New York, 1668

Ned Hopkins was excited. Today he would stop being a child. Today he would become a sailor like his father.

"Eat your food," Mother said.

"Don't dawdle over the porridge," Father said. "Captain Billopp will expect us soon and he's not a man to be kept waiting."

Mother frowned and smoothed her white apron. "I do not see why our Ned should go off to sea. He is too young."

Father let out a deep sigh. "I should have known when I married a Dutchwoman that we would disagree. The Dutch are far too stubborn."

"Nonsense, everyone knows it is you English who are stubborn and must have your own way. Look how your country has taken over our New Netherlands. Ned should stay here in Staten Island and work on the farm with me and his brothers and sisters."

"But I want to be a seaman like Papa," Ned said.

"Too dangerous," Mother said, her plump arms folded firmly.

"I have spoken to Captain Billopp and he will let our Ned be his cabin boy. I will be able to keep an eye on him and make certain that he is safe."

Mother's eyes narrowed. "What do we know of this Captain Billopp?"

"His father is a wealthy London merchant, a friend of King Charles. He himself has friends at court, including the Duke of York, the King's brother. He is young but he knows a thing or two about ships."

"As if having wealth proves anything about having character. And I suppose he'll go back to England soon with you and my Ned?"

"Yes, but he'll be back. He likes Staten Island. He'd like nothing better than to own a good piece of land right here overlooking the sea when his days of sailing are done."

"And when will that be?" Mother said sourly.

"Sooner then you might think."

In the end, Ned's father won the argument. Mother helped Ned pack his few possessions into a small cloth bag. Then she hugged him. He heard her sniff back a tear. She roughed her hand through his hair, which was the same butter color as her own.

"Be a good boy," she said, "and do not fall off the boat. I don't want you to be drowned."

Ned's blue eyes twinkled. "Of course not. I'd be afraid you'd kill me if I drowned."

"That is not something to joke about!"

All Ned could think about was that he was really going to sea, that he was preparing for a great adventure, the best adventure any boy could have.

Ned was all eyes once on board the ship. He saw there were two cannons and asked his father about them.

"This is not a warship. If it were, the ship would be much larger and there would be more guns. We have just enough to discourage pirates."

Pirates! He hadn't even considered that possibility before. Might he see real pirates? What would they look like? He imagined a man with a black patch over one eye, a black beard, gold teeth that gleamed in the sun, a menacing sword or cutlass worn at his side, hoisting the Jolly Roger, the pirate flag.

Father left Ned for a while and he wandered around, listening and watching. White canvas sails filled with wind against a bright blue sky and cotton clouds above. He became aware of the movement of the ship beneath his feet and the creak of the rigging above. He smelled the salty air; it carried the scent of tar, oil and marshland. The sun-drenched deck was breezy.

Ned saw a boy just a few years older than himself swing on to the rigging and begin the long climb to the very top of the mast. How he would have liked to follow upward to that great height!

"There you are," Father said coming toward him. "You start your duties right now. The Captain has important guests. You must serve them. Come to the galley and collect their refreshments."

Ned followed his father down a narrow ladder to the galley where several men prepared food. Father helped him carry the trays laden with cheese, bread and fruit.

"Watch the way we go. Next time, you'll be on your own."

The Captain's cabin was paneled in a dark wood. It was a neat room. On each wall, a different map was tacked. Around a scarred wooden table sat three men drinking ale.

"Captain, this is my son, Ned, the lad of whom we spoke. He'll see to your needs. He's a fine, hard worker and a fast learner."

Ned's hands began to sweat. He felt nervous, hoping he could live up to his father's praise.

Captain Billopp rose; he was a tall man, an imposing figure. "Hello, Ned." The Captain turned to Father. "Bosun, if the boy is anything like you, he'll make a fine seaman one day."

Ned's father left him then and Ned began to serve, praying that his hands would be steady. He certainly didn't want to drop food on anyone. When each man was served, Ned stepped back breathing a sigh of relief. He'd done well enough. He expected the Captain to dismiss him. But the Captain seemed lost in thought and so Ned stood back and waited.

The Captain's attention was on his two guests. He looked from one to the other and they, in turn, studied him silently. "I know that you gentlemen have not met before. In fact, I myself had the honor of meeting Governor Carteret for the first time today."
Captain Billopp turned to Governor Carteret who was a young man in his twenties. He was a well-dressed gentleman with a courtly air wearing a full, royal blue satin coat with a fancy embroidered vest; lace was at his cuffs and a dark wig covered his head. A man of fashion, Ned thought, surely what people of quality wore in London.

