1 4 2 .. Norwalk, Connecticut Widow Mary Raymond 1 0 .. .. .. do do Nathan Shippy 1 .. .. .. .. Dutches County Martin Trecarty 1 1 .. .. .. do Silas Raymond 1 1 3 1 .. Norwalk, Connecticut Jaramiah Holcomb 1 1 .. 2 .. Hackingsack, Jersey George Happie 1 1 .. 1 .. Duches County Joseph Rothburn 1 .. .. .. .. Rhode Island Farmer James Picket 1 1 1 1 .. Norwalk, Connecticut Lewis Pickett 1 .. .. .. .. do do John Underwood  1 1 .. .. .. Newport, Rhode Island Widow Ruth Nichols 1 0 1 1 .. do do Johannes Chick 1 1 1 1 .. Eaton's Neck, Long Island John Chick  1 .. .. .. .. do do Walter Bates 1 .. .. .. .. Stanford, Connecticut John Gordon  1 1 .. .. .. Danbury do Joseph Lyon 1 1 1 2 .. Connecticut Simon Losee 1 1 4 1 .. Long Island Thomas Carle 1 1 4 2 .. Duches County Jacob Maybee 1 1 2 .. .. do William Maybee 1 .. .. .. .. do Widow Hester Burlock 1 0 1 1 .. Norwalk, Connecticut Stephen Fountain 1 1 .. .. .. Stanford do Thomas Burdin 1 1 3 1 .. Massachusetts George Sweet  1 1 .. 1 .. Rhode Island Wheelwright Thomas Wade  1 .. 1 .. .. do Abram Dickermon 1 .. .. .. .. New Haven, Connecticut Eleazor Slokum 1 1 1 .. .. Massachusetts Samuel Boon 1 .. .. .. .. Rhode Island Farmer Massey Harris 1 0 .. .. .. do George Lumsden  1 1 1 3 .. New Haven, Connecticut Robert Comely  1 .. .. .. .. Pennsylvania Mason John Fowler  1 1 .. 2 .. Massachusetts John Hand 1 1 1 1 .. East New Jersey Elias Scribner 1 1 2 3 .. Norwalk, Connecticut Hesekiah Scribner 1 1 .. .. .. do do Thaddeus Scribner 1 .. .. .. .. do do Joseph Ferris 1 .. .. .. .. Newtown do Gideon Coree 1 .. .. .. .. Rhode Island Cooper Solomon Tucker 1 1 1 3 .. Stanford, Connecticut Daniel Smith  1 .. .. .. .. New Milford do Andrew Jostlin 1 .. .. .. .. Rhode Island Farmer Abel Bardsley 1 1 1 .. .. Fairfield, Connecticut Ephraim Lane 1 .. .. .. .. do do John Marvin 1 .. .. .. .. Norwalk do John Seaman 1 .. .. .. .. Duches County [Part 2 of 2] Return of the Families, etc., Embarked on Board the Union Transport, Consett Wilson, Master, Began Huntington Bay April 11th and Completed April 16th, 1783. Column 1, Number of signers; No. 2, Women; No. 3, Children above 10 years old; No. 4, Children under 10 years old; No. 5, Servants. Signers' Names Occupation Fyler Dibblee Attorney-at-Law Walter Dibblee Farmer William Dibblee Farmer John Lyon Farmer John Lyon, jr. Farmer Reuben Lyon Farmer David Pickett Farmer Joseph Caswell Blacksmith Ephraim Deforest Shoemaker Ebenezer Slokum William Boon Farmer Seth Squires Farmer Seth Squires, jr. Farmer John Baker Seaman Abram Carrington Farmer William Straight Refiner of Iron Seth Seely Farmer Seth Seely, jr. Farmer John Hendrickson Farmer Israel Hait Shoemaker Widow Mary Raymond Nathan Shippy Carpenter Martin Trecarty Carpenter Silas Raymond Carpenter Jaramiah Holcomb Farmer George Happie Shoemaker Joseph Rothburn James Picket Carpenter Lewis Pickett Carpenter John Underwood Farmer Widow Ruth Nichols Johannes Chick Farmer John Chick Farmer Walter Bates Farmer John Gordon Farmer Joseph Lyon Farmer Simon Losee Shoemaker Thomas Carle Farmer Jacob Maybee Farmer William Maybee Farmer Widow Hester Burlock Stephen Fountain Blacksmith Thomas Burdin Farmer George Sweet Thomas Wade Farmer Abram Dickermon Shoemaker Eleazor Slokum Seaman Samuel Boon Massey Harris George Lumsden Shoemaker Robert Comely John Fowler Farmer John Hand Carpenter Elias Scribner Shoemaker Hesekiah Scribner Farmer Thaddeus Scribner Shoemaker Joseph Ferris Joiner Gideon Coree Solomon Tucker Weaver Daniel Smith Farmer Andrew Jostlin Abel Bardsley Farmer Ephraim Lane Farmer John Marvin Farmer John Seaman Farmer 65 signers; 35 women; 59 children over 10 years old; 48 children under 10 years old; 2 servants; Total 209. A True Return Test, (signed) Fyler Dibblee, D. Agt. Yet kind providence seemed to prepare ways and means, unforseen by me, for my escape and preservation amidst all troubles, afflictions and dangers by land and sea, and during that unhappy war there were many instances of God's mercy for which I can never be sufficiently grateful. For example in the case of my eldest brother's sickness, on Long Island, with the fever that few survived at that time, I was providentially in a situation to render him every comfort he could receive while in life, and after his death to attend to his decent burial in the town of Huntington, the 10th day of September, 1781, and soon after I was taken sick with the like fever on Lloyd's Neck, where I must soon have died had not I providentially been removed to a friendly house in Huntington, where I received the kind attention of the family. It was feared that I could not survive until morning, a doctor was called late at night who administered medicine which, under providence, gave immediate relief and