versive of the rights and liberties of the people of thisColony
should be repealed."' Thus, in the infancy of this me-
tropolis, the patriotic devotion of its merchants to the
cause of popular rights was clearly recognized and upheld.
And it is a source of just pride to- day that the Chamber of
Commerce, the merchants' representative body, has lost
none of its ancient si)irit, as its records from 1801 to
ISC).") will abundantly show. John Chugeii retained the
ollice of President of the Chamber until it had received
its charter from the Crown and its permanent existence
fully assured. In May, 1770, he declined a re-election.
in all the early dilliculties which the Chamber had to
encounter, resulting from differences of opinion in regard
to measures affecting the trade of the Colony, Mr. Ckugkii
stood steadfastly by the Cijamber and earnestly contended
for its interests.
John Chugeh exercised great influence with his fellow-
citizens, and did much to moderate their passions and har-
monize the conflicting opinions of the opposing parties which
existed at that time. His course durinii; the eventful
period of 3770, when [)atriotic blood boiled at fever heat on
receipt of the news of the Lexington outrage, was marked
by a calm, dignified courage and self-reliance; and Avliile
he did not take an active j)ail in the oeginning of the
contest, from conscientious scrui^les which his ohicial
bio(;i;ai'jiical sketches. 19
j)(*.sifi()ji iiriposed upon liim, his sympathies were neverthe-
l.'ss witli tlM- peoi,le in tlieir efforts to secure redress for
the \vroii;;.s don*; them by the mother country.
Ilr nevjT swerved from tlie dictates of conscience. His
jii(l;,Mnent was sound ; liis mind free from bias. Although he
was as anxions as the strongest revohitionist to wage war
upon any arbitrary measures of the king, yet his course
was always dictated by prudence, caution and firmness.
Whfii askrd to siibsci'ibe to the Articles of Association en-
Irivd into by lh»' citizens of New- York on April 29th, 177o,
wliich proposed "loadopt and carry into execution whatever
uH'asnrcs may be recommended by the Continental Congress
( »!• 1 ly t Ik' I'rov i ncial Convent ion for the purpose of preserving
our (.'((uslitiitioii, and opjjosing the execution of several ar-
bitrary and oppressive acts of the British Parliament," Mr.
(^iMiiKK, in a joint letter with Jacob Waltox, refused,
"because." said he, "as we were elected llepresentatives
in (Jeucral Assemlily for the City and County of New- York,
we conceive that the faithful performance of that important
trust reipiires of us a free, unbiased exercise of our judg-
UKMil. To sulimit this to the control of anypower on earth
wouhl, in oui- opinion, be deserting that trust; but to
en^^age imi>li( itly to approve and carry into execution the
regulations of any other body, would justly expose us to
t h.' rei>roaeh of (Uir own consciences, the censure not only of
our constituents, but of the Avliole world." This is the
hinguage of a man who believed in reason and conscience.
lb' ](»gically a. Ids: '"In our legislative capacity we have
ahvady transmitted to the King and both Houses of Parlia-
ment representations of our grievances. 'â– ' ^ "^^ As the
signing of this Association, therefore, would, in effect, be to
deprive ourselves of our legislative powers, Ave cannot but
suppose, from the tenor of it, an exemption of us is implied
in it " ^Ve umv be pardoned for dwelling a little longer
upon Mr. Ckugkk's character. Moderation and firmness
in him were beautifullv combined. He Avas in no sense a
servile subject of the king, but he steadily opposed violent
or incendiary words or action. He endeavored to modify
the auger of the revolutionists, in the hope that the king
20 POKTRAIT GALLERY.
would iiltimntely exhibit that justice which the people
demaiKled. Evidence of his earnest desire for peace is
shown in his letter to General Gage, the British commander.
This letter, drawn by Mr. Cruger, is dated May 5th, 1775,
and is signed by fourteen members cf the Assembly. It
urges General Gage, "that as far as consistent with his
duty, he would immediately order a cessation of public
hostilities until his Majesty can be apprised of the situation
of the American Colonies;" and the same letter also
expressed the wish, " that no military force might land or
be stationed in this Province." Shortly after, however,
the British army took possession of the City, just prior to
which Mr. Cruger retired to Kinderhook on the Hudson,
where he appears to have suffered from the infirmities of
advancing age and the need of those necessities which the
condition" of affairs deprived him of. He returned to this
City after peace was declared in 1783, and here, on Tuesday,
the*^27th of December, 1791, died, at the age of 82 years.
