GENEALOGY OF THE VAN WYCK FAMILY
REVOLUTIONARY PLEDGE

From Anne Van Wyck's 1912 book; DESCENDANTS OF CORNELIUS BARENTSE VAN WYCK AND ANNA POLHEMUS

(Blake's: History of Putnam County, Pages 100-143.)

Eleven days after the battle of Lexington, April 18th, 1775, the inhabitants of New York City called a meeting of all those who were opposed to the Oppressive acts of the English Parliament, formed a general association, adopted a Pledge aud transmitted a copy to every county in the state for signature in order to ascertain the sentiment of the People on the issue of a nation's freedom.

The Pledge was as follows:

PERSUADED that the salvation of the rights and liberties of America depend, under God, on the firm union of the inhabitants in a rigorous prosecution of the measures necessary for its safety; and convinced of the necessity of preventing anarchy and confusion, which attend the dissolution of the powers of government, we the freemen, freeholders, inhabitants of Rombout Precinct, being greatly alarmed at the avowed designs of the Ministry to raise a revenue in America, and shocked by the bloody scene now acting in Massachusetts Bay, do in the most solemn manner, resolve, never to become slaves; and do associate under all the ties of religion, honor and love of our country to adopt and endeavor to carry into execution whatever measure may be recommended by the Continental Congress or resolved upon our Provincial Convention for the parpose of preserving our Constitution, and opposing the execution of the several arbitrary Acts of the British Parliament, until a reconciliation between Great Britain and America on constitutional principles (which we most ardently desire), can be obtained; and that we will in all things follow the advice of our General Committee respecting the purpose aforesaid, the preservation of peace and good order and the safety of individtials and property.

DUTCHESS COUNTY

Agreeable to adjournment to this day being the 15th of August, 1775, we met at the house of Col. Jacob Griffin (father-in-law Theodorus R. Van Wyck), in order to make a return of the persons who signed the Association and those who refused, viz.: those who signed:

Theodorus Van Wyck (No.11*) (First on the list)

Richard Van Wyck (No.21)

William Van Wyck (No.36)

Theodorus Van Wyck, Jr. (No.38)

Cornelius (R.)5 Van Wyck, Jr. (No.70)

Isaac Van Wyck (No.74)

Abraham Van Wyck (No.60)

and 495 others.

Signers in Beekman Precinct, Dutchess County, -July, 1775.

(The numbers given in parenthesis are supplied (in Anne Van Wyck's book) in order to properly place them in the family genealogy).

Cornelius Van Wyck (No.58), Captain in the Continental Army was killed in the battle of White Plains, Oct.31, 1776, and 251 others.

There were no Van Wycks among all those who refused to sign the pledge.

PUBLIC PAPERS OF GEORGE CLINTON, VOL. I., PAGE 231.

George Clinton Requests Richard Van Wyck to Account for Arms Taken at St. Johsys, Canada.

SIR-I herewith inclose you Gen. Washington's Order* to me, to make the necessary Inquiries relative to a Number of Arms he was informed were in Mr. Wiltsy's Store with the Baggage of Officers taken at St. Johns 'c to secure the same.

Agreeable to which I begg you will secure s'd Arms, as I am informed they are removed from Mr. Wiltsy's Store ' are now in your Possession, and transmit to me as expeditiously as possible, the officer's Name ' Rank ' where he now is & who stored them at Mr. Wiltsy's

The Number of Arms ' other circumstance which may come to your knowledge respecting the same, authenticated by affidavits of the Facts where in your Power.

And if it shall appear that he has in this Respect violated the Articles of Capitulation, I would advise in such case he he secured from escaping until the Pleasure of Congress shall be known as to his Conduct.

You'l please at the same time to return me the enclosed Order.

I am your Most Obed't Serv't,

GEO. CLINTON.

Fisnkill, 4th May, 1776.

* Not found.

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GENEALOGY OF THE VAN WYCK FAMILY REVOLUTIONARY PLEDGE

GENEALOGY OF THE VAN WYCK FAMILY
REVOLUTIONARY PLEDGE