Colonial governor; born in 1636; was of the Irish peerage, and among the first to espouse the cause of the
Prince of
Orange when he invaded
England.
he was created earl in 1689, and made treasurer and receiver-general of Queen Mary.
In May, 1695, he was appointed governor of New York, but did not arrive there until May, 1698.
Meanwhile he had been commissioned governor of
Massachusetts, including
New Hampshire; and on going to
Boston, in 1699, he was well received, and his administration was popular.
Bellomont had been one of the parliamentary committee appointed to investigate the affair of
Leisler's trial and execution, and had taken a warm interest in the reversal of the attainder of that unfortunate leader.
On his arrival in New York, he naturally connected himself with the Leisler party, whom
Governor Fletcher had strongly opposed.
Bellomont came with power to inquire into the conduct of
Governor Fletcher, and he was so well satisfied of his malfeasance in office that he sent him to
England under arrest.
The remains of
Leisler and
Milborne were taken up, and after lying in state several days were reburied in the Dutch Church.
Bellomont chose for his council a majority of “Leislerians” ; and that party soon obtained a majority in the Assembly also.
One of their first acts was to vote an indemnity to the heirs of
Leisler.
Bellomont used every means to gain the good — will of the people in both provinces, and succeeded.
The earl was a shareholder in the privateer ship commanded by
Captain Kidd; and when that seaman was accused of piracy
Bellomont procured his arrest in
Boston, and sent him to
England for trial.
Bellomont died in New York, March 5, 1701, and the earldom expired in 1800.
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