should be taxed for the benefit of the colony, and to the imposition of tonnage duties on foreign vessels. The failure of his health demanding a change of climate, Hunter surrendered the government of the province into the hands of Colonel Schuyler, and embarking for England on the 31st of July, 1719, carried with him, from the respective assemblies of New York and New Jersey, testimonials expressive of their high appreciation of his public services, and of his private virtues.

1720.]

ARRIVAL OF BURNET.

155

CHAPTER XII.

Arrival of Governor Burnet-His character-Old assembly con. tinued-Sale of Indian goods to the French prohibited-Mercantile opposition—Petition to the king-Reply of Colden and Alexander-Activity of the French-Indian policy of Burnet -Fort Oswego built-Administrative difficulties-Alienation of Schuyler, Philips, and Delancey-New assembly demanded by the people-Removal of Burnet to the government of Massachusetts-Montgomery appointed governor-Harmonizes with the assembly-Meets the Indians in convention at Albany-Fort Oswego threatened-Burnet's Indian policy repudiated-Boundary fixed between New York and Connecticut -Seizure of Crown Point by the French-Cosby succeeds Montgomery-Ingratiates himself with the assembly--A free school established-Violent and arbitrary conduct of CosbyPolitical quarrels—Imprisonment of Zenger, printer of the Weekly Journal-His trial-Defended by Hamilton, of Philadelphia-Liberty of the press vindicated-Illegal career of Cosby-His sudden death-Bitter party feuds-Clarke appointed lieutenant-governor.

SCHUYLER administered the government of the province with great prudence and honesty for thirteen months. On the 17th of September, 1720, he was superseded by William Burnet, a son of the celebrated bishop. Though a gentleman of fine literary acquirements, and an industrious student, he was nevertheless of a lively and social disposition. By no means averse to mending his shattered fortunes, which had been greatly reduced by the bursting of the South Sea bubble, he exchanged with Hunter the comptrollership

of the customs at London, for the government of the colonies of New York and New Jersey. Desirous of conciliating the affections of the people, Governor Burnet rendered himself accessible to all; while, in his frequent visits to the principal families, whose friendship he assiduously courted, he delicately avoided every appearance of parade or ostentation. Such conduct was well calculated to win the strong personal esteem with which he soon came to be regarded, and tended in a great degree to soften the political asperities by which his administration was subsequently distinguished. As Hunter had taken the precaution to prevent a dissolution of the "well-disposed" assembly during his absence, Governor Burnet, contrary to custom, continued it in existence after his arrival, and obtained thereby, through the influence of Colonel Morris, a renewal of the grant of a revenue for five years.

But if this retention of the old assembly was of service to Burnet in one respect, it unfortunately lost him the support of Schuyler and Philips, both of whom, as members of the council, had strenuously advocated the propriety of a new election.

In this measure, however, Burnet only conformed to his instructions; but he acted from his own just and enlarged views, when he procured from the same assembly the passage of a law prohibiting the sale of Indian goods to the French

1722.]

ACTIVITY OF THE FRENCH.

157

As the principal commodities required in the Indian trade were of British manufacture, the retaining of those commodities in their own hands, was not only of vast benefit to the province in a pecuniary point of view, but it was also well calculated to effect a political change in the relations previously existing between the Canadians and the distant Indian tribes, who, subsequently, could only obtain their customary supplies at the hands, of English traders.

The act, however, being productive of great opposition from interested parties, and eliciting a memorial to the crown praying for its repeal, Burnet was soon after called upon to answer the objections of the petitioners. A long and able report was accordingly drawn up by Colden and Alexander, two members of the council, which triumphantly justified the course pursued by the governor, but entailed upon its authors the lasting enmity of those merchants who had formerly carried on a lucrative traffic with the French.

Indefatigable as ever, the latter were making every effort to extend the dominion of France, from Canada westwardly, by ingratiating themselves with the Indian tribes of those regions, through the influence of their traders and missionaries. Penetrating their projects, and well acquainted with the geography of the country, Burnet sought to intercept the intercourse between the Canadians and the Indian tribes settled

on the great lakes and the numerous tributaries of the Mississippi, by building, during the year 1722, a trading-house at Oswego, which he subsequently strengthened by a fort erected at his own expense; thus extending the limits of the province of New York to the south shore of Lake Ontario. The situation was judiciously chosen, and the Miamis, the Hurons, and unknown tribes from the distant west, soon became frequent and profitable visitors.

But while the wisdom of Burnet's Indian policy was regarded with approval by all those who were most nearly interested in the prosperity of the province, his domestic administration was a turbulent one. The old dispute respecting the chancellorship was revived. This was touching the governor nearly, for he prided himself greatly upon the exercise of the office of chancellor, as it afforded favourable opportunities for the display of his erudition. His integrity was unquestionable; but whether he was altogether suitable for a judge may be doubted, as his rapid decisions gave him but little time to reflect upon the merits of the cause. "I act first, and think afterward," said he; a dangerous admission, which, doubtless, had its weight in the scale of opposition. But he had other sources of annoyance. Unaccustomed to dissemble his thoughts, his free speech had alienated Schuyler, Philips, and Delancey, all three persons of influence in the province;