"Governor Philip Carteret of New Jersey, I have the honor of introducing you to Colonel Richard Nicolls, the Governor of New York. You share the distinction of each being the first Royal governors of our new British colonies."

The two men nodded but neither one smiled. Of the three, Governor Nicolls was obviously the oldest. He was probably forty years of age like Ned's father. But there was a sternness about the man that made him appear even older. He had a stiff military bearing that spoke of years at soldiering. Neither he nor the Captain wore a wig; instead their hair was tied back.

"I've invited both of you gentlemen here today because of something I have been asked to do. We all know that there has been some dispute about the islands between New York and New Jersey. The Duke of York has decided to settle this argument; he has decreed that all islands lying in the Hudson River or harbor that may be circumnavigated in twenty-four hours should remain as part of New York. At the request of the Duke, I will undertake to sail my ship around Staten Island in under that time."
"There is to be a boat race?" Philip Carteret said in surprise.

"Of a kind," Captain Billopp agreed.

"You endeavor to race your boat around the island in under 24 hours?"

"That is what I intend."

"But that is not just! Any fool can see that Staten Island is closer to New Jersey. Why one may nearly spit across from Perth Amboy to Staten Island! The Dutch always considered the island a part of New Jersey. I cannot accept this. We have the rightful claim."

Ned knew that was true. His uncle Gar, his mother's brother, lived on a farm in Perth Amboy.

"Need I remind you that James Stuart, the Duke of York, is the younger brother of King Charles II, and heir to the throne of England? It is he who decides who has the rightful claim and he has decided that a boat race will set the matter to rights." Governor Nicolls's tone of voice was firm.

Governor Carteret's face flushed with anger. "My cousin, Sir George Carteret, shall hear of this. The Duke granted Sir George and Lord John Berkeley the proprietorship of all land lying between the Hudson and Delaware Rivers, as you must know. Staten Island clearly belongs to us. Why the land was even named New Jersey by the Duke in honor of Sir George."

Unlike the New Jersey governor, Richard Nicolls appeared cool, calm and in control. "We are all supporters of the King here. Captain Billopp's father and namesake, Sir Christopher, is also a personal friend of the King. Rumor has it Captain Billopp saved the life of the Duke during a naval battle.

"I myself had the honor of serving under the Duke. I served the Duke directly in the French army until we returned from exile and became one of his most trusted advisors."

"Yes, we all know how you conquered the Dutch colony of New Netherland." Carteret sniffed at Nicolls with distaste.

"I took power without a drop of blood being shed." Nicolls spoke with pride.

"I daresay Peter Stuyvesant was not pleased."

Ned recalled what his mother had told him about Peter Stuyvesant, the Dutch Director-General, how well he had governed New Amsterdam, which Governor Nicolls had renamed New York. Ned wished he could have seen Governor Stuyvesant who was called "Silver leg" because he had lost his right leg in a battle and wore a wooden leg decorated with silver bands.

It was only a few years ago that Dutch settlers had been able to move into Staten Island and found Oude Dorp where Ned's family now lived. His mother said Staaten Eylandt was named by Henry Hudson, the Englishman who sailed for Holland and explored the harbor in 1609.

Now the two English governors were arguing over who would control their island. Mama would say it was Staten Islanders who should have the say. The settlers would likely say neither colony should be in charge. Staten Islanders were independent and liked to go their own way. They would not want their island to be part of New York or New Jersey. Ned wondered if he should speak up, but he knew his father would not approve. It was not his place to tell such great men what to do, although his mother would have spoken her mind if she were here.

"You want the island for the valuable oyster beds and huckleberry fields," Governor Carteret said accusingly.

"Perhaps we do. But why do you want control over more land? You have enough trouble with the colonists already under your proprietorship." Governor Nicolls's eyes were as icy as a lake in winter.

Governor Carteret's face reddened like a rare roast beef. "After I arrived in the colonies, I came ashore carrying a hoe in my hand to show my fellowship with the planters. The Dutch settlers accepted my authority."

"You are free to race with us, to see that we are honest," the Captain said.

"When do you race?"

"As soon as possible."

Governor Carteret frowned. "That gives me no time to engage a ship. The Philip is my own ship and brought me to the colonies, but I have seen your boat. It is lighter and I do not think we can compete for speed. Besides, as far as I am concerned, a boat race will not settle this matter."

"The Duke believes it will," Governor Nicolls said.

" I will protest this injustice to His Grace. Be certain you have not heard the end of this matter. New Jersey does not accept this." With that, Governor Carteret left the cabin, slamming the door behind him.

The Captain turned to Governor Nicolls. "Do you wish me to proceed?"

