Daily entries from the 17th century London diary
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Francis Lovelace (c.1621-1675) was the second governor of the New York colony. He was appointed in 1668. His administration was terminated by the temporary recapture of the colony by the Dutch in 1672 for which he was blamed and imprisoned in the Tower of London where he died of dropsy in 1675.
“He interested himself in better ferriage, roads and transportation by land and water; and the regulation of trade and extension of commerce. He instituted the first merchant’s exchange and the first haven master of the port. He promoted shipbuilding and himself owned a fine ship, The Good Fame of New York. He extended settlements and laid out new villages and townships, and by purchase for the Duke, freed Staten Island from Indian control. He was tolerant toward religious sects, even the Quakers. He was interested in Indian missions and though unsuccessful, made the first attempt to introduce the art of printing into the middle British colonies. He furthered the strengthening of fortifications and the raising of foot companies and troops of horse, keeping them in training. The drift whale, as well as sport fisheries, engaged his attention….He instituted the first continuous post road between New York and Boston, under a postmaster.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Lovelace
See “Governor, diplomat, soldier, spy: The colorful career of Colonel Francis Lovelace of Kent (1622-1675)” by Daniel Dudley Lovelace
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006S1M44/
Coll Richard Nicolls precedes him in ‘64