How touching is the following tribute, which was printed
with a notice of his death in the Neio- Tor Jc Journal and
Patriotic Register :
" It may be truly said of liim, tliat lie was
The upright man,
Beloved of all his friends ;
And of whom an enemy
(If he had one)
Could speak no evil."
HENRY WHITE.
Hknijy AViiite came of Welsh birth and origin, and
possessed in an eminent degree the loyalty, thoroughness
and integrity of his race. In May, 1756, we find him as a
I)etitioner for leave to supply bread to South Carolina for
the use of the Navy. The New- York Mercury, of Decem-
ber 12th, 1757, makes the announcement, that " Hexry
AViiiTE has just imported from London and Bristol a neat
lUnciJAj.iiu AL SKETCHES.
21
iiHHortuu'Ut *.f -oods, fit for tlie season, wliicli lie will sell for
jv.M.Iy uunwy <>y slioit credir, at liis store in Kino - street "
On M:.y i:Jtli, 1701, lie rnarried Eva Van Coutlandt,
daii-lilrr (,r Kj:i.i)i.;i:icK, and grand-dangliter of Jacobus
V.w ('«.i:ti..\M)t. This connection secured for Mr. AYiirn:
a fort nil.-. Orn- y<'ar lat.-r he became the owner of tlie sloop
"Mor..," which, Jilxeall the craft sniling from New- York at
(hisiinM-, wasarnu'd. T]iH"Moro" carried ten guns. The
war with France was then ended onland, but still continued
oil the seas. An ex:ini[»le of his enterprise and honesty is
r«.iin(l ill ;i I'lirf n(.ticeinAVKY.MA^^'s(?a^e^/eof MarchSlst,
I7(;:i, whejcin lie nnnomices his intention to sail for Eng-
hind. and *' invites those to whom he is indebted to call
loiihf'ir iiK.ney." Mr. AViiitk was, undoubtedly, a very
ainl>ilioiis man; and ]»ersistent and attentive as he was in
business, he seems to have been desirous of political pre-
ferment. In ITC.'.l, for «\\aniple, he sought and obtained
from th<' (iovenior of the Colony a seat at the Council
r.oard. made vacant by tlie refusal of Mr. De Lancey to
lake olli.r. This ])ositi(»n he retained daring the remain-
ing period (.f Knglish rule in this country. His increasing
business rumpelied him, iiilTGO, to change his location from
Ci;i oKKs' wharf to tiiehouseof the then late Abraham De
Pkvsti;i:. This Ik. use stood between the " Fly market and
the colTee house," where, according to Hugh Gaines*
New- York (,\t-cllc and ^]'dc/cl!/ Mercw?/, he Avas prepared
lo sell " nails (.f all sizes ; Bohea and Congo teas ; 6 by 8,
7 by 1>, and S by 10 window^ glass; English sailcloth;
from No. 1 to 7, Kussia do. ; writing paper, English cord-
au^', Bristol beer, blue dnlhls, spotted rugs ; Newkirk and
Dutch o/.enbrigs, Madeira wine." This, to some extent,
is an interesting contrast to the nature, volume and variety
of the imp<.rtation to be found in a modern well stocked
store. It is more pertinent, however, to record Mr.
AViiiTEs connection with our straggle for independence
He was, undoubtedly, a man of strong convictions, and
his umiueslioned loyalty to the king in those stonny days
resulted in his leaving the country for a brief period. Mi.
^Yl^Iâ– ^: was one of the consignees of the tea shippad to
22 PORTKATT GAIJ.EKT.
America in the ^vinter of 1773 to 1774, which caused so
nnicli turbulence alon<; the Atlantic coast. The feeling
apainst the English Government was then so strong that it
Avas resolved to pay no duties. At Charleston the mer-
chandise was refused by the consignees and allowed to rot
in tlie store. Three ships Avith similar cargoes arrived at
Boston, l)ut the tea Avas thrown into the sea. One cargo
arrived at Philadelphia, but "brotherly love" at that
time could not restrain the Philadelphians from gathering
in town meeting, and exacting a promise from the captain
of the vessel to return to London with his ship and cargo
the following day.