I was soon restored to my former health. Shortly after this I commenced teaching a school on Eaton's Neck, where all the people were Loyalists and most part with myself, churchmen from Connecticut. Here some of the Church clergymen came occasionally to hold divine service on Sundays. There being none of other religion on the "Neck" we were so united the church at Eaton might be justly styled a church of Eden. The Rev. John Sayre came to attend public worship here in April, 1783, and at the same time to acquaint us that the King had granted to all loyalists who did not incline to return to their homes, and would go to Nova Scotia, two hundred acres of land to each family, and two years provisions: provide ships to convey them as near as can be to a place for settlement where lands would be granted for support of church and school. The next day I obtained the articles for settlement (yet in my possession) from Huntington. A general meeting was held on Eaton's Neck to investigate the same together with our present and future prospects. After we had discussed the matter it was resolved by all present, and mutually agreed to remove with all their families into the wilderness of Nova Scotia, and settle all together in such situation as we might enjoy the comforts of a church and school in the wilderness, fully relying for future support in the promises of God to His people. I here introduce the rhymes of a young School master: Come Loyalists all come And listen to my word; We left our country and our home And trusted in the Lord; Let us not now forsake our trust Returning back with sorrow; I fain would see the Rebels flee Like Sodom and Gomorrow, Yet think these offers very just And thank the King sincerely-- Altho' the Rebels gain so much, We see not yet quite clearly; God is too wise to be unjust, Too good to be unkind, While subject to his sovereign will Our hearts are well inclined. God when He gives supremely good, Not less when He denies; Afflictions from His Sovereign hand Are blessings in disguise. For in the wilderness, we're told, God's church will comfort give, And no good thing will He withhold From those who justly live. W. Bates CHAPTER III The Voyage of the First Fleet of 1783 and the Settlement of Kingston by a Band of Loyalists It seemed as if heaven smiled upon our undertaking, selecting the best ship in the fleet for our comfort, and by far the best captain. And so, with warm, loyal hearts, we all embarked(2) with one mind on board the good ship Union, Captain Wilson, who received us all on board as father of a family. Nothing was wanting to make us comfortable on board ship, which blessing seemed providentially to attend us throughout. From Eaton's Neck the ship sailed through East River to New York. Having a couple on board wishing to be married we called upon Reverend Mr. Leaming who received us with much kindness and affection, most of us having been formerly of his congregation; who after the marriage reverently admonished us with his blessing that in our new home we pay due regard to church and school as means to obtain the blessing of God upon our families and our industry. We reembarked. Next day the ship joined the fleet and on the 26th day of April, 1783, upwards of twenty sail of ships under convey left Sandy Hook for Nova Scotia -- from whence our good ship Union had the honour of leading the whole fleet fourteen days and arrived at Partridge Island before the fleet was come within sight. Next day our ship was safely moored by Capt. Daniel Leavett, the pilot, in the most convenient situation for landing in the harbour of St. John all in good health. We remained comfortably on board ship till we could explore for a place in the wilderness suitable for our purpose of settlement. Those who came in other ships were in some cases sickly, or precipitated on shore. Here again we were favoured. A boat was procured for the purpose of exploration, and David Pickett, Israel Hait, Silas Raymond and others proceeded sixty miles up the River Saint John. On their return they reported that the inhabitants were settled on intervals land by the river -- that the high lands had generally been burned by the Indians, and there was no church or church minister in the country. They were informed of the existence of a tract of timber land that had not been burned on Bellisle Bay, about thirty miles from the harbour of Saint John, which they had visited. They viewed the situation favourable for our purpose of settlement. Whereupon we all agreed to disembark from on board the good ship Union and proceed thither. We departed with Captain Wilson's blessing, and embarked on board a small sloop all our baggage. The next morning with all our effects, women and children, we