D65b V.12 1136148
GENEALCC'.' COLLECTION
L^
3 1833 01150 7693
DOCUMENTS
RELATING TO THE
ptstorg of t|e Juki] anb ^to^ttisl] ^fttkimnts
Delaware River,
Translated and Compiled from Original Manuscripts in the Office of the Secretary of State, at Albany, and in the Royal Archives, at Stockholm,
By B. FERNOW,
KKKPKR OF THE DaiSTORICA.L RECORD!
Vol. XII.
ALBANY:
THE ARGUS COMPANY, PRINTERS. 1877
Dutch and Swedish Rule on the Delaware.
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE, Albany, Decemler 10, 1877.
The downfall of the Dutch ai;thority in New York was perhaps inevitable. The colonizing impulse of the British Empire in the Seventeenth Century was so much greater than that of any other foreign power that in all human probability the unsurpassed harbor of New York and its tributaries were its natural and inevitable prey. The result, however, if it was inevitable, was precipitated by an incident of which history has taken little or no account, and which illustrates in a singular manner the difficulty attending any contemporaneous estimate of the relative influence and importance of historical causes. ^-Xof>X'lcJ
Long before the English had made any direct claims upon the Hudson river or upon Manhattan Island, they had set up and were very tenacious of a paper title to the territory along the Delaware, then called the South river. The Dutch claimed the same territory by the right of prior possession, insisting that they built the first fort on the South river [Delaware] in 1598.
The success of various commercial expeditions and notably that of Captain Hendrickson in 1614 in the ship "Eestless," the first ship ever built in the State of New York, and his reports from the Delaware and Schuylkil country, led to the formation of the celebrated Dutch West India Company, which was organized in 1621 with jurisdiction over what was afterwards called New Netherlands, embracing all the country between the 38th and 45th degrees of North latitude. The object of this company was exclusively commercial, but it was soon discovered that to develop the trade of the country to its fullest extent it had need to be colonized. Efforts were thereupon made to settle the country with Europeans.
In prosecution of their plans in 1623, they sent to the South river [Delaware] a number of emigrants under the direction of Cornelius Jacobsen, who having sailed up as far as Glocester Point, New Jersey, about four miles above the city of Philadelphia, landed near the mouth of Little Timber-creek, and built Fort Nassau,
i^' Dutch and Swedish Rule on the Delaware.
the head-quarters for the company's agency on the South river. There is little room for doubt that this was the hrst European settlement on the banks of that river.
These efforts attracted the attention of the English and the British envoy at The Hague, Sir Dudley Carlton, was instructed to protest against what he pronounced a usurpation of English territory by the Dutch government. Here commenced the dispute between the then greatest commercial nations of the world, which was destined to gather force and importance until it should end in the utter extinction of the Dutch authority on this continent.
It is possible that this catastrophe — if catastrophe it now deserves to be called — might have been averted but for an event which has attracted very little of the attention of historians and which seems to have furnished the flint if not the powder which produced the ultimate explosion. That was the attempt of the Swedish government to establish a colony under an Indian title on a part of this disputed territory.
The documentary history of that enterprise and of its stormy relations with the Dutch government of New York constitutes the principal feature of the following pages.
The romantic success of some of the Dutch, English and Spanish merchants in America had been brought to the attention of Gustavus Adolphus, at that time the most commanding figure in Europe, by William Usselinx, a native of Antwerp, a man of high rank and social position in Holland and one of the most prominent and influential originators of the Dutch West India Company.
Usselinx laid before the King of the Swedes a plan for a trading company, which ultimately received his Majesty's approval and resulted in a royal edict on the 14th of June, 1626, establishing the "Swedish South Company." The first provision of this edict was :
" That during the term of twelve years none of our subjects and inhabitants of all lands and territories shall be allowed to sell and, trade in anybody's but the company's name and behalf, south of the straits of Gibraltar to the countries of Africa, Asia, America, and Magellanica or Terra Australis, reckoning the coast of America up to the same latitude as the said straits, or 36 degrees ; nor to any country or island lying between Africa and America under the said latitudes, while the ships and goods of all who have dared to trade there without our and this company's consent and permission shall be confiscated and the ship owners who may have sent them there to trade shall be prosecuted."
The stock holders of this company were authorized to elect as many directors as there should be hundred thousand dalars subscribed and this was to constitute
Bictch and Swedish Rule on the Delaware. v
its capital, the king himself being the largest individual stockholder as may be inferred from the thii-ty -first article of his edict which reads as follows :
"In order to manifest the great pleasure which we have in the progress of this company we promise that we will subscribe and invest a sum of four hundred thousand dallers counting thirty-two round pieces to a daller, which we will risk for our own account dividing profit and loss with the other share holders."
The expectations with which the minds of King Gustavus and many of his people were intoxicated, are manifest in the following paragraphs taken from the contract of the new company with its stockholders :
Our own experiences further teach, that all the kingdoms, countries and cities, which flourish in power and wealth, have become rich and powerful by navigation, commerce, by creating all kinds of trades and especially thereby, that the inhabitants have discovered and taken new and formerly unknown countries : this can be proved by Spain and the United Provinces of the Netherlands, which are two especially good examples of it.
It is almost incredible, what treasures, wealth, and advantages the Spaniards have already had and enjoyed from Africa, Asia and America during 130 years now ; it has gone so far, that the profits derived from America alone amount annually to 20 millions of Rixdalers or 300 times 100000 Swedish dalers,* being mostly pure profits and gains so for the King himself as for his subjects and consisting in gold, silver, quicksilver, pearls, emeralds, amber, cochineal, anil,-!- hides, sugar, ginger, tobacco, all kinds of spices, rosin and precious woods, without counting here several millions of ducats, of which the King, besides meeting other expenses, makes use for his servants and their salaries, for the Administration and Bishoprics, Prebends, Presidents and Councils, as well as other official positions, some of which are worth annually five to six, some eight or ten and a few hundred tliousands of Rixdalers.
It is sufficiently known, what great riches the United Netherlands have obtained during 40 years, especially Holland, where the Brabant Flemings with great many WaUons established themselves. They soon brought there commerce and valuable manufactures and thereby filled the country with all kinds of trades and professions, so that the rent of a well arranged house is now higher, than formerly the purchase-price of the same. The products of the country are thereby also raised and increased in price three or four times, so that the inhabitants have become rich gradually and as it were sleeping. Aside from the private revenues and profits, the land has become so powerful, by closing the navigable waters and ports of the devastated and conquered country as well as by voyages to the East-Indies, Guinea and other distant places, that it has already been able to resist the King of Spain and defend and protect itself against his great power.
This Kingdom of Sweden has until the present day lost or not shared in all the aforesaid profits and advantages, because its inhabitants were not willing to risk in anything extraordinary, unless remaining within their own boundaries, and thus they gave opportunity to the stranger from other countries to take the food from their mouths ; he
*One Swedish daler = 50 cents. One Rixdaler=.73 ceuts.— Tr. t A shrub, from whose leaves and stalks indigo is m&Ae. — Webster.
vi Dutch and Swedish Ride on the Delaware.
buys the products of this country at an easy and low price and sells the imported goods very dear, while the Swedish people have, God be praised, not only as good an opportunity for trading, navigating and establishing all kinds of handicrafts, as any other nation in Europe may have : they even surpass others therein, for everything that is necessary for commerce, navigation, establishment of manufacture, viz., provisions, copper, steel, iron, timber and other wares, can be easier and better obtained in Sweden than in any other country and hence trade can be carried on with greater profit and advantage to Asia, Africa, America and Magellanica, than by Spain and the Netherlands.
Aside from these and other general advantages, each order in society wUl derive a special benefit for itself. The nobility can thereby improve their incomes and revenues, increase their dignity and consequently promote themselves as well as their children and relations in the service and official positions of the state.
Bishops and others of the clergy can expect the same. In the same way schools and churches will flourish through it and be sustained, and furthermore those who have learned something will be promoted to dignities and positions. Likewise the merchant can much improve his trade by the import and export of goods and can have himself made a Director and his sons clerks and agents of the Company.
Farmers and others of the common order can have their great profits by trading, although they do not need to learn or understand it and alongside of it they will be able to sell their grain and whatever else they may have for sale, at high prices ; they must also consider this advantage, that H. R. Majesty, by increasing the revenues of the Kingdom, will obtain the means to engage and subsist more foreign troops, whereby his subjects are either altogether freed from conscription or at least it will be made much easier. Besides, when all sorts of manufactures are established, a child of eight or ten years will be able to earn so much, that the father can hire a soldier for it and may keep his sons, laborers and servants.
King Gustavus did not live to realize any of his own or the stockholders' dreams of wealth from their enterprise ; and the charter, limited to twelve years, expired in 1637 and before the company got into active operation. The king however, only a few days before the memorable battle, in which he lost his life, earnestly recommended Ms project to the Swedish people. The charter was promptly renewed by his daughter Christinna who succeeded him ; was approved by her Chancellor, Oxenstiern and an expedition was fitted out in the following year under the direction of Peter Minuit, who had also been a prominent officer of the Dutch West India Company as well as a Governor of New Netherlands, but who in consequence of some misunderstanding with the company had been discharged. Partly for employment and parly to revenge himself, he had placed his services at the disposal of the young queen of Sweden and doubtless furnished all that seemed then to be lacking for the entire success of the Swedish South Company.
According to Rodman professing to have the information from "Captain Israel
Dutch and Swedish Rule on the Delaware. vii
Helme," an old resident on the Delaware in 1675,* Minuit purchased from the Indians the land from the mouth of the river and Cape Henlopen to the Falls of the Delaware which almost the same day, eight years before had been bought by Samuel Godyn.f The arrival of Minuit and his companions did not long escape the notice of the Dutch nor could they have been many weeks in their new home before a protest from William "Kieft, Director General of Kew Netherland, residing on the Island of the Manhattas and in Fort Amsterdam," was addressed to Peter Minuit informing him that "the whole of the South river of New Netherland" had been "many years in the possession of the Dutch and secured to them above and below by forts, and sealed with their blood." He then goes on to say "Now as you intrude between our forts and begin to buUd a fort there to our disadvantage and prejudice, which shall never be suffered by us, and we are very certain that her Royal Majesty of Sweden has not given you any order to build fortresses along our rivers or along our coast. Therefore in case you proceed," etc. "we do hereby protest" etc. Minuit unfortunately for the company, died within a year or two after his arrival on the Delaware and before his work had matured. His colony was represented by the Dutch as so much discouraged as to entertain thoughts of returning to their own country, when a vessel arrived with the new governor, Peter Hollander and more colonists which revived their hopes.
About the same time, that is between 1640-42, the English revived their pretensions and commenced a settlement on the Schuylkill river opposite Port Nassau which furnished occasion to the Director General and Council of New Netherland to resolve: "That it is our duty to drive these English from thence in the best possible manner" — and corresponding instructions were accordingly sent to their commissary at the South river.
This attempt on the part of the English is presumed to have originated in New Haven. It failed and they were ultimately driven out by the Swedes. The latter rapidly encroached upon the trade of the Dutch with the Indians, and in 1643 built Port Elsenborgh near the mouth of the Salem-kil and practically closed the river for the Dutch at Port Nassau. They had already buUt Fort Christina on Christina creek, now Wilmington, Delaware, in 1638.
The Dutch felt these encroachments upon their trade which had become of considerable importance, very severely. Some idea of the value of this South river traffic may be formed from the fact that two vessels leaving there in 1644 had a
* See New York Colonial Manuscripts xx folio 62.
t The deed of this purchase by Minuit was unfortunately destroyed together with a map of the country made by Marcus King by the fire of the Royal Palace at Stockholm in 1697.
viii Dutch and Swedish Rule on the Delaware.
cargo of 2,127 packages of beavers and 70,420 pounds of tobacco. The Dutch appeared for some time inexplicably patient under this diversion of their traflBc which was subsequently proved to be partly due to the infidelity of their commissary or agent at Fort Nassau who was removed from office in 1645 for corruption and neglect of duty, and partly to the unsettled boundary questions pending between them and the English which every year assumed increasing importance. At last however Governor Stuyvesant who had been named Governor of New Netherland in 1647 encouraged by the home government took the matter out of the hands of the local agents into his own.
In the first place and to counteract the Swedish influence with the Minquas who had professed to be friendly to the Dutch, he destroyed the old Dutch settlement at Fort Nassau and established a new one on the other side of the river calling it Fort Casimir, to-day New Castle, Delaware. This was in 1651.
In 1654 a new Governor of the Swedish colony named Rysingh was sent out with troops and colonists and in ascending the river to Fort Christina (Wilmington) surprised the Dutch garrison at Fort Casimir (New Castle), and took possession of it in the name of Queen Christina.
This was a step of course not calculated to improve the relations between the two rival colonies. Tlie Dutch had not long to wait for their revenge. A Swedish ship called "The Shark," entered the Hudson river by mistake, was seized by Stuyvesant and confiscated, the captain being permitted to ransom her cargo. But the matter did not end here.
When the news of the capture of Fort Casimir reached the West India Company at home they were greatly incensed and instructed Stuyvesant to take immediate steps for the utter extermination of the Swedes from the South river. In the following year an expedition was fitted out of which Stuyvesant took the command ; so overwhelmingly strong that when it arrived, the Swedes surrendered the Delaware territory to the invaders without a blow.
From this time forth the history of the Swedish colonists forms a part of the history of the Dutch on the Delaware which was destined for the remaining comparatively brief period of its existence to be sufficiently occupied with its differences with the English colonists of Virginia and Massachusetts. The terms upon which the conquered Swedes were permitted to remain were not oppressive as we may gather from the following extract from a letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant on the 26'? May 1655 :
Dutch and Swedish Rule on the Delaware. ix
"We have informed your Honors sufficiently by indications in our last general letter, here enclosed, of our serious opinions and advices, how to treat the Swedes on the Southriver. We still retain and persist in these orders and directions, only we have, after previous deliberation, resolved, that, when your Honors shall have carried the expedition to a successful end, the land, upon vrhich Fort Christina stands, with a certain amount of garden land for the cultivation of tobacco shall be left to the people, as they seem to have bought it with the knowledge and consent of the Company, under the condition that the aforesaid Swedes shall consider themselves subjects of this State and the Company, this for j^our information and government : while we will not continue upon this point, we have yet desired to recommend most earnestly, that the utmost possible speed may be used in the execution of the expedition after the arrival of this man-of-war (arrived on the 13'." of August).
It is difficult to ascertain with any precision the number of Swedes who participated in the colonial experiment at the South river. None of the reports which have been preserved — in the archives of this office at least — give their number ; nor does the number of passengers arriving in the ships seem to have constituted an item of sufficient importance to have been deemed worthy of chronicling in the official correspondence. A few years after the extinction of Swedish authority on the Delaware the Dutch commissary in charge — Beekman — reports the number of Swedes and Fins in the colony capable of bearing arms at 130. The fighting men of a country are commonly considered to represent one-fifth of its total population. Should that rule apply to this colony it would give a population of from six to seven hundred inhabitants for the Swedish villages near the mouth of the Schuylkil.
The territory purchased by the Swedes from the Indians, and over which they claimed jurisdiction during their hour of brief authority on the Delaware, was most distinctly defined in the instructions sent Johan Prints, a lieutenant of cavalry who was appointed governor of New Sweden by Queen Christina on the 16th of August, 1642. He is described by De Vries in the journal of his travels "as weighing upwards of 400 pounds and drinking three drinks at every meal." These instructions, among other things say :
"When (should it please Grod) the Governor arrives at New-Sweden, he is to take care that the boundaries of the country extend from the borders of the sea to Cape Henlopen, in returning southwest towards Godyn's Bay and thence towards the Great South River, as far as Minquas Kil [now Christina Creek] where is constructed Fort Christina [now Wilmington, Del.], and from there again towards the South River and the whole to a place, which the savages call Sankikan ; this is at the same time the boundary of New-Sweden. This district may be in length about 30 German miles [about 120 English miles]."
It does not appear that many of the Swedes returned to their native country after their surrender to the Dutch. They mostly remained on the Delaware in their
X Didch and Sivedish Rule on the Delaware.
villages above Wilmington and Tennackonk (now Tinicum, Pennsylvania), Upland, and Passayonk (now a part of Philadelphia), and aU trace of their nationality has long since disappeared.
With the extinction of the Swedish authority the English grew only more impatient of their Dutch rivals in trade and more arrogant in their territorial pretensions.
Early in the spring of 1659 a conference of leading Englishmen was held at Bear's or Godfrey's island in Maryland to consider the best means of pressing their claims on the South river or Delaware territory. Soon after this meeting, and no doubt as a consequence of it, Colonel Nathaniel Utie, a member of the Maryland council, and five men in his suite presented themselves at New Castle claiming to be commissioned to take possession of the Delaware in the name and behalf of Lord Baltimore, alleging also that Governor Fendall of Maryland had received sunUar instructions. The Dutch officers in command at New Castle were frightened and so completely lost theu' head that, instead of arresting Utie and his companions, for which they had sufficient force, they sent messenger after messenger to Governor Stuyvesant in New York for military escort and protection. Their pusillanimous conduct received a deserved rebuke from Stuyvesant who sent a half military, half judicial commission to the South river to investigate and assist their compatriots if necessary; and another committee of two to Maryland to set matters right with Governor Fendall. Before his commission however reached the South river, Utie and his companions had disappeared and matters were patched up for a time between the two colonies by the judicious and conciliatory policy of Governor Stuyvesant.
In the spring, however, of 1661 d'Hinojossa, the governor of the City's Colony on the South river, an indiscreet, bad man, by his arbitrary conduct put not only the peace, but the very existence of the Dutch colony in peril. He released some Indians who had murdered four Englishmen from Maryland. It was with the greatest difficulty the English could be prevented from declaring war upon the Indians. The governor of Maryland refused to compound the murder by accepting presents from them, and d'Hinojossa became so frightened by the probable consequences of his imprudence that he set to work and finally succeeded in concluding a peace between the Indians and the English, but without in the least improving the relations of the Dutch and English colonists.
While these elements of dissension were festering on the South river the British title to the Delaware country had again been brought up for consideration in the council of Maryland. King Charles II had reaffirmed Lord Baltimore's patent and Governor
Butch and Sivedish Rale on the Delaware. xi
Calvert, Lord Baltimore's natural brother, had been sent to replace Governor Fendal with instructions " to prosecute Hs claim by all possible means."
Obviously the time was not distant, when it was necessary that the question, whether the Dutch or the English were to prevail in America was to be decided.
How the question was decided is best stated in the following correspondence between Governor Stuyvesant and "the Royal Commissioners," which took place only three years later :
Letter from Governor Stuyvesant to the Royal Commission.
New-Amsterdam, 29'" Aug. 1664. Right Hon'"^ Sirs.
Whereas wee have reed intelligence that about 3 dayes since there arrived an English man of warr or ffriggott in the Bay of the North River belonging to the New- Netherlands and since that, three more are arrived, by what order or p'tence is yet unknowne to us and having reed various reports concerning their arrivall upon this Coast and not being apt to entertaine anything of p''judice intended against us, have by order of the Commander in Chiefe of y' N. Netherlands thought it convenient and requisite to send their Worships the bearers hereof (that is to say) the Worspf" John Declyer (De Meyer) one of the Cheife Councill, the Rev. John Megapolensis, Minister, Paulus Lendert van der Grist, Mayor of this town and have joined with them Mr. Sam. Megapolensis, Doctor in Fhj^sick, whom by these p''sents have appointed and ordered that w"" the utmost respect and civillity, they doe desire and entreate of the Commander in Cheife of the aforesaid Men of warr or Ifriggotts the intent and meaning of their approach and continuing in the harbor of Nayack, without giving any notice to us or first acquainting us w"" their designe, w'^'' action hath caused much admiration in us, having not reed any timely knowledge of the same w"" in respect to y* Government of the place, they ought and were oblieged to have done. Wherefore upon the consideracon aforesd It is desii-ed and entreated from the General of the aforesaid Men of warr as alsoe from our before deputed agents, whom we desire your Hono" civilly to treat and to give and render to them the occasion of your arrivall here upon the coast and you will give an opportunity (that after our hearty salutes & well wishes of your health) to pray etc.
P. Stuyvesant. By Order etc
CORNELIS VAN RUYVEN,
Seer.
Ansaver of Col. Nicholls. Right Worthy Sirs.
I received a letter by some worthy persons intrusted by you bearing date the fl August desiring to know the intent of the approach of the English ffriggotts, in return of w'='' I think it fit to let you know, that his Majesty of Great Britain, whose right and title to these parts of America is unquestionable, well knowing how much it
xii Dutch and Swedish Rale on the Delaivare.
derogates from his Crowne and Dignitie to suffer any forraigners, how near so ever they be ally ed, to usurpe a dominion and w"'out his Majesty's Royall consent to inhabit in these or any other his Majesty's Territoryes, hath commanded me in his name to require a surrender of all such fforts, townes or places of strength which are now possessed by the Dutch under your Commands and in his Majesty's name I do demand the towne situate upon the island commonly knowne by the name of Manhattans with all the fforts thereunto belonging to be rendered unto his Majesty's obedience and protection into my hands. I am further commanded to assure you and every respective inhabitant of the Dutch nation that his Majesty, being tender of the effusion of Christian blood, doth by these p'sents confirme and secure to every man his estate, life and liberty, who shall readily submitt to his Government and all those, who shall oppose his Majesty's gracious intencons must expect all the miseryes of a war, which they bring upon themselves.
I shall expect your answer by these gentlemen. Col. George Cartwright, one of his Majesty's Commissioners in America, Capt. Robert Needham,* Capt Edward Groves and Mr. Thomas Delavale, whom you will entertaine and treat with such civility etc. On board his Majesty's Your very humble servant
Shipp, the Guyny, riding Rich. Nicolls.
before Najack, f^"" Aug. 1664.
GOVEENOR StUYVESANT'S ANSWER TO THE SUMMONS.
My Lords.
Your 1" letter unsigned of fg- August t together with that of this day signed according to fforme being the 1^.' of September have beene safely delivered into o"' hands by your Deputyes unto which wee shall say :
That the rights of his Majesty of England unto any parte of America hereabout amongst the rest unto j" Colony of Virginia, Maryland or others in New-England, whether disputable or not, is that w''" for the p''sent, wee have no designe to debate upon. But that his Majesty hath an undisputable right to all the lands in the North parts of America is that which the Kings of France and Spain will disallow, as we absolutely do by virtue of a commission, given to me by my Lords the high and mighty States General to be Governor General over New Holland, the Isles of Cura9ao, Bonairo, Aruba with their appurtenances and dependencies bearing date 26'." July 1646, as also by virtue of a grant and commission given by my said Lords the high and mighty States General to y° West India Company in the year 1621 with as much power and as authentique, as his said Majesty of England hath given or can give to any Colony in America, as more fully appeares by the Patent and Commission of the said Lords, the States General, by them signed, registred and sealed w"* their great seale, which were shewed to your Deputyes, Colonel George Cartwright, Capt. Robert Needham, Capt. Edward Groves and Mr. Thomas Delavall, by which commission and patent together (to deal frankly with you) and by divers letters signed and sealed by our said Lords, the States General,
* Commander of the " Guinea" man-of-war.
t Col. Nicolls forgot to sign the preceding letter and sent it again with his signature and an apology the next day but one.
