Background: The diary of Matthew Griffin was discovered under some hay in the corner of a carriage barn in Fleishmanns, New York in the summer of 1916.

Matthew Griffin was born in Fishkill, New York in 1808 and moved with his family to Middletown, Delaware County, New York in 1823. He was an "Up-Renter": he disapproved of the "Down-Renters" (Anti-Renters). His diary provides vivid accounts of both the Anti-Rent conflict and daily life in Antebellum rural New York.

Note: For serious researchers only: may be hard to read, as is the original diary

Excerpts from p 481:

"18   This morning the weather faird off and the Sun Shone as like a Summers day.  I Even Observed a little Honey bee at work and busyly Engaged in flying about which I presume is a very rair Occurance for the 18th day of November..."

"Nov 19 ...This day.- the constant enquiree is will the authority Hang Oconor and Vansteenburgh the Men who are condemned to Death as Antirenters whom I have [][] spoken of    The County Still Continues under Martial law   There is now about 300 armed Men at Delhi awaiting the 29ith nixt[?] which is the day Set apart for the Execution of Said Criminals..."

"20   ...the Execution of the Criminals is much talkd about -- many thinking they will have the penalty of the Law inflicted Upon them  Others Saying the Authority dare not for the Safely of the Village of Delhi--- As the antirenters threten to burn said village if they hang the criminals..."

"...However upon the 25th News arrived that a pardon Had arrived from the Governor that he had concluded [?] to commute their centance from Death to imprisonment in the State prison during their Natural lives.   And the Said Criminals  upon Receiving the intelagance Jumped and Hollered [?] and was Much...   (continued on p 482)

Matthew Griffin's diary courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association Archives, 46549 State Hwy 10, Delhi, NY, 13753.