set sail above the Falls, and arrived at Bellisle Bay before sunset. Nothing but wilderness before our eyes; the women and children did not refrain from tears! John Marvin, John Lyon and myself went on shore and pitched a tent in the bushes and slept in it all night. Next morning every man came on shore and cleared away and landed all our baggage, women and the children, and the sloop left us alone in the wilderness. We had been informed the Indians were uneasy at our coming, and that a considerable body had collected at the head of Bellisle. Yet our hope and trust remained firm that God would not forsake us. We set to work with such resolution that before night we had as many tents set as made the women and children comfortable. Next morning we discovered a fleet of ten Indian canoes slowly moving towards us, which caused considerable alarm with the women. Before they came within gunshot one who could speak English came to let us know, "We all one brother!" They were of the Micmac tribe and became quite friendly, and furnished us plentifully with moose meat. We soon discovered a situation at the head of Bellisle Creek suitable for our purpose of settlement with Church and school. No surveyor was appointed until July when Frederick Hauser was commissioned with directions to survey and allot our land according to our wishes. He commenced where we had designed for our Church and school house in Kingston with a road six rods wide and surveyed twenty-two lots numbering on each side. Before the lots were exposed for draft it was agreed that one acre off each adjoining corner of the four first numbers should be allotted the place for the Church and school house and that lot number one on the west side should be reserved for the parsonage. The water privilege to be reserved for those who would engage to built a grist mill and saw boards enough for our Church and school house. Accordingly the lots were drawn and the numbers fell to the persons named in the grant. Whereupon every man was jointly employed clearing places for building, cutting logs, carrying them together by strength of hands and laying up log houses, by which means seventeen log houses were laid up and covered with bark, so that by the month of November every man in the district found himself and family covered under his own roof and a happier people never lived upon this globe enjoying in unity the blessings which God had provided for us in the country into whose coves and wild woods we were driven through persecution. Here with the protection of a kind providence we were perfectly happy, contented and comfortable in our dwellings through the winter, and on Easter Monday met together, and as secondary means to promote religion, elected the following persons preparatory for the church, namely: WARDENS, David Pickett and Joseph Lyon. VESTRYMEN. John Lyon, James Ketchum, Israel Hoit, Silas Raymond, Jonathan Ketchum, Ephraim Lane, Andrew Patching, James Moore, Elias Scribner, Seth Seeley, John Fowler, Thomas Sumner. The Rev. John Sayre who ministered to us at Eaton's Neck soon after his arrival in the fall fleet removed to Maugerville.(3) The Rev. John Beardsley officiated for us occasionally, and made some preparation for building in Kingston. On Thursday, the 7th day of October, 1784, I had the honour of the first marriage by the first minister. On the death of the Rev. John Sayre, in 1786, the Rev. John Beardsley was removed to Maugerville. The vestry appointed to hold church at the house of Elias Scribner, and Mr. Frederick Dibblee to read the prayers. Public worship was thus attended regularly on Sundays till July, 1787, when Rev. James Scovil came from Connecticut, with the view of removing to this province as a missionary. As an encouragement we voted him the lot reserved for the parsonage, and on the following summer he removed with his family into Kingston, and attended public worship on Sunday in the house of Elias Scribner, where he found, and much to his comfort, a full congregation of church people in the wilderness ready to do everything in God's name the exigencies of the church required. With the coming of the Rev. James Scovil and the establishment of all the ordinances of religion, our little community was well content. These homes for weary pilgrims made, Like happy tents of peace they stand Amid the dark and silent shade, The Altar cheers our forest land. No splendour clothes each humble dome, No shingled roof or painted shrine, Yet faith and hope find here a home-- The Christian feels the place divine. "Yea, the sparrow hath found her an house and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young, even Thy altar, O Lord of Hosts, my King and my God." CHAPTER IV Trinity Church-- Its History