In 1664, he came to the North America with Richard Nicolls. It is not known if the two were related, although some sources say he was Richard's nephew. Matthias was Richard's secretary and was present to the first surrender of the Dutch New Amsterdam to the English. He was clerk of the court in the new English colony and served various judge roles.John Watts de Peyster, Volume 1 By Frank Allaben - Frank Allaben Genealogical Company - 1906 He was a member of the Convention at Hempstead, New York, in 1664–1665 that established the laws for the new colony.
