1690.]

MASSACRE AT SCHENECTADY.

117

the flames, the rifle, and the tomahawk, sixty persons perished, and twenty-seven were carried off into captivity. Those who escaped the fury of the assailants, fled, half-clad, through a driving snow, toward Albany, twenty-five of whom subsequently lost their limbs, through their exposure to the severities of the weather during that dreadful night. The enemy remained in possession of the village until noon the following day, when, fearful of being intercepted on their return by the Iroquois, they retreated hastily into Canada.

The citizens of Albany, alarmed at this daring invasion, and weakened by internal discord, no longer held out against Milbourne, who was approaching a second time; but passively submitted the fort into his hands. Unhappily, the province still continued to be torn by dissensions; and while the popular faction clamorously sustained the measures of Leisler, the tory or aristocratic party placed themselves in direct and vehement opposition.

CHAPTER IX.

Invasion of Canada resolved upon-Failure of the expedition— Arrival of Ingoldsby at New York-The fort blockaded—Arrival of Governor Sloughter-Arrest of Leisler and his council-Leisler and Milbourne tried and sentenced to deathTheir execution-Appeal to the king by the son of LeislerReport of the commissioners-Appeal to parliament-Reversal of the sentence against Leisler and Milbourne-Death of Sloughter-Fletcher appointed governor-His character― Frontenac invades the country of the Five Nations-His march from Montreal-Falls upon the Mohawk villagesReturns to Canada-Activity of Schuyler-Of FletcherHis popularity with the Indians-Convention at AlbanyConduct of Fletcher toward the provincial assembly-Resistance of the latter-Activity of Frontenac-Invades the Onondagas-Torture of an aged chief-Meagre results of the expedition.

THE terrible loss effected by the French detachment upon the frontier settlements, proving to the English provinces the necessity of united action, a convention of delegates from Massachusetts and Connecticut was held at New York, on the 1st of May, 1690, when it was resolved that a force of nine hundred men, from Connecticut and New York, should march overland against Montreal; while Massachusetts despatched a fleet and army against Quebec. Both expeditions proved signally unsuccessful. A disagreement between the leaders occasioned insubordination among the troops, and the land forces separating,

1691.]

ARRIVAL OF INGOLDSBY.

119

returned home, exasperated by mutual misunderstandings. The command of the naval expedition was intrusted to Sir William Phipps. He sailed up the St. Lawrence with a fleet of thirty-two vessels, and anchoring before Quebec on the 18th of October, sent a messenger to Frontenac, demanding a surrender of the town. "I'll answer your master by the mouths of my cannon," was the reply of the brave old governor. Two attempts were immediately made to land below the town, but they were both repulsed with loss. The forts opening their fire soon after, the provincials were compelled to abandon the assault and retire with precipitation.

In January, 1691, Ingoldsby reached New York, from England, bearing a commission as captain. On his arrival he demanded possession of the fort; but Leisler refused to give it up, contending that Ingoldsby had exhibited no order from the crown, or from Sloughter, who was known to have received the commission of governor, though he had not yet made his appearance in the province. Irritated at finding his authority disputed, Ingoldsby, supported by the royalists, blockaded the fort with his troops, and issued a proclamation denouncing the governor and his garrison. The passions of the militia being aroused, shots were exchanged during the investment, by which, greatly to the grief of Leisler, several lives were lost.

On the 19th of March, Sloughter reached New York. In the disordered state of the province, an able and energetic governor would have speedily remedied many of the evils which had been fostered by the violence of contending factions. Sloughter was neither able nor energetic; but licentious, avaricious, and poor. Prepossessed against Leisler before his arrival, he declined to receive his messengers, or to recognise him in any other light than as an usurper, and Ingoldsby was at once ordered to arrest the obnoxious governor and his council. Soon after their arrest, a special court was organized for their trials. Six of the prisoners were found guilty of treason, but reprieved. Leisler and Milbourne denied the jurisdiction of the court, and appealed to the king. Leisler insisted that the letter addressed to "such as for the time being take care for preserving the peace and administering the laws in their majesties' province of New York," justified his retaining the office of lieutenant-governor; and the obsequious judges referred the argument to the opinion of the governor and council. They decided that no such interpretation could be put upon the superscription; and the unfortunate governor and his son-in-law were condemned to death for high treason. One hope of escape from an ignominious death yet remained. Sloughter had pronounced them great villains, but hesitated

1691.]

EXECUTION OF LEISLER.

121

to order their execution until the pleasure of the king should be made known.

The friends of Leisler boldly defended his conduct, and denounced the malignity of his enemies; but the latter, now grown numerous, supported as they were by the influence of the new governor, demanded that the law should be put in force. In the midst of these disturbances the assembly met. It was soon found to be composed of persons attached to the aristocratic faction, and, of course, bitterly hostile to Leisler and his son-in-law. A motion was made for their reprieve; but resolutions were passed on the 17th of April, 1691, declaring the conduct of the prisoners illegal and arbitrary, and imputing to their usurpations the burning of Schenectady, and the ruin of various merchants. The council then demanded of Sloughter their immediate execution, as essential to the welfare of the province. As the governor still hesitated, the enemies of Leisler adopted a stratagem to effect their purpose. A dinner party was given, to which the governor was particularly invited. While he was under the influence of wine, he was cajoled into signing the death-warrants, and before he recovered his senses the sentence was carried into effect.

On the 16th of May, in the midst of a cold drizzling rain, the prisoners were led to the gallows, which stood outside the city wall. Guarded by the troops, the sad procession moved on,