Dutch and Swedish Rule on the Delaware. xiu
directed to several p'"sons both English and Dutch, inhabiting the townes and villages on Long Island (which without doubt liave been produced before you by those inliabi ants), by which they are declared & acknowledged to be their subjects w'" expre-s command that they continue faithfuU unto them under penalty of incurring their utmost displeasure, w'='' makes it appeare more cleare than the Sun at noonday, that your first foundation, viz: (that the right and title of his Majesty of Great Britain to these parts of America is unquestionable) is absohitely denied.
Moreover it is without dispute and acknowledged by all the world, that our predecesso" by virtue of the commission and patent of the said Lords, the States General, have w'^out controule and peaceably (the contrary never coming to our knowledge) enjoyed Fort Orange about 48 or 50 yeares, the Manhatans about 41 or 42 yeares, the Southriver 40 yeares and the Freshwater River* about 36 yeares. Touching the second subject of your Ire (viz) "his Majesty hath commanded me in his name to require a surrender of all such fforts, townes or places of strength, which now are possessed by the Dutch under your command" wee shall answer, that wee are so confident of the discretion and equity of his Majesty of Great Britain, tliat in case his Majesty were informed of the truth, which is that the Dutch came not into these provinces by any violence, but by virtue of coumiission from my Lords, the States General first of all in the year 1614, 1615 and 1616 up the North river neare Fort Orange, where to hinder the invasions and massacres commonly committed by the savages, they built a little fort and after in the year 1622 and even to this p''sent time by virtue of commission and grant to the Governo™ of the W. I. Company and moreover in the year 1656 a grant to y'= Hon*"^' the Burgomasters of Amsterdam of the Southriver, in so much that by virtue of the abovesaid commission from the high and mighty States General given to the persons inter- ested as aforesaid and others, these provinces have been governed and consequently enjoyed, as also in regard to their first discovery, uninterrupted possession and purchase of the lands of the Princes, natives of the Country, and other private p''sons (though Gentiles) we make no doubt, that if his said Majesty of Great Britain were well informed of tiiese passages, he would be too judicious to grant such an order, principally in a time, when there is so straight a friendship and confederacy between our said Lords and Superiors, to trouble us in the demanding and summons of the places and ffortresses which were put into our hands with order to maintaine them in the name of the said Lords, the States General, as was made appeaie to your Deputies, under the names and seal of the said high and mighty States General dated 28'." July 1646. f
Besides what has been mentioned there is little probability that his said Majesty of England (in regard the Articles of Peace are printed and were recommended to us to observe seriouslj'- and exactly and to cause them to be observed religiously in this country) would give order touching so dangerous a designe, being also so apparent that none other than my said Lords, the States General have any right to these provinces and consequently ought to command and maintaine theire subjects and in their absence wee, the Governor General, are oblieged to maintaine their rights & to repell and take vengeance of all threatenings, injustice, attempts or any force whatsoever, that shall be committed against theire faithfull subjects and inhabitants, it being a very considerable thing to afcont so mighty a state, although it were not against an ally and confederate.
» Connecticut River. \ See N. Y. Col. History, "Vol. I, p. 177.
xiv Dutch and Swedish Rale on the Delaware.
Consequently if his said Majesty (as it is fit) were well informed of all that could be spoken upon this subject, he would not approve of what expressions were mentioned in your letter, which are, that you are commanded by his Majesty to demand in his name such places and ffortresses, as are in y* possession of y^ Dutch under my government, which as it appeares by my commission before mentioned was given me by my Lords, the States General and there is lesse ground in the express demand of my government, since all the world knows that about 3 years agone, some English ffrigotts being on the Coast of Africa, upon a pretended commission tliey did demand certaine places under the government of our said Lords, the States General, as Cape Vert, River de Gambo and all other places to them belonging, upon which our said Lords, the States General, by virtue of the Articles of Peace, having made appeare the said attempts to his Ma'y of England, they received a favorable answer, his said Majesty disallowing all such acts of hostility as might have been done and besides gave order that restitution should be made to the East India Company of whatsoever had been pillaged in the said River of Gambo and likewise restored them to their trade. Which makes us think it necessary, that a more express order should appeare unto us, as a sufiicient warrant for us towards my Lords, the high and mighty States General, since by virtue of our commission wee do in these provinces represent them, as belonging to them, and not to the King of Great Britain, except his said Majesty, on better grounds make it appear to our said Lords, the States Gen", against which they may defend themselves, as they shall think fit.
To conclude wee cannot but declare unto you, though the Governors and Commissioners of his Majesty liatli divers times quarrelled with us about the bounds of the jurisdiction of the high and mighty the States General in these partes, yet they never questioned the jurisdiction itself. On the contrary in the yeare 1650 at Hartford and the last yeare at Boston they treated with us upon this subject, which is a sufficient proof that his Majesty has never been well informed of the equity of our cause, insomuch as wee cannot imagine in regard of the Articles of Peace between the Crown of England and the States Gen^ (under whom there are so many subjects in America as well as in Europe) that his Majesty of Great Britain would give a commission to molest and endamage the subjects of my said Lords the States Gen', especially such as ever since 50, 40 and the latest 36 yeares have quietly enjoyed their lands and countries, ffbrts and inheritances and lesse that his subjects would attempt any Acts of hostility against them and in case that you will act by force of Aj-mes, wee protest and declare in the name of oar said Lords, the States Gen), before God and men, that you will act an unjust violence and a breach of the Articles of Peace, so solemnly sworne, agreed upon and ratified by his Majesty of England and my Lords the States General. And the rather for that to prevent the shedding of blood in the month of February last, we treated with Capt. John Scott* (who reported that he had a commission from his Majesty) touching the limits of Long Island and concluded for the space of a yeare, that in the meanetime the businesse might be treated on between the King of Great Britain and my Lords the States General. And again at present for the hindrance and p^'ention of all differences and the spUling of innocent blood not only in these parts, but also in Europe, we offer unto you a treaty by our Deputyes, Mr. Cornelius van Ruyven, Secretary and Receiver of New-Holland, Cornelius Steenwyck, Burgomaster, Samuel Megapolensis Doctor of Physicke and Mr. James Cousseaa, heretofore SherifiE.
• See for the agreement made with John Scott the 24tt February 1664, O'Callaghan's History of New-Netherland, II. 578.
Dutch and Sivedish Rule on the Delaware. xv
As toiicMng the threats in your conclusion we have nothing to answei , only that we fear nothing but what God shall lay upon us and we may as well be preserved by him with small forces,* as by a greate army, which makes us wish you all happiness etc. 2^ Septbr New Style Your thrice humble etc
1664. P. Stuyvesant
Upon receipt of this letter Col. M icoUs gave orders to Capt. Hugh Hide, Commander of the English squadron "to prosecute his Majesty's claim and interest by all ways and means, as they (he and the other Captains) shall think most expedient for the speedy reducing of the Dutch under his Majesty's obedience." He also pressed the English ship William and Nicholas, Capt. Thomas Morley, then on the coast of New Netherland, into the King's service and directed the magistrates of Middleborough, Jamaica and Hempstead on Long Island to raise volunteers for the same purpose.
These preparations of the English to commence active operations and the pressure brought to bear upon Stuyvesant by the municipality of New Amsterdam made him write another letter on the 4'." of September :
My Lord
Upon our Ire the day before yesterday and upon y* communication by word of mouth of our Deputyes touching the just rights and possession without dispute of my Lords the States General of the United Provinces, as also of our discovery of the news from Holland, which makes us not to doubt, but that the King of Great Britain and my Lords the States are at this hour agreed upon their limits, This had given us hope, my Lord, to avoyd all dispute, that you would have desisted from your designe or that at least have given time, that we might attend an answer from our Masters, from which expectation we have been frustrated by the report of our said Deputyes, who have assured us by word of mouth that you p''sist in your summons and letter of fj August upon which we have no other thing to answer, but that following the order of my Lords the States General, we are obliged to defend our placp, however in regard that we make no doubt, that upon your assault and our defence, there will be a great deal of blood spilt and besides, it is to be feared, greater difficulty may arise hereafter, wee have thought fitt to send unto you Mr. John de Decker, Councellor of State. Cornelius van Ruyven, Secretary and Receiver, Cornelius Steenwyck, Mayor and James Cousseau, Sheriff to the end of finding some means to hinder and prevent the spilling of innocent blood, which we esteeme, my Lord, not to be your intention, praying you that you will appoint a place and hour and send and cause your Deputyes to meete there with full commission to treat and seek out the means of a good accommodation and in the meanetime to cause all hostilities to cease, upon which after recommending you to the protection of God wee remaine, my Lord,
Amsterdam Your etc
4"' Septbr 1664 (N. Style) P. Stuyvesant.
• Stuyvesant's forces in New-Netherlana numbered about 200 soldiers stationed in small detachments at New Amsterdam, Wiltwyck (Kingston), Fort Orange and on the Delaware.
xvi Dutch and Siveclish Rule on the Delaware.
Col. N'icolls' Answer. Eight Worthy Sir.
In answer to yo" of y* 4'? of September new Style by the hands of John Decker, Conncellor of State, Cornelius van Ruyven, Secretary and Receiver, Cornelius Steenwyck, Burgomaster and James Cousseau, Sheriff, I doe thinke it once more agreeable to the King's intentions and my duty to his sti-ict commands to propose and receive all wayes and meanes of avoiding the effusion of Christian blood, of which sincere intention, I suppose you are already fully satisfied and shall have no cause to doubt it for the future, as also that I doe insist upon my first summons and message to you for a speedy surrender of the townes and fforts, now under your command, unto his Majesty's obedience and protection. You may easily beleive that in respect of greater difliculties, which are ready to attend you, I should willingly comply with your proposition to appoint Deputyes, place and time to treat of a good accommodation, but unles you had also given me to know, that by such a meeting you doe intend to treat upon articles of surrender, I do not see just cause to deferr the pursuance of his Majesty's commands, my first demand and my last answer of reducing your townes and fforts, to his Majesty's obedience, which why you call acts of hostillity I see no reason ; however since you have given yourselfe and messengers the new trouble, I shall also take this fresh occasion to assure you that I heartily wish health peace and prosperity to every inhabitant of your plantations and particularly to yourself as being
Gravesend, Yours etc
25'? Aug. 1664. Richard Nicolls.
On the S')" of September Stuyvesant gave his consent to the articles of surrender agreed upon by the commissioners of both sides on the 6'.'' ; the consent of Col. NicoUs had been given at the "Camp before the Manhattans" on the very day of the agreement.*
Before these articles were signed, the following commission to seize the Delaware Country was issued by the British Commissioners to Sir Robert Carr :
Sept. 31 Whereas wee are enformed that the Dutch have seated themselves at Delaware bay, on his Ma''' of great Brittaines territoryes without his knowledge and consent, and that they have fortifyed themselves there, and drawne a great trade thither, and being assured, that if they bee permitted to goe on, the gaininge of this place will bee of small advantage to his Ma% Wee his Ma'^''^" Commission", by vertue of his Ma""' Commission and instructions to us given, have advised and determined to endeavoT to bring that place, and all Strangers there-about in obedience to his Ma''^, And by these do order & Appoint that his Ma"''' ffrygotts, the Guinney and the William & Nicholas and all the Souldy"' which are not in the Fort, shall with what speed they conveniently can, goe thither, under the comand of S!' Robert Carr to reduce the same. Willing and commanding all officers at Sea and land and all souldy"' to obey the said Sr Robert Carr
* The articles of surrender are published in Vol II p. 250 Col. History.
Dutch and Swedish Rule on the Delaware. xm
during this Expedition. Griven under o' hands & seales at the ffort in New Yorke upon the Isle of Manhatans the 3? day of Septemb. 1664.
S. Maverick.
R. NiOOLLS.
G. Cartwright.
Sir Robert Carr sailed at once in pursuance of his instructions. On arriving in front of the Dutch fort at New Castle he demanded its surrender. d'Hinojossa refused. "The Swedes were soon our friends" wrote Sir Robert to Colonel Nichols at New York. "Afterwards I had a parley with the Dutch burghers and the Governor. The burghers and townsmen after almost three days parley consented to my demands, but the Governor and soldiers altogether refused my propositions." The consequences of this refusal were two broad sides from the ships of the expedition, a storming of the fort, the plunder of the town, and the kUling of three and wounding of ten of the Dutch. The fort then capitulated, articles of agreement between Sir Robert Carr and the burghermasters were signed and delivered and with it in the year 1664 practically terminated the military power of the Dutch in America, a result which humanly speaking seems to be as directly attributable to the short lived commercial enterprise of the great Gustavus on the Delaware as to any other cause.
The volume here submitted embraces the official correspondence in which the events of which I have here traced the outline are preserved. They are translated for the most part from the Dutch records in this office, by Mr. Berthold Fernow, who for the past two years has been the custodian of the historical archives of the State and who in addition to an admirable translation of these documents has enriched them vrith numerous important papers selected from other sources and with notes which the student of that period of our local history will find of incalculable value.
JOHN BIGELOW,
Secretary of Slate.
Table of Contents.
FIRST PERIOD.
Times of the First Settlements on tme Delaware until the Arrival of the Swedes.
1624. Dec. 21. Warrant for William Ussling to establish a Company trading to America, etc.
given by King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden.
1625. Rules and by-laws of the Royal Swedish Trading Company, to do business in
America, etc.
1626. June 14. Charter of the Swedish South Company, granted by King Gustavus Adolphus. 1628. Jan. 11. Order directing all subscribers to the Southland Company to pay up their shares.
1630. July 31. Patent to Samuel Godyn for the land from Cape Hindlopen to the mouth of the
Delaware (now parts of Kent and Sussex counties, Del.).
1631. June 3. Patent to Samuel Godyn and Samuel Bloemmaert for Cape May County (N. J.).
SECOND PERIOD.
From the Arrival of the Swedes to the Taking of Fort Casimir (New-Castle) by THE New Swedish Governor Johan Rtsingh (1638 to Mat 30, 1654).
1638. May 6. Protest of Director and Council against Peter Minuit, Commander of the Swedes,
for intrusion at the South river (Delaware).
1639. Feb. 3. The South river (Delaware) settlement considered as a good place to send
malefactors in banishment to. 1639. Mar. 22. Enumeration of the buildings erected for the W. I. Company at Fort Nassau on the
South River. Return of Wouter van Twiller's property at Fort Nassau. Order regarding the trade to the Delaware river. Ordinance concerning tobacco, issued by Queen Christina of Sweden. Resolution to expel some English people from the Delaware, who had commenced a
settlement on the Schuylkil (Philadelphia ?). Instructions sent to Jan Jansen van Upendam, the Commissary at Fort Nassau, in
regard to the above Englishmen. Resolution to prevent the great injury done to the Indian trade at the Delaware
by the English from New-Haven.
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Mar. 22. |
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Mar. 31. |
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1641. |
Jan. 12. |
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1642. |
May 15. |
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May 22. |
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Aug. 28. |
XX Table of Contents.
1642. Sept. 25. The English of Red Mountain (New-Haven) threaten to take reprisals on Dutch traders.
1645. July 21. Minute of Council. To engage certain soldiers for the exploration of the mines
in the Delaware region. " Oct. 12. Jan Jansen van Ilpendam, Commissary at Fort Nassau, accused of fraud. Andriea
Hudde appointed Commissary in his place. " Oct. 12. Minute of the receipt of gold ore, etc. Resolution to explore the mountain and
bring back a quantity. " Oct. 23. Declaration of Sheriff Nicholas Coorn, that he has heard people say, the above mine
belonged to the crown of Sweden.
1646. Feb. 8. Proceedings against Jan Jansen van Ilpendam for fraud.
" Sept. 21. Proceedings against Rev. Everardus Bogardus for certain transactions with the
Swedish Governor at the Delaware. " Sept. 21. Patent to Abraham Planck (Verplanck) and three others for 100 morgens of land
on the west side of Delaware river, opposite Vogelesant island. " Sept. 22. Brief but true report of the proceedings of Johannes Prints, Governor of the
Swedes on the Delaware, by Andries Hudde.
1647. June 25. Letter from Director Stuyvesant to Governor Winthrop of Massachusetts in regard
to the English claims on the Delaware territory. " Aug. 17. Governor Winthrop's and the Commissioners of the United Colonies' answers to
Director Stuyvesant. " Sept. 20. Proposition of the Director-General, whether Andries Hudde is to be continued as
Commissary, and resolution to continue him. " Sept. 28. Charges of fraud raised against Hudde, and his appearance before the Council,
demanding proofs of the charges.
1648. Aug. 15. Order recalling Andries Hudde from the Delaware, that he may explain his accounts. " Sept. 9. Propositions of the Director-General in regard to a letter from the Swedish
Governor and Hudde's accounts. " Sept. 25. Letter from Alexander Boyer, deputy-commissary at the Delaware, stating, that
the Swedes had erected a strong house right in front of the Dutch Fort
Beversrede and demanding assistance against further encroachments. " Nov. 4. Declaration of Alexander Boyer and others, that the Swedish lieutenant had shown
them his orders, to resist by force any Dutch claim on the Schuylkil. " Nov. 5. Affidavit of Simon Root and others in regard to the destruction of their buildings
on Mastmaker's hook in the Schuylkil by the Swedes. " Nov. 6. Affidavit of Adrian van Tienhoven and others corroborating the above. " Nov. 7. Protest of Andries Hudde, the Dutch Commissary at Fort Nassau, against Johan
Prints, the Swedish Governor, for the above. " Nov. 9. Extract from a letter of Adrian van Tienhoven to Director Stuyvesant, urging him
to visit the South river, in order to check the insolence of the Swedes.
1649. Jan. 27. Extract from a letter of the Directors in Holland to Stuyvesant, regarding the
Swedes on the Delaware, the boundaries of the Colony towards Maryland, and the English claims of territory, now in Dutch possession.
Table of Contents. xxi
1649. April 9. Indian deed to Simon Root and others for a tract of land on the South river
extending from Ramkokus kil to a kil on the south end of Tinnekonck Island
(Burlington, N. J.). " May 30. Contract to build two houses for Simon Root (on the Delaware ?). " June 1. Letters from Govr. Eaton, etc., to Dir. Stuyvesant, vindicating the English right to
the Delaware. " June 14. Resolution refusing a permit to Jacob Loper to trade on the Delaware, because he
married a daughter of Cornelis Melyn. " July 2. Letters from Director Stuyvesant to Govr. Eaton of Newhaven, etc.; he is
determined to maintain the Dutch title to the Delaware. " Oct. 20. Power of attorney from Jan Laurensen Appel to Lucas Eldertsen to collect moneys
due his patron, Mr. Arnoldus Hardenburgh, at the South river. " Nov. 15. Ditto from Michiel Jansen to Johannes Geraerdy to collect money due him at the
Delaware.
1650. Copies of sundry letters from Dir. Stuyvesant to the Commissary at the Delaware,
dated from 1648 to August, 1650 ; apparently portion of a letter copy-book.
1651. Apr. 21. Papers referring to trade regulations for the Delaware.
" Apr. 21. Letter from Dir. Stuyvesant to the Governor of Massachusetts, regarding the English claims on the Delaware ; he has stopped a vessel and settlers from New- Haven going there.
" May 12. Certified copy of a receipt of Isaac Allerton and others, agents for Augustyn Hermans for sundries delivered them by Governor John Prints, and power of attorney from Hermans to Isaac Allerton to collect his debt from the Swedish Governor.
" May. Papers showing the commercial intercourse between New-Amsterdam and Delaware.
1652. Apr. 4. Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant: they are afraid of the
consequences of Stuyvesant's proceedings on the Delaware and cannot approve the demolition of Fort Nassau.
1653. Nov. 4. Extract from a letter of the same to the same: caution recommended in the
dealings with the Swedes at the Delaware.
1654. Mar. 16. Privileges granted to those, who purchase land in or trade to New-Sweden.
" May 18. Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant, concerning the late Swedish Governor Prints.
THIRD PERIOD-
FoRT Casimir {New-Castle) irr tbe hands of tbe Swedes and its Recapture by the Dure a. Complete overthrow of the Swedish Government on the Delaware {Mat, 1654, TO September, 1655.)
1654. Oct. 1. Pass for John Rysingh, Swedish Governor at the Delaware to come to New- Amsterdam. " Oct. 16. Orders and papers respecting the Swedish ship " de Hay" and her cargo, seized at New-Amsterdam, in reprisal for the capture of Fort Casimir.
Table of Contents.
Oct. 27. Protest of the Swedish Factor, Hendrick van Elswyck, against the Director and
Council for having seized the Swedish ship " de Hay," and answer to it. Nov. 16. Letter from the Directors to Petrus Stuyvesant ; seizure of Fort Casimir regretted ;
Swedes to be expelled from the South river ; reinforcements for that purpose will
be sent. Nov. 23. Extract from a letter of the same to the same ; a report on the title of the Dutch
to the Delaware is required for the negotiations respecting the boundaries, now
carried on in England ; the surrender of Fort Casimir is condemned ; Jean Paul
Jacquet. Dec. 23. New Privileges granted to the Swedish American Company. Apr. 26. Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant, regarding the intended
expedition against the Swedes. May 24. Resolution of the Chamber of Amsterdam appointing Frederick de Coningh to the
command of the ship-of-war " de Waegh " with instructions. May 26. Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant stating conditions under which
the Swedes, when conquered, may remain on the Delaware. May 28. Extract from a letter of the same to the same ; orders for the reduction of the
Swedes on the Delaware. May 31. Extract from a letter of the same to the Council of New-Netherland on the same
subject. Aug. 16. Message from Dir. Stuyvesant (sick) to the Council empowering them with Capt.
de Coninck of the "Waegh," to make all necessary arrangements for the
expedition against the Swedes. Aug. Papers showing the preparations made for the above expedition, and precautions
taken to surprise the Swedes unawares. Sept. Papers relating to the defeat of the Swedes on the Delaware; letters from
Stuyvesant reporting the captures of Fort Casimir (New-Castle) and Fort
Christina (Wilmington); oath of allegiance taken by the Swedes, etc. Oct. 19. Protest of Johan Rysingh, late Governor of New Sweden, against Stuyvesant, and Oct. 26. Stuyvesant's counter-protest. Nov. 1. Orders to several skippers, where, in Europe, to land the Swedish oflScers and
their men.
FOURTH FERIOD.
The Dutch West-India Company Sole Possessors of the Delaware Territory for
SOME TIME, ARE THEN COMPELLED, FOR FINANCIAL REASONS, TO SURRENDER PaRT OF
THEIR Lands there to the City of Amsterdam, who Establishes a New Colony {September, 1655, to May, 1657).
1655. Sept. 25. Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant, as to the insincerity of the English regarding the boundary question ; trade between Boston and Delaware. " Nov. 29. Appointment of Jean Paul Jacquet as Vice-Director on the Delaware; his instructions and oath of office.
Table of Contents. xxiii
1655. Nov. 29. Petition of Jews of New-Amsterdam for permission to trade on the Delaware like
other inhabitants, and order of the Council thereon. " Nov. 30. Order summoning Ensign Smith, provisional commander at the South river, to appear before the Council.
