Note: These lectures are initially thrown together on the fly and, therefore, require to some review and correction to best accomplish their intended purpose for the public and the courts through publication. They are, therefore, subject to revision as noted.
Aug. 22nd, 2002 - Genesis of liberty - 1492 to 1691 (No longer hosted. Required Real Media player, 1 hour.) Reviewed the history of the attainment of civil liberties under our system of English law subsequent to the privatization of land under feudalism. Discussed were the arrival of Columbus, the history of the colony of Virginia and the settlement of New England, Connecticut, Easthampton's 1682 town meeting and petition for democratic government, the subsequent convening of the 1683 legislature of New York, and the 1686 colonial charter of the Town of Easthampton (Dongan Patent). It ended with introductory discussion of Jacob Leisler and Chapter 2 of the laws of 1691, I worked off of notes and no transcription has yet been made of the tape. Notes/Corrections to video: 1.) The 1664 and 1674 Charters for New York granted by King Charles II to the Duke of York was "to be holden as of us our heirs and successors as of our Manor of East Greenwich in our County of Kent in free and Comon Soccage...", the same as that granted to many other colonies and that granted to the town of Easthampton (covering Montauk); 2.) Mary (of William & Mary) was King James II's daughter, 3.) Christopher Columbus' first name is pronounced KRIST-OH-FOH-RO, 4.) the April 27th 1686 charter incorporating the territory and body politic of New York City was issued granting explicit conditional but powerful sovereignty to it to make laws and to control its lands and waters outside of the legislature's jurisdiction, 5.) Governor Dongan received new instructions from King James II dated May 9th, 1686, that the 1683 Constitution "bee forthwith repealed and disallowed, as ye same is hereby Repealed, determined & made void." and continued to confer absolute legislative power to the Governor "with the advice of our Council"; 6.) EDWARD Whalley (d. 1675?) and Major General William Goffe (d. about 1679) were the regicides who were sheltered by New Haven after the restoration Charles II as king of England in 1660 (notes updated 11/22/02)
Aug 29th, 2002 - Defense of liberty - 1691 to 1791 rev 6 11/14/02 (vis: chapter 28 on judiciary & NYC charter).
Sept. 5th, 2002 - Montauk's proprietors - 1600 to 1924
Sept. 12th, 2002 - Hidden conquest - 1924 to present (RealVideo, half-hour - mostly discussion)
Sept. 19th, 2002 - Our liberties, our lands, our future (Cancelled, audiences only).
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