and Its Rectors At the meeting held on the 5th day of July, 1787, to arrange with the Rev. James Scovil about his coming to reside with us, Messrs. Silas Raymond, Elias Scribner and John London did in the presence of said meeting, give each of them, severally, one acre of land off the adjoining corners of their respective lots to the said church free and clear from all incumbrances for ever, as a privilege to build a Church House thereon. At the same meeting it was voted to build a Church on the land given by Silas Raymond, Elias Scribner and John London. Later in the season a subscription paper was drawn up as follows: Kingston, December 5th, 1783. We, the subscribers, impressed with a full and vigorous sense of the importance of religion, and the strong obligation we as Christians are under to pay all due homage, adoration and obedience to Almighty God the common Father and benevolent Governor of the Universe, in whom we live and move and have our being -- and upon whom all our hopes depend both for time and eternity; and being firmly persuaded that a due performance of the duties of religion in His house of prayer are the most likely and effectual methods of cultivating and keeping alive a proper sense of religion, according to the laws of the Gospel among us, do for the best good of ourselves and our children for ever, covenant and agree to pay to the Church Wardens and Vestry of the Parish of Kingston, in Kings County, or their order, sum or sums as shall be by us affixed to our names, in labour, money, or other articles as we shall sign -- which sum or sums signed by us shall be appropriated and applied in the most prudent and effectual manner for the erection of a House to the Honour and for the Public Worship of Almighty God according to the usage of the Church of England, in Parish of Kingston aforesaid upon the square or plot of ground near the house of the Rev. James Scovil. The subscription paper was returned in a few weeks with seventy-two signers -- total amount subscribed [pounds sterling]134, 15s. 0d. In February it was agreed to build the Church 50 feet in length and 38 in breadth under the direction of the vestry, and it was further agreed to allow fifteen shillings a thousand for eighteen inch shingles and three shillings a day for common labour. On Saturday the 27th day of June, 1789, the frame was raised in perfect harmony and in good order, and by united exertion was so far advanced that on the 5th day of November it was dedicated to the service of Almighty God by the Rev. James Scovil by the name of Trinity Church. On examining the records in the clerk's books, I found no mention of the consecration of Trinity Church. I cannot omit giving my statement of the same from my own Recollections and such statements as I find in my possession, however imperfect they may be found by those who may have more and better information. This, then, is a brief sketch from the address delivered by the Rev. James Scovil on the occasion of the consecration of Trinity Church in Kingston, N.B. "My Christian Brethren: We have now witnessed a ceremony which in all probability we as a Parish shall never witness again. This is but one of the solemn considerations which is brought into view by an event like this. We have now begun a temple dedicated for the worship of God, in which temple by God's grace our children and their posterity are made meet partakers of a rich inheritance. Wherein the precious tidings of Christ and His cross shall ever find sanctuary. Where we trust the Divine presence shall abide after we are gathered unto our fathers. But why need there be any religious ceremony on this enterprise of our building? Because, `except the Lord build the house their labour is but lost that build it.' We therefore now as it were in a mystical sense baptize our church in its infancy by the name of Trinity Church, and with the sign of the Cross in token hereafter it shall be a monument and a witness of the faith of Christ crucified. In the name of God we have erected it and we today offer this token of our devotion to Him who is the way, the truth, and the life. Here we may believe that God's promises will be fulfilled and blessings will be abundantly bestowed. May the permanent blessing of heaven rest upon the solemn transactions of this day, and may this Parish of Kingston ever be the means of extending pure and undefiled religion. In this and all our undertakings may the Lord bless us and keep us, the Lord make His face to shine upon us and be gracious unto us, the Lord lift up the light of His countenance upon us and give us peace both now and ever. Amen." It was decided to furnish the church with pews and seats. In July following we received a donation from