1656. Jan. 25. Order authorizing Jan Teunissen, the carpenter, to save the Swedish yacht
" Eendracht," ashore on Sandy-hook. " Feb. 15. Petition of Sergeant Lnycas Dirksen for his discharge and leave to settle on the
Delaware ; granted. " Mar. 13. Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant; expedition against the Swedes
approved. " Mar. 29. Papers relating to the commercial relations with the Delaware. " Mar. 29. A Swedish ship, " Mercurius," arrives at the Delaware with emigrants, orders are
therefore issued, not to allow them to land, etc., but the ship may come to
New-Amsterdam for supplies and then return to Europe. Patent to Tomas Broen for a plantation below Fort Casimir (New-Castle, Del.),
containing 2,046 rods. " April 11. Petition of Hendrick Huyghen, supercargo of the Swedish ship " Mercurius," on
behalf of the lately arrived Swedes, for leave to remain on the South river, and
answer of the Council, peremptorily ordering them to leave. " April 12. Hendrick Huyghen appears before the Council and consents that the " Mercurius "
and her passengers come to New-Amsterdam. " April 27. Order directing Ensign Smith to proceed with 12 to 16 soldiers overland to the
Delaware and to report on the state of affairs there. " May 1. Opinions of the Director and Council on receipt of intelligence from the South
river, that the Swedish ship " Mercurius " had ran past Fort Casimir and landed
passengers and goods near Matinnekonk. " May 3. Bond of Hendrick Huyghen, that he will demean himself peaceably on the South
river and obey the Dutch laws, while there. " May 3. Commission for Councillors de Sille and Cornelis van Tienhoven to proceed to the
South river and investigate affairs there. " May 28. Petition of Frederick Barentsen, baker at Fort Casimir, for an increase of pay;
June 14. Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant: first intimation of the probable
division and surrender of part of the Delaware Colony to the city of Amsterdam. July 11. Petition of Hendrick Huyghen in regard to the duties, which he is to pay on the
cargo of the " Mercurius." July 31. Order to discharge a Fin and a Swede, lately arrived, from confinement on a charge
of having given beer to the Indians. Aug. 3. Petition of Armgard Papegaay, daughter of Governor Prints, for certain lands at
Printsdorp and Tinnakunck (Tinicum, Pa.) ; granted. Oct. 26. Order permitting Peter Laurens to carry his own goods to the Delaware, on
condition of conveying some soldiers thither and bringing back a cargo of stones.
xxiv Tahle of Contents.
1666. Oct. 26. Order, Ijanishing Evertje Dirkx, a Swedish woman, to Long-Island or the South river. " Dec. 19. Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant ; the negotiations regarding a division of the Delaware territory have resulted in the surrender of Fort Casimir (New Castle), and the land south of it to the City of Amsterdam ; the new Colony is to be called New-Amstel, and Jacob Alrichs is to be the City's representative there.
1655-57. Minutes of the administration of Jean Paul Jacquet, Vice-Director at the Delaware,
and his Council.
1656. Articles and ordinances made and enacted by the Burgomasters of Amsterdam for
the government of those, who will go to the new Colony in their service.
1657. Mar. 12. Letters from Jacob Alrichs, Vice-Director of the new Colony on the Delaware,
written on Long Island where his ship " Prins Mauritius " was wrecked ; he
announces his arrival and requests assistance. " Apr. 12. Motion of the Fiscal for the confiscation of gunpowder and other articles brought
by Lieut. d'Hinoyossa and order denying the motion. " Apr. 12. Deed to the Burgomasters of Amsterdam of Fort Casimir and the land thereunto
belonging from the west side of the Christina creek to the mouth of the
Delaware river. " Apr. 16. Order granting the request of Gerrit van Sweringen, supercargo of the " Prins
Mauritius " to be discharged from the Company's service. " Apr. 17. Petition of Isaac Tynn, alias Pieriere, for a house and lot on the Delaware ; denied. " Mh.& Ap. Complaints against Vice-Director Jean Paul Jacquet and his subsequent removal
from office. " Apr. 24. Resolution that Ensign Dirck Smith accompany Captain Marten Cregier and his
detachment of the City of Amsterdam's soldiers as a guide on their march to the
Delaware, and instructions for Ensign Smith ; Fort Christina henceforth called
Altena.
FIFTH FERIOD.
The Delaware Territory under Dual Government, being Divided into tbe Compant^s
AND THE CITT''S COLONIES, UNTIL THE OCCUPATION BY TBE ENGLISH {U51 TO 1664).
1657. Patents for lands near Fort Casimir (New-Castle, Del.), to Jan Deckhoff, Jan
Andriessen, Jans Gaggen and Peter Lowrensen. " April 7. Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant ; a chart of the South river is
required ; a fresh lot of colonists and a minister are to be sent to Delaware. " May 1. Petition of some of the crew of the "Prins Mauritius" to have their goods released
from attachment, and order thereon. " May 8, Jacob Alrichs to Dir. Stuyvesant, reporting the state of affairs in his new
government.
Table of Contents. xxr
1657. May 26. The Directors to Stuyvesant (extract), regarding the seizure of the Swedish ship
" de Hay," and the losses sustained by the Dutch by the capture of Fort Casimir
(New-Castle). " May & Ju. Proceedings of the Fiscal against Jean Paul Jacquet, late Vice-Director on the
Delaware, for malfeasance in oflSce. " May 28. Jacob Alrichs to Dir. Stuyvesant ; condition of things ; Gerrit van Sweringen
recommended for the position as Commissary. " May 28. The same to the same ; condition of the Fort ; the name of Christina changed into
Altena. " June 12. Permit to the Swedes on the South river to form a village, where they think proper. " Aug. 10. Vice-Director Alrichs to Director Stuyvesant; he has engaged Andries Hudde in
the service of the City's Colony. " Aug. 22, ) The same to the same ; he endeavors to get freights for the Manhattan ; and " Sept. 1. j enlarges upon business and trade prospects. " Sept. 2. The same to the same ; a Christian killed by Indians on his return from the
Minquas country. " Sept. 15. The Directors to P. Stuyvesant (extract). A list and valuation of the property at
Fort Casimir, surrendered to Dir. Alrichs is required; few of the company's
people wish to go into the City's Colony. Complaints against Director Alrichs. " Sept. 16. Director Alrichs to P. Stuyvesant, requests, that a party of bricks and boards be
sent to New Amstel from Fort Orange. " Oct. 28. The same to the same: is glad to hear, that the latter intends to visit the South
river; he himself and family are sick; fevers prevail, etc. " Nov. 14. The same to the same: bricks and boards received from Fort Orange ; further
supplies required. -658. Mar. 18. The same to the same : complains of Captain Cregier, in command of the city's
soldiery; fugitives from Virginia come to New-Amstel. " Mar. 30. The same to the same: requires seed grain; describes the administration of justice
previous to his arrival; difficulties with the military under Capt. Cregier;
progress of the settlement. " April 20. Minute of Council approving the departure of the Director-General to the South river. " April 30. Petition of Joost Adriensen & Co. for leave to build a saw and grist mill at Turtle
falls, on the South river, and order granting it. " May 8. Petition of the Swedish magistrates at Tinicum (Pa.) for certain privileges, and
order thereon. Oath of allegiance taken by the Swedes. " May 15. Report of Director Stuyvesant on the affairs at the Delaware. « May 17. Vice-director Alrichs to Dir. Stuyvesant: apologizes for the poor reception given
the Director-General on his recent visit. " May 20. The Directors to P. Stuyvesant (extract). The smuggling on the Delaware must
be stopped. '• May 27. Secret resolution of the Amsterdam Chamber of the W. I. Company, that
instructions be sent to Dir. Stuyvesant and Vice-Director Alrichs, not to allow
any English people at the South river.
rxvi Table of Contents.
1658. June 3. Resolution of the Chamber of Amsterdam instructing Director and Council of N.
Netherland to maintain and enforce the respect due to the States-General and
the W. I. Company. " June 1. The Directors to P. Stuyvesant: the Horekil country to be purchased from the
Indians. " June 19. The same to the same (extract): the ship "Guide Meulen " has received permission
to sail directly to the Delaware, without touching at the Manhattans. " June 26. Jacob Alrichs to Director Stuyvesant: cattle purchased on the gi-eat plains at
Hempstead for the City's Colony on the Delaware. " July 30. William Beekman appointed Commissary of the West-India Company at the
Delaware. " Aug. 5. Letter. Jacob Alrichs to Director Stuyvesant ; great scarcity of bread ; the horse
mill not completed in consequence of the death of the carpenter; severe sickness
among the settlers. " Aug. 17. Letter. The same to the same; bad condition of the cattle lately received from
the Manhattans, etc. " Sept. 5. Letter. The same to the same; chimneys built of Fort Orange brick; severe
epidemic ; surgeon dead and his assistant sick. " Oct. 7. Letter. The same to the same; progress of the epidemic; ai'rival of emigrants;
their sufferings on the passage from Holland. " Nov. 18. Letter. The same to the same; scarcity of provisions; Rev. Mr. Welius ; death
of Abraham Rynvelt, Commissary, and many others, particularly children. " Nov. 20. Letter. The same to the same ; orders to purchase the Horekil ; commissioners
appointed.
1659. Jan. 24. Letter. The same to the same; death of his wife; early winter; scarcity of
provisions. " Feb. 13. Extract from a letter of the Directors in Holland to Stuyvesant. They hope
William Beekman will be a good officer and explain some customs regulations;
Director Alrichs to be reminded of his duties towards the company ; they object
to the appointment of Swedes to positions of trust at the Delaware. " Feb. 13. Letter. Directors of the W. I. Company to Jacob Alrichs; admonishing him to
discountenance smuggling ; to have the company acknowledged in oaths taken
by settlers, and to admit of appeals to the director and council at Manhattan. " Mar. 24. Letter. Jacob Alrichs to Director Stuyvesant ; scarcity of provisions ; the
Horekil; fast and prayer day. " May 14. Letter. Jacob Alrichs to Director Stuyvesant; causes of the backwardness of the
colony and of the scarcity of provisions; emigrants; failure of the harvest; great
mortality; tile and brick kilns established; arrival of Mr. Beekman at Altona;
answer to the charges contained in the letter of the Directors at Amsterdam of
the 13th February; purchase of the Horekil; D'Hinoyossa commander there. " May 23. Letter. Jacob Alrichs to Director Stuyvesant ; rumors that the English claim the
Delaware river and country and are about to send persons to New Amstel with
that view.
Table of Contents. xxvii
[June.] Indian deed for the Horekil (imperfect).
June 14. Letter. Jacob Alrichs to Director Stuyvesant ; purchase of the Horekil ; deed sent to the Manhattans.
June 26. Letter. Jacob Alrichs to Director Stuyvesant ; English coming to claim the country
on the Delaware ; rumors that war is declared between Holland and England
and that young Cromwell is poisoned and dead. July 23. Extract from a letter of the Directors in Holland to Stuyvesant ; smuggling at the
Delaware; purchase of the country between the Horekil (Deal, Del.), and
Boompties hook (Bombay Hook).
July 29. Letter. Jacob Alrichs to Director Stuyvesant ; messengers sent to Maryland ; they
visit Col. Utie ; claim of Lord Baltimore. Aug. 18. Letter. Jacob Alrichs to Director Stuyvesant ; Gov. Feudal instructed to assert
the right of Lord Baltimore ; panic among the Dutch on the Delaware. Sept. 4. Extract from a letter of Stuyvesant to the Director in Holland. The City's Colony
on the Delaware is in a very deplorable condition ; the colonists desert at a
fearful rate ; cause, the fear of an English invasion and Alrichs' great preciseness. Sept. 9. Letter. Jacob Alrichs to Director Stuyvesant ; arrival of Col. Utie and suite from
Maryland ; particulars of the interview. Sept. 9. Protest of Director Alrichs and council, Vice-Director Beekman and schepens of
New-Amstel, against the pretensions of Lord Baltimore ; addressed to Col. Utie. Sept. 12. Letter. William Beeckman, Vice-Director at Altona, to Director Stuyvesant ;
particulars of the transactions with Col. Utie. Sept. \1. Extract from a letter of Stuyvesant to the Directors in Holland on the same subject. Sept. 18. Extract from a letter of the same to the same. Emissaries of Lord Baltimore at
New-Castle demand a surrender of the territory ; the disposition of the troops
prevents an armed resistance. Sept. 20. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; dispatches sent overland to
the Manhattans ; state of affairs on the Delaware. Sept. 21. Letter. Jacob Alrichs to Director Stuyvesant ; fears entertained of the English ;
dispatches sent overland. Sept. 21. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; dispatches sent to the
Manhattans by sea; Alrichs and D'Hinoyossa greatly perplexed through fear of
the English. Sept. 23. Letter. Director Stuyvesant to Messrs. Alrichs and Beeckman; he condemns their
pusillanimous conduct towards Colonel Utie ; Secretary van Ruy ven and Captain
Crieger sent to the South river ; Augustyn Heermans sent as commissioner to
Maryland. Sept. 22. Commission. Martin Crieger to be Captain of a military force sent to the Delaware. Sept. 23. Commission. Cornelis van Ruyven and Martin Crieger to be commissioners to
regulate affairs at the Delaware. Sept. 23. Commission. Augustine Heermans and Resolved Waldron to be ambassadors to
Maryland,
xiviii Table of Contents.
1659. Sept. 28. Letter. Messrs. van Ruyven and Crieger to Director Alrichs announcing their
arrival, and requesting his attendance at Altena ; on account of his sickness they
wait on him at New Amstel. " Sept. 30. Letter. "William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; vindicates himself from the
charges in regard to his treatment of Colonel Utie. " Sept. 30, Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; further vindication of his
conduct. « Journal kept by Augustine Herrman of his embassy from the director-general and
council of New Netherland to the governor and council of Maryland, in relation
to the claim put forth by colonel Nathaniel Utie to the South river; September
30 to October 21, 1659. " Oct. 1. Letter. Messrs. van Ruyven and Crieger to Director Alrichs and council,
recommending them most seriously to complete and maintain a military force,
and protesting against them, should any damage accrue through their neglect. " Oct. 14. Letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant. Decline of the City's Colony ; the Swedes
not to be trusted. " Oct. 16. Letter. Director Alrichs and council to Messrs. van Ruyven and Crieger in answer
to the above. " Fragment of the answer of Messrs. van Ruyven and Crieger to the above.
" Nov. 8. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant, giving an account of the
progress of affairs at the Delaware. " Dec. 3. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; Andries Hudde; horse mill. " Dec. 3. Letter. Jacob Alrichs to Director Stuyvesant ; defends himself from the charge
of shewing any disrespect to the W. L Company ; has been suffering from severe
indisposition. " Dec. 12. Letter. Jacob Alrichs to Director Stuyvesant ; charters the galiot New Amstel for
a voyage to Curasao ; death of Rev. Mr. Welius.
" Dec. 13. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; machinations in his government; burial of Rev. Mr. Welius; Mr. d'Hinoyossa about to go to Holland, by way of Virginia, with a remonstrance to the burgomasters ol Amsterdam ; suffering from severe illness.
" Dec. 22. Extract from a letter of the Directors to the Dir.-Genl. and Council ; they regret the difficulties arisen on the Delaware ; the Colony will probably be returned to them by the Burgomasters.
■" Dec. 26. Extract from a letter of P. Stuyvesant to the Directoi-s in Holland ; affairs on the Delaware : Heermans and Waldron's embassy to Maryland.
1660. Jan. 14. Letter. WUliam Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; death of director Alrichs
Mr. d'Hinoyossa, his successor ; inhabitants quitting New Amstel ; proposed tax on the Swedes ; disorders from the sale of strong drink to Indians and others ; Jan Juriaens Becker reads the sermon on Sundays ; asks that his eldest son be appointed a cadet ; Indians murdered. " Jan. 25. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; New Amstel affairs; Peter Alrichs, commander at the Horekil ; river open.
Table of Contents. xxix
Feb. 3. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; murderers of the Indians
discovered; complaints against D'Hinoyossa; persecution of Cornells van Gezel. Mar. 1. Commission appointing William Beeckman and others to try and punish certain
persons accused of having murdered an Indian on the Delaware. Mar. 1. Instructions to Fiscal de Sille, sent to the South river to persecute the murderers. Mar. 1. Proclamation protecting for 3 or 4 years against prosecution for debts such fugitives,
as will return from Virginia and Maryland. Mar. 1. Instructions to Sergeant Andries Laurens, sent to the South river to enlist Swedes
and Fins for the Esopus war. Mar. 15. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; presents made to the Indians;
Andries Hudde robbed ; rumored arrival of Lord Baltimore in Maryland and his
designs; requests permission to visit the Manhattans to put his two oldest boys
to school. April 6. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; difficulties with the Swedes
and Fins ; Miss Printz ; Mr. Henry Coursey of Maryland and brothers visit
Altena in order to recover runaway servants ; Andries Hudde desires to go to
Maryland as a brewer ; Swedes propose to form a village at Passayonck. April 12. Petition of Jan Gerritsen van Marcken for a writ of appeal against a judgment of
the Court at New Amstel (New-Castle). April 12. Order on a petition of Mensje Andries, wife of Anthony Bryant, of Delaware, for
relief against injustice. April 23. Extract from a letter of Director Stuyvesant to the Directors in Holland; van
Ruy ven's and Crieger's mission to the Delaware ; death of Director Alrichs ; the
English intentions on the South river not given up. April 28. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; state of affairs on the
Delaware; Upland; the Swedish clergyman fined for marrying a couple without
publication of banns; difficulties with the Swedes and Fins; arrival of Capt.
Crieger. May 12. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; rumor, that the city's colony
is to be transferred back to the W. I. Company ; vrant of a clergyman ;
Passayunck ; Miss Printz. Appointment of commissioners to examine and report on the case of Jan Gerritsen
van Marcken, appellant, against the Court of New-Castle. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; Swedes not inclined to remove ;
dissatisfaction in Maryland on account of the way Mr. Courcey has been treated
by Mr. d'Hinoyossa ; open sale of liquors at New Amstel to Indians. Petition of Andries Hudde praying for some appointment on the South river. Appointment of Andries Hudde to be Clerk at Fort Christina (Wilmington, Del.). Judgment in the case of Gerritsen van Marcken against Sheriff Gerrit van
Sweringen of New-Amstel (New-Castle, Del.). June 17. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; visit of the great sachem of
the Minquas and other Indians ; Mr. Courcey's servants returned ; Menissincks
emigrate to the country of the Minquas through fear of a certain Manitto. June 25. Extract from a letter of P. Stuyvesant to the Directors in Holland ; English
encroachments cannot be counteracted by words.
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June 30. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; d'Hinoyossa; sale of liquors to
Indians; the church; arrival of Mr. Rendel Revel overland from Virginia;
election of magistrates at New Amstel. July 3. Royal order to the Governor of Virginia, etc., to aid Lord Baltimore in
maintaining his rights against Josiah Pendall. July 6. Contract. Cornells van Gezel to supply a certain quantity of clapboards at the
Delaware, which the Dir.-Genl. undertakes to ship to Holland. July 24. Commission given by Lord Baltimore authorizing Capt. Jas. Neale to demand the
surrender of the Delaware territory. July 27. Letter. William Beekman to Director Stuyvesant; soldiers desert to the Minquas;
Horekil; negotiations with Maryland for the rendition of fugitives. Aug. 13. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; arrival at New Amstel of a
vessel from the West Indies in distress ; efforts in Holland for the maintenance
of the city's colony on the Delaware. Aug. 16. Resolution to send the yacht " The Sea Bear " to cruise for a Swedish privateer,
reported off the coast. Aug. 20. Instructions to Ensign Smith for the above cruise. Aug. 20. Protest of Captain James Neal, agent of Lord Baltimore, Lord-Proprietary of
Maryland, against the W. I. Company. Sept. 4. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; departure of sheriff van
Sweringen and others from New Amstel for Holland. Sept. 20. Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant. The Director-General
slightly censured for his proceedings against the City's officers at New Amstel;
Lord Baltimore's claims.
Oct. 6. Extract from a letter of Dir. Stuyvesant to the Directors in Holland. He defends himself against the restrictions made in a former letter. Condition of affairs on the Delaware. D'Hinoyossa claims to have been appointed chief magistrate of the City's Colony.
Oct. 8. Letter. Mattheus Capito to Director Stuyvesant; Mr. Beeckman visits the Manhattans ; complains of d'Hinoyossa, that he will not deliver up books and papers relating to the late Mr. Alrichs' estate.
Nov. Complaint of William van Diemen's wife against Alexander d'Hinoyossa, director
at New Amstel.
Dec. 16. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; a bark cast ashore between Cape Hindlopen and Virgin bay and a three masted vessel wrecked off Barnegat; only one soul saved from the wreck,
Dec. 9. Extract from a letter of Dir. Stuyvesant to the Directors in Holland. D'Hinoyossa's proceedings and bearing in New Amstel (New Castle) ; nothing heard of the English claims on the Delaware.
Dec. 24. Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant; the Burgomasters will very likely continue their colony ; proceedings against Sheriff van Sweeringen disapproved.
Table of Contents. ixxi
1660. Dec. 24. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; d'llinoyossa appointed Director
of the city's colony on the Delaware; Lord Baltimore's brother, governor of Maryland; Fendall recalled; Prince of Orange restored to all his hereditary honors; Admiral De Ruyter sent against the Turks.
166L Jan. 14. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; Peter Alrichs; d'Hinoyossa's doings; robbery of the grave of an Indian chief at New Amstel ; wampum, duffles, etc., taken from it; Mrs. B. gives birth to a boy. " Feb. 5. Letter. William Beekman to Director Stuyvesant; arrival of capt. Woeler (Wheeler ?), a fugitive Quaker from Maryland ; manifests no respect to the Vice-Director, as such is contrary to his conscience; no such sect will be tolerated ; great excitement in Maryland between Protestants and Catholics ; many beheaded and several hanged and quartered in England; more than 1,000 reformed ministers in prison there, because they will not conform to the catholic religion, etc. ; Fins emigrating to Maryland.
(No date.) Letter. Augustin Heerman to vice-director Beeckman; his plantation on Bohemia
river; is about settling a village thereabout; distance between the Bohemia and the Minquas Kil ; Englishmen murdered by Delaware Indians ; the English in treaty with the Susquehannocks; war imminent.
1661. Mar. 21. Resolution to discharge the Swedish Sheriff on the Delaware and subsequent order
to that effect. " April 1. Indictment of and proceedings against Tan Juriansen Becker for selling liquor to
the Indians, and papers connected with his case. " May 27. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant, inclosing the above ;
3 Englishmen and a Dutchman murdered by South river Indians on the 4th
inst.; excitement in Maryland ; ill consequences of a war between the English
and Indians. " May 31. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; negotiations between the
governor of Maryland and the Minquas; the Minquas and Sinnecus at war;
d'Hinoyossa promulgates his commission; Gregory van Dyck, Swedish sheriff,
June 10. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; Sinnekees reported to have destroyed some plantations of Swedes and Fins in Maryland ; cause of the late murders by the South river Indians.
