New-York tribune., 1879-05-06
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF NEw-YoRI

HISTORY OF NEw-YORK DURING THE REv0LU-
TIONARY WAR. BY THOMAS JONES Edited by
?l3 Printed for the New-York Historical Society.
The author of the present history of the Revolu-
ton in New-York which written from the point
of view of a Tory loyalist between the years 1883
and 17ss. was one of the Judges of the Supreme
Court of the Province of New-York and the Re-
corder of the city. In common with large mass
Of the people of the British colonies at the com
znencement of the Revolution the war was regardeu
as rebellion and il was not until the mischievous
policy of the Government, and the corrupt conduct
of the war by the cOmmanders-in-chief together
with the statesmanship of the Continental Con-
eress and the military achievements of its armies,
had produced change of opinion, that they learned
10 consider II in the light of legitimate and
necessary conflict 1t is justly remarked by the
Editor of the work that it is an error to suppose
that the lOyaists as a whole were willing to sub
nit quietly to the exactons of the mother country
and her invasion of their rights and liberties as
British subjects. They deeply felt these grievances
as Americans, and were no less indignant on ac-
count of them than those OF their country
men who took up arms for their removal. but
they were fighting the battle with constitutional
weapons, freedom of speech, freedom OF the pen,
freedom of the press. They desired by pol1tlcal
agitation to force the Government to change OF
policy or to install in its place the advocates OF
American rights The enemy was not the King Oh
England. but the ministry of Lord North. Their
plans were frustrated by the breaking out of the
war.
Among these loyal subjects Of Great Britain,
Judge Jones held prominent rank He was man
OF liberal education Of high social and official posi-
tiOn of vigorous talents of bold and decided opin-
ions, but of impartial Judgment and with
thorough knowledge of the subject. While on a
~ r. . havaat fnf
his health. the peace o. 1888 took place, and pre-
vented his return to America, as he was included In
the Act of Atander by which his life forfeited
and his estates confscated. He took up hls resi-
dcnce in HertforGshire, where he died in the year
1892 During this interval he appears to have de-
voted himself TO the composition of the present
work. The manuscript is entirely in his own hand
writing. The history of these papers presents a
curious record. They first came into the possession
of his widow, daughter of James dc Lancey, Lieu
tenant Governor and Commander-in-Chefo of New
York. AT her death in 1917, they passed into
the hands of her niece and adopted daughter Anne
Charlotte de Lancey, daughter of John Peter de
Lancey, of Westchester County. and the youngest
brother of Mrs Jones. In the year 1888, they were
transferred to William Heathcote de Lancey, the
late Bishop of Western New-YOTk, who i'll 1858 pre-
sented them to his eldest son. the editor OF these
volumes, in whose possession they have since re-
mained. Themauuscript is now printed for the first
time and has never been used read by any writer
as it was believed that it should first the light as
complete and original work.
After a brief introduction describing the social
and political condition of the City of New-York
prior to the year 1774 the history proceeds to re-
late the calling of the Continental Congress in the
month of September. The five delegates from
New-YOTk. il is said, were chosen by The people at
large with little opposition. All parties were
agreed that the colonies were suffering from grlev-
ances which demanded redress. The NewYOTk
loyalists aSsented to the delegation in the behef
that the Congress would result III a perpetual and
happy alliance between England and America.
The republicans, says the author, demanded the
choice of members from their own faction" This
was resisted by the loyalsts but sort of cOmpro-
mise was patched up OF the delegates elected,
Judge Jones remarks, Livingston was Republi-
can but not one of the most intammaory kind !;
Low was a member of the Church of England, un-
bounded in ambition, of a turbulent disposition,
remarkably obstinate" fond of being the head of
party and never 80 well pleased when chair
man of a committee, or principal spokesman at
mob-meeting"; Duane and Jay were both gentle
men of eminence in the law" each with a proper
share of PRIDE both strong Episcopalians, and al
most adoring the British Constitution in Church
and State; Alsop was an honest and wealthy
merchant, 90 had knowledge enough for a
man in his way, but was by means
formed for a politician" With such a delegation,
the loyalists felt themselves safe. A firm union
between Great Britain and America on cOnstitu-
tonal principles their only aim. This they
hoped for this they wished for, this they expected,
and to this purpose they verbally instructed their
delegates" These hopes were frustrated by the
"artful cabals of the republicans in Congress"
The prospect of reconciliation was blasted by the
"hasty and illjudged adoption of set of resolves,
which contained in almost express terms declara-
ton of war against Great Britain" The lOyalists,
thus disappointed in the proceedings of Congress,
and finding their delegates returned from Phlla-
delpha converted into fixed Republicans" re-
solved to oppose any future delegation. The cleo
ton of the ensuing Congress, which took place In
March, 1875, was accordingly opposed by them, but
they quietly went i'll body TO the place of voting
They comprised at least fOur-fifths of the legal
voters of the city. But tho republicans, in order
TO swell their numbers marched round all the
docks aud wharves, with trumpets blowing, ffef
PLAYING drums beating and colors flying. by this
means collecting all the boys. sailors. negroes, New
England and jersey bOatmen that could be mus
tered" This motley company marched to the place
OF election; the most violent republicans armed
themselves with bludgeons and quarterstaves and
threatened destruction TO any person who should
oppose the election The loyalists demanded a
poll This was refused, and the day was carried by
the Republicans.
The news of the battle of Lexington produced an
immense excitement throughout the city. con-
fused account Of the afiray arrived from Boston on
the 23d of April the republicans instantly took
the alarm; they had long wished foRsu a crisis
aud they received the news with avidity. party pa
raded the town. attended by mob Of negroes, boys,
sailors, and pickpOckets, inviting all mankind to
i'm dot Of 20 RIGHTS nd