Notes for John Manning, Capt.: Originally from Kent County, England, Capt. Manning settled first in Salem, MA in 1631, then Ipswich, MA in 1634, then moved to Boston, MA. By 1667 he had settled in New Amsterdam (now New York City) and then on Manning's Island in New York's East River. In 1673 through a tragic set of circumstances, he became either a coward or a hero, depending on one's interpretation of history.
Although war had been declared between England and Holland once again in 1672, Gov. Lovelace left the colony of New York to attend business in New Haven, appointing Capt. John Manning in charge of defense. "Capt. Manning and experienced man and sheriff, was, as usual, left in charge of the fort, but still, without any order to repair the same to make defense against an enemy."
On August 1673, a Dutch fleet of fifteen ships appeared off the New York harbor. Capt. Manning "caused the drums to beat, but no one came." He was forced to surrender the fort to the Dutch forces and became the scapegoat for the surrender and lack of preparedness. On a subsequent trip to England, he was pardoned in audience with the king, but public sentiment was so strong against him in New York, that his sword was broken in public ceremony and he was forced to leave in disgrace. His last years were spent in Elizabethtowne, Middlesex County, New York.
"Whereas, I am informed that John Manning, late Captain in these parts, hath on his departure left behind him divers outstanding debts and bils for which he was security to divers inhabitants; therefore have I deemed it necessary for the benefit of the common creditors to appoint some persons Commissioners to windup the abovenamed Manning's estate." Source: A. Colve, Commander of the Dutch Forces, 25 Oct 1673.
Source: "Dutch and English on the Hudson" by Maud Wilder Goodwin:"...the blame of the surrender fell upon Manning, a subordinate [to Gov. Lovelace], who was tried for neglect of duty, cowardice, and treachery. His sword was broken over his head and he was pronounced ineligible for any office of trust. But no governor could have saved that situation, as nothing was ready for defense."
Source: From New York City Wills, 1665-1707, p. 27: Capt. Thomas Exton''s will - leaves Capt John Manning "mybelt embossed with silver and gold" Dated 23 Sept 1668; proved 7 Oct. 1668
Source: From New York City Wills, 1665-1707, p. 83: Matthew Tayler's Will - leaves "to Capt. John Manning of Manning's Island, near New York, 20 shillings to buy a ring" and he also releases all claims against him. Entered into the records of New York 7 March 1687.
More About John Manning, Capt. and Abigail Mavericke: Marriage: Abt. 1640, Boston, Suffolk Co., MA.
Children of John Manning, Capt. and Abigail Mavericke are:
+Jeffrey Manning, b. 1640, Kent County, England, d. Jan 26, 1692/93, Piscataway, Middlesex, NJ.
John Manning, Capt. (b. 1615, d. Feb 20, 1686/87)
Notes for John Manning, Capt.: