Career
The English annexed the Dutch province of New Netherland in 1664, and lands west of Long Island and Manhattan Island were awarded to two Lords Proprietors, John Berkeley and George Carteret (cousin of Philip). In 1665, Carteret (or "Cartaret") was appointed by them to take possession of the newly acquired territory which been renamed the Province of New Caesaria, or New Jersey, and assume the position of governor. Freedom of conscience was guaranteed and generous land grants were promised.
Carteret indeed issued many grants of lands to settlers and landowners, partly with the purpose of increasing the worth of the colony.
The pair "expected to profit from sales of their rich North American land holdings, and they were not disappointed". Carteret designated Elizabethtown (named after the wife of George Carteret) as the capital of New Jersey, where a representative assembly first met in 1668.
Middletown Township and Shrewsbury Township refused to send representatives to this New Jersey Assembly and declared their independence, electing James Carteret as their leader. Carteret became angry and left for England, and had the English government force the New Jersey settlers to pay quitrents.
During his governorship, more towns sprung up in New Jersey.
By the end of his term in 1682 the province consisted of seven towns, and many outlying plantations. The populations (exclusive of Lenape natives) was about 3500 in the seven established towns of Berghen, Newarke, Elizabeth Towne, Woodbridge, Piscattawy and Middletown, with an undetermined number in outlying areas. After the death of George Carteret, Governor Edmund Andros of New York attempted to seize power in East Jersey.
Carteret was placed on trial, but was acquitted by the jury.
The attack caused permanent injuries to Carteret, and he died in 1682.