July 10. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; four Englishmen from Virginia among the Mantaese Indians on the east side of the Delaware; the English of Maryland assist the Minquas in their war with the Sinnecus.
July 21. Extract from a letter of Dir. Stuyvesant to the Directors in Holland. Maryland claims the south bank of the Delaware. Lord Baltimore's brother, Calvert, ordered to enforce the claim ; he (Stuyvesant) defends himself against the censures made for his proceedings in the case of Sheriff van Sweeringen.
Aug. 7. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; war between the States- General and England imminent; reported marriage of Charles 11 and the Infanta of Portugal.
Sept. 5. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; proceedings of d'Hinoyossa against Cornells van Gezel.
jcxxii Table of Contents.
1661. Sept. 9. Letter. 'William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; misunderstandings between
him and d'Hinoyossa; proceedings against Van Gezel. " Sept. 17. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; negotiations for peace between
Maryland and the Indians. " Sept. 21. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; elopement of Rev. Mr. Laer's
wife with one Jacob Tongh, who is supposed to have followed the tracks
of capt. Vuler (Wheeler ?) to Long island ; arrival of secretary Coursey, Mr.
Beetman and Mr. Goldsmith from Maryland to New Amstel, to negotiate a peace
with the Indians. " Oct. 26. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; Jacob Yongh ; delegates from
Maryland visit Altona ; gov. Philip Calvert concludes a peace with the Delaware
Indians ; small pox among the Minquaas ; Sinnecus on the war path ; overland
trade with Maryland ; negroes ; Rev. Laers desires to marry again ; M. Jacquet ;
Van Gezel, etc. " Nov. 8. Letter. William Beekman to Director Stuyvesant ; supplies received; Van Gezel •
Rev. Laers. " Jan. 27. Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant ; Maryland boundaries. " Feb. 1. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; Francis Crieger ; Jacob
Tongh ; Rev. Laers (Laurentius Carolus), the Finnish priest, marries himself ;
D'Hinoyossa; arrival of lord Baltimore's son in Maryland. '• Extract from the minutes of the court at New Amstel, 8th September, on a suit
with Jean Paul Jacquet. " Order of the court of New Amstel to the curators of the estate of Elmerhuysen
Kleyn, dated 6th Dec, to pay money to Jean Paul Jacquet, with petition of said
Jacquet; other papers.
1662. Extract from the minutes of the court of New Amstel, of 3d Jan., in the case of
Reynier van Heist agst. Hendrick Kip and Abraham van Nas. " Feb. 7. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; arrival at New Amstel of the
ship " Purmerland Kerck " with emigrants from Holland. " Feb. 20. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; affairs at New Amstel ;
surgeons; Sinnekus at war with the Minquas ; Rev. ^gidius Luyck goes
to Manhattans. " Feb. 22. Petition. Cornells Mourits, wife and others, legatees of Elmerhuysen Kleyn,
for the appointment of persons to value and sell said estate, with sundry
accounts. " Mar. 20. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; difficulties with Director
Hinoyossa; Rev. Laers; negroes wanted; Abraham van Nas. " Mar. 22. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; conflict of jurisdiction between
the authorities on the Delaware; Indians at Tinnekonck request that brandy be
not sold to their people; extraordinary high tide. " April 14. Extract from the minutes of the court at Altona, in the case of the sheriff against
Rev. Laers Carelsen; his recent marriage declared illegal. " April 30. Petition. Rev. Laurentiue Carolus for remission of a fine imposed on him, etc.
Table of Contents. xxxiii
1662. May 12. Letter. Willi.am Becckman to Director Stuyvesant ; Peter Alrichs obtains a
monopoly of the trade from Boomtie's hook to Cape Hinlopen ; Rev. Laer's
case ; grist-mill at Turtle kil fall ; the old Swedish mill ; horse corn-mill at
New Amstel.
(No date.) Petition. John Staelcop, Luyckas Pietersen and Hans Block, proprietors of the
grist mill at the falls of the Turtle kil, praying a grant of land adjoining thereto.
1662. May 20, Letter. Andries Hudde to [Vice-Director Beeckman]; case of Thomas Broen,
and how he was prevented settling at Mantaes hook below Fort Nassau (on
the Delaware), by Governor Printz, who purchased said hook ; Swedish
encroachments at the Schuylkil; beaver trade ; lands purchased by traders from
the Indians; their names; their case recommended; sends copy of the following:
1649. May 23. Letter. Director Stuyvesant to [Andries Hudde]; is astonished at the Swedes
purchasing the land around Fort Nassau on the South river, and at the
Schuylkil ; approves of the purchase of the land above the fort ; Thomas Broen
and others permitted to purchase land above the fort from the natives ; design
of the Swedes to intercept the Indian trade to Fort Orange ; approves proposition
to purchase the country from Narratioon creek to Delaware bay (certified copy).
1662. June 2. Extract from a letter of Director Stuyvesant to the Directors in Holland; the new
privileges granted to the City's Colony form a dangerous precedent.
" June 6. Letter. Andries Hudde to [Stuyvesant] ; inquiring if he could not attach certain
tobacco in Maryland belonging to Mr. d'Hinoyossa. " June 1. Return of Abraham van Nas to a summons which he served on Francis Cregier, Cornells Martensen, William Cornelissen Ryckevryer, Hendrick Kip and Fop Jansen Outhout, of New Amstel, who refused to appear and testify before Vice-Director Beeckman. " June 7. Declarations of Coraelis Martensen, Hendrick Kip, William Cornelisse Ryckevryer and Fop Janse Outhout, respecting certain language used by Alexander d'Hinoyossa in regard to Director Stuyvesant and those of Manhattans. " June 8. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; complaints against Mr.
d'Hinoyossa ; communication of the above papers. " June 20. Letter. Alexander d'Hinoyossa to Vice-Director Beeckman; requesting the arrest
of certain soldiers. " June 20. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Hinoyossa in answer, complying with the
above. " June 20. Ante-mortem declaration of Harmen Hendricksen from Derventer, a soldier, as to the circumstances under which he had been shot by Sheriff Van Sweringen, in New Amstel. " June 21. Declarations of sundry soldiers respecting the shooting of Harmen Hendricksen
aforesaid. " June 21. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; complains of Sheriff van Sweringen ; Fins removing to the city's colony ; their privileges ; death of Harmen Hendricksen abovementioned. " June 21. Notarial declaration of Caspar Luter and Hendrick Dyck, respecting the killing of Harmen Hendricks by Sheriff Van Sweringen.
xxxir Table of Contents.
1662. June 22. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant, with further information
respecting the conduct of Sheriff vau Sweringen.
" June 22. Declaration of Fop Jansen Outhout and others as to a statement made by Gerritt de
Groot, court messenger at New Amstel, of the harmless conduct of the soldiers,
when Sheriff Sweringen killed one of them.
Complaint of the Fiscal against Gerrit van Sweringen, Sheriff of New- Amstel (New
Castle) for manslaughter. Extract from a letter of Dir. Stuyvesant to the Directors in Holland; the Maryland
claims again referred to; complaints against the officers of the City's Colony. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; requires that the attorney- general be sent to defend him. Examination of Thomas Forst and other soldiers touching certain proceedings of
Sheriff Van Sweringen. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant, transmitting an answer of Director d'Hinoyossa and council to the Vice-Director's protest against their encroachment on his jurisdiction. Answer of Director d'Hinoyossa, etc., aforesaid.
Letter. J. de la Grange, councillor, to Director Stuyvesant ; failure of his efforts to reconcile Director Hinoyossa and Vice-Director Beeckman, with another letter from him on the same subject, dated New Amstel, 3d August. Return of Gerrit de Groot, court messenger, to a message sent by Vice-Director
Beeckman to Director d'Hinoyossa, with the latter's answer. Evidence of Abraham van Nas, Hendrick Kip, jr., Francis Cregier, William Cornelia Rickenvryer and Foppe Jansen Outhout, respecting the conduct of Vice-Director Beeckman at Altena. Aug. 1. Counter-protest of Beekman against the delay caused by d'Hinoyossa and Council
of New-Amstel in the murder-trial. Aug. 2. Declarations of Hendrick Kip, the younger, Jacob de Commer, surgeon and others
as to Gerrit de Groot's statement. Aug. 2. Declaration of Hans Block and Gerrit Hendricksen Boogh that SherLfiE Sweringen
regretted much, that he did not shoot the right man. Aug. 3. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant, vindicating himself from certain
accusations of Director Hinoyossa, and transmitting affidavits. Aug. 3. Letter. William Claiborne, junior, to Director Stuyvesant, requesting that two
runaway servants be apprehended and sent back. Aug. 1. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; suspension of Sheriff Van
Sweringen ; further particulars of his case. Sept. 1. Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant ; the books and records of the City's Colony on the Delaware, relative to Alrich's administration, are to be transferred to the authorities there. ■"
Sept. 5. Extract from a letter of Dir. Stuyvesant to the Directors in Holland. Sheriff" van Sweringen kills a soldier and is protected by d'Hinoyossa; critical state of the City's Colony on the Delaware.
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Table of Contents. xxxt
1662. Sept. 5. Letter. John Willemsen, councillor of New Amstel, to Vice-Director Beeckman informing him that a Dutchman had been shot by some Sinnekus and proposing to send an express to the Director-General. " Sept. 8. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant, with the preceding letter of Councillor Willemsen, and stating some circumstances respecting the above murder.
" Sept. 8. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant, informing him of a panic which prevails at the South river.
" Sept. 14. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; further conjectures respecting those who committed the above murder.
" Sept. 19. Declaration of Vice-Director Beeckman, that the land called Printsdorp, had been 16 years in possession of governor Prints and his daughter, who still owns it, and that a tract of land between Maritgies hook and Upland Kill had been donated by Queen Christina to the father-in-law of Elias Hullengreen.
" Sept. 20. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; the perpetrators of the late murder unknown; Director Hinoyossa about to go to Holland; intermittent fever,
" Sept. 27. Letter. The same to the same, informing him of the arrival of some Englishmen from Virginia in pursuit of William Brown and three other servants; (Brown had been sold to a Swede by some Indians who Tiad taken him prisoner on the way).
" Oct. 24. Letter. The same to the same; death of Mathew Bengson, deputy sheriff; a man-servant of Peter Alrichs (one of the above runaways) hung, afterwards beheaded and his head set on a stake at New Amstel, for resisting those, who had arrested him.
" (Nov. 11). Letter. J. Willems, councillor, to Vice-Director Beeckman; departure of Hinoyossa
and Van Sweringen for a conference with the Governor of Maryland at the house
of Augustyn Heerman (Bohemia, Md.). " Nov. 24. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; return of d'Hinoyossa to New
Amstel ; Lord Baltimore obtains a new patent, including the Delaware river ;
another murder by Indians. " Nov. 27. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; death of councillor Willems
at New Amstel. " Dec. 23. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; conference with some Minqna
chiefs ; black Minquas ; projected war against the Sinnecus. 1663. Jan. 8. Extract from a letter of Dir. Stuyvesant to the Directors in Holland. Report on
the late Director Alrich's estate in Delaware ; arrogant bearing of d'Hinoyossa. " Feb. 1. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; further accusations against
Hinoyossa ; nothing known of his negotiations with Gov. Calvert ; small pox
among the Indians. " Mar. 26. Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant ; Sheriff van Sweringen is
discharged from prosecution for murder ; the entire Delaware territory is about to
be transferred to the City of Amsterdam. " Mar. 29. Letter. Commissary Hendrick Huygen to " his cousin " Vice-Director Beeckman ;
state of affairs at Tinnakonck and at Upland.
cxvi TcCble of Contents.
i63. April 1. Trial and sentence of banishment pronounced against Evert Hendrictsen, a Fin, at
Altena. " April 16. Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant ; D'Hinoyossa is recalled ; the
actions of the Director-General and Council concerning the City's Colony
condemned. " May 5. Invoice of goods sent to New Amstel (New Castle, Del.). " May 1 1. Petition of William Beeckman, Commissary at the South river, for a grant of land
there. " May 29. Letter. Andries Hudde, secretary, to Director Stuyvesant; Sinnekes, 1600 strong,
with wives and children marching on the Minquas, at the instigation of the
English; fort Altena utterly defenseless. " June 6. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; Minquas blockaded in their
fort by the Sinnecus, 800 sti'ong; battle; Sinnecus defeated; Sheriff Van Sweringen
reinstated; the Burgomasters of Amsterdam in treaty for the whole of the country
on the Delaware river; immigration; new Swedish clergyman. " June 23. Letter. William Beeckman to Secretary van Ruyven; Sinnecus retired to their
own country. " June 24. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; small pox at Staten Island;
murder of christians at Esopus; retreat of the Sinnecus; several of them recently
taken by the Minquas. " June 28. Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant. D'Hinoyossa arrives in
Holland. " July 3. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; massacre at Esopus; Minquas
threaten to follow the Sinnecus ; immigration ; Mr. Beeckman applies for
employment elsewhere. " July 23. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; defenseless condition of the
fort; Andries Hudde about to move to Maryland; two Englishmen murdered
there by Sinnecus, as it is supposed. " July 25. Letter. William Beeckman to Secretary van Ruyven; state of affairs. " Aug. 4. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; arrival of settlers from
Holland; Director d'Hinoyossa about to proceed thither. " Feb. 8. Resolution of the Amsterdam chamber of the W. L Company, consenting to the
cession of the whole of the Delaware river to the city of Amsterdam. " J'y, Aug. Further concessions to the colony of the city of Amsterdam on the Delaware river. " Aug. 15. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; visit of Lord Baltimore {sic)
and suite to New Amstel and Altena ; renews treaty of peace with the Indians ;
settlement of the boundary proposed to him; he refers it to the old Lord
Baltimore. " Sept. 1. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant; Esopus Indians visit the
Minissinks at the head of the Delaware; Minquas carry presents to the
Mohawks, who kill some of them ; will join the Senecas against the Minquas. " Sept. 9. Oath of office taken by Gerrit Cock, collector of customs at the city's colony on
the Delaware river.
Table of Contents. xxxvii
1663. Sept. 10. Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant. Reasons for ceding tlie
whole of Delaware territory to the city of Amsterdam. " Sept. 13. Letter. Directors of the Amsterdam Chamber of the W. I. Company to Vice- Director Beeckman, notifying him of the cession of the Delaware river to the
city of Amsterdam. " Sept. 27. Extract from a letter of the Directors to Stuyvesant. They convey the Delaware
territory to the city of Amsterdam and expect a settlement of the boundary
question. " Oct. 16. Extract from a letter of the same to the same. The Swedes suspected of designs
on the Delaware territory. " Oct. 30. Extract from a letter of the same to the same on the movements of the Swedish
fleet. " Nov. 15. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; Rev. Abelius Zetskoorn,
Lutheran minister at New Amstel ; efforts to induce him to settle at Tinnecongh
in the place of Dom° Laers ; death of Andries Hudde. " Dec. 5. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; return of Director d'Hinoyossa
to New Amstel ; immigrants ; Delaware river ceded. " Dec. 6. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; d'Hinoyossa will not allow
him to occupy his present quarters ; requests that other arrangements may be
made ; will move to Maryland, if he be not continued in the public service. " Dec. 22. Deed, transferring to the Burgomasters of Amsterdam, in Holland, all the country
on the Delaware. " Dec. 28. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; declines to remain at Altena
under d'Hinoyossa ; repeats his intention of moving to Maryland, if the
government require not his services.
1664. Jan. 12. Letter. William Beeckman to Director Stuyvesant ; attendance of the Swedes and
Fins, who are informed of the Vice-Director's approaching departure ; refuse to
swear allegiance to the new Director, etc., unless the privilege of trading with
the Indians be continued ; d'Hinoyossa instructed to prevail on Mr. Beeckman to
remain at the Delaware ; unsuccessful in his efforts. « April 26. Extract from a letter of Director Stuyvesant to the Directors in Holland. The
officers of the W. L Company will try to keep on a good footing with and assist
the officers of the city's colony. " June 10. Extract from a letter of the same to the same. Complaints are made, that the
city's officers monopolize the trade on the Delaware. " July 3. Order directing that merchants from the South river, who desire to trade at New
Amsterdam, must obtain certificates of citizenships. " Aug. 4. Extract from a letter of Director Stuyvesant to the Directors. The Swedish
expedition, under Admiral Zeehelm, prevented by storms to go to the Delaware.
xjtxviii Tahle of Contents.
SIXTH PERIOD.
The Delaware Territory a Dependency of tbe Province ot New York until the Arrival of Penn's Deputy and the Establishment of the Colony of Pennsylvania, September, 1664 to 1682.
1664. Sept. 3. Instructions to Sir Robert Carr for the reducing of Delaware bay and settling the
people there. " Sept. 3. Copy of Sir Robert Carr's commission to proceed to and reduce Delaware bay. " Oct. 24. Order for the return from Delaware bay of Sir Robert Carr, as his absence
interferes with the business of the Commissioners, and another order directing
Col. Richard Nicolls to go and take special care of the government of that
territory. 1666. Mar. 20. Privileges granted to the Delaware river trade.
" April 10. Letter from Gov. Nicolls to the Earl of Arlington, Secretary of State, asking that
the grants made to Sir Robert Carr and others in Delaware be confirmed.
1668. Feb. 15. Copy of a patent granted to Peter Alricks, of the island in the Delaware river,
called Matiniconck ; conditions of above grant. " April 21. Resolutions and directions for the settlement of the government in Delaware. " June 8. Letter from Gov. Nicolls and Col. Francis Lovelace to Capt. Carr at New-Castle
respecting difiiculties with the Indians there.
1669. June 3. Instructions for Captain Stone in regard to the settlers, who may come from the
Bermudas. Order, directing that the old Dutch patents in Delaware must be reconfirmed. Order for the arrest, in Delaware, of a Swede, calling himself the son of General
Coningsmarck. Order permitting the Fins, etc., in Delaware, to take up land at Apoquemini. Order for the settlement of some families from Maryland at Apoquemini. Letter from Gov. Lovelace to Capt. John Carr and the magistrates of New- Castle, on the intended insurrection of the Long Swede (Coningsmarck). Oct. 19. Letter from Gov. Lovelace to Captain Carr, on Indian affairs in Delaware, and
recommending the Long Finne to be carefully guarded. Nov. 22. Commission for the trial of the ringleaders in the insurrection in Delaware. Dec. 6. Foi-m of holding the court at the fort of New Castle, upon the Delaware river, for
the trial of the Long Finne and about the late insurrection. Dec. 6. Minute of the trial of the Long Finne ; sentenced to be whipped, branded on the
face and transported. List of the inhabitants, who were confederates with the Long Finne. Names of those, who were fined on account of the rebellion of the Long Finne, and
the amount of the fines. Names of persons having demands against the Long Fin. Order concerning the insurrection in Delaware. Order for transporting the Long Finne to Barbados.
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Table of Contents. xxxix
16'/0. Mar. 24. Order extending the time for settling Chiepiessing on the Delaware river, granted
to John Berry and company, three years.
" April 13. Letter from Gov. Lovelace to Capt. Carr, informing him of Dom° Fabricius'
intention to remove to Delaware, and recommending him to the Captain's
attention.
Order confirming to Olle Olleson, Niels Nielsen, sen., and others, a former patent
for land on Verdrietiges Hook (Trinity Hook), Del. Propositions made about the fortifications at Delaware, under the hands of Captain
CaiT and the rest of the high court there. Council Minutes. The customs at the Horekil, Del., to be abolished. Order repealing an order concerning the customs duties at the Horekil, Del. Letter from Gov. Lovelace to Capt. Carr, urging economy in the public expenses in Delaware. 1671. Feb. 24. Council Minutes on Delaware matters.
Letter from Gov. Lovelace to the inhabitants of Delaware, recommending caution
in their dealings with the Indians. Council Minute. Delaware affairs, viz. : Indian murders, settlement of Apoqueminy
and Bombay Hook. Copy of an act, passed by the Assembly of Maryland, in regard to the forbidden
importation of horses, etc., into that province. Council Minute. Horekil, Del., affairs, viz.: The purchase of the Horekil from the
Indians, made by the Dutch, to be recorded. Propositions on behalf of the town of New Castle, in Delaware, from Mr. Tom. A query of Mr. Tom's to be resolved concerning the tenure of the land at Delaware. Proposals from Capt. Carr to the Governor and Council, touching the town of New- Castle and plantations in Delaware river. " June 14. Answer of the Governor and Council to the proposals from Capt. Carr. " June 14. Council Minute. Order regulating the distilling of liquor at New-Castle, Del., and
concerning settlements at the Horekil. " Sept. 25. Council Minute. Indian murders at Matiniconck Island, Del. " Sept. Letter from Gov. Lovelace to Mr. Tom at the Delaware on Indian affairs.
" Nov. T. Council Minute. The Indian murder at Matiniconck Island, Del. The season being unfavorable for a war against the Indians, the murderers must be punished by other meai3^. Orders for the safety of the inhabitants against Indian outrages. " Nov. 9. Letter frojn Gov. Lovelace to Captain Carr at New-Castle, chiding him for his
remi^ness in the Indian murder case. " Nov. 13. Second placat concerning strangers going out of this government. (No date.) Account of such quit-rents as are due and payable by the several persons herein
named in Delaware.
1671. Mar. 9. Letter. Wm. Tom and Peter Alricks to Governor Lovelace, about the Indians.
1672. Jan. 16. Permission given to Martin Hoofman, a member of the Lutheran Congregation of
New York, to go to Delaware and collect money for a new church building.
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xl Table of Contents.
1672. Jan. 24. Order remitting any damage that might happen to the land at Chiepiesaing on the Delaware by its not being improved in time. April 6. Order to William Tom to render an account of the quit-rent, and commission appointing captain Walter Wharton a justice of the peace " in Delaware river and parts adjacent." April 27. Certificate of William Tom, Peter Alrick, Walter Wharton and Ed. Cantwell relative to the appearance of Mr. Jenkins, a surveyor, sent to Horekil from Maryland, under a pretended commission from Lord Baltimore. Order authorizing the inhabitants of Horekil, Del., to elect new officers. Minutes of council held at New York incorporating New Castle, Del.; proposals from capt. Edward Cantwell, of Delaware, about the Block house ; about selling liquor to Indians ; about quit-rents and runaways. Council Minute. Delaware affairs. Letter. Richard Perrot to Gov. Lovelace for a grant of land on the Horekil,
Delaware. Council Minute. A tax on liquor to be imposed at the Horekil, to make good the
losses sustained by privateers. Letter from Gov. Lovelace to Gov. Phil. Calvert of Maryland, complaining of the lawless proceedings of Marylanders on the Horekil and asking for redress. Aug. Answer to the above propositions of Captain Cantwell, with instructions to publish
the declaration of war against Holland. Sept. 27. Letter. John Carr to Gov. Lovelace about the affairs at the Horekil. Oct. 7. Letter from Gov. Lovelace to Capt. Carr at New Castle. He has reported the disturbances, created by Marylanders, to the Duke of Tork and orders that all further attempts of this kind be repelled by force. Dec. 10. Letter. Edmund Cantwell to Gov. Lovelace about the affairs at the Horekil. date.) The result and reasons of the magistrates of Delaware against declaring war against
the Lidian murderers. . Jan. 27. Council Minute. Free trade on the Delaware above New-Castle permitted. April 14. Order for the administration of the Horekil precinct. Sept. 12. Privileges granted to the inhabitants of the South river (Delaware) ; jurisdiction of
the several courts there. Sept. 19. Commission of Peter Alrichs as sheriff and commandant at the South river, his
oath of office and instructions. Sept. 25. Order to administer the oath of allegiance to the inhabitants at the South river. Nov. 28. Appointment of magistrates for the Horekil. . Jan. 14. Proclamation sent to the South river on an invasion of those parts from Maryland. Feb. 16. Patent to Ephraim and Casparus Hermans, for a neck of land below New-
Amstel (New-Castle) containing 250 morgens more or less. Mar. 1. Proceedings in court against Dom® Fabricius for having illegally married two
parties. April 18. Order refusing Dom' Fabricius permission to baptize.
