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Hempstead Convention facts for kids

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The Hempstead Convention was an important meeting that lasted ten days, starting on February 28, 1665. During this time, 34 leaders, called delegates, came together. Their goal was to "settle good and known laws" for the new English colony of New York. This meeting was called by Governor Richard Nicolls, who was the first English governor of the Province of New York. Towns were asked to send two delegates who were "sober, able and discrete persons." These people were chosen by taxpayers in their local town meetings.

Making New Laws for New York

Governor Nicolls began the Convention by explaining the Duke's Patent and his own job. He then announced new laws that were similar to those in the New England colonies. However, there was one big difference: these laws were less strict about "matters of conscience and of Religion." For example, serious crimes like blasphemy (speaking disrespectfully about God) and witchcraft were not among the eleven capital crimes (crimes punishable by death).

Important Rules and Rights

Other important rules were made. Everyone had to pay equal taxes. People had the right to a trial by a jury. Land ownership was set up, meaning land was held from the Duke. Old land permits were canceled, and new ones were required. A very important rule for the future was that no land could be bought from Native Americans without permission.

Church and Daily Life

Every area, called a parish, had to build and take care of a church. Also, no minister could lead services unless they had been approved by a Bishop or Minister of the Anglican Church. People were required to pray for the English royal family. Services also had to be held on special historical days. Other laws were put in place to guide how people should act and live their daily lives.

Delegates' Requests

Some delegates were not happy with all the new laws. They had hoped for more freedom, even more than the New England colonies had. They wanted all government officials to be chosen by the people. They also wanted military officers to be chosen by the soldiers. One big request was that no tax should be put in place without the agreement of elected representatives. This idea was an early sign of the famous phrase, no taxation without representation.

Working Together

Some compromises were made during the meeting. However, for other requests, Governor Nicolls told the delegates that if they wanted more say in the government than he was allowed to give, they would "must go to the King for it."

Setting Up the Courts

The meeting also set up the court system. The main law officer, called the High Sheriff of Yorkshire, would choose a helper for each area every year. Each town was given two Justices, who were judges chosen by the Governor. Every year, on April 1st, towns could elect a constable (a local police officer) and eight overseers (who helped manage town affairs). Later, the number of overseers was reduced to four.

Two of the overseers were chosen to "make a rate" (decide on taxes) to pay for the church, the minister, and to help the poor. The Constable would choose people from the overseers to serve on juries for the Courts of Sessions and Assize. The Court of Assize was the highest court, only below the Governor and the Duke. The Governor, his Council, and the judges from different towns met every year in New York. This court handled lawsuits involving more than twenty pounds and could review decisions from lower courts.

Key Appointments

At the end of the Convention, Governor Nicolls appointed important officials. William Wells of Southold became the High Sheriff. Captain John Underhill was made High Constable and Surveyor-General. The following people were appointed as Justices: Daniel Denton of Jamaica, John Hicks of Hempstead, Jonas Wood of Huntington, and James Hubbard of Gravesend.

Delegates to the Hempstead Convention

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