government of four hundred pounds. Voted that two-thirds be applied on the church and one-third for the parsonage, but afterwards fifty pounds was appropriated to the use of the church at Oak Point, in Long Reach, and it was voted likewise that the inhabitants on the Kanabeckatious should have an equal amount for the building of a church on that river, near James Hoyt's. The seats and pews were rented in 1796 for twenty-one pounds twelve shillings, but the amount diminished year by year. Objection was made that since there was not pews for all many did not like to intrude into the seats of others. Others claimed that all pews ought to be free. The vestry then proposed a subscription, which succeeded, and the pews and seats all remained free. In 1803, the Rev. James Scovil being infirm and unable to hold Divine service on all occasions, it was proposed to employ his son, Elias, who was then ordained, to assist his father, and to secure forty pounds a year, to be paid half-yearly. He to officiate one-half of his time in Kingston, one-fourth in Hampton and one-fourth in Springfield. The former place to raise twenty pounds and the others ten each. We continue to make improvements in the church from time to time. In the spring of 1808 the sum of one hundred and three pounds was subscribed by fortynine persons, for the purpose of erecting a steeple with an end gallery and completing necessary repairs on condition the sale of pews be revoked, and they be free in the future. On June 15, the steeple was framed and raised in good order without any accident happening to any one. It was not until 1810 that a stove was procured for the church when fourteen pounds fourteen shillings was raised for erecting a stove and completing the same with pipe. The following year it was voted that the chancel be built square with a Venetian window at the end. In September, 1813, was received a bell weighing 129 lbs. generously presented by some gentlemen of Saint John as a gift to the church. It was voted that the sum of two pounds ten shillings a year be allocated for tending the stove of the church and ringing the bell. On December 19th, 1808, it pleased God to take to himself our worthy and revered rector, in the seventy-sixty year of his age, and fiftieth year of his ministry, of which twenty years he was rector of Kingston. In the last year of his life he suffered with a long and painful disease, which continued day by day to increase until he entered his rest. He was cheerful in common conversation, and instructive in the strength of his reasoning. As a minister he was an ornament to his profession -- a worthy example for his congregation. The duties of religion he inculcated by example as well as precept. The life he recommended to his congregation he lived before them. His friendly intercourse with his people continued to the last unquenched by sickness, pain and old age. He was gentle without weakness, dignified without pride, strict without severity. Good cause have his children to remember the kind counsel and pleasant companionship of such a father. Happy, too, are we that his successor in the church is of the same family. On Sunday, July 29, 1809, the Right Rev. Charles Inglis, Bishop of Nova Scotia, visited our church and confirmed 257 persons. Having learned that the pews in the church were all held free, the Bishop wrote the following letter, expressing his disapproval: FREDERICTON, 5th August, 1809 Gentlemen, When lately at Kingston I received much pleasure from seeing so large a congregation on Sunday, the decency of their behaviour during divine service, the large number of persons who presented themselves for confirmation. I sincerely rejoice at these circumstances, and now earnestly pray the Great Shepherd and Redeemer of souls that He would effectually bless both the ordinances then administered in that church to the spiritual nourishment and growth in grace of all who did or shall partake of them... But it gave me no small concern to learn that the pews in the church of Kingston were all held in common, and that none were appropriate to individuals -- as is the case in all other churches in our communion. I never knew an instance before this in Europe or America, where the pews were thus held in common, and where men -- perhaps of the worst characters -- might come and set themselves down by the most religious and respectable characters in the parish. This must ultimately tend to produce disorder and confusion in the church, and check the spirit of true devotion and piety. When a man has a pew of his own, he can leave his Bible and prayer books in that pew when public worship is ended on Sunday, and he will be sure to find them in his pew on the next Sabbath. The infirmities of