Does anyone have an earlier immigrant than John CASSON who sailed from Leith Scotland on
September 5, 1685 and landed at Perth Amboy the middle of the following December? He was
one of a company of 125 prisoners who refused to take the Oath of Allegiance for religious
reasons and transported. They were referred to as Covenanters. George Scott, Laird of
Pittochie, was given a promise of liberty and the gift of about 100 prisoners with the
proviso that he transport them to Eastern New Jersey and land them before September, 1686.
Should he fail in any way, he faced a penalty of five hundred marks.
They sailed on the "Henry and Francis", a ship of 350 tons and equipped with
twenty large guns. The ship was chartered by Laird Pittochie with Richard Hutton as
Master. Thirty-one passengers died on the voyage.
Listed among the passengers were others who migrated to the Colonies voluntarily and paid
either with five pounds of sterling per adult (less for children) or passengers indentured
themselves for four years of service. At the end of their indenture, they would receive 25
acres of land and a new suit of clothing. Some indentured craftsmen were also promised
certain tools of their trade at the completion of their service by their masters.
Would like to hear from anyone about this and any other very "early" settlers.
Connie Jones