Table of Contents. xli
1674. Nov. 2. Council Minute. The Municipal officers at the Delaware and elsewhere, who were
in the service in July, 1673, reinstated, except Peter Alrichs, bailiff in Delaware,
who offered his services to the Dutch. " Nov. 3. Letter from Gov. Andros to the Governor of Maryland, informing him that he
has again taken possession of New York and Delaware. " Nov. 4. Order appointing Commissioners for Delaware. " Nov. 6. Commission authorizing Capt. Cantwell and William Tom to take possession of
Fort New-Castle, Del. " Nov. Letter from Gov. Andros to the Commissaries at New-Castle and the other towns
on the Delaware, covering an order by which the Commissaries in office at the
time of the Dutch occupation in 1673 are reinstated. " Nov. 11. Order, authorizing Capt. Cantwell to administer the oath of allegiance to the
Commissaries in Delaware.
1675. Jan. Letter from Gov. Andros to Capt. Cantwell at New-Castle, informing him of his
intention to visit Delaware in the spring and authorizing him to survey land
and demand of the Indians satisfaction for the murder of Dr. Roades. " Jan. 11. Declaration. William Tom, plaintiff, Derick Albertson, defendant, relative to half
of a lot of land where the mill stood ; claimed by the defendant under a transport
from William Beeckman. " Feb. 5. Permit to Casparus Herrmans to occupy and possess a certain tract of land on the
Delaware river between Arien's kil and Apoquemininck kil, being 250 morgeus,
on condition that he obtain a patent therefor. " Mar. 27. Letter from Gov. Andros to Capt. Cantwell, regarding Indian affairs in Delaware. " April 23. Letter from Gov. Andros to Capt. Cantwell on Indian affairs in Delaware. " April 30. Letter from the same to the same, informing him tbat the several Indian tribes are
at peace. " May. Commission for militia officers for Newcastle, Cranehook, Verdriete hook, Upland,
Passayunck, Apoquemini and Horekill, in Delaware. (No date.) Petition. Jacobus Fabricius relative to a charge of riotous conduct brought against
him. (No date.) Petition (not signed) for a grant of 4,000 acres of land above and below the falls
on the Delaware, with the privilege of liberty of worship, calling a minister,
holding court, etc. 1675. May 8. List of persons, old and young, living at the Horekil, Del.
Petition. Hermanus Wiltbank to the council, about Capt. Cantwell and charges
made against him. " May 13. Conference between Governor Andros, the Magistrates at New Castle, Del. and the
Indian sachems of New Jersey; renewal of the treaty of peace; S. Edsall, J.
Helme and Lanse Cock, Israel Helme, interpreter. « May 15. Grant to Dr. John Des Jardins of a tract of land lying on Jones creek, in
Apoquimini. " May 15. Letter from Gov. Andros (at the Delaware) to Lord Baltimore, excusing himself
for not being able to wait on his Lordship at St. Mary's.
xlii Table of Contents.
1675. June 1. Petition. Lutherans on the Delaware river, setting forth that in Dec, 1672, two
congregations had been established, one above Verdritige hook, under Rev. Mr.
Laers, the other below that point, under Rev. Jacobus Fabritius, and praying that
the same be confirmed. " June 4. Order to construct two dykes or highways along certain marshy lands at New
Castle. " June 4. Declaration of H. Block, John Moll and Derick Albuck, Magistrates of New Castle,
respecting the opposition manifested in the church, by John Ogle and Rev.
Jacobus Fabritius, to the above order. " June. Petition of the inhabitants of the district of New Castle relative to making two
dykes or highways through the marsh belonging to Mr. Carr. " Reasons which led the Magistrates to make the order about the two dykes.
" June 5. Remonstrance of inhabitants of New Castle against being compelled to repair one
of the above dykes, it being private property. " June 5. Order thereupon; parties to obey the directions of the court on pain of paying
double the expense of the work. " June 5. Letter. Willi.am Tom, clerk of the court at New Castle, to Gov. Andros,
representing the opposition offered to the construction of the dykes and
requesting instructions. " June 14 and 23. Council Minute. The disturbances in Delaware. " Aug. 3. Survey of a tract of land lying near the Horekil for Randell Revell at Slater
Creek. " July 26. Order summoning Dom" Jacobus Fabricius and John Ogle before the Governor
to answer to the charge of having been implicated in the riot in Delaware. " July 28. Letter from Gov. Andros to Capt. Cantwell, on land-matters in Delaware. " Aug. 14. Remonstrance of the Swedes and Fins of Cranehook church, against Domine
Fabricius being their minister. " Aug. 18. Letter. Magistrates to Gov. Andros, concerning Capt. Carr's meadow, the removing
the block house, etc. " Sept. 15. Council Minute. Order suspending Magister Fabricius from ministerial functions;
Delaware land matters ; order for the removal of the blockhouse at New-Castle.
" Sept. 20. Minute of the purchase of two tracts of land by Gov. Andros for His Royal
Highness from the Indian proprietors; one at the falls of the Delaware, the other
at Musketoe cove, L. L " Sept. 22. Council Minute. Visit to the Governor by various Indians towards Delaware. " Dec. 5. Council Minute. Delaware affairs, viz.: the claims of Major Fenwick and others ;
customs at New Castle. " Dec. 10. Letter from Gov. Andros to Capt. Cantwell on Indian affairs in Delaware and
covering a letter to the Governor of Maryland on the Indian war. " April. List of land patents sent to Capt. Cantwell at Delaware.
1676. May 3. Council Minute. Major Fenwick before the Council in regard to his claims in
Delaware.
Table of Contents. xliii
S^e. May 11. Letter. Capt. Cantwell to Gov. Andros, on the affairs at tlie Delaware.
" July 13. Returns of survey of the following named tracts of land in Delaware; Maritie's Hook ; Groeningen ; Abraham's Delight ; Drumer's Neck ; The Good Neighborhood; Calton; Pimepakka, etc.; Point Pleasant; Quessinawominck;
, . Teekquirassy ; Shakhamexunk ; Pimmerpakka ; Towocawonink; White Clay's
creek; and a piece laid out for Peter Dalboe. Grantees for the 1st tract are, Charles Jansen, Otte Ranson, Otto Neilson, Hans Hopman, John Hendrickson and Hans Otteson; 2d, Peter Alrichs ; 3d, Abraham Enloes ; 4th, Maurice Daniel; 5th, Casparus Herman; 6th, John Barker; Vth, Michael Fredericks; 8th, Francis Walker and Dunk Williams; 10th, Peter Cock; 11th, Lawrentius Carolus; 12th, Lawrence Cock, Erick Cock, Michael Neilson, Otto Ernest Cock, Gower Ramboe and Pieter Nielson; 1 7th, Peter Peterson and Gasper Fish; 18th, Erick Mallock, Otto Nielson and Christian Thomason; 19th, Peter Thomason.
" Aug. 4. Council Minute. Order defining the powers of the Sheriff in Delaware ; the Susquehanna Indians in Delaware ; land matters in New Castle.
" Aug. 11. Council Minute. Indian alarm in Delaware.
" Aug. 11. Letter. Gov. Andros to Capt. Cantwell, relative to Indian affairs.
" Aug. 27. Letter. Augustine Herrmans to Capt. Cantwell, relative to surveyor's fees in Mary- land and requesting him to arrest runaways.
" Sept. 2. Certificate of Oly Joorson, Peter De Witt, John Barnson, Henry Johnson, Peter
Matthiason of the right of way of Hans Block through land now owned by Capt.
Cantwell. " Sept. 4. Certificate of Martin Garritson relative to Hans Block's right of way over Capt.
Cantwell's land. " Sept. 16. Commission. Capt. John Collier to be Commander in Delaware and his
instructions.
" ] D ^* 16 [ Warrant for the commitment of Maj. John Fenwick.
" Sept. 26. Nomination of magistrates for the Delaware river.
" Sept. 27. Answers given to Capt. Cantwell's proposals about affairs on the Delaware river.
" Sept. 27. Ordinance. Introducing the Duke's laws, establishing courts of justice and making
various other rules for the government of the Delaware river. " Nov. 8. Memorial of John Moll, Henry Ward, William Tom and others, magistrates of New
Castle, Del., to Gov. Andros, on municipal affairs. « Nov. 20. Minutes of a council held at New York in relation to Major John Fenwick's granting
patents in New Jersey; patents issued by him not to be confirmed; Jean Paul
Jaquet's complaint against John Fenwick; answers to the proposals of the
magistrates of New Castle. " Nov. 23. Letter. Gov. Andros to the magistrates of New Castle relative to municipal
affairs ; Major John Fenwick, &c. " Dec. 1. Copy of a patent granted by Gov. Andros to Daniel Whitley of a piece of land in
Delaware, called the Grove, situated on St. John's creek, on the west side of the
Delaware bay.
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Table of Contents.
"Warrant summoning a court for the trial of Major Fenwick.
Assignment by Samuel Edsall (of New York) to George Heatbcote, of England,
mariner, of an island in the Delaware river. Letter. Secretary Nicolls to the magistrates at Horekil, relative to a piece of land granted to Wm. Plainer, and again granted to Randell Revell. Feb. 26. Letter. Helmer Wiltbank to Governor Andres; Lord Baltimore about to renew his
claim; rebellion in Virginia. Mar. 19. Order of a special court at Horekil for the resurvey of the lands of John Stevens,
purchased of William Willoughby and Robert Dicks. April 6. Order for the survey of 200 acres of land for Captain Israel Helm. April 6. Resolution in Council regarding the Susquehanna Indians.
Extracts from letters of Gov. Andros to the commander and colleetor at New Castle, relative to vessels sailing up the Delaware river; dated Nov. 23, 1676 and April 6, 1677. May 1. Dimensions and bounds of Prime hook near the Horekil.
May 11. Memorandum of a sale of land for Captain Nathl. Carr called by the name of Cruder's neck; bounds of the same; patent issued Oct. 23, 1667.
May 14. Proceedings of the court held at Horekil on the petition of William Planer,
relating to the above land. June 7. Order of the court at New Castle, relative to certain records delivered by William
Tom, the former clerk. June 8. Letter. Magistrates to Governor Andros, relative to their municipal officers
generally. June 1 1. Letter. Helm. Wiltbank to Governor Andros, relative to certain lands surveyed by
the surveyors of Maryland, which he alleges belong to Delaware. June 12. Letter. Captain John Collier to Governor Andros, relative to the records of that
place kept by Wm. Tom ; war with France. June 23. Order concerning weights and measures to be used in Delaware. July 27. Charges preferred to the Governor by Walter Wharton against Capt. Cantwell,
Commander in Delaware. Aug. 1. Letter. Edmund Cantwell to John Stevens, relative to the title of his land. Aug. 4. Council Minute. Thomas Olive and other passengers of the ship " Kent " ask for and receive permission to settle in West New Jersey, east of the Delaware river, as proprietors under indentures from the Duke of York to Lord John Berkeley and Sir George Carterett. Order concerning lands in Delaware.
Commission of Capt. Christopher Billop as Commander in Delaware. Letter from Gov. Andros to the Justices in New Castle on the modus of administering
justice. Order for the relief of the owners of a mill on Christina Kil in Delaware, Letter. John Stevens to — , relative to his patent.
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Table of Contents. xlv
Sept. 10. Letter. John Audrey to Governor Andros, dated from Horekil.
Sept. 18. Letter. Helmer Wiltbank to Governor Andros, relative to the surveys made by
Maryland in Delaware. [Oct. 10.] Letter from Gov. Andros to Capt. Billop, Commander at New Castle, informing
him of his intention to go to England and reprimanding the Captain for certain
actions ; West New Jersey is being settled by emigrants from England. Oct. 10. Letter from the same to the Magistrates of New Castle, Upland and Horekil, Del.,
communicating his early departure and recommending caution. Oct. 17. Letter from the same to the Commissioners for West Jersey in regard to the
establishment of colonies there. Nov. 12. List of persons in the company at Delaware. Nov. 13. Petition. Court of Upland, by Israel Helm, Lawrence Cock, Morris Cock, Andries
Benckson, Swen Lom, Ephraim and Caspar Herman and others, for grants of
land on the west side of the Delaware river, near the falls. Nov. 13. Letter. Helm. Wiltbank, Edward Southrin and Alex. Molestine, magistrates of
Horekil, to Gov. Andros relative to Edward Cantwell's erasing the names
of Thomas Wellburne and William Anderson of Accomack county, Virginia,
from a certificate of survey and putting in others, also the petition of Thos.
Wellburne and William Anderson. Civil and military appointments for Horekil. List of the names of persons in New Castle and Horekil. Feb. Letter. Court at New Castle to Gov. Andros, relative to their mujicipal affairs.
May 9. Depositions of Edmond Cantwell, justice Fop Outhout, Michael Baton and
Reynier van th , in a court held at New Castle, relative to the conduct of
John Fenwick at a meeting held on the east side of the Delaware river. May 11. Minutes of the council in New York relative to directions to Capt. C. Billopp, about
sloops sailing up the Delaware and Capt. Cantwell's answer to the complaint
of the magistrate of Horekil as to abuses in altering surveys. Feb. 25. Council Minute. Ship " Mary " from Liverpool, lying in the Delaware damaged
by ice, with six or seven families of Quakers on board, to be sent to clear at
New York. May 1. Council Minute. Sloops not to go up the Delaware river ; the " Mary " of Liverpool
lands goods at New Salem ; Capt. Salisbury to be informed of the probability of
war with France ; persons without passports to be considered suspicious. May 22. Order for the suspension of certain "alterations" begun to be made by Major
John Fenwick, on the east side of Delaware river and that he cease acting
there under his pretended authority. May 25. Letter. Secretary Nicolls to the court at New Castle, relative to the conduct of
John Fenwick, etc. June 4, 5. Proceedings of a court held at New Castle against Walter Wharton, for marrying
himself contr.ary to law, etc. June 18. Minute of council in relation to John Fenwick in Delaware ; concerning Mr. Tom's
estate.
Table of Contents.
Letter. The Council to the magistrates at New Castle, in relation to the matter of
John Fenwick. Proceedings of the commander and justices, held in the town of New Castle, in
relation to Major Fenwick. Letter. Magistrates to Capt. Matthias Nicolls and the rest of the Council, in
relation to Major Fenwick's case and Mr. Tom's estate. Petition. John Hillyard to Gov. Andres, relative to the difficulty in relation to the
land granted him on Delaware bay. Petition. George Merten in relation to his land on Delaware bay. Council Minute. Major Fenwick's case; he had been prosecuted for claiming a
right to land in the colony independent of its government. Letter. Helmanus Wiltbank to Secretary Nicolls, relating to surveyors and
surveys. Petition. Edward Southrin to Gov. Andros, relative to the abuse he has received
from one John Avery, in the discharge of his duty as a magistrate. Commission. Capt. John Avery to be Justice at Horekil, Del. List of patents in the hands of Capt. Edward Cantwell, New Castle. Minute of the court at New Castle of sundry matters to be laid before Gov.
Andros on his arrival from England and deputing Mr. Moll to submit the same. Names of persons at Salem, or Swamptown, where Major Fenwick settled. Letter from Gov. Andros to the Justices at New Castle, Del., on public affairs. Order regulating the payment of quitrents in Delaware. Commission for William Penton and others, to be Overseers at Elsenburgh, alias
Salem or Swamptown, N. J. Oct. 28. Order directing the Justices at New Castle, Del., to prevent, that the inhabitants
on the east side of the river be molested in the possession of their lands. Nov. 18. Order directing Capt. Cantwell to put Robert Stacy in possession of Mattiniconck
Island, in Delaware. Nov. 18. Warrant for Capt. Cantwell and Ephraim Hermans to purchase from the Indians
land near the Falls of the Delaware. Oct. Declaration of Henry Smith with regard to the charge of treason against Helmanus
Wiltbank ; the charge was made by Dr. John Roades and William Prentice
to Francis Jenkins, a justice in Maryland ; also as to Edward Southrin's
conversation with the devil and as to Cors. Verhoof 's keeping false records. Petition. Andres Poulson relative to a grant of land in Apequameny creek,
Delaware river, of which he is defrauded by Walter Wharton, surveyor. Nov. 14. Duplicate of the lease of Matiniconk island in Delaware river to Robert Stacy. Dec. 5. Petition. Thomas Olive and other inhabitants of Burlington, N. J., in favor of
Henry Jacobs, tenant in possession of Matiniconk island. Blank patent for a piece of land in Delaware bay for Nathaniel Walker. Draft of a patent to Thomas Younk for a piece of land, called Popler Neck, on
the west side of Delaware bay.
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Tahle of Contents. xlvii
1679. Mar. 18. Petition. Arnlodus de La Grange relative to the island of Tinicum, in the
Delaware river, purchased by his father from Armegart Prints. " Mar. 25. Receipt of Ephm. Herman to John Steevens for 25 bushels of wheat for quit-rent
due for 1200 acres of land, called Content, lying in Duke creek, and for 1300
acres, called London, lying in Little creek below Duke creek. " May 13. List of patents sent to Capt. Edmund Cantwell, which were refused to be signed. " May 14. Letter. Wm. Clark of Horekil, Del., to Gov. Andros relative to the settlement of
that district. " May 19. Letter from Secr^ Nicolls to the Magistrates at New-Castle, explaining to them
the Duke's Law and ordering a stop of proceedings against Dom" Laurentius
Carolus.
" May 27. Confirmation by Gov. Andros of John to be clerk at Horekil.
Petition. Jan Kipphaven for a piece of land at Horekil. " May 27. Petition. John Vyne to be sheriff of Horekil. " June 23. Petition, dated Burlington, signed by John Budd, John Miffin and others from
Old England, for grants of land. " June 30. T-^etter. Luke Watson to Gov. Andros relative to the conduct of Capt. John
Avery, a magistrate. " July 2. Warrant for Mr. Philipp Pocock, surveyor, to survey and assign some land at the
Delaware for the destitute people, lately arrived from England. Letter. Secretary Nicolls to Capt. Cantwell, about lands at Delaware falls. Order of the court at Horekil on the petition of John Richardson, relating to
some premises in the possession of John Stevens. Order of the magistrates of Horekil to John Vines, sheriff, to put John Richardson
in possession of the premises claimed by John Stevens.
Account of the remains of an adventure sent to the Delaware by James Grahame
of New York. Order of the court at Horekil decreeing the possession of the said premises to
John Stevens ; action of the magistrates thereon. Articles of agreement between John Stevens and Thomas Crumpton, for a piece of
land on the west side of Delaware bay, near Duck creek. Letter. Secretary Nicolls to Capt. John Avery, relative to a tract of 680 acres of land which was laid out for Nathaniel Walker, at Horekil, and called Cedar Neck, surveyed by Cornelius Verhoof, to have certain swamp lands included in his patent. Sept 10. Letter. Edmund Cantwell to John Stevens, denying that he ever gave Thomas Phillips orders to grant warrants for land ; that he never gave John Richards a warrant for more than 300 acres. Sept. 18. Letter. Edmund Cantwell to Gov. Andros, giving an account of his interview
with the Indians relative to a survey of lands above the falls on the Delaware. Sept. 25. Letter. John Avery relative to the 680 acres of land called Cedar Neck, at Horekil, laid out for Capt. Nathl. Walker.
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xlviii Table of Contents.
1679. Sept. 30. Council Minute. Order, that Peter Tescliemaecker be ordained minister of the
Gospel for New-Castle, Del.
" Oct. 10. Letter. Secretary Nicolls to Capt. Cantwell relative to affairs on the Delaware.
" Names of the magistrates of New Castle, Upland, Horekil and West New
Jersey.
" Oct. 30. Order of court confirming to William Dickson a certain tract of land at St. Jones,
Horekil. " Nov. Memorandum of Ephraim Hermans for grants to Israel Helme, Otto Swanson and
Laura Cock for 200 acres of land each. List of patents delivered to Jacobsen, Otto Paulsen, Arent Johnson, Paulus
and Amelius Verking, Maurice Daniel, Bryan O'Malle, John Moll and others.
1680. Feb. Declaration in ejectment in the case of John Stevens, plaintiff, and John Glover,
defendant, John Glover vs. Griffith Jones, about a piece of land called Willing brook, and other pleadings and papers relating to the same land before the court at Horekil. « Bond of Thomas Crompton of Dorchester county, province of Maryland, and
John Richardson of the same place, for the faithful performance of certain covenants contained in certain articles dated Aug. 18, 1676, affidavits and papers relating to the same matter, all produced and used in a court held at Horekil.
" Jan. 17. Letter. Ephraim Herman to Secretary Nicolls, relating to various matters in Delaware; patents; quakers; Dom' Tesschemaker.
" Jan. 20. Letter. John Moll to Secretary Nicolls, on affairs in Delaware. " Feb. 6. Articles of agreement between John Steevens and Samuel Stiles, relative to a plantation on Ducke creek.
" Feb. 20. Letter. Philip Pocock to Gov. Andros, stating that the inhabitants of Craneneck desired to have their lands, held under patents from the Dutch, surveyed and to have them confirmed by him. Gov. Andros.
" April 12. Petition. Inhabitants of the new town, near the falls of the Delaware, called Crewcorne, against the sale of liquor to the Indians.
" April 21. Memorandum of papers delivered to Wm. Biles, a member of the new court at
the falls of the Delaware. " April 23. Census of the responsible housekeepers and their families residing at Cedar creek,
Muther creek, St. Jones and Duck creek, Matinicum, Wicacoe, Passayunck,
Kincesse, Calcoon hook, Tinnacum, Upland, Printsdorp, Newcastle, and other
places on the Delaware river. " May 1. Warrant, authorizing Capt. John Collyer, Surveyor-General and Sub-Collector at
the Delaware to arrest Captain Philipp Carterett. « May 21. Sundry entries respecting Upland, New-Castle and Burlington. " May 26. Letter. James Nevill to Gov. Andros, relative to the proceedings of sundry
fugitives from Virginia, who pretended to belong to a wrecked Guineaman.
