The "Boston Government" notation in the New York provincial muster rolls
refers to Massachusetts, not to a place in New York. No one listed in the
muster rolls of the French and Indian War was born in Massachusetts, but
many were born under the "Boston Government." There seemed to be no problem
naming Connecticut, Rhode Island, or New Hampshire as birthplaces, but
Massachusetts was always refered to as the "Boston Government." It was
probably a nuanced usage to give an air of illegitimacy to the encroaching
Yankee province, similar to the Cold War usage of "Peking Regime" for
mainland China.

Edward Knoblauch

----- Original Message -----
From: Marjorie Oi
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Friday, October 18, 2002 4:33 PM
Subject: Boston/Boston Government


I am researching the Cummings family in New York State and have found two
references to Boston or Boston Government as the birthplace of Asa and
Ebenezer Cummins.  "Muster Rolls of NY Provincial Troops 1755-1764" lists
their birthplace as Boston,  Doherty in "Settlers of the Beekman Patent"
gives Asa Cummins birthplace as Boston Government.  Is anyone familiar with
a town or district of Boston in provincial NY ca 1740?  It would probably be
in what was then Dutchess or Albany counties.  French's Gazetteer does not
have a town of Boston formed that early.  Or, can anyone suggest a reference
or source for further research?  Thanks for any help.

Marjorie Oi
690 Winton Road South
Rochester, NY 14618