IIkxky White would not consent to these manifestations
of disapproval Avith the king's decrees. He and tAA^o other
consignees, on December 1st, 1773, addressed a memorial
to Governor Tkyoi*^ to protect their importations. When
these arrived, April 18th, 1774, Captain Lockyer Avas
alloAved to bring his vessel to the city, but the creAv had
to remain aboard. From the NeAA^-York Gazette of
April 2nth, AA-e learn that a Vigilance Committee, on the
morning after the arrival of the ship, conducted the cap-
tain to the house of "the Hon. Henky White, Esquire,
one of the consignees, and there informed Captain Lockyer
that he should not presume to go near the Custom House."
Tlie captain shortly after left the city. In 1775 Mr. AVhite
seems to haA-e incurred the displeasure of those Avho
resisted the king's orders, for the Committee of Safety
had placed before them an intercepted letter, addressed by
Governor JirAuiix, of North Carolina, to Mr. White,
asking for the shipment of a marquee, "Avith the royal
standard." About this time Mr. AViiite considered liis
liberty Avas jeopardized, and probably left the City, some-
Avhat hurriedly, for, in the summer of 177G, according to
GovernorTitYox's account, heAA'as in England. He returned
to New-York in the fall of 177G, Avlien the British had
resumed control, and his namci appears among the signers
of the loyal address to Lord Howe in October following.
During the Avar he gave material assistance to the king's
troops, sold captured vessels and cargoes, distributed prize
HKX.KAI'IUCAL SKETCIIKS. 23
rTion<'y anion;,' liritisli wnr vessels, and in other ways
ondravonMl fo iij.liold and continae Britisli antliority and
infliirnr... Sahivk snys, that on October 9th, 1780, Mr.
WiiiTi'; aiipcanHl before the SnrroGcate to prove the will of
Major Am>i:k, and testified tliat lie knew his signatnre and
handwriting,' w.-ll. When the war ended, Mr. White left
th(! (;ity, n'ttirninu' to Knc^dand with the British who evacu-
atrd N.'W-V«.rk in tlie 1'mU of 178:3. His estates were
conliscafcd in 177'.). His mansion in 1786 was occupied
by (ii.niMiK Ci.rxro.v, New- York's first Governor. All of
thr. jtroptTfy was vested in the people of this State, as the
adv<'rti.s»'ni«'nt reads, "by the attainder of Hexry White,
K-^cpjin-, hit<' one of th*^ nieml)ers of the Conncil of the late
('oh»ny of Nt'w-Y(»rk.'' Mi-. White Avas elected Vice-
Pn'sidrnl of tht' Chiunber of Commerce May 1, 1770, and
l*r«'si(Ifjit M.iy T). I77*i. and served in that capacity nntil
Nbiy -I, 177:!. Ib' dit*d in Golden Sqnare, London, on
Dcccnibcr t?:!d, 17."-(', his wife surviving him nenrly half
a (••Mihny. She (IIimI at her residence, No. 11 Broadway,
on August liMh. 1S:V'>, at the ripe age of ninety-nine
years. Uv brr .Mi-. White had thirteen children, seven
(if wlioiM livrd fobe twenty-one years old. Of these, Hexhy
inarri.'(l Aw Van Cuiitlaxdt, and lived and died in this
counlry. .I.'Hn ("iiA>ir.i:i;s AYiiite entered the British
Navy, liiul was knighted after attaining the rank of Vice-
A<in'iiral. lb' married Coudelia Faxshaave for his first
wif,', and Miss Dai.uy.mi'LE for liis second. Fredekkk
\'an Coi:ti.am»t WiiiTEentered the British army in 1781 as
an ensign, and rose to tlie rank of general. He married
first So'niiA (^.nKK, and after her death Miss Davidsox.
Wii 1 1 \M TuvoN White, another son, died in this country.
Of llM' dauuliters, Axx married in 1787 Dr. Jonx McNa-
MAKV 11 AYES, (afterwards Sir Johx,) of Golden Square,
London. She died in England. MarPxARET married Petku
.Iay MrM:o, and died here, and Frances, who married
Dr. Aia HiUAi.n BiircE, also lived and died in the Lmted
States. The portrait of Mr. White, belonging to theCham-
ber (^f C.>mmerce, is from an excellent picture by Copley, in
possession of Ar«UTSTCS Yax Cortlandt, a great grandson.