Table of Contents. xiix
1680. June 1. Minute of a grant to Ephraim Herman of 600 acres of land lying on the west side
of Delaware river, near its mouth, between the land of Morris Listen and Duke
Creek, formerly granted to John Morgan and John Denny, both deceased ; also
of 600 acres to Lawrence Cock, on the west side of Delaware river and north
side of Duke creek, formerly granted to John Ashman and Saml. Jackson. " June 8. Proceedings of a court held at Horekil in a suit between Walter Dickson,
plaintiff, and Barnard Hodges, defendant, about the title to a tract of land on
Jones creek. " June 8. Minute of a verdict for plaintiff at a court held at Horekil, in the case of Walter
Dickinson, plaintiff, agst. Bernard Hodges, defendant, in relation to the title to
a tract of land called Mulberry swamp, on St. Jones creek. Petition. Walter Dickinson relative to a tract of land, named Mulberry swamp,
situated at St. Jones creek, formerly surveyed for Thomas Merritt. " June 23. Letter. Cornells Verhoofe to Gov. Andros, relative to the discharge of his duties
as a surveyor. " June 26. Letter. Luke Watson, John Roades, John Kipphaven, Wm. Clark and ,
magistrates, to Gov. Andros, relative to a prison and court house, surveys and
settling of land. " July 12. Letter. John Wright to Gov. Andros, for land at Chiepessing, near the falls of the
Delaware. " Aug. 1. Deposition of Francis Whitwell relative to Capt. Cantwell's giving him several
blank warrants for land. " Aug. 25. Deposition of John Brinkloc relative to John Stevens' tract of land on Duke creek. Petition. Barnard Hodges for a rehearing of his claim to a tract of land of 400
acres granted by the court of the Horekil. " Sept. 13. Complaint of sundry inhabitants of Crewcorne, on the Delaware, again«t Gilbert
Wheeler, for selling rum to the Indians. " Sept. 14. Memorandum of public matters at the Horekil to be attended to. " Sept. 24. Council Minute. Delaware matters. " Oct. 4. Order, fixing the fees of the Sheriff in Delaware. " Oct. 4. Warrant, authorizing the survey and allotment of land in Delaware to J.
Richardson and John Stevens. " Nov. 20. Letter. Francis Whitwell to Gov. Andros relative to a tract of land granted to him
on Duke creek.
1681. Mar. 3. Order, providing land at St. Jones, Del., for John Albertson Terheun and
others. " June 21. Proclamation releasing the justices, etc., residing in the new Province of
Pennsylvania from their allegiance to the Duke of York. " Aug. 15. Order, directing the Magistrates at Deale, alias Horekil, Del, to search for the
records, retained by Cornells Verhoofe, the former clerk. " Aug. Letter from Commander Brockholes to the Magistrates at St. Jones, Del., allaying
their fears of an attack by Lord Baltimore.
vii
1 Table of Contents.
1681. Aug. 10. Letter. Francis Whitwell and John Hillyard, justices, to Captain Anthony
Brockholls, asking protection against Lord Baltimore, who threatens to reduce
Delaware. " Nov. 19. Letter. Eph. Herman to Capt. Brockholls, about quit-rents ; the arrest of Abm.
Man ; expected arrival of Wm. Penn, &c. " Dec. 27. Letter. Ephraim Herman to Capt. Brockholls ; arrival of Gov. Markham and
immigrants for Pennsylvania; application to lay out the 12 miles above New
Castle as mentioned in Penn's patent, &c. ; report that Delaware is granted to
Penn. " Dec. 27. Petition of sundry inhabitants of the upper part of Horekil co., for the appointment
of a court at St. Jones creek.
1682. Jan. 26. Letter from Commander Brockholes to the Governor of Pennsylvania, requesting
him to assist Ephraim Harman to collect quit-rents due for lands now under the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania. " Nov. 21. Order of Commander Brockholls and Council, acknowledging the grant of Delaware to William Penn, and authorizing John Moll and Ephraim Hermans to surrender the territory to him or his agents.
First Period.
Times of the First Settlements on the Dela^A;■a^e until the Arrival of the Swedes [ to 1638].*
Warrant for William Ussling to establish a General Company foe Trade to Asia, Africa, America and Magellanica. Given at Stockholm, the 21^'' of December, 1624.
We, Gustavus Adolphus, by the Grace of God King of Sweden, Gothland and the Wendes, Grand Duke of Finland, Duke of Esthonia and Dalecarlia, Lord of Tngermanland, etc., etc.
Know j'e, that by a petition the honest and prudent William Ussling f has humbly shown and proved to Us, how a General Trading Company here from Our Kingdom of Sweden to Asia, Africa, America and Magellanica could be established for the considerable improvement of Our and the Crown's revenues and the great advantage and benefit of Our subjects, besides, that the said Ussling has also promised to Us and engaged himself, that he will organize this Company using the utmost of his diligence and power, while he cherishes the certain hope, that with God's gracious blessing and help it shall have a good beginning and progress as well as a favorable result and end. Such being the proposition, which he made. We have taken it into consideration and find it to be founded and based upon so good reasons, that We cannot disapprove of it nor do We see, but what it is sure, that if God will give success, it shall tend to the honor of His Holy Name, to Our and the State's welfare and the advancement and advantage of Our subjects. We have therefore graciously received and with pleasure approved of it and consented that the said Company be organized and established. And that it may be done so much easier and better and capital and a management may be got so much quicker, We have given to the said Ussling power and permission now and in future to raise, inscribe and accept in this Our Kingdom of Sweden and its dependent provinces
* We have no other evidences of the time of the first settlement on the Delaware, than vchat is stated in the different reports, made during the controversies with England and Sweden regarding the proprietorship of this territory. One of these reports, which is printed at length in Vol. I, p. 149 of Colonial Documents, claims that the first fort on the Delaware was built by the Dutch Greenland Company in 1598. This was, however, not a permanent settlement nor does the above mentioned report claim it so, stating that it was only used as shelter for the winter. The first permanent fort and settlement was according to the "Remonstrance of New-Netherland " Col. Doc. Vol. 1 p. 390 and "Memoirs of the English Encroachments" Vol. I p. 564, Fort Nassau, erected near the present site of Gloucester Point, N. J., in 1623. See also concerning this period General Index of Colonial Documents sub. lit. Fort Nassau on the South river, South or Delaware and New-Jersey. — B. F.
t William Ussling or Usselincx was a merchant of Antwerp and one of the original projectors of the Dutch West- India Company, with which he was connected for several years, but becoming dissatisfied he left it. — B. F.
2 Colonial Settlements on the Delcvxvare River.
all those, who wish and desire to participate in the said Society or Company, not doubting, that Our faithful subjects, considering the advantages which they can have thereby both for themselves as well as their descendants in future, shall let themselves be found willing each according to his power and means to contribute something to and take a share in the said undertaking, which is with especial well-meaning directed and organized for the common welfare and everybody's advantage. We also command herewith to aU Our Governors, Lords-Lieutenants, Bailiffs, Crown-farmers, Mayors and Councillors as well as to all Our other officers, whom the abovementioued Ussling shall ask for assistance and encouragement, that they receive him in friendship {?ionom, handen rdckie) and as far as their positions require and admit, give him for the promotion of this work, what is needed, aid and help him, while he and everybody in his place here shall communicate more detailed information and advice about it.
Given and signed in Our Royal Palace at Stockholm, the 21*' of December 1624-.
GUSTAVUS AD01.PHUS.
Contract of the Royal Swedish Gekeral Trading Company to do BUSINESS IN Asia, Africa, America and Magellanica, also its Conditions and Rules. We the undersigned inform and make known to all, who shall receive, read or hear read this our open letter, that for the praise and honor of God's Divine Majesty, the Fatherland's and our neighbors' as well as our own benefit and good we have agreed and concluded to organize and establish here in this Kingdom of Sweden a General Trading Company to travel to and carry on commerce and business in all the countries, cities and places, where presumably any profit and advantage may be reaped, especially Asia, Afiica, America and Magellanica. We will also receive and accept into this Company and Society all those, who approve of this our design and desire to sign this our Contract, at the same time consenting to pay and subscribing an amount of money, no matter whether large or small. And whereas we do not doubt, that our intention and project will appear strange and odd to many : therefore we have concluded to make known the principal motives and causes, which led us to it, but only briefly and as far as it can be done now in haste, leaving the rest tUl a future, time when we will prove and explain in detail by a clear deduction the good reasons and information, upon which our project is founded and based. At first and in the beginning it must be well considered and weighed, that God Almighty in His incomprehensible wisdom and providence has so foreordained and arranged that all, which is necessary for the welfare and sustenance of mankind, is not found in one place, unless God has blessed with His gifts each country especially by itself; consequently what is wanting in one country abounds in the other and one country cannot do without the other, if the inhabitants were not to depend mutually upon each other. Hence they were induced to expose themselves to dangers at sea and on land, in the beginning going to well-known places, afterwards to unknown and new countries, which they have discovered and occupied with remarkably great advantage and profit, not only because people have trusted in, sought and found the one this the other that, but also becnuse on the other side that, which is there in abundance and superfluity is brought to
J\''ew York Historical Records. 3
and shared with the needy. It is therefore not strange, that through such navigation, trade and commerce, together with the intercourse, friendship and alliance originated thereby, one nation is made a participant in another's arts, manners and politics.
Our own experiences further teach, that all the kingdoms, countries and cities, which flourish in power and wealth, have become rich and powerful by navigation, commerce, by creating all kinds of trades and especially thereby, that the inhabitants have discovered and taken new and formerly unknown countries : this can be proved by Spain and the United Provinces of the Netherlands, which are two especially good examples of it.
It is almost incredible, what treasures, wealth, and advantages the Spaniards have already had and enjoyed from Africa, Asia and America during 130 years now; it has gone so far, that the profits derived fi'om America alone amount annually to 20 millions of Kixdalers or 300 times 100000 Swedish dalers,* being mostly pure profits and gains so for the King himself as for his subjects and consisting in gold, silver, quicksilver, pearls, emeralds, amber, cochineal, anil,"!- hides, sugar, ginger, tobacco, all kinds of spices, rosin and precious woods, without counting here several millions of ducats, of which the King, besides meeting other expenses, makes use for his servants and their salaries, for the Administration and Bishoprics, Prebends, Presidents and Councils, as well as other official positions, some of which are worth annually five to six, some eight or ten and a few hundred thousands of Rixdalers.
It is sufficiently known, what great riches the United Netherlands have obtained during 40 years, especially Holland, where the Brabant Flemings with great many Wallons established themselves. They soon brought there commerce and valuable manufactures and thereby filled the country with all kinds of trades and professions, so that the rent of a well arranged house is now higher, than formerly the pui'chase-price of the same. The products of the country are thereby also raised and increased in price three or four times, so that the inhabitants have become rich gradually and as it were sleeping. Aside from the private revenues and profits, the land has become so powerful, by closing the navigable waters and ports of the devastated and conquered country as well as by voyages to the East-Indies, Guinea and other distant places, that it has already been able to resist the King of Spain and defend and protect itself against his great power.
This Kingdom of Sweden has until the present day lost or not shared in all the aforesaid profits and advantages, because its inhabitants were not willing to risk in anything extraordinary, unless remaining within their own boundaries, and thus they gave opportunity to the stranger from other countries to take the food from their mouths ; he buys the products of this country at an easy and low price and sells the imported goods very dear, while the Swedish people have, God be praised, not only as good an opportunity for trading, navigating and establishing all kinds of handicrafts, as any other nation in Europe may have : they even surpass others therein, for everything that is necessary for commerce, navigation, establishment of manufacture, viz., provisions, copper, steel, iron, timber and other wares, can be easier and better obtained in Sweden than in any other country .and hence trade can be carried on with greater profit and advantage to Asia, Airica, America and Magellanica, than by Spain and the Netherlands
* One Swedish daler = 50 cents. One Rixdaler = 75 cents. — Tr. t -A- shrub, from whose leaves and stalks Indigo is made. — TF«6ster.
4 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.
Sweden has that special advantage over Spain, that the Spaniards must incur on all the merchandise, which is to be brought from the aforesaid country either to Sweden or to other places in Europe, more than 130 per cent expenses, while the Swedes could do it at only 30 per cent. Nevertheless, the profits derived by the Spaniards amount usually to 50 and 100 per cent and often more. The Spaniards are furthermore very much in need of the suitable people, for they employ for the voyages and at the aforesaid places only Spaniards and slaves, who cost much and besides die quickly on account of the miserable food and bad treatment. On the other side all kind of nationalities may be employed in Sweden without any fear and consequently a great number of people can be carried there, and this alone must be a source of profit and gain.
There are many countries in the aforesaid four parts of the world, where commerce and trade are fi-ee and again nearly as many where no commerce from Europe is carried on. There are in America more than thousands of miles of country, where no Spaniard has as yet come, abounding in every thing and with as healthy a climate as any of the other countries, which the Spaniards possess and live in, where (aside from the goods imported there by the Spaniards and the rich gold and silver mines), fruit, oil, salt, rice, wool, cotton, cotton yarn, pita* silks, dyes, long pepper, as good as the East-Indian round pepper, fragrant soaps and woods, spices and other wares more may be obtained, besides which special products are found in each particular country, so that we pass over and do not mention here the East-Indies and specially Africa, where almost greater gains and profits can be had than in America.
Sweden has no less an advantage over the Netherlands as well for the good investment of capital in provisions and the fitting out of ships, because the Dutch have to buy many products here in the Kingdom, also, because, as everybody knows. Eastern products may be bought cheaper and the others, which the Dutch get in Germany, as cheap as they buy them. Sweden has further another advantage of considerable importance ; the Netherlands are at war with Spain and many East-Indian nations, in preparing for which they must incur great expenses every year, risking at the same time to suffer damages from their enemies : the Swedes on the other side have nothing to fear from any enemy in the aforesaid country. All this sufficiently explains, how easily and with how large profits commerce and navigation to the abovementioned country may be begun and canied on from this Kingdom, not only in order to win a small annual interest after bringing some common goods into the country, but also to convert in a few years' time one daler into three or four and to recover the invested capital, for it can be proved, that the Hollanders have made four out of one before the war.
As to the risks and dangers, they are much smaller, if one distributes his money in different ships and at different places, than if it is invested in immovable estates which are often alienated and taken away for some time by fire, bad harvests, war and invasion, as happens too often under such deplorable cii-cumstances, whereby many, both j)owerful and high personages and the common people have experienced great losses. Hence it can be easily seen, how improvidently they act, who collect and keep all their goods and property together in one place.
* Bitumen or asphalt, the rtrra of the Greek, or perhaps a thread or yarn made from the fibres of the Agave plant ? The dictionaries have no such word as "pita." — B F.
New York Historical Records. 5
Whatever the gains and advantages accruing to the invested capital by the trade to the aforesaid places may be, not only has every one to expect a special profit and gain for himself, but also manifold other great advantages and benefits in general are crt-ated thereby. In the first place God's glory (which above all must be especially cared for and promoted) can be much increased thereby. His blessed word and holy gospel planted and spread among all kinds of people and many thousand souls be brought to the true knowledge and understanding of God, who until now have lived and still live in dreadful heathenish idolatry and great wickedness. Furthermore, this undertaking will also contribute to such a considerable extent to the service and advantage of H. R. Majesty and the Crown, that H. R. Majesty's income and revenues can be much improved and increased thereby, as it has been done in Spain and the Netherlands, without imposing any heavier taxes on the subjects.
Thirdly, it adds also to the public welfare, as through it means are obtained, to inflict damage upon or make resistance against enemies, to conquer or compel them to favorable agreements and to deliver and free the country from the continued great burdens of war, which its inhabitants have to bear for their own and the whole state's defence.
Aside from these and other general advantages, each order in society will derive a special benefit for itself. The nobility can thereby improve their incomes and revenues, increase their dignity and consequently promote themselves as well as their children and relations in the service and official positions of the state.
Bishops and others of the clergy can expect the same. In the same way schools and churches will flourish through it and be sustained, and furthermore those who have learned something will be promoted to dignities and positions. Likewise the merchant can much improve his trade by the import and export of goods and can have himself made a Director and his sons clerks and agents of the Company.
Farmers and others of the common order can have their great profits by trading, although they do not need to learn or understand it and alongside of it they will be able to sell their grain and whatever else they may have for sale, at high prices ; they must also consider this advantage, that H. R. Majesty, by increasing the revenues of the Kingdom, will obtain the means to engage and subsist more foreign troops, whereby his subjects are either altogether freed from conscription or at least it will be made much easier. Besides, when all sorts of manufactures are established, a child of eight or ten years will be able to earn so much, that the father can hire a soldier for it and may keep his sons, laborers and servants.
The above mentioned benefits and advantages (besides many others, which will be further explained at length, if necessary) will be brought forth by the trade and commerce, especially if it is carried on by a well constituted General Company. And that the good means, which God has graciously granted and given to the honor of His Name and the growth of His Church for His Royal Majesty's service, for the safety and welfare of the Kingdom and the general public, as well as for everybody's particular gains and well being, may not longer be neglected : Therefore we, the undersigned, have, in the name of the Holy Trinity and with its powerful help and assistance and with the gracious consent and permission of His Royal Majesty, our most gracious King and Lord, taken it upon us to begin this undertaking and get it in working order, whereto we have promised,
6 Colonial Settlements on the Delaivare Paver.
as we also now herewith promise and assure, to pay and contribute such an amount of money, as each one of us has subscribed. We have also good reason to believe, that, as H. R. Majesty has not only graciously approved of this our contemplated undertaking, but also provided us with favorable privileges and franchises and consented, that His Royal Majesty's hand shall be held over it, every sincere and pious man, be he of high or low degree, who cherishes the glory of God, loves his Lord and King and desires to promote the general welfare as well as his own, will help as far as his knowledge and means permit, that this laudable enterprise may have its beginning and progress, for nobody is so poor, as to bring forward his poverty as a pretext, that he is not well able to spare one daler or two during the time of four years, especially as no one pays his money for nothing, but may expect it back with large interest in due time.
Therefore we give herewith permission and opportunity to participate in the aforesaid Company and Society to all natives and foreigners of whatever nation they may be, under the following conditions and rules.
First, that this Company shall be in existence for twelve ensuing years, from the first of May 1625 to the first of May 1637.
II. That those, who live and reside in Sweden and desire to participate in this Company shall inform us by the first of May (strangers and foreigners by the first of July), sign this written agreement and remit money, so that they then may be assured of a larger or smaller share.
III. That the subscribed capital shall be paid in four years, every year one fourth.
IV. Also to the end that the general stockholders maj^ be satisfied, that the management of so laudable a concern shall be entrusted to the hands of suitable and honorable men : Therefore after the first of May next coming as many Directors shall be elected from the number of the stockholders and by a majority of their votes, as hundreds of thoiTsand dalers are subscribed : these Directors shall serve during the six years next following ; then they shall retire from their position and the stockholders shall elect new Du-ectors, two-tliirds from the retuing Directors and the other third from the principal stockholders, repeating it thus every two years, as long as the Company exists.
V. Nobody shall have any voice or choice or receive an annual account, except those, who from their own means have invested thousand dalers, nor shall any one be elected Director and principal shareholder, who has not subscribed two-thousand dalers for his own account.
VI. If any state, city, company or private party of this or a foreign nationality should invest the sum of one hundred thousand dalers, then they or he may appoint a Director in their or his behalf and as many Directors as they have subscribed the aforesaid amoimt.
VII. The Directors shall receive provisionally and on account each an annual recompensation for their services of one thousand dalers.
VIII. AU Directors shall have equal power and authority, without regard to any one's high birth, dignity and official position, which he may have outside the Company or by whomsoever he may be appointed.
IX. Whoever desires to appoint two Directors for one hundred thousand dalers subscribed, may do so, but both together shall not have more than one voice and receive the pay of only one Dh-ector.
Kew York Historical Records. 7
X. When Directors are chosen, principal stockholders shall be elected in the same manner, who shall inspect the accounts every day and consult and deliberate with the Directors upon all important matters brought before them and likewise assist the Directors, when the arrived goods are being disposed of.
XI. Every six years a general meeting for auditing the accounts shall be publicly convened, to which all shareholders shall be invited by published advertisements.
XII. Cities, which have opportunities for shipping, fitting out of ships and commerce and desire to invest in this Company three hundi-ed thousand dalers, shall have in proportion to the invested capital the management of one department, Directors, full powers and authority and rights of disposal.
As further evidence and proof, that we have thus resolved, agreed upon, approved and consented to the foregoing and will also keep and fulfill it firmly and steadfastly, we have with our own hands willingly and knowingly attested and confirmed this document. Stockholm, in the year 1625.
Chaetee oe Pkivilege, wnicH the Mighty and Most Noble Peince and Lord, Gustavus Adolphus, King op Sweden, Gothland and the Wendes, Gkand Duke op Finland, Duke op Estiionia and Cabelia, Lord of Ingeemanland etc. has graciously given by letters- patent to the newly established Swedish South Company.
"We, Gustavus Adolphus, by the Grace of God, King of Sweden, Gothland and the Wendes, Grand Duke of Finland, Duke in Esthouia and Carelia, Lord of Ingermanland etc.
Know 'ye, that whereas We find that it will considerably add to the welfare of Our Kingdom and of Our subjects and that it is necessary, that the commerce, trades and navigation in Our lands and territories should grow, be increased and improved by all suitable means and whereas by the reports of experienced and trustworthy men We have received reliable and certain intelligence, that there are in Africa, America and Magellanica or terra Australis many rich countries and islands, of which some are inhabited by quiet and rather effeminate people, some by heathens and savages, some uninhabited and some as yet only imperfectly explored : with which said countries it will not only be possible to carry on an extraordinary large commerce from Our Kingdom, but it is also most likely, that the said people may likewise be made more civilized and taught morality and the Christian religion by the mutual intercourse and trade, therefore We have maturely considered and as far as in Our power concluded, that the advantages, profits and welfare of Our Kingdom and faithful subjects, besides the further propagation of the holy Gospel, will be much improved and increased by the discovery of new commercial relations and navigation. We have been so much more induced thereto, as We understand, that Our faithful subjects, many merchants as well as others are willing to promote it and ready to make large advances of money for it. In consideration thereof, after much deliberation and for weighty causes and reasons, which have made Us well disposed towards this useful and praiseworthy undertaking. We have resolved, desired and demanded, that the commerce and navigation to the
8 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Elver.
countries of Africa, Asia, America and Magellanica shall be begun and carried on, subject to the formerly stated conditions and rules by a powerful combination of inhabitants of Our Lands and territories and others, who may desire to take part in it and join. For this purpose a General Company shall be established, which by special favors We will firmly maintain and strengthen with Our help and assistance, granting it the proper permission and the following privileges.
I.
First, that during the time of twelve years none of Our subjects and inhabitants of Our lands and territories shall be allowed to sail and trade in anybody's, but the Company's name and behalf south of the Straits of Gibraltar to the countries of Africa, Asia, America and Magellanica or Ten-a Australis reckoning the coast of America up to the same latitude as the said Straits, of 36 degrees ; nor to any country or island, lying between Africa and America under the said latitudes, while the ships and goods of aU who have dared to trade there without Our and this Company's consent and permission shall be confiscated : and the shipowners, who may have sent them there to trade, shall be prosecuted : against those, who shall violate this rule, We will institute proceedings as against one, who transgresses Our laws and ordinances.
II.