age and bad health require attention to the comfort of warmth, especially in the winter. A man may procure that comfort by lining his pew with some kind of cloth and covering the floor. It is needless to say that the mode of holding the pews in common must necessarily preclude these with many other benefits and conveniences that might be named. What could occasion such an innovation -- such a departure from the usage of the Church of England I am unable to conceive; the greatest disorder must be the consequence, if this mode be continued, when the country becomes populous; in some places it would at this day be ruinous to the church.. <sup>* * * *</sup> Very earnestly wishing for the prosperity of the Church and Congregation at Kingston, I earnestly recommend to your consideration, Gentlemen, the removal of this strange arrangement. Your prudence and good sense will point out the mode of accomplishing this, which should be gentle and conciliatory -- and I flatter myself when the matter is coolly and deliberately weighed that there will scarcely be an objection to it. To obviate any difficulty there should be in yours, as in most other churches, a pew or two set apart for strangers, and the poor should not be neglected. And as Government contributed to the building of your Church, the same order should be observed in it as in all other regular established churches. Heartily commending you and your Congregation to the special blessing and protection of Almighty God. I am Gentlemen, Your affectionate friend and servant in Christ, Charles, NOVA SCOTIA. To the Rector, Church Wardens, and Vestry of Kingston. The people being acquainted with the Bishop's letter upon the question of selling the pews being put to the meeting thirty-three voted to comply with his wishes and seven only to the contrary. Of course the pews were sold, and remained so ever since. In 1819 the Rev. James Cookson came out as missionary to the Parish of Hampton, much to the satisfaction of the people of Hampton and to the relief of the Rector of Kingston. In 1820 it was voted that the Church be dressed in mourning for King George the third who had deceased. July 26, 1826, the Right Rev. John Inglis, Bishop of Nova Scotia, made his first visit and confirmed 182 persons. In 1833 voted money in hand for the purpose of adding to the Church the convenience of a vestry room. On Sunday the second day of August, 1835 the Right Rev. John Inglis, Bishop of Nova Scotia, ordained in the Church at Kingston, William Scovil, Deacon, to the office of Priest. After Divine Service, his Lordship addressed the Corporation in the Vestry room where in his pleasing address he represented the Church in Kingston as the root from which all other churches in the county were sprouts. Having brought my history thus far I must now bring it to a conclusion hoping that my readers may judge of my infirmities without severity. It may be mentioned that on Mr. Frederick Dibblee's removal from Kingston in 1790 to be ordained as the first clergyman at Woodstock, it was voted that some fit person be appointed to read prayers and a sermon in the absence of the Rector. Walter Bates was selected and by this means the Church in Kingston has ever been kept open upon the Lord's Day. Having now with all fidelity treated of my subjects, I would fain hope it is something more than idle curiosity that prompts me to wish it was possible to know the future destiny of this country. One conjecture, I presume, to offer on the subject, that sometime or other there will surely be a restoration of the colonies of America -- that after a long series of dissensions and contests their downfall will come from the north, and by the like means which hath been usual in the course of history, and that at some future period the vast and northern deserts of Acadia and Canada will give laws to all North America. But what will be the destiny of the three portions of the globe where a few have acted their part alone? I refer to British North America, the British settlements in Hindostan and the vast but yet infant colony of Botany Bay. What is to hinder Great Britain from transporting her empire to the East, where she might possess in India a territory inferior only to the kingdom of China, which for love of peace would be a good neighbour. I am tempted to hazard the conjecture that there will be eventually the appearance of a great new power in the world under one great British monarch, which it is no more within my province than it is within the compass of my abilities to delineate in detail. I cherish the idea of a new, strong and durable wise confederacy -- a triple cord formed by the three happiest countries in the three quarters of the world. (4) [Note: Editor, W.O. Raymond