24 POETKAIT GALLERY.
THEOPHYLACT BACHE.
The stormy days of the Revolution natumlly engendered
the bitterest feeling between the Revolutionists and the
Royalists. But there were men who, Avliile acknowledging
their allegiance to the king, did not hold the theory that
the "king can do no wrong." They, however, opposed
the movement to cut loose from the mother country, and
sought to bring about a reconciliation between the oppos-
ing forces. TiiEOPiiYLACT Baciie, the subject of this
sketch, was one of these men of peace. Of noble and
generous instincts, sterling integrity, fine, dignified pres-
ence, he was a friend to all, and while lamenting the ruj)-
ture between the king and the revolutionists, he accepted its
results, and lived throngh the early years of the republic,
devoting a large share of his time to charitable objects
and jniblic p)ursuits, beloved by all who knew him.
Tjikopiiylact Baciie was born in the town of Settle, in
the West Riding of Yorkshire, England, on January 17th,
1734-5 (old style.) His father was an excise collector.
Tjieopiiylact arrived in New- York September 17th, 17r)l,
and acted as assistant to Paul Rioiiaku, a snccessful
mercliant of that day, who had been Mayor of the City.
Six years after his arrival he appears in the public i)rints
of that day as the seller of "a choice parcel of Madeira
wine, Cheshire cheese, spermaceti candles," and other Eu-
ropean stock ; and in 1757 records show that he was a
partner with Leon aud Llspenaed as a mercliant and owner
of the shi[) "Grace." About this 2:)eriod his business
as an importer increased so rapidly as to warrant a change
of location, and in 17G0 he was again compelled to seek
more commodious (piarters. On October 10th of that j^ear
lie married Anx J^orotiiv, daughter of Andiiew Bap^clay,
a. wealthy gentleman from Curacoa, who had established
liimself as a merchant in New- York. This connection
Xiroved valuable to him. Of his wife's sisters, Catiiekine
married Ai (JUStuh Vax Coktlandt ; Sarah, A^^tiiuts^y
LispEXARD ; Ann Margaret, Frederick Jay ; Helena,
1'.io(.i:ai'iiical sketches. o
~'.)
ns early as I TOO Im- was established in business at Philadel-
I)hia, and with 'riii;<»i'nYLA(T conducted an underwriting
Ji<^ciicy f(.i- vessels and cargoes. A policy is still in exist-
ence i.ssned l)y ili(. two brothers at Philadelphia, dated
May :Msf , 170 1, on ;i shipment from that port to Havana by
the biig "Sncce.«^s" for a 3^ jier cent, consideration.
1J|( iiAi;i» was married on October 29th, 1767, IoSauah, the
u\i\\ danuhter of \]\r illustrious Bexjamix Fuanklix.
The name of 'riii:<»iMivLA( t Baciie is of peculiar interest
1<» the Chamber of Commerce, seeing that he Avns one
of its organi/ers wIumi its members first assembled to
give if III.' name it has borne for one hundred and
twenlyone years. Tn 1770 lie was chosen its Treasurer ;
in l"7I. \'iee-Piesiilent, and in 1773 he was elected its
J're.sidrnt. He was also a petitioner for the incorpora-
tion <»f the Marine Society, and one of the incorporators
of the Society of the New- York Hospital, in 1771. To
what extent Mr. J5a( HK took part in the great opposition
to the Stamp Act in 1705 there is no clear record. It is
almost certain that lie took no prominent part. He was a
man of domestic tastes, and his business seems to have ab-
s(.rbed nearly his whole attention. That he was highly
esteemed is evident from the fact that Avhile he did not
seek political distinction, his highstanding and undoubted
integi it V led the citizens to regard him as one of their most
trusted advisers. When the Committee of Fifty-one was
orgainzt-d in May, 1774, Mr. Baciie proved himself a valu-
able member. He was a willing promoter of the first Con-
tinental Con-ress, ami was one of two appointed to oversee
the election 'of Deputies. This Congress did nothing more
than adopt a -Declaration of Rights," and recommend
to the Colonies a non-exportation and non-importation Act.
