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In 1694, the New York Parliament Exonerates the "Rogue" Lieutenant Governor Following His Execution for Treason

November 12, 1694-Dated Early Colonial Era Printed Official Document (Leisler's Rebellion) titled, "An Act for Reversing the Attainder of Jacob Leisler, and others.," two pages (on one sheet), New York, Very Fine.

This official "Act" of the Colonial New York Parliament reverses the charges of treason against Jacob Leisler and other parties, for their refusal to obey a Royal command to turn over Fort James in New York in 1690. Instead, Jacob Leisler and others waited until March 1691 before turning Fort James over to the new New York Governor, Henry Slaughter, who then in turn, promptly had them arrested. Subsequently, Leisler and others were convicted of High Treason and Felony and were summarily executed. Upon petition by his son, Jacob Leisler, Jr., the court reexamined the case and exonerated Jacob Leisler, Sr. This boldly printed and impressive appearing Proclamation reads, in part:

"And be it enacted by the King's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons in this present Parliament assembled, and by the Authority of the same, That the said several Convictions, Judgments and Attainders of the said Jacob Leisler, deceased... be, and are repealed, reversed, made and declared null and void to all Intents, Constructions and Purposes whatsoever, as if no such Convictions, Judgments or Attainders had ever been had or given...".

A fat lot of good that did for Leisler, Sr., who was long ago executed and gone, but at least his reputation was restored for his son and family. This historic New York Document measures 14.5" x 9" and shows some moderate toning on the top and right sides. The typeset printed text is heavily embossed onto the fine laid period paper and appears vivid and bold for display.

Jacob Leisler, (born 1640, Frankfurt am Main (Germany)"died May 16, 1691, New York, N.Y., was a Provincial militia captain who seized the reins of British Colonial government in New York (Leisler's Rebellion) and exercised effective control over the area for more than 18 months in 1689-1691. Extremely Rare.

Additional Information:

Jacob Leisler (ca. 1640 - May 16, 1691) was a German-born colonist in the Province of New York. He gained wealth in New Amsterdam (later New York City) in the fur trade and tobacco business. In what became known as "Leisler's Rebellion" following the English Revolution of 1688, he took control of the city, and ultimately the entire province, from appointees of deposed King James II, in the name of the Protestant accession of William III and Mary II.

Beginning in 1689, Leisler led an insurrection and seized control of the city by taking over Fort James at the lower end of Manhattan. He took over control of the entire province, appointing himself as acting Lieutenant Governor of the Province of New York, which he retained until March 1691, refusing to yield power until the newly appointed governor himself finally arrived. While Leisler claimed to have acted to support the Protestant accession against Jacobite officeholders in New York, he was arrested by the newly appointed governor of New York in March 1691. With opponents active against him, he was condemned and executed in New York City for treason against the English monarchs William III and Mary II. His estate was forfeited to the Crown.

During his period of control, Leisler completed a major purchase of property from John Pell, lord of Pelham Manor, to set up a French Huguenot settlement north of Manhattan. This developed as the city of New Rochelle, New York.

Leisler's son and supporters found the trial and conviction most unjust; it was mounted by his enemies. They worked to clear the names of Leisler and Jacob Milborne (his son in law) and for the restoration of their estates to their heirs, which was achieved in 1695 by an act of Parliament. Remains of the two men were reinterred with honors at the Dutch Reformed Church in Manhattan.

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