"It is the Duke's wish."

"It is possible that I won't win. Circumnavigating this island in under twenty-four hours is not an easy matter. In fact, some believe it impossible."

"I believe you can do it, Captain."

"The New Jersey Governor will not accept the outcome in any case. You heard him, just as I did."

Governor Nicolls smiled. "What he does not know is that I will be resigning my position and returning to England in August to directly serve the Duke once again. If you do win this race, my influence will be the stronger."

At that point, Captain Billopp noticed Ned. "Please leave us and take these things away."

Ned was very glad to be free. He wanted to talk to his father and ask him questions about what he had heard discussed. As soon as the trays of food were returned to the galley, Ned walked out to the quarterdeck where the air was fresh and a salty breeze lifted his hair. He looked upward again longing to climb into the rigging where he could have a clear view of all his surroundings. When he wasn't working on the farm, he always liked to climb up into the hills and look down to the ocean below. He thought this would be much the same.

Acting on impulse, Ned kicked off his shoes and began to climb up the rigging. Soon the ropes were cutting into his fingers but he kept moving upward. Once his foot slipped and he lurched forward, forced to grab at the shrouds of sail. The rigging swayed violently. His stomach did a somersault but he didn't fall.

At last Ned reached the top and the safety of a small platform. Then he looked all around. He could see everything for miles. In the sky above him, the seagulls cried out to him as if to say that he was now one of them.

I am a seaman like my father, Ned thought to himself. Then he made the mistake of looking down. Suddenly, he felt dizzy and sick to his stomach. Far below where people looked like ants, he heard a voice bellowing. It seemed to be shouting his name. He listened again and recognized his father. Except his father had never before sounded so angry. But nothing could make him move, not even his father's anger. He held to the platform with a grip so tight that his knuckles turned white. Ned was too afraid to come down.

A few minutes later, the boy he had seen nimbly climb the rigging earlier joined Ned. "The bosun wants you on deck."

"I just got here."

"You wouldn't want him coming after you," the boy assured him.

"I'm not certain I can make it down," Ned admitted.

The other boy smiled. "It was the same for me the first time. I'll guide your feet. You won't fall. Just do as I tell you and don't look down. You'll be all right."

Ned let the older boy lead him. He concentrated on the feel of the ropes in his hands and looked upward only, watching the white sails as they filled with wind. But he could not take a steady breath until he felt the solid wood planking of the deck beneath his feet. His legs were still shaking when he had to face his father.

"If you do anything like that again without first asking permission, I will send you back to your mother. You cannot be part of a crew unless you learn how to take orders."

Ned lowered his eyes in shame. "No one said I couldn't. I didn't think you would mind."

"You did not think. I'll forgive you this once. Now we will climb the rigging together and you'll learn to do it properly."

Ned looked upward and felt his fear return. "My hands are burned and cut." He would never admit being afraid to his father.

"We'll tend your hands later. Now you must climb up again."

Ned had no choice but to follow his father and do what he was told. Soon he was swinging himself up again into the shrouds. He listened to everything his father said and imitated his movements. By the time they were back on deck, Ned was beyond tired. The Captain stood watching them.

"Training the lad already I see. Bosun, we're ready to sail. See to the men. Our guests are gone. We're going to sail around this island at top speed. If we succeed, every man will be rewarded. Spread the word to the crew."

Orders were issued. Men ran for the rigging and swung up to climb above and loosen the topsail. The ship bustled with activity.

Captain Billopp had a keen knowledge of the tides. He carefully chose when they would sail. He had waited for a weak tide so the ship could closely follow the shoreline. Following the path of least resistance created a shorter route.

Soon more orders were shouted. Every free crewman including Ned was to load the deck with empty barrels. They were told to tilt the barrels to catch the wind and that made them act like small sails. The open mouths of the barrels were pointed toward the wind to gain sailing strength. In this way, they made the most of the wind that didn't fill the bulky sails as fully when traveling near the shore instead of out to sea. Onward they sailed, sunlight dancing on the waves. Ned overheard the sailors talking. They seemed to agree that under the best of circumstances, this would be a difficult race. No one had sailed around the island in under 24 hours before. But then Father had told Ned that Captain Billopp was no ordinary seaman. His father never lied.

Ned soon fell asleep, only to startle awake again a few hours later as the ship began to rock violently. They were in the middle of a storm. It was raining hard and there was thunder and lightening all around. Ned held tightly to the rail as waves carried the ship up and down, tossing them around like his sister's small rag doll. Ned was soon sick to his stomach. This business of being a sailor was not so easy after all.

Finally the storm passed.