The peaceful proclivities of Mr. Bache were plainly shown
in 1775, when the news of the battle of Lexington readied
New-York, lie regarded the war as a conflict between
20 POllTUAIT GALLEIIY.
friends and kindred. In New- York the lines between tlie
Idntr'sndherents and the patriotic p;irty were becoiniii;:i;nii)i'e
sharply drawn. Attempts were made to brealv up the
middle ])ariy and compel (he neutrals to define their posi-
tion. Mr. J5 ache's family in America were divided in
their choice of king and country. His brother, Uiciiakd,
was a strong Revolutionist. Mr. Baciie's attempts to re-
main impartial were of little avail, but the following nn-
signed letter, said to have been written by him to Major
MoxcKiEFF, discloses some phases of the character of the
man :
New-Youk, Sepleiiiber 3, 1775.
Deai: Majoii :
I wrote to you a few days ago by the transport which
sailed from hence. I hope you have received it. It is now
decreed by the Congress criminal to speak, and as it would
be equally so to wj-ite, not knowing into whose hands this
may fall before this reaches you, I am determined not to
ti-ansgress. 1 wish to remain in this country as long as I
can, and not to do anything that may cause a banishment,
oi- the i)unishment of being sent to the mines of Syms-
buiy, which are punishments daily intlicted on those poor
culpi-its whoare found, orevensupposed, inimical. Don't
think of returning here while the unhappy contest con-
tinues. You will be ferreted and exposed to insults I would
wish you to avoid. I will take care of your wife as much as
a brot her or a friend can do. She is as well and as hai)py as
can be expected. I expect that she will lay in at Flatbush,
as I think it would be dangerous to bring her to town. The
late liringof the " Asia" lias been fatal to many women in
her situation. The family join nuj in love to you, and
believ(i me to be, dear jMoxcuiei'F,
Y'ours,
To ^fajor Mo.ncwieff,
P)Oston.
Tiro.uAS Monoijieff liad married Helena Bauclay, the
sister of Mrs. Baciii;, in 1774. This letter caused trouble
TironKAriirrAL sketches.
O"
to Afr. P,.\(iii;, for liewns siimmonea before the Commit t.'(>
of S;ir.-|y \'<,v exa:Minntion. Tlirono-li a liiendly hint, liow-
«'v<T, liM left town, hi HTn lie ^vns nonin cited tonppp.-ir
iM'fore tlio Conmiitree, but lie replied in a clinrncleristic
l(Mt«T, llirit lie Avns deeply concerned :it tlm chnrfre that Iih
\v:iH iniriiic.'il to tin; cnnse of Aniericn. He declared tlie
Mcciisjition ;i,:::iinst liini avhs nnwnrrnnted, and was made
by tlios(» iin:ic(piainted ^villl Lis sentiments. "I sincerely
bopcfoi-ri reconciliation," lieAvrofe, " that tliisonce happy
coiiniiy may onjoy the blessino-s of peace." Abont this
]M'iio(l be ictj'cated to the British lines, and durini;- the
war (livi(b'(l Ids time between this City and his Flatbu.sh
I'csidcnce, a favorite country seat Avith New-Yorkers.
Duri!!;^: the conllict he maintained a stiict neutrality, but
oil the iii^lit of .June iHth, 1778, he was carried oflf by foicv.
uiib Major AroN( i:iEFF, to Morristown, N. J., Avhere tht»y
underwent a Tioniinal confinement for a short time. Diiiinu;
f]i(» war be di<l his utmost to alleviate the distress. In
17S4 his interest in the Chamber of Commerce was auaiii
made manifest by liis efTorts to readmit to membershii) all
those who bad been absent during the war. With other
parlies, Mr. T.Vi iii:, in 1770, had become interested in lar^xe
tracts of land, and in 1785 he was interested with J.\aiks
r. \i;i i.w ill a claim to a tract of 18,000 acres on the west
side (d' the waters which iiow into Lake Champhiin.
