James I Quotes
In April of 1689, Protestant William of Orange landed in England against Catholic King James I, in a Catholic-Protestant civil conflict which not only affected England but its colonies as well. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor of New York City were confused and wary as to taking immediate sides, but there was a strong anti-Catholic movement in New York City. This group, functioning as “The General Convention for the Province of New-York,” elected Leysler, its leader—later appointing him Lieutenant Governor of New York. Leysler’s forces seized the government and imprisoned the King James Appointed Officials who would not turn against James. Leysler actually governed New York for almost two years. The old guard of New York, after William had been crowned King, attempted to regain the status quo ante. Leysler and his extremist followers saw them as traitors and Papal supporters although they themselves were English Protestants. But their appointment, loyalty and wavering regarding James I made them traitors in the view of Leysler. When initial troops tried to regain power for the original governor and council Leysler, he simply dismissed them as Papists. Finally, in March of 1691 Governor Slaughter, arrived with more troops, and after a significant Battle for New York, captured Leysler and his major followers where were executed shortly thereafter. This incident, sometimes referred to as “Leysler's Rebellion,” represents these American “firsts.” First successful revolution in America; First military coup; First military dictator. First successful counter-revolution. There were some contemporary critics who thought Leysler as interested in custom duties as Papists.