The association shall commence on the first of May of next year, the 1627"' after the birth of Christ and continue during the following twelve years : during this time no one shaU be allowed to withdraw his invested capital nor shall new stockholders be admitted. But when towards the end, when the twelve years are about to expire, the shareholders conclude to ask Us, that the time of the charter be prolonged, then We promise, that We wUl extend it, if We can come to the conclusion, that it may be done in reason.
III.
Every year an account shall be rendered in presence of such shareholders, as have invested for their own account one thousand dalers. Every six years all the general accounts shall be closed and new ones opened. If (which God may prevent) it then should happen, that the profits are not so large or the results such as to justify the shareholders to resolve by a majority of votes, not to let the Company continue, it shall be dissolved and the funds divided.
IV.
That the moneys, which are needed hereto may be collected so miich easier, every one shall be reminded and warned by public proclamations : that all inhabitants of this country must make their subscriptions between now and the first of March next, likewise those from other places beyond sea until the first of May next, be it for larger or smaller amounts : these siims must be paid in four years, each year one fourth.
V.
After the time for subscribing has passed, measures shall be taken for an election of Directors and as many Directors shall be chosen, as hundi'eds of thousand dalers shall be found to have been subscribed, unless some one sliould conclude to appoint for such a
Kew York Historical Records. 9
sum of hundred thousand dalers, which he has invested, two Directors, which he may do, but so that both together shall not receive more than one Dii-ector' s salary.
VI. The Directors shall be chosen by a majority of votes from the number of shareholders. Nobody shall be allowed to cast a vote at the election, unless he has subscribed for his own account one thousand dalers, likewise shall no one be chosen Director, unless he has subscribed for his own account two thousand dalers, which sum he shall have no right to dispose or divest himself of during the period of his official service.
VII. The first Directors shall serve during the six years following ; after this period has elapsed, they shall all be discharged and removed and then two-thirds shall again be elected out of the number of the out-going Directors by the shareholders and the remaining one-third shall be taken from the principal shareholders. This rule shaU thus be observed every two years, until the time of the charter has expired.
VIII.
All countries, cities, companies or single individuals, foreigners as weU as natives, who invest the sum of One hundred thousand dalers, are entitled to appoint a Director. To this end each nation shaU have a special contract, to appoint for the management of their moneys such persons, as they have the most confidence in : likewise every one, wht-n subscribing, may expressly state, under which nationality he desii-es to place his money : and the foreigners, who should desire to come into Our Kingdom and reside here, and who will invest five and twenty thousand dalers in this Company, shall enjoy the rights of citizens of the places, where they reside (in so far as they will not carry on any burghers-trade), they shall be free from all taxes and duties and at liberty to leave, when they please without paying to Us or the cities, where they have resided, any departing fee. Likewise their heirs or those, whom in their last wills they shall institute as tlieir heirs, may sell, take away and remove the inherited property, without any further tax or other toll being imposed, as before said.
IX.
The Directors shall have equal power and authority, without regard to the office and dignity, with which they are clothed outside of the Company, or to the rank of the persons, who may have appointed them : they shall take a solemn oath, that they will faithfully and honestly perform the duties of their office, not endeavor to promote the interests of one shareholder more than those of another, as well as further the Company's interests in every respect, prevent losses and during their term of office not buy any kind of goods outside of the Company nor at any time either directly or indirectly sell or deliver any,
X.
The Directors shall have for their services a yearly remuneration and subsistance of
one thousand dalers.
1
10 Colonial Settlernerits on the Delaware River.
XI.
If the Directors should have to travel for the Company, then they shall receive a daily allowance of six marks Swedish, besides what they pay out for the hire of horses, drivers and carriages.
XII.
Bookkeepers, cashiers and clerks are to be paid out of the Company' s funds : the Directors of each department shall be answerable for theii- respective cashiers and employes.
XIII.
If it should happen, that a Director of one or the other Department should get into such, a position, that he cannot execute his trust and any loss may be caused thereby, then it falls upon the department, which is under his management or to which he belongs or upon those, who especially may have appointed such a Director. The sums therefore, which the Directors have invested in the Company shall, for the greater insurance of their faithfulness, remain so invested. This refers also to all shareholders, who should become indebted to the Company, but it shall be so understood, as if the sums, which have been paid in from the tirst beginning, have been extinguished by assignment.
XIV.
The persons or the property of the Directors shall not be held liable or molested for what concerns the whole company ; but if there is somebody, who has any claim upon them, then he shall be obliged in such a case to sue them according to law.
XV.
The moneys invested herein shall be free from confiscation and not be forfeited, even though it should happen (which God may prevent), that any misunderstanding or war should occur between Us and any King, Prince or Republic, whose subjects have joined this Company ; they may, like the inhabitants of Our Kingdom and all other shareholders, freely and frankly, without any hindrance or loss take out their capital and the accrued
profits.
XVI.
Any country or city, conveniently located for navigation and commerce, investing a sum of three hundred thousand dalers, shall have a separate department and the right to send out ships in proportion to the invested capital.
XVII.
Different countries and cities, which have subscribed the aforesaid sum, may unite their capital and have a separate department and shipping-rights, as often as their turn and the distribution comes, subject to their agreement. But the extraordinary expenses, which may arise from such distributions, shall fall upon the cities, which desire to enjoy this advantage and not upon the Company.
XVIII.
All ships, about to sail, shall assemble in the port of Gottenburg and depart in company as a fleet, also upon their return come back to the same port, to discharge there
Meio Yorlc Historical Records. 11
such cargoes, as it may be serviceable to sell and to send away ; thence the ships shall then go to the places, from where they hail, as far as wind and weather peimit and it can be done without any considerable danger and loss to the Company.
XIX.
In case one or the other Department should receive or have on hand an abundance of goods, with which another Department is not provided, then the first shall be obliged to furnish them to the other, which is unprovided and further assist it, when they are sold.
XX.
After the election of Directors and the establishment of Departments, as many supervising stockholders shall be appointed for each Department as the stockholders think necessary, who shall be instructed to inspect the accounts every day as well as deliberate with the Directors upon all matters of importance, also resolve whether the Company shall be continued or dissolved : also when the incoming cargoes and the profits on them shall be divided. Care must also be taken, that as far as possible in the selection and choice of supervising stockholders, directors, commissaries, officers, skippers, mates and others engaged into the Company's service, always those are especially and above all others considered and promoted, who hold the most shares in the Company.
XXL
Departments shall have authority to transfer a Director from one Department to another and all the other Departments are especially obliged to have one Director in Gottenburg ; the separate Departments shall further transmit to each other, at least within two months after the departure of the ships, statements of the cost of fitting out the ships and of the cargoes, likewise every three months a statement of what each Department has sold.
XXII.
"Whenever it vrill be necessary to call together the Departments, to determine the voyages, where and how many ships shall be fitted out, the price to be placed on arriving goods and to audit accounts and other similar business, it shall be done, the first year, in the Department, which has invested the largest sum, then in that one, the capital of which exceeds that of the others and after that in the other Departments, the shares of which are the least.
XXIII.
"When a meeting is to be held, twelve Directors shall appear from all Departments, to whom "We will add a thirteenth vote, so that all matters may be decided by a majority of votes ; each Department shall further send to the meeting as many persons, as in proportion they are interested in the capital, to wit : if any Department is interested in one half (of the capital) it shall delegate six persons, if in one third, four, if in one fourth, three and for one sixth two. All Departments must submit to what is decided by a majority of votes and nobody sliall dare to act otherwise.
12 Colonial Settlements on the Belciwctre River.
XXIV.
We have further granted and privileged this Company, as We herewith now do grant and privilege, tliat they shall not pay any higher duties than four percent on all goods and merchandises, which they import to or export from Our Kingdom and territories. When the aforesaid four percent are once paid on imported goods, the Company shall have permission to export and pass the said goods through Our customs' offices, as often as it may be necessary without paying further duties. They may also, under the same condition, fi-eely transport and remove all goods and merchandises imported by others and on which duty has been paid or they shall be duty-free, when the duties are paid within this country : provided however, that this Company shall do only a wholesale business and carry on no country-trade, to the prejudice and disadvantage of the privileges of Our citizens or cities.
XXY.
We take, besides all this, herewith this Company, as a ward, into Our protection, promising to defend and guard them with the power of Our Kingdom in their free commerce and navigation against all and everybody in special, who should hinder and damage them in their good and lawful undertaking ; and if any war should be made against them, We wUl come to theii- assistance and relief with as many men-of-war and soldiers, as the occasion may require and the circumstances of Our Kingdom will allow.
XXVI.
We will likewise, in peace as well as in times of war, establish and have erected such forts and fortifications, as We shall find useful and necessary for the safety of the commerce and of the people, who went there, providing all the fortifications with ordnance, ammunition and troops ; wliicli troops AVe will pay and subsist without expense to the Company.
XXVII.
All booty, taken by the Company from pirates and other enemies, shall be used for the defence and protection of the commerce and We or Our Admiral wUl make no claims upon it. But if any booty should be taken while Our ships-of-war are present, then the said booty shall be divided as follows : one part shall belong to Us, the other to the Company in proportion to the people, who were present, when the ships were taken.
XXVIII. We will not take or have taken by any means from the Company's into Our or Our Kingdom's service any ship, ordnance, ammunition, money, goods or merchandises, unless it may be done with the free, thorough, joyous and unanimous consent and approval of the Company, its supervising stockholders and directors.
XXIX.
This company shall have power, within the aforesaid limits and rules, to make in Our name alliances, treaties and agreements with Kings, Princes and Kepublics, people and inhabitants of the abovementioned countries, also to build cities, castles and forts, settle people in fertile countries as weU as in unsettled places, decide upon, make
iN'ew York Historical Records. 13
arrangements for and promote the population and settlements and carry into effect everything, which may be of service to Us, and of advantage and profit to the Company, but it is at the same time ordered, that they shall not commit or begin any hostilities with the people and inhabitants of the aforesaid countries nor against any nation in Europe, which may trade or have settlements at the aforesaid places : nor even against the subjects of the King of Spain, unless obliged to defend themselves, nor shall they trade at any place within the said King's jurisdiction, unless his subjects are inclined to allow and grant it. And We expressly forbid, that any of Our subjects shall undertake to act contrary to this order under such penalties and fines, as are imposed upon those, who transgress Our laws and disturb the public peace.
XXX.
But in case the members of Company are cheated under the appearance of friendship and badly treated in whatever manner or if any one should try to injure or hinder them in their free trade by force or fraud, then We give them full authority, consent and command to obtain an indemnification by all possible means and as quickly as feasible : they may also treat like pirates and declared enemies all, who want to damage them in their trade by force : they shall take, punish and proceed against them in the same manner, as it is usually done against all such disturbers of the public peace.
XXXI. In order to manifest the great pleasure, which We have in the progress of this Company, We promise that We will subscribe and invest a sum of four hundred thousand dalers, counting thirty-two round pieces * to a daler, which We will risk for Our Own account, dividing profit and loss with the other shareholders.
XXXII.
As compensation for all these advantages, assistance, franchises and privileges We will take besides the aforesaid duty of four per cent and keep one fifth part of all the gold, silver, quicksilver and other minerals, which may be found in the mines and the tenth of the produce of the country : not including herein the goods and merchandises, which are handled by the Company nor the coined or uncoined gold and silver, which they have received in payment of their merchandises, and which, if imported, shall be duty-free. Besides this We do not wish to have the members of the Company burdened with any other taxes and imposts.
XXXIII.
Whereas William Usselinx, born in Amsterdam in Brabant, has spent most of his lifetime in discovering and exploring the advantages of the countries mentioned in this charter and is in possession of testimonials and certificates from the High Mighty Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and the Illustrious Prince, Maurice Prince of Orange (of Christian memory !) as well as from several now living historians of Our time, that he has been the most prominent originator and promoter, who through many years has assisted in the establishment of the West India Company in the United Netherlands
* Swedish copper coin. — Tr.
14 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.
and has given to the said Lords States-General the most reliable information and whereas he has in the same manner made a good report of it to Us, so that We were well pleased with it, offering Us his services and that he will also further discover and impart to Us all the knowledge and information, which he has gathered in regard to the said commerce by long continued observations and experience : Therefore W^e have both for the services, which he has performed and hereafter shall perform for Us and also for the troubles, work and great expenses, which he has had, granted and conceded to him, that he shall receive and enjoy from this Company one per mille of all goods and merchandise, which are bought and sold in the Company, as long as the commerce under this charter to the aforesaid places continue, so that the managers of the Company shall be obliged to pay the said sum to him, his attorneys and heirs, as soon as the accounts for goods bought and sold can be made up.
XXXIV. When this Company shall have been put in working order, a Council shall be established, which We will invest with proper authority, power and instructions to take care of military affaii-s, administer law and justice, make laws and ordinances and in case of war to see that it is begun for a just cause, carried on with caution and prudently concluded, also to recruit soldiers, to appoint Governors, Commanders and those, who shall administer law and justice, to build castles and forts as well as to decide upon and remove all diificulties and litigations, which may arise between the people, who go over, and the natives, or between the same and the Directors, likewise between the Departments and the shareholders ; finally to take care of and watch over everything, which concerns the State and its government. As these are matters mostly foreign to a merchant' s affiiirs, who has too much to do with trading, fitting out ships, keeping books and writing letters, as to look sufficiently after them, this Council shall take this burden from him. The said Council shall be chosen from the most prominent supervising shareholders and shall not in the least interfere with the commercial business nor the appointment of commissaries, skippers and other officers of the company ; but all these shall stand under the orders of the Dii-ectors, who must advise Us and Our Council at once of all news and communications, which they receive from foreign lands, so that We may know, how to arrange and direct Our affairs accordingly. The said Council shall decide everything by a majority of votes and there shall be as many members of it, as We shall find necessary, whom We wiU provide with the proper means of support.
XXXV.
Any Prince, Republic, country, city or company, investing the sum of five hundred thousand dalers, shall have the right to appoint an agent and resident-manager, who may, on behalf of his principals, treat and communicate with Us in regard to all matters.
XXXVI.
We promise, that, when it should occur, that by and by the stockholders deem it advisable and expedient to petition Us in regard to any point, beneficial to the Company, which has been omitted here. We shall grant and concede it, if We can come to the conclusion, that it will be for the welfare of Our Kingdom and for the advantage and benefit of the commerce.
Kew York Historical Records. 15
XXXVII.
These rights, privileges, franchises, benefits and exemptions, together with tlie abovementioned promised help and assistance, which with a full knowledge of the matter in all its bearings. We have granted, given and promised to the said Company, all these are now by virtue of this charter granted, promised to and vested in the members of the said Company so that they may enjoy them in security and without hindrance and injury : at the same time We now hereby command, that they shall be obeyed by aU Our authorities and inhabitants and that nobody shall undertake anything against them, neither directly nor indirectly and as little in as out of this country: any one found to act contrary to this order, shall be duly punished as a disturber of the peace of Our Kingdom and territories and a transgressor of our laws and commands. We promise besides all this, that We will assist and protect this Company in everything contained in this charter, in all treaties of peace and alliance and agreements with neighboring Kingdoms, States and Republics nor do or allow to be done any thing against it, which could tend to the diminution of theii- privileges. Therefore We order and command herewith expressly every Governor, Commander, Member of Council, Magistrate and inhabitant in Our Kingdom and country, that they allow the said Company and its Dii-ectors to . enjoy in safety these charter, privileges and grants and not do anything against it to harm or hinder it. And that nobody may excuse himself with ignorance. We have directed that this shall issue and be published in Our name and have, in further proof, signed this with Our hand and placed Our Royal seal under it. Given in Our Royal Palace at Stockholm in the one thousandth, six hundredth and six and twentieth year after the birth of God's Son, the 14th of June, 1626.
GusTAvus Adolphus.
Order, that all, who have subscribed to the Southland-Company, shall pat up their subscriptions without delay by the 1" of
May OR INDEMNIFY THE COMPANY IN PROPORTION FOR ALL LOSS OF TIME AND DAMAGE. GiVEN AT STOCKHOLM, 11™ OF JANUARY, 1628.
We, Gustavus Adolphus, by the Grace of God, King of Sweden, Gothland and the Wendes, Grand Duke of Finland, Duke in Esthonia and Carelia, Lord of Ingermanland etc.
Know ye, that, whereas, for the best of Our Kingdom and Fatherland as weU as of Our faithful subjects. We have deigned to grant precious and valuable privileges to the Southern Commercial Company, to which Our faithful subjects as well as Ourselves have subscribed a considerable capital, so that its business might now be commenced and continued, if the money were paid at the times stated in the charter, therefore We for Our part will graciously consent, that Our share shall be paid in full and delivered to the Company's treasury and We command at the same time, that all those, who have subscribed either larger or smaller sums, of whatever rank they may be, shall remit their proportions, fallen due, without any further delay between to-day and the first of May next and nobody shall undertake to hesitate any longer, else he will be considered as indemnifying the Company for all delay and loss in proportion to his share and forfeit a
It) Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.
commission of one daler for each month, counting from the date, on which the first instalment ought to have been paid according to the tenor of the Charter. Every one and all have to govern themselves accordingly. Stockholm, the 11th of January, 1628.
Patent to Samuel Godtn fob a tract of land on the Delaware
RIVER, FROM CaPE HiNLOPEN TO THE MOUTH OF THE RIVER.
We, Director and Council of New Netherland, residing on the Island of Manhattan at Fort Amsterdam, in the Jurisdiction of Tlieii- High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and the Incorporated West-India Company, Department of Amsterdam, attest and declare herewith, that this day, as underwritten, presented themselves and appeared before us Quesquaekous, Eesanques and Siconesius and inhabitants of their village, situate on the Southhook of the Southriver-bay, who declare of their own accord and deliberately, by special authority of their superiors and with the consent of the community there, that on the first day of the month of June of the last year 1629 and in consideration of a certain quantity of goods, which they acknowledge to have received and taken possession of to their fullest satisfaction before the passing hereof, they have transported, ceded, surrendered and conveyed as lawful, true and free possession, as they herewith transport, cede, surrender and convey to and for the behoof of the Noble, Honorable Samuel Godyn (who is absent and for whom we ex ofiicio, subject to usual reservation, accept it) to wit the land, belonging to them, situate on the South side of the aforesaid bay, called by us the bay of the Southriver, running along the same from Cape Hinlopen to the mouth of the South river aforesaid for about eight great mUes * and inland half a mile in width, reaching to a certain low place or valley, by which valley these limits can be distinguished with sufficient clearness, vnth all the appurtenances, rights, privileges, which belong to them in their aforesaid quality, constituting and delegating the said Honorable Samuel Godyn in their stead and place as real and actual owner thereof and at the same time giving full and irrevocable power, authority and special charge, that tamquam actor ei procurator in rem, suam ac propriam the aforesaid Noble Mr. Godyn or those, who hereafter may receive his property, may enter upon, peacefully settle, inhabit, use, keep, do with, trade and dispose of the said land, as his Honor would be allowed to do with his own land, acquired honestly and by lawful titles, without that they, the conveyors, shall have, reserve or keep in the least degree any particle of claim, right or privilege thereon, be it of ownership, authority or jurisdiction, but for the reasons as above they desist, give up, abandon and renounce herewith now and forever all the aforesaid, promising further not only to keep, fulfill and execute firmly, inviolately and ii-revocably until the day of judgment this their compact and what might hereafter be done on the authority thereof, but also to deliver the said tract of land and keep it free against everybody from claim, challenge and care, which anybody might intend to create ; all in good faith and without
» One Dutch mile is equal to four geographical miles.
Kew York Historical Records. 17
deceit or fraud. In testimony whereof tliis has been attested with our usual signature with our seal appended.*
Done on the Island of Manhattan, this 11"" of July, 1630.
Patent to Samuel Godyn and Samuel Bloemmaert of the East-side OP Delaware river, now Cape Mat County, NEW-jERSEY.f We, Director and Council of New-Netherland, residing on the Island of Manhattan at Fort Amsterdam, under the jurisdiction of Their Noble High Mightinesses, the Lords-States-General of the United Netherlands and the Incorporated West-India Company, Department of Amsterdam, attest and declare herewith that to-day, date underwritten, appeared Peter Heyssen, skipper of the ship " Walvis," at present lying in the Southriver, and Gillis Hosset, commissary on the same, who declare, that on the f)'" day of May, last past, before them appeared personally, Sawowouwe, Wuoyt, Pemhake, Mekowetick, Techepewoya, Mathamek, Sacoock, Anehoopoen, Janqueno and Pokahake, lawful owners, proprietors and inhabitants of the east side of Goddyn'a East bay, called Cape de Maye, who for themselves in proportion of their own shares and for all the other owners in regard to their shares of the same land, declared of their own accord and deliberately in their said quality, to have transported, ceded and conveyed as lawful, unalienable and free property by virtue and title of sale and in consideration of a certain quantity of goods, which they, the conveyors, acknowledge in their said quality to have received and accepted before the passing of this contract, and they herewith transport, cede and convey, to and in behoof of the Noble Honorable Samuel Godyn and Samuel Bloemmaert (who are absent and for whom they had accepted the hereafter described land subject to the usual reservation) to wit: the eastside of Godyn' s bay or Cape de May, reaching 4 miles from the said Cajje towards the bay and 4 miles along the coast southward and another 4 miles inland, being 16 square miles, with all interests, rights and privileges, which were vested in themselves in their aforesaid quality, constituting and delegating the aforesaid purchasers in their own stead as real and actual owners thereof and giving and surrendering at the same time to their Honors, full, absolute and irrevocable power, authority and special charge, that tamquam adores el procuratores in rem propriam the Noble Messrs. Godyn and Bloemmaert or those, who might hereafter receive their property, enter upon, possess in peace, inhabit, cultivate, keep, use, do with, trade and dispose of the aforedescribed land, as they would do with their own inherited lands and fiefs, without that they, the conveyors, shall have,
* The purchases, upon which this and the following patent were granted, were made in consequence of and in accordance with the "Freedoms and Exemptions " Col. Doc. Vol. I, p. 96. In Holland Papers, Col. Doc. Vol. I, p. 43, the first patent is also given as issued to Godyn and Blommaert in partnership, but dated the 15th July. This is the only remnant of the documents of the West-India Company, which Mr. Broadhead found in Holland, the rest having been sold as waste paper in 1821.— B. F.
t Both of these patents were issued by Peter Minuit as Director of New Netherland. He was recalled shortly afterwards and becoming discontented with the West-India Company or dismissed from their service (Bancroft II 250) went to Sweden and offered his services to the Swedish South Company, organized by William Ussling. See Col. Doc. I, p. 588.
18 Colonial Settlejnents on the .Delaware River.
reserve or keep in the least degree any particle of claim, right or privilege thereon be it of ownership, authority or jurisdiction, but for the behali as aforesaid they herewith entirely and absolutely desist from, give up, abandon and renounce it now and forever, promising further not only to keep, fulfill and execute firmly, inviolately and ii-revocably in infinitum this, their contract and what might be done hereafter on the authority thereof, but also to deliver the said tract of land and keep it free against everybody, from any claim, challenge or incumbrance which anybody might intend to create ; as well as to have this sale and conveyance approved and confirmed by the remainder of the co-owners, for whom they are trustees ; all this under the obligations required by law, in good faith, without evil intent or deceit. In testimony whereof this has been confirmed by our usual signature and our seal appended thereto. Done on the aforesaid Island of Manhattan at Fort Amsterdam, the 3* of June A° 1631.