"Our margin of time has been cut to the quick," the Captain said. "Full sail!" he bellowed to the crew. "Let's win this race, lads!"

"We'll make it," Father said with a wink to Ned.

Ned thought if anyone could succeed, it would be Captain Billopp.

With only minutes to spare, the boat returned to its moorings. Governor Nicolls stood there with some other people. They all looked very happy.

"We've circumnavigated Staten Island in under twenty-four hours," Captain Billopp announced to the crew. "We've serve the Duke of York and His Majesty, the King, well indeed. Staten Island belongs to New York. Our race is won!"

The crew broke into cheers. Ned felt very proud to be part of such an accomplishment.

The End

Historical Notes:

The legend of Captain Christopher Billopp and his circumnavigation of Staten Island in 1668 has been told as fact and believed to be true. Webster's New World College Dictionary defines "legend" as: "a story handed down for generations among a people and popularly believed to have a historical basis, although not verifiable."

As The Staten Island Historian has observed, this is the best-known story about Staten Island and widely accepted as true. However, there seems to be no actual proof. Judge Gabriel P. Disosway, a historian of Staten Island history, appears to be the first to relate the story in the later part of the nineteenth century. However, he claimed that his source material was burned in a fire.

CAPTAIN CHRISTOPHER BILLOPP (1631-1725) was a restless, adventurous Englishman who served in both the Royal Navy and the Army. We know that he became a lieutenant in the Royal Navy in 1671 and a Captain in 1673, but we do not know for certain if he made voyages to America before that time; neither is there proof that he did not. Records show that he received a grant of 932 acres from the Duke of York in 1674 in the southwestern tip of Staten Island, in what is now Tottenville, and soon began building a home there. The legend claims that this was Billopp's reward for circumnavigating the island. In 1677, he was further rewarded by another patent, expanding his property to 1,600 acres. The reason quoted for the gift is "gallantry in action." Billopp eventually built a stone manor house and called it Bentley.

Staten Island in the 1670's was mostly woodland and salt meadow with two small agricultural villages of Oude Dorp and Nieuw Dorp. In scattered farms lived several hundred inhabitants: Dutch, French, English, Native American and some Africans. Billopp built the largest house on Staten Island. There were few houses as impressive even in adjacent New Jersey.

Billopp married twice and had two daughters by his first wife, Ann, who died around 1680. His second wife, Katherine, came to America on a ship upon which both her husband and father-in-law perished. She brought three children of her own to the marriage.

Billopp House became known as the Conference House when on September 11, 1776, a peace conference was held there. British Commander, Admiral Lord Howe, organized the conference. To bring the American delegates from Amboy, Lord Howe sent his personal barge. Ben Franklin, the Middle States conciliator, was rowed to Staten Island as was John Adams, the New England radical, and Edward Rutledge, a conservative Southerner. Since the three colonists all agreed that Britain would have to recognize American independence, something Lord Howe would not and could not do, the conference was over in three hours. Lord Howe looked upon it as a disaster, but the delegates from the Continental Congress felt that America's dignity had been asserted. Conference House has been restored and may be visited today.

GOVERNOR PHILIP CARTERET (1639-1682) was the first governor of New Jersey. He was the son of the attorney-general of the Island of Jersey in England and fourth cousin to Sir George Carteret who was prominent at the Restoration Court of Charles II. Philip landed in Elizabethport in August of 1665. He was in constant conflict with New York throughout his time in office. He was an excellent governor, displaying firmness, tact and faithfulness. He continued to dispute New York's rights to Staten Island. In 1672, Governor Carteret attempted to cut hay on Staten Island to make a statement on behalf of New Jersey. In 1675 and again in 1681, he renewed New Jersey claims to Staten Island ending only with his death. His successors continued the tradition of protest.

GOVERNOR RICHARD NICHOLLS (1624-1672) was the first English governor of New York. As a supporter of King Charles I in England, he commanded a troop of horse soldiers against the parliament forces of Oliver Cromwell in 1643. He followed the Stuarts into exile and served in battle under the Duke of York. Upon the Restoration of Charles II, he became a Groom of the Bedchamber to the Duke. He was made Governor of the provinces of New York and New England in 1664 but spent most of his time in New York. He exercised strong leadership and governed fairly, although he took on a great deal of authority. The colonists of New York held him in high regard. He died in battle during the Third Dutch War in 1672 when he volunteered to serve in the English fleet.

Jacqueline Seewald has been a teacher, librarian and media education specialist. She is the author of the novels A Wind in the Pines, Her Mother's Daughter, Where is Robert?, A Devil in the Pines, First Day and the upcoming Claire's Curse, as well as many short stories.

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