added...] To the foregoing story of Walter Bates a very few words only need be added. Soon after his return from a visit to his old home, he in all probability completed his narrative, of which the reminiscences of the early days of Connecticut which follow are by no means the least interesting portion. The closing words, as given above are almost a dream of Imperial federation. Kingston church was remodelled in 1857, but is yet, however, substantially the same church, erected by the energies of its Loyalist founders one hundred years ago. The engraving above is from a photograph taken about the time of the centennial commemoration, June, 1889. (1) . In his last letter to the Society for Propagation of the Gospel, written from Newton, Conn., Oct. 31, 1781, Mr. Beach, after referring to the difficulties of conveyance of letters, says: "A narrative of my troubles I dare not now give. Newton and part of Reading are (I believe) the only parts of New England that have refused to comply with the doings of Congress, and for that reason have been the butt of general hatred; but God has delivered us from entire destruction. I am now in the year of my age, yet do constantly, alternately, perform service and preach at Newton and Reading; my congregation being commonly about 300 at Reading and at Newton about 600. I have been sixty years a public preacher, and after conviction in the Church of England fifty years." Six months later Mr. Beach died, fairly worn out, but feeling assured that he had conscientiously tried during his long life to "Fear God; honour the king." (2) . Huntington Bay, on the north side of Long Island, is formed by Lloyd's Neck on the west and Eaton's Neck on the east, both of which project a considerable distance into the Sound. The water is deep enough for the largest man-of-war, the anchorage good, and the bay secure from almost every wind. The bay is large enough to contain the whole navy of England. The embarkation began on Friday, April 11<sup>th</sup>, and was completed five days later. The original Manifest of the ship Union is now in the possession of William Fyler Dibblee, of Woodstock, N.B., a copy of which is set out on the following page. (3) . The Rev. John Sayre was missionary at Fairfield, Conn., where he had a trying experience during the Revolutionary war. In a letter dated Nov. 8, 1779, he speaks of the hardships endured by the Loyalists at the hands of both the contending parties. In his church the hangings were torn down, the leads stripped off, bullets fired through the windows and the entire building exposed to every sort of wanton defilement. His congregation were subjected to every kind of oppression -- fined and imprisoned on the most frivolous pretences. Mr. Sayre himself was confined to his house and garden and proclaimed as an enemy to his country, and all persons were forbidden (under threat of severe penalty for disobedience) to have any manner of dealing with him. "This order was posted up in every store, mill, mechanical shop, and public house in the county and was repeatedly published in the newspapers... Yet we wanted for nothing; our people under cover of night supplying us with comforts and necessaries of life." On July 7, 1779, the British troops under General Tryon landed at Fairfield and set fire to the town. "The ungovernable flames," writes Mr. Sayre "soon extended on all sides and in a few minutes left me with a family consisting of wife and eight children destitute of food, house and raiment... My loss included my little all." (4) . Rev. E. B. Huntington, in his history of Stamford, says: "In 1838 Walter and Augustus Bates, who were among the banished Loyalists, returned to the home of their childhood. Though honoured and much esteemed in the home of their adoption, they still retained their youthful love for the one they had lost. The following extracts are from a brief `Jubilee,' which the former brother penned as expressive of their feelings. `Our two oldest brothers being dead, the remaining family, eight in number, were singularly separated -- two only remained in Stamford, two settled in different towns within the United States, two in the province of New Brunswick and two in Upper Canada where we remained 1,200 miles from each other, -- and 600 from our native place, until the eldest had arrived at the age of 80 and the youngest to the 62nd year of his age. After the full term of fifty years, guided and protected by a kind Providence, we are permitted to visit our native home, the town and place of our birth, here to celebrate this our jubilee, ... praising God in communion with our remaining relations and friends, in the same church wherein we were in infancy first dedicated to God by our parents.' "