Second Period.
From the Arrival of the Swedes to the Taking of Fort Casimir
(New-Castle) by the New Swedish Governor Johan
Rysingh (1638 to May 30, 1654).
Protest of Dieeotoe Kieft against the landing and settling op THE Swedes on the Delaware.
I, William Kieft, Director-General of New-Netberland, residing on the Island of the Manhattes and in Fort Amsterdam, under the authority of their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands and the Incorporated West-India Company, Chamber at Amsterdam, make known to you Peter Minuit,* who style yourself Commander in the service of Her Royal Majesty of Sweden, that the whole Southriver of New-Netherland has been many years in our possession and secured by us above and below by forts and sealed with our blood, which even happened during your administration of New-Netherland and is weU known to you. Now, as you intrude between our forts and begin to build a fort there to our disadvantage and prejudice, which shall never be suffered by us and we are very certain, that her Royal Majesty of Sweden has not given you any order to buUd fortresses on our rivers or along our coasts,
Therefore, in case you proceed with the erection of fortifications and cultivation of the soU and trade in peltries or in any wise attempt to do us injury, We do hereby protest against all damages, expenses and losses, together with all mishaps, bloodsheds and disturbances, which may arise in future time therefrom and that we shall maintain our jurisdiction in such manner, as we shall deem most expedient. Thus done [Thursday being the 6"" May, anno 1638.]
(Translated by Dr. E. B. O'Callaghan.)
Appointment of Jan Pietersen as surgeon at the Southriver.
[3* June 1688] Various promotions ****** Jan Pietersen from Essendelf t earns as surgeon (barUer) at the Southriver fl 10. per month from July 10, 1638.
******
♦ See foot note to the preceding paper.
20 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.
The Delaware as place oe banishment. Proceedings op the Fiscal
AGAINST AND SENTENCE OP GtSBERT CoRNELISSEN BeTERLANDT.
A resolution of the council of New-Netherland given infra proves, that the Delaware Colony was continued to be used as place of banishment. The Swedes did the same, for In 1653 an individual, convicted at Abo, was sentenced to be sent to New Sweden, which sentence the Queen approved. — B. F.
Thursday, being the 3* February 1639.
Ulrich Leopoldt, fiscal pltff. against Gysbert Cornelissen Beyerlandt.
Pltff. demands, that the defendant be sent to Fatherland and condemned, as quarrelsome persons usually are, who wound soldiers in the Fort, as Deft, has lately done in Fort Amsterdam.
The Fiscal' s demand on and against Gysbert Cornelissen Beyerlandt having been seen and everything being maturely considered, he is condemned to work with the Company's Blacks, until the fii-st sloop shall sail for the Southriver, where he is to serve the Company & pay the wounded soldier fl 15, the surgeon fi 10 for his fee and the fiscal a fine of fl. 10.
(Translated by Dr. E. B. O'Callaghan.)
Deposition of Gillis Pietersen van der Gouw, master carpenter relating to houses etc. built in different parts op the Government during the administration op Director Wouter VAN Twiller.
This deposition and the following return were obtained during the investigation of Director van Twiller's administration, who had been charged with gross mismanagement of the Company's affairs. — B. F.
This day, the 22* March XVI."' XXX. IX before me Cornelis van Tienhoven, Secretary in New Netherland on behalf of the General Incorporated West-India Company, appeared in presence of the underwritten witnesses, GUlis Pietersen van der Gouw, about 27 years old, at present master carpenter on the Island Manhatas, to me, the Secretary, known and has by true words in place and with promise of an oath if necessary and at the request of the Hon"'* Mr. WUliam Kieft, Director-General in New-Netherland testified, declared and attested, that it is true, that he, the affiant, during the administration of Wouter van Twiller, late Director here, has worked as journeyman-carpenter on all the works, on which he was employed and he the defendants knows, what buildings etc. have been constructed during the sojourn of Mr. van Twiller for the service of the Company on the Island Manhattans, at Fort Orange, at Port Nassau situated at the South and Fort Hope situated to the North in the Fresh river, to wit.
At Fort Nassau, which was in decay A large house was built in Fort Nassau.
(Translated by Dr. E. B. O'Callaghan.)
iN'ew York Historical Records. Si
Eeturn of property belonging to Wouter van Twiller on Manhattan Island etc. and at Fort Nassau. This day, date underwritten, came and appeared personally the undersigned individuals (servants of the late Director Wouter van Twiller) and have jointly by true Christian words in place and with promise of a solemn oath testified, declared and attested, at the request of the Hon"''' Mr. William Kieft, Director-General, that each of them has as hereunder set forth, in hand or in charge the following property belonging to him, van Twiller :
At Fort Hope and Fort Nassau.
24 to 30 goats.
3 Negroes, whom the late Director bought in the year 1636 from Captain Ax at 40 fl. each and who, with the exception of a brief period, have been always in his private service.
Done in Fort Amsterdam, this 22* day of March A°. 1639.
(Translated by Dr. E. B. O'Callaghan.)
Thomas Hall
This is the mark + of
George Homs.
Ordinance of the Director-General and Council of New Netherland, prohibiting the sale of firearms to Indians and requiring vessels sailing to or from the Southriver etc. to take out clearances, passed 31" March 1639, is published in " Laws and Ordinances of New-Netherland " page 18.
Ordinance concerning tobacco.
This privilege was reconfirmed in 1644, 1645 and 1647 and finally repealed in 1649 Cfr. v. Stiernman, Sammlinge af Kgl. Bref och Stadgar (Collection of Royal Orders and Decrees, Vol II) in the Royal Archives at Stockholm.
We Christina etc. make hereby known, Whereas We see and understand, that this Our State and Kingdom is by one and the other, without order and judgment, being flooded with tobacco, a merchandise, which until some time ago has been unknown here and besides in itself is not very useful, but nevertheless is now bought and consumed by the common people to such an extent, that it has become an abuse and in a great measui-e brings great injury and poverty on many, and although it would not be unjust, if We as a careful Government were to forbid altogether the importation into Our Kingdom of the said tobacco and thereby in time prevent, that the means of Our faithful subjects further go out of the Kingdom for such an unnecessary commodity to their final considerable injury and loss of property, yet, because this general bad habit and great abuse are practised by almost everybody and because at present We consider it injudicious to prohibit and abolish it entirely ; Therefore We have been moved, to restrict it somewhat and adapt it to the circumstances of the times and the humor of the people
22 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.
and have consequently, after due consideration of the matter, resolved to place this trade into the hands of the South Company, established by Us, and privilege the same in regard to tobacco in so far, that the said South Company may hereafter and until We shall at some future time give them other orders, import and furnish as much tobacco as shall be needed and satisfy the demand of those, who prefer to have and use it and they shall likewise assist in preventing the abuse and enforce obedience to Our ordinances. We desire therefore herewith and have commanded it by this Oui- letters-patent as well as solemnly and earnestly forbidden all others, foreigners (of whatever nation they may be) and natives, not to undertake after to-day the importation by land or by water into Sweden, Finland or Ingermanland of any tobacco, in small nor in large quantity, under whatever pretext or name it may be done. And all those, who before this have imported any tobacco into this Kingdom and have it now here and in other cities for sale, shaU be bound and obliged to declare the same to the Departments for excising and take out for it a certificate of excise according to the rules, which will shortly be made public in regard to it. If any one acts against this or one or the other, whoever he may be, disregards it, undertakes and dares after the publication of this Our ordinance and its contents, to import secretly or openly any tobacco without paying duty and without the knowledge of the said South Company and to sell and dispose of it, either in wholesale or in retail and is discovered in it and lawfully convicted, he shall forfeit it (the tobacco) altogether and besides pay for the transgression of the law a fine of forty marks to be divided in thi-ee parts, one for Us and the Crown, the second for the Company and the third for him, who discovers the transgressor and convicts him : the tobacco to be divided in the same way as the fine. Hence We herevsdth with equal earnestness command and order all Our faithful subjects in Sweden, Finland and Ingermanland, as well as aU foreigners, who come to and trade in Our State and territories, that they shall wisely guard against losses and govern themselves accordingly : We command and order also Our Equerries and Privy Council, Our Governors, Burgomasters and City-Councils, especially Our Customs' officers to pay a steady and close attention and to see, that this Our order and edict shall be properly executed, kept inviolate and those, who trespass, be punished without regard to their persons, pursuant to the tenor of this Our ordinance and with as much severity, as can be inflicted on all and every one, under pain of Our rebuke and displeasure. Every one must strictly govern himself hereby. In witness whereof &*
Stockholm, the 12th of January, 1641.
Mathtas Soop, Jacobus de la Gaedie, Cael Gyldenhielm,
Regent. Marshall of the Kingdom. Admiral of Sweden.
Axel Oxenstieena, Gabeiel Oxenstieena,
Chancellor of the Kingdom. Baron of Moreiy & Lindholm,
Kquerry of the Kingdom.
Mew Yot'k Historical Records.
ReSOLUTIOK to E5PEL CERTAIN ENGLISHMEN, -VVHO HAVE COMMENCED A SETTLEMENT ON THE SCHUTLKIL.
On the 15"^ May 1642 Whereas we have certain information, that some Englishmen have presumed to come into our Southriver, obliquely opposite our fort Nassauw, where they settled down in the Schuylkil without commission from any potentate, which is a matter of evil consequence, disparaging their High Mightinesses and seriously injuring the West-India Company, as their trade, which they carry on in the Soutliriver, is thereby made unprofitable, Therefore we have resolved in our Council and concluded for the best advantage of said Company to expel the aforesaid English from the above-named Schuylkil in the quietest manner possible.*
(Translated by Dr. E. B. O'Callaghan.)
Instructions to Jan Jansen van Ilpendam, Commissary at the Southriver for the expulsion of the English from the Schuylkil.
On the 22* May 1642
Order, according to which Jan Jansen Ilpendam, Commissary in the Southriver
of New-Netherland for the West-India Company, will have to regulate
himself.
As soon as the sloops Real and S'. Martin shall have arrived there, he, Jan Jansen,
shall have to repair with one or both the sloops to the Schuylkil ; if he judge it
necessary, provided with as many soldiers, as he conveniently can carry away, before
the place, of which the English quite recently have taken possession, go immediately
ashore, demand the commission of said Englislimen and by what authority they have
assumed to take away our right, grounds and trade and if they have no Royal
commission, to settle down expressly within our limits or formal copy thereof, he shall
*The English referred to in the above resolution were Capt. Turner's party who, as agent for New Haven, had made a large purchase of land on both sides of the Delaware Bay and River (See Trumbull's History of Connecticut vol. I p. 116), under authority of the following resolution of the General Court of New Haven Colony, taken from the New-Haven Court Records vol. 1 p. 46.
A Gen' Courtt held att New Haven the 30"' of the 6' Mon: 1641 (August)
Whereas there was a purchase made by some pticular psons of sundry plantatio' in Delaware Bay, att their owne charge, for the advancm' of publique good as in a way of trade so allso for the settling of churches and plantations in those pts, in combiuatio w'h this. And therevpon itt was propounded to the Genr" Courfe w'her plantations should be settled in Delaware Bay, in combinatio wth this towne yea or nay and vpon considerati5 and debate itt was assented vnto by the Court and exp'ssed by holding vp of hands
So far as Captaine Turner hath reference to the civill state and imployed therein pvided thatt his place be supplied in his absence the Court hath given free liberty to him to goe to Delaware Bay for his owne advantage and the publique good in settling the aifayres thereof.
It is ordered thatt those to whome the affaires of the towne is committed shall dispose of all the affayres of Delaware Bay, according to the intent of the agreement for combinatiO w'h this towne in settleing plantations and admitting planters to sitt down there
24 Colojiial Settlements on the Delaware River.
oblige tnem to depart immediately in peace, so that no blood may be shed and on refusing he shall secure their persons and remove them on board the sloops, so that they may be brought hither, taking further care to remain master, maintaining the reputation of their High : Might : and the Hon'"^ West-India Company and after the departure or removal of the English, he is to lay waste that place. He, Jan Jansen, shall be careful, that the English are not injm-ed in their personal effects, but that an inventory thereof be made in their presence.
Thus done in Our Council in Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland. Date as above.
(Translated by Dr. E. B. O'Callaghan.)
RESOLtTTIONS TO PREVENT THE GKEAT INJURY DONE TO THE INDIAN TRADE
WITHIN Dutch territory at the Southriver, by the English,
ESPECIALLY BY GeORGE LaMBERTON OP THE ReD MOUNTAIN (NeW-
Haven).
Having seen the request of the Fiscal in regard to the serious loss, which the Hon"* Company is suffering by the English trading with the Indians and that within our limits and at the customary trading places, principally by one George Lamberton, residing at the Eed Mountain, notwithstanding we have most expressly protested against him ; Therefore we have resolved, not to permit it, unless he, George Lamberton, pay the Company's duties, whereunto the Fiscal is authorized to constrain him. (28'" August 1642)
Whereas some words have passed between our people on the Southriver and Mr. Lammerton (who came witliin our limits there without commission and against our wUl) therefore we have avowed the act of our people and to that end have granted these unto Maryn Adriaensen, as we have understood that our people are threatened by those at the Red Mountain [New Haven] and we will have those therefore admonished, to whom these shall be shown, to let the bearer pass unmolested and if they have anything to say in the aforesaid matter, they will please avenge themselves on us, being at all times ready to answer to them for the act. (25"^ Septbr. 1642). (Translated by Dr. E, B. O'CaUaghan.)
Protest op the Fiscal against Govert Loockermans' trading at the Southriver. I, Cornells van der Hoykens, fiscal general of New-^Tfetherland, notify you, Govert Lockermans, that you shall not presume to trade with the Indians at the Company's customary trading post, where Commissary Jan Jansen Hpendam is accustomed to trade, situate on the Southriver of New-Netherland, or in case you will act or have acted contrary hereunto on this voyage, I protest against you for the loss and damages, which the Company shall have suft'ered thereby. (23* March 1644)
J^ew Yoi'k Historical Records. 25
Minute of Council. To engage certain soldiers for the exploration
OF THE mines IN THE DELAWARE REGION.
Whereas Governor Latour * has sent ns 7 soldiers, remainder of all his forces, and we io not know, what to do with them, yet nevertheless they must be supported, therefore
Resolved, that they be taken into service, as we intend going to explore the mine and we shall have need of our men, more especially, as about forty soldiers are discharged and have departed for Holland, in expectation of the peace, which is not yet concluded.
(Translated by Dr. E. B. O'Callaglian.)
Jan Jansen van Ilpendam, Commissary at Fort Nassau, accused of
FRAUD. AnDI'vIES HuDDE APPOINTED COMMISSARY IN HIS PLACE.
On the 4'" September 1645.
Fiscal, plaintiff, against Jan Jansen Ilpendam, Commissary at Fort Nassau : for neglecting to perform his duties properly.
Ordered, that the Fiscal furnish Defendant copy of his complaint. 12"^ October 1645.
The Fiscal, pltff. against Jan Jansen Ilpendam, dft.
Having seen the Fiscal' s complaint against Jan Jansen for fraud committed by him in his office, also his accounts of many years, the declaration of the witnesses and Jan Jansen' s defence, it is, after mature consideration of the case, ordered that, Andries Hudde shall provisionally be sent to Fort Nassau to inquire of the Company's servants and others there respecting Deft? trade and to take an inventory of all his and the Company's property and to send hither, whatever is not required there and furthermore exercise command there as commissary until further orders. The Fiscal shall do the same here also and he, the Def-, shall likewise bring in his answer to the points proposed to him to-day.
(Translated by Dr. E. B. O'Callaghan.)
Minute of the receipt of gold ore, etc. Resolution to explore the mountain and bring back a quantity. 12"> October 1642.
Whereas we have received from time to time from the Indians, after much trouble, expense and diligent search a few specimens of a certain mineral, which yielded gold and quicksilver, we have therefore considered it for the best advantage and profit of the Company to send thither thirty soldiers, with an officer, to examine the mountain where the specimens came from and to bring back with them, if possible, a quantity of specimens, f (Translated by Dr. E. B. O'Callaghan.)
* Governor of Acadia.
t Specimens were actually obtained and twice sent to Holland, but both times the ships carrying them were lost at sea. See Col. Doc. I 280. — B. F.
26 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware River.
Deposition in regard to a gold mine, looked for by the Dutch. Nicolaus Coorn, sheriff in the Colony of Renselaerswyck, certifies at the request of the Fiscal, that Jan Jansen Cuyper told the affiant in conversation, that being in a tavern, where there were many other persons, he heard in the course of various conversation, that Wilcock told a Swede the mine of gold, which the Dutch had been in search of, does not belong to the Dutch, but to the Crown of Sweden. All of which he, Nicolaus, declares to be true.
Done the 23* Oct. 1645.
W. KooRN, Sheriff of the
Colony of RensellaerswycTc. To my knowledge.
CoRNELis VAN TiENHOVEN, Secretary.
(Translated by Dr. E. B. O'Callaghan.)
Proceedings against Jan Jansen van Ilpendam foe fraud. S'" February 1646 Having seen the suit between the Fiscal Cornells van der Hoykens Pltff. against Jan Jansen Ilpendam, Commissary at Fort Nassau, Deft, the complaint, answer and sworn affidavits, from which it appears, that the Deft, has grossly vsronged the Company, both in giving more to the Indians, than the ordinary rate and in other instances specified in the complaint, affidavits and in his accounts, wherefore we cannot endure or approve his accounts & assume another's fault, Therefore having maturely considered the matter. We order, as We hereby direct, that said Deft, shall with all his papers and the Fiscal' s complaint be sent to Amsterdam by the first ship, to defend the case himself before the Lords Mayors.
(Jan Jansen van Ilpendam died soon after, see N. Y. Col. MSS. vol. II p. 165.) (Translated by Dr. E. B. O'Callaghan.)
Order directing the Rev. Everard Bogardus to deliver to the
Council a bill of exchange, given by the Swedish Governor
at the Southriver for goods sold there by one Sandelyn
contrary to law.
Whereas the Hon*'^ Director-G-eneral and Council of New-Netherland have received
certain information, that Jacob Evertsen Sandelyn, master of the ship ' ' Scotch
Dutchman" has, without order and commission from the Incorporated West-India
Company, Department of Amsterdam, come into the Southriver of New-Netherland
with the aforesaid ship and there sold a parcel of duffel cloth and other goods to the
Swedish Governor, for which he has received from said Governor a bUl of exchange
amounting to the sum of 2500 guilders, which bill of exchange and letter of advice have
J^eiv York Historical Recorxls. 27
been handed by Laurens Laurensen from Vleckeren to Everardus Bogardus, minister here, to be transmitted to Holland and whereas this tends to the great prejudice of the Company and the serious injury of this country, We therefore hereby order said Bogardus to deliver up immediately into our hands the abovementioned bill handed him by Laurens Laurensen or to declare into whose hands he has delivered it. In default thereof said Bogardus shall be held responsible for all damages and losses, which the Hon"^ Company shall suffer hereby and be considered an accessory of those, who endeavour to defraud the Hon'"^ Company of its revenue and seek to ruin the country.
Thus done in Council in Fort Amsterdam in New-Netherland, the 21=' September a" 1646.
(Translated by Dr. E. B. O'Callagban.)
Patent to Abraham Plank and three others for 100 morgens op land on the south river opposite vogelesant island.* We, WUliam Kieft, Director-General and Council on behalf of Their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General of the United Netherlands, His Highness of Orange and the Noble Lords-Directors of the Incorporated West-India Company, residing in New-Netherland, attest and declare herewith, that we have to-day, date underwritten, granted and given permission to Abraham Planck, Syraon Root, Jan Andriesen and Peter Harmensen, that they may establish themselves on the Southriver of New-Netherland and take possession of lands, situate on said river obliquely opposite to a little island, called 't Vogele Sant (Birds' sandbank) : of which lands they have permission to take as their property one hundred Morgens f of land, to establish there four bouweries or plantations and to cultivate them within a year from date or earlier, if possible, on pain of losing theii- rights thereto : on condition and stipulation, that the aforesaid persons or those who may hereafter obtain their interests, shall acknowledge the Noble Lords-Directors as their Lords and Masters under the sovereignity of their High : Might :, and further shall with their families submit to all such orders and privileges, as their Excellencies have already proclaimed or may proclaim hereafter, therefore we constitute the aforesaid Abraham Planck, Symon Root, Jan Andriesen and Peter Harmensen in our stead as real and actual possessors of the aforesaid one hundred morgens, giving them full power, authority and special direction, that they may enter upon, cultivate and make use of the aforesaid land, situate on the westside of the Southriver, as they would do with other inherited land and property, without that We, the grantors, in our aforesaid quality, shall have, reserve or keep in the least degree any particle of interest or authority in or over the aforesaid one hundi-ed morgens of land, but We desist from it, for the benefit of the aforesaid, now and forever, promising further to hold, fulfill and execute this conveyance fii-mly, inviolately and irrevocably, all subject to the obligations required by law. In testimony whereof this has been signed and confirmed by Us with the impression of Our seal in red wax appended.
•Either Egg or Reedy Island. Acrelius in his " Beskrlfninge Nyea Sweriges" says in regard to this grant "these men never came here," but he is mistaken, for the first two were quite prominent in the local history, as the proceedings of the Court of Fort Cassimir will show. — B. F.
f One morgen equal to about 2,900 square yards.
28 Colonial Settlements on the Delaware Paver.
Done at Fort Amsterdam. The aforesaid persons were promised, that, when they required in the future more land, than is stated above, it should be granted to them, provided that they shall build dwellinghouses on the land and lose theu- title to it, if they abandon it. It was signed Willem Kieft, below stood : By order of the Honorable Director Genei-al and Council of New-Netherland, Cornells van Tienhoven Secretary 1646.
a brief, but true report oe the proceedings of johan prints,* Governor of the Swedish forces at the South-River of New- Netherland, also op the garrisons of the aforesaid Swedes,
FOUND on that RiVER, THE FIRST OF NOVEMBER 1645. f (This report was published by the N. T. Historical Society in Vol. I p. 429, N. S. of their Memoirs.) What regards the garrisons of the Swedes on the South-River of New-Netherland is as follows :
At the entrance of this River three leagues up fi-om its mouth, on the east shore, is a
* Johan Prints, a Lieutenant of Cavalry, had been appointed Governor of New-Sweden by Queen Christina on the IB"" of August, 1643. His instructions say: "When (should it please God) the Governor arrives at New-Sweden, he is to take care that the boundaries of the countiy extend from the borders of the sea to Cape Henlopen, in returning southwest towards Godyn's Bay and thence towards the Great South River, as far as Minquas Kil [now Christina Creek] where is constructed Fort Christina [now Wilmington, Del], and from there again towards the South Piiver and the whole to a place, which the savages call Sankikan ; this is at the same time the boundary of New-Sweden. This district may be in length about 30 German miles [about 120 English miles].
As the Dutch "West-India Company undoubtedly wishes to appropriate to itself the lands possessed by the EDglish and certainly also all the eastern part of the great Sout'iriver (especially as their fort or redoubt Nassau, now occupied by about twenty men, is not very far from the eastern side