When peace was restored he re-commenced business at his
(dd ]>lace, No. 38 Hanover Square, which, from 1794 to
1801, is described as 122 Pearl-street. Mr. Bactik erected
the buildino-s on AValer-street, then known as Nos. 85, 80
and 87. In 1802 Mr. Baciie occupied No. 87. As the
" river front " became further filled in, four more houses
were added on Front-street, and on its final extension to
South-street he erected two fine warehouses, known as -11
and 4.-) South-street, which were subsequently accepted as
models iov similar structures. These were destroyed in
the disastrous lire of 1835. Here, on the ground iloor,
Jo:,- ATiiAN Goouiiue, the founder of the old and well knoui.
house of Goodhue & Co., occupied an office. No. 4.) NNas
the onice of the late Moses Taylor, the distinguished
28 • POllTIIAIT GALLEKY.
iiieicliaiit whose portrait adorns the walls of the Chamber
of Coiiiinerce. In 1803 Mr. Baciik took his son Andrew
info partnership, the iirni becoming Tiieopiiylact &
Am)i:i:w Baciie. The business was not prosperous
during the latter part of Mr. B ache's career. The
l^eriod was one of commercial disaster. The whole world
Avas, so to speak, armed to the teeth. Mr. Baciie
died on October 30tl), 1807, in the 78d year of his age,
and was buried from the house of his friend and kins-
man, CiiAui.Ks McEvEiis, in Wall-street, on the following
Sunday. Mr. Baciie was a Governor of the New- York
Hospital from 178;') to 1797, and President from 1794 to
1797, and second President of the St. George's Society in
178G. Kevolutionists and Royalists alike seem to have re-
garded him with great respect, for he was made Vice-
President of the Chamber in 1788, and was re-elected
yearly until 1792. He was a vestryman of Trinity Church
for many years. By his wife, Anx Dorothy Barclay,'
whose death occurred in 1795, hs had a numerous issue,
several of wdiom lived to maturity.
V/ILLIAM WALTON.
AVii.MAM Wai/i'ox, one of the founders of the Chamber
of Commerce, and successively its Treasurer, Vice-Presi-
dent and President, came of English descent, though early
ill the; eighteenth century his ancestors played an impor-
i.'iiit ]):irt in the mai'itiine and commercial history of
America. Jlis uncle, Wii,MA>r Wai/iox, realized a for-
tune ri(.iii his lieet of vessels plying to southern i^orts.
]Ie controlled the carrying trade ol' St. Augustine, the
Si)nniards btMugespecially friendly towards him. William
AV Ai/i(»\, the subject of this sketch, was the son of jACon
Wai/i'on, a brother of WiM.iAM just referred to, and was
born in this(Jily in 1731. Jlis uncle, Willia:si, regarded
his nephew with great favor, and early took him into the
business he had found so lucrative. The uncle had no
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 29
rliildrcii (,f liis own. As the young man grew up lie en-
joy fd sill tlifjndvsmtnges which a line physique, business
success iiiid glowing prospects could give him. On October
lid, I7r»7, the i-ecord of New- York marriages announces his
.'iiliinice Willi the influential family of the De LAm'EYs. fci-,
on (hat date, he married Mary, daughter of Lieutenanl-
( Governor .1 a m i:s ]>e Lancet. The De Lan^ceys had inter-
Minrrifd with the Van Cohtlaxdts, one of the most
I.ou-.'iCmI r;iiiiili<-s in the province. In 1708 '\Vii.i,T.\:\r
W Ai TON. ibe uncle, died, and William, the nephew, with
bis bidtlK-r, caiiied on the business under the style of
William tV . I a((ii; Walton & Co. Jacob had married
a, daughter nf Hi nu\' Cihoek, and was a member of the
Xcw-Vdik (irnnal Assembly. In 1772 the two brothers
owned large tiacts of land at Socialborough, in the northern
pail of I he Slat", and also were engaged in manufacturing.
\Vi Li.i A M was a man of great public spirit. Even in those
i)iiniitive (lavs he saw the need of an association of a bodv
of iiier(diauts, bv whose united efforts the commercial and
marilinie inten-sts of the country could be advanced. He
accordingly helped organize the Chamber of Commerce in
1708, was its Treasurer in 1771, its Vice-President in 1772,
and President from 1774 to 1775. He was also a petitioner
for Ibe incorporation of the Marine Society, and was a
warm sui)iM>rter of the measures adopted by the merchants
in oi»posifion to the Stamp Act. He was also a nienil)er of
tlie Committee of Correspondence of Fifty-one, Avhich was
formed soon after the receipt of thenewsof the closing of the
Port of 15oston. Mr. AValtox was also one of the Committee